Microbiology
Golshan Shakeri; Abdollah Jamshidi; Saeid Khanzadi; Mohammad Azizzadeh
Volume 8, Issue 1 , March 2017, , Pages 59-65
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to elucidate some factors affecting the growth of Salmonella typhimurium. These factors included Carum copticum essential oil (0%, 0.015%, 0.03% and 0.06%), temperature (25 ˚C and 35 ˚C), pH (5, 6 and 7) and inoculum size (103 and 105 CFU mL-1). Brain heart infusion ...
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The purpose of this study was to elucidate some factors affecting the growth of Salmonella typhimurium. These factors included Carum copticum essential oil (0%, 0.015%, 0.03% and 0.06%), temperature (25 ˚C and 35 ˚C), pH (5, 6 and 7) and inoculum size (103 and 105 CFU mL-1). Brain heart infusion broth was used as the growth medium. There were 48 treatment combinations and the experiment was carried out in triplicate. Growth was monitored by visible turbidity over a 30 days period. A parametric survival model based on the log-normal distribution was used to estimate the most influential factors on the time to detection of Salmonella growth. According to our results, the selected factors significantly affected the growth of Salmonella typhimurium. Furthermore, the final graph demonstrated good agreement between the values predicted by predictive model and the results which were observed in this study. So that a parametric survival model can be a useful and practical tool to predict how the parameters will influence the bacterial growth.
Farid Rezaei; Mousa Tavassoli; Moosa Javdani
Volume 3, Issue 1 , March 2012, , Pages 61-65
Abstract
Linguatula serrata, well known as tongue worm; is an aberrant cosmopolitan parasite, which inhabits the canine respiratory system (final host). The discharged eggs infect many plant feeder animals including human causing visceral and nasopharyngeal linguatulosis which is known as “Marrara syndrome”. ...
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Linguatula serrata, well known as tongue worm; is an aberrant cosmopolitan parasite, which inhabits the canine respiratory system (final host). The discharged eggs infect many plant feeder animals including human causing visceral and nasopharyngeal linguatulosis which is known as “Marrara syndrome”. In current study, the prevalence of infection with L. serrata nymphs in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of slaughtered camels was investigated in Isfahan Province, Iran. The MLNs of 232 slaughtered camels, including 115 females and 117 males, were examined for L. serrata nymphs. Camels were categorized into four age groups, namely under six months, six months to two years, two to four years and greater than four years. Also, the morphometrics of the nymphs were measured using the classic parasitology methods. Results showed that 21.12% of examined camels were infected with L. serrata. Age and sex had no significant effect on the prevalence of this parasite in camels. The size of the different parts of nymphs’ body were recorded and evaluated. The infection rate to the nymphs of parasite in hemorrhagic and black-colored lymph nodes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than the infection rate in normal-colored nodes. Also, results showed that in soft lymph nodes, the infection rate was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more than those of normal and hard nodes. A high prevalence of infection in camels suggests possibility of similar high rate of infection in other animals, and people in the investigated area. This, in turn, emphasizes the need for more preventive measures to reduce the risk of zoonotic outbreaks.
Nesibu Awol; Semere Kiros; Yisehak Tsegaye; Mohammed Ali; Birhanu Hadush
Volume 5, Issue 1 , March 2014, , Pages 61-64
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and species of camel mange mite infestation in Raya-Azebo district, Northern part of Ethiopia. Accordingly, Three hundred and eighty-four camels were examined and mange mite infestation was detected on 64 of camels. Only Sarcoptes scabiei ...
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A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and species of camel mange mite infestation in Raya-Azebo district, Northern part of Ethiopia. Accordingly, Three hundred and eighty-four camels were examined and mange mite infestation was detected on 64 of camels. Only Sarcoptes scabiei var. cameli was identified as the only mite species in all skin scraping samples collected from the suspected mange mite lesions. There was significant difference in the prevalence of mange mite infestation between male and female camels (p < 0.05) but no significance difference was observed among the age groups and body condition score of camels (p > 0.05). The result indicated that camel mange mite infestation was a problem in northern part of Ethiopia, hence, further studies and strategic control measures are recommended to reduce the effect of mange mite infestation on camel husbandry.
Ali Akbar Mozafari; Rasoul Shahrooz; Abbas Ahmadi; Hassan Malekinjad; Karim Mardani
Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2016, , Pages 63-68
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the protective effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on sperm quality parameters, testosterone level and malondialdehyde (MDA) in phenylhydrazine (PHZ) treated mice. For this purpose, 32 NMRI mice with the age range of 8 to 10 weeks, weight average 26.0 ± 2.0 ...
