BACKGROUND: During the last two decades, anthelmintic drugs have been increasingly applied against gastrointestinal parasites of sheep in Iran. OBJECTIVES: For this purpose, drug resistance to albendazole (Alb) and fenbendazole (Feb) in gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep of Saqez multiplicity was assessed. METHODS: In in-vivo experiment, a total number of 90 sheep in three groups (30 sheep/group) with EPG≤150 were examined for nematode resistance to Alb and Feb. They were treated with Alb and Feb or untreated (as a control group). RESULTS: There was significant difference between Alb and Feb treated groups and control group. The EPG in Alb, Feb and control groups was 59.8±1.93, 18.8±1.258 and 204.07±4.81, respectively. There was drug resistance against Alb in compassion with control group (R=71%). There was suspicion drug resistance for Feb in comparison with control group (R=90.66%). CONCLUSIONS: From the results of the present study, it was concluded that there was absolute and suspected drug resistance against Alb and Feb in sheep of Saqez municipality, Iran, respectively.

BACKGROUND: Cheese is a dairy product that is popular in the world. Prebiotics and probiotics are increasingly being used to produce potentially symbiotic foods, particularly through dairy products as vehicle. It is well known that both ingredients may offer benefits to improve host health. OBJECTIVES: In this study prebiotic effect of Olive leaf extract or survival of Lactobacillus casei in UF cheese production during 10 weeks storage in cold condition was researched. METHODS: After provision of aqueous extract of olive leaf, probiotic bacteria and starter culture were prepared for inoculation. This extract was added to UF cheese in the presence of the bacteria then, counting of L.Casei on MRS-bile agar with pour plate was done during 10 weeks of storage and sensory evaluation was performed after 10 weeks of cheese storage at 4 °C. RESULTS: The number of L. Casei was affected significantly by the addition of OLE (P<0.05). The bacterial growth had a significant relationship with the increase in OLE concentrations (P< 0.05). After 10 weeks, in all probiotic cheese, the concentration of L. Casei was at the level of 106 - 108 cfu/g. Also, sensory quality was positively affected by the presence of OLE in cheese samples. Cheese sample produced with the addition of 0.5% of OLE was the most desirable. CONCLUSIONS: The number of Lactobacillus casei was significantly increased during the storage weeks due to the addition of different concentrations of olive leaf extract. The number of probiotic was increased with increasing concentrations of the extract (P<0.05). Also, positive effects on the sensory properties of cheese samples affected by olive leaf extract were observed and the most common cheese sample was 0.5% of this extract.

BACKGROUND: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is widely used as a food flavoring. The essential oil of this plant has antimicrobial effects on some foodborne pathogens. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of basil essence on the microbial and sensory properties of traditional Iranian white cheese during the period. METHODS: Cheese samples were prepared from local producers with concentrations of 0, 150 and 250 ppm of basil essential oil. On day 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90, the cheese samples were tested for the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and also on the 90th ripening day for the sensory characteristics. RESULTS: The results of microbial assays showed that concentrations of 150 and 250 ppm of basil essential oil had a significant (P<0.05) inhibitory effect on aerobic mesophilic bacteria in the 60 and 90 days of ripening; meanwhile, the significant (P<0.05) inhibitory effect on the population of coliforms was observed on days 30, 60 and 90. Moreover, the concentration of 150 ppm of basil essential oil on day 90 and the concentration of 250 ppm on days 30, 60 and 90 demonstrated a significant (P<0.05) inhibitory effect on the population of Staphylococcus aureus. Sensory evaluation revealed that concentrations of the essential oil had no significant effect on the sensory properties of the samples. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the above concentrations of basil essential oil can be used as a natural preservative in Iranian traditional White cheese.

BACKGROUND: Parasite effects on biometric characteristics of common carp, C. carpio from Anzali Wetland. OBJECTIVES: Identifying parasites in C. carpio and evaluating their effects on biometric characteristics of fish. METHODS: A total of 78 individuals were collected on the seasonal basis (from spring through winter 2016) from the wetland, transported to the laboratory and after biometry, dissected to recover parasites. Cestodes and trematodes were stained with alum carmine and nematodes were cleared with glycerin alcohol, then their prevalence, abundance and mean intensity were determined. RESULTS: Thirteen parasite species including Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Trichodina sp., Epistilis sp., Gyrodactylus sp., Dactylogyrus extensus,  Diplozoon nipponicum, Diplostomum spathaceum, Posthodiplostomum cuticola, Asymphlodora sp., Caryophyllaeus fimbericeps, Raphidascaris acus, Pseudocapillaria tomentosa and Lernea cyprinacea were identified. Epistylis sp., P. cuticola, Asymphlodora sp. and P. tomentosa are reported for the first time from C. carpio in Anzali Wetland. The average weight in healthy and infected fish were recorded to be from 23.68 ± 3.54g to 686.73 ± 100.28 g, and from 32.47 ± 4.51 to 633.62g ± 64.64 g respectively. The condition factor in healthy and infected fish was from 1.09 ± 0.50 to 1.17±0.03, and from 1.24 ± 0.13 through 1.19 ± 0.03 respectively. It was also true for gonadosomatic index which was recorded in healthy and infected fish from 0.45 ± 0.16 through 3.56 ± 3.54, and from 1.78±0.67 through 2.74 ± 0.62. The instantaneous growth rate was 1.25 in healthy  2+ and 1+ year old individuals, and 0.72 in 3+ and 2+ year olds, while it was 0.94 and 0.65 in the same-aged infected fish, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parasites could induce some negative influences on the biometric characteristics of infected fish, decreasing their growth rate. So that, it is necessary to monitor the parasite communities continuously in the native and commercially important fish species in Anzali Wetland to protect them and prevent introducing infected fish into the adjacent fish farms.

