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Cost-effective dye wastewater treatment approaches are critically required for the long-term sustainability of textile industries. To fill the gaps, multiple high-potential adsorbents derived from biomass have been proposed. For this purpose, this study was conducted to present an applicable and cost-effective biochar synthesized from cow dung to remove methylene blue from the aqueous solutions. The potential of cow dung-based biochar was optimized under various pH, biochar dose, methylene blue concentration, contact time, and temperature. The maximum removal was 96% achieved at optimum conditions, 20 mg/l methylene blue concentration, 0.2 g biochar dose, pH of 6, and 90 min contact time at ambient temperature. The methylene blue adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm (R²=0.9827) and pseudo-second-order (R²=0.999) kinetic models, implying multilayered adsorption on the heterogenous surface and chemisorption mechanism, respectively. Furthermore, the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic due to negative Gibbs free energy (ΔG0) and enthalpy (ΔH0) with the reduction at randomness of methylene blue molecules and adsorbent interaction based on negative entropy (ΔS0). Regarding the high efficiency of cow dung-based biochar to adsorb methylene blue, it is recommended that further investigations consider the biochar activation and functionalization intending to upgrade its adsorption capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Canine distemper virus (CDV), a morbillivirus with a single-stranded RNA composed of six genes, causes deadly distemper disease in canids. The first hosts of the virus are wild and domestic canids. OBJECTIVES: Due to the presence of endangered species of felids and canids, such as the Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) and Corsac fox (Vulpes corsac) in Golestan Province, Iran obtaining data about the epidemiology of CDV in the susceptible wild mammals' population seems essential. Regarding the presence of many golden jackals (Canis aureus) in Golestan Province, this study surveyed CDV infection in Golden jackals as sentinel species. METHODS: Eye swabs were provided from 60 road-killed jackals on the highways around Gorgan City and transferred to the buffer. The presence of CDV in the samples was examined by RT-nested PCR. RESULTS: Forty male and 24 female jackals were sampled. CDV was diagnosed in 20 jackals (31.2%). The prevalence rates of CDV infection in males (32.5%) and females (29.1%) were similar (P≥ 0.05.). CDV infections were only detected in 1-3 years old jackals and in cold seasons. CONCLUSIONS: CDV infection in 31.2% of sampled golden jackals from Gorgan indicates CDV's presence in north Iran's wild ecosystem. Due to the lack of access to CDV susceptible wild animals for vaccination, the high presence of rural dogs around a wild ecosystem of Golestan Province, and their important role in CDV transmission, proper vaccination of rural and stray dogs is suggested as one of the best ways to control CDV dissemination in the population of wild CDV susceptible animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heavy metals, such as lead harms animals' health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of Pb pollution in the cities of Golestan and Mazandaran Provinces by measuring Pb concentrations in the bloods of brown rats, which serve as omnivorous bioindicators living in the same habitat as humans. Methods: Eight highly populated cities were selected, with 10 rats trapped in each city. Blood samples were taken from the rats, and Pb measurements were done by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: All sampled rats were Pb-contaminated. The mean Pb concentrations in different cities of Golestan Province were statistically similar (p > 0.05). In Mazandaran cities, however, significant differences in mean Pb concentrations were observed. The highest contamination was recorded in Neka (10.28 ± 0.97 µg/dL), while the lowest contamination was observed in Babol (7.3 ± 1.36 µg/dL). The mean Pb concentrations in the studied cities of Golestan (9.43 ± 1.81 µg/dL) and Mazandaran (9.02 ± 1.07 µg/dL) Provinces, as well as in male (10.38 µg/dL) and female (9.25 µg/dL) rats were similar. Conclusion: The Pb contaminations observed in the sampled rats are indicative of Pb contaminations of the sampled cities and the presence of Pb sources in these areas. It seems necessary to take precautionary procedures to prevent the entry of polluted effluents into the sampled cities and the consumption of Pb-contaminated gasoline in these areas, to prevent Pb contamination of human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) is an endangered species that only lives in the Caspian Sea. Little information is available on its exposure to contaminants, and no data exists for Southern sub-populations. From 2011 to 2016, tissues samples were collected from 20 Caspian seals to (i) Define the concentration of trace elements in five different matrices and the concentration of 30 pesticides in their blubber; (ii) Determine whether differences in contaminant concentrations are age- or sex-related; (iii) Evaluate if detected concentrations can represent a risk to the species. Age- and sex-related variations were detected for Zn and Hg in the blubber and Fe in the kidney by age only. Exceptionally high Hg concentrations and low levels of hepatic Zn were detected, raising some concern about the reproductive health of seals. Similarly, the DDTs levels detected were in the range of adverse reproductive effects in marine mammals. Based on these results, potentially adverse effects on the immune and endocrine systems of the Caspian seal cannot be ruled out. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that pollutant monitoring becomes an integral component of conservation strategies for the Caspian seal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Considering the increasing use of nanochitin for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions, examining the biological effects of this substance on the level of essential metals for humans and animals is crucial. Therefore, this study investigated impact of oral administration of nanochitin on serum levels of iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) in Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four treatment groups and one control group. Two groups were fed with nanochitin at doses of 1.6 and 2.6 μg/g for 6 weeks, and the other two groups received the mentioned doses for 10 weeks. Serum concentrations of Fe and Ca were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: Oral administration of 2.6 μg/g nanochitin for 10 weeks caused a significant decrease in serum Ca and Fe concentrations (p<0.05). Oral administration of 1.6 and 2.6 μg/g nanochitin for 6 weeks caused a non-significant reduction in serum Fe and Ca concentrations (p>0.05). However, nanochitin consumption for 10 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in