Haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels in newborn babies born to anaemic Iranian women: A cross-sectional study in an Iranian Hospital

The purpose of this study was to assess the haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels in newborn babies of anaemic mothers and to determine relationship between maternal iron status with neonatal biochemical and anthropometric characteristics. A total of 70 pregnant women aged between 17 and 40 years were divided into two groups based on their pre-delivery Haemoglobin (Hb) and Serum Ferritin (SF) concentrations; anaemic mothers Hb<11 g/dl and SF � 10 ng/ml; normal control group Hb � 11 g/dl and SF � 10 ng/ml. Maternal biochemical assessments were obtained before delivery and neonatal anthropometric and biochemical measurements were obtained immediately after delivery. Mean maternal haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were 11.2±1.16 (g/dl) and 45.8±20.8 (ng/ml), respectively. Incidence of anaemia among Iranian pregnant women in this study was 51.4. Mean neonatal weight, length and head circumference born to anaemic mothers was 2.8±0.23 kg, 47.9±1.0 cm and 31.5±0.9 cm, respectively, while, among neonates born to normal mothers were 3.3±0.1 kg, 49.6±0.8 cm and 33.7±0.6 cm, respectively. No significant correlation were found between neonatal and maternal serum ferritin concentration. Significant differences were found between neonatal haemoglobin levels from normal and anaemic mothers (p<0.001). Maternal Hb level showed significant (p<0.001) positive correlation with neonatal birth weight (r = 0.729), length (r = 0.665) and head circumference (r = 0.762). However, similar positive correlations were not found between maternal serum ferritin concentration and pregnancy outcome. Neonatal haemoglobin levels were positively correlated with that of their mothers' (r = 0.423, p<0.001). In conclusion, this study showed that maternal haemoglobin concentration had strong influence on neonatal parameters. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010

Renewable Energy (RE): Bioenergy -Feedstocks and Pretreatment-

The Department for Pulsed Power Technology is focusing on research and development of pulsed power technologies and related applications. The applications involves the electroporation of biological cells for extraction of cell contents (PEF- process), dewatering and drying of green biomass, pre-treatment of micro algae for energetic use and sustainable reduction of bacteria in contaminated effluents. Another key research topic is devoted to the development of corrosion barriers and materials for improved compatibility of structural materials in contact with liquid metal coolants. This year\u27s report focuses primarily on the activities and results of ongoing third-party funded projects of the department

The Effect of Insulin on Infarct Tissue Size in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and Objectives: Due to the high mortality of ischemic heart disease, many of these patients can be life-saving treatments. There are conflicting information on the effects of insulin in patients with myocardial infarction. We aim to evaluate the effects of insulin on infarct size in myocardial infarction thorough evaluating troponin I enzyme and echocardiography.   Methods : This randomized clinical trial enrolled 74 patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction referred to Vaseie hospital of Sabzevar in 2009. Patients were categorized into two groups by block randomization and were treated with high dose of GIK (25% glucose, 50IU of soluble insulin per liter, and 80mmol of potassium per liter at 1ml/kg/hour) (GIK group) or normal saline (control group) as adjunct to thrombolytic therapy. We analyzed Plasma concentrations of troponin I, at baseline, 16 and 24 hours after admission. Echocardiography was done at 72 hours after admission. Data were analyzed Variables were compared using independent T tests and repeated measure ANOVA.   Results: cTnI peaked to 20.13±12.46U/L in GIK group and to 20.11±10.62 U/L in controls (p=0.44). Left ventricular ejection fraction was 39% vs.41% in GIK vs. control, p=0.34. There was no significant difference between groups in cardiac enzymes and ejection fraction.   Conclusion : In patients with myocardial infarction treated with streptokinase, insulin offers no effect on infarct size

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii in Sheep, Cattle and Horses in Urmia North-West of Iran

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite found worldwide and responsi­ble for major economic losses in most classes of livestock. This study was aimed to deter­mine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep, cattle and horses in Urmia, north-west of Iran, using MAT.Methods: Blood samples of 276 livestock and 26 horses were collected from July 2009 till April 2010. The data were analyzed by the Chi-square, Fisher's Exact and Cochran's and Mantel-Haen­s­zel Tests. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.Results: Thirty-three (21.1%) sheep, 2 (1.6%) cattle and 3 (11.5%) horses were seropositive to T. gondii. Analysis showed that sheep were 15 times more likely to be seropositive comparing to cattle also 2 times more likely to be seropositive than horses.Conclusion: This study showed seroprevalence of equine T. gondii infection with a considerable rate in sheep in Urmia, northwest of Iran. More comprehensive studies on livestock toxoplasmo­sis are required for further analysis of the parasite reservoir for human infection