Cimetidine is a known reproductive toxicant due to its adverse effects on testicular function. Melatonin is an antioxidant that has a role in mitigating any disorders that could affect spermatogenesis. Therefore, this study evaluated the ameliorative potential of melatonin on the adverse reproductive effects of cimetidine in piroxicam-induced gastric ulcerated male rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=5), including normal control (distilled water), ulcerated and non-treated, ulcerated and treated with cimetidine (200mg/kg day), ulcerated and treated with cimetidine and melatonin (10mg/kg), treated with cimetidine and melatonin without ulceration, and ulcerated rats treated with only melatonin. All treatments were done orally per day for 14 days. On the 15th day, rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for hormone and antioxidant assays. Then, the sperm parameters were analyzed according to standard procedures. Co-administration of melatonin to piroxicam-ulcerated rats treated with cimetidine showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in sperm count and epididymal glutathione peroxidase compared to piroxicam-ulcerated rats treated with only cimetidine. Melatonin increases the serum level of Testosterone, FSH, and LH.  Melatonin ameliorates the adverse reproductive effects of cimetidine through its antioxidant properties. Therefore, co-administration of melatonin with cimetidine in male ulcer patients is recommended.

The current study aimed to investigate the potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Eremurus spectabilis (E. spectabilis) in three extraction techniques. Three methods were selected to extract the aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic extracts of E. spectabilis. The extraction yield was obtained from 10 g of E. spectabilis powder. The carbohydrate test was performed using the phenol sulfuric acid method. The Kjeldahl method was used in two replicates based on the AOAC 2550 standard to determine the protein content. The concentration of phenolic compounds was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Based on the results, E. spectabilis had 70.33% w/w carbohydrates and 7.1% w/w proteins. The extraction percentages for the aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic extracts of E. spectabilis were 50%, 10%, and 25%, respectively. The results showed that the aqueous extraction method was the most efficient. The total phenol amount for E. spectabilis aqueous extract was 150.04 mg/g. The antioxidant property of the E. spectabilis aqueous extract was determined to be 50.71%  None of the concentrations of the aqueous extract did not have antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings demonstrates the need for further studies on other pathogens and using different concentrations.

The European badger (Meles meles) is a powerful animal native to Europe and parts of West Asia. The skull imparts the phylogenetic morphology to the skulls of animal species and functions as a safeguard for vital organs, including the brain and eyes. The aim of our study was to improve the current data by providing a comprehensive investigation of the morphology and dimensions of the cranium and mandible of badgers. This information enhances comprehension of radiological and surgical attributes. We conducted anatomical studies and measured the morphometric features. We received the skulls from naturally occurring carcasses. We employed unpaired t-test for statistical analysis. This study demonstrated that the anatomical features of the skull exhibit no discernible differences between badgers and other wild carnivores, such as tiger and wolf. The presence of a twin jugular foramen in the skull of badgers distinguishes them as a distinct characteristic not found in any other carnivorous animals. Moreover, radiographical studies showed two distinct sinuses and a cavity in the skull of badger which is different from dogs. Males and females differ significantly in some morphometric traits, which is entirely consistent with the behavioral and nutritional traits of the animal. Modern imaging techniques, such as CT scans, are necessary for more thorough studies on the skulls of wild carnivores.

Aflatoxicosis has emerged as a notable factor that hampers the well-being and productivity of broilers in recent times. This study examined V. amygdalina leaf extract's protective effects against aflatoxin B1-induced hepatoxicity and growth suppression in broiler chickens. 240 Cobb500 day-old chicks were divided into 4 groups: CONT (uncontaminated diet), AFTB1 (0.5 ppm aflatoxin B1 contamination), VE1AF (0.5 ppm aflatoxin B1 + 1 g V. amygdalina leaf powder/liter of water), and VE2AF (0.5 ppm aflatoxin B1 + 2 g V. amygdalina leaf powder/liter of water) in a completely randomized design. Liver catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels exhibited a marked reduction in the AFTB1 group compared to CONT and VE2AF groups (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde levels, indicative of lipid peroxidation, were markedly increased in the AFTB1 group compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ) exhibited a marked increase in the AFTB1 group compared to CONT and VE2AF groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, anti-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and oxidative DNA damage biomarkers varied significantly among treatment groups (p < 0.05). Both 1 g and 2 g of V. amygdalina leaf powder per liter of water effectively countered the detrimental effects of aflatoxin B1 on liver health in broiler chickens.

