Novel approach in k0-NAA for highly concentrated REE Samples.

The present paper presents a new approach for k0-NAA for accurate quantification with short turnaround analysis times for rare earth elements (REEs) in high content mineral matrices. REE k0 and Q0 values, spectral interferences and nuclear interferences were experimentally evaluated and improved with Alfa Aesar Specpure Plasma Standard 1000mgkg-1 mono-rare earth solutions. The new iterative gamma-ray self-attenuation and neutron self-shielding methods were investigated with powder standards prepared from 100mg of 99.9% Alfa Aesar mono rare earth oxide diluted with silica oxide. The overall performance of the new k0-NAA method for REEs was validated using a certified reference material (CRM) from Canadian Certified Reference Materials Project (REE-2) with REE content ranging from 7.2mgkg-1 for Yb to 9610mgkg-1 for Ce. The REE concentration was determined with uncertainty below 7% (at 95% confidence level) and proved good consistency with the CRM certified concentrations.

Responding to physical and psychological health impacts of disasters: case study of the Iranian disaster rehabilitation plan.

This paper describes the process of developing a national pre-disaster plan for physical health and psychological rehabilitation of disaster-stricken communities. Data gathered from a literature review and expert panel discussions informed the process of drawing up unified definitions of physical and psychological health rehabilitation, carrying out stakeholder and STEEP-V analyses, and assigning the responsible organization and the collaborative organizations for each task. The Ministry of Health and the Welfare Organization were selected as the two responsible organizations. Integrated management at all levels, and sharing information, education and funding, were identified as ways to improve stakeholders' participation and collaboration. A system is needed for evaluating the implementation of the disaster rehabilitation plan, using valid and reliable indicators.

Replacing soybean meal with gelatin extracted from cow skin and corn protein concentrate as a protein source in broiler diets.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of replacing soybean meal with gelatin extracted from cow skin and corn protein concentrate as a protein source in broiler diets. Experiments were carried out as a completely randomized design where each experiment involved 4 treatments of 6 replicates and 10 chicks in each pen. Soybean meal proteins in a corn-soy control diet were replaced with 15, 30, and 45% of cow skin gelatin (CSG) or corn protein concentrate (CPC), respectively, in experiments 1 and 2. BW and cumulative feed intake were measured at 7, 21, and 42 d of age. Blood characteristics, relative organs weight and length, ileal digesta viscosity, ileal morphology, and cecal coliform and Salmonella population were measured at 42 d of age. Apparent total tract digestibility of protein was determined during 35 to 42 d of age. Replacement of soybean meal with CSG severely inhibited BW gain, decreased feed intake, and increased FCR in broilers during the experimental period (P ≤ 0.01). The inclusion of CPC reduced BW and increased FCR significantly (P ≤ 0.05) at 21 and 42 d of age without any consequence in feed intake. Protein digestibility was reduced and ileal digesta viscosity was increased linearly by increasing the amount of CSG and CPC in the control diet (P ≤ 0.01). Replacement of soybean meal with CSG and CPC did not significantly alter blood cell profile and plasma phosphorus, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, Aspartate transaminase, and HDL and LDL cholesterol concentration. The inclusion of CSG linearly (P ≤ 0.05) increased plasma uric acid concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels were decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) when the amount of CSG replacement was 15%. The results of this experiment showed that using CSG and CPC negatively affects broiler performance and therefore is not a suitable alternative to soybean meal in commercial diets.

Responding to physical and psychological health impacts of disasters:case study of the Iranian disaster rehabilitation plan

This paper describes the process of developing a national pre-disaster plan for physical health and psychological rehabilitation of disaster-stricken communities.Data gathered from a literature review and expert panel discussions informed the process of drawing up unified definitions of physical and psychological health rehabilitation,carrying out stakeholder and STEEP-V analyses,and assigning the responsible organization and the collaborative organizations for each task.The Ministry of Health and the Welfare Organization were selected as the two responsible organizations.Integrated management at all levels,and sharing information,education and funding,were identified as ways to improve stakeholders' participation and collaboration.A system is needed for evaluating the implementation of the disaster rehabilitation plan,using valid and reliable indicators

