Showing 18 results for Taheri
Ramin Taheri,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2005)
Abstract
Introduction: Sweet,s syndrome (SS) is characterized by painful plaque on extremities, face and neck fever and peripheral leukocytosis. In this study patients with Sweet,s syndrome are described in a 10 years period.
Cases: This is a case series study in which 9 patients admitted to dermatology unit of Bu-Ali hospital were studied between 1992 to 2002. Basic characteristics of skin lesions in each patient were as following: red, painful and raised lesions on hand and lower leg of the first patient large, flaccid bullae containing hemorrhagic fluid on both lower legs and upper portion of one thigh and scar over both ankles in the second patient papule and nodule on left hand with pain, itching and hemorrhagic secretion in the third patient bullae over internal surface of thighs and trunk and hyperpigmented, diffused macula over abdomen in the forth patient painful papule and nodule on hands and right lower leg in the fifth patient painful plaque and nodule in the sixth patient erythematous and painful papule on both lower leg and abdomen in the seventh patient erythematose papule and nodule with burning sensation over abdomen and right hand in the eight patient and painful bullae on neck and right lower leg in the ninth patient.
Conclusion: Some special findings were found in these patients. For example, hemorrhagic and flaccid bullae, epidermal changes such as regional hyper keratosis and acanthosis and scar formation due to the illness which were not mentioned in previous reports of the disease.
Parvin Mahzouni, Nadia Taheri, Maryam Taravat, Azar Danesh,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2006)
Abstract
Introduction: Adenosarcoma is a rare uterine tumor composed of benign epithelial and malignant stromal elements. In 20% of cases stroma contains heterologous elements (usually from stratified muscle type). Association between Tamoxifen usage (exogenous strogen) or ovarian thecoma (endogenous strogen) and occurance of this tumor has been reported. This is a case report of a uterine Adenosarcoma. Case: The patient was a 45 years old woman with history of 16 years OCP use who was admitted with a uterine mass and undergone total hysterectomy. Microscopic assessment of slides, stained by H&A, was indicator of Adenosarcoma with cartilage heterologous elements. Conclusion: Uterine Adenosarcoma is a rare tumor. Although there is a few reports of cartilage heterologous elements in uterine Adenosarcoma, this case had multiple cartilage points in stroma. Also in this case, the coexistance of this tumor with long- term OCP use was considerable.
Mahdi Taheri Sarvtin, Amir Farhang Zand Parsa, Parivash Kordbacheh, Jamal Hashemi, Mahmood Mahmoudi, Roshanak Daie, Mahin Safara, Ayat Ahmadi, Mahdi Osooli,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (4-2010)
Abstract
Background: Candida species are the most common yeasts that reside in oral cavity in 30 - 50% of people, and are capable to produce opportunistic infections within the oral cavity. This study was done to determine the effect of cigarette smoking on the type and degree of Candida oral carriage.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, oral Candida flora in 34 smoker and 66 non-smoker men were compared. All of the samples were collected by swab and examined by direct microscopy and culture on CHOROM agar Candida and corn meal agar media. Isolated colonies were identified by carbohydrate assimilation method using RapID Yeast PLUS System.
Results: Out of the 34 smoker individuals, 27(79.4%) had Candida colonization in their oral cavity while 30(45.5%) of the 66 non-smoker individuals had developed this kind of colonization. A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.05). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the degree of colonisation and the type of candida species which were isolated from the oral cavity of the smoker and nonsmoker groups.
Conclusion: Cigarette smoking can act as an important underlying factor in oral candidiasis.
Behrouz Moghaddasi, Zahra Moghadasi, Parvaneh Taheri Nasab,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (6-2010)
Abstract
Introduction: Researches indicates that physical training are a basic component of pulmonary rehabilitation in asthmatic patients , and can result in improvement of sign and symptoms of asthmatic patients.The purpose of present study is evaluation of the effects of physical exercises on pulmonary function and clinical manifestations and signs and symptoms of asthmatic patients.
Materials and methods: The samples included 24 asthmatic patients that participated in a physical exercise program have refered to Ardebil Bou _Ali Hospital (1386) .The researcher followed test –re-test design in the present study.
The data were collected using an asthma clinical manifestations questionnaire and pulmonary function test (Spirometery).
