BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the oxidative agents. Disturbances in the normal redox state of cells can cause toxic effects through production of peroxides and free radicals that damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. ObjectiveS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oxidative status in calves within 3 days of birth. Methods: Twenty calves from Zagros dairy farm were selected. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at 0 (before administration of colostrum), 24, 48 and 72 hours after birth for measurement of serum levels of TBARS, Superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results: The results indicated higher levels of serum malondialdehyde concentration at birth that subsequently decreased at 24 and 48 hours after birth (p<0.05). There were lower levels of serum concentration of catalase at birth that followed by increasing in it at 24 and 48 hours after birth (p<0.05). Also, the concentration of superoxide dismutase was lower at the birth that subsequently increased at 24 hours after birth (p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on this study, it seems that antioxidant capacity of calves has been increased within 3 days of birth. Improvement of oxidative status in calves could be due to gradual increasing of their antioxidative capacity and also beneficial effects of colostrum.

BACKGROUND: Medical plants have been recently used to treat diabetes. Osteoporosis is one of diabetes side effects and increases the risk of bone fracture in diabetic patient. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential bone protective effects of O.persica ethanolic extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty male rats were randomly divided into five equal groups and treated as follows: group 1 (control); group 2 (STZ group): received STZ 50 mg/kg by a single IP injection; groups 3, 4 and 5 treated with STZ as above+ 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg of O. persica extract per day by oral gavage, respectively. On day 29, serum taken for glucose level measurement and left femoral and tibio-fibular bones were dissected for histomorphometric study, while L4 vertebrate were removed for determination of ash weight. RESULTS: 300mg/kg of extract reduced serum glucose levels. Epiphyseal and metaphyseal Trabecular thickness as well as epiphyseal bone area/tissue area significantly decreased in STZ group. O. persica extract at the dosage of 200 mg/kg reversed all these parameters to the control level. No significant difference observed in osteoid thickness among different groups. Ash weight of L4 vertebrate in rats treated with 300 and 450 mg/kg of extract was significantly lower than other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that ethanolic extract of O. persica has bone protective effects in STZ-treated rats.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial peptides with relative length (2-100 amino acids) and positive charge (pure charge (+9)-(+2)) are amphiphilic that isolated from a wide range of animals. Recently, these peptides have been known as a part of innate immune response. Nowadays, more than 500 antimicrobial peptides from animals have been reported. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-Candida effects of cationic peptides derived from Rana ridibunda skin. Methods: In this study, using alcohol-acid technique, peptides of frog’s skin were isolated and purified by Sep-Pack and Sephadex column. Then the anti-Candida activity (Fluconazole Resistance C. albicans, Fluconazole Sensitive C. albicans, and C. glabrata) of the peptides in different concentrations were evaluated. Results: Regarding to statistical analysis, peptides in concentration ranging from 25 to 100 µg/ml had the most anti-Candida activities. In respect to different understudy Candida species, these agents had the less effect on the Fluconazole Resistance C. albicans (p<0.05). Conclusions: The anti-Candida effects of cationic peptide obtained from frog skin are approved in this study.

BACKGROUND: H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIV) A have become panzootic in Eurasia over the last decade and have caused several human infections in Iran since 1998 and inactivated vaccine has been used in chickens to control the disease. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze H9N2 viruses that have infected broiler in Tehran Province, Iran between 1998 and 2008 based on Matrix gene. METHODS:  The complete coding region of Matrix (M) gene from 8 of H9N2 subtype isolated from chicken flocks in Tehran Province during 1998-2007 was amplified and sequenced. RESULTS: Sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies of H9N2 viruses on the basis of data of viruses in this study and other selected strains available in the GenBank were conducted and determined variations among these sequences at different levels. Sequence analysis revealed a large number of similar substitution mutations and close evolutionary relation among sequences of M gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all our isolates belonged to the G1-like sublineage. In this study, it was determined that Iran’s isolates have been in two separate branches and have the most similarity with Pakistan, United Arab Emirate and occupied Palestine’s isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence indicates that M genes of H9N2 circulating in Iran during the past years were not well conserved. Our finding emphasizes the importance of reinforcing AIV surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Granuloca cells have a key role during estroeidogenesis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of number of culture medium granulosa cells on estradiol concentrations and mRNA codding estrogenic and progestagenic enzyme. METHODS: Briefly, follicles between 2 and 5 mm diameter were dissected from the ovaries of adult cows and were collected by rinsing the follicle walls with Dulbecco Modified Eagle medium/F12 (DMEM/F12). The number of cells was counted with a haemocytometer and the viable cells were assessed by the dye exclusion method using 0.4% Trypan Blue. Treatments were 1) 500,000 cell/500 ml, 2) 250,000 cell/500 ml, 3) 500,000 cell/200 ml 4) 250,000 cell/ 200 ml.  All data were analyzed by JMP (SAS). RESULTS: Low plating density increased E2 secretion and mRNA encoding LHR, FSHR and estrogenic enzymes (17βHSD, CYP19), whereas decreased mRNA encoding GADD45β. There were no differences among treatments for RNA and protein concentration. Low plating density also decreased protein amount but there was no difference among treatments for RNA amount. In conclusion, decreased cell density cause increase in mRNA encoding codding estrogenic enzyme gene expression and decrease in mRNA encoding progestagenic enzyme gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Protein concentrations did not changed with decreased cell density therefore we can save cells against harmful effect of increasing cell density.

