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A wide range has been reported for the ultrasonographic measurements of the normal adrenal gland in rabbits. Therefore, having sufficient information about the normal measurements of the adrenal gland and their relationship with indicators such as weight, sex and the diameter of the internal abdominal aorta will be of great help in diagnosing diseases of the adrenal gland. In the present study, 21 healthy adult intact rabbits were selected. The abdominal cavity of the animals was examined using ultrasound; adrenal gland parameters such as length, width, height, circumference and area on the right and left sides were measured in both sagittal and transverse planes. Additionally, the diameter of the abdominal aorta in the sagittal plane was imaged. After statistical analysis, the parameters of the adrenal glands on the right and left showed a positive significant correlation with the weight and the diameter of the abdominal aorta, although no significant correlation was found between these parameters and sex. The ratio of adrenal gland parameters to abdominal aortic diameter was calculated and the statistical analysis of the values showed that, except for the ratio of left adrenal area to aortic diameter, the other ratio of adrenal gland parameters to abdominal aortic diameter was not significantly related to weight. Therefore, these ratios can be used as suitable indicators for assessing the change in size of the adrenal gland of rabbits of different sizes. Knowing the relationship between normal adrenal measurements and the indices such as weight, sex and diameter of the abdominal aorta can help clinicians and researchers evaluate the changes in the size of the adrenal gland.

The present study was conducted to determine the characterization and antibacterial activity of peppermint essential oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle (PEO-SLN) and its impact on the quality of trout fillet stored at 4 ± 1°C for 12 days. The SLNs were prepared through a bath sonication technique. PEO-SLNs contained 0.2% (w/v) PEO in 2% of lipid phase glycerol monostearate (GMS) and tween 80 (1% w/v) used as a surfactant in the aqueous phase. The characterization parameter of PEO-SLN was evaluated, and the antibacterial activity of PEO-SLNs was conducted under in vitro conditions. Trout samples were analyzed for inoculated Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 during refrigerated storage. The mean particle size of PEO-SLNs was 154.83 ± 1.21 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.35 ± 0.01 and zeta potential was about -24.16 ± 0.51 mV. The results indicated that PEO-SLN had higher antibacterial activity than the free form of PEO and also when used in combination with gelatin coating (gel + PEO-SLN) had a significant effect on preventing microbial growth in trout fillets (p 0.05). The most decreasing rate of P. aeruginosa (1.92 log CFU/g), E. coli O157:H7 (0.71 log CFU/g), and L. monocytogenes count (1.69 log CFU/g) was seen in gel + PEO-SLN. These findings illustrated that PEO-SLNs could potentially be utilized in the food industry to increase the shelf life of fish fillets.

Background and objectives: Neutralized electrolyzed water (NEW) is a novel natural disinfectant. It has been suggested that application of NEW can improve the shelf life of fish. This study aimed to investigate effect of NEW incorporated in alginate coating on growth of Escherichia coli O157: H7 on salmon fillets over a period of 12 days. Methods: Fish fillets were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and divided into six different treatment groups: control (no coating), distilled water, alginate, EW, EW & alginate (Samples coated with alginate solution prepared by EW), and EW+ alginate (samples immersed in EW, then coated with alginate solution). The fillets were kept at 4 °C, and the bacterial count was determined on days: 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Data analysis was performed using repeated ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoctest at statistical significance of 0.05. Results: Treatment with alginate coating and EW alone could significantly reduce E. coli O157: H7 count on the salmon fillets. However, maximum reduction (1.27 log CFU/g) of bacteria was achieved when using alginate coating combined with EW. Conclusion: According to the results, the combination of alginate coating with EW can be applied as a natural antimicrobial for increasing safety of food products, especially fish, against pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli O157: H7.

Cardiovascular diseases in the common mynah (

To compare the therapeutic effects of iron chelators used alone or in combination with phlebotomy on iron storage disease (ISD), 66 healthy common mynahs (Acridotheres tristis) were fed an iron-loading diet (3000 ppm) for 30 days. After confirmation of ISD, the birds were randomly divided into four treatment groups; DFO: deferoxamine (100 mg/kg SC q24 h), DFP: deferiprone (oral, 75 mg/kg), DFO + F: deferoxamine (100 mg/kg SC q24 h) with phlebotomy, and DFP + F: deferiprone (oral, 75 mg/kg) with phlebotomy. In phlebotomy-treated groups, blood sampling (1% BW) was performed weekly. At 1 and 2 months after treatments, seven birds from each group were euthanized and liver iron, copper, and zinc were analysed by ICP-OES assay. After 1 month, in all treatments, the liver amount of iron, copper, and zinc was reduced (P < 0.05) and there was no significant difference between groups. In the second month, the amount of liver iron, copper, and zinc decreased more in all groups, but this change was insignificant except in the DFP + F group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that all therapeutic protocols after 1 month effectively reduce the liver iron and there is no need to continue treatment. Otherwise, it may lead to iron deficiency, especially in birds treated with DFP + P. Since deferiprone, as an inexpensive oral chelator, effectively reduces liver iron levels without causing stress in the birds, it can be recommended as a more appropriate method for the treatment of mynahs with ISD. However, further clinical studies are needed to define the most effective treatment.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Deferiprone is an optimized method for treating iron storage disease.The essential metals homeostasis is impaired in iron storage disease.

