BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the prevalent debilitating neurodegenerative disor- ders. Accordingly, researchers are working on methods to modify PD progression. Previously, the neuro- protective effects of betaine, as a methyl donor agent in homocysteine metabolism, have been demonstrated in animal models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and memory deficits. OBJECTIVES: It was aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of betaine in an animal model of PD. METHODS: In male Wistar rats under two-week course of oral betaine administration (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg per day), the behavioral, biochemical, and histological evaluations were conducted one week follow- ing unilateral nigral 6-OHDA injection. RESUTLS: Betaine administration with dose of 200 mg/kg, one week before and after 6-OHDA lesioning, was associated with a meaningful reduction in the plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in comparison with the control and sham groups (P < 0.05). Our evaluations revealed a remarkable improvement in motor asymmetry induced by apomorphine in the rats under treatment of betaine 200 mg/kg. Moreover, in this group, a significant decrease of malondyaldehyde (MDA) concentrations was detected in the brain tissues, as well as a significantly diminished neuronal cell loss (percent) in substantia nigra pars compacta (P < 0.05). The results of 50 and 100 mg/kg betaine groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our findings indicate the antioxidant neuroprotective effects of betaine in this animal model of PD and it is in concordance with betaine properties in decreasing the plasma levels and possible neurotoxic effects of Hcy.

Osteomyelitis of the vertebral body is a rare condition, and its prognostic is reserved in several species, caus- ing spinal cord involvement, and neurological manifestations. In foals, the disease can be resulted from an infection caused by several bacteria, in which R. equi has a higher incidence among the responsible agents. The objective of this report is to describe the osteomyelitis occurrence on the structures that constitute the atlantoaxial joint in a 115 day-old foal. At the cervical spine radiographic exam suspected a fracture in the odontoid process. After the radiograph results, associated to the clinical manifestations, and the owner’s interest, it was decided to euthanize the animal. In order to find a more accurate diagnosis, a myelography and a myelotomography were performed. The radiograph was not enough to identify precisely the vertebral disorders, whilst the computerized tomography detected the lesions related to the condition was confirmed later with necropsy and histopathological evaluation.

Melanomas are malignant neoplasms originating from melanocytes. They reported in birds.  In this  case, macroscopic and microscopic (the histopathologic and IHC) findings supported a final diagnosis  of cutaneous malignant melanoma in a mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos). A female mallard duck  (Anas platyrhynchos) was observed with a mass on the ventral portion of the neck. The bird was anes- thetized with Diazepam/Ketamine. A skin incision was made on the ventral surface of the mass and blunt dissection was performed to separate the mass. The incision was sutured by a simple interrupted suture pattern. Mass was surgically excised for histopathological evaluation. Histologically, the mass was composed of nests and sheets of anaplastic, epithelioid, multinucleated and polygonal cells con- taining variable amounts of brown to black granules of melanin. The neoplasm showed immunoreactiv- ity for S-100 and Melan-A in the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells. Based on the histopathological and IHC findings, this is the first report of malignant melanoma in a mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos).

BACKGROUND: Avian infectious bronchitis is considered as an important viral disease worldwide. Genotyping based on the S1 subunit of spike protein gene of the causative agent, avian infectious bronchitis virus, can be used to classify IBV isolates. Objective: This survey was carried out to characterize the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) genotypes circulating in Iran and determine their prevalence rate. METHODS: In this survey, 100 samples of trachea were collected from broiler chickens suspected to IBV during 2015 to 2016. Nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR) followed by S1 gene sequencing was applied to genotype the detected isolates. RESULTS: In this survey, forty five isolates were detected and classified in four distinct genotypes, variant 2 [IS/1494/06], 4/91, QX and Massachusetts, based on phylogenetic analysis. The prevalence rates of the variant 2 [IS/1494/06], 4/91, QX and Massachusetts were 66.67%, 24.45%, 4.44% and 4.44%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrates the epidemiology of IBV genotypes in Iran and provides an insight into the evolution of these strains. Moreover, it is clarified that IBV genotypes prevalence are constantly changing in a region.

Background: Leptin, the product of the obesity (ob) gene, acts as a signaling adipokine for modulating food intake, energy metabolism and reproductive functions in mammals. Leptin’s effects on the reproductive system at various levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis have been established. Moreover, the direct and local effect of leptin on bovine oocyte maturation and corpus luteum function has been determined. Objectives: Due to species differences, this study was designed to investigate expression of leptin mRNA as well as its long isoform receptor (Ob-Rb) mRNA in sheep corpus luteum. Methods: Ovaries of sheep containing mature corpus luteum were collected in the reproductive season from abattoirs. Total RNA of corpus luteum was extracted, cDNA synthesis was carried out subsequently and PCR reaction was performed using primers which were designed specifically for each gene. Beta-actin was used as housekeeping gene to verify reactions, and adipose tissue was selected as positive sample for expression of leptin and leptin receptor. Results: Gel electrophoresis of PCR products showed the amplification of 162 and 121-bp amplicons in all samples for leptin and leptin receptor respectively. Moreover, sequencing the amplified fragments and blasting them confirmed the accuracy of results. Conclusion: Our findings confirm the expression of leptin and its functional receptor transcripts in ovine corpus luteum. More studies for determining leptin effects on corpus luteum are guaranteed.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a tumor consisting of squamous epithelial cells. This tumor is relatively uncommon in goats. In this report, we discuss clinical, gross and histopathological features of SCC in six goats. The goats were referred to the veterinary clinic with a progressive ulcerative and hemorrhagic mass located in the perineal area. The vital signs (temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate) were normal. Biopsy specimens were taken and histopathological examinations were done. The tumor cells were large and had an abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, ovoid nuclei with a prominent nucleolus. Keratin tonofibers and keratin pearls were also seen. The mitotic figures were moderate. The mass was found to be a moderately differentiated SCC. Ulceration with infiltration of neutrophils was observed on the surface of the tumors. The SCC tumors are uncommon in goats and have multi-factorial etiology. Age, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, lack of epidermis pigmentation, and viruses may be involved in the presence of SCC.

