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Summary Reproductive characteristics of siahmahi, Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes, 1842), a native cyprinid in the Zayandeh‐Roud River, were investigated by monthly sampling from March 2007 to April 2008. Among 689 specimens captured, the overall sex ratio was 1 : 1.57 (males : females). Males matured at age 2+. Females matured between ages 4 and 6, with 100% maturity at age 7+. Based on the gonadosomatic index (GSI), the reproductive period peaked between May and June. Histological and macroscopic characteristics of the gonad indicated the species to be group‐synchronous. Absolute fecundity varied greatly with female size, ranging 2520 to 72 650 (mean 24 800 ± 17 800) eggs for females 25.5–54.2 cm TL and weighing 320–2340 g. Fecundity increased with fish age, averages being 9446 ± 8028 for 4+ old females and 54 503 ± 13 803 eggs in mature 8+ year old females.

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Radiological, gross and histopathological evaluations revealed a superior bone formation in the wrapped omentum with periosteum compared with that of the subcuticular periosteal grafting. This is a novel and efficient technique in producing mature trabecular bone and could be used as a potential source of bone tissue engineering for autotransplantation.

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The present study describes and visualizes the circulatory system of rainbow trout with emphasis on the heart and main blood vessels, employing corrosion cast methodology. Ten rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) of 1000 g average weight were obtained from a commercial fish farm. Fish were anaesthetised using a benzocain solution in ethanol. After 40 min, the fish were killed using an overdose of the benzocain solution. The aorta caudalis and aorta coeliacomesentric were cannulated and attempts were made to fill the blood vessels and heart with fluid artificial resin made on the basis of methylmetacrylate. The fish were further prepared by submersion for 12-24 h in a room temperature waterbath until polymerisation and hardening of the methylmetacrylate was complete. This was followed by 24-48 h submersion in a 25% solution of KOH to obtain full maceration of the organic tissues. Various parts of the heart and blood vessels were retained in their natural positions, thereby demonstrating the anatomical details of the main circulatory system. Main elements depicted included the sinus venosus, atrium, ventricle, bulbus arteriosus and related vessels such as the dorsal aorta, subclavian vein, hepatic vein, common cardinal vein, coeliaco-mesenteric artery, gastero-intestinal artery, and dorsal intestinal artery. Related smaller vessels were also determined.

BackgroundSynthetic hydroxyapatite (HA), beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and their composite are promising biomaterials, specifically in the orthopedic and dental fields, as their chemical composition is similar to that of bone. Due to the need for safer bone graft applications, these bone graft substitutes are gradually gaining increased acceptability. To stimulate the process of bone healing, several methods have been used previously, including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, exposure to electromagnetic fields, bone grafts, interporous hydroxyapatite (as a bone graft substitute) and bone growth factors. The following study was designed to evaluate the effects of the concurrent usage of hydroxyapatite with demineralized calf fetal growth plate (DCFGP) on the bone healing process.Materials and methodsFifteen female New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. A mid-radius bone defect was created and in the first group (n = 5) was filled with hydroxyapatite, in the second group (n = 5) with hydroxyapatite and DCFGP, and finally in the third group (n = 5) with DCFGP alone. Radiological and histopathological evaluations were performed blindly and the results scored and analyzed statistically.ResultsThere was a significant difference for bone formation and remodeling at the 8th post-operative week radiographic assessment (P< 0.05), when the hydroxyapatite–DCFGP group was superior to other groups. On the contrary, macroscopical and histopathological evaluation did not revealed significant differences between the three groupsConclusionGiven the contrasting results of the radiographic assessment and the macro-/microscopic analysis of the healing response, further studies are needed before considering DCFGP-HA as a feasible alternative to HA alone, especially considering the potential hazards and costs of animal-derived biomaterials.Level of evidenceNot applicable.