Automated sensor-based monitoring of cows has become an important tool in herd management to improve or maintain animal health and welfare. Location systems offer the ability to locate animals within the barn for, for example, artificial insemination. Furthermore, they have the potential to measure the time cows spend in important areas of the barn, which might indicate need for improvement in the management of the herd or individuals. In this study, we tested the sensor-based real-time location system (RTLS) Smartbow (SB, Smartbow GmbH) under field conditions. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the accuracy of the system to predict the location of the cow and the agreement between visual observations and RTLS observations for the total time spent by cows in relevant areas of the barn and (2) to compare the performance of 2 different algorithms (Alg1 and Alg2) for cow location. The study was conducted on a commercial Austrian dairy farm. In total, 35 lactating cows were video recorded for 3 consecutive days. From these recordings, approximately 1 h was selected randomly each day for every cow (3 d × 35 cows). Simultaneously, location data were collected and classified by the RTLS system as dedicated to the alley, feed bunk, or cubicle on a 1-min resolution. A total of 6,030 paired observations were derived from visual observations (VO) and the RTLS and used for the final data analysis. Substantial agreement of categorical data between VO and SB was obtained by Cohen's kappa for both algorithms (Alg1 = 0.76 and Alg2 = 0.78). Similar results were achieved by both algorithms throughout the study, with a slight improvement for Alg2. The ability of the system to locate the cows in the predefined areas was assessed, and the results from Alg2 showed sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of alley (74.0, 91.2, and 76.9%), feed bunk (93.5, 86.2, and 89.1%), and cubicle (90.5, 83.3, and 95.4%) and an overall accuracy of 87.6%.The correlation coefficient (r) between VO and SB for the total time cows spent (within 1 h) in the predefined areas was good to strong (r = 0.82, 0.98, and 0.92 for alley, feed bunk, and cubicle, respectively). These results show the potential of the system to automatically assess total time spent by cows in important areas of the barn for indoor settings. Future studies should focus on evaluating 24-h periods to assess time budgets and to combine technologies such as accelerometers and location systems to improve the performance of behavior prediction in dairy cows.

Background and objectives: Chitosan is a preservative that is commonly used in food packaging due to forming a film with antimicrobial activity. Many antimicrobial agents have been used to control the growth of different bacteria, fungi and yeasts in food products using chitosan coating. The present research was conducted to examine inhibitory effects of a coating incorporated with the essential oils of Zataria multiflora (ZEO) and Bunium persicum (BEO) on the growth of Pseudomonas artificially inoculated onto salmon fillets over a period of 12 days at 4 °C. Methods: The antibacterial activity of BEO against P. aeruginosa was evaluated using the microdilution method via determining minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. For the food model investigation, three P. aeruginosa strains were inoculated onto trout fillets as culture cocktail to assess their survival over 12 days of storage. Results: The results indicated that ZEO and BEO had stronger inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa in trout fillets when applied along with gel type nano-emulsion of chitosan solution. The separate use of each of these substances also significantly inhibited the growth of these pathogenic bacteria compared with the control. In addition, the use of chitosan coating without any antimicrobial agent affected the growth of P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: The gel type nano-emulsion of chitosan coating containing ZEO and BEO can be applied on foodstuff, particularly fish and its products, as an antimicrobial agent.

This 8‐year (from 2008 to 2016) retrospective study calculated the percentage of carcass and organ (lung and liver) condemnations and estimated the direct financial costs at four slaughterhouses in Sistan‐Baluchestan Province, Southeastern Iran. Each carcass and organ (lung and liver) was thoroughly examined through inspection, palpation and incision following the standard protocol. Identification of the parasites was performed macroscopically. The total direct economic loss due to meat's condemnation was estimated by adding weights of each organ or carcass part and multiplying individual organ totals by their 2016 market unit price. A total of 857,039 cattle were slaughtered during this period, 64,497 livers (7.5%), 31,401 lungs (3.6%) and the carcasses of 1,171 cattle (0.1%) were condemned due to lesions caused by parasites. The main parasitic lesions in the condemned livers were attributed to Echinococcus granulosus (4.2%), Fasciola spp. (3.1%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.1%). All the condemned lungs were due to E. granulosus (3.6%). Taenia saginata cysticerci were detected in 0.1% of inspected animals. Liver condemnation due to cystic echinococcosis was the highest in fall (4.7%, p, Among the organs examined for the existence of parasitic lesions, 64,497 livers (7.5%), 31,401 lungs (3.6%) and the carcasses of 1,171 cattle (0.13%) were discarded due to parasitic infections. The main parasitic lesions detected in the condemned livers were attributed to Echinococcus granulosus (4.2%), Fasciola hepatica (3.1%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.1%).

Chitosan-based hydrogels as wound dressings are expected to improve the efficiency of the wound-healing process. Fabrication of the composite structure of Aloe vera and biopolymeric hydrogels has been demonstrated to promote the wound-healing process through protection against a wide spectrum of microbes, and enhanced cell adhesion and differentiation. Therefore, the present study investigates to development of improved CHO/Aloe hydrogel for improving the wound-healing process in an animal model.CHO hydrogel with Aloe was prepared, and its properties were evaluated in terms of viscosity, antibacterial activity, and ints In-vivo wound-healing efficiency in full-thickness wounds of rat models. Physical examination of wound-healing efficiency of CHO/Aleo hydrogel was evaluated by analyzing total wound closure, recovery percentage, and the epiderm thickness of wounds. Histological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining to evaluate the re-epithelialization, inflammatory response, granulation tissue formation, and fibrotic tissue formation.The results showed a significantly higher wound-healing rate of the CHO/Aleo group compared to other groups at 3,7,14 days (p 0.05). After 14 days of treatment, the best healing effect was observed in the CHO/Aleo gel with the highest tissue tension compared with other groups (p 0.05). Histological findings indicated a significant difference in inflammatory response between control and treatment groups after three days of treatment (p 0.05). Epidermal thickness was also significantly thicker in the CHO/Aleo gel group than others (p 0.05).The present study an improved the effective topical drug-delivery system by CHO/Aloe hydrogel with the potential to reduce inflammation over time, allowing the body to recover more quickly and better re-epithelialization for improving the wound-healing procedures.

