Determination of predictive factors for the clinical cure rate of endometritis in Holstein dairy cows

Endometritis is one of the most common disorders that negatively influence reproductive performance in dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive factors of the clinical cure of endometritis. A total of 700 Holstein dairy cows were examined for signs of clinical endometritis between 30 and 40 days in milk (the first examination in the time of clean test). A total of 131 cows with clinical endometritis were assigned for treatment. Cytological examination, reagent test strips, and characteristics of reproductive organs were evaluated at the time of treatment (the first examination) and two weeks after the treatment (the second examination: for evaluation of response to treatment of endometritis). After evaluation of treatment, cows were grouped into the responsive (n=56) and unresponsive (n=75) to treatment. Percentages of non-degenerated neutrophil (NDN), degenerated neutrophil (DN), total neutrophils and leukocyte esterase activity were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the unresponsive cows than those of responsive ones to treatment at the second examinations. Moreover, the nitrate test was significantly higher in the unresponsive group than the responsive group at the first examination. However, protein concentration and percentages of lymphocyte cells were significantly higher in the unresponsive animals than the responsive cows at the first and second stages of examination (P<0.05). Increasing of lymphocytes percentage, protein concentration, and nitrate test at the first stage of examination in the unresponsive cows showed more sever of inflammatory conditions and uterine infection in the unresponsive cows. Evaluation of these factors can predict the clinical cure of endometritis in dairy cows.

Effects of dietary antioxidants on glucose and insulin responses to glucose tolerance test in transition dairy cows

Oxidative stress occurs during the transition period and causes insulin resistance, which may be reduced by the use of antioxidants in this period. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein dairy cows, at 8 wk before parturition, were divided into 4 equal groups, namely control (Ctrl), vitamin E (VE), selenium (Se), and vitamin E plus selenium (VE + Se) groups. On a daily basis, VE and Se cows received dietary 1.5 IU vitamin E/kg BW and 0.3 mg/kg DM selenium, respectively, from 8 wk before to 3 wk after parturition. Vitamin E plus selenium group received doses similar to VE and Se groups. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated through intravenous glucose tolerance test (ivGTT) at weekly intervals from 3 wk before to 3 wk after parturition. Serum concentrations of total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) were assayed weekly before the commencement of ivGTT. Based on the results of ivGTT, the lowest and the highest degrees of insulin sensitivity were detected in Ctrl and VE + Se groups, respectively. The highest and the lowest concentrations of NEFA and BHBA were observed in Ctrl and VE + Se groups, respectively. Total antioxidant status, SOD, and GPx values were significantly lower in Ctrl cows and significantly higher in VE + Se-received cows compared with other groups. However, MDA values in Ctrl and VE + Se cows were significantly higher and lower than the other groups, respectively. Collectively, our results show that dietary administration of vitamin E and selenium ameliorates oxidative stress and lipid mobilization and increases insulin sensitivity in transition cows.

Glucose related endocrine and metabolic responses following bolus intravenous hypertonic dextrose administration in Iranian fat-tailed ewes at different pre and post parturition periods

Providing glucose as primary metabolic fuel for maintenance, foetal growth and milk production may be considered necessary for protection against negative energy balance and metabolic disorders. Five adult Ghezel ewes were selected 4 weeks before their parturition and followed at 2 weeks before, 2 and 4 weeks and 2, 3 and 4 months after parturition. Dextrose 50% was administered at 500 mg/kg, 10 mL/kg/hour, and blood samples were collected from all ewes prior to and 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after 50% dextrose infusion. Serum levels of glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids, cholesterol, triglyceride, high, low and very low density lipoproteins, insulin, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, prolactin, cortisol and insulin like growth factor-1 were evaluated. Glucose and insulin were increased significantly and immediately following intravenous dextrose administration at all studied periods. The levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly decreased following dextrose infusion at all periods. Triiodothyronine was decreased in pregnant ewes and increased in non-pregnant, lactating ones. The significant increasing cortisol patterns were detected at 2 and 4 weeks before and 2 and 4 weeks after parturition following dextrose administrations. The decreasing patterns of insulin like growth factor-1 were seen in all studied periods. Prolactin was significantly increased following dextrose administration at 4 and 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after parturition. Bolus intravenous hypertonic dextrose administration could induce the obvious endocrine and metabolic responses in Ghezel ewes via providing a source of energy and the glucose is an important direct controller of metabolic interactions in Ghezel ewes.

