A comparison between serum levels of interleukin-6 and CA125 in patients with endometriosis and normal women

Background: The purpose of the present study was to compare the serum levels of IL6 and CA125 in women with and without endometriosis. They were also compared in mild, moderate and severe cases. Methods: In this case-control study, CA125 and IL6 levels in 76 women with laparoscopic proven endometriosis were compared with 76 women without evidence of endometriosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were then calculated for each test. Results: Both groups did not show significant difference in their age, BMI, ESR and gravidity. Mean serum levels of IL-6 and CA125 were significantly higher in the case group (30.4±6.43 vs 13.9±3.17 Pg/ml and 62.6±10.69 vs 16.6±1.79 IU/ml respectively). Considering a cutoff point of 30 Pg/ml for IL-6, sensitivity, specifically, PPV and NPV value of 21.1, 66.6, 86.8 and 23.37 were obtained, respectively. Considering a cutoff point of 35 IU/ml for CA125, sensitivity, specifically, PPV and NPV were 44.76, 94.73, 89.47 and 63.15, respectively. Area under the ROC curve was 0.69 for CA125 and 0.54 for IL6, which showed a low value for these tests. Conclusion: Although CA125 and IL-6 were higher than normal controls in endometriosis, area under the ROC curve, did not show significant any diagnostic value for these tests

Comparative study of the effect of fuel deoxygenation and polar species removal on jet fuel surface deposition

The effect of near-complete deoxygenation and polar species removal on deposition propensity of a Jet A-1 fuel type, with marginal thermal oxidative stability was studied in a laboratory scale approach. The fuel deoxygenation was carried out via nitrogen purging and two types of bespoke zeolites were used separately in a packed bed reactor for partial polar separation. The treated fuel samples were assessed individually for deposition propensity, using “High Reynolds Thermal Stability(HiReTS)” test device. It was found that when the concentration of hydroperoxides in fuel is relatively high, polar removal is more effective way than the fuel deoxygenation in reducing carbona- ceous deposits. Furthermore, competitive adsorption of dissolved O 2 with polar species was studied for a model fuel doped with a few polar species, as well as for the Jet A-1 with marginal thermal stability, in the packed bed reactor with zeolite 3.7Å. The polar species added to the model fuel share the same functional groups as those in Jet A-1 with a strong im pact on fuel thermal degradation and surface deposition. These include hexanoic acids, heaxnol, hexanal, hexanone, phenyl amine (aniline), butylated hydroxytoluene(BHT), dibutyl disulfide and Fe naphthenate. A one-dimensional model for calculation of dissolved O 2 adsorption in the packed bed reactor was built using COMSOL Multiphysics. The modelling results were in good agreement with the induction period prior to the beginning of the O 2 adsorption, as well as the different stages of O 2 uptake during the competitive adsorption between dissolved O 2 and polar species in the Jet A-1 fuel. The calculation showed a discrep- ancy with the experimental results beyond the second phase of O 2 adsorption. More theories, assumptions and physical sub-models are required to build a more robust pre- dictive model. A new chemical reaction pathway based on the self-reaction of hydroperoxides was proposed as part of “Basic Autoxidation Scheme(BAS)” to justify the relatively high deposition propensity of the marginal fuel after near-complete deoxygenation. The vi- ability of this reaction pathway was supported by the quantum chemistry calculations

Effect of reactive sulfur removal by activated carbon on aviation fuel thermal stability

The effect of reactive sulfur removal from a Jet A-1 fuel with marginal thermal 3 stability on surface deposition propensity is reported. The sulfur removal was achieved 4 through adsorptive treatment the fuel with activated carbon.The treated fuel was as- 5 sessed for surface deposition propensity using a High Reynolds Thermal Stability(HiReTS)test 6 device. It was found that activated carbon has a strong adsorption capacity for removal 7 of reactive sulfur and Fe components from the fuel. This resulted in a substantial re- 8 duction of surface deposition propensity of the Jet A-1 fuel. 9 Density Functional Theory(DFT) was used to investigate the role of reactive sulfur and 10 Fe on thermal oxidative stability.Mechanistic pathways for intervention of these class 11 of species with hydroperoxides are proposed

A comparison between the effects of metformin and N -acetyl cysteine (NAC) on some metabolic and endocrine characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To compare N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Method: Study was performed as a randomized double-blind clinical trial on women with diagnosis of PCOS without additional complications. In one group, oral NAC 600 mg, three times a day and in the other group, 500 mg oral metformin, three times a day were prescribed. Duration of treatment was 24 weeks, and after finishing this period of treatment, fasting blood glucose (FBS) and insulin, lipid profile and Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index were measured (all the blood samples were taken while fasting) and were compared in the two groups.Results: Forty-six women in NAC group and 48 women in metformin group finished the study. The two groups did not show significant difference according to age, body mass index (BMI) of more than 30; mean BMI, AUB, FBS, fasting blood insulin, lipid profile and HOMA index before treatment. After 24 weeks of treatment; BMI >30 17 (35.4%) versus 7 (15.2%), p = 0.033, mean BMI (28.36 ± 2.27) versus (27.11 ± 3.55), p = 0.44, number of women with the complain of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) 24 (50%) versus 13 (28.3%), p = 0.037, FBS (90.02 ± 6.24) versus (86.61 ± 7.81), p = 0.021, fasting insulin (10.40 ± 2.64 versus 8.89 ± 2.20, p = 0.004), HOMA Index (2.09 ± 0.69 versus 1.71 ± 0.45, p = 0.001), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (141.83 ± 26.98 versus 127.89 ± 28.70, p = 0.017) were less in NAC group. Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol did not show significant difference between the two groups after treatment. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was higher in NAC group.Conclusion: NAC can improve lipid profile and fasting blood sugar (FBS) and fasting blood insulin better than metformin. © 2015 Taylor & Francis

