Hadi Aminfar; Masoud Maham; Bahram Dalir-Naghadeh
Volume 14, Issue 3 , March 2023, , Pages 139-144
Abstract
Intestinal hypomotility cause health risks and economic losses and is considered as an important digestive disorder that efforts to find prokinetic drugs can solve this major problem. This study investigated the effects of Zingiber officinale aqueous extract (ZOAE) on caecal smooth muscle contractions ...
Read More
Intestinal hypomotility cause health risks and economic losses and is considered as an important digestive disorder that efforts to find prokinetic drugs can solve this major problem. This study investigated the effects of Zingiber officinale aqueous extract (ZOAE) on caecal smooth muscle contractions in healthy cows. To perform in vitro tests, cecum strips connected to the organ bath. Ginger aqueous extract caused concentration-dependent contraction in caecal smooth muscle with an effective threshold concentration of 6.00 mg L-1. The strongest contraction was caused at a concentration of 100 mg L-1 with an average contraction of 141%. To evaluate the possible mechanisms underlying the contractile effect on cecum strips, atropine, 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide (4-DAMP) and verapamil completely inhibited aqueous extract induced smooth muscle contractions, while addition of hexamethonium had no effect on the contraction process. The lack of reduction of contractions caused by the extract in the presence of hexamethonium indicates that presence of acetylcholine-like constituents independent of nicotinic receptors. The inhibitory properties of atropine and 4-DAMP indicate that at least part of the prokinetic effect of the extract is due to stimulating the muscarinic receptors, especially M3 receptors. Also, verapamil inhibitory function proves that the extract acting by L-type calcium channels. The results suggest that the ZOAE has a potential prokinetic effect which may provide a pharmacological base to its medicinal or prophylactic use in caecal motility disorders.
Epidemiology
Hadi Keshipour; Alireza Bahonar; Mehdi Vojgani; Ehsan Anassori
Volume 15, Issue 3 , March 2024, , Pages 139-144
Abstract
The interval between parturition and subsequent pregnancy is called the days open or calving to conception interval and is affected by several factors, especially dystocia. Dystocia is an ab-normal or difficult calving that may require assistance during labor. This study is a field trial in health education ...
Read More
The interval between parturition and subsequent pregnancy is called the days open or calving to conception interval and is affected by several factors, especially dystocia. Dystocia is an ab-normal or difficult calving that may require assistance during labor. This study is a field trial in health education and the research team developed a comprehensive training program for farmers to educate them about the normal process of parturition in dairy cows and when and how to assist in parturition or dystocia. A series of classes was held for farmers and the study covered 486 multi-parous dairy cows, with 173 belonging to the group of trained farms (educated farmers) and 313 to the control group (non-educated farmers). Although dystocia was lower in the educated group, there were no significant differences in retained placenta between two groups. However, cows in the educated group had a better conception rate (lower service per conception) in sub-sequent parturitions. Hence, the median number of days open for cows from trained farmers was significantly lower than other farmers (85 days compared to 120 days, respectively). Based on Cox regression analysis, uterine prolapse, retained placenta, and dystocia could significantly impact subsequent pregnancies. Dystocia affects days open, and training on parturition and dystocia management can effectively reduce the numbers of days open in dairy cows.
Yingming Zhu; Ting Yao; Yan Wang; Ziliang Zhao; Xiaowei Yang; Xia Liu; Guangwei Zhao
Volume 13, Issue 1 , March 2022, , Pages 141-144
Abstract
Shewanella xiamenensis, a newly virulent zoonotic pathogen belonging to the genus Shewanella is the causative organism of emerging intra-abdominal infection, acute skin ulceration, rotten limbs and ascites in humans and animals. The global spread of S. xiamenensis entails severe economic impact. However, ...
Read More
Shewanella xiamenensis, a newly virulent zoonotic pathogen belonging to the genus Shewanella is the causative organism of emerging intra-abdominal infection, acute skin ulceration, rotten limbs and ascites in humans and animals. The global spread of S. xiamenensis entails severe economic impact. However, it was rarely reported as a cause of infection and no reports were found that S. xiamenensis isolated from clinical samples. The isolate was identified as a S. xiamenensis strain by 16S rDNA amplification and DNA sequencing identification method. Even if co-infection by other bacteria could not be ruled out, this is the first report of acute disease caused by S. xiamenensis in the Chinese giant salamander in China. By using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, the sensitivity of the isolate to clinical antibiotics was evaluated. Antibiotic susceptibility test indicated that the isolate was resistant to 32 antibacterial drugs such as kanamycin, florfenicol and ceftriaxone suggesting that the isolate was a multi-drug resistant strain.
Saeed Azizi; Hamed Masoudi
Volume 13, Issue 1 , March 2022, , Pages 145-147
Abstract
Colic is a clinical syndrome and has been defined as a visceral abdominal pain and/or acute abdominal disease. It is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in horses. The most common forms of colics are related to gastrointestinal tract in nature and most often linked to colonic disturbances. However, ...
