Determination of whether morphometric analysis of vertebrae in the domestic cat ( Felis catus ) is related to sex or skull shape

In many mammals, gender and skull shape are related to the bone morphology of the entire body; however, this has not been well established in the domestic     

High prevalence of cervical squamous cell abnormalities among HIV-infected women with immunological AIDS-defining illnesses

AIM: To assess the results of Pap smear at postpartum scheduled visit, especially the prevalence of squamous cell abnormalities including association with CD4(+) T-lymphocyte count (CD4(+) count) levels at delivery among HIV-infected women between the years 1996 and 2004. METHODS: As part of the research and implementation programs of short course antiretroviral regimens for the prevention of mother to child perinatal HIV transmission in HIV-infected pregnant women delivered at Siriraj hospital, CD4(+) count at delivery and Pap smear at postpartum were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 636 women, 13.3% had squamous cell abnormalities. Seventy-seven cases (90.6%) of squamous cell abnormalities were low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The prevalence of squamous epithelial cell abnormalities detected by Pap smear, was higher in women whose CD4(+) count at delivery was < 200 cells/microL than in women whose CD4(+) count at delivery was > or = 200 cells/microL, with a significant difference (21.2%vs 12.2%). CONCLUSIONS: All HIV-infected pregnant women should be evaluated for clinical and immunological status during the antepartum period. Pelvic examination and Pap smear should be considered as a part of this evaluation. They should receive comprehensive health-care services that continue after pregnancy, including postpartum gynecologic examination and Pap smear. Women with normal cervical cytological findings but low CD4(+) count should be offered an antenatal Pap smear and long-term follow-up including a 6-monthly Pap smear.     

Anatomy,histology and elemental profile of long bones and ribs of the Asian elephant (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Elephas maximus</Emphasis>)

This study evaluated the morphology and elemental composition of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) bones (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula and rib). Computerized tomography was used to image the intraosseous structure, compact bones were processed using histological techniques, and elemental profiling of compact bone was conducted using X-ray fluorescence. There was no clear evidence of an open marrow cavity in any of the bones; rather, dense trabecular bone was found in the bone interior. Compact bone contained double osteons in the radius, tibia and fibula. The osteon structure was comparatively large and similar in all bones, although the lacuna area was greater (P < 0.05) in the femur and ulna. Another finding was that nutrient foramina were clearly present in the humerus, ulna, femur, tibia and rib. Twenty elements were identified in elephant compact bone. Of these, ten differed significantly across the seven bones: Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Zr, Ag, Cd, Sn and Sb. Of particular interest was the finding of a significantly larger proportion of Fe in the humerus, radius, fibula and ribs, all bones without an open medullary cavity, which is traditionally associated with bone marrow for blood cell production. In conclusion, elephant bones present special characteristics, some of which may be important to hematopoiesis and bone strength for supporting a heavy body weight.     

Nonjudicious dispensing of antibiotics by drug stores in Pratumthani, Thailand.

Mock patient presentations of 6 common syndromic ailments to drug stores in Pratumthani, Thailand, were conducted. Appropriate dispensing of antibiotic therapy for all 6 presentations occurred at 56 (20%) of 280 drug stores. By multivariate analysis, drug stores' proximity to a hospital was associated with appropriate dispensing of antibiotics (adjusted odds ratio, 34 [95% confidence interval, 15-83]; P < .001).