influence of a slow-release multi-trace element ruminal bolus on trace element status, number of ovarian follicles and pregnancy outcomes in synchronized Afshari ewes

Published data on the effects of ruminal bolus on the number of ovulatory follicles in ewes does not exist. The present study determined the effects of a ruminal bolus on trace element status, follicular dynamics and reproductive performance in ewes. Eighty Afshari cycling ewes were synchronized during breeding season using CIDR for 14 days and assigned to 4 groups [n=20]; group 1 received a single Ferrobloc bolus four weeks prior to CIDR insertion following 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal, group 2 received two boluses four weeks prior to CIDR insertion following 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal, group 3 received only 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal and group 4 [control] received no bolus and no eCG. Transrectal ultrasonography was done to monitor the ovarian follicles on the day of CIDR removal and a day later. Results showed that boluses increased the status of copper, selenium and iodine on mating day and days 90 to 100 of gestation. Ruminal bolus did not significantly increase the number of different classes of ovarian follicles in ewes fed a diet meeting all trace mineral requirements. All ewes eventually became pregnant with 1 or 2 boluses but the multiple births rate [80%] was higher [P<0.05] after 2 boluses compared to the other groups

Association of socio-demographic characteristics and cigarette smoking: savodjbolaq city inhabitants

A number of factors such as socio-demographic and socioeconomic status have emerged as being associated with smoking. The main goal of the present study was to identify the relationship of socio-demographic factors and cigarette smoking, and to determine the indicators of smoking status in a community based case-control study. Using the random multistage cluster sampling method on the basis of family list kept in the health center, a head cluster was selected, and 25 clusters of 10 members each were chosen. One member was selected from each family to fill the questionnaire. The neighborhood method was used for selection of controls. The socio-demographic characteristics was assessed by a self administered questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V-11.5 software. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of age, sex, marital status, family size, number of close friends, number of smoking friends, and presence of smokers in the family with smoking status. The mean smoking consumption of smokers in this study was 14.6 per day. The mean age of smoking initiation was 18.6 years. Fifty percent of people initiated smoking at ages less than 18. The mean years of education were significantly higher in nonsmokers. A significant inverse relationship exists between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and educational levels. The positive association between number of cigarette smoked per day and age was found [OR = 1.2, CI 95% 1.07-1.4]. Number of smoking friends in smokers were significantly more than in nonsmokers. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, and number of smoking friends, could be predictors of smoking status. The association between sex, marital status, family size, and education with smoking status were not significant. This study revealed the association between several socio-demographic factors with smoking status. Antismoking strategies for adults tend to emphasize smoking cessation, preventing smoking initiation is also important during young adulthood. Anyway, educational interventions are highly suggested