[Comparison the effects of ginger [Zingiber officinale] jelly and piroxicam jelly on pain of knee osteoarthritis]

Background and Aim: Oral drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are used to relieve pain are associated with certain side effects in the patients with knee osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a herbal drug, Zingiber officinale jelly, and piroxicam jelly on pain relief, morning stiffness, and physical performance in the patients with knee osteoarthritis

Material and Methods: In this semi-experimental study one hundred and twenty patients with osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to three groups of 40. Z. officinale 2% jelly, piroxicam jelly, and placebo were given twice a day for 14 days to the 1[st], 2[nd] and 3[rd] groups respectively. Concurrently, diclofenac tablet 100mg/ day was given to all groups. Physical examination was performed before intervention and two weeks after completion of the treatment. The level of pain was measured by use of visual analogue scale. Furthermore, the WOMAC index was used to investigate the effect of pain on the patients' performance. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by paired t-test, chi-square and ANOVA

Result: There were no significant difference between Z. officinale jelly and piroxicam jelly in relation to relief of overall pain and morning stiffness, [P>0.05]. The relief of pain [P=0.01] and morning stiffness [P=0.002] were significantly more marked in the piroxicam-treated group compared to those in the placebo group. Improvement of the physical functioning was not significantly different between the piroxicam-treated and Z. officinale-treated groups [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Z. officinale jelly and piroxicam jelly were effective in pain relief, amelioration of morning stiffness, and improvement of physical functioning in the patients with knee osteoarthritis, and there were no significant differences between the effects of the jellies

hydrophilic proteins of lung surfactant as a prognostic marker in experimental pneumonia

Background: SP-A and SP-D are hydrophilic proteins which regulate the inflammatory response of the lung. Pasteurella multocida is one of the most common bacteria isolated from calves suffering from shipping fever pneumonia, one of the majorproblems in dairy herds

Objectives: evaluation of surfactant content may provide a valuable diagnostic tool for detection of calf pneumonia due to Pasteurella multocida and also state of treatment

Methods: ten Holstein-Frisian bull calves aged 4 months with body weight of 120 +/- 5 kg were selected for study in two groups. The Pasteurella multocida [PMC66 Razi] was used in the present study for inducing pneumonia. The Bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] process was done in selected calves. BAL fluid was collected and centrifuged and finally the sediment [crude surfactant] was reserved at -20degreeC. The cytological evaluation and surfactant content was assayed by ELISA, TPL kit assay and HPLC

Results: the serum levels of SP-A and SP-D in pneumonic group were significantly elevated. Although the increased Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF] level of SP-A in pneumonic cases was found as compared with the control animals, the statistical analysis did not show any significant differences between two groups. The level of SP-D in BALF of pneumonic group significantly elevated. The amount of Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine [DPPC] in pneumonic group decreased significantly in comparison with control group

Conclusions: pasteurella inducing pulmonary can change the major component of lung surfactant, evaluation of these markers can be helpful as an appropriate tool in diagnostic state of pneumonia and healing

Changes in clinical signs after treatment in calves with experimental colisepticemia with Escherichia coli

Background: Colisepticemia is an acute fatal disease in farm animal neonates. Clinical finding of septicemia is non-specific and cannot be differentiated from signs of non-infectious disease or disease with local infection such as diarrhea

Objectives: Evaluation of clinical signs variations in calves with experimental septicemia with Escherichia coli 01 11 :H8

Methods: Colisepticemia was experimentally induced in ten Holstein bull calves after an adaptation period. Vital signs and 7 clinical criteria were recorded from 24 h before septicemia until 48 h after that. Blood culture was performed and treatment was done based on antibiogram from 24 h after challenge

Results: Changes of suckling reflex and shock were not significant. Changes of appetite, dehydration, behavior, standing ability, total score from 24 h before the challenge to 24 h after treatment were significant [p=0.00l]. Fecal consistency altered with treatment [p<0.04]. Heart rate [p=0.04 and p=0.033, respectively], respiratory rate [p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively] and body temperature [p0.00l and p=0.004, respectively] have significant changes till 24 h after challenge and till 24 h after starting treatment. Blood cultures were positive except for 0 h and 48 h after challenge

