Study on serum glucose, insulin, NEFA, BHBA and lipid profile in different productive status of high producing Holstein dairy cows

BACKGROUND: Metabolic profiles have been used in efforts to predict pre parturient problems and fertility, to diagnose metabolic diseases, and to assess nutritional status in dairy cows. These profiles may help to confirm the diagnosis of sub clinical diseases, to be aware of possible causes of infertility in the herds, or to monitor improvement in herd animals.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated changes in the metabolic profile of high producing Holstein dairy cows from early lactation to close-up dry periods. The results of the current research can provide useful guidelines for management strategies during different physiological phases of high producing Holstein dairy cows.

METHODS: Twenty five multiparous high producing Holstein dairy cows were selected from a high producing industrial dairy farm. Cattle were divided into 5 equal groups of early, mid and late lactation and far-off and close-up dry cows. Blood samples were collected from all cows and sera were separated to evaluate glucose, insulin, ß-hydroxybutyric acid [BHBA], non-esterified fatty acid [NEFA], cholesterol, triglyceride [TG], high, low and very low density lipoproteins [HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol].

RESULTS: The highest levels of insulin were detected in mid lactation and close-up dry periods. The changing patterns of BHBA and NEFA were significant and the highest levels of these biomarkers were detected in the early lactation group. The decreasing pattern of BHBA and NEFA were seen from early lactation to far-off dry cows. Significant elevations were seen in these biomarkers from far-off to close-up dry cows.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that metabolic biomarkers change in high producing Holstein dairy cows, under different physiological states. These changes are induced commonly by negative energy balance, lactogenesis and fetal growth in each state.

[Garlic pods performance as a natural sorbent for the removal of cat blue 41 dye from aqueous solution]

Nowadays, removal of pollutants from water resources is a matter of concern in environmental sciences. Colors in addition to its negative impact on the aesthetic aspects have serious chemical and biological negative effects on the environment. Considering their resistance to heat, light and chemicals, they are not disintegrated easily in the environment. So this type of pollutants must be refined before pouring into the environment. Colors are used in paper, plastics and cosmetic industries and their effluent can contaminate surface and groundwater. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of modified garlic pods in the removal of cationic blue 41 from aqueous media in batch systems. In this experimental - laboratory study- at first we prepared garlic pods. The optimum pH was determined under stable conditions. Then initial concentration of adsorbent, contact time and different concentrations of dye were assessed at optimal pH level. Using Excel software, data analysis was performed by means of regression coefficient. The results revealed that the maximum cationic dye removal occurred at neutral pH. By increasing the dye concentration elimination of the dye decreased. Also we found that the efficiency of dye removal improved by increasing contact time and adsorbent concentration. Adsorption is a highly efficient method for removal of color, odor, organic and inorganic substances from wastewaters in different industries. Garlic pod is cheap and available and can be used as an adsorbent for removal of dyes from wastewaters in the textile industries

[Effects of probiotic and calcium butyrate on production performance, egg quality, blood parameters and immune response in laying hens]

The effects of probiotic and calcium butyrate [Ca-butyrate] as feed additives on performance and immune response have been shown in laying hens. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different levels of probiotic and Ca-butyrate on performance, egg quality, blood parameters and immune response in laying hens. Two hundred and eighty eight Hy-Line W-36 hens [62 to 70 wks of age] were used in a 2×3 factorial arrangement with three levels of probiotic [0, 0.07 and 0.01 percent] and two levels of Ca-butyrate [0 and 0.1 percent] in a completely randomized design of 6 treatments and 8 replicates. The results showed that feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, shape index, yolk index, haugh unit, egg weight and specific gravity were not affected by probiotic and Ca-butyrate. While egg weight and egg mass were significantly [p<0.05] increased using probiotic compared with the control diet, such an effect was not observed due to Ca-butyrate addition. However, shell thickness showed significant increase [p<0.05] in response to Ca-butyrate. The interaction between different levels of probiotic and Ca-butyrate was only significant for feed conversion ratio [p<0.05]. Antibody titer against sheep red blood cell [SRBC] was not affected [p>0.05] by experimental treatments. The concentration of serum albumin was significantly increased [p<0.05] by adding probiotic and Ca-butyrate to feed. Furthermore, significant increase [p<0.05] in total serum protein was pronounced in response to probiotic and Ca-butyrate. However, other serum metabolites [total calcium, triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations] were not affected by treatments. The relative percentage of heterophiles and heterophiles to lymphocytes ratio were significantly decreased [p<0.05] using probiotic. Dietary probiotic and Ca-butyrate can be considered as additives to improve immune responses in laying hens

