Archives of Razi Institute
Volume:78 Issue: 6, Nov-Dec 2023

The genus Aeromonas is a widespread pathogen that includes more than 30 Gram-negative species, many of which are opportunistic bacteria. Aeromonas species are naturally distributed in various aquatic sources. Infectious processes in marine animals such as fish usually develop under stressful conditions, and when their immune systems are weakened. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are short, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Their diverse biological functions, such as influencing cell development, proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenesis, metabolism, and apoptosis have been studied in various animals. Fish is the most important source of aquatic nutrients throughout the world, and its market is constantly growing. Overpopulation in aquaculture brings infectious diseases that threaten the development of aquaculture around the world. There is extensive evidence that microRNAs are involved in modulating infectious processes and regulating the inflammatory response to major bacterial fish infections, including Aeromonas. Here, we review the current literature on the fish microRNA repertoire and outline the physiological roles assigned to microRNAs to provide a foundation for future research during Aeromonas infection. Understanding the interaction between microRNAs and Aeromonas may provide clues to a remarkable strategy for preventing Aeromonas infections in fish.

The present reserach aimed to detect and isolate the genes involved in the staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) production in strains isolated from unprocessed cow’s milk and to examine the impact of Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotic cell-free supernatant (CFS) on their expression. Standard techniques were used for isolation and identification of Staphylococci strains in unprocessed milk. The PCR was used to identify strains carrying enterotoxin genes. The B. bifidum CFS was applied to strains containing the target genes, and the genes expression levels were quantified using Real-time PCR. Using 16SrDNA sequencing, the phylogenic relationship of the isolated strains was determined. Analysis revealed that bacteria such as Staphylococcus species were found in the 72% of the samples. The PCR test showed the presence of various SE superantigens, including SEA (16.7%), SEC (11.7%), SED (8.3%), SEE (6.7%), and SEB (1.7%) in isolated strains. The B. bifidum CFS had obvious antimicrobial activity against strains 24, 51, 54, and 35 of Staphylococcus species, and the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for these strains treated with B. bifidum CFS were in the range of 31.25-125 μg/ml. Strains 51 and 24 were clustered with S.aureus ATCC 25923, and strains 54 and 35 were clustered with S.aureus ATCC 12600, respectively. The RT-PCR exhibited that probiotics CFS suppressed the expression of SEA, SEB, SEC, and SEE genes (P<0.05). The average fold change for SEA, SEB, SEC, and SED genes was -1.681, -1.28, -1.52, and -0.84, respectively. The research demonstrated that probiotic bacteria can lower enterotoxin production by downregulating the expression of SEs genes.

Bacillus licheniformis is a gram-positive, endospore-forming, saprophytic and facultative anaerobe that is resistant to heat and environmental conditions. This study was the first to isolate and confirm B. licheniformis as a cause of bovine mastitis in Iran. In the summer of 2020, 105 samples of mastitic milk were collected from dairy farms around Tehran and sent to the microbiology laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tehran. The bacterial pathogens were identified using selective and differential culture media and confirmed by PCR to contain the toxin synthetase genes licA, licB and licC in mastitic isolates of B. licheniformis. Resistance patterns to 19 antibiotics were determined for two isolates of B. licheniformis. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were identified as the most important organisms in the samples. B. licheniformis was isolated from the two samples containing all three genes. Both isolates were resistant to streptomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cefixime, ampicillin, bacitracin, clindamycin, and gentamicin. B. licheniformis was reported for the first time in Iran as a cause of bovine mastitis with clinical symptoms. The first isolation of toxin-producing strains of B. licheniformis from mastitic cows in Iran raises concerns about the safety of dairy products. In principle, selected strains with toxigenic potential should not be used as feed additives and animal feed. However, whole genome sequencing is proposed to search for genes coding for toxins.