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The aim of the present study was to assess the protective effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on sperm quality parameters, testosterone level and malondialdehyde (MDA) in phenylhydrazine (PHZ) treated mice. For this purpose, 32 NMRI mice with the age range of 8 to 10 weeks, weight average 26.0 ± 2.0 g, were randomly divided into four equal groups. The control group (1) received normal saline (0. 1 mL per day) by intraperitoneal injection (IP). Group 2 (PHZ group) was treated with initial dose of PHZ (8 mg 100 g-1, IP) followed by 6 mg 100 g-1 , IP every 48 hr. Group 3, (Group PHZ+EP) received PHZ (according to the previous prescription) with EP (40 mg kg-1, daily, IP). Ethyl pyruvate group (4) received only EP (40 mg kg-1, daily, IP). Treatment period was 35 days. After euthanasia, sperms from caudal region of epididymis were collected and the total mean sperm count, sperm viability, motility and morphology were determined. Testis tissue MDA and serum testosterone levels of all experimental groups were also evaluated. A considerable reduction in mean percentage of number, natural morphology of sperm, sperm motility and viability and serum testosterone concentration besides DNA injury increment among mice treating with PHZ in comparison with control group were observed. However, in PHZ+EP group the above mentioned parameters were improved. This study showed that PHZ caused induction of toxicity on sperm parameters and reduction of testosterone as well as the increment of MDA level and EP as an antioxidant could reduce destructive effects of PHZ on sperm parameters, testosterone level and lipid peroxidation.
Immunology
Masoud Reza Seyfi Abad Shapouri; Mohammad Rashno; Pezhman Mahmoodi; Mahshid Ariya
Volume 9, Issue 1 , March 2018, , Pages 67-72
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are invaluable molecules which have several advantages over polyclonal immunoglobulins (Igs) including consistency and higher specificity and hence can be used in biological researches, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The present study was conducted to produce monoclonal ...
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Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are invaluable molecules which have several advantages over polyclonal immunoglobulins (Igs) including consistency and higher specificity and hence can be used in biological researches, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The present study was conducted to produce monoclonal antibody against chicken IgG.TheIgG molecules were purified from chicken serum and used as antigens to immunize several mice. Thereafter, a well-immunized mouse was chosen and used for fusion process. After production of hybridoma cells, several rounds of cloning were carried out and produced MAbs were examined by various immunological assays including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western and dot blotting. Assessment of grown hybridomas indicated that only one clone (5B8) has produced desired MAb against chicken IgG. Meanwhile, using an indirect ELISA, it was shown that this MAb successfully recognizes chicken IgG molecules attached to influenza virus nucleoprotein. Evaluation of cross reactivity of MAb 5B8 with several avian serum samples revealed that this molecule specifically identifies chicken antibody molecules. However, it also recognized turkey antibodies with less affinity. In addition to research applications like isolation and purification of chicken and turkey IgG molecules, such a MAb can be applied to design and development of various immunoassays (e.g. ELISA) in these avian species.
Microbiology
Jamshid Razmyar; Mahdis Ghavidel; Hamideh Salari Sedigh
Volume 10, Issue 1 , March 2019, , Pages 67-72
Abstract
Genus Brachyspira,as Gram negative anaerobic bacteria, colonize in dogs intestine. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of Brachyspira spp. for the first time in Iran and rapid identification of Brachyspira spp. in dogs by a new designment of a species-specific primer set for ...
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Genus Brachyspira,as Gram negative anaerobic bacteria, colonize in dogs intestine. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of Brachyspira spp. for the first time in Iran and rapid identification of Brachyspira spp. in dogs by a new designment of a species-specific primer set for B. canis. One hundred fifty-one fecal samples were obtained from dogs by rectal swab. Twenty dogs suffered from diarrhea and 131 of them were healthy. In 9.27% (14/151) of samples, spirochaetes were detected on primary cultures by weak hemolysis and positive Gram staining and then Brachyspira genus was confirmed by NADH oxidase (nox) gene via polymerase chain reaction. Among 14 isolates, twelve isolates were B. canis, one isolate was B. intermedia and another one was non-typeable. From 12 B. canis, only eight isolates were detected by designed specific primers. Ten Brachyspira spp. were isolated from dogs ≤ 1 year old (10/67, 14.92%) and 4 isolates were from > 1 year old dogs (4/84, 4.76%). The isolation rates from healthy and diarrheic dogs were (12/131, 9.16%) and (2/20, 10.00%), respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between the presence of Brachyspira spp. and the age under one year. Based on our findings, the nox gene in B. canis might have more sequence variability compared to other Brachyspira spp.
Mandana Salehizadeh; Mohammad Hossein Modarressi; Seyed Naser Mousavi; Maryam Tajabadi Ebrahimi
Volume 11, Issue 1 , March 2020, , Pages 67-75
Abstract
The efficacy of probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics has been defined as one of the potential strategies to prevent Salmonella spp. infection in poultry. The purpose of this study was to isolate probiotic native Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with high compatibility to intestinal tract and prevention ...