Results: Physical exercises program was effective in improvement pulmonary function of asthmatic patients, and exercises decrease asthmatic signs such as: attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.
Conclusion: The results indicate that asthmatic patients would benefit from a physical training and such a physical exercise program can be adapted for use in clinical practice.
Behnaz Taheri, Siyamak Samiee, Mehdi Paryan, Ehsanollah Ghaznavi-Rad,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (8-2013)
Abstract
Background: The emergence of drug-resistant strain of M.tuberculosis is one of the most critical issues facing TB researchers and clinicians. Rapid diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis is essential for the prompt initiation of effective second-line therapy to improve treatment outcome and limit transmission of this obstinate disease. The aim of this study is to develop a Real-time PCR assay for the detection of mutations in RRDR (rifampcin resistance determinant region) of rpoB which conferring rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the primer and probe set were designed for a RRDR region of rpoB gene using a specialized software. Clinical specimens that had previously been evaluated resistant or sensitive by using convential method, were used for assessing the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay.
Results: The clinical sensitivity of the assay was determined 100%. The primers and the probes were rpoB specific and no cross-reaction was observed with other microorganisms and human genome bioinformatically. The clinical specificity of developed Real-time PCR assay was examined experimentally using 25 negative samples and determined to be 100%.
Conclusion: The developed real-time PCR assay can be used as an appropriate and efficient tool for the rapid detection of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Bahram Pourghassem Gargari, Parvin Dehghan, Elham Mirtaheri, Zeynab Faghfouri, Pouran Karimi,
Volume 16, Issue 8 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background: Considering the high prevalence of diabetes and developing cardiovascular diseases via dyslipidemia and inflammation in type 2 diabetic patients, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Oligofructose-enriched inulin on serum lipid concentrations and inflammation in type2 diabetic patients.
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 52 patients with type 2 diabetes were assigned to one of two groups. Experimental group (n=27) received 10g/d oligofructose-enriched inulin and control group (n=25) received 10 g/d maltodextrin for 8 weeks. Dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements, hs-CRP and serum lipids concentrations were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (verision11.5). Paired, independent t-test and ANCOVA were used to compare comparison of quantitative variables.
Results: At the end of study, we observed significant decrease in total cholesterol (28.00 mg/dL, 14.10%), LDL-c (22.00 mg/dL, 21.7%), TC/HDL-c ratio (-0.73, 20.7%) and LDL-c/HDL-c ratio (-0.55, 27.5%) in oligofructose-enriched inulin compared with the maltodextrin group (p<0.05). Changes in concentrations of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein were not significant in oligofructose-enriched inulin compared to maltodextrin group.
Conclusion: Oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation with improving in inflammtion and lipid profile help in management of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Reza Ghafari, Mohammad Rafiei, Mohammad Reza Taheri Nejad,
Volume 16, Issue 11 (2-2014)
Abstract
Background: Today, the self-assessed health status is a standard part of epidemiologic and community based studies. The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the health related quality of life in Qom city.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, population of 340 people over 18 years of Qom city entered the study by filling the questionnaires. A two-part questionnaire was used to collect data which the first part was related to demographic data including age, sex, marital status, education, occupation and place of residence. The second version of the SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life.
Results: Generally, considering the all aspects of quality of life in this study, the mean (±SD) of scores was 67.69±14.78. This average was equal to 67.28±15.91 in men and 67.97±14.03 in women which showed a significant difference between them (p =0.030).
Conclusion: In this study the scores of women and single subjects were higher than other people. By the Persian version of 2nd version of SF-36 questionnaire, the quality of life people in different situations might be realized and impact of different demographic factors on quality of life could be measured.
Ali Akbar Malekirad, Mohammad Abdollahi, Mohammad Fazilati, Najme Igani, Mahmod Reza Baghinia, Azam Taheri, Mohammad Amin Rezvanfar,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Introduction: Paints are composed of extensive variety of hazardous substances, such as organic solvents and heavy metals. Occupational exposure to paint increases oxidative stress, hematological disorders, and DNA injury. This study was performed to explore the beneficial effects of Selvit on the paint workers by measuring total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and blood parameters as main oxidative stress biomarkers.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 25 male workers who worked in the paint factory. Serum markers such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and also hematological parameters were measured before and after using Selvit (14 days). SPSS software was used for data analyses and paired t-test and Pearson correlation analysis were applied.
