Automatic Diagnosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia using Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning Algorithm Based on Lung Computed Tomography Images.

Background: The lung computed tomography (CT) scan contains valuable information and patterns that provide the possibility of early diagnosis of COVID-19 disease as a global pandemic by the image processing software. In this research, based on deep learning of artificial intelligence, the software has been designed that is used clinically to diagnose COVID-19 disease with high accuracy. Methods: Convolutional neural network architecture developed based on Inception-V3 for deep learning of lung image patterns, feature extraction, and image classification. The theory of transfer learning was utilized to increase the learning power of the system. Changes applied in the network layers to increase the detection power. The process of learning was repeated 30 times. All diagnostic statistical parameters of the diagnostic were analyzed to validate the software. Results: Based on the data of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari, the validity, sensitivity, and accuracy of the software in diagnosing of affected to COVID-19 and nonaffected to it were obtained 98%, 98%, and 98%, respectively. Diagnostic statistical parameters on some data were 100%. The modified algorithm of Inception-V3 applied to heterogeneous data also had acceptable precision. Conclusion: The proposed basic architecture of Inception-v3 utilized for this research has an admissible speed and exactness in learning CT scan images of patients' lungs, and diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, which can be utilized clinically as a powerful diagnostic tool.

Susceptibility of domestic and companion animals to SARS-CoV-2: a comprehensive review.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a large global outbreak. The reports of domestic animals' infection with SARS-CoV-2 raise concerns about the virus's longer-lasting spread, the establishment of a new host reservoir, or even the evolution of a new virus, as seen with COVID-19. In this review, we focus on the susceptibility of domestic animals, especially companion animals, towards SARS-CoV-2 in light of existing studies of natural infection, experimental infection, and serological surveys. Susceptibility of domestic and companion animals to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

High incidence of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes in Central Iran: A six years results from Semnan health cohort.

Introduction: Diabetes incidence has increasingly risen in Iran and other low- and middle-income nations in recent decades. In the Semnan Greater Area of Iran, we evaluate the incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and gestational diabetes during 2015-2020 as well as their six-year trend. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of data (n = 820401) from the Integrated Health System (sib) in Semnan province during 2015-2020. All diabetes cases with diagnostic codes based on the International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD-10) are listed by year. The Grid Search method was used to obtain the exact number and time of points when the incidence of diseases changes significantly (Joinpoints). Average Annual Percent Change-Annual Percentage Change (AAPC-APC) values and slop changes in the estimated regression line with 95% confidence interval were utilized based on diabetes types to determine Joinpoints. P-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: The proportions of diabetes types (T1D, T2D, and gestational diabetes) among 820401 diabetics were 4.18%, 94.84%, and 0.97%, respectively. APC value denotes that T1D has increased by 12.47% per year on average in this period (P-value < 0.01). The incidence of T2D and gestational diabetes has increased between 2015 and 2020 (APC = 15.02 and APC = 136.138, respectively; P-value < 0.1). Conclusions: In summary, the incidence of diabetes in Semnan province is constantly increasing. T2D, meanwhile, has a higher proportion. Nevertheless, gestational diabetes had the highest increase annually. Well-designed surveys investigating the reasons for diabetes increment especially gestational ones and its burden are needed.

Colostrum fails to prevent bovine/camelid neonatal neutrophil damage from AFB1.

