An Abattoir Survey on the Frequency of Fatty Liver Syndrome in Dairy Cows from the Suburbs of Tehran

One hundred and six Holstein and Holstein x native cows were inspected before and after slaughter, and liver samples were taken. The fat content of all the liver samples was estimated by an extraction method (Soxhlet). The livers of 29 cows (27%) were classified as fatty. Seventeen of the animals were newly calved, 47 were non-pregnant, 33 were pregnant and 9 were dry, the median values for the fat content of their livers being 60.6, 34.4, 34.7 and 33.8 mg/g, respectively. The median concentration of liver fat in the first group was significantly different from that in each of the other groups (p < 0.01).     

Thecoma in a mare

A 4-year-old crossbred Thoroughbred mare was referred to the University of Tehran Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for evaluation of a mass in the pelvic cavity. The mare had been partially anorectic and pyrexic. On clinical examination, the mare was thin and depressed, with body temperature of 38°C, a pulse rate of 38 beats/minute, and a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute. Palpation per rectum revealed a large, smooth and tense mass in the anterior part of the pelvic cavity. Ultrasound examination confirmed the presence of a soft tissue mass with a thick wall. The inner surface of the mass had a villous-like appearance. The stroma of the mass was mottled, with accumulation of speckled and hypoechoic to slightly hyperechoic fluid. Hormone assays revealed low serum concentration of testosterone. Serum progesterone concentration indicated that active luteal tissue and serum estradiol concentration was 24 pg/ml. On histological examination, the sections from the tumor were composed of oval- or spindle-shaped cells loosely arranged in diffuse sheets or irregularly interlacing fascicles. On the basis of these histological findings, the large tumor mass of the left ovary was considered to be a thecoma. To our knowledge, the details of the clinical, ultrasonographic, endocrinologic, and histologic findings of this tumor in the mare have not been described in the veterinary literature.     

Transition period-related changes in the abundance of the mRNAs of adiponectin and its receptors,of visfatin,and of fatty acid binding receptors in adipose tissue of high-yielding dairy cows

Adipose tissue expresses adipokines, which are involved in regulation of energy expenditure, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. To adapt for the transition from pregnancy to lactation, particularly in high-yielding dairy cows, adipokines, their receptors, and particular G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs) are of potential importance. Signaling by GPR 41 stimulates leptin release via activation by short-chain fatty acids; GPR 43/109A inhibits lipolysis, and GPR 109A thereby mediates the lipid-lowering effects of nicotinic acid and β–hydroxybutyrate. The aim of this study was to compare the mRNA expression of adiponectin and visfatin, adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1/2), leptin receptor (obRb), insulin receptor as of the aforementioned GPRs during the transition period in high-yielding dairy cows. Biopsies from subcutaneous fat and blood samples were obtained from 10 dairy cows 1 week before and 3 weeks after calving. For AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA abundance as well as for leptin concentrations in plasma, a reduction (P ≤ .05) was observed postpartum; for visfatin and putative GPR 109A mRNA abundance in adipose tissue, there was a trend (P < .1) for analogous changes. In contrast, the mRNA content of obRb and GPR 41 in adipose tissue was higher (P ≤ .05) in samples from early lactation than in those from late gestation. Our results indicate decreasing adiponectin sensitivity in adipose tissue after calving, which might be involved in the reduced insulin sensitivity of adipose tissue during early lactation. In addition, visfatin, GPR 41, and GPR 109A may further modulate insulin sensitivity.     

A simple model for chickpea development, growth and yield

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) yield is unstable and low in major producer countries. A robust crop model can assist in evaluation of possible genetic improvements and cultural management practices to improve yield. The objectives of this study were to develop and test a chickpea simulation model that could be used across a wide range of environments. This model simulates phenological development, leaf development and senescence, mass partitioning, plant nitrogen balance, yield formation and soil water balance. Responses of crop processes to environmental factors of solar radiation, photoperiod, temperature, nitrogen and water availability, and genotype differences were included in the model. The model uses a daily time step and readily available weather and soil information. The model was tested using independent data from a wide range of growth and environmental conditions. In most cases, simulated grain yield were similar to observed yield (ranging from 20 to 379 g m⁻²) with a root mean square root of 26 g m⁻² (15% of average measured yield). It was concluded that the model generality, i.e., constant parameters for genotypes across locations, and applicability to a wide range of environmental conditions factors made this model especially useful.     

