Induction of superovulation in mature mice and rats using serum of spayed female dogs / 한국실험동물학회지

The following experiments were designed to examine the effect of serum of spayed dogs on superovulation response in mice and rats. In Experiment 1, female mice at diestrus (n=30) were divided into three equal groups and superovulated with either administration of 5 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) or recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) (reducing dose from 2.5 to 0.5 IU) and 5 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administered 48h later. Serum of spayed dogs was administered intraperitoneally at a reduced dose from 0.1 to 0.025 mL in a 48 h period. In Experiment 2, female rats (n=30) at diestrus stage were divided into three equal groups. Superovulation was induced using either 30 IU PMSG, or a dose reduced from 5 to 1 IU rFSH and 25 IU hCG administered 48h later. Serum of spayed dogs was administered in a reduced dose from 0.6 to 0.1 mL in a 48 hour period. Female mice and rats were mated 24 h following hCG administration. On day 14 after mating, animals were euthanized and ovarian sections were fixed for histopathological evaluation and corpus luteum (CL) counting. No significant difference observed in mean (±SEM) number of CLs between the PMSG group and the mice that received serum of spayed dog (10.4±1.3 vs 9.2±1.0). Mean (±SEM) number of CLs tended to be lower in rats that received serum of spayed dog than those of rats which received either PMSG or rFSH (15.1±1.9 vs 23.6±3.1 and 23.1±2.9, P=0.06, respectively). In conclusion, serum of spayed dogs is able to induce a superovulatory response in mice and rats.

validity, diagnostic value and replicability of bender visual-motor gestalt test in traumatic brain injury patients

Bender Gestalt test is one of the most famous neuropsychological tests that is simple and it can be used to examine brain injuries. The objective of this research was to investigate the validity, diagnostic strength and the replicability of the Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test in patients with traumatic brain injury [TBI]. 240 participants were tested in a case-control study to examine the validity of this test in two groups included 120 patients with TBI and normal cases. All participants were involved in the study by non-probability and consecutive sampling method. The normal group was matched with the TBI group in terms of age, gender and education level. The Bender Gestalt Test, neurological and dissectional information questionnaire, the demographic variable lists of the patients and the mini-mental examination test [MMSE] were used to collect the data. Findings showed that patients with TBI showed more frequency in Gestalt test's dozen errors than the normal group. The discriminant validity coefficient showed that, in total 98.3% of the participants had been placed correctly in two normal and patient groups. The concurrent validity coefficient with the MMSE was -0.53 and the item-total correlation of this test were in a range of 0.10 to 0.48. The replicability results of this test among three examiners through intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] calculations were 0.81 and the cronbach's Alpha coefficient for the total sample was 0.85. This test has an acceptable discriminant and replicability strength. Regarding the obtained validity and reliability coefficients, it is recommended that this test be applied with the paraclinical diagnostic tools [such as CT-scan and MRI] as the screening tools in patients with TBI

Is Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis infection a cause of reproductive failure in dairy cows in Iran?

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis is one of the most economically important diseases of dairy cattle resulting in lowered fertility, embryo mortality and abortion, repeated returns to service, reduced pregnancy rates and extended calving intervals. While the occurrence of repeat breeding syndrome and abortions are reported from many Iranian dairy cattle farms, little information is available regarding the presence of bovine genital campylobacteriosis in Iran. The present report describes detection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis infection in two out of eight repeat breeder Holstein Friesian cows [Bos Taurus] using a PCR method in a herd with a history of subfertility in Mashhad, in the northeast of Iran

[Evaluation and comparison of performance perseveration and mental flexibility in children with autism spectrum disorder, mentally retarded and normal children]

Executive function is a concept which denotes the mental process and the ability to control the mind and body, cognition and emotion to guide behavior toward the goal and generally includes planning, working memory, impulse control, inhibition and flexibility. This study compared children with autism spectrum disorders, mentally retarded and normal children with one another in regard to mental flexibility [variability] and performance perseveration. In this cross-sectional study 15 child with autism spectrum disorder, 15 mentally retarded and 15 normal children were selected by using simple sampling method and examined by means of Neuro-psychological Wisconsin card sorting test. Data analysis was performed by means of descriptive statistics [mean and standard deviation] and inferential statistics i.e. one way ANOVA, post hoc analysis [LSD] and Kruscal Wallis test. Data analysis showed a significant difference among the 3 groups in regard to the component categories achieved [p=0.000] and perseveration [p=0.000]. The comparison of the groups two by two showed significant differences. Comparison of the children with autism spectrum disorders with normal children [p=0.01] and also comparison of the mentally retarded with normal children showed significant differences [p=0.01]. The results showed that children with autism spectrum disorders and children with mental retardation had more problems in regard to executive function than the normal group. Considering comorbidities among children with autism spectrum disorder and children with mental retardation, children with mental retardation showed more fundamental impairment in executive function. The results of this study support the hypothesis that IQ has a strong role in executive function