Exposure to environmental toxicants that affect the immune system and overall health of many mammals is mostly unavoidable. One of the more common substances is the mycotoxins, especially carcinogenic aflatoxin (AF)B1 which also causes immune suppression/dysregulation in exposed hosts. The present study analyzed the effects of naturally occurring levels of AFB1 on apoptosis of healthy bovine and camelid neonatal neutrophils (PMN) that were isolated both before and after host consumption of colostrum. Cells from bovine and camel neonates (n = 12 sets of PMN/mammal/timepoint) were exposed for 24 h to a low level of AFB1 (i.e. 10 ng AFB1/ml) and then intracellular ATP content and caspase-3, -7, and -9 activities (determined by bioluminescence) were assessed. The results indicated a significant lessening of intracellular ATP content and equivalents of luminescence intensity in AFB1-treated PMN in all studied samples, i.e. isolated pre-and post-colostrum consumption. In contrast, caspase-3, -7, and -9 activities in both pre- and post-colostrum consumption bovine and camelid PMN were noticeably increased (∼>2-fold). The damaging effects of AFB1 were more pronounced in bovine neonate PMN than in camelid ones. These results showed that camelid or bovine neonatal PMN collected pre- and post-colostrum are sensitive (moreso after consumption) to naturally occurring levels of AFB1. While merits of colostrum are well known, its failure to mitigate toxic effects of AFB1 in what would translate into a critical period in the development of immune competence (i.e. during the first few days of life in bovine and camelid calves) is surprising. The observed in vitro toxicities can help clarify underlying mechanisms of immune disorders caused by AFs in animals/humans.

Effect of simulation-based training method on the psychological health promotion in operating room students during the educational internship.

BACKGROUND: Simulation is one of the strategies which are suggested and used to reduce stress and anxiety in clinical student education. This study aimed to determine the effect of simulation-based training method on psychological health promotion in operating room students in their educational internships. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a clinical trial. Research population was operating room students at Semnan University of Medical Sciences. A demographic questionnaire and the Spielberger's Situational Anxiety Inventory were used as data collection tools. Students were divided into two intervention and control groups randomly. Situational anxiety was measured before the intervention and on the 1st and the last days of the internship. The data from the two groups were compared by using the Mann-Whitney and Friedman statistics at the significant level of 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between students' situational anxiety scores in the experimental and control groups on the 1st day of internship after education by simulation (P = 0.481). There was a significant difference between the students' anxiety scores in the two groups on the last day of the internship (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Simulation of the operating room environment before the internship cannot reduce the operating room students' situational anxiety on the 1st day of internship, but it can reduce their situational anxiety during the internship and significantly reduce it at the end of internship compared to those who are not in the simulated environment.

Evaluation of safety standards accomplishment in educational hospitals of Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences-Iran.

Patient's safety and staff in hospital is one issue that has always been considered as an important principle by experts in health systems. Therefore, for increase safety, standards and safety regulations must be considered. This study aims to evaluation of safety standards accomplishment in educational hospitals of Neyshabur University of medical Sciences. This cross-sectional descriptive study, safety standard status of all wards including 17 various wards from 22 Bahman hospital and 14 various wards from hakim Hospital in Neyshabur city (2016) was investigated. Data were collected using a questionnaire safety standard status hospitals (264 questions). Also data analyzed by SPSS16 software, using descriptive (Mean ± SD) and inferential statistics (T-Test). The results revealed that Safety standard status in 22bahman and hakim hospital were weak (2.42 ± 0.14) and moderate (3.04 ± 0.18) respectively. Also result showed in Hakim hospital, the highest and lowest safety standard status in Internal and Administrative-financial unit was (3.42 ± 0.19) (1.36 ± 0.58) respectively. In addition in hakim hospital, the highest and lowest safety standard status in operation room and administrative-financial unit (3.53 ± 0.28), 1.36 ± 0.58) respectively. According to the result, the safety condition in hospitals of Neyshabur city is moderate and poor status. However, imperfect implementation of safety protocols can endanger safety conditions in hospital. Therefore, it is necessary to take the required correcting measures to ensure full safety in hospitals. •Safety is defined by development of systems for preventing incidents, injuries, and other unpleasant events in organizations.•This article showed the safety status is not appropriate in most units of hospitals, which can lead to dangers for patients and personnel.•It is suggested for future studies to compare the safety status of different provinces.

Perceptions and practices related to clinical alarms.