Psychomotor delay, a possible rare presentation of moyamoya disease

Moyamoya disease is a rare, chronic cerebrovascular occlusive disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by progressive stenosis of the arteries of the circle of Willis leading to ischemic strokes in young people and cerebral hemorrhage, which is more frequent in adults. Secondarily, an abnormal network of fine collateral vessels arises at the base of the brain. The term moyamoya refers to the angiographic appearance of the cerebral vasculature. We present such a disease in an 18-month-old Iranian girl with global developmental delay, which is a very rare presentation of moyamoya disease. She was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and magnetic resonance angiography [MRA]

[Comparison of efficiency of photochemical and sonochemical processes combined with hydrogen peroxide in removal of direct blue 71 [DB71] from aqueous solution: a kinetic study]

One of the important sources of environmental pollution existing in different industrial wastewater, including loom wastewater are dyes which are harmful for human health and environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of photochemical and sonochemical processes combined with hydrogen peroxide in removal of DB71 from aqueous solution. This study was experimental - laboratory study. At first, a reactor was designed and made. Then, optimum pH was determined which was 7 for photochemical and 3 for sonochemical process in constant condition. The effects of initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide, DB71 and contact time were studied at the constant optimum pH. Then data were interpreted and analyzed by use of Excel software and regression coefficient. The results of this study showed that with increased initial concentration of DB71, its removal decreased. But removal efficiency of DB71 increased by increasing contact time and initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, kinetic parameters were obtained by application of first-order [Langmuir-Hinshelwood] equations. The results showed that UV/ H[2] O[2] and US/ H[2]O[2] processes can be effective in the removal of DB71 from aqueous solutions. Considering dye removal efficiency and availability, photochemical process combined with hydrogen peroxide can be recommended as a fast effective method for removal of dyes from aqueous solutions

[Presenting the course of community dentistry as problem based learning workshop and comparing it to learning through lecture]

Nowadays, the attitudinal aspect of community dentistry course and the way in which this course is taught is critically important. The aim of this study is to compare the presentation of theoretical community dentistry course through workshops using PBL method with that of contemporary method of lecture. In this quasi experimental study, 64 dental students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences who took the course of community dentistry in second semester of academic year of 2006-2007 were entered into the survey through census. They were randomly allocated into two groups of experiment and control each including thirty two. The course of community dentistry was taught to control group through traditional method in 17 lecturing sessions; meanwhile this course was instructed to experiment group through problem based learning method. A questionnaire was used for gathering data. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics and Chi[2]. The improvement in attitude of PBL group was significant in contrast with that of traditional method group. In post-test, the mean score of knowledge and attitude of the group attending in workshop was higher than that of traditional group but the difference was not statistically significant. The mean score of satisfaction and transferring educational concepts was significantly higher in the group attending in workshop. Eighty one percent of the workshop attendees were satisfied with the method employed in the course. The new method of education has been successful in its achievements as forming a positive attitude in students and making them eager for community dentistry issues

Brain metastases in patients with diagnosis versus undiagnosed primary tumor

To propose a diagnostic work-up specifically tailored to the undiagnosed primary [UDP] tumor patients. To investigate the distribution of primary tumors and presenting symptoms in UDP versus diagnosed primary [DP] patients, 50 consecutive patients with diagnosis of brain metastasis in Shohada Hospital, Tehran, Iran from January 2001 to December 2005 were included in this study. Univariate analyses were performed to assess the difference of various variables between DP and UDP patients. The UDP patients represented 46% of all. Aphasia was significantly more common in the UDP group [p=0.0008] and ataxia in the DP group [p=0.04]. The source of the metastases proved to be different between the 2 groups of interest [p=0.0006]. The lung was the most frequent primary site in both groups. Among all UDP patients, a primary tumor in a location other than the lung was only found in 17% of patients. This study validated the hypothesis that the distribution of primary tumors differs between DP and UDP patients. If lung investigation fails to disclose the location of primary tumor, the patient is unlikely to benefit from extensive paraclinical investigation. In such a situation, a neurosurgical procedure should be considered the most appropriate second step to be taken

