Effects of acupressure on the childbirth satisfaction and experience of birth: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundComplementary and alternative medicines have been used to increase comfort and relaxation in mothers during labor. Comforting and preparing the mother in labor can create a positive birth experience. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acupressure on childbirth satisfaction and the experience of giving birth in women with full-term pregnancy, before the onset of labor.MethodsIn 2016, a randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Shahid Akbar Abadi Hospital, Tehran, Iran, enrolling 120 pregnant women at 39–40 gestational weeks with no signs of the onset of labor. They were divided randomly into acupressure, sham acupressure, and control groups. Acupressure points including SP6, BL 60, and BL 32 were pressured bilaterally. Interventions were performed by the researcher, the mother and her relative (husband). Childbirth satisfaction was measured 24 h after delivery. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software and comparing tests were Chi-squared, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA tests (P ≤ 0.05).ResultsThe total childbirth satisfaction did not differ significantly among the three groups (P = 0.460), but the acupressure group had a higher level of satisfaction than the other two groups. Moreover, statistical tests regarding the expectations of the childbirth experience showed a significant difference among the groups (P = 0.033). The actual birth was closest to the expectations of subjects in the acupressure group.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that acupressure may be used as a method in order to attempt to provide a good birth experience and satisfaction of childbirth.     

Toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles in healthy adult mice

In this study, we extended previous work to evaluate the oral toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles and their possible effects on different serum-elements and sexual hormones in the mouse. The histopathological changes have also been examined. Significant recorded increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity in all mice exposed to ZnO nanoparticles suggest that these nanoparticles can cause hepatic injury. Hepatocyte necrosis and other pathological observations also confirmed liver damage. Moreover, Glomeruli segmentation, hydropic degeneration in epithelial cells, necrosis of epithelial cells in tubules and swelling in epithelial cells of proximal tubules were found in all kidney tissues, which demonstrated that ZnO nanoparticles have severe toxicological effects on kidney. Serous inflammation, severe hyperemia in alveoli, and edema were observed as pathological findings in the lung which suggest that the lung is the third target tissue of the ZnO nanoparticles.     

Evaluation of thyroglobulin expression in murine reproductive organs during pregnancy

Citation Moravej A, Jeddi‐Tehrani M, Salek‐Moghaddam AR, Dokouhaki P, Ghods R, Rabbani H, Kazemi‐Sefat GE, Shahbazi M, Zarnani AH. Evaluation of thyroglobulin expression in murine reproductive organs during pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 97–103 Problem In pregnant women with antithyroglobulin antibody, prevalence of abortion is 2–4 fold higher compared to normal controls. Direct effect of such harmful autoantibodies on female reproductive organs may serve a role in pregnancy loss. Method of study Expression of thyroglobulin in decidua, placenta, and ovary of pregnant Balb/c mice ((Balb/c×Balb/c and Balb/c×C57BL/6) during early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy was evaluated. Expression of thyroglobulin was investigated in these tissues by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR. In addition, polyclonal antithyroglobulin antibody was produced, and expression of thyroglobulin protein in aforesaid tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and dot‐blot analysis. Results The results showed that thyroglobulin message is not expressed in placenta, decidua, or ovary in any stages of pregnancy. The same results were obtained at the protein level. Conclusion It is likely that antithyroglobulin antibodies have no direct detrimental effect on such organs in patients with thyroid autoimmunity suffering from recurrent abortion.     

