The effect of endodontic irrigants on the microtensile bond strength of different dentin adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of irrigants on bond strength of adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Superficial dentin surfaces of 60 extracted molars were divided into 15 groups, according to irrigants and adhesives. In the control groups, surfaces were irrigated with distilled water. In experimental groups, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) + NaOCl, chlorhexidine (CHX), and NaOCl + sodium ascorbate were used as irrigants. Resin composites were then built up using Single Bond, Clearfil SE Bond, and Xeno 3 as adhesives. The microtensile bond strength of groups was determined. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA, and the Bonferroni test. RESULTS: NaOCl reduced bond strength of Single Bond and Clearfil SE Bond (P < 0.01). For all adhesive systems, EDTA + NaOCl-treated groups exhibited lower bond strength than control groups (P < 0.01). CHX decreased bond strength of Single Bond (P < 0.01). Application of sodium ascorbate improved compromised bond strength to NaOCl-treated dentin (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Different irrigants had several effects on bonding of different adhesives. Sodium ascorbate after NaOCl could restore compromised bond strengths.

Phthalate induced toxicity in prostate cancer cell lines and effects of alpha lipoic acid.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, benzylbutyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate were investigated on human prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and PC3 in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standards of dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, and di-ethyl hexyl phthalate were used. Alpha lipoic acid was used as antioxidant compound. DU145 and PC3 human prostate carcinoma cells were used. MTT assay were used for cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS: A low dose proliferative effect of phthalates in vitro was observed. With the hypothesis of the inhibition of aerobic glycolysis activity in cancer treatment, α-lipoic acid was applied to cells; where as a contrary to previous studies, no change in the cell proliferation was observed. In combination with ALA, at IC50 and lower doses, an increase of the cytotoxic effect was found for DIBP, DBP and BBP; while for DMP, DEP and DEHP, a decrease was observed for DU145 cells. In PC3 cells, a decrease was observed for DMP, DEP and DBPs; while no significant difference were observed for DEHP, DIBP and BBP. CONCLUSSION: The present study demonstrates preliminary information regarding the low dose proliferative effects of phthalates in prostate cancer in vitro (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 65).

Are there any effects of Sevoflurane and Desflurane anaesthesia on blood glucose levels in acute hyperglycemic diabetic rats?

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate blood glucose level of desflurane and sevoflurane on blood glucose in diabetic rats undergoing acute hyperglycemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 30 male Wistar albino rats were included. Diabetes was induced by a single IP injection of streptozotocin. After the effects of chronic diabetes encountered, diabetic rats were randomly assigned into diabetic control (group DC), diabetic hyperglycemia group (group DH), diabetic hyperglycemia group with desflurane (group DH-D), and diabetic hyperglycemia group with sevoflurane (group DH-S) groups. The normoglycemic groups received an IP injection of the same amount of saline. Hyperglycemic diabetic rats were anaesthetized by desflurane 6 % or sevoflurane 2 % at a dose, by which minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) for rats would be one. The drugs were given for 4 hours within 100 % oxygen at a rate of 6 L.min-1. One hour after cessation of inhalation anesthesia, blood glucose levels were determined at 1st, 4th and 24th hours. 24 hours after the anaesthesia. RESULTS: Serum glucose was detected to be significantly lower in Group C, when compared to Groups DC, DH, DH-D and DH-S (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.003, respectively). Blood glucose levels in the diabetic groups were similar at the end of 6 weeks period, after hyperglycemia and anaesthesia induction. CONCLUSION: We found out that sevoflurane and desflurane administrations in hyperglycemic rats were both related with insignificant blood glucose level increase at early post anaesthesia period and at post anaesthesia 24th hours. We still think that patients undergoing anaesthesia protocols with acute hyperglycemia need relatively longer follow up periods (Tab. 1, Ref. 28).