BACKGROUND: Clinical alarms represent the top hazard listed in the "Top Ten Health Technology Hazards" report. Frequent false alarms can disrupt patient care and reduce trust in alarms. AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the perceptions and practices of critical and noncritical care nurses regarding clinical alarms. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive analytical study conducted from October 2016 to February 2017 at three hospitals on 197 nurses at Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences in Neyshabur, Northeastern Iran. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling. The perceptions were measured through the 2011 Health care Technology Foundation Clinical Alarms Survey. RESULTS: More than half of the nurses believed that frequent false alarms reduced trust in alarms, leading nurses to inappropriately disable alarms. The nurses ranked frequent false alarms as the most important issue in response to alarms. More than 60% of the nurses indicated that they needed more training on the use of bedside and central monitors. CONCLUSION: The result of this study suggested that frequent false alarms, as the most important issue related to alarms, should be taken into account by hospital administrators and researchers to decrease alarm fatigue and improve alarm system safety. More specialized clinical policies and procedures for alarm management should also be considered.

Dataset on the nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice towards palliative care.

When a patient enters the end stage of life threatening disease like cancer, treatment of pain and other symptoms must be considered to preserve quality of life (Gielen et al., 2011) [1]. Nurses have an important role in the care of patients who suffered from life threatening diseases. End of life cares is one of the routine activities of nurses (Gott et al., 2012) [2]. We surveyed knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses who worked in the hospitals of Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences towards palliative care from January 2016 to May 2016. A self-administered Persian questionnaire was used for data collection. The attitude scale was adopted from Frommelt Attitude toward Care of the Dying (Frommelt, 1991) and the knowledge questions were adopted from the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (Ross et al., 1996). The practice questions were also adopted from different related studies. Data analysis was performed by SPSS Statistics software for windows version 16. Our study showed that majority of nurses had favorable attitude but poor knowledge and practice towards palliative care. The results emphasize the importance and need for developing palliative care services in our hospitals.

Nursing managers attitude toward spirituality and spiritual care in Khorasan Razavi Province hospitals in 2016.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Spiritual care is an important part of nursing practice that seems to provide comprehensive care to patients. Nursing manager's attention to the spiritual dimension is one of the most important aspects affecting human health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine nursing managers' attitude to spirituality and spiritual care in hospitals in Khorasan Razavi Province in 2016. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 110 management nurses (8 matrons, 37 supervisors and 65 head nurses) of hospitals in Khorasan Razavi Province (2016) were recruited for the study. Data were collected using a Spirituality & Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) questionnaire in two parts, demographic information and questions related to the research objectives. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 16 software and doing descriptive (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent-samples t-test, ANOVA) and considering levels of significance (p<0.05). RESULTS: The results showed mean and standard deviation in management nursing attitude to spirituality (4.01±0.35) and spiritual care (4.03±0.78). The result showed significant differences between the attitude to spirituality and spiritual care and gender, age and work experience in nursing management (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Management nursing has high level attitude to spirituality and spiritual care. Therefore, providing the perfect platform to provide this care, and for nurses to implement it in hospitals is recommended.

