محمد مهدی دهقان

 Cartilage defects of the knee such as osteoarthritis disease (OA) are one of the most debilitating and public diseases that are related to high individual and socioeconomic problems. Many recent studies have applied mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) incorporated with tissue engineering to repair articular cartilage defects or regeneration of OA.  So, the choice of the best cell type in this regard is one of the challenging issues of tissue engineering and OA cell therapy. This study aims to find the best cell source for the regeneration of critical size defects of cartilage knee using autologous chondrocytes and bone marrow-derived MSCs (Bm-MSCs), and adipose-derived MSCs (Ad-MSCs) that were isolated, cultured, and expanded in similar in vitro conditions.

 In the current study, Najdi sheep were used at 12 months of age. After standard anesthesia, cartilage was isolated from the hyaline cartilage at the end of the ribs. The Bm-MSCs and Ad-MSCs were isolated from bone marrow and tails' adipose tissue, respectively. Following the enzymatic digestion of cartilage and adipose tissues, using collagenase I enzymes, the chondrocyte, Ad-MSCs, and Bm-MSCs were cultured in growth media at 37º C with similar conditions. Then, MSCs were identified by morphology analysis and also osteogenic/adipose/chondrogenic differentiation, in vitro. In addition, chondrocytes were identified by morphology and analysis of cartilage-related gene expression such as Aggrecan, Col II, and SOX9 genes by Real-time PCR technique. After that, an amount of 5×106 cells/ml from each cell source was seeded in the type I collagen gel and transplanted into an experimentally created articular cartilage defect in the knee’s sheep model. Two months after transplantation, the animals were sacrificed in the standard ways and the implanted tissue was removed. The range of regeneration was investigated by macroscopic scoring and histological staining such as H&E and safranin o/fast green.

 MSCs showed spindle shape of morphology, and skeletal differentiation were confirmed the identity of MSCs and chondrocytes. The macroscopic observation showed that the defects in cell-treated groups of chondrocytes, Bm-MSCs, and Ad-MSCs were filled with hyaline cartilage-like tissue in contrast to the control groups of untreated and sham (without cell) groups. In addition, the surface of new cartilage formed in Bm-MSCs and chondrocyte groups appeared to be smoother than in the Ad-MSCs group and the hyaline cartilage of Bm-MSCs is more clearly than that of the Ad-MSCs group. Although histological scores (ranging from 1 to 4) were evaluated, there was no significant difference among the three experimental groups regarding newly formed cartilage repair tissues. Furthermore, the histological analysis of H&E and safranin O revealed that all defects were filled by chondrocyte-like cells that were enclosed in the secreted matrix (*P<0.05).

 We used three prevalent and main autologous cell sources such as chondrocyte, BM-MSCs, and AD-MSCs cells in exactly equal conditions to find the most significant cell sources for critical size defect of cartilage in sheep’s knees. The results demonstrated that three cell sources are suitable for this purpose; Although the Ad-MSCs due to ease and more accessibility are further recommended.

Pre-purchase radiographic examinations of horses are very important for the diagnosis of possible disorders.

This study aims to determine the variation and frequency of common disorders of the tarsus in pre-purchase radiographic examinations of horses and assess the effect of age, sex, and type of hind limb (right or left) on the occurrence of these disorders.

In this study, we used the radiographs taken from the tarsal joints of the right and left hind limbs in 110 horses for a two-year period which were requested for pre-purchase radiographic examinations. Among these radiographs, the cases that included the standard position of the tarsal joint were evaluated for the existing disorders and the effect of age, sex, and type of involved hind limb.

The most frequent disorders were osteoarthrosis (32.27 %), osteochondritis dissecans (5.91 %), and soft tissue swelling (1.36 %). The least common disorders were calcification, desmopathy, and tenosynovitis, each with a prevalence of 0.45%. Also, most of the tarsal ​​joint disorders had a mild degree of severity (80 %). The prevalence of disorders was 100 % for horses aged <4 years (4 out of 4) and 49.1 % for horses aged >4 years (52 out of 106). No significant difference was observed in terms of gender (P=0.65) and type of involved hind limb (P=0.17).

Considering the prevalence of tarsal joint disorders in horses, pre-purchase radiographic examination can be very important for predicting the future health and performance of the horse. Therefore, radiographic evaluation of the tarsal joint should always be a part of pre-purchase examinations in horses.

