BACKGROUND: AmpC and ESBLs as mediated-plasmid extended spectrum β-lactabases are the main factors of resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins in enterobacteriacea especially E. coli and will follow treatment failure, high costs of treatment in human and economic losses in the poultry industry. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to screen and study the faecal E. coli isolates producing extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC enzymes and related workers. METHODS: A total of 500 cloacal swab samples from broiler chickens and 25 rectal swab samples from workers were collected from five poultry houses around Tehran. All samples were seeded on MacConkey agar and identification of E. coli isolates were performed via biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined against 12 antibiotics using the disk diffusion method as recommended by the clinical and laboratory standard institute (CLSI2012). Ceftazidim / ceftazidim-clavolanic acid and cefoxitin / cefoxitin-EDTA disks were used for the detection of ESBL and AmpC phenotypes, respectively. phonetic analysis of the drug resistances was performed via SPSS software and Chi-square test. ESBL- producing E. coli screened by PCR for the presence of genes encoding beta-lactamases of TEM, CTX-M and SHV.       RESULTS: A total 467 E. coli isolates were isolated from 88.9% of the samples as 92% and 72.7% of isolates presenting MDR phenotype among chickens and workers respectively. ESBL phenotype detected in 5.5% (26) of poultry isolates while, none of the workers isolates have this phenotype. Six isolates carried both of TEM and CTX-M whereas, five and one isolates were detected only for TEM and CTX-M, respectively. Eighty-eight and nine-tenths percent of ESBL E. coli displayed AmpC phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Since cephalosporins are not used in broilers in Iran, isolation of faecal E. coli isolates producing extended spectrum β-lactamases in broilerchickens can indicate transfer of the resistance genes via plasmids and other mobile genetic elements among Enterobacteriaceae.

BACKGROUND: High grain diets in ruminants increases the risk of digestives disorders such as acidosis which may lead to high economic loss. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of an unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid and monensin on gene expression of enzymes involved metabolic pathway of cell proliferation and rumen epithelial intracellular pH regulation. METHODS: Twenty two male Afshari lambs with live body weight of 45 ± 8 kg and six month age were used in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments replicates for 77days including 21 days adaptation period. Experimental diets were consisted of a basal high concentrate diet (16% CP and 2.75 Mcal/kg ME) and 1) no additive (control, C= 8 lambs), 2) 30 mg monensin/day/head during the whole experimental period (T1= 8 lambs), and 3) (polyunsaturated fatty acidduring the whole experimental period (T2 = 6 lambs). Lambs were killed after 77 days on the treatment diets. RESULTS: Compared with the C treatment, relative abundance of mRNA of monocarboxylate transporter isoforms MCT1, MCT4 and the ketogenic enzyme 3-hydroxy-3 methyl-glutaryl CoA-synthase (HMGCS2) were higher for the T1 treatment. The expression of cholesterolgenic enzyme HMGCS1 was down-regulated for the T1 treatment and that of HMGCS1 was up- regulated for the T2 treatment. The expression of MCT1 and MCT4 were down-regulated for the T2 treatment. Monensin had an additional impact on the mRNA abundance of epithelial SCFA- and acid-base transporters with concurrent changes in rumen epithelial thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that adding monensin and oil as nutritional means to reduce acidosis cause changes in mRNA expression of VFA transferring proteins and limiting enzyme in the synthesis of cholesterol and Ketone bodies in the rumen epithelium.

BACKGROUND: Babesiosis and Thosis are parasitic tick-borne diseases that cause a lot of economic loss in livestock Industry. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to detect Babesia and Theileria infection in goats and and vector ticks in goats in Mashhad. Methods: One hundred blood samples of goats and 246 ticks were collected from some suspected flocks with history of piroplasmosis. The samples were transported to laboratory under cold condition. Blood smears were prepared and stained by Geimsa method and examined with a light microscope at ×1000 magnitude. The collected ticks were separated into tick pools of five according to their species and sex. The blood, salivary gland and ovaries of tick samples were examined using specific primers of Babesia.spp and Theileria.spp by semi nested-PCR. Results: Piroplasm bodies were not observed in any blood samples of goat in Mashhad. In a total of 246 collected ticks, seven species were identified as follows: R. turanicus 127(51.6%), D. marginatus 67 (27.2%), Hy. marginatum 44 (17.9%), R. sangunincus 4(1.6%), Hy. anatolicum 2(0.8%), Hy. asiaticum 1(0.4%) and Heam. sulcata 1(0.4%). Dominant tick species of goats in Mashhad suburb were R. turanicus and D. marginatus. The results of PCR showed that none of the blood samples were infected with Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Also, Theileria infectoin was detected in a sample salivary glands  of Hy. marginatum. ConclusionS: Based on microscopic and molecular results, no  Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. infection were detected in goats. R.turanicus was the dominat tick species and Theileria spp. infection was detected in one sample of Hy.marginatum.

