mahdi pourmahdi

In today's world, the tourism industry is one of the most important sectors that can have an impact on the economy of any country in terms of job creation and income generation. The tourism industry was used as a tool to identify the cultural identity of the countries and it is also considered as one of the important economic sectors. So that many development planners and policy makers have introduced activities related to the tourism industry as a reliable method with a clear perspective for the sustainable development of growing urban and rural communities. The tourism industry has become increasingly important as the largest service industry in the world. In such a way that the tourism industry competes with industries such as oil and automobile manufacturing and is one of the most important factors in the development of countries, so that it creates job opportunities, social and cultural interactions and even environmental protection programs. The main goal of this research is to identify the effective factors on the development of Mazandaran tourist areas with a participatory approach using a descriptive-analytical method. In order to achieve this goal, the study area was investigated with SWOT analysis and the tourism strengths of this province were identified, and each influential factor was given a score and rank according to the opinion of experts. The results of the research show that in the matrix of internal and external evaluation (IE) conservative strategies are proposed as feasible strategies. And the development of urban tourism follows a series of the most important and main motivations that knowing the goals of urban tourism development can be of great help in getting to know the concept of tourism development and earning money.

Due to the high amount of pH, moisture and protein content, chicken meat is a sensitive product which could be a good host for pathogen and spoilage microorganisms. In the recent years there has been a remarkable attention to use natural preservative instead of chemical preservative among producers of food products. Different studies has shown rosemary essential oil contain antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The present study was conducted to evaluate effect of rosemary essential oil (free and nanoemulsion) on chemical, microbial and sensorial quality of chicken fillet during refrigerated storage. Samples were examined in days of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12. The results showed noticeable effects of both forms of rosemary essential oils in microbial, chemical and sensorial quality improvement. Moreover the results indicated that nanoemultion form of rosemary had significant effects on delaying the increase trend of psychrophilic, ,enterobacteriacea and mesophilic bacterial counts as compared to free form of rosemary (P<0.05). Furthermore The results of TVN, TBA and pH measurements indicated that nanoemulsion form of rosemary improved chemical quality of the samples in comparison with free form of rosemary during storage time (P<0.001).  Also in terms of sensorial characteristics, application of nanoemulsion essential oil lead to improvement of odor and overall acceptance factors compared to control group after twelve days of storage.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of physiological arrhythmias in the apparently healthy preweaning Holstein calves. For this purpose, 35 calves were examined. In each case, a history of a calf and its mother was obtained, and clinical examinations and electrocardiography (base-apex lead) were done at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours and 7, 14 and 21 days after birth, and weaning. The results showed that out of a total of 350 electrocardiograms, 79 or 22.58% had no arrhythmias, and in relation to the rest of them (271 or 77.24%), at least one type of arrhythmia (electrical alternans, wandering pacemaker, sinus arrhythmia, sinoatrial block and second-degree atrioventricular block) was recorded. The frequencies of these arrhythmias were 187, 111, 37, 8 and 3, respectively, which occurred independently or simultaneously. The most prevalent times of the occurrence of four first pre mentioned arrhythmia were 2 hours, 12 hours and 48 hours after birth and weaning, respectively. The second-degree atrioventricular block was visible in the second and third weeks after the calf's birth and at the time of the weaning. Statistical analysis indicated that the effect of age on the presence of these arrhythmias for electrical alternans and wandering pacemaker was significant. The effect of sex on the frequency of arrhythmias was not detected. It seems that the special conditions in the neonatal calves, due to reasons such as adaptation to the external uterine environment, are responsible for the presence of a significant number of physiological arrhythmias in this age group.

Phenobarbital is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders in dogs and cats. Hepatotoxicity following phenobarbital administration is dose-dependent.

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective action of silymarin on phenobarbital-in- duced hepatotoxicity in cats.