Relationships between Oxidative Stress, Liver, and Erythrocyte Injury, Trace Elements and Parasite Burden in Sheep Naturally Infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of oxidative stress in the pathology of ovine dicrocoeliasis. METHODS: During Dec 2013 - Oct 2014, seventy-two sheep (1-3 years) with liver dicrocoeliasis along with 47 healthy sheep were selected from animals admitted for slaughtering at slaughterhouse located in Neyshabour, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. RESULTS: In comparison to healthy control, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and serum total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in the parasitized group (P<0.05). A significant increase in liver MDA concentration (P<0.05) of parasitized group was also observed. Packed cell volume (PCV), zinc, iron, total bilirubin and albumin sera levels were significantly lower in the parasitized group (P<0.05). In parasitized sheep, a significant positive correlation was seen between serum MDA concentration and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). On the other hand, the concentration of serum MDA was inversely correlated with the value of PCV. No significant differences were observed for MDA concentration and total antioxidant capacity between normal and abnormal hepatic lobes in the parasitized animals. Oxidative stress markers (MDA and total antioxidant capacity in serum and liver samples) showed no significant correlations with the extent of pathological lesions and serum variables of liver injury in the parasitized sheep. No significant correlation was observed between oxidative stress markers and the fluke's number in the parasitized animals. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress may play an important role in the erythrocyte destruction in sheep naturally infected with D. dendriticum. However, no clear relationships were observed between the oxidative stress, hepatic damage and parasite burden.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in the One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) in East and Northeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: This comprehensive study was conducted on multi-purpose one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) sera and ticks to assess the epidemiological aspects of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in northeast Iran. METHODS: From May 2012 to January 2013, eleven cities were randomly selected in the Khorasan Provinces of Iran as "clusters," and at least 14 one-humped camels were sampled from each area. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of the CCHFV genome in ticks. Sera were analyzed using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty ixodid ticks were collected, and the genome of the CCHFV was detected in 49 (10.2%) out of 480 ticks. The CCHFV genome was detected in two out of four tick species, and in tick samples from three cities in Khorassan-e-Jonoobi. All three provinces, and six out of eleven cities, were CCHFV-specific IgG-positive. In total, nine (5.3%) out of 170 one-humped camels were IgG-positive. The highest rate of IgG-positive samples was found in Nehbandan (16.67%). CONCLUSION: Continued surveillance and strictly enforced importation and quarantine practices should be implemented to prevent human exposure and the on-going dispersal of infected ticks and livestock in these regions. It is recommended that acaricides be used to prevent CCHF transmission to humans, and to reduce the tick population. In addition, care should be taken by abattoirs workers and people who work with one-humped camels.

Iranian Children With ADHD and Mental Health of Their Mothers: The Role of Stress.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder that can result in stress for the mother, resulting in poor health. OBJECTIVES: The current study, conducted in 2012, aims to assess stress among forty-six Iranian mothers of ADHD children (Group 1) who were admitted to a psychiatric center in Tehran with forty-six Iranian mothers of normal children (Group 2) in 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Child Symptom Inventory-4 (CSI-4), the child behavior checklist (CBCL) and the parental stress index-short form (PSI/SF) were completed. Data was analyzed using the Levene test and the independent t-test in SPSS Version 18. RESULTS: With the exception of mood, ADHD children had more problems in attention compared with normal children. As a result, mothers of ADHD children had more stress compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS: ADHD can impair a mother's mental health by inducing stress. Specific diagnostic and treatment programs should be designed and tailored for the mothers of ADHD children in order to decrease stress.

Molecular epidemiology of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus detected from ticks of one humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) population in northeastern Iran.

A comprehensive study was conducted on camel ticks to assess the epidemiological aspects of the infection in camels. From May 2012 to January 2013, 11 cities and towns from the Khorasan provinces, northeastern Iran, were randomly selected as a "cluster" and at least 14 camels were sampled from each cluster. A total of 200 camels were examined in this study, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) genome. Tick infestation was observed in 171 of the 200 camels, 480 ixodid ticks were collected, and one genus was identified as Hyalomma. Four species were reported to be the major tick species infesting camels. Among these, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most predominant tick species (90.7 %), followed by H. anatolicum (6 %), H. marginatum (2.9 %), and H. asiaticum (0.4 %). The genome of the CCHFV was detected in 49 (10.2 %) of the 480 ticks. The CCHFV RNA was detected in two of the four tick species, and the viral genome was detected from tick samples in three South Khorasan cities. The positivity rate of ticks was as follows: Boshroyeh, 25 out of 480 (5.2 %); Birjand, 17 out of 480 (3.5 %); and Nehbandan, 7 out of 480 (1.5 %). We recommend the use of acaricides to prevent disease transmission to humans and to reduce the tick population in camels. Care should be taken by abattoir workers and by those who work closely with camels.

