Abnormal Liver Function Tests in a Pregnant Woman with Metastatic Colon Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report

Introduction: Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in women. Symptoms of colon cancer, such as nausea, abnormal bowel movements, and rectal bleeding, overlap with the symptoms of pregnancy, which may lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In this study, a case of abnormal liver function tests in a pregnant woman with metastatic colon adenocarcinoma was reported.Case Presentation: A 26-year-old woman, nulligravid (gestational age: 28 weeks and 6 days) was referred to our hospital with suspected preeclampsia and the possible HELLP syndrome. In evaluation of laboratory tests, hemoglobin decreased and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin total, alkaline phosphatase increased. Ursodeoxycholic acid was prescribed to the patient due to impaired liver function tests and suspected cholestasis, and the patient was discharged due to the decline in liver function tests. After 18 days, the patient presented with a complaint of premature onset of labor pain, which was initially transferred to the operating room for emergency cesarean section due to fetal heart failure. After cutting the abdomen, a large amount of purulent fluid was removed and extensive adhesions were observed. Biopsy of lesions, metastatic adenocarcinoma in the intestine with metastases to the right ovary,peritoneum, liver and appendix was reported. Finally, PCR test for COVID-19 was positive and the patient died of sepsis.Conclusions: It is recommended that the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms, pruritus, pain and abnormal liver function tests in pregnancy be considered as an important alarm and also in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal malignancies

The Effects of Triggers’ Modifying on Adolescent Self-Efficacy with Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: The management of asthma during adolescence has specific challenges and is likely influenced, to some extent, by the patient's belief in their ability to affect change, their self-efficacy. Bolstering self-efficacy could potentially improve an adolescent’s ability to self-manage their asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a triggers’ educational-modifying intervention on self-efficacy among adolescents diagnosed with asthma living in Iran. Methods: Sixty adolescents, aged 12 to 18 years, diagnosed with asthma participated in this randomized clinical trial. Participants randomly assigned to the control group received standard care while those assigned to the experimental group participated in a 5 week, nurse led, triggers modifying educational intervention in specialized clinics of lung in Tabriz, Iran. The self-efficacy scale developed by Bursh et al., was used for data collection. Results: The level of self- efficacy in two groups before intervention was not statistically significant, while the post intervention measures were statistically significant. Intervention was effective in improving adolescents’ self-efficacy. Conclusion: Since this type of intervention has the potential to improve Self- efficacy in adolescents with asthma, it is suggested that adolescence directly education about asthma triggers along with modulating triggers will be of value and parent‐centered could be diminished. The need for such interventions emphasizes in clinic and outpatient clinics

Effect of date palm pollen supplementation on female sexual function in non-menopausal women:A double blind randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: Despite numerous experimental studies in the literature, there are few clinical trials regarding the effect of date palm pollen (DPP) supplementation on sexual function improvement. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the impact of DPP on female sexual function in Iranian non-menopausal women. METHODS: Between October 2019 and December 2019, health centers in the city of Khalkhal, volunteers meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in randomized clinical trials. Sixty-eight women were randomly stratified and assigned to one of the two study groups: placebo group (n = 35) and palm pollen group (n = 35), and received a starch or palm pollen capsule (300 mg per day), respectively, for 35 d. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) instrument was used to assess female sexual function. RESULTS: After DPP supplementation, the increase in desire, lubrication, and the overall score, was statistically significant compared to the placebo group (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, and P = 0.042; respectively); Whilst there was no significant differences in the remaining domains (arousal: P = 0.763; orgasm: P = 0.370; satisfaction: P = 0.474; pain: P = 0.259). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the coitus and preintervention levels of desire (r = 0.298, P = 0.038), arousal (r = 0.328, P = 0.021), lubrication (r = 0.361, P = 0.011), orgasm (r = 0.320, P = 0.025), satisfaction (r = 0.327, P = 0.022), and overall scores (r = 0.338, P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that DPP (300 mg supplementation for 35 d), given to non-menopausal women, could improve the lubrication and desire domains of FSFI

Effect of IL-2 co-expressed or co-inoculated with immuno-dominant epitopes from VP1 protein of FMD virus on immune responses in BALB/c mice

