scholarly journals Influence of the Season on the Metabolic Profile in Chios Sheep

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Dzadzovski ◽  
Irena Celeska ◽  
Igor Ulchar ◽  
Aleksandar Janevski ◽  
Danijela Kirovski
Keyword(s):  
Cold Stress ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Pregnant Sheep ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pregnancy Toxemia ◽  
Chios Sheep

Abstract Chios is a breed of sheep selected for milk production, with metabolic features typical for a dairy sheep breed. The energy requirements of pregnant sheep is increase in the last weeks of gestation. Metabolic imbalance in the late pregnancy in sheep, usually cause a metabolic disorder known as pregnancy toxemia. Additionally, a pregnant sheep exposed to low environmental temperatures has increased energy demands, due to its adaptation to undesirable environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic profile of Chios sheep exposed to different environmental conditions.Two groups of ewes were instigated. First group included 8 pregnant ewes with clinical signs of pregnancy toxemia exposed to cold stress during the winter season. The second group included 8 non-pregnant, clinically healthy ewes, that were examined during the non-breeding period, in the spring season. Blood samples were taken and serum concentrations of glucose, beta-hydroxybutirate (BHBA), total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, triglyceride and cholesterol, as well as activity of AST and ALP were determined. Pregnant ewes exposed to cold stress had significantly lower levels of glucose and total protein, and significantly higher levels of BHBA, albumin and AST in the serum compared to non-pregnant ewes that were in optimal environmental conditions. There was no significant difference between the serum levels of urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides and ALP among the groups. In conclusion, low environmental temperature and poor feeding during the winter season caused metabolic distress in pregnant ewes during the early winter season.

scholarly journals Effect of dry eye diseases on the level of Protein and Lipids in Tears of Postmenopausal Women.

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A.O. Shuaibu ◽  
G. A. Akinlabi
Keyword(s):  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Dry Eye ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Dry Eye Disease ◽  
Eye Disease ◽  
Ocular Surface Disease Index ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eye Symptoms ◽  
Breakup Time

The study is aimed at investigating the effect of dry eye disease on the level of protein and lipids in tears of postmenopausal women. The study was carried out on 33 postmenopausal women with dry eye symptoms and 22 postmenopausal women that were asymptomatic. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire classified participants as being symptomatic or asymptomatic of dry eye. Tear stability and tear volume were assessed with Fluorescein Tear Break up Time (FBUT) and Schirmer’s test respectively. Tears were analysed for protein (total protein, albumin, and globulin) and lipid (cholesterol and triglycerides). The mean total protein for Dry Eye (DE) was higher than that for Non-dry eye (NDE). Albumin and globulin were also higher for the DE group when compared to the NDE group. These were however, not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in triglycerides and cholesterol between DE and NDE. There was no significant correlation between clinical signs (tear volume and tear breakup time) and total protein, albumin, globulin cholesterol and triglycerides in the NDE and DE eye groups. The study shows that proteins and lipids do not change in postmenopausal women irrespective of the presences of dry eye disease.

Comparison of the Effects of Fenugreek Vaginal Cream and Ultra Low- Dose Estrogen on Atrophic Vaginitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 815-822
Author(s):  
Maryam Safary ◽  
Sevil Hakimi ◽  
Noushin Mobaraki-Asl ◽  
Paria Amiri ◽  
Habib Tvassoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Conjugated Estrogens ◽  
Atrophic Vaginitis ◽  
Vaginal Cream ◽  
Intergroup Comparison ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction: Atrophic vaginitis is a common problem in postmenopausal women and results from decreased levels of blood estrogen. It is associated with symptoms of itching, burning, dyspareunia, and postmenopausal bleeding. The present study evaluated the effects of fenugreek extract on atrophic vaginitis. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 postmenopausal women in Ardabil, Iran, in 2018. The participants were selected using block randomization with the allocation ratio 1:1. Those in the intervention group received 0.5g (the applicator filled to the half-full mark) fenugreek vaginal cream 5% twice a week for 12 weeks. The control group received conjugated estrogens vaginal cream at the dose of 0.625 mg (the applicator filled to the half-full mark) containing 0.3 mg of conjugated estrogens. Atrophic vaginitis was evaluated before and after the treatment through clinical examination, clinical signs, and measurement of Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI). Findings: After the 12-week intervention and modification of the baseline score, the mean (standard error) score for atrophic vaginitis signs was 3.100 (1.43-4.75). This difference was statistically significant in intragroup comparison and in favor of the control group in intergroup comparison (p=0.001). VMI was less than 49% in 86.7% and 46.7% of the participants in the intervention and control groups, respectively. This was a significant difference in favor of the control group (p=0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that total fenugreek extract could be effective in treating signs of atrophic vaginitis, but it was not as effective as ultra-low-dose estrogen.

