Genetical analysis of mastitis and reproductive traits in first-parity Holstein cows using standard and structural equation modelling.

The present study aimed to investigate the causal relationships between clinical mastitis and some reproductive traits, including success at first insemination (SFI), the number of inseminations to pregnancy (INS), the interval from calving to first service (CTFS), first and last service interval (IFL), and open days (OD) in first-parity Holstein cows. For this purpose, the records of 58 281 first parity Holstein cows were analysed. These data sets were collected from 17 large dairy herds from 2008 to 2017. Recursive Mixed Models (RMMs) were applied and compared with the estimations under Standard Mixed Models. Then, one trivariate and three bivariate Gaussian-threshold models were used for the analyses. Recursive models were applied, considering that clinical mastitis can influence fertility traits. Mastitis is considered a covariate for the reproductive traits to determine their causal relationship. The results of this study indicated that causal effects of mastitis on SFI (on the observed scale, %), CTFS, IFL, OD, and INS were -5.7%, 3.3 days, 12.27 days, seven days, and 0.26 services, respectively. The estimated structural coefficients of the recursive models in the first parity imply that mastitis significantly lengthened the fertility interval and decreased the conception rate. In addition, genetic, residual, and phenotypic correlations between mastitis and the reproductive traits under both models were statistically significant. Results of genetic correlations between mastitis and fertility traits suggest that more incidence of mastitis during lactation is related to the delays in the heat show and pregnancy rate after insemination. In summary, considering the causal effects under RMMs may be advantageous to comprehend complicated relationships between complex traits better.

Multimodality imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Institutional variations in parathyroid adenoma localisation are largely dictated by local experience and availability of imaging investigations, with no consensus on the optimal approach. This review evaluates the role of multiple imaging techniques in primary hyperparathyroidism and highlights their advantages and limitations in different clinical contexts. A clinico-radiological review of parathyroid imaging techniques is illustrated with example cases and data from the literature. These include high-resolution ultrasound, 99mTc-sestamibi planar scintigraphy with and without thyroid subtraction techniques, integrated 99mTc-sestamibi single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT), four-dimensional (4D) CT, and other techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, integrated 18F-choline/11C-methionine positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT and angiographic selective venous sampling. The crucial role of parathyroid embryological and gross anatomy in informing the surgical approach to parathyroidectomy is discussed. Finally, a systematic approach to imaging is proposed to maximise the accuracy of imaging localisation of parathyroid lesions, which is crucial for optimal patient management.

Optimization of energy consumption per kg of pure meat by electrical and thermal systems in broiler chicken farms / [Otimização do consumo de energia por kg de carne pura por meio de sistemas térmicos em granjas de frangos de corte]

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of electrical and thermal systems optimization on energy consumption in broiler farms. Experiments were conducted in 4 different climates (cold, hot, dry, and temperate) with four treatments (4 broiler farms in each region) and 5 iterations (5 rearing periods per farm) on the Ross 308 strain of broiler chicken in a completely randomized basic design. The results showed that the solutions applied in cold and dry climates had a significant effect on reducing energy consumption (P<0.05). In the hot climate, although the reduction in energy consumption was observed after the application of the solutions, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Also, the application of solutions in temperate climates created a significant difference in the specific amount of thermal energy consumption per kilo of meat and total energy (P<0.05). Overall, the results of the present experiment showed that optimizing the electrical and thermal systems of broiler houses could reduce energy consumption in all climates.(AU)

O presente estudo foi realizado para investigar o efeito da otimização de sistemas elétricos e térmicos no consumo de energia em fazendas de frangos de corte. Foram realizadas experiências em 4 climas diferentes (frio, quente, seco e temperado) com quatro tratamentos (4 granjas de frangos de corte em cada região) e 5 iterações (5 períodos de criação por granja) na cepa Ross 308 de frangos de corte em um projeto básico completamente aleatório. Os resultados mostraram que as soluções aplicadas em climas frios e secos tiveram um efeito significativo na redução do consumo de energia (P<0,05). No clima quente, embora a redução no consumo de energia tenha sido observada após a aplicação das soluções, a diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa (P>0,05). Além disso, a aplicação de soluções em climas temperados criou uma diferença significativa na quantidade específica de consumo de energia térmica por quilo de carne e energia total (P<0,05). Em geral, os resultados do presente experimento mostraram que a otimização dos sistemas elétricos e térmicos das casas de frangos de corte poderia reduzir o consumo de energia em todos os climas.(AU)