Parasitic Burdens, Egg Output, Hemathologic, and Biochemical Changes in Naturally Infected Lambs with Dicrocoelium dendriticum.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the variations of heamathologic and biochemical parameters with different parasitic burdens and the correlation between fecal egg counts and fluke number in livers of sheep naturally infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum. METHODS: In order to detect excretion of D. dendriticum eggs, fecal samples from 120 sheep of different age groups were collected individually at slaughterhouse in Neyshabur County in Razavi Khorasan Province during December 2013 - October 2014. Hematologic and blood biochemical values in 120 sheep naturally infected with D. dendriticum were compared with equivalent values in 120 parasite-free sheep from an organically farmed flock. Investigated animals were kept in outdoor system, on pastures covered with swamps, which remain flooded after rainy season. RESULTS: Total numbers of flukes in livers obtained from infected sheep at autopsy varied between 10 and 18,500. A positive relationship was noted (r= 0.94, P < 0.001) between the number of eggs excreted by each sheep and that of total fluke counts in the liver. Significantly, lower red blood cell, packed cell volume, neutrophil and albumin were observed in parasitized sheep, when compared to the healthy animals. White blood cells,, lymphocyte and aspartate aminotransferase values were significantly higher in parasitized sheep. No significant correlation was detected between the hematologic and biochemical parameters and the number of D. dendriticum in the liver. CONCLUSION: Infection with > 400 D. dendriticum in the liver could be diagnosed by egg per gram. However, there was no relationship between the parasite burden and hematologic and biochemical parameters.

Assessment of target volume doses in radiotherapy based on the standard and measured calibration curves.

CONTEXT: In radiation treatments, estimation of the dose distribution in the target volume is one of the main components of the treatment planning procedure. To estimate the dose distribution, the information of electron densities is necessary. The standard curves determined by computed tomography (CT) scanner that may be different from that of other oncology centers. In this study, the changes of dose calculation due to the different calibration curves (HU-ρel) were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dose values were calculated based on the standard calibration curve that was predefined for the treatment planning system (TPS). The calibration curve was also extracted from the CT images of the phantom, and dose values were calculated based on this curve. The percentage errors of the calculated values were determined. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analyses of the mean differences were performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for both of the calibration curves. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results show no significant difference for both of the measured and standard calibration curves (HU-ρel) in 6, 15, and 18 MeV energies. In Wilcoxon ranked sum nonparametric test for independent samples with P<0.05, the equality of monitor units for both of the curves to transfer 200 cGy doses to reference points was resulted. The percentage errors of the calculated values were lower than 2% and 1.5% in 6 and 15 MeV, respectively. CONCLUSION: From the results, it could be concluded that the standard calibration curve could be used in TPS dose calculation accurately.

Seroepidemiology of Q fever in one-humped camel population in northeast Iran.

Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is the causative agent of important zoonotic Q fever. It is the etiological agent of coxiellosis or Q fever in animals and human. This seroepidemiological survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of coxiellosis in increasingly camel raised population in vast area of Khorasan (North, South, and Razavi) provinces, northeast Iran. Using cluster random sampling strategy, 167 camels in 11 counties were selected as serum samples. Sera were assayed for antibody against C. burnetii using a Q fever ELISA kit. Logistic regression model was used to insight the contributing risk factor(s) of Q fever in the study area. C. burnetii was widely distributed throughout the study area. Seroprevalence of C. burnetii at animal level was 28.7 % [(95 % confidence interval (CI): 21.83, 35.56)] for camel populations. The proportion of seropositivity for camels in the studied counties ranged from 0 to 63.6 %. Logistic regression model showed that age correlated with seroprevalence of coxiellosis at the individual level in camels (P < 0.05). This study showed that a relatively high proportion of camels are seropositive to C. burnetii. Considering the economic, zoonotic, and public health importance of Q fever, percussion measures are to be implemented to prevent spreading of C. burnetii and zeroing the risk of Q fever in farm animals and human in this agro-ecologically and geopolitically important region.