Thyroid and gonadotropin hormones play an essential role in the regulation of regulating various physiological functions. The effects of melatonin and zinc (Zn) on these hormones have already been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of melatonin with and without zinc on the levels of gonadotropin hormones and thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)) in female rats. In general, 35 sexually mature female rats were randomly divided into five treatment groups, with each group comprising 7 rats, in a completely randomized design (CRD) during the research. The rats were treated daily with Zn and melatonin via gavage as follows: T1 (control 1, basal diet), T2 (control 2, treatment with normal saline) and the other experimental groups, including T3, T4 and T5, were treated with Zn (40 ppm), melatonin (5 mg/kg) or a combination of Zn and melatonin at the same dose. The administration of the drugs was continued for 20 days (daily) . Plasma samples were then taken for the determination of LH, FFH, LH/FSH, estrogen, progesterone, T3, T4 and TSH levels. The results showed no significant differences in FSH and LH levels between treatments. Estrogen, progesterone and TSH levels were higher in the rats receiving 5 mg melatonin per day than in the other groups, but not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, T3 levels decreased significantly in the group receiving 40 mg/kg Zn compared to the other experiments. (P<0.05). The results showed no significant difference between the treatments in terms of T4 levels (P>0.05). In conclusion, no remarkable changes in other variables were observed in female rats receiving melatonin, Zn or a combination of melatonin and Zn, with the exception of T3.

Fracture repair is a constant clinical challenge, and finding a method to promote and improve restoration is a primary goal for researchers. This is examined from various perspectives, such as fewer complications, increased speed, and cost-effectiveness. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of eggshell powder, compared to the commercial form of demineralized bone matrix (DBM), in critical-size defects in rat calvarial bone. In this study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups of 10. The first group was the control group (C), the second was the eggshell powder group (E), the third was the DBM group (D), and the fourth was the one simultaneously receiving eggshell powder and DBM (DE). In these groups, a 5 mm diameter defect was created in the calvaria using a trephine. All animals received the appropriate treatment for their group. Each group was then divided into two subgroups of five. On days 30 and 60 post-surgery, these subgroups were euthanized, followed by sampling and histopathology examinations. After evaluating the repair percentage using Quick Photo software, the DE group had the highest repair percentage on days 30 and 60. Groups E and D had similar recovery percentages, with group D having a slightly higher one. There was a significant difference between all three groups and the control group. In conclusion, eggshell powder may potentially serve as a suitable substitute for some transplants.

Scabies is an infectious disease. Based on preliminary observations, numerous scabies sufferers have been found among students living in As'ad Islamic Boarding School, Jambi City, Indonesia. Scabies disease develops in humans and can be influenced by both human factors and the environment. This study aims to identify factors associated with scabies incidence at the As'ad Islamic Boarding School. This analytical observational research was conducted using a cross-sectional study design. The variables measured were scabies symptoms, knowledge, personal hygiene, contact history, humidity, and room occupancy density. The research samples consisted of 178 students at the As'ad Islamic Boarding School in Jambi City, who were selected randomly. The required data were collected by questionnaires and analyzed by Chi-square test and logistic regression. Most of the students had crowded living conditions (94.4%), low room humidity (80.8%), poor personal hygiene (66.3%), a low level of knowledge about scabies (70.8%), contact with scabies sufferers (61.8%), and symptoms of scabies (60.7%). Symptoms of scabies were related to knowledge (P=0.000), personal hygiene (P=0.000), contact history (P=0.000), humidity (P=0.000), and room occupancy density (P=0.001). The incidence of scabies in students at the As'ad Islamic Boarding School was influenced by insufficient knowledge, poor personal hygiene, history of contact, low humidity, and overcrowding.