BACKGROUND: Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram negative pathogen of the respiratory tract in dogs, pigs, cats, horses, laboratory animals and human beings. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was detection of Bordetella bronchiseptica in oropharynx region of pet and kenneled dogs by PCR and culture and evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates in Iran. METHODS: The samples were collected by sterile swabs from oropharynx region of 62 pet dogs (including 31 dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 31 dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs) and 62 kenneled dogs (including 31 dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 31 dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs). Bordetella bronchiseptica was detected by PCR and culture and antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates were evaluated. RESULTS: Based on the PCR results, Bordetella bronchiseptica was detected in 16.1% of pet dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs, 9.6% of pet dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs, 22.5% of kenneled dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 16.1% of kenneled dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs. On bacterial culture, Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated from 3.2% pet dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs, 3.2% kenneled dogs with clinical respiratory disease signs and 6.4% kenneled dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs, none of the pet dogs without clinical respiratory disease signs was positive on bacterial culture. The isolates tested by the agar dilution method were susceptible to tetracycline, enrofloxacin, co-trimoxazole and doxycycline, moderately susceptible to ceftriaxone and resistant to ampicillin. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the high prevalence of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in dogs in Iran. Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect the people who have contact with the affected pet dogs and those kept in overcrowded shelters.

BACKGROUND: Flufenamic acid is a member of the fenamates and is used as an analgesic and NSAID drug. According to the ability of this drug on blocking connexin and preventing leakage of substances such as ATP from cells, it seems to be beneficial in healing diabetic wounds. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the effects of topical flufenamic acid as a connexin-channel blocker on skin wound healing in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: In this study diabetics was induced in 40 male rats by IP injection of 150mg/kg of alloxan and they were divided to 4 groups. After anesthesia, 2×2 cm incision was made on the back of the rats and the skin was separated completely. Three groups were treated by 2, 5 and 10 percent concentration of flufenamic acid ointment separately, and one group was treated by Vaseline and ucerine ointment as control. Bandage and ointment were changed daily and the procedure was carried out for 21 days. The wound surface was measured on odd days. Half of the rats of each group on day five and half of them on day 21 were euthanized to get pathologic slides. RESULTS: Process of healing, fibroblast concentration, epithelialization, angiogenesis, collagen formation and wound closure in 2 percent group were better than other groups and in control, 5 and 10 percent groups had a decreasing trend respectively and had a significant difference. In the last two groups, the healing process was disrupted. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 percent concentration of drug not only did not show potent anti-inflammatory effects, but also improved the process of healing by blocking the connexin 43 and inhibition of ATP release, while in the concentration of 5 and 10 percent, anti-inflammatory effects of the drug predominated and delayed the healing process.

