Analgesic effects of acetaminophen,diclofenac and hyoscine N-butylbromide in second trimester pregnancy termination: a prospective randomized study

Objectives: This prospective, randomized study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of acetaminophen, diclofenac and hyoscine-N-butylbromide (HnBB) in cases of second trimester pregnancy termination.

Methods: In 60 women with indications for second trimester pregnancy termination, three analgesic agents were randomized into three groups: group 1, acetaminophen; group 2, diclofenac; and group 3, HnBB. A visual analog scale (VAS) used for the evaluation of pain perception. The primary outcome of the study was mean VAS score during the procedure and last VAS score before the completion of termination. The secondary outcomes were the induction-to-abortion interval, the percentage of aborted cases within the first 24?h and finally the need for parenteral analgesia.

Results: Demographic characteristics were similar among the groups. The mean VAS and last VAS scores before termination did not differ among the groups (p?=?0.3 and 0.2, respectively). The need for parenteral analgesia did not differ among the groups (p?=?0.3). Although a shorter induction-to-abortion interval and greater number of cases with successful termination before 24?h were found in the HnBB group, the differences were not statistically significant (p?=?0.6 and 0.5, respectively).

Conclusions: Our study did not demonstrate a difference in pain perception among second trimester pregnancy termination cases using acetaminophen, diclofenac and HnBB.     

Effects of aging on the male reproductive system

The study aims to discuss the effects of aging on the male reproductive system. A systematic review was performed using PubMed from 1980 to 2014. Aging is a natural process comprising of irreversible changes due to a myriad of endogenous and environmental factors at the level of all organs and systems. In modern life, as more couples choose to postpone having a child due to various socioeconomic reasons, research for understanding the effects of aging on the reproductive system has gained an increased importance. Paternal aging also causes genetic and epigenetic changes in spermatozoa, which impair male reproductive functions through their adverse effects on sperm quality and count as, well as, on sexual organs and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Hormone production, spermatogenesis, and testes undergo changes as a man ages. These small changes lead to decrease in both the quality and quantity of spermatozoa. The offspring of older fathers show high prevalence of genetic abnormalities, childhood cancers, and several neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, the latest advances in assisted reproductive techniques give older men a chance to have a child even with poor semen parameters. Further studies should investigate the onset of gonadal senesce and its effects on aging men.     

Vitamin D insufficiency in a boy with obsessive–compulsive disorder

Vitamin D deficiency not only causes low bone mass but also may lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. In the present case, vitamin D supplementation reduced obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms associated with streptococcal infection in a 7‐year‐old boy. Sudden onset of symptoms, including excessive hand washing and fear of touching anything, had occurred 1 month before presentation. Although there are few studies on a possible causal relationship between vitamin D and neuropsychiatric disorders, the present report; together with previous data, suggest an etiological role of vitamin D‐related immune processes.     

The relationship between occupations and head and neck cancers

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between occupation and head and neck cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 206 Turkish patients with head and neck cancers comprised the case group. The control group consisted of 206 age- and sex-matched patients without malignant disease. All patients completed a questionnaire regarding occupation; tobacco and alcohol consumption; educational status; and history of any systemic disease, benign head and neck disease, and cancer among family members. High-risk jobs were considered those in the industries of construction, wood, mining, metal, chemistry and agriculture. RESULTS: Patients with head and neck cancers worked in high-risk occupations more frequently than did controls [odds ratio (OR): 3.42, p<0.05]. Cancer risk decreased with the increase in time interval between quitting the high-risk job and time of interview. Smokers were at higher risk than nonsmokers (OR: 3.33, p<0.05). The risk was also higher in patients who drank alcohol regularly (OR: 1.59, p<0.05). However, occupation was found to be an independent high-risk factor for head and neck cancers in regression analysis. Frequency of benign head and neck disease and family history of cancer were not significant risk factors (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed that occupation and smoking were significant independent risk factors for the development of head and neck cancers among workers.