Optimization of energy consumption per kg of pure meat by electrical and thermal systems in broiler chicken farms

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of electrical and thermal systems optimization on energy consumption in broiler farms. Experiments were conducted in 4 different climates (cold, hot, dry, and temperate) with four treatments (4 broiler farms in each region) and 5 iterations (5 rearing periods per farm) on the Ross 308 strain of broiler chicken in a completely randomized basic design. The results showed that the solutions applied in cold and dry climates had a significant effect on reducing energy consumption (P<0.05). In the hot climate, although the reduction in energy consumption was observed after the application of the solutions, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Also, the application of solutions in temperate climates created a significant difference in the specific amount of thermal energy consumption per kilo of meat and total energy (P<0.05). Overall, the results of the present experiment showed that optimizing the electrical and thermal systems of broiler houses could reduce energy consumption in all climates.

Osteolineage depletion of mitofusin2 enhances cortical bone formation in female mice

Mitochondria are essential organelles that form highly complex, interconnected dynamic networks inside cells. The GTPase mitofusin 2 (MFN2) is a highly conserved outer mitochondrial membrane protein involved in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology, which can affect various metabolic and signaling functions. The role of mitochondria in bone formation remains unclear. Since MFN2 levels increase during osteoblast (OB) differentiation, we investigated the role of MFN2 in the osteolineage by crossing mice bearing floxed Mfn2 alleles with those bearing Prx-cre to generate cohorts of conditional knock out (cKO) animals. By ex vivo microCT, cKO female mice, but not males, display an increase in cortical thickness at 8, 18, and 30 weeks, compared to wild-type (WT) littermate controls. However, the cortical anabolic response to mechanical loading was not different between genotypes. To address how Mfn2 deficiency affects OB differentiation, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from both wild-type and cKO mice were cultured in osteogenic media with different levels of β-glycerophosphate. cKO MSCs show increased mineralization and expression of multiple markers of OB differentiation only at the lower dose. Interestingly, despite showing the expected mitochondrial rounding and fragmentation due to loss of MFN2, cKO MSCs have an increase in oxygen consumption during the first 7 days of OB differentiation. Thus, in the early phases of osteogenesis, MFN2 restrains oxygen consumption thereby limiting differentiation and cortical bone accrual during homeostasis in vivo.

Evaluation of thermal energy consumption in broiler farms and saving strategies

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate thermal energy consumption in broiler farms and provide solutions to reduce it. This study was performed with a completely randomized design under 4 climatic conditions, including Ardabil (cold climate representative), Khuzestan (warm climate representative), Isfahan (dry climate representative) and Guilan (temperate climate representative) in 4 replicates (4 broiler farms in each climate) and with 5 repetitions (5 periods of breeding per unit) and a capacity of 492,700, Ross 308 broiler in each breeding period. According to the results, in all climates, the proposed solutions to save thermal energy were able to create a significant difference (P<0.05). The experimental results also showed that the difference in thermal energy consumption in cold and dry climates wasmuch higher than in temperate and warm climates (P<0.05). Overall, the results of the present study show that, by optimizing andmodernizing construction equipment in broiler farms, thermal energy losses can be reduced in all climatic conditions.

Effect of respiratory exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene and ethyl benzene on the spirometric indices in two consecutive years among the petroleum products loading workers

Introduction: Benzene, toluene, xylene and ethylbenzene (BTEX) are the most important aromatic compounds in petroleum products. Due to high vapor pressure, BTEX compounds easily change to gas form and mixed with ambient air. Petroleum products loading workers are exposed to these compounds by the inhalation of BTEX compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of respiratory BTEX exposure on lung function indicators . Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on petroleum products loading workers in 2015 until 2016. there were process of inclusion and exclusion in working tasks. 32 people participated in this study consciously. Eighteen samples of air was gotten in the breathing zone of workers. Sampling was performed by  indivial sampling pump 222-4 model by use of activated charcoal were taken to determine the workers' exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene and ethyl benzene. Method of sampling was 1501 NIOSH.To determine and evaluate the lung function, spirometry tests were performed according to OSHA protocols. Results: The results of analysis of samples showed that the average exposure to benzene was above the occupational exposure limit and the average exposure to ethyl benzene, toluene and xylene were below the occupational exposure limit. Lung functions indices, including FVC, FEV1, FEV1 / FVC  were reduced. Conclusion: The results showed that exposure to BTEX compounds could affect lung function indices, and reduced Lung functions indices.