Cloves possess antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, among other roles, they can play. This study investigated the effect of clove oil (CLO) on testicular and epididymal changes induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl). A total of 25 rats were randomly assigned to five groups of five rats. Group A was allowed feed and water ad libitum. Group B was given 20mg/kg of CdCl, group C was given 20mg/kg of CdCl and 10mg/kg of CLO, group D was given 20mg/kg of CdCl and 20mg/kg of CLO, and group E was given 20mg/kg of CdCl and 20mg/kg of Di Methyl Sulphur Oxide. After the experiment, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after 24 hours of fasting. The testes and epididymis were harvested, while the right epididymis was homogenized for sperm analysis. The results revealed a significant decrease in progressive motility in group B, while a significant increase was observed in CLO-treated groups (P<0.05). In addition, group B showed a significant reduction in percentage progressive, an increase in percentage non-motile, and a decrease in sperm count. The histological studies showed that the control group displayed normal testicular and epididymal histo-architecture, while the Cadmium group (B) showed a progressive degeneration of the cells and tissues, alleviated by the high dose of CLO in both the testes and epididymis. In conclusion, the current research demonstrated that testicular and epididymal damage induced by Cadmium could decrease fertility, and CLO may be used in alleviating the deleterious effects of CdCl.

Bacteriocins are a kind of antimicrobial peptides that kill or inhibit the growth of bacterial strains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of Serratia marcescens on several pathogenic bacterial strains. Bacteriocin produced by S. marcescens was purified by chromatography with Sephadex G-75 column, and its antibacterial effect on gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli ATCC 700928, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1707, S. marcescens PTCC 1621, Vibrio fischeri PTCC 1693, and Vibrio harveyi PTCC 1755, were evaluated by the disk diffusion method. The structure of bacteriocin was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The interaction of bacteriocin with the antigen 43 (Ag43) of E. coli was evaluated by the molecular docking method. Bacteriocin extracted from bacterial isolates had antibacterial activity on E. coli strains but not on other studied strains. Bioinformatics analysis also showed bacteriocin docking with Ag43 with an energy of -159.968 kJ/mol. Natural compounds, such as bacteriocin, can be an alternative to common chemical compounds and antibiotics. To reach a definite conclusion in this regard, there is a need for further research and understanding of their mechanism of action.

Influenza viruses can multiply in quails and be transmitted to other animal species. As vaccination reduces virus shedding in chickens, the effect of the killed H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) on tissue distribution and virus shedding was evaluated in quails. One hundred 20-day-old quails were divided into six equal groups, kept in separate pens, and fed ad libitum. Before vaccination, blood samples were randomly collected from the wing veins. Four groups were vaccinated with the inactivated H9N2 Razi Institute vaccine at 21 days subcutaneously at the back of neck. Three weeks later, two groups were re-vaccinated. Two weeks later, at the age of 56 days, three groups were challenged with 100 μL of allantoic fluid containing 105 EID50 H9N2 through the oculonasal route. Blood samples were collected from quails at 42, 56, 63, and 70 days from each group to determine AIV antibodies by the hemagglutination inhibition test. Three quails were randomly selected and euthanized from each group on days 1, 3, and 6 post-inoculation (PI). Tissue samples were collected, and the RT-PCR test was performed. No clinical signs or gross lesions existed in any of the groups during the experiment. However, the virus was detected in different tissues on the first, third, and sixth days after the challenge in unvaccinated challenged birds. Virus detection was significantly more frequent in the quails vaccinated once and challenged than in the twice-vaccinated challenged group (P≤0.05). On the third day of PI, the virus was detected in some organs of the challenged groups. On the sixth day of PI, the virus was detected only in the lungs of two unvaccinated and once-vaccinated challenged birds. It was concluded that the vaccination of quails against AIV H9 is necessary to protect them from clinical signs, as well as respiratory tract and intestine replication. Two-time vaccination significantly protects the respiratory and intestine tracts, compared to one-time vaccination (P≤0.05).

Remdesivir, a competitive inhibitor of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, is the drug of choice for anti-COVID-19 treatment. However, the instability of these substances in plasma raises doubts about their therapeutic potency. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2-infected cells may exhibit a variety of antiviral behaviors due to intricate activation pathways. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a synthesis for the remdesivir derivative.The remdesivir derivative was synthesized using acetyl chloride as a reagent in a ratio of 1:3 in dichloromethane and tetrahydrofuran solvent at 30°C for 6 h. Thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometers (1H NMR and 13C NMR) were used to identify the produced molecule, which was a brownish-yellow crystalline powder. The results of the synthesis yielded 0.8 gr (77.34%), and the Rf value of the remdesivir derivate was 0.54. The characterization with 1H NMR at δ2.5 ppm (3H, s) indicated the presence of a proton in the H-C-C=O structure caused by the substitution of the acetyl group in the remdesivir structure. The 13C NMR data indicated the presence of aromatic carbons, alkenes, C≡N, and carbon bonds with electronegative O. This remdesivir derivate chemical can be a potential candidate for an anti-COVID-19 drug that has more potency because it has substitutions of acetyl groups at positions 2' and 3' in the structure of remdesivir.

