Effectiveness of training parturition and dystocia management on days open of dairy cows in traditional farming systems: a field trial.

The interval between parturition and subsequent pregnancy is called the days open or calving to conception interval and is affected by several factors, especially dystocia. Dystocia is an ab-normal or difficult calving that may require assistance during labor. This study is a field trial in health education and the research team developed a comprehensive training program for farmers to educate them about the normal process of parturition in dairy cows and when and how to assist in parturition or dystocia. A series of classes was held for farmers and the study covered 486 multi-parous dairy cows, with 173 belonging to the group of trained farms (educated farmers) and 313 to the control group (non-educated farmers). Although dystocia was lower in the educated group, there were no significant differences in retained placenta between two groups. However, cows in the educated group had a better conception rate (lower service per conception) in sub-sequent parturitions. Hence, the median number of days open for cows from trained farmers was significantly lower than other farmers (85 days compared to 120 days, respectively). Based on Cox regression analysis, uterine prolapse, retained placenta, and dystocia could significantly impact subsequent pregnancies. Dystocia affects days open, and training on parturition and dystocia management can effectively reduce the numbers of days open in dairy cows.

New emerging targets in osteosarcoma therapy: PTEN and PI3K/Akt crosstalk in carcinogenesis.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone carcinoma that affects people in childhood and adulthood. The heterogeneous nature and chromosomal instability represent certain characteristics of OS cells. These cancer cells grow and migrate abnormally, making the prognosis undesirable for patients. Conventional and current treatments fail to completely eradicate tumor cells, so new therapeutics targeting genes may be considered. PI3K/Akt is a regulator of events such as growth, cell death, migration, and differentiation, and its expression changes during cancer progression. PTEN reduces PI3K/Akt expression, and its mutations and depletions have been reported in various tumors. Experimental evidence shows that there is upregulation of PI3K/Akt and downregulation of PTEN in OS. Increasing PTEN expression may suppress PI3K/Akt to minimize tumorigenesis. In addition, PI3K/Akt shows a positive association with growth, metastasis, EMT and metabolism of OS cells and inhibits apoptosis. Importantly, overexpression of PI3K/Akt causes drug resistance and radio-resistance and its level can be modulated by miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs. Silencing PI3K/Akt by compounds and drugs can suppress OS. Here, we review in detail the function of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt in OS, revealing its biological function, function in tumor progression, resistance to therapy, and pharmacological significance.

Ultrasonography and CT examination of ovarian follicular development in 'Testudo graeca' during 1 year in captivity.

BACKGROUND: The Greek or Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo graeca), commonly known as the spur-thighed tortoise, is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae that is found in North Africa, Western Asia and Europe. Several species of this genus are under threat in the wild, mainly from habitat destruction therefore, accurate information about the sexual cycle and the exact time of follicular development can be effective in successful reproduction planning and preventing species extinction. OBJECTIVE: The experimental part of this study is focused on the evaluation of the reproductive apparatus of tortoises and development of follicles in ovaries during 1 year by ultrasonography and computed tomography. METHODS: Ultrasonography and CT scanning was carried out on 10 female 'T. Graeca' tortoises which were maintained at Tehran Eram Zoo from November 2021 to November 2022 (1 year). Ultrasonography and CT exams were performed on all animals. RESULTS: In the first study, on 28 November 2021, the ovarian cycle was characterized by the presence of previtellogenic follicles and atretic follicles. The numbers of follicles were best demonstrated on CT examination. Ultrasonography and CT scan in the second study showed no change in type of follicles from previous study. In the third study, atretic follicles were more than previtellogenic follicles, whereas in the fourth one, the numbers of previtellogenic follicles were more than atretic follicles. In following, at 6 and 29 June 2022, the absence of atretic follicles and just presence of previtellogenic follicles were observed. On 20 July 2022, the presence of a few number of atretic follicles and more previtellogenic follicles were noticed. On 30 July 2022, the absence of atretic follicles and presence of previtellogenic follicles and, for the first time, preovulatory follicles were obvious. In four following studies the absence of atretic follicles and the presence of previtellogenic follicles were diagnosed. In the last study, the absence of atretic follicles and the presence of preovulatory and previtellogenic follicles were observed. CONCLUSION: In current study, the reproductive cycle of female T. Graeca is evaluated during 1 year in captivity with ultrasonography and CT scan. It can be concluded that in captivity, the reproductive cycle does not result in the formation of eggs or calcareous shells and atretic follicles in the study year continued as before; so this should be highly considered in captivity breeding programmes. This study also revealed that among imaging modalities, CT scan is the best modality for detecting the shape, size, type and numbers of the follicles for further evaluation of location and shape of the follicles.

