Ovarian Torsion and Oophorectomy in Childhood: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian torsion in infants can be asymptomatic or may present with abdominal mass and malnutrition. It is an uncommon and non-specific condition in children. We report a girl who underwent detorsion and ovariopexy for suspected ovarian torsion after a previous oophorectomy. The role of progesterone therapy is determined in reducing the size of adnexal mass. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was diagnosed with right ovarian torsion and underwent an oophorectomy at one year of age. About 18 months later, she was diagnosed with left ovarian torsion and underwent detorsion with lateral pelvic fixation. Despite the pelvic fixation of the ovary, a continuous increase in the volume of the ovarian tissue was evident during successive ultrasounds. Progesterone therapy was started at five years of age in order to prevent retorsion and preserve the ovarian tissue. In successive follow-ups during the therapy, ovarian volume decreased, and its size (27*18 mm) was restored. CONCLUSION: The presented case reminds doctors of the possibility of ovarian torsion in young girls with pelvic pain. More research is needed on the use of hormonal drugs, such as progesterone, in similar cases.

Effect of curcumin on painful symptoms of endometriosis: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial.

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological disorders. This study aimed to determine the effect of curcumin on painful symptoms of endometriosis and the quality of life in affected women. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 68 women with endometriosis referred to Shahid Beheshti Infertility Center in Isfahan, Iran, 2022. The participants were allocated to intervention (n = 34) and control (n = 34) groups by the blocked randomization method. Curcumin capsules with a dose of 500 mg were given to the intervention group twice a day for 8 weeks, and the placebo with the same dose was given to the control group. The questionnaires of Endometriosis Health Profile, painful symptoms of endometriosis, and visual analogue scale were used to collect data. Independent t, ANCOVA, and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare the outcomes between the study groups. After the intervention, based on the ANCOVA with the adjusting of the baseline values and Mann-Whitney U-test, there was no statistically significant difference in the amounts of usual pain (p = 0.496) and pain at its worst (p = 0.320), quality of life (p = 0.556), and visual pain (p = 0.845). The results showed that using curcumin does not affect the painful symptoms and quality of life of women with endometriosis. Future clinical trials are needed to investigate and highlight the role of curcumin in endometriosis.

Relationship between health practices with attitudes towards pregnancy and motherhood and pregnancy symptoms in Iranian pregnant women: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Pregnancy is a vulnerable period for women's health, and health practices play an essential role in this period. This study aimed to determine the relationship between health practices with attitudes toward pregnancy and motherhood and pregnancy symptoms. DESIGN: It was a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling conducted on 351 pregnant women in 2021-2022. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic characteristics, health practices in pregnancy (Health Practices Questionnaire-II), attitude towards motherhood and pregnancy (Prenatal Attitudes Towards motherhood and Pregnancy) and pregnancy symptoms (Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory). The general linear model (GLM), with the adjustment of socio-demographic characteristics, was used to determine the relationship of the health practices with attitudes towards motherhood and pregnancy and pregnancy symptoms. SETTING: Health centres in Tabriz city, Iran. PARTICIPANTS: Women were eligible if living in the Tabriz city, Iran, were pregnant and had a personal health record at the health centre. RESULTS: The mean (SD) of the total health practices score was 117.9 (20.5) out of 34-170. The mean (SD) of the attitudes towards motherhood and pregnancy was 33.4 (4.5) out of 11-44. The mean (SD) of the pregnancy symptoms was 28.0 (12.1) out of 0-123. According to the Pearson correlation test, there was a significant direct correlation between health practices with attitudes towards motherhood and pregnancy (r=0.39; p<0.001) and a significant inverse correlation with pregnancy symptoms (r=-0.29; p<0.001). Based on the GLM with an increase in the score of health practices, the mean score of the attitude towards motherhood and pregnancy increased (B=0.07; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.1), and the mean score of pregnancy symptoms decreased (B=-0.1; 95% CI: -0.2 to -0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering the relationship between health practices with the attitude towards motherhood and pregnancy symptoms, healthcare providers better use educational and counselling strategies to promote health practices in pregnant women.

