Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume:18 Issue: 1, Winter 2024

Vaccines are major disease-controlling tools in human and animal practices. Vaccination controlled or even eradicated a long list of diseases worldwide. Classic viral vaccines are usually composed of live or inactivated whole viruses and have been produced for many years. However, they are unsuccessful, especially in persistent infections, fast-evolving viruses, complex and compound antigens, and emerging agents. Novel vaccine development technologies such as DNA, protein, or viral vector vaccines have revolutionized vaccine development and opened a new horizon for study and research in vaccine research and production vision. Newly-developed vaccines, or even most traditional ones, are based on new technologies, especially in human diseases where cost and complications in production can be ignored. However, in animal health, especially for commercial poultry production, the cost of development, simplicity, and mass application of large-scale production cannot be overlooked. In recent years, the significance of producing novel vaccines has been highlighted in parallel with technological advancement, especially with emerging novel variants of infectious bronchitis viruses—serious poultry pathogens for years. In this review, we will introduce some studies on novel vaccine development techniques and investigate the results of those vaccines in the protection of chickens and their clinical outcomes.

Many compounds are known as estrogen contaminants. Estrogenic components may enter the body through food consumption. 

This systematic review aimed to determine various estrogens contaminants, the foods that are primarily contaminated with these compounds, and their common detection methods. 

The relevant studies with the keywords “estrogen,” “detection,” and “food” were systematically searched in PubMed and Scopus databases. Science Direct and Google Scholar were also searched.

A total of 221 studies were initially found regardless of publication time. The preliminary screening was based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria. Then, the qualitative evaluation of the articles was done, and finally, 9 articles were selected. Among different foods, most estrogenic compounds were identified in seafood. This finding indicates that estrogenic compounds have entered the waters. The most reported compound was bisphenol A. Cell culture was used for bioassay evaluation, and liquid chromatography methods were used for analysis. 

Both analytical and bioassay methods were used to evaluate estrogenic compounds. Most studies found that the bioassay method was also valid.

The Helichrysum genus of the Asteraceae family comprises 500 species. Fifteen Helichrysum species are found in Turkey. This genus is used in traditional medicine for several beneficial effects.

This study explored Helichrysum plicatum subsp. plicatum (HPsP) effects on fructose-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 

Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were divided into 5 groups: Control, HPsP, fructose (F), HPsP+fructose, and double-dose HPsP+fructose. Fructose (40%) was then added to the water. HPsP extract was administered at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg. All treatments were performed for 8 weeks.

The F, F+HPsP, and double-dose groups exhibited higher palmitic acid (16:0) levels than the control group (P<0.001). F+HPsP treatment enhanced palmitoleic acid levels (P<0.001). The F and F+HPsP groups showed reduced levels of linolenic (18:3 n-3), eicosadienoic (20:2, n-6), and arachidonic (20:4 n-6) acids (P<0.001, P<0.01, and P<0.05, respectively). The F, F+HPsP, and double-dose groups showed lower docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, n-3) levels (P<0.05). Retinol and in HPsP treated group and (P<0.05) K1 vitamin levels increased in all groups compared to control group (P<0.001). The F, F+HPsP, and HPsP groups had lower vitamin K-2 and D-3 levels (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). The F, HPsP, F+HPsP, and double-dose groups had higher cholesterol levels (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively).

HPsP extract altered fructose-induced fatty liver composition and levels of reduced glutathione and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Unexpectedly, high liver cholesterol levels require treatment.

Cytarabine is considered a cornerstone of treating acute leukemia. Xerostomia is among the adverse effects that can dictate treatment cessation or the use of some agents that decrease its cytotoxic effects.

This study aims to identify the histological effects of cytarabine on the rabbits’ parotid gland and to assess the ameliorating α–tocopherol impact on these effects.

