BACKGROUND: Fat-tailed sheep breeds have a  unique  ability  to  tolerate  periods  of  negative  energy  balance  due to seasonal changes in feed availability. This ability is attributed to presence  of  fat-tail  as  a  body  energy  reserve, however the exact underlying  mechanisms  controlling  the  response  of adipose  tissue  depots  to variations in energy balance in fat-tailed breeds are not well understood. OBJECTIVES: As definition of a set of stable reference gene is an absolute prerequisite of any gene  expression study, therefore the current research was conducted to define the most  stable  reference  genes  in  adipose  tissue  depots and muscle of fat-tailed Lori-Bakhtiari lambs during periods of negative and positive energy balances. METHODS: Eighteen fat-tailed Lori-Bakhtiari male lambs were divided into 3 groups according to their  body- weight. The experiment was consisted of an adaptation  period  (2  weeks),  negative  energy  balance  period  (3  weeks), followed by positive energy balance  period  (3  weeks).  The  3  groups  of  lambs  were  randomly  selected and slaughtered at the  beginning  and  end  of negative  energy  balance  and  at the end of positive energy balance to collect samples of muscle and adipose tissue depots. RESULTS: The stability of the reference genes  differed  among  different  tissues  and also between  various  depots  of adipose tissue. Average of ranking by different software programs showed that glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH),  B-actin  and  peptidylprolyl  isomerase  A  (PPIA)  were  the  3  most  stable  reference genes in mesenteric adipose tissue, whereas in fat-tail adipose tissue, PPIA, tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta polypeptide (YWHAZ) and RNA polymerase  II  subunit  A  (POLR2A) were considered as genes with least expression variability during periods of negative and positive energy balance. B-actin, YWHAZ and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) were defined as the most stable reference genes in longissimus dorsi muscle tissue of Lori-Bakhtiari lambs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrate that the stability of the reference  genes  varied  between mesenteric and fat-tail adipose tissues and the level  of energy  balance  affects  the  stability  of the  refer-  ence genes. In addition,  ranking  of  the  reference  genes  differs  among  different  software  programs  possibly  due to different mathematical algorithms used by different programs.

BACKGROUND: Fat-tailed sheep breeds have a  unique  ability  to  tolerate  periods  of  negative  energy  balance  due to seasonal changes in feed availability. This ability is attributed to presence  of  fat-tail  as  a  body  energy  reserve, however the exact underlying  mechanisms  controlling  the  response  of adipose  tissue  depots  to variations in energy balance in fat-tailed breeds are not well understood. OBJECTIVES: As definition of a set of stable reference gene is an absolute prerequisite of any gene  expression study, therefore the current research was conducted to define the most  stable  reference  genes  in  adipose  tissue  depots and muscle of fat-tailed Lori-Bakhtiari lambs during periods of negative and positive energy balances. METHODS: Eighteen fat-tailed Lori-Bakhtiari male lambs were divided into 3 groups according to their  body- weight. The experiment was consisted of an adaptation  period  (2  weeks),  negative  energy  balance  period  (3  weeks), followed by positive energy balance  period  (3  weeks).  The  3  groups  of  lambs  were  randomly  selected and slaughtered at the  beginning  and  end  of negative  energy  balance  and  at the end of positive energy balance to collect samples of muscle and adipose tissue depots. RESULTS: The stability of the reference genes  differed  among  different  tissues  and also between  various  depots  of adipose tissue. Average of ranking by different software programs showed that glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH),  B-actin  and  peptidylprolyl  isomerase  A  (PPIA)  were  the  3  most  stable  reference genes in mesenteric adipose tissue, whereas in fat-tail adipose tissue, PPIA, tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta polypeptide (YWHAZ) and RNA polymerase  II  subunit  A  (POLR2A) were considered as genes with least expression variability during periods of negative and positive energy balance. B-actin, YWHAZ and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) were defined as the most stable reference genes in longissimus dorsi muscle tissue of Lori-Bakhtiari lambs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrate that the stability of the reference  genes  varied  between mesenteric and fat-tail adipose tissues and the level  of energy  balance  affects  the  stability  of the  refer-  ence genes. In addition,  ranking  of  the  reference  genes  differs  among  different  software  programs  possibly  due to different mathematical algorithms used by different programs.