[Assessment the relationship of cagA gene with different gastroduodenal diseases in Helicobacter pylori infected patients]

The gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is introduced as an etiologic agent of gastritis and peptic ulcer and is associated with development of gastric adenocarcinoma. One of the most studied virulence marker of H. pylori is cytotoxin-associated gene A [cagA] with significant geographical heterogeneity around the world. This study was undertaken to assess the status of cagA gene of H .pylori strains infecting Iranian patients suffering from various gastrointestinal diseases and to evaluate the detection of this gene as a screening marker of high-risk patients. In this study, 180 patients [Mean age: 44 years] with upper gastrointestinal manifestations referred for endoscopy to Amir-Alam Hospital or Cancer Institute in Tehran were included. Among one hundred twenty H. pylori infected patients 81, 17 and 22 had non-ulcer dyspepsia [NUD], peptic ulcer disease [PUD], and gastric carcinoma [GC] respectively. Tissue samples were homogenized and incubation was performed up to 5 days. Identification was based on morphology under Gram staining and biochemical tests. The status of conserved region of cagA gene was determined by gene specific PCR. For statistical analysis, chi square test was used. Among the 180 of studied patients, 120 H. pylori strains were isolated. One hundred and one [84.2%] of the tested strains were positive for cagA and the remaining strains [15.8%] were negative. All of gastric cancer cases were infected with cagA -positive strains. The cagA -positive strains were significantly associated with GC as compared with NUD [p < 0.05] but this association did not gain statistical significance for other clinical outcomes. Although the possession of cagA is associated with GC when compared to NUD, due to the uniform distribution of cagA in all other disease categories detection of cagA alone can not be considered as a discriminative marker for a specific clinical outcome. Hence, the study of other virulence determinants and functional characteristics of cagA gene might be necessary for screening high risk patients

[Study of lytic phage and alkaline phosphatase on treatment of burn infections caused by Escherichia coli in mouse]

Bacteriophages are microorganisms that have been using bacterial hosts for propagation and life cycle. Some of them are called lytic bacteriophages, that lyse bacterial hosts after growth. These kinds of bacteriophages are used for treatment of bacterial infections and phage typing. Lytic bacteriophages have several advantages as a treatment against infections in contrast with antibiotics. Therapeutic effects of lytic phage isolated from natural habitates were studied against burn infection of Escherichia coli. Lytic bacteriophages were isolated from environmental resources using luria broth and overlay method. Then phages propagated using Escherichia coli as host, supernatant filtered, and after precipitation of polysaccharides used for treatment of Escherichia coli infections. For treatment experiments induced burn infections in laboratory mouse were used. Lytic bacteriophages were isolated frequently from human and sheep stools, and sewage. Phage titer isolated from sheep's stool was higher than other samples. X[2] analyses results indicate that there was significant difference in death incidence of studied groups. Based on statistical analysis using lytic bacteriophage for treatment of burn infection of Escherichia coli inhibited 80% of mouse from death. Results emphesis the potential of bacteriophages as potent antibacterial treatments

[Producer's factors and mechanisms of Manna in Iran]

Manna is a peculiar odour and a sweetish taste of the food miraculously produced in plains and forests. Ecological variation and rich Fauna and flora in Iran is caused to form the kinds of unique manna with special formula and with peculiar production mechanisms. From olden times, kinds of Manna were used in traditional medicine by sages, such as Ibn Sina. Astragal Manna, Camel,s thorn Manna, Tamarisk Manna, Oak Manna, Trehala Manna, Cotoneaster Manna, Willow Manna and Anzaroot Manna are important kinds of manna in Iran. Scientific knowledge about the kinds of manna productive species and mechanisms is necessary for Constant revenue of these unique value sources particularly for them that their origin is restricted to areas of Iran. So in the present article, we review producer,s factors and mechanisms of manna in Iran

