Solidification/stabilization of lead-contaminated soil using alkali-activated volcanic ash.

The bioaccumulation of lead in soil poses a significant human health risk. The solidification/stabilization (S/S) technique, employing binders like Portland cement or lime, is a common method for remediating lead-contaminated soil. However, cement production has adverse environmental impacts, prompting the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives like alkali-activated materials (AAMs). This study assesses AAM efficacy in the S/S of lead-contaminated soil. The effects of several factors, including varying amounts of volcanic ash (VA), lead concentration, curing temperatures, and curing times are investigated. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test (TCLP), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscope-energy-dispersive spectroscopy-mapping analyses (FESEM/EDS/mapping) analyses are used to study the specimens. The findings indicated a substantial increase in the UCS of lead-contaminated soil treated with 15% VA (under oven curing (OC) conditions), and 10% VA (under ambient curing (AC) conditions) exhibited remarkable increases of up to 600% and 458%, respectively. Moreover, the leaching of Pb2+ ions from samples contaminated with 10,000 mg/kg (under OC conditions) and 2500 mg/kg (under AC conditions) experienced significant reductions of 87% (from 135.14 to 13.36 ppm) and 91% (from 26.32 to 2.21 ppm), respectively. The S/S process in these samples operated through three primary mechanisms of chemical bonding, physical encapsulation, and the formation of insoluble silicate. The formation of N-A-S-H and hydroxy sodalite structures played a vital role in facilitating these mechanisms. Therefore, alkali-activated VA demonstrated excellent performance in the remediation of lead-contaminated soil.

Magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy, mechanisms, and recent advances: A review.

Hyperthermia therapy refers to the elevating of a region in the body for therapeutic purposes. Different techniques have been applied for hyperthermia therapy including laser, microwave, radiofrequency, ultrasonic, and magnetic nanoparticles and the latter have received great attention in recent years. Magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy aims to increase the temperature of the body tissue by locally delivering heat from the magnetic nanoparticles to cancer cells with the aid of an external alternating magnetic field to kill the cancerous cells or prevent their further growth. This review introduces magnetic hyperthermia with magnetic nanoparticles. It includes the mechanism of the operation and magnetism behind the magnetic hyperthermia phenomenon. Different synthesis methods and surface modification to enhance the biocompatibility, water solubility, and stability of the nanoparticles in physiological environments have been discussed. Recent research on versatile types of magnetic nanoparticles with their ability to increase the local temperature has been addressed.

Synthesis and Application of Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Carbon Black in Bioimaging.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a new type of fluorescent QDs that consists mainly of carbon atoms. In this research, CQDs were synthesized through harsh oxidizing conditions applied on carbon black and subsequent N-doping using hexamethylenetetramine (Hexamine) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). The synthesized CQDs were characterized using FTIR, AFM, UV-Visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and fluorescence imaging respectively. The AFM images showed that the dots are in the range of 2-8 nm. N-doping of the CQDs increased the PL intensity. The PL enhancement for the CQDs that were N-doped with PEI was higher compared to those N-doped with hexamine. The shift in PL by changing the excitation wavelength has been attributed to the nano-size of the CQDs, functional groups, defect traps, and quantum confinement effect. The in vitro fluorescence imaging revealed that N-doped CQDs can internalize into the cells and be used for fluorescent cell imaging.