BACKGROUND: Animal breeds are often recognized through their specific characteristics, nevertheless, the breeds' anatomical and biochemical characteristics have not considered yet in many of the researches done on one-humped camels. There are some particular differences in camel breeds due to different climate conditions and rearing necessity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to compare differences in anatomical and plasma biochem- ical parameters of two Iranian one-humped camels, the Jammaz (racing) and Balouchi (dual-purpose) breeds. METHODS: Anatomical parameters were body length (BL), neck length (NL), chest girth (CG), barrel girth (BG), hump circumference (HC), fore limb length (FLL), hind limb length (HLL), height at hump (HH), fore limbs interval (FLI), hind limbs interval (HLI), fore hoof circumference (FHC), hind hoof circumference (HHC), abdominal circumference (AC), shank circumference (SC) and leg circumference (LC). Moreover, concentra- tions of Glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, total bilirubin (Bili-T), direct bilirubin (Bi- li-D), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were measured as plasma biochemical parameters. Data analysis was conducted through t-test statistics. RESULTS: Results revealed significant differences between body type traits of breeds, especially in organs related to running ability, while the Jammaz breed has more height and longer limbs than the Balouchi breed. Some blood parameters (glucose, LDH, BUN, cortisol and T4) are considerably higher in Jammaz breed, too. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study suggest some anatomical (especially fore and hind limb lengths, neck length and body height at hump) and physiological characteristics (lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, cortisol, glucose and T4) of Iranian racing and dual purpose camels as breed markers.

BACKGROUND: Animal breeds are often recognized through their specific characteristics, nevertheless, the breeds' anatomical and biochemical characteristics have not considered yet in many of the researches done on one-humped camels. There are some particular differences in camel breeds due to different climate conditions and rearing necessity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to compare differences in anatomical and plasma biochem- ical parameters of two Iranian one-humped camels, the Jammaz (racing) and Balouchi (dual-purpose) breeds. METHODS: Anatomical parameters were body length (BL), neck length (NL), chest girth (CG), barrel girth (BG), hump circumference (HC), fore limb length (FLL), hind limb length (HLL), height at hump (HH), fore limbs interval (FLI), hind limbs interval (HLI), fore hoof circumference (FHC), hind hoof circumference (HHC), abdominal circumference (AC), shank circumference (SC) and leg circumference (LC). Moreover, concentra- tions of Glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, total bilirubin (Bili-T), direct bilirubin (Bi- li-D), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were measured as plasma biochemical parameters. Data analysis was conducted through t-test statistics. RESULTS: Results revealed significant differences between body type traits of breeds, especially in organs related to running ability, while the Jammaz breed has more height and longer limbs than the Balouchi breed. Some blood parameters (glucose, LDH, BUN, cortisol and T4) are considerably higher in Jammaz breed, too. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study suggest some anatomical (especially fore and hind limb lengths, neck length and body height at hump) and physiological characteristics (lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, cortisol, glucose and T4) of Iranian racing and dual purpose camels as breed markers.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic anemia is a disorder characterized by the premature erythrocytes destruction. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) induces oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which causes hemolytic anemia. Cynara scolymus due to its antioxidant compounds, has been used for various therapeutic purposes in traditional medicine. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Cynara scolymus extract on PHZ -induced anemia in male rats. METHODS: Hemolytic anemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of PHZ (40 mg/kg) for 2 days. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 (normal control). Group 2 (anemic control) received only PHZ. The groups 3 to 5 were injected with 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of the Cynara scolymus by gavage, respectively, daily from day 2 to day 15 after PHZ administration. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected to assess hematological parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and antioxidant enzymes activity, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the serum and erythrocytes. RESULTS: In anemic rats, serum and erythrocytes MDA level increased, but SOD and TAC activity de- creased significantly when compared with control group (p ≤ 0.05). These changes were ameliorated by treat- ment with Cynara scolymus at different doses (p ≤ 0.05). Also, improvement in several hematological param- eters was observed in anemic rats after administration of Cynara scolymus (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cynara scolymus extract exhibits protective property against PHZ-induced oxidative stress presumably due to antioxidative activity.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic anemia is a disorder characterized by the premature erythrocytes destruction. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) induces oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which causes hemolytic anemia. Cynara scolymus due to its antioxidant compounds, has been used for various therapeutic purposes in traditional medicine. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Cynara scolymus extract on PHZ -induced anemia in male rats. METHODS: Hemolytic anemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of PHZ (40 mg/kg) for 2 days. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 (normal control). Group 2 (anemic control) received only PHZ. The groups 3 to 5 were injected with 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of the Cynara scolymus by gavage, respectively, daily from day 2 to day 15 after PHZ administration. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected to assess hematological parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and antioxidant enzymes activity, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the serum and erythrocytes. RESULTS: In anemic rats, serum and erythrocytes MDA level increased, but SOD and TAC activity de- creased significantly when compared with control group (p ≤ 0.05). These changes were ameliorated by treat- ment with Cynara scolymus at different doses (p ≤ 0.05). Also, improvement in several hematological param- eters was observed in anemic rats after administration of Cynara scolymus (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cynara scolymus extract exhibits protective property against PHZ-induced oxidative stress presumably due to antioxidative activity.

