Efficacy of CpG-ODN Administration Routes on Humoral Responses against Newcastle disease in Broilers.

Un-methylated cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) has been considered as a powerful vaccine adjuvant and recognition of CpG-ODN by chicken leukocytes promotes their ability to fight against infections. In our study, efficacy of different routes of CpG-ODN application as an adjuvant on immune responses (antibody titer together with leukogram) following vaccination against Newcastle disease (ND) has been evaluated in broiler chickens (Ross-308). The results indicated that routes of CpG-ODN administration influence immune responses and comparison effectiveness of CpG-OND delivery routes showed that group vaccinated by eye-drop application had the highest antibody titer than that of the group injected intramuscularly (im) and the difference was significant (p = 0.04) on day 35 of age. Antibody titer of the group treated with Clone 30 plus CpG-ODN via eye-drop route was higher than that of the group vaccinated with clone 30 alone on days 28 and 35 of age and the difference was significant (p = 0.04). Co-administration of both vaccine and CpG improved outcome of leukogram of the chickens on days 21 to 42 of age and among the treated groups, WBC of the group received both vaccine and CpG by eye-drop route significantly (p < 0.05) differed from that of the group vaccinated with clone 30 alone on days 28 and 35 but not on day 42 of age. Average final body weight of the control group did not significantly differ from those of the treated groups at end of the experiment. In conclusion, co-administration of ND vaccine plus CpG-ODN via eye-drop route improves immune responses.

Primary ovarian insufficiency with t(5;13): a case report and literature review on disrupted genes.

OBJECTIVES: To report a woman with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) with reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 5 and 13. METHODS: Chromosomal analysis (G-banding) of a 39-year-old woman with elevated gonadotropin levels and secondary amenorrhea and review of the literature with a special focus on disrupted genes at the reported breakpoints. RESULTS: A reciprocal translocation between the long arms of chromosomes 5 and 13 was identified in the patient (46,XX,t(5;13)(q13;q14)). Investigation of the breakpoints revealed that the 13q14.1 region encompasses FOXO1 (forkhead box 1) gene, which has an important role in granulosa cell function and follicle maturation. CONCLUSIONS: Autosomal translocations are rare in women with POI. We have reported the first case of a de novo reciprocal translocation involving chromosomes 5 and 13 in a POI patient. As one of the breakpoints encompasses the FOXO1 gene, it seems that disruption of this gene can be the cause of POI in this patient. This provides further evidence on the role of autosomal translocations in disrupting POI-associated genes. Therefore, concentrating on the genes at the breakpoints will be helpful to delineate the new biological pathways or genes involved in POI pathogenesis.

In Vitro Effect of Antigenic Extract of Trichophyton verrucosum on Fibroblast Proliferation and Matrix Metalloproteinase -2 Activities.

BACKGROUND: Trichophyton verrucosum is a zoophilic fungus with a worldwide distribution. Our aim was to investigate the proliferative effect of antigenic compounds of T. verrucosum on dermis fibro blasts and endothelial cells. METHODS: T. verrucosum was cultured in SCC medium and was then transferred to a broth medium. Surface antigens of this fungus were separated using the freeze and thaw method. The sample was centrifuged and the supernatant was taken. The supernatant was homogenized and purified. The prepared antigenic extract was added to fibro blast cell lines according to a regular timetable. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation were evaluated using zymography and densitometry in order to assay MMPs activity. RESULTS: Statistical analyses showed that this antigenic extract is able to enhance the MMPs activity CONCLUSION: Trichophyton verrucosum increases the proliferation of dermis germinal layer and MMP-2 activity, which has a direct relation with wound healing process.

Effects of the seminal plasma zinc content and catalase activity on the semen quality of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls.