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The efficacy of probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics has been defined as one of the potential strategies to prevent Salmonella spp. infection in poultry. The purpose of this study was to isolate probiotic native Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with high compatibility to intestinal tract and prevention of Salmonella typhimuriumfrom broiler chicken feces. Thirty-seven samples of chicken feces were collected from seven broiler chicken farms in Northern Iran. The isolates identification was carried out with morphological and biochemical tests. Agar diffusion methods were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli and S. typhimurium. The primary probiotic characteristics such as resistance to acid and bile and adhesion to Caco-2 cells were studied. Indeed, the ability of LAB isolates to inhibit adhesion of S. typhimurium to Caco-2 cells was evaluated by exclusion, competition and displacement assays. Among 42 isolates, S08, S01 and S06 isolates which showed appropriate probiotics characteristics were selected. Isolates S08 and S01 showed to be able to adhere strongly and also S06 was adhered moderately. In the exclusion assay, the isolates S08, S01 and S06 significantly hampered adhesion of S. typhimurium cell, in the competition assay, the isolates S08, S01 showed significant level of competition activity against S. typhimurium adherence to Caco-2 cells and isolate S08 showed the greatest displacement activity. The 16S rDNA sequence revealed that S08, S01, and S06 isolates were 99.00% similar to Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Pediococcus acidilactici, respectively. The result of this study suggested that LAB isolated from broiler chicken feces could be a remarkable reservoir for identification of probiotic to inhibit the pathogenic bacteria growth.
Fatemeh Sabet Sarvestani; Farhad Rahmanifar; Amin Tamadon
Volume 6, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 69-73
Abstract
Food intake of rats increases during pregnancy. This requires changes in the structure of the small intestine to absorb additional food. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphological changes in the layers of small intestine in rats during pregnancy. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum of ...
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Food intake of rats increases during pregnancy. This requires changes in the structure of the small intestine to absorb additional food. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphological changes in the layers of small intestine in rats during pregnancy. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum of 18 pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (day 7, 14 and 21 of pregnancy) were collected. Villous height and width and thickness of lamina propria, tunica muscularis entirely and separately (circular and longitudinal layers) were measured on transverse sections. During pregnancy increasing villi length and muscular layer thickness was observed in duodenum. Furthermore, along with the progress of gestation greatest histomorphometric change in small intestine was observed in the jejunum. The reduction in the ileum histomorphologic indices was observed during pregnancy. In conclusion, increase in histomorphologic indices of duodenum and jejunum supplies more capacity of duodenum to digest food intake during pregnancy and decrease in these indices in ileum controls the absorption of excess produced amino acids and glucose by hyperphagia.
Hazhir Soleimani; Mehdi Behfar; Rahim Hobbenaghi
Volume 12, Issue 1 , March 2021, , Pages 69-75
Abstract
Tendon healing is prolonged due to the small number of cells, poor circulation, and low metabolism. The optimal tendon healing and its complete functional recovery have always been a challenge for researchers. Silymarin possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, and regenerative properties. ...
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Tendon healing is prolonged due to the small number of cells, poor circulation, and low metabolism. The optimal tendon healing and its complete functional recovery have always been a challenge for researchers. Silymarin possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, and regenerative properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of silymarin on healing the Achilles tendon in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of control and treatment. After surgical preparation, a complete transverse incision was made in the middle part of the Achilles tendon, and then a modified Kessler suture was placed. The control group received 1.00 mL normal saline for five consecutive days, and the treatment group received 50.00 mg kg-1 of silymarin suspended in 1.00 mL normal saline for five days, orally. During the experimental period, Achilles functional index (AFI) was recorded. Six weeks after surgery, sampling was done. Histopathologically, a significant increase in the density of collagen fibers and reduction in neovascularization and inflammatory cells infiltration were observed in the treatment group. The biomechanical evaluation showed a significant increase in tensile strength of the tendon in the treatment group compared to the control group. The AFI results were concomitant with the results stated above, indicating an improvement in the AFI of rats in the treatment group. The present study results showed that oral administration of silymarin improved tissue healing indices, biomechanical properties, and functional index, leading to optimal healing of experimental Achilles tendon injury in the rat.
Mohammad Hashemi; Ali Ehsani; Nima Hosseini Jazani; Javad Aliakbarlu; Razzaqh Mahmoudi
Volume 4, Issue 2 , June 2013, , Pages 123-127
Abstract
Echinophora Platyloba D.C as a medicinal plant is used for preservation of foods and treatment of many diseases in different regions of Iran. The present study was undertaken to determine the chemical composition and investigation of the antibacterial effects of essential oil as well as methanol extract ...
