[ effects of hawthorn [crataegus pseudomelanocarpa] extract on trichostrongylids in infected sheep]

The use of tanniferous plants in ruminants has been documented as an alternative to anthelmintics, for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes. The objective of this study was to assess the possible impact of Crataegus pseudomelanocarpa extract on the Trichostrongylids helminthes found in sheep. Two groups of sheep were experimentally infected with 2.000 L3 of Trichostrongylids. After 4 weeks, Hawthorn Extract was diluted in 200 ml of water at 25 0C and was orally administered two times a day. The 8 remaining animals comprised as infected control group which received an equal volume of water daily during the same period of time. On the 9th day, all of the sheep were necropsied and calculations were made for individual egg excretion adult worm counts in the abomasum and small intestines sex rate [male/female]; and the fecundity rate. The results were compared using statistical test. Moreover, histological samples from the fundus and pyloric regions were taken to enumerate the number of mucosal mast cells, globule leukocytes and eosinophils. The results showed that the administration of this tanniferous plant was associated with a significant decrease in egg excretion [82.57%] and female fecundity [84.85%]. Pathological findings showed a greater presence of mucosal eosinophils and mast cells in the abomasums and small intestines of the control group in compare with treated sheep. However, statistical analyses did not show a significant difference between these groups. These results indicate that the administration of Crataegus pseudomelanocarpa, which has tannin extract, could be effective in the control of Trichostrongylids infected sheep

Transcutaneous feeding: the effect of massage with coconut oil on weight gaining in preterm newborns

Transcutaneous feeding is suggested for very low birth weight infants. This study evaluates the effect of massage with coconut oil on weight gaining in preterm newborns. This quasi-experimental study was conducted from Aug 2007 to Mar 2008 in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Seventy three newborns were randomly assigned to three groups. Weight of newborns was measured daily during the study in three groups: A [massage with coconut oil], B [massage only], C [control group] by a nurse who was blind to the study. There was a significant difference between three groups in weight gaining after intervention. The results of Tukey test indicated that difference between groups A and B, A and C was significant but there was not a significant difference between group B and C. Massage with coconut oil had a positive effect on weight gaining in preterm newborns

Up-flow sludge blanket filtration [USBF]: an innovative technology in activated sludge process

A new biological domestic wastewater treatment process, which has been presented these days in activated sludge modification, is Upflow Sludge Blanket Filtration [USBF]. This process is aerobic and acts by using a sludge blanket in the separator of sedimentation tank. All biological flocs and suspended solids, which are presented in the aeration basin, pass through this blanket. The performance of a single stage USBF process for treatment of domestic wastewater was studied in laboratory scale. The pilot of USBF has been made from fiberglass and the main electromechanical equipments consisted of an air compressor, a mixing device and two pumps for sludge return and wastewater injection. The wastewater samples used for the experiments were prepared synthetically to have qualitative characteristics similar to a typical domestic wastewater [COD=277 mg/l, BOD5=250 mg/l and TSS=1 mg/l]. On the average, the treatment system was capable to remove 82.2% of the BOD5 and 85.7% of COD in 6 h hydraulic retention time [HRT]. At 2 h HRT BOD and COD removal efficiencies dramatically reduced to 50% and 46.5%, respectively. Even by increasing the concentrations of pollutants to as high as 50%, the removal rates of all pollutants were remained similar to the HRT of 6 h

Comparison of neonatal complications in newborns by cesarean and vaginal delivery

Background and Purpose: Because of the uncontrolled prevalence of cesarean in Iran and its complications for mother and infant with further social and ethical consequences, this study was conducted to compare the neonatal complications in newborns by cesarean and vaginal delivery

Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional, analytical descriptive study was conducted on infants born at the maternity ward of Imamreza Hospital and Ghaem Hospital in Mashad, Iran. The sample size with the confidence interval of 95% and test power of 80% was estimated to be 770 neonates. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS 11.5 using Student t-test, Mann Whitney U and chi-square test