Actinomycetes are a vital group of Gram-positive bacteria known for producing a wide range of bioactive secondary metabolites, including important antibiotics. These microorganisms play an essential role in the degradation of organic matter and nutrient cycling, contributing significantly to soil health and fertility. Their capacity to synthesize diverse compounds and the presence of key biosynthetic pathways involving polyketide synthases and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases highlights their potential in antibiotic discovery, particularly against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This study aimed to isolate and characterize Actinomycetes from fresh sheep feces collected in Ilam Province, Iran, focusing on their antibacterial activity and biosynthetic potential. A total of 86 actinomycete isolates were obtained from fecal samples collected from sheep in 2021. Morphological characterization confirmed all isolates as Gram-positive and filamentous. Molecular identification through PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene yielded a product of approximately 640 base pairs for all isolates. Antibacterial screening revealed that 17 isolates exhibited activity against various pathogens, with the highest efficacy observed against Bacillus cereus (62.1%). Molecular analysis also indicated the presence of biosynthetic gene clusters, with 31 isolates (36.05%) bearing non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene, 15 isolates (17.44%) containing polyketide synthase I (PKS-I), and 16 isolates (18.6%) with polyketide synthase II (PKS-II) genes. This study highlights the significant antibacterial properties and biosynthetic capabilities of actinomycetes from sheep feces, suggesting their potential use in therapeutic, agriculture, and biotechnological applications.

The foetal development of the respiratory tract in the red Sokoto goat was investigated in this study using morphological techniques. Sections of the respiratory tract were obtained from the foetuses of 40 apparently healthy red Sokoto goats that were grouped into the first term, early 2nd term, late 2nd term, and 3rd term (n = 10/group). Laryngeal glands formed in the early 2nd term and also secreted neutral mucin within the same period, while apical budding and proliferation of the naïve epithelium led to the formation of stratified squamous epithelium just at the beginning of the 3rd term. The trachea consisted of a bi-stratified epithelium at foetal days (FD) 53 and later became ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium during the early 3rd term. At FD 102, the glandular epithelia contained bluish-stained areas, while the glandular lumina contained acidic mucins. The lungs of red Sokoto goats were at the pseudo-glandular stage at FD 54, canaliculi stage between FDs 71-76, terminal sac stage between FDs 76 – 104, and alveolar stage from FD 129. The structural changes in the respiratory tract of this breed are essential changes needed for neo-natal and post-natal functions. The lungs were structurally mature in the 3rd term and could support the animal even in preterm kids.

Tylosin residues (TR) in chicken meat pose potential health risks to consumers. This study aimed to detect and quantify TR in chicken tissues from Ikpa slaughterhouse, Nsukka and evaluate the effect of heat treatment on TR concentrations. Sixty randomly sampled chicken were processed, and their muscle, liver, and kidney tissues were collected and tested for TR at raw and after ten, fifteen , and twenty minutes of cooking and microwaving using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), four plate test (FPT), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Of the 180 tissues, 93 (51.7%) were positive for TR. The prevalence of TR was 40% in muscles, 55% in liver, and 60% were in kidney samples with ELISA. Six liver samples exceeded the maximum residue level (MRL) of100 µg/kg. Cooking and microwaving reduced TR concentrations by 97-100% in muscle and liver tissues using HPLC. The mean inhibition zones decreased by 87-100% after cooking and microwaving using FPT. Chicken at Ikpa slaughterhouse, Nsukka have TR even in concentrations above the MRL but were significantly eliminated (p ˂ 0.05) after 20 minutes of heat treatments (cooking or microwaving). Hence, mitigating the health risks associated with TR in meat requires regular screening and quantification, public awareness campaigns targeting consumers of raw or improperly cooked chicken, strict policies on antibiotics use in poultry, and enhanced meat handling and processing practices in food industry.

Arthropods belong to the invertebrate Phylum Arthropoda, which contains the most species on Earth. Venomous arthropods are among the most important animals that live in abundance in the human environment. The current study gives an overview of the importance of their identification, bites, stings, behavior, biology, and distribution in the geographical region of Iran, West Asia and the Middle East. The databases have been searched comprehensively and the most relevant Published articles and books from 1978 to 2023 were carefully selected based on the most appropriate keywords. Biting and stinging venomous creatures of arthropods, class, order, and family were presented in the tables and their importance and role of each order in the bite, sting and the occurrence of hazards were determined separately. Finally, the methods of preventing their bites and stings were recommended. The phylum of arthropods in Iran has two subphylums including Chelicerata with one Class, five Orders, and 25 families, and Mandibulata with three Classes, nine Orders, and 29 families. They are scattered all over Iran. Their venom apparatus includes venom gland, modified pedipalps, chelicers, stinger in the tail (telson), mouthparts such as hypostome, fangs, appendages (mandibles), proboscis, ovipositor (stinger), and hair (urticating bristles). The importance of venomous animal stings and bites in the training programs of physicians, the medical and nursing staff is very weak or does not exist at all. To achieve and enhance the management efficacy of bites and envenomation, more accurate information about venomous creatures and their venom composition is required.