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  Background & Objectives : One of the first steps in diagnosis of pleural effusion is distinction between exudative and transudative types. The aim of this study was to assess C – reactive protein (CRP) level as one of the diagnostic marker for differentiation of exudative from transudative pleural effusions.

  Methods : In this descriptive and sectional study, 80 patients with confirmed pleural effusion were assessed. These patients were divided into two groups based on Light´s criteria. Serum and pleural CRP were measured with Latex Agglutination Test.

  Results : Out of 80 patients with pleural effusion 26 were transudative (32.5%) and 54 were exudative (67.5%). In exudative group, 72.2% of cases were CRP positive (1+ to 3+), and in transudative group, only 38.5% of cases were CRP positive (p < 0.05). There was no significant differences between different exudative pleural effusion etiologies (infectious and non infectious, malignant and non malignant and tuberculosis) and the number of CRP positive cases (p > 0.05). The rate of CRP positivity in exudative pleural effusion group was more than transudative group (p < 0.05).

  Conclusion: According to our study it seems that CRP criterion could help in distinction between exudative and transudative types of pleural effusion.

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Background & objectives: Considering the prevalence of diabetes and importance of its prevention, control and treatment, using low-calorie natural sweetener is necessary. Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties of the aqueous extract of Stevia. rebaudiana were assessed in the present study.
Methods: In this study, 35 mature male mice were divided into 5 groups. Diabetes was induced by administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The negative control group received normal saline and treatment groups received glibenclamide with 0.5 mg/kg and 200 and 400 μg/kg of aqueous extract of S. rebaudiana through gavage for 15 days, respectively. Also, one group was considered as positive control (as non-treated diabetic). On the last day, the blood glucose levels of samples were measured. After periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining, 5μm of sections were used for stereological analysis. 
Results: The blood glucose level was decreased (p<0.05) significantly in aqueous extract-treated groups compared to the untreated diabetic mice. The weight and volume of kidneys, cortex, medulla, proximal and distal tubules, collecting ducts, loop of henle, interstitial tissues, vessels and length of renal tubules decreased significantly (p<0.05) after treatment with aqueous extract of S. rebaudiana (p<0.05). The number and volume of glomeruli restored toward normal levels with high doses of S. rebaudiana.
Conclusion: According to the obtained results, aqueous extract of S. rebaudiana (sweet fraction) can regulate the blood glucose levels and inhibit diabetes-induced renal damages. It seems that S. rebaudiana can be used as an antidiabetic and nephroprotective supplement.