For this purpose, twenty-four healthy adult cats were randomly allotted to four equal groups. Cats in group A were given phenobarbital with dosage 16 mg/kg orally for 28 days; group B received silymarin (30 mg/kg/day for twenty-eight days) orally concurrent with phenobarbital; groups C and D were treated like group B, but silymarin was administered 3 and 48 h after administration of phenobarbital, respectively, and continued up to twenty-eight days. The serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino- transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total and direct bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured before administration of phenobarbital and after 24 h, 72 h and 28 days.

Phenobarbital elevated significantly serum concentrations of liver enzymes (in all cases), and total and direct bilirubin in two cats of group A, after 24 h (P <0.001). In groups, B and C, levels of serum enzyme activities and total and direct bilirubin remained within the normal range up to 28 days (P>0.05), while in group D, levels of serum enzyme activities (in 4 cases) were higher than the normal values (P<0.001).

The results showed that silymarin can protect liver tissue against oxidative stress in cats with phenobarbital intoxication especially in the first 3 h post-exposure.

The aim of this study was to assess ultrasonography-derived caudal vena cava to aorta ratio (CVC/Ao) as a novel endpoint in the resuscitation of experimental hemorrhagic shock in dogs.

Experimental study. Animals- Ten adult mongrel healthy dogs. Procedures- After induction of anesthesia (control assessments), hemorrhagic shock was induced by blood withdrawal to a mean arterial pressure of 40 to 50 mmHg within 30 minutes and then maintained in a hypovolemic situation for an additional 30 minutes (second and third stages of assessments). Afterward, the dogs were randomly assigned to two groups which received 20 ml/kg lactated Ringer's solution or 5 ml/kg Hydroxyethyl starch, in four consecutive 15 minutes intervals (fourth stage of assessments). One hour after the last resuscitation step, final ultrasonographic assessments were performed. Results- Hemorrhagic shock caused a significant decrease in the CVC and Ao diameters as well as the CVC/Ao (2.14 ± 0.28 cm, 0.85 ± 0.07 cm and 0.4 ± 0.06, respectively) (p<0.05). Following the fluid resuscitation, CVC/Ao increased and returned to pre-shock values in both groups.

Findings indicated that serial ultrasonographic assessment of the CVC/Ao can be a useful endpoint in the resuscitation of dogs with hemorrhagic shock.

Blood parasites including Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma are causative agents for theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis, respectively, which are responsible for tremendous economic loss to sheep farming industry worldwide. These parasites are mainly transmitted by hard ticks and carrier sheep are responsible for resistance of parasites in affected regions. Dezful city, south-west of Iran, has warm and humid climate and parasitic diseases including Haemoparasites seems to be prevalent among herds in this area. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prevalence of blood parasites in sheep of Dezful area using direct microscopy and PCR methods. For this reason, in August 2016, in a cluster sampling, a total of 200 blood samples from sheep of 4 regions of Dezful were collected randomly. Blood films were prepared and evaluated by microscopy. PCR was performed on 112 randomly selected samples. Prevalence of Babesia, Theileria and Anaplasma was 1.5%, 26% and 33% using microscopy, respectively while 72.72% and 0% of sheep were PCR positive for Theileria spp. and Babesia spp., respectively. No other blood parasite was observed in microscopy. The results of this study indicate high prevalence of Theileria and Anaplasma and low prevalence of Babesia among sheep of Dezful area. Regarding the results of this study, measures such as promoting knowledge of breeders regarding parasitic diseases of livestock, and in particular blood parasites and raising awareness of economic loss from these diseases through decrement in livestock production and increment in the costs of treatment, insecticide spraying of livestock places and bathing of animals against ecto-parasites are necessary for reduction of this parasitic infection.