[Comparison the personality characteristics between male and female patients with irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]]

Irritable Bowel Syndrome [IBS] is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in clinical medicine, since it is not founded biological basis for it, role of psychological causes is investigated in creation of it. To compare the personality characteristics between three groups of patients with Diarrhea dominant, Constipation dominant and dominant of Altering type and investigating the gender, family background of IBS and length of illness. Eighty five patients were selected through temporal classical random method and included of 21 patients with Diarrhea dominant, 30 patients with Constipation dominant and 340 patient with Altering type]. Patients were diagnosed by a gastroenterologist and using the ROME criteria after clinical evaluation and endoscopy. Personality inventory [NEOPI-R] made by Mc Crue and Kosta containing big five personality factors was used for investigating the samples personality characteristics. Demographic characteristics and other groups were recognized by question made at the first of main questionnaire. The groups eperated of each other. Analysis of data indicated that there were no significantly differences between the personality characterisrics in three groups of patients. Extraversion was significantly higher in patients with family background of IBS and patients who had IBS more than six mounth and had reported stress gained higher score at neuroticism in comparison with patients who had IBS less than 6 month and had not report stress. Psychological factors participated at quality of illness experience. Neuroticism may be correlated with quality of illness experience [with stress and high length of illness]. Thus personality characteristics should be considred as an important factor in improvement of IBS patients by psychiatrics and specialists

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of the retained semen straw in the uterus of a repeat breeder cow

A 6-year-old lactating Holstein cow with a history of repeat breeding syndrome [failed to conceive after three artificial inseminations [AI] with fertile semen] was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University. According to the history, neither abnormal clinical signs, nor uterine discharge had been observed subsequent to AI. The cow had shown signs of oestrus on a cyclic and regular basis. On rectal examination, no palpable object was detected inside the uterine horns, however, transrectal ultrasonographic examination revealed a hyperechoic straw-shape object in the left uterine horn. Left-flank laparotomy was performed and after exposure of left uterine horn, the palpated straw was removed through a small hysterotomy incision. Postoperative follow-up did not show any complication. No attempt was made to inseminate the cow after operation as it was not the farmer's plan to get the cow in calf

Association of milk yield and body condition score indices with the commencement of luteal activity after parturition in high producing dairy cows

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between different indices of milk yield and body condition score [BCS] with the commencement of the luteal activity [C-LA] during the postpartum period in high producing dairy cows. Seventy-one multiparous healthy [free of detectable reproductive disorders] Holstein dairy cows [mean peak milk yield = 56.7 +/- 7.4 kg] were used in the present study. Transrectal ultrasound scanning was performed twice weekly from the 1st to the 8th week postpartum. Blood monitored weekly after calving. Cows with serum P[4] concentrations >/= 1 ng/ml on at least 2 consecutive blood samplings were considered to have commenced luteal activity. The C-LA was observed in 51 out of 71 cows [71.8%] earlier than 45 days postpartum, while 20 out of 71 cows [28.2%] showed the C-LA later than 45 days postpartum. Among the indices defined for the milk yield pattern in the present study, difference in milk yield between the 1st week and the peak of milk yield were significantly [P /= 1 unit BCS during the same 3rd week postpartum showed their C-LA significantly later than those cows losing less BCS during the same interval [P

prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy cows in the central region of Fars province, south of Iran

Mastitis continues to be one of the economically most important diseases in dairy farming. Forty-six licensed dairy farms in the central region of Fars province were randomly selected in order to participate in a seasonal prevalence study. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine prevalence at cow and quarter level based on clinical signs for clinical mastitis and indirect tests for subclinical mastitis. 6180 quarters from 1545 dairy cows were tested by clinical examination and California mastitis test [CMT]. Milk samples from both clinical and subclinical quarters were collected for bacteriological culture. 4714 [76.28%] quarters were healthy, 1335 [21.6%] quarters were positive by results of CMT [as indicated to subclinical mastitis], 44 [0.71%] quarters showed clinical mastitis signs and 87 [1.41%] quarters were blind. The clinical and subclinical mastitis prevalence at cow level was 2.2 and 42.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of mastitis between different quarters, seasons and cities. The most prevalent isolated bacteria were coagulase positive staphylococci followed by Streptococci, Escherichia coli and coagulase negative staphylococci. Insufficient control measures such as pre and post milking hygiene and dry cow therapy in dairy farms and limited knowledge of farmers on the importance, identification and control of mastitis, especially subclinical forms, can be the main causes for the high prevalence of mastitis in Fars province