Inactivation of cell-free HIV-1 by designing potent peptides based on mutations in the CD4 binding site.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a major global health problem, with over 38 million people infected worldwide. Current anti-HIV-1 drugs are limited in their ability to prevent the virus from replicating inside host cells, making them less effective as preventive measures. In contrast, viral inhibitors that inactivate the virus before it can bind to a host cell have great potential as drugs. In this study, we aimed to design mutant peptides that could block the interaction between gp120 and the CD4 receptor on host cells, thus preventing HIV-1 infection. We designed a 20-amino-acid peptide that mimicked the amino acids of the CD4 binding site and docked it to gp120. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to calculate the energy of MMPBSA (Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area) for each residue of the peptide, and unfavorable energy residues were identified as potential mutation points. Using MAESTRO (Multi AgEnt STability pRedictiOn), we measured ΔΔG (change in the change in Gibbs free energy) for mutations and generated a library of 240 mutated peptides using OSPREY software. The peptides were then screened for allergenicity and binding affinity. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations (via GROMACS 2020.2) and control docking (via HADDOCK 2.4) were used to evaluate the ability of four selected peptides to inhibit HIV-1 infection. Three peptides, P3 (AHRQIRQWFLTRGPNRSLWQ), P4 (VHRQIRQWFLTRGPNRSLWQ), and P9 (AHRQIRQMFLTRGPNRSLWQ), showed practical and potential as HIV inhibitors, based on their binding affinity and ability to inhibit infection. These peptides have the ability to inactivate the virus before it can bind to a host cell, thus representing a promising approach to HIV-1 prevention. Our findings suggest that mutant peptides designed to block the interaction between gp120 and the CD4 receptor have potential as HIV-1 inhibitors. These peptides could be used as preventive measures against HIV-1 transmission, and further research is needed to evaluate their safety and efficacy in clinical settings.

Complexities of information sources.

Calculating the entropy for complex systems is a significant problem in science and engineering problems. However, this calculation is usually computationally expensive when the entropy is computed directly. This paper introduces three classes of information sources that for all members of each class, the entropy value is the same. These classes are characterized according to special dynamics created by three kinds of self-mappings on Ω, and A, where Ω is a probability space and A is a finite set. An approximation of rank variables of the product of information sources is made, and it is proved that the topological entropy of the product of two information sources is equal to the summation of their topological entropies.

Gadolinium-doped fluorescent carbon quantum dots as MRI contrast agents and fluorescent probes.

In this research passivated gadolinium-doped carbon quantum dots (Gd-doped CQDs) were synthesized from starch by a hydrothermal method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the Gd-doped CQDs showed the formation of highly amorphous carbon. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results suggested that the CQDs are functionalized with C-N and N-H bonds. The synthesized CQDs with a size distribution of 2-8 nm have an absorption peak at 271 nm in UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The photoluminescence (PL) in CQDs was dependent on the excitation wavelength. The QY of the synthesized CQDs was calculated to be 13.2%. The Gd-doped CQDs exhibited sustained PL in ionic solutions with different ionic strengths and different temperatures up to 65 °C. Fluorescence imaging on mouse C34/connective tissue-L929 cells confirmed that Gd-doped CQDs could be well distributed over the cytoplasm. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the Gd-doped CQDs have extremely high longitudinal and transverse relaxivity values of as high as 218.28 mM-1 s-1 and 364.68 mM-1 s-1. The synthesized Gd-doped CQDs are promising candidates as multifunctional imaging probes and MRI contrast agents in biomedical diagnosis and brain mapping applications.

Urtica dioica Agglutinin: A plant protein candidate for inhibition of SARS-COV-2 receptor-binding domain for control of Covid19 Infection.

Despite using effective drugs and vaccines for Covid 19, due to some limitations of current strategies and the high rate of coronavirus mutation, the development of medicines with effective inhibitory activity against this infection is essential. The SARS-CoV-2 enters the cell by attaching its receptor-binding domain (RBD) of Spike to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). According to previous studies, the natural peptide Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA) exhibited an antiviral effect on SARS-CoV, but its mechanism has not precisely been elucidated. Here, we studied the interaction between UDA and RBD of Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. So, protein-protein docking of RBD-UDA was performed using Cluspro 2.0. To further confirm the stability of the complex, the RBD-UDA docked complex with higher binding affinity was studied using Molecular Dynamic simulation (via Gromacs 2020.2), and MM-PBSA calculated the binding free energy of the system. In addition, ELISA assay was used to examine the binding of UDA with RBD protein. Results were compared to ELISA of RBD-bound samples of convalescent serum IgG (from donors who recovered from Covid 19). Finally, the toxicity of UDA is assessed by using MTT assay. The docking results show UDA binds to the RBD binding site. MD simulation illustrates the UDA-RBD complex is stable during 100 ns of simulation, and the average binding energy was calculated to be -47.505 kJ/mol. ELISA and, MTT results show that UDA binds to RBD like IgG-RBD binding and may be safe in human cells. Data presented here indicate UDA interaction with S-protein inhibits the binding sites of RBD, it can prevent the virus from attaching to ACE2 and entering the host cell.

