Effects of substituting hatchery wastes for cotton seed meal in fattening male lamb diets on feed intake, live animal performance, carcass composition and physicochemical characteristics of Longissimus thoracis.

This study examined the effect of hatchery wastes (HW) on feed intake, performance, and carcass components in fattening lambs. Thirty male lambs were fed HW for 90 days in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were: 1) control (C) (without HW), 2) diet containing 3% HW (3%HW) and 3) diet containing 6% HW (6%HW). HW was substituted for cotton seed meal. Dry matter intake increased linearly with HW inclusion in diets (P = 0.001) as did final weight (P = 0.05), average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.001) and warm and cold carcass weights (P < 0.03). The shoulder, leg and total lean meat weights were also linearly increase by HW (P < 0.02) and percent bone in the carcass was linearly reduced (P < 0.05). The physicochemical characteristics of Longissimus thoracis were not influenced by feeding HW. Because of enhanced animal performance and carcass weight in lambs, the inclusion of HW can be seen as an excellent substitute for cotton seed meal in fattening lamb diets.

Effect of supplementation of calf starter with fennel powder on performance, weaning age and fermentation characteristics in Holstein dairy calves.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects on performance, weaning age and rumen fermentation characteristics in Holstein calves when fennel powder was added to their starter diets. Thirty Holstein calves with a mean birth weight 40 kg (SD = 0.5) were allocated randomly to one of the following experimental diets: (i) control (starter diet without fennel powder), (ii) starter diet containing 0.4% of fennel powder and (iii) starter diet containing 0.8% of fennel powder (DM basis). The effect of treatments on mean dry matter intake was significant (p < 0.05) in the post-weaning and total experimental periods. Average daily weight gain before (0.38, 0.49 and 0.47 kg/day) and after (0.6, 1.01 and 0.83 kg/day) weaning and during the entire study (0.45, 0.7 and 0.58 kg/day) was influenced by diets of 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p < 0.05). Maximum daily weight gain and the best feed conversion ratio were achieved with 0.4% fennel powder. Mean weaning age of the calves supplemented with fennel powder was lower (p < 0.05) than that of the control group. Ruminal fluid pH in calves offered starter containing 0.8% fennel powder was lower (p < 0.05) compared to calves fed the other diets. Ammonia nitrogen content increased (p < 0.05) in the third week of feeding fennel powder. The mean concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and propionate molar percentage in the ruminal fluid of the calves fed with the fennel powder were higher (p < 0.05) at 6 weeks and 2 weeks after weaning than control group; however, acetate-to-propionate molar ratio was lower (p < 0.05). The results showed that adding 0.4% fennel powder to the starter increased the propionate molar percentage in the rumen and improved the calf performance, allowing the calves to be weaned at an earlier age.

Effect of increasing levels of wasted date palm on digestion, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in sheep.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of wasted date (WD) in sheep (initial body weight 50 ± 2.3 kg) diets on apparent diet digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis. The experimental diets contained 0 (0 WD), 9% (9 WD), 18% (18 WD) or 27% (27 WD) of wasted dates. These diets were evaluated through a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 28-day periods. Sheep were individually housed in metabolic cages and were fed diets ad libitum. To keep the diets isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, increasing partial replacement of WD for barley grain was used with increasing levels of soya bean meal. Increasing the amount of WD in diets of sheep did not influence (p > 0.05) diet intake and digestibility of nutrients. Inclusion of WD in diets of sheep did not affect (p > 0.05) ruminal pH but decreased (p < 0.05) NH3 -N concentration and blood urea nitrogen. Also there was no effect (p > 0.05) of the WD provision on N intake and faecal N loss of experimental animals, but urinary nitrogen excretion and retained nitrogen were affected (p < 0.05) by dietary treatments. Purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis increased (p < 0.05) linearly with the level of WD in the diet. In conclusion, the increase in microbial protein synthesis and concomitant reduction in ruminal NH3 -N concentration and blood urea nitrogen in response to wasted date supply suggest improved efficiency of ruminal nitrogen metabolism without adverse effects on fermentation characteristics and animal performance.

