Hepatotoxicity in sheep and goats caused by experimental feeding with foxtail millet [Setaria italic]

Some species of grass cause poisoning and hepatogenous photosensitization in animals. Feeding trials were conducted in sheep and goats to evaluate the hepatotoxic effects of Setaria italica [S. italic]. Twelve indigenous male sheep and goats were used in this study. The animals were kept outdoors against prevailing climatic conditions. They were fed with S. italica freely for 50 days. Some biochemical factors associated with liver function, such as total bilirubin [TBIL], direct bilirubin [BC], aspartate amino transferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], gamma glutamyltransferase [GGT] activities, blood urea nitrogen [BUN] total protein [TP], and albumin [ALB], were measured on day 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 of the experiment. On the 50[th] day, the animals were sacrificed and necropsied, then the gall bladder and livers were removed for pathological study. Blood samples on day 0 [prior to feeding with S. italic] were set as the control group. Three sheep and 3 goats showed signs of intoxication, including facial edema, mucus hyperemia, runny nose, lacrimation, and icterus. Post-mortem examination revealed varying degrees of generalized icterus, degeneration, necrosis and cell swelling of hepatocytes, formation of acidophilic bodies, and mild hyperplasia in biliary ducts. Clinical signs, laboratory findings, and necropsy findings, support the potential of S. italica in the induction of hepatotoxicity and secondary photosensitivity in sheep and goats

Effects of vitamin C injection on some blood parameters under hyperacute heat stress in male Baluchi sheep

Heat stress can affect the health and performance of sheep. Researchers have investigated various methods to prevent the harmful effects of heat stress. In this study, injection of vitamin C on some biochemical parameters, red blood cells [RBC], hemoglobin [Hb], hematocrit [HCT] and white blood cells [WBC] in sheep under hyper acute heat stress were studied. Eight healthy male sheep in similar range of age [5 +/- 1 months] and weight [28.75 +/- 3.17 kg] were enrolled in this study. The sheep were divided into two groups. Both groups were placed in an environment with hyper-acute heat stress based on temperature-humidity index [THI].Vitamin C was injected intramuscularly on days 0, 1, 3 and 5.Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on days 0. 1, 3, 5, and 7. Glucose, cortisol, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood components were measured and evaluated. Results were analyzed using statistical software SPSS [version 16]. The results showed that vitamin C injection has a significant effect on serum cortisol, glucose, hematocrit and white blood cells [p<0.05]. Vitamin C injection has lowering effects on serum cortisol and glucose during heat stress. Mechanism for attenuating the levels of cortisol and glucose by vitamin C is not well known. However, it may be done by decrease in cortisol synthesis or degradation. Increased hematocrit provided sufficient water to cool the body through perspiration. The present study probably shows a beneficial effect of injection of vitamin C on adaptation mechanisms against of heat-stressed sheep

[Chemical quality of water entrance to dialysis machines and its comparison with AAMI and EPH standards in hospitals of Qom province, Qom, Iran]

The presence of certain chemical compounds in dialysis water which enter patients' bodies through haemodialysis can cause various problems such as acute poisoning, brain damage, osteoarthritis, Therefore, applying the standards for dialysis water is indispensible. This study was carried out to determine the chemical quality of water entrance to dialysis machines and its comparison with AAMI and EPH standards in the hospitals of Qom province. This is a descriptive-cross sectional study which was carried out on 45 samples of water entrance to dialysis machines in hospitals of Qom province. Since there were 3 hospitals in Qom having dialysis units, out of each one 15 samples were chosen as the samples of this study. The following machines were used for analysis of samples in the research: Atomic Absorption, DR4000 and Flame photometer. The gathered data were then analyzed by independent t-test [p<0.5]. The means of all measured compounds were statistically lower than standard levels and had a significant difference with standard levels. The elements and compounds such as Lead, Zinc, Potassium, Sodium, Sulphate, Nitrate, and Chloride in all the measured samples were below the standard levels, but elements such as Aluminum, Cadmium, and Fluoride were above the standard levels in 13, 6 and 9 percent of samples, respectively. The results of the study showed that in all cases the means of all the studied compounds were below the standard levels, indicating high quality dialysis water in the hospitals. However, the presence of high level of elements such as Aluminum, Cadmium, and Fluoride compared with the standard levels signifies that much should be done in examining dialysis water