Computed Tomographic Features of Thymus in Dogs: Correlation with Age, Gender, Breed and Body Fat Content.

BACKGROUND: The thymus is the first lymphoid organ formed to regulate a newborn's immunity. It reaches its maximum size during puberty, after which it undergoes an atrophic procedure called involution, but its ability to grow again in response to some stresses, such as infections, neoplasia, surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is maintained. There is no comprehensive study on computed tomographic features of thymus in dogs. So, the goal of the present study is to gain better insight into the thymus using computed tomography as a non-invasive method. METHODS: One hundred and fifty dogs classified in five age groups and five breed groups were recruited to this study and the thymus was evaluated using a 2-slice computed tomography machine. The inclusion criteria for the present study were having a normal complete blood count, plain and post-contrast CT scan examination of the thoracic region and no history of neoplasia, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The visibility, density, enhancement, grade, size, volume, shape, borders and lateralization of the thymus were evaluated and statistical analysis was performed. The effect of obesity on thymic grade and volume was also investigated. RESULTS: The visibility, density, dorsal length, volume and grade decreased with increasing age. The thymic shape and lateralization were mostly wedge shaped and left sided, respectively. The borders became concave with aging and increasing body fat content caused an increase in the fatty degeneration of the thymus. CONCLUSIONS: Declining thymic density, grade, size and volume with aging are related to thymic involution and fatty degeneration was accelerated by increasing body fat content. Females and males were different only in thymic shape and small and large breeds were different only in thymic volume. The thymus was visible in some geriatric dogs with no underlying disease. We expect that the present work can be used by radiologists in reading thoracic computed tomography but investigation of thymic characteristics in dogs with neoplasia and history of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and thoracic surgeries can complete this study.

Quantitative analysis of the three gut microbiota in UC and non-UC patients using real-time PCR.

BACKGROUND: and study aims: Gastrointestinal microbiota are closely related to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed at quantification of F. prausnitzii, Provetella, and Peptostreptococcus in UC and non-UC patients using Real-Time PCR and a new set of primers were also validated for this purpose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the relative abundance of microbial populations between the UC and non-UC subjects were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). DNA extraction from biopsies and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of bacterial 16S rRNA gene-targeted species-specific primers was performed to detect the anaerobic bacterial species. The qRT-PCR was used to show the relative change in the bacterial populations of F. prausnitzii, Provetella, and Peptostreptococcus in the UC and non-UC subjects. RESULTS: Our data for detection of the anaerobic intestinal flora showed Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Provetella and Peptostreptococcus were the predominant microflora in the controls and showed significant differences (p = 0.002, 0.025 and 0.039, respectively). The qRT-PCR analyses of F. prausnitzii, Provetella and Peptostreptococcus were 8.69-, 9.38- and 5.77-higher, respectively, in the control group than in the UC group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed decreased abundance of F. prausnitzii, Provetella and Peptostreptococcus in the intestine of UC patients in comparison to non-UC patients. Quantitative RT-PCR, as a progressive and sensitive method, could be useful for evaluation of bacterial populations in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases to attain appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Radiologic features of radiolucent foreign bodies ingestion in common mynah (Acridotheres tristis).