Open wounds affecting the distal part of limbs are commonly seen in horses. Due to certain factors, such as limited connective tissue available, potentiated growth of excessive granulation tissue, risk of contamination, and poor response to common treatments, healing of these wounds becomes a major problem for veterinarians on a number of occasions. Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) for enhancing wound healing has received a great deal of scientific attention. Among the MSCs, those derived from adipose tissue are frequently used owing to their availability, large number of cells after the primary harvest, and the capacity to differentiate to different cell lines.

The current study aimed to evaluate type 1 and 3 collagen genes expression in horse distal limb wounds treated via adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and its comparison with bone marrow-derived stem cells.

After treatment of the experimental open wounds created in the distal limbs of four horses via autologous MSCs, real-time PCR was used for evaluating and comparing the expression of type I and III collagen genes in the healing wounds.

Significant differences in the expression of type I and III collagen genes were observed between the treatment groups. Despite the fact that the greatest collagen genes expression belonged to bone marrow-derived MSCs, no significant differences were seen with adipose-derived MSCs.

Owing to the advantages and an acceptable performance, adipose-derived MSCs could be considered as a novel approach to enhancing limb wound healing in horses.

Although various researches have been conducted to improve therapeutic strategies in resolving spinal cord injuries, robust clinical treatment is not yet available. Developing a standard animal model is essential before treatment.

The present study was performed to introduce a simple, applicable, and minimally invasive approach for access to epidural space in cat.

We used per-cutaneous approach from lumbosacral junction for stainless steel cannula insertion to the epidural space. CT-scan, conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, tractography, and behavioral evaluation were used to assess the correct position of cannula and neurological condition of the patient.

MRI results showed no significant change in signal intensity index of neural structures under lumbosacral junction. These observations were further supported by tractography, and also behavioral examination during study.

We found that per-cutaneous approach from lumbosacral junction is a simple and applicable approach which has no side effects and artifact formation in MRI evaluation.

Magnetic cell targeting is a novel non-invasive cellular delivery technique. It improves stem cell delivery to and retention in the injury site. Labeling cells with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) is one of the most important steps of this technique. Appropriate SPIONs selection is believed to be of vital importance.

The current study aimed to produce SPIONs which are capable of attaching to Mesenchymal stem cells surface (MSCs).

Dextran coated SPIONs were produced following co-precipitation method under N2 atmosphere. Bone marrow derived MSCs were isolated and cultured from rabbit humerus bone. Anti-rabbit CD44 monoclonal antibody was attached to the surface of SPIONs and MSCs and were labeled with this final product. SPIONs coating process, particle size, and antibody conjugation efficacy were evaluated using FT-IR, SEM, and Bradford protein measurement assay, respectively. Attachment of antibody-linked dextran coated SPIONs to MSCs was accessed utilizing Prussian blue staining, immunofluorescence analysis, and SEM analysis.

Peaks of FT-IR at 3200 cm-1 and 2922 cm-1 are representative of dextran. The average particle size was 56.13±6.67. The average antibody-SPION conjugation ratio was 77.78±6.35%. The average percentage of the labeled cells in Prussian blue and IF analysis were 71.57±2.53 and 95.04±0.95, respectively. MSCs-SPIONs conjugation was also confirmed via SEM analysis.

In conclusion, it could be inferred that mesenchymal stem cells could successfully be labeled with dextran coated-anti CD44 antibody conjugated- superparamagnetic Iron oxide nanoparticles. This product could be used for further in-vitro and in-vivo evaluations.

Equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis is a very common cause of lameness in athletic horses inducing long lameness and prolonged recovery. Multiple treatment protocols have been proposed for this injury none of which have been able to solve the problem completely. Therefore, an affordable, widely available, and non-invasive thera-peutic protocol is sought in the horse industry.

The present study aimed to compare the use of topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with a combination of topical DMSO and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF).

The subjects were divided into two groups of five polo ponies. The animals in the control group were treated by topical DMSO and controlled exercise, while the ponies in the experiment group received the same protocol plus PEMF on the injured tendon.

The ultrasonographic factors evaluated in the current study were mostly similar between the two groups except for fiber alignment and echogenicity. The latter variables were shown to have a slightly better improvement in the test group indicating the minimal positive effects of PEMF. In clinical evaluation, both groups were almost identical sug-gesting no impacts for PEMF.

