Adjuvant activity of Pasteurella multocida A strain, Pasteurella multocida B strain and Salmonella typhimurium bacterial DNA on cellular and humoral immunity responses against Pasteurella multocida specific strain infections in Balb/c mice

Objective:To evaluate the effects of Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) vaccines on the expression and release of antibodies, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12 by serum.Methods:Balb/c mice were immunized with two formalin and iron inactivated vaccine doses within 2 weeks. The vaccines were adjuvant with P. multocida A strain, P. multocida B strain and Salmonella typhimurium bacterial DNA (AbDNA, BbDNA and SbDNA for short, respectively). The animals were challenged 4 weeks after immunization. Blood of mice was collected to detect the change of specific antibody, IL-6, and IL-12 using ELISA.Results:The specific antibody and interleukins in the immunized group increased significantly compared to the control mice after vaccination and challenge (P<0.05). The highest release of these cytokines was obtained by P. multocida inactivated with iron and adjuvant with AbDNA at a concentration of 25 μg/mL. The antibody titer peak was 0.447 in mice vaccinated with iron-killed whole-cell antigen adjunct with AbDNA. The time-courses of release showed that bacterial DNA was able to stimulate IL-6 and IL-12 production more than alum (P<0.05).Conclusions:Our findings introduce that bacterial DNA is capable of releasing an immunological response with several cytokines. These indicate that bacterial DNA entrapped with killed P. multocida antigen is a new and effective adjuvant to enhance specific immunity and resistance of animal against the infectious pathogen, which could simplify the development of highly promising strong adjuvant.

[Changes in phytochemical and morpho-physilogical traits of thyme [Thymus vulgaris CV varico 3] under different salinity levels]

Background: Thyme is a valuable medicinal plants that evaluation of its quality and quantity yield is necessary

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on morphological, physiological and phytochemical traits of thyme

Methods: The study was carried out as a randomized complete block design at the Institute of Medicinal Plants with 4 levels of salinity treatments including [control, 50, 100 and 150 mM] and three replications. In this study some morphophysiologial and phytochemical traits of thyme were measured

Results: Results showed the significant effect of salinity on plant height, number of lateral shoots, vegetative dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, Length and Width of a Leaf. The results of the means comparison showed that by increasing levels of salinity, sodium content, electrolyte leakage and proline content increased conversely, the amount of potassium, relative water content, chlorophyll and carotenoid were decreased. The content of thymol and carvacrol increased by higher levels of salinity [100 mM sodium chloride] compared with control

Conclusion: Although the majority of yield related traits negatively affected by salinity but the highest amount of thymol and carvacrol has been achieved in 100 mM NaCl

Cutaneous neuro-myofibroblastic sarcoma induced by avian leukosis virus subgroup J in a rooster [Gallus gallus domesticus]

An adult native cock [Gallus gallus domesticus] referred to the aviary clinic with multiple different sizes of round dermal nodules. The bird died few days later, and was then submitted for further evaluation. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations as well as a PCR test were done to identify type and cause of the tumor. In histopathological assessment of biopsy specimen, it consisted of interlacing bundles of fibroblasts that orientated in different directions with plump or elongated spindle shaped nuclei and fairly abundant cytoplasm. At necropsy several large white nodules were implanted in lung and liver. Microscopically the proliferated fibroblastic cells were invaded to both organs, and were similar to those described for skin lesion. The tumor cells had immunoreaction for alpha smooth muscle actin, vimentin and S100 protein, whereas they were negative for desmin and pancytokeratin, suggesting a diagnosis of metastatic neuro-myofibroblastic sarcoma. A PCR test specific for avian leukosis virus subgroup J [ALV-J] confirmed the presence of that virus in tumor specimens. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed a relatively low similarity in the LTR segment [90%] of the studied virus with other ALV-J strains. It might be the first report of cutaneous neuro-myofibroblastic sarcoma, potentiated to metastasis to other organs induced by ALV-J