Evaluation of thermal energy consumption in broiler farms and saving strategies / [Avaliação do consumo de energia térmica em granjas de frango e estratégias de economia]

The aim of this study was to evaluate thermal energy consumption in broiler farms and provide solutions to reduce it. This study was performed with a completely randomized design under 4 climatic conditions, including Ardabil (cold climate representative), Khuzestan (warm climate representative), Isfahan (dry climate representative) and Guilan (temperate climate representative) in 4 replicates (4 broiler farms in each climate) and with 5 repetitions (5 periods of breeding per unit) and a capacity of 492,700, Ross 308 broiler in each breeding period. According to the results, in all climates, the proposed solutions to save thermal energy were able to create a significant difference (P<0.05). The experimental results also showed that the difference in thermal energy consumption in cold and dry climates wasmuch higher than in temperate and warm climates (P<0.05). Overall, the results of the present study show that, by optimizing andmodernizing construction equipment in broiler farms, thermal energy losses can be reduced in all climatic conditions.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o consumo de energia térmica em granjas de frangos de corte e fornecer soluções para reduzi-lo. Este estudo foi realizado com um desenho inteiramente casualizado em 4 condições climáticas, incluindo Ardabil (representante do clima frio), Khuzestan (representante do clima quente), Isfahan (representante do clima seco) e Guilan (representante do clima temperado) em 4 réplicas (4 granjas de frangos em cada clima), com 5 repetições (5 períodos de criação por unidade) e capacidade de 492.700 frangos Ross 308 em cada período de criação. De acordo com os resultados, em todos os climas, as soluções propostas para economizar energia térmica criaram diferença significativa (P <0,05). Os resultados experimentais também mostraram que a diferença no consumo de energia térmica em climas frios e secos foi muito maior do que em climas temperados e quentes (P <0,05). De forma geral, os resultados do presente estudo mostram que, com a otimização e modernização dos equipamentos de construção em granjas de frangos, as perdas de energia térmica podem ser reduzidas em todas as condições climáticas.(AU)

Ileal MUC2 gene expression and microbial population, but not growth performance and immune response, are influenced by in ovo injection of probiotics in broiler chickens.

1. The objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of intra-amniotic injection of different probiotic strains (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium and Pediococcus acidilactici) on the intestinal MUC2 gene expression, microbial population, growth performance and immune response in broiler chicken. 2. In a completely randomised design, different probiotic strains were injected into the amniotic fluid of the 480 live embryos (d 18 of incubation), with 4 treatments and 5 replicates. Ileal MUC2 gene expression, microbial profile, growth performance and immune response were determined. 3. Injection of probiotic strains, especially B. subtilis, had significant effect on expression of the MUC2 on d 21 of incubation and d 3 post-hatch, but not on d 19 of incubation. 4. Injection of the probiotic strains decreased significantly the Escherichia coli population and increased the lactic acid bacteria population during the first week post-hatch. 5. Inoculation of probiotics had no significant effect on antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus, antibody titres against sheep red blood cell and cell-mediated immune response of chickens compared to control. 6. In ovo injection of the probiotic strains had no significant effect on growth performance of broiler chickens. 7. It was concluded that injection of probiotic bacteria especially B. subtilis into the amniotic fluid has a beneficial effect on ileal MUC2 gene expression and bacteria population during the first week post-hatch, but has no effect on growth performance and immune response in broiler chickens.

Effects of piroxicam administration on pregnancy outcome in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Uterus contractibility is considered a powerful prognostic factor in predicting the embryo transfer outcome. Moreover, uterine contractions are known to be stimulated by prostaglandins which are produced by cyclooxygenase from arachidonic acid. As such, suppressing the inflammatory response and contractions using anti-inflammatory and relaxant agents is expected to result in increased success rate of embryo transfer and artificial insemination. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of piroxicam administration on the success rate in intrauterine insemination (IU) cycles in patients presenting with unexplained infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 260 women with unexplained infertility undergoing IUI cycles. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either piroxicam ten mg/day on days 4-6 after IUI or placebo (control group). The main outcome measures were number of IUI cycles, pregnancy, abortion, and multiple pregnancy rates. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate was found to be 25 (19.2%) and 16 (12.3%) in piroxicam and control groups, respectively (p = 0.039). Five patients (3.8%) in piroxicam group experienced twin pregnancy whereas only three patients (2.3%) in control group had twin pregnancy (p = 0.361). The pregnancy rate per cycle was also significantly higher in those who received piroxicam as compared to controls (11.16 vs. 6.66; p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Administration of piroxicam after IUI is associated with decreased number of cycles, as well as increased pregnancy rate and pregnancy rate per cycle in IUI cycles. However, piroxicam did not have any effect on abortion, multiple pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates.