Pentoxifylline (PTXF) is a vasoactive agent that plays a significant role in the treatment of thin-layer endometrium cases. The PTXF, also identified as oxpentifylline, is a member of xanthine derivatives and a competitive nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor leading to the elevation of intracellular cAMP, inhibition of tumor necrosis factor and leukotriene synthesis, activation of protein kinase A, and reduction of inflammation and innate immunity. Moreover, it is used as an agent to relieve muscle pain in people with peripheral artery disease (vascular irregularities). It is also an acceptable choice for the treatment of radiation-induced fibrosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the advantageous impact of PTXF and PTXF-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) on female rats after being exposed to ethanol to create a thin layer of the endometrium. For this purpose, 50 female rats were selected and divided into five groups (G1: negative normal control, G2: positive control, G3: PLGA only, G4: preference PTXF, and G5: PLGA-PTXF groups) for a 20-day treatment period. In this study, the histopathological section revealed a perfect improvement in the tissues of the uterine horn of female rats that induced endometria and were treated with PLGA-PTXF. In this group of rats, clear healing was achieved and there was an increase in the thickness of endometrium and myometrium, compared to the ordinary PTXF-treated group which had the lowest recovery characteristics. However, the positive control group underwent a significant decrease in terms of endometrium and myometrium thickness as well as vascular and glandular density. This study showed that the PTXF-loaded PLGA had the capacity to heal the thin layer of the endometrium by improving the levels of histopathological changes, especially regarding the thickness of the endometrium and myometrium more than the ordinary PTXF.

Akabane disease is an arthropod-borne viral disease that affects ruminants. This teratogenic pathogen causes severe economic losses in ruminants worldwide and in Iran; however, it has not received enough attention in Fars province, Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the influence of age, gender, climate, farming system, and history of abortions on the seroprevalence of the Akabane disease in sheep and goats in Fars province. In the present study, Fars province was divided into three climates, and three cities were randomly selected from each climatic region. In each city, two epidemiologic units were selected, and all sheep and goats in each unit were sampled. Overall, 540 serum samples (391 sheep and 149 goats) were collected and examined with the commercial ELISA kit. The results showed that 83 out of 540 (15.4%) samples were seropositive and had antibodies against the Akabane virus (AKAV). The effect of gender and age on the rate of the AKAV was not significant. Animals in warm climates were 4.218 times more likely to have antibodies against the AKAV than animals in cold climates. Females were 1.32 times more likely to exhibit seropositivity. The odds of AKAV infection were higher in animals with an abortion history than in healthy animals. The findings of the present study indicated that the prevalence of the AKAV was high in small ruminants in Fars province. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct more studies to control the risk factors involved in the spread of this virus.

