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ABSTRACT:In this study, changes of pH, ionic (Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ ), biochemical (total protein, glucose, and cholesterol) compositions of seminal plasma, sperm motility traits (percentage of motile spermatozoa and sperm movement duration), and sperm production characteristics (sperm volume, spermatocrit, and sperm density) were studied in Caspian roach, Rutilus rutilus caspicus, during spawning migration. Sperm of 10 males was collected three times during the spawning migration (in February, March, and April). The results showed that sperm motility parameters (percentage of motile spermatozoa and sperm movement duration) changed significantly (P < 0.05) during the reproductive season, but sperm density, spermatocrit, and sperm volume did not show significant differences during spawning migration. Analyses performed at each sampling time (February, March, and April) showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and cholesterol, whereas there were no significant changes in Na + , pH, total protein, glucose, and cholesterol.

Background: The association between the use of antibiotics and bacterial resistance has obviously been established and it seems to be a significant problem for public health. It is clear that irrational use and high rates of antibiotic prescription are associated with increased bacterial resistance. As antibiotics are the class of drugs commonly prescribed in neonatal and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) wards, neonates are at high risk of opportunistic or nosocomial infections due to prolonged hospitalization and immunosuppressed condition. Objectives: It is essential for antibiotic prescription patterns to be evaluated periodically for rational use. Therefore, the present study was carried out to identify the prescribing patterns of antibiotics in neonatal and NICU wards of 17 different Iranian hospitals. Methods: The study was done during 1 calendar week between January and February 2014. All in-patients admitted to the NICU and neonatal units of 17 Hospitals in 15 Iranian cities were included. Relevant data of all neonates receiving an antibiotic at 8 am on the day of the study was collected by trained members of the study team; age of the patients, type and number of administered antibiotics, route of administration, underlying disease, and indication for use were documented.

A parasitological investigation was done on 175 specimens. Infections of A. brama orientalis were analyzed according to the age and sex. The fish also were examined for evaluation changes of haematological parameters in relation to parasitic infection. Four parasites were found, including-Caryophyllaeus laticeps and Ligula intestinalis (Cestoda), Diplostomum spathaceum (Platyhelminthes) and Trichodina sp. (Ciliophora). Among identified parasites maximum prevalence and mean intensity were related to Ligula intestinalis and Caryophyllaeus laticeps respectively. The values of prevalence and mean intensity showed significant differences among ages. Our results revealed prevalence, mean intensity and abundance had not significant difference between males and females. Parasite infection provoked reduction (P \ 0.05) in haematocrit, mean cell volume and lymphocyte. On the other hand, significant increase (P \ 0.05) in white blood cell (WBC), mean cell haemoglobin concentration and neutrophil in blood of infected fish was observed. Significant differences were detected for the WBC, lymphocyte and neutrophil (infected versus uninfected by Trichodina sp., Diplostomum spathaceum and Caryophyllaeus laticeps). In addition to WBC and lymphocytes, significant change was observed for the haemoglobin (Hb) (infected versus uninfected by Ligula intestinalis).

This study investigates the effects of Coriander (C. sativum) on the growth, antioxidant, and immune‐associated genes and serum and mucosal immune parameters in zebrafish (D. rerio). The experimental fish were treated with 0 [control], 5, 10 and 20 g/kg coriander supplemented diets for 8 weeks. The results revealed that coriander remarkably increased mucosal immune parameters (the total Immunoglobulin, protease and lysozyme activity). The highest levels of the measured parameters were noticed in 20 g/kg CP treatment. Also, the zebrafish fed 20 g/kg coriander powder showed significantly higher expression gene for lysozyme and TNF‐alpha. The same results were noticed in case of IL‐1B gene expression. In case of sod gene expression there was no significant difference between treatments. However, regarding cat gene expression, significant difference was noticed between 20 g/kg CP treatment and other groups. In addition, no significant changes were observed between coriander fed zebrafish and control treatments regarding GH gene expression level, although IGF‐I remarkable up‐regulate in 20 g/kg coriander powder treatment compared other groups. In conclusion, it can be proposed that dietary Coriander powder can improve mucosal immune parameters and immune and antioxidant genes expression.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia exhibits wide spectrum of fluoroquinolone resistance using different mechanisms as multidrug efflux pumps and Smqnr alleles. Here, the role of smeDEF, smeVWX efflux genes and contribution of Smqnr alleles in the development of fluoroquinolone resistance was assessed. Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin resistance were found in 10.9%, 3.5%, and 1.6% of isolates, respectively. More than four-fold differences in ciprofloxacin MICs were detected in the presence of reserpine and smeD, F, V expression was significantly associated with ciprofloxacin resistance (p = 0.017 for smeD, 0.003 for smeF, and 0.001 for smeV). Smqnr gene was found in 52% of the ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates and Smqnr8 was the most common allele detected. Fluoroquinolone resistance in S. maltophilia clinical isolates was significantly associated with active efflux pumps. There was no correlation between the Smqnr alleles and ciprofloxacin resistance; however, contribution of the Smqnr genes in low-level levofloxacin resistance was revealed.

Background: Genu valgum deformity is defined as a mechanical axis deviation (MAD) lateral to the knee joint center. In this situation the lateral compartment of the knee is overloaded. Corrective osteotomies are recommended to realign the lower extremity. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the lateral distal femoral biplanar open wedge corrective osteotomy results in patients with genu valgum. Patients and Methods: This is a case-series study on seven patients. All patients had genu valgum deformity and medial thrust or pain in the lateral compartment. Lateral biplanar distal femoral open wedge osteotomy was used as corrective osteotomy. Radiological findings and union time at the osteotomy site of the operated patients was determined. Results: All patients were female. The mean age was 25.14 ± 4.74. The mean follow up time for these patients was 8.28 ± 6.96 months. The mean preoperative mechanical alignment was 8.71 ± 2.21 while the post-operative was 1.42 ± 0.53. The mean wedge size used for osteotomy was 8.71 ± 2.21 mm. The mean union time was 9.71 ± 2.56 weeks. Conclusions: Stability and early union without using bone graft at the osteotomy site, rapid rehabilitation and weight bearing of patients with genu valgum are the advantages of biplanar lateral distal femoral open wedge osteotomy.

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