The occurrence and seasonal variation of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone concentrations in poultry feeds.

The present study aimed to investigate the contamination of poultry feed with aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone at laying hen farms in Tehran suburbs. The poultry feed was selected from five laying hen farms. A total of 60 poultry feed samples were collected from each farm during four consecutive seasons, from spring to winter of 2021. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the amount of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone. The mean aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone concentrations in various seasons showed significant differences (p<0.01). The highest reported aflatoxin concentration was in winter, with a mean concentration of 1366.53±77.85 ng/kg. The lowest concentrations were reported in autumn and summer, indicating a significant difference (p<0.01). The highest concentration of zearalenone was reported in summer, with a mean concentration of 150.72±10.35 µg/kg. The lowest concentration was reported in winter, with a mean concentration of 22.87±10.35 µg/kg, indicating a statistically significant difference (p<0.01). Overall, the concentrations of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone toxins significantly differed in various poultry farms. The poultry farm D had the highest aflatoxin contamination with a mean concentration of 648.08±59.89 ng/kg. Poultry farms A, B, and C had the highest zearalenone concentrations with mean concentrations of 125.17±20.61, 96.04±20.61, and 99.49±20.61 µg/kg, respectively. Autumn was the only season showing significant differences regarding zearalenone toxin concentration in poultry farms.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in Small Ruminants in Southwest of Iran.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are Apicomplexan intracellular protozoa with global distribution. Small ruminants play an important role as intermediate hosts for N. caninum and T. gondii, parasites of great public health concern. The main goal of the current survey was to evaluate N. caninum and T. gondii infection rate in sheep and goats of Khuzestan Province, southwest of Iran, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this cross-sectional study during February-April 2016, whole blood samples were taken randomly from 735 animals from 37 herds. The animals were reared under the traditional husbandry system in different parts of the province. Among 550 sheep and 185 goats, 37 (6.8%) sheep and 20 (10.8%) goats were seropositive for N. caninum and 59 (10.8%) sheep and 37 (20%) goats were seropositive for T. gondii. The incidence rates of mixed infection with N. caninum and T. gondii were 3.2% and 5.4% in sheep and goats, respectively. Seroprevalence rate of N. caninum was significantly higher in goats at T. gondii and abortion (18.2%). Also, a significant correlation was detected between seroprevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii and mixed infection in goats with a history of abortion. This is the first report of IgG antibody production against N. caninumand T. gondii co-infection in small ruminants in Iran. Our findings indicated that neosporosis and toxoplasmosis may be responsible for abortion in small ruminants in this region. Therefore, further investigations are needed to improve sanitary strategies in animals&rsquo; husbandry and launching control programs.

PEG stabilized DNA - poly(ferrocenylsilane) polyplexes for gene delivery.

Polycationic poly(ferrocenylsilane)s (PFS) with tunable amounts of PEG side chains were used for the condensation of DNA into polyplexes of 110 nm in 5.0 mM HEPES. The PFS-PEG/DNA polyplexes showed negligible aggregation, a strongly reduced protein adsorption, transfection activities comparable with linear polyethyleneimine and an excellent cytocompatibility.

[Pilot Project: Improved Lung Deposition via a New Nasal Inhalation Procedure]. / Pilotprojekt zur verbesserten Lungendeposition durch ein neues Verfahren der nasalen Inhalation.

INTRODUCTION: Inhaled drugs can only be effective if they reach the middle and small airways. This study introduces a system that combines a trans-nasal application of aerosols with noninvasive pressure support ventilation. METHODS: In a pilot study, 7 COPD patients with GOLD stages II and III inhaled a radiolabeled marker dissolved in water via a trans-nasal route. The mean aerosol particle size was 5.5 µm. Each patient took part in two inhalation sessions that included two application methods and were at least 70 hours apart. During the first session ("passive method"), the patient inhaled the aerosol through an open tube system. The second session ("active method") included pressure support ventilation during the inhalation process. A gamma camera and planar scintigraphy was used to determine the distribution of aerosol particles in the patient's body and lung. RESULTS: The pressure supported inhalation ("active method") results in an increased aerosol lung deposition compared to the passive method. Above all, we could demonstrate deposition in the lung periphery with relatively large aerosol particles (5.5 µm). DISCUSSION: The results prove that the combination of trans-nasal inhalation with noninvasive pressure support ventilation leads to significantly increased particle deposition in the lung.