BACKGROUND: No study has been conducted on iron requirements of broiler breeder hens until now. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to determine the iron requirement of broiler breeder hens using nonlinear models. METHODS: Forty eight (Cobb 500) broiler breeder hens were individually placed in galvanized wire cages. In order to depletion of hens iron reserved, hens were offered a semi purified iron deficient diet for 3 weeks. At 62 week of age, Hens  were  randomly  allocated  to  4  dietary  treatments  (37, 52, 67, 82 ppm of diet iron) with 4 replicates. Body weight gain, egg production and egg weight were measured during 6 weeks experimental period. RESULTS: The results showed that the estimated iron requirement for egg production(H.H), egg weight, iron content of the liver, blood serum, bone marrow, spleen and egg yolk were 65, 62, 54, 72, 57, 63, 64 ppm respectively. The logistic model was fitted to iron content of liver, spleen, serum and bone marrow, suggested that iron requirement were equal to 66, 53, 129, 58 ppm respectively. Fitted exponential model estimated iron requirement for egg weight, iron content of liver, spleen, serum and bone marrow were 62, 96, 70, 73, 111 ppm respectively. Also based on the quadratic equation models, estimated iron requirement for egg production(H.H), egg weight, iron content of the liver, blood serum, bone marrow, spleen and egg yolk were 65, 66, 71, 220, 51, 70, 62 ppm respectively. Among the four models used, the broken line model is more accurate in estimating the required iron than other models due to the low variance between estimated requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that value recommended by primary breeder (Cobb 500 management guide, 55 ppm) is lower than values obtained in present study.

BACKGROUND: Today the use of natural substances plays a major role in improving the growth and immunity of aquatic organisms. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Iron nanoparticles with Lactobacillus casei as a probiotic on growth parameters and probiotic counts in rainbow trout intestine. METHODS: Seven hundred and twenty fish with 12±0.49 g initial weight were prepared and after acclimatized to the laboratory conditions divided randomly into six groups. First group was selected as control, other groups were fed with a commercial diet supplemented with 108 CFU/g Lactobacillus casei (group 2), 50 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles (group 3), 100 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles (group 4), 50 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles with 108 CFU/g Lactobacillus casei (group 5) and 100 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles with 108 CFU/g Lactobacillus casei (group 6), respectively. Biometry and intestine bacteriologic examination were carried out at days 0 and 60. RESULTS: Results showed that growth parameters (weight gain, body weight gain, specific growth rate, daily growth rate, and condition factor and food conversion rate) were significantly higher in group 5 compared with the other groups. Also, intestine bacterial counts increased by using Iron nanoparticles in combination with Lactobacillus casei. The fish that received 100 µg/kg Iron nanoparticles and probiotic had significantly higher bacterial counts in their intestine compared with the other groups. CONCLUSSIONS: Based on the obtained results we conclude that diet supplementation with Iron nanoparticles and Lactobacillus casei as a probiotic could significantly improve growth parameters in rainbow trout. However, these results would warrant further study on the clinical application of these agents.

BACKGROUND: Zeolites containing silver ion, in combination with synthetic fibers, show antibacterial activity. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to use silver zeolite indirectly as antimicrobial agents to control Streptococcus iniae infection which recently has caused disease in some of rainbow trout farms in Iran. METHODES: In this context polyurethane foams containing silver zeolite (10 and 20%) were used in water filtration of semi circulation culture system of rainbow trout fry. After addition of Streptococcus iniae (105 Cell/ml) to water in culture systems, the filters were evaluated for efficacy in inhibiting bacteria through measuring bacterial loading in water, monitoring disease symptom and culture of bacteria from kidney and spleen. RESULTS: The results indicated that filters containing silver compounds could significantly reduce load of bacteria from the water to 102 (p<0.05) compared to the control. Filter with 10% silver zeolite had higher efficiency among others. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, it seems that silver zeolite in combination with polyurethane foams has the sufficient potential to control bacterial infection and disease prevention in semi circulation system of Rainbow trout. Development of these filters and their application in control of aquatic animal diseases can result in reduction of using chemical drugs.

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: The use of chemical materials such as malachite green to disinfect fish eggs is banned in many countries due to its reversed environmental effects. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of metalonic sumac extract as antifungal agent on eggs of Schizothorax zarudnyi during the incubation period and to compare its effects with malachite green. METHODS: 24 hours after fertilization, eggs were treated with four concentration of Methanolic sumac extrat (500, 750, 1000, 1250 mg/L) using static bath method every 12 h for 20 min and 0.1 mg/L malachite green using the same method every 12 h for 6 min. There was also a control group with no treatment to better analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the maximum and minimum fungal infection was observed respectively in control group with %20.23±0.51 and the samples treated with 1250 mg/L sumac extraction with %0.91±0.51. Furthermore, no significant differences in fungal infection, fertilization and survival rate were found among treated and untreated eggs (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Since no apparent deformities and abnormalities were observed in hatched larvae, suggested sumac extract with 500 mg/L concentration, as an environmental friendly matter, can be used for disinfection of S. zarudnyi eggs during incubation period.