Quantitative and qualitative changes of rosemary [rosemarinus officinalis L.] in response to mycorrhizal fungi [glomus intraradices] inoculation under saline environments

Background: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [AMF] have the potential to optimize the rhizospheric soil characteristics considerably thereby affecting plant growth

Objectives:The aim is to investigate the effects of fungi inoculation [Glomus intraradices] on morphological, physiological and phytochemical traits of Rosemary [Rosemarinus officinalis L.] under salt stress

Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted on the basis of randomized complete blocks design in three replications at the Institute of Medicinal Plants in the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research [ACECR]. The mycorrihzal fungi in two levels [inoculation and non-inoculation] and saline conditions in five levels [EC of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS.m[-1]] were the two studied factors. The essential oil content and its components were measured with Clevenger-type apparatus and GC/Mass and GC

Results: The results showed that the interaction effect of fungi inoculation and salinity was significant [P

Conclusion: The phytochemical and morpho-physiological traits of rosemary were improved due to inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi under saline conditions

effects of topical chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin on con-junctival bacterial flora of healthy dogs

Normal bacterial flora of the conjunctiva, which inhibits growth of opportunistic organisms, has an important role in the prevention of ocular infections. If resident flora is inhibited by disease or long-term application of antibiotics, opportunistic pathogens overgrow, leading to disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ophthalmic chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin on bacterial conjunctival flora in healthy dogs. A total of 16 animals were divided into 2 equal groups which received either chloramphenicol [CHL] [0.5%] or ciprofloxacin [CIP] [0.3%]. In both groups, the right eye of each animal was treated with 2 drops of antibiotics every 8 and 6 hours, respectively, for 1 week and the left eye received artificial tear solution and served as control. Bacterial and fungal cultures were performed 8 hours before and after the treatment. Fisher's Exact test and SPSS software were used for statistical analyses [p<0.05]. There were no statistically significant differences between control and test eyes and bacterial isolates in both groups. In CHL group, after treatment Staphylococcus spp [62.5%], Bacillus spp [12.5%] from the right eyes and Staphylococcus spp [75%] and Bacillus spp [12.5%] from left eyes were isolated. In CIP group, after treatment the bacterial isolates of right eyes were Staphylococcus spp [87.5%], Aerococ-cus spp [37.5%], Viridans streptococcus [25%], Micrococcus spp [12.5%], Bacillus spp [12.5%]; Staphylococcus spp [75%], Micrococcus spp [25%] Bacillus spp [12.5%] were isolated from left eyes of dogs after 1 week administration of artificial tear. Topically applied chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin had no significant changes in or detrimental effects on normal bacterial flora of treated dogs

Ultrasonography of the supramammary lymph nodes for diagnosis of bovine chronic subclinical mastitis

Currently, somatic cell count [SCC] and bacterial culture are considered as the gold standard of detecting subclinical Mastitis. Mastitis leads to proliferation of lymphocytes in the supramammary lymph nodes and subsequent enlargement of ipsilateral lymph node. Ultrasonography can be used to survey these changes. A portable ultrasound machine with a 2-5 MHz convex transducer was used to identify the supramammary lymph node size in 35 cows in a herd with chronic Staphylococcus aureus mastitis. After premilking udder preparation, a California mastitis test [CMT] was performed and individual milk samples were taken from each quarter for bacterial culture and somatic cell count [SCC] in accordance with NMC recommendations. The mean length [range 5.77-12.90 cm] and width [range 2.07-7.41 cm] of the lymph node were 9.2 and 4.03 cm, respectively. There was a positive correlation between lymph node size [length and depth] and culture of milk samples on ipsilateral quarters. Also, there was a significant difference correlation between CMT or mean log SCC of each side and size of supramammary lymph node in the same side. This study showed significant changes in supramammary lymph node dimensions in mastitis cases, so ultrasonography of this lymph node is probably a useful method for mastitis detection, especially in situations that test on milk is impossible

trace analysis of oxytetracycline and tetracycline residues in pasteurized milk supplied in Tehran: a one-year study [April 2011-March 2012]