Microtensile bond strength of self-etch adhesives in different surface conditionings.

AIM: Self-etch bonding systems have been introduced recently and have the advantage of reduced operating time. Because of patient management and isolation difficulties in children, the present study aimed to evaluate microtensile bond strength of two self-etch bonding systems (AdheSE and Xeno® III) on cleaned only, ground and sandblasted enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty intact primary molars were selected and randomly divided into two groups according to the type of bonding used (Xeno® III and AdheSE). The teeth were divided into three subgroups according to enamel surface conditioning method: prophylaxis with pumice, grinding with coarse finishing and polishing disc, and sandblasting with aluminum oxide particles. Tetric Ceram composite then was applied. Samples were sectioned coronally and axially. The interface area of dental sticks was measured and specimens were subjected to a tensile force of 0.5 mm/min until failure. RESULTS: Microtensile bond strength of Xeno® III-sandblasting, AdheSE-sandblasting, AdheSE-grinding, and AdheSE- cleaned only were 25.5±7.7, 21.2±2.3, 12.9±2.2, and 9.1±1.1, respectively. During sectioning, all specimens of Xeno® III-cleaned only and Xeno® III-grinding groups were fractured. CONCLUSIONS: Two step AdheSE yields higher mTBS in comparison to one step Xeno ® III. In regard to surface conditioning, sandblasting increases the mTBS relative to grinding with finishing and polishing disc, and the cleaned-only enamel has the lowest mTBS.

Remineralization Effect of Topical NovaMin Versus Sodium Fluoride (1.1%) on Caries-Like Lesions in Permanent Teeth.

OBJECTIVE: NovaMin, a synthetic mineral composed of calcium, sodium, phosphorous and silica releases deposits of crystalline hydroxyl-carbonate apatite (HCA) structurally similar to tooth mineral composition. The aim of this investigation was to compare the potential remineralization effect of topical NovaMin and Sodium Fluoride gel on caries like lesions in permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 sound human freshly extracted teeth were subjected to a pH-cycling protocol. Specimens were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups with NovaMin contained dentifrice applied to group 1, while group 2 received a dentifrice containing 1.1% neutral Sodium Fluoride. Pastes were applied five times after the samples received a demineralization from an earlier cariogenic challenge. Specimens were then evaluated by a Surface Micro Hardness test (SMH, 25G, 5s). Post-treatment SMH measurements were conducted and Mann Whitney test was employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean post lesion SMH values were 221.99±26.27 and 224.50±28.64 for the first and second groups, respectively. Post treatment SMH values were 232.52±24.34 for NovaMin and 232.03 ±24.46 for the fluoride group. Two way ANOVA test showed a highly significant difference between the two different treatment protocols (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: NovaMin dentifrice appears to have a greater effect on remineralization of carious-like lesions when compared to that of fluoride containing dentifrice in permanent teeth.

[Nocturnal long-term monitoring of lung sounds in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease]. / Nächtliche Langzeitregistrierung von Lungengeräuschen bei Patienten mit gastroösophagealem Reflux.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common clinical conditions in the developed countries. Particular interest in pulmonary manifestations of this disease has arisen over the last few years. Although the high coincidence between reflux and chronic cough is unquestioned, the proof of a causal correlation is still lacking. In this paper we present the Marburger Lung-Sound-Monitoring as a new method for the detection of nocturnal respiratory symptoms such as cough, wheezing and throat clearing and their temporal correlation with reflux. This method will in future allow us to precisely record and to evaluate the extent and duration of reflux events and their correlation with respiratory symptoms.