Phylogenetic study based on the phosphoprotein gene of Iranian Newcastle disease viruses [NDV] isolates, 2010 -2012

Newcastle disease virus [NDV] is the causative agent of the Newcastle disease [ND], a highly contagious disease in birds that causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. ND is endemic in Iran and outbreaks are reported regularly in commercial poultry flocks and different species of birds. The current study was carried out to characterize NDV based on phosphorprotein [P] gene from recent outbreaks in Iran, 2010-2012. The P gene fragment of NDV isolates of five chickens, 1 ostrich, and 1 Pigeon paramyxovirus-1 was obtained by RT-PCR and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences revealed that chicken and ostrich NDV isolates were closely related and placed in the genotype VII and Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1 was located in the genotype V. This is the first report of Phosphoprotein gene sequences of NDV strains isolated in Iran. This study will help us to understand the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of Newcastle disease virus in Iran

study of the plerocercoid of diphyllobothriidae [cestoda, pseudophyllidea] in two cyprinid hosts, Abramis brama and Alburnoides bipunctatus from north and northwest of Iran

The plerocercoid stage of Pseudophyllidean cestoda infected a wide range of fresh water fish, particularly the members of the Cyprinidae family. The parasite species are the most common pathogens that have severe effects on fish. The aim of the present study is to determine the occurrence and distribution of the plerocercoid of Diphyllobothriidae in two freshwater fish from north and northwest of Iran. Finally, we discuss the role and dynamics of these species of fish in the transmission of infection. This study was carried out from September 2011 to September 2012on a total of 883 A. bipunctatus and 418 A. brama from north and northwest of Iran. The samples were analyzed to find the plerocercoid infection. From a total number of 883 A. Bipunctatus and 418 A. brama fish samples, 558 fish [63.19%] of the former and 67 fish [16.02%] of the latter were infected. The rate of infection was significantly lower in winter [p<0.01]. Also, the weight of infected fish was significantly lower than noninfected ones [p<0.01]. Moreover, the infection in northwest of Iran was significantly higher than north of Iran [p<0.01]. The family of Diphyllobothriidae is an important cestode and the prevention programs to break the cycle of infection are essential. More suitable solutions to tackle the problem, further epidemiological studies on other fresh water sources of Iran are needed

[Effect of Zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil on growth curve and shigatoxin 2 production of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7]

Zataria multiflora Boiss. is one of the Iranian traditional spices and it has antimicrobial effect on the pathogenic bacteria which are agents for some current foodborne intoxications. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil on Escherichia coil 0157:H7. Minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil [EO] for Escherichia coil 0157:H7 at 35°C, the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of EO on growth curve of bacteria up to 24 hours at 25 and 35°C and also production of shigatoxin 2 [Stx2], at 35°C has been determined. MIC and MBC of EO which have been evaluated were 0.04 and 0.06%, respectively the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of EO on bacterial growth curve during 24 hours has been determined by spectrophotometer device at 25 and 35°C and also production of shigatoxin 2 [Stx2], at 35°C has been determined. Subihibitory concentrations of EO, significantly, decreased the production of Stx2 at 35°C in a dose dependent manner. The results showed that Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil had inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and it can be used as a natural preservative in food industry

Allocation of health resources according to the type and size of Iranian governmental hospitals

Due to consuming about 50%-80% of health resources, hospitals are the greatest and costly operational units in Iranian Health system. so allocation of resources specially human and space resources as the most expensive ones is really important for further controlling of costs, analysis of costs and making suitable policies for increasing the profitability and allocation of resources and improvement of quality. This paper intends to describe and analyze any allocation of resources in 530 university hospitals in Iran. The final goal of this research is to provide a data bank according which there is a basis for more scientific budget allocation of state's hospitals from the size and type of application points of view. The relevant index of person to bed was 2.04 for human resources. All hospitals more than 300 beds are located in benefiting areas from which 17 cases are educational and 2 cases are therapeutic. This is necessary to mention that the rate of management group forces to total personnel at deprived areas is about 2.5% more than benefiting areas. Because 60-80% of hospital costs are applied for human forces, all managers of hospitals are obliged to revise their policies in attraction and employment of human force in order to benefit from such a valuable resource and prevent from expensive costs. So any employment of personnel should be based upon real needs of hospital

