Effect of temperature manipulation during incubation on body weight, plasma parameters, muscle histology, and expression of myogenic genes in breast muscle of embryos and broiler chickens from two commercial strains.

1. This study evaluated the effect of a higher incubation temperature on body weight, plasma profile, histology and expression of myogenin (MYOG), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) genes in breast muscle of embryos and broilers from two commercial strains.2. A total of 784 eggs from Ross 308 and Cobb 500 broiler breeder flocks were used. Half of the eggs per strain were incubated at control temperature (37.8°C), whereas the other half were exposed to heat treatment (HT) of 38.8°C between embryonic day (ED) 10 and 14, for 6 h/day. Embryos and chicks were sampled on ED 19 and at hatch. A total of 480, one-day-old chicks per strain and incubation temperature were reared up to 42 d post-hatch.3. The HT increased hatch weight of Ross chicks and 42-d body weight of broilers from both strains. Lower plasma triacylglycerol levels were measured for HT embryos and broilers on ED 19 and 42 d post-hatch, respectively. HT reduced plasma T3 levels in Ross embryos and broilers for the same periods. Hepatic TBARS concentrations were elevated by HT compared to the control incubation.4. The HT reduced breast muscle VEGFA gene expression of Cobb embryos on ED 19, whereas expression was stimulated in day-old chicks. At 42 d post-hatch, fibre area was increased by HT regardless of strain. Compared to the control incubation, HT increased the breast yield of Ross broilers and leg yield of Cobb. Ross-HT broilers had a higher pH at 24 h after slaughter and better water holding capacity than Cobb-HT broilers.5. These results suggested that HT increased body weight, fibre area, IGF-I gene expression and lowered plasma triacylglycerol levels of broiler chickens from both strains at 42 d. However, HT influenced the expression of VEGF-A and MYOG genes and meat quality differently between the broiler strains.

A Study on Isolation and Molecular Identification of Bordetella avium from Iranian Commercial and Backyard Broiler Turkeys within 2016-2018.

Bordetellosis or turkey coryza, caused by Bordetella avium, has been an issue for turkey industry since its first description in 1967 when it was reported for the first time. Bordetella avium causes a highly contagious upper respiratory disease in turkeys. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate and characterize this species from commercial and backyard turkeys in Tehran, Isfahan, and Northern provinces of Iran. For the purpose of the study, 625 tracheal swabs were taken from 425 commercial poults and 200 backyard poults aged 2-6 weeks from September 2016 to September 2018. The swabs were immediately plated on MacConkey and blood agar plates and then pooled (5 swabs/pool) in tubes, containing 2 mL distilled water, to perform direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the identification of B. avium. A total of 17 swab pools were found to be positive for B. avium. A subset of seven positive samples were sequenced for the flanking region of piuA gene. The analysis of the sequences indicated that the sequences were 98%, 96%, and 98% similar to B. avium 197N (AM167904.1), 4142 (AY925058.1), and 4156 (AY925068.1) sequences, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first attempt toward the molecular detection and characterization of B. avium in Iran. It is highly recommended to perform further studies to isolate, characterize, and differentiate the regional isolates in order to help the developing turkey industry of Iran meet the increasing demands for protein in the diet of the citizenry.

Shielding calculation and criticality safety analysis of spent fuel transportation cask in research reactors.

In this study, shielding calculation and criticality safety analysis were carried out for general material testing reactor (MTR) research reactors interim storage and relevant transportation cask. During these processes, three major terms were considered: source term, shielding, and criticality calculations. The Monte Carlo transport code MCNP5 was used for shielding calculation and criticality safety analysis and ORIGEN2.1 code for source term calculation. According to the results obtained, a cylindrical cask with body, top, and bottom thicknesses of 18, 13, and 13 cm, respectively, was accepted as the dual-purpose cask. Furthermore, it is shown that the total dose rates are below the normal transport criteria that meet the standards specified.

Sentinel node biopsy in endometrial cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

PURPOSE: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a fairly new approach for staging of gynecological malignancies. In the current study, the authors comprehensively reviewed the available reports on sentinel node biopsy of endometrial cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors searched Medline, SCOPUS, ISI web of knowledge, Science Direct, Springer, OVID SP, and Google Scholar with the following search terms: "endometrium OR endometrial OR uterine OR uterus AND sentinel". The outcomes of interest were detection rate and sensitivity. RESULTS: Overall, 35 studies had enough information for false negative rate evaluation and 51 studies (including the sub-groups of individual studies) for detection rate evaluation (2,071 patients overall). Pooled detection rate was 77.8% (95% CI: 73.5-81.5%) and pooled sensitivity was 89% (95% CI: 83-93%). Cervical injection, as well as using both blue dye and radiotracer, results in higher detection rate and sensitivity. New techniques such as fluorescent dye injection and robotic-assisted surgery showed high detection rate and sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Sentinel node mapping is feasible in endometrial cancer. Using both blue dye and radiotracer and cervical injection of the mapping material can optimize the sensitivity and detection rate of this technique. Larger studies are still needed to evaluate the false negative rate and the factors influencing the sensitivity before considering this method safe.

