Abstract: BACKGROUND: The middle ear ossicles have a fundamental role in the transmission of sound to the inner ear and therefore it will lead to sound understanding. There is no anatomical and morphometrical research performed on this organ in 91 to 117-day-old Makouei sheep fetuses. OBJECTIVES: Morphological and morphometrical study of middle ear ossicles in Makouei sheep fetuses. METHODS: For this study 8 sheep fetuses at the age of 91 to 117 days were collected from Urmia slaughter-house, then the heads were cut and the middle ear ossicles were obtained from the tympanic bulla and each of the ossicles were assessed anatomically by means of stereomicroscope.Then factors such as shape, dimensions and processes of each of the ossicles were measured. RESULTS: Anatomical results showed that the tympanic cavity contains three middle ear ossicles; respectively Malleus, Incus and Stapes. Rostral process of malleus wasn’t found but in the same place, there was a osseous lamina between the head and muscular process of the malleus that continues to the tympanic ring. Lenticular bone and muscular process of incus weren’t found. There was a distinctive surface at the junction of the head and caudal crus of stapes for the stapedius muscle insertion. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, anatomical findinges of ossicles are similar to the other animals but there are some differences in these fetuses that can be useful for study of evolution and creation process and diagnosis of anomalies. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test were used, and the value of P<0.05 was considered as the criterion for statistical significance.

BACKGROUND: Due to the globally increasing diabetes and widespread side effects after using the synthetic drugs, a lot of researches are being undertaken  in order to replace chemicals with natural substances with similar biological effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare pancreatic histopathological changes between Glibenclamide and Mentha spicata extract consumed in diabetic Wistar rats. METHODS: 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided to four groups (six rats per group) including healthy group (negative control), diabetics (positive control). Group 2 included diabetic rats treated with 2mg/kg Glibenclamide (standard anti-diabetic drug), Group 3 were diabetic rats treated with 300mg/kg aqueous extract of menthe spicata. Group 4 included positive control. Diabetes was induced through intraperitoneal injection (150mg/kg) in groups 2,3 and 4. All treatments were carried out daily by gavage for 21 days. After the treatment period, and euthanizing rats, pancreatic tissues were fixed and prepared for staining with H &amp; E and Gomori methods to differentiate α and β cells and other changes of Langerhans islets. Average area of islets and (total islets area/total pancreas) was calculated. Total cells average count per mm2 of islets and beta cells density were examined in random selected microscopic fields. Changes in shape of cells and their nucleis were considered. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test in SPSS software. RESULTS: The results showed that alloxan can induce severe damage on beta cells and Glibenclamide and aqueous extracts of Mentha spicata can be taken to prevent further destruction of these cells. Statistical results showed that although Glibenclamide has  effects but there is no significant difference between aqueous extracts of Mentha spicata and Glibenclamide in their effects on the pancreas islets of diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Because the aqueous extract of Mentha spicata has strong antioxidant properties, It may prevent the damaging effects of free radicals on the beta cells of Langerhans islets. As a result, due to side effects of chemical drugs, compared to the use of this extract, it can be more useful and prevent further destruction of pancreatic beta cells rather than chemical drugs used in diabetics.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays essential oils with antioxidant properties are used in order to increase the shelf life of pre-cooked food. Objectives: This study was carried out to compare the effect of Cumin and three methods of cooking, frying, oven baking and steaming on oxidative changes of pre-cooked fillet of rainbow trout. Chemical (DPPH(1,1- Diphenyl- 2- picryl hydrazine) for Cumin and FFA (Free Fatty Acid), PV(Peroxide value), TBARS) ، Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and sensory indicators, were evaluated during  4 months storage at freezing temperatures. Methods: Fillet samples were treated with Cuminum cyminum EOs and BHT. The study was based on application of cooking methods, frying at 180° C for 4 min in sunflower oil, baked in the oven at 200 °C for 22 min and steamed at 200 °C for 22 min and oxidative changes were evaluated during the period of storage as frozen fillets. Results: The FFA formation showed increase in all groups, oven baked rainbow trout fillets gave the highest increase (P<0.05). The highest value of PV was obtained from fried fillets treated with C. cyminum EOs (4.92  ± 0.23 meq/kg). The TBARS values were not significantly different with fresh-raw fillet after cooking (P>0.05), but the treated samples with EOs generally showed slower oxidative changes than those of the untreated samples. Based on the sensory evaluation, fillet fried was found as a preferred cooking method and also, the additions of C. cyminum EOs have positive effect on sensory quality of baked rainbow trout. Conclusions: Differences in cooking methods includin frying, oven baking and steaming showed that rainbow trout fillet treated with C. cyminum EOs under the frying method are more desirable in terms of chemical changes and sensory analysis compared with the other treatments.

