estimation of ruminal protein degradation parameters of various feeds using in vitro modified gas production technique

This study was conducted to determine in vitro crude protein degradation [IVDP] parameters and effective crude protein degradability [EPD] of various feeds using the modified in vitro gas production [GP] technique. Feed samples were alfalfa hay, soybean meal, soybean, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal and fish meal. Rumen fluid was collected before the morning feeding from four rumen fistulated lambs [49.4 +/- 3.5 kg, body weight]. Approximately 90 ml of buffered rumen fluid [BRF], 400 mg of feed samples and carbohydrates [maltose, xylose and starch] at four concentrations [100, 200, 300, and 400 mg] were added to screw-cap bottles. Gas production [ml] and ammonia nitrogen concentration [mg] in each bottle were measured at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 30 h post incubation and IVDP was calculated via estimated intercept of linear regression between GP [as main variable, X] and ammonia nitrogen [as dependent variable, Y] using the linear regression procedure. Feed, time and feed x time interaction had significant effect on IVDP [P<0.001]. Estimated EPD values at the outflow rate of 0.06/h for alfalfa hay, soybean meal, soybean, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal and fish meal were 0.56, 0.77, 0.59, 0.45, 0.50 and 0.38, respectively

[ case report of a Down syndrome associated with thumb duplication]

Some major orthopedics characteristics and abnormalities of Down syndrome [DS] include hypotonia and limbs abnormalities including the short and wide hands with shortened metacarpus and digits, hypoplasia of middle phalanx of the fifth finger and simian crease. We report an 8 year-old male case of DS associated with thumb duplication is presented to our Pediatrics Clinic. He was referred to our clinic for enuresis and encopresis and with left thumb duplication. To our knowledge, this is the first case of DS to be reported from Iran associated with thumb duplication

[ effect of different levels of vitamin E on humoral immunity, and performance in broiler chicks]

Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties and has been shown to modulate immune system in various species. An experiment with 240 one-day old Ross 308 male broilers was conducted to investigate the effects of 4 different levels of vitamin E [0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg] on performance and response of humoral immunity. Chicks at age of 15, 30 and 45 days were injected I.M. with 0.2ml of a 5% saline suspension of sheep red blood cell [SRBC]. Blood samples were collected from each bird at 7 and 14 days of the second and third challenge. Afterwards, the 2-mercaptoethanol sensitive [2MES, presumably IgM] and 2-mercaptoethanol resistant [2MER, presumably IgG], Anti-SRBC antibody titers were determined using a microheamagglutination technique. Then chicks were slaughtered and their bursa of fabricius and spleens were weighted. The results of this study suggested that vitamin E has no significant effect on performance of broiler chicks such as body weight, feed intake and feed efficiency. There was a significant difference on total anti-SRBC-titter, 2-mercaptoethanol sensitive antibody titer [2-ME sensitive], anti-New Castle disease virus titter [NDV] in group which was given 40 mg/ kg supplemented vitamin E compared to the control group [p<0.005]. 2-mercaptoethanol resistant antibody titter [2-Me resistant] and lymphatic organs [bursa of fabricius and spleen] weight were not under the effect of diet. Furthermore significant difference wasn't observed between treatments. These results indicated that supplementation of vitamin E increases humoral immune responses

[Effects of different dietary levels of selenium on metabolic parameters and humoral immunity in broiler chickens]

Selenium is an essential trace mineral and has a profound impact on immune function, health and productive performance. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary selenium in different levels on performance and humoral immunity in broiler chicks. Male broiler chicks [Arbor Acres, 1-d old, n=225] were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups of 5 replicates each including 15 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design arrangement. Chicks were offered three levels of selenium including: basal diet [no supplemental dietary selenium], diets containing selenium as recommended by NRC [0.15 mg/kg diet] and 0.3 mg/Kg diet. Birds in each pen were injected with 0.2 mL of 5% sheep red blood cell [SRBC] solution at days 21 and 35 via intrapectoral injection. Blood collection was done at 7 and 14 days later and total IgY and blood metabolites were determined. Addition of selenium to diets did not make significant difference in daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio [FCR]. Selenium supplementation to diets resulted in significant effect on blood cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDLC-C] [p<0.05]. It had no effect on triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol [VLDL-C]. Diets with 0.3 mg selenium increased total IgY titer and gammaglobulins 7 days after secondary injection [p<0.01]. Different levels of selenium did not make significant effect on performance and weight of spleen and bursa. These results indicated that selenium at higher levels can improve humoral immunity and blood biochemical parameters

Clinical and paraclinical outcomes of gik solution in st segment elevation myocardial infarction [stemi] patients: a randomized clinical trial