In conclusion, applying PEMF using different protocols, such as more extended application at differ-ent frequencies is deemed necessary to elicit a favorable outcome of PEMF for the treatment of SDF tendonitis.

Tendon repair requires a sequence of medical procedures such as physical modalities, tissue engineering, growth factors, and mechanical stimulation. Previous studies have shown that using of PRP is effective in tendon healing.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differentiation effect of PRCR on mesenchymal stem cells extracted from rabbits’ bone marrow.

Mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) of 10 New Zealand white rabbits. The cells were then examined both flow cytometrically and morphologically. Afterwards, the cells received treatment using PRCR. Finally, the markers indicating tenocytes were analyzed through the method of Real-Time PCR.

Investigating the differences between differentiated cells and undifferentiated stem cells (BM-MSCs) regarding the expression of four genes including Scx, Tnmd, Col I, and Tenascin C revealed that the level of expression in all the four genes was significantly enhanced after receiving PRCR- mediated treatment.

BM-MSCs treated with PRCR express high levels of tendon-related genes and undergo differentiation into tenocyte-like cells.

Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive method used in diagnosis and treatment of many disorders in animals, however, its application in smaller species is limited in literature which can be contributed to the challenges faced while performing a minimally invasive procedure in smaller mammals.

Evaluating the feasibility and ideal port placement considering heart as the target organ in rabbit. Also, the impact of ventilation protocol on rate of mortality was evaluated.

Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were used in this experiment. Approaches used for the introduction of the camera were Para-xiphoid and intercostal space, the optimal spot for insertion of the second trocar relative to the camera was also evaluated, lung damage and rate of mortality were assessed under two different mechanical ventilation modes of pressure-controlled and volume-controlled.

Surgical view gained through the para-xiphoid approach is rather panoramic and spatial than the direct intercostal view, maneuver on the heart with an instrument is easier when the 5th intercostal space is used for the second trocar. With the help of PCV, lungs sustain less damage and atelectasis can be avoided till the end of the procedure and therefore, less mortality is experienced.

Using the Para-xiphoid approach and the correct ventilation protocol provides sufficient working space under good vison, which makes the rabbit thoracoscopic heart model a practical model that can be used in many cardiac experiments.

Minimally invasive methods are desirable and important for therapeutic purposes and animal modeling of intervertebral disc disease. Most  therapeutics and models are delivered and induced invasively rather than minimally invasively. Application of minimally invasive approaches in intervertebral disc, which is closed to critical structures, would be advantageous.

The objective of this study is to introduce and evaluate a new approach for percutaneous needle placement using computed tomography for injection and aspiration of the canine lumbar intervertebral disc.

This study was performed on eighteen healthy dogs in two different intervals. In each interval, three intervertebral discs were chosen and a spinal needle with suitable gauge were inserted at the center of the disc through the annulus fibrosus into the nucleus pulposus using computed tomography.

Accuracy and agility of needle placement showed better results with progression of study. The number of needle placement in proper position was one time minimally and three times maximally. Only in 10.2% of cases was minor hemorrhage observed in needle puncture site. The average time for placement of every needle was 141 s. No unexpected complication was observed.

Needle placement into the canine intervertebral disc could be applied in a simple and fast procedure for therapeutic and research purposes without any complication.

Minimally invasive methods are desirable and important for therapeutic purposes and animal modeling of intervertebral disc disease. Most  therapeutics and models are delivered and induced invasively rather than minimally invasively. Application of minimally invasive approaches in intervertebral disc, which is closed to critical structures, would be advantageous.

The objective of this study is to introduce and evaluate a new approach for percutaneous needle placement using computed tomography for injection and aspiration of the canine lumbar intervertebral disc.

This study was performed on eighteen healthy dogs in two different intervals. In each interval, three intervertebral discs were chosen and a spinal needle with suitable gauge were inserted at the center of the disc through the annulus fibrosus into the nucleus pulposus using computed tomography.

Accuracy and agility of needle placement showed better results with progression of study. The number of needle placement in proper position was one time minimally and three times maximally. Only in 10.2% of cases was minor hemorrhage observed in needle puncture site. The average time for placement of every needle was 141 s. No unexpected complication was observed.

Needle placement into the canine intervertebral disc could be applied in a simple and fast procedure for therapeutic and research purposes without any complication.