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Echinophora Platyloba D.C as a medicinal plant is used for preservation of foods and treatment of many diseases in different regions of Iran. The present study was undertaken to determine the chemical composition and investigation of the antibacterial effects of essential oil as well as methanol extract from aerial part of Echinophora Platyloba D.C against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, S. Thyphimurium and E. coli. Chemical analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry (GC/MS) showed that ocimene (26.51%), 2,3-Dimethyl-cyclohexa-1,3-diene (9.87%), alpha-pinene (7.69%) and gamma-dodecanolactone (5.66%) were dominant components of essential oil and the main constituents of methanol extract were o-Cymene (28.66%), methanol (8.50%), alpha-pinene (7.42%) and gamma-decalactone (5.20%). The essential oil showed strong antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria, whereas the methanol extract almost remained inactive against gram-negative bacteria. The most sensitive bacteria to essential oil and extract of Echinophora Platyloba D.C were L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of essential oil against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus were 6250 and 12500 ppm, respectively. MIC of methanol extract against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes was 25000 ppm. Therefore, purifying and evaluation of antibacterial effects of the active substances of the essential oil and methanol extract of this plant for future application as antibacterial agents and food preservatives to combat pathogenic and toxigenic microorganisms is recommended.
Sayed Mortaza Alavi-Shoushtari; Siamak Asri-Rezaie; Roya Abedizadeh; Amir Khaki; Mozhgan Pak; Sajad Alizadeh
Volume 3, Issue 2 , June 2012, , Pages 137-141
Abstract
To investigate uterine and serum Ca++ and Mg++ variations during the estrous cycle in the bovine, 66 genital tracts and blood samples were collected from Urmia abattoir, Urmia, Iran. The phase of the estrous cycle was determined by examination of the structures present on ovaries and uterine tonicity. ...
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To investigate uterine and serum Ca++ and Mg++ variations during the estrous cycle in the bovine, 66 genital tracts and blood samples were collected from Urmia abattoir, Urmia, Iran. The phase of the estrous cycle was determined by examination of the structures present on ovaries and uterine tonicity. Of the collected samples, 17 were pro-estrus, 12 estrus, 14 metestrus and 23 diestrus. The uterine fluid was collected by gentle scraping of the uterine mucosa with a curette. The mean ± SEM concentration of serum Ca++ in pro-estrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus was 5.77 ± 0.69, 8.87 ± 1.83, 10.95 ± 1.52, 11.09 ± 1.08 mg dL-1, and the mean concentration of uterine fluid Ca++ was 4.40 ± 0.72, 3.15 ± 0.67, 5.89 ± 0.88, 8.63 ± 0.97 mg dL-1, respectively. The mean concentration of serum Mg++ in pro-estrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus was 3.53 ± 0.30, 4.20 ± 0.52, 3.49 ± 0.38, 3.39 ± 0.29 mg dL-1, and mean concentration of uterine fluid Mg++ was 5.27 ± 0.42, 4.92 ± 0.60, 5.56 ± 0.30, 5.88 ± 0.36 mg dL-1, respectively. The serum and uterine fluid Ca++ in pro-estrus were significantly different from those of the metestrus and diestrus. In all stages of estrous cycle the mean concentration of serum Ca++ was higher than that in the uterine fluid. The difference between serum and uterine fluid Ca++ in estrus, metestrus and diestrus was significant. There was no significant difference between serum Mg++ content nor was it different from uterine fluid Mg++ content at any stages of estrous cycle. In all stages of estrous cycle the uterine fluid Mg++ was higher than that of the serum. These results suggest that during the estrous cycle in the cow, Ca++ is passively secreted in uterine fluids and is mostly dependent on blood serum Ca++ variations but Mg++ is secreted independently and does not follow variations in the serum concentrations.
Jafar Arjmand; Bijan Esmaeilnejad; Mohammad Hossein Razi Jalali; Masoud Ghorbanpoor; Seyyed Meysam Abtahi Froushani
Volume 5, Issue 2 , June 2014, , Pages 141-144
Abstract
Fasciolosis is a disease caused by liver fluck of the genus of fasciola. Diagnosis of fasciolosis has been challenging for a long period due to low sensitivity of the coprological diagnostic method. In this study, an in-house Dot-ELISA method; using excretion–secretory (ES Ag) and Crude (Cr Ag) ...
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Fasciolosis is a disease caused by liver fluck of the genus of fasciola. Diagnosis of fasciolosis has been challenging for a long period due to low sensitivity of the coprological diagnostic method. In this study, an in-house Dot-ELISA method; using excretion–secretory (ES Ag) and Crude (Cr Ag) antigens of fasciola was described for diagnosis of fasciolosis in cattle. For this purpose, the sera specimens of slaughtered cattle were taken and examined for fasciola infection. Sera from two groups of cattle, one infected with fasciola (n = 60) and the other non-infected with fasciola (n = 60), were used in the Dot- ELISA test. All sera were tested and evaluated. Except specificity, other parameters such as, sensitivity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of Dot- ELISA with ES Ag were better than those of Dot- ELISA with Cr Ag. In conclusion, excretory–secretory antigen dependent Dot-ELISA can be used as a reliable sero-diagnostic test for fasciola infection in cattle.