Background and Purpose: Some researchers believe that the treatment with glucose-insulin-potassium [GIK] in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] can reduce the mortality rate. Others, however, contradict this view. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the clinical and paraclinical effects of GIK in STEMI patients

Methods: This triple blind clinical trial was conducted from September 2008 to July 2009 on 72 STEMI patients in the CCU of Vasei Hospital in Sabzevar, Iran. They were assigned through block randomization into standard care or additional GIK infusion [25% glucose, 50 IU of soluble insulin per liter, and 80 mmol of potassium chloride per liter at 1.5 ml/kg/hour]. They were assessed for the number of MACEs [death, reinfarction and serious arrhythmias], plasma concentrations of cardiac enzymes [CK, CK-MB], and left ventricular ejection fraction. The statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS 11.5 using Fisher's exact test, ttest and repeated measurement. P< 0.05 was considered as the basis of significance

Results: MACE rate was 30.3% for GIK and 25.6% for control patients [p=0.66]. There was no significant difference in plasma concentrations of cardiac enzymes between GIK and control patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 39% for GIK and 41% for control patients [p=0.34]

Conclusion: In patients with STEMI treated with streptokinase, GIK therapy offers no clinical and paraclinical effects

[Comparison of physical feed restriction methods during rearing on broiler breeder performance [growth and metabolic parameters]]

To compare the effects of four physical feed restriction methods during rearing broiler breeder on growth, metabolic status and blood indices of stress. A 4x2 factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design. On hundred and sixty pullets and 160 roosters of broiler breeder. The pullets and roosters were housed in pens and consumed the same amount of feed in both treatments. The effects of feed restriction methods [every day, six days a week, five days a week and skip-a-day] during 3 to 22 weeks of age on body weight, uniformity [coefficient variation], feed efficiency, serum biochemical parameters [glucose, triglyceride, total protein, cholesterol and uric acid] blood indices of stress [such as heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and basophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts] were determint. Analysis of variance [ANOVA]. While in the skip-a-day method the body weight and the feed efficiency were lower, the plasma cholesterol [P<0/05] and heterophil: lymphocyte ratio were higher in females. Because of higher body weight uniformity in five days a week and six days a week methods, these methods can be recommended

effect of the feed deprivation periods on total immunuglobolins production and lymphocytes percentage in pullets and cockerels of broiler breeder

The aim of the present study was to compare different periods of feed deprivation [day number of starvation in four physical feed restriction programs] on total immunuglobulins and lymphocytes percentage in pullets and cockerels of broiler breeder. A 4X2 factorial experiment based on a completely random design. 160 pullets and 160 cockerels of broiler breeder. Feed intake content weekly was the same for all feed restriction programs and daily feed content according to feed restriction program. During 3 to 20 weeks, chicks were treated with feed restriction programs including daily [without starvation], five days a week, six days a week and skip-a-day. Total immunuglobolins content was determined in the 16

h week and 21

t week and lymphocytes percentage was determined in the end of the breeder period. Analysis of variance and mean comparison was conducted. The period of feed deprivation in week had no significant effect on lymphocytes percentage. In the 16

h week, total immunuglobulins content significantly increased in birds with the highest period of feed deprivation in week [skip-a-day program], in comparison with other treatments. Results of the experiments showed that feed restriction can enhance total immunuglobulins in birds but there is not an evident trend in relation with the feed deprivation period in the feed restriction programs and total immunuglobulins

Evaluation of cardiovascular and lipid profile abnormalities in obese childern and adolescents

The prevalence of childhood obesity has risen dramatically in past several decades. Hormonal and genetic factor are rarely the cause of childhood obesity. Because obese children may suffer life long physical and emotional consequences, this imperative to discuss prevention with parents during well- child examinations. The obesity-related cardiovascular and lipid profiles are determined in obese children and adolescents living in Mashahd, Northeast of Iran. Fifty two obese individuals, with mean age 10.46 +/- 1.25 yrs-old and associated body mass index [BMI] over 95 percentile for their age and sex and twenty healthy none obese individuals as control group with mean age 10.68 +/- 1.33 yrs-old with normal BMI for that age and sex participated in the study. Left ventricular [LV] mass, using Two-D and M-mode echocardiography, blood pressure and lipid profiles [total cholesterol, HDL-LDL and triglycerides] of all participants were obtained. In obese group the mean value of LV-mass was 53.78 +/- 9.68g, body mass index was 28 +/- 3.7 g/m2, total cholesterol was 203.38 +/- 30.20 mg/dl, HDL was 49.35 +/- 8.9mg/dl, LDL was 127.9 +/- 24.32mg/dl and triglycerides was 138 +/- 66 mg/dl. In control subjects the mean LV-mass was 25.5 +/- 4.8 g and Lipid profiles were in their normal limits. Both the mean of LV-mass and the frequency of dyslipidemia are increased in obese children and adolescents. Therefore, in obese children and adolescents, their evaluation should be considered as a routine approach for the prediction of middle-age-cardiovascular diseases