Epidemiological study of suicide attempt in dashtestan region in 2004

Among adolescents, Suicide is the third injuries and 7[th] death causes. Considering young population and suicidal rate increasing, this study is done with the aim to determine the frequency and way of suicidal attempt according to age, sex, marriage situation, education level, etc. This is a descriptive and analytical study. Data was collected through a questionnaire containing demographic and social objects and it was analyzed by SPSS software and X[2] test. Out of 144 cases of suicidal attempt, 42 cases [29.0%] male and 102 [71.0%] were female. Most cases [52.0%] were 15-19 years and 92.0% were educated. Mean age of all cases was 22 +/- 3.7 with range of 13-49. This index for females was 22 +/- 3.4 with range of 13-44 and for males, 23 +/- 3.6 with range of 14-49 years. In this study, females were more than males in all age groups. There was significant difference between married and non-married [p<0.05]. Familial discord is the major risk factor in suicide attempt necessitate the founding of consultation centers for adolescents and youths in order to meet their needs, answer their questions and give them guidance and support. Love-related emotional problems constituted the second most important factor that threatens young people. Thus, they should be persuaded to seek professional help and encouraged to frankly express their feelings to specialist in order to appropriate guidance be provided

[Evaluation the effect of super- ovulation on implantation and fetal growth in mice]

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of super-ovulation with gonadotrophins, on implantation and fetal growth after blastocysts transfer into the mice uterine. We compared the rate of endometrial acceptance after various number of blastocyst transfer into each of the uterine's horn in mice. NMRI female mice 2-3 months' olds, were haphazardly divided into two control and experimental groups; and each was subsequently was divided into two groups, donor and recipient. All of donors and experimental recipients were super-ovulated with PMSG and hCG. 5 and 10 obtained blastocysts were then respectively transferred into left and right uterine horns of pseudo- pregnant recipients. All recipients were killed on the 14[th]. day of pregnancy and were evaluated from the rate of implantation and fetal weights. No significant statistical differences were found in the grown fetal rate in super-ovulated recipients [6.1%], as compared with control recipients [7.3%]. The grown fetal rate in the left horn of uterine were [13% in control recipients and 11.4% in super-ovulated recipients] was significantly higher than in the right horn [4.5% in control recipients and 3.5% in super- ovulated recipients]. Furthermore, no significant statistical differences were found in the rate of not grown fetuses in super-ovulated recipients [10.4%], as compared with control recipients [12.3%]. Moreover, no significant statistical differences were found in the mean weight of fetuses obtained from super ovulated- recipients as compared with that of fetuses obtained from the control recipients. No significant effect was observed with ovarian stimulation on the implantation rate and fetal growth. The capacity of uterine acceptance was decreased with added embryos

[ survey of contamination with genital mycoplasma in women with bacterial vaginalis by PCR method]

Genital mycoplasmas can cause infection of the genitourinary tract. These organisms are associated with bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, cervicitis, Nongonococcal urethritis. Spontaneous abortion, premature birth, neonatal pneumonia and meningitis, and infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of PCR method for diagnosis and identification of genital mycoplasma in culture negative samples taken from women suffering from bacterial vaginosis. 174 genital samples were taken from women suffering from bacterial vaginosis during January until December 2005. Two genital swabs were taken from each patient. One of them was cultured on the mycoplasma specific media for isolation of mycoplasma. The other swab was immersed in PBS buffer and frozen until DNA extraction. To detect the presence of mycoplasma and ureaplasma in genital DNA Samples: a 520-bp fragment of the 16S rRNA was amplified. The specific primers used for this purpose were: MGSO, UGSO, MY- ins. From 174 samples,71 samples [40.8%] were positive by culture for mycoplasma and ureaplasma. From 103 culture negative samples. According to PCR results, 14 samples [13.6%] were positive and 89 Samples [86.4%] were negative for mycoplasma and ureaplasma. This study showed that PCR method is more sensitive than culture for detection genital mycoplasma, Therefore PCR is a rapid, sensitive and easy method to detect genital mycoplasmas in urogenital swabs