The tethering function of mitofusin2 controls osteoclast differentiation by modulating the Ca2+-NFATc1 axis

Dynamic regulation of the mitochondrial network by mitofusins (MFNs) modulates energy production, cell survival, and many intracellular signaling events, including calcium handling. However, the relative importance of specific mitochondrial functions and their dependence on MFNs vary greatly among cell types. Osteoclasts have many mitochondria, and increased mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation enhance bone resorption, but little is known about the mitochondrial network or MFNs in osteoclasts. Because expression of each MFN isoform increases with osteoclastogenesis, we conditionally deleted MFN1 and MFN2 (double conditional KO (dcKO)) in murine osteoclast precursors, finding that this increased bone mass in young female mice and abolished osteoclast precursor differentiation into mature osteoclasts in vitro Defective osteoclastogenesis was reversed by overexpression of MFN2 but not MFN1; therefore, we generated mice lacking only MFN2 in osteoclasts. MFN2-deficient female mice had increased bone mass at 1 year and resistance to Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL)-induced osteolysis at 8 weeks. To explore whether MFN-mediated tethering or mitophagy is important for osteoclastogenesis, we overexpressed MFN2 variants defective in either function in dcKO precursors and found that, although mitophagy was dispensable for differentiation, tethering was required. Because the master osteoclastogenic transcriptional regulator nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) is calcium-regulated, we assessed calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum and store-operated calcium entry and found that the latter was blunted in dcKO cells. Restored osteoclast differentiation by expression of intact MFN2 or the mitophagy-defective variant was associated with normalization of store-operated calcium entry and NFATc1 levels, indicating that MFN2 controls mitochondrion-endoplasmic reticulum tethering in osteoclasts.

Absence of an osteopetrosis phenotype in IKBKG (NEMO) mutation-positive women: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO), encoded by IKBKG, is necessary for activation of the ubiquitous transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Animal studies suggest NEMO is required for NF-κB mediated bone homeostasis, but this has not been thoroughly studied in humans. IKBKG loss-of-function mutation causes incontinentia pigmenti (IP), a rare X-linked disease featuring linear hypopigmentation, alopecia, hypodontia, and immunodeficiency. Single case reports describe osteopetrosis (OPT) in boys carrying hypomorphic IKBKG mutations.

METHOD

We studied the bone phenotype in women with IP with evaluation of radiographs of the spine and non-dominant arm and leg; lumbar spine and femoral neck aBMD using DXA; μ-CT and histomorphometry of trans-iliac crest biopsy specimens; bone turnover markers; and cellular phenotype in bone marrow skeletal (stromal) stem cells (BM-MSCs) in a cross-sectional, age-, sex-, and BMI-matched case-control study. X-chromosome inactivation was measured in blood leucocytes and BM-MSCs using a PCR method with methylation of HpaII sites. NF-κB activity was quantitated in BM-MSCs using a luciferase NF-κB reporter assay.

RESULTS

Seven Caucasian women with IP (age: 24-67 years and BMI: 20.0-35.2 kg/m²) and IKBKG mutation (del exon 4-10 (n = 4); c.460C>T (n = 3)) were compared to matched controls. The IKBKG mutation carriers had extremely skewed X-inactivation (>90:10%) in blood, but not in BM-MSCs. NF-κB activity was lower in BM-MSCs from IKBKG mutation carriers (n = 5) compared to controls (3094 ± 679 vs. 5422 ± 1038/μg protein, p < 0.01). However, no differences were identified on skeletal radiographics, aBMD, μ-architecture of the iliac crest, or bone turnover markers. The IKBKG mutation carriers had a 1.7-fold greater extent of eroded surfaces relative to osteoid surfaces (p < 0.01), and a 2.0-fold greater proportion of arrested reversal surface relative to active reversal surface (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Unlike mutation-positive males, the IKBKG mutation-positive women did not manifest OPT.