The study rabbits were separated into 4 groups. Group A (control) was given 1 mL of intraperitoneal (IP) injection of normal saline/day for 10 days. Group B received α-tocopherol (800 IU) by gavage for 10 days. Group C received cytarabine (60 mg/kg/d) IP for 10 days. Group D received α-tocopherol (800 IU) by gavage before injection of cytarabine (60 mg/kg) at the same time for 10 days. The rabbits were euthanized, and tissue preparation for analyzing microscopically and immunohistochemically for B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and tumor-necrosis-factor (TNF)-α was achieved. 

Microscopically, group B’s parotid salivary gland sections revealed increased thickness of connective tissue of the trabeculae, degeneration, and necrosis of serous acini cells with aggregation of inflammatory cells. In contrast to the histopathological alteration of the glands in group C, which is characterized by intact serous acini, intercalated duct, and normal thickness of trabeculae, in the cytarabine group, TNF-α immunohistochemical expression was of grade 3 and in the cytarabine with α-tocopherol group was of grade 1. The Bcl-2 immunohistochemical expression in the cytarabine group was of grade 0, and in the cytarabine with α-tocopherol group was of grade 1. 

α-Tocopherol decreases cytarabine toxicity in the rabbits’ parotid salivary glands.

Dicrocoeliosis is a parasite disease that affects the liver of domestic and wild ruminants. It is one of the challenges in the livestock industry that causes significant diseases and economic losses.

This study aimed to identify Dicrocoelium dendriticum in sheep and cattle using their morphological and molecular characteristics. 

The current study examined 122 sheep and cattle livers from both sexes slaughtered in butcher shops. Found worms were selected randomly from the livers of sheep and cattle. They were stained for parasite morphometric measurements studies and macroscopic examination of the liver considering the color, consistency, and size. Molecular methods confirm the diagnosis of D. dendriticum in cattle and sheep.

The infection rates of D. dendriticum parasite in sheep and cattle were 34.4% and 10.7% respectively. The results showed a significant difference in the infection rate between sheep and cattle, while there is no significant difference between females and males in both sheep and cattle. Macroscopic diagnosis of the infected livers showed discoloration, swelling, wrinkled needle-spot shape and hyaline, the sharpness of liver margins loss, and biliary fibrosis. D. dendriticum was morphologically identified in all specimens collected from the sheep and cattle. The molecular examination confirmed the diagnosis of these parasites, which belonged to the species D. dendriticum, with a product reaction of 900 base pairs.

This study is the first to isolate and detect D. dendriticum in sheep and cattle and to overview the genotype compositions of D. dendriticum.

Semen contamination is a detrimental factor in decreasing fertility. Seasonal changes may affect the contamination, too. 

This study was designed to detect semen contamination in ovine and caprine during different seasons. 

Six fully mature male sheep and goats were subjected to electro-ejaculator collection twice monthly from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023 (Spring, February 1, 2022-April 30, 2022; Summer, May 1, 2022, July 31, 2022; Autumn August 1, 2022, October 31, 2022; Winter November 1, 2022, January 31, 2023), for studying the seasonal effect. A total of 288 semen samples were collected from both species (36 samples from each per season). All samples were subjected to bacterial isolation and identification. 

The results indicated that sheep semen had 4 different types of bacterial contamination with a higher number in contaminated samples than goat, which showed 5 different bacterial isolations. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in bacterial contamination with regard to different seasons. 

Different seasons appear not to affect bacterial contamination of semen in sheep and goats. Meanwhile, isolating all bacteria types was considered normal flora in both small ruminant species.

Sperm preservation at a cool temperature reduces sperm metabolism while preserving its viability and reproductive ability. Researchers have sought to extend semen preservation effectiveness for more than 24 hours. Due to the particular physiological characteristics of small ruminant spermatozoa, the cooling procedure decreases its reproductive ability. 

This study aimed to determine the effect of adding L-carnitine (LC) to the cooling extender on the quality of the ram’s sperm following cooling preservation at 4°C.