Conclusions: The present study indicated clinical signs changed unfavorably following septicemia that were dissolved approximately during 24 h, depending on treatment in appropriate time and drug choice. Thus, a targeted scoring system will be useful in clinical evaluation of septicemia, quantifying the changes procedure and treatment efficacy

Evaluation of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoantibodies in patients with Vitiligo

Background and Objective: Vitiligo is one of the most frequent skin disorders with a prevalence of 1-2% in different populations. Although many theories have been suggested for its pathogenesis, but the most popular hypotheses is the role of autoimmunity in Vitiligo. This study was done to evaluate the thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoantibodies in patients with Vitiligo

Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 45 patients with Vitiligo and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals as control group. Age, gender, duration of the disease and type of Vitiligo were collected through a standard questionnaire. Thyroid autoantibodies including thyroglobulin antibody, anti- thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibody, and anti-TPO thyroid hormones Tetraiodothyronine [T4], Truodothyronine [T3] and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] in Vitiligo patients and healthy volunteers were measeared

Results: Serum level of T4 was significantly reduced in Vitiligo patient compared to controls [P<0.05]. Serum level of T4 in 20% of Vitiligo patient and 2.2% of control cases was less the normal level. Anti-TPO in 14 [31.1%] of Vitiligo patient and 6 [13.3%] of controls were higher than normal range [<60 lU/m] [P<0.05]. Serum level of anti- thyroglobulin was significantly higher in those with Vitiligo in compared to controls [P<0.05]

Conclusion: This study showed that the thyroid dysfunction particularly hypothyroidism and anti-TPO is more common in Vitiligo patients

effect of butyric acid with autogenous omental graft on healing of experimental achilles tendon injury in rabbits

In this study, the role of local injection of butyric acid [BA] with autogenous omental graft was evaluated in healing of experimental Achilles tendon injury in rabbits. Nine adult male New Zealand rabbits were anesthetized and a partial thickness tenotomy was created on both hindlimbs. In treated group, omental graft was secured in place using BA soaked polygalactin 910 suture. In control group, the graft was sutured without BA. Butyric acid and normal saline were injected daily to treatment and control groups for three days, respectively. Based on the findings, on day 15 after injury, the tendon sections showed that healing rate in BA treated group was higher than that in control group. Furthermore, at days 28 and 45, comparison between BA treated and control groups demonstrated that BA increased the healing rate but with no significance. In summary, results of this study show that application of BA with autogenous omental graft can improve healing process of damaged Achilles tendon

[ comparison of the effect of food sources of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on ovarian activity of holstein dairy cows in close up period]

Background: Application of different sources of fatty acids and their effect on ovarian performance is a current issue in animal science and research centers

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different fatty acids in close-up period on population and size of follicles and measuring blood parameters related to the energy state of the body after calving of lactating dairy cows

Methods: In this study 15 Holstein cows were selected by expected date of parturition [around 30 days before calving] and assigned them randomly within treatments diets. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous. Cows were fed 1] control [carbohydrate source], 2] Rumen-protected fat [RF] [saturated fatty acids] and 3] Roasted Soybean [RS] [unsaturated fatty acids]. Blood sample was collected at 7 day intervals in -21, -14, -7, 1, 7, 14, 21 periods of calving. Also dry matter intake and body condition score cows were recorded. Ovarian activity was monitored by daily transrectal ultrasound scanning from 30 to 40 and 61 to 70 DIM

Results: Average plasma glucose and cholesterol concentration were significantly different among treatment groups. Numerically, follicular classes were higher in cows, fed with fat diet compared with control group

Conclusions: According to the results of this experiment, it seems that application of polyunsaturated fatty acids, to improve the energy and ultimately the function of the ovaries, has more advantage than saturated fatty acids

Effects of different culture media on optimization of primary neuronal cell culture for in vitro models assay

BACKGROUND: In vitro model studies are becoming increasingly popular for experimental research designs. They include isolation and expansion of cells of a particular tissue, such as the nervous tissue which contributes to understanding the underlying mechanisms in many pathologies. It enables the scrutinization of intracellular signaling pathways responsible for cell death.

OBJECTIVES: In the literature, there are different methods for the isolation and culture of rat embryonic cortical neurons. However, this study developed a feasible, rapid and easily performable method.

