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

Enterotoxin gene profiles among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw milk

Milk is considered a nutritious food because it contains several important nutrients including proteins and vitamins. Conversely, it can be a vehicle for several pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of genes encoding the nine Staphylococcal enterotoxins [SEs] and enterotoxin gene profiles in S. aureus isolates derived from raw bovine milk. A total of 52 S. aureus isolates were obtained from 246 milk samples of 246 dairy cows from eight different farms in Qom, Iran. On the basis of cultural and biochemical properties as well as by amplification of the 23S rRNA specific to S. aureus, all isolates could be identified as S. aureus. Of the 52 isolates studied, 80.7% were positive for one or more genes encoding the enterotoxins, and 12 different genotypes were identified. The gene encoding for enterotoxin A [Sea] was the most frequent [16 isolates, 30.7%], followed by Seb [14 isolates, 26.9%] and Sed [8 isolates, 15.37%]. Among the genes encoding the other enterotoxins, Seg and Seh were the most frequently observed [8 isolates each, 15.38%], followed by Sej [6 isolates, 11.5%] and Sei [1 isolates, 3.84%]. With the recent identification of new SEs, the frequency of enterotoxigenic strains has increased, suggesting that the pathogenic potential of Staphylococci may be higher than previously thought. These results of enterotoxin genes positivity of milk-derived Staphylococci constitute a potential risk for consumers' health

Measuring radionuclides concentration in rice field soils using gamma spectroscopy in northern Iran

A few elements of soil are radioactive. Soil can transfer radionuclide into plants feeding human. Sometimes their levels are as high as to be concern of human healthy. Rice has an important share for Iranian foods especially in north of Iran. Therefore we decided to obtain radionuclides concentration emitting g rays in Lahijan City [Northern Iran] rice fields using g spectroscopy. Twenty eight samples from rice field's soils and 12 samples from superficial soils were collected at a square of 10*10 m2 to get 2kg weight. To make dry samples were put into oven at 105oC for 24h. Then they were milled and 950 gr of each sample was transferred to Marinelli container with 1000cc volume, sealed and left for 40 days to get secular equilibrium. After measuring Ph, Electric conductivity and organic carbon, g spectroscopy was done to get sample gamma spectrum at 2000-6000 sec using HpGe detector. It was found 226Ra activity in rice fields of 29.273 +/- 0.72 Bqkg-1 and city soil of 31.02 +/- 1.1 Bqkg-1 and also 232Th activity of 37.47 +/- 1.12 Bqkg-1 for rice fields' soils and 40.47 +/- 1.68 Bqkg-1 for city soil were in standard mode. 40K activities mean value according to UNSCEAR; 2000 was found a little greater than standard. A little value of 137Cs was found in Lahijan rice fields and city soils that could be as a result of Chernobyl accident. In except of 137Cs, for three other under studied city soil elements, activities were greater than that of rice fields

Subcloning and expression of recombinant Echinococcus granulosus antigen B, in Pqe-30 expression Vector

Echinococcosis or hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection caused by larval [metacestode] stages of cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus, family Taeniidae. We aimed to subclone antigen B gene in pQE-30 plasmid, its expression, and purification. We subcloned HI gene into pQE-30 expression vector. The recombinant vector was transformed into E. coli, M15 and mass cultured. The subcloned gene was expressed by IPTG. Subcloning of gene was confirmed by both PCR and enzyme digestion. Production of recombinant protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. Western blot analysis was carried out by both His-Tag monoclonal Ab and human serum to estimate the expressed potein in E. coli cells. Recombinant protein was purified and its specificity was proved by Western blotting. Production of this recombinant protein can increased sensitivity and specificity in serological test [ELISA]

Theoreticaln ursing courses application in clinical field: Clinical nurse teachers and students perspectives in Mazandaran university of medical sciences

