Udder edema and association with some serum biochemical measurands and dietary factors in first calving cows

The aims of this study were to determine some major biochemical alterations observed in first calving cows with udder edema during the periparturient period and to detect some associations between dietary factors and the disease. For that, the concentrations of some electrolytes [Na+, K+, Cl, Ca2+, P and Mg2+], lipid [triglycerides and cholesterol] markers and lipoproteins [HDL, LDL and VLDL] and total proteins were measured in serum samples collected from 70 first calving cows [35 with udder edema and 35 healthy ones] whereas the percentages of dry matter and crude proteins and the electrolyte [Na+, K+, Cl, Ca2+, Mg2+, P and sulphates] amounts in feed rations were determined in parallel. The total protein, the calcium and the phosphorus as well as the concentrations of lipid markers and lipoproteins [HDL and LDL] were significantly decreased in first calving cows with udder edema compared to the healthy ones and these biochemical alterations were correlated with a reduced dry matter content and an electrolyte desequilibrium mainly involving Na+ and Cl- in feed rations distributed to the cows with udder edema. To our knowledge the mechanism[s] of physiologic udder edema is uncertain and the obtained results suggest that a transient liver dysfunction [decreased total protein and LDL] probably linked to a feed ration deficient in dry matter may be involved in the aetiology of the udder edema in first calving cows

[Evaluation of urinary riboflavin levels of primary school aged children in Rafsanjan during 2004-2005]

Riboflavin deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, which has detrimental effect on physical growth of children. In the present study, the nutritional status of this vitamin and its correlation with anthropometrical indices of school aged children [year one and two] in Rafsanjan were investigated. In this descriptive study, the samples were selected using multistage random sampling, and the variables including age, gender, and their parent's education were recorded in the questionnaires which was prepared for this purpose. The weight and height of the participants were measured, and their urine samples were collected. Anthropometric indices and data were analyzed, using [Nut] sub program of EPI software version 6.0 and chi[2], t-test and Pearson correlation tests, respectively. A moderate to severe riboflavin deficiency was found in half of the participants with a higher frequency in girls [p<0.005]. Also, there was a significant difference between the mean of height for age and weight for age among boys and girls, respectively [p<0.003, p<0.045]. Based on our findings, Riboflavin deficiency is possibly a serious problem among primary school children especially in school-aged girls

Serum lipids and lipoproteins profile in clinically healthy iranian arab horse in Khouzestan

In order to determine the lipids and lipoproteins profiles in Iranian khouzestanian Arab horses, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 77 horses[47 female, 30 male] from different age groups[< 6, 7-12, 12-36, 37-60, 61-69 and > 96 months]. serum cholesterol and triglyceride were measured by enzymatic methods and lipoproteins by precipitation methods. The results were analyzed by LSD and t - test. Regardless of sex and age, the mean values of total cholesterol[TC], total triglyceride[TG], very low density lipoprotein cholesterol[VLDL-c], low density lipoprotein cholesterol[LDL-c], high density lipoprotein cholesterol[HDL-c] were 71.10 +/- 1.25, 26.05 +/- 0.64, 10.91 +/- 0.67, 22.71 +/- 3.74 and 37.61 +/- 1.24 mg/dl, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was no difference between female and male ones. However, age had a significant effect on LDL-c concentration so that its value decreased with increase in age. The present study revealed that the normal concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins in Iranian Khouzestanian Arab horses differ from the other breeds and those Arabian horses which live in the other areas. This difference may be due to the effect of breed, nutrition, various physiological and climatic conditions

Hyperhomocysteinaemia: risk of retinal vascular occlusion

To investigate the possible relationship between hyperhomocysteinaemia and retinal vascular occlusion, we measured plasma homocysteine levels in 25 patients with a history of retinal vascular occlusion in the previous 2 years and in a control group of 24. The difference in mean plasma homocysteine levels was not statistically significant. All except 5 of the cases had hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidaemia. Most of the patients had branch retinal vein occlusion associated with recent onset of occlusion. Factors such as emotional status and associated systemic disease may play a role in predisposition of retinal vascular occlusion, so more-precise studies are needed to determine the possible risk factors of hyperhomocysteinaemia in retinal vascular occlusion