METHODS: Isolation of neurons was performed without using enzymatic digestion. Primary cortical cultures neurite outgrowth and neuron numbers per field of common mediums were compared for neuronal cells isolation and expansion. In this study, three different culture mediums were considered: Medium I: Neurobasal medium, B-27 and L-glutamine; Medium II: DMEM, FBS and L-glutamine; and Medium III: DMEM/F-12, FBS and L-glutamine.

RESULTS: High survival rate and number of neurons was obtained with the current method. The best neuronal growth was achieved by Medium I, while Medium II and III had moderate effect on the neurite outgrowth.

CONCLUSIONS: Enzyme-free treatment was introduced and Medium I was used as an alternative method for optimal neuron isolation and expansion. The neuronal cultures are similar to nervous tissue in physiological aspects. Hence, Medium I is more similar to the in vivo condition compared to Mediums II and III.

[Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography and radiology in radial critical-sized defects healing process in rabbit]

Healing of Critical-Sized Defects [CSDs] is one of the major challenges facing orthopedic surgeons. To assess the bone healing process usually plain radiography is used. Serial radiography results in certain side effects and recent findings are indicating the early detection of bone healing via ultrasonography. The purpose of current study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of radiography and ultrasonography in healing process of radial CSDs in rabbit. Sixteen New Zealand White Rabbits were used in this study. The radial CSDs of 15 mm size were created in a routine surgical procedure described previously and the two diagnostic tools were compared 12 weeks post-surgery. In case of obtaining different results from radiology and ultrasonography, to determine which diagnostic imaging method is of more accuracy, the histopathologic results of samples from the same day were used. In 15 cases of 16, ultrasonography findings were confirmed by radiography and only in one case they were in contradiction, in which radiographs showed an Atrophic Nonunion while Ultrasound detected an outstanding filled defect with a reverberation artifact underneath. In histopathology, the defect was filled with an osteoid matrix of high cellularity and calcification was obvious in some regions, confirming the ultrasound results. This study indicates that in diagnostic imaging of CSDs, the ultrasonography and radiography are usually consonant and even ultrasound is more accurate than radiology. In addition, in case of detection of a reverberation artifact and lack of any healing-related finding in radiography, this artifact may be an indication of osteoid matrix formation

Effects of mesenchymal stem cells with injectable scaffold on cardiac function in myocardial infarction in Rabbit

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells can transdifferentiate into Cardiomyocyte cells and improve heart function after transplantation. Since biomaterials can improve the cell retention in the site, cell survival and differentiation, heart tissue engineering is now being explored as an applied solution to support cell-based therapies and increase their efficacy for myocardial diseases. Chitosan in combination with Glycerol Phosphate [GP] can produce a thermo sensitive material that in body temperature can form a jellylike material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a combination of autologous undifferentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] and injectable scaffold on cardiac function improvement in rabbits after inducing myocardial infarction. The Left Anterior Descending [LAD] coronary artery was ligated by No. 6-0 poly amide suture material, and autologous MSCs with injectable scaffold were injected into the margins of the infarcted zone at the time of surgery. At 4 weeks after transplantation, the cardiac function and structure was detected using echocardiography. There was no significant difference among the three groups [MI only, MI Scaffold, and MI+Scaffold+MSCs] in the Echocardio-graphic parameters including, heart rate [HR], Ejection Fraction [EF], Fractional Shortening [FS], Left Ventricular Diameter [LVD] and Left Ventricular Parietal Wall Diameter [LVPW]. A combination of autologous undifferentiated bone marrow MSCs and injectable scaffold made of Chitosan+ Glycerol Phosphate in echocardiographic evaluation did not have a positive influence on achieving functional improvement

Effect of gabapentin on postoperative pain and operation complications a randomized placebo controlled trial / Efecto de la gabapentina en el dolor postoperatorio y complicaciones de la operación: un ensayo clínico, aleatorio, controlado con placebo

