Comparative expression analysis of HSP7o, HSP9o, IL-4, TNF, A777<7 and KIT-receptor G and n and between varicocele-induced and non-varicocele testes of dog

Background: This study was designed to create an experimental varicocele model by a simple surgical procedure in dog with minimum invasion and to investigate the effect of varicocele-induced infertility on the expression of six related genes [HSP90, HSP70, IL-4, TNF, KITLG and KIT receptor]

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the proximal part of the pampini-form plexus of dog testes was partially occluded without abdominal incision which was confirmed by venographic examination. To evaluate varicocele in its acute form, dogs were castrated after 15 days and testes were dissected. Histopathologic evaluation was undertaken and the relative expression of the six genes was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR]

Results: Microscopic changes showed tubule degeneration. The Johnson score was significantly decreased in the varicocele testes when compared with non-varicocele testes. Expressions of HSP90, TNF, KITLG and the KIT-receptor gene were significantly down-regulated [P=0.029,0.047,0.004 and 0.035 respectively] in varicocele-induced testes while HSP70 was upregulated [P=0.018]. IL-4 did not show differential expression [P=0.377]

Conclusion: We conclude that partial occlusion of the proximal part of the pampiniform plexus induces varicocele in the testis of dog. Differential expression of the mentioned genes may be responsible for the pathophysiology of varicocele and related subfertility

Evaluation of bone healing in canine tibial defects filled with cortical autograft, commercial-DBM, calf fetal DBM, omentum and omentum-calf fetal DBM

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of xenogenic bovine fetal demineralized bone matrix (DBM), commercial DBM, omentum, omentum-calf fetal DBM, cortical autograft and xenogenic cartilage powder on the healing of tibial defects in a dog model to determine the best material for bone healing. Seven male adult mongrel dogs, weighing 26.2 +/- 2.5 kg, were used in this study. Seven holes with a diameter of 4-mm were created and then filled with several biomaterials. Radiographs were taken postoperatively on day 1 and weeks 2, 4, 6, 8. The operated tibias were removed on the 56th postoperative day and histopathologically evaluated. On postoperative days 14, 42 and 56, the lesions of the control group were significantly inferior to those in the other group (p < 0.05). On the 28th postoperative day, the autograft group was significantly superior to the control and omentum groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, calf fetal DBM was significantly superior to the control group. There was no significant difference between the histopathological sections of all groups. Overall, the omentum and omentum-DBM groups were superior to the control group, but inferior to the autograft, commercial-DBM, calf fetal DBM and calf fetal cartilage groups.

[Sustainable universal health insurance coverage barriers in Iran: 2007]

Contribute to a better understanding of the Iranian health financing system and draw some useful clues for policy makers are the aim of the study. We interviewed a purposeful sample of 25 participants from 7 main actors in Iranian health Insurance system in late 2007. We asked about three main tasks of health financing system: revenue collection, Risk Pooling and Purchasing and used a model suggested by Guy Carrin to design the study and the framework method for the analysis. Unknown insured rate, Regressive financing and, non transparent financial flow, Fragmented system and non compulsory insurance, Nonscientific designed BP, non health oriented and expensive payment system, uncontrolled demands and defect in administrative efficiency are seven themes which explain the defects of current universal coverage in Iran. A long term systematic approach plan is required in any reform in Iran's health financing system. The plan should aim to respond the above problems systematically

Safety requirements for health electronic file; comparison between selected countries

With increasing production of health information, information technologies have been used for better management and usage of such data. This enormous increase in gathering and storing of information and widespread accessibility also concerns individuals regarding privacy and security of information. This research is concerned with this issue due to decisions on establishing individual health electronic files in Iran. During this descriptive-comparative study, security requirements of electronic health files in Iran, England and Canada were reviewed and compared. Checklist was used for data collection. Data was collected from journal papers, and books accessed through libraries and other credible online sources between 1995-2006. Security requirements regarding health electronic file such as information security systems, safety of communication and operations management, access control were established in those countries except for Iran. There is no safety and security requirements in this regard in Iran. Security and safety of health electronic file is one of the basic requirements, which lacks in Iran. Due to recent interests in establishing health electronic file in Iran by Ministry of Health and Medical Education, it is necessary that such requirements been established by responsible bodies

Tuberculous brain abscess in a child with cystic fibrosis; a case report

Tuberculous brain abscess is an extremely rare manifestation of tuberculous involvement of the central nervous system. In countries such as India where tuberculosis is fairly common, few cases of tuberculous brain abscess have been reported. The patient was an 8-year old boy presented with the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and a history of tonic and clonic convulsions since 2 years ago with normal brain CT scan. Two months ago he became febrile and complained of severe headache that often awakened him up. Diagnosis of intracranial abscess was made clinically and the patient received ceftriaxon, amikacin and clindamycine; however, 2 weeks of treatment failed to show improvement. During craniotomy multiple cystic lesions and a mass of 9x3x8cm in frontoparietal area was found. After operation the patient developed severe hepatitis with elevated enzymes and bilirubin level due to anesthesia and anti- tuberculous treatment. Drugs were discontinued but fever persisted and he started a downhill course. While hepatitis was going to resolve, restarting antituberculous drugs flared up hepatitis and 3 days later he expired because of hepatic failure. Meningitis is an entity of tuberculous infection in subjects living in countries of high burden tuberculosis, thus, it should be kept in mind for suspicious subjects