Results: Results showed that after using the Selvit, an increase in TAC and a decrease in LPO were observed but they were not significant. Also, aspartate transaninase significantly decreased after using Selvit and high density lipoprotein significantly increased.
Conclusion: Selvit have beneficial effect on hematological parameters due to its antioxidant capacity.
Mahshid Talebi Taher, Seied Ali Javad Moosavi, Sara Taherian, Mitra Barati,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background: Use of inappropriate drugs in the elderly is a major health care concern. It is likely to increase adverse drug reactions and induce a substantial increase in health care costs. The aim of study was to evaluate inappropriate drug use in the elderly.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, collecting data were collected from patient’s file for 260 patients aged 60 years who were admitted to Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital in 2012. Potentially inappropriate medications were identified based on the 2012 Beers criteria.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 75±8.3 years. Overall, 58(22.3%) of the patients were treated with potentially inappropriate medications. The most common inappropriately prescribed medications were benzodiazepines, pethidine, and TCAs.
Conclusion: To improve prescription quality in elderly patients in Iran, preparing a scientific criterion or guideline is necessary.
Behfar Pakbaz, Navidreza Mashayekhi, Alireza Ali Saeidi, Mohamadreza Taheri-Nejad, Reza Shah Mirzae,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (8-2014)
Abstract
Background: Early, complete, and stable coronary revascularization is the main criteria for standard treatment in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of integrilin as glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor in treatment of STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 106 STEMI patients who complained of acute chest pain and were referred to Amir Al Momenin hospital, Arak, entered the study. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. The first group was treated with integrilin immediately before angioplasty. The 2nd group was treated with conventional percutaneous coronary intervention.
Results: After receiving treatment and undergoing angioplasty, TIMI Frame Count was equal to 15.7±8.04 in the 1st group and 14.2±5.4 in the 2nd group which showed no significant difference between them (p=0.4). Ejection fraction in patients receiving integrilin was significantly more than control group in first (p=0.043) and third month (p=0.012) after treatment.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it seems that using integrilin in standard time, causes long-term benefits for patients and reduces damage to the heart wall.
Alireza Kamali, Maryam Shokrpour, Shirin Pazoki, Esmaeil Moshiri, Mohamadreza Taheri-Nejad, Niloofar Dadashpour, Majid Golestani Eraghi,
Volume 17, Issue 12 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background: Unpleasant side effect of awareness within general anesthesia is potentially an important concern in patients. The patient may sleep during anesthesia and feels the pain due to loss of pain suppression of sensory perception of pain during surgery. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of BIS monitoring on level of awareness during anesthesia in women undergoing elective caesarean section.
Materials and Methods: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 214 ASAI–II patients, over 15 years of age, candidate for elective cesarean section were included in the study. Patients randomly divided to two groups of anesthesia with and without BIS monitoring. Patients were assessed for awareness within anesthesia immediately, 24 hours, and 3-6 days after operation.
Results: From 107 patients without BIS monitoring, 8 patients (7.4%) suffered from awareness during anesthesia and their awareness score was two and greater than two. While none of the patients in the BIS group experienced awareness during anesthesia. Level of awareness during anesthesia in the control group was significantly more than the BIS group (p<0.0000).
Conclusion: The incidence of awareness during anesthesia is significantly lower in BIS monitored group than the control group.
Bahram Pourghassem Gargari, Fereshteh Aliasghari, Sousan Kolahi, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi, Elham Mirtaheri,
Volume 17, Issue 12 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease. Hypertension could occur as a result of chronic inflammation in RA patients. Some evidence demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-lipoic acid in inflammatory diseases. However, a limited number of studies have evaluated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid in rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on blood pressure and some inflammatory factors.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 70 female patients aged 20–50 years were randomized to two groups to receive either alpha-lipoic acid (1200 mg/day) or placebo. The intervention duration was 8 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured before and after the supplementation period. Also, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS13 software.
Results: 65 RA patients completed the trial. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure in alpha-lipoic acid group was significantly decreased in comparison with placebo group (p<0.05). But, CRP and IL-6 serum levels did not indicate any significant within- and between group changes.
Conclusion: In the present study, alpha-lipoic acid supplementation resulted in significant blood pressure reduction in rheumatoid arthritis participants.