Frequency of syncope in patients with accessory atrioventricular connection

Syncope in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White [WPW] syndrome is related to rapid reciprocating tachycardia or rapid ventricular response over the accessory pathway during atrial fibrillation [AF]. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the frequency of syncope in patients with WPW syndrome. We reviewed the records of 150 consecutive patients with WPW syndrome. There were 20 patients [13.3%] who reported at least one episode of syncope and 130 patients [86.7%] without such a history. Syncope is relatively frequent in patients with WPW. Patient with WPW syndrome who has experienced this symptom should be thoroughly evaluated

Prediction of coronary artery disease by B-mode sonography

Although coronary angiography is gold standard for diagnosis of coronary artery disease, it is nevertheless an invasive and potentially hazardous procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of carotid and femoral artery Intima-Media Thickness [IMT] for detection of coronary artery disease. The present study comprised 100 consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography due to symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Ultrasound assessment of common carotid and common femoral artery were performed with an ultrasound device equipped with a high-resolution transducer. IMT was measured in the common carotid and common femoral artery [10 mm proximal to the deep femoral artery origin]. There were 25 cases in each of single [S], double [D] and triple [T] vessel disease and 25 in significant left main diseases groups of patients. In regard to common carotid artery IMT was 0.78 mm in S, 0.84 mm in D, 0.97 mm in T and 1.05 mm in left main disease groups. There was a significant correlation between IMT measured in the carotid artery and severity of coronary artery disease [P = 0.0001]. With respect to common femoral artery IMT was 0.66 mm in S group, 0.73 mm in D group, 0.84 mm in T groups and 0.85 mm in patients with left main disease.. There is a significant correlation between IMT [measured in the common femoral artery] and severity of coronary artery disease [P = 0.0001]. Our results indicated that early atherosclerosis in both carotid and femoral arteries were highly predictive of coronary involvement and IMT being associated with the number of coronary vessels disorder

effects of veterinary services on technical efficiency of dairy farms in Iran: a DEA approach

The aim of this study is to investigate the context by which veterinary services may affect technical efficiency [TE] of Iranian dairy farms. A data envelopment analysis [DEA] was applied to a random sample of 840 dairy farms from six provinces across Iran to estimate regional frontier and metafrontier production functions and also to calculate corresponding TE of these farms. The relationship between the levels of veterinary services and TE scores were then examined using correlation analysis, t-test, and analysis of variance [ANOVA]. The results indicated that mean technical efficiency estimated based on the regional frontier production function for selected provinces varies between 0.720 and 0.867 while ranges between 0.445 and 0.595 when evaluated based on the metafrontier production function. Also, our findings showed that veterinary services have a positive effect on TE scores. This implies that TE can be improved by utilizing higher levels of veterinary services. Furthermore, access to more suitable veterinary services was recognized to be a major determinant of technical operation as was the case in Tehran

Accuracy of oestrus detection in cows and its economic impact on Shiraz dairy farms

No report has been published on the economical losses associated with errors in oestrus detection in cows under Iranian intensive dairy management. The following study was carried out to determine the accuracy of oestrus detection by farmers using artificial insemination in Shiraz dairy farms. Milk samples were collected from 179 Holstein milking cows at the time of artificial insemination. Milk progesterone concentration was determined using a commercial radio-immunoassay kit. It was assumed that a milk progesterone concentration greater than or equal to 3 ng/ml indicated the presence of active luteal tissue and that all animals in oestrus had a concentration less than 1 ng/ml. Results of the present study showed that error in oestrus detection was higher in dairy herds with more than 85 milking cows compared to that of the smaller size herds [14.4 vs 7.3%; x[2] = 2.59; P = 0.1]. Five out of 11 herds [45%] had an oestrus detection error higher than 10 percent while in the remaining six herds the oestrus detection error varied from 0 to 7.1%. Based on the assumptions and calculations made in the present study, the net cost of one day delay in conception for a cow producing 25 litres milk in peak lactation was calculated at 40591.98 Rials [4.51 $US] when conception is delayed from 85 to 100 days post-calving, increasing to 60120.89 Rials [6.68 $US] per day if conception occurred at 146 to 175 days post-calving

Preliminary studies on reproductive activities of local Abadeh does, Fars province, southern Iran