Dietary but not in ovo feeding of Silybum marianum extract resulted in an improvement in performance, immunity and carcass characteristics and decreased the adverse effects of high temperatures in broilers.

A total of 360 fertile eggs from a broiler breeder strain (Ross 308) were used for in ovo feeding (IOF) of 0, 100 and 200 mg/kg Silybum marianum water extract at 17.5 d of incubation. After hatching, 240 chicks were transferred to the experimental cages. The diets consisted of two types; one of them without extract and the other one containing 100 mg/kg of Silybum marianum extract. Then chicks were exposed to elevated temperatures 4°C above optimum from 7 to 28 d of age for 4 h per d and after 28 d they were kept at optimum temperature. The chicks were divided into 6 treatments with 4 replicates as a completely randomised 2 × 3 factorial design. There was no effect of IOF of Silybum marianum extract on hatchability, body weight (BW) of hatched chicks or hatched chick BW/initial egg weight ratio. Chickens fed on the diet containing the extract had the highest feed intake, daily weight gains (DWGs), final BW and lowest feed conversion ratio. At 28 d, the weights of heart, spleen and bursa of birds in the treatment groups given extract were higher, but abdominal fat weights were lower. At 42 d in those fed extract in the diet, the weights of spleen and bursa were higher and abdominal fat weights were lower than the other groups. No differences were observed between groups in body temperature before application of the higher temperature but at 21 d and 28 d the body temperature of chicks given the Silybum marianum extract was lower than the other treatments during the elevated temperatures. In birds fed on the extract in the diet, HDL and cholesterol concentrations were lowest at 28 d, whereas blood glucose levels were higher in the other treatments. At 42 d the cholesterol concentration was significantly lower in birds given extract in their diet. These results indicated that dietary feeding of Silybum marianum extract resulted in an improvement in performance, immunity and carcass characteristics and decreased the adverse effects of the higher temperatures, specifically in reducing blood fat reduction, but IOF of the extract did not have an effect.

Effects of estradiol injection on outcome of in-vitro fertilization: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of estradiol (E2) supplementation on pregnancy outcome in patients with unexplained infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 women with unexplained infertility and candidates for IVF, were included in this study and were randomly assigned to receive E2 supplementation or placebo during the luteal phase. The E2 serum levels in the hCG administration day and third and seventh day after ovum retrieval were measured in control group. The rate of pregnancy was also quantified and compared between the two study groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two study groups regarding baseline characteristics. E2 level decreased significantly in third (1765.34 ± 680.09; p < 0.001) and seventh (1459.66 ± 593.80; p < 0.001) days after ovum retrieval (2411.16 ± 713.52). The authors found that the serum level of E2 was significantly lower in those who received E2 supplementation at day 3 (p < 0.001) and 7 (p<0.001). However the pregnancy rate was not significantly different between two study groups (p = 0.849). In the same way, there was no significant difference between two study groups regarding the number of retrieved oocytes (p = 0.563) and number of MII oocytes (p = 0.103). CONCLUSIONS: E2 supplementation during the luteal phase in patients with unexplained infertility undergoing IVF, is associated with decreased serum levels of E2 after hCG injection. However the fertility outcome was not affected by E2 supplementation.

Micro-bending based optical band-pass filter and its application in S-band Thulium-doped fiber amplifier.

A new approach for filtering an optical band-pass in optical amplifier is proposed using a macro bending. The proposed filter leverages the bending loss of higher order modes at shorter wavelengths. At longer wavelengths, the filter increases fiber's bending loss as the fundamental mode 'tail' is leak out from the cladding. The combination of wavelength dependent loss at longer and shorter wavelength gives rise to the optical band-pass filter characteristic inside the fiber. The simulated spectral response of the filter is found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Subsequently, the proposed optical band-pass filter is applied in Thulium-doped fiber amplifiers (TDFA) system for gain and noise figure enhancements. The filter functions to suppress both the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) at 800 nm and 1800 nm wavelength regions and thus improves both gain and noise figure performances in S-band region. By bending of the gain medium, gain and noise figure of the TDFA are improved by about 2 dB and 0.5 dB respectively, within a wavelength region from 1440 and 1500 nm when the 1050 nm pump power is fixed at 250 mW.