Monireh Asadi Ghaleni , Atena Shams, Hamidreza Taheri,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (4-2015)
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive disease of the central nervous system with signs and symptoms such as fatigue and balance that are disable. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of training which instructions focus of attention on postural sway of multiple sclerosis patients.
Materials and Methods: The present quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest design. The subjects with the age of 27-42, expanded disability status scale 1-4 and were purposefully and voluntarily selected and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. Training program for groups was carried out in 3 weeks, five sessions per week, and each session lasted about one hour. Berg Balance Scale was used to measure balance. The data was analyzed by using analysis of independent and dependent sample t-test at a significance level of p≤0.05.
Results: The results showed that significant improvements observed in balance (p≤0.05). Also significant differences observed between post hoc scores in the experimental and control groups (p≥0.05).
Conclusion: According to research findings, the exercise walking program on textured surface resulted in considerable improvements in balance in multiple sclerosis. Also, the respective specialists can use these exercies as a complementary treatment along with the drug therapy for patiens with multiple sclerosis.
Hadiseh Shokouhi, Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari, Behrokh Farahmand, Mansooreh Tabatabaeian, Najmeh Taheri, Fatemeh Fotouhi,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2016)
Abstract
Background: Influenza A viruses are globally important respiratory pathogens which cause a high degree of morbidity and mortality during annual epidemics. M2 protein which expressed on the viral surface facilitates virus entry to the host cells. The extracellular domain of M2 protein (M2e) consists of N-terminal 24 residue which shows remarkable conservation among all subtypes of influenza A viruses. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity of three tandem repeats of M2e along with different adjuvants in BALB/C mice model.
Materials and Methods: Recombinant protein (3M2e) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Six weeks old BALB/c mice were immunized interdermally with three doses of 3M2e alone or supplemented with Alum/CpG motif as adjuvant. Control group was injected with PBS. Two weeks after the last immunization, specific anti-M2 was measured using ELISA method and finally mice were challenged with one lethal dose (LD90) of PR8 virus.
Results: The results showed that 3M2e can induce specific antibody alone. However, 3M2e protein supplemented with Alum-CpG induced higher level of specific antibodies, so that, there was a significant difference with 3M2e group (p<0.05). Anti-M2 antibodies mostly consisted of IgG2a subclass which considered as activity index of TH1 Cells. Moreover, this group showed enhanced protection against wild-type virus (survival rate=60%).
Conclusion: Applying Alum-CpG as a complex adjuvant may play a crucial role in integrating innate and acquisitive immunity. We increased density of M2e in combination with complex adjuvant and showed that this vaccine induced power immune responses and semi-protected mice against lethal challenge.
Abolfazl Ahani, Mohammadmehdi Hassanzadeh-Taheri, Mehran Hosseini, Mohammad Hassanpour-Fard,
Volume 20, Issue 8 (11-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The rhizome of Iris songarica Scherenk has been prescribed as anodyne in Persian traditional medicine system. However, its effects have never been investigated experimentally. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of alcoholic extract of Iris songarica Scherenk rhizome in mice.
Material and Methods: In this experimental study, adult male balb/c mice were used. 40 animals were allocated into five equal groups (control, morphine 5mg/kg, the extracts at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg.kg) and tested for antinociceptive evaluation via using hot-plate in 30,60 and 120 minutes after the investigations. Also, the other 36 mice were divided into six equal groups (no-inflammation control, inflammation model, dexamethasone 4 mg/kg and the extracts at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg.kg) and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in xylene induced inflammation model. All the investigations were done via intraperitoneal injection. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS.
Results: Compared to the control group, the extract at the all doses could increase latency time in hot plate test at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after investigation (p<0.05).This potential was comparable to morphine in the high doses or long time. In addition, the extracts at the all doses exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity which was comparable to dexamethasone (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The results of present study clearly showed that Iris songarica Scherenk rhizome has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in mice.
Zohreh Karimi Taheri, Mohammad Hosein Aarabi, Ali Nazari Alam, Majid Nejati, Mohammad Shayestehpour, Hamid Reza Gilasi, Afshin Salehi, Mohammad Esmaeil Shahaboddin,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (April & May 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite the anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties of licorice extract and lavender essential oil, some factors, such as low bioavailability and biodegradable, limit their therapeutic use. Using nanoparticles is a method to overcome these restrictions. This study aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil on cancer cells; we also evaluated its antimicrobial properties in vitro.
Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, nanoemulsions, containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil were developed by the spontaneous emulsion method. The anti-proliferative effect of nanoemulsion was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric method on two cell lines HepG2 and SK-MEL-3. To measure the antimicrobial effect of 4 standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method was used.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.KAUMS.MEDNT.REC.1396.106).
Results: The results of MTT test on HepG2 cells indicated that the concentrations of 630, 1250, and 2500 μg/mL nanoemulsions caused toxicity to the cell and led to the death of >50% of the cells (IC50=401μg/mL; P<0.05). Evaluating SK-MEL3 cells revealed that except for 75 μg of nanoemulsion, other concentrations induced death in >50% of the cells (IC50 = 82 μg/mL; P<0.05). In addition, nanoemulsions, with antimicrobial properties, were studied in 4 strains of bacteria; the highest antimicrobial properties were observed in Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Conclusion: Nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil presents antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects on the two cell lines studied. The current study results indicated that the nano emulsification of lavender essential oil and licorice extract can enhance their biological impact; thus, they can be used as a drug formulation.
Zeynab Beiranvand, Mahbobeh Sajadi, Majid Taheri, Soheila Shamsikhani,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (April & May- 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Moral stress happens when a person makes a moral decision but cannot accomplish it, mainly due to internal and external organizational limitations. Problem-solving skills training as one of the principles of stress management may be effective in controlling nurses’ moral stress. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of problem-solving skills training on the moral stress of novice nurses.
Methods & Materials This study was a clinical trial performed on 70 novice nurses working in Shohaday Khorramabad Hospital, Khorramabad City, Iran. The samples were selected by convenience sampling and randomly divided into intervention (n=36) and control (n=35) groups. The study data were collected by demographic questionnaire and Corley’s moral distress scale. Before the intervention, participants of both groups completed those questionnaires. Then for the intervention group, a problem-solving skills workshop was held in six 2-hour sessions. After training, the Corley moral distress scale was completed again by participants of both groups. Finally, the data were analyzed by the Chi-square test, paired, and independent t tests in SPSS software v. 16.
Ethical Considerations This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences with the ethical code IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.449. Informed consent was taken from all participants, and they were assured of keeping their information confidential.
Results In this study, most participants were around 25 years old. Also, 98.5% had Bachler’s degrees, and 1.5% had Master’s degrees. The study results showed that the mean of moral distress in the intervention was significantly different from before the intervention (P<0.05).
Conclusion This study showed that applying problem-solving skills has a significant effect in decreasing the moral distress of novice nurses in the clinical setting.
Zahra Zohre Vandi, Narges Babakhani, Afsaneh Taheri,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment-based therapy on the lifestyle of improving the health and emotional distress of women undergoing infertility treatment with the in vitro fertilization (IVF) method.
Methods: The method of this study was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a follow-up stage. The statistical population of the study included women undergoing infertility treatment with the IVF method referring to the infertility center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran in the first six months of 2012. In this research, 27 women undergoing infertility treatment with IVF method were selected by voluntary sampling method and replaced by random method in test and control groups. The experimental group underwent acceptance and commitment therapy (10 sessions) for two and a half months. A health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire (HPLP) and an emotional distress questionnaire (Lavibond and Lavibond, 1995) were used as research tools. The data were analyzed using a mixed analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test.
Results: It showed that the treatment based on acceptance and commitment to the lifestyle level improves health (Eta = 0.56, F = 19.74) and has a significant effect on the dimensions of emotional disorders such as depression (P < 0.0001, Eta = 0.58, F = 0.58). F = 34), anxiety (P > 0001; Eta = 0.59; F = 35.69), and stress (P > 0.0001; Eta = 0.61; F = 40.12) of women undergoing infertility treatment with the IVF, and has been able to lead to increase a healthy lifestyle, reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in these individuals.
Conclusions: Acceptance and commitment therapy, utilizing six psychological acceptance processes, cognitive breakdown, self under context, interaction with the present, specified values, and committed behavior, can be used as an effective treatment to reduce emotional distress in women undergoing IVF infertility treatment.