Study of Zinc in Cirrhosis of Liver.

73 liver cirrhosis patients have been selected. Serum zinc and albumin levels were estimated in them in comparison to controls. Significant decrease in zinc and albumin levels were observed in liver cirrhosis patients. This work is an attempt to understand the important role that the zinc plays in the pathogenesis and therapy of liver cirrhosis and the role of albumin in zinc transport.

Dialysis adequacy and kidney disease outcomes quality initiative goals achievement in an Iranian hemodialysis population

We conducted this study to measure hemodialysis adequacy and determine to what extent some Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative [KDOQI] goals are achieved in our patients. In a cross-sectional study in Pars province, Iran, we assessed 632 patients on hemodialysis in 15 dialysis centers. The Kt/V was calculated, and data on serum levels of albumin, cholesterol, and triglyceride, hemoglobin level, blood pressure, body weight, and body mass index were collected. The values were compared with the KDOQI recommended target values. The mean age of the patients was 54.36 +/- 16.34 years. The mean Kt/V was 0.97 +/- 0.42, which was significantly higher in those who received 3 dialysis sessions per week than those on 2 dialysis sessions per week [P = .03]. Only 32.1% of all patients achieved the Kt/V goal. Seventy-four percent of the patients had a serum albumin equal or greater than 4 g/dL. Hemoglobin levels were between 4.6 g/dL and 16.8 g/dL, and half of the patients had attainment of the hemoglobin target. Cholesterol target was reached in 40% of patients. Only 43 patients [6.8%] attained all targets recommended by the KDOQI guidelines. The target values, except for serum albumin, were not reached in our patients. We conclude that it is necessary to provide essential equipment of dialysis centers such as dialysis machine and trained staffs, and also to raise awareness of KDOQI goals among patients and physicians

Effect of some antioxidants on acrosin amidase activity of chilled stallion spermatozoa

The effect of some antioxidants on acrosin amidase activity of chilled stallion spermatozoa was investigated in this study. Nine ejaculates were collected from six Arabian horses. A comparison between four antioxidants namely, sodium pyruvate [0.5 mg/ml], sodium thiosulfate [STS, 1.0 mg/ml], bovine serum albumin [BSA, 5.0 mg/ ml], zinc chloride [0.15 mg/ml] and a mixture of them was studied in a chemically-defined stallion semen extender [Tris-egg yolk] at 5°C. The comparison was based on sperm viability, acrosin amidase activity and changes in the levels of extra-cellular alanine aminotransferase [ALT]. Results of the present experiments revealed that sodium pyruvate and the mixture of antioxidants were most effective for improving viability and acrosin amidase activity of stallion spermatozoa. Low values of ALT in the extracellular medium were coincided with high values of acrosin amidase activity of equine stallion spermatozoa during storage at 5°C

Changes in and correlations between some serum constituents and milk components from early to late lactation in a dairy herd with subclinical production disorders

Changes in some serum constituents and milk components and correlations between them, were used for defining the reason [s] of suboptimal milk composition in a dairy herd with a history of low protein tests during summers. Four groups of 8 adult Holsteins, 20-70, 70-110, 110-150 and 150-210 days in milk [DIM], under heat stress, with similar feeding and management practices were sampled for blood and milk four times on a 10 day interval. Milk volume, percentages of milk fat and protein and levels of serum glucose, total protein, albumin and BUN were determined. Milk volume decreased as DIM increased [P<0.05]. Milk fat showed normal changes, but milk protein was similarly low in all groups [P>0.05], showing probable shortages in energy and/or protein intake. Serum parameters showed no significant differences among groups [P>0.05]. Weak positive correlations were found between serum total protein and milk components after 150 DIM [maximum correlation with milk fat, r = 0.61]. It is concluded that shortage in intake of energy and/or protein, which may result in lowered milk protein, may not be differentiated by measuring serum glucose, total protein, albumin and BUN and milk components. More detailed experiments on serum and milk are necessary for defining the problem properly