[Effects of nisin and thyme essential oil, individually and in combination, on inoculated populations of Listeria monocytogenes in minced silver carp]

Food poisoning caused by Listeriamonocytogenes results in death in 30% of the cases. Considering the high probability of L. monocytogenes contamination of local fish, the present study aimed at investigating the effects of thyme [Zataria multiflora Boiss] essential oil [EO] and nisin, individually and in combination, on the growth of L. monocytogenes in minced silver carp during refrigerated storage. Minced fish samples were inoculated with 1x10[4] cfu/g of L. monocytogenes. A total of 11 samples were inoculaetd with thyme EO at a concentration [weight/volume]of 0.3%, 0.8% or 1.2%, nisin at a concentration of 500 or 1000 IU/g, or a combination of the two. The treated and control samples were packaged in plastic bags and kept at refrigerator temperature for 12 days.. Samples were cultured on CHROMagarTM Listeria every 2 days and the bacteri counted. Nisin at two different levels [500 and 1000 IU/g]could not inhibit the growth of L.monocytogenes to a level below the acceptable level in raw food [100 cells/g]. The antibacterial activity of nisin decreased during the storage period, while simultaneous use of nisin and thyme EO at a concentartion of 0.8 and 1.2% reduced L. monocytogenes viable count to a level below the acceptable limit during 12 days. A combination of 0.8% thyme [weight/volume]and 1000 IU/g nisin has the best inhibitory effect on growth of L. monocytogenes in minced silver carp during cold [4[degree sign] C] storage

Frequency and severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms/disorders, violence and suicidal in schizophrenic patients

This study determined the prevalence and severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms/disorder [OCS/OCD], aggression and suicidal in schizophrenic patients. Also we compared the prevalence and severity of aggression and suicidal in schizophrenic patients with and without OCS/OCD considering anxiety, depression and substance abuse as confounding factors. During 2007 and 2008, 100 schizophrenic patients were evaluated with Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Spilberger State/Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Scale for suicide Ideation, and Overt Aggression Scale. OCS/OCD and suicidal attempts were seen in 33%, 10% and 12% of patients respectively. The most common form of aggression was against others [55%], and aggressive obsessions were seen in 10% of the patients. Comparing patients with and without OCS/OCD, there were no significant differences in the severity of schizophrenia, suicidal and overt aggression. The severity of overt aggression was related to the patients' age and education reversely. Also, there was a relationship between their suicidal thoughts and residence in the cities. Conclusions: High rate of aggressive obsessions and lack of relationship between severity of aggression and presence of OCD indicated that these patients did not act on these thoughts. The risk of suicide was more serious in patients living in the cities, and risk of violence was more serious in younger and less educated patients

[Evaluation of the effect of daily work and resultant tiredness on near steroacuity in intermittent exotropic patients]