The effect of fenugreek on the severity of dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dysmenorrhea is the most common periodic pain, which affects more than 50% of women with regular menstruation. Fenugreek is one of the medicinal plants with analgesic properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of fenugreek application in the severity of dysmenorrhea and its side effects in women with dysmenorrhea. PICO: population: women with dysmenorrhea; intervention: fenugreek; comparison: control groups; and outcome: reduction in the severity of dysmenorrhea and its side effects Methodology: English database (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science) and Persian database [SID (Scientific Information Database) and Magiran] were used for research until February 11, 2023, using the keywords "Dysmenorrhea [Mesh]," "Foenum [Mesh]," "fenugreek [Mesh]," and "Trigonella [Mesh]." The reference list of the selected articles was also checked. The quality assessment was conducted through the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.2.0. The RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze and report the data of the entered studies. Meta-analysis results were reported with the standardized mean difference (95% confidence interval). A subgroup analysis was performed based on the type of control groups. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: After removing duplicates and ineligible cases, four articles were included in the systematic review out of the 1526 records obtained. The results showed that the pain intensity caused by primary dysmenorrhea decreased with fenugreek compared to placebo (pooled result SMD: -2.21; 95% CI: -3.26 to -1.17; Z: 4.17; P <0.001). There was no significant difference between fenugreek with mefenamic acid (SMD: 0.05; 95% CI: -0.57 to 0.67; Z: 0.17; P = 0.86) and fenugreek with Chandrasura churna (SMD: 0.06; 95% CI: -0.56 to 0.68; Z: 0.19; P = 0.85). Bias, in terms of incomplete outcome data and selective reporting, was low risk in all studies, and the available evidence was low quality according to the GRADE approach. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the effect of fenugreek on pain intensity in dysmenorrhea is highly uncertain. The true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect. Regarding the importance of the health and quality of life of women of reproductive age and the low quality of evidence of the studies, clinical trials with stronger methodology are suggested in this field.

Prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and associated factors in Iranian postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common symptoms during menopause, leading to a decreased quality of life and limited social activities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and associated risk factors in postmenopausal women. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling on 433 postmenopausal women in Tabriz-Iran, 2021-2022. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic characteristics, Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UISF). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors related to urinary incontinence. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of urinary incontinence was 39.5%; 20.6% stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 10.4% urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and 8.5% mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of SUI (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18-0.77) and UUI (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.15-0.94) was significantly lower in women with three childbirths than the ones with fewer childbirths. Also, the odds of UUI increased significantly in women at the 50-55 age range (aOR 3.88; 95% CI 1.16-12.93) than those less than 50 years. CONCLUSION: Due to the high prevalence of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women, caregivers should screen for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of urinary incontinence to prevent its destructive impact on the quality of life.

The relationship between urinary incontinence with sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence has a significant impact on the psychosocial well-being of postmenopausal women. This study aimed to determine the relationship between urinary incontinence with sexual function and quality of life. METHOD: It was a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling on 433 postmenopausal women in Tabriz-Iran, 2021-2022. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, female sexual function index (FSFI), Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL), and Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (UIDQ). Independent sample t-test and general linear model (GLM) were used to compare the quality of life and sexual function score between the two groups of women with and without stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence. RESULTS: Independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in the quality of life and sexual function between women with and without stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence (p < 0.05). Based on the GLM with adjusting the socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, women without stress incontinence reported a lower mean score of MENQOL (B = - 23.38; 95% CI = -30.1 to -16.6; p < 0.001) and a higher mean score of sexual function (B = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.1-7.0; p < 0.001) compared to women with stress incontinence; a lower MENQOL score and a higher sexual function score indicate better condition. However, there was no significant relationship between urgency and mixed incontinence with quality of life and sexual function (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: As urinary incontinence remarkably affects sexual function and quality of life of postmenopausal women, health care providers should consider better solutions for this issue in their work program.