OBJECTIVE: Prevention and treatment ofpostoperative pain and operation complications such as nausea and vomiting are most important concerns in postoperative care. There are several mechanisms involved in postoperative pain. Gabapentin is a gamma aminobutyric acid analogue that is known as an anticonvulsant drug. This drug is tolerated well and has known effects on pain and anxiety. This study has compared the effect of gabapentin on postoperative pain, operation complications and haemodynamics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This randomized double blinded placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 61 patients divided randomly into two groups (30 as cases and 31 as controls). All patients had total abdominal hysterectomy. In the first group, the patients got 100 mg gabapentin in the night and 300 mg gabapentin orally (one capsule) two hours before surgery. The second group got one capsule of multivitamin orally. Then all patients were subjected to the same anaesthesia protocol and total abdominal hysterectomy. During the 24 hours after operation, the patients were assessed according to pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate (PR) and morphine use at 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours. RESULTS: Mean age and weight of patients were 45.86 ± 4.06, 48.16 ± 4.48, 64.56 ± 13.29 and 68.8 ± 12.88 in the study population and control groups, respectively. Except in the first hour after operation (p = 0.02), there was no significant differences between the two groups in morphine use. There was no significant correlation between the groups according to postoperative complications and the haemo-dynamic parameters (PR, SBP and DBP). CONCLUSION: Results show that gabapentin can decrease the need for morphine use in the first hour after operation only and has no significant effect on operation complications. Thus, we suggest gabapentin for pain management, and not to decrease opium use.

OBJETIVO: La prevención y tratamiento de dolor postoperatorio y las complicaciones de la operación -tales como la náusea y el vómito - son problemas de suma importancia en el cuidado postoperatorio. Hay varios mecanismos implicados en el dolor postoperatorio. La gabapentina es un análogo del ácido gamma-aminobutírico, conocido como un medicamento anticonvulsivo. Este medicamento es bien tolerado, y tiene efectos conocidos sobre el dolor y la ansiedad. El presente estudio compara el efecto de la gabapentina sobre el dolor postoperatorio, las complicaciones de la operación, y la hemo-dinámica. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Este ensayo clínico, aleatorio, doble ciego y controlado con placebo, se llevó a cabo con 61 pacientes divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos (30 como casos y 31 como control). Todas las pacientes tuvieron histerectomia abdominal total. En el primer grupo, las pacientes recibieron via oral 100 mg de gabapentina por la noche y 300 mg de gabapentina (una cápsula) dos horas antes de la cirugía. El segundo grupo recibió una cápsula de multivitaminas por vía oral. Luego, todas las pacientes fueron sometidas al mismo protocolo de anestesia e histerectomía abdominal total. Durante las 24 horas después de la operación, las pacientes fueron evaluadas en relación con dolores, náusea, vómitos, vértigo, presión sanguínea sistólica (PSS), presión sanguínea diastólica (PSD), frecuencia de pulso (FP), y el uso de morfina a la 1, 6, 12 y 24 horas. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio y el peso de las pacientes fue 45.86 ± 4.06, 48.16 ± 4.48, 64.56 ± 13.29 y 68.8 ± 12.88 en la población de estudio y los grupos de control, respectivamente. Excepto en la primera hora tras la operación (p = 0.02), no hubo ninguna diferencia significativa entre los dos grupos en cuanto al uso de morfina. No hubo correlación significativa alguna entre los grupos sobre la base de las complicaciones postoperatorias y los parámetros hemodinámicos (FP, PSS, y PSD). CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados muestran que la gabapentina sólo puede disminuir la necesidad del uso de morfina en la primera hora tras la operación, y no tiene efectos significativos en las complicaciones de la operación. Por lo tanto, se sugiere el uso de la gabapentina para el tratamiento del dolor, pero no para reducir el uso del opio.

[Biological and enviornmental monitoring of lead and exposure in the automobile industry]

