Deferasirox, an Iron-Chelating Agent, Improves Testicular Morphometric and Sperm Functional Parameters in a Rat Model of Varicocele.

Varicocele is characterized by testicular dysfunction that originates from hyperthermia and hypoxia, leading to defects in testicular tissue and altered spermatozoa structure and function. The varicocele testis is characterized by the presence of intracellular iron deposits that contribute to the associated oxidative stress. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that administration of an iron-chelating agent, such as deferasirox (DFX), could potentially mitigate the consequences of varicocele on testicular tissue and spermatozoa. Using a well-established rat model of varicocele (VCL), we show that treatment with DFX partially improved the structure and function of the testis and spermatozoa. In particular, sperm motility was markedly restored whereas abnormal sperm morphology was only partially improved. No significant improvement in sperm count was observed that could be associated with the proapoptotic response observed following iron chelation treatment. No reduction in oxidative damage to spermatozoa was observed since lipid peroxidation and DNA integrity were not modified. This was suggested to be a result of increased oxidative stress. Finally, we also saw no indication of attenuation of the endoplasmic reticulum/unfolded protein (ER/UPR) stress response that we recently found associated with the VCL testis in rats.

Histomorphometric evaluation of tibial subchondral bone after moderate running in male and female Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been shown to be beneficial to the skeleton, in both humans and animals. This study was done to test the sex-related difference in the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint and also on the subchondral bone after moderate running exercise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male and female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four equal groups (2 male and 2 female groups) in the same condition. Ten animals of each sex were selected as control groups, while running exercises were performed in remaining 20 male and female rats, using a motor treadmill to motivate rats to run daily distances of 1 km at 5 days/week within 6 weeks. On day 43, all animals were sacrificed and the knee articular cartilage and also histomorphometric parameters of subchondral bone and mid shaft of tibia were evaluated. RESULTS: Results showed mild OA in both male and female runner groups. Results in male runner rats were significantly lesser than that in female runners. On the other hand, the difference in female runner group showed significant changes in comparison with other groups in histomorphometric parameters in tibia. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results showed that the development of knee OA and subchondral bone changes may be related to the sex differences. Although there was no synovitis in male runners, female runner group showed mild hyperaemia dropsy with a moderate synovitis in this region.

Reservoir water quality: a case from Jordan.

Jordan relies heavily on reservoirs building and development to cope with water supply challenges, where monitoring and assessment of reservoir water quality are critically important for the sustainable use of these water supplies. Mujib Dam is an important water supply source in central western Jordan. Evaluation of water quality parameters and their spatial distributions (vertical and horizontal) showed near-neutral pH values with nearly similar values from surface to bottom. The vertical profile of DO and TDS in the dammed reservoir showed slight decreasing trends with increasing depth. Although Ca, Mg, Na, and K concentrations varied slightly with depths, their variations showed no trends. Similarly, the vertical and horizontal distribution patterns of Cl, SO4, HCO3, NO3, and PO4 in Mujib reservoir water showed insignificant variations in surface water layer and relatively unchanged values or decreasing trends through the water column. Higher values of TN have been observed, especially in the western part, suggesting that agricultural activities and livestock farming in the upstream catchment are impacting water quality. Results revealed that weathering and dissolution of rocks are the major source of water chemistry. The majority of trace metal levels (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni, Sr, and B) in water showed relatively similar surface and bottom values. The concentrations of COD and BOD5 in surface water were relatively low with higher concentrations observed in the northwestern corner, coincided with higher levels of chlorophyll a. The average ratio of TN to TP in surface water suggests that phosphorus is the limiting factor for the algal blooms, whereas the average chlorophyll a level in surface water indicates oligo-mesotrophic water.

Effects of intra-yolk-sac injection of dextrose and albumin on performance, jejunum morphology, liver and pectoral muscle glycogen and some serum metabolites of broilers.