BACKGROUND: In mynahs with foreign body ingestion, delayed diagnosis increases the risk of poor outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate various radiologic features on plain and contrast radiographs in mynahs for assessing the presence of ingested foreign bodies. METHODS: In our cross-sectional study, a total of 41 mynahs were included. The diagnosis was made by history, surgery, excision by forceps or excretion in the faeces. Overall, 21 mynahs were considered not to have a foreign body in their gastrointestinal tract. Plain and post-contrast [oral administration of barium sulphate colloidal suspension of 25% weight/volume (20 mg/kg)] lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs from the cervical and coelomic cavity were taken. Different parameters including oesophageal, proventricular, and small intestinal diameters and opacities were assessed. Image evaluation was performed by two national board-certified radiologists blinded to the final diagnoses. RESULTS: The inter- and intra-observer reliabilities of the diagnostic features were significant (p < 0.001). The diagnosis of the foreign body was highly accurate [90.2% (95% CI: 76.9%, 92.3%)] with the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the representative characteristic curve of 90.0%, 90.5%, and 0.93%, respectively for plain radiographs. The size and opacity of the oesophagus, proventriculus, and intestinal loops as well as serosal details were significantly different between mynahs with and without foreign body intake (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral and ventrodorsal plain radiographs are highly reliable for diagnosing the presence of non-opaque obstructing objects in the gastrointestinal tract of mynahs. Attention should be paid to the size and opacity of the oesophagus, extension, and opacity of the proventriculus, segmental opacity of intestinal loops, and decrease in serosal details.

Estimating the disability adjusted life years associated with COVID-19 in Iran for the first 2 years of the pandemic.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), on 11 March 2020. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) combine the impact of morbidity and mortality, allowing for comprehensive comparisons of the population. The purpose of this study was to estimate DALYs due to COVID-19 in Iran for the first 2 years of the pandemic. Methods: DALYs were estimated as the sum of Years of Life Lost (YLLs) and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) associated with COVID-19 in Iran from 19 February 2020 to 20 March 2022. The life expectancy for COVID-19 YLL estimations was based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study. Results: There were 15,639,243 outpatients and 1,170,602 hospitalized confirmed cases, of which 120,965 deaths were as a direct result of COVID-19. DALYs were estimated to be 2,376,552. Overall, YLL contributed to 99.34% of the DALYs, while the remaining 0.66% was attributed to YLD. Conclusion: COVID-19 had a significant impact on population health in Iran during the first 2 years of the pandemic; this study provides a comprehensive depiction of COVID-19's burden and is helpful for comparing its impact with other diseases in the population and across populations.

Development and evaluation of methods for vertebral heart score determination in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).

Cardiac problems are highly fetal diseases among exotic animals, not only in the rabbit which is prone to such diseases but also in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). In rodents, imaging studies such as thoracic radiography are more practical and easier to perform than echocardiography. Cardiac size is primarily evaluated using vertebral heart size (VHS) as reported in ferrets and rabbits. We therefore attempted to determine standard cardiac dimensions in the guinea pig by thoracic radiography using VHS. The purpose of this research was getting an indicator of the normal range of male and female, mature and apparently healthy guinea pigs heart. Standard radiographs of the thorax in lateral and ventro-dorsal (VD) views were taken and interpreted. In our study to determine VHS in VD view conventional method was used. In addition to conventional VHS method, two other measurement methods were performed in lateral view. Statistical analyses were performed with a SPSS Software and Mann-Whitney U test to compare results. Mean and standard deviation were also calculated. According to the results, the total average of VHS in lateral view by the first method was 7.80 ± 0.12, by the second method was 7.80 ± 0.16, by the third method was 7.60 ± 0.15 and the total of average of VHS in VD view was 9.20 ± 0.23. According to present research findings, gender had no meaningful effect on the measuring of the heart size. More researches on the same age and the same species guinea pigs are needed for more accurate evaluation.