Giardia Lamblia Subtypes and Their Relationship with Clinical Symptoms in Patients with Giardiasis

Giardia lamblia has proved to be the most common intestinal protozoan parasite in humans that causes giardiasis. Given the high mutations in the genome of this parasite, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Giardia lamblia subtypes and their relationship with clinical symptoms in patients who appear to have giardiasis. In 69 stool specimens with an appropriate number of giardia cysts, the DNA was first purified, and the genotype was then determined based on the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene sequence using PCR-RFLP. Data were collected on the clinical symptoms of the patients through a questionnaire, and their relationship with molecular results was studied. Four samples (5.8%) were found to be of subtype AI, 51 (73.9%) of subtype AII and 14 (20.3 %) of subtype BIII. No BIV subtype was found in the present study. A correlation was observed between Giardia lamblia genotypes (AI, AII and BIII) and abdominal pain. All of the people (100%) who had the AI genotype (i.e. the zoonosis subtype) had been losing weight. There was a significant correlation between weight loss and the AI subtype. All of the people (100%) infected with the BIII genotype experienced diarrhea, and this genotype was found to be associated with diarrhea. The present study found abdominal pain to be the most common symptom of giardiasis in Ilam province. Moreover, humans were found to be the main reservoir for giardia lamblia, although zoonosis subtypes such as AI and BIII still exist in the region and pose a risk for a giardiasis epidemic.

Compromised liver functions during the breeding period of clinically healthy Holstein cows

BACKGROUND

The sub-clinical carry-over effects of post-partum (PP) conditions and the problems independent of parturition may affect the cows' performance during the breeding period.

AIMS

It was hypothesized that some mid-lactation cows may have compromised liver functions and calculating liver activity index (LAI; -1.5 to +1.5) may be helpful in detecting such conditions.

METHODS

Plasma lipid and protein profiles, retinol and ceruloplasmin were measured in 37 Holstein cows on days 60, 90, and 120 PP. Liver activity index was calculated using the measures of cholesterol, albumin and retinol. The results were interpreted using some health and performance indices.

RESULTS

The mean LAI was 0.00 ± 0.61. Sixteen cows (45.7%) were LAI‾ and 19 cows (54.3%) were LAI⁺. In LAI⁺ cows the concentrations of cholesterol and albumin were unchanged, but in LAI‾ cows both of them increased through the study (P<0.05). Greater concentrations of low density lipoproteins (LDL) (P<0.01) and lower concentrations of γ- and total globulins (P<0.05; day 60) were detected in LAI⁺ cows. Ceruloplasmin was not different between the LAI groups with the highest level on day 90. Cholesterol had the strongest and the most repeated correlations with LAI during the study. The correlation of albumin with LAI faded on day 120 and vitamin A had a relationship only on day 60 PP. Triglycerides (TGs), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) (day 60) and LDL (days 60 and 90) had positive correlations with LAI. All globulin fractions showed negative correlations with LAI on day 60. Seventy percent of the cows without endometritis (day 30 PP) and 33% of the infected cows were LAI⁺ during the breeding period. About 79% of the cows with body condition score (BCS) loss ≤0.75 (day 60) and 38% of the cows with BCS loss >0.75 were LAI⁺ during the breeding period.

CONCLUSION

Compromised liver functions may exist in dairy cows during the breeding period and may be detected by calculating LAI. The relationship of LAI during the progressed lactation with herd's performance needs to be investigated.

The effects of post-partum drops in body condition on indices of energy metabolism in mid-lactation Holstein cows

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of energy metabolism indices in mid-lactation Holstein cows is critical to monitor health status. Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of low (≤0.75) vs. high (>0.75) drops in body condition score (BCS) until day 60 post-partum on energy metabolism indices during mid-lactation in Holstein cows.

METHODS

Twenty-eight Holstein cows were included in the study from the day of calving to day 120 of lactation. Whole blood samples were taken on 60, 90, and 120 days in milk (DIM). Serum was analyzed for insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels.