This study carried out to investigate the effects of intra-yolk-sac injection (IYSI) of some solutions including 1 ml of distilled water, dextrose 20% and albumin 20% on hatch percentage, performance traits, jejunum morphology, glycogen content of liver and breast and serum metabolites in broilers (Ross 308). Fertile eggs were injected into the yolk sac at day 8 of incubation period. Results showed that hatchability, absolute body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at day 7 and 14 of growing period were not different among treatments, but in comparison with control group, BW and FCR were numerally better by IYSI of albumin. In addition, IYSI of albumin increased jejunum villus height at hatch day, but crypt depth was not affected by any injection treatments. Also, the glycogen concentrations of liver and pectoral muscle in albumin injected group were significantly higher than control at hatch and 7th day respectively. At hatch day, serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations were, respectively, maximum and minimum statistically by IYSI of albumin which continued numerally up to 7th day of rearing period. Furthermore, liver glycogen and serum glucose concentrations were directly correlated on the day of hatch. In conclusion, the IYSI of albumin could increase performance traits, jejunum villus height, liver and breast glycogen and serum glucose in broiler chicks.

Histomorphometric study of the effect of methionine on small intestine parameters in rat: an applied histologic study.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of morphological changes has more often been used in the diagnosis and assessment of intestinal pathology and development. Since methionine is widely used in nutritional and sports supplements and also there is not enough information about the effect of this amino acid on the gastrointestinal histomorphometry, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of methionine on the small intestine histomorphometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided to three equal groups. Two treatment groups received 100 and 200 mg/kg L-methionine solution respectively via intraperitoneal injection while the control group received normal saline. On day 21, all rats were euthanised and segments from three parts of small intestine were taken to histomorphometrical study. Paraffin sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue (AB) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) methods separately. In order to analyse histomorphometric features of each segment, villus height, width, area, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio, goblet cell number, and muscle layer thickness were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results revealed that methionine may change the histomorphometric parameters of small intestine.

Radiological anatomy of distal phalanx of front foot in the pure Iranian Arabian horse.

BACKGROUND: Among the different breeds of horses, Asil horses with a five thousand year history have played an important role in human life. This study was designed as a result of the lack of information about the normal radiographic anatomy of this breed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiography of the distal phalanx and associated soft tissue structures of the front feet of 10 healthy pure Iranian Arabian horses was performed on lateromedial radiographic projection to determine normal radiographic morphometry of this part. There were no problems in their limbs and in their history. RESULTS: Obtained radiograph of each front distal phalanx was used to measure important distances, angles and ratios of the hoof wall. There was no significant difference between left and right digits for any radiographic determination. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of this study differed from those reported in other breeds, so it can be used in the future as reference values for diagnosis of laminitis in front feet of Iranian Arabian horses.

Anatomical transverse magnetic resonance imaging study of ligaments in palmar surface of metacarpus in Miniature donkey: identification of a new ligament.

BACKGROUND: Palmar region of metacarpus in the horses and donkeys is an important region because of its tendons and ligaments which contribute to stay apparatus. This study was done on forelimbs of 6 healthy Miniature donkeys to detect the tendons, ligaments and their accessories on the palmar surface of metacarpus in this animal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a good technique to evaluate the soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments, palmar aspects of metacarpus in 6 euthanatised Miniature donkeys were prepared for anatomical and trans-sectional MRI studies to determine the tendons and ligaments in this region. RESULTS: Suspensory ligament, deep digital flexor tendon and its inferior check ligament were similar to them in the horse. Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in this animal had superior check ligament that was present before the carpal joint. On the other hand in the Miniature donkey there was a second accessory ligament for the SDFT that originated from the proximal of palmar surface of the large metacarpal bone which we named it second accessory ligament of SDFT. This ligament was determined in the MRI images too. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that this ligament helps the Miniature donkey to stay apparatus, supporting more weight and load for a longer period of time and distance which is a specific morphological feature in this animal.

The relationship between nut consumption and blood pressure in an Iranian adult population: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few studies outside of Western countries have evaluated the relationship between consumption of nuts and blood pressure (BP). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nut consumption and blood pressure in an Iranian adult population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a cross-sectional investigation among 9660 randomly selected Iranian adults, sampled to represent three large Iranian regions, using data collected in the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program in 2007. The frequency of nut consumption was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Systolic and diastolic BPs (SBP and DBP) were measured in duplicate by trained personnel using a standard protocol. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were applied to assess the relationship between nut intake and BP levels and the presence of hypertension as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg, and/or a DBP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or current use of at least one type of anti-hypertensive medication. Those with nut consumption ≥4 times/week showed less mean of BPs and hypertension prevalence, compared to those who consumed nuts <1 times/week (p < 0.001). Compared to no consumption, consuming nuts ≥4 times/week was associated with a 34% lower prevalence of hypertension (multivariate odds ratio (OR) = 0.66; confidence interval (CI) = 0.51-0.87; p for trend = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: More frequent nut consumption is associated with lower BP and lower risk of hypertension among Iranian adults.