An evaluation of the effects of perioperatively administered fluids on ischemia/reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of normal saline (0.9% NaCl) and 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4(HES) solution on Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) injury in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy operations with spinal anesthesia using a tourniquet. METHODS: The study comprised 48 ASA I-II patients undergoing knee arthroscopy with spinal anesthesia using a tourniquet. The patients were randomised into two groups and after standard monitoring two venous lines were introduced to obtain blood samples and to give intravenous therapy. In the control group (Group A) (n=21) 0.9% NaCl, 10 ml/kg/hours and in the study group (Group B) (n=19) 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4, 10 ml/kg/hours infusion were administered. Spinal anesthesia was applied with 12.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine to all patients. The tourniquet was applied and the operation was started when the sensorial block level reached T10 dermatome. Blood xanthine oxidase (XO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as an indicator of ischemia and reperfusion injury were measured in samples before fluid infusion (t1), before tourniquet application (t2), 1 minute before tourniquet release (t3), and at 5 (t4) and 15 (t5) minutes after tourniquet release. RESULTS: No difference was observed between the two groups in respect of demographic parameters, the highest block level, duration before tourniquet application and tourniquet duration (p>0.05). The MDA level after tourniquet application and 15 minutes after tourniquet release was lower in Group B (p<0.05). XO levels were not different (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4 solution reduced MDA level which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation. 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4 solution may be beneficial for Ischemia/reperfusion injuries.

Comparison of the maternal and neonatal effects of bupivacaine plus fentanyl and ropivacaine plus fentanyl during cesarean delivery.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy, and fetal and maternal effects of 7.5 mg (1 ml) intrathecal 0.75% hyperbaric ropivacaine + 25 µg (0.5 ml) fentanyl versus 5 mg (l ml) intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 25 µg (0.5 ml) fentanyl in elective cesarean delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 ASA I-II cases scheduled for cesarean delivery that were randomized into two groups of 20 cases each. Cases in the RF group were administered 0.75% hyperbaric ropivacaine + 25 µg (0.5 ml) fentanyl and those in the BF group were administered 5 mg (l ml) hyperbaric bupivacaine + 25 µg (0.5 ml) fentanyl into the spinal space. The time until spinal anesthesia in the T4 dermatome, overall duration of analgesia, hemodynamic parameters, Apgar score of newborns at 1-5 min, fetal blood gas values (pH, PO2, PCO2, HCO3-, and BE), maternal side effects, the degree of motor block, maternal need for ephedrine, objective pain scale score, and patient satisfaction were recorded in each group. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the parameters evaluated (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In elective cesarean delivery, the combinations of bupivacaine + fentanyl or ropivacaine + fentanyl exhibited similar anesthetic efficacy, and fetal and maternal effects.

Status of estrogen receptor expression and epigenetic methylation in Leydig cells after exposure to metalloestrogen - selenium.

The trace element selenium (Se) is essential for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and fertility. A growing volume of evidence shows that Se is necessary for testosterone synthesis, and Se can stimulate Leydig cell proliferation. However, Se can also act as a metalloestrogen, which can mimic estrogen and activate the estrogen receptors. This study aimed to investigate Se effect on estrogen signaling and the epigenetic status of Leydig cells. Mouse Leydig cells (MA-10) were cultured in a medium supplemented with different Se concentrations (4, 8 µM) for 24 h. Next, cells were assessed for morphological and molecular (qRT PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence) analyses. Immunofluorescence revealed strong immunosignal for 5-methylcytosine in both control and treated cells, with a stronger signal in the 8 µM treated group. qRT-PCR confirmed an increased expression of methyltransferase 3 beta (Dnmt3b) in 8 µM cells. Analysis of the expression of γH2AX (a marker for double-stranded DNA breaks) revealed an increase in the DNA breaks in cells exposed to 8 µM Se. Selenium exposure did not affect the expression of canonical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERß), however, an increase in membrane estrogen receptor G-protein coupled (GPER) protein expression was observed.To sum up, in a high concentration (8 µM) Se affects GPER expression (non-genomic estrogen signaling) in Leydig cells possibly via acting on receptor protein and/or its binding. This causes DNA breaks and induces changes in Leydig cell methylation status, especially in de novo methylation which is mediated by Dnmt3b.