No published information are available on the reproductive indices of local Abadeh does reared in northern Fars province, southern Iran. This study was conducted to determine the duration of the breeding season, and the length and duration of the oestrous cycle. Twenty single parity 2-year-old does from Abadeh [weighing 19-26 kg] were purchased and transferred to the School of Veterinary Medicine of University of Shiraz. They had access to alfalfa hay, water ad libitum and natural light. Vasectomised teaser buck was turned with the flock and observation was made every 12 hrs during the day for standing heat detection, from late-August [2003] to late-August [2004]. To determine the onset of reproductive activity as well as occurrence of silent oestrus, blood samples were collected from jugular vein every 10 days. Following the onset of breeding season and observation of standing heat, 10 does were randomly selected in their 2nd oestrous cycle for twice weekly blood sampling. Serum progesterone concentration was determined using a commercial radioimmunoassay kit. It was found that silent oestrus occurs mostly in early breeding season. The first standing heat was observed in mid-September which was considered as the onset of breeding season. Occurrence of standing oestrus increased through October, November and December. The peak of standing oestrus was recorded during late-October to early, mid-November. The mean +/- SD duration of the oestrous cycle was 19.7 +/ 1.1 days and the mean +/- SD length of oestrus was 23.8 +/- 12.3 hrs. The mean [ +/- SD] concentrations of serum progesterone in days 0 [day of standing heat] to 4, varied between 0.1 and 0.8 ng/ml. Concentrations of progesterone during the luteal phase varied between 2.7 and 3.9 ng/ml. The results of progesterone assay during oestrous cycle indicate that the follicular and luteal phases last about 45 days and 14 days, respectively. In conclusion, oestrus activity in local Abadeh does is highly seasonal with a peak of activity being observed during the late-October to the end of November

[Compare the quality of life of spouses of addicted men with a control group]

Introduction: Substance abuse is the most common psychological disorders. Its side effects are not only related to the user but also effect their spouses and other family members

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the self- esteem, general well being and marital satisfaction of women having spouses who are substance abusers

Materials and Methods: This research is a cross sectional study. The experimental group included spouses of substance abusing men who voluntarily referred to addiction control centers in Rasht and the Control group consisted of married women referring to health care centers in Rasht. For data collection, three standard psychological questionnaires including GHQ 28 [general well being score]; Enrich [Marital satisfaction score], Cooper Smith [Self esteem score] and also a personal demographic questionnaire were used. From all qualified individuals, 18 wives of addicted men in experimental group and 24 wives of non-addicted men in control group were chosen through simple sampling, Information was collected by the psychologist or educated general physician by referring to addiction control centers and health care centers. Data was analyzed by SPSS 11.5 software and T test

Result: Demographic characteristics such as family income, occupation, housing condition, place of living and presence of disease were the same in both groups. The wives of addicted men showed significantly higher level of somatic symptoms [t=2.25, P=0.03], anxiety and insomnia[t=3.73, P=0.001] and depression [t=4.04, P=0.0001] than the control group. Partners of addicted men also had significantly lower levels of self- esteem [t=-3.61, P=0.0001] and marital satisfaction [t=-4/71, P=0.0001]

Conclusion: It seems that addicted men and their spouses affect each other and addicts significantly effect general areas of life. Based on the results of this study alike other western studies indicate that having an addicted husband significantly decrease his wife's quality of life. Therefore, it's necessary to pay more attention to the results of these studies so that authorities better understand and decrease the life difficulties of the families of addicted men

Evaluation of sexual behavior of Fars Grey rams in different seasons

To evaluate seasonal variation in sexual behavior of Fars Grey rams. Six healthy Fars Grey rams [3-4 years old]. Procedure: All rams were exposed fortnightly to ewes and the following indices were evaluated: 1] number of mounting 2] number of mating without ejaculate 3] number of ejaculation 4] reaction time. The test was carried out by exposing two rams to two ewes in a 20 minute period. Ram efficiency was calculated by dividing the number of ejaculation by the sum of number of mating with and without ejaculation. Blood samples were also collected immediately after each sexual behavior test to determine plasma testosterone concentrations. A commercial ELISA hormone assay kit was used to measure plasma testosterone concentrations. Chi-square test and GLM procedure in ANOVAofSAS.estosterone concentrations varied between 3.6 ng/ml in autumn to 10.3 ng/ml in summer [P<0.05]. A significant [P<0.05] seasonal effects was observed in the number of ejaculation in summer [0.9] and in winter [2.2]. Rams showed a significant individual variation in the number of ejaculations [P<0.05]. The highest number of mating without ejaculation was recorded in winter [7] whereas rams showed the lowest corresponding value in autumn [2.5]. Ram efficiency was varied among rams [P<0.05] and further a significant seasonal variation was observed in the ram efficiency [P<0.05]. There was a significant increase in the mean plasma testosterone concentrations in summer, particularly in late summer. The ram efficiency reached to the highest level in autumn, shortly after a decrease in plasma testosterone concentrations. Therefore, it can be concluded that the rise in ram efficiency is a delayed effect of the increase in mean plasma testosterone concentration. The results of this study also emphasize the need of evaluation of breeding rams for their sexual behavior prior to mating season. This is due to the individual variation that is observed among Fars Grey rams. An scoring system in the sexual behavior of breeding rams needs to be developed to make the test a useful tool in ram selection