The effect of mindfulness training on stress and sleep quality of postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Mindfulness is an effective method for empowering women to cope with menopausal changes. This study aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness training on stress and sleep quality in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: English (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINHAL) and Persian (SID, Magiran) databases were searched until 25 June 2022, using the free and MeSH keywords included Mindfulness and Menopause. The quality of the published papers was evaluated using Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.2.0. The meta-analysis was conducted in RevMan 5.3 and the results were reported with mean difference (95% confidence interval). The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: A total of 1206 records were obtained. After removing duplicate and non-eligible records, finally five articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results indicated that sleep quality score (SMD = -1.44; 95% CI = -2.44 to -0.46; p = 0.004) and perceived stress score (MD = -4.21; 95% CI = -6.41 to -2.00; p = 0.0002) were significantly reduced in the mindfulness training group compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Mindfulness training is associated with improving sleep quality and perceived stress (with a low quality of evidence) in postmenopausal women. Mental health and quality of life in postmenopausal women impressively affect the community health. Given the low quality of evidence of the studies in this field, randomized controlled trials with better methodologies are suggested.

The effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on stress and anxiety of women with premature ovarian insufficiency: A randomized controlled trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20120718010324N64. Date of registration: 14/02/2021. URL: https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/52024/view; date of first registration: 17/02/2021.

The effects of Rosa foetida extract along with self-care education on primary dysmenorrhea: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common disorders among young women. Medicinal herbs are one of the alternative methods for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. This study will investigate the effect of Rosa foetida extract, along with self-care behavior education on primary dysmenorrhea among female students of Babol University of medical sciences. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial will be performed on single students, aged 18 to 24 years. The research samples will be divided into three groups. The students will receive self-care behavior education on dysmenorrhea. Following the education, two of the groups will receive Rosa foetida extract capsules and placebo capsules in two consecutive cycles every 8 h for two successive days, respectively. The capsules will have similar physical appearance. The third group will not receive any medication. Data will be collected through demographic characteristic questionnaire, visual analog scale, dysmenorrhea self-care behaviors scale questionnaire, pictorial chart, and menstrual distress scale questionnaire. In order to determine and compare the effect of pharmacological and educational interventions on the severity of dysmenorrhea in groups, an ANOVA analysis of variance test with repeated measures will be used by SPSS software version 22. DISCUSSION: The results will show the effects of Rosa foetida extract along with self-care behavior education on primary dysmenorrhea, and beneficial effects that may be found in the trial of this plant may be of use for women with the same problem. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is approved by the Ethics Committee of Babol University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUBABOL.REC.1397.059). TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT 20190318043086N1. Registered on 14 June 2019.

Reducing Labor Anxiety with Auriculotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on reducing labor anxiety. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 166 nulliparous pregnant women admitted to the Labor Ward of Izadi Hospital in Qom, Iran were included and assigned to two groups by randomized block design. In the intervention group (83 cases), auriculotherapy in "Shenmen, Thalamic, Zero, Brain, and Brain stem" was performed in dilatations of 4, 6 and 8 cm, between the contractions for 30 s in both ears at interval 1 h. While the control group received routine care. The Spielberger Inventory were completed pre- and post-interventions. RESULTS: The auriculotherapy was effective to reduce anxiety state in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.001). The score of state anxiety in the intervention group reduced for 7.0, 8.0 and 11.0 U in 4, 6, and 8 cm dilatations after the intervention. The score of trait anxiety in the intervention group reduced for 3.8, 4.0 and 8.3 U in 4, 6, and 8 cm dilatations after the intervention. There was no significant difference of delivery mode and newborns' weight and Apgar score between groups (P>0.05). No adverse postpartum outcome such as hemorrhage has been observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: Since most women are anxious during labor, it seems that auriculotherapy can be an easy and safe method to reduce labor anxiety. (Trial registration No. irct20121230011944n4).

Effect of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Rats' Kidney, Lung, and Serum.