Background: Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) including the subtype H9N2 cause considerable financial losses to poultry industries. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of avian influenza (AI) infection is important in control and eradication programs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for the nucleocapsid protein )NP (of AIV H9N2 subtype to improve diagnostic assays. METHODS: Recombinant NP protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using amylose resin chromatography column and used as an antigen for mice immunization. Spleen cells of the immunized mice were fused with SP2/0 myeloma cells. Next, culture supernatants of primary hybridoma clones were screened by indirect ELISA. After three rounds of sub cloning, the reactivity of the MAbs with recombinant and natural antigens was assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Six MAbs showed specific binding to recombinant and natural NP from AIV H9N2 in Western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay. Cross-reactivity with genetically non-related including Newcastle viruse (Paramyxoviridae family) was not detected. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, the MAbs generated in this study could be used for the development of rapid diagnostic assays for recognition of AIV.

Background: Methylphenidate (MPH) has been used to induce emergence from general anesthesia. OBJECTIVES:  The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of MPH on recovery from propofol and ketamine anesthesia in dogs. METHODS: Six healthy male mix-breed dogs weighing 21.9 ± 3.9 kg were used in a randomized crossover design. Thirty minutes after premedication with acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg; IM), anesthesia was induced with either IV propofol or ketamine (8 and 15 mg/kg, respectively). Dogs, six minutes after induction, received either IV normal saline or methylphenidate (1 mg/kg) (propofol-saline; propofol-methylphenidate; ketamine-saline; ketamine-methylphenidate). Each dog was anesthetized four times randomly with at least one week interval. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between propofol-saline and propofol-methylphenidate as well as between ketamine-saline and ketamine-methylphenidate in the times needed for various chronological sequences of recovery (p>0.05). Recovery in the dogs that received methylphenidate was eventful and associated with some adverse effects. Heart rate showed a decrease in propofol-methylphenidate group compared to the base (p<0.05). Respiratory rate after administration of methylphenidate was more stable than that of saline. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that methylphenidate at 1 mg/kg could not shorten recovery time in the dogs premedicated with acepromazine and anesthetized with either propofol or ketamine. Testing lower doses of methylphenidate and using a different premedication agent are recommended for future studies.

Background:Liver lesions in cattle not only have negative effects on the cattle breedingindustry, but also lead to loss of animal protein production, and in particularto endanger the consumers’ health. OBJECTIVES:This study was carried out to examine the macroscopic and histopathologiclesions of liver in slaughtered cattle of Zabol City. METHODS:Livers of 281 cattle slaughtered at the industrial slaughterhouse of Zabol Citywere collected from March to September 2015 for gross and microscopicinvestigation. Tissue processing was conducted from specimens inspected totissue lesions with routine protocol and histopathological changes of liverswere examined under light microscopy. RESULTS:Macroscopic investigation of 281 cases showed 90 livers (32.02%) with gross lesions.In histopathological examination, there were 83 cases (29.53%) withhydatidosis, 3 cases (1.07%) with fasciolosis, 2 cases (0.71%) withperihepatitis and 2 cases (0.71%) with lipidosis.                                                                              CONCLUSIONS:Based on the results of this study, the most frequent liver lesion in cattleslaughtered in Zabol City was hydatidosis indicating the active life cycle of Echinococcusguanulosus and the outbreak of this parasitic disease in dogs and othercarnivores in Sistan region

Background: Analog radiography has been replaced with digital radiography for canine diagnostic imaging in many veterinary clinics. There is no data comparing these modalities in a veterinary clinical setting to detect bronchial pattern signs in dogs. Objectives: In this study, computerized digital radiography (CR) and analog radiography were compared for diagnosis of bronchial pattern in dogs. Methods: Forty-five healthy (based on clinical examination and history taking) mixed breed dogs were divided into 3 age groups: up to two, two-six and more than 6 years old. Each group contained fifteen dogs. DR and FSR in right to left lateral (RL) and ventrodorsal (VD) views were taken. Two expert radiologists interpreted the radiographs based on counting bronchial ring and tram line signs in a double blinded scheme. Results: The statistical analysis of results, with Sign Test, shows that more bronchial ring and tram-like signs were counted with both radiologists using digital radiography. In addition, countable bronchial signs on right lateral position by digital and analog radiography were significantly more than in ventrodorsal view. In comparison with analog images, a greater number of bronchial ring and tram-like signs are associated with greater diagnostic confidence in digital modality. Conclusions: This study shows superior ability of digital radiography for detecting details in thoracic radiography of normal dogs in comparison with analog radiography. Since digital radiography is getting to be more commonly used by veterinary practitioners, it is necessary to understand the shortcomings of current classification of pulmonary pattern approach in digital radiology.