In Vitro Study: Synthesis and Evaluation of Fe3O4/CQD Magnetic/Fluorescent Nanocomposites for Targeted Drug Delivery, MRI, and Cancer Cell Labeling Applications.

In the present study, first, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were functionalized using glutaric acid and then composited with CQDs. Doxorubicin (DOX) drug was loaded to evaluate the performance of the nanocomposite for targeted drug delivery applications. The XRD pattern confirmed the presence of characteristic peaks of CQDs and Fe3O4. In the FTIR spectrum, the presence of carboxyl functional groups on Fe3O4/CQDs was observed; DOX (positive charge) is loaded onto Fe3O4/CQDs (negative charge) by electrostatic absorption. FESEM and AFM images showed that the particle sizes of Fe3O4 and CQDs were 23-75 and 1-3 nm, respectively. The hysteresis curves showed superparamagnetic properties for Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/CQDs (57.3 and 8.4 emu/g). The Fe3O4 hysteresis curve showed superparamagnetic properties (Ms and Mr: 57.3 emu/g and 1.46 emu/g. The loading efficiency and capacity for Fe3O4/CQDs were 93.90% and 37.2 mg DOX/g MNP, respectively. DOX release from Fe3O4/CQDs in PBS showed pH-dependent release behavior where after 70 h at pH 5 and 7.4, about 50 and 21% of DOX were released. Fluorescence images of Fe3O4/CQD-treated cells showed that Fe3O4/CQDs are capable of labeling MCF-7 and HFF cells. Also, T2-weighted MRI scans of Fe3O4/CQDs in water exhibited high r2 relaxivity (86.56 mM-1 S-1). MTT assay showed that DOX-loaded Fe3O4/CQDs are highly biocompatible in contact with HFF cells (viability = 95%), but they kill MCF-7 cancer cells (viability = 45%). Therefore, the synthesized nanocomposite can be used in MRI, targeted drug delivery, and cell labeling.

Comparative Evaluation of the Sedative and Analgesic Effects of Caudal Epidural Administration of Lidocaine Alone or in Combination With Xylazine, Detomidine, Medetomidine, and Dexmedetomidine in Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys.

The present study aimed to compare the sedative and analgesic effects of caudal epidural administration of lidocaine alone or in combination with four different α2-adrenergic agonists in Mediterranean miniature donkeys. A total of ten clinically healthy (five males and five females) Mediterranean miniature donkeys with an age of 5 ± 1 years, a weight of 100 ± 2 kg and a height at the withers of 0.8 ± 0.06 m (mean ± standard deviation) were used in experimental, crossover (Latin square), randomized, and blinded study. Animals were assigned to five treatment groups including lidocaine alone (0.22 mg kg-1), or associated with one among xylazine (0.17 mg kg-1), detomidine (30 µg kg-1), medetomidine (15 µg kg-1), dexmedetomidine (5 µg kg-1) with a minimum washout period of 8 days between treatments. The degree of sedation was investigated using a simple descriptive scale of 0-3. Sedation scores were compared at each time using nonparametric (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U) tests. Analgesia was assessed by pinprick test. Sedation was greater in lidocaine and/or α2-adrenergic agonist groups than in lidocaine group at 45-75 minutes after drug administration (P < .05). There were no significant differences among groups in time to onset of analgesia and ataxia and also in number of animals with complete perineal analgesia and ataxia. Duration of analgesia and ataxia were longer in lidocaine and/or α2-adrenergic agonist groups than in lidocaine (P < .05). There were no significant differences among lidocaine and/or α2-adrenergic agonist groups in sedation score and duration of analgesia and ataxia. No significant differences were observed in heart and respiratory rate and also rectal temperature at any time points between groups and within groups. Caudal epidural administration of α2- adrenergic agonists associated with lidocaine resulted in sedative effects on Mediterranean miniature donkeys, while lidocaine alone did not induce sedation. These drugs associations should be considered when superior analgesia is advocated.