This serological survey was carried out to determine the prevalence rate of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in sheep in Khouzestan province, Southwest of Iran. For this purpose, blood samples were taken from 318 sheep of 5 districts, Baghmalek, Shoshtar, Hendijan, Ahvaz, and Behbehan that dived into sex and four age groups (1, 2, 3, and ≥4 years old). Sera were tested by virus neutralization test (VN) using NADL, strain of bovine viral diarrhea virus genotype 1 for detection of antibodies of BVDV. The results indicated 134((41.2%) sheep had antibodies to BVDV. The prevalence of infection in females and males were 40.8% and 55.2%, respectively. The prevalence of infection in 4 age groups were 36.5%, 31.4%, 44%, and 47.1% respectively. Behbehan (70.2%) and Baghmalek (26%) respectively, had higher and lower rate of infection. Statistical analysis showed no-relationship between age and sex groups with infection while this difference between districts were significant. It is concluded that BVDV infection in Khouzestan province are endemic and infection of sheep and transmit to cattle should be considered in control and eradication of BVDV in cattle.

GReliable prediction of patient response to fluid resuscitation is a crucial issue in the management of hemorrhagic shock.

This study was designed to investigate vertebral heart score (VHS) variation in fluid resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock patients and the feasibility of this method in determining resuscitation endpoint. 

VHS values were assessed using previously published standard method in left to right lateral view. After induction of anesthesia (control assessments), hemorrhagic shock was induced by blood withdrawal to a mean arterial pressure of 40 to 50 mmHg within 30 minutes and then maintained in hypovolemic situation for an additional 30 minutes (second and third stages of assessments). Afterward, the dogs were randomly assigned to two groups which received 20 ml/kg lactated Ringer’s solution or 5 ml/kg Hydroxyethyl starch, in four consecutive 15 minute intervals (fourth stage of assessments). One hour after the last resuscitation step, final radiographic assessments were performed. 

Hemorrhagic shock caused significant decrease in VHS values to a mean of 7.7 vertebrae (P<0.05). Following the fluid resuscitation VHS increased and returned to pre-shock values in both groups.

This study confirms that the breed-specific VHS assessment can be a useful method in monitoring of patient’s response to fluid therapy and determination of resuscitation endpoint in dogs with hemorrhagic shock.

Measuring the total microbial count of cow minced meat with the conventional method and comparing the result with standard limits is one of the routine tests. Achieving the results of total microbial count in minimum time is really important for confidence from the hygienic quality of products. So impedance- splitting method as a new technique for this purpose was considered in order to receive the results in less time and as soon as possible. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the correlation between impedance detection times (IDT in hrs), total microbial population (log CFU/g), total volatile nitrogen (TVN) and pH of minced meat. Totally 80 minced meat samples were collected and examined for the total microbial count by reference and impedance - splitting methods, also total volatile nitrogen and pH were measured based on the recommendations of Iran's Standard Institute and Industrial Investigation. Then the calibration curves of methods and their equations were obtained by using Excel software. The calibration curves of methods were elaborated for total microbial count and impedance detection time, demonstrating a good correlation between the two methods in mince neat samples equal to %93/39. Also according to the calibration curves, the correlation between impedance detection time and total volatile nitrogen in all of the samples were equal to %69.8. Also, the correlation between total microbial count and pH was equal to %71/4. According to above-mentioned correlation values, the impedance technique could be only recommended as an alternative method in evaluating the microbial load of the minced meat.

Colonoscopy is the preferred procedure for diagnosis of large-bowel diseases in dogs. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most commonly used laxative for colonic cleansing. Senna has been used in traditional medicine as a laxative and an aid to treat constipation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of senna as an alternative or adjunct to polyethylene glycol solution in dogs using hematology and biochemistry. For this purpose, 20 mongrel dogs were randomly allocated to receive 1 of 4 different bowel preparation regimens including PEG, senna or their combinations plus enema. Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, total calcium, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium, PCV, total protein, ALT, AST, BUN and creatinine were measured at 0, 1, 2, 5, 6 and 24 hours after the first ingestion of laxative solutions. Statistical analysis showed that PEG or senna solutions had no significant effect on serum concentration of the evaluated parameters (P>0.05). Despite the significant changes in serum concentration of all measured parameters based on time of sampling in all groups, they were in their normal ranges (P>0.05). This is the first evaluation of the safety of bowel preparation with senna in dogs. This study showed that the use of PEG and senna for colon cleansing in dogs did not have any deleterious effects on their serum biochemical and electrolytes concentration.