Pharmacokinetic study and comparative bioavailability of two nelfinavir tablet formulations in Iranian healthy volunteers after a low-dose administration.

The objective of this study is to evaluate pharmacokinetic parameters, bioavailability of a potent HIV protease inhibitor, nelfinavir mesylate (NFV), following a single oral administration of 2 tablet formulations. A randomized, 2-way, crossover, bioequivalence study was conducted in 24 healthy male volunteers to compare 2 brands of nelfinavir 250 mg tablets, Nelfabiovir (Bakhtar Bioshimi, Iran) as test and Viracept (Roche, Germany) as reference product. Blood samples were collected at selected times during 12 h and plasma concentrations were determined with a sensitive and validated HPLC method involving a simple protein precipitation step. Individual pharmacokinetic parameters, t1/2, t1/2(abs), K, Ka, tmax, Cmax, Vd/F, Cl/F, AUC0-12 and AUC0- yen were determined from plasma concentration-time profiles for both formulations and were compared statistically. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not show any significant difference between the two formulations and 90% confidence intervals (CI) fell within the acceptable range, satisfying the bioequivalence criteria of the FDA. In vitro parameters of mean dissolution time (MDT) and time for 70% dissolution (T70) were also determined. There was no significant difference between these parameters for two dosage forms (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the two nelfinavir products are bioequivalent with respect to the rate and extent of absorption.

TgM2AP participates in Toxoplasma gondii invasion of host cells and is tightly associated with the adhesive protein TgMIC2.

Like other members of the medically important phylum Apicomplexa, Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that secretes several classes of proteins involved in the active invasion of target host cells. Proteins in apical secretory organelles known as micronemes have been strongly implicated in parasite attachment to host cells. TgMIC2 is a microneme protein with multiple adhesive domains that bind target cells and is mobilized onto the parasite surface during parasite attachment. Here, we describe a novel parasite protein, TgM2AP, which is physically associated with TgMIC2. TgM2AP complexes with TgMIC2 within 15 min of synthesis and remains associated with TgMIC2 in the micronemes, on the parasite surface during invasion and in the culture medium after release from the parasite plasma membrane. TgM2AP is proteolytically processed initially when its propeptide is removed during transit through the golgi and later while it occupies the parasite surface after discharge from the micronemes. We show that TgM2AP is a member of a protein family expressed by coccidian parasites including Neospora caninum and Eimeria tenella. This phylogenic conservation and association with a key adhesive protein suggest that TgM2AP is a fundamental component of the T. gondii invasion machinery.

Chitosan supports the expression of extracellular matrix proteins in human osteoblasts and chondrocytes.

The search for biocompatible materials that can support the growth and phenotypic expression of osteoblasts and chondrocytes is a major challenge in the application of tissue engineering techniques for the repair of bone and cartilage defects. Chitosan, a copolymer of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine, may provide an answer to this search. Chitosan is the deacetylated product of chitin, a ubiquitous biopolymer found in the exoskeleton of insects and marine invertebrates. Little is known about the utility of chitosan in propagating human osteoblasts and chondrocytes. In this study, we test the hypothesis that chitosan promotes the survival and function of osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Chitosan (4%, w/v in 2% HAc) was coated onto plastic coverslips that had been fitted into 24-well plates. Human osteoblasts and articular chondrocytes were seeded on either uncoated or chitosan-coated coverslips at 1 x 10(5)/cells per well. Cultures were incubated at 37 degrees C, 5% CO(2) for a period of 7 days. Cell viability was assessed at that time using a fluorescent molecular probe. The phenotypic expression of osteoblasts and chondrocytes was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. Osteoblasts and chondrocytes appeared spherical and refractile on chitosan-coated coverslips. In contrast, greater than 90% of cells on plastic coverslips were elongated and spindle shaped after 7 days of culture. Similar to cells propagated on uncoated control wells, greater than 90% of human osteoblasts and chondrocytes propagated on chitosan remained viable. Human osteoblasts propagated on chitosan films continued to express collagen type I whereas chondrocytes expressed collagen type II and aggrecan, as shown by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunostaining. The present in vitro work demonstrates the biocompatibility of chitosan as a substrate for the growth and continued function of human osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Chitosan may have potential use as a tissue engineering tool for the repair of osseous and chondral defects.