Soldering is one of the most common activities in metal industries. Lead is used in soldering process and has considerable toxic effects. The aim of this study, therefore, was biological and environmental monitoring and effects of exposure to lead in soldering unit workers at an automobile industry. In order to evaluate biological and environmental exposure to lead, a case-control study was accomplished on 60 workers in soldering unit [case group] and 60 workers in official unit [control group]. Demographical and medical information were gained by a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using the NIOSH 8003 method and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy [AAS] respectively and air samples were collected and analyzed using the NIOSH 7300 method and Inductively Coupled Atomic Emission Spectroscopy [ICP-AES] respectively. The obtained results shown that, with increasing age and work experience, the blood lead level is also increased. [p=0.033] [p=0.003] In exposed group, the blood lead mean value was significantly higher than the control group [p-value <0.001]. Prevalence of digestive, nervous, respiratory, dermal, kidney disorders, anemia diseases, and disorder in bone metabolism in exposed group were higher than the control group. Amount of lead level was negative correlated with hemoglobin [r=-0.287; p=0.026] and hematocrit [r=-0.336; p=0.009] but there was no significant correlation between air and blood lead level. The blood lead level may be increased in lead exposure due absence of personal protective equipment and poor personal hygiene. Increased lead level in blood can be resulted to various diseases and decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in blood

Assessment of avian osteoporosis by a quantitative radiographic method

The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative radiographic method for assessment of experimental osteoporosis in Leghorn breed laying hens. Three groups of 24 Leghorn pullets were reared in cage and fed a ration containing different calcium levels, including 3.55, 2.075 and 0.6 percent [for groups 1-3, respectively]. The hens were fed this diet from 17 weeks of age to the end of the experiment. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, 8 hens from each group were selected randomly. Radiographs were obtained from the tibiotarsus and the humerus of each hen. Radiographs were digitized using a camera and assessed by "Image J" software. Bone radiopacities and bone cortex/diameter [C/D] ratios were measured. The hens were sacrificed and the bone ash and calcium contents were measured. Bone densities of the birds in different groups were significantly different at just 36 weeks of age; they were greater in the tibiotarsus bone of the control group than in the tibiotarsus bone of median [P=0.02] and with the low calcium [P=0.007] groups. Humerus densities were also greater in control group compared with that of median [P=0.04] and with low calcium [P=0.0004] diet group. Cortex/diameter index of the tibiotarsus bone was different in all three stages between control and the two other groups, while there were no significant differences between the humeri C/D indices and the three groups in the first stage. Humeri C/D indices of the second and third stages had significant differences between control and the two other groups [P?0.05]. This study showed that radiographic evaluation of bone density is valuable just in progressed osteoporosis, while C/D index can be used for diagnosis of osteoprotic bones in earlier stages

[Comparing the efficacy of local injection of methylprednisolone and lidocaine with and without splint, and with splinting alone in treating patients with De Quervain's tenosynovitis]

Background: Developing De Quervain's tenosynovitis due to repetitive and routine activities causes re-admission to orthopedic clinics, increasing health care costs, and waste of patients' time

Objective: The present study aimed at comparing the efficacy of local injection of methyl prednisolone and lidocaine with and without splint, splinting alone [with no drug injection] in treating patients suffered from De Quervain's tenosynovitis

Methods: This was a clinical trial carried out on 108 patients with De Quervain's tenosynovitis who attended the orthopedic clinic at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in Shahrekord [Iran] in 2010. Patients were randomly divided into three groups as follows: a] Those injected with 1ml of %1 lidocaine and 40 mg of prednisone plus splint, b] those injected with 1ml of %1 lidocaine and 40 mg of prednisone with no splint, and c] those treated with splinting alone. All three groups were given a 3-week follow up. Data were collected by visual analogue scale questionnaire and further analyzed by statistical tests including ANOVAs, chi square test, and independent t test

Findings: The findings of this study revealed that the mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the group treated by injecting drugs and splinting compared to other two groups [P<0.01]

Conclusion: Local injection of methylprednisone and lidocaine with splint seems to have a higher efficacy in treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis compared to other two procedures

[Mucocutaneons manifestation in end stage renal disease patients under hemodialysis in 5th Azar hospital in Gorgan, Iran [2009]]