Variations in sterioacuity may be used in an assessment of intermittent exotropia. Intermittent exotropia is divergent squint of eyes that is worsened due to daily visual tasks and its resultant tiredness therefore the amount of deviation increases. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of daily work and resultant tiredness on near sterioacuity among intermittent exotropic patients. In this cross-sectional study, 600 dormitory students of Mashad University of Medical Sciences, ranging in age from 21 to 23 years, examined with alternate cover test to diagnose intermittent exotropic cases. 30 students had intermittent exotropia and along with 15 normal cases constituted the case-control group. Sterioacuity was measured twice, in the morning and at night, with Randot-SO 001 test. Suppression was checked with Bagoloni striate lens and 4 prism diopter base out test. Data were statistically analyzed with SPSS software [version 13]. The measured deviation in intermittent exotropic cases showed a significant difference between the deviation in the morning and late at night among 23.33% [7 cases] [P=0.00]. In addition, sterioacuity decreased significantly at night, [P=0.00] among these cases. Despite the increase in the deviation among 53.3% [16 cases] at night, steriacuity was not changed significantly. 23.33% [7 cases] did not show any changes in the morning and at night, both in deviation amount and sterioacuity measurement. In most intermittent exotropic cases, there is no significant correlation between intermittent exotropia and near sterioacuity variations after daily work and resultant tiredness [P<0.696]

[Effects of frozen storage at -18°C on the quality changes of raw brushtooth lizardfish [Saurida undosquamis] burgers without coating]

Developing minced-based products is a good opportunity for production of value-added products. Fish burgers are an example of an acceptable value-added fast food. In the present study, fish burgers were produced from deep flounder fish with no coating and their chemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics during storage at ?18°C for 5 months were determined periodically after thawing at 4°C. Fish burgers were produced and packaged in PVC/PE polymer bags. Microbial load [including total plate count, total coliform count, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and psychrotrophic bacteria], chemical characteristics [moisture, pH, total volatile base nitrogen [TVB-N], and TBA], and sensory characteristicswere were determined monthly. Data were analyzed using the SPSS for Windows program. The TVB-N and TBA values increased significantly by the end of the first and second month, respectively. After that no further statistically significalt changes occured in the former, while the latter decreased until the end of storage period, presumably due to reaction of the MDA produced with protein breakdown products and formation of new peoducts. The data also showed that pH increased significantly by the end of the first month; no changes were observed afterwards. All of the microbial counts and sensory parameters had decreased significantly [p<0.05] at the end of storage period. The best expiry time for lizardfish burgers [if stored at 18°C] is 3 months after production, and sensory evaluation is the most reliable way for predicting their shelf life

Animal fascioliasis in coastal regions of the Caspian Sea, Iran [2006-2007]

To determine the prevalence of animal fascioliasis in coastal regions of the Caspian Sea, during 2006-2007, a total of 2368 faecal samples were collected from sheep [n=1250], cattle [n=975] and horse [n=143]. The samples were obtained directly from the rectum of animals. Floatation method was performed for determination of egg per gram of faeces [EPG]. Our findings revealed the presence of Fasciola spp. eggs in 9.53, 7.8 and 2.5% of sheep and 32.5, 12.1 and 3.1% of cattle in Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan, respectively. Among the horse faecal samples collected from Golestan and Gilan provinces, no eggs were found in Golestan, while 50% of those of Gilan were infected with Fasciola spp. Cattle was one of the most infected animals in the studied areas. A positive correlation was found between climatic conditions and animal fascioliasis. Among different meteorological factors, rainfall seems to be the strongest factor

[Effect of zataria multiflora boiss. Essential oil on growth and enterotoxin E production of staphylocuccus aureus ATCC 29213]

Z. multiflora Boiss. is one of the Iranian traditional spices and it has antimicrobial effect on the pathogenic bacteria which are agents for some current foodborne intoxications. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Z. multiflora Boiss. Essential oil on Staphylocuccus aureus ATCC 29213. Minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] of Z. multiflora Boiss. essential oil [EO] for Staphylocuccus aureus at 35[degree sign]C, the effect of subihibitory concentrations of EO on growth of bacteria up to 72 hours and also production of entertoxin E [SEE], all at 25 and 35[degree sign]C has been determined. MIC and MBC of EO which have been evaluated in 0.005 - 0.06% [V/V] were 0.03 and 0.04%, respectively. Colony counting during 72h showed that 75%MIC of EO in 72h reduced 3 log [cfu/ml] at 25[degree sign]C and 2, 2 and log [cfu/ml] at 35[degree sign]C in comparison with control culture. Subihibitory concentrations of EO, significantly, decreased the production of SEE at both 25 and 35[degree sign]C in a dose dependent manner. The results showed that Z. multiflora Boiss. essential oil had inhibitory effect on Staphylocuccus aureus and it can be used as a natural preservative in food industry