BACKGROUND: Estrus synchronization is a valuable tool in ewe reproductive management. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the efficiency and determine the best time of eCG injection in short-term synchronization program based on GnRH-PGF 2α in Shal ewes during the breeding season. METHODS: One hundred and sixty non-pregnant Shal ewes, aged 2-6 years old were selected and randomly stratified to four equal groups. 25µg Alarelin acetate (GnRH analogue) and 75µg D-cloprostenol (PGF 2α analogue) were injected to all ewes, on days 0 and 5, respectively. The first group (control) did not receive any other treatment. Groups 2 to 4 received 400 IU of eCG, 48 hours before, 24 hours before and concurrent with PGF2α, respectively. Ewes were exposed to fertile rams during 96 hours post PGF2α injection. Blood serum progesterone concentrations were measured just before PGF2α injection and 10 days later. RESULTS: No difference was observed in the first serum progesterone evaluation among experimental groups (P>0.05). However, progesterone had significantly higher concentrations 10 days after PGF 2α injection in groups 2 and 3 in comparison with groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05). Simultaneous use of eCG with PGF2α led to a higher estrus response in comparison with other groups (P<0.05). During the first day after PGF2α, a higher percentage of ewes in group 2 and 3 exhibited estrus compared with groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05). Conversely, estrus expression was higher 24-48 hours after prostaglandin injection in groups 1 and 4 than the other two (P<0.05). Thus, the interval to estrus was earlier in group 2 and 3 than groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05). No significant differences were detected in terms of conception rate, lambing rate, prolificacy and fecundity among study groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of eCG in different times (48 and 24 hours before and concurrent with PGF2α) in short-term synchronization program based on GnRH-PGF2α during the breeding season can be effective on estrus indices. Regarding the diversity of sheep's masses in Iran, it seems that acceptable results may be achieved when eCG is used concurrently with PGF2α in short-term protocol.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect most species of warm-blooded animals, including birds and humans. Because of feeding habits of domestic chickens, prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in free-range chickens is considered as a suitable indicator of environmental distribution of oocysts. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in domestic chickens from Khorramabad and compare the results obtained from serological and molecular methods. METHODS: In total, 97 serum samples were randomly obtained from domestic chickens and examined for the presence of anti-Toxoplasmaantibodies using modified agglutination test (MAT). Fifty grams of muscles (mixture of breast and heart) and whole brain from seropositive chickens were separately homogenized and examined by PCR which targets the repeated element (RE) of the parasite. RESULTS: Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were observed in 21 of 97 (21.64%) sera. T. gondii DNA was detected in 10 out of 21 (47.61%) seropositive chickens (with titres of ≥1:20). The low agreement between serological and molecular results can be explained by several factors such as possibility of cross-reactions in MAT and/or limited sample size in PCR. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that domestic chickens may have an important role as a source of infection for cats and individuals living in rural areas.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are one of the most important ectoparasites in animals that cause economic losses in livestock industry. So, removal or reduction of ticks on animals is necessary. Cysteine proteases are among the compounds that play an important role in the physiological action of ticks and are a good candidate for the anti-tick vaccine. Cathepsins is one of the most important cysteine proteases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was cloning and expression of recombinant cathepsin L gene of Rhipicephalus annulatus in order to evaluate its immunogenicity. METHODS: After collection the ticks were cultivated. Then RNA was extracted from ticks, cDNA was synthesized by using specific primer of cathepsin and amplification by RT-PCR. The desired genes were cloned into expressional pQE30 plasmid. Further, a shorter sequence of the cathepsin gene (654 bp) was prepared as a synthetic plasmid. The expression of the protein produced by both recombinant plasmids in the E.coliBL21 prokaryotic expression system is carried out and the immunity of the recombinant proteins was evaluated by Dot Blot and Western Blot using serum of challenged rabbits with recombinant protein and calves infected with ticks were examined and compared. RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that the protein derived from recombinant plasmid No. 2 had higher expression and purity due to its solubility. Also, the challenge of rabbit serum with these proteins was able to identify both recombinant proteins. But the serum of challenged calves with ticks did not show a satisfactory response with recombinant proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Although the sera reaction of calves infested with ticks was lower than the challenged rabbits sera with cathepsin L, this result was expected, because L cathepsin protein is considered as a concealed antigen.  Overall, the recombinant cathepsin L could be an appropriate candidate for immunizing calves against Rhipicephalus annulatus, although it seems further investigations are necessary.

BACKGROUND: Many herbs such as fenugreek and orange have compounds with antioxidant properties, which can increase the shelf life of foods. Considering that fish are a popular food among consumers, they are susceptible to rapid corruption. OBJECTIVES: In this study, to improve rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillet shelf life at refrigerated condition, orange juice concentrate and chitosan coating enriched with Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) essential oil was used. METHODS: In the present study, 8 treatments were evaluated for 12 days at refrigerator temperature for Chemical indicators PH value, Total volatile nitrogen (TVN), Thiobarbituric Acid (TBA), Peroxide value (PV), Free Fatty Acid (FFA), and Sensory Properties. RESULTS: According to statistical results, fish fillets coated with chitosan enriched with 2% fenugreek essential oil and immersed in orange juice concentrate were lower than other groups for all chemical indicators and had a significant difference with the control group (P<0.05). In the DPPH test, the most inhibitory effect after BHT (butylated hydroxy toluene) was orange juice with 1.39 brix and then black pepper 2%, respectively. In the RP test, the absorbance of the coated sample with chitosan containing fenugreek essential oil and orange juice concentrate with BHT did not show any significant difference (P>0.05). Sensory evaluation also showed that the chitosan-coated sample containing fenugreek essential oil and orange juice concentrate improved the sensory index during storage compared to other groups, especially the control group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, it can be stated that the use of orange juice concentrate, chitosan coating and fenugreek essential oil have a significant effect on reducing the oxidation process of rainbow trout fillet at refrigerator temperature.