Search

A novel enzymeless glucose sensor based on nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles electrodeposited on reduced graphene oxide-copper oxide nanocomposite bulk modified carbon ceramic electrode (rGO-CuO/CCE) was reported. The prepared NiO/rGO-CuO/CCE was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic-force microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry techniques. Electrocatalytic performance of the NiO/rGO-CuO/CCE was investigated in details for the electro-oxidation of glucose using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry techniques. The developed sensor responds efficiently to glucose over the concentration range 5-920 μM with the detection limit 2.63 μM and sensitivity 5980 μA mM -1 cm -2 . According to EIS studies, ternary presence of rGO, CuO and NiO nanoparticles increased the electron transfer performance and sensitivity of NiO/rGO-CuO/CCE to glucose. The prepared sensor was applied for the determination of glucose in human serum samples with satisfactory results. Owing to renewable and polishable surface, high sensitivity, reproducible responses and long-term stability, the developed sensor could be used in clinical applications.

A new compound of zinc(II) with the ligand 4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine(4,4′-dmo-2,2′-bpy), [Zn(4,4′-dmo-2,2′bpy)2(CH3COO)]2[Zn(SCN)4]·H2O, has been obtained as white single crystals by the branched tube method and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy and by X-ray crystallography. Thermal and electrochemical properties were also studied. The crystal structure consits of two discrete [Zn(4,4′-dmo-2,2′-bpy)2(CH3COO)]+ cations and a [Zn(SCN)4]2− anion. Zinc(II) cations in the [Zn(4,4′-dmo-2,2′-bpy)2(CH3COO)]+ units have a distorted octahedral surrounding by ZnN4O2 coordinated through four N atoms of 4,4′-dmo-2,2′-bpy and two O atoms of acetate. Zinc(II) in [Zn(SCN)4]2− has a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment with an ZnN4 ligated by four N atoms of the terminal thiocyanates. In the solid state, [Zn(4,4′-dmo-2,2′-bpy)(CH3COO)]+ cations are interconnected by tetrahedral [Zn(NCS)4]2− units by cooperative C–H···O, C–H···S, C–H···N and π-π stacking interactions resulting in a 2D network structure. Establishment of such networks seems to be aiding the crystallization.

Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of classical and azithromycin-containing triple therapy eradication regimen against H. Pylori in children, and to determine the level of patients’ tolerance. Patients and Methods: This single clinical trial was performed in 2014 on 2 to 15 years old children. All children, in whom H. Pylori infection was confirmed through multiple biopsies of the stomach and required treatment, were enrolled in the study. H. Pylori-positive patients were treated alternately with two different drug regimens; Group OCA received clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg/day every 12 hours for 10 days, amoxicillin 50 mg/kg/day every 12 hours for 10 days, and omeprazole 1 mg/kg/day every 12 hours for two weeks, and Group OAA received azithromycin 10 mg/kg/day once a day (before meal) for 6 days along with amoxicillin and omeprazole. Four to six weeks after completion of treatment, patients’ stool was tested for H. Pylori through the monoclonal method using the Helicobacter antigen quick kit. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding gender and age of patients. Based on ITT analysis, the therapeutic response in the OAA and OCA groups were 56.2% and 62.5%, respectively (P = 0.40). Drug adverse effects were 15.6% in the OCA and 3.1% in the OAA group (P = 0.19). Conclusions: The therapeutic response was seen in more than half of the patients treated with triple therapy of H. Pylori eradication regimen including azithromycin or clarithromycin, and there was no significant difference between the two treatment groups.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate possible predictors of irrational parenthood cognitions among infertile women seeking treatment. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 300 women who visited an Infertility Center in Iran during 2010 were studied. A pre-validated inventory was used to assess irrational parenthood cognitions. Potential predictors of the total irrational parenthood cognitions score were assessed. Results Mean irrational parenthood cognition score was 39.7(Range 0–56). Through bivariate analysis, the score on irrational parenthood cognition was inversely correlated with age and positively correlated with length of time seeking for infertility treatment and length of time expecting pregnancy. In a multivariate model, infertile women with higher education, especially academic education, or those with higher economic status were less likely to have irrational parenthood cognitions. However, higher motherhood motivation, no previous experience of pregnancy and being under social pressure, from others around, increased the likelihood of having irrational parenthood cognitions. Conclusions Some variables such as female spouse’s educational level and being under social pressure can independently predict irrational parenthood cognitions among infertile women that may be of use in designing health promotion plans in order to target the vulnerable women.

Purpose: To investigate the magnitude and patterns of domestic violence among infertile women seeking infertility treatment in Tabriz, north-west of Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 infertile women referred to an infertility center in Tabriz, North-west of Iran, during the year 2013. The women were interviewed using a validated questionnaire for assessment of violence against women. The data were analyzed using SPSS 13 statistical software package mostly providing descriptive statistics. Results: Mean age of the participants was 31.1 years. Psychological violence was found to be the most common type of reported violence against infertile women followed by sexual and physical violence. About 45% of the participants had experienced at least one type of physical violence through the yearly period. In 22 cases of physical violence men had used their belt to hit the wife, in 2 cases they used a knife and in one case gun was used to threaten the wife. Face was the most common body organ hit through the physical violence during the infertility period followed by limbs as the second most common organ. About 54% of the participants had experienced at least one type of sexual violence. One participant stated that that she had sought medical consultation after the forced sexual relationship. About 82% of the participants had experienced at least one type of psychological violence. Scurrility, humiliation and yelling were the most common type of psychological violence among infertile women in this study involving more than two-third of them. In present study the most common type of physical violence was slapping that was reported in 37 % of the participants followed by throwing objects in 26.5%. Conclusion: Violence against infertile women is an issue of importance that need to be sufficiently addressed by the health policy makers and infertility health care providers. Infertility healthcare providers should consider the possibility of domestic violence against women and its potential poor psychological outcomes.