Background Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic condition characterized by capillary hyperpermeability which can be predicted by preovulatory ovarian responses such as number of follicles. A variety of cytokines are thought to be involved in pathophysiology of this syndrome. Methods A prospective cohort study invloving sixty intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients. On the day of hCG injection, we explored the threshold of larger follicles ≥11 mm diameter with a count of ≥18 follicles for the high-risk moderate-to-severe OHSS and 13–18 follicles for the low-risk moderate-to-severe OHSS. Whereas larger follicles count of less than 13 were classified as normoresponders. Pooled follicular fluid (FF) samples of each patient were collected on the day of oocyte retrieval. Magnetic multiplex immunoassay was explored to measure the concentrations of some intrafollicular cytokines including: GM-CSF, INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, CXCL8/IL-8, IL-6, IL-5, IL-4, IL-2, and IL-1β. All sixty patients underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with either GnRH agonist or antagonist protocols. Results Intrafollicular TNF-α concentration was significantly different (p < 0.05) in the high-risk moderate-to-severe OHSS patients compared to low-risk moderate-to-severe OHSS patients and normoresponders. TNF-α in FF had a negative correlation with the chance of high-risk moderate-to-severe OHSS. The differences in the risk of OHSS between patients who received GnRH agonist or antagonist were not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions In accordance to the negative correlation of TNF-α and high risk of early OHSS, we did not expect TNF-α to play a role in increasing vascular permeability in ovarian tissues. In addition, the risk of early moderate-to-severe OHSS was not affected by different GnRH superovulation protocols.

Background The following study is an evaluation of the encapsulation, stability and release profile of Iranian Zateria multiflora boiss essential oil (ZEO) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells. Encapsulation was performed with different essential oil / yeast weight ratios at different temperatures. The encapsulation efficiency and stability of the loaded yeasts and the release profiles of carvacrol and thymol (as the main active ingredients of ZEO) were also investigated. Result The encapsulation efficiencies of carvacrol and thymol at a ZEO / yeast weight ratio of 1.25 were 30.9% ± 0.01% and 44.5% ± 0.02%, respectively. Loaded yeast cells were stable during the 4-week storage period. Both carvacrol and thymol showed substantial releases of around 60% during the first hour and around 70% during the second hour at two different water temperatures, followed by steady release. Conclusion Zateria multiflora boiss essential oil can be encapsulated effectively in S. cerevisiae yeast cells, refrigerated without degradation, and released efficiently. Zateria multiflora boiss essential oil encapsulated into S. cerevisiae yeast may be used as a potential preservative for the food and drug industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Introduction: Antimicrobial agents such as essential oils have wide applications, and their use in edible films has been reported to enhance the shelf life of meat and its products. The present study aimed to assess the effects of chitosan films on the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus in hamburger samples in storage conditions (temperature: 4±1°C). Methods: The prepared films contained 0.8% nanoemulsion of Bunium persicum essential oil (NBPEO) and 1.6% nanoemulsion of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (NTEO). The hamburger samples were inoculated with S. aureus and divided into several groups, including control (no film), chitosan with 7.5% cellulose nanofiber (Ch-CNF), chitosan with 7.5% cellulose nanofiber, 0.8% NBPEO, and 1.6% NTEO (Ch-CNF-NEO). The samples were preserved in storage conditions (temperature: 4°C), and bacterial count was carried out on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Data analysis was performed using Bonferroni post-hoc test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: According to the results, S. aureus count significantly decreased in the treatment groups compared to the control samples. In addition, the maximum reduction rate was observed in the Ch-CNF-NEO treatment (1.41 log CFU/g) compared to the control samples. Conclution: According to the results, it is offered that nanocomposite film of chitosan with nanoemulsion of essential oils practically be applied in hamburger to enhance its safety against S. aureus.

The present study aimed to compare the inhibitory effects of alginate coatings containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZMEO) in the forms of coarse emulsion and nano-emulsion on the growth of inoculated Escherichia coliO157: H7in beef fillet during 16 days of refrigeration at the temperature of 4 . Alginate solutions (3%) with various concentrations of ZMEO (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) were prepared, and the coarse emulsion and nano-emulsion forms were also prepared. The beef fillets were inoculated with E. coliO157: H7(1.5×105 log CFU/g) and immersed in various alginate treatments, and the bacterial count was performed during refrigeration on days zero, four, eight, 12, and 16.The obtained results indicated that the alginate coating containing ZMEO in both forms (coarse/nano-emulsion) was a proper candidate to control E. coliO157: H7at the temperature of 4°C. However, the antibacterial effects were more significant on the samples treated by the nano-emulsion form compared to the coarse emulsion form and controls. In addition, the lowest bacterial growth was observed in the samples coated with the alginate nano-emulsion containing 1% ZMEO (5.3±0.24 log CFU/g) at the end of storage. Therefore, it could be concluded that the use of alginate coatings containing ZMEO (particularly in the nano-emulsion form) could effectively decrease the growth of E. coliO157: H7 during storage, and this natural additive could be applied in the food industry, especially the meat industry.

This study was targeted to investigate the effect of chitosan-loaded nanoemulsion enriched with two types of essential oils on the microbial quality of turkey meat. To this end, the effects of essential oils of Zataria Multiflora Boiss (ZEO) and Bunium persicum Boiss (BEO) were evaluated at two concentrations (0.5% and 1% (w/v)) during 18 days of storage at 4 °C. Initially, in vitro evaluations were performed on the prepared nanoemulsions, namely essential oil nanoemulsions and chitosan-loaded nanoemulsions containing essential oils, using micro-dilution method and agar diffusion methods, respectively. Meat samples were analyzed for microbial indicators and inoculated salmonella Enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes during 3-day intervals. The highest reduction rate of total viable bacteria (2.06 log CFU/g), total psychrophilic (2.59 log CFU/g), Pseudomonas spp. (2.07 log CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (2.51 log CFU/g), lactic acid bacteria (2.51 log CFU/g), and yeast and mold count (2.10 log CFU/g) were observed in chitosan-loaded nanoemulsion containing ZEO 1%, in comparison with control samples. Moreover, the shelf life significantly increased due to the application of chitosan-loaded nanoemulsions (15–18 days), compared to that of the control group (6 days). Therefore, the edible chitosan-based nanoemulsion could play an effective role in the preservation of the microbial qualities of turkey meat.