Stem cells have great effects in clinical cell-based therapy. Accordingly, controlling the behavior and directing the fate of stem cells cultured in the laboratory is an important issue.

The aim of this study was to evaluate osteogenic properties of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) which differentiated toward osteogenic linage by osteoblast-imprinted substrate.

Rat ADSCs seeded on osteoblast-imprinted substrates, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in cellular supernatant of days 7 and 14. Alizarin Red staining of mineral matrix production in day 17 was performed. In order for in vivo evaluation, after seeding differentiated cells on a simple collagen scaffold, samples were implanted in an 8mm critical size calvarial defect. After 4 weeks defect site was harvested and prepared for histopathological examination.

ALP in both time points was significantly more than in undifferentiated ADSCs. (p<0.05). Alizarin red staining of differentiated cells showed a great production of mineral matrix nodules in cell culture plate. Histopathological investigations revealed greater amount of new bone formation and mostly in the center of defect, indicate osteoinductive effect of differentiated cells in vivo.

The osteoblast-imprinted substrate can mimic the topography and shape of natural osteoblast, which can mechanically direct ADSCs toward osteogenesis.

Equine wounds, particularly those involving the distal portion of the limbs, often undergo prolonged complex healing and may enter a non-healing state with obvious financial and welfare implications. Poor blood supply and lower levels of oxygen to the lower limbs lead to imbalance of growth factors related to wound healing. Decellular amniotic membrane has been widely used in soft tissue engineering especially skin regeneration due to its biological and mechanical properties. It is used as a scaffold for treatment of partial full thickness wound dressing. Evaluation of the effects adipose derived mesenchymal cells (ADMSCs) cultured on decellularized amniotic membrane (DAM) in wound healing of distal part of equine limb. Stem cells were isolated from adipose tissue in the base of the tail and then cultured and seeded on bovine decellular amniotic membrane. Full thickness excision wounds (2x3 cm) were created on the mid-lateral of all metatarsus of each horse aseptically. The wounds were classified into four groups: the first one covered by DAM seeded by ADMSCs, the second one dressed with only DAM, the third one treated with1% silver sulfadiazine, and the last one as control with no treatment. Digital photographs of wounds were obtained at each bandage change while biopsy samples were obtained for histopathology at days 5, 15 and 30 after treatment. Wounds treated with DAM/ADMSCs significantly demonstrated promotion of wound healing in geometric analysis of total wound area, epithelialization and wound contraction compared with the other groups (P<0.05). Microscopically, re-epithelization of wounds covered by DAM/ADMSCs and DAM at day 5 was significantly more than Control group (P<0.05). Fibroplasia in wounds treated with DAM/ADMSCs and DAM was higher than the group that received sulfadiazine (P<0.05). These results indicate positive effects of using DAM to improve the quality and speed of wound healing. Use of DAM as a scaffold for ADMSCs shows better results.

Today, sport competitions are being held under different titles around the world and have attracted many fans. Team sports like football and volleyball have turned to big businesses and huge amounts of money are involved in the transfer of team players. So, one of the important issues in sports is to search new team members to fill open positions and to enhance the quality of the teams. Single attribute decision has recently been made to select top volley ball players while experts believe that this field requires multi attribute decisions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a scientific framework to rank volleyball players and to select top players to play their roles in different positions. Firstly, a list of criteria to select players in different positions was provided using literature review and meetings with experts of the field. Then, SWARA method and experts’ viewpoints were employed to prioritize and weigh the mentioned criteria. TODIM method was introduced to finally select top players from the existing options. To assure the accuracy of the research path, the designed framework was used to rank those players participating in 2015 World Cup in Japan and to form the world selected team. This study was application in terms of aims and descriptive – survey in terms of data collection.