Aluminum-containing adjuvants are extensively used for inactive human and animal vaccines owing to their favorable immunostimulative and safe properties. Nonetheless, there is controversy over the effects of different aluminum salts as an adjuvant for the bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) vaccine. In order to find a suitable adjuvant, we studied the effects of two adjuvants (i.e., aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] and aluminum potassium sulfate [AlPO4]) on the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) for an experimental BPIV3 vaccine. The animals under study (Guinea pigs) were randomly assigned to five groups of experimental vaccines containing Al(OH)3 (AH), AlPO4 (AP), Al(OH)3-AlPO4 mixture (MIX), commercial vaccine (COM), and control (NS). The treatment groups were immunized with two doses of vaccine 21 days apart (on days 0 and 21), and the control group received normal saline under the same conditions. The animals were monitored for 42 days, and blood samples were then taken. The results indicated that all vaccines were able to induce the production of NAbs at levels higher than the minimum protective titer (0.6). An increase in titer was observed throughout the monitoring period. Moreover, an increase in both the level and mean titer of NAbs obtained from the vaccine containing Al(OH)3 adjuvant was significantly higher than in the other studied groups (P≤0.005). The comparison of NAbs titer in other groups did not display a significant difference. Considering the speed of rising and the optimal titer of NAbs production in the experimental vaccine, the Al(OH)3 adjuvant is a suitable candidate for preparing a vaccine against BPIV3 for immunization.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying quantities of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on growth performance and mucosal enzyme activity in Japanese quails at an early age. Using a completely randomized experimental design, 160 one-day-old quail chicks were randomly assigned to 4 experimental treatments and each treatment contained 4 replicate pens of 10 birds. The experimental treatments included T1: control (a basal diet containing 35.2 mg Zn only ), T2, T3, and T4  containing basal diet plus 20, 40, and 60 mg ZnO NPs, respectively. Performance characteristics were recorded weekly. After 21 days, one quail was selected and slaughtered from each experimental cage with a body weight equal to the average body weight of quails in the same experimental cage. After slaughtering and opening the abdominal cavity, a 5 cm sample was taken from the jejunum of the small intestine. The jejunum sample was stored at -80°C until the measurement of alkaline phosphatase, amylase, and lipase enzymes. The results showed that live weight was higher in the T3 and T4 groups than in the control group (P<0.05). The feed conversion ratio was also lower in birds fed with basal diets supplemented with 40 and 60 mg ZnO NPs/kg  (T3 and T4, respectively), compared to control treatments (P>0.05). The results showed that amylase and lipase activity increased in the birds fed with 40 and 60 mg ZnO NPs/kg  of the basal diet, in comparison to the control treatment; however, they were not significant (P>0.05). The results of this study indicated that the addition of 40 or 60 mg ZnO NPs/kg to the basal diet could be used as a supplement to improve performance traits and enhance mucosal enzyme activity in Japanese quail in the starter stage.

Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically significant and extremely spreadable viral illness affecting a wide variety of avian species. ND can rapidly spread within poultry farms and result in considerable economic losses for the global poultry industry. This disease is endemic in Iran, and despite intensive vaccination efforts in the poultry industry, outbreaks of ND occur unexpectedly. This study aimed to isolate the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from poultry farms with breathing problems in Markazi province, Iran, and investigate the evolutionary relationship and molecular characteristics of the isolates during 2017-2019. To this end, tissue samples (lung, brain, and trachea) were taken from 42 broiler farms exhibiting respiratory symptoms. The samples were inoculated into 9-11-day-old embryonated eggs, and the virus was isolated from 20 (47.6%) of the 42 farms. Subsequently, RT-PCR was used to amplify partial fusion gene sequences from the new isolates. The amplified products were sequenced and compared phylogenetically to the standard pilot dataset (125 selected sequences) generated by the NDV consortium. As determined by phylogenetic analysis, all nine isolates belonged to subgenotype VII.1.1 of genotype VII and were highly similar to isolates from other parts of Iran and China. Moreover, all isolates possessed a polybasic cleavage site motif (112RRQKRF117), characteristic of virulent strains. Furthermore, the present isolates shared a high nucleotide identity (96%) with viruses previously isolated from other provinces of Iran, as determined by BLAST searches and multiple alignments. In addition, they shared a high degree of sequence similarity but were distinct from the existing NDV vaccines. Therefore, the genetic dissimilarity between current vaccine strains and circulating NDVs must be considered in vaccination programs.