Sniffing position combined with mouth opening improves facemask ventilation in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the influence of sniffing position combined with mouth opening on the effectiveness of facemask ventilation in paralyzed pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy during sevoflurane-N(2)O anesthesia. METHODS: After Institutional Ethics Committee approval, 40 children 5-11 years of age who were scheduled for an elective adenotonsillectomy operation were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. After routine monitoring and pre-oxygenation, anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane 8% in a mixture of 50% N(2)O-O(2). Three minutes after the administration of vecuronium, the sequence of the positions was randomized. Three positions were applied during facemask ventilation: Position CN (closed mouth - neutral head and neck position), position CS (closed mouth-sniffing position) and position OS (opened mouth-sniffing position). Volume-controlled ventilation was started. Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), tidal volume (V(T)), expired tidal volume (V(Texp)) and end-tidal CO(2) pressure were recorded. The percent of leakage was calculated. The primary endpoint of this study was the expired tidal volume (V(Texp)). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference among the three positions for V(Texp) and PIP values. The OS resulted in higher V(Texp) values when compared with CN (P=0.022). The OS was significantly better than the other two positions, resulting in lower PIP values (P<0.001 and P=0.004, for CN and CS, respectively). The OS also resulted in less leakage during facemask ventilation when compared with CN and CS. CONCLUSIONS: Sniffing position combined with mouth opening improves V(Texp) and PIP values during facemask ventilation during sevoflurane-N(2)O anesthesia in paralyzed pediatric patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

Effect of oxygen supplementation in the hatcher at high altitude on the incubation results of broiler eggs laid at low altitude.

1. The object of this research was to investigate the effects of high altitude with supplementary oxygen during the last stage of incubation of broiler eggs laid at low altitude and incubated at low and high altitude. We analysed thyroid hormones and haematological variables. 2. The treatment groups were: low altitude (LA), high altitude with oxygen supplementation in the hatcher (HA-OX) and high altitude non-oxygen-supplemented (HA-NOX). 3. High altitude affected relative egg weight loss and early embryonic mortality. The hatchability of fertile eggs was lower at high than at low altitude. 4. Oxygen supplementation into the hatcher cabinet during the last stage of incubation decreased late embryonic mortality ratio (LEM(1)) and improved survival rates of embryos incubated at high altitude. 5. Eggs incubated at low altitude had a higher hatched chick weight and relative chick weight than those incubated at high altitude. Hatched chick weight and relative chick weight did not change with oxygen supplementation at high altitude. 6. High altitude caused an increase in plasma T(3) and T(4) concentrations as well as in the ratio of T(3):T(4) in embryos. High altitude newly hatched chicks showed a higher T(3):T(4) ratio than low altitude chicks; this ratio decreased with oxygen supplementation at high altitude. Altitude and oxygen supplementation did not affect the mean plasma T(4). 7. Newly-hatched chicks incubated at high altitude showed a higher plasma haematocrit (PCV) than the newly-hatched chicks from eggs incubated at low altitude. High altitude without supplementation increased haemoglobin (Hb), while oxygen supplementation returned the value to low altitude values.

Difficult airway due to protruding macroglossia in a child with lymphangioma.

Lymphangiomas, or cystic hygromas, are relatively uncommon congenital malformations of the lymphatic system that usually present during the first years of childhood. They are rare in adults. A search of the literature on MedLine revealed only few reports about lymphangioma as a cause of difficult airway management after the neonatal period. Herein, we present a case of difficult intubation due to protruding macroglossia in a 5-year-old girl diagnosed with recurrent lesions of lymphangioma. We also discuss possible problems in airway protection, drug choice, and post-operative follow-up associated with surgical excision of these lesions.

In vitro effects of selected endocrine disruptors (DEHP, PCB118, BPA) on narrow-clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) primary cells.