ARDS is a lung disorder that causes death in human and livestock and new therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy are essential because of lack of specific drug therapies for it.
Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of intrapulmonary transplantation of BM-MSCs to improvement of clinical signs in experimental model of ARDS created by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)E.Coli strains-O55:B5 in sheep is the aim of this study.
In this study, 10 male sheep 3-4 months old Shall were used after random placement into two groups, treatment and control. Of sheep in the treatment group after anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine collected bone marrow samples and in the clean room BM-MSCs isolated, amplified and were identified with the evaluation of surface markers. Then experimental model of ARDS was induced by endotracheal injection of LPS to dose 400μg/kg. Clinical signs and radiograph images performed before and 24 hours after injection of LPS. After confirming inflammation, the sheep were anesthetized and on sternal position 50×106 cells of BM-MSCs third passage were transferred in treatment group as autograft by the catheter lavage in the bifurcation of the trachea and PBS in control group. Then clinical signs were recorded at hours of 3,6and 12 and on days 1,2,3 and 7 in both groups and finally, were analyzed based on the scored system.
The data showed transplantation of BM-MSCs caused significant improvement in clinical signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, respiratory sounds, cough, mucosal status, nasal secretions, appetite and physical condition compared with control group. A significant decrease in respiratory rate and body temperature from 12 hours and in heart rate from 24 hours to next be began. Also, changes in breath sounds on the first day after transplantation, physical condition, mucous membranes and appetite on the third day, the occurrence of cough and abnormal discharge from the nose on the seventh day had returned to pre-inflammation (-24 time) and the median of score was zero for them.
This study showed that transplantation of BM-MSCs can cause improves and the reduction in the severity of the clinical signs of ARDS, significantly.

Innovation capability plays an important role in a business continuity and provides the ability for effective competition of organizations in the unstable environment of the present society.Since banks are one of the most important service organizations, they need remarkable innovation. This will attract new customers among the other competitors .So, innovation assessment would help them effectively.This study aims to provide a fuzzy hybrid expert model for assessment of banks innovation. In this regard, innovation influencing factors were identified. After all the activities are done, , the factors that are affecting the Banks innovation are recognized by experts. Then, these factors are weighted by using Best-Worst multi-criteria decision making method and experts opinion. Then, by using fuzzy MULTIMOORA method, 6 branches of Ansar Bank assessed as a case study. The results of this survey indicate that strategic factors, internal factors and the customer are the most important factors affecting innovation in the banking field and also the bank perspective is identified as the most important sub-criteria. Finally, based on the results of this research, some implementation and research recommendations were provided.

R & D is one of the most important departments in organizations and selecting the most appropriate candidate as the team manager, can have a significant impact on its success. Despite these necessities, there has not been developed a structured framework to help identify appropriate criteria to select the R&D team manager yet. Nevertheless, this study aims to introduce a new combined approach for selection of R&D team managers. For this purpose, the required criteria are obtained from existing competency models. Afterwards, due to the variety of identified criteria and this fact that the weight of each criterion is different from the experts’ point of view, a combination of multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methods has been used. Therefore, for the weighting of the criteria, the revised SIMOS method and for the selecting of the most appropriate candidate as the team manager, ARAS interval method was used respectively. The framework proposed in this study was used to select the most appropriate candidate for R&D project manager in Keyson Company. According to the results, the most important criteria in the selection of the managers are the individual skills (especially selecting and assigning personnel, allocating resources and having systematic viewpoints).

Colisepticemia is an acute fatal disease in farm animal neonates. Clinical finding of septicemia is non-specific and cannot be differentiated from signs of noninfectious disease or disease with local infection such as diarrhea.
Evaluation of clinical signs variations in calves with experimental septicemia with Escherichia coli O111:H8.
Colisepticemia was experimentally induced in ten Holstein bull
calves after an adaptation period. Vital signs and 7 clinical criteria were recorded from 24
h before septicemia until 48 h after that. Blood culture was performed and treatment was
done based on antibiogram from 24 h after challenge.
Changes of suckling reflex and shock were not significant. Changes of appetite, dehydration, behavior, standing ability, total score from 24 h before the challenge to 24 h after treatment were significant (p The present study indicated clinical signs changed unfavorably following septicemia that were dissolved approximately during 24 h, depending on treatment in appropriate time and drug choice. Thus, a targeted scoring system will be useful in clinical evaluation of septicemia, quantifying the changes procedure and treatment efficacy.

