Evaluation of the two FVIII assay types [clotting and chromogenic] for measuring FVIII activity in cryoprecipitate

In Iran, cryoprecipitate is an important plasma product for coagulation factors such as factor VIII [FVIII] to be ensured. As risk of bleeding is associated with FVIII activity, it is important to choose a suitable method for its measurement. In the present study we compared clotting and chromogenic assays on FVIII activity in cryoprecipitate. FVIII activity of cryoprecipitate from 48 donors with different blood groups was measured by clotting and chromogenic assays. Then the two assay types were compared with each other. Although the absolute values showed a significant difference, a good correlation was seen between one-stage clot-based and chromogenic assays for measuring FVIII activity in cryo. Although the one-stage clotting assay is a suitable method for measuring FVIII activity, the chromogenic assay has a good correlation with clotting based assay. Also a significant difference was seen between the two methods

[Application of an integrative approach to identify determinants of junk food consumption among female adolescents]

The increasing consumption of junk foods by adolescents is associated with adverse health consequences. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of unhealthy snack consumption among female adolescents using an integrative method based on the theory of planned behavior. The sample included 90 female adolescents aged 12-15 years, from 2 guidance schools in Tehran, selected by systematic sampling. In the qualitative phase of the study, which was of a phenomenology type, the data were collected through 9 focus group discussions. After obtaining parental consent, in each discussion session a moderator followed a topic outline developed based on the theory of planned behavior [TPB]. Data analysis was done using the framework method. The quantitative phase consisted of a cross-sectional study on 790 female adolescents aged 12-15 years old from 10 schools, selected using a randomized stratified cluster sampling method. Data on social cognition [based on TPB] and food consumption [using a 48-item food frequency questionnaire] were collected and analyzed using the multiple regression method. In both phases of the study there was a broad range of factors, some of them contradicting each other, influencing selection of snacks by the adolescents. Taste was identified as the most important factor influencing their attitude towards junk foods consumption. The major predictors of behavior of the adolescents were found to be easy access to junk foods, personal taste preferences, peer pressure, media advertisements, and low price of unhealthy snacks [p<0.05]. The most influential individuals in snack choice, based on the qualitative phase findings, were peers, while quantitative findings identified parents as the most influential. Applying an integrative approach provided a comprehensive insight into the underlying factors of junk food consumption by adolescents. Intervention programs with due consideration of these factors can help reduce unhealthy snack food consumption in this vulnerable group

Effect of various levels of probiotic on morphology of intestinal mucosa in brioler chicks

To Investigate the effect of probiotic on morphology of small intestine in roosters. Factoriel 4 x 6 in completely randomized design. 240 male broilers of Ross commecial hybrid designated into 4 groups [N= 60 chicks]. Experimental groups were fed diet with different levels of probiotic [Bioplus 2B] from day 1-42.Treatment were done with just diet [basal or 0%] and with increasing percentages of probiotic [0.05, 0.01 and 0.15%].Different segments of small intestine [1,10, 30,50, 70 and 90% of total length] were extracted from each group [n=5] and analyzed for villus indices [hight [H], width [W], H/W ratio], depth of cripts and villus types [tongue shape, leaf shape, finger like, bridge from, ridged and convoluted] were recorded. Data were analyzed through ANOVA by MSTATC and means of different villus parameters were compared by Duncans Multiple test. While intake of varius levels of probiotic significantly increased villus height in the first part of small intestine above basal levels [P<0.05], its width had any change. H/W ratio was not affected by the probiotic intake. Despite an apparent increase of crypt depth in the first and last segments of small intestine [P<0.05] probiotic intake did not change it in the mid portion of the intestine. Percentage of different types of villi were not affected by consumption of probiotic. Administration of probiotic in poultry diets increases villus height of the first segment and crypt depth in the first and last parts of small intestine. These data suggest that probiotic administration providing increased food digestion and absorption in chickens