Backgrounds: Subclinical ketosis can cause greater economic loss due to a lack of clinical symptoms. Objectives: The present study was aimed to design a chemical method for measuring serum ketone bodies in the affected subclinical cows. Methods: Acetoacetate concentrations were measured using a nitroprusside reaction and b-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) which was oxidized to acetoacetate using nanosilver particles to determine its concentration. Recovery tests were done for different concentrations of betahydroxy butyrate in bovine pooled serum. Results: Actoacetate levels were in range of 0.1-6 mM, and the values for BHBA were found to be in the range of 0.125-3 mM. Conclusions: It was concluded that this technique can be considered as a simple method for measuring ketone bodies in biological fluids. Backgrounds: Subclinical ketosis can cause greater economic loss due to a lack of clinical symptoms. Objectives: The present study was aimed to design a chemical method for measuring serum ketone bodies in the affected subclinical cows. Methods: Acetoacetate concentrations were measured using a nitroprusside reaction and b-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) which was oxidized to acetoacetate using nanosilver particles to determine its concentration. Recovery tests were done for different concentrations of betahydroxy butyrate in bovine pooled serum. Results: Actoacetate levels were in range of 0.1-6 mM, and the values for BHBA were found to be in the range of 0.125-3 mM. Conclusions: It was concluded that this technique can be considered as a simple method for measuring ketone bodies in biological fluids.

BACKGROUNDS: Seminoma is frequently observed in human and canine testes especially in cryptorchids. Canine and human seminomas are typically associated with leukocytic infiltration. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify the type of lymphocytes that infiltrate to seminomas. METHODS: Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were evaluated by immunohistological techniques in 5 dogs with diffuse seminoma. Routine pathological examination of these specimens showed diffuse seminoma with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in all cases. RESULTS: Lymphocytes in seminomas were predominantly T cytotoxic (CD3+, CD8+) cells. These cells were distributed diffusely, but patchy around the vessels. B-cells were also identified as some rare single cells diffusely scattered in the tumoral parenchyma. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the lymphocyte infiltrating cells are mainly T lymphocytes particularly CD8 cytotoxic type. BACKGROUNDS: Seminoma is frequently observed in human and canine testes especially in cryptorchids. Canine and human seminomas are typically associated with leukocytic infiltration. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify the type of lymphocytes that infiltrate to seminomas. METHODS: Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were evaluated by immunohistological techniques in 5 dogs with diffuse seminoma. Routine pathological examination of these specimens showed diffuse seminoma with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in all cases. RESULTS: Lymphocytes in seminomas were predominantly T cytotoxic (CD3+, CD8+) cells. These cells were distributed diffusely, but patchy around the vessels. B-cells were also identified as some rare single cells diffusely scattered in the tumoral parenchyma. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the lymphocyte infiltrating cells are mainly T lymphocytes particularly CD8 cytotoxic type.

BACKGROUND: Fat replacers are ingredients that can replace fat in many foods, therefore,many consumers have limited their dietry intake of fat and calories due to diet and health concerns. OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the effect of modified starch on some physico-chemical and sensory properties of low fat Hamburger. METHODS: In this research, modified starch potato, tapioca (Acetylated distarch adipate) and waxy maize (Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate) at 0.5, 1.5 and 3% levels were used as the fat replacers. The amount of fat was reduced from 20% to 10% in control. Physical (cooking losses), chemical (e.g. moisture, protein, fat, ash) and sensory characteristic were assessed compared with control one. RESULTS: Results showed that moisture content in samples containing starch was decreased and there was a significant difference between samples containing starch and the control (p

Cutaneous round cell tumors have been classified as mast cell tumor (MCT), histiocytoma (HCT), lymphosarcoma, undif-ferentiated round cell tumors and occasionally rhabdomyosarcoma in veterinary medicine. An adult cock (Gallus domesticus) showing a large solitary integument mass raised on dorso bilateral of cervical part, extending to intercapsular and cranial mid part of the back was referred to the birds clinic of the faculty of veterinary medicine at the university of Tehran. Microscopic examination revealed she-eted cells with large, round to oval nuclei with each one containing one or more prominent nucleoli with scant cytoplasm. The myofibrils of the neck were degenerated by aggressive tumor cells. The condition was differentiated from other round cell tumors by electron microscope, histochemical staining, as well as the application of a large panel of antibodies. Polymerase chain re-action failed to confirm the involvement of both Marek's disease virus and avian leukosis virus subgroup-J. It was concluded that the tumor cells were consistent with both B-cell lymphocytes and histiocytes that unusually covered the entire dermal layer of dorsal neck skin. This unusual cutaneous lymphoma was named as lymphoblastic histiocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Inbreeding is one of the major problems of small size herds of red deer in refuge wildlife parks. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to use estrus synchronization technique in red deer (Cervus elaphus) based on natural mating to control the dominancy and social rank of stags and inbreeding. METHODS: In this study, hinds (n=6) were captured and caged at breeding season (early October) in Semeskande Wild Life Refuge Park. The captured hinds were treated with intravaginal progesterone devices (CIDR) for 12 days, followed by injection of 250 IU PMSG at the time of CIDR withdrawal. After 48 hours, all 6 hinds were released from cages. RESULTS: In estrus phase, the chase sequences started and the old dominant stag could not control all of the hinds in his territory so the two other young stags successfully mated with the other hinds. Four out of six hinds became pregnant and the calves were born in early June. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the estrus synchronization technique in Refuge Wildlife Park which is based on natural mating, can be used successfully to control inbreeding easily and give young stags the opportunity to copulate.

