Effects of dry period length on milk yield and content and metabolic status of high-producing dairy cows under heat stress.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of shortening dry period (DP) on milk yield, milk composition, and blood parameters in cows under heat stress. For this purpose, three DP groups were considered (30, 45, and 60 days), and 14 heat-stressed high-producing dairy cows (7 primiparous and 7 multiparous) were assigned to each DP group. The results showed that shortening the DP (from 60 to 30 days) decreased a 305-day milk yield in subsequent lactation. The difference in milk yield between 30- and 60-day DP groups was significant in the second 100 days of lactation. Accounting for additional milk yield before calving completely compensate for the loss of milk production resulting from shortening the DP. Milk protein, lactose, and solids non-fat percentages were significantly lower for cows with a 60-day DP compared to cows with a 45- or 30-day DP. Serum BHBA and urea concentrations were significantly higher, and serum glucose concentration was significantly lower for cows with a 60-day DP compared to cows with a 30-day DP. In conclusion, results showed that shortening the DP improved the metabolic status of heat-stressed transition dairy cows without decreasing total milk yield.

Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the seminal plasma of infertile men suffering from varicocele.

Varicocele is one of causes of the declined sperm quality and low sperm production, which can lead to infertility in males. There are several experimental and epidemiological findings which support the idea that inflammatory mechanisms play an essential role in varicocele pathogenesis. Besides, in this pathological state, interleukin-37 (IL-37) as an anti-inflammatory cytokine is able to bind interleukin-18-binding protein (IL-18BP), and subsequently binds IL-18 receptor ß, inhibiting the pro-inflammatory activity of IL-18. To explore the interaction between IL-37 and IL-18 in infertility, we measured the amount of these cytokines in the seminal fluid of infertile men affected by varicocele. The seminal plasma levels of IL-37 and IL-18 were measured in 75 infertile men with varicocele and 75 healthy fertile controls (age range, 30-48 years) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The seminal levels of IL-37 and IL-18 were significantly increased in infertile men with varicocele when compared to fertile controls (p < .0001). Because of the essential role(s) of cytokines in inflammatory response of cell systems, it could be possible that sperm motility is reduced following increased IL-18, activated neutrophils and reactive oxygen species in semen of infertile patients with varicocele. Moreover, the results of this study indicated that interaction between IL-37 and IL-18Rß can lead to reduced inflammatory responses. It seems that IL-37 might be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for male infertility.

The effects of Ramadan fasting on endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endothelial dysfunction, which can be manifested by loss of nitric oxide bioavailability, is an increasingly recognized cause of cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies showed that diets affect endothelial function and modify cardiovascular risks. This study aimed to assess the effects of Ramadan fasting, as a diet intervention, on endothelial function. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study population consisted of 21 male patients (mean age: 52±9 years) with cardiovascular risks (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular or peripheral arterial diseases). The biochemical variables in serum of patients were measured 2 days before and after Ramadan fasting. The levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nitric oxide (NO) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by the Griess and thiobarbituric acid reaction substances assay, respectively. RESULTS: NO levels in patients after Ramadan fasting were significantly higher compared with the baseline value (85.1±11.54 vs 75.8±10.7 µmol/l) (P<0.05). Post-Ramadan levels of ADMA decreased significantly in comparison with pre-Ramadan levels (802.6±60.9 vs 837.6±51.0 nmol/l) (P<0.05). In addition, the levels of VEGF and MDA changed during Ramadan fasting, but these changes were not statistically significant (228.1±27.1 vs 222.7±22.9 pg/ml and 3.2±0.7 vs 3.6±1.1 µmol/l, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ramadan fasting may have beneficial effects on endothelial function and can modulate cardiovascular risks. Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical significance of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular health.

Lack of association between rs1024611 (-2581 A/G) polymorphism in CC-chemokine Ligand 2 and susceptibility to pulmonary Tuberculosis in Zahedan, Southeast Iran.

Approximately 5-10% of subjects infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop active tuberculosis. It has been proposed that genetic factors determine the host's vulnerability to tuberculosis. Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), commonly known as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), plays a key role in protective immunity against M. tuberculosis. The present study was aimed to determine if there was an association between -2581 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism of CCL2 and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in a sample of Iranian subjects. This case-control study was performed on 142 PTB and 166 healthy subjects. The polymorphism of CCL2 (rs1024611) was determined using tetra amplification refractory mutational system-polymerase chain reaction (tetra ARMS-PCR). There were no significant differences between PTB patients and control subjects regarding -2581 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism of CCL2. In conclusion, our results do not support an association of -2581 A/G polymorphism of CCL2 with PTB susceptibility.