Evaluation of the sedative and physiological effects of xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in goats.

BACKGROUND: Many α2 -agonists are commonly used for sedation and analgesia in ruminants. INTRODUCTION: The present study aims to compare the sedative and physiological effects of intravenous (IV) administration of xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in goats. METHODS: Ten healthy goats aged 6 ± 1 months and weighing 15 ± 2 kg were used in experimental, crossover Latin square, randomised and blinded study. Animals were assigned to five IV treatments: control (normal saline); xylazine (100 µg kg-1 ); detomidine (50 µg kg-1 ); medetomidine (20 µg kg-1 ) and dexmedetomidine (5 µg kg-1 ). The degree of sedation was investigated using a numerical ranking scale of 0-10. Sedation scores were compared at each time using nonparametric (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U) tests. RESULTS: Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), ruminal motility and capillary refill time (CRT) were performed before (baseline) and after drug administration. Animals in α2 -adrenergic agonist treatments were sedated at 5-60 min. There were no significant differences among α2 -adrenergic agonist treatments at 5-60 min in sedation scores. HR significantly decreased from baseline 5-90 min after α2 -adrenergic agonists' administration. Ruminal motility was decreased in α2 -adrenergic agonist treatments at 5, 90 and 120 min and absent at 10-60 min. A significant decrease from baseline in RR was detected between 30 and 90 min after α2 -adrenergic agonists' administration. RT was unchanged in any treatment for 120 min. CRT was less than 2 s at all time points following each treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of sedation was up to 60 min after IV administration of xylazine (100 µg kg-1 ), detomidine (50 µg kg-1 ), medetomidine (20 µg kg-1 ) and dexmedetomidine (5 µg kg-1 ) in goats in this study. No significant differences were detected between xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in goats.

Preparation and in-vitro evaluation of ß-CD/HA nanocomposite as a potential carrier for hydrophobic drugs.

This study aimed to provide a new drug delivery system for hydrophobic compounds. Dexamethasone (DEX) was employed as a hydrophobic model drug, which incorporated into the network of hydroxyapatite (HA)/Cyclodextrin (ß-CD) nanocomposite. Phase analysis, chemical bonding, morphology, and drug release was evaluated using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and UV-vis spectroscopy, respectively. XRD patterns showed the formation of the crystalline structure and FTIR analysis showed the chemical bonding between organic and inorganic phases. FESEM images accompanied by EDX analysis confirmed the presence of HA nano-flakes. Release of DEX loaded ß-CD/HA was measured to be around 4.6% and 18.7% in pH5.3 and pH 7.4, respectively. In conclusion, the prepared system could be a potential pH sensitive carrier for sustainable release of water-insoluble drugs.

Effects of Dextran-Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Mouse Embryo Development, Antioxidant Enzymes and Apoptosis Genes Expression, and Ultrastructure of Sperm, Oocytes and Granulosa Cells.

