BACKGROUND: Reducing the detrimental effects of freeradicals, in biological and food systems by antioxidants is important, thusproviding antioxidants is necessary in community health and food safety. OBJECTIVES:The aim of the present study was to determine antioxidant and antiradicalactivity of alcoholic and aqueous extract of Grape leaves in vitro. METHODS:Grape leaves were extracted using the solvents: distilled water, ethanol andmethanol and the antioxidant activities were measured by DPPH,β-carotene-linoleic acid, total phenolic compounds and total flavonoidcompounds  assays. RESULTS: IC50for DPPH radical-scavenging activity in water, ethanol and methanolextracts  were (71.90±0.714,  37.38±0.318 and 46.66±0.481µg/ml) and alsothe percentage of inhibition free radicals in β-carotene-linoleic acid were (86.51±1.84, 97.08±1.30 and 88.20±1.27).These  parameters for  BHT in DPPH test  and  β-carotene linoleic acid  test are 13.58±0.000 µg/ml  and  94.56±0.62 %. Total phenolic compounds andflavonoid compounds were calculated (158.02±1.39, 201.60±1.55 and 180.19±2.26mg/g) and (37/16±1.64, 54.74±0.83 and 46.07±0.18 mg/g ). According to theresults in this study, the highest radical scavenging effect was observed inethanol, then methanol extract and water extract had the lowest activity. CONCLUSIONS:It seems the ethanolic extract could be considered as a cheap, easilyaccessible and potential source of natural antioxidants for food andpharmaceutical purposes

BACKGROUND: A clean bowel preparation prior to X-ray examination is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to compare the effect of senna and polyethylene glycol on the bowel preparation of dogs before abdominal radiography. METHODS: Six adult healthy mongrel dogs from each sex ranging in age from 18 to 30 months received either 4 or 8 g/kg polyethylene glycol or 20 mg/kg senna through an orogastric tube 3 weeks apart. Food was withheld approximately 12 hours prior to drug administration. Radiography was performed 12 hours after bowel preparation. Only water was given ad libitum to animals during the day before radiography. Radiologist who was unaware of the method of bowel preparation, reviewed the standard radiographs and graded the feces and gas in the colon and rectum, fecal radio-opacity and quality of radiographs on a scale of 0 to 3 (0=inadequate to 3=excellent). Dogs were observed for any drugs side effects up to two weeks after administration of the laxatives. RESULTS: The cleanliness scores of colon for the 4 and 8 g/kg polyethylene glycol and senna groups were similar, 2.17±0.41. Also, the cleanliness scores of rectum for the 4 and 8 g/kg polyethylene glycol and senna groups were 2.50±0.55, 1.83±0.75 and 2.50±0.55, respectively. Both polyethylene glycol dosages and senna significantly improve bowel cleansing score in dogs (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to colon cleansing scores, fecal radio-opacity and quality of radiographs (p≥0.05). 8 mg/kg polyethylene glycol significantly reduces feces impaction in rectum versus 4 mg/kg (p<0.05). There were no clinical differences between the two groups for any of the side effects. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that 8 mg/kg polyethylene glycol and senna are safe and effective methods of colon cleansing, well tolerated by dogs.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic bone disease is a common disease in the pet reptiles. Early diagnosis of this disease has an important role in the treatment and prevention from complications. Since metabolic bone diseases causes bone density to decrease, it is assumed the CT scan can be used as a suitable method to diagnosis early changes in the bone density. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was providing a range of cortical and trabecular Hounsfield Numbers of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in the healthy green iguana by the aid of computed tomography which can be used as a reference. METHODS: Twelve healthy green iguanas were included in this study and based on the body length were divided into three groups. Complete information about maintenance including maintaining environment and nutrition conditions were recorded in questionnaires designed for this study. Lateral and dorsoventral radiographs were obtained using digital radiology to confirm the health of the skeletal system. To achieve CT plans, the animals were restricted by warping method. After obtaining topogram, with the aid of Osteo Protocol, cross sectional images were acquired from random thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. CT images were subsequently evaluated in Syngo MMWP VE40A Medical Software. The results were analyzed using SPSS statistic software. RESULTS: According to statistic results, the mean Hounsfield Number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were presented due to the body length of the green iguana. Since the cortical bone density of lumbar vertebrae in all three groups  varied meaningfully and  only variable “body length” was considered influential on cortical mineral bone density of lumbar vertebrae. Cortical bone density of lumbar vertebrae can be used as a reference for detecting the early bone density changes in green iguana.             CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography can be an excellent alternative for early detection of the MBD in pet green iguanas.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is a common disease in the neonate calf which imposes significant economic burden on cattle industry around the world. During the first week after birth, Enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC) strains carrying F5 fimbria are one of the most important pathogens causing calf diarrhea. F5 fimbria is involved in early stage of pathogenesis and is responsible for attachment of bacteria to enterocytes; this attachment is mediated by FanC protein of F5 fimbria. Antibodies directed against F5 fimbriae play a significant role in prevention and control of the disease. Objectives: Evaluation and expression of recombinant expression of F5 Fimbriae of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli associated with calf diarrhea. Methods: In the present study,  the fanC region of F5 fimbria was cloned in a pET28a plasmid. Results: The recombinant construct was confirmed by sequencing and protein production in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) was evaluated by western blotting procedure. Conclusions: Based on our findings, the recombinant FanC protein or the BL21 (DE3) strain are suitable candidates to develop an effective vaccine against calf colibacillosis or use in a diagnostic kit for F5+ ETEC.