Woman�s perceived stress during pregnancy; stressors and pregnancy adverse outcomes

Background: Stress perceived by mothers during pregnancy is dependent on several factors and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes threatening mother and child physical and mental health. Objective: The purpose of the present study is measuring perceived stress of pregnant women by 14 items Cohen�s perceived stress scale (PSS), detecting stressors surrounding pregnant women including male partner�s role, intimate violence, socioeconomic situation, etc., as well as investigate the effect of perceived stress on pregnancy adverse outcomes. Method: Two hundred first gravid pregnant women between 18 and 35 years old at post labor ward entered our cross-sectional study. They were asked to fill out the PSS questionnaire and an information gatherer filled out the checklist for exposures and baseline characteristics. Result: Mean ± SD of participants� PSS was 25.5 ± 8.6. Mothers� PSS was significantly higher in group reported father�s verbal aggression against mother (N = 71, 38) (23.7 ± 9 versus 28.2 ± 7.2; p <.001) and father�s physical aggression against mother (N = 28, 15) compared to nonexposed one (24.9 ± 7.7 versus 28.4 ± 8.7; p:.04). Mothers� PSS score was significantly correlated with mothers� satisfaction from both fathers� emotional (r: �0.30, p:.001) and financial support (r: �0.34, p <.001) during pregnancy. Moreover, the mother�s satisfaction from father�s concomitance in prenatal care (PNC) visits was significantly correlated with the mother�s perceived stress (r: 0.24, p:.001). Conclusion: Male partner�s role during pregnancy directly affects the pregnant woman�s perceived stress. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Evaluation of the value of the first and third trimester maternal mean platelet volume (MPV) for prediction of pre-eclampsia

Introduction Pre-eclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy and one of the major causes of maternal mortality. Thus its prediction is a matter for serious concern. Objective The purpose of the present study is to determine the value of mean platelet volume (MPV) measurement in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy for the prediction of pre-eclampsia. Method A prospective nested case-control study was performed on pregnant women who were at 9-12 weeks of pregnancy. In the first trimester and again in 26-28 weeks, MPV was calculated. All eligible women were then monitored to delivery and the MPV of women who were pre-eclamptic was compared with the MPV of normotensive women. Results Pre-eclamptic women were compared with 269 normotensive women. MPV at the first trimester of pre-eclamptic women was significantly higher than normotensive women (10.2 ± 1.06 fl VS 9.68 ± 1.09 fl, P = 0.008). Also, MPV at the third trimester of pregnancy of pre-eclamptic women was more than normotensives (10.16 ± 1.23 fl VS 9.62 ± 1.12 fl, P = 0.009). Area under the curve in receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was calculated as 0.64 for the predictive value of MPV at the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, which showed a low value of this test for predicting of pre-eclampsia. Conclusion MPV at the first and third trimesters of pregnancy are higher in women who eventually would be pre-eclamptic, but has low predictive value and is not a good predictor of pre-eclampsia. © 2013 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

A comparative study on the efficacy of nifedipine and indomethacin for prevention of preterm birth as monotherapy and combination therapy: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Preterm delivery is an important issue in obstetrics, which is the most common cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Therefore, finding a way to prevent it is always under serious concern. Objective: The study aimed to compare the efficacy of two tocolytic agents, nifedipine and indomethacin, for inhibiting preterm uterine contractions as monotherapy and combination therapy. Materials and methods: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on pregnant women with gestational age of 26�34 weeks of pregnancy who referred to hospital for preterm labor. They were randomly assigned to three groups. Indomethacin plus placebo, nifedipine plus placebo, and a combination of indomethacin and nifedipine were administered to the three groups. Inhibiting contractions for 2 hours and prevention of delivery for 48 hours and 7 days were evaluated. Also, duration of pregnancy, the number of preterm births, and the interval between entering the study and delivery were compared between three groups. Results: One hundred fifty women were eligible for the study. Two women in the nifedipine group and one woman in the combined group were excluded from the study because of hypotension. The women of the three groups did not have significant difference according to age, BMI, gravidity, parity, Bishop score, gestational age, and the number of contractions at entering the study. Thirty-six women (72) in the indomethacin group, 36 women (72) in the nifedipine group, and 41 women (89.4) in the combination group had stopped contractions within the first 2 hours of intervention (p =.002). Inhibiting contractions for 48 hours (p =.003), inhibiting contractions for 7 days (p =.021), gestational age at birth (p =.001), number of pregnancies more than 37 weeks (p =.007), and neonatal weight (p =.020) were significantly more in the combination group. Conclusion: Combination therapy with nifedipine and indomethacin was more effective than monotherapy with either of these two medications for inhibiting preterm labor, delaying delivery, and prolongation of the duration of pregnancy. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Evaluation of the effects of cabergoline (Dostinex) on women with symptomatic myomatous uterus: a randomized trial