Environmental pollutants with endocrine-disrupting effect are of global importance due to their contribution to the aethiologies of variety of complex diseases. These lipophilic pollutants are persistent in the environment and able to bioaccummulate in nontarget organisms. BPA, DEHP and PCB118 (dioxin-like PCB) are associated with endocrine disruption effects, while information on their effects on aquatic invertebrates are limited. In the current study, the effects of these compounds, which are ubiqutous and present at low concentrations in the environment, are studied in the primary hepatopancreas, muscle, gill, intestine and gonadal cultures of narrow-clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823), a widely distributed freshwater crayfish in Turkey with high economic importance. IC50 values following MTT assay ranged 0.27-12.61 nM; when compared with other tissues, the gonads were more affected with lower IC50 values. PCB118 induced higher cytotoxicity, while DEHP was the least toxic compound. This is the first study on the primary culture of A. leptodactylus¸ and the toxic effects of these compounds in this organism providing mechanistic insights on the responses and detoxification capacity of the organs. This study provides basis to unravel the mechanism of action of the tested EDCs in crayfish and improvement of cell culture conditions for ecotoxicity and screening assays.

The relationship among age, yolk fatty acids content, and incubation results of broiler breeders.

This research was carried out to investigate the correlations among age, yolk fatty acids content, and incubation results of broiler breeders. Egg samples were obtained from Ross 308 broiler breeder parent stock at 28, 45, and 65 wk of age. A total of 1,800 eggs were used for incubation results of each age period. The mean values of hatchability of fertile eggs (H/F) were 94.04 +/- 0.42, 91.36 +/- 1.08, 85.97 +/- 0.96%, values for hatchability of total eggs (H) were 92.00 +/- 0.47, 83.61 +/- 1.23, 62.78 +/- 1.57%, and fertility ratios (F) were 97.83 +/- 0.30, 91.50 +/- 0.54, and 73.00 +/- 1.55% at 28, 45, and 65 wk of age, respectively (P < 0.01). The mean values of early embryonic mortality and hatched chick weight were 2.73 +/- 0.27, 4.01 +/- 0.56, 8.93 +/- 0.89% and 36.58 +/- 0.51, 42.47 +/- 0.48, 45.31 +/- 0.96 g, at 28, 45, and 65 wk of age, respectively (P < 0.01). Myristic acid and linoleic acid contents of yolk significantly decreased with increasing age of broiler breeder (P < 0.01). The mean yolk myristic acid contents were 0.34 +/- 0.02, 0.29 +/- 0.06, and 0.24 +/- 0.01 mg/g, and linoleic acid contents were 21.60 +/- 1.26, 16.05 +/- 3.04, and 13.87 +/- 0.49 mg/g at 28, 45, and 65 wk of age, respectively (P < 0.01). Correlations between breeder age and myristic acid and linoleic acid (r = -0.317 and -0.435, respectively) were significant when data were pooled from 28 to 65 wk of age. Significant correlations between H/F and myristic acid and linoleic acid were determined. The correlation between F and linoleic acid (r = 0.364; P < 0.05) was found to be significant with the change of breeder age. There were negative correlations between late embryonic mortality and myristic acid (r = -0.432; P < 0.05), stearic acid (r = -0.437; P < 0.05), and linoleic acid (r = -0.469; P < 0.5) at 28 to 65 wk of age. The findings from this study will contribute to the hatcheries of the poultry sector and the new studies that are going to be carried out..

The effects of different feeding management systems on performance of a slow-growing broiler genotype.

1. A total of 420 male 1-d-old chicks of a slow-growing genetic line (Hubbard ISA Red JA) were used as the trial material. Two diets that were low in fats and high in cereals, and free from growth promoters and animal protein, and formulated at two energy and protein concentrations, were fed ad libitum or 80% of ad libitum. The birds had access to pasture from 14 d to slaughter at 84 d of age. 2. The treatment groups were: Dilute-AL (energy and protein diluted diet fed ad libitum), Dilute-R (restricted energy and protein diluted diet), High-AL (high energy and protein diet fed ad libitum), High-R (restricted high energy and protein diet). 3. Daily weight gains and feed consumptions were recorded in each replicate. 4. The live weight on d 84 was lowest in the Dilute-R group, whereas the highest live weight was in the High-AL group. The highest feed consumption was found in the Dilute-AL and High-AL groups. The worst feed conversion ratio was determined in the Dilute-AL and Dilute-R groups. The effect of treatments on mortality was not significant. 5. The best feed conversion efficiency was obtained in the feed-restricted group receiving the high energy and protein diet. The results suggest that forage may contribute to the nutrition of slow-growing free range broiler chickens if suitable pasture species are grown.

