BACKGROUND: Ichthyophthiriasis induced by a freshwater teleost pathogen “Ichthyophthirius multifiliis” is one of the most important parasitic diseases with substantial economic losses to the aquaculture industry. Although malachite green, copper sulphate, formalin, and chloramine-T have been used to treat ichthyophthiriasis, there are  no chemicals that can be used safely and effectively to control this parasitic disease. As a result, application of natural, safe and strong components to prevent ichthyophthiriasis is of great importance. Objective: The aim of the present research is to determine the short-term effectiveness of tannic acid (TA) on the parasite theronts of I. multifiliis. Methods: In this study, TA as a main phenolic acid at different concentrations (0.0-7.0 mg/L) was applied to determine its acute toxicity against I. multifiliis theronts in various exposure times (1-3 h). The results were also statistically compared to the findings obtained from the control treatment and the positive control sample (15mg/L  formalin). Results: There was a significant and direct correlation between TA concentration and exposure time in order to enhance the mortality rate of I. multifiliis theronts. An increase in levels of TA and exposure time in the studied ranges can significantly intensify the mortality number (P<0.05). The used natural phenolic constituent similar to 15 mg/L formalin led to a significant reduction in number of these theronts (> 80%) at 60 min. Conclusions: Use of a standard phenolic agent such as TA at higher concentration and longer exposure time can potentially decrease the number of I. multifiliis theronts and control ichthyophthiriasis.

BACKGROUND: Free cyanide is a potent toxic agent in the aquatic environment.  Freshwater fish are the most cyanide-sensitive group with high mortality at free cyanide concentrations above 20 μg/L. Exposure to cyanide ions can cause stress, increased mortality and place an appreciable metabolic load on fishes. Rhodanese is a ubiquitous mitochondrial enzyme in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes that detoxifies cyanide (CN-) by converting it to thiocyanate (SCN). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this investigation was to determine and compare the pattern of tissue distribution of Rhodanese in different tissues of four native Barbus fish including Mesopotamichthys sharpey, Tor grypus, Luciobarbus xanthopterus and Luciobarbus barbulus. METHODS: Fishes (10 from each species) with length of 32.5 ± 6.5 and weight of 440 ± 110   were collected from five major fishing reservoirs of Karoun River including Gotvand, Shushtar, Molasani, Darkhoine and Ahvaz. Rhodanese activity was assayed by the method of Sorbo in the liver, kidney, gill and intestine. The unit of enzyme activity was defined as micromoles thiocyanate formed per minute at 37 °C and pH 9.2 and enzyme activity was expressed as U/mg protein. RESULTS: Rhodanese activity was detected in all tissues studied, albeit in different amounts. Specific activities of Rhodanese (U/mg protein) in different tissues ranged from 0.135 to 0.337 in the liver, 0.113 to 0.262 in the kidney, 0.121 to 0.157 in the gill, and 0.094 to 0.162 in the intestine, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The highest activity of Rhodanese in all four species was observed in the liver and kidney, followed by the gill and intestine. Our results suggest that Rhodanese may be functional in many physiological activities in these species which needs to be clarified in detailed.

BACKGROUND: As regards the role of the hind limb in propulsion, it is obvious that the tarsus forms a powerful center movement, it begins upon the point of the hock that the powerful extensor muscles which propel the body exert much of their energy. Tarsus injuries of water buffalo are the commonest limb joint disorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to an access accurate detailed osteology and radiology of tarsus Khuzestan river buffaloes. METHODS: Ten joints of the five water buffaloes aged approximately two to three years were obtained from Ahvaz abattoir. In addition, the ten normal tarsal joints of five water buffaloes referred to the clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine were examined radiographically. Radiographic examination was performed in dorsoplantar, lateromedial, dorsolateral-plantaromedial oblique and plantarolateral-dorsomedial oblique, and flexed lateral projections. RESULTS: Unlike the dromedary camel, the general configuration of river buffalo tarsal bones and cow shares many similarities; however, there are concrete differences between buffalo and ox on the shape and extension of articular surfaces of tarsal bones. Unlike the ox, the metatarsal sesamoid bone was not noted radiographically in water buffalo, similar to that in horse and dromedary camel. The dorsoplantar view was optimal for the evaluation of articular surfaces and joint spaces of tarsocrural as well as the intratarsal joints. The dorsoplantar view was the best for evaluation of joint spaces of tarsocrural as well as the intratarsal joints, the lateromedial view for talocalcaneal joint, the dorsolateral-plantaromedial view for medial aspect of the tarsocrural joint, and the plantarolateral-dorsomedial view for the plantar aspect of the sustentaculum tali and the lateral trochlea of the talus. CONCLUSIONS: The normal appearance of bony structures of tarsus described in this study provided basic reference data for radiographic investigations of the water buffalo tarsal disorders. ___________________________________