Nowadays rising consumer concern on the safety of synthetic chemical food preservatives is a reason for finding natural new antimicrobial agents, especially among the components of medicinal plants such as Essential Oils (EOs). However, most EOs are sensitive to oxygen, light, and temperature and can be easily degraded. Some EOs have strong taste, flavor, and affect the organoleptic characteristics of foods. Encapsulation can control these unpleasant characteristics. Using yeast cells as encapsulating agents and delivery systems for active ingredients has been widely investigated. Encapsulation in yeast cells has a wide range of advantages such as processes simplicity, commercial availability, low cost-high volume process, and needless of toxic solvents. In this study, the antibacterial activity of free and encapsulated Zataria multiflora Bioss. Essential Oil (ZEO) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes as important foodborne pathogens were evaluated. The sensory evaluation of both forms of ZEO in a food model was also done. ZEO was successfully encapsulated into S. cerevisiae cells. Carvacrol and thymol contents in loaded yeasts were determined. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of free and loaded ZEO were studied against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes; their antibacterial effects in the commercial chicken soup was investigated, and their sensory attributes in the commercial soup were evaluated as well. Our results showed significant decreases in the MIC and MBC values of ZEO in culture media after encapsulation; however, the antibacterial activity of ZEO in commercial chicken soup showed no significant differences after encapsulation (P>0.05). ZEO encapsulation improves its sensory score and hence, decreases its organoleptic effects in food (P

The present study was conducted to evaluate the lipid and protein oxidation responses of cold stored turkey meat using chitosan-contained nanoemulsions supplemented with the essential oils of two aromatic plants including Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss. Chemical traits such as total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARs), free fatty acids (FFA), fatty acid composition and TC (total carbonyl) of samples were carried out at 4°C. Moreover, their pH and sensory properties were also determined at the same conditions. The initial value of the TVB-N (2.24 mg N/100 g) reached 20.81 mg N/100 g. TVB-N values achieved for all meat samples were lower than the highest acceptable limit (28-29 mg N/100 g). In all the treatments, PV and TBARs values were increased until day 10, and afterward a decrease was observed until day 20 of storage. TBARs values of the samples (mg MDA/kg) ranged from 1.97 ± 0.04 to 4.48 ± 0.39 in CNE + ZEO 1% to 2.72 ± 0.32 to 6.66 ± 0.21 in CON at zero time and day 5, respectively. FFA and TC were enhanced at a slower rate in the treated samples. The most efficient treatment against chemical deterioration was found to be CNE + ZEO 1%. Chitosan and sonicated chitosan treatments had the highest color score and lowest odor score at zero time. The obtained results suggested coating turkey meat fillets with ZEO and BEO as an effective strategy to delay at their chemical deterioration. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The spoilage risk of fresh products is higher than other foods. Turkey meat spoils because of biological reactions such as the oxidation of lipids and protein, the action of endogenous enzymes, and the metabolic activities of microorganisms that end in a short shelf life. The oxidation of lipids not only reduces or retards, but also inhibits by edible coatings. Edible coatings formed from bioactive compounds would effectively provide possibility of active compounds onto surface of minimally processed foods. Therefore, application chitosan-loaded nanoemulsion coating containing Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss essential oils is recommended in food industry especially for poultry industry to increase the chemistry and sensory quality of turkey breast fillets.

In this study, the effect of edible coarse/nanoemulsions of alginate as coating containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) on the microbial quality of fish fillets was investigated at three concentrations (i.e. 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% [w/v]) in 16 days of storage at 4°C. Moreover, a comparison was made between the fabricated coarse emulsion and nanoemulsion coatings by particle size and polydispersity index analyses. Sample analysis was performed with regard to total viable count (TVC), total psychrophilic count (TPC), hydrogen sulphide‐producing bacteria count (HSC) and Enterobacteriaceae count (ENC) on days 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. According to the findings, all the samples showed increased microbial counts during the storage periods. The highest reduction rates of TVC (about 2 log CFU/g), TPC (about 1 log CFU/g), HSC (about 1.5 log CFU/g) and ENC (about 3 log CFU/g) were observed in the nanoemulsion of alginate containing 1% w/v ZEO (NE 1%) samples, compared with alginate and control samples. The microbial growth was significantly inhibited in all treatments, compared with that in the control (p

Introduction: Different species of Pseudomonas bacteria are found in abundance in environment. Although they are weak pathogens, they have great importance in food hygiene and human health because they are psychrotrophic bacteria, can grow and proliferate at refrigerated temperatures, and can produce proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes. Method: In this study, the simultaneous effect of different doses of microwave radiation and different concentrations of salt and lactic acid on Pseudomonas aeruginosa inoculated onto veal meat pieces. For this purpose, 108 samples were evaluated in 9 treatments on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 during chilled storage in -4⁰ C. The control group was treated with distilled water. The bacterial count was done in Pseudomonas Agar medium and that showed that different concentrations of acid, salt, and microwave exposure time and their interactions had a significant effect on the mean logarithm number of bacteria during the refrigerating period. Result: In this study, the interaction between microwave radiation, organic acid and salt cause to more reduction in the count of bacteria than the control group. There was a significant difference between the number of bacteria under acid and salt treatments and the control group (pConclusion: In summary, the results of this study showed that the use of organic acid, salt, and microwave irradiation on pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was inoculated into meat parts during storage in the refrigerator, reduced the bacterial count during this period. In this study, the combination of microwave radiation, organic acid and salt concentration caused a greater reduction in bacteria count compared to the control group, and there was a significant difference between the bacterial count when each these three factors were used comparing with control group.

Subclinical mastitis is one of the most important infectious diseases, and higher levels of oxidative stress in the peritpartum period were related to higher risk of mastitis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of milk oxidative stress variables in early lactation of dairy cow with subclinical mastitis. A total of 925 milk samples from quarters of cows during (7 ± 3) days post-calving from two dairy herds were included in the present study. Bacterial culture, somatic cell count (SCC), DTNB (dithiobis nitrobenzoic acid for oxidative capacity), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power for antioxidatant capacity) have been assayed. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the accuracy diagnostic value of each test using bacterial culture as gold standard. The accuracy of DTNB assay was comparable to that observed for SCC (AUC = 0.724 vs. AUC = 0.739). Sensitivity and specificity of DTNB at the concentration of 2.00 μmol s−1 were also comparable to those for SCC at 165 × 103 SCCml−1 (59.1 and 80.7% vs. 56.9 and 82.2%, respectively). Concentrations of both DTNB and FRAP were significantly higher in milk samples of quarters infected with S. aureus, when compared to non-infected quarters and quarters infected with other bacteria. The results showed that colorimetric measurement of DTNB could be a valuable indicator of subclinical mastitis, especially infection caused by S. aureus.