RESULTS

In cows with low BCS drop (LoD group), insulin did not change significantly through days 60 to 120 of lactation, but increased in high drop cows (HiD group) (P<0.001). Glucose concentrations decreased linearly in the LoD cows (P=0.039) and showed a quadratic increase in the HiD group on day 90 (P=0.028). Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids showed both linear (P=0.04) and quadratic (P=0.002) changes in the HiD group. The HiD cows had significantly higher concentrations of insulin on day 120 (P=0.017) compared to the LoD group. Glucose concentration was lower (P<0.01) in HiD cows on 60 DIM. The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was higher in HiD cows on day 90 (P<0.01). Surrogate indices of insulin resistance (calculated based on the concentrations of the measured metabolites) were different between the groups on day 90, indicating decreased insulin sensitivity in the HiD cows.

CONCLUSION

Greater depletion of body reserves during early lactation may result in some inconsistencies in energy metabolism during mid-lactation periods. Controlling BCS loss during early lactation may help alleviate such alterations possibly through modifying insulin sensitivity of the tissues.

A field study on glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate and thyroid hormones in dairy cows during the breeding period in Fars province, Iran

BACKGROUND

It was hypothesized that under apparently good management practices in dairy farms, some cows may not be metabolically perfect during the breeding period and this may affect their performance.

AIMS

This study was conducted to assess probable metabolic drawbacks in mid-lactation dairy cows affecting their performance.

METHODS

Thirty-seven clinically healthy Holstein cows were assessed for plasma concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), thyroxin (T4), and tri-iodothyronine (T3) on days 60, 90 and 120 of lactation. The relationships of the measured analytes with some performance indices were also studied.

RESULTS

Continuous declines in plasma glucose (within reference values; P<0.006), T4 (P<0.001) and T3 (0.003) were found during the study. Non-esterified fatty acids showed relatively high levels through the study with a rise at day 90 (P<0.041). Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations did not change significantly (P>0.05) but were higher than those reported by others in mid-lactation cows. By progress in lactation 27% of cows had glucose concentrations <2.5 mmol/L, 62% had NEFA concentrations >0.40 mmol/L and 13.5% had BHB levels above 1200 µmol/L, which are the threshold levels of peri- and post-parturient problems. Milk production had negative correlations with glucose and T4 while the correlation was positive with NEFA. The interval between calving to the 1st heat had positive correlations with BHB concentrations. The interval between calving and the 1st insemination was inversely correlated with glucose and positively correlated with NEFA levels.

CONCLUSION

The changes of the studied analytes in mid-lactation cows resembled those that would happen during negative energy balance in early lactation cows and feed restriction in mid-lactation cows and may affect the general health and the performance of the cows.

Radial head resection versus prosthetic arthroplasty in terrible triad injury: a retrospective comparative cohort study

Aims

The crucial role of the radial head in the stability of the elbow in terrible triad injury is acknowledged. This retrospective study aims to compare the results of resection of a severely comminuted radial head with or without prosthetic arthroplasty as part of the reconstruction for this injury.

Patients and Methods

The outcome of radial head resection was compared with prosthetic arthroplasty in 29 and 15 patients with terrible triad injuries, respectively. There were ten female patients (34.5%) in the resection group and six female patients (40%) in the prosthesis group. The mean age was 40.7 years (sd 13.6) in the resection group and 36 years (sd 9.4) in the prosthesis group. The mean follow-up of the patients was 24.4 months (sd 12) in the resection group and 45.8 months (sd 6.8) in the prosthesis group. Outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, and range of movement. Postoperative radiological complications were also recorded.

Results

The mean ranges of extension, flexion, supination, and pronation were not significantly different between the two study groups (p = 0.75, p = 0.65, p = 0.82, and p = 0.68, respectively). The mean VAS score, DASH score, and MEPS of the two groups were also not statistically significantly different (p = 0.93, p = 0.19, and p = 0.32, respectively). At the final visit, the elbow was stable in all patients. No patient was found to have developed an Essex–Lopresti injury. Osteoarthritis grade I and II was observed in five and three patients of the resection group, respectively, and four and one patients of the arthroplasty group, respectively.

Conclusion

The outcome of patients undergoing treatment for terrible triad injuries is similar whether the patient’s radial head was excised or replaced. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1499–505.