Tetracyclines [TCs] are broad-spectrum antibiotics that are widely used in veterinary medicine. The presence of TCs residues in milk is a public health concern all over the world. This study aimed to determine TCs residuals in pasteurized milk marketed by some dairy companies in Tehran from April 2011 to March 2012. 432 pasteurized milk samples were purchased from supermarkets supplying the milk products of 12 major dairy companies in Tehran [3 samples from each company every month], and they were stored at -20 0C until analysis. Oxytetracycline [OTC] and Tetracycline [TC] residues in each sample were extracted by a liquid - liquid phase procedure and quantitated using a high performance liquid chromatographic [HPLC] method. Chromatographic conditions included a mobile phase as oxalic acid buffer- acetonitril [80: 20] with a flow rate of 1mL/min and UVdetection at 355 nm. TCs residuals in most milk samples were lower than 100 ppb, maximum residue level [MRL]; however, in seven samples [1.62%] the total residues of OTC and TC were more than MRL. In the latter milk samples, the median total TCs residue was 625 ppb, ranging between 274 and 1270 ppb. Because of the presence of TC residues above the MRL level in a limited number of milk samples, it is concluded that more studies and supervision of health authorities are needed in this field

study on risk factors of wsd outbreak in choubdeh - abadadan shrimp farming site in 2010

White spot, as one of the infectious viral diseases, has made severe losses in shrimp ponds all over the world. Despite extensive efforts made to deal with and control the disease, white spot continues to be a major health problem in shrimp farms across Iran. In this work, the significance of the risk factors of white spot disease epidemic occurred in shrimp ponds of Choubdeh farming site in Khuzestan province of Iran is determined. A cross sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2010, to September 22, 2010 in 223 shrimp ponds of the site. Data was collected on 17 variables, thought to be associated with the occurrence and epidemic of white spot, with the aid of the shrimp ponds owners and fisheries and veterinary organizations. The occurrence of white spot disease in the farming site was determined by clinical symptoms and the results of conventional PCR tests, the effectiveness of the risk factors was established by odds ratio [OR]. It is found that poor management of birds fighting [OR=3.72], less educated farm foreman [OR=3.29] and poor filtration of the intake water [OR= 3.43] are significantly affected the occurrence of the disease while little changes in the salinity of shrimp ponds [OR =0.1 6] decreases the odds of the disease. These findings help better develop shrimp farming across Iran, especially in Khuzestan province

[Clinical and hematological findings in affected dairy cows with combined tricuspid and mural endocarditis]

Endocarditis of cattle can develop as valvular, mural or concurrent involvement of the valvular and mural endocardium. Given the importance of endocarditis among the diseases of the cardiovascular system in cattle, 568 dairy cows were studied through complete clinical examination, looking particularly for special signs of heart involvement. The cows suspected of having a heart problem were labeled following the identification. Additional measures including blood sampling, carcass examination, and lesion sampling for histopathology were carried out in the abattoir, and endocarditis was diagnosed in 2.81% of the cases. The mean age of the cows with endocarditis was 5.4 years. The body temperature was higher than 39[degree sign]C in 56.2% of the cases. Almost 70% of the cows had more than 84 heart beats per minute. Acardiac systolic murmur was found in 56.2% of the cows. Fewer than 5,500 white blood cells per microliter and neutrophilia with more than 40% neutrophils was diagnosed in 75% and 50% of the cases, respectively. Given these results, it was concluded that despite the absence of audible systolic murmur using a stethoscope, it is probable to see valvular endocarditis, particularly in industrial mid-aged dairy cows with a focal active infective involvement showing mild fever, persistent high or at least relatively high heart beat rate and intensity, marginal leucopenia, and relatively increased neutrophils and monocytes. Therefore it may be suitable to conduct echocardiography due to its very applicable findings

Faecal fat and body weight changes following Roux-en-Y and jejunal loop interposition reconstructive technique in total gastrectomized dogs

Total gastrectomy is one of the most common operative procedures for gastric malignancy, but the recommended method of gastrointestinal reconstruction after gastrectomy is still controversial. Significant weight loss has been noted by many observers following gastrectomy. The Roux-en-Y method is the most frequent reconstructive technique performed after gastrectomy. This technique is easy to perform and prevents reflux esophagitis, but the major disadvantage of the technique is bypassing of the duodenum from the transit of food. This study was performed to compare two reconstructive techniques [the standard Roux-en-Y and jejunal loop interposition] after gastrectomy, considering post operative body weight loss in 10 healthy dogs. In group A, Roux-en-Y, following gastrectomy end to side anastomosis was performed between the distal jejunal end and remained part of the stomach. In group B, jejunal loop interposition, a 20 cm section of jejunal loop was resected and interposition of the loop was performed between the remaining part of the stomach and the duodenum. The patients were weighed before and after surgery until 30 days postoperatively and their weights were recorded daily. Also, faecal fat was measured on day 28 postoperatively. No fat was detected in faecal samples in group B, however different amounts of fat were measured in group A. Mean of preoperative weight was 28 +/- 3 kg. Data indicates a significant difference in mean of body weights in both groups pre and post operatively [P<0.05]. Mean percentage of body weights was significantly lower 67.18% +/- 4.4 in group A compared to group B [73.05% +/- 3.9] [P=0.04], which can indicate the importance of duodenal passage in reduction of post operative body weight loss

