Gastrointestinal helminths of magpies [Pica pica], rooks [Corvus frugilegus] and carrion crows [Corvus corone] in Mazandaran province, north of Iran

Corvidae is a cosmopolitan family of oscine birds including crows, rooks, magpies, jays, chough, and ravens. These birds are migratory species, especially in the shortage of foods, so they can act like vectors for a wide range of microorganisms. They live generally in temperate climates and in a very close contact with human residential areas as well as poultry farms. There is no available information in the literature concerning the parasitic infections of these three species of corvidae in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, so this study was conducted to clarify this. As there are three species of corvid birds in Mazandaran Province, 106 birds including 79 magpies, 11 rooks, and 16 carrion crows were examined between winter 2007 and spring 2008 at post mortem for gastrointestinal helminths. The helminths were drawn and identified morphologically in the Laboratory of Parasitology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran and also partly in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, based on the reference books and identification keys like Soulsby, Khalil et al. and Anderson et al. Four species of nematodes, 2 species of cestodes, 1 species of trematodes and 1 species of acanthocephalans were identified in these three corvid species. Five species of the helminths are identified for the first time in Iran, and the acanthocephalan species is new host record for rooks. It is clear that these corvid birds have diverse range of helminths and can act as carriers for infecting the domestic fowls

Aortic valve endocarditis leading to rupture of sinus of valsalva: echocardiographic diagnosis

Aortic Valve Endocarditis Leading to Rupture of Sinus of Valsalva in the right-sided heart chambers is an unusual complication. Here we have presented a case where infective Endocarditis of Aortic Valve lead to Rupture of Sinus of Valsalva into the right atrium. Prolapsing vegetation also lead to a satellite lesion on tricuspid valve probably by direct implantation. Echocardiography with color flow mapping helped us to diagnose this case early and accurately so that timely surgery could save patient's life

Opening wedge calcaneal osteotomy for lateral decompression of malunited calcaneal fractures

Nine patients [11 feet] with symptomatic feet secondary to a malunited calcaneal fracture were treated with an opening wedge calcaneal osteotomy. The pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters were compared and a postoperative clinical evaluation was performed using the AOFAS [American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society] ankle and hindfoot scoring system. The average follow up period was 13.2 months [range, 12.1-19]. The most significant radiographic changes were an improvement in the talonavicular coverage angle [mean, 17.30] on the anteroposterior view. The average postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society's hindfoot and ankle score was 90 with 7 excellent, 3 good and 1 poor results. Lateral decompression of the peroneal tendons and the sural nerve was achieved indirectly through opening wedge lateral calcaneal osteotomy that shifts the weight- bearing axis laterally

Treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures by recapping laminoplasty and monosegmental vertebral reconstruction

Seven patients with traumatic fractures of dorsolumbar spine with neurological deficit were presented in this paper. All patients had a radiological evidence of spinal cord or quada equina compression with either paraplegia or paraparesis. The patients underwent recapping laminoplasty in the thoracic or lumbar spine for decompression of spinal cord. The thread wire saw [T-saw] was used for the division of the posterior elements. After decompression of the cord and removal of the extruded bone fragments and disk material, the excised laminae were replaced exactly in situ to their original anatomic position resulting in the complete reconstruction of the posterior supporting elements of the spinal column. Then, the application of a compression force via monosegmental transpedicular fixation was done allowing vertebral end plate compression and intersomatic fusion to restore the stability of the anterior column. This technique allows for a generous decompression of the spinal canal. At the same time, it avoids the risk of late instability. It has also several advantages: A bone graft from the donor site is not needed; the implanted bone graft is firmly secured avoiding dislocation and compression of the spinal cord; a fusion of two segments becomes unnecessary. This is a less extensive surgical procedure than a combined anterior and posterior approach

Open and indirect mini-external fixation reduction of intra-articular oscalsis fractures

Since June, 1994 to June, 1995,17 patients with intra-articular fracture of oscalsis have been treated with operative intervention. After lateral incision, a reconstruction plate or a cervical H-pIate was used to buttress the lateral wall. The age range of the treated patients was 17- 46 years. Fifteen patients were male and 2 were female. A mini-external fixator was used to manipulate and reduce the fracture. The functional results were good in 70.6% and unsatisfactory in 29.4%. This method should be considered in patients with severe soft tissue damage, a situation in which many surgeons may elect to treat conservatively