Chemical composition of alfalfa silage with waste date and its feeding effect on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis in sheep.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding ensiled alfalfa with waste date on ruminal fermentation characteristics, microbial protein synthesis, protozoa population and blood parameters in sheep. Eight rams were used in a 2 × 2 change over design. Each experimental period consisted of 21 days including 16 days for adaptation and 5 days for sampling. For ensiling, fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with different levels of waste date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were mixed together and ensiled in 100-l containers for 45 days. Chemical composition of silages such as dry matter (DM), crude protein, NH3 -N, organic matter, NDF, ADF and pH were determined. Then, it was used as 30% (DM basis) in diets. The experimental diets were as follows: (i) control (diet containing alfalfa silage without waste date), (ii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 5 g waste date/95 g DM, (iii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 10 g waste date/90 g DM, and (iv) diet containing alfalfa silage with 15 g waste date/85 g DM. The results of this experiment showed that adding waste date to alfalfa during ensiling, improved silage quality, DM and energy level. Total protozoa population and all of holotrich, cellulolytic and entodinia in rumen fluid were increased linearly by increasing the level of waste date. Nitrogen (N) intake, urinary N excretion and nitrogen retention were affected by dietary treatments. Also, allantoin, uric acid, total purine derivatives, microbial protein synthesis, cholesterol level and blood urea nitrogen were significantly different. In conclusion, direct ensilage of alfalfa can be attained by mixing 15 g waste date/85 g DM and positive associative effects such as increased metabolizable energy (ME) and silage quality occurred.

Simple renal cysts and hypertension are associated with angiotensinogen (AGT) gene variant in Shiraz population (Iran).

AIM: To our knowledge, the relationship between simple renal cysts, hypertension and three significant genes of the renin-angiotensin system (AGT, AT1R and ACE1) has not been studied. The present study was designed to search for possible relationships between these significant polymorphic components, hypertension and simple renal cysts in Shiraz province (Iran). METHODS: A total of 160 participants were recruited from the Motahari Clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The subjects were divided into four main groups. Detection of the ACE1 genotype was performed with a nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol. Two separate restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR assays were used to identify AGT and AT1R genotypes. RESULTS: The allele frequency of AGT M235T differed significantly between group 1 (patients with simple renal cysts and hypertension) and normal individuals (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in frequency for the other genes (ACE1 and AT1R). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a relationship between the AGT-TT genotype and hypertension in patients with both hypertension and simple renal cysts. This finding suggests an additive role for the AGT gene of the renin-angiotensin system in the process of hypertension and simple renal cysts formation. Future studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which this association is mediated.

The efficacy and safety of intravesical Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin in the treatment of female patients with interstitial cystitis: a double-blinded prospective placebo controlled study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Gurein injection in the treatment of female patients with interstitial cystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty women meeting the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, digestive and kidney diseases criteria for interstitial cystitis, were randomized in a double-blinded fashion in two groups each consisted of 15 patients to receive six, weekly instillation of 120 mg BCG vaccine of Iranian Institute of pastor or placebo. Periodic questionnaires on symptoms of interstitial cystitis, voiding diaries, bladder capacity at first desire to void, and maximum bladder capacity were obtained. Adverse events were closely monitored during the treatment and follow-up phases of the study. Subjective and objective baseline values were compared with the follow-up data. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 24 (range 6 to 33) months 11 out of 15 (73%) in BCG group, and 3 out of 15 (20%) in placebo group responded to the treatment (p<0.002). Responders were defined the patients with more than 40% improvement in the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. The global improvement in symptoms and signs of interstitial cystitis was 62%. Adverse events were similar in both groups, mostly irritative in nature and no significant systemic event was noted. BCG did not worsen interstitial cystitis symptoms. CONCLUSION: We concluded that intravesical BCG is safe, effective, available, and inexpensive with relatively durable results in the treatment of interstitial cystitis.

Results of dermal patch graft in the treatment of Peyronie's disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of "dermal patch graft" in surgical management of Peyronie's. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen of Peyronie's disease cases, with a mean age of 49 and a history of penile curvature and painful erection were enrolled in this study. Diagnosis was made clinically by plaque palpation. All of them were in the chronic stage of disease with symptom duration of at least 6 months. We also evaluate their potency through Brief Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) questionnaire before and after the operation, meanwhile the degree of penile curvature was measured with goniometry while artificial erection status was induced. RESULTS: Mean penile curvature, before and after the operation (58 and 5 degrees respectively), showed significant improvement (p<0.001). The improvement of curvature was irrespective of the plaque size. All of our patients suffered from inability to intercourse due to significant penile curvature but after the procedure 11 of them (66.1%) could do so. Also the BSFI score improved significantly in this subgroup (p<0.05). The remaining 7 cases (39%) already suffered from erectile dysfunction despite of operation; however, the penile curvature improved significantly in them. Six of this latter group had a plaque size greater than 4 cm2 and BSFI score was not significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Dermal patch graft as a cost effective method in the management of Peyronie's disease significantly corrects the curvature irrespective of plaque size and curvature severity. We found that if the fibrous plaque is less than 4 cm2 and the patient has no severe erectile dysfunction, this procedure will significantly improve his potency; however, if the patient suffers from a plaque sized greater than 4 cm2 and/or severe erectile dysfunction, to reach satisfactory erection, implantation of penile prosthesis or applying other methods of artificial erection in addition to dermal patch graft is suggested.

