BACKGROUND: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cellscan transdifferentiate into Cardiomyocyte cells and improveheart function after transplantation. Since biomaterials canimprove the cell retention in the site, cell survival and differentiation,heart tissue engineering is now being explored as anapplied solution to support cell-based therapies and increasetheir efficacy for myocardial diseases. Chitosan in combinationwith Glycerol Phosphate (GP) can produce a thermo sensitivematerial that in body temperature can form a jellylike material.OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects ofa combination of autologous undifferentiated bone marrowmesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and injectable scaffold on cardiacfunction improvement in rabbits after inducing myocardialinfarction. METHODS: The Left Anterior Descending (LAD)coronary artery was ligated by No. 6-0 polyamide suturematerial, and autologous MSCs with injectable scaffold wereinjected into the margins of the infarcted zone at the time ofsurgery. At 4 weeks after transplantation, the cardiac functionand structure was detected using echocardiography. RESULTS:There was no significant difference among the three groups (MIonly, MI Scaffold, and MI+Scaffold+MSCs) in the Echocardiographicparameters including, heart rate (HR), Ejection Fraction(EF), Fractional Shortening (FS), Left Ventricular Diameter(LVD) and Left Ventricular Parietal Wall Diameter (LVPW).CONCLUSIONS: A combination of autologous undifferentiatedbone marrow MSCs and injectable scaffold made of Chitosan+Glycerol Phosphate in echocardiographic evaluation did nothave a positive influence on achieving functional improvement.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a febrile zoonotic infectionand has worldwide distribution among humans as well asanimals. Although the seroprevalence of brucellosis in variousanimals has been described in Iran, there is only one report onequine brucellosis in the region. OBJECTIVES: This study wascarried out to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis inracing clubs and private horse owners in the south of Iran and riskfactors associated with the disease in horses. METHODS: 312randomly selected equine serum samples were investigated forthe presence of antibodies against Brucella genus, using slideagglutination by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutinationtest (SAT) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) test, usingwhole cell antigen. PCR assay was also used for detection ofclinically suspected cases. RESULTS: Most seropositive horsesin this study were asymptomatic. The true seroprevalence ofbrucellosis was found to be 9.9, 8 and 7% by RBPT, SAT and 2-mercaptoethanol tests, respectively. All horses with history ofclinical signs (3.2% of all samples) had RBPT, SAT and 2-mercaptoethanol positive results. It was also revealed that age,sex and a history of contact with ruminants had no effect onacquiring the infection in positive cases. In the PCR, one of thethree horses with fistula withers produced amplicon of 450 bpfragment of wbo sequences specific to Brucella spp. field strain.CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the seroprevalence ofbrucellosis in horses of Fars province and it was indicated thatthe PCR assay may be helpful in detection of clinically suspectedhorses.