Read More
Colic is a clinical syndrome and has been defined as a visceral abdominal pain and/or acute abdominal disease. It is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in horses. The most common forms of colics are related to gastrointestinal tract in nature and most often linked to colonic disturbances. However, colics are not well understood in donkeys compared to those of in horses and the literature is poor regarding bowel strangulating obstruction in donkeys. This report described the clinical signs and post-mortem necropsy findings of an abdominal colic due to the left colon volvulus following a non-surgical castration using Burdizzo emasculatome in a 6-year-old donkey. The castration was done under local analgesia following a sedation with a combination of xylazine-acepromazine and physical restraint on a tilt table. Severe abdominal colic and death occurred after discharging from the hospital. Left colon volvulus at the sternal and diaphragmatic flexures in a ventromedial-dorsolateral direction of 720° was the main cause of colic found at the necropsy examination. Although left colon volvulus is not considered as a complication of castration, it maybe rational to prescribe an analgesic agent in postoperative care in donkeys undergoing non-surgical castration.
Amir Niasari-Naslaji; Hassan Seidi Samani; Mahdi Vojgani; Mahdi Ganjkhanlou; Mohammad Baninajjar; Amir Alijani
Volume 14, Issue 3 , March 2023, , Pages 145-151
Abstract
Serial progesterone injections followed by human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), instead of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), were used to synchronize estrus in ewes. Shal ewes (n = 189) were assigned into five groups and each group was divided into two sub-groups to receive gonadotropins including ...
Read More
Serial progesterone injections followed by human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), instead of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), were used to synchronize estrus in ewes. Shal ewes (n = 189) were assigned into five groups and each group was divided into two sub-groups to receive gonadotropins including eCG (300 IU; intra-muscular) or hMG (one ampoule; subcutaneously, SC). All ewes received prostaglandin (PG) F2α six days after introducing ram (day 0). Ewes received 0 (control), one, two, three or four injections of progesterone (50.00 mg; SC), 72 hr apart. The first progesterone was injected at the time of PG injection. Ewes in treatment groups received gonadotropins 48 hr after the last progesterone injection. Control group ewes received gonadotropins, at the time of PG injection. Mating was recorded after introducing fertile rams. Data were analyzed using GLM and GENMOD procedures in SAS. The incidence of estrus was less in control and ewes received a single progesterone (34.20%) compared to ewes received two (64.10%), three (81.10%) and four injections (68.40%) of progesterone. Time to estrus was earlier in control (45.70 ± 4.41 hr) than progesterone-treated groups (63.60 ± 1.79 hr). Fertility (51.30%) and fecundity (78.40%) of ewes received three progesterone injections were significantly greater than other progesterone-treated groups. There was no significant difference in reproductive indices between eCG and hMG sub-groups. In conclusion, during the non-breeding season, three injections of progesterone, three days apart, starting six days after ram exposure, in association with hMG, 48 hr after the last progesterone injection, could provide a sound reproductive performance in Shal ewes.
Poultry
Saeed Seifi; Nasser Vajdi; Shohreh Alian Samakkhah; Navideh Mirzakhani
Volume 15, Issue 3 , March 2024, , Pages 145-150
Abstract
In this study, the effects of nanocurcumin on acetaminophen-induced acute hepatorenal toxicity in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) were investigated. Fifteen pigeons were randomly assigned into three groups. Group I was served as a negative control group and received tap water as a placebo. Pigeons in ...
Read More
In this study, the effects of nanocurcumin on acetaminophen-induced acute hepatorenal toxicity in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) were investigated. Fifteen pigeons were randomly assigned into three groups. Group I was served as a negative control group and received tap water as a placebo. Pigeons in groups II and III were administered acetaminophen at the beginning of the experiment (hr 0). Group III was further treated with nanocurcumin, at 12 hr after acetaminophen administration, being continued every 12 hr for two days. The birds were observed for clinical signs of acute drug toxicity. Blood samples were collected from the pigeons at hr 0, 12, 24 and 48 of the experiment for biochemical analysis of the serum. The results showed that acetaminophen toxicity increased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea and uric acid in the pigeons. Nanocurcumin treatment of acetaminophen intoxicated pigeons attenuated increases in biomarkers of the liver and kidney functions towards control levels. Also, the consumption of nanocurcumin minimized histopathological changes in the liver and kidney. A mortality of 60.00% was seen in the acetaminophen-induced toxicity group; while, none of the birds treated with nanocurcumin died. It can be concluded that nanocurcumin alleviates the acetaminophen-induced acute toxic liver and kidney damages, which can lead to pigeon mortality.
Murat Cengiz; Pinar Sahinturk; Gulce Hepbostanci; Halis Akalin; Songul Sonal
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 149-153
Abstract
Due to the high prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, combination therapy is an efficient choice for treatment of infections caused by highly resistant strains. In this study, the efficacy of ceftiofur plus danofloxacin combination was investigated against resistant Escherichia coli. The interaction ...
