Occurrence and intensity of parasites in Prussian carp, Carassius gibelio from Anzali wetland, southwest Caspian Sea

The aim of this study was to detect the occurrence of parasites in Prussian carp, Carassius gibelio as the most important alien fish in Anzali international wetland. This undesirable fish was introduced accidentally to Iran with Chinese carp fries which imported to the country during the last decades and then acceded to Anzali wetland. Today this fish has significant stocks in Anzali wetland but there have been limited studies about the parasites of this fish in Anzali wetland. During this study a total of 90 Prussian carp were collected by electrofishing and gillnets from April through July 2012. After recording biometric characteristics, common necropsy and parasitology methods were used. A total of 2715 individuals out of 11 parasite species were recovered. Parasitofauna consisted of: two protozoans, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Trichodina sp.; one nematode, Raphidascaris acus; one trematode, Diplostomum spathaceum; six monogeneans, Dactylogyrus formosus, Dactylogyrus dulkeiti, Dactylogyrus baueri, Dactylogyrus arquatus, Dactylogyrus inexpectatus and Gyrodactylus kobayashii; and one crustacean, copepodid stage of Lernaea cyprinacea. The monogeneans had the highest prevalence values (88.89%). The occurrence of D. inexpectatus in C. gibelio is reported for the first time in Iran

Effects of mannan-oligosaccharides-supplemented diets on production performance of four close-bred flocks of Japanese quail breeders

The present study was conducted to find out the dietary effects of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) supplemented diets on the production performance of four close-bred flocks (CBFs) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) breeders. A total of 960 twelve-week-old birds of four CBFs were randomly divided into four groups (n = 240) with 12 replicates (n = 20). Birds were fed a corn-based basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.0% MOS for 15 weeks. The authors analysed the data by two-way ANOVA techniques using SAS (Statistical Analysis System). Birds fed MOS-supplemented diets had significantly higher body and egg weight, egg mass, and egg number than the control group. Similarly, the feed conversion ratio (FCR)/dozen eggs, FCR/kg egg mass, and mortality were significantly lower in MOS supplemented groups. However, no significant effect of MOS supplementation was recorded on feed intake and egg production of birds. None of the parameters differed significantly among CBFs. The results showed that feeding MOS as a replacement for antibiotic growth factor may positively influence the production performance and health of Japanese quail breeders.Keywords: Body weight, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, mortalit

Culture of Chinese carps using anaerobic fermented cow manure (Slurry) and comparison of survival and growth factors versus traditional culture

The objective of this project is to compare growth and survival rate in Chinese carps reared under traditional culture conditions versus those reared in ponds treated with slurry (anaerobic fermented of cow manure). This experiment was conducted using two treatments one treatment using slurry and the other using cow manure plus chemical fertilizer as the control with three replicates for each. Chinese carp were stocked at the density of 2375 individuals/ha ( Silver carp 60%, Bighead 15%, common carp 17% and grass carp 8%). In this investigation common carp and grass carp were fed with formulated diets and fresh grass, respectively. The survival rate in the slurry treatment was higher than that in traditional treatment. Survival rates were 98, 100, 84 and 52 percent for silver carp, bighead, common carp and grass carp, respectively in the slurry treated ponds and 96.0, 98.3, 82.8 and 20.0% percent in the control ponds. The results showed that survival rate and yields were higher in the slurry treated ponds than that in the control. The increasing percent of yield were 13.5, 2.6, 18.4 and 85.3 in silver carp, bighead, common carp and grass carp, respectively. The survival rate for grass carp was two times higher in the slurry treatment than control. Zooplankton abundance in slurry ponds was higher than that in control, but blue-green algae density in slurry treated ponds was less than (over 50%). In general the results indicate that slurry with higher nutritional content is more effective on the survival and growth rate of fishes and also is more efficient in the proliferation of plankton in particular zooplankton. Slurry also reduces the use of chemical fertilizers

Effect of pioglitazone therapy on high sensitive C-reactive protein and lipid profile in diabetic patients with renal transplantation; a randomize clinical trial

Background: Inflammation has a major role in disease lead to renal failure and diabetes mellitus, controlling inflammation in diabetic kidney receivers could decrease morbidity and mortality. Objectives: This study designed for evaluating the efficacy of pioglitazone on C-reactive protein and lipid profile in diabetic kidney transplant receivers. Patients and Methods: In this double blinded clinical trial, 58 diabetic renal transplant receivers, in first month after transplantation, randomized into two groups; receiving insulin and pioglitazone (15 mg tablet daily, group A); and insulin and placebo (group B). Blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI) and laboratory data compared in before and after 4-month treatment in two groups by SPSS. Results: Fifty-eight patients with mean age of 44.15 ± 2 years included. There were no significant difference between groups in demographic data and other baseline measured variables (P > 0.05).The mean weigh and BMI were slightly increased in group A and decreased in group B. The mean hs-CRP was decreased 4.82 mg/dL in group A and 1.93 mg/dL in group B (P = 0.007). The mean total serum cholesterol was significantly decreased 34 mg/dL in group A and 18.07 mg/dL in group B (P = 0.027). The mean serum HDL-C was significantly increased 13.31 mg/dL in group A and 5.89 mg/dl in group B (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Pioglitazone seems to be a safe drug for reducing serum lipids and CRP in kidney transplant receivers with diabetes mellitus in short term. Long term effect of this drug could be evaluated in future studies. Copyright © 2015 The Author(s)