Cigarette smoking and the haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation.

This study investigated the effects of smoking and gender on the haemodynamic response after tracheal intubation. Patients were assigned to one of four groups: female non-smokers, female smokers, male non-smokers and male smokers. After tracheal intubation, the highest mean (SD) increase in heart rate (30 (18) %) and rate-pressure product (40 (29) %) was seen in male smokers. The increases in heart rate and rate-pressure product in male smokers were significantly greater than those in female non-smokers, p < 0.05. The increase in rate-pressure product was significantly greater in male smokers than in male non-smokers, p = 0.022.

Differences in thermoregulatory ability between slick-haired and wild-type lactating Holstein cows in response to acute heat stress.

Animals inheriting the slick hair gene have a short, sleek, and sometimes glossy coat. The objective of the present study was to determine whether slick-haired Holstein cows regulate body temperature more effectively than wild-type Holstein cows when exposed to an acute increase in heat stress. Lactating slick cows (n = 10) and wild-type cows (n = 10) were placed for 10 h in an indoor environment with a solid roof, fans, and evaporative cooling or in an outdoor environment with shade cloth and no fans or evaporative cooling. Cows were exposed to both environments in a single reversal design. Vaginal temperature, respiration rate, surface temperature, and sweating rate were measured at 1200, 1500, 1800, and 2100 h (replicate 1) or 1200 and 1500 h (replicate 2), and blood samples were collected for plasma cortisol concentration. Cows in the outdoor environment had higher vaginal and surface temperatures, respiration rates, and sweating rates than cows in the indoor environment. In both environments, slick-haired cows had lower vaginal temperatures (indoor: 39.0 vs. 39.4 degrees C; outdoor 39.6 vs. 40.2 degrees C; SEM = 0.07) and respiration rate (indoor: 67 vs. 79 breaths/ min; outdoor 97 vs. 107 breaths/min; SEM = 5.5) than wild-type cows and greater sweating rates in unclipped areas of skin (indoor: 57 vs. 43 g x h(-1)/m(2); outdoor 82 vs. 61 g x h(-1)/m(2); SEM = 8). Clipping the hair at the site of sweating measurement eliminated the difference between slick-haired and wild-type cows. Results indicate that slick-haired Holstein cows can regulate body temperature more effectively than wild-type cows during heat stress. One reason slick-haired animals are better able to regulate body temperature is increased sweating rate.

A case of sciatic neuropathy after caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

We present a rare case in which a healthy parturient developed a left sciatic neuropathy after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. Intraoperatively, a wedge was placed under her right buttock to tilt the pelvis and uterus to the left, to minimise aortocaval compression. Postoperatively, she complained of being unable to move her left foot. Neurologic examination revealed a left lower leg paresis. Electromyography showed denervation potentials on muscles innervated by left sciatic nerve. Seven weeks after surgery the patient had made a full recovery. We conclude that the prolonged lateral tilt position might cause compression neuropathy of the sciatic nerve. After childbirth, re-positioning the patient supine or shortening the time of lateral tilt may reduce the risk of sciatic nerve injury.

Egg production and welfare of laying hens kept in different housing systems (conventional, enriched cage, and free range).