Due to the importance of immune system and important roles of lymph nodes against pathogens and with regard to there were not any study about anatomy of lymph nodes in sheep fetuses, this research was conducted to study macroscopic developmental growth of lymph nodes in fetal period. Also, anatomical specifications and estimating time of formation of some important lymph nodes evaluated. For this purpose, sixty sheep fetuses collected from slaughterhouse of Ahvaz, after fixation in 10% formalin solution and sex determination, were divided into to four groups according to CRL. Mandibular, superficial cervical (prescapular), caudal mediastinal, jejunal mesenteric and popliteal lymph nodes from five lymphocenters included head, neck, thorax, abdominal viscera and pelvic limb was evaluated, respectively. In each sample, appearance formation of nodes was studied and in the case of formation, gross shape, location, and their number were checked. Minimum and maximum of fetuses CRL were detected 3.5 and 48.5 cm(43 to 138 days old). In 32 male and 28 female studied fetuses, Sexuality had no effect on checked parameters. Unusual observations were not recorded in location of the nodes. Study of the lymph nodes in sheep fetuses showed that before 59 days old, all lymph nodes were not been visible macroscopically and before 45 days old, none of lymph nodes were macroscopic developed.

In recent years, disorder in lipid metabolism has been increased markedly in companion animal’s population. Hyperlipidemia is a common sign of obesity in dogs, which is characterized by hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglycemia. The purpose of the present survey is to determine the effect of obesity on blood lipid profile changes (including triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C) and comparing the decisive indicators of obesity in dogs in Ahvaz district. Three groups of thirty dogs referred to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz were studied between 2012-2014. The dogs in group A (control), had good body condition score (BCS= 4 to 5). The dogs were all thin (BCS= 1 to 3) in group B, and all obese in group C (BCS= 6 to 9). All of the studied dogs were selected from small breeds (Terrier, Spitz, Pekingese and Shih Tzu), of both sexes and ranging from 1 to 7 years old. Fasting blood samples were collected from all dogs and lipid profiles including serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were measured using commercial kits. Hyperlipidemia was confirmed in dogs of group A (normal) in 4 cases (13.33%), group B (thin) one case (3.33%), and group C (obese) in 19 cases (63.33%). Data analysis showed that there was a significant difference between group C (224.83±74.34) with groups A (149±39.66) and B (131.80±24.37) for triglyceride level (p<0.001), as well a significant difference was seen between group C (229.40±60.36) with groups A (178.80±50.17) and B (151.47±23.45) and between group A with B for cholesterol level (p<0.05). The difference was significant for LDL-C between group C (67.10±22.83) with groups A (47.97±13.01) and B (43.07±13.08) (p<0.001), but there was no difference between various groups for HDL-C (p>0.05). The effects of age, gender and breed on the measured values did not show a significant difference between three groups (p>0.05). The present survey showed that there was a correlation between obesity and hyperlipidemia in dogs. Determination of body condition score (BCS) can be as a predictive agent in characterization of lipid profile status. Modification of diet and weight loss is necessary in obese dogs.