scholarly journals Comparative Tissue Responses of Marine Mollusks on Seasonal Changes in the Northern Adriatic Sea

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2874
Author(s):  
Natalija Topić Popović ◽  
Martina Krbavčić ◽  
Josip Barišić ◽  
Blanka Beer Ljubić ◽  
Ivančica Strunjak-Perović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Antioxidant Defense ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Northern Adriatic ◽  
Gonadal Maturation ◽  
Marine Mollusks ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Tissue Responses ◽  
Antioxidant Defense Systems

In the shallow Northern Adriatic, marine mollusks are affected by bottom trawling and seafood disturbance. Seasonal oscillations of oceanographic factors additionally influence their physiology, stress responses and survival. Tissue responses to seasonal variations in green ormer (Haliotis tuberculata L.) and Mediterranean scallop (Pecten jacobaeus L.) in the Northern Adriatic have not been reported. Hence, their biochemical and antioxidant defense properties over seasons were studied and the microanatomical structure of their tissue was correlated with function. Histological analysis of gonads revealed two peaks of gonadal maturation and spawning during the spring/summer period and winter season for scallops, and one peak during the fall for ormers. The gonadal maturation of both species was correlated with their seasonal variations of metabolic demands and antioxidant capacity. The lipid vacuoles of tubuloacinar terminations in the digestive gland differed between the two species; in scallop they are several-fold larger in size and number. Low temperatures in winter contributed to a decline in enzymatic antioxidant defense in scallop tissues, having lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and higher concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAS). In ormers, winter induced lower TAS, TBARS, SOD and GPx concentrations. The significant difference of winter TAS and TBARS levels between ormers and scallops was correlated with variations in their reproductive cycles, as well as in antioxidant defense systems. The most important factor for stress-related parameters for both species in this work was found to be the season-induced temperature change.

scholarly journals Cerebrospinal Fluid Parameters in Antisense Oligonucleotide-Treated Adult 5q-Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 296
Author(s):  
Lars Hendrik Müschen ◽  
Alma Osmanovic ◽  
Camilla Binz ◽  
Konstantin F. Jendretzky ◽  
Gresa Ranxha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Spinal Muscular Atrophy ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Antisense Oligonucleotide ◽  
Muscular Atrophy ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Central Nervous System Disease ◽  
Oligoclonal Bands ◽  
System Disease

Approval of nusinersen, an intrathecally administered antisense oligonucleotide, for the treatment of 5q-spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) marked the beginning of a new therapeutic era in neurological diseases. Changes in routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters under nusinersen have only recently been described in adult SMA patients. We aimed to explore these findings in a real-world setting and to identify clinical and procedure-associated features that might impact CSF parameters. Routinely collected CSF parameters (leukocyte count, lactate, total protein, CSF/serum albumin quotient (QAlbumin), oligoclonal bands) of 28 adult SMA patients were examined for up to 22 months of nusinersen treatment. Total protein and QAlbumin values significantly increased in the first 10 months, independent of the administration procedure. By month 14, no further increases were detected. Two patients developed transient pleocytosis. In two cases, positive oligoclonal bands were found in the beginning and in four patients throughout the whole observation period. No clinical signs of inflammatory central nervous system disease were apparent. Our data confirm elevated CSF total protein and QAlbumin during nusinersen treatment. These alterations may be caused by both repeated lumbar punctures and the interval between procedures rather than by the medication itself. Generally, there were no severe alterations of CSF routine parameters. These results further underline the safety of nusinersen therapy.

scholarly journals Transitional Cell Carcinomas of the Urinary Tract in a Colony of Beagle Dogs

1989 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 455-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. J. Nikula ◽  
S. A. Benjamin ◽  
G. M. Angleton ◽  
A. C. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Transitional Cell ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Beagle Dogs ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Microscopic Features

Gross and light microscopic features of transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) of the urinary tract were examined in Beagle dogs used for the study of the long-term effects of low-dose, whole-body, 60Co gamma radiation. Thirty-eight cases of TCC occurred among 990 dogs that were from 0 to 14 years of age. There was no conclusive evidence of a radiation effect. The 38 TCC were equally divided between male and female dogs, but there was a significant difference in the sex distribution of urethra-origin TCC. Eleven males had a primary urethral TCC compared to only two females. There was no significant difference between the urethra-origin and bladder-origin TCCs in the number of tumors that caused clinical signs, metastasized, or that contributed to the death of the dog. All cases of urethral TCC in male dogs occurred in the prostatic urethra. The majority of these cases were not recognized to be neoplasms at gross necropsy, but microscopic examination revealed the TCC. Our findings differ from previous reports stating that TCC occurs more frequently in female than male dogs, and they especially differ from reports claiming that urethra-origin TCC is predominately a disease of female dogs.

