Effects of long-term calcium deficiency on the electro-and echocardiography in laying hens

Ca is the most important minerals in the body that plays a key rols in the physiological activities, anzymatic reaction and the regulation of myocardial contraction and relaxation. Ca deficiency causes the heart failure and decrease cardiac contractility. To determine the effects of long-term dietary calcium deficiency on the heart function of layer hens based on the electro- and echocardiography. Ninety Hyline W36 hens were kept for 21 weeks and fed by rations with different amounts of calcium. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and post-mortem left ventricular parameters were assessed. S wave amplitude was significantly [p<0.05] increased in the Ca-deficient group II [in lead II] at 36 weeks of age in compared to control. There were also elevations of the QRS wave amplitudes in 28 and 36 weeks of age at two Ca-deficient groups [leads II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF] but were only significant [p<0.05] in Ca-deficient group II [leads II and aVF] in compared to control. Left ventricular free wall diameter at end-systole were significantly [p<0.05] increased in the Ca-deficient group II at 28 and 36 weeks of age compared to the control group. Inter-ventricular septal diameters at end-systole were decreased in two Ca-deficient groups at 28 and 36 weeks [p<0.05]. Left ventricular free wall diameter at post-mortem were significantly [p<0.05] increased in two Ca-deficient groups at 36 weeks of age compared to the control group. From these results, it can be suggested that long-term dietary calcium deficiency alters in electro- and echocardiographic parameters, which could reflect pathological left ventricular hypertrophy in the laying hens

[ relationship between allergic rhinitis and chronic otitis media]

Allergic inflammation in upper airways can act as a predisposing factor for infectious ear diseases. There are some evidences about the role of allergic rhinitis [AR] in chronic otitis media with effusion, but its role in establishing Chronic Supportive Otitis Media [CSOM] has not been clearly shown. To assess the relationship between allergic rhinitis and CSOM in patients referring to Amiralmomenin hospital, Rasht, Iran. 61 adult patients with established CSOM were considered as case group and 58 patients with minor head and neck trauma as control group, they were evaluated for the presence of allergic rhinitis. All case and control group were over 15 years old and underwent skin prick test for 23 common regional aeroallergens. Allergic rhinitis was defined with positive symptoms and signs of AR and positive skin prick test. Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed in 15[26.20%] and 8 [13.80%] of patients and controls, respectively [P=0.065].By logistic regression equation after corroding the age factor and the difference between two groups became significant [x2=0.026, OR=3.27, CI=1.15 - 6.57]. Indoor allergens, especially mites and molds, were the most prevalent allergens among both groups, but Outdoor allergens like grass pollen have a low prevalence. The prevalence of AR in the CSOM patients is more than the controls