Comparing effects of different heating methods in neutralising toxin botulism

Botulism toxicity, which is commonly seen after use of house or industrial conserves, is caused by the effect of clostridium neurotoxin. Different types of these neurotoxin are A to H but only A, B and E types affect human. This neurotoxin is severely fatal for human, and because of the presence of this microorganism in all around the world's soil, and growing conditions in non-aerobic environments, conserved foods are able to produce toxin in conserves. Mostly the disease after that happens has an outbreak. This neurotoxin is sensitive to heat and can be easily neutralized in doubtful foods. In this model, this toxin was inoculated to 13 various kinds of conserves and after two days was heated by different methods. Heating methods included heating by microwave, direct heat, immersing closed conserve in boiling water, and using over 140c. According to the results, microwave with 100% of power in 3 minutes, direct heat in 10-15 minutes and heating by boiling water in at least 30 minutes are able to neutralize toxin botulism; and oven method with dry heat is not a suitable method for neutralizing toxin botulism

[Recovery personnel's scientific knowledge on early postoperative complications in PACUs]

Introduction: Developing of medical sciences has depended on researches and academic attempts and its goal is patient's comfort and their health promotion. Actually continuing education is a good way to develop staffs' knowledge. This study has tried to declare educational needs of post operating room staffs

Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive analytic study carried out on recovery personnel working in Isfahan university hospitals. Researcher collected the data through questionnaires including questions investigating all domains of personnel's knowledge on patients' postoperative care and complications. The sampling was done by census sampling selecting 63 subjects of whom 3 were left out of study [total samples60]. The data were analyzed by SPSS soft ware

Results: Findings showed the mean knowledge score of early respiratory complications was 63.6 [SD =12.4]. Also the data have showed the mean knowledge score of early circulatory complications was 57.8 [SD=24.2]. The mean knowledge score of early neuropsychiatry complications was 64.7 [SD= 18.8] and the mean knowledge score of early anesthesia complications was 63.9 [SD=23.2]. There was a significant difference between mean scores by T test. [P=000]

Discussion: The findings showed that recovery personnel's knowledge scores were not in a good level. There was a significant association between the score of knowledge related to early circulation disorders [the lowest mean score] and the one related to early anesthesia disorders [the highest mean score]. There was also a significant difference between the mean scores [P=000] proving that there is no coordinating between staff's knowledge and their needs to take care of patients. Finally continuing educational programs are recommended to be carried out based on the subjects' educational needs

Continuation rate of contraceptive methods and causes of their discontinuation in Zahedan

Although significant success is obtained on birth control in recent decades, but considering limitation of financial sources to control population growth, it seems necessary to conduct more studies on quality usage of contraceptives. Aim of this study is to evaluate contraceptive continuation rate and main factors for their discontinuation in Zahedan in year of 2000. 1743 women were chosen who were using one of birth control methods: OCP, IUD, injections and Norplant from beginning of 1998. The mean age of the women was 27 +/- 6 years and mean age of their husband was 33 +/- 8 years. Average number of their children were 2.8 +/- 2, 89.6% of them were housewife and 28.7% were illiterate. Oral contraceptive was the most popular method of contraception with frequency of 71.2%, and other methods included injection 12.9%, IUD 12.7% and Norplant 3.1% respectively. Kaplan Mayer technique showed that the highest continuation rates for LD [92%], Norplant [86%], IUD [82%], injection [53%] respectively at first year. At the end of three years continuation rate was Norplant users [78%], LD users [70%], IUD [60%] and injection [44%] respectively. Common reason for discontinuation of OCP and injection was change of method and common cause of discontinuation for IUD and Norplant was side effects. Contraceptive continuation was not significantly the level of women's education and their husband's, women's job and their husband's, number of children and age of last child. Contraceptive continuation in Cox model showed a significant relation with type of contraceptives and health centers. Therefore more studies are proposed for the reasons and proper consultation with women on time of contraceptive methods and up to first six months