The immediate spread of COVID-19 posed a great deal of strain on healthcare personnel, particularly emergency personnel. Considering the critical role of frontline health care personnel (HCPs) during the pandemic and the life-threatening effects of COVID-19 on them, the present study aimed to evaluate the hospital database among frontline emergency personnel, and to assess the factors affecting the health status of the emergency HCPs. In the current study, we collected data on coronavirus clinical features from 58 HCPs with confirmed COVID-19 who worked in the emergency ward of Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, one of the most referral hospitals in Iran. We also assessed the factors affecting the health status of the emergency HCPs from February 2020 to November 2020. All of the 58 HCPs infected with COVID-19 were the personnel of the emergency ward with an age range of 20-59 years old. The median (interquartile range) of hospital length of stay (LOS) among all patients was 8 days. Length of stay is a critical factor in predicting hospital resource needs. Twelve (21.8%) patients had ground-glass opacity (GGO) alone, and 20 (35.7%) patients had patchy GGO. In our multivariable analysis, high levels of patient liver enzymes (P=0.04) and lymphopenia (P=0.01) were significantly associated with the LOS. In our study, there was an association between high levels of patient’s ESR and CRP and longer LOS. We also found that age and gender had no effect on LOS. Nurses contributed to the highest number of COVID-19 infection. It was also found that HCPs who had more working shifts were more infected, and the intensive care unit of the emergency ward was the most infected area of the Emergency Room.

The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of phycoerythrin (PE) treatment extracted from Nostoc sp. on the shelf-life extension of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillet at 4°C and 8°C. After extraction and purification of pigment in BG-110 medium, the pigment PE was extracted and purified with 56% ammonium sulfate followed by dialysis. After that, the effect of pigment on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. The fillet samples were immersed in pigment solution, and their physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties were examined. The results showed that the concentration and purity of the pigments increased after the dialysis. The results from performed chemical tests and total number of living mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus coagulase positive, and coliform bacteria of the samples compared to the blank sample showed that sample treated with algae extracts were able to control the increase in these parameters. In these tests, the highest levels belonged to Nile Tilapia fillet sample Nile Tilapia fillet coated with PE solution at a temperature 8°C and the lowest amount was observed with fillet coated with PE solution at a temperature of 4˚C (P≤0.05). The results of sensory evaluation showed that the highest score of taste, texture, color, and total acceptance were observed for Nile Tilapia fillet coated with PE solution at temperature 8°C. In conclusion, the extract pigments from Nostoc sp. has strong antimicrobial activity and can maintain the quality parameters for controlling of spoilage bacteria and extend the shelf-life of Oreochromis niloticus.

Snake venoms are rich in valuable substances that have medical potential in the diagnosis and treatment of hemostatic diseases. The present paper was aimed at the purification and functional characterization basis of a thrombin-like enzyme and its role in the functioning of the coagulation cascade and platelet aggregation pathway. A thrombin-like serine protease was purified from the Iranian Echis carinatus venom (TLIECV), employing a one-step chromatographic procedure. This peptide was collected in high yield and purity by a single chromatographic step using RP-HPLC equipped with a C18 column. This peptide showed a 3000 Da molecular weight in gel-electrophoresis. Evidence in the SDS-PAGE gel has confirmed high recovery of fraction in optimal terms. Subsequently, this peptide was identified via its intact molecular mass and peptide mass fingerprint (PMF) using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). Multiple sequence alignments were performed by ClustalW, the Bioedit software. Molegro Data Modeller (MDM) 3.0 software was used to predict the putative tertiary structure of the peptide. The enzyme possessed fibrinogenolytic, procoagulant, and aggregation inducer properties. Moreover, the SDS-PAGE (12%) was applied to examine fibrinogenolytic function. The purified enzyme degraded the Aα chain of fibrinogen while the Bβ and γ chains were not digested. According to that, the deficient human plasma in factor X and normal human plasma were also coagulated by TLIECV, it takes part in the common and intrinsic routes of the coagulation cascade. These findings proved that TLIECV is a serine protease identical to procoagulant thrombin-like snake venom proteases; however, it specifically releases the Aα chain of bovine fibrinogen. Because of its function to make up for the deficiency of factor X and its platelet aggregation inducer property, TLIECV could be considered a molecular impact to reveal the hemostasis mechanisms.

