The effect of varying concentrations of chicken plasma egg yolk and glycerol on the viability of canine sperm following short and long-term preservation.

Background: Plasma egg yolk (PEY), due to simple preparation and easier access, could be a suitable alternative to raw egg yolk for preserving canine semen. Aims: The present study investigated suitable concentrations of PEY and glycerol for preservation of canine semen. Methods: Semen was collected by digital manipulation (seven replicates from four dogs). Following initial raw semen evaluation, the semen was diluted in a tris-based extender supplemented with varying concentrations of chicken PEY (0, 20, and 40% v/v) and glycerol (3%; v/v). After cooling the specimen to 4°C within 1 h, the specimens were diluted with an equal volume of freezing extender consisting of similar concentrations of chicken PEY and 0 and 7% glycerol to reach the final glycerol concentration of 1.5 and 5% for short-term storage of canine semen. Samples with different concentrations of PEY and 5% glycerol were frozen. The sperm viability parameters including total motility, progressive forward motility, plasma membrane integrity, and live percentage of sperm were assessed following short and long-term storage. Results: Sperm viability parameters of semen extended in an extender supplemented with 20 or 40% chicken PEY with either 1.5 or 5% glycerol remained superior until 72 h after semen collection compared to the specimen that did not receive any PEY (P<0.05). Post-thaw sperm viability was also greater in samples extended in extender supplemented with either 20 or 40% PEY compared to 0% PEY. Conclusion: Tris-based extender supplemented with either 20% chicken PEY could be suitable for short and long-term preservation of canine semen.

Comparing three superovulation protocols in dromedary camels: FSH, eCG-FSH and hMG.

The objective of this study was to compare three superovulation protocols in dromedary camels. Follicular waves of dromedary camel donors (n=6) were synchronized using two GnRH injections. Superovulation was initiated 2 days after the second injection (day 0 of experiment). The experiment was conducted using change over design, where all females received three superovulation treatments one after the other with a resting period of one month in between. Superovulation was carried out for all donors using 390 mg FSH, 1000 IU eCG and 330 mg FSH, or 16.5 ampule hMG (75 i.u. FSH and 75 i.u. LH per ampoule). FSH and hMG were injected twice daily, indecreasing doses, over 5.5 days. Thirty-six h after the last FSH or hMG injection, donors were mated once and received an intravenous injection of the GnRH analogue. The diameter and number of ovarian follicles ≥4 mm on day 4 after superovulation and the total number of corpora lutea and follicles ≥9 mm on day 7.5 after mating were evaluated by ultrasound examinations. No significant differences were found between the total number of corpora lutea among FSH (13.8 ± 2.65), eCG-FSH (15 ± 2.60) and hMG (10.8 ± 2.30) and the number of expanded hatched blastocysts in FSH (5.7 ± 2.32), eCG-FSH (8.8 ± 2.10) and hMG (5.8 ± 2.40) treated donors. This study showed that all three superovulatory protocols could be used successfully and interchangeably in dromedary camels.

Protective effects of Cornus mas fruit extract on carbon tetrachloride induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Oxidative damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney injury. Cornus mas is used for in renal aliments traditionally in Iran. The present study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of C. mas fruit extract (CMFE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treated oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats. Forty two male albino rats were divided into seven groups. Group I served as a sham; Group II served as a normal control; Group III served as a toxic control, with CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight; 80% in olive oil); Groups IV and V received CMFE at doses of 300 and 700 mg/kg before CCl4 injection; Groups VI and VII received extract at same doses orally at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after CCl4 intoxication. CCl4 injection produced a significant rise in serum markers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde along with the reduction of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismuta, catalase and glutathion peroxidase. Serum creatinine, urea and uric acid concentrations were increased whereas level of protein and albumin were reduced. Treatment of rats with different doses of fruit extract (300 and 700 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated the alterations induced with CCl4 in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defenses, biochemical and renal lesions. Based on these results, we conclude that CMFE protects kidney from oxidative stress induced by CCl4.