In order to determine zinc and catalase content of seminal plasma in the buffalo and to study their associations with the semen characteristics, 54 semen samples were collected from 10 buffalo bulls; semen volume and sperm concentration, gross and progressive motility and viability were evaluated, seminal plasma was then harvested by centrifugation and its zinc content was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and its catalase activity determined by using a commercial kit. The zinc content of the seminal plasma (Mean +/- SEM) was recorded as 154.40 +/- 1.74 mg L(-1), while, the mean catalase value was 32.00 +/- 0.42 U mL(-1). The mean zinc values was highly correlated with sperm progressive motility and viability and with catalase values (p = 0.000 for all) and also was associated with gross motility (p = 0.020) and negatively with abnormal morphology (p = 0.049). The catalase values were highly associated with sperm progressive motility, viability and zinc content (p = 0.000 for all) and was associated with sperm gross motility (p = 0.024). For further clarification of these correlations, the samples were categorized in three groups of excellent (Ex, >90% motile, n = 33), good (Go, 80-89% motile, n = 15) and moderate (Mo, <79% motile, n = 6) according to their percentage of sperm motility. The mean progressive motility in Ex group was 92.54 +/- 0.51%, in Go group was 81.66 +/- 0.62% and in Mo group was 71.66 +/- 1.05%. The mean zinc and catalase values were recorded as 161.07 +/- 1.63 mg L(-1) and 33.41 +/- 0.34 U mL(-1) in Ex, 146.70 +/- 1.91 mg L(-1) and 31.01 +/- 0.67 in Go and 136.42 +/- 4.97 mg L(-1) and 26.51 +/- 0.87 U mL(-1) in Mo groups. The mean zinc value in Ex group was highly associated with sperm motility, viability and catalase values, in Go group was associated with catalase values and highly associated with sperm abnormal morphology and in Mo group it was highly associations with catalase values only. The mean catalase value in Ex group, was highly associated with sperm motility and viability, in Go group was associated with zinc content and in Mo groups was highly associated with the zinc content. These results show that seminal plasma zinc and catalase content are correlated with semen characteristics and synergistically act to preserve motility and viability of the spermatozoa after ejaculation.

A study of the uterine protein variations during the estrous cycle in the cow: molecular weights determination.

This study was carried out to investigate molecular weights (MW) of the uterine protein content as the first step in their identification, and their variations during the estrous cycle as a part of the uterine adjustments for provision of an appropriate environment for physiological events in the bovine. Of the 24 pro-estrous, 21 estrous, 24 met-estrous and 46 diestrous uterine fluid samples prepared for our previous work, five samples in each phase were selected randomly and subjected to SDS-PAGE analysis in parallel with standard marker proteins to separate their protein content into fractions. By comparing these fractions with those of the standards, MWs of <14.4, 20, 30, 38, 40, 46, 67, 75, 85, 90, 160, 200, 210, 270 and 330 kiloDaltons (kDa) were calculated, respectively. Proteins with MWs of less than 14.4kDa [5.3 mg/ml (7.5% of total protein)] were observed only in met-estrus. Proteins with the MW of 20 kDa [14.0 mg/ml (19.4%)] were found only in diestrus. Proteins with MW of 30 kDa in met-estrus [20.6 mg/ml (28.9%)] and diestrus [4.5 mg/ml (6.3%)], and 38 kDa proteins were observed in a considerable amount in pro-estrus [41.4 mg/ml (44.5%)] and estrus [40.0 mg/ml (44.2%)]. Forty kiloDaltons proteins were observed only in diestrus [5.5 mg/ml (7.6%)], and 46 kDa proteins were observed only in met-estrus [5.3mg/ml (7.6%)]. Sixty seven, 75 and 330 kDa proteins were observed in all the phases of the cycle with different densities, the higher values recorded in diestrus, pro- and met-estrus, respectively. Proteins with MW of 85 kDa were observed in all the phases but diestrus [9.8 mg/ml (10.5%), 8.6 mg/ml (9.5%) and 7.3 mg/ml (10.2%) for pro-estrus, estrus and met-estrus, respectively], and proteins with MW of 90 kDa were observed in estrus [20.0mg/ml (22.1%)] and diestrus [3.3mg/ml (4.6%)]. Proteins of 160 kDa fraction were observed in pro-estrus [9.8 mg/ml (10.5%)] and met-estrus [10.7 mg/ml (15%)], 200 kDa proteins were observed only in diestrus [6.3mg/ml (8.7%)]; finally, 210 and 270 kDa proteins were observed only in estrus [3.4 mg/ml (3.8%) and 2.0 mg/ml (2.2%), respectively]. It was concluded that protein profile of the bovine uterine lumen changes during the estrous cycle, both in quality and quantity, which may be a part of uterine adaptation for the physiological events. Further identification of these proteins would give us a better insight into their role in the bovine reproduction.