Fish & Aquatic
Mahdi Banaee; Vahid Soleimany; Behzad Nematdoost Haghi
Volume 8, Issue 2 , June 2017, , Pages 145-153
Abstract
This study evaluated preclinical and clinical safety of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract as a naturopathic medicine in common carp deliberately infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. The fish were fed 0 (control), 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 g of marshmallow extract for 60 days in a preclinical experiment ...
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This study evaluated preclinical and clinical safety of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract as a naturopathic medicine in common carp deliberately infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. The fish were fed 0 (control), 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 g of marshmallow extract for 60 days in a preclinical experiment and then, challenged with A. hydrophila for a 10-day experiment. Significant increases were observed in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities and plasma creatinine levels in fish fed 10 g marshmallow extract per kg feed. However, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) significantly decreased on day 60. The fish fed 2.50 g marshmallow extract per kg feed indicated increased levels of total protein and globulin. There were no significant changes in albumin levels (p > 0.05). 2.50 and 5.00 g marshmallow significantly decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels and increased glucose levels (p < 0.05). A. hydrophila significantly increased AST, ALT, LDH, ALP and CPK activities and plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine levels after 10 days (p < 0.05). Total plasma protein, albumin and globulin levels in fish challenged with A. hydrophila were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Marshmallow extract at 5.00 and 10.00 g can adjust plasma biochemical parameters in fish challenged with A. hydrophila. The results of preclinical studies and pharmaceutical toxicity of marshmallow extract revealed that dietary levels lower than 5.00 g were safe and effective. The results of this clinical study demonstrated that marshmallow extract (5.00 g kg-1 feed) can protect fish against A. hydrophila.
Food Hygiene
Jamileh Salar-Amoli; Tahereh Ali-Esfahani
Volume 6, Issue 2 , June 2015, , Pages 155-159
Abstract
Extensive distribution of hazardous substances in food chain and the deleterious effect of their residues on public health are a great concern of the society. Chicken eggs, as one of the most popular food commodities, in different parts of Tehran (Iran) were analyzed for two groups of hazardous substances ...
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Extensive distribution of hazardous substances in food chain and the deleterious effect of their residues on public health are a great concern of the society. Chicken eggs, as one of the most popular food commodities, in different parts of Tehran (Iran) were analyzed for two groups of hazardous substances including some organochlorine pesticides (OC) such as aldrin, lindane, dieldrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, heptachlor and endusulfan) and heavy metals namely mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr). Gas chromatography- electron capture detector, hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry, cold- vapor atomic absorption spectrometry and conductively coupled plasma atomic optical spectrometry were used to determine the levels of OCs, As, Hg and the others, respectively. For OCs, the results revealed none of the levels were more than maximum residues levels (MRLs), but three of them (Aldrin, lindane and endusulphan) were detectable. Moreover, 100% of 50 eggs had heavy metals with levels higher than limit of detection of the procedure. The levels of Pb and Hg in all eggs and Cd in 47% of samples were more than MRLs. It seems that the regular national monitoring of egg producing chain specially the quality of chicken feed should be taken into account seriously in order to safeguard public general health.
Microbiology
Bentolhoda Rahman; Abdolghaffar Ownagh; Karim Mardani; Farhad Farrokhi Ardebili
Volume 7, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 155-162
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp. in ewes in West-Azerbaijan province of Iran. Molecular characterization of isolated Staphylococcus spp. from diseased ewes were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction ...
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This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp. in ewes in West-Azerbaijan province of Iran. Molecular characterization of isolated Staphylococcus spp. from diseased ewes were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequencing of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gap) gene. Also, antibiotic resistance of staphylococcal isolates against different antibiotics was investigated. A total number of 900 milk samples from 450 native ewes in their mid-lactation period were examined by the California mastitis test (CMT). The CMT positive samples were cultured and bacteria were isolated from 86 (9.50%) glands and 74 (16.40%) ewes. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis in the examined ewes was 16.40%. Microbiological analysis of milk samples revealed that 27 out of 74 sheep with subclinical mastitis were infected with Staphylococcus spp. Amplification of gap gene of 27 Staphylococcus isolates generated a single amplicon of 933 bp in size confirming that isolates were belonged to Staphylococcus genus. Digestion of PCR products by AluI endonuclease generated different RFLP patterns for each species. Nucleotide sequencing of gap gene followed by phylogenetic analysis showed that the most dominant Staphylococcusspecies were S. epidermidis, S. xylosus and S. chromogenes. Staphylococcal isolates showed the highest resistance to penicillin and ampicillin. In conclusion, Staphylococcus species, except for the southern parts of the province, play an important role in the development of subclinical mastitis in sheep in West-Azerbaijan province of Iran. Also, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and neomycin are the most effective antibiotics for treatment of this disease.
Histology
Ramin Jahangirfard; Ali Shalizar; Rasoul Shahrooz; Gholamreza Najafi; Aram Minas
Volume 10, Issue 2 , June 2019, , Pages 159-163
Abstract
In order to conduct this study, eight adult turkey heads were obtained. Pituitary glands were harvested following cranial bones removal and examined morphologically and anatomically as well as topographically. Then, tissue sections were prepared and stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin, Alcian blue, orange ...