Centralization of ovarian cancer surgery: do patients benefit?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of surgery in patients with ovarian cancer by gynecologist-oncologists and general gynecologists on overall survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study all patients diagnosed with primary ovarian cancer at Vali-e-Asr Hospital (Tehran, Iran) between April 1999 and January 2005 were eligible for enrollment. A total 157 consecutive patients with ovarian cancer were available for analysis. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect the stage, age and histological type of tumor. Of 157 patients, 60 were treated by gynecologist-oncologists and 95 by general gynecologists, and two patients were treated by general surgeons. RESULTS: The number of patients who had optimal cytoreductive surgery performed was higher in the gynecologist-oncologist group than the number in the general gynecologist group (p < 0.001). The majority of patients in the general gynecologist group needed a second operation while only a few in the gynecologist-oncologist group needed one (p < 0.001).The interval between initial surgery and beginning of chemotherapy was significantly longer in the gynecologist-oncologist group as compared to the general oncologist group (p = 0.001). Overall survival and disease-free survival were considerably better in the gynecologist-oncologist group but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: Patients with ovarian cancer should be referred to Gynecology-Oncology Departments for optimal treatment.

Effects of different plant density and nitrogen application rate on nitrogen use efficiency of potato tuber.

In order to investigate the plant density and nitrogen level on nitrogen use efficiency components (agronomical, physiological, apparent recovery and nitrogen use efficiency), the amount of nitrogen uptake by plant, yield and yield components of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Agria cultivars' tuber, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design was conducted in Ardabil, Iran, in 2006 with three replications. Factors were adjusted for the nitrogen level (0, 80, 160 and 200 kg ha(-1) net nitrogen) and plant density (5.5, 7.5 and 11 plant m(-2)). Results showed that with increasing the nitrogen levels and plant densities agronomical nitrogen use efficiency, physiological nitrogen efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency were decreased and apparent recovery nitrogen efficiency was increased. The most nitrogen uptake in plant was observed at the 200 kg ha(-1) net nitrogen. The most yield and number of tuber per unit area were gained at the 80 and 160 kg ha(-1) net nitrogen. Increasing the plant density resulted in increasing in the tuber yield per unit area and the rate of nitrogen up to the 160 kg ha(-1) net nitrogen. So, application of the 80 kg ha(-1) net nitrogen and plant density of 11 plant m(-2) is recommended to get highest yield with the most nitrogen use efficiency.

Antioxidant activity of leaves and fruits of Iranian conifers.

Cupressus semipervirens var. horizontalis, Cupressus semipervirens var. semipervirens, Cupressus semipervirens cv. Cereifeormis, Juniperus communis subsp. hemisphaerica, Juniperus excelsa subsp. excelsa, Juniperus excelsa subsp. polycarpos, Juniperus foetidissima, Juniperus oblonga, Juniperus sabina, Platycladus orientalis and Taxus baccata are Iranian conifers. The antioxidant activity of leaves and fruits of these 11 different taxons were evaluated. The leaves of both male and female, and fruits of these plants were collected from different areas of the country. Methanol extract of leaves and fruits of these taxons were prepared. Antioxidant activity of each extracts was measured using two different tests of the ferric thiocyanate method and thiobarbituric acid. Results indicated that the methanol extracts of leaves, of male and female, and fruits of all these species (27 samples) possessed antioxidant activity when tested with both methods. The antioxidant activity was then compared with those of alpha-tocopherol (a natural antioxidant) and butylated hydroxytoluene (a synthetic antioxidant). Methanol extract of fruits of C. semipervirens cv. Cereifeormis showed the highest antioxidant activity while the methanol extract of leaves of C. semipervirens var. semipervirens possessed the lowest antioxidant activity. However, our finding showed that most of the tested extracts were showing strong antioxidant activity even higher than alpha-tocopherol.

Generation of hydroxyl radicals during ascites experimentally induced in broilers.