Desmoplastic fibroma versus soft-tissue desmoid tumour of forearm: a case series of diagnosis, surgical approach, and outcome

We report a case series of aggressive fibromatosis of the forearm and discuss the differentiation criteria of overlapped intra- or extra-osseous origin of aggressive fibromatosis, surgical approach, and outcome. Ten cases of aggressive fibromatosis of the forearm were evaluated. When there was no involvement of vital adjacent structures, such as nerves, vessels, and tendons, en-bloc excision was performed for the removal of the soft-tissue mass. Bone involvement was observed in nine cases. Intercalary allograft was performed whenever one of the forearm bones was involved (six cases), while extensive curettage was used if both forearm bones were affected (three cases). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 90%, ranging from 80% to 97%. Limited forearm rotation was the most frequent complication. Three local recurrences were observed, none with intercalary allograft reconstruction. We conclude that the extensive curettage of the involved bone results in a higher risk of local recurrence compared with intercalary allograft.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

A comparison of the ethanol sensing properties of α-iron oxide nanostructures prepared via the sol-gel and electrospinning techniques

Haematite (α-Fe2O3) nanostructures were synthesized via a Pechini sol-gel method (PSG) and an electrospinning (ES) technique. Their texture and morphology were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were obtained by the PSG method, whereas fibrous structures consisting of interconnected particles were synthesized through the ES technique. The crystallinity of the α-Fe2O3 nanostructures was also studied by means of x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Gas-sensing devices were fabricated by printing the synthesized samples on ceramic substrates provided with interdigitated Pt electrodes. The sensors were tested towards low concentrations of ethanol in air in the temperature range (200-400 °C). The results show that the α-Fe2O3 nanostructures exhibit somewhat different gas-sensing properties and, interestingly, their sensing behaviour is strongly temperature-dependent. The availability of active sites for oxygen chemisorption and the diffusion of the analyte gas within the sensing layer structure are hypothesized to be the key factors responsible for the different sensing behaviour observed.

Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes distribution in river water in Iran

Little is known about the diversity and public health significance of Cryptosporidium species in river waters in Iran. In the present study, we determined the genotype and subtype distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. in river water samples in Iran. A total of 49 surface water samples were collected from rivers and surface water in Guilan and Tehran provinces during 2009-2010. Water samples were filtrated through a 1.2-μm pore size membrane filter or by Filta-Max filter followed by immunomagnetic separation or sucrose purification methods. Genotype and subtype of Cryptosporidium were identified by sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA and 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes, respectively. A total of 24 (48.97%) water samples were positive for Cryptosporidium species by the 18sRNA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing technique. DNA sequencing revealed the presence of five species of Cryptosporidium (C. parvum, C. hominis, C. muris, C. andersoni, and C. canis) in the water samples of the study area and, to our knowledge, the first report of C. muris in Iran. The results of GP60 gene analysis showed that all C. parvum and C. hominis isolates belonged to the IId and Id subtype families, respectively. The investigated river water supplies were heavily contaminated by pathogenic species of Cryptosporidium from humans and livestock. There is potential risk of waterborne cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals.

The effect of polymorphism in gene of insulin-like growth factor-I on the serum periparturient concentration in Holstein dairy cows

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between polymorphism within the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of IGF-I gene and its periparturient concentration in Iranian Holstein dairy cows.

METHODS

Blood samples (5 mL, n = 37) were collected by caudal venipuncture from each animal into sample tubes containing the EDTA and DNA was extracted from blood. In order to measure IGF-I concentration the collection of blood samples (n = 111) was also done at 14 d before calving (prepartum), 25 and 45 d postpartum.

RESULTS

We found evidence for a significant effect of C to T mutation in position 512 of IGF-I gene on its serum concentration in dairy cows in Iran. Cows with CC genotype had significantly higher concentration (Mean±SD) of IGF-I at 14 d prepartum (91.8±18.1) µg/L compared to those with TT genotype (73.3±14.4) µg/L (P=0.04). A significant trend (quadratic) was found for IGF-I concentration, as higher in CC cows compared to ones with TT genotype, during the 14 d before calving to 45 d postpartum (P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that C/T transition in the promoter region of IGF-I gene can influence the serum concentration of IGF-I in periparturient dairy cows.