The aim of this study was to compare egg production performance and welfare traits of laying hens kept in conventional cage (CC), enriched cage (EC), and free range (FR). Lohmann Brown laying hens (n = 480 with 160 per housing type) were studied across a production cycle from placement at 17 wk until depopulation at 66 wk. The hens were randomly allocated into cages or pens of housing system groups; within each system there were four replicates with 40 hens in each pen or cage. The hen day egg production (P = 0.037), feed intake (FI) (P < 0.001), egg mass (EM) (P < 0.001), and dirty egg ratio of hens were higher in the FR system but similar in the CC and EC systems. The highest mortality ratio was found in EC system hens (P = 0.020). The best feather score was found in FR system hens (P < 0.001). The worse body wound score was found in EC system hens (P = 0.038). On the other hand, the worse bumble foot and footpad lesions were found in FR system hens (P < 0.001). The highest tibia breaking strength was found in FR system hens compared with in CC and EC system hens (P < 0.001). The highest Heterophil/Lymphocyte ( H/L: ) ratio was found in CC system hens (P = 0.006) but the blood phosphorus ( P: ) level was higher in FR system hens (P = 0.013). The tonic immobility, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and Ca values of hens were found to be similar in all systems (P > 0.05). The hens in the FR system had additional space for optimum comfort and better feather and bone traits, but the dirty egg ratio, feed consumption, and foot lesions were higher than in CC and EC systems.

[Referred shoulder pain]. / Yansiyan omuz agrisi.

Referred pain; feeling pain at a site different than the source of pain; is also included in cancer pain. Mechanisms and treatment of referred pain has been evaluated because of a case with shoulder pain rising from diaphragmatic irritation.

Does the STOP-Bang, an obstructive sleep apnea screening tool, predict difficult intubation?

OBJECTIVE: A close relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and difficult intubation has been suggested. We hypothesized that the STOP-Bang questionnaire, a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can predict difficult intubation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 200 adult surgical patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia were studied to evaluate the usefulness of the STOP-Bang questionnaire for predicting difficult intubation. STOP-Bang questionnaire results, Mallampati score and tonsil size, as well as demographic data, were recorded preoperatively. Cormack & Lehane grading and difficulty of intubation (Cormack & Lehane grade III or IV, need of an intubation aid, or need of three or more intubation attempts) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-three out of 200 patients had a high risk of OSA based on the STOP-Bang questionnaire. The occurrence of difficult intubation was higher in the patients at a high risk of OSA (i.e., a STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3) than in the patients at a low risk (13.3% vs. 2.6%) (p = 0.004). Higher age, greater weight, higher body mass index, greater neck circumference, male gender, presence of comorbidities, lower preoperative SpO2, longer extubation times, higher Mallampati score, higher Cormack & Lehane grading, tonsil size and difficult intubation were significantly correlated with a high risk of OSA (p < 0.001). Fourteen out of 200 patients had difficulty in intubation. A STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3 was seen more frequently in the difficult intubation patients (78.6% vs. 38.7%) (p = 0.009). Greater weight, greater neck circumference, greater Mallampati score, a STOP-Bang score ≥ 3 and male gender were significantly correlated with difficult intubation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3 was a predictor for difficult intubation.

Correlations between breeder age, egg cholesterol content, blood cholesterol level and hatchability of broiler breeders.

1. The research was carried out to investigate correlations between breeder age, egg cholesterol content, blood cholesterol level and hatchability of broiler breeders. 2. Egg cholesterol content increased with increased breeder age. The mean yolk cholesterol contents (mg per g yolk) were 10.47+/-0.28, 15.34+/-0.65 and 15.64+/-0.71 mg/g at 28, 45 and 65 weeks of age, respectively. 3. There were positive correlations between yolk weight and yolk cholesterol content (mg/g yolk) (r=01.941; P<0.01) and egg cholesterol content (mg/egg) (r=0.980; P<0.01). 4. Negative correlations were found between egg yolk cholesterol content and hatchability of fertile eggs (r=-0.345; P<0.05), fertility ratio (r=-0.609; P<0.01) and hatchability of total eggs (r=-0.574; P<0.01). 5. The mean blood cholesterol levels were 165.1+/-11.04, 166.5+/-11.97 and 179.5+/-11.33 mg/dl at 28, 45 and 65 weeks of age, respectively.