Could a low-cost audio-visual link be useful in rheumatology?

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 35-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
L E Graham ◽  
S Mcgimpsey ◽  
S Wright ◽  
G Mcclean ◽  
J Carser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Junior Doctor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Provisional Diagnosis ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Small Joint

We have investigated prospectively the diagnostic accuracy, specialist satisfaction and patient–specialist rapport of a low-cost audio-visual link between a junior doctor with a patient and a consultant rheumatologist. Using a telephone link and subsequently a video-phone link, 20 patients, with various rheumatological problems, were presented by a junior doctor to the consultant rheumatologist for provisional diagnosis. All patients were then seen face to face by the consultant, when a final diagnosis was made. An independent consultant rheumatologist made a ‘gold standard’ diagnosis. Thirty-five per cent of diagnoses were made correctly over the telephone and 40% over the video-phone – there was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy between these two methods of communication. Rapport over the video-phone was universally poor. Where it was important, clinical signs could not be visualized over the video-phone and in more than 85% of cases small joint swellings could not be seen clearly.

scholarly journals Distribution of guppies Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1860) and Phalloceros caudimaculatus (Hensel, 1868) along a polluted stretch of the Paraíba do Sul River, Brazil

2009 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
FG. Araújo ◽  
MG. Peixoto ◽  
BCT. Pinto ◽  
TP. Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Poecilia Reticulata ◽  
Condition Factor ◽  
Spatial Separation ◽  
Fishing Effort ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Industrial Complex ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Paraíba Do Sul River

Cyprinodontiformes fishes (guppies) are widely distributed in Neotropical regions and use deteriorated microhabitats in rivers where few species can occur. This study was carried out in a stretch of the Paraíba do Sul River in bracketing a large urban-industrial complex. The aim was to assess eventual effects that the industrial complex could have on distribution of two closely related fish species of guppies, Phalloceros caudimaculatus and Poecilia reticulata. The area was divided into three zones: Z1, 40 km upriver of the major urban-industrial complex of Volta Redonda; Z2, just down river of the complex; and Z3, 30 km down river of the complex. Six sites (two in each zone) were sampled monthly between November 1998 and October 1999, using a standardized fishing effort with cast net throws, trays lifts and seine hauls, covering different microhabitats, that is, riffles, pools and the proximity of the river's margins. Poecilia reticulata was widely distributed, peaking at Z2, the most polluted area, while P. caudimaculatus showed the highest abundance at Z3, being almost absent in Z1. Both species occurred in high numbers throughout the year but they were scarce between April and June. Females outnumbered males for both species in most size classes and at all sites. Juveniles were more abundant than adults, with non-pregnant females outnumbering pregnant ones. Condition factor was always higher in males than females but only males P. reticulata showed significant difference among the three zones, with the highest values at Z2. The higher number of females confirms the expectation that these species can use very polluted areas and that availability of food provided by organic loads allowed their distribution all over the area. Although these two species have shown indication of spatial separation in the study area, their similar seasonal patterns of occurrence suggest that they respond in a similar way to changes in environmental conditions.

scholarly journals Seasonal Variation in Aflatoxin Levels in Edible Seeds, Estimation of Its Dietary Intake and Vitamin E Levels in Southern Areas of Punjab, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (23) ◽  
pp. 8964
Author(s):  
Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis ◽  
Muhammed Muzammel Shehzad ◽  
Sunusi Usman ◽  
Nada Basheir Ali ◽  
Shahzad Zafar Iqbal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Summer Season ◽  
Total Tocopherol ◽  
Average Amount ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Edible Seeds ◽  
Pumpkin Seeds ◽  
Melon Seeds