BACKGROUND: Neospora caninum is one of the most important pathogenic protozoan parasites causing bovine abortion around the world. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Neospora caninum in the brain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata of aborted fetuses in cattle in Arak by means of molecular method. Methods: 38 samples of brain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata from aborted fetuses in dairy cattle of Arak were tested for the presence of Neospora with nested-PCR. Results: Survey findings indicated the presence of DNA in 26.3 % of aborted fetal brains. In the cerebellum and medulla oblongata samples no Neospora caninum  DNA was detected. There was a significant relationship between neosporosis and maternal age (number of calvings), abortion history and the presence of dogs in the herd. Conclusions: The results showed a significant association between the infection and the number of abortions in the examined cows; As a result it seems that neosporosis could be an important factor in epidemic abortions in Arak city’s dairy farms which requires continuous monitoring and implementation of prevention programs in the dairy industry.

BACKGROUND: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute and highly contagious viral disease of small ruminants that is characterized by high fever, ocular and nasal discharge, pneumonia, necrosis, ulceration of the mucous membranes and inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract leading to severe diarrhea. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus infection in sheep and cattle in Ahvaz. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 100 cattle and 100 sheep that were kept together from different parts of Ahvaz. Blood samples were also taken from 16 vaccinated sheep   against PPR for positive control. The sera were separated by centrifuge at 3000 ×g for 10 minutes and 3 mL of serum was harvested and stored at -20 °C until determination of antibody against PPR using VN method. RESULTS: The peste des petits ruminants (PPR) antibody seroprevalence was 23% in cattle and 58% in sheep and all the sheep samples collected for control were positive for PPR antibody. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates serological evidence for the natural transmission of PPRV from sheep to cattle under natural conditions and provides baseline information on prevalence of PPRV antibodies in cattle and sheep population in Ahvaz.

BACKGROUND: Herpes virus infections are ubiquitous in equine populations worldwide, among them equine herpes virus 4 (EHV-4) is one of the major cause of economic losses in equine industry. Infection with equine herpes virus 4 (EHV4) is well recognized as a cause of respiratory disease. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of prevalence of the EHV4 in horses with clinical signs or history associated with these viruses from four provinces of Iran using the most sensitive method, Real Time PCR Taqman assay. METHODES: Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken from 150 horses with clinical signs or history associated with these viruses from four provinces (Tehran, Golestan, West Azarbaijan and Khuzestan) of Iran. DNA of samples extracted then were used for detection by Real Time PCR. RESULTS: From 150 sampled horses, a total of 18 (12%) were found to be positive for EHV-4. A total of 7 (4.6%) blood samples and 11 (7.3%) nasal swab samples were found to be positive for EHV-4. Out of 47 sampled horses from Golestan province, 45 sampled horses from Khuzestan province, 37 sampled horses from Tehran province and 21 sampled horses from West Azarbaijan, 6 (12.76%), 3 (6.6%), 5 (13.5%) and 4 (19.04%) were positive for EHV-4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This survey confirm the presence of EHV-4 in these provinces of Iran thus consideration should be given to preventive and control programs to dissemination of these viruses.

BACKGROUND: An experimental study with randomized, double-blind crossover trial in excretory urography with Iodixanol (320 mgI/ml) and Na- Meglumine Diatrizoate (760 mgI/ml) in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To compare images quality between Iodixanol and Na- Meglumine Diatrizoate after ureteral anastomosis. METHODS: In this study six healthy mongrel dogs weighing between 15-30 kg were used. Before surgery, all dogs randomly received both drugs in 3 day intervals and control excretory radiography with Iodixanol (500 mgI/kg) and Na- Meglumine Diatrizoate (850 mgI/kg) were taken in all of them at  1, 5, 10, 15,30 and 45 minutes after contrast media injection. After midline celiotomy, left ureter near trigon area was incised and immediately end to end anastomosis was performed in simple interrupted pattern by using polydiaxanon 6/0. After operation at day 90 the same radiographs were taken in all animals. After completion of the study, the obtained radiographs were evaluated and compared independently by a radiologist who was unaware of the used contrast media. The urograms were scored in four categories from lack of opacity (grade zero) to excellent image quality (grade 3) for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Better nephrograms were obtained in right kidneys at 1, 5 and 15 minutes after injection of Iodixanol compared to Na- Meglumine Diatrizoate and in left kidneys the nephrograms were better with Iodixanol injection at  1 minute (P<0.05). With respect to pyelograms in right ureters, Iodixanol had better quality at 1, 10 and 15 minutes (P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in pyelograms quality in left ureters. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results about better images quality of iodixanol and with regard to the literature that have reported less nephrotoxicity in non-ionic and isotonic iodinated X-ray contrast medium, it can be concluded, Iodixanol is the better drug for excretory urography after ureteral anastomosis in dogs