Serological survey of antibodies against BVD virus in camels (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camelus dromedarius</Emphasis>) in Iran

This serological survey was carried out to detect antibodies in dromedary camels against BVD virus in Iran. A total of 137 serum samples, were collected from camels at Khorein abattoir in suburbs of Tehran and examined for BVDV, using the serum neutralization test (SNT). Twenty seven of the 137 camels (19.7%) were positive for BVDV antibodies. It was found that the rate of seropositive camels in Iran is substantially higher compared to figures published in most other countries. This study indicated an increased frequency of infection rate with increasing age of camels. The frequency of positive cases was not significantly different between male and female camels.     

Metformin as an adjunct to insulin for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes after CABG surgery: a randomized double blind clinical trial

Perioperative hyperglycemia is common in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery and there is a direct relation between postoperative hyperglycemia and mortality rate in these patients. The aim of the present study is to determine the efficacy of metformin on glycemic control in diabetic patients after CABG surgery. In a randomized double blind clinical trial, 100 patients with type 2 diabetes admitted in open heart ICU after CABG surgery in Mazandaran Heart Center were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups. Three hours after extubation, therapeutic antiglycemic regimens were applied in these two groups and continued for three days. Intervention group received regular insulin infusion along with two metformin 500 mg tablets per twelve hours while control group received regular insulin infusion with two placebo tablets per twelve hours. Blood glucose level and other parameters were measured and recorded in determined intervals. To analyze the data, independent T-test, paired T-test, Mann-Whitney and repeated measure ANOVA tests were employed. Mean blood glucose level was not significantly different in the two groups at the beginning of the ICU admission; however, mean glucose level in insulin-metformin group, twelve hours after the initiation of the study, was significantly lower than insulin group (p < 0.05). In addition, mean doses of potassium and insulin demand as well as mean number of episodes of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and glucose levels out of the accepted range were significantly lower in insulin-metformin group (p < 0.05). Alterations in mean levels of lactate, BE, pH and creatinine were not statistically significant in these two groups. It seems that adding metformin to insulin leads to a better glycemic control in type two diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery without causing metabolic acidosis. Therefore, it might be a potential option in blood glucose control protocol in this group of patients.     

Evaluation of Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency,Digestibility and Some Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Forage Beet Cultivars Under Different Irrigation Methods and Nitrogen Levels

The aim of this study was to evaluate the water and nitrogen use efficiency and some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage beet cultivars under the influence of different irrigation methods and nitrogen levels in two cropping years, 2017–18 and 2018–19, at Agricultural Research Station in Karaj, Iran. Experimental factors included the first factor with four irrigation methods (normal leakage, alternate furrow irrigation, fixed furrow irrigation, type (drip-strip)), the second factor was the amount of nitrogen fertilizer with three levels (150, 200 and 250?kg N ha^?1) and the third factor included three forage beet cultivars (Sbsi052, Jamon and Kyros). Among irrigation treatments, alternate furrow irrigation and fixed furrow irrigation had the highest sugar content with 9.28% and 9.17%, respectively. The highest yield of digestible organic matter was obtained in leakage irrigation treatment, nitrogen fertilizer of 250?kg ha^?1 and in Kyros at the rate of 19.45?t ha^?1. The highest yield of root digestible dry matter, potassium, sodium and free nitrogen was observed in leakage irrigation treatment and consumption of 200?kg ha^?1 nitrogen was observed in foreign cultivars. The highest crude protein was observed in alternate furrow irrigation conditions with a consumption of 200?kg ha^?1 nitrogen in cultivar Sbsi052 at 13.08%. Leakage irrigation and type tape had the highest consumption efficiency and efficiency of nitrogen uptake with application of 150 and 200?kg ha^?1 N, and the highest water use efficiency was also observed in leakage irrigation and type tape with application of 250?kg ha^?1 N in domestic and foreign cultivars. The type irrigation method showed better quantitative and qualitative yield than the furrow irrigation methods.