A total of 779 samples of edible nuts (melon seeds, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cantaloupe seeds) from Southern Punjab (Pakistan), were collected during the summer and the winter seasons. The natural occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and vitamin E (tocopherols) levels were investigated using HPLC. The results have shown that 180 (43.4%) of samples from the winter season and 122 (33.4%) samples from the summer season were found positive for AFs. Elevated average levels of total AFs (20.9 ± 3.10 μg/kg, dry weight) were observed in watermelon seeds without shell, and the lowest average amount (15.9 ± 3.60 μg/kg) were documented in melon seeds without shell samples from the winter season. An elevated average amount of total AFs 17.3 ± 1.50 μg/kg was found in pumpkin seeds available without a shell. The results have documented a significant difference in total AFs levels in edible seeds available with shells versus without shells (α = 0.05 & 0.01). The highest dietary intake of 6.30 μg/kg/day was found in female individuals from consuming pumpkin seeds (without shell) in the winter season. A value of 3.00 μg/kg/day was found in pumpkin seed without shell in the summer season in female individuals. The highest total tocopherol levels were 22.2 ± 7.70 ng/100 g in pumpkin seeds samples from the winter season and 14.5 ± 5.50 mg/100 g in melon seed samples from the summer season. The variation of total tocopherol levels in edible seeds among the winter and summer seasons showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.0054), except watermelon seeds samples with non-significant differences (p ≥ 0.183).

scholarly journals Pathogenicity and non-opportunistic character of Blastocystis spp.: a hospital-based survey in Central Cameroon

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (05) ◽  
pp. 373-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Jupsa-Mbiandou ◽  
Samuel Fosso ◽  
Edimo Billé ◽  
Tito T Mélachio-Tanekou ◽  
Gideon Ajeagah-Aghaindum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Blastocystis Spp ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Hiv Negative

Introduction: Blastocystis spp. is a protist found in humans. Although usually the most frequent protozoa found in stool samples of both symptomatic and healthy subjects, its pathogenic or rather opportunistic role is yet to be clearly elucidated. To attempt to fill this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the frequency of Blastocystis spp. in HIV positive (HIV+) versus HIV negative (HIV-) individuals in four health facilities of the Center Region of Cameroon. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 283 HIV positive and 245 HIV negative subjects and analyzed using direct diagnostic tests. Results: A total of 46 (8.7%) individuals were found infected with Blastocystis spp., including 6.7% HIV positive and 11.0% HIV negative. This species was more frequent in urban and semi-urban areas than in rural areas, but evenly distributed among genders and age groups as well as among all sectors of activity. The prevalence of Blastocystis spp. (11.3%) was higher in HIV+ patients with a CD4 count ≥ 500 cells / mm3, but no significant difference was found among HIV clinical stages. Likewise prevalence, the mean number of cysts per gram of stool was similar between HIV positive and HIV negative individuals. People infected with Blastocystis spp. showed diverse clinical signs, but only flatulence was significantly more prevalent. The frequencies of these clinical signs were not related to HIV status. Conclusion: No clear relationship links the infection with Blastocystis spp. to HIV, although its presence was associated with digestive disorder, suggesting that this parasite might not be opportunist.

scholarly journals Pediatric triage variations among nurses, pediatric and emergency residents using the Canadian triage and acuity scale

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh Alshaibi ◽  
Tala AlBassri ◽  
Suliman AlQeuflie ◽  
Winnie Philip ◽  
Nesrin Alharthy
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Weighted Kappa ◽  
P Value ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pediatric Residents ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
Triage Level

Abstract Background Emergency care continues to be a challenge, since patients’ arrival is unscheduled and could occur at the same time which may fill the Emergency Department with non-urgent patients. Triaging is an integral part of every busy ED. The Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) is considered an accurate tool to be used outside Canada. This study aims to identify the chosen triage level and compare the variation between registered nurses, pediatric and adult emergency residents by using CTAS cases. Method This study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City,Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire was used, and which contains 15 case scenarios with different triage levels. All cases were adopted from a Canadian triage course after receiving permission. Each case provides the patient’s symptoms, clinical signs and mode of arrival to the ED. The participants were instructed to assign a triage level using the following scale. A non-random sampling technique was used for this study. The rates of agreement between residents were calculated using kappa statistics (weighted-kappa) (95%CI). Result A total of 151 participants completed the study questionnaire which include 15 case scenarios. 73 were nurses and 78 were residents. The results showed 51.3, 56.6, and 59.9% mis-triaged the cases among the nurses, emergency residents, and pediatric residents respectively. Triage scores were compared using the Kruskal Wallis test and were statistically significant with a p value of 0.006. The mean ranks for nurses, emergency residents and pediatric residents were 86.41, 73.6 and 59.96, respectively. The Kruskal Wallis Post-Hoc test was performed to see which groups were statistically significant, and it was found that there was a significant difference between nurses and pediatrics residents (P value = 0.005). Moreover, there were no significant differences found between nurses and ER residents (P value> 0.05). Conclusion The triaging system was found to be a very important tool to prioritize patients based on their complaints. The results showed that nurses had the greatest experience in implementing patients on the right triage level. On the other hand, ER and pediatric residents need to develop more knowledge about CTAS and become exposed more to the triaging system during their training.

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