The role of fibular fixation in the treatment of tibia diaphysis distal third fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Combined fractures of the distal third of tibia diaphysis and fibula diaphysis are a common orthopedic injury. There is an ongoing debate about the necessity of fibular fixation when associated to distal third tibial fracture. This study aims at evaluating the role of fibular fixation in the treatment of distal third tibial fractures. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that fixation of the fibula increases the stability of fixation in distal third tibial and fibular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, 53 patients with concomitant fractures of tibia and ipsilateral fibula at distal third level were recruited in this study during a 23-month period. Patients were randomized in two groups: patients with fibular fixation (case group) and without fibular fixation (control group). The patients were followed up for at least 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There were seven cases exhibiting malalignment on immediate postoperative radiographs. Six of them were in group II (control group) and one was in group I (case group) (P=0.084). We didn't find nonunion in group I and we found three patients in group II (P=0.141). Infection was one in group I and two in group II on gustillo II injuries (P=0.516). CONCLUSION: Despite its low count of patients, our study didn't show any advantage to fix the fibula fracture associated to distal third of tibia diaphysis fracture. It didn't show either an increase of complication after fibula open reduction and internal fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. Randomized prospective study.

Experience of cyclone Gonu in the Islamic Republic of Iran: lessons learned.

Gonu, the second tropical cyclone of the 2007 northern Indian ocean cyclone season, affected Oman, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This report examines the effects of cyclone Gonu in the Islamic Republic of Iran where it approached on its path on 6 June 2007 and reviews the actions taken before, during and after the cyclone. The incident highlighted the need for a special protocol to be prepared for all types of natural disasters. Responsible organizations should train their personnel according to the prepared protocols and service packages. Among the important lessons learned were the need for early warning, proper community involvement, access to essential data for risk analysis, special attention to safety of infrastructures, coordination and command integrity.

A novel tactile-guided detection and three-dimensional localization of clinically significant breast masses.

This paper presents a novel robotic sensory system 'Robo-Tac-BMI', which manipulates an indentation probe for the detection and three-dimensional localization of an abnormal mass embedded in the breast tissue. The Robo-Tac-BMI is designed based on artificial tactile sensing technology which is a new non-invasive method for mimicking the surgeon's palpation quantitatively. The intelligent processor of the device provides an overall stiffness map of the scanned areas. The extracted stiffness parameters provide a decisive factor for certifying the mass existence. Results are validated by 'gold standard' tests. Following the mass detection, its 3D localization is of essential importance in the treatment procedures. The planar 2D coordinate is readily available for all points on the tissue surface. Mass depth estimation is achieved by a comprehensive model utilizing the logistic regression algorithm and a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve for the highest accuracy. Statistical analysis is performed over 27 cases with 346 scanned areas.

Assessment and outcome of 496 penetrating gastrointestinal warfare injuries.