Major beta-thalassemia, use of desferiexamine and renal proximal tubular damage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thalassemia is a quantitative hereditary hemoglobinopathy, which is one of common hereditary diseases in the Mediterranean region including Iran. Homozygotic beta-thalassemia patients have manifestations and complications such as severe anemia and multiorgan dysfunction. Recently there have been some concerns about renal complications in â-thalassemia but some controversies have been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to investigate the renal function of major â-thalassemia patients in comparison with control group. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a historical cohort. Study population consisted of major beta-thalassemia patients who were under a management plan of thalassemia ward of Bo Ali sina hospital sari, IRAN (case group ) and uninvolved brothers or sisters of the patients (the control group). Two groups (case and control) were matched. Renal function of patients was investigated by measurement of renal and serum markers. Demographic and therapeutic data of patients were extracted from medical records. The data were analyzed using SPSS 11. FINDINGS: Eighty-four samples were studied in total, while 42 of them were from the case group and the rest from the control group. The case and control groups were matched according to gender and age. Mean age of patients was 21.3 +/- 5.2 years. Desferiexamin was dosed in amount of 70 +/- 19 mg/kg. There was no significant difference in the measures of 24-hour urine protein (beta-2 microglobin and fraction excretion of Na and K between case and control groups. Significant differences were however in the measures of Bun serum and creatinin as well as K (from both urine and serum). Gender, Hb, and level of ferritin related significantly with differences. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates no evidence of proximal tubular damage in major â-thalassemia patients. Nevertheless, the patients with severe anemia, high dose of desferal and high level of ferritin yielded an increase in the levels of Bun, serum K, and in some cases in uric acid (Tab. 4, Ref. 33).

Clinical efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol 3350 versus liquid paraffin in the treatment of pediatric functional constipation.

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Functional constipation is prevalent in children. Recently polyethylene glycol has been introduced as an effective and safe drug to treat chronic constipation. There are only a few clinical trials on comparison of PEG and liquid paraffin in childhood constipation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of PEG 3350 solution and liquid paraffin in the treatment of children with functional constipation in Sari Toba clinic during the period of 2008-2009. METHODS: Children with a history of functional constipation were subjects of this study. One hundred and sixty children of 2-12 years old with functional constipation were randomized in two PEG and paraffin treatment groups. Patients received either 1.0-1.5 g/kg/day PEG 3350 or 1.0-1.5 ml/kg/day liquid paraffin for 4 months. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by stool and encopresis frequency/week and overall treatment success rate was compared in two groups. RESULTS AND MAJOR CONCLUSION: Compared with the baseline, defecation frequency/ week increased significantly and encopresis frequency meaningfully decreased in two groups during the period of the study. Patients using PEG 3350 had more success rate (mean: 95.3%±3.7) compared with the patients in paraffin group (mean: 87.2%±7.1) (p=0.087). Administration of PEG 3350 were associated with less adverse events than liquid paraffin. In conclusion in treatment of pediatric functional constipation, regarding clinical efficacy and safety, PEG 3350 were at least as effective as liquid paraffin and but less adverse drug events.

Assessment of coagulation state and its related factors in thalassemia intermedia patients referred to thalassemia research center at Booali Sina Hospital Sari/IR Iran in 2007.

A high incidence of thromboembolic events have been reported among thalassemia intermedia patients especially in splenectomized patients. This study has been conducted to evaluate the coagulation state of patients referred to thalassemia research center at Booali Sina Teaching Hospital, Sari, Iran. This descriptive-cross sectional study was performed in 2007. Sixty thalassemia intermedia patients aged older than 10 years were enrolled. After recording demographic and therapeutic data of the participants, the plasma levels of Coagulant factors were measured. Obtained Data were analyzed using SPSS 13 software and t-test and chi-square tests. Of 60 studied patients, 62% were female. The mean age of the patients was 26.6 +/- 9.3 years. ASA tablet were used in 53.3%. None of the patients have experienced thromboembolic events. Decrease in protein C has been observed in 60%. Antithrombin III was decreased in 42% and protein S declined in 10% of the patients. Mutation in factor V leiden was seen in 3%. Splenectomy performed in 53.3% and there was no significant relation between low level of protein C and protein S, antithrombin III and presence of factor V Leiden with splenectomy (p > 0.05). Regarding to the high incidence of low levels of protein C, protein S and antithrombin III among thalassemia intermedia patients, there is an increased risk of thromboembolic events in the patients.