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) on the oxidative stress (OS) status in kidney, lung, and serum of rats. Methods: Male Wistar Rats were treated intraperitoneally with 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day of CONPs. The biochemical parameters, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol group (TTG), malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD (superoxide dismutase), and catalase (CAT) were assayed in serum, kidney, and lung tissues. Results: MDA decreased, but TTG and CAT increased in serum by the administration of CONPs at 15 mg/kg. In kidney homogenate obtained from the group treated with CONPs at 15 mg/kg, TAC, TTG, and CAT significantly increased compared to the control group. However, CONPs at 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg significantly decreased MDA level compared to the control group. In lung tissue, CONPs in doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg significantly decreased CAT activity, TTG and TAC compared to the control group, while in kidney tissue, CONPs at the concentrations of 30 and 60 mg/kg significantly increased MDA compared to the control group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CONPs attenuate OS in the kidney and affect the serum levels of OS-related markers but induce OS in the lung tissue in a dose-dependent manner.

The Effects of Aromatherapy on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

ObjectivesPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disturbance among women of childbearing age. Aromatherapy is a commonly used form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat PMS. The purpose of this study is to quantify and summarize the effects of aromatherapy on premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Methods. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through relevant search terms until October 2020. The effect sizes were pooled as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random effect model. Egger tests and visual inspection of the funnel plot were performed to identify the existence of publication bias. The I-squared (I 2) test was applied to measure heterogeneity. Results. Eight studies (n = 8) were included in this analysis. The quantitative synthesis of evidence found that aromatherapy decreases PMS scores (WMD -13.83; 95% CI (-22.04, -5.63), I 2 = 94.5%), total psychological symptoms of PMS (WMD -3.51; 95% CI (-4.84, -2.18), I 2 = 82.6%), anxiety of PMS (WMD-1.78; 95% CI (-3.17, -0.38), I 2 = 94.2%), depression of PMS (WMD-2.0; 95% CI (-3.65, -0.34), I 2 = 93.7%), and fatigue of PMS (WMD - 1.44; 95% CI (-2.44, -0.44), I 2 = 89.7%) compared to the control group. Conclusion. Aromatherapy is an effective tool for the relief of PMS symptoms. Additional randomized controlled clinical trials with different durations and essential oils should be conducted to confirm our findings.

Assemblage of encrusting organisms on floating anthropogenic debris along the northern coast of the Persian Gulf.

Global concern about floating marine debris and its fundamental role in shaping coastal biodiversity is growing, yet there is very little knowledge about debris-associated rafting communities in many areas of the world's oceans. In the present study, we examined the encrusting assemblage on different types of stranded debris (wood, plastic, glass, and metal cans) along the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf. In total, 21 taxa were identified on 132 items. The average frequency of occurrence (±SE) across all sites and stranded debris showed that the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite (68.9 ±â€¯1.1%), the oyster Saccostrea cucullata (40.9 ±â€¯0.7%), the polychaete Spirobranchus kraussii (27.3 ±â€¯0.5%), green algae (22 ±â€¯0.5%) and the coral Paracyathus stokesii (14.4 ±â€¯0.7%) occurred most frequently. Relative substratum coverage was highest for A. amphitrite (44.3 ±â€¯2.7%), followed by green algae (14.4 ±â€¯1.5%), Spirobranchus kraussii (9.3 ±â€¯1.3%), Saccostrea cucullata (7.6 ±â€¯1.3%) and the barnacle Microeuraphia permitini (5.8 ±â€¯0.9%). Despite the significant difference in coverage of rafting species on plastic items among different sites, there was no clear and consistent trend of species richness and coverage from the eastern (Strait of Hormuz) to the western part of the Persian Gulf. Some rafting species (bryozoans and likely barnacles) were found to be non-indigenous species in the area. As floating marine debris can transport non-indigenous species and increase the risk of bio-invasions to this already naturally- and anthropogenically-stressed water body, comprehensive monitoring efforts should be made to elucidate the vectors and arrival of new invasive species to the region.

Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9): a key protein between inflammation and cancer.