Read More
Due to the high prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, combination therapy is an efficient choice for treatment of infections caused by highly resistant strains. In this study, the efficacy of ceftiofur plus danofloxacin combination was investigated against resistant Escherichia coli. The interaction between the two drugs was determined by checkerboard tests and time-kill assays. The combination was defined as bactericidal or bacteriostatic based on the minimum bactericidal concentration test results. Mutant prevention concentration test was used to evaluate the resistance tendency suppression potential of the combination. The combination had a synergistic effect against 83.00% of the isolates as verified by the checkerboard and time-kill assays. The combination was defined as bactericidal against all E. coli strains, since minimum bactericidal concentration: minimum inhibitory concentration ratios were below four thresholds and also markedly reduced mutant prevention concentration values of ceftiofur up to 4000-fold compared to its single use. Ceftiofur plus danofloxacin combination inhibited growth of E. coli strains which were resistant to ceftiofur or newer generation of fluoroquinolones. Our results suggest that ceftiofur plus danofloxacin combination has a bactericidal characteristic and can be an important alternative for the treatment of infections caused by resistant E. coli.
Poultry
Hadi Shabani; Forough Talazade; Gholam Abbas Kaydani; Masoud Reza Seyfi
Volume 15, Issue 3 , March 2024, , Pages 151-158
Abstract
An internationally recognized syndrome that leads to deaths among domestic and ornamental pigeons, particularly after racing, is young pigeon disease syndrome (YPDS). Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is regarded as one of the potential factors contributing to the occurrence of YPDS. This survey was conducted ...
Read More
An internationally recognized syndrome that leads to deaths among domestic and ornamental pigeons, particularly after racing, is young pigeon disease syndrome (YPDS). Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is regarded as one of the potential factors contributing to the occurrence of YPDS. This survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of PiCV infection and molecularly characterize the PiCV in pigeons suspected of YPDS. Eighty fecal samples were collected from 80 diseased pigeons (exhibiting symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, crop stasis, vomiting and diarrhea) from 20 lofts in different areas of Ahvaz, Iran. Also, 20 fecal samples were obtained from 20 clinically healthy pigeons. The nested broad spectrum polymerase chain reaction test was done to identify the circovirus, using primers targeting part of the replication-associated protein gene with 350 bp, and several positive samples were sequenced. This study showed that PiCV was detected in 86 out of the 100 samples (86.00%). Two types of circoviruses were determined in the samples. One type of the detected circoviruses was PiCV which based on phylogenetic analysis had high genetic similarity with A, B, G and H genotypes of PiCV. The other type of detected circoviruses was closely related to beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) which causes one of the most significant viral diseases in psittacine birds. This is the first report of BFDV identification in pigeons.
Farzad Mousafarkhani; Ali Asghar Sarchahi; Hadi Mohebalian; Javad Khoshnegah; Mohammad Arbabi
Volume 14, Issue 3 , March 2023, , Pages 153-160
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in dogs worldwide. Epidemiological study of canine distemper can help to control and treat the disease in any area. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CDV in dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital from September ...
Read More
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in dogs worldwide. Epidemiological study of canine distemper can help to control and treat the disease in any area. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CDV in dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital from September 23, 2018 to September 22, 2019. Dogs with at least two clinical signs of canine distemper underwent blood tests, rapid test kit from the eye and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and RT-PCR from whole blood and/or CSF samples. Out of 1212 referred dogs, 112 dogs were suspected to have canine distemper of which 90 underwent RT-PCR and rapid test kits. The disease prevalence was 4.04% (49/1212) and 7.44% (49/659) according to the total number of referring dogs and number of referring sick dogs, respectively. The distemper fatality rate was 69.57% (32/46). Seventy percent of distemper positive cases were under 12 months old and 52.08% were under 6 months old. Female dogs were more susceptible than males; however, the fatality rate of males was more than females. Of distemper positive dogs, 91.84% were unvaccinated. The highest prevalence (71.43%) of dogs diagnosed with CDV occurred during the cold seasons. It is concluded that canine distemper is endemic in the geographical area of Mashhad and its prevalence rate in dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad is 4.04% and its fatality rate is 69.57%. This indicates that a significant number of dogs may die if they develop distemper despite treatment.
Abd Allah Ahmed Mokhbatly; Nahawand Elsheikh; Emad Wadeed Ghazy; Adel Mohamed Elgamal; Yamen Mohammed Hegazy; Doaa Hosny Assar
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 155-162
Abstract
Lamb enteritis constitutes an economic burden on sheep production worldwide. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonellae among diarrheic lambs at Kafrelsheikh Governorate, Egypt and to detect the associated clinical, hematologic, biochemical, and ...