Prevalence of hemoglobin alpha-chain gene deletion in neonates in North of Iran.

OBJECTIVES: Alpha-thalassemia (alpha-thal) is one of the most common genetic disorders and in some populations has prevalence as high as 30%. Disorders in hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis lead to mild to severe reduction in alpha-chain synthesis. Diagnosis of alpha-thal by examining fresh blood taken from umbilical cord is a simple and appropriate approach, while in later stages its diagnosis will be difficult and costly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study examined the prevalence of alpha-thal gene deletion in neonates in Sari, Iran. Screening study was carried out by examining fresh blood samples obtained from excised umbilical cords of neonates born in Sari hospitals from June 2007 to March 2008. Complete blood count (CBC) was done and Hb electrophoresis and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were performed for detection of Hb Bart's band. For each case two slides were stained by vital stain, 20 and 120 minutes post blood collection. Prevalence of alpha-thal was calculated and statistically analyzed (p < 5%). RESULTS: 69 cases out of 680 (10.1%) were positive for Hb Bart's. In 16 out of 69 positive cases (22.3%) the results of two methods, electrophoresis and slide staining were in conformity. In 53 positive cases (77%) there was no visible band in Hb electrophoresis; however Hb Bart's was detected via vital staining method. If the ratio of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to red blood cell (RBC) count is smaller than 23, risk of alpha-thal is 2.8 fold greater than cases with an MCV/RBC ratio below 23 (p < 0.05). None of the cases were reported to be positive for Hb H disease and hydrops fetalis. CONCLUSIONS: Considering high prevalence of alpha-thal gene deletions in neonates in Sari hospitals, it is recommended to screen newborns for alpha-thal in this city and similar areas with such a high prevalence. The sensitivity of cellulose acetate electrophoresis and HPLC methods is not adequately high to detect Hb Bart's in all positive cases and staining and examination of peripheral blood slides stained with vital staining is necessary.

Comparison of the effectiveness of weekly and daily iron supplementation in 6- to 24-months-old babies in urban health centers of Sari, Iran.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of weekly and daily iron supplementation in 6 to 24 months infants. One-hundred Infants enrolled into this randomized controlled field trail. Fifteen drops was prescribed for the group who received daily supplementation of iron and 30 drops was prescribed for the group who was set up to receive weekly supplementation of iron. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin was measured after 12 weeks. After 12 weeks results showed that both weekly and daily supplementation significantly increased hemoglobin but for serum ferritin daily supplementation was only significant. However, there was no significant difference between two groups, so the weekly supplementation is recommended. According to the results and more tendencies to the weekly regimen, we recommended weekly regimen versus daily Iron supplementation.

Effect of selenium and vitamin E supplementation during the late pregnancy on reproductive indices and milk production in heifers.

A trial was performed to determine the effects of supplementation of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VE) on reproductive indices and milk production in Holstein heifers. Sixty heifers at the late stage of gestation were randomly assigned into three groups. Heifers were balanced for age, weight and time of calving. Four and 2 weeks before expected calving the heifers were injected 0 ml (C), 20 ml (T1), and 40 ml (T2) Se and VE supplements. Each ml contained 0.5mg Se and 50 IU of D, L-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Blood samples were collected from heifers 4 weeks before expected calving and at calving day. Se concentrations in serum and colostrums were measured. The reproductive parameters were recorded. The effects of Se and VE supplements on somatic cell count (SCC) and milk yield also were measured. Supplementation of Se increased the level of Se in serum of treated heifers at calving day (P<0.05). Se concentration of colostrums were affected by the treatments (P<0.05). Concerning reproductive performance of treated heifers; gestation length was similar among groups but in comparison with controls, T1 and T2 had no incidence of retained fetal membrane (i.e., beyond 12h.). In addition, open days were fewer in T1 and T2 heifers and the number of services per conception was fewer in T2 compared with controls (P>0.05). Daily milk production at 8 weeks lactation was significantly increased in T2 compared with controls (P<0.05). Likewise, the milk SCC decreased in treated heifers compared with controls (P<0.05).