The collected sperm samples were diluted and divided into 4 groups with varying doses of LC supplementation (0, 1, 5, and 10 mM). The samples were kept at 4°C for up to 48 hours. At 0, 24, and 48 hours of cooling, the sperms’ total motility, progressive motility, viability, lipid peroxidation, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity were assessed. 

The results showed that different treatments did not affect the quality of semen samples at time 0 of cooling storage (P>0.05). Cooling medium supplemented with 5 mM LC demonstrated improved total motility, progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity compared to the other groups after 24 and 48 hours of cooling (P≤0.05). Furthermore, after 24 and 48 hours of storage, 5 mM LC produced less lipid peroxidation (P≤0.05) than the other treatments.

In conclusion, reinforcing ram’s cooling storage medium with 5 mM LC protects ram semen samples against cold-induced structural and functional impairment throughout 24- and 48-h storage.

Herbs possess a large amount of antioxidants; thus, using them in the poultry diet can improve the quality of final products.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of artichoke, Silybum marianum, and their mixture on Japanese quail’s carcass characteristics, oxidative stability, and breast meat quality. 

A total of 120 one-day-old Japanese quail were studied in a completely randomized design with 4 experimental treatments (0%, 1.5% artichoke, 1.5% S. marianum, 1.5% mixture of artichoke and S. marianum). Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates of 10 birds. At the end of the experiment (day 42), the carcass characteristics of the birds were recorded, and the physical characteristics, chemical composition, color, and oxidative stability of breast meat were evaluated. 

The results showed no significant difference among the experimental groups regarding pH, dry matter, ash, drip loss, and cooking loss. Dietary enrichment with artichoke and S. marianum caused a decrease in the mean body weight in the experimental treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation with herbal powders increased the crude protein and fat content of breast meat, and group 4 (artichoke+S. marianum) had a higher mean than other groups (P<0.05). The hardness of breast meat in the treatment groups has decreased compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, the amount of lightness in the treatments has reduced, and redness and yellowness have increased. TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) index showed a significant decrease in the investigated treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). 

Dietary supplementation of S. marianum and artichoke improved nutritional value and increased oxidative stability of breast meat in Japanese quail. However, they adversely affected birds’ weight gain and feed consumption.

Zooarchaeology shares close ties with Comparative Anatomy of Veterinary Medicine. This scientific discipline involves the study of the bones of various animals, using anatomical information to explore the place and role of these animal species in life and human survival, thereby enriching our knowledge about the interaction of humans and their ecosystems. 

Using available anatomical information, this study investigated the typology of bone remains and animal teeth in the area of Qareh Tepe, Segzabad (Qazvin Province, Iran). Another goal was to detect the abnormal effects created by humans or animals in bones, such as cuts, burns, or chewing effects by carnivorous animals. By extracting this information, it is possible to analyze the livelihood economy of that historical site correctly.

A total of 1110 bone and teeth samples excavated in 2017 were analyzed. The samples were transferred to the Osteology Lab of the Anatomy Department of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran City, Iran. Anatomical studies were conducted in several stages based on the excavated samples. 

Among the detected animal samples, the highest percentage (30.09%) was related to sheep samples, and then the samples of small ruminants (26.94%) (which could not be separated). The percentages of gazelle, Asian water buffalo, wild boar, and chicken were trivial and less than 1%. In this study, abnormal symptoms were detected in the phalanges of the Caspian horse.

One of the remarkable points about the small ruminant samples separated at the species level in this study is that the number of sheep samples detected surpassed that of goats. It seems that the conditions for keeping sheep were more suitable. The number of Perissodactyla, especially horses, shows a significant increase compared to the Neolithic periods and the beginning of the complexity of Iron Age I technology. This finding indicates the use of horses and donkeys in agriculture and transportation activities.

Sedative agents are utilized to mitigate stress and improve fish welfare during and after transportation. 