Protecting impact of Jaft against carbendazim induced biochemical changes in male Wistar rats

Introduction: Pesticides are a critical tool for crop protection and control of different pests and insects. The present research conducted to evaluate the protective role of Jaft extract against oxidative pressure, biochemical variations because of limited time giveaway to carbendazim in Wistar mice males. Fresh fruits of quercus brantii were dried and the internal layer (Jaft) was collected for a hydroalcoholic extract by a maceration method at normal ambient condition. For the experimental study, twenty-four adult male rats (Wistar albino rats weighing 150-200 g) were randomized into 3 teams out of eight. Team I subserved like a vehicle treated group, received corn oil additionally to their food, while the animals in the second team got 0.1 ml carbendazim (50mg/ kg in corn oil) via oral path for nine days. Rats in group III received Jaft (500 mg/ kg orally + in carbendazim for 9 days. Blood samples were obtained by heart puncture to determine alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alanine (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferases (AST); by using auto-analyzer in serum.Kidneys and liver separated from rats and provided for series of biochemical parameters homogenization like GSH and MDA stages. Result: The serum content of AST, ALT, ALP, BUN and creatinine were significantly elevated by in carbendazim treatment (group II) compared to the negative group (p<0.01).The liver enzymes operations, creatinine and BUN were significantly reduced in rats (p<0.05) when Jaft was received in a short period of time (group III). Hepatic and GSH and renal MDA stages in group (II) were clearly (p<0.05) enhanced and decreased consequently. The GSH and MDA stages content were significantly normalized in mice (p<0.05) when Jaft was received by group III. Conclusions: According to the present data, Jaft can neutralize carbendazim contain pressure of oxidative and recover the abnormal pathological injuries in Wistar mice males.

Molecular detection and conventional identification of leishmania species in reservoir hosts of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in fars province, South of iran

BACKGROUND

The objectives of our research were to search for Leishmania species in rodents in Fars province, south of Iran, and to compare molecular with conventional methods for detecting these parasites.

METHODS

Rodents were captured using live traps and screened for Leishmania species using molecular and conventional methods, including the taking of smears from each ear. Nested PCR was employed to detect Leishmania in rodents by amplifying a region of the ribosomal RNA amplicon of Leishmania (ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2) that is species-specific by DNA sequence.

RESULTS

Totally, 122 rodents were captured. Leishmania parasites were detected using the nested PCR and three conventional methods (direct smear, NNN culture and Balb/C inoculation. 41 (33.6%) out of 122 rodents had Leishmania infections (34 Meriones lybicus and 7 M. persicus). All PCR products of the ITS-rDNA gene were sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed that 28 out of 41 positive samples were Leishmania major. Thirteen sequences were unreadable and therefore not identified.

CONCLUSION

At least two gerbil species common in Fars ZCL foci, M. lybicus and M. persicus, are acquiring infections of L. major and may be reservoir hosts of one predominant parasite haplotype. Most infections were detected molecularly not by conventional methods, because most rodents died in the traps.

Isolation and detection of Leishmania species among naturally infected Rhombomis opimus, a reservoir host of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Turkemen Sahara, North East of Iran

In Iran, three species of Leishmania have been incriminated as the causative agents of human leishmaniasis, Leishmania (L.) major, Leishmania tropica, and Leishmania infantum.Rhombomis opimus have been incriminated as a principal reservoirs of the parasitic protozoan Leishmania major, the causative agent of rural zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran. Rodents captured and examined to find Leishmania species using conventional methods including direct impression smear and microscopic observation inoculation samples to Balb/c and culture in NNN medium. Also molecular method was employed to detect Leishmania in rodents by amplifying a region of the ribosomal RNA amplicon of Leishmania (ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2) using Nested PCR. Leshmania species were specified by DNA sequences. 36 (38.3%) of R. opimus were Leishmania positive using at least one conventional methods. Many more ITS-rDNA fragments were amplified from R. opimus but only 65 out of 74 PCR products contained enough DNA for direct sequencing or readable sequences. The PCR assays detected in Iranian R. opimus not only Leishmania major in 59 (79.7%) rodents but also Leishmania turanica in 6 (8.1%) rodents, another parasite of the great gerbil. These parasites were found in Turkemen Sahara, North East of Iran, in a focus of rural (ZCL). L. major and L. turanica in R. opimus firmly identified from Turkemen Sahara. Nine rodents with Leishmania infections unidentified which some were unreadable sequences, these could be mixed infections of L. major, L. turanica, Leishmania gerbillisensu lato and Leishmania close to L. gerbilli or a related species reported in sandflies previously from this location. The haplotypes of L. major and L. turanica were found to be identical to that of isolates of L. major and L. turanica from Iran and in GenBank elsewhere. R. opimus is probably the key reservoir in this ZCL focus because of its abundance and its infection rates with both L. major and L. turanica.