An effective and efficient educational system must be continuously revised to be responsive to the present and future community needs. The purpose of the study was to compare students and teachers opinions regarding theory- practice gap in nursing education in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 1378-79. This research was a cross sectional study. The data was collected from nursing student [n = 67] and clinical nurse teachers [n = 41] using questionnaire provided by researcher in two section, the first section included the demographic characteristics and the second section consisted of questions about necessity and application of content education. The content validity of questionnaire was provided by experts and texts. For reliability, test retest method was used [r = 089]. Data were collected in one stage and were analyzed by t-student test Kendal's correlation coefficient, and Chi square. The result revealed that the mean score of students and teachers views about 'the necessity of the theoretical courses' were 17.86 and 16.35, but they gave low scores to the 'real application of the theory in practice' [11.8 and 12.08]. There was a statistically significant relationship between the necessity and application of theory [P=0.00]. The degree of coordination between clinical education and tasks were reported low [less than 3] by both teachers and students, but, there was a statistically significant difference between their perspectives [P < 0.05]. This study showed that continuing revision and repair of the program based on students and teachers' perspectives can help educationalists to reduce theory-practice gap

[Comparing Black and Green tea [Camellia sinensis L] extracts effects on the growth inhibition and biofilm formation of Enterobacteriacea]

Extracts of leaves from Camellia sinensis L contains polyphenolic components with antimicrobial activity. In this investigation biofilm inhibitory effects of black and green tea extracts were defined for five members of enterobacteriacea family including: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Because tea is the most widely drunk beverage in Iran, therefore investigation of its effects on enterobacterial biofilm formation and colonization is very important. In this experimental study after extraction of samples in water/ methanol solution, further extraction took place in Ethyl acetate phase. The extracts preserved in 4°C refrigerator after sterilization by 0.44 micro filters. Well diffusion [Kirby Bauer] and broth dilution methods were used for evaluation of minimum inhibitory concentration of biofilm formation in black and green tea extracts treated cultures. Evaluation of biofilm formation was assayed by observation of colony forming unit of cultured bacteria per milliliter by sampling from Erlenmeyer flask wall scratching onto Tripticase soy agar medium and comparing the results with controls. Analysis of data was done using analysis of variance. Biofilm inhibitory effects of black tea were greater than green tea. The concentration of 4.5 mg/ml of black tea and 5mg/ml of green tea had bactericidal effects against examined bacteria. On Mueller Hinton agar, Proteus mirabilis was more sensitive to black tea; EPEC was more sensitive to green tea and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed more resistance to both extracts. Due to the fact that gastrointestinal tract is directly affected with consumed beverage, the high concentration of tea entered in lumen can reduce the number of enterobacteriaceae and can reduce their carcinogenic amine products. Thus it plays an important role in inhibition of gastrointestinal lymphoma and colon carcinoma. Also application of tea polyphenols as a food preservative can be useful

[Sensitivity and specificity of confocal scan in the diagnosis of fungal and acanthamoeba keratitis]

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of confocal scan in the diagnosis of fungal and acanthamoeba keratitis based on the results of corneal and/or contact lens case smear and culture. Confocal scan and corneal and/or contact lens case smear and culture were performed in all patients with a clinical diagnosis of infectious keratitis who were referred to Labbafinejad Medical Center from 2004 to 2006. A total of 133 eyes of 133 patients [52% male] with mean age of 48.0+22.6 years [range 9-83] were included in the study. Previous history of contact lens wear, ocular trauma and ocular surgery was present in 21%, 21% and 38.3%, respectively. Overall, corneal and/or contact lens case smear and culture were positive in 71 eyes [53.4%] for bacteria [40 cases], fungi [16 cases] and acanthamoeba [15 cases]. Confocal scan was positive in 50 cases [37.6%] which revealed hyphalike structures in 27 cases [20.3%] and cyst and/or trophozoite-like structures in 23 cases [17.3%]. The sensitivity and specificity of confocal scan were 100% and 84% for diagnosing acanthamoeba keratitis versus 93.4% and 77.8% for diagnosing fungal keratitis, respectively. In vivo corneal confocal scan is a rapid non-invasive tool for the diagnosis of acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis with high sensitivity and specificity based on smear and culture results. It may also be helpful in excluding fungal or acanthamoeba-like structures in cases with negative bacteriological results and in early bacterial keratitis before clarification of microbiologic results