Prevalence of breast cancer in a defined population of Iran

Prevalence of breast cancer In Asian developing countries is much lower than western developed countries. The main aim of this study was to measure breast cancer prevalence in a defined population of Iran. A total of 25201 women who were under coverage of [Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation [IKRF]], which is an organization for delivering supportive social and cultural services to the deprived and poor subgroups of the society, were involved in the study. The study was conducted during years 2007 and 2008. All subjects were interviewed for their sociodemographic features and underwent precise clinical and paraclinical breast examination. Mean age was 47 years with standard deviation 10 ranging from 11 to 88 years. Subjects were from deprived subgroups of the community; were mainly illiterate or had primary school education [86%] and majority of them [93%] had their first full-term pregnancy at age less than 26 years and also were multiparous. With confirmed diagnosis by breast biopsy, breast cancer prevalence was 0.15% [95%CI; 0.10-0.20]. Compared with developed countries, Asian developing countries have been at a lower risk of breast cancer development. It is seen that more deprived subgroups are at much lower risk. The more industrialized life is accompanied with more hazards

[Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of shallot extract [Allium ascalonicum] on rainbow trout [Oncorhynchus mykiss] during chilled [4 +/- 1°C] storage]

Plant extracts are rich sources of natural antioxidant and antibacterial compounds. In recent decades, the need for using natural antioxidants in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics has promopted extensive scientific research. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of shallot extract on shelf-life of vacuum-packaged gutted rainbow trout stored at 4 +/- 1°C. Prepared fish were divided into two batches. One batch was treated by dipping in an aqueous solution of shallot extract, vacuum-packaged, and kept at 4 +/- 1°C, serving as the treatment sample, and one batch was vacuum-packaged and served as control. Chemical [TVN, TBA, PV] and microbial [total viable count, psychrotrophic] tests were performed, pH measured, and sensory analysis done on all the samples kept for 20 days. Shallot extract delayed significantly [p<0.05] lipid oxidation in the treated sample, in which the psychotrophic bacteria and total viable counts also remained lower than the proposed acceptable limit [7 log cfu/g]. Furtehrmore, microbial spoilage decreased significantly [p<0.05] in the treated, in comparison with the control, sample. According to sensory analysis results, treated samples were acceptable even at the end of the 20-day storage. The findings indicate that shallot extract exerts antioxidant and antibacterial effects on vacuum-packaged rainbow trout during storage and increases its shelf life

TG-60 dosimetry parameters calculation for the beta-emitter [153]Sm brachytherapy source using MCNP

The formalism recommended by Task Group 60 [TG-60] of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine [AAPM] is applicable for beta sources. Radioactive biocompatible and biodegradable [153]Sm glass seed without encapsulation is a beta-emitter with a short half life and delivers a high dose rate to the tumor in the millimeter range. In this work the dosimetry parameters of the seed for brachytherapy were evaluated. Using MCNP4C code data, the Dosimetric parameters of AAPM TG-60 recommendations including the reference dose rate, the radial dose function and the anisotropy function were obtained. Two dimensional dose distributions were also calculated. The dose rate at reference point was estimated to be 9.41 cGy.h[-1].micro Ci[-1] for [153]Sm. [153]Sm with its relatively low energy beta component falls off the most rapidly of the other beta emitters. The calculated data was compared with that of several beta and photon emitting seeds. The results showed the advantage of the beta emitting [153]Sm source in comparison with the other beta emitting sources, Because of its rapid dose fall-off of beta-ray and high dose rate at the short distances of the seed. The results would be helpful in development of the radioactive implants using [153]Sm seeds for the brachytherapy treatment