BACKGROUND: Fish gill is one of the important organs of fish which in different fish perform a variety of functions including respiratory gas exchange and important physiological processes such as osmoregulation, ion regulation, nitrogen wastes excretion and acid-base balance maintenance. Objectives: The present study was performed to determine and recognize the histological and histometrical in Gills Silver Carp Immature and Mature. Methods: Samples of gills were harvested as 0.5cm in diameter and fixed in Formalin 10% solution, then the routine tissue processing steps were performed and samples were cut into 5 to 6 µm in diameter and finally were stained with hematoxylene &amp; eosin and acid Schiff solutions. Results: This study was conducted on 10 immature silver carps with mean body length and weight about 10.95± 0.36 cm and 12.02 ± 1.08 g and 10 mature silver carps with mean body length and weight about 41.4±1.07 cm and 1.5± 66.6 g, respectively to evaluate the morphology and morphometric measurements of gills in this species. Gills consist of four gill arches within operculum which is located on either side of the pharynx. Freshly this organ appears to be bright red in color. Micrometric studies on the thickness of epithelial tissue covering the primary lamellae and gill rakers at both right and left sides in both mature and immature fishes, does not show significant differences. In mature fishes, the epithelial covering of gill rakers was measured thicker in apical area comparing to other parts. The results also revealed that the number of orifices of gill raker gap decreased with fish’s weight but was larger in diameters in both mature and immature fishes. The number of mucous cells in club-shape of primary lamellae was much greater in number than in the other parts which reflects more mucous secretion in these areas. Conclusions: The covering epithelium of lamella in this specific species, does not show any difference with other fishes in the family. The only difference was in the shape and length of the gill rakers.

BACKGROUND: Canine infestation of ectoparasites is of medical and veterinary importance worldwide and in Iran due to transmission of pathogen agents. OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to determine prevalence and species diversity of ectoparasites in dogs of Gilanegharb suburb of Kermanshah province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 138 dogs (93 sheepdogs and 45 watchdogs) were randomly selected and examined from March 2012 to May 2013. The body surface was investigated for ixodid ticks and removed along with the mouthparts. The mites were also removed directly from the skin and/or using skin scraping and then digested. Fleas and lice were collected from body surface of examined dogs and identified. RESULTS: The results indicated that 65 sheepdogs (47.11%) and 43 watchdogs (31.16%) were infested with ectoparasites. There was a significant difference between prevalence and sex in dogs aged less than one-year-old (p≤0.05). The maximum and minimum ixodid ticks infestations were respectively for Rhipicephalus sanguineus (35.36%) and H. marginatum marginatum (3.06%). Tick indices (number of tick per each animal) were 2.13 with the highest body distribution in ear (24.82%) of R. sanguineus (p≤0.05). The frequency of ixodid tick infestation was significantly higher in spring (33.82%) than other seasons. Thirty five dogs (25.14%) out of all examined dogs were infested with Sarcoptes scabiei (15.33%), Demodex canis (9.81%), Ctenocephaloides canis (6.52%), Pulex irritans (3.62%), and Trichodectes canis (4.35%). CONCLUSIONS: From the results of the current study, it was concluded that there was species diversity in dogs’ ectoparasites fauna which can be transmitted to humans and served as the carrier for spreading the infective agents in the region.

BACKGROUND: The nematodes which belong to Haemonchus genes have high ability to show genetic and morphological changes. They can live with convenient adaptation in different hosts. OBJECTIVES: A Morphologic and Morphometric comparative study on Haemonchus nematodes from domestic ruminants in the southeast of Iran and comparison of studied parameters with the results of other researches around the world. METHODS: During an annual period the 100 adult Haemonchus nematodes (50 male and 50 female) were  collected from each domestic ruminant (sheep, goat, cattle and camel) from Nehbandan (southern  Khorasan), Zabol and Zahedan (Sistan and Balouchestan) in the southeast of Iran. In present study the measured parameters are: Total body length of male and female adult nematodes, gubernaculum length, right and left spicule length, the distance between spicule spine and the spicule posterior end, the distance between anterior cervical spine and the anterior end of nematode, the egg diameters.  Also, the anterior sections were observed in order to study the longitudinal cuticular ridges (Synloph). The achieved data from nematodes of each host were compared with others using (One Way Anova and Tukey tests), also such comparison was done with the results of one of the standard sources (Soulsby 1982) using One Sample T Test. RESULTS: The results of present study showed that some of the parameters such as spicule length, distance between right spicule spine and the spicule posterior end, and Synloph pattern in nematodes from sheep and goat are mostly similar to Haemonchus placei. The significant statistical differences in present study results showed high polymorphism in Haemonchus nematodes in the area. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that such high polymorphism in present nematodes, especially from sheep and goat has been created due to mating of native nematodes and foreign species with the source of imported cattle.