BACKGROUND: Although application of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in industry and medicine has increased, their potential toxicity in reproductive cells remains a controversial issue. This study was undertaken to address the response of sperm, oocyte, and resultant blastocyst to dextran-coated SPIONs (D-SPIONs) treatment during murine in vitro fertilization (IVF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, murine mature oocytes were randomly divided into three groups: control, and low- and high-dose groups in which fertilization medium was mixed with 0, 50 and 250 µg/ml of DSPIONs, respectively. Sperm and/or cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured for 4 h in this medium for electron microscopic analysis of sperm and COCs, and assessment of developmental competence and genes expression of Gpx1, Sod1, catalase, Bcl2l1 and Bax in the resultant blastocysts. RESULTS: Ultrastructural study of sperm, oocyte, and granulosa showed destructed mitochondria and membranes in spermatozoa, vacuolated mitochondria and distorted cristae in oocytes, and disrupted nuclei and disorganized cell membranes in granulosa in a dose-dependent manner. Data showed that cleavage and blastocyst rates in the 250 µg/ml of D-SPIONs were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). Gene expression of GPx1, Sod1, catalase, Bcl2l1 and Bax in resultant blastocysts of the high-dose group and catalase and Bax in resultant blastocysts of the low-dose group, was higher than the controls. CONCLUSION: There is considerable concern regarding D-SPIONs toxic effects on IVF, and mitochondrial and cell membrane damage in mouse spermatozoa and oocytes, which may be related to oxidative stress and apoptotic events.

Outcome of FOLFOX and Modified DCF Chemotherapy Regimen in Patients with Advanced Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Chemotherapy is used as an indispensable therapy for advanced gastric cancer. Different chemotherapy regimens have been used for this purpose. Toxicity due to the Chemotherapy drugs is one limiting factor. In this study we aim to compare the efficacy and toxicity of two regimens FOLFOX (leucoverin, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) and modified DCF (mDCF) (docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) in patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 47 patients treated with FOLFOX regimen and 57 patients treated with mDCF regimen were recruited, Patients in both groups were compared for demographic findings, response rate, mortality rate, overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). RESULTS: In FOLFOX and mDCF group, complete response (CR) occurred in 4.3% and 5.3%, partial response (PR) in 42.6% and 29.8%, stable disease in 34% and 52.6% and disease progression in 19.1% and 12.3%, respectively (p=0.25). Overall response rate was 48.9% and 56.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between two regimens in OS and PFS (p=0.22). mDCF compared to FOLFOX had significantly higher hematologic, gastrointestinal complications, as well as creatinine rise, stomatitis and hair loss, but peripheral neuropathy was significantly lower. CONCLUSION: The results of current study showed that in patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, FOLFOX regimen compared to mDCF regimen have similar ORR, OS and PFS. Toxicity rate are also lower in FOLFOX group, thus it seems a better regimen for chemotherapy.
.

Comparative evaluation of sedative and clinical effects of dexmedetomidine and xylazine in dromedary calves (Camelus dromedarius).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sedative and clinical effects of intravenous (IV) administration of dexmedetomidine and xylazine in dromedary calves. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, crossover, randomized, blinded study. ANIMALS: A total of seven healthy male dromedary calves aged 14 ± 2 weeks and weighing 95 ± 5.5 kg. METHODS: Calves were assigned three IV treatments: treatment XYL, xylazine (0.2 mg kg-1); treatment DEX, dexmedetomidine (5 µg kg-1); and control treatment, normal saline (0.01 mL kg-1). Sedation scores, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), rectal temperature (RT) and ruminal motility were recorded before (baseline) and after drug administration. Sedation signs were scored using a 4-point scale. One-way anova and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Calves in treatments XYL and DEX were sedated at 5-60 minutes. Sedation had waned in XYL calves, but not DEX calves, at 60 minutes (p = 0.037). Sedation was not present in calves of any treatment at 90 minutes. HR decreased from baseline in XYL and DEX at 5-90 minutes after drug administration and was lower in DEX than XYL at 5 minutes (p = 0.017). HR was lower in DEX (p = 0.001) and XYL (p = 0.013) than in control treatment at 90 minutes. fR decreased from baseline in XYL and DEX at 5-60 minutes after drug administration and was lower in DEX than XYL at 5 minutes (p = 0.013). RT was unchanged in any treatment over 120 minutes. Ruminal motility was decreased in XYL at 5, 90 and 120 minutes and absent at 10-60 minutes. Motility was decreased in DEX at 5, 10 and 120 minutes and was absent at 15-90 minutes. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The duration of sedation from dexmedetomidine (5 µg kg-1) and xylazine (0.2 mg kg-1) was similar in dromedary calves.