BACKGROUND: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the prevalent medical problems. Post Traumatic Epilepsy (PTE) is one of the complications of TBI. Traumatic and ischemic brain injuries are amongst the well-known risk factors of developing PTE Objectives: The present study tends to figure out changing kindling parameters in the model of the classical electrical epilepsy following traumatic brain injury. Methods: Male Wistar rats became epileptic using the amygdala kindling model of epilepsy. Rats underwent stereotaxic surgery. Five days thereafter, trauma was exerted to the temporo-parietal cortex of the rats by Controlled Cortical Impact (CCI) device causing a 2 mm lesion. After 24 hours, kindling stimulations were started. Each stimulus is delivered at an intensity of 200-500 µA, with 50 Hz frequency with monophasic square wave train stimulations once daily. One control group with no trauma and just kindling stimulation was considered in experimental groups. A sham group was also considered in which animals underwent all procedures including surgery and kindling stimulations without trauma. Results: Mean number of 14 stimulations is needed for kindled state in control and sham groups. Traumatic rats became kindled with a significantly lower number of electrical stimulations (5 stimulations). The after discharge duration (AD) at stage 5, after discharge duration (AD) at stage 3, total duration of seizure behavior (SD) and duration of stage 5 seizure behavior (S5D) in traumatic rats were higher than threshold with control and sham group. The threshold of seizures in traumatic rats was significantly lower than the threshold in control and sham groups. Conclusions: Classical electric kindling after trauma has a significant effect on the parameters of the kindling.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiography is a noninvasive technique that is an important tool in diagnosis of cardiac diseases. Interoperation of the results of the echocardiography is dependent on having anatomical knowledge of the heart. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to prepare the anatomical slices according to the related views in echocardiography. These sections can be used as a model for teaching of echocardiography. METHODS: Six dogs euthanized for purposes rather than the present study were used. The hearts were dissected and then dilated and fixed using formalin 10%. Fixed hearts were then cut to obtain representative slices corresponding to long and short axes of right parastenal standard echocardiographic views which were taken from three healthy dogs. After that, both anatomical and ultrasound images were correlated. RESULTS: The external and internal morphology of the heart were suitable for this study. The comparison of the anatomical slices with related echocardiograms showed a high level of correlation. In the long axis views, the four chambers, the atrioventricular valves and the cardiac septum were visible. The left ventricular outflow and aortic valve were represented in deeper views. The short axis series showed two ventricles and their internal morphology. CONCLUSIONS: The slices of hearts which were fixed using formalin may be used for echocardiography interoperation

Different species of Panicum have been reported as a cause of photosensitization in sheep, horses, cattle and goats. P. miliaceum grows across different regions of Iran. This plant may contain toxic levels of hepatotoxic steroidal sapogenins. Sapogenins are metabolized in animals to glucuronide conjugates of epsimilagenin which are crystallized in bile, leading to biliary blockage, cholangitis and secondary photosensitization. An outbreak of poisoning was observed in a flock of 170 fat-tailed sheep grazing on pasture of proso millet (P. miliaceum) in Birjand, South Khorasan province of Iran. Affected animals showed tachycardia and tachypnea. Anorexia, reduced rate and amplitude of ruminal movements up to ruminal stasis were observed. Severe head swelling and marked icterus in mucous membranes were observed. Seven affected sheep died. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. Marked elevation of BUN, total bilirubin, and the activities of GGT and high level of Ca2+ were observed in comparison with normal ranges. High levels of GGT activity indicates biliary lesions and BUN elevation in serum is probably due to renal failure and both are consistent with exposure to P. miliaceum