Results: Vaginal delivery was attempted by 344 women, and 426 women underwent elective cesarean delivery. The two delivery procedures were significantly different [p=0.002]as for the occurrence of RDS, which occurred in 31 cesarean cases [7.3%] and 12 vaginal cases [3.7%]. Also, in 14 cesarean cases [3.4%] and 24 vaginal cases [7%], asphyxia occurred. Transient tachypnea was observed to occur in 14 cesarean cases [3.3%] and 2 vaginal cases [0.6%], and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant [p=0.001]. Hospitalization in NICU was prescribed for 28 cesarean cases [6.6%] and 33 vaginal cases [10.2%], and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant [p=0.001]. Six cesarean cases [1.4%] and 48 vaginal cases [14%] experiences labor disorders, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant [p<0.001]

Conclusion: Fetal complications like RDS, gestational asphyxia and neonatal tachypnea due to cesarean were significantly higher in infants born by cesarean section than those born by vaginal delivery

Wastewater characteristics and appropriate method for wastewater management in the hospitals

Hospitals generate relatively large quantities of wastewater that may contain various potentially hazardous materials; therefore the proper management of hospital wastewater is essential. In this cross-sectional study, the quality and quantity of wastewater in the hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences [TUMS], Tehran, Iran, were studied and the suitable method for wastewater management in the hospitals was determined. Monitoring of pH, TSS, BOD5, COD and total coliforms indicated that the quality of wastewater in the hospitals was similar to domestic wastewater. The wastewater production in the hospitals was determined to be in the range of 398 to 1090 L/d/[occupied bed]. The study on wastewater treatment and disposal methods demonstrated that discharge to municipal wastewater collection system is the best alternative for wastewater management in the hospitals, but this approach is not applicable for all of the hospitals. Baharloo, Cancer Institute, Children, Farabi, Imam Khomeini, Razi, Roozbeh, Shariati and Valiasr hospitals can be connected to municipal wastewater collection system at present. It is recommended that these hospitals' wastewater be discharged to municipal wastewater collection system. Amir Alam, Bahrami, Mirza Koochak Khan and Sina hospitals will be able to discharge their wastewater into sewerage network at second phase of Tehran sewerage project [in 2010] and Arash Hospital will be able to discharge its wastewater into sewerage network at third phase of Tehran sewerage project [in 2015]. These hospitals have to select onsite separate wastewater treatment alternative

comparative study of klimek and ballard methods in determining neonatal maturity

Background and Purpose: By defining the exact time of fetus maturity, complications and side effects could be predicted and best decisions could be made. Since the present methods are complicated, time-consuming and stressful for the neonates, researchers decided to compare the simple Klimek method with the New Ballard method

Methods and Materials: This study is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional research in which 229 neonates, who were admitted to the postpartum wards in Qaem and Imam Reza Hospitals in Mashad from April through September 2005, were sampled through non-random and purpositive sampling. Qualified neonates in a single group were examined for maturity by both Klimek and New Ballard methods. The first neonate was examined by the first co-researcher with New Ballard method, and immediately examined by the second co-researcher with Klimek method. The second neonate was examined by the first co-researcher with Klimek method and then immediately by the second co-researcher with Ballard method. The examinations were done in the first 6-12 hours after birth. Analysis of data was conducted in SPSS, using Mann Whitney U and Kappa Coefficient

Results: In the present study, determination of gestational age via 2 methods [New Ballard and LMP] was not statistically different; and in 74.6% [171 cases] the same gestational age was obtained by both methods [p=0.664]. Also, determination of gestational age by Klimek method and LMP was not statistically different; and 75.9% [174 cases] the same gestational age was obtained by both methods [p=0.943]. In 51.5% [118 cases], both methods detected mature neonates [K=0.806]