[Clinical evaluation of the effect of myrtle oil on the oral lesions of FMD in cattle]

Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven - hoofed animals and has severe economic consequences. FMD causes painful sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and teats of animals. Clinical evaluation of Myrtle oil [Myrtus communis L.] caused by foot and mouth disease [FMD] in cattle. 76 cows and claves between one and five years of age and weight between 80 to 600 kg with clinical sing of FMD were randomly in two groups, receiving myrtle oil and control group. The data recorded during the three stages of clinical examination before treatment, second day and fourth day after treatment was performed. Results indicated that recovery of mouth lesion with myrtle oil was remarkable as compared with control group. This difference was very statistically significant in two stages after treatment [p<0/001]. Cases of oral lesions improved in the group treated with the oil in the second and fourth days, respectively, 80.9 and 93.6 percent and the rate control group were 20.6 and 58.6 percent, respectively. The result also indicated that amount of purulent-free secretion in myrtle oil group was 68.1 and 89.4 percent in the 2[nd] and fourth day respectively. The number was 48.3 and 62.1 percent for control group. The medication of myrtle oil on the wounds of FMD, causes mouth ulcers faster improvement and reduce discharge purulent

[Study on hematology and serum biochemistry of common carp [Cyprinus carpio] after low cadmium concentration exposure]

High concentration of heavy metals or long time exposure to low concentrations of these metals can usually decrease the hematological indices in fish. Therefore the aim of this study was to indicate changes in hematology and serum chemistry of common carp [cyprinus carpio] after low cadmium concentration exposure. 60 apparently healthy common carp [mean weight of 700g] divided in two groups and transfred to 1000 liter indoor fiberglass tanks under controlled conditions. Treatment group was exposed to low concentration of cadmium [30ppb]. Blood were exsanguinated randomly from 5 fish in each group through the caudal vein at days 15 and 30 of exposure. The hematological and biochemical parameters [WBC, RBC, different count, hematocrit, total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations, albumin: globulin ratio, LDH, ALT, and AST] were determined. Results revealed that WBC counts decreased significantly on the 15th day of exposure [p<0.05]. Furthermore, WBC counts decreased significantly on the 30th day of exposure [p<0.05]. The levels of LDH after day 30 of exposure, significantly increased in the test group compared to the control. In the test group, LDH levels significantly increased at the 30th day of exposure. No significant differences have been observed between control and test groups in respect to the other parameters. This study showed that the exposure time for sublethal concentration of cadmium is an important factor for increasing the LDH levels in common carp

Molecular and biomorphometrical identification of ovine babesiosis in Iran

Ovine babesiosis is the most important haemoparasitic tick-borne disease of small ruminants in Iran caused by Babesia ovis, B. motasi, and B. crassa. The aim of this study was to characterize the species of ovine Babesia species isolated from different geographical region of Iran. One hundred fifty four blood samples collected from animals, which demonstrated the pale mucous membranes or hyperthermia. The specimens were transferred to the laboratory and the blood smears stained with Geimsa, the morphological and biometrical data of parasite in any infected erythrocyte have been considered. Extracted DNA from each blood samples were used in PCR and semi nested- PCR in order to confirm the presence of the species. Microscopial observation on 154 blood smears determined 38 [24.67%] and 40 [26%] samples were infected by Babesia and Theileria respectively. The mixed infections occurred in four [2.6%] samples. The results of the PCR assays showed nine [5.85%], 81 [53%] and 18 [11.7%] were distinguished as Babesia, Theileria and mixed infection, respectively. Semi nested-PCR did not confirm the presence of B. motasi. The causative organism of many cases of haemorprotozoal diseases, which recorded in previous studies, could B. ovis or Theilera lestoquardi. The result confirmed that B.ovis was only species which causes babesiosis in the study areas. It seems that the biometrical polymorphisms could exist in B. ovis in Iran. This polymorphism could be a main problem in differentiation between B. ovis and B. motasi and it could be dissolved by specific PCR analysis

Poultry diseases in Iran: an epidemiological study on different causes of mortality in broilers