Read More
Lamb enteritis constitutes an economic burden on sheep production worldwide. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonellae among diarrheic lambs at Kafrelsheikh Governorate, Egypt and to detect the associated clinical, hematologic, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters. Fifty diarrheic and twenty apparently healthy control lambs were examined clinically, and hematologically. Diarrheic lambs had a significant elevated body temperature, respiratory and pulse rate, most of hemogram para-meters, total proteins and albumin, oxidative stress markers malonaldiahyde and nitric oxide levels, liver enzymes, urea and creatinine than control group. On the other hand, these diarrheic lambs had significant reduction in total leukocyte count and lymphocytes, antioxidant biomarkers super oxide dismutase activities and reduced glutathione than control lambs. E. coli and Salmonella spp. were isolated from 32.00% and 16.00% of diseased lambs, respectively. Serotyping and biochemical tests of examined samples identified 16 E. coli isolates belonged to 10 different serotypes; O6, O8, O26:H11, O75, O84:H21, O103:H2, O114:H4, O121:H7, O128:H2 and O163:H2. All isolates are STEC as they harbor either Shiga-toxin 1 or Shiga-toxin 2 genes or both. One isolate carries intimin gene (eaeA) and classified as EHEC; O26:H11. The obtained nine isolates of Salmonella carry enterotoxin (Stn) genes, eight of them carry hyper-invasive locus (hilA) gene, all isolates belonged to six serotypes; S. Enteritidis, S. Heidelberg, S. Tsevie, S. Typhimurium, S. Essen, and S. Infantis. Lamb diarrhea was prevalent in the studied area and might constitute a veterinary and public health threat. Alteration in hemato-biochemical para-meters and oxidative–anti-oxidant balance could help adopt appropriate treatment regimens.
Microbiology
Leila Maleki; Amir Tukmechi
Volume 15, Issue 3 , March 2024, , Pages 159-164
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen causing a wide range of diseases in both humans and animals. The aim of this research was to screen the vancomycin resistance-associated genes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from animals. A total of 400 nasal swab samples ...
Read More
Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen causing a wide range of diseases in both humans and animals. The aim of this research was to screen the vancomycin resistance-associated genes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from animals. A total of 400 nasal swab samples were collected from cattle, goats and sheep between February and August 2022 from both industrial and traditional livestock farms in West Azerbaijan province, Iran. Then, nasal swabs were cultured on mannitol salt agar and molecular analysis was performed after bacteriological examination to confirm the presence of S. aureus. The MecA gene was used to detect MRSA isolates, and two important vancomycin resistance-associated genes, namely vanA and vanB, were searched in the isolates. Out of 400 nasal swabs, 69 samples had S. aureus; of which seven isolates were resistant against methicillin. No vancomycin resistance-associated genes were detected in the MRSA isolates. Based on these findings, vancomycin could be used to treat infections caused by this bacterium.
Alireza Alborzi; Mandana Hosseini; Somayeh Bahrami; Masoud Ghorbanpoor; Mohammad Reza Tabandeh
Volume 14, Issue 3 , March 2023, , Pages 161-167
Abstract
Linguatula serrata is a worldwide zoonotic food-borne parasite. The parasite is responsible for linguatulosis and poses a concern to human and animal health in endemic regions. This study investigated the hematological changes, oxidant/antioxidant status and immunological responses ...
Read More
Linguatula serrata is a worldwide zoonotic food-borne parasite. The parasite is responsible for linguatulosis and poses a concern to human and animal health in endemic regions. This study investigated the hematological changes, oxidant/antioxidant status and immunological responses in goats and sheep naturally infected with L. serrata. Hematological changes, antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. The level of inter-leukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression was investigated in lymph nodes. According to the hemogram results, eosinophils were significantly increased in the infected goats and sheep, and Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly decreased. The levels of MDA and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly higher in infected animals than in non-infected animals. However, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was significantly lower in infected animals than in non-infected animals. A comparison of the cytokine mRNA expression in lymph nodes from infected and non-infected animals showed higher cytokine expression in the infected animals. Infection with L. serrata caused microcytic hypochromic and normocytic hypochromic anemia in goats and sheep. The inconsistent results of immunological changes were found in infected goats and sheep. In both animals, oxidative stress occurred and led to an increase in lipid peroxidation. L. serrata created a cytokine microenvironment biased towards the type 2 immune responses.
Liuhong Shen; Liuchao You; Zhu Yingkun; Yue Zhang; Sajjad Hussain; Bolin Qian; Shangkui Lü; yu Shen; Shumin Yu; Xiaolan Zong; Suizhong Cao
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 163-167
Abstract
In order to prepare reductive polypeptides from the placenta of dairy cows，fresh placentas from healthy Chinese Holstein cows were obtained and homogenized. Response surface model was established to optimize the hydrolysis condition for the extraction of the placental polypeptides. Specifically, the ...
Read More
In order to prepare reductive polypeptides from the placenta of dairy cows，fresh placentas from healthy Chinese Holstein cows were obtained and homogenized. Response surface model was established to optimize the hydrolysis condition for the extraction of the placental polypeptides. Specifically, the placental tissue homogenate was treated with both trypsin and pepsin for 348 min and 329 min; at 35.00% and 35.75% of substrate concentration; with anenzyme-substrate ratio of 3.33% and 3.92%, respectively, based on the models. The treated samples were then demineralized and freeze-dried to obtain the hydrolyzed polypeptides. In order to identify the molecular mass distribution and reducibility of polypeptides, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and Prussian blue methods were used. The concentrations of placental polypeptides after hydrolysis by trypsin or pepsin were 5.52% and 5.97%, respectively; the vitamin C (Vit C) equivalents were 36.26 μg mg-1 or 61.15 μg mg-1, respectively. Both groups showed intensity peaks of MALDI patterns in the range of 300 - 400 Da, and polypeptides hydrolyzed by pepsin had higher Vit C equivalent anti-oxidant activity than trypsin hydrolyzed polypeptide, suggesting that the proteins in the placental tissues were hydrolyzed to di-peptides and tri-peptides completely. In conclusion, both trypsin and pepsin hydrolysis performed well in preparation of reductive polypeptides from the fresh placentas of dairy cows; while, pepsin is more effective than trypsin. The primary reductive ingredients may be the oligopeptides with molecular mass less than 1000 Da.