Construction and characterization of Escherichia coli whole-cell biosensors for toluene and related compounds.

The XylR regulatory protein is a transcriptional activator from the TOL plasmid of Pseudomonas putida mt-2 that is involved in the toluene and benzene degradation pathway. Here we describe the construction and laboratory characterization of recombinant biosensors (pGLPX plasmids) based on XylR and its cognate promoter (Pu). In the pGLPX plasmid, the reporter luc gene is under the control of the Pu promoter. We evaluated the ability of two distinct nucleotide sequences to function as SD elements and improve sensitivity of bioreporting. We also evaluated the effect of introducing the T2rrnß terminator on the specificity of the construct. E. coli transformed with pGLPX plasmids were used to sense toluene and its derivatives. The pattern of induction was different for each derivative. In general, more luciferase activity was induced by toluene and benzene than by TNT and DNT at most tested concentrations. The bioluminescence response of the reporter strains to the nitrotoluenes was significantly stronger at lower concentrations (≥ 50 µmol) than at higher concentrations. Our results show that the SD sequence (taaggagg) is crucially important for biosensor sensitivity. The presence of the T2rrnß terminator in the bioreporter plasmid prevents nonspecific responses and also reduces biosensor sensitivity upon exposure to inducers. These data suggest that pGLPX strains can be used as whole-cell biosensors to detect toluene and related compounds. Further investigation will be required to optimize the application of pGLPX biosensors.

Faunistic study and biodiversity of scorpions in qeshm island (persian gulf).

BACKGROUND: Scorpions are known as the most widespread poisonous creatures that cause casualties and death to human. They are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Among the sixteen Iranian Island in the Persian Gulf, Qeshm Island is the biggest and is located in the focus of the important internal and international commercial marinelines. Furthermore, thousands of tourists also visit the Island every year for its natural beauties and the siteseeings. The present research study was carried out during 1998-99 throughout Qeshm Island in order to know the species of scorpions, their abundance, the distribution and control strategy in order to reduce the scorpion stings and to safeguard the visitors as well as the local population. METHODS: Collections were made randomly during the night. Samples were searched by black light and then collected by forceps. A total of 102 scorpions were captured. RESULTS: The scorpions were identified as Buthotus jayakari numbered 42 specimens (41.17%) and B. leptochelys numbering only 7 specimens (6.86%) belonging to the family Buthidae. Androctonus crassicauda was collected in the most parts of the Island and considered as the dominant species. The sex ratio was 1:1.53 in favor of females. B. leptochelys was rare species and by far restricted in its distribution. CONCLUSION: Considering the high population of A. crassicauda and its wide distribution, it is regarded to be responsible for the majority of scorpion stings in Qeshm Island.

Increased tracheal responsiveness to beta-adrenergic agonist and antagonist in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs.

Despite the controversy of bronchial responsiveness to beta2-agonist drugs in asthma, in a previous study we have shown increased responsiveness of asthmatic tracheobronchial tree to isoprenaline. Therefore, in the present study, tracheal responsiveness to isoprenaline and also beta-adrenergic receptor blockade were studied in sensitized guinea pigs. An experimental model of asthma was induced in guinea pigs by sensitization of animals with injection and inhalation of ovalbumin (OA). The responses of tracheal chains of sensitized and control animals to cumulative concentrations of isoprenaline (I) in the absence and presence of 10 nmol/l propranolol were measured, and the effective concentration of I causing 50% of maximum response (EC50 I) was obtained. The propranolol blockade (CR - 1) was calculated by: (post-propranolol EC50 I/EC50 I) - 1. Tracheal responses of sensitized and control animals to cumulative concentrations of methacholine (M) were also measured and EC50 M were obtained. The tracheal responses of sensitized guinea pig to isoprenaline was significantly higher than that of the control animals (EC50 I for sensitized and control animals were 0.24 +/- 0.04 and 0.58 +/- 0.07 micromol/l, respectively; p < 0.001). The beta-adrenergic receptor blockade by propranolol (CR - 1) was also significantly higher in sensitized guinea pigs than that of the control animals (p < 0.001). The results of this study indicate an increased tracheal response to beta-adrenergic-stimulating drug and enhancement of beta-adrenergic blockade by propranolol in the sensitized guinea pig.