Proinflammatory cytokine expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha by human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells upon exposure to silicon nitride in vitro.

This study was designed to determine the effect of Si(3)N(4) disks and particulates on human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells in vitro. The MG-63 (10(5)/mL) cells were plated onto 24-well polystyrene plates fitted with either sintered reaction-bonded (SRBSN) or reaction-bonded (RBSN) 15-mm disks. Controls consisted of wells without Si(3)N(4) disks. Cells propagated at 37 degrees C, 5% CO(2) for 48 h on Si(3)N(4) disks and control polystyrene surfaces exhibited similar proliferative capacities (7000 and 4000 cpm/10(5) cells, respectively, p > 0.05). Cells incubated with 1, 10, or 100 microgram/ml of Si(3)N(4) particles (<1.00 to 5.00 micrometer) for 24 h did not exhibit a decrease in DNA synthetic activity: 12 +/- 1.3 x 10(4), 10.5 +/- 1.5 x 10(4), and 11.0 +/- 1.7 x 10(4) cpm, respectively, compared to 11.6 +/- 2.6 x 10(4) cpm/10(5) for the control cells, as indicated by (3)H-thymidine uptake. Cells propagated on RBSN displayed increased expression of cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha compared to the control cells, as shown by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In contrast, cells propagated on SRBSN surfaces expressed the same level of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha as that of control cells. Incubation of MG-63 cells with 1-10 microgram/mL of particles did not increase IL-1beta expression. However, at 100 microgram/mL, TNF-alpha expression was greater than that of the control cells. Silicon nitride, evaluated here as disks or as particulates (1-10 microgram/mL), is biocompatible and does not hinder the proliferation or induce proinflammatory cytokine expression of human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells in vitro.

Enhanced proliferation and osteocalcin production by human osteoblast-like MG63 cells on silicon nitride ceramic discs.

The biocompatibility of silicon nitride (Si3N4) was assessed in an in vitro model using the human osteoblast-like MG-63 cell line. Cells were propagated on the surface of: reaction-bonded silicon nitride discs, sintered after reaction-bonded silicon nitride discs or control polystyrene surface for 48 h. Compared to cells propagated on polystyrene surface, cells grown on the surface of unpolished silicon nitride discs had significantly lower cell yield and decreased osteocalcin production. In contrast, cells on the surface of polished silicon nitride discs showed similar proliferative capacity to control cells propagated on polystyrene surface. Cells propagated on polished discs also produced higher levels of osteocalcin than cells on unpolished discs. SEM analysis showed cells with well-delineated morphology and cytoplasmic extensions when propagated on polished sintered after reaction-bonded discs. Cells appeared more spherical, when grown on polished reaction-bonded discs. The results of this study suggest that silicon nitride is a non-toxic, biocompatible ceramic surface for the propagation of functional human bone cells in vitro. Its high wear resistance and ability to support bone cell growth and metabolism make silicone nitride an attractive candidate for clinical application. Further studies are needed to explore the feasibility of using silicon nitride clinically as an orthopedic biomaterial.

Human chondrocytes proliferate and produce matrix components in microcarrier suspension culture.