Increased metabolic rates, pulmonary hypertension and cardiac dysfunction are the most important features of the ascites syndrome in broiler chickens. However, the mechanism of cell injury causing the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not clearly understood. Our study aimed to examine the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH*) in broiler chickens experiencing ascites. The hundred and fifty 1-d-old chickens were purchased from a local hatchery and reared in an open poultry house for 46 d. They were divided at random into three groups and ascites was induced in two groups by exposing them to low temperature or administration of triiodothyronine (T(3)). The third group served as control and was reared normally. Haematological, biochemical and pathological tests were used to determine the incidence of ascites: including total red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), release of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) and ratio of right ventricular weight to total ventricular weight (RV/TV). A salicylate hydroxylation method was used to examine the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH*) in treated groups. TWo hydroxylated salicylic acid metabolites, 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid (2,3- and 2,5-DHBA), were measured by HPLC to detect the generation of OH*. An ascites syndrome was observed in T(3) and low-temperature treated groups, as shown by necropsy changes and increases in f RBC, PCV, ALT, AST and the ratio of RV/TV. Concentrations of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA were increased in groups experiencing ascites compared to control group. It is suggested that reactive oxygen species that is OH* ions, may be involved in the pathogenesis of the ascites syndrome in broiler chickens.

Comparison of three lines of broilers differing in ascites susceptibility or growth rate. 2. Egg weight loss, gas pressures, embryonic heat production, and physiological hormone levels.

Ascites is a metabolic disorder that accounts for over 25% of overall mortality in the broiler industry. This disorder is manifested between wk 5 and 6 posthatch, but there are previous indications that predisposition may be identified during embryonic development. In this current study, we determined embryonic physiological and metabolic parameters that may be associated with ascites predisposition. For this purpose, we used broiler eggs from 3 lines that differed in ascites sensitivity. These included an ascites-sensitive dam line (DAS), an ascites-resistant dam line (DAR), and an ascites-sensitive sire line (SASL). Eggs were incubated for 21 d under standard conditions. The following parameters were measured during incubation: egg weights at setting, egg weight losses at 18 d, embryo body weights and embryo heart weights throughout development, air cell partial gas pressures (pCO2 and pO2) levels at d 18 and at internal pipping (IP); plasma triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and corticosterone levels at d 18, IP, and hatch; heat production from d 17 until hatch, hematocrit values at hatch, and posthatch growth rate to 7 d along with hematocrit values. The data obtained revealed that selection for ascites sensitivity or rapid growth rate had no consistent influence on some of these parameters such that they could be wholly associated with ascites sensitivity for predictive purposes. Whereas differences in embryonic developmental patterns were apparent throughout embryonic development, these differences in physiological and metabolic parameters may be due partly to genetic differences unrelated to ascites sensitivity.

Beneficial effects of alternative lighting schedules on the incidence of ascites and on metabolic parameters of broiler chickens.

The beneficial effects of different lighting programmes on the incidence of ascites was investigated in an experiment with 360 three-day-old male broiler chickens. At 3 days of age, chicks were randomly divided over three rooms in a high-altitude farm, 2000 m above sea level. During days 14 to 28 ambient temperature decreased during the night but the minimum temperature did not descend below 15 degrees C. In the first room the continuous lighting schedule (CL, 23L:1D) was maintained and in the second room an intermittent lighting schedule (IL, 1L:3D), repeated six times daily, was imposed from 3 days of age. In the third room, an increasing photoperiod schedule (IP, 4 to 14 days, 6L:18D; 15 to 21 days, 10L:14D; 22 to 28 days, 14L:10D; 29 to 35 days, 18L:6D; 36 to 42 days, 23L:1D) was provided. Mortality associated with right ventricular failure and ascites was numerically lower in birds reared under the IL and IP schedules compared to birds reared under the CL schedule, which can be attributed to the temporary reduction in relative growth and feed intake in IL and IP birds. It was concluded that the beneficial effect of lighting schedules could be due to a reduced metabolic rate as a consequence of the altered growth trajectory, as also reflected in the lower haematocrit and plasma T3 levels of IL and IP birds compared to CL birds.

Gamma irradiator dose mapping simulation using the MCNP code and benchmarking with dosimetry.

The Monte Carlo transport code, MCNP, has been applied in simulating dose rate distribution in the IR-136 gamma irradiator system. Isodose curves, cumulative dose values, and system design data such as throughputs, over-dose-ratios, and efficiencies have been simulated as functions of product density. Simulated isodose curves, and cumulative dose values were compared with dosimetry values obtained using polymethyle-methacrylate, Fricke, ethanol-chlorobenzene, and potassium dichromate dosimeters. The produced system design data were also found to agree quite favorably with those of the system manufacturer's data. MCNP has thus been found to be an effective transport code for handling of various dose mapping excercises for gamma irradiators.