BACKGROUND: Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is one ofthe most common causes of infectious gastroenteritis in dogs andis a highly contagious, often fatal disease. The original virus(CPV type 2) has had some mutations since its emergence andnew variants (CPV-2a, 2b and 2c) have been reported from manycountries all around the world. Early diagnosis and treatment canprofoundly affect the disease outcome. OBJECTIVES:To comparethe ability of Immunochromatographic (IC) test to detect CPVinfection in 50 PCR positive samples (n=50) with regard to virusstrains. METHODS: 50 rectal swabs (n=50) were prepared fromsuspicious dogs and subjected to PCR and IC test respectively.RESULTS: The sensitivity of IC test in PCR positive samples was84% (42 out of 50 samples) and the positive predictive value ofthe test was 100%. Using PCR, CPV strains in our study were 2a(18/50, 36%) and 2b (32/50, 64%) with the predominance of 2bstrain. IC test was also able to diagnose 15/18 (83.3%) of CPV-2a and 27/32 (84.3%) CPV-2b strain positive samples, whichmeans IC test can detect CPV infections caused by both virusstrains (2a and 2b), without significant difference. CONCLUSIONS:This study shows that IC test results are relatively reliable fordiagnosing CPVinfection in daily veterinary practice and the testis able to diagnose both CPV-2a and CPV-2b which are prevalentstrains in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A which is found in different tissuesand organs plays a particular role in detecting clinical signs invarious deficiency conditions. However, sometimes the marginaldeficiency is present in a way that clinical signs are not visible butperformance defects, such as infertility is seen. OBJECTIVES: Inthis study, the normal baseline levels of vitamin Aand β-carotene inclinically healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Yazdprovince were investigated. METHODS: A total of 168 Iraniancamels of both sexes were sampled from February 2009 to July2010. Spectrophoto-metry was used for measuring the serumvalues. RESULTS: The mean±SE concentration of vitamin Aand β-carotene were 63.9±4.7 and 9±1.1 μg/dL, respectively. Although,the β-carotene concentr-ation was significantly higher in summer,vitamin Awas not influenced by season. No significant differencein the serum levels of the measured parameters was observed indifferent ages and sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study,for the first time, indicate the concentration of vitamin A and β-carotene in the camels in Iran. This finding can be used as a referenceguide for evaluation of the deficiency or excess of vitamin Aand β-carotene in camels in Iran. Furthermore, due to the lower levels ofvitamin A and β-carotene in Iranian dromedaries during winter,supplementary feeding of vitamin A is recommended during thisseason.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, the submandibularsalivary gland microscopic morphology of the adult Africangiant pouched rat was investigated. This study was carried out toprovide the basic histology of this organ in the giant pouched rat,to accompany the dearth of information of its microscopicarchitecture in the available literature. This becomes of evenhigher importance when considering the possible use of thisspecies of rodent as a future laboratory animal to replace theWinster rat, because of its bigger size and the possibility ofdomesticating the giant pouched rat as a ready source of animalprotein. In addition, the need to understand the digestive biologyto help animal nutritionists in feeding formulation may also beachieved. The histology revealed the presence of both serous andmucus secretory acini. Some mucus cells showed serousdemilumes. The myoeithelial cells were seen around thesecretory cells and the intercalated ducts. The serous glandregion with more relatively profuse intralobular ducts was largerin size than the mucus gland region. The intralobular ducts ofintercalated and striated ducts were lined by simple cuboidal andsimple columnar cells, respectively. The excretory duct waslined by the stratified cuboidal cells. The large serous glandularregion reflects need for more enzymic action in the oral cavity,while the mucus glands will help produce mucin that willlubricate the digestive tract. This study, for the first timedocuments the normal histology of submandibular salivarygland in this species, hence filling the knowledge gap that willhelp further research especially on the role of myoepihelial cellsin the secretory glands tumours.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic steatosis due to estrogen therapyincreases the activity of inflammatory markers, particularly theactivity of TNFα which in turn induces more lipogenesis.Omega-3 fatty acids are among the negative regulators of hepaticlipogenesis. OBJECTIVES: In this research, the preventive effectof omega-3 fatty acids on estrogen-induced steatosis in rats wasevaluated. METHODS:2 mg/kg. BW/SC of 17α-ethiny-lestrasdiolwere injected into 25 female wistar rats in 5 equal groups(excluding the control group) over 10 consecutive days.Simultaneously, 3 of estradiol-treated groups were orally given250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. BW omega-3 fatty acids, respectively.At the end of the experiment, plasma ALT, AST, and TNFαlevel were determined. Histopathological changes in the liverwere also identified by the evaluation of samples stained withH&amp;E and Oil Red O. RESULTS: The histological findingsrevealed hepatic microvesicular steatosis and fat deposit inethinylestradiol and, to a lesser extent, in the 250 mg/kg BWomega-3 fatty acids groups. The plasma levels of AST, ALT, andTNFα significantly increased in the ethinylestradiol groupcompared to the control (p<0.05) and 1000 mg/kg. B.W omega-3 group. Omega-3 fatty acids reduced these parameters incomparison to the estradiol group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Itwas concluded that 1000mg/kg.BW of omega-3 protects theliver against steatotic injuries.

BACKGROUND:The bacterial contamination of fertile eggs isthe most common cause of embryonic death in ostrich hatcheryunits leading to financial loss in ostrich industry. OBJECTIVES:The aim of this research was to investigate the bacterialcontamination status, with emphasis on Escherichia coli, ofostrich hatcheries and the antimicrobial resistance profile ofisolated Escherichia coli. METHODS:Atotal of 120 ostrich eggswith dead embryos, at weekly intervals, were collected fromthree ostrich hatcheries. The dead embryos were sent tolaboratory and samples were collected aseptically from differentorgans. Bacterial detection and identification were performed byusing standard bacteriological and biochemical techniques.Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out by agar diskdiffusionmethod against 27 antimicrobial agents. RESULTS:Different types of bacteria were isolated from 56 eggs (46.7%).Twenty-four ostrich eggs were shown to carry E. coli. In someeggs, in addition to yolk sac, E. coli was also isolated frommeconium, liver, or heart blood which increased the total numberof E. coli isolates to 32. All E. coli isolates were susceptible totrimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole, danofloxacin, and flumequine,whereas all were resistant to carbenicillin and erythromycin.Resistance to other agents was variable. Multi-drugresistance pattern was found among all E. coli isolates andincluded 2 to 12 drugs. Thirty-two E. coli isolates generated 30different resistance profiles against 27 antimicrobial drugs.CONCLUSIONS: This was the first comprehensive reportregarding the bacterial, particularly Escherichia coli, contaminationof dead-in-shell ostrich embryos and antimicrobial resistancestatus of the Escherichia coli isolates from ostrich eggs inIran.