Anatomy
Anna Valerievna Prusakova; Nikolay Vyacheslavovich Zelenevskiy; Aleksey Viktorovich Prusakov; Anatoly Viktorovich Yashin; Vladimir Sergeevich Ponamarev
Volume 15, Issue 3 , March 2024, , Pages 165-169
Abstract
The aim of the study was to establish the ultrastructural organization features of the gallbladder mucous membrane of an Anglo-Nubian goat. The material for the study was the gallbladder wall’s fragments of an adult Anglo-Nubian goat. Further processing of the obtained samples was carried out according ...
Read More
The aim of the study was to establish the ultrastructural organization features of the gallbladder mucous membrane of an Anglo-Nubian goat. The material for the study was the gallbladder wall’s fragments of an adult Anglo-Nubian goat. Further processing of the obtained samples was carried out according to generally accepted methods. Ultrathin sections were photographed in a Jem-1011 electron microscope at magnifications of 2500-3000. It was found that the gallbladder mucous membrane of an Anglo-Nubian goat is formed by the epithelial layer and its own lamina. The epithelial layer is represented by a single-layer prismatic epithelium, which cells lie on a dense basement membrane. Their nuclei are light, with clear contours. The cytoplasm contains many small mitochondria, vesicles, a small Golgi complex, short cisterns of the granular endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, polyribosomes, and rare lysosomes. The apical surface of epithelial cells forms microvilli, and the cytoplasm of the apical pole of cells contains many electron-dense secretory granules. The secret of the latter is excreted into the lumen of the gallbladder, forming a thin layer of glycocalyx on the surface of the epithelium. The lateral surfaces of the cells in their apical part are interconnected by tight contacts. The lamina propria is formed by loose connective tissue containing many blood vessels and nerve fibers.
Gerardo Uriel Bautista Trujillo; Mayra Isabel Hernández-Hernández; Javier Gutiérrez-Jiménez; Fernando Azpiri-Álvarez; Rene Pinto Ruiz; Francisco Guevara-Hernández; Benigno Ruiz Sesma; Paula Mendoza-Nazar; Daniel González-Mendoza
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 169-176
Abstract
Piglets suffer from diarrhea caused by the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and can be carriers of the bacteria, with public health consequences in developing countries. The aim of the present study was to study the prevalence of STEC O157 in feces of 465 piglets and 54 food mixes from backyard ...
Read More
Piglets suffer from diarrhea caused by the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and can be carriers of the bacteria, with public health consequences in developing countries. The aim of the present study was to study the prevalence of STEC O157 in feces of 465 piglets and 54 food mixes from backyard systems, the antimicrobial susceptibility of STEC and the frequency of genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases. The E. coli was isolated from 75.90 % of the evaluated feces. The STEC strains were identified in 33.11% of the sampled population and in 43.60% of the piglets carrying E. coli. Among STEC strains, the stx1 gene was the most frequent (22.30%). The rfbO157 gene was amplified in 47.40% of the STEC strains. High frequencies of STEC strains were not susceptible to ampicillin, carbenicillin and tetracycline. The blaTEM gene (52) was the most frequent among strains not susceptible to ampicillin. Class 1 integrons were the most frequent in those strains. Of the identified STEC strains, 48.70% were considered as multi-drug resistant and 1.90% were considered extensively drug resistant. In the supplied food, STEC O157 strains were identified in 25.00% of the STEC strains. We conclude that the piglets from backyard systems are carriers of STEC O157 strains not susceptible to common antibiotics, including penicillins and tetracyclines. In addition, supplied food is a source of this type of pathogenic bacteria. Through their direct contact with humans, the piglets and food represent a potential source of bacterial dissemination capable of producing gastrointestinal infections in humans.
Ibrahim Dorrigiv; Mojtaba Hadian; Morteza Bahram
Volume 14, Issue 3 , March 2023, , Pages 169-176
Abstract
Volatile compounds of anal sac secretions are odorant chemicals used across the carnivores for social communication such as identifying individuals and group membership. Odor profiles taken from expressed anal sac secretions of some species of carnivores have been detected in previous studies. In this ...
Read More
Volatile compounds of anal sac secretions are odorant chemicals used across the carnivores for social communication such as identifying individuals and group membership. Odor profiles taken from expressed anal sac secretions of some species of carnivores have been detected in previous studies. In this study, the volatile compounds of anal sac secretions between five male and five female domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) were compared. Volatile chemicals were extracted, separated, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with solid-phase micro-extraction and identified from their electron ionization mass spectra and Kovats retention indices. The results showed the presence of various types of compounds including organic fatty acids, ketones, aldehydes, esters, and alcohols in the anal sac secretions of dogs. Greater amounts of diversity and esters, and lower amounts of alcohols were detected in the anal sac secretions of females compared to males. This was accompanied by finding citrate and acetic acid ester only in the females. Furthermore, presence of some sex-specific organic compounds like dimethylcyclopentyl ethanone indicates that the volatile profiles of anal sac secretions in 10 domestic dogs are differentiated by host sex.