BACKGROUND: Maturity of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) ovary takes place at 2-8 years old and it is depends on photoperiod and environmental water temperature. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify  macroscopical and microscopical structure of silver carp  ovary in  two categories of  body weight, total body length and  at  2 and 4 years old  in Khuzestan province climatic conditions. Methods: 20 silver carp ovaries were studied in two groups: Group 1(G1): 10 fish with total body length 46 ±1.33 Cm and weight 1050±0.09 grand approximately 2 years old. Group 2(G1): 10 fish with total body length 86±3.64 Cm and weight 5460±800 gr and approximately 4 years old. For the histometrical studies, 5-6 µ sections were made by routine paraffin embedding method and stained by H&amp;E and PAS. Results: Microscopic results showed that ovaries of G1 covered by a thin loose connective capsule which numerous of egg-bearingtrabecula extended from capsule into ovaries. These trabecula contained primary germ cells, oogonium, chromatin nocleolus, perinocleolus and cortical alveolus follicles. Ovaries of G1 do not have yolk and mature follicles. But in ovaries of G2, growth and mature follicles were observed and mature follicles were most follicles. Histometrical results showed that there are not a significant differences in diameter of follicles, oocytes and oocytes nucleolus in G1 and 2. The maximum and minimum diameter of follicles were seen in mature and chromatin nucleolus follicles respectively. The Zona plucida thickness was increased from corticalalveolus (1.53±1.11 mm) to mature follicles (6.88±0.21 mm) significantly (p<0.05). ConclusionS: The most interesting finding of this study is that in Khuzestan Province climate, the ovary of silver carp fish in G1, with average weight 1050 ±0.09 gr and total length 46±1.33 Cm and approximately of 2 years old is immature but ovary of G2 with average weight of 5460± 800 gr and total length 86±3.64 Cm and approximately 4 years old is mature.