We aimed to assess the effects of myrcene addition to the transportation water on the plasma biochemical profile of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. 

For this purpose, common carp (mean weight of 45.3±1.65 g) were transported in plastic bags containing myrcene at concentrations of 0 (CTL), 10 (10 M), 20 (20 M), 30 (30 M), and 50 (50 M) µL/L for 6 h. Then, their plasma parameters were compared to those values before transportation (BT). 

Transportation significantly (P<0.05) decreased plasma total protein, albumin, alternative complement, lysozyme, sodium, and chloride, while increasing potassium, calcium, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in the CTL treatment, as compared to BT. Adding 50 µL/L myrcene to water prevented total plasma protein and albumin loss. Supplementing 20 µL/L myrcene to water prevented or reduced the changes in plasma ions, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Addition of 10-50 µL/L myrcene to water decreased the changes in plasma aspartate aminotransferase. Adding 20 and 30 µL/L myrcene to water mitigated the changes in plasma alternative complement, as 30 µL/L myrcene increased plasma lysozyme activity. Transportation and myrcene addition had no significant effects on plasma immunoglobulin (P>0.05). However, a significant increase was observed in plasma globulin in the 20 M treatment (P<0.05). 

In summary, adding 20 µL/L myrcene to the transport water of common carp reduced hepatic enzyme levels and improved immune parameters, and therefore, the use of myrcene improves fish welfare during transportation.

Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluids in the abdomen, leading to abdominal enlargement and complications of the peritoneal cavity.

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography in identifying the causes of ascites in hybrid dog breeds.

The current retrospective cross-sectional study involved 21 dogs of hybrid breeds (12 males and 9 females) with an Mean±SD age of 6.70±0.49 years and a Mean±SD weight of 24.37±3.65 kg. In a radiology ward, a radiologist examined the dogs by conducting an abdominal cavity ultrasound to diagnose and report the cause of ascites. Notably, the radiologist knew nothing about the history, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings regarding the dogs. After the definitive cause of ascites was determined, the result was compared with the ultrasonographic diagnosis, calculating its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Liver diseases, renal conditions, and malignancies were identified as the most common causes of ascites. Based on the results, ultrasonographic diagnosis revealed the following specifications: 97.8% specificity, 91.1% sensitivity, 94.4% accuracy, 97.8% positive predictive value, and 91.1% negative predictive value.

In general, the research results indicate that ultrasonography can serve as a primary tool for diagnosing the early stages of ascites. In a few cases where diagnosis of the underlying cause proves challenging, this method helps reach a subsequent diagnosis, except in cases involving liver and renal complications. Also, ultrasonographic diagnosis gets around invasive techniques such as sampling and laparoscopy, reducing the hospitalization period, hospital costs, and patient stress and also facilitating the medical process.

Xanthogranuloma (xanthoma) presents as a rare, non-infectious granulomatous lesion with a yellowish and soft appearance. Hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia are believed to be the underlying causes of this lesion. Xanthoma has been identified in vertebrates and humans. 

This report presents a case of cutaneous xanthogranuloma located in the tibiotarsal region of a 5-year-old rose-breasted cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapilla) fed with high-fat diets. 

The cockatoo underwent anesthesia using isoflurane administered through a face mask connected to an Ohmeda anesthesia machine. The mass was surgically removed and submitted for histopathological examination. The tissue was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and representative sections were routinely processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Moreover, frozen sections were obtained and stained with the Oil Red O technique.

Upon histopathologic examination of routine H&E slides, vacuolated macrophages, and multinucleated giant cells were noted in addition to cholesterol clefts and heterophilic infiltrates. Oil Red O staining was performed to detect intracellular and extracellular lipid content. Xanthogranulomas invaded the surrounding tissues, necessitating complete surgical excision. The lesion did not recur during the 1-month follow-up, but the patient died due to respiratory disorders. 

Stress and high-lipid feed consumption were considered the predisposing factors to xanthogranuloma development in this bird.