Evaluation of orchidopexy with or without opening the external oblique fascia in children with superficial inguinal undescended testis.

INTRODUCTION: Orchidopexy is one of the most common pediatric surgeries. In general, the operation for truly undescended testis (UDT) includes opening of the external oblique fascia. The most common location of the testis in UDT is adjacent to the external inguinal canal (superficial inguinal type). Using a new method we performed orchidopexy without opening the fascia. In this clinical trial we compared the outcome after a classic procedure with that obtained using our method. METHODS AND PATIENTS: This clinical controlled trial was undertaken in the Al Zahra hospital between 2008 and 2010. Patients were randomized into either into the closed technique group (group A, n=52) or the open group (group B, n=52). The incidence of short-term and long-term complications was recorded with a specific questionnaire at the time of surgery and at follow-up visits. Data were analyzed with the SPSS 15.0 software using chi-square and t-tests. RESULTS: 104 patients were included in this study. The incidence of short-term complications (surgical site hematoma, surgical wound infection, scrotal hematoma) and long-term complications (testicular atrophy) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Procedure duration in group A was significantly shorter than in group B (p=0.001). Medial thigh sensory loss was more common in group B (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: When investigating the surgical management of undescended testes, our study found differences in medial thigh sensory loss rate and procedure duration between the open and closed techniques. Operative treatment of UDT without opening the external oblique fascia is highly recommended.

Duplication of cervical oesophagus: a case report and review of literatures.

Foregut duplication is commonly found in the posterior mediastinum. 10-20% of these anomalies are associated with oesophageal duplication. It can occur in all parts of oesophageal length. Although duplication of cervical oesophagus has been previously reported, but a majority of them were found in thoracic oesophagus. Infants with oesophageal duplication usually manifested by respiratory distress or asymptomatic thoracic mass, casually, detected in X-ray. A 7-month-old infant weighing about 7.5 kg, with the signboard of respiratory distress, fever and nutritional intolerance was admitted to our hospital. Physical examination showed dehydration, stridor, tachypnoea, intercostal retraction and neck stiffness. Plain chest radiogram showed dubious cystic mass in the distal neck. Cervical and chest computed tomography scan showed neck cystic lesion disseminated to posterior mediastinum, probably propagated to the respiratory system. Cystic lesion connected to oesophagus was partially resected, oesophagus was repaired and remaining mucous of a cyst was removed, then gastrostomy tube was applied. Although cervical oesophageal duplication cysts are rare, but they must be considered as one of the differential diagnoses of cervical mass with respiratory distress in infants.

Perineal mesh rectopexy with sterile talc in children with rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: With such a wide variety of treatment options available for rectal prolapse and a variable success rate, the optimal treatment for this condition in children is still debated. In this study, we evaluated a technique of perineal mesh rectopexy with a sterile talc-soaked mesh and compared the success rates and complications of this method with those of abdominal rectopexy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: To examine the effect of therapeutic interventions, a randomized control trial (children were randomized into the case group or the control group) was carried out. In the control group, children were operated on by abdominal posterior mesh rectopexy. In the case group, a 30-cm sterile asbestos-free talc-soaked mesh was placed in the presacral space in a spiral fashion with the end exiting from the perineal incision. From 5 (th) day after surgery onward, the mesh was gradually extracted (10 cm per day) and completely removed by the 7 (th) postoperative day. On postoperative assessment, the duration of hospitalization, the postoperative complications and the success rates after surgery were compared. Patients were followed up for one year. RESULTS: In this study we evaluated 120 children. Mean age of the patients was 5.1±0.081 years in the case group and 4.91±0.59 years in the control group (p=NS). 34 patients in the case group were male vs. 41 patients in the control group. Results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications between groups. The infection rate was 1.6% in the case group and 6.6% in the control group (p=NS).There was a higher resolution of constipation in the perineal rectopexy group (68.4% in the control group and 96.8% in the case group; p=0.002). The duration of hospitalization was 6.34±0.28 days in the case group and 6.68±0.31 days in the control group (p=NS). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that perineal mesh rectopexy with sterile talc can be an alternative approach to abdominal surgery and offers an acceptable outcome with a low rate of complications.