Neuroendocrine cells are of the peptide and amine secreting cells and because of endodermal origin, exist in respiratory and gastrointestinal system. The report confirms the presence of a tumor using immunohistochemical methods. A hepatic mass was detected in a 10-year-old male mixed–breed dog which was referred with clinical history of frequent vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and syncope. Biochemical and hematological abnormalities included elevation of ALT and AST levels, leukocytosis and anemia. Radiographically the large hepatic mass and multifocal metastatic nodular areas in the other organs were observed. At necropsy the liver had a multilobulated firm mass involving whole caudate lobe of the liver. On the cut section, the tumor was grey sanguineous with hemorrhagic surface and numerous necrotic foci. Microscopically, there were unencapsulated, highly cellular neoplastic proliferations with few hemorrhagic foci in the liver that had a trabecular pattern to Rosette formation which were separated by a fibrovascularstroma. The neoplastic cells were round to oval, with granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei. Metastases were observed in lungs, kidneys, mesenteric lymph nodes and even in the arteries of the tunica albuginae of the testes. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for NSE and S100 protein. They were negative for CEA, Chromogranine A, CD34, AE1/AE3, CK20 and Hepatic Antigen (HA). Negative CEA, CK20, CD34 and HA disproved the probability for collangiocarcinoma, metastatic carcinoma, hematopoietic and vascular origin and hepatocellular carcinoma of this tumor respectively. Immunohistochemical demonstration of NSE and S100 protein supported the diagnosis of the Carcinoid like. However, negative reaction for Chromogranine A does not disprove neuroendocrine carcinoma diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite which belongs to apicomplexa phylum. The parasite infects both wild and domesticated animals and human beings as well. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to detect oocyst shedding and diarrhea pattern in experimental cryptosporidiosis and their correlation with weight loss in neonatal calves. METHODS: Twelve Holstein calves of both sexes were obtained at birth from dairy farm and randomly divided into two groups of 6 calves. Six calves were orally infected with 107 C.Parvum oocysts at the 12h post parturition. The control group was not infected. Clinical signs were examined and fecal samples were collected by the rectal examination twice a day. All calves were weighed from day 0 to day 30 with 3 days intervals to determine effects of cryptosporidiosis on weight gain. RESULTS: All infected calves were noticeably depressed and had a decreased appetite from 3 days post inoculation (DPI) while they received colostrum. Subsequently, watery diarrhea with clumps of mucus and yellow or pale changes of feces color were observed. The infected calves have had diarrhea for 5-8 days that remarkably had got dehydrated. The most severity of diarrhea was 4-6 DPI. Oocyst excretion started 4 DPI, peaked at 6 DPI (60.48×106±9.03oocysts/g feces) and continued until 11 DPI. Control calves had no diarrhea and other clinical signs during the whole period of the trial. The mean weight gain of control group was significantly higher than inoculated group during experiment (p<0.001). The Weight of the infected calves was retarded until 9 days old and then risen subsequently. CONCLUSIONS: Present study showed the role of C.Parvum as the primary cause of diarrhea and weight loss among neonatal calves.

CASE HISTORY: Equine coital exanthema caused by Equine herpesvirus 3 (EHV3) was reported in 1900. At the present time, it has become epidemic among horses. The virus could be transmitted via insemination, iatrogenic, and it basically infects the squamous epithelium of the epidermis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: In the first week of January 2012 two mature male horses and a mare were imported from Netherland and kept in a stable of a horse riding club located around Tehran. In the first week of December, these animals manifested clinical signs of high fever with repeated intermittently for two times. During this period, one of the male horses developed exanthematous lesions on the penis and perinea tissues which depigmented later. Biopsy specimens obtained from the lesion processed for histopathological examination were stained with Harris H α E and nuclear fast Red methods. DIAGNOSTIC TESTING: Microscopically, ballooning degeneration of squumous epithelium, acantholysis, epithelial ulcers accompanied by multiple bacterial colonies and the herpes virus intranuclear inclusion bodies with margination of nuclear chromatin were evident. Obviously the horse had EHV3 infection and the stresses resulted from high fever led to the reappearance of genital exanthematous lesions. ASSESSMENTS: In spite of the contagious nature of the infection, the native horses kept in the same stable did not manifest any clinical sings of the infection and therefore the disease could be native. Since the EHV2 infection first affects upper respiratory infection with a high fever course and then induces viremia with another high fever period so it might be speculated that the primary disease of the Netherland horses caused by the EHV2 infection.

BACKGROUND: The immunity and health of newborn calf are related to immunoglobulins uptake from colostrum where treatment of colostrum may improve the uptake. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of controlled heat-treating of colostrum and antibiotic addition on immunoglobulins absorption, performance and health parameters of calf. Methods: The colostrum pool was prepared from multiparous dams and was frozen after the treatments. Colostrum was fed immediately after the birth three times a day for 2 days. Twelve newborn Holstein calves were divided into three treatment groups including 1) raw colostrum (control), 2) heat-treated colostrum, and 3) colostrum with oxytetracyclin in a completely randomized design. Blood samples were obtained in days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 via jugular vein. Health score and fecal point were determined daily. Results: Results showed that heat-treating of colostrum increased immunoglobulins uptake and their apparent efficiency of absorption (p<0.01), where a 24% increase in blood immunoglobulins concentrations and a 15% in their apparent efficiency of absorption were observed by heating the colostrum compared with control group and a lower increase was observed compared with antibiotic group. No significant differences were observed in weight gain, weaning time and weight as well as the amount and time of beginning starter intake among groups. Feed conversion ratio did not affected by the treatments. There were no significant differences in blood cells counts among groups. Calves fecal point was not affected by the treatments but health score was increased by using heat-treated colostrum where scour incidence was reduced (p<0.05). Conclusions: Results of the study showed that controlled heat-treating of colostrum is an effective and practical method to improve immunoglobulins absorption and reduce scour incidence in calf.