Assessment of avian osteoporosis by a quantitative radiographic method

The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative radiographic method for assessment of experimental osteoporosis in Leghorn breed laying hens. Three groups of 24 Leghorn pullets were reared in cage and fed a ration containing different calcium levels, including 3.55, 2.075 and 0.6 percent [for groups 1-3, respectively]. The hens were fed this diet from 17 weeks of age to the end of the experiment. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, 8 hens from each group were selected randomly. Radiographs were obtained from the tibiotarsus and the humerus of each hen. Radiographs were digitized using a camera and assessed by "Image J" software. Bone radiopacities and bone cortex/diameter [C/D] ratios were measured. The hens were sacrificed and the bone ash and calcium contents were measured. Bone densities of the birds in different groups were significantly different at just 36 weeks of age; they were greater in the tibiotarsus bone of the control group than in the tibiotarsus bone of median [P=0.02] and with the low calcium [P=0.007] groups. Humerus densities were also greater in control group compared with that of median [P=0.04] and with low calcium [P=0.0004] diet group. Cortex/diameter index of the tibiotarsus bone was different in all three stages between control and the two other groups, while there were no significant differences between the humeri C/D indices and the three groups in the first stage. Humeri C/D indices of the second and third stages had significant differences between control and the two other groups [P?0.05]. This study showed that radiographic evaluation of bone density is valuable just in progressed osteoporosis, while C/D index can be used for diagnosis of osteoprotic bones in earlier stages

[Histopathologic effects of methadone on central nervous system of mice newborns in suckling period]

Background and aim: Methadone is a synthetic opioid, used in the treatment of opioid dependence and chronic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate histopathological effects of methadone on central nervous system of mice newborns in suckling period

Methods: In this study, twenty eight mature pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups of seven each. Three groups were intraperitonealy injected methadone [3, 6, 9 mg/kg per day respectively] from first lactational day until weaning. Control group was injected distilled water saline. At the 27th day, respectively offspring were weighed and anesthetized with choloroform and then their brains removed from their skulls and immersed in the fixative formalin buffer 10% for 24h and samples were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain for the histopathology study. The data were analysed using one way ANOVA and Sheffe tests

Results: Methadone caused a significant reduction in both weight and Crown Rumpa-Length and also an increase in the brain to body mass ratio in experimental groups compared to the control group [P<0.001]. In addition, offsprings who received methadone during lactational period showed changes in the brain neuronal degeneration along with apoptotic cells in the regions of DG and CA3 of the hippocampus

Conclusion: Methadone consumption during lactational period can cause reduction in growth indices and structural disorders in the offspring brains

[ prevalence sarcocystis infection in slaughtered animals in slaughterhouse of Shahrekord, using histhopathological method, 2008]

Sarcosystosis is a cosmopolitan protozoan zoonotic infection and is caused by different species of sarcosystis. This parasite can cause contamination in many animals and cause a lot of hygienic and economic effects in society. This study was aimed to determine sarcosystis infection in slaughtered animals of Shahrekord, using hitopathological method. In this descriptive study, 70 samples were obtained from healthy goats and 70 samples were obtained from healthy sheep during summer 2008 Esophagus, thigh, diaphragm and heart of each animal were macroscopically evaluated for having sarcosystis cysts. To prepare a pathology section for microscopic examinations, hearts were kept in formalin and after providing tissue sections, samples were studied using a microscope. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. In macroscopic evaluations of diaphragm of the sheep and goats, sarcosystis cysts were detected 15.7% and 2.8%, respectively. In addition, 7.1% and 1.4% of esophagus from sheep and goats were also infected by sarcosystis, respectively. We also performed microscopic investigations on healthy hearts and found that 80% of sheep's hearts and 70% of goats' hearts were infected by sarcocystis cysts. Considering the high prevalence of sarcocystis contamination in the world and Iran [up to 100%], more studies are needed to detect sensitivity andspecificity of histhopathology method to confirm our findings. Finally looking at the our results it is likely that in healthy hearts some comments should be considered, such as appropriate meat keeping, sufficient cooking, and moving from traditional animal husbandry into industrial husbandry in future

[Self assessment results based on INQA model in central hospital of lOCo.]