BACKGROUND: Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9), a heterodimeric EF-hand Ca2+ binding protein, are abundant in cytosol of neutrophils and are involved in inflammatory processes and several cancerous pathogens. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present systematic review is to evaluate the pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions of calprotectin and its relation to inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a review of studies published in the Medline (1966-2018), Scopus (2004-2018), ClinicalTrials.gov (2008-2018) and Google Scholar (2004-2018) databases, combined with studies found in the reference lists of the included studies. RESULTS: Elevated levels of S100A8/S100A9 were detected in inflammation, neoplastic tumor cells and various human cancers. Recent data have explained that many cancers arise from sites of infection, chronic irritation, and inflammation. The inflammatory microenvironment which largely includes calprotectin, has an essential role on high producing of inflammatory factors and then on neoplastic process and metastasis. CONCLUSION: Scientists have shown different outcomes in inflammation, malignancy and apoptosis whether the source of the aforementioned protein is extracellular or intracellular. These findings are offering new insights that anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents and anti-tumorigenic functions of calprotectin can lead to control cancer development.

Radiation Protection Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) in Interventional Radiology.

OBJECTIVES: Due to increasing cardiac disease and its mortality rate, the frequency of cardiac imaging has grown and, as a result, interventional cardiologists potentially receive high radiation doses in cardiac examinations. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) level of radiation protection (RP) among interventional radiology staff in Iranian health care centers across the country. METHODS: We used a validated questionnaire survey consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions to perform a cross-sectional study. Participants were healthcare personnel working professionally with radiation at different levels (i.e., secretary, radiology technologists, nurse, and physician). The questionnaire was divided into three sections to assess KAP regarding RP. RESULTS: Significant differences exist in RP KAP mean scores based on educational age (p < 0.050). There was no significant difference in RP KAP mean scores when looking at sex, practice age, and hospital type (p > 0.050). We found a significant difference between RP KAP mean scores and different regions (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Educational and practice age, sex, type of hospital, and geographical region affect he KAP of interventional radiology staff regarding RP. Since many of the subjective radiation harms for both medical team and patients, this can be easily controlled and prevented; a checkup for personnel of interventional radiology departments, considering samples from different parts of the country with different levels of education, continuous training, and practical courses may help map the status of KAP. The results of this study may also help authorized health physics officers design strategic plans to enhance the quality of such services in radiation departments.

Factors that Influence The Occurrence of Multiple Pregnancies after Intracytoplasmic Injection Cycles with Two or Three Fresh Embryo Transfers.

BACKGROUND: Multiple pregnancies are an important complication of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The present study aims to indentify the risk factors for multiple pregnancies independent of the number of transferred embryos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in Royan Institute between October 2011 and January 2012. We entered 12 factors that affected the number of gestational sacs into the poisson regression (PR) model. Factors were obtained from two study populations-cycles with double embryo transfer (DET) and cycles that transferred three embryos (TET). We sought to determine the factors that influenced the number of gestational sacs. These factors were entered into multivariable logistic regression (MLR) to identify risk factors for multiple pregnancies. RESULTS: A total of 1000 patients referred to Royan Institute for ART during the study period. We included 606 eligible patients in this study. PR analysis demonstrated that the quality of transferred embryos and woman's age had a significant effect on the number of observed sacs in patients who underwent ICSI with DET. There was no significant predictive variable for multiple pregnancies according to MLR analysis. Our findings demonstrated that both regression models (PR and MLR) had the same outputs. A significant relation existed between age and fertilization rate with multiple pregnancies in patients who underwent ICSI with TET. CONCLUSION: Single embryo transfer (SET) should be considered with the remaining embryos cryopreserved to prevent multiple pregnancies in women younger than 35 years of age who undergo ICSI cycles with high fertilization rates and good or excellent quality embryos. However, further prospective studies are necessary to evaluate whether SET in women with these risk factors can significantly decrease multiple pregnancies and improve cycle outcomes.