BACKGROUND: Several foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of vegetables have been reported which involved Vibrio spp . as causative agents. Conventional methods of detecting these microorganisms are time-consuming. Therefore, the development of techniques for rapid detection seems to be of paramount importance. OBJECTIVES: The present study recommends a rapid and reliable method for the detection of Vibrio cholera (V. chol-era), V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. alginolyticus. Moreover, the results are compared with the conventional plate culture method. METHODS: The conventional bacteriological tests were conducted to detect Vibrio spp. in vegetables and their surrounding water. The samples were also subjected to a newly developed multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using five specific genes, including VC-Rmm of V. cholerae, VP-MmR of V. parahaemolyticus, VV-Rmm of V. vulnificus, V.al2-MmR of V. alginolyticus, and VM-F for all the four isolates. RESULTS: The presence of V. alginolyticus and V. vulnificus was confirmed by amplifying the specific regions of 412 bp for V. vulnificus and 144 bp for V. alginolyticus. The results demonstrated that V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus were not detected in multiplex PCR, which was consistent with the findings of conventional plating methods. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results revealed that the designed multiplex PCR assay is a reliable, rapid, and cost-effective method for the simultaneous detection of Vibrio spp .

BACKGROUND: Several foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of vegetables have been reported which involved Vibrio spp . as causative agents. Conventional methods of detecting these microorganisms are time-consuming. Therefore, the development of techniques for rapid detection seems to be of paramount importance. OBJECTIVES: The present study recommends a rapid and reliable method for the detection of Vibrio cholera (V. chol-era), V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. alginolyticus. Moreover, the results are compared with the conventional plate culture method. METHODS: The conventional bacteriological tests were conducted to detect Vibrio spp. in vegetables and their surrounding water. The samples were also subjected to a newly developed multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using five specific genes, including VC-Rmm of V. cholerae, VP-MmR of V. parahaemolyticus, VV-Rmm of V. vulnificus, V.al2-MmR of V. alginolyticus, and VM-F for all the four isolates. RESULTS: The presence of V. alginolyticus and V. vulnificus was confirmed by amplifying the specific regions of 412 bp for V. vulnificus and 144 bp for V. alginolyticus. The results demonstrated that V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus were not detected in multiplex PCR, which was consistent with the findings of conventional plating methods. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results revealed that the designed multiplex PCR assay is a reliable, rapid, and cost-effective method for the simultaneous detection of Vibrio spp .

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, use of rabbits in research as laboratory animals is quite prevalent, however imaging modal-ities for producing anatomical illustrations are rare. Computed tomography (CT) is a nonaggressive modality which provides more anatomical detailed data. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to create a plenary and exact deliniation and morphometric evaluation of cervical ver-tebrae in rabbits. METHODS: A CT scanner with two detectors was used in this study. Several parameters were measured in 10 healthy, adult female white New Zealand rabbits and the results were evaluated. RESULTS: Some parameters including VBH, SCH, PDL, PDW, VBL, EPH, and EPW had no significant difference through cervical vertebrae but other parameters such as SPH, TPL, TPW, SPA, and TPA were significantly different. In the fifth cervical vertebrae, transverse process had three parts, as well as having a big transverse foramen while in the sixth vertebra, transverse process resembled a wide plate CONCLUSIONS: VBH had an invariable measure from the second to seventh cervical vertebrae. SPH had an invariable measure from the second cervical vertebra to the sixth one, then once more it increased at the location of the seventh cervical vertebra and was invariable up to the first thoracic vertebra. This study presents a complete and precise description and morphometric evaluation of cervical vertebrae in rabbits using CT scan. As an important feature of this study, no specimen was killed and anatomical studies were performed using the CT scan technique .

