Comparative evaluation between chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes in hyperlipidemic cats

The purpose of the present survey was to determine the effects of the chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes and the influence of time on treatment process in cats. For the management of cholesterol induced hyperlipidemia, twenty-one healthy cats were randomly divided into three equal groups. Group A [control] included seven cats that were fed with cholesterol powder [4g/kg for 10 days]. Group B was similar to group A, but in addition, atorvastatin [5 mg/kg] was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, but chitosan [3 g/cat] was administered instead of atorvastatin. Blood samples were collected four times on days 0, 10, 40 and 55 after challenge. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured using standard commercial kits. Atorvastatin [P<0.001] and chitosan [P<0.01] showed more hypolipidemic activity in lowering triglycerides compared with group A. In a comparison between two drugs and their effects on triglyceride, atorvastatin showed a significant difference with chitosan [P<0.01]. Atorvastatin [P<0.01] and chitosan [P<0.05] showed more activity in lowering cholesterol than the control group. The treated groups [B and C] had good results in lowering LDL-C, compared with group A, on day 45 [P<0.001]. A significant difference was seen only between groups A and B and on day 45 in increase of HDL-C [P<0.01]. In conclusion, it was shown that although both drugs had hypolipidemic activity in cats, atorvastatin was more effective than chitosan. Further experimentation will be needed to elucidate the possible biochemical mechanism of the drugs

[ serological survey on strangles disease in horses of some areas in Khuzestan province by ELISA]

Background: strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. The bacteria typically infect the upper respiratory system and lymph nodes of the head and neck in equidae

Objectives: the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of strangles and association of this infection with host age and geographical determinants in horses in Khuzestan province

Methods: serum samples from 184 horses were randomly collected in Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool cities and were examined by ELISA assay. Also, 85 swab samples were randomly taken from nasal swab of horse and evaluated for Streptococcus equi subspecies equi by bacterial culture

Results: seroprevalence rate of strangle was 37.5% [95% CI: 30.5-44.5%]. Logistic regression mshowed that the odds of infection between the age based on year and disease was 1.1 [95% mCI: 1.04-1.17] [p<0.001], and with increase of 1 year-old, odds of infection increase 10%. Relative frequency of infection in male and female horses was 32.73 and 39.53%, respectively [p>0.05] and odds of infection in female compared with male horses was 1.34 [95% CI: 0.69-2.61]. Prevalence rate in horses with and without history of respiratory disease was 94.1% and 31.74%, respectively [p<0.001]. The odds of infection in horses with history of respiratory disease compared with healthy horses was 34.42 [95%CI: 4.45-266.37]. Prevalence rate in Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool was 33.3%, 34.62%, 5.26%, 69.23%, 13.04, 22.22% and 75%, respectively [p<0.001]. Geographical location explained 29.6% of infection's fluctuations. No isolate of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi was obtained in culture of nasal swab samples

Conclusions: this study determined that seroprevalence of strangles should be deleted in khuzestan province is high and Prevention and control measurements should be considered by health authorities

[Changes in buffalo serum and hepatic lipid parameters in response to food restriction]

Background: Negative energy balance in cow occurs in transitional period, highyielding dairy cows immediately after calving and feed restriction. In response to energy demand cow mobilizes fatty acids from adipose tissue causing an increase in the circulation of NEFA. Increased blood NEFA is associated with low glucose, high free fatty acids and ketone bodies as well as lipid and lipoprotein disturbances in the blood. Does buffalo follows the same as cow, is not yet cleared

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of starvation on some lipid parameters in serum and liver of buffalos in Ahwaz

Methods: Five two-year-old male buffalos with average body weight of 200 kg were fattened with a diet containing alpha, barely, wheat, and maze for 8 weeks and then they were fastened for 8 days. During fasting period the animals had free access to barely and water. After fasting period the buffalos were again fattened for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein during the first and second fattening period with 20 days intervals and every day in the fasting period. Plasma samples were obtained, stored, and analyzed for glucose, BHBA and NEFA using standard kits. The liver of each buffalo was sampled at the beginning and end of feed restriction period and sent to the laboratory for the measurement of the liver TG content. Analyses of variance were carried out to compare mean values in fed and fasted periods