Camel meat as healthy food has received much attention for human consumption. In the present study, liver and muscle from 60 camels (Camelus dromedarius) including 26 males and 34 females were sampled to determine the concentration of As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Co using the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Based on the obtained results, the average content of essential or toxic elements in the liver and muscle was as follows: 111.2 ± 26.51, 38.57 ± 7.97 (Zn), 3.28 ± 0.79, 2.12 ± 0.49 (Cu), 76.98 ± 14.20, 59.34 ± 11.81 (Fe), 0.87 ± 0.22, 0.48 ± 0.12 (Mn), 0.52 ± 0.27, 0.03 ± 0.01 (Co), ND ± 0.008, 0.012 ± 0.008 (Cd), 7.06 ± 1.58, 3.90 ± 0.86 (Cr), 0.85 ± 0.043, and 0.18 ± 0.02, and 1.12 ± 0.21 (As) mg kg-1. Pb concentration was lower than the detection limit (ND). The results showed that the liver concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Co, and Cr were significantly higher than those in the muscle. The association of sex, age, region, and sampling period, with a concentration of these elements, revealed that concentration of zinc in the liver and cobalt in the muscle were significantly higher in the male. Also, significantly higher cobalt and zinc concentrations in muscle were seen in the first 6 months of the year. Age-related differences in muscle concentrations were observed for cobalt. The concentration of trace elements and heavy metals in the liver and muscle samples were not correlated. Comparison of heavy metals concentration in both tissues with European Commission regulation showed that except Cd, the other heavy metals had a higher level than the EU standard. The results of this study showed that camel meat can be contaminated with heavy metals, but more investigations are needed.

Background: The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition and in-vitro antibacterial activity of Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil (ZCEO). Methods: The chemical composition of ZCEO was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were calculated using the microwell dilution assay to assess the antibacterial effects of ZCEO emulsion and nano-emulsion on E. coli O157:H7. Results: A yield of 1% (w/w) was identified for ZCEO isolation and pulegone (58.78%), menthone (1.15%), and isomenthone (9.91%) as the key components of ZCEO phytochemicals. The MIC values of the ZCEO emulsion and nano-emulsion were 0.8 and 0.025 mg/ml, respectively, and the MBC values were estimated at 1.6 and 0.05, respectively. Conclusion: It is recommended that the nano-emulsion of ZCEO be applied as a potential source of natural preservatives in food industries.

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of chitosan Nano-gel/emulsion coating functionalized by Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil (ZCEO) and nisin on growth inhibition of Escherichia coli O157: H7 inoculated in beef samples during 16 days in cold storage condition (4˚C). Methods: Beef sample was divided into six groups after inoculation of E. coli O157:H7. Treatments including control (no coating), chitosan 2%, sonicated chitosan 2%, Nano-emulsion of chitosan coating containing ZCEO (0.5%), Nano-gel of chitosan coating containing nisin (200 IU/g), Nano-emulsion of chitosan coating containingZCEO (0.5%) and nisin (200 IU/g) were stored at refrigeration temperature and bacterial count were performed on days: 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: Result indicated a significant reduction in E. coli O157:H7 count in all treatments when compared to control group and the highest inhibitory activity was observed in chitosan Nano-emulsion coating containing ZCEO (0.5%) and nisin (200 IU/g). Conclusion: Accordingly, it is suggested that chitosan Nano-emulsion coating with ZCEO and nisinpractically be applied in beef to increase its safety against pathogenic bacteria especially E. coli O157: H7.

Background: The present aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antimicrobial effects, and antioxidant properties of clove and lemon verbena essential oils (EOs). Methods: The chemical composition of the EOs was identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In addition, the antibacterial effects of EOs against seven important foodborne bacteria were assessed using the disk-diffusion, agar well-diffusion, and broth microdilution assays. Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of the EOs was carried out using DPPH, β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching, and reducing power assay. Results: All the tested bacteria demonstrated susceptibility to EOs, with the highest susceptibility observed in Bacillus cereus to the clove EO in the agar disk-diffusion test. Moreover, Shigella dysenteriae was identified as the most sensitive bacterium to the lemon verbena EO. Salmonella typhimurium was the most resistant bacterium to both EOs. In the agar well-diffusion test, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. typhimurium had the lowest sensitivity to the clove and lemon verbena EOs, respectively. Although both EOs exhibited significant antioxidant capacity, the lemon verbena EO showed higher antioxidant activity in all the tests, with the exception of β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching test. Conclusion: Clove and lemon verbena EOs could be regarded as potential sources of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents in food processing.

In the present study, the relationship of normal adrenal dimensions with weight, aortic diameter, age and sex was evaluated. Moreover, a formula for estimating the normal dimensions of adrenal gland was provided. Thirty-two intact adult dogs that were considered healthy based on history, physical examination, routine blood works and specific adrenal tests as well as absence of any abnormal ultrasonographic findings were included. Adrenal glands and abdominal aorta were imaged in the sagittal plane by ultrasound. Length, maximal height of the cranial and caudal poles, area and circumference of the left and right adrenal glands and also the internal diameter of the abdominal aorta were measured. Analysis showed that there is a positive correlation between the adrenal gland dimensions and weight and aortic diameter. The ratio of adrenal gland dimensions and the aortic diameter was calculated, but this ratio showed a great amount of variability in tandem with a significant correlation to the weight; Meaning that the ratio of the adrenal gland dimensions to the aortic diameter was not a reliable index for evaluating the size of the normal adrenal gland in animals with different weights. Therefore, we used the weight along with adrenal measurements in a linear regression model, and then, we were able to estimate the adrenal gland dimensions in different weights. Knowing the relationship of normal adrenal dimensions with the indices such as weight, age, sex and diameter of abdominal aorta can help the clinicians to diagnose the adrenal gland diseases.