Unusual radiological appearance of a faecaloma.

Faecaloma is a hardened, relatively immobile, tumour-like mass of accumulated faeces, usually found in the rectosigmoid region. Rarely, a faecaloma may be observed in other locations along the colon. It is a rare condition but has important complications, including ulceration, perforation and obstruction. The diagnosis is important not only to avoid confusion with neoplasm but also to alert the physician to the possibility of complications. Here we present a case of faecaloma, including the clinical and radiological difficulties in the diagnosis.

A study of the uterine protein variations during the estrus cycle in the cow: a comparison with the serum proteins.

To investigate uterine protein changes during the estrus cycle in the bovine, 115 pluriparous genital tracts and blood samples were collected from the abattoir in Urmia. Genital tracts were considered healthy based on gross examination of the uterus and uterine histopathological findings. The phase of the estrus cycle was determined by the examination of the structures present on the ovaries and the uterine tonicity. Of the collected samples, 24 were pro-estrus, 21 estrus, 24 met-estrus and 46 diestrus. The uterus was incised and uterine fluid was collected by gentle scraping of the uterine mucosa with a curette. The total protein concentration, protein profiles (on agarose gel electrophoresis) in the uterine fluid were evaluated and compared with those of the serum. Total protein, alpha1, alpha2, beta1 and beta2 globulin values in the uterus were significantly higher than those of the serum (P<0.05), while, the albumin, gamma1 and gamma2 globulin values in the serum were higher than those of the uterus throughout the cycle. During pro-estrus, uterine fluid beta2 (1.96 g/dl) and serum gamma1 (1.07 g/dl) and gamma2 (1.27 g/dl) globulins were higher than those in the other phases of the cycle. During estrus, serum total protein was lower than the other phases (4.92 g/dl), which was considered to be due to a reduction in serum alpha1 (0.25 g/dl), gamma1 (0.65 g/dl) and gamma2 (0.64 g/dl) globulins in this phase. In met-estrus uterine fluid beta1 globulin was in the lowest (1.19 g/dl) and serum gamma2 globulin at a high level (1.24 g/dl). It was concluded that uterine proteins as well as serum proteins fluctuate during the estrus cycle and, except for the albumin and gamma globulins, its protein content is higher than the serum. During the follicular phase of the cycle uterine alpha globulins are higher than those in other phases, with an elevation in beta1 and a reduction in beta2 and gamma globulin values during estrus, which may reflect the preparation of the uterus for receiving spermatozoa for the conception in this phase.

Guidelines on radioiodine therapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma: impact on clinical practice.

AIM: For the examination of the impact on clinical practice of the guidelines for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), treatment data from the ongoing Multicenter Study Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (MSDS) were analyzed. PATIENTS, METHODS: Patients were randomized to adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (RTx) or no RTx in addition to standard therapy in TNM stages pT4 pN0/1/x M0/x (UICC, 5th ed. 1997). All patients were to receive the same treatment regimen consisting of thyroidectomy, ablative radioiodine therapy (RIT), and a diagnostic 131I whole-body scintigraphy (WBS) 3-4 months after RIT. RESULTS: Of 339 eligible patients enrolled between January 2000 and March 2004, 273 could be analyzed. Guideline recommendations by the German Society for Nuclear Medicine from 1999 and 1992 were complied with within 28% and 82% with regard to the interval between surgery and RIT (4 vs. 4-6 weeks), in 33% and 84% with regard to 131I activity for RIT (1-3 vs. 1-4 GBq; +/- 10%), and in 16% and 60% with regard to 131I activity for WBS (100-300 vs. 100-400 MBq; +/- 10%). CONCLUSIONS: The 1999 guideline revision appears to have had little impact on clinical practice. Further follow-up will reveal if guideline compliance had an effect on outcomes.