Manipulation of the Alternative NF-κB Pathway in Mice Has Sexually Dimorphic Effects on Bone

Alternative NF‐κB signaling promotes osteoclastogenesis and pathological bone loss, but the effect of sex on phenotype has not been explored. We disrupted alternative NF‐κB signaling by deletion of upstream kinase NF‐κB‐inducing kinase (NIK) or NF‐κB subunit RelB and found that both NIK‐deficient and RelB‐deficient female mice possessed more than twofold higher trabecular bone mass compared to controls, whereas no differences were observed in males. In vitro, RelB‐deficient precursors from female mice showed a more severe osteoclast (OC) differentiation defect than male, while WT had no sex bias. Next, we asked whether pharmacologic activation of alternative NF‐κB by inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) antagonist BV6 has sex‐dependent effects on bone. Unlike male mice that lost bone, female mice on BV6 for 4 weeks showed no changes in either trabecular bone mass or OC number. Because estrogen generally suppresses NF‐κB, we hypothesized that estrogen protects bone from BV6 effects in vivo. Thus, we performed ovariectomy or sham surgery in female mice, then treated with BV6 or vehicle for 4 weeks. Although ovariectomy caused bone loss, BV6 did not have any additional impact, suggesting that direct estrogen effects do not cause resistance to BV6 in vivo. The osteopenic effects of IAP antagonists in males may have implications for their use in cancer therapy. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Co-expression of DKK-1 and Sclerostin in Subchondral Bone of the Proximal Femoral Heads from Osteoarthritic Hips

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressively degenerative joint disease influenced by structural and metabolic factors. There is growing evidence that subchondral bone is involved in both symptomatic and structural progression in OA. The Wnt pathway has been implicated in the progression of OA but the expression and function of the Wnt inhibitors, Dikkopf (DKK-1) and sclerostin (SOST), are unclear.

METHODS

We examined the regional distribution of DKK-1 and SOST in subchondral bone of the femoral head using resection specimens following arthroplasty in patients presenting with end-stage OA. Cylindrical cores for immunohistochemistry were taken through midpoint of full thickness cartilage defect, partial cartilage defect, through base of osteophyte and through macroscopically normal cartilage.

RESULTS

Subchondral bone was thickest in cores taken from regions with full cartilage defect and thinnest in cores taken from osteophyte regions. In subchondral bone, expression of both DKK-1 and SOST was observed exclusively in osteocytes. Expression was highest in subchondral bone in cores taken from regions with partial but not full thickness cartilage defects. DKK-1 but not SOST was expressed by chondrocytes in cores with macroscopically normal cartilage.

CONCLUSION

The current study describes the regional cellular distribution of SOST and DKK-1 in hip OA. Expression was highest in the osteocytes in bone underlying partial thickness cartilage defects. It is however not clear if this is a cause or a consequence of alterations in the overlying cartilage. However, it is suggestive of an active remodeling process which might be targeted by disease-modifying agents.

Is vascular endothelial growth factor a useful biomarker in giant cell arteritis?

Objectives

To assess the performance of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels as a tool for diagnosing giant cell arteritis (GCA) in a cohort of patients referred for assessment of suspected GCA.

Methods

We selected 298 patients recruited to the multicentre study Temporal Artery Biopsy versus Ultrasound in diagnosis of suspected GCA (TABUL). In a random subset of 26 biopsy-proven GCA cases and 26 controls, serum from weeks 0, 2 and 26 was analysed for VEGF concentration using ELISA. VEGF concentration at week 0 was used to generate a receiver-operating characteristic curve and thereby identify a cut-off for an abnormal result which was used to analyse the full patient cohort. Sections of paraffin-embedded temporal artery were stained by immunohistochemistry for VEGF.

