Subcutaneous progesterone versus vaginal progesterone for luteal-phase support in frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A cross-sectional study

Background: Luteal-phase support is a complex and controversial issue in the field of reproductive management. Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of low-dose subcutaneous progesterone with the vaginal progesterone for luteal-phase support in patients undergoing rozenthawed embryo transfer. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, information related to 77 women that had frozen-thawed embryo transfer was reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups based on the route of progesterone administration used as a luteal-phase support. When the endometrial thickness reached ≥ 8 mm, in one group progesterone (Prolutex) 25 mg/ daily subcutaneous and in another group, vaginal progesterone (Cyclogest®) 400 mg twice or (Endometrin®) 100 mg thrice daily, were administrated and continued until menstruation or in case of clinical pregnancy for 8 wk after the embryo transfer when the fetal heart activity was detected by ultrasonography. Results: The patient’s characteristics were matched and there was no significant difference. The chemical and clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the vaginal progesterone group compared to the prolutex group, but statistically unnoticeable, (40% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.367) and (28% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.581), respectively. C Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that the new subcutaneous progesterone can be a good alternative for intramuscular progesterone in women that dislike and do not accept vaginal formulations as luteal-phase support in assisted reproductive technology. Key words: Progesterone, Subcutaneous, Vaginal, Pregnancy

Experiences of Patients with Covid-19 from Home Care: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: The demand for home care services has increased not only due to the increase in the elderly population but also due to consumer preference and technological advances that allow for the provision of sophisticated home care. Home healthcare services aim to help people improve their performance and live a more independent life, improve their well-being, and help them stay home, avoiding hospitalization. This study aimed to study the Experiences of patients with COVID-19 from home care in Qazvin City.Methods: A qualitative study with a conventional content analysis method was used. Ten participants were selected using purposeful sampling from 5 October to 25 May 2020. In‐depth structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by continuous comparative analysis using MAXQDA 10 software.Results: Data analysis on patients' experiences with COVID‐19 specified twelve mean units, eight subthemes, and four themes, including Economic, Emotional, Reliability, and Support.Conclusions: All patients have common experiences in the fields of Economic, Emotional, Reliability, and Support. In future waves of COVID‐19, or a new pandemic, home care holds the potential to serve as a source of overflow care when acute care settings are overburdened and patients are discharged from acute and long‐term care settings

Effect of Quercus infectoria and Zataria multiflora extracts on the expression of Apo-B100 and PPAR-α in liver and adipose tissues in insulin resistant rats

Background: Insulin resistance can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Studies have shown that expression of PPAR alpha improved insulin function in patients with insulin resistance. Also ApoB100 is an essential ligand for the receptors of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Increased plasma level of apoB100 is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its increased production leads to insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Q. Infectoria and Z. multiflora extracts on the expression of PPARα and Apo-B100 genes in adipose and hepatic tissues of insulin-resistant ratsMaterials and methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into 1- healthy control, 2- high fat control, 3- fenofibrate,4- Q. Infectoria and 5- Z. multiflora groups. All groups were fed with high fat diet for 6 weeks expect for the healthy control. Glucose tolerance test was performed to confirm insulin resistance in rats. Then groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated by fenofibrate, Q. Infectoria and Z. multiflora extracts respectively. After sacrificing the rats, their liver and fat tissues were removed. Real-time PCR was used to assess PPARα and ApoB100 gene expressions. Results: All groups had significant weight gain after 8 weeks. Expression of PPAR-α and ApoB100 genes were the same in Q. Infectoria, Z. multiflora, fenofibrate and healthy control groups.Conclusion: In conclusion, Q. Infectoria and Z. multiflora extracts decreased ApoB100 and increased PPARα gene expressions but these changes were not statistically significant