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza (AI) viruses have been isolated from a wide diversity of free-living avian species representing several orders. Since 1998, H9N2 AI outbreaks have been one of the major problems in Iranian poultry industry. In 2006, H5N1 was reported in swans in the north of Iran first , but until now there has been no official report from commercial flocks in Iran. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was Molecular Surveillance of Avian Influenza in Bird Parks of Tehran, Iran. METHODS: In this study, 100 fecal samples from different avian species of Public and Bird Parks (The avian species included Pigeon, Duck, Swan, Parrot, Crow and Sparrow) were collected in Tehran, in the central region of Iran during November and December 2009. RNA extraction and RT-PCR have been done according the WHO Instruction for detection of Influenza Type A. RESULTS: In 14% of samples genetic materials (RNA) were detected. Species including duck and sparrow were positive. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of AIV detection in this these species in Iran. Due to emergence of new H1N1 influenza and bird flu throughout the world and in regional countries, surveillance programs for monitoring the spread of these viruses need to be redesigned. Surveillance activities for AI in wild birds should be continued to provide further virological (subtype) and epidemiological (Phylogenic Study) information about circulating viruses.

BACKGROUND: Poultry and poultry products are among the major sources of Salmonella infections for humans. Increasing occurrence of antimicrobial resistance among Salmonellae has become a serious public health concern. The detection of extended spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL) producers among Salmonella spp. has increased in recent years. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella, and to understand whether ESBLs were present in Salmonella isolated from poultry farms and slaughterhouses from various parts of Iran. METHODS: A total of 314 isolates of Salmonella spp., 272 of poultry and 42 from human origin, collected during winter 2005-2011 were characterized for antimicrobial resistance and the presence of ESBL genes in this study. Phenotypic Disk diffusion method was performed for detection of anti-microbial susceptibility against 16 antimicrobial agents according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute's recom-mendations (CLSI, 2005). To detect the presence of ESBL genes in 30 isolates out of 61 phenotypical resistant isolates, PCR amplific-ation was used by employing specific primers for screening of the CTX-M and CMY groups, respectively. RESULTS: The highest resistance to ceforoxime in poultry and cefixime in human isolates was observed, and multidrug resistance (MDR) was seen with a maximum seven antimicrobial agents. The PCR detection of CTX-M and CMY genes in all isolates including five phenotypically ESBL positive isolates was negative. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the incidence of resistance to cephalosporins and the frequency of MDR among Salmonella isolates from poultry farms in Iran. The prevalence of MDR Salmonella isolates from poultry are of particular concern as these strains can transmit to humans through the food chain

Background: Propolis, a honeybee product, has been used empirically for centuries and was always mentioned as an immunomodulatory. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of propolis on growth indices, innate immune responses and haematological parameters of Barbus barbulus were investigated. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty juvenile Barbus barbulus, weighing 102±8.2g were randomly divided into four equal groups in triplicate. Groups 1 to 3 were fed basal food supplemented with 0.1, 0.5, 1% of Propolis-ethanolic -extract (PEE) in diet for 60 days. Control group received basal diet free of PEE. At the end of experiment, growth indices were measured in all groups. Various immunological parameters (serum lysozymme and bactericidal activity, complement activity, total serum protein and globulin) as well as hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC) of Barbus barbulus were compared among the groups. Then the fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. RESULTS: Oral administration of different level of PEE induce no significant change, neither in growth indices nor in haematological parameters of B. barbulus (p>0.05). Significant increase in serum Lysozyme and bactericidal activity, total serum protein and WBC were seen in G2 and G3 compared to the control group (p

An adult common mynah ( Acridotheres tristis ) was presented with severe signs of progressive depression , anorexia , debilitation , and also a history of moderate pododermatitis for the last two months . Hepatomegally was diagnosed clinically and radio-logically . The bird died a couple of hours after referral . Postmortem examination revealed typical liver enlargement with yellowish brown discoloration . Diffused hepatocytes fatty degeneration was demonstrated in histopathology and hepatic lipidosis was diagnosed as the main lesion in the liver . Providing a very small enclosure and a single low quality perch with minimal activity opportunity led to pododermatitis. Subsequent further activity restriction and feeding a high energy diet to the bird were possibly the triggers of this metabolic disorder. Regarding the bird species , providing appropriate diet and enclosure are essential for having healthy pet birds , and is often ignored by negligent or uninformed owners .

Background: Probiotics and especially Lactobacilli are among the most important components widely used in food technology. Isolation and characterization of indigenous probiotics should be performed in native populations. OBJECTIVES: In order to isolate lactobacillus spp. from Iranian traditional Lighvan cheese to be used as starters, 15 cheese samples were randomly selected and tested for technological and probiotics properties. METHODS: Lactobacilli were characterized using culture-based and bio-chemical techniques and results were verified using PCR analyses of the 16S rRNA region. The probiotic characteristics of these bacteria were studied by acid and bile tolerance. The susceptibility of different isolates against a number of important antibiotics was tested. The technological traits of LAB were assessed using measurement of acid production and analyzing salt tolerance. The isolates were also screened for proteolytic and lipolytic activity. RESULTS: Of the 12 samples containing Lactobacilli, 10 belonged to L. plantarum while 2 were close to L. bulgaricus spp. All isolates were tolerant to 3% NaCl and 9 tolerated 6-8% NaCl. Almost all isolates were lipase-positive at 37 °C and 30 °C. Nine Lactobacilli were shown to be protease-positive at 37°C. Two isolates were completely tolerant to pH 1.55, 4 had intermediate resistance, 4 were of weak resistance and 1 was sensitive. All but one isolate were tolerant to 0.03% bile acid. Some isolates were shown to be sensitive to erythromycin, ampicillin, tetracycline, amikacin and rifampicin. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that most of the isolated Lactobacilli can be used as industrial cheese starters and/or as native probiotics in production of functional foods.