SP-A and SP-D are hydrophilic proteins which regulate the inflammatory response of the lung. Pasteurella multocida is one of the most common bacteria isolated from calves suffering from shipping fever pneumonia, one of the most problems in dairy herds.
Evaluation of surfactant content may provide a valuable diagnostic tool for detection of calf pneumonia due to Pasteurella multocida and also state of treatment.
Ten Holstein-Frisian bull calves aged 4 months with body weight of 120 ± 5 kg were selected for study in two groups. The Pasteurella multocida (PMC66 Razi) was used in the present study for inducing pneumonia. The Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) process was done in selected calves. BAL fluid was collected and centrifuged and finally the sediment (crude surfactant) was reserved at -20˚C.The cytological evaluation and surfactant content was assayed by ELISA, TPL kit assay and HPLC.
The serum levels of SP-A and SP-D in pneumonic group were significantly elevated. Although the increased Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) level of SP-A in pneumonic cases was found as compared with the control animals, but the statistical analysis didnt show any significant differences between two groups. The level of SP-D in BALF of pneumonic group significantly elevated. The amount of Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in pneumonic group decreased significantly in comparison control group.
Pasteurella inducing pulmonary can changed the major component of lung surfactant which evaluation of these markers can be helpful as an appropriate tool in diagnostic state of pneumonia and healing.

Objective- Investigate myocardial performance after autologous adipose-derived (ASCs) mesenchymal stem cell differentiated under equiaxial cyclic strain, transplantation in rabbits with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Design- Prospective, randomized experimental study
Animals- 20 New Zealand White rabbits (2-3 kg)
Procedure- ASCs were studied in four distinct groups of mechanical (ADM), chemical (ADC), undifferentiated (AD) and control (C) groups. According to this categorization, the cells were exposed to cyclic mechanical loading or 5-azacytidine as the chemical factor. 10 6 ASC cells were transplanted intramyocardially in rabbits with AMI (Acute Myocardial Infarction). Echocardiographic study was used to evaluate effects of cells on cardiac function.
Results- Left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly increased in the ADM (mechanically-differentiated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell) group at 2 months follow-up. Fractional shortening (FS) also showed a similar pattern as LVEF and increased in ADM group in compare to control and AD (undifferentiated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell) group.
Conclusion and clinical prevalence- The results indicate that intramyocardial transplantation of mechanically-differentiated ASCs improves cardiac function of ischemic myocardium. Transplantation of mechanically-differentiated ASCs for myocardial regeneration may become the future therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

Heart valve diseases are considered a common disease in human and animals, and valve replacement is an option for treatment of valvular diseases.
In this study efficacy of a tissue engineered valve in thoracic aorta was evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography.
This study was undertaken on 6 male sheep. Echocardiography was performed on all sheep 24 hours before surgery and repeated 24 hours (D1), 2 weeks (W2) and 4 weeks (W4) after surgery. Right parasternal long axis view of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) was used to assess hemodynamic across new valve.
Velocity time integral (VTI) significantly decreased from 18.98±2.88 before surgery to 12.55±2.48 one day after surgery (D1) (p Our results demonstrated that this tissue engineered aortic valve (TEAV) could change some hemodynamic parameters, but heart could compensate some of them. Valve movement remained normal but the major complication was aneurism which seems to be the result of poor scaffold.

Fibroblasts are one of the important cells in wound healing. These cells create a proper bed for keratinocytes migration and wound contraction.Wound healing in distal limb of horses has complications, such as formation of exuberant granulation tissue (EGT). The main factor in this problem is overgrowing of fibroblasts. The purpose of the present study was to compare fibroblast growth curve in isolated skin from horses’ neck and distal limb. 5 horses with normal hematological and clinical signs were selected. Two samples of full thickness of skin were taken from the neck and lateral metacarpal region of each horse asseptically. Then the samples were washed with PBS minced and placed in ventilated flask 25 cm2. After attaching samples to flask, 5 ml culture medium(RPMI-1640 with 10% FBS) were added and the flask was placed in an incubator at 37°c in 5% CO2. After leaving a sufficient number of cells from tissues adhered to the bottom of the flask, the cells were passaged to a new ventilated flask. After growth and proliferation of cells, they were passaged again and a suspension of cells in culture medium (10000 cells/ml) was maked. To each cell of a 24-well plate, one ml of this suspension was added. After 48 hour, cells of 3 well were detached with tripsin daily, counted and viability determinted within 8 days. There was no significant difference between viable cells number but there was significant difference in viability percent of cells in neck and distal limb. The mean of population doubling time (PDT) for fibroblasts of neck is 31.73 hours and for fibroblasts of distal limb is 26.4 hours. This difference was not significant. With regard to different viability percentage, it seems that the appoptosis in fibroblasts of neck skin is more regular than distal limb skin.