Objective(s): The results of studies on vaccine development for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus show that the use of inactivated vaccines for FMD virus is not completely effective. Novel vaccinations based on immuno-dominant epitopes have been shown to induce immune responses. Furthermore, for safety of immunization, access to efficient adjuvants against FMD virus seems to be critical.Materials and Methods: In this study, we produced epitope recombinant vaccines from the VP1 protein of the FMD virus for serotype O of Iran. Constructs were included polytope (tandem-repeat multiple-epitope), polytope coupled with interleukin-2 (polytope-IL 2) as a molecular adjuvant and IL-2. Three expression vectors were constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). To evaluate whether these recombinant vaccines induce immune responses, BALB/c mice were injected with the recombinant vaccines and their immune responses were compared with a negative control group. The humoral and cellular immune responses were measured by ELISA.Results: The results showed that IL-2 co-expressed or co-inoculated with Polytope protein enhances the immune effect of multiple epitope recombinant vaccine against FMD virus. The results of total immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG1, and IgG2a levels and secretion of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-4 and IL-10 revealed that there were significant differences between negative control group and other injected mice with the recombinant vaccines (

NMDA Receptor Mediates the Anticonvulsant Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Artemisia persica in PTZ-Induced Seizure in Mice

It is necessary to seek more effective sources to design new drug against epilepsy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia persica on pentylenetetrazole-(PTZ-) induced seizure in male mice by investigating the possible role of the NMDA receptor and antioxidative stress effect. The phenolic profile of A. persica extract was determined by HPLC-DAD analysis. Mice were treated with normal saline or A. persica extract or pentobarbital or a subeffective dose of extract plus ketamine (NMDA receptor antagonist) and/or effective dose of extract plus NMDA. PTZ (90 mg/kg) was injected intravenously for induction of seizure. The seizure threshold was measured. Then mice were euthanized and the antioxidant capacity and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) of the prefrontal cortex and serum were measured. The gene expression of NMDA receptor subunits (Nr2a and Nr2b) was determined by real-Time PCR. Findings showed that A. persica extract increased the seizure threshold, increased antioxidant capacity, and decreased MDA levels in the serum and brain samples. A. persica extract reduced the expression of NMDA receptor subunits. The result showed that ketamine potentiated the effect of the subeffective dose of extract. HPLC analysis showed that quercetin had the highest flavonoid content and also caffeic acid had the highest content of the phenolic acids. A. persica extract probably via NMDA receptor exerts anticonvulsant properties

Evaluation of biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance pattern in extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing escherichia coli strains

Background: The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli strains, especially extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains, has become a global health concern. This study was aimed to determine the frequency of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV genes among E. coli isolates from urinary tract infection (UTI) and evaluate their antibiotic resistance pattern. Methods: Totally 98 E. coli isolates were recovered from urine samples of UTI-diagnosed patients. Antibiotic resistance and ESBL production were evaluated by disk diffusion and combined disk methods according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The biofilm formation ability of isolates was assessed using the tube adherence method. ESBL-positive isolates were screened for blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Among the examined isolates, 25 (25.5%) were detected as ESBL producers and harbored at least one of the studied genes. The blaCTX-M was the predominant (44%) gene, followed by blaTEM (24%) and blaSHV (8%). The isolates revealed variable resistance levels to all antimicrobials, out of which 55.1% were conferred a high resistance rate to different antibiotic classes and considered MDR. Phenotypically, 42.85% of the isolates were biofilm formers, of which the majority (38%) formed moderate biofilms. Conclusions: This study showed that the ESBL-positive isolates were more resistant to some first-line antibiotics, and this highlights the necessity to control and monitor the prescribed antibiotics used for empirical treatment for UTI patients

Comparison of Effect of Two Treatment Methods: Oxygen Therapy with Face Mask and Nasal Catheter on Nausea and Vomiting and Comfort in Cesarean section under Spinal Anesthesia

Background: Receiving Oxygen during Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia can be a good way to prevent from nausea and vomiting of mothers and hypoxemia of fetus. This study aimed to compare the effect of two treatment methods of Oxygen therapy with facemask and nasal catheter on vomiting and nausea and patient's comfort during Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted  on 50 candidate patients for elective cesarean section, recruited via convenience sampling , were divided into two groups. For the first group, 8 liters of Oxygen per minute with face mask and for the second one, 4 liters of Oxygen per minute with nasal catheter was administered during cesarean section and after that in recovery unit. Nausea, vomiting and comfort were recorded during the first 30 min of surgery and in recovery unit. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test, independent t test, Fisher's exact test and Chi-square tests.  Results: No significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of nausea and vomiting during surgery and after that.  Moreover, there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of comfort during (p=0.14) and after surgery (p=0.12).  In terms of clinical treatment, patients who received Oxygen through nasal catheter felt more comfort. Conclusion: Nasal catheter by administering lower dose of oxygen had a similar effect to face mask on nausea and vomiting. Therefore, since patients feel more comfort when using nasal catheter, it is preferable in preventing the nausea and vomiting in Cesarean section during spinal anesthesia