La presente etude decrit le processus d'elaboration d'un plan national de preparation aux catastrophes naturelles pour la sante physique et la rehabilitation psychologique des populations frappees par les catastrophes.Ees donnees collectees a partir d'une analyse documentaire et de groupes de discussions d'experts ont permis la redaction de definitions unifiees en matiere de rehabilitation au plan de la sante physique et mentale,la conduite d'analyses des parties prenantes et d'analyses PEST[E]-V [politique,economique,sociologique,technologique et ecologique,et questions liees aux valeurs], et I'attribution de chaque tache a I'organisation responsable et aux organisations collaborates.Ee ministere de la Sante et l'Organisation de protection sociale ont ete designees comme les deux entites responsables.Une prise en charge integree a tous les niveaux,le partage de l'information,I'education et Taide financiere ont ete identifies comme les moyens de renforcer la participation et la collaboration des parties prenantes.E'etablissement d'un systeme est requis pour evaluer la mise en oeuvre du plan de relevement post-catastrophe a I'appui d'indicateurs valables et fiables

Promotion of spinal cord axon regeneration by 3D nanofibrous core-sheath scaffolds.

Since spinal cord injury is a complicated problem, neural tissue repair, and regeneration strategies have received a great deal of attention. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) nanofibrous core-sheath scaffold with nanorough sheath and aligned core were fabricated by a combined electrospinning method with water vortex and two-nozzle system. In vitro and in vivo biological tests were carried out on the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds. The cell morphology and proliferation evaluation of nerve cells on 3D PLGA scaffolds were studied. Cells were properly orientated along the aligned fiber direction of the scaffold. In animal studies, adult rats received a complete lateral hemisection at the T9-T10 level. Scaffolds were engrafted to bridge 3 mm defects of 10 adult rat spinal cords; 10 rats were used as controls. For 8 weeks, motor and sensory recovery by open field locomotor scale, narrow beam and tail flick tests were assessed. Locomotor and sensory scores of grafted animals were significantly better than the control group. Histological findings demonstrated that the scaffold supports the axonal regeneration of injured spinal cords and regenerating axons were seen to enter the graft and extend along its length.

[Fingers amputation following snakebite: a report of three cases]. / L'amputation des doigts par morsure de serpent : à propos de trois cas.

The amputation of the finger complicating an ophidian bite is rare. It is due to virulence of the venom, its concentration in a small volume of tissue and use of a tourniquet. Support of the victim seeks to save his life and function of his(her) hand. Antivenin immunotherapy is the only specific treatment for ophidian envenimation. It is indicated in case of general signs showing a serious bite, but also if local signs could lead to loss of limb function. The authors report three cases of snakebite complicated by amputation of a finger.

[Giant schwannoma of musculocutaneous nerve (a case report)]. / Schwannome géant du nerf musculocutané (à propos d'un cas).

Schwannoma is a tumor that develops from nerve sheath. The authors report an original observation of a giant schwannoma developed in the arm depending on the musculocutaneous nerve. The diagnosis was based on MRI appearance. Confirmation of the diagnosis was made by histological examination. Surgical treatment was resection, taking care preserving adjacent nerve fibers. This allowed recovery without any sequela. Recurrence rate and potential for malignant transformation of this type of tumor is low.

Foreign body granuloma: a diagnosis not to forget.

Penetrating wounds of the foot are not uncommon. Many are caused by thorns or by fragments of wood that are retained in the foot, creating a foreign-body granuloma. The differential diagnosis for bony reaction to an unrecognised organic foreign body includes osteoid osteoma, chronic and acute osteomyelitis, tuberculosis granuloma, bone cyst, aneurysmal bone cyst, cortical fibrous defect, and neoplasm. We report the case of a boy suffering from a thorn inducing a lytic lesion of the fifth metatarsal that demonstrates the diagnosis difficulties of foreign body granuloma.