Attention to community health and its improvement is very important. Managers of health organizations should use latest technology and knowledge tools for improvement of their services. Performance assessment is one of the most important tools for measuring the achievement of organizations to the quality improvement and better performance. There are various models for performance assessment and quality improvement in organizations. One of the most comprehensive models in named INQA has been applied in this study. This study was performed in central hospital of IOC0 based on INQA model with self assessment as its main goal. This is a descriptive and applicable case report performed in 1385. INQA standard questioner was used as the data gathering tool. Managers of lOCo hospital filed out the questioner and results were based on nine set of criteria of INQA. Each set of criteria has its own scores and total scores will describe hospitals situations. Calculated scores in each criteria were: Leadership 58%; Strategy 56.2%; Staff 42%; Resources and partners 55%; Processes 53.5%; Customer results 51%; Manpower results 41%; Community results 46%; Performance Key results 60.5%; Total points 552 from 1000; [55.2%]. According the total scores achieved this hospital to nominate for INQA prize if they can complete their documents and note to recommend INQA. Special consideration to staff criteria, manpower and community results are the arias can improve the hospital points. Education of manpower can provide better understanding from INQA model

Designing a model for security requirements of electronic health records in Iran

Flourishing capacity of information technologies for collecting, storage and transmission unheard of amount of information creates a great deal of concerns for patients. Patients are worried over the access of numerous people to their electronic health records. To determine the security requirements of electronic health records for Iran. This descriptive study was carried out in 2007. Security requirements of electronic health records gathered from comparative study performed in Australia, Canada and England countries followed by designing the initial model. The final model was prepared through gathering the information by questionnaire and the use of Delphi Technique. The values under 50 percent were eliminated from the model and those equal or higher than 75 percent added to the model. The proposed model for Iran includes the requirements for organizing information, information classification, human resources, communication and operation management, and access control security. A comprehensive model of electronic health records security requirements was designed for Iran. The approval of this model by authorities for protecting the electronic health information security is recommended

[Comparative study on health management of special patients and designing a model in Iran]

Health management for special patients is a serious challenge for policy makers. Because of chronic nature of these diseases the community has to cope with huge expenses, and a considerable part of health funds is allocated for the continuing care of these patients. Therefore, designing appropriate policies for organizing, financing and providing optimal health-care is of special importance. In this study, our main objective was to design a model for special patients' health management in Iran by studying the management strategies of similar patients from selected countries. We scrutinized studies done in England, Australia, United state, and Canada and used these as suitable references from which we selected applicable strategies and submitted these for approval to relevant experts to sketch out a service management model for health care management of special patients. The final model was developed by the use of 3-stage Delphi technique. In almost all of our references we found that: o Health and welfare ministries along with the private sector provide decentralized health care to special patients. o Health care programs for special patients encompass free services for regular check ups, vaccinations, life style training, acute illness care, health advisors, health aids and equipment, and laboratory services. o Policies are made by a committee named as "committee of health of special patients" having its base at the supreme council of health. o Finances are provided mainly by governmental funds and, subsequently by societies and NGO's with some participation of the special patients themselves [as premium and franchise]. Our model for management of special patients includes formation of "committee of health of special patients" in the supreme council of health, establishment of office of health of special patients in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and provision of decentralized provincial services. Finances should be provided through taxes, charity aids and supports from international organizations. Nongovernmental and charity aids may be increased to decrease the financial burden on governments

[Effect of Cannabis sativa L. [Isfahan variety] powder on serum lipid profile in male rats]

Hemp is considered a nutritional and narcotic plant; whole hempseed has almost 3% saturated fatty acids and 28% unsaturated fatty acids. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of hempseed on lipid profiles of male rats. After acclimatization, at the beginning of the experiment [day 0] animal feeding was stopped and after 14h fasting the animal was anesthetized by ketamine/xylazine combination and 2ml a heart sample blood was taken. The rats were fed normal diet [modified AIN-93M pellet] and 5g/Kg of hempseed powder solution [HPS 40%] via gavages daily for 30 days and at the end of experiment [day 31] blood samples were taken again. The lipid parameters were measured by enzymatic-colorimetric techniques. In spite of omega 3, omega 6 unsaturated fatty acids that are highly present in hempseed, short term hempseed feeding of hempseed additive in male rats did not improve lipid profile the mean fasting serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C levels increased, while the mean fasting HDL-C decreased. In fact, no [p<0.05] statistical significant changes were observed in levels of the above mentioned parameters. Obviously the Isfahanian variety of the Cannabis plant has high content of an orexigenic, narcotic component [Tetrahydrocannabinol: THC], which does not alter the lipid profiles of rats; if used over a long time it may lead to development of dyslipidemia

[ comparative study between complementary health assurance structure and content in selected countries; and presenting a paradigm for Iran]