[Intraocular lens power calculation after keratorefractive surgery]

To determine corneal power for intraocular lens [IOL] power calculation in eyes with previous keratorefractive surgery. In 13 eyes of 9 patients with previous keratorefractive surgery undergoing phacoemulcification, IOL power was calculated using the clinical history method [CHM] in one case, manual keratometry [MKR] in 2, SimK in 3, and flattest K [topographically derived] in 7 cases. SRK-T formula with applanation method was used. Final refractions [SE] are presented. Patients included 7 male and 2 female subjects aged 51.2 +/- 9.3 [range 41-70 years]. Postoperative refraction was hyperopic [+1.5 D] in eyes with the CHM, variable and unpredictable in cases with the MKR and SimK and more desirable [-0.35 +/- 0.39 D] in cases of flattest K. In this latter group the best postoperative refraction was achieved in cases which 0.5 to 1.00 D was added to the calculated IOL power. It seems using topographically derived flattest K for IOL power calculation and adding 1.00 D to the calculated IOL power in eyes with previous myopic-refractive surgery, and using the steepest K together with subtracting 1.00 D from the calculated IOL power in eyes with previous hyperopic-refractive surgery is useful when pre-refractive surgery data are not available

[Delayed-onset actinomyses keratitis after LASIK]

To present a case of delayed-onset unilateral keratitis due to Actinomyses israelii after laser in situ keratomileusis. A 28-year-old lady was referred to our clinic with foreign body sensation and mild blurring of vision in her left eye. She had undergone bilateral LASIK about five months ago. On examination, there was an area of infiltration at the interface with an overlying area which stained with fluorescein in the center of the cornea. The LASIK flap was elevated and scraping of the interface and the bed was performed. Results of culture and smear showed Actinomyses israelii as the causative agent. Antibiotic treatment was initiated according to the sensitivity results and the infection was controlled. Actinomyses must be considered in differential diagnosis of delayed-onset infectious keratitis after LASIK in addition to fungal and atypical Mycobacteria. Elevation of the flap and scraping the involved area can be helpful in obtaining specimens for culture and smear as well as reducing the infectious bulk. Adherence to aseptic techniques is mandatory for prevention of infections

[Deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty [DLEK] for management of corneal endothelial disorders]

To evaluate the visual outcomes and complications of deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty [DLEK] for management of corneal endothelial disorders. From 2003 to 2005, nine eyes of nine patients with severe bullous keratopathy due to endothelial dysfunction underwent DLEK. Uncorrected [UCVA] and best-corrected [BCVA] visual acuity were evaluated pre- and one week, 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The sutures were removed 3-4 months postoperatively in all eyes. Five female and four male subjects with mean age of 66.3 +/- 10.9 years underwent DLEK. Preoperative diagnoses included aphakic bullous keratopathy [ABK, 2 cases], pseudophakic bullous keratopathy [PBK, 4 cases] and Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy [FED, 3 cases]. Mean BCVA was 1.7 +/- 0.5 LogMAR [20/1000] preoperatively which improved to 1.4 +/- 0.1 LogMAR one month [P=0.02], 1.4 +/- 0.2 LogMAR three months [P=0.04] and 1.2 +/- 0.4 LogMAR six months [P=0.01] postoperatively. Mean corneal astigmatism was 7.43 +/- 5.02 diopters one month after DLEK which decreased to 4.06 +/- 3.58 at final follow up. All eyes had clear graft and cornea after 6 months. Postoperative complications included transient leakage [two eyes], lenticule displacement, graft wrinkling, double chamber formation, mild interface hemorrhage and filamentary keratitis [each in one case]. Cystoid macular edema was present in four eyes. DLEK has acceptable results for replacement of the endothelium in patients with ABK, PBK and FED. The most important drawback of this technique is the complexity of the equipment and the procedure. DSAEK [Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty] seems to be replacing DLEK due to less dependence on instruments and being a more simple procedure

