BACKGROUND: The grivet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops), a non-human primate (NHP), has contributed sig-nificantly as an animal model in a variety of biological systems due to its similarities with human. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to establish a detailed procedure for in vitro maturation (IVM) of germi-nal-vesicle stage oocytes, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo culture (IVC) of grivet monkey. METHODS: The reproductive organs were obtained from10 adult male and 4 adult female grivet monkeys after the proper anesthesia. The ovarian follicles were aspirated by aspiration technique or by the means of oocyte recov-ery with centrifugation (ORC). For the sperm recovery, the epididymides were dissected from the testicles and the tails of the epididymides were minced in the sperm washing medium and incubated for 15 min. At the time of insemination, a portion of the pre-incubated spermatozoa (10 μL) was introduced into 90 μL of fertilization medium containing about 20 matured oocytes. RESULTS: The data on the oocyte recovery rate and IVM showed significant increase (P<0.05) in the COCs recovered via ORC technique (9.8±0.41 and 90.90%) comparedto the recovered COCs using aspiration (4.45±0.32, 80.00%). The results showed similarity in the rate of cleavage in both groups (ORC and aspiration) (71%). The rate of embryo development to the blastocyst stage was significantly higher in the ORC group (43%) compared to the aspiration group (33.33%). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the oocyte recovery technique is of great importance in terms of non-human primates' COCs competence in the in vitro embryo production (IVEP). On the other hand, it is well documented in the current research that the commercial ART medium used in the human infertility clinics is well applicable for the grivet monkey IVEP.

Postmortem examination is an important part in evidence-based medicine to understand deterioration of clinical signs or causes of death in euthanized or deceased individual animals or even populations. The object of postmortem analysis is to improve clinical treatment and therapy, to confirm suspected diagnosis, to manage breeding strategies or to clarify in forensic cases the conditions, which had led to death (neglect, animal abuse). In analogy to virtopsy in human medicine, Diagnostic imaging modalities have been applied in post mortem veterinary medicine, which we call Vetvirtopsy.We hypothesize, that Vetvirtopsy can be used as a method for certain clinical/post mortem questions to improve the reliability of the diagnosis. In some questions, Vetvirtopsy actually can replace conventional necropsy. The aim of this overview study is to compare Vetvirtopsy to conventional necropsy in variable causes of death in animals and to define its possibilities and limitations. Deceased or euthanized pets and wild animals were collected. The methods used are imaging techniques such as postmortem digital radiography, postmortem ultrasound, postmortem computed tomography and postmortem magnetic resonance tomography in combination with image-guided tissue sampling to address the open questions about clinical symptoms or causes of their death. The case series in this project shown that using diagnostic imaging technique is feasible in answering different clinical ante-mortem and post-mortem clinical and forensic questions; however, there is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the diagnostic imaging and sampling under imaging guidance.