Association of dietary inflammatory index with C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract Considering that interventions related to lifestyle, especially nutrition have been proposed as the first line of prevention and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and regarding the proven relationship between PCOS and inflammation, the present study was designed to find out the possible association of Diet Inflammatory Index (DII) with the inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and compare the obtained results in PCOS and non-PCOS women. This case–control study was conducted on 45 PCOS and 40 non-PCOS women. Food intake and DII were measured using a 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. All participants were tested for the serum levels of IL-6 and CRP. Finally, the obtained results were compared between the two groups of PCOS and non-PCOS women. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, menstrual status and number of pregnancies (P  0.05). The difference of DII between the case and control groups were not significant and Pearson's correlation test did not show a significant correlation between DII and IL-6 (P˃0.05). This result can be due to the influence of several factors affecting the determination of DII such as education level, health status, physical activity level, age, and calorie intake. It seems that diet, especially consumption of more carbohydrates plays a role in causing chronic inflammation, as well as the occurrence and exacerbation of PCOS

Design and Construction of Chimeric VP8-S2 Antigen for Bovine Rotavirus and Bovine Coronavirus

Purpose: Bovine Rotavirus and Bovine Coronavirus are the most important causes of diarrhea in newborn calves and in some other species such as pigs and sheep. Rotavirus VP8 subunit is the major determinant of the viral infectivity and neutralization. Spike glycoprotein of coronavirus is responsible for induction of neutralizing antibody response. Methods: In the present study, several prediction programs were used to predict B and T-cells epitopes, secondary and tertiary structures, antigenicity ability and enzymatic degradation sites. Finally, a chimeric antigen was designed using computational techniques. The chimeric VP8-S2 antigen was constructed. It was cloned and sub-cloned into pGH and pET32a(+) expression vector. The recombinant pET32a(+)-VP8-S2 vector was transferred into E.oli BL21CodonPlus (DE3) as expression host. The recombinant VP8-S2 protein was purified by Ni-NTA chromatography column. Results: The results of colony PCR, enzyme digestion and sequencing showed that the VP8-S2 chimeric antigen has been successfully cloned and sub-cloned into pGH and pET32a(+).The results showed that E.coli was able to express VP8-S2 protein appropriately. This protein was expressed by induction of IPTG at concentration of 1mM and it was confirmed by Ni–NTA column, dot-blotting analysis and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that E.coli can be used as an appropriate host to produce the recombinant VP8-S2 protein. This recombinant protein may be suitable to investigate to produce immunoglobulin, recombinant vaccine and diagnostic kit in future studies after it passes biological activity tests in vivo in animal model and or other suitable procedure

Evaluation of Marital Satisfaction and Its Associated Factors in Female Nurses in Khalkhal City, Iran

Background and Objectives: Marital satisfaction and compatibility of spouses are axis and focus of family foundation, which are influenced by different factors. One of these factors is occupational status of each spouse. The current study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the marital satisfaction in female nurses of Khalkhal city. Methods: This research was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study on 120 female nurses of Khalkhal city in 2014. The sampling method was non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Spearman correlation coefficient, independent t-, one-way ANOVA, Friedman, and multiple liner regression tests at the significance level of p<0.05. Results: The total study population was 120 female nurses with the mean age of 34.03&plusmn;6.52 years. Ninety-nine subjects (82.5%) had very high satisfaction, 14 subjects (11.7%) high satisfaction, and 7 nurse (5.8%) moderate satisfaction. There was a significant relationship between marital satisfaction and number of sex (p0.01) and working experience (Beta=1.85, p>0.04). Conclusion: In this study, the level of marital satisfaction was reported to be high among nurses of Khalkhal. Perhaps more complete and extensive investigation could show the cause of high satisfaction among nurses. Also, identification of the factors promoting marital satisfaction could be used as a strategy to teach spouses of other trade and professional groups, in whom satisfaction level is low