Understanding the distributions of poultry diseases will help planning for disease control and prevention more effectively. Studies on poultry diseases in Iran are scarce. We investigated the incidence of mortality in broiler chicken flocks in Iran as part of a national project. Specifically, documents from September 2004 to November 2005 related to the mortality of broilers that were covered by the national insurance scheme were analyzed retrospectively. Of the 439,188,406 broiler chickens that were covered by insurance services, 188,680,459 chickens were exposed to different diseases. The most common diseases [in descending order] were infectious bursal disease [IBD], infectious bronchitis [IB], chronic respiratory disease [CRD], colibacillosis and avian influenza [AI; subtype H9N2]. The mean mortality rate in broilers was 7.89%. Mortality rates were higher during chicks between the third to sixth weeks of age. AI [H9N2] produced the highest mean mortality rate of 26.1%, followed by IB with a mean mortality rate of 22.1%. Most of the mortalities were recorded from the southern provinces of Iran. The distributions of diseases were differed in different regions which could be related to regional conditions and management parameters

[Prevalence of tobacco use and its association with perception of health among secondary and high school students in Damavand and Pakdasht districts]

Tobacco use mainly begins since adolescence. According to susceptibility of adolescents to high risk behavior such as tobacco use, this study designed to evaluate prevalence and some determinants of tobacco use among secondary and high school students in Pakdasht and Damavand cities. We carried out an analytic cross-sectional study among secondary and high school students by using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed by 2618 eligible students aged 13 and 15 years. History and current use of tobacco and also their feeling about their health in a spectrum from excellent to bad were evaluated. 26.1% of boys and 21.1% of girls had history of tobacco use [p=0.003]. Mean age [ +/- standard deviation] at which smoking started was 12.3 +/- 2.69 and 12.7 +/- 2.01 for boys and girls, respectively. 13.3% of secondary school and 13.7% of high school students were tobacco users at the time of study. Mean daily consumption of tobacco was 3.4 and 2.2 percent among secondary and high school students, respectively. No-users of tobacco had the better feeling of health than tobacco users [p=0.0005]. This study showed higher prevalence of tobacco use among secondary school than high school students. According to beginning of tobacco use before high school in majority of students, early prevention programs should be performed in secondary school students

Comparison of the effect of different levels of garlic powder on the levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride of two strains broiler chicks [arian and ross]

Garlic [Allium sativum] has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. Epidemiologic studies show an inverse correlation between garlic consumption and progression of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a complex and multifaceted disease and is characterized by several factors such as elevated serum lipids [cholesterol and triglyceride]. In this study, we will investigate the effect of different levels of garlic powder on serum cholesterol and triglyceride of two strains of broiler chicks. Utilizing a completely random design with factorial method, 714 one-day old broiler chicks of two different strains [Ross and Arian] were put on seven different diet regiments for a period of 8 weeks with 3 daily feedings. The chicks in the control group were exclusively put on basal diet and the other groups were fed with o.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1% of garlic powder in the basal diet. After 8 weeks blood sample was collected from the chicks. The level of serum cholesterol and triglyceride of collected blood samples were measured. The collected data was analyzed using Univariate Analysis of Variance followed by Tukey post hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Garlic powder reduced the level of serum cholesterol significantly [p < 0.01] however it did not reduce the level of serum triglyceride. There was a significant difference in reduction of the serum cholesterol level among various diets [p < 0.05]. This reduction was not observed on serum triglyceride level. Also, gender and strain of chicks did not have a significant effect on serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The results show that birds whose diet contained garlic powder, exhibit significant reduction in their serum cholesterol level, however there was no significant change in their serum triglyceride level. Garlic powder did not influence the level of serum lipids among the two strains of subject chicks. It was also observed that the gender or strain of the subject chicks had no bearing on the effect of garlic powder on the level of cholesterol and triglyceride

[Survey on pregnancy rate in synchronized dairy cows by selectsynch]

To evaluate pregnancy rate in synchronized dairy herd by Selectsynch procedure and PG. Experimental Study. Three hundred and seventy four dairy cows were randomly allocated to three groups: selectsynch, synchronized with PG and spontaneous heat. All cows were cleaned at day 30 after parturition and allocated to the following groups: synchronization by select synch- insemination [n=139], synchronization by PG- insemination [n=125] and natural heat-insemination [n=110]. Pregnancy was diagnosed at days 42-50 after insemination. Chi-square test. For these methods pregnancy rate were 54 percent, 44.8 percent and 46.4 percent, respectively. Moreover there were not any significant difference among them. Since selectsynch made an acceptable pregnancy, it can be recommended for dairy herds