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is a vector-borneagent that is maintained within a bird-mosquito cycle. In humansand equids, infection by this agent is usually asymptomatic, orcharacterized by a mild febrile illness. However, fatal meningoencephalitisor encephalitis may occur. OBJECTIVES:The aim ofthis study was to evaluate the prevalence of WNVinfection andcorrelation of this organism with host and environmentaldeterminants in horses in Khuzestan province. METHODS: In2011-2012, serum samples of 155 horses were randomly collectedfrom 7 zones of Khuzestan province and were examined byELISAassay. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of WNVinfection was70.3% (95% CI: 63.1-77.5%). Statistical analysis showed thatage, zone, presence of lake, type of bed, time of sampling, stayingout of the stable after sunset and the method of insect control aresignificantly associated with infection (p<0.05) but sex, presenceof river, wall condition, presence of rubbish dump and history ofdisease are not significantly associated with infection (p>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study confirm that theWNV infection exists in Khuzestan province. Considering thelocal weather conditions and the facility of vector-bornetransmission, the health authorities should take measures toprevent and control the infection.

BACKGROUND: Information regarding serum biochemicalprofile can reflect cardiovascular performance in animals.Although studies have evaluated the inter-relationship amongcardiovascular biomarkers in animals and human beings, thereare no reports of such a probable relationship in camelids.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to provide dataon the correlations among cardiovascular biomarkers indifferent ages of clinically healthy male dromedary camels toprovide a basis for assessing cardiac muscle healthiness in thisspecies. METHODS: Thirty clinically healthy dromedary camels(Camelus dromedarius) were selected and divided into four agegroups including 1-3 (n=7), 4-6 (n=7), 7-9 (n=8), and above 10(n=8) years old. Blood samples were collected and sera wereseparated. Serum concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy),cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase-myocardial specificisoenzymes (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanineaminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)were evaluated. RESULTS: The results of the present studyshowed that there were significant correlations among cTnI andCK-MB (r=-0.853; p=0.015) and Hcy (r=0.916; p=0.004) in the4 to 6-years-old group of clinically healthy male dromedarycamels. LDH was significantly correlated with CK-MB in the 7to 9-year-old group (r=-0.710; p=0.045). There were nosignificant correlations among different factors of 1-3 and above10-year-old groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:The data providedhere is the first report on cardiac health assessment parameters indromedary camels. Moreover, the data is valuable in camelracing clubs, when an overall cardiac health and fitness is to beassessed. The correlation reported here might also be helpful foreasier analysis of cardiac health status in dromedary camels. Thedata may be useful for assessing suspected cases of myocardialdiseases and its changes maybe of prognostic value.

BACKGROUND:Uncontrolled application of diazinon (DZN)can cause environmental contamination and adverse healtheffects on humans or animals. OBJECTIVES:This study aimed toinvestigate the toxic effects and the level of DZN in serum andtissues of rabbits following a sub acute dermal exposure totoxicant. METHODS:Different doses of DZN were applied dailyto New Zealand rabbits through the ear skin in incremental dosesfor 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the beginning andthe end of each dose-week period. Tissue samples were collectedfrom brain, muscle, kidney and liver on day 28, after euthanizingthe rabbits. DZN contents of the blood and tissue samples weremeasured using a reversed phase HPLC system. RESULTS:Clinical observations indicated signs of toxicity in the animalsexposed to DZN as shown by diarrhea and body weight loss fromday twenty. The level of DZN in the blood elevated withenhancing exposure time and reached the highest level at the endof the fourth week (0.620±0.26ppm). The highest level of DZNwas found in the brain tissue (0341±0.015 ppm). CONCLUSIONS:The results of this study revealed the tissue accumulation andsubsequent toxic effects of DZN following the subacute dermalexposure to the toxicant. It suggests that the determination of thetoxicant level in the serum or tissue can be a monitoring methodfor the detection of the contamination rate.