BACKGROUND: Tilapia is one of the important farmed fish in the world. In the recent years this fish has been grown for evaluating the possibility of farming in climate status of Bafgh region. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was identification of some important bacterial pathogens in farmed tilapia. METHODS: In this study thirty fish with 153.4 g (average weight) and 20.12 cm (average length) were randomly collected from ponds. Some bacteriological and biochemical tests such as gram staining, Catalase, H2S production, Indole and motility were used. For definitive identification of isolates, PCR test was done by use of special paired primers. For each bacterium a target gene is detected. RESULTS: From two bacterial groups, gram positive and gram negative, six species were identified. In the gram positive group, Lactococcus graviaea and in the gram negative group, Yersinia ruckeri, Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio alginoliticus, V. parahemoliticus and V. vulnificus were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding of different bacterial agents in the fish farm environments is essential for cultivation of tilapia. There are different bacterial agents, each of which can be considered to threaten the living conditions of fish. Respecting the health management leads to increasing  fish immunity and helps  their survival in the cultivation status.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, medicinal plants have becomean important option for use in aquaculture industry. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine meanlethal concentration (LC50) and investigated the anesthetic effectof Topped lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) on common carp(Cyprinus carpio) juveniles. Methods:Mean lethal concentration of essential oil was calculated based on the OECD(Organization Economic Cooperation and Development) standard in static system.For determining  LC50, 150common carp juveniles with mean body weight of 26.96 ± 1.98 g were used in 6groups and one control group and each group with three replications (7juveniles were used for each replication). After Compatibility period (about 2weeks), juveniles were exposed to different concentrations including 71.12,72.11, 73.11, 74.13, 75.16 mg/l that were calculated by logarithmic formula.Juvenile behavioral changes and mortality were recorded in the time period at24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after exposed to Topped lavender essential oil.Determination of Topped lavender essential oil anesthetic effect was done in 6groups (with 3 replicates), as 10 fish exposed to increasing concentrationsincluding 0 (control), 160, 165, 170, 175 and 180 mg/l. Results: Mean lethal concentration(LC50) after 96 hours was obtained 99.70 mg/l. The lowest time for completionof anesthesia (stage 3 anesthesia) was obtained at a concentration of 170 mg/lwith 3.74± 0.35 min and the full recovery of this concentration was obtained at3.91±0.55 min. The results showed that the best anaesthetic concentration ofTopped lavender essential oil was 170 mg/l. Conclusions: It seems that Topped lavender essential oilcould be used as anesthetic agent

BACKGROUND: Loss of calcium around calving can lead to diseases of transition period and reduce animal economic life. Prevention of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcemia is crucial and important in this period. Repeated doses of oral calcium chloride at calving is a method to prevent hypocalcemia and associated complications. ObjectiveS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of oral calcium chloride at calving on serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in transitional period of Holstein dairy cows fed with anionic and cationic diets. Methods: Forty-two Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided in 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 14), fed diet with negative DCAD without calcium chloride supplementation. Group 2 (n = 14), fed diet with negative DCAD and supplemented with calcium chloride at calving and 12 h later. Group 3 (n = 14), fed diets with positive DCAD and supplemented with calcium chloride at calving and 12 h later. Blood samples were collected at calving and 6 h and 12 h and 1d, 2 d, 7 d, 14 d, 21 and 28 d after calving. Serum concentrations of Ca, P and Mg were measured by conventional methods. Results: The pattern of changes in serum levels of calcium and magnesium in different groups in different time periods (time × treatment interaction) were different (p<0.0001). Changes in serum phosphorus levels in different time periods were statistically significant (p<0.0001), but its mean was not affected by the treatment groups (p=0.7164).                    ConclusionS: In addition to anionic diets, supplemental calcium chloride should be used to prevent subclinical hypocalcemia in high-producing dairy cows.