Infectious keratitis following topical steroid use in patients with acute corneal hydrops

To present two patients with acute corneal hydrops, superimposed with infectious keratitis using topical steroids. The first case was a 44-year-old man with acute corneal hydrops in his left eye which was on topical steroids for one week. Visual acuity was hand motion at presentation and there was a large epithelial defect with stromal infiltration and corneal edema on slit lamp examination. Corneal smear and culture were negative and the patient did not respond to aggressive antibiotic therapy. He underwent emergency tectonic corneal graft due to perforation and the eye was preserved. The second case was a 28-year-old woman, a known case of keratoconus with acute hydrops. She was using topical steroids and NaC1 5% for 4 days. Culture was positive for Gram-positive cocci. She underwent tectonic corneal graft, but endophthalmitis occurred which lead to phthisis. Acute corneal hydrops makes the eye more susceptible to superimposed infections. Topical steroids may aggravate this condition

[Bilateral bacterial keratitis following photorefractive keratectomy case reports with review of literature]

To report two cases of bilateral bacterial keratitis as a sight-threatening complication following photorefractive keratectomy [PRK] Patients and findings: The first case was a 45-year-old man referred due to bilateral ocular pain and purulent discharge two days after bilateral PRK. Based on his clinical picture, smear and cultures from both corneal ulcers were taken with a diagnosis of bacterial keratitis. Frequent topical fortified antibiotic treatment was started. Smear showed many PMN cells but the culture was negative. Corneal ulcers were controlled with medical treatment. The second case was a 24-year-old man who presented with bilateral severe pain and discharge. He was diagnosed as bilateral corneal ulcers 2 days after PRK and topical antibiotics were started for him, but because of poor response he was referred to our center. Culture result was positive for staphylococcus aureus. He had severe bilateral blepharitis. Frequent fortified antibiotics were started which controlled his condition. Infectious keratitis after PRK is a rare, but potentially devasting complication. The predisposing risk factors are breakdown of the barrier function of the corneal epithelium, active blepharitis, use of bandage contact lens on an extended wear basis and use of topical steroids to control wound healing. It is recommended not to operate bilateral eyes simultaneously in those at risk

[Effect of exchange transfusion on ABR abnormality due to severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia]

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, as a very common problem in neonatal period, can lead to kernicterus which is a common cause of neuro-sensory hearing loss and an avoidable cause of deafness. The aim of this study was to detect toxic effect of severe hyperbilirubinemia on brain stem and auditory tract before and after exchange transfusion [ET] by Auditory Brainstem Responses [ABR]. ABR were measured in 12 full term newborns with severe hyperbilirubinemia [case] and 12 non-icteric full term neonates [control]. Total bilirubin concentration in jaundiced cases was >/=20mg/dl and direct bilirubin

[ case report of brain stem tumor]

Background: Brain and spinal cord tumors are the most frequent neoplasms after leukemia in children. Brain stem glioma is responsible for 10-20% of brain tumors in this group and often found in pons presenting with cerebellar signs, cranial nerve palsies, pyramidal signs and eventually increased intracranial pressure

Case Report: In this article we reported an 11 year old girl affected with brain stem tumor with signs of headache, dizziness, vomiting and ataxia. Strabismus due to palsy of sixth cranial nerve, and dysarthria was observed

Conclusion: Children complaining of vomiting, headache and dizziness for a long time must be assessed for brain tumor in posterior fossa that sometimes may lead to increased intracranial pressure. An exact neurological examination can be worth guide to diagnosis