Le virus de la diarrhée virale bovine (BVDV) est un agent pathogène chez la vache et a un impact économique important dans le monde. Cette maladie engendre des coûts énormes dans lindustrie du bétail. La méthode de transcriptase inverse en une étape suivie d’une amplification isothermique par loupe (RT-LAMP) a été conçue pour une identification rapide et efficace du virus BVD. Quatre amorces ont été conçues selon la zone non protégée et non traduite de l’extrémité (5'UTR)5' du génome du virus BVD afin de détecter six emplacements différents de l’ARN ciblée. Quatre-vingt échantillons de sang provenant danimaux soupçonnés d'être porteur du BVD ont été simultanément recueillis et testés en utilisant les deux méthodes de RT-PCR et RT-LAMP. Parmi ces derniers, 24 et 20 échantillons positifs ont été respectivement détectés par les méthodes RT-LAMP et RT-PRC. La limite de détection a été estimée à environ 70PFU/mL pour la méthode RT-LAMP. La comparaison des deux méthodes RT-PRC et RT-LAMP a montré que le RT-LAMP représente une méthode sensible et spécifique pour détecter le virus BVD dans des échantillons cliniques.

Chicken breast meat (fillet) is favored by consumers worldwide but it is prone to rapid spoilage, therefore, food industries are nowadays seeking technologies to increase its shelf-life. Spoilage of fresh poultry products is an economic burden to the producer. Furthermore, as consumer's demand for more “healthier” meals (free of conventional chemical preservatives) has increased in the last decade. Chitosan, a deacetylated form of chitin, is a polysaccharide found in the shells of crab and shrimps and the cell walls of fungi. Chitosan has been proved to be non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible. Essential oils derived from plants have been recognized for decades to exhibit biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial attributes. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chitosan edible coating (2%) containing rosemary essential oil (1%) on the shelf life and keeping quality of chicken breast meat at refrigerated storage temperature. Samples were separated into three groups; uncoated (control), treated with acetic acid 1% and coated with chitosan containing rosemary essential oil. Samples were stored at 4±1°C up to 15 days and evaluated periodically (on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15) for microbiological (mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacterial counts), chemical (pH, TBA, TVN) and sensory (external aspect, muscular elasticity, odor and color) characteristics. Microbial analysis indicated that coating had significant effects (P

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infectious disease of worldwide distribution. The infection is caused by various serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Although the squirrels and hamsters are considered to be the reservoir or maintenance host of Leptospira, but little is known about the status of leptospirosis in these animals. This survey was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of Leptospiral infection in squirrels and hamsters in Ahvaz district, SouthWest of Iran. Blood samples were taken from 35 squirrels and 35 hamsters. Sera were screened for antibodies against serovars of L. canicola, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. grippotyphosa, L. ballum, L. hardjo, L. pomona, L. australis and L. tarassovi using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). From a total of 35 squirrels, three cases (8.57%) were serologically positive for the serovars of L. grippotyphosa (2.86%), L. pomona (2.86%) and complex of L. hardjo L.
canicola L. grippotyphosa L. pomona (2.86%). Positive results were detectable at serum dilutions of 1:100 to 1:400. Seroprevalence did not show a significant difference for age and sex in the studied squirrel (p > 0.05). From a total of 35 hamsters, six cases (17.14%) were serologically positive. The predominant titers were directed against serovars of L. grippotyphosa (5.71%), L. grippotyphosa L. pomona (2.86%), L. pomona (2.86%), L. icterohaemorrhagiae (2.86%) and L. canicola (2.86%). The positive results had 1:100 serum dilutions. Prevalence was significantly higher in adult hamsters above one year compared to hamsters less than one year (p 0.05). This survey indicated that serovars of L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona were predominant. The results provide useful information on the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in squirrels and hamsters of Ahvaz district.

Canine compulsive disorder such as tail-chasing is a syndrome of abnormal behaviors that affects many breeds. This disorder may be associated with serum lipid elevations in dogs, so the objective of the present survey was to characterize serum lipid profile changes in dogs with tail chasing behavior disorder. Twenty seven companion dogs with tail chasing were selected among the referred cases to the Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The affected dogs were diagnosed on the basis of the dog’s behavioral history (age, frequency and duration of bouts since onset, intensity of the behavior, current or previous medical assessments) and clinical signs. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C levels were measured using commercial kits. Twenty seven control dogs were also enrolled on the basis of normal physical examination results, complete blood count and serum biochemistry profiles. Dogs with tail chasing disorder had significantly higher total cholesterol (p 0.05). When all parameters were compared, there was no significant difference between the affected dogs younger and older than one year (p > 0.05). In conclusion, tail chasing disorder may be associated with marked elevations of serum cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels in dogs. These indices may be used as biochemical parameters of tail chasing disorder in clinical settings.