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, use of rabbits in research as laboratory animals is quite prevalent, however imaging modal-ities for producing anatomical illustrations are rare. Computed tomography (CT) is a nonaggressive modality which provides more anatomical detailed data. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to create a plenary and exact deliniation and morphometric evaluation of cervical ver-tebrae in rabbits. METHODS: A CT scanner with two detectors was used in this study. Several parameters were measured in 10 healthy, adult female white New Zealand rabbits and the results were evaluated. RESULTS: Some parameters including VBH, SCH, PDL, PDW, VBL, EPH, and EPW had no significant difference through cervical vertebrae but other parameters such as SPH, TPL, TPW, SPA, and TPA were significantly different. In the fifth cervical vertebrae, transverse process had three parts, as well as having a big transverse foramen while in the sixth vertebra, transverse process resembled a wide plate CONCLUSIONS: VBH had an invariable measure from the second to seventh cervical vertebrae. SPH had an invariable measure from the second cervical vertebra to the sixth one, then once more it increased at the location of the seventh cervical vertebra and was invariable up to the first thoracic vertebra. This study presents a complete and precise description and morphometric evaluation of cervical vertebrae in rabbits using CT scan. As an important feature of this study, no specimen was killed and anatomical studies were performed using the CT scan technique .

Background: Fasciola hepatica is a genus of the trematodes which mainly affects the liver of sheep and these livestock are accidentally infected by eating plants or drinking water contaminated with the metacercariae of this parasite. These parasites can cause considerable economic damage by destroying the liver and bile ducts. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ultrasonographic diagnosis in chronic hepatic fasciolysis of sheep and to provide ultrasonography views of fasciolosis in sheep’s liver. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 256 sheep of the Makoei breed, including 130 male (50.8%) and 126 female (49.2%) with diagnosis of chronic fasciolosis confirmed by the appearance of fluke eggs in feces and using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were referred to the Department of Radiology and Ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasound was performed. Average age of sheep was 2.1 years (minimum age 7 months and maximum age 6 years). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 11.5) and the statistical test was chi-square test. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In the results, 55.6% of sheep had ascites in the abdominal cavity and in 5.7% and 11.3%, bile ducts and gallbladder were affected, respectively, and in 4.8% of sheep both the liver and the bile ducts were involved. In 22.6% of sheep, there was no abnormal finding in ultrasound. The most common site of injury was in the posterior part of the right lobe of liver. There was no significant difference between the place of involvement in the liver, age and sex of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, ultrasonography can play an important role in the diagnosis and follow up of sheep’s chronic fasciolosis treatment.

Background: Fasciola hepatica is a genus of the trematodes which mainly affects the liver of sheep and these livestock are accidentally infected by eating plants or drinking water contaminated with the metacercariae of this parasite. These parasites can cause considerable economic damage by destroying the liver and bile ducts. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ultrasonographic diagnosis in chronic hepatic fasciolysis of sheep and to provide ultrasonography views of fasciolosis in sheep’s liver. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 256 sheep of the Makoei breed, including 130 male (50.8%) and 126 female (49.2%) with diagnosis of chronic fasciolosis confirmed by the appearance of fluke eggs in feces and using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were referred to the Department of Radiology and Ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasound was performed. Average age of sheep was 2.1 years (minimum age 7 months and maximum age 6 years). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 11.5) and the statistical test was chi-square test. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In the results, 55.6% of sheep had ascites in the abdominal cavity and in 5.7% and 11.3%, bile ducts and gallbladder were affected, respectively, and in 4.8% of sheep both the liver and the bile ducts were involved. In 22.6% of sheep, there was no abnormal finding in ultrasound. The most common site of injury was in the posterior part of the right lobe of liver. There was no significant difference between the place of involvement in the liver, age and sex of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, ultrasonography can play an important role in the diagnosis and follow up of sheep’s chronic fasciolosis treatment.