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In order to conduct this study, eight adult turkey heads were obtained. Pituitary glands were harvested following cranial bones removal and examined morphologically and anatomically as well as topographically. Then, tissue sections were prepared and stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin, Alcian blue, orange G and periodic acid-Schiff staining techniques. The results showed that turkey pituitary gland as a pea-sized structure is located in the ventral part of the cerebrum and composed of adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis parts. Moreover, histological analyses revealed that sinusoids are well-developed at the distal part of the adenohypophysis and irregular masses of endocrine cells exist among them. Distributions of basophilic cells in the distal part of adenohypophysis were significantly higher than those of other endocrine cells, while the acidophilic cells had the lowest distribution. Lower and higher numbers of chromophobe cells were also found compared to those of basophilic and acidophilic cells, respectively. These findings were mostly similar to the other birds’ pituitary gland anatomical and histological features, but there were also differences in cellular elements distributions along with infundibular cavity topography.
Sarang Soroori; Soraya Saleh Gargari; Nima Sayyah; Mohammad Reza Esmaili Nejad
Volume 11, Issue 2 , June 2020, , Pages 165-170
Abstract
This study was performed to achieve abortion in a short time and with minimum side effects in a bitch, as an alternative method for termination of unwanted pregnancy. The experimentation was performed on 10 privately owned crossbred pregnant bitches, in their late second trimester of pregnancy, having ...
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This study was performed to achieve abortion in a short time and with minimum side effects in a bitch, as an alternative method for termination of unwanted pregnancy. The experimentation was performed on 10 privately owned crossbred pregnant bitches, in their late second trimester of pregnancy, having a variable number of fetuses (3 to 9). Fetal death was induced by transabdominal intracardiac injection of potassium chloride (KCl) into the fetal heart under ultrasonographic guidance. Pregnancy was terminated within 36 to 72 hr (51.60 ±16.04 hr) and none of the patients experienced any side effects or clinical complications. Data presented in this report provided evidence for the possible use of this technique to selectively reduce the number of canine fetuses without terminating the whole pregnancy. Ultrasound-guided induced fetal death is a safe procedure and a viable method for the induction of abortion in a short time and with no apparent side effects.
Theriogenology
Soghra Abbaszadeh; Farhad Farrokhi-Ardabili; Hassan Malekinejad; Iraj Bernousi
Volume 9, Issue 2 , June 2018, , Pages 171-178
Abstract
This study was aimed to investigate the effects of 17 𝛽-estradiol (E2) and 𝛼-zearalenol (α-ZOL) on motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity, levels of produced nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity of Ghezel ram sperm during the liquid storage at 4 ˚C, for various periods ...
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This study was aimed to investigate the effects of 17 𝛽-estradiol (E2) and 𝛼-zearalenol (α-ZOL) on motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity, levels of produced nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity of Ghezel ram sperm during the liquid storage at 4 ˚C, for various periods of time. Semen samples were collected from four rams and diluted with Tris–egg yolk extender and supplemented with E2 (100 µmol) or different concentrations of α-ZOL (100 pmol, 100 nmol and 100 µmol) at a final concentration of 200 × 106 sperm per mL. We failed to show any significant effect of E2 at 100 µmol concentration on ram’s sperm parameters while α-ZOL resulted in a significant decrease of plasma membrane integrity at 100 µmol concentration (55.40% for α-ZOL vs 62.20% for control) after 96 hr incubation. Alpha-ZOL had decreasing effect on sperm motility parameters including curvilinear velocity and average path velocity at 100 µmol concentration after 96 hr storage. Although remarkable reduction of total antioxidant capacity at high concentration of α-ZOL and long incubation time was found, however no significant changes were recorded in NO level during storage time. It was concluded that the detrimental effect of α-ZOL on ram sperm might be attributed to its induced oxidative stress and damage to the plasma membrane.
Tahmineh Gorgani-Firouzjaee; Behzad Pour-Reza; Soraya Naem; Mousa Tavassoli
Volume 4, Issue 3 , September 2013, , Pages 191-194
Abstract
Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal mammals that become popular in the world and have significant role in transmission of zoonotic agents. Some of the agents are transmitted by ticks and fleas such as rickettsial agents. For these reason, a survey on ectoparasites in European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) ...