Objective- This study was designed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum gel on cutaneous burn wound healing in diabetic rats.Design- Randomized experimental studyAnimals- Forty adult male ratsProcedures- Two circular 1 cm cutaneous wounds were created in the dorsum back of each rat. 48 h post-burning, debridement with a 1 cm biopsy punch was performed. The wounds were divided into the following four treatment groups (n= 10, each): 1. Untreated or negative control (NC), 2. silver sulfadiazine (positive control-SSD), 3. base gel (BG) 4. Lactobacillus plantarum Gel (LP gel). The wound surface area and epithelialization were monitored. The animals were euthanized at 10 (n = 5), and 20 (n = 5) days post-injury (DPI) and the skin samples were used for histopathological, biochemical, TGF-β gene expression and biomechanical investigations. Results- It was indicated that the L. plantarum and SSD treated lesions had the lowest percentage of wound size and collagen content and also the L. plantarum treated group showed shortest inflammatory period and highest amount of TGF-β at 10 days post injury. The L. plantarum gel treated lesions also demonstrated greater ultimate load compared to the untreated and based gel treated wounds.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance- In conclusion, L. plantarum gel therapy improved wound healing and resulted in better outcomes after severe burn injury in diabetic rats compared with the silver sulfadiazine treatment.

Background: Active antimicrobial packaging is a novel method for increasing the safety and shelf life of food products. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of chitosan coating nano-emulsion incorporated with Zataria multiflora and Bunium persicum essential oils at the concentrations of 0.5% and 1%, respectively on E. coli O157:H7 in vacuum-packed fish samples during 12 days of refrigeration. Methods: The samples were divided into various groups, including control (no coating), 2% chitosan, 2% chitosan nano-emulsion, and chitosan coating nano-emulsion containing Zataria multiflora and Bunium persicum essential oils at the concentrations of 0.5% and 1%, respectively. The samples were vacuum-packed and stored at refrigeration temperature, and bacterial counting was performed on days zero, one, two, four, six, eight, and 12. Results: The mean bacterial count had a significant difference between the study groups during 12 days of storage (P less-than 0.001). The most significant inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli O157:H7 was observed with nano-emulsion of chitosan containing 1% of Bunium persicum. Conclusion: According to the results, using the nano-emulsion of chitosan coating with essential oils could effectively decrease the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in food products, especially fish.in food especially fish.

To compare the therapeutic effects of iron chelators used alone or in combination with phlebotomy on iron storage disease (ISD), 66 healthy common mynahs (

One of the most important diseases in calves worldwide is neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD), which impairs calf welfare and leads to economic losses. The aim of this study was to test whether the activity patterns of calves can be used as early indicators to identify animals at risk for suffering from NCD, compared with physical examination. We monitored 310 healthy female Holstein-Friesian calves on a commercial dairy farm immediately after birth, equipped them with an ear tag–based accelerometer (Smartbow, Smartbow GmbH), and conducted daily physical examinations during the first 28 d of life. The Smartbow system captured acceleration data indicative of standing and lying periods and activity levels (active and inactive), shown as minutes per hour. We categorized calves as diarrheic if they showed fecal scores of ≥3 on a 4-point scale on at least 2 consecutive days. Incidence of diarrhea was 50.7% (n = 148). A mixed logistic regression model showed that lying [odds ratio (OR) = 1.19], inactive (OR = 1.14), and active (OR = 0.92) times, 1 d before clinical identification of diarrhea (d −1), were associated with the odds of diarrhea occurring on the subsequent day. Receiver operating characteristics curve showed that lying time at d −1 was a fair predictor for diarrhea on the subsequent day (area under curve = 0.69). Average lying time on d −1 was 64.8 min longer in diarrheic calves compared with their controls. Median lying and inactive times decreased, and active time increased with age over the study period. The 24-h pattern of behavior indices based on the output of the Smartbow system followed periods of resting and active times, and showed that between 2200 h and 0600 h, calves spent the greatest percentage of time lying and inactive. These results showed that the accelerometer system has the potential to detect early indicators associated with NCD. In future studies, additional data for the development and testing of calf- and event-specific algorithms (e.g., for detecting milk intake, playing behavior) should be collected, which might further improve the early detection of diarrhea in calves.

The following study is an evaluation of the encapsulation, stability and release profile of Iranian Zateria multiflora boiss essential oil (ZEO) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells. Encapsulation was performed with different essential oil / yeast weight ratios at different temperatures. The encapsulation efficiency and stability of the loaded yeasts and the release profiles of carvacrol and thymol (as the main active ingredients of ZEO) were also investigated.The encapsulation efficiencies of carvacrol and thymol at a ZEO / yeast weight ratio of 1.25 were 30.9% ± 0.01% and 44.5% ± 0.02%, respectively. Loaded yeast cells were stable during the 4-week storage period. Both carvacrol and thymol showed substantial releases of around 60% during the first hour and around 70% during the second hour at two different water temperatures, followed by steady release.Zateria multiflora boiss essential oil can be encapsulated effectively in S. cerevisiae yeast cells, refrigerated without degradation, and released efficiently. Zateria multiflora boiss essential oil encapsulated into S. cerevisiae yeast may be used as a potential preservative for the food and drug industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recent discoveries have shown that the chances of a dog developing a behavioral disorder may depend upon a number of factors including nutrition. The current pilot study was designed to provide an assessment of the efficacy of a dietary supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc on some common behavioral disorders in a population of Iranian domestic dogs. In total, 48 dogs including 6 dogs without any behavior disorder (control group) and 42 dogs with at least 1 common behavioral disorder, namely excessive activity, inappropriate elimination, fearfulness, destructiveness, and aggression toward unfamiliar people and dogs (test group), were given daily oral dose of gelatin capsules of fish oil supplements containing 330 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 480 mg docosahexaenoic acid. Moreover, all dogs received 12-15 mg/kg of magnesium citrate and 5 mg/kg of zinc sulfate. Data were obtained using a questionnaire that dog owners were invited to fill out 2 times before (Days 0 and 42) and 2 times after the supplement treatment period (Days 84 and 126). The questionnaire asked owners whether their dog had exhibited any of the 6 common behavioral disorders on a 5-point Likert-like scale ranging from 0 (never or very rarely) to 4 (very often). The results showed no significant changes for any of the evaluated behavior disorders scale in the control group. In dogs with behavior disorders, results showed a significant reduction in the median score for the severity of fearfulness (P = .0083), destructiveness (P = .002), and inappropriate elimination (P.001). In addition, there were no significant differences in the median score for the severity of excessive activity (P = .162), aggression toward dogs (P = .281), and aggression toward unfamiliar people (P = .09) during the course of the study. Results of the study reported here support the hypothesis that a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc may improve some of the behavioral disorders.

