Assessment of the protective effect of vitamin E on the quality of spermatogenesis and sperm parameters in rats exposed to lead

Background and aims: Vitamins are a rich source of antioxidants that can neutralize the harmful effects of lead on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of vitamin E on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters in lead-exposed rats. Methods: This is an experimental study on 45 male Wistar that were allocated to 5 groups: distilled water gavage, intraperitoneal distilled water, vitamin E, lead, and lead+ vitamin E. All the rats were exposed to lead for 30 days. Then, the rats were sacrificed and sperm count, motility and morphology of sperm chromatin, and epididymitis and testis weight were investigated. Results: The findings showed significant differences in weight gain, epididymitis weight, sperm death, the highest mobility of sperm among the groups (P>0.05). Vitamin E and control (gavage) rats experienced more weight than other groups. There was a significant difference in the highest mobility of sperm between peritoneal control group and other groups (P0.05). There was a significant difference in sperm death between lead group, and the control groups and vitamin E group (P>0.05) with the least sperm death. Vitamin E group had a significantly lower sperm death than other groups. There was no significant difference in the testis weight, normal morphology, and normal DNA among the groups (P<0.05). Vitamin E had noticeable effects on gaining weight, epididymitis weight, and survived sperm, and a noticeable reducing effect on lead's harmful side effects on the sperm. Conclusions: The results indicate the protective effects of vitamin E on spermatogenesis quality and some sperm parameters in rats exposed to lead

Protective effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) on sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in rats exposed to lead

Background: Some medicinal plants with their antioxidant properties have protective effects on sperm parameters and neutralize the harmful effects of lead exposure. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effects of Melissa on sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in adult rats exposed to lead. Methods: This animal experimental study was conducted on 45 male Wistar rats weighing 180 ± 20 g, which were allocated randomly into five groups (n=9): distilled water gavages (control) (0.5 ml); intraperitoneal distilled water (i.p. control) (0.5 ml); Melissa (100 mg/kg/bw); lead acetate (10 mg/kg/bw); and lead acetate (10 mg/kg/bw) plus Melissa (100 mg/kg/bw). After a 30-day treatment, the animals were sacrificed. Sperm parameters (count, motility, morphology, and chromatins assay) and weighing of the epididymis and testis were performed. Results: The results showed that in the lead acetate plus Melissa group, epididymis weight (0.37gr vs. 0.32gr), testis weight (1.40 vs. 1.28g), sperm motility (4.44% vs. 33.2 %(and viable sperm (90 vs. 50) were higher than the lead group. However, testicular weight, normal morphology, and DNA percentage showed insignificant differences among the study groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate the protective effects of Melissa officinalis on some sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in rats exposed to lead

Nurses’ attitude towards attendance of nursing students in the clinical setting in Shahrekord in 2015

Background and Purpose: Attendance of nursing students in clinical settings is an inherent element of nursing education. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of nurses toward the attendance of nursing students in clinical settings in Shahrekord, Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Hajar teaching hospital of Shahrekord city, Iran in 2015. Using convenience sampling, 150 eligible nurses were selected for this study. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires and Stagg’s attitude scale. In addition, we assessed the viewpoints of nurses regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the attendance of nursing students in clinical environments using two open questions. Data analysis was performed using Chi-square, Student’s t-test, and Pearson’s correlation-coefficient. Results: Negative attitude toward the attendance of nursing students in clinical settings was observed in 82% of the participants. Moreover, 80.7% of the nurses believed that nursing students are not able to acquire sufficient clinical experiences in clinical environments. On the other hand, no significant correlation was observed between age, work experience, marital status, and attitude toward the attendance of nursing students in clinical settings (P>0.05). However, this difference was only significant in terms of the ward of employment (P=0.004), so that nurses engaged in the psychiatric ward had a more positive attitude toward this concept compared to other nurses. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, special attention must be paid to the clinical education of nurses with regard to their experiences and viewpoints toward improving clinical learning