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Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal mammals that become popular in the world and have significant role in transmission of zoonotic agents. Some of the agents are transmitted by ticks and fleas such as rickettsial agents. For these reason, a survey on ectoparasites in European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) carried out between April 2006 and December 2007 from different parts of Urmia city, west Azerbaijan, Iran. After being euthanized external surface of body of animals was precisely considered for ectoparasites, and arthropods were collected and stored in 70% ethanol solution. Out of 34 hedgehogs 23 hedgehogs (67.70%) were infested with ticks (Rhipicephalus turanicus). Fleas of the species Archaeopsylla erinacei were found on 19 hedgehogs of 34 hedgehogs (55.90%). There was no significant differences between sex of ticks (p > 0.05) but found in fleas (p < 0.05). The prevalence of infestation in sexes and the body condition of hedgehogs (small, medium and large) with ticks and fleas did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). Highest occurrence of infestation in both tick and flea was in June. Among three seasons of hedgehog collection significant differences was observed (p < 0.05). The result of our survey revealed that infestation rate in hedgehog was high. According to zoonotic importance of this ectoparasite and ability to transmission of some pathogens, more studies are needed to investigate hedgehog parasites in different parts of Iran.
Yaser Jafari Khataylou; Somayyeh Ahmadi Afshar; Navideh Mirzakhani
Volume 12, Issue 2 , June 2021, , Pages 203-210
Abstract
Autoimmune diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases with increasing prevalence in the past decades in which pancreatic Langerhans β cells are destroyed and lead to lack of insulin due to increased blood sugar. One of the consequences of diabetes is glomerular disease of the kidney, ...
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Autoimmune diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases with increasing prevalence in the past decades in which pancreatic Langerhans β cells are destroyed and lead to lack of insulin due to increased blood sugar. One of the consequences of diabetes is glomerular disease of the kidney, also called diabetes nephropathy. Different studies have been carried out on the effects of triterpenoids and their medicinal effects on diabetes mellitus. betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid of Terpenes, is found in bushes and trees. Its medical effects are also approved by many studies. In this survey, we studied the effect of betulinic acid on diabetic inbred C57BL/6 male mice. They were randomly divided to three groups. Group A: Consisted of healthy mice which received citrate buffer. Group B: Diabetic mice without any treatment and group C: Treated diabetic mice with betulinic acid. The level of blood insulin level, fasting blood glucose, C-peptide, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1 cytokines were measured and pathologic studies of the kidney were performed. The results showed that betulinic acid could increase insulin and C-peptide, and decrease fasting blood sugar, kidney lesions and TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1 in the treated groups. The differences were significant except for IL-1. Betulinic acid through reduction of inflammatory cytokines could have positive effects on inflammatory and autoimmune disease including autoimmune diabetes.
Javad Tajik; Saeed Nazifi; Mahdi Heidari; Marzieh Babazadeh
Volume 3, Issue 3 , September 2012, , Pages 209-212
Abstract
To evaluate the serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in water buffaloes with abomasal ulcers, the abomasums of 100 randomly selected water buffaloes were examined after slaughter. Type I abomasal ulcers were found in 56 out of 100 buffaloes. Serum concentrations of Hp and ...
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To evaluate the serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in water buffaloes with abomasal ulcers, the abomasums of 100 randomly selected water buffaloes were examined after slaughter. Type I abomasal ulcers were found in 56 out of 100 buffaloes. Serum concentrations of Hp and SAA were measured. There was no significant difference between affected and non-affected buffaloes in the serum concentrations of Hp and SAA. The serum concentrations of Hp and SAA had no significant correlation with age and the serum SAA revealed no significant correlation with the number of abomasal ulcers. A significant correlation was found between the serum Hp and the number of abomasal ulcers (r =0.29, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the serum concentrations of Hp and SAA between buffaloes with different ulcer locations in the abomasums. Although more work on a larger number of animals is required in this area, it seems that the measurement of the serum Hp can be used to predict the abundance of type I abomasal ulcers.
Elnaz Shariati; Jalal Bakhtiari; Alireza Khalaj; Amir Niasari-Naslaji
Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2014, , Pages 219-223
Abstract
Ovariectomy (OVE) is a routine surgical procedure for neutering in small animal practice. Laparoscopy is a new surgical technique which contains advantages such as less trauma, smaller incision and excellent visualization than traditional open surgery. The present study was conducted to examine the feasibility ...
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Ovariectomy (OVE) is a routine surgical procedure for neutering in small animal practice. Laparoscopy is a new surgical technique which contains advantages such as less trauma, smaller incision and excellent visualization than traditional open surgery. The present study was conducted to examine the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic procedure through two portal comparing with the conventional open surgery for OVE in healthy female bitches (n=16). Dogs were divided in two equal groups. In laparoscopic group, two 5 and 10 mm portals were inserted; First in the umbilicus for introducing the camera and the second, caudal to the umbilicus for inserting the forceps. Laparoscopic procedure involved grasping and tacking the ovary to the abdominal wall, followed by electrocautery, resection and removal of the ovary. In open surgery, routine OVE was conducted through an incision from umbilicus to caudal midline. Mean operative time, total length of scar, blood loss, clinical and blood parameters and all intra and post-operative complications were recorded in both groups. Mean operative time, total length of scar, blood loss and post-operative adhesions were significantly less in laparoscopic group compared with open surgery. In conclusion, laparoscopic OVE is an acceptable procedure due to more advantages in comparison with traditional OVE.