[ effect of nanosilver paint on reducing fungal contamination in hospitals]

Nanosilver-based paint is a new technology with antimicrobial and antifungal characteristics. These characteristics were investigated in this study with regard to fungal contamination in hospitals. Regarding hospitalization of transplant patients and their sensitivity to hospital infections, two similar rooms were selected in nephrology ward. One of them was painted with Nanosilver paint and the other one with ordinary paint. Sampling was done via Swap Sterile and Open Plate. A total of 350 samples was obtained and colony-forming units in Open Plate and Surface Culture methods in case and control rooms were compared. Mean colony- forming units in case and control groups showed significant difference in both open plate and surface culture methods [P<0.000, P<0.001 respectively]. In studying the effect of time passing on the effectiveness of nanosilver paint, P values were 0.165 and 0.644 for open plate and surface culture methods respectively. It was found that Nanosilver paint is indeed effective in reducing both air and surface fungal contamination, but it is more effective on surface. Moreover, the passing of time had no effect on the effectiveness of the paint

[Prevalence of postpartum depression and its relation to some psychosocial factors in mothers referred to health centers of Kashan during 2007-8]

Postpartum depression is a serious problem that may have negative effects on mother and family mental health. Considering that several theories have been proposed to explain the epidemiologic and demographic factors associated with the postpartum depression, the aim of this study was to identify the factors related to postpartum depression in Kashan. In this cross-sectional study, 50% of all health centers in Kashan were randomly selected during 2007-8. All of 204 mothers referred during 2-3 months of postpartum with minimum literacy [primary education] showed willingness to complete the questionnaire which included two parts: demographic and psychosocial questions and BDI [Beck Depression Inventory]. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, CI, OR, and logistic regression. Seventy-seven [37.7%] out of 204 mothers referred to Kashan health centers experienced postpartum depression [0.31-0.44]. There was a statistically significant relationship between seven demographic and psychosocial factors and postpartum depression, in logistic regression [P<0.001], three factors [husband's appropriate behavior, intimate relationship with family, and no prior history of depression] were remained in the model. The findings indicated that the mentioned factors can reduce the incidence of postpartum depression. According to the results, factors including husband's appropriate behavior, intimate relationship with family and no prior history of depression may reduce the incidence of postpartum depression

[Efficacy of educational workshop on self-esteem of students at Kashan university of medical sciences]

Self-esteem, a sublime mental feeling highly effective for improving physical and mental health, can be considered as one of the areas of vulnerability to depression disorders. The purpose of this study was to promote the self-esteem of students using the educational workshop held at Kashan university of medical sciences. This experimental study with a random-allocation block design was performed on 106 students [54 in the experimental group and 52 in control group] at Kahsan university of medical sciences. A six-hour training workshop was held for the experimental group and an Eysenck self-esteem questionnaire for one-month post-workshop follow up. Finally, the average scores of self-esteem in two groups, before and after the intervention, were reported. The mean score of self-esteem in the experimental group was significantly increased from 20.50 to 23.22 [P=0.001]. Moreover, The average test score for one-month post-workshop follow up was 22.60, signifying the difference in self-esteem promotion [P=0.001]; however, the mean score in the control group was decreased from 21.29 to 21.24. In addition, the average follow up score was 21.27 and no significant difference was seen for self-esteem score. The results indicate that holding educational self-esteem workshop enhances students' self-esteem

effect of pistacia atlantica nut powder on liver phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and serum lipid profile in rat