Results

The mean (95% CI) VEGF concentration at week 0 was 873 pg/mL (631 to 1110) in 26 patients versus 476 pg/mL (328 to 625) in 26 controls (p=0.017). This difference was not observed at any other time point. The optimal cut-off of 713 pg/mL was applied to the whole patient cohort (n=298), yielding sensitivity of 32% and specificity of 85%. This was not improved by combination with any clinical parameters. When patients with biopsy-proven GCA were compared with controls, sensitivity was 58% and specificity remained 85%. Sections of biopsy from biopsy-positive GCA showed intense staining in the adventitia which was not seen in controls.

Conclusions

Serum VEGF concentration predicts biopsy positivity but is not useful for differentiating clinical cases of GCA from controls. Further studies into VEGF as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target are warranted.

Trial registration number

NCT00974883; Post-results.

Ileal MUC2 gene expression and microbial population, but not growth performance and immune response, are influenced by in ovo injection of probiotics in broiler chickens

1. The objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of intra-amniotic injection of different probiotic strains (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium and Pediococcus acidilactici) on the intestinal MUC2 gene expression, microbial population, growth performance and immune response in broiler chicken. 2. In a completely randomised design, different probiotic strains were injected into the amniotic fluid of the 480 live embryos (d 18 of incubation), with 4 treatments and 5 replicates. Ileal MUC2 gene expression, microbial profile, growth performance and immune response were determined. 3. Injection of probiotic strains, especially B. subtilis, had significant effect on expression of the MUC2 on d 21 of incubation and d 3 post-hatch, but not on d 19 of incubation. 4. Injection of the probiotic strains decreased significantly the Escherichia coli population and increased the lactic acid bacteria population during the first week post-hatch. 5. Inoculation of probiotics had no significant effect on antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus, antibody titres against sheep red blood cell and cell-mediated immune response of chickens compared to control. 6. In ovo injection of the probiotic strains had no significant effect on growth performance of broiler chickens. 7. It was concluded that injection of probiotic bacteria especially B. subtilis into the amniotic fluid has a beneficial effect on ileal MUC2 gene expression and bacteria population during the first week post-hatch, but has no effect on growth performance and immune response in broiler chickens.

Vitamin D receptor expression in human bone tissue and dose-dependent activation in resorbing osteoclasts

The effects of vitamin D on osteoblast mineralization are well documented. Reports of the effects of vitamin D on osteoclasts, however, are conflicting, showing both inhibition and stimulation. Finding that resorbing osteoclasts in human bone express vitamin D receptor (VDR), we examined their response to different concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] (100 or 500 nmol·L-1) and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] (0.1 or 0.5 nmol·L-1) metabolites in cell cultures. Specifically, CD14+ monocytes were cultured in charcoal-stripped serum in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) histochemical staining assays and dentine resorption analysis were used to identify the size and number of osteoclast cells, number of nuclei per cell and resorption activity. The expression of VDR was detected in human bone tissue (ex vivo) by immunohistochemistry and in vitro cell cultures by western blotting. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the level of expression of vitamin D-related genes in response to vitamin D metabolites. VDR-related genes during osteoclastogenesis, shown by qRT-PCR, was stimulated in response to 500 nmol·L-1 of 25(OH)D3 and 0.1-0.5 nmol·L-1 of 1,25(OH)2D3, upregulating cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 (CYP27B1) and cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 (CYP24A1). Osteoclast fusion transcripts transmembrane 7 subfamily member 4 (tm7sf4) and nuclear factor of activated T-cell cytoplasmic 1 (nfatc1) where downregulated in response to vitamin D metabolites. Osteoclast number and resorption activity were also increased. Both 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced osteoclast size and number when co-treated with RANKL and M-CSF. The evidence for VDR expression in resorbing osteoclasts in vivo and low-dose effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on osteoclasts in vitro may therefore provide insight into the effects of clinical vitamin D treatments, further providing a counterpoint to the high-dose effects reported from in vitro experiments.