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst is an infection with global distribution that is caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm of Echinococcus. The long-term survival of the hydatid in the host shows the parasite has advanced highly effective strategies for escaping the host defense. Deaths are caused by parasitic infections which are often due to tissue damages that result in host cell death, this is known as apoptosis. So it is important to know the process and the role of apoptosis that is created or controlled by a parasite. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of cytotoxicity effect, induction of apoptosis and mechanism of induction of apoptosis of cattle hydatid fluid on bovine lymphocyte cells as efficient cells of immunity were studied. METHODS: In this study, the cytotoxicity effect of bovine hydatid fluid (HF) on lymphocyte cells was investigated as effective immune cells against Echinococcus granulosus by MTS method. Then the mean of the expression of caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 genes in bovine lymphocytes treated/untreated was determined with fertile and infertile hydatid cyst fluid using Real Time PCR method. RESULTS: The viability mean of lymphocytes was significantly lower in the fertile HF treated lymphocytes compared to both infertile HF-treated lymphocytes and cell control. Bax gene expression was significantly (P=0.046) higher in the fertile HF-treated lymphocytes compared to both infertile HF-treated lymphocytes and cell control. Although Caspase 3 was higher in this group, the difference was not significant. Also, expression of Bcl-2 gene in fertile fluid treated lymphocytes was found to be lower than that of infertile and control. CONCLUSIONS: Present study indicates that hydatid cyst fluid molecules can probably induce apoptosis in immune cells in vitro and the parasite’s ability to stay alive for a long time in the host by controlling the host immune response from the apoptosis pathway.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are important ectoparasites in ruminants which cause economic losses in animal husbandry of Iran and worldwide. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to determine geographic distribution, frequency and species diversity of hard ticks in domestic ruminants in Ilam province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 445 domestic ruminants (139 cattle, 162 sheep, 144 goats) from 120 flocks of 30 villages in north and south parts of Ilam province were randomly selected and examined in summer 2015. The ixodid ticks were collected from body surface of examined animals and identified. RESULTS: Of all examined ruminants, 44.6% cattle, 51.23% sheep, and 52.08% goats were infested with a total number of 1209 unfed ixodid ticks. The highest prevalence of hard ticks was found in 2-3 year-old female cattle (15.55%), 1-2 year-old female sheep (19.75%) and less than 1 year-old female goats (17.36%) in the region. The highest prevalence was found in 2-3 year-old female cattle (37.1%), 1-2 year-old ewes (38.55%) and less than 1 year-old kids (33.33%). There was significant difference between prevalence and different age groups of infested sheep and cattle. Of 1209 collected ixodid ticks, tick indices (tick number per animal) were 6.1, 5.9 and 4.5 in cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. The highest infestation in cattle (17 flocks, 14.1%), sheep (13 flocks, 10.8%) and goats (14 flocks, 11.6%) was respectively found in north, south and southern parts of the region. The highest tick aggregation was found for ears in cattle (31.13%), sheep (34.41%) and goats (28.9%). Of all examined ticks (1209), two genera including Hyalomma (37.62%) and Rhipicephalus (62.38%) with seven, seven, and six species in cattle, sheep, and goats were respectively identified. The predominant infesting ticks were R. sanguineus (22.16% in cattle) from north (11.31%) and H. anatolicum anatulicum (21.8% in sheep and 24.77% in goats) from south (15.49% and 13.42%) part of the province. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that species diversity and frequency of ixodid ticks were prevalent in domestic ruminants of different parts of Ilam province.

BACKGROUND: Poultry meat belongs to perishable foods and the major concern of food industries is the microbial spoilage of poultry meat. OBJECTIVES: The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of chitosan (CH) coating enriched with different concentrations of Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil (ZEO) in comparison with control group on some of the sensory and microbial properties of chicken breast fillets during storage at refrigerated temperature for 12 days.   METHODS: Essential oil extraction was done by hydro-distillation method and its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the present study, chicken breast fillets separately were dipped in 2% CH solution containing ZEO at concentrations 0, 0.5 and 1% and then stored at refrigerated condition for 12 days. After that chicken fillets were studied at 7 intervals (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 days) regarding microbial (Total mesophilic and Psychrotrophic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae) and sensory (color, odor and taste) examination. RESULTS: The most important compounds of the ZEO were geraniol (20.62%), carvacrol (18.17%), thymol (5.39%), α-terpineol (7.49%) and 4-terpineol (6.83%). Results of this study revealed that in the treatments coated with CH containing ZEO, total viable counts (TVC), Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria, Psychrotrophic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae familysignificantly (P<0.05) decreased as compared to control group during the storage period. Based on the results of the present study, coating of chicken fillets with chitosan alone or chitosan containing 0.5 % concentration of ZEO showed better sensory properties. CONCLUSIONS: CH coating enriched with 0.5 % ZEO has potential to extend shelf life of chicken fillets without any unfavorable organoleptic properties.

BACKGROUND: Virulent Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) imposes significant economic losses to the commercial poultry industry in our country and worldwide. However, in Iran scattered and relatively few studies have been done in order to characterize NDV isolates.   OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to characterize two vNDV isolates obtained from commercial poultry farms in Isfahan province in 1999 through Haemagglutinin-Neuraminidase (HN) gene complete sequencing. METHODS: Haemagglutinin-Neuraminidase (HN) gene of each NDV isolate was amplified and sequenced using specific primers and then phylogenetically analyzed. RESULTS: Based on complete coding sequence of HN gene analysis, studied isolates showed close relationship with genotype XIII and subgenotype XIIIa NDV strains. Analysis of both complete HN gene and partial F gene lead to identical results and same classification of studied viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Results of present study are useful  for a better understanding of molecular epidemiology of indigenous NDV strains and determining important molecular differences between field and commonly used vaccinal strains related to main immunogenic proteins.