[Survey of knowledge and attitude of farmers of Southern Khorasan province regarding agriculture related OHS issues in 2008]

Agriculture is one of the oldest and high risk professions. Traditional agricultural production mainly depends on the physical power of farmers; thus, optimum efficiency in agriculture depends on the attention paid to the importance of certain measures to prevent diseases and accidents due to farming. This research was performed with the aim of survey of knowledge and attitude of farmers of Southern Khorasan province regarding agriculture related OHS issues in 2008. In this cross-sectional study, 818 farmers were selected and a questionnaire that is validity and reliability had been approved was filled out through interviewing each subject. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program and appropriate statistical tests. p 0.05]. Considering the obtained results, improving health knowledge of farmers through appropriate training programs is necessary

[Evaluation at ginseng on lipid profiles, liver and renal markers in diabetic rats]

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs as a consequence of decrease in insulin secretion or resistance to insulin. Most diabetes related treatments have problems with adverse reactions. Natural therapeutics have been in use from long time ago up to present time. Ginseng is a traditional drug used for treatment of many dieses particularly diabetes. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of oral Ginseng on the serum glucose and other biochemical parameters such as lipid profile. In this study 30 male rats with a body weight of 250 +/- 25 gr and age of 4-6 months was used. Each animal was housed under controlled temperature [21 +/- 2 C] and standard conditions with free access to food and water. Blood test was carried out to measure glucoses and other biochemical parameters such as cholesterol, TG, ALT, AST and BUN. Animals were equally divided into three groups; 1-control group, 2-the STZ-induced-diabetes [60 mg/kg] group, 3-the STZ-induced-diabetes [60 mg/kg] and150 mg/kg oral ginseng. The study was lasted for 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken and tested for glucoses and other parameters. The average blood sugar in the control group was 131.1 +/- 7.9 mg/dl, but it was higher than 550mg/dl in streptozocine-received group. In group 3, which received ginseng, blood sugar decreased up to 50%. Cholestrol decreased up to 40% in the treatment group. Among the measured parameters HDL showed a 50%decrease in treatment group in comparison with diabetic group. AST and ALT values between the control and treatment groups did not show a significant difference. BUN values decreased from 71.6 +/- 6.6 in diabetic group to 50.1 +/- 5.7 mg dl in the treatment group. The results of this study revealed that ginseng can be considered as a substance which decreases blood glucoses, reduces diabetes adverse reactions, and consequently diminishing blood lipids in animal model. However, to apply these results to human, further studies are needed to be carried out

Seroprevalence of neospora spp. in horses in north east of Iran

Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, is recognized as a major cause of abortion in cattle, while limited information is presently available on the seroprevalence of Neospora antibodies in horses' worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine serologic prevalence of Neospora infection in horses in Iran. Sera from 150 horses from Mashhad suburb in Razavi Khorasan Province, northeast Iran were examined for antibodies to Neospora spp. using Neospora modified direct agglutination test [N-MAT]. Antibodies to this parasite were detected in 45 [30%] of the examined serum samples. Thirty four percent of the samples had titer of 1:40 while then reduced to 30% when 1:80 serum dilution was applied as significant cut off titer. This study is the first investigation carried out on the Neospora in horses in Iran and indicates that horses in Iran are exposed to this parasite

First report of Taenia acinonyxi [Ortlopp, 1938] in Acinonyx jubatus venaticus from Iran

The Asian cheetah is known as Iranian panther. A four years old female cheetah was killed in a road accident by a truck in Abbas Abad [Biarjamand] County around Shahrood City in Semnan Province, central part of Iran. Two days after the accident the carcass of animal was autopsied and only five cestodes were obtained from its intestine. In inspection of other organs no other helminth was observed. Cestod samples were fixed and stained by carmine acid. Characterization of the cestodes using morphological standard key, identified the cestodes as Taenia acinonyxi