Phosphatidate phosphohydrolase [PAP] catalyses the dephosphorylation of phosphatidate to diacylglycerol and Pi. This reaction is a rate limiting and regulatory step in glycerolipid metabolism. The diacylglycerol is a precursor to the synthesis of phospholipids and triglycerides. In this study, the effect of Pistacia atlantica nut powder on liver PAP activity, liver triglyceride and serum lipid profile were investigated. Four groups of rats [n=6/group] were fed with normal diet or normal diet plus 10% W/W of pistachio nut powder for 15 and 60 days. At end of two periods, liver PAP activity, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL - C, LDL-C, VLDL - C and liver triglyceride content was measured. Results showed that feeding rats with pistachio nut powder for 15 days had significantly increased cholesterol in all lipoprotein fractions and reduced liver content of triglyceride.[p<0.05]. Although, liver PAP activity was reduced approximately 11%, it was not significantly different as compared to the control group [p>0.05]. On the other hand, rats fed for 60 days with pistachio nuts had no significant difference compared with the control group in all lipoprotein fractions [p>0.05], whereas the liver content of triglycerides significantly decreased [p<0.05]. In addition, liver PAP activity also decreased nearly 16% in compare to the control group. It can be concluded that pistachio nut had ability to reducing the rats liver content of triglyceride

Study on the association between squamous cell carcinoma of larynx and HPV by PCR

Abroad epidemiologic studies have suggested human papillomavirus [HPV] to be an etiological agent in Squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] of larynx. In this study we investigated the frequency of HPV 16 infection in various neoplastic and non-neoplastic laryngeal tissue. The study was done on 55 cases of laryngeal SCC, 10 cases of dysplastic and 5 cases of normal tissues were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] for the presence of HPV 16. none of the five normal and ten dysplastic laryngeal tissues showed the presence of HPV. Seven of fifty-five Squamous cell carcinoma of larynx [12.7%] were positive for HPV type 16. The results suggested that HPV DNA has a major role in squamous cell carcinoma of larynx

Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica [case report]

Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica [TO] or Tracheopathia Osteoplastica is a rare disorder of large airways with unknown etiology. The diagnosis is usually made on bronchoscopy and confirmed on histology. Generally it is benign and asymptomatic but it may lead to serious complication like airway obstruction requiring surgical treatment. We describe two cases of TO with characteristic bronchoscopic and histological findings. The first one had squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, and the second one had chronic rheumatoid arthritis associated with interstitial fibrosis

[Diagazostic value of AgNOR staining in neoplastic and non neophstic lesioizs of thyroid]

The aim of this study was to determine the value of the argyrophilic nucleoli organizer region [AgNOR] as a proliferative marker in neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the thyroid i-r Methods: AgNOR count was evaluated in paraffin. Embedded tissue of resection specimens of the thyroid from 100 patients was retrieved from files of the Pathology Department of the Ghaem Hospital Medical Center including: Normal thyroid gland [N = 8] Nodular Goiter [N=19] Follicular Adenoma [N = 34] Follicular carcinoma [N=10] Medullary carcinoma [N = 4] Papillary carcinoma [N = 15] Anaplastic carcinoma [N = 4] Thyroiditis [N = 6] The investigated parameters included the number, size, shape and localization of AgNOR dots in nucleoli of hundred cells and percentage of nucleoli with at least 3 and 5 or more AgNOR dots per cell [distribution score]. The mean AgNOR dots and 3- dot per cell were statistically significantly higher in malignant lesions in comparison to benign lesions. No clear separation statically between groups about parameter 5 or more dots per cells. Total discrimination between follicular adenoma and carcinoma was achieved by quantification of AgNOR dot tumor nucleolus cell [AgNOR distribution score]. The AgNOR and AgNOR distribution score proved to be the most valuable diagnostic criterion for the differentiation between follicular adenoma and carcinoma of the thyroid

[Use of pleural fluid to serum bilirubin concentration ratio for the separation of exudates from transudates]