Bronchoalveolar lavage and bacteriological findings in calf pneumonia

This study was done for identification of bacterial agents in calf pneumonia and determination of their antimicrobial susceptibility. Bronchoalveolar lavage was done on fourteen pneumonic and seven normal Holstein calves between 1-3 month old. In bacteriological examination on the fluid of bronchoalveolar lavage, Mycoplasma spp. were isolated from 4 [28.6%] pneumonic calves and 1 [14.3%] healthy calf. Furthermore, Arcanobacterium pyogenes was isolated from 3 [21.5%] pneumonic calves and 1 [14.3%] healthy calf. However, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Actionobacillus [Pasturella] urea, Neisseria mucosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Cardiobacterium hominis were isolated from one pneumonic calf. This is the first report of Cardiobacterium hominis from the lung of a pneumonic calf. All of the isolated bacteria had the highest susceptibility to florfenicol

Prevalence of bacterial mastitis in cattle from the farms around Tehran

To determine the prevalence of bacterial mastitis in cattle, milk samples positive for California mastitis test [CMT] were cultured during a period of almost 4 years. The bacterial species isolated from 2904 milk samples studied were coagulase negative Staphylococcus sp. in 879 [30.27%] samples, Streptococcus agalactiae in 642 [22.11%], 5. dysgalactiae in 332 [11.43%], E. coli in 295 [10.16%], Staphylococcus aureus in 84 [2.89%], Bacillus cereus in 51 [1.76%], Arcanobacterium pyogenes in 31 [1.07%], Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 6 [0.21%], Klebsiella pneumoniae in 4 [0.14%], Pasteurella multocida in 1 [0.03%] and Mycoplasma sp. in another [0.03%] sample. No growth was found in 578 samples [19.90%]. Thirty-one [37%] of 84 animals which were infected with S. aureus, had acute infection. We found that contamination of milk with coagulase negative staphylococci are the most frequent bacterial infection in dairy cattle around Tehran; it mostly causes subacute form of the disease. S. agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae and E. coli are the second, third and the fourth causative agents

[ first report of Klebsiella as a pathogen in neonatal diarrhea of calves in Iran]

Clinical evaluation of klebsiella induced diarrhea and frequency of this agent in calve's diarrhea in Iran. Cross sectional Study. Out of 295 calves [less than one month age] 209 calves showed diarrhea and 86 calves were as control group. To collect stool sample from rectum of the all calves [affected and apparently healthy] and using bacteriological standard methods for detection of this bacterium. Descriptive study using SPSS package. Thirty one samples out of all examined stool samples were infected with klebsiella. In this regard, 18 samples [8.6%] were from diarrheic calves and 13 samples [15.3%] from the control group. Mean of age in diarrheic calve was 12.00 +/- 3.08 days. In diarrheic group 6 calves [33.3%] showed severe lienteric diarrhea. All diarrheic calves [100%] showed thin and vivacity in general condition. Nine diarrheic calves [50%] had yellow feces, 17 of diarrheic calves [94.4%] had poor feeding behavior and all diarrheic calves [100%] showed second dehydration degree. Klebsiella can be one of causative agents in the calves diarrhea syndrome in the less than one month age

[Clinical, biochemical and microbiological findings of calves diarrhea in a diary herd in Suburbs of Tehran]

Objective: Study of the clinical, biochemical and microbiological factors that cause Neonatal calves diarrhea

Animals: A total of 140 diarrheic neonatal calves [under one month and 35 apparently normal calves]

Procedure: Taking stool sample from rectum of the diarrheic calves, and Blood from jugular vein, using standard methods for detection of bacteria and cryptosporidium measurement and the blood biochemical factors

Statistical analysis: Results were repoted by descriptive scales and software SPSS[version 12] and Chi-Square and t-student

Result: Clinical evaluation revealed that 36/4% of diarrheic samples were sever fluid. 42/9% of diarrheic Samples were yellow in color. 87/9% of calves were thin and vivacious. 65.7% diarrheic calves had poor feeding behaviour and 72.8% of diarrheic calves had second degree dehydration. We separated just E.coli from 28/6% and both E.coli and cryptosporidium from 35% of diarrheic fecal samples. k99 Ecoli Consisted 2/1% of separated E.coli bacteria. Biochemical factors such as Ca,Mg, CI, k and Na also measured by routine methods and compared with control group [35 case] .There wasn't any significant difference in Ca, Mg, Cl, K and Na values between the control group and the group that E.coli was isolated from .But these values differed between the control group and the group which E.coli and cryptospordium were isolated from.Comparison between Ecoli and Ecoli and cryptosporidm groups revealed that there is not any difference between Na and k measures .but Ca, Mg and Cl values were different between these two groups

Clinical implications: The diferences between treatment and control groups could be due to severe diarrhea in which E.coli and cryptosporidium have been isolated