A review on nanostructured carbon quantum dots and their applications in biotechnology, sensors, and chemiluminescence.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a member of carbon nanostructures family which have received increasing attention for their photoluminescence (PL), physical and chemical stability and low toxicity. The classical semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor particles that are able to emit fluorescence by excitation. The CQDs is mainly referred to photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles less than 10 nm, with surface modification or functionalization. Contrary to other carbon nanostructures, CQDs can be synthesized and functionalized fast and easily. The fluorescence origin of the CQDs is a controversial issue which depends on carbon source, experimental conditions, and functional groups. However, PL emissions originated from conjugated π-domains and surface defects have been proposed for the PL emission mechanisms of the CQDs. These nanostructures have been used as nontoxic alternatives to the classical heavy metals containing semiconductor QDs in some applications such as in-vivo and in-vitro bio-imaging, drug delivery, photosensors, chemiluminescence (CL), and etc. This paper will introduce CQDs, their structure, and PL characteristics. Recent advances of the application of CQDs in biotechnology, sensors, and CL is comprehensively discussed.

Carbon quantum dots and their biomedical and therapeutic applications: a review.

In recent years, nano carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have received increasing attention due to their properties such as small size, fluorescence emission, chemical stability, water solubility, easy synthesis, and the possibility of functionalization. CQDs are fluorescent 0D carbon nanostructures with sizes below 10 nm. The fluorescence in CQDs originates from two sources, the fluorescence emission from bandgap transitions of conjugated π-domains and fluorescence from surface defects. The CQDs can emit fluorescence in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region which makes them appropriate for biomedical applications. The fluorescence in these structures can be tuned with respect to the excitation wavelength. The CQDs have found applications in different areas such as biomedicine, photocatalysis, photosensors, solar energy conversion, light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc. The biomedical applications of CQDs include bioimaging, drug delivery, gene delivery, and cancer therapy. The fluorescent CQDs have low toxicity and other exceptional physicochemical properties in comparison to heavy metals semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) which make them superior candidates for biomedical applications. In this review, the synthesis routes and optical properties of the CQDs are clarified and recent advances in CQDs biomedical applications in bioimaging (in vivo and in vitro), drug delivery, cancer therapy, their potential to pass blood-brain barrier (BBB), and gene delivery are discussed.

Chemical disbudding of goat kids with subcutaneous administration of synthetic eugenol: Histopathology and morphometry.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous administration of synthetic eugenol (EG) for disbudding of goat kids, as a new chemical method. Thirty apparently healthy Raieni (Cashmere) goat kids (five-day-old) were divided randomly into six groups (n = 5). In the pathology (P) groups (P3, P8 and P60 according to the sample collection day after injection) an amount of 0.10 mL of EG was subcutaneously administrated in both horn buds. In the disbudding 1 and 2 (DB1, DB2) groups, 0.10 mL of EG, and in the control (C) group 0.10 mL normal saline was subcutaneously injected in the right horn buds, respectively. Eugenol injection in DB2 group was done in twelve-day-old goat kids. The left horn buds of DB1, DB2 and C groups were considered as control of horn outgrowing. The horn buds, kidneys, liver, lung, brain and heart, tissue specimens were collected from P3 and P8 groups, and bud skin samples were collected from P60 group. The results showed that the EG was able to stop the horn growth in the first week of goat life. There was no significant difference between left and right horn size in the C group. Histopathological study revealed complete necrosis of bud tissue in dermal and epidermal layers, in P3 animals. Healing and re-epithelialization were seen in the samples taken from P8 group. Subcutaneous injection of the synthetic EG can be considered as a new method for goat kids disbudding.