Differentiation between exudates and transudates is the first diagnostic approach of a patient with pleural effusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate usefulness of pleural fluid to serum total bilirubin ratio for distinguishing exudates from transudates and to compare accuracy of this parameter with three other criteria: pleural protein, lactic dehydrogenase [LDH], cholesterol and in relation to established etiology for differentiating exudates from transudates. We prospectively studied 50 patients with pleural effusion, 34 had exudates and 16 had transudates. Correlation of pleural fluid to serum bilirubin concentration ratio of 0.6 or more with the presence of an exudates as determined by other established criteria was statistically significant. Its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV] and efficiency were 76%, 87.5%, 93%, 63% and 87%, respectively. Therefore pleural fluid to serum bilirubin ratio can be effective for separation of exudates from transudates. In addition the bilirubin ratio is more cost effective in terms of laboratory processing and is more readily available

[Diagnostic value of AgNOR staining in differentiation between small cell carcinoma and benign lymphocyte in bronchial biopsy]

In some bronchial biopsies, differentiation between small cell carcinoma and severe lymphocytic infiltration of bronchial mucosa may be difficult. The aim of our study was to evaluate usefulness of AgNOR [Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Region] staining method in this differentiation. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues of 30 cases of small cell carcinoma and 30 cases of bronchial mucosa with benign lymphocytic infiltration were selected. Three microscopic slides from each case were prepared and stained for AgNOR, LCA [leukocytic Commn Antigen] and cytokeratin using Immunohistochemical method for the last two. In small cell carcinoma the mean number of AgNOR count was 4.97 per cell, and in lymphocytes it was 1.30[P<0.001]. The percentage of cells which demonstrated at least 3 AgNOR dots were 88.17% and 6.73% in small cell carcinoma and lymphocytes respectively [P<0.001]. The percentage of cells which exhibited at least 5 AgNOR dots were 55.67% and 0.6% respectively. AgNOR technique is a useful procedure for making differentiation between small cell carcinoma and lymphocytic infiltration in bronchial endoscopic biopsyies

Huge primary intrascrotal Schwannoma: a case report and review of the Literature

Testicular schwannoma is a very rare benign scrotal tumor. It is a painless mass, but sometimes referred because of pain or sensory losses. Tumor markers are normal and radical orchidectomy is its best treatment. Here we present an unusual case of intrascrotal schwannoma in a 57 year old man, with a review of the literature

[Epidermoid cyst of the testis, report of two cases]

Epidermoid cysts of the testis are uncommon benign tumors with an overall incidence of 1% to 2% in resected testicular masses. The embryogenesis of this benign tumor is unknown. It most commonly involves patients in their twenties to forties. Definitive diagnosis can be made after surgical excision. Herein, we present two cases of epidermoid cyst of the testis. One of them had consulted for varicocele, while the other consulted for cryptorchidism and hypospadias

[Right-sided bochdalek hernia associated with upper limb anomaly]

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a malformation characterized by herniation of the abdominal contents to the thorax through a defect into the diaphragm. When the abdominal organs enter the chest through such a defect, lung development may be impeded, the heart may be displaced and the vascular structures may be distorted. These alterations cause pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertention and cardiac abnormalities resulting in neonatal mortality and morbidity. In this article, we report a right-sided Bochdalek hernia associated with upper exterimity anomalies in a newborn infant with a gestational age of 32 weeks. He died one hour after birth due to respiratory distress. Gross examination revealed hernaition of the liver, small and large intestines into the thorax through a 6 by 6 centimeter foramen in the right hemidiaphragm. Upper exterimity abnormalities included radial deviation of both wrists and internal rotation of left hand

case of bilateral agenesis of the femur

Bilateral femoral agenesis is a rare anomaly. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases of simple congenital anomaly and three cases associated with femoral facial syndrome have been reported. Here, we describe a simple form of bilateral femoral agenesis observed in one of the 2 dead fetuses delivered after termination of a 24-week twin pregnancy of a normal mother. Post-mortem x-ray examination confirmed the agenesis of both femurs and also left fibula