Chondrocytes propagated in monolayer culture proliferate and change into 'fibroblastoid'-like cells. This change is characterized by a shift in production of collagen type II to I and from high- to low-molecular-weight proteoglycans. When propagated in three-dimensional culture, chondrocytes have limited ability to divide but re-express their original characteristics. The goal of the present study was to determine whether a microcarrier suspension culture system would support chondrocyte proliferation and phenotype expression. Our experiments indicate that a collagen type I microcarrier (cellagen) best supported chondrocyte proliferation and phenotype expression. Cells in cellagen microcarriers multiplied at least twentyfold within 2 weeks and had doubling times of 2 to 3 d. Viable and metabolically active cells were retrieved with ease. The harvested chondrocytes had no detectable staining for collagen type I and stained intensely for collagen type II. Our studies demonstrate that the microcarrier suspension culture system supports growth and enhances expression of the 'chondrocytic' phenotype. Attachment to a constrained surface and the fluid shear forces on the microcarriers during suspension culture may have helped chondrocytes to reacquire their rounded shape and produce cartilage matrix components.

Primary adenocarcinoma arising in an ileostomy.

Two cases are added to the world literature of patients in whom an adenocarcinoma developed at the ileostomy site after total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. Fourteen additional cases have been reported in the world literature; of these, 12 cases have been in patients with ulcerative colitis, and four cases have been in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Adenocarcinoma of an ileostomy is not common. However, in the analysis of the reported cases, patients with long-standing ileostomies appear to be at a greater risk. With an aging ileostomy population, an increase in the number of cases may be seen. Three hypotheses are discussed as potential causative pathways to this entity. Continued analysis of these cases may yield information on the pathophysiology involved.

Tyrosinase reaction/chitosan adsorption for selectively removing phenols from aqueous mixtures.

The goal of this work was to explore the technical feasibility of an enzymatic approach as an alternative to traditional approaches for phenol separations. Specifically, we examined a two-step approach to selectively remove phenols from mixtures containing nonphenolic isomers. Our model solutes, of molecular formula C(7)H(8)O, were the phenol, cresol; the alkyl aryl ether, anisol; and the alcohol, benzyl alcohol. The first step is this two-step approach employed the enzyme mushroom tyrosinase to selectively convert the phenolic, presumably to an o-quinone product. The tyrosinase was specific for the phenol and was not observed to react with either the ether or the alcohol. The second step of this two-step approach employed a sorbent of an appropriate surface chemistry to bind the products of the tyrosinase-catalysed reaction of phenols. The sorbent used for this study was chitosan. Chitosan was observed to be unable to adsorb either nonphenol and was unable to adsorb unreacted cresol. However, Chittosan effectively adsorbs UV-absorbing reaction products of the tyrosinase-catalysed reaction of phenols. When mixtures of cresol and either anasol or benzyl alcohol were studied, the two-step approach was effective for completely removing the phenolic without loss of either the ether or alcohol or the ether (i.e., phenols were removed with high separation factors).

Spectrum of clinical manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis.

Familial adenomatous polyposis is an autosomal dominant disease that primarily involves the colon, but may involve other organs such as the central nervous system, ampulla of Vater, liver, soft tissue and the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract. In this report we present the adenocarcinoma of the uterus and adenocarcinoma of the ovary as a new addition to the clinical spectrum of familial adenomatous polyposis. Due to the tendency for development of multiple primary carcinomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, these patients need to be followed very closely for detection of new malignancies. If diagnosed early and treated accordingly, they could have a long-term postoperative survival.

Gynecological malignancies, brain tumors, and familial adenomatous polyposis.

The syndrome of familial adenomatous polyposis has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations including adenomatous polyps of the colon and small bowel, adenocarcinoma of ampulla of Vater, tumors of the central nervous system, bone lesions, and various soft tissue tumors. The one common denominator is colonic polyposis. It is not known whether this phenotypic heterogeneity is due to various genotypes, or if the entire clinical spectrum is due to one genetic defect. We are reporting the association of gynecologic malignancies with familial adenomatous polyposis as an additional variant of this disease. This report is on two sisters from a family with familial polyposis coli who developed adenomatous polyposis of the colon, central nervous system tumors, and cancers of the ovary and uterus. The gynecological malignancies add another variant to this clinical syndrome.