Study of disbudding goat kids following injection of clove oil essence in horn bud region.

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of injection of essential oil of Eugenia caryophyllata in the kid horn buds, as a new chemical technique for disbudding. Five-day-old healthy goat kids from both sexes (n = 16) were divided randomly into 4 equal groups. In groups 1, 2 and 3, 0.2 mL of clove essence and in group 4 (control) 0.2 mL of normal saline was injected into the left horn bud of goat kids. Right horn bud in all kids was considered to ensure that they are horned. During the study, the rate of horn growth were evaluated in determined time intervals between groups 1 and 4. Tissue samples were taken from right and left horn bud in groups 2 and 3, at five and ten days after clove essence injection, for microscopic study. The results of the study showed that the clove essence stopped horn growth, whereas there was no significant difference in horn growth rate between left and right horns after injection of normal saline, in group 4. Histopathological study showed that injection of clove essence caused complete necrosis of epidermis and underlying dermis with collagenolysis in horn bud tissues, 5 days after injection and then progress in healing process was observed after 10 days. According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that the injection of clove essence is an effective method to stop horn growth without any undesirable effects on clinical parameters in goat kids.

Caudal epidural analgesia using lidocaine alone or in combination with ketamine in dromedary camels Camelus dromedarius.

This study was performed to investigate the analgesic effect of lidocaine and a combination of lidocaine and ketamine following epidural administration in dromedary camels. Ten 12-18-month-old camels were randomly divided into two equal groups. In group L, the animals received 2% lidocaine (0.22 mg/kg) and in group LK the animals received a mixture of 10% ketamine (1 mg/kg) and 2% lidocaine (0.22 mg/kg) administered into the first intercoccygeal (Co1-Co2) epidural space while standing. Onset time and duration of caudal analgesia, sedation level and ataxia were recorded after drug administration. Data were analysed by U Mann-Whitney tests and significance was taken as p < 0.05. The results showed that epidural lidocaine and co-administration of lidocaine and ketamine produced complete analgesia in the tail, anus and perineum. Epidural administration of the lidocaine-ketamine mixture resulted in mild to moderate sedation, whilst the animals that received epidural lidocaine alone were alert and nervous during the study. Ataxia was observed in all test subjects and was slightly more severe in camels that received the lidocaine-ketamine mixture. It was concluded that epidural administration of lidocaine plus ketamine resulted in longer caudal analgesia in standing conscious dromedary camels compared with the effect of administering lidocaine alone.

Alteration in mononuclear cell subpopulations in dogs immunized with gentamicin-attenuated Leishmania infantum.

The impact of immunization with gentamicin-attenuated Leishmania infantum (H-line) on the immunophenotypic profile of popliteal lymph node (PLN) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of dogs was assessed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Compared with the dogs infected with L. infantum wild-type (Group WT), there was a significantly higher percentage of CD4+, CD44+ T cells and CD14+, MHC-II+ cells and a lower percentage of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells in PLN of the immunized dogs with L. infantum H-line (Group H). The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in PBMCs of immunized dogs was higher than that in dogs of Group WT. The CD4:CD8 ratio in PLN of dogs of Group H was significantly higher than that in dogs of Group WT. A significantly higher percentage of CD21+ B cells and a lower percentage of CD79b+ cells were found in PLN of the immunized dogs compared with dogs of Group WT. Immunohistochemical investigation showed no parasites in the PLN of immunized dogs whereas there were parasites in the PLN of 60% of dogs infected with L. infantum WT. In this study, the immunophenotypic profile of mononuclear cells of the immunized dogs correlates with cellular immunity.