Parasitology
Yajun Lu; Yijia Xu; Chenghang Yu; Shi Cheng; Qianfeng Xia; Bin Zheng
Volume 15, Issue 4 , April 2024, , Pages 171-179
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus, a repulsive obligate blood feeder, is a three-host tick inflicting tremendous damage. Blood-sucking initiates tick-pathogen-host interactions along with alterations in the expression levels of numerous bioactive ingredients. Key molecules regulating blood meals were identified ...
Read More
Rhipicephalus sanguineus, a repulsive obligate blood feeder, is a three-host tick inflicting tremendous damage. Blood-sucking initiates tick-pathogen-host interactions along with alterations in the expression levels of numerous bioactive ingredients. Key molecules regulating blood meals were identified using the transcriptomic approach. A total number of 744 transcripts showed statistically significantly differential expression including 309 significantly upregulated transcripts and 435 significantly downregulated transcripts in semiengorged female ticks compared to unfed ticks, all collected in 2021. The top 10 differentially upregulated transcripts with explicit functional annotations included turripeptide OL55-like protein, valine tRNA ligase-like protein and ice-structuring glycoprotein-like protein. The top 10 differentially down-regulated transcripts were uncharacterized proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed four associated terms in the cellular component category and 16 in the molecular function category among the top 20 terms. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in GO terms ID 0000323 (lytic vacuole) and ID 0005773 (vacuole). The top 20 enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways included metabolism, cellular processes, organismal systems and human diseases. The DEGs were enriched in the KEGG term ID: ko-04142 (lysosome pathway) associated with intracellular digestion in the tick midgut epithelium. Molecular markers annotated via comparative transcriptomic profiling were expected to be candidate markers for the purpose of tick control.
Muhammad Usman; Anas Sarwar Sarwar; Rehmat Ullah Shahid; Sajjad Ur Rehman; Wael Abdelhameed Khamas
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 177-186
Abstract
The study was designed to explore anatomical and histological vasculature changes in the female genital system of camel and serological aspects that might be responsible to maintain thermoregulation. Twenty-four adult female camels were sampled during breeding (November-April) and non-breeding (May-October) ...
Read More
The study was designed to explore anatomical and histological vasculature changes in the female genital system of camel and serological aspects that might be responsible to maintain thermoregulation. Twenty-four adult female camels were sampled during breeding (November-April) and non-breeding (May-October) season. Blood was collected for estrogen, progesterone and cortisol level estimation. Genital organs were sampled and described after slaughtering. Samples were taken from the ovarian artery (OA), vein (OV) and arterio-venous complex (AVC), for light and scanning electron microscopy. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, Weigert’s elastic and toluidine blue. Temperature and relative humidity were used to calculate stress indicator. Stress indicator was higher in non-breeding season (NBS). Anatomical and histological vasculature (OA, OV, AVC) dynamics were significantly higher in breeding season (BS) especially diameter of left OA. Parameters of OA were positively associated with estrogen level. Collagen, elastic, smooth muscles and mast cells were recorded least in BS compared to NBS. Unique venous structure, intra-mural venules (IMV), was discovered in tunica intima of OA, seen positively and negatively associated with estrogen and cortisol level in BS, respectively. Scanned electron-micrograph exhibited penetration and wrapping of OA by small thinned-walled venules that may form IMV. The AVC was too tightly packed to differentiate due to the collapse of the wall. Hormonal, seasonal, stress indicator and vascular dynamic of female genital system are interlinked and IMV in association with OA and OV may be proposed as the site of counter-current exchange in female reproductive system of the camel.
Parasitology
Sepideh Abdollahzadeh; Mousa Tavassoli; Bijan Esmaeilnejad; Ghader Jalilzadeh-Amin
Volume 15, Issue 4 , April 2024, , Pages 181-186
Abstract
The over-use of anti-parasitic compounds as a method of control has led to insufficient effectiveness and widespread drug resistance worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of albendazole and levamisole as anti-parasitic agents in a lung worm control program in goat flocks. During ...
Read More
The over-use of anti-parasitic compounds as a method of control has led to insufficient effectiveness and widespread drug resistance worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of albendazole and levamisole as anti-parasitic agents in a lung worm control program in goat flocks. During 2021 and 2022, a total of 110 goats (age of four months and above) were randomly selected from 11 herds in the north-western region of Iran including Saanen breed (both sexes of the same age). The results indicated that 3.60, 50.80 and 41.90% were respectively infected with Dictyocaulus filaria, Muellerius capillaris and Proto-strongylus rufescens, and generally all the lung parasites in goats of this region were resistant to albendazole and levamisole. Due to clinical importance of D. filaria in goats, the molecular analysis of two samples was also done. Sequencing results showed that the identified parasites were 100% similar to the reference sequences registered in the GenBank®. The results of this research showed low level of these anthelmintics efficacy against Dictyocaulus and Muellerius. Generally, the lung parasites in goats of this region are resistant to albendazole and levamisole. The P. rufescens showed high resistance to these drugs. Totally, it can be concluded that the level of drug resistance varies in different parts of the world; but, the frequencies of drug resistance in different parts of the world are not the same, requiring more studies.