Fish & Aquatic
Parvin Momeni-Moghaddam; Saeed Keyvanshokooh; Saeed Ziaei-Nejad; Amir Parviz Salati; Hossein Pasha-Zanoosi
Volume 6, Issue 3 , September 2015, , Pages 239-244
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the effects of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) on growth, some immune responses and gut lactic acid bacteria of common carp. Four experimental diets containing 0%, 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.20% MOS were prepared. Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate groups of fish ...
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This study was conducted to determine the effects of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) on growth, some immune responses and gut lactic acid bacteria of common carp. Four experimental diets containing 0%, 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.20% MOS were prepared. Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate groups of fish with initial average weight of approximately 14 g. After eight weeks, survival rate was high in all treatments with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Growth performance including final weight, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) did not differ among the treatments. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better when the fish were fed 0.05 to 0.20% MOS diets. The alternative complement activity, lysozyme activity and serum total Ig were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) greater in fish fed 0.20% MOS diets. Although the total intestinal bacterial counts were not affected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05), the lactic acid bacteria levels were significantly elevated in fish fed MOS diets (p < 0.05). These results indicated that oral administration of MOS at 0.20% elevated the immune response, improved FCR and modulated intestinal microbiota of common carp.
Nutrition
Pooria Dadvar; Tahereh Mohammadabadi; Mohsen Sari; Jamal Fayazi
Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2019, , Pages 241-248
Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to investigate rumen fermentation and some blood parameters of dromedary camels fed with C3 and C4 forage. Four fistulated dromedary adult camels were fed with diets as a changeover design, 30 days for each period. The diets included alfalfa hay + wheat straw (C3 forage) ...
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The aim of this experiment was to investigate rumen fermentation and some blood parameters of dromedary camels fed with C3 and C4 forage. Four fistulated dromedary adult camels were fed with diets as a changeover design, 30 days for each period. The diets included alfalfa hay + wheat straw (C3 forage) and atriplex+ suaeda + seidlitzia (C4 forage). At the end of the experiment, rumen and blood parameters, gas production of wheat straw and atriplex as a 2 × 2 factorial experiment were determined. The highest blood glucose and urea nitrogen levels were found for camels fed with C3 forage, 2 hr after feeding (p < 0.05). The maximum NH3-N concentration in the rumen was for diets C3 and C4, 2 and 4 hr after feeding (p < 0.05). The lowest rumen pH was observed for C3 diet at 2 and 4 hr and for C4 diet at 4 and 8 hr after feeding. The activity of rumen carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) and microcrystalline cellulase (MCCase) enzymes was the highest for C3 and C4 diets, 8 hr after feeding, however, during feeding the enzyme activity in C4 was higher than that of 2 hr (p < 0.05). The rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were significantly higher in camels fed C3 forage in comparison with C4 (p < 0.05). The results showed that the gas production potential was significantly higher in treatments containing atriplex, however, the gas production rate was higher in treatment containing wheat straw (p < 0.05). The results suggested that for camels maintained in closed systems, the replacement of C3 forages instead of C4 could be possible and useful.
Embryology
Vida Sadat Kazemein Jasemi; Firooz Samadi; Hussein Eimani; Saeed Hasani; Rouhollah Fathi; Abdolhossein Shahverdi; Fatemeh Shahi Sadrabadi
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2017, , Pages 243-249
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the effects of applying 1 mT static magnetic field (SMF) during the vitrification process, on the viability of ovarian follicles after vitrification-warming and autotransplantation. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, ovaries of female NMRI ...
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This study was designed to investigate the effects of applying 1 mT static magnetic field (SMF) during the vitrification process, on the viability of ovarian follicles after vitrification-warming and autotransplantation. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, ovaries of female NMRI mice (6 to 8 weeks old) were randomly divided into three groups: 1- Freshly isolated ovaries fixed in Bouin solution (control group), 2- Ovaries vitrified-warmed without exposure to magnetic field (V1 group) and 3- Ovaries exposed to magnetic field during equilibration step of the vitrification process (V2 group). In the second phase, the vitrified (V1 and V2 groups) and fresh ovarian tissues were autografted into the back muscles of the mice from which the ovaries were extracted. In both phases, morphological aspects and molecular characteristics of active-apoptotic caspase-3 antibody were evaluated. Results indicated the lower percentages of morphologically intact primordial, primary and antral follicles in the V1 group (67.6, 49.5 and 17.6%, respectively) than those of control (97.3, 85.4 and 42.1%, respectively) and V2 (94.1, 78.8 and 40.9%, respectively) groups. In addition, the mean percentages of morphologically intact follicles in the V1 group were statistically lower than those in other groups, after transplantation. The rate of apoptosis in preantral follicles of the V1 group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. It was concluded that exposure of mice ovaries to SMF during vitrification resulted in greater resistance to injuries.