BACKGROUND: Ascertainment of fetal sex is important in the equine industry for economic reasons. As a result, various methods have been developed for the sex determination of a fetus in a horse; however, the current techniques have some limitations. Recently, evaluation of maternal testosterone concentration has been suggested as an easy and inexpensive method for diagnosing fetal sex, but the findings are discrepant in different species. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to measure the concentration of circulating testosterone in mares carrying male and female fetuses in order to assess the diagnostic value of maternal testosterone concentration for sex determination of equine fetus. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from mares (n=20) at months three, six, and nine of pregnancy. The samples were centrifuged and stored at -20°C until hormonal analysis of testosterone concentration using an ELIZA kit. The gender of foals was determined at birth based on observation of external genitalia. RESULTS: Neither testosterone concentration in the third, sixth and ninth months of pregnancy nor the cumulative concentration of testosterone differ between mares with male and female fetuses (P>0.05). However, testosterone concentration changed during pregnancy in all mares regardless of the gender of their fetus, and it was higher at month six than at months three and nine (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present study showed that maternal testosterone concentration could not be used for the sex determination of a fetus in a horse. Yet the current study revealed testosterone concentration dy-namics over various gestation stages in mares.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering is a potential technique for treating bone tissue abnormalities in the short and long terms. Aside from that, the use of 3D printing technology has considerable advantages in the production of bioengineering scaffolds for the treatment of patient-specific bone defects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to fabricate and characterize the 3D printed polycaprolactone/hydroxy-apatite (PCL-HA) scaffolds modified with Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF). METHODS: The scaffolds were fabricated using 3D printing technology to provide a suitable environment for the bone regeneration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and compression tests were utilized to characterize the scaffold morphology, microstructure, and mechanical properties, respectively. The potentials for the cell adhesion, proliferation, biocompatibility, and differentiation were also investigated. RESULTS: The 3D PCL-HA scaffold with linked pores had a moderately rough surface as a result of hydroxyap-atite (HA) nanoparticles incorporation, which resulted in the increased mechanical properties. Increased bone cell proliferation on the PCL-HA/PRF scaffold surface was seen as a result of the enhanced hydrophilicity and porosity of the PCL-HA/PRF scaffold as compared to the PCL scaffold. The MTT assay results showed that the PCL-HA/PRF scaffold was much more cyto-compatible than the PCL and PCL-HA scaffolds, which was a major im-provement. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that 3D printed PCL-HA scaffold supplemented with Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) may be an effective scaffold for the bone tissue regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the main pathophysiologic conditions of the testis. Although free radical scavenging properties of the tannins are approved, limited information exists on their antiox-idant activities. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of quebracho tannin extract (QTE) on testicular I/R injury in rats. METOD: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 experimental groups (n=6). One group was kept as control. In I/R group, rats were subjected to 4 hours I/20 hours R, and the group was intraperitoneally (ip) injected with saline 1 hour before R. In groups 3-5, rats were subjected to 4 hours I/20 hours R, and ip injected with QTE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) 1 hour before R. At the end of the study, left testis was removed for histological analysis and antioxidant measurement. RESULTS: I/R resulted in degenerated seminiferous tubules and loss of spermatogenesis. Administration of QTE (200 and 400 mg/kg) to I/R rats showed many normal seminiferous tubules. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased in I/R rats (P<0.05) while QTE decreased IR-induced MDA level (P<0.05). Experimental I/R significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities (P<0.05). Ad-ministration of QTE significantly increased tissue SOD and GPx activities in I/R rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested treatment with QTE had a benefial effect against I/R.

BACKGROUND: Timed breeding programs are essential to implementing extensive artificial insemination (AI) programs in sheep. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate whether application of pre-synchronization and controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR) before and during fixed time AI protocol, respectively, could enhance estrus synchronization and fertility of ewes. METHODS: A total of 120 ewes were randomly assigned into four experimental groups (n=30 in each group) considering age, weight, and body condition score (BCS). All ewes received GnRH (25 μg of alarelin acetate), and five days afterwards, PGF2α (75 μg d-cloprostenol) plus eCG (400 IU). In the control group, ewes received no additional treatment. In Pre-synch group, ewes received two injections of PGF2α at 9-day interval three days before GnRH administration of main estrus syn-chronization protocol. In CIDR group, ewes received 5-day CIDR between GnRH and PGF2α of main estrus synchronization protocol. In Pre-synch-CIDR group, ewes received both two injections of PGF2α at 9-day interval and 5-day CIDR. Blood serum progesterone concentrations were measured in all ewes prior to injection of PGF     2α (day 5). All ewes were subjected to fixed time laparoscopic AI 48 hours after administration of the last PGF     2α. RESULTS: No interaction was found between CIDR and pre-synchronization protocols (p >0.05). Progesterone concen-tration was higher in the CIDR groups than in groups without CIDR (p <0.0001). Estrous cycle was not affected by pre-synchronization and CIDR (p >0.05). The estrus was earlier in ewes with pre-synchronization compared to ewes without pre-synchronization following the last injection of prostaglandin (p =0.022). Pregnancy rate, lambing rate, prolificacy rate, fecundity rate, lamb weight at birth, and lamb gender were not significantly different between the treatment groups (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, estrus rate and reproductive parameters showed no significant differences between dif-ferent groups, although pre-synchronization advanced onset of estrus expression.