Selinay Basak Erdemli Kose; Fatma Sahindokuyucu Kocasari
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 187-192
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of cinnamic acid (CA) on orthophenyl-phenol (OPP)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into four groups as control, OPP, CA and OPP + CA groups. The animals in control, OPP and CA groups were received corn ...
Read More
This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of cinnamic acid (CA) on orthophenyl-phenol (OPP)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into four groups as control, OPP, CA and OPP + CA groups. The animals in control, OPP and CA groups were received corn oil, OPP (700 mg kg-1 dissolved in corn oil) and CA (200 mg kg-1) by gavage for 21 days, respectively. The animals in OPP + CA group were received CA for 3 days and from day 4; OPP and CA were applied together daily until day 25. Blood and liver samples were collected at the end of experiment for measurement of aminotransferases, creatinine (CREA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The OPP-induced high serum activities of aminotransferases and level of CREA were reduced significantly by CA administration. The OPP induced significant increases of CAT activities and MDA levels in serum and liver tissue samples. Moreover, OPP significantly decreased GSH levels as well as GSH-Px and SOD activities. Pre-treatment with CA ameliorated the GSH levels along with GSH-Px and SOD activities compared to OPP-receiving rats. On the other hand, CAT activities and MDA levels significantly decreased following the pre-treatment with CA compared to OPP-receiving rats. It has been determined that OPP causes oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in blood and liver tissues and creates changes in anti-oxidant defense enzymes. Pre-treatment with CA reduces lipid peroxidation and provides protective effect against oxidative stress.
Anesthesiology
Masoud Khaleghi; Ali Asghar Sarchahi; Hossein Kazemi Mehrjerdi; Mehdi Rasekh; Dariush Saadati
Volume 15, Issue 4 , April 2024, , Pages 187-194
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three anesthetic agents, with premedication of medetomidine and midazolam, on electrocardiographic variables in dogs. Ten adult mixed breed dogs were used in a crossover design study, where they received ketamine, propofol and isoflurane treatments ...
Read More
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three anesthetic agents, with premedication of medetomidine and midazolam, on electrocardiographic variables in dogs. Ten adult mixed breed dogs were used in a crossover design study, where they received ketamine, propofol and isoflurane treatments with a one-week washout period between them. In all three groups, medetomidine was administered first followed by midazolam after 15 min. Then, after 20 min, group 1 received ketamine intravenously (IV), group 2 received propofol (IV), and group 3 received isoflurane (inhalation). In all dogs, electrocardiographs were taken before and after premedication’s, as well as every 15 min during anesthesia. Medetomidine significantly decreased heart rate and P wave amplitude and increased PR interval, R wave amplitude, QT interval, and T wave amplitude. Midazolam increased the amplitude of the R and T waves. Ketamine increased the heart rate and PR interval. Propofol increased the heart rate for up to 15 min, decreased the PR interval for up to 30 min, and the QT interval for up to 45 min. Isoflurane increased the heart rate and decreased the amplitude of R and T waves. The results showed that the drugs used in this study did not have many side effects on electrocardiographic variables and could be used without serious concern. The most important side effects observed were a severe reduction in heart rate and 1st degree atrioventricular (AV) block and, to a lesser extent, 2nd degree AV block caused by medetomidine and midazolam which were masked by the anesthetics.
Saeed Farzad-Mohajeri; Mirsepehr Pedram; Nasrin Saeedifar; Fatemeh Mashhadi-Abbas; Mohammad Mehdi Dehghan; Naghmeh Bahrami; Sedighe Sadat Hashemi Kamangar
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 193-200
Abstract
Bone-marrow derived stem cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into several mesenchymal cell lines and are suitable candidates for bone and dental tissue engineering. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of cell therapy in direct pulp capping (DPC) of canine teeth using autologous BMSCs along with collagen/hydroxyapatite ...
Read More
Bone-marrow derived stem cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into several mesenchymal cell lines and are suitable candidates for bone and dental tissue engineering. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of cell therapy in direct pulp capping (DPC) of canine teeth using autologous BMSCs along with collagen/hydroxyapatite hybrid scaffold in terms of the quantity and quality of calcified bridge formation. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups of DPC with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), hydroxyapatite/collagen hybrid scaffold alone and BMSCs with hydroxyapatite/collagen hybrid scaffold; DPC was performed under general anesthesia in cavities prepared on the buccal surfaces of mandibular and maxillary premolars of the same dogs from which, stem cells had been isolated. All cavities were then restored with light-cure resin modified glass ionomer cement. Histomorphometric assessments after 12 weeks showed formation of dentinal bridge following DPC with BMSCs and MTA. The efficacy of MTA for calcified bridge formation following DPC was significantly higher than that of BMSCs plus hybrid scaffold (P<0.0001). According to present study, we concluded DPC using BMSCs and hybrid scaffold does not provide clinically noticeable results in canine patients.