Results: The results of present study revealed that there were no significant differences in plasma NEFA,BHBA and liver TG concentration before and after feed restriction [p>0.05], but there was significant difference in plasma glucose [p

Conclusions: It appears that in the period of food depravation, buffalos are essentially able to cope with these hard conditions probably through control of lipolysis and gluconeogenesis at the aim of preventing metabolic disorders particularly fatty liver. The results of the present research reveal probably for the first time, this inheritance phenomenon with the emphasis of further research

[Effect of hydro alcoholic extract of nutmeg on Immune response of rat]

Background: Myristica fragrans is an evergreen aromatic tree cultivated in many tropical countries. Nutmeg, the dried ripe seed of M. fragrans, is a popular spice used in sweet and savory cooking, and a variety of drinks

Objective: Nutmeg has a variety of pharmaceutical effects and in this study its effects on immune responses were evaluated

Methods: Six groups [each group 8] of Wistar rats were treated as follows: Even groups received Nutmeg extract at dose 300 mg per kg of body weight intraperitoneally [IP], daily up to 12 days. Odd groups received PBS instead of nutmeg extract. The rats of groups 1 and 2 were immunized IP with 1.35×109 Sheep RBC [SRBC] in days 1 and 6. The rats of groups 3 and 4, were immunized IP with 1.35×109 SRBC in days 1 and subcutaneously in right foot pad with 2.7×107 SRBC in a volume of 0.1 ml on the day 9. Titer of anti-SRBC antibody in the groups 1 and 2 and lysozyme and alternative complement pathway activity of groups 5 and 6 were evaluated on day 13. The swelling of footpads in groups 3 and 4 were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours after challenge with SRBC and these rats euthanized on day 13 and theirs foot were examined histopathologically for infiltration of inflammatory cells

Results: The result showed that nutmeg extract significantly increase anti SRBC titer [P=0.005], inhibit inflammatory cells infiltration [P< 0.001] but has not any effect on serum lysozyme or complement activity [P=0.4]

Conclusion: In conclusion nutmeg extract shows a significant suppression on cell mediated immunity and stimulatory effect on humeral immune response to SRBC in Wistar rats

[In-vitro comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of CBCT and helical CT for detection of mandibular condyle erosions]

Temporomandibular joint [TMJ] dysfunction is the most common jaw disorder. TMJ imaging may be necessary to supplement information obtained from the clinical examination. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of helical computed tomography [CT] and cone beam computed tomography [CBCT] for detection of simulated mandibular condyle erosions. In this in-vitro study, simulated lesions were created in 15 dry mandibles using a dental round bur. Using CBCT and helical CT techniques, mandibular condyles were radiographed before and after creating the lesions. The images were examined by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists for absence or presence of lesions. The accuracy for detecting mandibular condyle lesions was expressed as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Differences between the two radiographic modalities were analyzed by McNemar's test. Inter-observer agreement was determined using Kappa coefficient. The maximum sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 100%, 100% and 100% for CBCT images, respectively and 88%, 100% and 98% for helical CT images, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the accuracy of CBCT and helical CT for detection of mandibular condyle erosions [P = 1]. CBCT is a lower-dose cost-effective alternative to helical CT for diagnostic evaluation of erosion of the mandibular condyle

Evaluation of immunopathologic effects of aqueous extract of Echinacea purpurea in mice after experimental challenge with Pasteurella multocida serotype A

In order to assess the immunopathological effects of aqueous Echinacea purpurea extract [EPE] on mice experimentally challenged with Pasteurella multocida serotype A, forty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups. The groups included a control group [received sterile distilled water 2 times/week for 2 weeks, intraperitoneally and then 100 microl sterile saline intranasally], a PMA group [received sterile distilled water as the control group and after 2 weeks, 5.6 x 10[3] CFU/ml of P. multocida serotype A, intranasally], an EPE+PMA group [received E. purpurea extract intraperitoneally 2 times/week for 2 weeks and then challenged as the PMA group] and an EPE group [received E. purpurea extract as EPE+PMA group and then 100 microl sterile saline intranasally]. After 24 and 48 h post challenge, half of the animals in each group were sacrificed and analyzed for bacterial counts in their lungs and livers, TNF[alpha] serum levels and histapathological changes. The results showed significant differences in lung bacterial counts between PMA and EPE+PMA groups. TNF[alpha] serum level was significantly higher in the PMA group. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of neutrophils in alveolar septa and hyperemia in the PMA group. In addition, the criteria of bronchopneumonia were partially recovered in the EPE+PMA compared to the PMA group. According to the results, it seems that E. purpurea extract has an immunomodulatory effect and can be used to prevent or control of pneumonia caused by Pasteurella