Mucocutaneons manifestations are common in hemodialysis patients.The aim of this study was evaluate the prcvalence of cutaneous and mucosal manifestations in end stage renal disease [ESRD] patients who are on the maintenance hemodialysis. This cross sectional study was performed on 100 [51 males, 49 females] hemodialysis patients in 5 Azar hospital in Gorgan, North of Iran during 2009. Patients selected on randomly based an all of them completely examined by a deramatologist for any changes in skin, hair, nail and mucous membrane. If necessary biopsy perform and refer to a pathologist. Data analysed with SPSS-13, mann-whitney, t-test, Chi-Square and Fisher tests. The average age was 49 +/- 12.3 years. The most common causes of ESRD was dibetes mellitus. The most common skin lesion was xerosis [78.3%], after that pruritis [39.1%] lentigo [34.8%] skin discoloration [32.6%] leukonychia [32%] thining of nail bed [24%] were common lesions. Lentigo was more common in female than male 42.85% vs 21.50% [p=0.042]. Xerosis [p<0.01], scaling [p=0.042], lentigo [p<0.01], folliculitis [p<0.01], idio pathic guttate hypopigmentation [p<0.01] leukonychia [p<0.01] and half and half nail [p<0.01] have meaningful correlation with age. There was also meaningful correlation between dialyis duration and skin discoloration [p<0.031] and leukonychia [p<0.041]. Clubhing and ca-p product also have meaningful correlation [p<0.027]. Pruritis [p<0.048] and skin fungal infection [p<0.047] [tinea versi color] also have meaningful correlation with serum ferritin level. Mucocutaneous manifestation were common in end stage renal disease patients

[ effect of artemisia sieberi besser on infkammatory and neurogenic pain in mice]

Nowadays herbal therapy for pain relevance is the matter of considerable propensity. Artemisia sieberi Besser is one of the herbal medication which has been consider as a pain reliever in Iranian traditional medicine, which needs further scientific investigations. In this study the antinociceptive effect of hydro alcoholic Artemisia sieberi Besser extract [AE] was assessed by using formalin test in mice. 42 male mice were divided into 7 groups. Interaperitoneal administration of distilled water to control group, vehicle to negative sham group, 1, 2 mg/kg morphine to positive sham groups and 40, 400, and 4000 mg/kg AE to test groups were performed. 25 alpha l of 2% formalin was then injected into the plantar surface of animal's hind limb and the animal's pain behavior for one hour was assessed. Mean pain scores in each five minute time block calculated for each animal were statistically analyzed. In acute phase mean pain score animals receiving 4000 mg/kg AE was significantly less than control groups p<0.05. The antinociceptive effect of AE was more prominent in the chronic phase so the analgesic effect of 4000 mg/kg AE was significantly more than 2 mg/kg. The data collected from this study indicates the analgesic effect of AE which is more significant in chronic phase and this effect may be due to anti-inflammatory ingredients in AE which needs to be more investigated

[Ultrastructural changes of epididymal spermatozoa in alcohol consuming rats]

The evaluation of epididymal sperm infrastructure in chronic alcohol-consuming rats. 16 male mature Wistar rats with the same age of 10 weeks were categorized into two different groups. Control group included 8 rats allowed free access to rat chow and water. Experimental group included 8 rats with free access to rat chow and 5% ethanol in the same volume [50 cc daily] as controls that received water. After 30 days, epididymal spermatozoa from two groups were aspirated for sperm electron microscopic study. No ultrastructural changes were observed in control group. In experimental animals, most of spermatozoa showed several alternations in their ultrastructures. Anomalies such as abnormal nuclear chromatin density, swollen area, rupture and lysis of plasmalemma, persistence of numerous cytoplasmic droplets, mitochondrial swelling and vaculization, absence of axonemal microtubules, complete degeneration of axoneme, deletion of one or more outer dense fibers as well as absence of tail plasmalemma were seen in majority of the alcohol-treated spermatozoa. Spermatozoa from alcohol consuming rats show spectrum of anomalies in their head, middle and principle piece of tail. These may be one of the possible causes of subfertility or infertility due to alcohol consumption

[Effects of natuzyme dietary supplements on feedlot performance, feed digestibility and rumen metabolities in Varamini male lambs]

Different supplementary enzymes have used widely in diets for ruminants and non-ruminants over the past decade. The present study investigated the effect of feeding natuzyme [enzyme supplement] on feedlot performance, feed digestibility and rumen metabolites of Varamini male lambs. Twenty-four Varamini male lambs [initial body weight 22 +/- 1.5 Kg with 3 to 4 months age] used in a completely randomized design for 84 days. The lambs were randomly allocated to three rations of 1] without enzyme, control diet, 2] with 0.5 g/kg of feed natuzyme, 3] with 1 g/kg of feednatuzyme with 8 replication. Basal diet was formulated according to CNCPS for sheep. Daily dry matter intake and monthly average gain of lambs recorded and digestibility of basal diet measured with chromic oxide as external marker. At the end of examination, rumen liquid samples collected from lambs and its pH and ammonia nitrogen were measured. The results showed that diets did not make significant effect on the average daily gain, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio in lambs. Meanwhile, digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber of basal diet, ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen did not show difference between diets. We concluded that use of 0.5 or 1 g/kg of feed natuzyme did not make significant effect on the performance of Varamini male lambs