In vitro model studies are becoming increasingly popular for experimental research designs. They include isolation and expansion of cells of a particular tissue, such as the nervous tissue which contributes to understanding the underlying mechanisms in many pathologies. It enables the scrutinization of intracellular signaling pathways responsible for cell death. In the literature, there are different methods for the isolation and culture of rat embryonic cortical neurons. However, this study developed a feasible, rapid and easily performable method. Isolation of neurons was performed without using enzymatic digestion. Primary cortical cultures neurite outgrowth and neuron numbers per field of common mediums were compared for neuronal cells isolation and expansion. In this study, three different culture mediums were considered: Medium I: Neurobasal medium, B-27 and L-glutamine; Medium II: DMEM, FBS and L-glutamine; and Medium III: DMEM/F-12, FBS and L-glutamine. High survival rate and number of neurons was obtained with the current method. The best neuronal growth was achieved by Medium I, while Medium II and III had moderate effect on the neurite outgrowth. Enzyme-free treatment was introduced and Medium I was used as an alternative method for optimal neuron isolation and expansion. The neuronal cultures are similar to nervous tissue in physiological aspects. Hence, Medium I is more similar to the in vivo condition compared to Mediums II and III.

Backgroundand

Production of a model of hepatic failure is used to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of alternative methods of liver transplantation. This study aimed to determine the appropriate dosage of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce acute hepatic failure in NMRI mice.

In this study, at first, a mixture of CCl4 dissolved in olive oil was administered intraperitoneally to 5 groups of 6 mice. After 24 hours, serum level of liver enzymes and the status of liver tissue were evaluated. To investigate the survival of mice, CCl4 (at doses of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5ml/kg.bw) was administered to 6 new groups of mice, and these animals were monitored for 4 days. To assess the effect of the toxin in the next days, the determined dose was administered to 24 new mice, and serum and histological evaluations were repeated.

The serum level of liver enzymes and the degree of hepatic lesions were significantly increased with increased dose of CCl4. Values more than 1ml/kg of CCl4 induced acute liver damage. Also, the value of 1ml/kg decreased mortality rate and values more than 2ml/kg increased mortality rate. Maximum increase in serum levels of liver enzymes was observed 24 hours after injection of CCl4 (at the dose of 1.5ml/kg), which decreased gradually. The degree of liver damage in days after the injection was the same until the fourth day, but the liver regeneration phasewas initiated after 72 hours.

According to the results of this study, a single intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 at the dose of 1.5mL/kg CCl4 could be an appropriate dosage for the production of a model of acute hepatic failure in NMRI mouse.

In this study، the role of local injection of butyric acid (BA) with autogenous omental graft was evaluated in healing of experimental Achilles tendon injury in rabbits. Nine adult male New Zealand rabbits were anesthetized and a partial thickness tenotomy was created on both hindlimbs. In treated group، omental graft was secured in place using BA soaked polygalactin 910 suture. In control group، the graft was sutured without BA. Butyric acid and normal saline were injected daily to treatment and control groups for three days، respectively. Based on the findings، on day 15 after injury، the tendon sections showed that healing rate in BA treated group was higher than that in control group. Furthermore، at days 28 and 45، comparison between BA treated and control groups demonstrated that BA increased the healing rate but with no significance. In summary، results of this study show that application of BA with autogenous omental graft can improve healing process of damaged Achilles tendon.

Colostrum is the only natural source of transforming growth factors (TGF-α and β) and insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and 2) which play a role in wound healing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum on secondary wound healing in a guinea pig model. Lyophilized bovine colostrum powder, in the form of an ointment (10 % w/w dried powder in semisolid paraffin ointment base), was evaluated for wound-healing potential in an excision wound in guinea pigs. The guinea pigs were divided into two groups of treatment (colostrums ointment) and control (ointment base), each group consisting of six guinea pigs. All animals were anaesthetized and a full-thickness excision wound (square area of 400 mm2) was created in the dorsum skin of all guinea pigs. Wound contraction and total wound healing rates were evaluated. Colostrum ointment found to possess wound healing activity which was evidenced by an increase in the rates of wound contraction and total wound healing when compared with the control group, although differences were not statistically significant. Results of this study indicated that bovine colostrum could improve quality of wound healing but more studies will need to be done to clarify whole bovine colostrum role in burn and infectious wounds.