Uveitis is a major cause of vision loss. Methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used in uveitis due to its relatively safe profile. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different dosages of MTX via intra-vitreal administration for treatment of endotoxin induced uveitis (EIU) in an experimental model. Thirty-five healthy rabbits were randomly divided into four groups and all animals were tolerated intra-vitreal injections. The first group received normal saline (NS), the second group received normal saline plus Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS), (NS+LPS), the third group received 400 μg MTX plus LPS (LPS+MTX 400) and the fourth group received 800 μg MTX plus LPS (LPS+MTX 800). Intra-ocular inflammation was evaluated by clinical examination scoring during 7 post-injection days and histopathological examination at the end of study. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the histopathological and clinical scores. According to the clinical examinations, all groups demonstrated higher uveitis score than group 1 on first post-injection day. Also, groups 2 and 3 showed greater uveitis score than group 4. On the third, fifth and seventh post-injection days, clinical uveitis score in groups 2, 3 and 4 was significantly higher than group 1. The mean histopathological inflammation intensity scores in groups 2, 3 and 4 were significantly higher than group 1. Single intra-vitreal injection of 400 μg and 800 μg of MTX did not show significant anti-inflammatory effects on EIU in rabbits.

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) samples treated with Carum copticum (0.5% and 1%) and lactic acid were examined for a period of 18 days. Samples were analysed for their total viable count (TVC), psychrotrophic count (PTC), pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total volatile base nitrogen (TVN) and biogenic amines (histamine, cadaverine, and putrescine) to evaluate their quality and safety. The TVC, PTC, pH, and TVN values were significantly reduced (p

Introduction: Aflatoxin contamination of agricultural crops leads to health hazards and detrimental to the economy. Despite enhanced processing, handling and storage, it remains an issue in the peanut industry. An effort was made to investigate the efficacy of corn zein coating combined with thymol and carvacrol as the edible coating may extend aflatoxinproduction. Methods: Analysis of aflatoxins B1, B2 and total were performed for 11 treatments on coated and uncoated peanuts stored at room temperature for 90 days. Treatments were included zein, thymol (500, 1000, 1500 ppm), carvacrol (5000, 10000, 15000 ppm), incorporating thymol and carvacrol at three different concentrations and control. Results: Significant differences between coated and uncoated treatments were observed (p

Objective: This current study was done to find any correlation between clinical mastitis and lameness occurrence and incidence in dairy farms.Design: This prospective field trial was done on a case control study basis. Cows were divided into two mastitis and control group and lameness recorded and compared in both groups.Procedures: This current study was done during 9 month in a dairy herd with 800 milking cows. The mastitis scoring system was based on the International Dairy Federation definitions of mastitis severity from one to three. All cows were trimmed two times annually and also high locomotion score, lame and long toe cows referred for possible inspection and treatment. Records of sole ulcer (SU), white line disease (WLD), Toe Ulcer (TU), heel erosion (HE), digital dermatitis (DD) and interdigital necrobacillosis (INB) were assessed in this study. Data of the lesions up to three month after occurrence of mastitis was followed. 543 cows affected with mastitis were allocated to treatment and the same amount of the cows that didn’t show any mastitis during past three month allocated to control group.Results: Occurrence of mastitis reduce incidence of digital dermatitis significantly. Lameness except digital dermatitis were higher in mastitis group than control group (PConclusion and Clinical Relevance: Mastitis can play a role in occurrence of claw horn lesions (CHL) and any control program of lameness in the herds with high incidence of CHL should precede with control program of other predisposing or causative factors of this condition. Mastitis besides other infectious causes as a predisposing factor can play a significant role on lameness.

Background: The therapeutic potential of honey is related to antioxidant activity against reactive oxygen species because it contains compounds such as polyphenols; therefore, we evaluated the potential protective effect of honey on subacute toxicity of ACR by histopathologic study on tissue lesions in rat. Methods: In Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran, 2016, male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups. To induce toxicity, ACR was injected (50 mg/kg for 11 d) to rats in 5 groups. In treatment groups, rats received three doses of honey 1.25, 2.5, and 5 g/kg in addition to the ACR. The two remaining groups received vitamin E (200 IU/kg) and normal saline as positive and negative control respectively. On the last day, after necropsy, tissue specimens from brain and liver were collected for histopathological studies. Results: Receiving of ACR caused tissue injuries including degeneration, necrosis, hyperemia, hemorrhage and inflammation in liver; ischemic cell change, hyperemia, hemorrhage and edema in brain tissue. Administration of honey considerably reduced tissue damages caused by ACR, particularly with dosage 5 g/kg. Conclusion: The severity of tissue lesions caused by the ACR can be reduced by honey, likely through its antioxidant activity. Increasing concentrations of honey will enhance its effectiveness.

The present study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of alginate coating incorporated with Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) and lactoperoxidase system (LPOS), individual...