From desirable characteristics of electrolyzed water could be noted to inexpensive, safe, and no adverse impact on the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of exposure time to neutral electrolyzed water on the reduction of contamination to Salmonella typhimurium and E.coli on skin and fresh poultry fillets. The neutralized electrolyzed water with 100 ppm free available chlorine was used for the exposure times of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes on the inoculated skin (6 log/cm2) and chicken fillets (6 log/g) with mentioned bacteria. The results showed that the reduction of studied bacteria in skin and poultry fillets exposed to neutral electrolyzed water were statistically significant in comparing to distilled water (P

Although there are many evidences regard to the relationship between serum thyroid hormones, cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoproteins in different animals, but there are limited references in dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between thyroid hormones and concentrations of serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles, and also to detect relationship between the measured parameters in different season, sex and age groups of dogs in Ahvaz district, Southwest of Iran, on 2011. Blood samples were taken from the cephalic vein of 60 clinically healthy and nonpregnant native dogs in two seasons (summer and winter) and in two age groups (<3 years and >3 years). Sampling was done only once from each animal (30 dogs in every season). The serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride (T.G), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL-cholesterol), low density lipoproteins (LDL-cholesterol), high density lipoproteins (HDL-cholesterol and their correlations with thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones were measured in the studied dogs. The mean serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDLcholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol (mmol/L), T4 and T3 (µmol/L) were measured in the present survey. The above parameters were also obtained in two summer and winter seasons. Season had a significant effect on T.G, HDL, LDL and VLDL levels in the studied dogs (p<0.05). The concentrations of serum T3 and T4 were lower in summer compared with winter season, without significant difference (p>0.05). No significant differences were detected for the measured cholesterol, T3 and T4 parameters in different age, sex and season groups (p>0.05). To the best of our knowledge, there was no previous research regarding the correlation of the thyroid hormones with the serum lipids and lipoproteins in dogs in Iran. Our results showed that thyroid hormones affect T.G, HDL, LDL and VLDL levels and observed seasonal change in serum may be partly due to changes in thyroid hormones.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of hypericin and fluoxetine in the treatment of companion dogs with tail chasing in Ahvaz district. In the present survey, eighteen dogs with tail chasing were assigned into three equal groups for a three-year period. The dogs were randomly classified based on different treatment groups. During 15 weeks, dogs of group A were given 0.05 mg kg-1 hypericin orally and dogs of group B received 1 mg kg-1 fluoxetine, orally. The group C was the control group. Changes in signs of tail chasing were weekly reported by the owners or a veterinarian. Treatment periods were assessed in five intervals: weeks 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and weeks 13-15, respectively. Hypericin (group A) was significantly more effective in the treatment of tail chasing compared with fluoxetine (group B), (p = 0.043). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in each group between weeks 1-3 (X2 = 8.8, p = 0.01), 4-6 (X2 = 9.1, p = 0.01), 7-9 (X2 = 7.4, p = 0.03), 10-12 (X2 = 10.4, p = 0.005) and 13-15 (X2 = 12.5, p = 0.002). Improvement of behavior in the dogs of group A was significant compared with group B, between weeks 10-12 (X2 = 5.4, p = 0.02) and 13-15 (X2 = 7.2, p = 0.007). In conclusion, our survey showed that hypericin was more effective than fluoxetine in controlling signs of tail chasing.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial disease which may cause chronic renal failure and hypertension. Many reports suggest that the rate of antibiotic resistance to infectious organisms is increasing.. This study aimed to detect and also compare the frequency and drug resistance pattern of Gram negative bacteria isolated from patients with community-acquired UTIs in Isfahan..Patients and In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 702 samples from 476 females and 226 males referred to medical centers in Isfahan city from June to September 2011 were collected, we investigated the urine cultures and antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated organisms were measured.. Urinary infectious was detected in 203 persons. The most prevalence isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli 138 (68%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (13%). Antibiotic resistance pattern of Gram negative bacteria isolated was investigated. Among E. coli isolates the most antibiotic sensitivity and resistance were related to Nitrofurantoin, Cotrimoxazol and Nalidixic acid, Trimetsulpha respectively. Klebsiella spp. isolates were the most antibiotic sensitive to Cotrimoxazol and Cipropheloxacin and the most antibiotic resistant to Trimetsulpha, Cipropheloxacin and Nalidixic respectively.. With regards to the continuous changing in causative microorganisms isolated from patients with UTI and antibiotic sensitivity patterns, it is recommended that bacterial sensitivity patterns in populations are determined in any region annually.. .