Conclusion: The simple Klimek Method is completely compatible with the New Ballard and LMP methods in determining neonatal maturity

Upgrading an existing wastewater treatment plant based on an upflow anaerobic packed-bed reactor

The performance of an upflow anaerobic packed-bed reactor in the upgrading of Parkandabad [Mashhad, north east of Iran] wastewater treatment plant was studied in a pilot plant. The experiments were performed at hydraulic retention times of 6, 12, 18 and 24h based on empty reactor volume and the performance of the reactor was evaluated based on the removal of organic matter [BOD[5] and COD] and SS. The average BOD[5] and COD removal efficiencies were in the ranges of 79.0-89.3% and 75.7-87.2%, respectively, depending on HRT. The relationship between the organic loading rate and organic removal rate was linear in the loading range of 0.52-2.10kg BOD[5]/m[3].d. The average SS removal efficiencies at hydraulic retention times of 6, 12, 18 and 24h were obtained to be 82.9, 83.6, 81.2 and 87.4%, respectively. The results indicated that the reactor in combination with existing biological treatment process [completely mixed aerated lagoon] can produce a high quality effluent

effect of kangaroo care method on the pain intensity of vaccination in newborns

Pain is a complicated phenomenon that has been ignored in newborn in the past. Researchers have demonstrated that newborns feel pain completely, so they should be considered more sensitive to pain. Recent researches demonstrated that non-pharmacological interventions such as Kangaroo Care could be useful in decreasing pain in newborn. The present research was conducted to determine the effects of kangaroo care on the pain intensity of vaccination in healthy newborns. This study was a randomized case-control clinical trial. The study subjects were 60 healthy full-term newborns delivered at 22 Aban hospital, Lahijan. 60 term newborns were randomly assigned into two groups of trial and control. The trial group received 30 minutes skin to skin contact, where as the control group were wrapped in their blanket, beside their mother bed. In two groups behavioral changes of newborns were evaluated and observed 2 minutes before, during and 3 minutes after the intervention. All procedures were filmed. A Researcher assistant who was blind to the research aim, scored behavior changes by NIPS. Heart rate and oxygen saturation levels as displayed on the pulse monitor and duration of crying were recorded by stop watch. Data was analyzed using chisquare, Fisher's Exact Test, paired t-test and independent t-test. Mean pain intensity during intervention period was significantly lower in the trial than the control group [p<0.006]. Mean pain intensity in 3 minutes after intervention was significantly lower in the trial than the control group, [pc<0.021]. Also, mean duration of crying was significantly lower in the trial than the control group [p<0.001]. Kangaroo care method is a useful and cost-effective procedure. Therefore; it is recommended as a caregiving which reduces pain while doing painful procedures on newborns, who are helpless creatures

Kinetic and equilibrium studies of lead and cadmium biosorption from aqueous solutions by Sargassum SPP. Biomass

Contamination of the aqueous environment by heavy metals is a worldwide environmental problem. Biosorption of lead [11] and cadmium [II] from aqueous solutions by brown algae Sargassum spp. biomass was studied in a batch system. The heavy metals uptake was found to be rapid and reached to 88-96% of equilibrium capacity of biosorption in 15min. The pseudo second-order and saturation rate equations were found in the best fitness with the kinetic data [R2 > 0.99]. The data obtained from experiments of single-component biosorption isotherm were analyzed using the Freundlich, Langmuir, Freundlich-Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models. The Redlich-Peterson equation described the biosorption isotherm of Pb2+ and Cd2+ with high correlation coefficient [R2 > 0.99] and better than the other equations. The effect of Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ on the biosorption of Pb2+ was not significant, but the metal ions affected the biosorption of Cd2+ considerably. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum uptake capacities [q m] of Sargassum spp. for Pb2+ and Cd2+ were obtained as 1.70 and 1.02mmol/g, respectively. Although the Sargassum spp. used in this study can be classified as an efficient biosorbent