Objective Myoma is one of the most common benign tumors of uterus and one of the most common causes of vaginal bleeding in women. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of dopamine receptor agonist cabergoline on the size of myoma and the amount of bleeding in the women with myoma of the uterus. Study design The study was performed as a single blind randomized clinical trial on the women with symptomatic myoma. The women were randomly assigned in 2 groups. In the case group, 0.5 mg cabergoline was prescribed weekly for three months, and in the control group, nothing was prescribed and the women only had close observation for symptoms. The reduction in symptoms including pelvic pain and duration and amount of uterine bleeding, and the size of myoma, were compared between the 2 groups. Results 51 women finished the study (26 women in the case group and 25 women in the control group). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups according to age, gravidity, parity, history of abortion, having living children, pretreatment hemoglobin, pain and amount of uterine bleeding, uterine size, and the size of myoma. After treatment, hemoglobin levels had dropped in the control group but not in the case group (p = 0.004). On the other hand, pain had also decreased significantly in the case group in comparison with the control group (p = 0.001). Also, the amount of menstrual bleeding (p = 0.004), uterine size (p = 0.001) and the size of the largest myoma (p = 0.013) showed significant reduction in the case group. Conclusion Cabergoline can decrease the amount of bleeding and pain in the cases of myomatous uterus and can be used for the symptomatic women who want to preserve uterus for a certain period of time. � 2016 Elsevier Ireland Lt

A qualitative assessment of the sexual-health education, training and service needs of young adults in Tehran

BACKGROUND: Sexual Health and Relationships Education (SHRE) provides individuals with knowledge and skills to manage risky behaviors and take informed decisions to protect themselves against STIs, and unintended pregnancy. Only minimal SHRE is provided in Iranian schools and universities and previous research has highlighted needs and demands for improved SHRE and sexual services in Iran. This study explored young, Iranian adults’ experience of, and need for sexual health education, sexual skills training and sexual healthcare services, as well their views on how to augment and improve existing provision. DESIGN AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 25 young adults who lived in Tehran, Iran and had volunteered to participate in the study. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants explained their needs and demands for sexual health education and sexual healthcare. They unanimously expressed their dissatisfaction with available SHRE and sexual health care provision. They highlighted barriers to gaining sexual health information and seeking advice and healthcare, including a lack of reliable resources, taboo and cultural barriers, lack of trust and protected confidentiality. This has resulted in ambiguities and misconceptions, including those regarding the cause and transmission of STIs and correct use of contraceptives. Participants recommended improvements, including holding mixed-gender extracurricular workshops with a comprehensive approach to sexual health and relationships education. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear need and demand for provision of relevant and reliable sexual health and relationships education for young adults in Tehran. This should be addressed to empower young people to make informed choices and avoid risky sexual behavior. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11371-x

Woman�s perceived stress during pregnancy; stressors and pregnancy adverse outcomes

Background: Stress perceived by mothers during pregnancy is dependent on several factors and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes threatening mother and child physical and mental health. Objective: The purpose of the present study is measuring perceived stress of pregnant women by 14 items Cohen�s perceived stress scale (PSS), detecting stressors surrounding pregnant women including male partner�s role, intimate violence, socioeconomic situation, etc., as well as investigate the effect of perceived stress on pregnancy adverse outcomes. Method: Two hundred first gravid pregnant women between 18 and 35 years old at post labor ward entered our cross-sectional study. They were asked to fill out the PSS questionnaire and an information gatherer filled out the checklist for exposures and baseline characteristics. Result: Mean ± SD of participants� PSS was 25.5 ± 8.6. Mothers� PSS was significantly higher in group reported father�s verbal aggression against mother (N = 71, 38) (23.7 ± 9 versus 28.2 ± 7.2; p <.001) and father�s physical aggression against mother (N = 28, 15) compared to nonexposed one (24.9 ± 7.7 versus 28.4 ± 8.7; p:.04). Mothers� PSS score was significantly correlated with mothers� satisfaction from both fathers� emotional (r: �0.30, p:.001) and financial support (r: �0.34, p <.001) during pregnancy. Moreover, the mother�s satisfaction from father�s concomitance in prenatal care (PNC) visits was significantly correlated with the mother�s perceived stress (r: 0.24, p:.001). Conclusion: Male partner�s role during pregnancy directly affects the pregnant woman�s perceived stress. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group