Wolfram Syndrome: report of five cases and review of literature

To report five cases of Wolfram syndrome, an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease with Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy, and Deafness[DIDMOAD syndrome]. All of the five patients had diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy. Four patients had hearing loss. In spite of persistence of polyuria and polydipsia, diabetes insipidus had been previously detected in only one patient and its presence was discovered after the diagnosis of the syndrome in the other three. Two brothers had open angle glaucoma. Although Wolfram syndrome is rare, it should be considered in all insulin-dependent diabetics in whom polyuria and polydipsia persists despite adequate control of blood sugar. It should also be considered in familial cases of diabetes mellitus type I. Presence of optic atrophy is a helpful sign for diagnosis. Fundoscopy is crucial for early diagnosis. With early management of diabetes insipidus, late urologic complications may be prevented. Quality of life may be improved with visual and hearing aids

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia [CAH] is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by any of the enzymatic steps requied to synthesize adrenal hormones. Depending on the enzymatic step that is deficient, there may be clinical and laboratory finding. The aim was to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical finding of CAH. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of 68 patients with CAH who were managed in the pediatric Endocrinology unit of Imam Reza Hospital during 7 years were recorded in this study; the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of congenital adrenal hyperplasia were evaluated in 68 patients admitted Imam Reza Hospital in Mashed, also one patient has been followed in endocrine and metabolism pediatric clinic in this time, during 6 years retrospectively and I year prospectively. Parental consanguinity rate among families of patients was higher than the general population in Mashad [73.8% vs 30%]. In 44.6% of patients the history of disease were positive in sibling. 52.2% of patients were males and 47.8% females. 21- Hydroxylase deficiency was present in 60 patients [88.2%], salt - losing form in 40 [66.7%] and simple virilizing form in 20 [33.3%] of them. 11- beta hydroxylase deficiency was present is [10.3%]. Also one case of 3- beta OHSD was reported. The median chronological age at diagnsis in sall- losing form were 75 and 85 days in boys and girls; in simple virilizing form were 46 and 43 months in boys and girls. 14 of girls were considered to be male before diagnosis was established. This study underscores the necessity for prospective neonatal screening, so that the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment can be realized. In addition the incidence of CAH is expected to be high due to a high rate of consanguinity in our population, here genetic counseling before marriage is beneficial in our population

[Primary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in noonan syndrome]

The term "Noonan syndrome" has been applied to males and females who have certain phenotypic features that occur also in turner syndrome, but these boys and girls have normal karyotypes. The disorder is usually sporadic, but affected siblings of the same and different genders have been reported. The most common abnormalities are short stature, webbing of the neck, pectus carinatum or pectus excavatum, cubitus valgus, and congenital heart disease. We describe a case of Noonan Syndrome that admited in hospital with initial diagnosis of Turner syndrome and referred for routine evaluation of cardiovascular abnormalities. Physical examination, electrocardiogram and chest x-ray and echocardiographic finding confirmed severe nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. After chromosomal analysis that revealed normal 46xx karyotype diagnosis of Noonan syndrome have been done. We concluded that Noonan syndrome should be considered in differntial diagnosis short statue in girls with Turner features

Severe photophobia in a teenager with APECED syndrome

Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy [APECED] syndrome is a rare, but well-known cause of chronic keratoconjunctivitis with early onset. Patient: A 15 year-old boy with APECED syndrome, who was referred to our hospital because of intense photophobia and blepharospasm. On clinical examination the patient had severe keratitis accompanied by iridocyclitis. The patient showed dramatic response to topical corticosteroids and cycloplegics. Chronic bilateral keratitis is an ocular manifestation of APECED. When an ophthalmologist is confronted with a young child or adolescent and bilateral chronic keratitis with symptoms of intense photophobia, blepharospasm, lacrimation and either with mucocutaneous candidiasis or hypoparathyroidism, APECED is a disease of consideration and appropriate investigation should be done