AIM: The abdominal viscera are among the most vulnerable organs of the body to penetrating trauma. Proper management of such trauma in war victims at the first-line hospital where these victims are first seen is of paramount importance. We reviewed medical records of war victims suffering small bowel and colorectal injuries treated at first, second and third-line hospitals during the Iraq-Iran War (1980-88) to assess surgical outcomes. METHODS: The medical records of 496 Iranian war victims suffering penetrating gastrointestinal (GI) injuries treated at first, second and third-line (tertiary) hospitals, a total of 19 centres, were reviewed. Laparotomy had been performed at the 1st line hospitals for all patients who had an acute abdomen, whose wounds violated the peritoneum or whose abdominal radiographs showed air or shrapnel in the abdominal cavity. Stable patients were transferred from first-line to second-line or from second line to tertiary hospitals postoperatively. The treatments, complications and patient outcomes were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 496 patients; 145, 220 and 131 victims underwent laparotomy for GI injuries at first, second and third-line hospitals respectively. The small intestine and colon respectively were the most prevalent abdominal organs damaged. Those first treated for GI injuries at front-line hospitals (145 victims) had more serious conditions and could not be transferred prior to surgery and presented a higher prevalence of complications and mortality. Overall mortality from GI surgery was 3.6% (18 patients). Eleven patients (7.5%) whose first GI operation was performed at frontline hospitals and 7 patients (3.2%) who underwent their first surgical operation at second-line hospitals died. The most common reason for these deaths was complications relating to the gastrointestinal operation such as anastomotic leak. Six missed injuries were seen at the frontline and one at second line hospitals. There were no deaths at the 3rd line hospitals. CONCLUSION: Penetrating abdominal injuries were common in Iranian victims of war often causing multiple organ injuries. The colon and small intestine were the more commonly injured organs and carried the most postoperative complications. Mortality at 1st line hospitals was more than double that of 2nd line hospitals; the complication rate was also greater as was the number of missed injuries. Adherence to the standard surgical protocols, prompt evaluation, proper triage and management are factors which may lower patient morbidity and complications.

Experience of cyclone Gonu in the Islamic Republic of Iran: lessons learned

Gonu, the second tropical cyclone of the 2007 northern Indian ocean cyclone season, affected Oman, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This report examines the effects of cyclone Gonu in the Islamic Republic of Iran where it approached on its path on 6 June 2007 and reviews the actions taken before, during and after the cyclone. The incident highlighted the need for a special protocol to be prepared for all types of natural disasters. Responsible organizations should train their personnel according to the prepared protocols and service packages. Among the important lessons learned were the need for early warning, proper community involvement, access to essential data for risk analysis, special attention to safety of infrastructures, coordination and command integrity

The outcome of diverticulosis in kidney recipients with polycystic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: Diverticulosis is a common finding in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). To avoid the serious complications of diverticulosis after kidney transplantation, some policies have recommended aggressive actions, such as elective colectomy. These policies are not widely agreed upon. This controversy led us to investigate the serious complications and the outcome of diverticulosis in ADPKD kidney recipients to see whether such therapies are justified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2002 to 2006, we followed 18 ADPKD kidney recipient patients with barium enema-documented diverticulosis. All subjects were asymptomatic for diverticulosis at the time of transplantation. The mean value +/- SD of follow-up duration was 25.4 +/- 28.5 months. We documented demographic data, familial history of ADPKD, barium enema findings, and complications as well as graft and patient survivals. RESULTS: Hepatic flexure was the most prevalent site for diverticula. The mean (SD) of diverticular count was 6 +/- 5.1. Patients with a familial history of ADPKD showed a higher number of diverticular (P=.01). Diverticulitis occurred in three patients, all of whom died. CONCLUSION: Diverticulitis is a fatal and not rare complication in ADPKD patients. The rate of complications in our study was similar to previous findings, but we observed serious complications even among patients asymptomatic at the time of transplantation. The decision to take aggressive action such as elective colectomy is still a matter of debate that needs further evaluation.

[Costal echinococcosis. Report of one case and review of the literature (author's transl)]. / Echinococcose costale. Rapport d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

Following the report of a case of costal echinococcosis, a review of the published literature showed that 32 identical cases have been the subject of publications in the Occident. A further 6 cases were found in the records of the University Hospitals in Teheran, which brings the total to 39 published cases, including our patient, known at the present time. It is important to make the diagnosis in these cases so that the surgeon can take the necessary precautions to avoid the anaphylactic shock which can follow dissemination of the parasite.

Prevention of hepatitis type B with specific immune serum globulin.

In order to evaluate the preventive value of specific immune serum globulin against hepatitis type B, we have used this immune globulin in required doses in 12 patients (10 with AU antigen negative and 2 with AU antigen positive) with chronic renal failure who required maintenance hemodialysis for a period of 15 months, and we were able to prevent hepatitis type B in our dialysis patients.