BACKGROUND: Gentamicin is an effective antibiotic with some important side effects, such as nephrotoxicity. There is evidence of renoprotective effects and antioxidant properties for camel milk. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the impact of camel milk on the nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin was evaluated. METHODS: The present study was performed on four groups of six Wistar rats. Group 1(C), as the control group, received exclusively normal saline injections and the rats in group 2 (GM) received intraperitoneal gentamicin injections at the dose of 100 mg/kg for the last ten days. The animals in group 3 (CM) were fed by 5 mL/rat/day of camel milk through gavage for 15 days. Group 4 (MGM) was fed camel milk only for the first five days followed by gentamicin injections for 10 days. Serum urea, creatinine, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured and kidneys were studied histopathologically. RESULTS: Increased concentrations of urea and creatinine along with the decreased level of SOD were found in the GM group. Histopathologic changes, such as eosinophilic casts in the tubular lumen, capillary congestion, glomerulonephritis, necrosis, interstitial nephritis, and edema were more common in the GM group, in comparison with the C, CM, and MGM groups (p <0.05). The elevations in serum urea and creatinine (p <0.05) were significantly prevented by the co-administra-tion of camel milk and gentamicin. Moreover, a significant increase in the serum activity of SOD was revealed in the GM group (p <0.05). Camel milk significantly prevented tissue injury, in comparison with the GM group (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that gentamicin-induced histological and biochemical alterations in the kid-ney decreased significantly due to camel milk consumption

BACKGROUND: Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious immunosuppressive disease of young chickens caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). IBDV consists of a two-segmented double-stranded RNA genome which can easily undergo genomic recombination or reassortment during mixed infections. OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this study were aimed to characterize a previously identified Iranian IBDV strain (JRMP29IR) in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, evaluate the presence of a mixed and/or reassortant virus popula-tion in this strain, and examine the frequency of genomic recombination and reassortment in publicly available IBDV genomes through bioinformatics study. METHODS:The SPF chickens were challenged with the JRMP29IR strain via oral and intraocular routes. Bursal tissues were extracted for histopathological evaluation and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing. Putative recombinations and reassortments were evaluated using the Recombination Detection Program 5. RESULTS:Through genomic sequencing of the viruses from the bursas of infected chickens, the JRMP29IR strain was found which contained viruses from the classic, variant and very virulent IBDV genotypes. Through bioinformatics, nu-merous putative recombination and reassortment events were identified that naturally occur throughout the IBDV genome. CONCLUSIONS:Parental JRMP29IR appears to be derived from a flock undergoing a mixed IBDV infection. High frequency of recombination and reassortment among IBDVs suggests that these events are evolutionarily beneficial for the virus

BACKGROUND: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a significant viral disease of cattle sometimes found in Iran. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the molecular detection of LSD virus (LSDV) and the determination of their relationship with other Iranian isolates. Moreover, the origin and spread of these viruses were evaluated. METHODS: The lymph node samples taken from clinically affected cattle from the Kurdistan province of Iran were tested for LSDV using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The partial P32 gene of LSDV was detected by PCR, sequenced, and phylogenetically analyzed. The LSDVs detected in the present study were 42.98%-100% similar to other LSDVs of Iran. CONCLUSIONS: Iranian LSDV isolates in this research had the highest similarity to the isolates found in the Indian regions. However, they showed the lowest nucleotide identity with the countries located in the west and southwest of Iran, namely Turkey and Saudi Arabia LSDVs. It could be concluded that these viruses have entered Iran from the eastern borders. It seems that the monitoring of the country borders should be taken into consideration. Further studies should be carried out on LSDV pathogenesis and molecular epidemiology.

Tendon injuries are a major part of musculoskeletal injuries in animals, particularly in horses. So far, no complete cure has been found for this disease, and most treatments focus on pain control. The advantages of using exosomes over cell-based therapies and the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on tissue repair suggest exosomes derived from MSCs as an appropriate treatment option in repairing tendon injuries. This paper aimed to review various protocols for exosome isolation and the role of MSCs- derived exosomes on tendon tissue repair of animals, especially in horses. In the treatment of tendon disorders, exosomes are more stable than cells, have a lower risk of immune rejection after allogeneic administration, and can be used as an appropriate alternative therapy. Exosomes derived from MSCs of different sources stimulate the proliferation and migration of tenocytes and fibroblasts, mod-ulate collagen fiber arrangement, macrophage functions, and inflammatory responses, inhibit adhesion, and generally repair damaged tendons. Exosomes are involved in cell-cell communication due to the exchange of pro-teins and genetic materials. The use of MSCs-derived exosomes is considered a treatment option due to easier maintenance and reduction of the risk of rejection by the immune system, reducing the possibility of aneuploidy compared to cell-based methods