Tuberculous orchitis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of the fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of testicular lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Seven adult males (55-68 years) presented to the clinic with unilateral enlargement of the testis for the previous few months. Clinically, a malignant tumor was suspected. Fine needle aspiration was performed for rapid diagnosis. RESULTS: The smears revealed many groups of epithelioid histiocytes, giant cells, a few plasma cells and occasional spindle-shaped fibroblasts. Acid-fast stain revealed a few acid-fast bacilli. The cases were diagnosed as tuberculosis and treated with orchiectomy and antituberculous drugs. The patients did well. Histologic sections confirmed the cytologic diagnosis. CONCLUSION: FNAC is useful in the diagnosis of tuberculous orchitis.

Testicular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. A report of two cases.

During a 12-year period, 1980-1992, two cases of testicular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma were diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology at the Shiraz University Hospitals. The smears revealed various types of cells including spindle cells, strap cells, rhabdomyoblasts, round cells and tadpole cells with a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio. Cross-striations were noticed in the cytoplasm at higher magnification under oil immersion. The cytologic diagnoses of embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas were confirmed on histologic sections.

The use of pig mononuclear cells to inhibit pulmonary tumor formation in isogenic mice.

A-strain mice received 1 X 10(5) A-strain mammary carcinoma, B72, cells iv on Day 0. At the same time fragments of the same tumor were implanted into the ileal mesentery of a pig together with fragments of cellulose sponge. The middle third of the pig mesenteric lymph node chain was resected. Sponge fragments of equivalent size, shape, and total weight were implanted alone into the jejunal mesentery. Seven days later, separate cell suspensions were made from the (disconnected) proximal (nonimmune) and distal (tumor-immune) segments of lymph node chain. Cells were also expressed by digital pressure from the sponges removed from the jejunal (nonimmune) and ileal (immune) segments of mesentery. A comparison was made between the antitumor action of immune lymph node cells and the two categories of sponge cell. Cells (4 X 10(6] were injected iv into the mice on Day 7 and the number of pulmonary tumors counted after killing the mice on Day 14. Cells obtained from the "immune" sponges were significantly more effective in reducing the number of pulmonary tumors than cells from the "nonimmune" sponge, or from the immune lymph nodes. The antitumor action of all cell suspension was abolished when 4 X 10(6) cells from the "interface" layer, following centrifugation on a Ficoll-triosil column, were injected into the mice. Antitumor activity was found to be correlated with the presence of "blast" cells in the pig mononuclear cell suspensions.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans.

Twenty patients with histologically proven balantis xerotica obliterans have undergone different forms of treatment; their progress has been reviewed and discussed. Balanitis xerotica obliterans involving only the foreskin was best treated by circumcision. The patients in whom meatal stenosis was present responded well to regular meatal dilatation, meatotomy followed by regular dilatation and, in advanced cases, to meatoplasty. At present there is no evidence to indicate that associated urethral strictures, proximal to the fossa navicularis, are due to balanitis xerotica obliterans.

Primary malignant melanoma of the penis. Two cases and a review of the literature.

Two cases of primary malignant melanoma of the penis are reported and 35 cases from the world literature are reviewed. The tumour most commonly started in the glans penis and less frequently from the prepuce. The microscopic appearances were identical with those of tumours arising elsewhere in the skin. A comparison is made between the incidence of melanoma of the penis and melanoma occurring elsewhere on the body surface. Evaluation of the best treatment was difficult because the total number of cases was small and the methods of treatment and results so variable. It would seem that the prognosis of malignant melanoma of the penis is generally poor, although there are sufficient examples of long-term survival after total amputation in Stage I disease to suggest that this radical treatment is justified.

Carcinoma of the penis.

Sixty-three patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis have been reviewed. The 3 year survival was 77%, and the 5 year survival was 59%. Prognosis was related to both clinical staging and histological grading. Stage I and II carcinomas were best treated by surgery alone. Stage III and IV carcinomas were best treated by local amputation of the penis combined with radiotherapy to the inguinal nodes. Surgery as a primary treatment for clinically positive nodes was successful in less than half the cases treated, and in this series was always followed by wound infection and lymphoedema. Tender, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes should be observed for up to 3 months following primary treatment, as a large percentage of these nodes are inflammatory and subside spontaneously.