West Nile virus (WNV) is a vector-borne agent that is maintained within a bird-mosquito cycle. In humans and equids, infection by this agent is usually asymptomatic, or characterized by a mild febrile illness. However, fatal meningoencephalitis or encephalitis may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of WNVinfection and correlation of this organism with host and environmental determinants in horses in Khuzestan province. In 2011-2012, serum samples of 155 horses were randomly collected from 7 zones of Khuzestan province and were examined by ELISAassay. Seroprevalence of WNVinfection was 70.3% (95% CI: 63.1-77.5%). Statistical analysis showed that age, zone, presence of lake, type of bed, time of sampling, staying out of the stable after sunset and the method of insect control are significantly associated with infection (p<0.05) but sex, presence of river, wall condition, presence of rubbish dump and history of disease are not significantly associated with infection (p>0.05). The results of the present study confirm that the WNV infection exists in Khuzestan province. Considering the local weather conditions and the facility of vector-borne transmission, the health authorities should take measures to prevent and control the infection.

E-cadherin is a classic cadherin that plays a key role in epithelial cell adhesion. This protein is being referred to as the suppressor of proliferation and invasion. Limited studies have investigated E-cadherin expression in salivary gland neoplasms. This study sought to assess the expression of E-cadherin and its possible role in progression and invasion of salivary gland neoplasms. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 15 samples of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and 9 samples of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) were immunohistochemically stained for evaluation of E-cadherin expression. Degree of staining was calculated as the percentage of positively stained cell membranes out of a minimum of 1000 neoplastic cells. In normal salivary gland specimens, intense membrane staining was observed around the acinar mucous and serous cells as well as the ductal cells. Myoepithelial cells were negative. In PA, intense staining was noted along the membrane of attached cells forming the ducts, islands, cellular cords and cellular sheets but the stromal myoepithelial cells were negative. In MEC, epidermoid and intermediate cells showed intense membrane staining. Mucous cells also showed membrane staining. After statistical analysis, the percentage of positive cells was found to be 82.56±11.66 and 67.4±7.24 in MEC and PA, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). E-cadherin expression was not a suitable marker for differentiation of PA from MEC. It was only correlated with cell phenotype.

Previous studies have shown that sesame oil affects memory and learning. In the present work, effect of a diet containing 10% sesame oil used during pregnancy was evaluated on short-term passive avoidance learning of offspring rats by Shuttle box.

Female Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups (n = 9 each group). Control group consumed regular diet during pregnancy and the treatment group received a diet containing 10% sesame oil. Male and female offspring were examined on the 30th day of their ages.

Passive avoidance learning of offsprings that their mother received sesame oil during pregnancy was significantly increased in comparison to the control group.

The results show that consumption of a diet containing 10% sesamin oil during pregnancy significantly increases short -term passive avoidance learning of offspring.