Evaluation of diagnostic efficacy of serum sTfR assay in iron-deficiency anemia and Beta-thalassemia trait in Shafa hospital, Ahvaz, Iran 2010.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Soluble form of transferrin receptor (TFR) called soluble TFR (sTfR) is shed mainly from the erythroid precursors and with a slower rate from other tissues into the plasma. This process of release is intensified in situations characterized with a some degree of erythroid hyperplasia or body iron stores depletion, such as seen in beta-thalassemia trait (betaTT) and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), respectively. Therefore, the employement of sTfR assay as a diagnostic tool for differentiating IDA from betaTT in case of co-existence of these two clinical entities seems to be questionable. In this work we decided to study the above-mentioned dilemma in our geographical area, south of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole blood (5 ml) and serum samples (2 ml) were collected from 30 patients with IDA, 30 individuals with betaTT and 30 apparently healthy cases as control group. Complete blood count (CBC) was done by blood analyzer and serum iron, serum ferritin and serum sTfR were assayed by biochemical, immunological (chemiluminescence) and Elisa Kit, respectively. RESULTS: Serum ferritin concentration in IDA group was significantly lower than the concentration seen in betaTT: 6.93 ± 4.16 vs 47.40+/=32.33 microg/ml. The findings for sTfR serum concentration in IDA group (3.25+/=1.60 microg/ml) and betaTT group (1.86+/=0.36 microg/ml) showed a significant difference between IDA and the control group (p < 0.001), with some overlap between IDA and betaTT groups. Serum ferritin concentration and serum sTfR concentration in the control group were (65.60 ± 58.53 microg/dl) and (1.51+/=0.22 microg/ml), respectively. The sTfR/ferritin ratio clearly showed a diagnostic superiority to ferritin assay in IDA diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The observed overlap in serum stfR concentrations between IDA and betaTT groups makes the sTfR assay unefficient tool for a differential diagnosis between IDA and betaTT in the early stages of IDA. An higher diagnostic potential was observed in the advanced stage of iron deficiency anemia. Calculated ratio of serum sTfR/ferritin showed the diagnostic superiority to ferritin assay alone in IDA diagnosis.

[Diffuse tenosenovial giant cell tumor of the wrist revealed by carpal tunnel syndrome: report of a case]. / Tumeur ténosynoviale à cellules géantes diffuse du poignet révélée par un syndrome du canal carpien: à propos d'un cas.

Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath is a benign proliferative lesion of synovial origin that may affect the joints, bursae and tendon sheaths. It is the second most common soft tissue tumor of the hand after ganglion cyst. The localised (nodular) form is the most common. However, the less-common diffuse-type giant cell tumour is usually located in the peri-articular soft tissue. The authors report the case of a giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath arising from the carpal tunnel of the wrist in a 42-year-old woman. The patient presented a mild carpal tunnel syndrome and a mid-palmar swelling. We present an unusual localization of giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath, causing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Evaluation of plasma activity level of anticoagulant proteins in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Shafa hospital Ahwaz 2010.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy as associated with various coagulation abnormalities such as hemorrhage and thrombosis. This study was designed to investigate the distribution pattern of plasma activity level of anticoagulant protein such as proteins C and S, antithrombin, activated protein C resistance (APCR-V) and D-dimer in patients with ALL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied thirty patients with confirmed ALL admitted in Shafa Hospital Hematology-Oncology and Thalassemia-Hemoglobinopathy Research Center and thirty normal (age and sex matched) subjects as control group. Proteins C and S, antithrombin, APCR-V were measured by coagulation analyzer and D-dimer analysed with Asserachrom D-Di enzyme immunoassay kit in patients and control group. RESULTS: The mean activity levels of protein C (p = 0.017) and antithrombin (p = 0.014) were significantly lower in patient to group compared to the control group. However, the patient group had significantly elevated mean levels of protein S (p = 0.004) and D-dimer (p = 0.0001) compared to the control grup. About 3% of patients had APCR-V. There was no significant difference in APCR-V found between patient and control group (p = 0.674). CONCLUSIONS: The hypercoagulability in ALL patients may attribute to the low levels of protein C and antithrombin and the high level of protein S and D-dimer. According to our findings, the use of suitable anticoagulant therapy as a prophylactic measure can be proposed.

A biomechanical study comparing plate fixation using unicortical and bicortical screws in transverse metacarpal fracture models subjected to cyclic loading.

The use of bicortical screws to fix metacarpal fractures has been suggested to provide no added biomechanical advantage over unicortical screw fixation. However, this was only demonstrated in static loading regimes, which may not be representative of biological conditions. The present study was done to determine whether similar outcomes are obtained when cyclic loading is applied. Transverse midshaft osteotomies were created in 20 metacarpals harvested from three cadavers. Fractures were stabilised using 2.0 mm mini fragment plates fixed with either bicortical or unicortical screw fixation. These fixations were tested to failure with a three-point bending cyclic loading protocol using an electromechanical microtester and a 1 kN load cell. The mean load to failure was 370 N (SD 116) for unicortical fixation and 450 N (SD 135) for bicortical fixation. Significant differences between these two constructs were observed. A biomechanical advantage was found when using bicortical screws in metacarpal fracture plating.