Effects of piroxicam administration on pregnancy outcome in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Uterus contractibility is considered a powerful prognostic factor in predicting the embryo transfer outcome. Moreover, uterine contractions are known to be stimulated by prostaglandins which are produced by cyclooxygenase from arachidonic acid. As such, suppressing the inflammatory response and contractions using anti-inflammatory and relaxant agents is expected to result in increased success rate of embryo transfer and artificial insemination.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of piroxicam administration on the success rate in intrauterine insemination (IU) cycles in patients presenting with unexplained infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 260 women with unexplained infertility undergoing IUI cycles. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either piroxicam ten mg/day on days 4-6 after IUI or placebo (control group). The main outcome measures were number of IUI cycles, pregnancy, abortion, and multiple pregnancy rates.

RESULTS

The pregnancy rate was found to be 25 (19.2%) and 16 (12.3%) in piroxicam and control groups, respectively (p = 0.039). Five patients (3.8%) in piroxicam group experienced twin pregnancy whereas only three patients (2.3%) in control group had twin pregnancy (p = 0.361). The pregnancy rate per cycle was also significantly higher in those who received piroxicam as compared to controls (11.16 vs. 6.66; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Administration of piroxicam after IUI is associated with decreased number of cycles, as well as increased pregnancy rate and pregnancy rate per cycle in IUI cycles. However, piroxicam did not have any effect on abortion, multiple pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates.

Effects of estradiol injection on outcome of in-vitro fertilization: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of estradiol (E2) supplementation on pregnancy outcome in patients with unexplained infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 100 women with unexplained infertility and candidates for IVF, were included in this study and were randomly assigned to receive E2 supplementation or placebo during the luteal phase. The E2 serum levels in the hCG administration day and third and seventh day after ovum retrieval were measured in control group. The rate of pregnancy was also quantified and compared between the two study groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between two study groups regarding baseline characteristics. E2 level decreased significantly in third (1765.34 ± 680.09; p < 0.001) and seventh (1459.66 ± 593.80; p < 0.001) days after ovum retrieval (2411.16 ± 713.52). The authors found that the serum level of E2 was significantly lower in those who received E2 supplementation at day 3 (p < 0.001) and 7 (p<0.001). However the pregnancy rate was not significantly different between two study groups (p = 0.849). In the same way, there was no significant difference between two study groups regarding the number of retrieved oocytes (p = 0.563) and number of MII oocytes (p = 0.103).

CONCLUSIONS

E2 supplementation during the luteal phase in patients with unexplained infertility undergoing IVF, is associated with decreased serum levels of E2 after hCG injection. However the fertility outcome was not affected by E2 supplementation.

Dietary but not in ovo feeding of Silybum marianum extract resulted in an improvement in performance, immunity and carcass characteristics and decreased the adverse effects of high temperatures in broilers

A total of 360 fertile eggs from a broiler breeder strain (Ross 308) were used for in ovo feeding (IOF) of 0, 100 and 200 mg/kg Silybum marianum water extract at 17.5 d of incubation. After hatching, 240 chicks were transferred to the experimental cages. The diets consisted of two types; one of them without extract and the other one containing 100 mg/kg of Silybum marianum extract. Then chicks were exposed to elevated temperatures 4°C above optimum from 7 to 28 d of age for 4 h per d and after 28 d they were kept at optimum temperature. The chicks were divided into 6 treatments with 4 replicates as a completely randomised 2 × 3 factorial design. There was no effect of IOF of Silybum marianum extract on hatchability, body weight (BW) of hatched chicks or hatched chick BW/initial egg weight ratio. Chickens fed on the diet containing the extract had the highest feed intake, daily weight gains (DWGs), final BW and lowest feed conversion ratio. At 28 d, the weights of heart, spleen and bursa of birds in the treatment groups given extract were higher, but abdominal fat weights were lower. At 42 d in those fed extract in the diet, the weights of spleen and bursa were higher and abdominal fat weights were lower than the other groups. No differences were observed between groups in body temperature before application of the higher temperature but at 21 d and 28 d the body temperature of chicks given the Silybum marianum extract was lower than the other treatments during the elevated temperatures. In birds fed on the extract in the diet, HDL and cholesterol concentrations were lowest at 28 d, whereas blood glucose levels were higher in the other treatments. At 42 d the cholesterol concentration was significantly lower in birds given extract in their diet. These results indicated that dietary feeding of Silybum marianum extract resulted in an improvement in performance, immunity and carcass characteristics and decreased the adverse effects of the higher temperatures, specifically in reducing blood fat reduction, but IOF of the extract did not have an effect.

