Comparative study on the beneficial effects of different dark length schedules on the incidence of ascites and metabolic parameters in fast growing broiler chickens

Increasing of oxygen consumption in fast growing broiler chickens is associated with the more pronounced occurrence of right ventricular hypertrophy and ascites. While, rearing of susceptible chickens in dark condition could reduce the metabolic rate of birds and hence the incidence of ascites. The present study was designed to investigate a comparative study on the influence of different dark-length schedules on the incidence of ascites and metabolic parameters in fast growing broiler chickens. A total of 1000 day-old [Pure Sir Broiler Line Arian] chickens were obtained and subjected to four different lighting programs. Dead birds were autopsied for the lesions of ascites. Weekly growth performance of chickens was determined and blood samples were taken, on days 7, 12, 21, 28, 35 and 42 of age for hormonal analysis. The incidence of ascites was clearly higher in birds subjected to normal lighting program compared with those of dark exposed chickens. Control chickens showed significantly higher body weight compared to the dark exposure group birds at day 21 of age, while it did not differ at days 28, 35 and 42 of age. Such differences was accompanied with the lower levels of plasma T3 and T4 concentrations in dark group chickens than to control chickens at the earlier age [days 12 and 21]. This phenomenon indicated a reduction of metabolic rate and oxygen consumption in dark group chickens that had been led to reducing of ascites incidence. Our data proves that increasing dark-length instead of continuous lighting may be beneficial for rearing of broiler chickens, especially, when the risk of ascites incidence is higher

[Acomparative study on the colonization of Salmonella enteritidis hilA mutant and its parent strains in laying hens]

BACKGROUND: Several regulatory proteins are involved in Salmonella invasion. The key regulator of SPI-1 [Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 ] is hilA, a transcriptional activator encoded on SPI-1 that regulates the expression of the SPI-1 secretion system

OBJECTIVES: Importance of hilA mutation on S. enteritidis colonization and shedding in layer hens was evaluated in a longterm experiment

METHODS:Two groups of layer hens were orally inoculated with 1010 CFU of hilA and parent strains of S. enteritidis, consequently. At days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 35 post-inoculation samples were taken from cloaca and different parts of digestive and reproduction systems of euthanized birds

RESULTS: In the birds infected with parent strain, the higher numbers of colonizing bacteria in the liver, spleen, caecum, small intestine and cloacavagina were observed. Fecal shedding in this group was also higher than the hilA group. However, no significant differences were observed for the colonization of bacteria in magnum, isthmus and infundibulum of both groups

Using PCR method, hilA gene was only detected in tissues of parent group hens

CONCLUSIONS:This study has shown that the hilA mutant is able to colonize in internal organs; an implication of this is the possibility that genes other than hilA, or at least other mechanisms, might be involved in the invasion of S. enteritidis to the internal organs of birds

Low level laser therapy in the treatment of pressure ulcers in spinal cord handicapped veterans living in Tehran

Pressure ulcers result from immobility and continuous pressure on an area of body. Besides imposing further restriction of movements and thus creating a vicious circle in the healing process, these ulcers are of significant importance in decreasing the life quality and increasing the costs of treatment in these patients. In this study we compared the outcome of treatment of pressure ulcers with GA-AL-AS [Gallium-Aluminium-Arsenide] and Gal-AL-In-Ph [Gallium-Aluminium-Indium-Phosphate]-diode lasers, on contact, continuous emission mode at an every other day dose of 4-6 J/cm2 for 3 weeks plus conventional treatments of pressure ulcers, with that of conventional treatment alone in two groups of veterans with spinal cord paralysis who reside in Tehran. The study was a triple blind clinical trial conducted among 16 veterans who were randomly divided into case and control groups. The diameter of the ulcers was measured and staged by one person who was unaware of the subjects' allocation. Digital photographs of the ulcers were initially taken and a combination of conventional treatment [wet dressing, irrigation] with Low Level Laser and conventional treatment alone was performed for the case and control groups respectively. After 3 weeks the subjects were evaluated again and photographed with the same method. The results demonstrated a statistically significant enhancement of the healing process by combination of Low Level Laser with conventional treatments of pressure ulcers

[Prevalence of risk factors for retinal vein occlusion in patients referred to a private clinic in Rasht, Iran]

To determine the frequency of risk factors for retinal vein occlusion [RVO] in patients referred to a private clinic in Rasht during 1995-2001. This cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients with RVO who were referred to the clinic. Sex, age, hypertension [HTN], cardiovascular diseases [CVD], diabetes mellihls [DM], hypercoagulable states, glaucoma, smoking, hyperlipidemia [HLP], and refractive errors were evaluated. This study included 143 cases of branch retinal vein occlusion [BRVO] and 119 cases of central retinal vein occlusion [CRVO]. In BRVO group, mean age was 60.5 +/- 17.5 years. Prevalene of HTN, HLP, CVD, smoking, DM, and glaucolna was 62.2%, 52.1%, 44.5%, 43.7%, 31.9%, and 8.4%, respectively. In CRVO group, mean age was 58.8% +/- 2.3 years. The prevalence of the abovementioned risk factors in this group was 70.6%, 58.0%, 51.7%, 36.4%, 20.3%, and 2.1%, respectively. None of the patients had hypercoagulablity. Most patients had +/- 1 diopter of refractive error [67.7% in the BRVO group and 82.3% in the CRVO group]. The prevalence of HTN, HLP, CVD, smoking, DM, and glaucoma are significantly high in RVO patients. Early diagnosis and management of these risk factors may decrease the prevalence of RVO diseases

[Iron deficiency anemia and some associated factors in childbearing age women in Guilan province]

Iron deficiency anemia [IDA] is the commonest disorder due to malnutrition, and is an important health problem. This research determines IDA prevalence and some associated factors in childbearing age [CBA] and non-childbearing age women in Guilan. Sample; comprised of 995 CBA women [15-49 years], selected in a multistage cluster-random sampling from the population mentioned. Data materials included a questionnaire, and blood examinations, and statistical analysis was performed by means of paired t-test. Anemia prevalence was 11.1%, IDA 7.6%, which was similar in both the urban and rural population, and showed significant correlation with parity [P<0.0l] and age [P<0.0001]. Ferrous sulfate has significant effect to increase hemoglobin in IDA subjects. IDA prevalence in Guilan is less than previous estimates, and Ferrous sulfate administration is effective in increasing hemoglobin levels