Effects of mannan-oligosaccharides’ supplementation on hatching characteristics of four close-bred flocks of Japanese quail breeders

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mannan-oligosaccharides’ (MOS) supplementation on hatching characteristics of four close-bred flocks (CBFs) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) breeders. A total of 960 Japanese quail breeders, aged 12 weeks old, were randomly selected and divided into four groups (n = 240) with twelve replicates (n = 20) in a completely randomized design (15 ♂ : 5 ♀). The birds were a fed corn-based basal diet (group D) or basal diet supplemented with MOS at the levels of 0.25 % (group A), 0.5 % (group B) and 1.0 % (group C) for 15 weeks. The collected data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA techniques using Statistical Analysis System. The fertility and hatchability of 0.50 % MOS-supplemented group was significantly higher than other treatment groups. Similarly, fertility and hatchability percent of fertile eggs of Kaleem flock was significantly higher than other flocks, while dead in-shells were significantly lower in Sadat flock. Conclusively, MOS supplementation positively influences the fertility and hatchability of quail breeders.Keywords: Fertility, hatchability, Japanese quail breeders, mannan-oligosaccharides, poultry biotechnolog

FASCIOLIASIS IN CATTLE-A REVIEW

ABSTRACT Fascioliasis is a common disease of cattle and other ruminants caused by F. hepatica and F. gigantica. The disease is world wide in distribution and is liable for causing extensive economic losses to the livestock industry encompassing reductions in weight gain, milk yield and fertility. In this study knowledge about prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and control of Fascioliasis has been reviewed. This article evaluates more recent work along with previous studies. The fecal egg count, signs / symptoms and specific antibodies in serum were the only diagnostic tools in the past however now for detection of F. hepatica specific copro-antigen has been developed and commercialized. An indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent, assay (IEA) allows an early diagnosis. The tracer animals and snail studies have widened the existing knowledge. The treatment has been carried out mainly with Fasciolicides (Albendazole, Oxyclozanide and Triclabendazole), however resistance has been developed. Most of the recommended treatments are not feasible. Seasonal deworming is essential. Pasture management by creating bio competent environment with snail predators can be very effective in reducing the rate of incidence and controlling the problem. Vaccine is there but is not frequently used due to incompatible immune response. The studies on reduction in milk yield due to Fascioliasis are still lacking and require extensive research/ investigations

Galactose and its Metabolites Deteriorate Metaphase II Mouse Oocyte Quality and Subsequent Embryo Development by Disrupting the Spindle Structure

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a frequent long-term complication of classic galactosemia. The majority of women with this disorder develop POI, however rare spontaneous pregnancies have been reported. Here, we evaluate the effect of D-galactose and its metabolites, galactitol and galactose 1-phosphate, on oocyte quality as well as embryo development to elucidate the mechanism through which these compounds mediate oocyte deterioration. Metaphase II mouse oocytes (n=240), with and without cumulus cells (CCs), were exposed for 4hours to D-galactose (2μM), galactitol (11μM) and galactose 1-phosphate (0.1mM), (corresponding to plasma concentrations in patients on galactoserestricted diet) and compared to controls. The treated oocytes showed decreased quality as a function of significant enhancement in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when compared to controls. The presence of CCs offered no protection, as elevated ROS was accompanied by increased apoptosis of CCs. Our results suggested that D-galactose and its metabolites disturbed the spindle structure and chromosomal alignment, which was associated with significant decline in oocyte cleavage and blastocyst development after in-vitro fertilization. The results provide insight into prevention and treatment strategies that may be used to extend the window of fertility in these patients

Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath masquerading as trigger finger.

We report a case of a 59-year-old female who presented in the general orthopaedic clinic with triggering of her right middle finger. She did not respond to conventional treatment methods; subsequently she underwent surgical open release under local anaesthesia. Five months postoperatively, the patient presented with signs and symptoms of acute flexor tenosynovitis, and was thought to have a postoperative infection. Re-examination by a hand surgeon raised the possibility of a different aetiology. Based on clinical findings and response to initial treatment, giant cell tumour of the flexor tendon sheath was suspected and later confirmed following surgical biopsy. A high index of suspicion and knowledge of the variegated presentations of giant cell tumour in the hand are beneficial in these types of cases