Aserological survey on antibodies against West Nile virus in horses of Khuzestan province

West Nile virus [WNV] is a vector-borne agent that is maintained within a bird-mosquito cycle. In humans and equids, infection by this agent is usually asymptomatic, or characterized by a mild febrile illness. However, fatal meningoencephalitis or encephalitis may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of WNV infection and correlation of this organism with host and environmental determinants in horses in Khuzestan province. In 2011-2012, serum samples of 155 horses were randomly collected from 7 zones of Khuzestan province and were examined by ELISA assay. Seroprevalence of WNV infection was 70.3% [95% CI: 63.1-77.5%]. Statistical analysis showed that age, zone, presence of lake, type of bed, time of sampling, staying out of the stable after sunset and the method of insect control are significantly associated with infection [p<0.05] but sex, presence of river, wall condition, presence of rubbish dump and history of disease are not significantly associated with infection [p>0.05]. The results of the present study confirm that the WNV infection exists in Khuzestan province. Considering the local weather conditions and the facility of vector-borne transmission, the health authorities should take measures to prevent and control the infection

Evaluation of prophylactic and therapeutic effects of silymarin on acute toxicity due to tetracycline severe overdose in cats: a preliminary study

The aim of the present study was to determine the protective action of silymarin on acute toxicity due to tetracycline severe overdose in cats. Thirty healthy cats were randomly allotted into five equal groups. Cats in group A were given tetracycline [single dose 120 mg/kg, p.o.]; group B consisted of cats that received silymarin [single dose 30 mg/kg, p.o.] concurrent with tetracycline administration; groups C, D and E were treated as group B, but silymarin was administered 4, 12 and 24 h after tetracycline administration, respectively. The serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], BUN, serum creatinine and total and direct bilirubin were measured before tetracycline administration and 4, 12, 24 and 72 h later. A single oral administration of tetracycline increased, significantly, serum concentrations of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH in all cats of group A, after 24 h [P<0.001]. In groups B and C, levels of serum enzyme activities remained within normal values. In group D, there were changes in levels of serum enzyme activities, but the difference was not significant [P>0.05]. In group E, levels of serum enzyme activities were significantly higher than normal values [P<0.05]. The difference was significant between groups A and E with groups B and C for the serum enzymes [P<0.05]. In conclusion, silymarin can protect liver tissue against hepatotoxicity in cats with tetracycline severe overdose, particularly in the first 4 h after exposure

[Spectrophotometric comparison of the influence of porcelain types on shade of metal-ceramic restorations]

Color matching between natural teeth, shade guides and metal-ceramic restorations is a common clinical problem. Difficulties related to color matching arise from structural differences between metal-ceramic crowns and natural teeth, the limitation of range of available ceramic shades, inadequate shade guides, different type of metal alloys, and varying composition of ceramic materials. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of various porcelains on the final color of metal-ceramic restorations. Three commercial porcelains for metal-ceramic restorations, Vita VMK[95] [Vident, Brea, CA, USA], ceramco[2] [Dentsply, Burlington, NJ, USA] and Noritake[Noritake, Tokyo, Japan] and alloy T3[Ticonium, Division of CMP Indnstries LLC] were combined in metal-ceramic disks with standardized thickness of layeres.10 disk[10mm] were prepared for each porcelains in A3 shade. the samples were analyzed with a spectrophotometer, and data were obtained in the CLELAB color system. The recorded data were analyzed with One Way Analysis of Variance and Tukey test. The type of porcelains overlying disks had significant effect on color of metal ceramic restoration [P<0.001] in three coordinate dimensions [L, a, b]. The Vita porcelain had most similar to the control group [delta E=1.58] and the ceramco[2] porcelain was least similar to the control group [delta E=2.65]. The data of this study indicated that type of porcelain had significant effect on metal-ceramic restoration color