Abstract Background: Very clinical cases of mineral deficiency, specially associated with copper in sheep of Khuzestan province have been annually seen; whereas the studies on soil and forage related mineral and effects of them on zonal domestic animals are rare. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the copper, sulfur, iron, molybdenum and zinc of soil and pastures forages status in order to see the probable correlation of these elements with copper and zinc serum of sheep in Susngerd town of Khuzestan province. Methods: 5 soil and forage samples and 50 blood samples from sheep that were grazing in the area were taken. All the samples were sent to the institute of radiation at atomic energy organization of Iran for the elements measurement. The soil samples were alkaline digested and read by ICP-OES apparatuses. After acidic digesting, forage samples were read by ICP-MS apparatuses. Serum levels of copper and zinc were also measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The averages iron and sulfur content of soil were higher than international standard and critical levels, while the averages copper and molybdenum were within normal range. The mean of soil zinc in comparison to the crisis amounts was in the lower level (p= .05). Comparing the mean values of forage elements with their critical levels showed that sulfur and iron were higher than standard levels. The results revealed that the serum copper and zinc were lower than normal and sheep under this investigation were mostly in a borderline deficiency status. Conclusions: It seem that high levels of sulfur and iron in pastoral forages reduces intestinal absorption and bioavailability of copper and zinc in sheep grazing in the under study areas.

BACKGROUND: The trachea is the main air passages which is important for taxonomic reasons. The structure of trachea varies considerably in different avian species. OBJECTIVES: This study has been carried out in order to determine the histological and histochemical structure of the trachea in ostriches. METHODS: Sixteen tracheas of 8 female and 8 male nine-month-old healthy blue-necked African ostriches in slaughterhouse of Isfahan were selected. Each trachea divided into cranial, middle and caudal portions and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Tissues sections were stained with H&amp;E and special stains included Masson’s trichrome, Verhoeff’s, Foot’s, Van Gieson’s, Periodic acid-Schiff, and Alcian blue. RESULTS: The trachea of blue-neck ostriches was composed of tunica mucosa-submucosa, cartilaginous, muscular and serosa. The epithelium was ciliated pseudostratified columnar contained simple alveolar goblet mucous glands. These glands reacted negatively to Periodic acid-Schiff but positively to Alcian blue. The propria-submucosa was composed of dense connective tissue. The muscularis mucosa was absent. Tunica cartilaginous and muscular was made up of sternotrachealis muscle and cartilaginous rings. The rings were only composed of hyaline cartilage. There is no osseous tissue in the tracheal rings. Tunica serosa was composed of loose tissue contained parasympathetic ganglia, adipose tissues, vessels, and all the connective fibers. Three final cartilage rings were shaped tympanum of the syrinx. The histological structure of the trachea showed no significant differences between the male and female ostriches. Except for the decreased number of mucous glands in caudal portion of the trachea, the histological structures of the trachea showed no considerably differences among various portions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, it can be concluded that although the histological and histochemical structure of the trachea in ostrich was similar to those of some other species, but that there were also some differences.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxins are natural fungal toxins that weaken the immune system and damage the liver. OBJECTIVES: The effects of seeds and whole plant powder and extract of Milk thistle (MT) plant in reducing the negative effects of feeding aflatoxin (AF) on broiler chickens blood parameters and immune response were examined. METHODS: 192 one-day old chicks (Ross 308) for 35 days in a completely randomized design with six treatments, four replicates and eight birds per repetition were used. The experimental treatments included: 1) control, 2) contaminated control (CC), 3) CC + 0.5 percent of MT seed powder, 4) CC + 1 percent MT plant powder, 5) CC + 600mg/kg MT plant extract, 6) CC + 1000mg/kg MT plant extract. RESULTS: The treatments had no significant effect on plasma concentrations CHOL, HDL, LDL, ALP, LDH, AST, ImG and ImM. Feeding contaminated diet increased alanine aminotransferase enzyme compared with healthy control (P≤0.05). The addition of 0.5 percent MT seed powder, 1 percent MT plant powder and 1000mg/kg MT plant extract to the contaminated diets decreased alanine aminotransferase enzyme compared to the contaminated control (P≤0.05). Inclusion of 1 percent MT plant powder to AF infected diet significantly increased the antibody titer compared with healthy control and contaminated control (P≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that compared to other treatments, 1 percent MT plant powder was more effective in reducing the negative effects of feeding AF in broiler chickens.