The boundaries of providing health services for patients is so much expanded that it is not, at least an economical cost-effective activity in the framework of the health insurances. In many countries the complementary health insurances have been used to provide these services. The aim of this study is to comparison between complementary health assurance structure and content in selected countries; and presenting a paradigm for Iran. The present study is an applied descriptive study, has been done comparatively between 1383-1384 [2003-2004]. Parameters such as management and organizations, population coverage, the criteria to choose the insurance fees, services and their reimbursement payments methods, limitations and the obligations of the services; supervision and evaluations; in countries such as USA, Germany, Slovakia, Britain, Belgium, France, Finland, Philippine, Netherlands, and Iran has been chosen based on the Gordon Model. The chosen methods are based on Delphi techniques and by using the statistical tests were analyzed. Our study results showed that the main reason of choosing the complementary insurance is the insufficient coverage of the public health insurance [89%]. The High Council for Health selected as responsible authority for approving complementary health insurances [78%], also because of decentralized organizational structure of the delivery systems for the complementary health insurances fees fixed based on actual services prices, given the competitive principle [78%]. Using insurances in terms of governmental and private complementary health insurance and creating the competition among them, could have an important role on improvement the health insurance quality, raising the level of customers' satisfactions, and finally improve the public health

[Seroepidemiologic survey of crimean-congohemorrhagic fever among slaughters and butchers in Isfahan]

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever [CCHF] is a viral zoonotic infection that, formerly several cases has been reported in Iran. During recent years some outbreaks has been reported in different parts of country including Isfahan. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of CCHF according to finding of IgG among butchers and slaughters of Isfahan province. In this cross-sectional study, conducted as a joint research with Arbovirus Laboratory in Pasteur Institute, IgG antibody against CCHF was assessed among 80 individuals. The study was conducted as a joint research with Arbovirus laboratory in Pasteur Institute of Iran on 2004. Overall, 4 [5%] persons were seropositive and 2 cases had borderline results. There was no statistically significant difference between butchers and slaughters. Positive cases were detected mainly in the Isfahan slaughterhouse. The findings of the current study show that although CCHF is endemic among domestic animals in Isfahan province, but seropositivity in high risk groups, e.g. butchers and slaughters is not so high. More serious measures should be considered for prevention of CCHF in high risk groups

Anatomy of the hoof in sheep, a study to find proper hoof trimming indices

An anatomic study on ovine hoof to find a proper hoof trimming method was done. Fore and hind limbs of 15, two years old ewes. were studied all legs were transferred to vet college and divided by fore and hind limbs, left and right and lateral and medial digits. Toe height to ground and to the solar surface, heel height, sole length, toe length, toe length to the sensitive tissue, sole thickness in toe and heel region [cm] were measured. Toe angle was mathematically measured from toe height and toe length and toe to heel height was measured as well. All data were compared by t-test. Toe angle was significant in forelimbs [55. 09 +/- 8. 1] and hind limbs [50. 43 +/- 6. 9] and heel height was significantly different [3. 02 +/- 0. 33, 2. 36 +/- 0. 44] in the fore and hind limbs respectively. Although no statistical difference was recorded in the other results but some descriptive changes were recorded. Hoof grows to make an edge in the solar hoof wall that is slightly longer in hind limbs. Sole thickness in toe and heel regions of fore and hind limb was recorded as 0. 41 +/- 0. 12, 0. 82 +/- 0. 18 and 0. 37 +/- 0. 13, 0. 68 +/- 0. 17 respectively that was significantly higher in hind limbs. Hoof growth pattern in sheep is different from cow. Toe angle in fore and hind limb is slightly higher than cows. Lateral wall growth in solar region makes weight bearing surface of the hoof different from cows. 1. 2 of horny tissue of the hoof protects from sensitive underlying tissue that can make a satisfactory hoof trimming

comparison of standard heparin and dalteparin on prevention of adhesion in peritonitis with or without infection in rat

In our experimental study, 48 rats were divided into six groups in a randomized manner: A[1-3] and B [1-3] groups. A1 and B1 were negative controls. Laparotomy was performed and peritoneal inflammation on exposed bowel and peritoneum in A [1-3] and experimental infection induced in peritoneal cavity of B [1-3]. Each rat of A2 and B2 received 100 IU intraperitoneal standard heparin and each rat of A3 and B3 received 100 IU intraperitoneal dalteparin. On the 21

t postoperative day, rats were euthanized and intensity of intraperitoneal adhesions evaluated macroscopically. The results were analyzed with Chi-Square test. Peritoneal adhesions in experimental groups reduced significantly[p < 0.05] in comparison with controls, but nosignificant differences were seen between experimental groups[p > 0.05]. So, dalteparin and standard heparin are effective in preventing adhesion in infectious and noninfectious peritonitis but nosignificant differences were found between these drugs [p > 0.05]. In brief, regarding to the in vivo beneficial effects of LMWH, dalteparin is more recommended