Evalution of lipids level and its relation to HbA1C in diabetic children

Type 1 diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder of childhood. This disease is followed by a variety of biopsycho- social consequences of which cardiovascular diseases are considered to be the most significant cause of mortality among them. This is due to atherosclerosis, and dyslipidemia plays an important role as a risk factor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the need for early screening of patients for dyslipidemia. In a descriptive and cross-sectional study we assessed a sample of 51 randomly selected patients, with a mean age of 13.47 +/- [2.6] years, ranged from 5 to 19 years, referred to Khorasan Center of Diabetes Research. We determined lipoproteins with biochemical methods and Hemoglobin A1C [HbA1C] with chromatography as well. Finally, the data was analyzed by SPSS. The mean levels +/- ISD of triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low density lipoproteins [LDL], high density lipoproteins [HDL], and HbA1C were 97 +/- 55.4, 180.8 +/- 44.1, 113.3 +/- 32.6, 48.4 +/- 10 mg /dl and 8.1% +/- 1.8 respectively. In poorly controlled patients [HbA1C>9], the mean level of TG, TC, LDL, HDL was 123.6 +/- 5.80, 199.40+61.78, 129.20 +/- 44.66 and 50.93+9.61, and in the second group [HbA1C

Turner syndrome: Cardiovascular abnormalities and correlation with clinical phenotype and karyotype

Turner Syndrome [TS] is the most common sex chromosomal abnormality. Patients [Pts] with TS are known to have higher incidence of congenital heart disease [CHD] than the general population. No studies have reported echocardiographic data according to the phenotype and chromosomal pattern in our country. The aim of our study was to assess an institutional experience. During 1995 to 2002, 37 unselected Pts with TS underwent cardiologic evaluation at the Imam-Reza Hospital. Karyotype distribution was: 45,X [65%], X-structural abnormalities [30%] and X-mosaism [5%].The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 12.81 +/- 4.48 years. The prevalence of CHD was 21%. Coarctation of Aorta [CoA] was the most prevalent CHD. [Absolute and relative risk was 16% and 75% respectively] The Pts with 45, X karyotype had the greatest prevalence of CHD, and the PTS with X-mosaism showed no signs of CHD. The PTS with severe dysmorphic signs had 45, X karyotype and showed a significant higer relative risk of cardiac malformations. There is an absolute higher prevalence of CHD in Pts with TS. An accurate, periodic cardiologic evaluation is necessary in all Pts with TS.

[Clinical evaluation and results of therapy with Na-levothyroxin in 43 children with hashimoto thyroiditis]

Introduction: Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism in children and adolescents. In this study, 43 children with Hashimoto thyroiditis were selected randomly Pediatric Endocrinology patients of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of either TPOAb>75 IU/ml or TGBA> 150 IU/ml. The patients were divided into two groups of hypothyroid [26] or euthyroid [17]. Both groups were treated by levothyroxin for 20 months and then were followed up for 11 months without any drugs

Results: Weight and Height in both groups were appropriate with standard chart at first and in the end of study. Significant decreasing in goiter size was noted in 95% of hypothyroid and 75% of euthyroid patients; 100% of hypothyroid patients became euthyroid. Relapse and re-enlargment of the thyroid gland were noted in some of the patients from both groups. Cold nodules, IDDM and familial pattern were seen in some patients

Conclusion: According to our study, the administration of levothyroxin is recommended for patients suffering from Hashimoto thyroiditis in either hypothyroid or euthyroid group with large goiter. In euthyroid patients with small goiter, periodic regular follow up is recommended for the possibility of hypothyroidism occurrence

[ cace report of rud syndrome and rickets]

Rud syndrome consists of mental retardation, epilepsy, ichthyosis, dentition and skeleton defect. We report a case of Rud syndrome that have clinical, radiological and biochemical characteristics of rickets. Alteration in epidermal cholesterol metabolism, limited sun exposure or associated defects may explain this condition. All such patients need life - long rickets prophylaxis with vitamin D supplements 400 IU/day, a dietary intake alone cannot be relied upon

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia in north-east of Iran: a review of 47 patients and the role parental consanguinity in the occurrence of disease.

In this study the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of congenital adrenal hyperplasia were evaluated prospectively in 47 patients admitted in Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad during a 4 year period. 21-hydroxylase deficiency was present in 42 patients [89.3%], the simple virilizing form in 6 and the salt-losing form in 36 of them. 11b-hydroxylase deficiency was present in 5 patients [10.7%]. The median chronological age at diagnosis in the salt-losing form was 68 and 47 days in boys and girls respectively. 7 girls were considered to be male before the diagnosis was established. Parental consanguinity rate among families of patients was higher than the general population in Mashhad [82% vs. 35%]. In 16.2% of patients the history of disease was positive in siblings. This study showed that the incidence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is expected to be high due to a high rate of consanguinity in our population, hence genetic counseling before marriage would definitely be beneficial in our population