[Giant lipoma of the third finger: a case report]. / Lipome géant du troisieme doigt : à propos d'un cas.

Lipomas are benign tumors composed of mature fat. They rarely arise in the hand and are even rarer in the fingers. The lipoma is called "giant" when the resected specimen exceeds 5 cm in diameter. We report a rare case of giant lipoma in a finger.

Economic and managerial analysis of effective managerial strategies on prevention from ketosis in transition period in shahroud commercial dairy farms.

The purpose of this research is to study any effects of managerial strategies on prevention of ketosis metabolic disorder in transition period in Shahroud commercial dairy farms. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared in order to obtain required information about the performance of these managerial strategies, performance costs, involvement situation with disorders relying upon clinical signs and treatment and health records, producing and economic situation, and fertility rate and its costs. The considered managerial guidelines include body condition score management or type evaluation in transition period, increase in dry matter intake close to parturition, using propylene glycol, using niacin, and high-quality feeding (the importance of feed quality) in transition period. Finally and upon arrangement of data, it was possible to study any effects of mentioned managerial strategies on related variants through multiple linear regressions. Furthermore, in order to study any relation among variables, we considered Pearson correlation coefficients as well. Finally, it was revealed that any application of managerial strategies for prevention from Ketosis in transition period has a significant effect in betterment of managerial and economic parameters.

Unusual presentation of a rare tumor of the dorsal surface of the foot.

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma (CAF) was originally described by Keasbey in 1953 as juvenile aponeurotic fibroma, most commonly occurring in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet in children and adolescents. It usually presents as a firm, painless mass without preceding trauma. We report a case of this rare condition with an unusual presentation in a 60-year-old woman affecting the dorsal surface of the foot. It is a relatively benign condition with a good prognosis following complete surgical excision. It may have a slightly increased incidence in males. The accurate diagnosis is based only on histology but it is essential to differentiate it from other sinister lesions such as fibrosarcoma that may lead to amputation.

Epidemiology of hospitalized burn patients in Taleghani Hospital during 2003-2007.

AIM: The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of burn injuries refered to Taleghani Burn hospital, Ahvaz and to provide information necessary for planning and implementing an effective prevention program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of 6082 consecutive admissions for burn injury treated at Taleghani burn hospital over a five-year period (August 2003 to August 2007) were reviewed. RESULTS: Our results shows that hospital stay in female was significantly longer than in male (p < 0.05). A positive significant correlation was observed between duration of hospital stay and %TBSA (chi2, p < 0.05). Of the 6082 patients, 486 deaths were recorded. The overall mortality rate of hospitalized burns patients was 8%. Mortality rate in female was higher than in male (p < 0.05). Our data showed E. coli in urine culture and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in blood and wound culture was the predominant isolated bacteria. CONCLUSION: This study provides an inclusive overview of hospitalized burn patients at Taleghani burn hospital. Prevention programs for reducing the risk of burns are needed. Furthermore, high %TBSA and mortality and the presence of multi-drugs resistant bacteria are major worrying problems in our hospital (Tab. 5, Fig. 2, Ref. 27).

[Juxta articular myxoma of the wrist: a case report]. / Myxome juxta articulaire du poignet : à propos d'un cas.

Juxta articular myxomas are rare tumors. The treatment is surgical with a high recurrence rate. A location proximal to the wrist joint is exceptional. We report a case of juxta articular myxoma of the wrist in a 30-year-old patient, with no recurrence four months after surgical excision.

Prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren in Ahvaz, Islamic Republic of Iran.

The prevalence of asthma was determined in a random sample of schoolchildren in Ahvaz city, southwest Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol. The prevalence of ever wheeze and current wheeze was 11.1% and 7.4% among 1410 children aged 6-7 years (parent-reported) and 17.7% and 10.3% among 1450 children aged 13-14 years (self-reported). The prevalence of ever asthma was significantly higher among 13-14-year-olds (9.8%) than 6-7-year-olds (6.8%) but no significant difference was found between males and females in either age group. Comparisons are made with other Iranian cities and international data.