Role of caspases, Bax and Bcl-2 in chrysin-induced apoptosis in the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVES: Honey is reported to contain various compounds such as antioxidants. Chrysin is a natural and biologically active compound extracted from honey. It possesses antioxidant properties and promotes cell death by perturbing cell cycle progression. We focused on the possible role that chrysin may act as a potential anticancer agent, and tested its biological activity and possible mechanisms in the human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line. MATERIALS & METHODS: Antiproliferative effect of honey and chrysin were determined by 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay; DNA fragmentation was determined by gel electrophoresis assay; apoptosis was detected by flow cytometer; apoptosis-related gene expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay; and activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were evaluated by a colorimetric assay; Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression were also analysed by western blotting. RESULTS: The results revealed that the cell viability decreased in a concentration- and time- dependent manner in the malignant cells treated with honey and chrysin in comparison with the nonmalignant cells. The IC50 values of honey against A549 cells were determined 15 ± 0.05% and 8 ± 0.05 % after 48 and 72h, respectively. The IC50 dose of chrysin was determined to be 49.2 ± 0.6 and 38.7 ± 0.8 µM at 48 and 72 h, respectively. Reactivity with Annexin V fluorescence antibody and propidium iodide showed that chrysin induced apoptosis in the lung cancer cells (p<0.001). Moreover, chrysin treatment resulted in the activation of caspase-3 and - 9 and an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (p<0.01). Bax protein expression was increased but Bcl-2 protein expression decreased in chrysin-treated cells .Chrysin inhibits the growth of the lung cancer cells by inducing cancer cell apoptosis via the regulation of the Bcl-2 family and also activation of caspase-3 and -9, which may, in part, explain its anticancer activity. CONCLUSION: This study shows that chrysin could also be considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent and anticancer activity in treatment of the lung cancer cells in future.

Prevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in the northeast of Iran.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in Khorasan Razavi and Khorasan Shomali provinces which are the main provinces located in the northeast of Iran. Total number of 429 blood samples were collected from industrial dairy herds. The samples were categorized based on province, age (2-3, 4-6, and 7-10 years old), calving (≤ 2, 3-5, and > 5) and herd size (≤ 100, 101-250, and > 250) and examined by indirect ELISA. The results of this study showed that 109 (25.4%) out of 429 serum samples were BLV seropositive. The BLV prevalence among cattle of dairy herds of Khorasan Razavi and Khorasan Shomali provinces were 29.8% and 1.5%, respectively. The results showed that the number of seropositive animals was increased significantly with the age (p < 0.05). The infection rate in animals 2-3, 4-6 and 7-10 years old were 12.1%, 26.7% and 45.6%, respectively. It was shown that BLV prevalence according to calving ≤ 2, 3-5 and > 5 was 15.5%, 33.0% and 42.9%, respectively, with a significant difference between calving ≤ 2 and > 5 (p < 0.001). The prevalence of BLV among herd size of ≤ 100, 101-250 and > 250 was 19.7%, 14.3% and 42.1%, respectively, which was significantly higher in herds with more than 250 cattle (p < 0.05). This study revealed that BLV infection in dairy herds of northeast of Iran was influenced by geographical location (province), age, calving and herd size.

Curcumin pretreatment attenuates brain lesion size and improves neurological function following traumatic brain injury in the rat.

Turmeric has been in use since ancient times as a condiment and due to its medicinal properties. Curcumin, the yellow coloring principle in turmeric, is a polyphenolic and a major active constituent. Besides anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic and anti-carcinogenic activities, curcumin also possesses strong antioxidant property. The neuroprotective effects of curcumin were evaluated in a weight drop model of cortical contusion trauma in rat. Male Wistar rats (350-400 g, n=9) were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (60 mg/kg i.p.) and subjected to head injury. Five days before injury, animals randomly received an i.p. bolus of either curcumin (50 and 100 mg/kg/day, n=9) or vehicle (n=9). Two weeks after the injury and drug treatment, animals were sacrificed and a series of brain sections, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were evaluated for quantitative brain lesion volume. Two weeks after the injury, oxidative stress parameter (malondialdehyde) was also measured in the brain. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the size of brain injury-induced lesions (P<0.05). Neurological examinations (rotarod and inclined-plane tests) were performed on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 post-brain injury. Control injured rats had a significant neurological deficit during 2 weeks (P<0.001). The injury increased brain levels of the malondialdehyde by 35.6% and these increases were attenuated by curcumin (100 mg/kg). Curcumin treatment significantly improved the neurological status evaluated during 2 weeks after brain injury. The study demonstrates the protective efficacy of curcumin in rat traumatic brain injury model.