活体异体结膜缘和羊膜移植治疗化学性眼外伤造成的角膜缘干细胞缺失(英文)

目的:评价利用活体异体结膜缘和羊膜移植治疗化学性眼外伤造成的角膜缘干细胞缺失的临床效果。方法:从2005-07/2007-12,本研究包括了9名男性化学性眼外伤患者(10眼)。所有患者接受了亲属活体异体结膜缘和羊膜移植,2例眼接受了睑缝术。用环孢菌素和泼尼松龙进行全身性免疫抑制。结果:在3例眼中观察到完全角膜上皮化(30%),其中1例在术后1.5mo出现免疫排斥,角膜溶解引起穿孔,加大全身性免疫抑制剂量来控制病情。3例眼中植片无法在角膜表面重新形成上皮,被定为原发性失败。其余4眼有部分上皮形成,但上皮细胞无法完全覆盖角膜表面。术前最佳矫正视力从手动到1m处数指,术后最佳矫正视力从光感到20/80。有5眼视力得到改进,不需其他治疗。手术失败的主要原因为干眼症和持续性炎症。结论:对于能控制泪量和眼部炎症的病例,亲属活体异体角膜缘和羊膜移植是治疗化学性眼外伤造成的角膜缘干细胞缺失最佳方法之一。     

Workplace trauma and the law

The law places increasing responsibilities on organizations to protect its workforce from psychological injury. This paper looks at the development of British law relating to traumatic stress and explores a growing concern of clinicians that the law and the legal processes themselves may increase the psychological injury of victims of traumatic stress. The statutory requirement for organizations to provide effective support for employees following a traumatic incident is enshrined in law. However organizations are confused by the conflicting statements on the effectiveness of debriefing and trauma counselling.     

Off-pump coronary artery grafting in patients with left main coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Left main coronary artery disease (LMCD) is considered a relative contraindication to off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) grafting. This study evaluates the safety and feasibility of OPCAB in these patients compared to an on-pump group (cardiopulmonary bypass, CPB) with LMCD. METHODS: Between January 2000 and July 2002, 95 patients with left main coronary artery stenosis >50% underwent coronary revascularization. Seventy-three unselected patients underwent OPCAB and 22 underwent revascularization using CPB. The techniques used for OPCAB included the use of deep traction sutures in the posterior pericardium and stabilizers to expose the distal coronary targets. Intraluminal coronary shunts were routinely used during construction of the anastomoses. Variables were analyzed using a Student's paired t-test with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age in the OPCAB group was 59.9 years and the CPB group 61.8 years (p = 0.54). There were 56 males (77%) in the OPCAB and 18 (82%) in the CPB groups. Mean preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 40.3% in OPCAB and 47.3% in CPB (p = 0.015). Average number of grafts was 3.1 in OPCAB and 4.1 in CPB (p = 0.0038). There were no conversions to CPB in those patients initially chosen to undergo OPCAB. There were no early deaths in OPCAB. There was one death in CPB. Mean hospital length of stay was 6.9 days for OPCAB and 9.1 for CPB (p = 0.0159). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LMCD can undergo OPCAB grafting safely and effectively despite reduced LVEF. LMCD should no longer be seen as a contraindication to perform OPCAB grafting.     

Evaluation of cut quality using the Amadeus microkeratome with different settings

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of keratectomy specimens created with the Amadeus microkeratome (AMO) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SETTING: Johannes Gutenberg-University Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Mainz, and the Department of Anatomy, Justus Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany. METHODS: Corneal cuts were performed in freshly enucleated pig eyes using the Amadeus microkeratome with 9 combinations of oscillation rate and head-advance speed. For the cutting trials, oscillation rates of 8000, 13,000, and 18,000 rpm and head-advance speeds of 1.0, 2.5, and 4.0 mm/s were chosen. Fifty-four eyes were included, resulting in 9 groups of 6 eyes for each configuration. The surfaces and edges of the flaps were examined using SEM. RESULTS: At fixed oscillation rates, an increase in head-advance speed led to lower quality cuts, higher surface roughness, and irregular cut edges. At fixed head-advance speeds, an increase in oscillation rates improved the cut quality, resulting in smoother surface characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Smooth and regular surfaces and cut edges can be achieved by choosing high oscillation rates and low head-advance speeds. Microkeratomes that enable the user to adjust the oscillation rate and head-advance speed can be used to maximize surface smoothness and improve customized refractive surgery.