Micro-bending based optical band-pass filter and its application in S-band Thulium-doped fiber amplifier

A new approach for filtering an optical band-pass in optical amplifier is proposed using a macro bending. The proposed filter leverages the bending loss of higher order modes at shorter wavelengths. At longer wavelengths, the filter increases fiber's bending loss as the fundamental mode 'tail' is leak out from the cladding. The combination of wavelength dependent loss at longer and shorter wavelength gives rise to the optical band-pass filter characteristic inside the fiber. The simulated spectral response of the filter is found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Subsequently, the proposed optical band-pass filter is applied in Thulium-doped fiber amplifiers (TDFA) system for gain and noise figure enhancements. The filter functions to suppress both the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) at 800 nm and 1800 nm wavelength regions and thus improves both gain and noise figure performances in S-band region. By bending of the gain medium, gain and noise figure of the TDFA are improved by about 2 dB and 0.5 dB respectively, within a wavelength region from 1440 and 1500 nm when the 1050 nm pump power is fixed at 250 mW.

Faunistic study and biodiversity of scorpions in qeshm island (persian gulf)

BACKGROUND

Scorpions are known as the most widespread poisonous creatures that cause casualties and death to human. They are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Among the sixteen Iranian Island in the Persian Gulf, Qeshm Island is the biggest and is located in the focus of the important internal and international commercial marinelines. Furthermore, thousands of tourists also visit the Island every year for its natural beauties and the siteseeings. The present research study was carried out during 1998-99 throughout Qeshm Island in order to know the species of scorpions, their abundance, the distribution and control strategy in order to reduce the scorpion stings and to safeguard the visitors as well as the local population.

METHODS

Collections were made randomly during the night. Samples were searched by black light and then collected by forceps. A total of 102 scorpions were captured.

RESULTS

The scorpions were identified as Buthotus jayakari numbered 42 specimens (41.17%) and B. leptochelys numbering only 7 specimens (6.86%) belonging to the family Buthidae. Androctonus crassicauda was collected in the most parts of the Island and considered as the dominant species. The sex ratio was 1:1.53 in favor of females. B. leptochelys was rare species and by far restricted in its distribution.

CONCLUSION

Considering the high population of A. crassicauda and its wide distribution, it is regarded to be responsible for the majority of scorpion stings in Qeshm Island.

Increased tracheal responsiveness to beta-adrenergic agonist and antagonist in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs

Despite the controversy of bronchial responsiveness to beta2-agonist drugs in asthma, in a previous study we have shown increased responsiveness of asthmatic tracheobronchial tree to isoprenaline. Therefore, in the present study, tracheal responsiveness to isoprenaline and also beta-adrenergic receptor blockade were studied in sensitized guinea pigs. An experimental model of asthma was induced in guinea pigs by sensitization of animals with injection and inhalation of ovalbumin (OA). The responses of tracheal chains of sensitized and control animals to cumulative concentrations of isoprenaline (I) in the absence and presence of 10 nmol/l propranolol were measured, and the effective concentration of I causing 50% of maximum response (EC50 I) was obtained. The propranolol blockade (CR - 1) was calculated by: (post-propranolol EC50 I/EC50 I) - 1. Tracheal responses of sensitized and control animals to cumulative concentrations of methacholine (M) were also measured and EC50 M were obtained. The tracheal responses of sensitized guinea pig to isoprenaline was significantly higher than that of the control animals (EC50 I for sensitized and control animals were 0.24 +/- 0.04 and 0.58 +/- 0.07 micromol/l, respectively; p < 0.001). The beta-adrenergic receptor blockade by propranolol (CR - 1) was also significantly higher in sensitized guinea pigs than that of the control animals (p < 0.001). The results of this study indicate an increased tracheal response to beta-adrenergic-stimulating drug and enhancement of beta-adrenergic blockade by propranolol in the sensitized guinea pig.

Effect of clomiphene citrate on endometrium thickness and echogenic patterns

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on the thickness and echogenic pattern of the endometrium using vaginal sonography.

METHOD

In this experimental prospective study, CC was given to 31 women with unexplained infertility. Thickness and echo patterns of the endometrium, as well as estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels, were compared in women taking CC and in control patients during both the late proliferative and midsecretory phases of the menstrual cycle.

RESULTS

Endometrial thickness was significantly thinner in women taking CC (P<0.03) than in controls during the late proliferative phase but there was no significant difference during the midsecretory phase. The endometrial echogenic patterns of women taking CC who had conceived revealed endometrial thicknesses of grade III and grade IV on midsecretory days, but these findings were not significantly different from those of women who had not conceived (P=0.3). Serum E2 level was higher in women taking CC than in the controls on both late proliferative and midsecretory days (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

CC affects endometrium thickness on late proliferative days but not on midsecretory days, and does not alter the echogenic pattern of the endometrium.

Insulin resistance in clomiphene responders and non-responders with polycystic ovarian disease and therapeutic effects of metformin

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical features, endocrine and metabolic profiles in clomiphene (CC) responders and non-responders with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), and to examine the effects of metformin (MTF) on the above parameters of CC resistance.

METHODS

A prospective clinical trial was undertaken at the infertility division of a university teaching hospital. Forty-one CC responders were selected and their hormonal and clinical features were determined. Forty-one CC-resistant PCOD women were also selected and clinical features; metabolic and hormonal profiles before and after treatment with MTF 1500 mg/day for 6-8 weeks were evaluated. Women who failed to conceive were treated by CC while continuing to take MTF.

RESULTS

CC responders had higher insulin levels while non-responders were hyperinsulinemic. Menstrual irregularities improved in 30%. Mean+/-S.D. area under curve of insulin decreased from 297.58+/-191.33 to 206+/-0.1 mIU/ml per min (P=0.005). Only 39.39% ovulated and 24.24% conceived.

CONCLUSION

PCOD is associated with insulin resistance (IR) particularly in CC-resistant women. Insulin resistance and androgen levels are significantly higher in obese patients. MTF therapy improved hyperandrogenemia, IR, and pregnancy rate.

Incompatibilities of chemicals

Chemical incompatibilities are potentially significant problems where hazardous chemicals are found. A number of chemical segregation systems have been developed which provide recommendations for the separation of incompatible chemicals. Three segregation systems were identified in this study: the UN Dangerous Goods system (which uses physical hazard as the main reason for segregation and has 14 categories), the US CHRIS system (which uses chemical reactivity and has 24 categories) and a third system which uses environmental risks (and has 25 categories). These systems were combined. Merging of each system was initially problematic, but became considerably easier once certain characteristics had been defined (such as flammability or water incompatibility). This gave a final merged incompatibility table containing 100 different segregation groups. This research study showed that it was possible to combine different segregation systems based on different criteria and that more comprehensive segregation systems can be developed. These can be of use in the decision-making process about where groups of chemicals may be used, and during the use of chemicals, where chemicals should not be combined. The use of more comprehensive segregation systems will also assist in developing proper measures for their control.