Background: Up until now, the effect of thyroid hormones on the male reproductive organ, after puberty, is not well understood. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the morpho-histometrical effects of thyroid hormone deficiency on the adult-male rat reproductive organs were investigated. MATHODS: Thirty adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): control, hypothyroid, and hypothyroid which receives Levothyroxine. After 4-months we examined the number of spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells, as well as the seminiferous tubules epithelium thickness, area of seminiferous tubules, and the diameter and thickness of testis artery walls. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the hypothyroid and control rats in terms of the area of seminiferous tubules, the number of spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells. Moreover, the epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules and the diameter and thickness of artery walls were significantly decreased in hypothyroid group compared with the control rats. CONCLUSIONS: These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that hypothyroidism can affect the male fertility and declare that it may influence male reproduction by reducing the testis blood flow.

Background: Up until now, the effect of thyroid hormones on the male reproductive organ, after puberty, is not well understood. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the morpho-histometrical effects of thyroid hormone deficiency on the adult-male rat reproductive organs were investigated. MATHODS: Thirty adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): control, hypothyroid, and hypothyroid which receives Levothyroxine. After 4-months we examined the number of spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells, as well as the seminiferous tubules epithelium thickness, area of seminiferous tubules, and the diameter and thickness of testis artery walls. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the hypothyroid and control rats in terms of the area of seminiferous tubules, the number of spermatogonia cells, primary spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells. Moreover, the epithelium thickness of seminiferous tubules and the diameter and thickness of artery walls were significantly decreased in hypothyroid group compared with the control rats. CONCLUSIONS: These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that hypothyroidism can affect the male fertility and declare that it may influence male reproduction by reducing the testis blood flow.

Background: The safety evaluations of sunscreens containing Titanium Dioxide-Nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were done by dermal exposure, acute dermal and eye irritation/corrosion, and skin sensitization according to the guideline for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was the evaluation of safety and toxicity of TiO2-NPs following acute sunscreen exposure. METHODS: TiO2 and TiO2-NPs (20-40 nm and 98% purity) were purchased in the anatase crystal phase, and five types of concentration for sunscreens were made which were carried out in five different treatment groups in mice and rabbits. RESULTS: In acute eye irritation using rabbits, the only irritation effect was observed in the conjunctivae area within one hour after administration both in TiO2-NPs group and TiO2-Ps. In acute dermal irritation using rabbits did not show a significant difference among groups in different concentrations and durations. Similarly, in a skin sensitization test using mice, contact hypersensitivity (CHS) did not show a significant difference (P<0.05) among groups in 15% concentration of TiO2 in the different durations after application. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding demonstrates that TiO2-NPs and TiO2-Ps in sunscreens are relatively safe and did not induce statistically significant eye and dermal irritation and skin hypersensitivity

Background: The safety evaluations of sunscreens containing Titanium Dioxide-Nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were done by dermal exposure, acute dermal and eye irritation/corrosion, and skin sensitization according to the guideline for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was the evaluation of safety and toxicity of TiO2-NPs following acute sunscreen exposure. METHODS: TiO2 and TiO2-NPs (20-40 nm and 98% purity) were purchased in the anatase crystal phase, and five types of concentration for sunscreens were made which were carried out in five different treatment groups in mice and rabbits. RESULTS: In acute eye irritation using rabbits, the only irritation effect was observed in the conjunctivae area within one hour after administration both in TiO2-NPs group and TiO2-Ps. In acute dermal irritation using rabbits did not show a significant difference among groups in different concentrations and durations. Similarly, in a skin sensitization test using mice, contact hypersensitivity (CHS) did not show a significant difference (P<0.05) among groups in 15% concentration of TiO2 in the different durations after application. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding demonstrates that TiO2-NPs and TiO2-Ps in sunscreens are relatively safe and did not induce statistically significant eye and dermal irritation and skin hypersensitivity