Relationship between CD14-159C/T gene polymorphism and acute brucellosis risk.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14)-159C/T (rs2569190) gene polymorphism and susceptibility to acute brucellosis in an Iranian population. METHODS: The study included 153 Iranian patients with active brucellosis and 128 healthy individuals as the control group. Genotyping of the CD14 variant was performed using an amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: The prevalence of CD14-159 TT and CT genotypes were associated with increased risk of brucellosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.993, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.07-3.71, P = 0.03 for CT; OR = 3.869, 95% CI = 1.91-7.84, P = 0.01 for TT genotype. Additionally, the minor allele (T) was significantly more frequently present in brucellosis patients than in controls (61% vs. 45%, respectively), and was a risk factor for brucellosis (OR = 3.058, 95% CI = 1.507-6.315, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings provided suggestive evidence of association of the CD14-159C/T gene polymorphism with susceptibility to acute brucellosis in the Iranian population.

Comparison of the effects of mediterranean temperate and cold mountain climates on human fertility.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the emergence of some challenges in the demographic structure of many countries and possible decrease in young human workforce in the future decades, the reduction in the fertility rate has become a major public concern. This study aimed to investigate the effects of climatic factors on fertility. AIM: In this correlational study conducted during 2005-2009, the relationship between climatic factors (monthly average temperature, air pressure, rainfall, and humidity) and monthly fertility in women living in areas with two different climates was investigated. METHODS: THE STUDY REGIONS INCLUDED TWO CITIES OF IRAN: Behshahr and Hamedan having temperate Mediterranean climate and cold mountain climate, respectively. The means and standard deviations of the investigated variables were computed and reported. Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression were also employed. RESULTS: The findings indicated that monthly fertility in women living in temperate Mediterranean climate was related to temperature (r = -0.340, p = 0.008), air pressure (r = -0.502, p = 0.002), and rainfall (r = 0.319, p = 0.013), whereas this relationship was not found in women living in cold mountain climate. Furthermore, fecundity peak was observed during autumn in both the climates. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the influences of climatic factors on fertility, it would be better if physicians pay attention to other aspects of human fertility than the clinical conditions during client evaluation.

A comparative study about the influences of climatic factors on fertility rate among the healthy and infertile women in the North of Iran.

Fertility rate is an important health issue in the world which has been influenced by different factors and attracts the researchers' attention. In this study influences of climate factors on fertility rate were investigated. In this analytical correlational study, relationship between climate factors and fertility rate among the healthy and infertile women who referred to Imam educational hospital in Sari, North of Iran, during 2006-2012 was investigated. Results indicated that climatic factors such as: Temperature (r = -0.324, p = 0.005), air pressure (r = 0.2495, p = 0.031) and rainfall (r = 0.415, sig < 0.001) had relationship with healthy women' fertility rate, although, this relationship was not found in infertile women. Also, fecundity peak of infertile women similar to the fecundity peak of healthy women was during autumn. Considering influences of climate factors on fertility rate could be helpful for developing child birth strategies.

The influence of amifostine administration prior to cyclophosphamide on in vitro maturation of mouse oocytes.

PURPOSE: The protective effect of amifostine against cyclophosphamide (CP) was evaluated on mouse oocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female mice were divided into four groups as follows: group1: cyclophosphamide (CP) (75 mg/kg, i.p) injection, group2: amifostine (250 mg/kg, i.p) injection, group3: amifostine (250 mg/kg, i.p) administered prior to CP (75 mg/kg, i.p) injection, Control group with injection of saline. About 21 days after injection, in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes was recorded. Furthermore the percentage of aneuploid oocytes was determined. RESULTS: In the CP group IVM rate was significantly decreased and aneploidy rate was significantly increased when compared to other groups (p < 0.05). With the administration of Amifostine prior to CP injection IVM rate was increased and aneploidy rate was decreased. DISCUSSION: Depletion in IVM rate with administration of CP is due its adverse effects on oocyte quality. Amifostine administration prior to CP injection appears to modulate deleterious effects of CP on oocytes.