Effect of clomiphene citrate on endometrium thickness and echogenic patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on the thickness and echogenic pattern of the endometrium using vaginal sonography. METHOD: In this experimental prospective study, CC was given to 31 women with unexplained infertility. Thickness and echo patterns of the endometrium, as well as estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels, were compared in women taking CC and in control patients during both the late proliferative and midsecretory phases of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: Endometrial thickness was significantly thinner in women taking CC (P<0.03) than in controls during the late proliferative phase but there was no significant difference during the midsecretory phase. The endometrial echogenic patterns of women taking CC who had conceived revealed endometrial thicknesses of grade III and grade IV on midsecretory days, but these findings were not significantly different from those of women who had not conceived (P=0.3). Serum E2 level was higher in women taking CC than in the controls on both late proliferative and midsecretory days (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: CC affects endometrium thickness on late proliferative days but not on midsecretory days, and does not alter the echogenic pattern of the endometrium.

Insulin resistance in clomiphene responders and non-responders with polycystic ovarian disease and therapeutic effects of metformin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical features, endocrine and metabolic profiles in clomiphene (CC) responders and non-responders with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), and to examine the effects of metformin (MTF) on the above parameters of CC resistance. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial was undertaken at the infertility division of a university teaching hospital. Forty-one CC responders were selected and their hormonal and clinical features were determined. Forty-one CC-resistant PCOD women were also selected and clinical features; metabolic and hormonal profiles before and after treatment with MTF 1500 mg/day for 6-8 weeks were evaluated. Women who failed to conceive were treated by CC while continuing to take MTF. RESULTS: CC responders had higher insulin levels while non-responders were hyperinsulinemic. Menstrual irregularities improved in 30%. Mean+/-S.D. area under curve of insulin decreased from 297.58+/-191.33 to 206+/-0.1 mIU/ml per min (P=0.005). Only 39.39% ovulated and 24.24% conceived. CONCLUSION: PCOD is associated with insulin resistance (IR) particularly in CC-resistant women. Insulin resistance and androgen levels are significantly higher in obese patients. MTF therapy improved hyperandrogenemia, IR, and pregnancy rate.

Spectrophotometric determination of periodate, iodate and bromate mixtures based on their reaction with iodide.

A rapid, simple, precise and accurate method is proposed for the determination of ternary mixtures of periodate-iodate-bromate based on their reaction with iodide ion at different pH values. The absorbance was measured at 352 nm. Three sets of reaction conditions were developed. In the first set of conditions, only periodate reacted with iodide, but in the second set the periodate and iodate reacted with iodide and in the third set the three ions reacted with iodide during the first 3 min after initiation of the reaction. The method could be used for individual determinations of periodate, iodate and bromate in the concentration range of 0.05-8.0 microg/ml, 0.05-5.0 microg/ml and 0.2-12 microg/ml, respectively. The data were evaluated by simultaneous equations.

Spectrophotometric determination of periodate and iodate by a differential kinetic method.

A rapid, simple and sensitive differential kinetic method is presented for the determinations of periodate and iodate ions. The method is based on their reaction with iodide in the presence of methylene blue. The reactions can be monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the decrease in absorbance at 665 nm. Two sets of conditions were established that in one set of conditions only periodate reacted with iodide but in the other set both the ions reacted with iodide during the first 180 s after initiation of the reaction. The data were evaluated by proportional equations. The method allowed the determination of periodate and iodate at concentrations between 0.1 and 1.0 and 0.1 and 1.3 mug ml(-1), respectively. The method was applied to the determination of periodate and iodate in tap water and spring water with satisfactory results.

Incompatibilities of chemicals.

Chemical incompatibilities are potentially significant problems where hazardous chemicals are found. A number of chemical segregation systems have been developed which provide recommendations for the separation of incompatible chemicals. Three segregation systems were identified in this study: the UN Dangerous Goods system (which uses physical hazard as the main reason for segregation and has 14 categories), the US CHRIS system (which uses chemical reactivity and has 24 categories) and a third system which uses environmental risks (and has 25 categories). These systems were combined. Merging of each system was initially problematic, but became considerably easier once certain characteristics had been defined (such as flammability or water incompatibility). This gave a final merged incompatibility table containing 100 different segregation groups. This research study showed that it was possible to combine different segregation systems based on different criteria and that more comprehensive segregation systems can be developed. These can be of use in the decision-making process about where groups of chemicals may be used, and during the use of chemicals, where chemicals should not be combined. The use of more comprehensive segregation systems will also assist in developing proper measures for their control.