The “cow hygiene score” system is a management tool for assessment of cow’s body hygiene and cleaning of the barn. In this study, the correlation between body hygiene scores and intramammary infections (IMI), California Mastitis Test (CMT) and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) were evaluated in two different seasons. Hygiene scoring of 1096 dairy cows in 4 herds was performed on five body areas including: udder, rear legs, flanks and upper legs, abdomen, and tail head. After doing CMT, milk samples were taken from quarters with score 2 or more for microbiological culture. SCC data were taken in two consecutive months. The results of this study showed no significant differences between the median of all hygiene scores except for tail head that were significantly greater in high than low rainy seasons (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between hygiene scores and the chance of positive bacterial culture (p > 0.05), but a statistically significant relationship was found between udder hygiene score and isolation of environmental bacteria (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between SCC or CMT and hygiene scores of all parts of the body and similarly between teat cleanliness score after premilking preparation and SCC in two consecutive months (p > 0.05). Finally, it seems that udder hygiene scoring is an useful tool for predicting of intramammary infections caused by environmental bacteria.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate antimicrobial effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (EO) against six fish spoilage bacteria for evaluation of its potential utilization in the preservation of minimally processed fish products. Methods: Firstly, GC-MS analysis of the EO was performed to determine its chemical composition. Then, antibacterial effect of the EO in a range of 0.031 to 4 mg/ml was tested against different fish spoilage bacteria such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Shewanella putrefaciens, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis by broth microdilution method to determine minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentrations. Results: GC-MS results showed that phenolic components such as carvacrol (51.55%) and thymol (25.49%) were predominant constituents of the EO. Zataria multiflora Boiss EO exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria. Shewanella Putrefaciens was the most sensitive bacteria with MBC value of 0. 5 mg/ml. Conclusion: According to the results, this EO could be used as an important natural alternative to prevent bacterial growth in food specially seafood products to preserve them against bacterial spoilage.

Objective- to describe the vertebral heart score (VHS) measurement in the lateral view of the clinically normal native dog in khorasan province, Iran Design- Descriptive study Animals- 30 clinically healthy native dog Material and Methods- Normal dogs in clinical, laboratory, electrocardiography and radiography examination were recruited in this study. Both true lateral view of thoracic cavity were imaged. VHS was measured in both left and right lateral projection. Results- Mean±SD of the VHS in right-to-left and left-to-right projection was about 9.76±0.68 and 9.78±0.42, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between VHS in lateral views. Weight, age and stage of respiratory phase showed no significant correlation with VHS. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Mean VHS in native dog in khorasan province was in the general reference range reported previously. It is important to take into account the breed specific data in evaluation of cardiac size in radiography.

Background: This field trial was conducted to describe and compare the efficacy of two treatment regimens comprising of pre-calving systemic administrations of marbofloxacin and tylosin in combination with dry cow therapy. For more precise detection of Staphylococcus aureus IMI, PCR (nucA gene) and RAPD-PCR genotyping have been applied. A total of 841 quarters from 212 dry cows within two herds were assigned to three groups TYLO, MARB and CONT. At 21±3 days prior to parturition, tylosin was injected for three days (10 mg/kg, SC) to cows from TYLO and at the same time, single injection of marbofloxacin (8 mg/kg, SC) was administered to cows from MARB. Cows assigned to CONT served as an untreated control. All quarters allocated to the groups received intra-mammary infusion of Kanaclox DC® at drying off. Milk samples from all quarters at one week, before last milking of dry off, 3 and 7 DIM were obtained for bacteriological and oxidative analyses. Results: Despite the fact that no significant differences in total cure rate within the groups was demonstrated, the S. aureus cure rate achieved in TYLO and MARB were 74 and 73.5% respectively both of which being significantly higher than in CONT (58.1%). No significant differences in total new IMI were observed in TYLO (40.9%) and MARB (38.5%) groups compared with CONT group (42.5%). Furthermore the rate of new S. aureus IMI was higher in TYLO (24.5%) and MARB (24.1%) than in CONT (13.8%) group. Clinical mastitis rate in cows that received systemic injections (TYLO=3.8%, MARB=5.8%) was significantly lower than those detected in control cows (CONT=11.3%). Paired S. aureus isolates from dry off and post-calving have been clustered into 9 different RAPD types (A-I). 8 paired strains collected at dry off were identical to those at post-calving and 35 strains had more than 60% of dissimilarity. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that dealing with herds in which S. aureus IMIs are prevalent, using close up broad-spectrum systemic antimicrobial agents can be unrewarding for preventing new S. aureus IMIs. However close up administration of systemic antimicrobials have the potential to reduce the incidence of clinical mastitis during lactation.

The structure of the kidneys of sparrows living in wet and arid zones was compared to each other. A stereological study was conducted to quantify the components of the bird’s kidneys. A total of 10 female sparrows living in wet and arid zones were collected. The length of the kidneys was measured before blocking. The transverse serial sections were taken with a thickness of 5 I¼m. The sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) as well as periodic acid Schiff- alcian blue (PAS- AL). The kidneys of the sparrows consisted mostly of a cortex with only a small portion as medulla. The medulla was arranged in the form of cones with different lengths, which were randomly distributed within the kidney. The medullary nephron tubules were arranged sequentially. Thick and thin limbs of loop of Henle were separated by the collecting ducts. The histological structure and absolute volumes of the kidneys and components of the nephron were quantified. The absolute volumes of the structures within the right and left kidneys were not significantly different. The volume of the whole kidney (p

Honey and chitosan have shown antimicrobial and wound healing effects. As a biocompatible and biodegradable biomaterial, chitosan has shown antimicrobial capabilities.In this study, the effects of the incorporation of high molecular weight chitosan hydrogel on antibacterial, antifungal, and wound healing properties of honey were investigated.The minimum inhibitory concentration of chitosan and honey were examined in pure and 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 (v/v) compound ratios for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. In addition, the inflammatory, granulation and fibrotic tissue formation, reepithelialization indices, and wound shrinkage effects of each treatment were evaluated and compared with saline and silver sulfadiazine.Chitosan/honey 1:3 was found to be effective against all 5 aforementioned germs. Honey, chitosan/honey 1:1, and chitosan/honey 1:3 showed faster wound healing and shrinkage effects.Incorporation of chitosan hydrogel into honey can substantially enhance its antimicrobial and wound healing effects. Chitosan-hydrogel/honey (1:3) is an optimal wound dressing formulation with ample antimicrobial and healing properties.