Molecular detection and genotype identification of E. cuniculi from pet rabbits.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian which is frequently reported from rabbits. This microorganism can either ravage rabbit farms or transmit to humans from pet rabbits. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the genotype distribution of E. cuniculi among pet rabbits. In this study urine samples were collected from 50 pet rabbits, aged 2 months to 3 years, admitted to teaching veterinary hospital. Four races Lop, Dutch, Mix, and Angora were screened for E. cuniculi. The clinical symptoms were recorded and total DNA was extracted from urine samples. E. cuniculi was identified using amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene and its genotypes were characterized using PCR/sequencing of the polar tube protein (PTP) gene. Phylogenetic tree was drawn to confirm the characterized genotypes. Out of 50 samples, 41 (82 %) of rabbits were asymptomatic, while nine (18 %) had at least one of symptoms including head-tilt, circling, and ataxia. A statistical correlation was seen between mean age + SD and symptoms (P-value = 0.039). The presence of E. cuniculi was confirmed in 16/50 (32 %) rabbits and all of them were identified as the genotype I. Our findings represented no consistency between E. cuniculi PCR - positive and the presence of symptoms (P-value = 0.318). Our results showed positive correlation between symptoms and age; however, the lack of correlation between PCR results with age may signify the latent infection in younger rabbits. All identified E. cuniculi were the genotype I, which is reported from rabbits and humans, highlighting the zoonotic concern for this genotype, particularly among subjects who keep pet rabbits.

Measuring morphological parameters of the pelvic diaphragm muscles using computed tomography in healthy dogs.

Evaluation of pelvic diaphragm muscles in dogs merits clinical attention because of the anatomical importance and their involvement in perineal hernia. This study aimed to evaluate the normal pelvic diaphragm muscles (levator ani and coccygeus muscles) using the computed tomography (CT) scan. For this purpose, 10 male and 10 female clinically normal, adult intact mixed-breed dogs weighing 15.00 to 20.00 kg were selected randomly. All animals underwent CT examination under general anesthesia and positioned in sternal recumbency. All the CT images were taken and reconstructed with a same protocol. The measurements of the pelvic diaphragm muscles were performed based on the presented guideline to the observer. The results were presented descriptively. The mean lengths of the coccygeus muscle in CT images were evaluated 4.60 cm for males and 4.30 cm for females. The mean lengths of levator ani muscle in CT images were measured 4.90 cm in males and 4.50 cm in females. In conclusion, the results of the present study can be beneficial to clinicians and researchers for further evaluation of the supporting muscles in pelvic cavity and underlying anatomical changes in perineal hernia in dogs.

The overall and variations of Aflatoxin M1 contamination of milk in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Major databases were searched until January 2019 and 77 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis to estimate the overall mean of AFM1 in milk in Iran. The mean of AFM1 levels was obtained 55.97 ng/kg (95% CI: 50.09-61.84). However, the pooled estimated mean of AFM1 levels in milk were 94.58 (95% CI: 70.24-118.92), 59.19 (95% CI: 51.84-66.54) and 35.23 ng/kg (95% CI: 31.53-38.92), considering 4, 55 and 18 TLC, ELISA and HPLC-based studies (including 354, 9224 and 2606 samples), respectively. Also, there is a wide variation of AFM1 levels among different geographical regions which were the highest in northern (88.77 ng/kg). The AFM1 contamination of milk taken from the areas with humid climate was higher than the arid climate. AFM1 Levels were the highest in winter (48.70 ng/Kg). The level of AFM1 in pasteurized, raw, and UHT milk were 49.76, 55.08 and 94.81 ng/kg, respectively.