Colors have been adding to food naturally and artificially for centuries to make them attractive. According to the Food and Drug Organization, eight artificial colors were registered for the nutrition application, one of them is tartrazine, which is widely used in foods and cosmetics. Food colors cause a significant decrease in weight, an increase in proteins and liver enzymes, an increase in thyroid hormones, an increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride. Onion as an antioxidant can reduce the harmful effects of artificial food colors on weight gain, antioxidant activity and blood biochemical factors. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant properties of the onion on serum biochemical factors and antioxidants in Wistar rats after consuming tartrazine. Eighty Rats were divided into four groups,20 mice in each. The first group received water without additives and was considered to be the control, the second group received tartrazine, the third group received tartrazine with onion juice, and the fourth group received only onion juice through gastric gavage. This experiment was performed for 60 days, and then the antioxidant activities of SOD, CAT, GPX, and the biochemical parameters of HDL and LDL were measured. Tartrazine decreased the antioxidant activities of SOD, CAT, GPX, and the biochemical parameters of HDL and LDL. The results showed that the consumption of tartrazine causes the production of free radicals, which is the reason for the significant reduction of antioxidant activities and serum biochemical factors. Onion as an antioxidant in this study reduces the effects of tartrazine on antioxidant activities and serum biochemical factors.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has a high prevalence in cloven-hoofed animals. It is also highly contagious and remains a serious threat to livestock worldwide. Despite the widespread vaccination program in Iran, outbreaks of FMD continue to occur. Vaccination is one of the most effective methods of preventing FMD. The vaccines used in Iran are of the inactivated type and contain several serotypes. Since inactivated vaccines without adjuvants do not induce a high and durable antibody response, it is necessary to use adjuvants. Montanide ISA 206 VG is a mineral oil-based adjuvant that produces a water-in-oil-in-water (w:o:w) emulsion in vaccine preparations. However, a large number of manufacturers in Iran and around the world still use alum adjuvant (with or without saponin) to produce the FMD vaccine. This study used Montanide ISA 206 and alum adjuvants to administer the O2010 serotype of the FMD virus to goats. A total of six goats were divided randomly into three groups. Vaccines were administered subcutaneously twice, at a one-month interval. Blood sampling was done at different times, and the micro-neutralization method was used to measure the neutralizing antibody titer in each serum. Seven days after the second vaccination, the alum group’s antibody titer was higher but not statistically significant. However, from the 28th day after the second injection until the end of the study, the Montanide ISA 206 group’s antibody titer was significantly higher than that of the alum group. Six months after the second injection, the antibody titer in the ISA 206 group remained at the peak level, while in the alum group, it decreased and reached the minimum protective level. Nine months after the second injection, the antibody titer remained at its peak level in the ISA 206 group, whereas it dropped significantly in the alum group. Based on the findings, ISA 206 VG is capable of generating long-term humoral immunity in goats against the FMD serotype O2010 and could replace aluminum hydroxide adjuvants in FMD vaccine preparations.

Neuropathic pain, a chronic pain condition caused by nerve damage either of the peripheral or central nervous system, responds poorly to current drug treatments. The present study aimed to investigate the analgesic and anxiolytic effect of Fe2+ nanoparticles on chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats. We also assessed the effects of Fe2+ nanoparticles on brain rhythmical oscillation in rats with neuropathic pain. The CCI model was induced by four loose ligations of the left sciatic nerve. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, sham, CCI, and CCI+Fe2+ nanoparticle (1 mg/kg). The Fe2+ nanoparticle was administered by gavage on the day of CCI surgery (day 0) and daily (once a day) for 21 consecutive days after CCI surgery. Behavioral studies were conducted on days -1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after CCI. An acetone test and elevated plus maze were performed to evaluate cold allodynia and induced anxiety-like responses, respectively. A field test was conducted to evaluate innate anxiety-like behaviors. In addition, an electrophysiological study was carried out on day 21 after CCI to assess the effects of drugs on brain wave power. Application of Fe2+ significantly reduced cold allodynia in all tested days after CCI, compared to the CCI group. The obtained data demonstrated that Fe2+ nanoparticle gavage caused analgesic and anxiolytic effects on all experimental days after CCI, compared to the CCI group. The CCI surgery significantly disturbed theta, alpha, and beta power in the brain. The application of Fe2+ nanoparticles could not significantly change brain wave power. It is suggested that Fe2+ nanoparticle has analgesic and anxiolytic effects during chronic neuropathic pain in rats. Furthermore, the CCI surgery effectively disturbed brain theta, alpha, and beta power. Nonetheless, the application of Fe2+ nanoparticles could not change deregulated brain oscillation in rats.