Microbiology
Saeed Alamian; Karim Amiry; Afshar Etemadi; Maryam Dadar
Volume 15, Issue 4 , April 2024, , Pages 195-202
Abstract
Bovine brucellosis, an infectious disease transmitted by Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus, presents a significant zoonotic risk for agricultural economics and animal health. The primary objective of this study was to present a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and features of Brucella ...
Read More
Bovine brucellosis, an infectious disease transmitted by Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus, presents a significant zoonotic risk for agricultural economics and animal health. The primary objective of this study was to present a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and features of Brucella strains within the industrial dairy farming sector in Iran. Rose Bengal plate test, standard agglutination test, and indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay tests were used to confirm all seropositive animals. A total number of 1,311 bovine samples from seropositive animals including were collected from 224 farms in 21 provinces of different regions of Iran and examined. The discovered Brucella isolates were phenotyped and molecularly characterized. The isolates were all B. abortus or B. melitensis. Bacteria analysis revealed that 70.53% of seropositive farms were tested positive for Brucella strains, predominantly B. melitensis biovar 1 (43.42%) and B. abortus biovar 3 (27.11%). Geographical distribution revealed that B. melitensis biovar 1 was the most common in dairy cow farms (16 provinces), followed by B. abortus biovar 3 (six provinces). Also, the prevalence of B. melitensis biovar 2, B. melitensis biovar 3, B. abortus biovar 1, B. abortus biovar 2 and RB51 vaccine were restricted to certain provinces. AMOS (abortus melitensis ovis suis)-polymerase chain reaction and Bruce-ladder PCR confirmed species identification. These results highlighted the complexity of bovine brucellosis in Iran and illustrated that B. melitensis was spread from small ruminants to cattle. This study provided important epidemiological insights for targeting future brucellosis control programs in the Iranian dairy farms.
Vasileios Papatsiros; Labrini Vasileiou Athanasiou; Despoina Stougiou; Georgios Christodoulopoulos; Sofia Boutsini
Volume 11, Issue 3 , September 2020, , Pages 199-205
Abstract
Trichinellosis is an important zoonosis and the most common source of human infection is meat from pigs and wild boars. The European Union (EU) supports alternative pig production systems (organic and free-ranging) as sustainable farming systems. However, these systems that allow outdoor access for farm ...
Read More
Trichinellosis is an important zoonosis and the most common source of human infection is meat from pigs and wild boars. The European Union (EU) supports alternative pig production systems (organic and free-ranging) as sustainable farming systems. However, these systems that allow outdoor access for farm animals, may create new or reintroduce old risks to public health. During the last years, alternative pig production systems (free-ranging or organic pig) are growing in popularity in Greece due to the increasing interest of consumers for organic products. The majority of the trichinellosis outbreaks in the EU were associated with pork and meat products including wild boars. In Greece, from 2009 to 2012, 37 Trichinella spp. positive free-ranging pigs were reported in free-ranging pig farms of Northern-Eastern Greece (31 were identified as T. britovi). The recent re-emerging present of the Trichinella spp < em>. infections in free-ranging pigs and wild boars are a high risk for the consumers and should alarm the Public Health Authorities in Greece and the EU. During the last years, the organic or free-ranging pig production systems are growing in popularity in the EU. However, these systems increase the risk of Trichinella spp. infections, since pigs are possible to be infected by feeding on carcasses or the offal of hunted or dead wild animals. For this reason, it is important for Public Health Authorities to be focused on the training of hunters and farmers in order to avoid the transmission among free-ranging pigs and prevent the cases of human infection. The recent re-emerging presence of the Trichinella spp. infections in free ranging pigs and wild boars is a high risk for the consumers and should alarm the Public Health Authorities in Greece and EU. During last years, the organic or free-ranging pig production systems are growing in popularity in EU. However, these systems increase the risk for Trichinella spp. infections, since pigs are possible to be infected by feeding on carcasses or the offal of hunted or dead wild animals. For this reason, it is important Public Health Authorities to be focused on the training of hunters and farmers in order to avoid the transmission among free ranging pigs and prevent the cases of human infection.
Toktam Heidari; Rooz Ali Batavani; Hassan Malekinejad; Rahim Hobbenaghi
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 201-208
Abstract
Phthalates are environmental contaminants mostly used as plasticizers and additives in different products. Having endocrine-disrupting properties, phthalates are known as potential reproductive toxicants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) ...
Read More
Phthalates are environmental contaminants mostly used as plasticizers and additives in different products. Having endocrine-disrupting properties, phthalates are known as potential reproductive toxicants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in pregnant rats and their offspring and also to assess the ability of vitamin E in the elimination or reducing reproductive toxicity of DBP. Sixty-six pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 100, 500 or 1,000 mg kg-1 per day DBP or 500 mg kg-1 per day DBP along with 100 mg kg-1 per day vitamin E during gestation. After delivery, they were divided into two groups. In one group gavage was finished after litter while in the other DBP administration was continued till weaning. The results showed that DBP affected many aspects of reproductive performance in pregnant rats and their offspring. It could be suggested that vitamin E could ameliorate the adverse effects of DBP, especially in male pups.