Abattoir survey of bovine pyelonephritis

In order to investigate the prevalence and detection of etiological agents of pyelonephritis in Shahrekord abattoir, 404 kidneys of slaughtered cattle [207 female and 197 male] were inspected. Kidney samples, which had gross changes were obtained for histological examination. Urine and renal tissue samples were also collected aseptically for microbiological examination. In histological examination pyelonephritis were observed in 3 cases [0.74%], one of which occurred in a 7-year-old cow and the others in bulls less than 2-year-old. In microbiological examination E. coil was isolated from urine and renal tissues in 2 cases and Staphylococcus aureus isolated only from renal tissue in the other case

serological survey for detection of avian infectious bronchitis virus antibodies in domestic village chickens in Esfahan, central Iran

Infectious bronchitis [1B] is a very contagious disease caused by a coronavirus [IBV]. In chickens, the virus affects the respiratory, reproductive, and urinary systems. This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of anti-IBV antibodies in domestic village chickens. Serum samples of 300 domestic village chickens from Esfahan [centeral Iran] were collected and examined for the presence of anti-lBV antibodies by commercial ELISA kits. The results showed that 85.3% of the domestic village chickens had high titers of anti-IBV antibody without any clinical signs. It was concluded that the rate of IBV infection in these chickens is very high that could be a potential hazard for commercial poultry

[Brucellosis arthritis: infection or inflammation of joint?]

The description of Brucellosis arthritis feature with other findings in the main goal of this study. This is a 2 years descriptive and prospective study, which includes 20 patients who diagnosed as brucellosis and join involvement. In this study, arthritis involvements were as follow: Sacroilitis [70%], Peripheral arthritis [15%], Sacroilitis and arthritis [12/5%] and Spondylitis [2/5%]. The other finding of this study include: Range of age between 15-30 [80%], male to female ratio [5:1], rural to urban ratio [2:1], fever more than 38 degree of Centigrade [60%], Normal CBC [90%], relative lymphocytosis [70%], ESR more than 25 mm/ 1st hour [100%], Wright titer 1:320, and 2ME titer 1:160. With beginning of standard anti brucellosis regimen and supportive care, there was a 100% cure rate and no any sequel of arthritis. There was no relapse in next few months follow up of them. This study confirms previous findings, which indicate, Brucellosis arthritis have a good prognosis and outcome, without any sequel. So it seems that Brucellosis arthritis are rather inflammations than infection of joint [Septic arthritis]

Determination of the best toe length in cattle hoof trimming: an anatomic evaluation

Cattle lameness is one of the biggest problems dairy producers are facing today. Maybe regular hoof trimming is considered as one of the most efficient and easy way to save normal function of the hooves. According to Toussaint Raven method of functional hoof trimming, toe length is the most determinant of the procedure. Seventy mm from the coronary band at the toe region is considered as a safe distance for performing the first cut, but following this cut, lameness due to the trauma to sensitive tissue in some animals is a common problem. The current anatomic study was performed to determine the proper distance between cutting surface on dorsal wall of the hoof and coronary band. The distance between coronary band and the terminal margin of the sensitive tissue, after mid-sagittal section, considered as beta length. Three hundred hooves collected from slaughtered cattle were divided into three groups, according to the breed [A: registered Holstein, B: cross breed, C: native breed]. The most important determining factor in different breeds were their weight as animals in group A weighted more than 550 kg, Group B less than 550 and more than 400 and group C weighted less than 400 kg. Mean [mm] +/- SD of beta length were 62.2 +/- 8.46, 57.3 +/- 8.12 and 49.5 +/- 7.75 in groups A, B and C, respectively; which was significantly different from each other [P<0.05]. beta length in lateral digits were slightly longer than medial digits but the difference were not significant. With regard to upper limit of deviation in beta length it seems that 80 mm length is safer in registered Holstein cattle

Should we consider another booster dose of measles vaccine?

To date, 36 years has passed since the beginning of measles vaccination; the disease is still circulating around the world, threatening lives of human beings especially in developing countries. In recent years, we have confronted measles in previously vaccinated adults from all over the country. To find out if there is a need for changing our routine measles vaccination schedule. In a cross-sectional study, 241 medical students [127 males and 114 females] were randomly selected. We measured the titer of antibody against measles in their blood using ELISA. Ninety-eight [40.7%] out of 241 had positive, 39 [16.2%] borderline, and 104 [43.1%] negative antibody titers. In this study, only 40.7% of the previously vaccinated students had positive antibody titers, while the rest remained susceptible to contract wild measles virus