Aflatoxin M1 in raw, pasteurized and UHT milk marketed in Iran.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a 2B Group human carcinogens agent and introduces into the human diet by milk consumption. In the present study 257 raw, 143 pasteurized and 61 UHT milk samples were collected from markets in 117 cities throughout Iran, during winter 2017 and AFM1 contents were determined using a HPLC-FLD method after immunoaffinity clean-up. Mean recovery rates and relative standard deviations of the method were 90.6 ± 5.7%. AFM1 was detected in 252 of 461 (54.7%) samples (mean 31.3 ± 8.8 ng/L), ranging from <10 to 150 ng/L. Three samples (0.6%) exceeded the Iranian maximum limit of 100 ng/L. The mean AFM1 content was significantly higher in raw milk samples obtained from humid climate areas. The extrapolated concentration of AFB1 in dairy cattle feed based on the AFM1 value of milk was 1.96 µg/kg. The AFM1 contamination of milk seems not to be a serious public health concern in Iran.

Prevalence of avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis viruses in broiler flocks infected with multifactorial respiratory diseases in Iran, 2015-2016.

In this study, the prevalence and spatial distribution of Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and avian influenza have been evaluated in commercial broiler farms in 31 provinces in Iran. In this survey, a total of 233 affected broiler chicken farms were sampled. The infectious bronchitis virus (alone) was detected with highest frequency in 60 farms, and separately or combined with other agents, in 110 farms; Newcastle disease virus, separately, was detected in 28 farms, and in 63 farms separately or combined with other infectious agents; and avian influenza H9N2 was detected in 22 farms separately and in 51 farms separately or concomitant with other infectious agents. The sample tested negative for all H5 serotypes. The results of the present study show that the most prevalent avian viral infectious disease contributing to respiratory syndromes in broiler farms in Iran was infectious bronchitis due to infectious bronchitis virus serotypes variant 2 and 793/B. On the other hand, combined with the alternation of dominant viruses and circulating strains, flocks are exposed to unremitting anamorphic viral infections. Thus, the permanent monitoring of cases that have occurred and the review of vaccination plans of affected flocks every year are some of the necessary measures needed for strategic control of respiratory syndrome in broilers. It is noteworthy that execution of epidemiologic examinations on the cogent factors of prevalence of this syndrome and defeat of vaccination strategy in the flocks is urgent and has to be fulfilled on the definite causes of time.

Exposure to Aflatoxin M1 through Milk Consumption in Tehran Population, Iran.

Milk would be contaminated with Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), if it was obtained from lactating animal which fed with feedstuffs containing Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). AFM1 is classified as group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans and its exposure to AFM1 through milk consumption is a public concern. The purpose of this study was to determine the AFM1 exposure through liquid milk consumption for adult consumers in Tehran. Forty-five samples including raw, pasteurized, and UHT milk samples were collected from markets in different cities of Tehran province in January and February 2017. The AFM1 was determined by HPLC method after immunoaffinity column clean up. Also, the milk intake was calculated using household budget survey. Finally, the daily intake of AFM1 through milk consumption was estimated using a deterministic approach. From total 45 samples, AFM1 was detected in 36 (80%) samples, although none of the analyzed samples were exceeded Iran legal limit of 0.1 µg/kg. On the basis of the average milk intake, the mean daily exposure to AFM1 was estimated between 0.03 ng/ Kg BW per day (lower bound estimate) and 0.06 ng/ Kg BW per day (upper bound estimate) and the 95th percentile daily exposure was calculated at 0.14 ng/ Kg BW per day. According to these values, it should be expected that the adults of Tehran population are not exposed to a significant risk of Hepatocarcinoma associated with AFM1 intake through milk consumption.

Prevalence of avian influenza (H9N2) in commercial quail, partridge, and turkey farms in Iran, 2014-2015.

Avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2 subtype is endemic in Iran and causes substantial economic loss to the growing poultry industry within the country. In this study, a cross-sectional analysis was carried out to determine the sero-prevalence of H9N2 in several commercial farms between the years 2014 and 2015. The comparison of the mean of serum titers and the ratio of sero-positive birds between all units were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. In 2014, a total of 77 farms (58 turkey farms, 14 quail farms, and 5 partridge farms) and 894 birds (682 turkeys, 154 quails, and 58 partridges) were sampled while in 2015, a total of 69 farms (54 turkey farms, 8 quail farms, and 7 partridge farms) and 856 birds (675 turkeys, 105 quails, and 76 partridges) were sampled. Of that, 52 of 77 sampled farms (67.5%) and 437 of 894 samples (48.9%) were positive for H9N2 in 2014 while. Forty-one of 69 farms (59.4%) and 307 of 856 sera (35.9%) were positive in 2015. Furthermore, the mean titer of partridge farms was significantly lower than that of turkey farms (p < 0.01) and the mean percentage of sero-positive turkey farms was significantly higher than partridge farms (p < 0.01) in 2014. In 2015, no significant difference was observed between the mean sera titer amongst farms and percentage of sero-positive birds (p > 0.05). Our results indicated that H9N2 is circulating in these farms. Since many more such farms are being established for operations, in addition to the threat of emergence and continuous reemergence of the disease in these farms, enhanced veterinary biosecurity measures on farms are required for mitigation.

Longitudinal Analyses of Gut-Associated Bacterial Microbiota in Ulcerative Colitis Patients.

BACKGROUND: The normal colonic microbiota is associated with the etiology of ulcerative colitis (UC). Several bacterial species are associated with the initiation and amplification of disease process. However, the etiology and mechanism of UC are poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate, characterize, and compare the main composition of the mucosa-associated intestinal microflora in colonoscopic biopsy specimens of UC and non-UC patients. METHODS: Aerobic and facultative-anaerobic mucosa-associated bacteria were isolated and diagnosed from colonoscopic biopsy specimens of 40 UC patients and 40 patients without UC. Patients were selected as control from the same centers and colonoscopy was carried out for other reasons (mainly colorectal screening). Isolation and characterization for aerobic and facultative-anaerobic intestinal bacteria were carried out by conventional culture techniques. DNA extraction from biopsies and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of bacterial 16S rRNA with gene-targeted and species-specific primers was performed for detection of anaerobic bacterial species. RESULTS: Several species of mucosa-associated aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria were found in biopsy specimens and there were no significant differences between UC patients and non-UC patients. Our investigation for detection of the anaerobic intestinal flora showed Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Prevotella, and Peptostreptococcus productus were the predominant microflora in controls and have significant differences (P = 0.002, 0.025 and 0.039, respectively). CONCLUSION: This is the first investigation of the intestinal mucosa-associated microflora in patients with UC in Iran. These results, although limited by sample size, allow a better understanding of changes in mucosa-associated bacterial flora in these patients, showing that decrease of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Provetella, and Peptostreptococcus productus in the intestinal tract may translate into a reduction in the important role of this beneficial bacterial species, which can lead to reduced protection of the gut mucosa and UC development.

Molecular detection of Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma ovis in sheep and goat in west highland pasture of Iran

Objective:To determine the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale (A.marginale) and Anaplasma ovis from sheep and goat in different highland pasture in west of lran.Methods:From July 2015 to October 2015,370 blood samples of sheep and goat were collected fiom different regions in Hamedan province,Iran.The DNA extracted fiom blood and subsequently,16S rRNA and MSP4 genes were analyzed by nested-PCR,semi nested-PCR and RFLP methods.Results:In the PCR assessment,overall 27.5％ (102/370) of sheep and goat were positive for Anaplasma ovis and A.margiule infection,which was lower than reports from tropical and subtropical regions of lran.Statistical analysis (the Chi-square test) did not show any significant relation between infection and variables such as location,tick infestation age and sex (P ＞ 0.05).No significant correlation between the altitude and the Anaplasma species infection was found (Mann-Whitney test:P ＞ 0.05).However,Anaplasma infection in goat significantly is more than the sheep (P =0.008).Conclusions:The ecological changes affect the frequency and distribution of Anaplasma species.Furthermore,our results indicate that sheep as potential reservoirs ofA.marginale.