The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a member of the paramyxoviridea family and has great significance in the poultry production industry, which spends a huge amount of money every year on prevention and economic loss caused by this disease. A wide range of symptoms, including respiratory and nervous disorders, as well as hemorrhage lesions in the digestive system are observed in this disease. This research investigated the presence of NDV in 10 poultry farms with high mortality and respiratory symptoms in Kerman province, Iran (between January 2020 to October 2020). Tissue samples were collected from mortalities of 10 flocks in different parts of Kerman province and inoculated into embryonated eggs. The NDV was detected in the allantoic fluid by polymerization of partial F gene protein. The virus was positive in the samples of 5 flocks. The results of the phylogenetic analysis also showed that the sequence of isolates was related to genotype II (three isolates) and sub-genotype VIId (two isolates) of NDVs. It was also found that the amino acid sequences of sub-genotype VIId isolates in the 113 to 116 positions were RRQKR and in the 117 positions was the presence of F (phenylalanine). The other three isolates were grouped with B1, Clone, and LaSota vaccines, and the amino acid sequence in the cleavage site included GRQGRL. The similarity between the studied isolates was 99.6%-98.4%. In this study, virulent viruses were isolated and tracked in broiler farms that were vaccinated with live and killed vaccines. It is recommended to pay more attention to designing the vaccination program.

Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the abnormal development of the cervical spine, leading to the fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae. The syndrome presents diverse symptoms, including limited neck movement, chronic pain, and neurological manifestations such as limb numbness or weakness. The severity of KFS can vary significantly, and treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and preventing complications such as scoliosis or spinal cord compression. Surgical interventions are often necessary for patients with complex forms of the syndrome. Interestingly, Chiari 1 malformation, a cranial anomaly affecting the brainstem, can coincide anatomically with KFS. In this case report, we present the case of a 9-year-old patient who sought medical attention due to persistent, unchanging neck pain. The patient's medical history was notable for developmental delays and cervical restraint observed during physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings revealed hydrocephalus and brainstem descent, indicating the presence of Chiari 1 malformation. Comprehensive MRI and CT scans were performed, and a management plan was formulated, primarily involving cranial surgery and physiotherapy. Implementation of the treatment approach resulted in significant improvement in the patient's symptoms. This case highlights the significance of considering Chiari 1 malformation as a potential comorbidity in patients diagnosed with KFS who present with persistent neck pain. Early detection and appropriate management of both conditions are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals. Understanding the complex interplay between KFS and Chiari 1 malformation is essential for providing comprehensive care and tailored treatment strategies. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking these two conditions and to explore optimal management approaches for patients with dual pathology. By reporting this case, we contribute to the existing literature and increase awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the potential coexistence of KFS and Chiari 1 malformation. Continued efforts in identifying associated anomalies and optimizing therapeutic interventions will aid in improving patient outcomes and ensuring optimal care for individuals affected by these conditions.

In the present research, we aimed to determine the characteristics of E. faecalis strains collected from an Iranian Children’s Hospital for four years. Sixty-seven E. faecalis isolates with virulence genes detection, variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR), and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) typing were investigated.  A high frequency of virulence genes belonged to gelatinase (73%) and Enterococcus faecalis (62%).  The MLVA of 67 E. faecalis isolates revealed 52 VNTR patterns and 38 MLVA types (MTs).  Furthermore, genetic diversities with the majority of the MT1 as a major MT in different Wards of the Children’s Hospital were found.