Further evidence for the involvement of cardiac beta-adrenergic receptors in right ventricle hypertrophy and ascites in broiler chickens.

The present study was carried out to determine, first, the cardiac beta-adrenergic receptor characteristics of broiler chick embryos exposed to two different CO(2) levels during the last stage of embryonic development, and second, the prophylactic effect of beta(1)-adrenoceptor blocker on right ventricular hypertrophy in broiler chickens. High CO(2) embryos showed significantly higher haematocrit values, higher partial pressure of CO(2) levels and lower partial pressure of O(2) levels than those of normal CO(2) embryos. Exposure of chick embryos to high CO(2) levels reduced the binding capacity of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors compared with those embryos incubated at the normal CO(2) level. Atenolol-supplemented diet numerically reduced ascites incidence in broiler chickens (7%) compared with birds fed the control diet (15%). In conclusion, these data support the important role of the beta-adrenergic receptor in the cardiovascular system for cardiac output, and secondary to pulmonary hypertension syndrome.

Relationship between myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor characteristics and the incidence of ascites in broiler chickens.

The present study was carried out to determine, first, the cardiac beta-adrenergic receptor characteristics of normal chickens and chickens with heart failure and, second, the characteristics of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors in non-hypertrophied hearts in broilers exposed to two different altitude and temperature programmes. The density of beta-adrenergic receptors was significantly lower in myocardial cells in right ventricular failure birds compared with healthy birds. The binding capacity of beta-adrenergic receptors was reduced in the non-hypertrophied ventricles after exposure to high altitude in the younger but not in older chickens. At both altitudes, beta-adrenergic receptor binding capacity was not significantly different in low temperature compared with normal temperature birds. These data support the hypothesis of beta-adrenergic receptor downregulation as one of the mechanisms of cardiac cell adaptation to hypertrophy or hypoxia. Second, the acclimatization to high altitude in older chickens resulted in a normalization of beta-receptor capacity in those broilers that were not affected by right ventricular failure and ascites.

Effect of intermittent lighting schedules during the natural scotoperiod on T(3)-induced ascites in broiler chickens.

The influence of an intermittent lighting programme during the 12h of the dark period on the incidence of ascites and on metabolic parameters of broiler chickens was examined. A group of 336 1-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to two open rooms At 5 days of age, an intermittent lighting schedule of 3h of dark alternating with 1h of light was introduced during the night in one room, while in the second room the schedule consisted of 23 h of light alternating with 1 h of dark. One-half of the birds in each room were fed a diet supplemented with 1.5ppm 3, 3', 5-triiodothyronine (T(3)), while the other half received a control diet. Mortality associated with ascites was significantly higher in birds fed the T 3 -supplemented diet, but was significantly lower in birds in the room receiving the intermittent lighting schedule. The intermittent lighting programme was also associated with a temporary reduction in growth rate, packed cell volume and plasma T(3) concentrations, suggesting reduced oxygen utilization. However, final body weights were not significantly affected by the lighting programme. It was concluded that imposing 12 h of intermittent lighting during scotoperiod reduces the incidence of ascite mortality.

Determination of phosphonoformic acid in human plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

Trisodium phosphonoformate (foscarnet) is used in the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections in immunocompromised patients, such as bone marrow and renal transplant recipients, as well as patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic assay is described using an electrochemical detector. The method is accurate, precise and reproducible. Hydrochlorothiazide is used as the internal standard. This assay allows measurement of foscarnet in biological fluids at concentrations as low as 33 microM. This method is being used for the analysis of samples in clinical trials and is important in the evaluation of the pharmacokinetic disposition of the drug.

Thermal enhancement of bleomycin-induced tumour growth delay: the effect of dose fractionation.

The influence of hyperthermia on bleomycin-induced growth delay of a syngeneic murine carcinoma has been studied in both simultaneous and sequential schedules for single and multi-fraction drug dose. The results reveal thermal potentiation of drug-induced growth delay if treatment is given simultaneously. This observed potentiation is independent of single or multi-fraction drug administration. Sequential pre-heating treatment resulted in only additive growth rate depression for single and two-fraction drug doses. However, when the drug dose was given in three fractions a significant thermal potentiation was observed for both simultaneous and sequential schedules.