     

Experimental determination and allometric prediction of vitreous volume, and retina and lens weights in Göttingen minipigs

Objectives To determine the vitreous volume, and retinal and lens wet weights in male and female Göttingen minipigs of different age groups. Procedures Vitreous, lens and retina were isolated from fresh minipig eyes. Vitreous volume, lens and retina weight were measured and allometric scaling was utilized to predict these parameters. Results There were no gender differences in body weights or retina and lens weights in the three age groups examined in this study. For vitreous volumes, females had a significantly larger volume (approximately 10%–12%) than males in the 4–6 and 6–8 month, but not in the 8–11‐month group. The mean body weight increased from 12.2 ± 2.6 kg (4–6 months) to 19.4 ± 4.0 kg (8–11 months). In the same period, the mean vitreous volume increased from 2.00 ± 0.28 to 2.67 ± 0.31 mL, while the mean retinal and lens weights increased from 114 ± 22 to 126 ± 17 mg, and from 298 ± 26 to 392 ± 15 mg, respectively. Allometric analysis between six species for vitreous volume and four species for lens weight covering a weight range of 260‐fold was not able to estimate the vitreous volume, but it did predict the lens weight in 8–11 months minipigs. Conclusions Overall these measurements add important context to intraocular pharmacology studies, and will help in the improved design and interpretation of such experiments.     

Blood parameters in female Zandi lambs as affected by liver biopsy methodology

The aim of the present study was to investigate the normal blood parameters of Iranian fat-tailed sheep (Zandi) and their changes due to rapid liver biopsy technique with a tru-cut biopsy needle. In ten ewe lambs, blood samples were collected from jugular vein and biopsy needle was inserted through the dorsal one third of the 11th intercostal space, on the right hand side of the lambs and liver specimen was collected. Physical examinations were performed on alternate days during the experiment. Blood collection was done on both before (day 1) and after (day 17) the biopsy. All animals were slaughtered at day 17. Values were compared using paired t test. While biopsy did not make any significant changes in mean values of body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, PCV, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, monocyte, total serum protein, AST, ALT, and serum calcium (p > 0.05), it made a significant difference on the values of ALP (p < 0.001), serum inorganic phosphate (p = 0.035), and magnesium (p = 0.013). Necropsy examination revealed the points of hitting the biopsy needles on the diaphragmatic surface of the livers, surrounded by a zone of intense hyperemia. Peritoneal adhesions accompanying with typical strands of fibrous connective tissue between diaphragmatic surface of the liver and adjacent abdominal wall were found in two cases.     

Evaluation of serum C-reactive protein level and its related factors in hemodialysis patients in Sari, Iran

Chronic inflammation, as reflected by increased level of acute phase protein such as C-reactive Protein (CRP) is highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients. CRP is a strong predictor of overall and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients. This research was conducted to determine the C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels and its correlation to demographic and clinical characteristics and Laboratory values in hemodialysis patients in Sari, Iran. In a cross sectional study, 147 hemodialysis patients were studied. Patients' demographic and clinical data were recorded and also serum CRP, Cholesterol, Albumin, Phosphorous, Calcium, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels were measured. Overall, the mean CRP concentration was 15.8 mg L(-1). With considering to the different cutoff point (5, 6.2, 10 mg L(-1)) for CRP level, 107 patients (72.8%) had CRP level >5 mg L(-1), 99 patients (67.3%) had CRP level > 6.2 mg L(-1) and 77 patients (52.4%) had CRP level >10 nmg L(-1). The CRP levels greater than 6.2, had a direct statistically significant correlation with duration of hemodialysis and phosphorus level (p = 0.01). Also, CRP levels above 10 mg L(-1) had a direct statistically significant correlation with age and phosphorus levels (p = 0.02). According to the prevalence of high CRP level and it's correlation with age, duration ofhemodialysis and phosphorus level in hemodialysis patients, CRP level should be screened in this group of patients routinely because of its prognostic importance.