Helminth infections of stray dogs from Garmsar, Semnan province, central Iran

The aim was to study the gastro-intestinal helminths of stray dogs of Garmsar, Semnan Province, Central Iran, and its impacts on human health and animal production. During 2006, the alimentary tracts of 50 stray dogs at necropsy, selected from villages around Garmsar, were removed, and examined for helminth infections. Subsequently helminths were collected from the contents of each part and scraped sample of small intestines of washed materials in a 100-mesh sieve. To identify the species of helminths, the nematodes were cleared in lactophenol and cestodes were stained using carmine acid. Mixed infection was the rule and 40 dogs [80%] harbored more than one species of helminth. Taenia hydatigena was the most prevalent species [80%] followed by Echinococcus granulosus [64%], Toxocara canis [22%], Mesocestoides lineatus [12%], Taenia multiceps [10%] and Dipylidium canium [4%]. The mean intensity of worm infection was low [1-3] except for that of E.granulosus [645]. No significant difference was noticed between sex, age and most helminth infections except for that of sex and T. hydatigena [P=0.001] as well as age and T.canis [P=0.001]. Although human infection with T. hydatigena is unlikely, but other helminths reported in this study are of zoonotic importance, and may pose a threat to community health, and reduce the productions of ruminants harboring taeniid metacestodes

[ effect of local infiltration of morphine in reducing the post operative pain in soft tissue injury]

Soft tissue injuries, such as tendons or ligaments, are common problems causing pain and functional disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of local infiltration of morphine in reducing the post operative pain in soft tissue injuries. In a double blind clinical trial study, 80 patients with soft tissue injury who were admitted in Kashani hospital, Shahrekord, Iran, were divided into 2 groups: control group received local placebo [normal saline] and case group received local morphine. Severity of pain was measured using a scale questionnaire 3, 10 and 24 hours after the surgery. Data were analyzed using dependent t-test, Chi square and Fisher tests. The results of this study showed that mean age was 32.5 +/- 6.34 years for control group and 30.6 +/- 7.7 years for case group. Mean incision length was found 5.5 cm for control group and 5.57 cm for case group [P<0.05]. A significant decrease in severity of pain was found 2, 10 and 24 hours after the operation in patients who received local morphine compared with control group [P<0.05]. Infiltration of morphine has good advantages in reducing pain in patients with soft tissue injury after the operation

[Histomorphometric comparison of vertical bone augmentation between autogenous demineralized dentin matrix and biooss on parietal bone of rabbit]

Lack of sufficient bone is a main problem in implant treatment. Bone graft materials are potential solutions to this problem. Bioose is a grafting material that is routinely used for this purpose. In some studies autogenous demineralized dentin matrix [ADDM] has been used as bone substitute. The aim of this investigation was to compare the two grafting materials [ADDM and Biooss] on vertical bone augmentation in parietal bone of rabbits. Six white Newsland rabbit were used in this study. Two screws were inserted on the parietal bone of each rabbit in anteroposterior direction. Biooss powder was put around the anterior screw and ADDM particles around the posterior screw and both were covered with gutta percha membrane. The rabbits were sacrificed after 12 weeks and the specimens were sent for histological examination. Mann Whitney and paired T-tests were used to analyze the data. Range of bone height in Biooss group were between 0.1-2.1 and in ADDM group were 0.4-3.2 mm. Mean Bone height in Biooss group was 1.43 +/- 0.84 and in ADDM group was 1.4 +/- 1.03. Mann Whitney test showed no significant difference between the two groups in bone height. In this study the vertical bone augmentation in Biooss and ADDM groups were the same. Therefore, ADDM was an effective biomaterial for vertical bone augmentation in this study