Sonochemical-assisted synthesis of nano-structured lead dioxide.

PbO(2) nano-powder was synthesized by the ultrasonic irradiation of an aqueous suspension of dispersed beta-PbO, as precursor, in the presence of ammonium peroxydisulfate as an oxidant. The reaction rate increased with an increase in temperature and ammonium peroxydisulfate concentration. In the presence of ammonium peroxydisulfate, the increased concentration of hydroxyl radical facilitated the oxidation of beta-PbO to PbO(2) under ultrasonic irradiation. The PbO(2) nano-powder was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the applied ultrasonic wave determines the particle size. PbO(2) samples prepared under optimized experimental conditions have lead dioxide particles in the range of 50-100 nm, as shown by SEM. The XRD results reveal that only beta-PbO(2) is formed under optimum conditions. When the reaction mixture was stirred instead of ultrasonically irradiated, only a fraction of the lead oxide was converted to lead dioxide, and lead sulfate was the main reaction product.

Comparison between different protocols of synchronization and their efficiency on pregnancy rate of dairy cattle.

In order to determine different protocols of synchronization and their efficiency on pregnancy rate after fixed-timed AI (TAI), 120 dairy Holstein cows (n=120) were assigned randomly to six groups: (1) two injections of Prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PG(f2alpha)) with 12 days apart as a control group, (2) two injections of Gonadotropin Releasing hormone (GnRH) with 9 days apart and an injection of PG(f2alpha) at day 7, (3) injection of GnRH and PG(f2alpha) with 7 days apart, then single injection of Estradiol Benzoate (EB) after 48 h, 4) injection of progesterone (P4) in conjugation with EB then after 7 days PG(f2alpha) injection and after 48 h an injection of GnRH were done, 5) as group 4 but EB was used instead of GnRH, 6)injections of PG(f2alpha) and EB conjugated with Human Chronic Gonadotrophin (hCG) with 12 h apart. Animals in group 1 (control), groups 2-5 and group 6 were inseminated after 72, 20 and 36 h, respectively. Serum P4 concentration of group 4 (4.43 +/- 1.50 ng mL(-1)) was higher than control group (2.34 +/- 1.36 ng mL(-1)) at day 5 after insemination (p < 0.05); P4 concentrations of groups 3 and 4 have significant differences with control group (2.69 +/- 2.64 and 2.56 +/- 1.40 versus 0.81 +/- 0.41 ng mL(-1), respectively, p < 0.05) at a day after second injection and groups 4 and 5 were in higher level of P4 concentration than control group at insemination time (3.14 +/- 1.9 and 2.89 +/- 1.8 versus 0.45 +/- 0.19 ng mL(-1) respectively, p < 0.05). Pregnancy rate were 0, 50, 45, 10, 30 and 45% for group 1 (control) through 6, respectively.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

A national survey of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the Islamic Republic of Iran was made on a random sample of families covered by local health centres affiliated to the medical universities. Out of 53,995 people aged 2+ years, from 12,495 families (0.1% of all families in 1999), 45,128 stool samples were analysed by formalin-ether precipitation. Intestinal parasitic infections were found in 19.3% of the study population (19.7% male, 19.1% female). Giardia lamblia (10.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.5%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.0%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.5%) were the most common infections. The infection rate was highest in the 2-14 years age group (25.5%) and in rural residents (23.7%).

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the Islamic Republic of Iran

A national survey of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the Islamic Republic of Iran was made on a r and om sample of families covered by local health centres affiliated to the medical universities. Out of 53,995 people aged 2+ years, from 12,495 families [0.1% of all families in 1999], 45,128 stool samples were analysed by formalin-ether precipitation. Intestinal parasitic infections were found in 19.3% of the study population [19.7% male, 19.1% female]. Giardia lamblia [10.9%], Ascaris lumbricoides [1.5%], Entamoeba histolytica [1.0%] and Enterobius vermicularis [0.5%] were the most common infections. The infection rate was highest in the 2-14 years age group [25.5%] and in rural residents [23.7%]