Background: Cardiac murmur and subsequently cardiac failure is one of the poor-performance causes in athletic horses. Attention to murmur character is vital during heart examination. Polo is a sport which demands very high stress on horses, which may result in more stress on cardiovascular system. Objectives: In this study we assume that high pressure on polo horses makes them more susceptible to valves insufficiency as a result of high velocity across valves. Methods: 136 polo horses were evaluated in this study, and all participated in polo matches. Both sides of chest were heard carefully by two clinicians and murmur characters recorded in detail. Afterward the accuracy of auscultation finding was proved by echocardiography, in echocardiography examination all the valves were evaluated carefully for any trace of regurgitation or stenosis across valves. Results: Forty-seven horses showed cardiac murmurs during auscultation (34.55%). Thoroughbred had the highest rate of murmur, with 71% of murmurs observed in this breed. Grade 2 murmurs were more frequent than others and 24 horses showed Grade 2 murmurs. And tricuspid had the highest involvement and 24 horses had tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusions: This study is the first report of cardiac murmur in Polo horses, which showed the high presence of tricuspid and aortic murmur. The difference between prevalence of murmurs in this study and other ones was not remarkable

Background: Cardiac murmur and subsequently cardiac failure is one of the poor-performance causes in athletic horses. Attention to murmur character is vital during heart examination. Polo is a sport which demands very high stress on horses, which may result in more stress on cardiovascular system. Objectives: In this study we assume that high pressure on polo horses makes them more susceptible to valves insufficiency as a result of high velocity across valves. Methods: 136 polo horses were evaluated in this study, and all participated in polo matches. Both sides of chest were heard carefully by two clinicians and murmur characters recorded in detail. Afterward the accuracy of auscultation finding was proved by echocardiography, in echocardiography examination all the valves were evaluated carefully for any trace of regurgitation or stenosis across valves. Results: Forty-seven horses showed cardiac murmurs during auscultation (34.55%). Thoroughbred had the highest rate of murmur, with 71% of murmurs observed in this breed. Grade 2 murmurs were more frequent than others and 24 horses showed Grade 2 murmurs. And tricuspid had the highest involvement and 24 horses had tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusions: This study is the first report of cardiac murmur in Polo horses, which showed the high presence of tricuspid and aortic murmur. The difference between prevalence of murmurs in this study and other ones was not remarkable

Background: Soil and plant contamination in copper exposure causes chronic copper poisoning (CCP) in animals following the consumption of plants in these soils. Objectives: The present study was carried out on 10 clinically affected copper poisoned cases (in each season) from autumn 2015 to the end of summer 2016, in four seasons in Kerman province to evaluate the seasonal effects of CCP in sheep. Methods: All samples were taken from clinically affected cases of copper poisoning that were then necropsied and the poisoning was confirmed by pathognomic pathological findings and serum copper concentration. Samples from liver, lung, kidney, heart and spleen were collected immediately after death and their copper concentration was measured. Results: The highest levels of copper in lung, heart, spleen and kidney were observed in the summer. Liver had the highest amounts of copper in spring and the levels of copper in wool and serum were detected in winter. The copper levels of liver and kidney were positively correlated in autumn, but the copper levels in these tissues were negatively correlated in both spring and winter. Conclusions: Severity of the copper toxicity (judged by the liver copper concentration) is season-dependent in sheep and seasonal variations affect this toxicity. Environmental climate and stressors may be the main causes of copper contents of different tissues and the liver is the main organ to reserve copper in poisoned sheep.

Background: Soil and plant contamination in copper exposure causes chronic copper poisoning (CCP) in animals following the consumption of plants in these soils. Objectives: The present study was carried out on 10 clinically affected copper poisoned cases (in each season) from autumn 2015 to the end of summer 2016, in four seasons in Kerman province to evaluate the seasonal effects of CCP in sheep. Methods: All samples were taken from clinically affected cases of copper poisoning that were then necropsied and the poisoning was confirmed by pathognomic pathological findings and serum copper concentration. Samples from liver, lung, kidney, heart and spleen were collected immediately after death and their copper concentration was measured. Results: The highest levels of copper in lung, heart, spleen and kidney were observed in the summer. Liver had the highest amounts of copper in spring and the levels of copper in wool and serum were detected in winter. The copper levels of liver and kidney were positively correlated in autumn, but the copper levels in these tissues were negatively correlated in both spring and winter. Conclusions: Severity of the copper toxicity (judged by the liver copper concentration) is season-dependent in sheep and seasonal variations affect this toxicity. Environmental climate and stressors may be the main causes of copper contents of different tissues and the liver is the main organ to reserve copper in poisoned sheep.