serum Fe concentration but not Ca. Conclusion: The limited reduction of serum Fe and Ca concentrations after oral consumption of nanochitin at a low dose and for a limited duration indicates that the controlled use of nanochitin could be safe for animals. However, complementary studies are needed to determine the exact effects of nanochitin on the animals’ bodies. On the other hand, it is recommended to use Fe and Ca supplements after consuming high doses of nanochitin for longer periods [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Lead (Pb) is among the most toxic pollutants that affect health of both humans and animals. Finding a way to prevent Pb accumulation in animals’ bodies seems necessary. Bacterial cellulose nanofiber (BCNF) can remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions. This study investigates effects of oral consumption of BCNF, as a chelator, on Pb concentration in the kidney and liver tissues of rats. Methods: Sixteen Wistar rats (aged 6-8 weeks) were divided into four groups: 1. control, 2. fed with Pb, 3. fed with Pb (50 μg/g) and BCNF (16 μg/g) simultaneously, and 4. fed with Pb and BCNF with 4 hours interval. The rats were euthanized, and the kidney and liver tissues were separated. After acidic digestion of the tissue samples, Pb concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The mean concentration of Pb in the kidney and liver tissues of rats fed with Pb and BCNF were significantly lower than that of rats fed only with Pb. In addition, the mean Pb concentration in rats of group 3 was lower than that of group 4. Conclusion: The results of this study showed the favorable effects of BCNF on prevention of Pb accumulation in the kidney and liver tissues of rats. Moreover, removal of Pb may be related to binding of BCNF with Pb in the gut or blood. More studies are necessary to determine the exact mechanisms through which BCNF can reduce Pb accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatofibroma is a common skin benign cutaneous tumor with many variants based on alterations in the morphology and composition of its diverse elements. The cause of dermatofibroma is unknown, it was historically attributed to being a reactive response to some traumatic lesion to the skin which is associated with itching and pain. This tumor usually appears on the limbs, especially the end extremities, in young adults. In the present study, a middle-aged Persian leopard was accidentally killed because of a car incident in the Golestan National Park, Iran. Following necropsy, skin mass on the right toe was observed and after sampling was transferred to the laboratory. After routine histopathological and immunohistochemical processes, Dermatofibroma was diagnosed microscopically with non-capsulated, circumscribed, hypocellular dermal nodule in a spiral pattern. According to the results of this study immunohistochemical staining revealed positivity for CD34. There is limited information about the Dermatofibroma in leopards. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Dermatofibroma in the Persian leopard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was conducted to collect informative data on the parasitic infection of wild rodents, emphasizing on finding parasites, which have medical importance to human. Methods: During 2012-2014, a total number of 91 wild rodents were captured from rural areas of Turkmen Sahra, Golestan Province, using handmade traps. Animals were anesthetized, surveyed for any ectoparasite and then their carcasses were carefully dissected for examination of endoparsites. Results: Four species of rodents including Mus musculus (52.75%), Rattus norvegicus (38.46%), Rhombomys opimus (4.40%) and Meriones libycus (4.40%) were captured. Parasitic infestation was detected in 38.5% of sampled rodents. Parasite infestation rates of sampled rodents was Hymenolepis diminuta = 7.7%, Cryptosporidium spp = 6.6%, Trichuris spp.= 5.5%, Cysticercus fasciolaris = 2.20%, Angiostrongylus spp.= 2.20%, Capillaria sp.= 1.09%, Rhipicephalus spp. = 8.70%, Nosopsyllus fasciatus = 1.09%, and Laelaps nuttalli = 3.29%. Among 10 genera/species of identified parasites, at least 8 of them were zoonotic with public health importance. L. nuttalli and N. fasciatus were the only two non-zoonotic detected parasites in this survey. Conclusion: Harboring a wide variety of zoonotic parasites in sampled wild rodents particularly when they live nearby villages, represents a potential risk to native inhabitants. Hence, controlling rodents' population in residential regions and improving awareness of local people about the risk of disease transmission through rodents seems to be entirely necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the fatal zoonotic diseases of dogs and humans that is created by Leishmania infantum. Wild and domestic canids are the main reservoirs. Recent reports have shown the growth of leishmaniasis in non-endemic areas of Iran such as Golestan province (in northeast of Iran). Jackals (Canis aureus) are widely distributed in rural areas of Golestan province. So, this study was carried out to survey the role of jackals in epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in Golestan province. Materials and methods: Serum sample of 60 jackals has been collected and analyzed by ELIZA kit. Results: According to the kit instruction, 5(8.3%) serum samples have been found positive. Frequency of infection was similar in both sexes and different seasons. Conclusion: L.infantum infection of sampled jackals revealed presence of L.infantum in sampling areas and also the possibility of L.infantum spread among wild and rural areas by jackals. More vast and molecular studies with high sensitivity and specificity on L.infantum of jackals are recommended to obtain more accurate information on the role of jackals in spreading leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic environmental changes are hypothesized as main reasons for animal species population declines. Heavy metals contamination is one of the worst threats to animals among human-caused threats. As most of the heavy metals bioaccumulate in organisms, analyzing concentrations of heavy metals in long living animals, such as turtles, would be very useful for biomonitoring of environmental quality. The European pond turtle is classified as a Near Threatened in the red list of International Union for Conservation of Nature. The objective of this study was to obtain information on heavy metals contamination in this species, as a sentinels, to evaluate the overall health of both the European pond turtles and their ecosystem in Golestan and Mazandaran provinces. Biological samples of 10 living and 15 dead European pond turtles were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer for Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd contaminations. Highest concentration of Zn (202.6 ± 58.5 μg g -1 ), Cd (4.4 ± 1.3 μg g -1 ) and Cu (3.8 ± 1.7 μg g -1 ) was detected in livers and the highest accumulation of Pb (45.6 ±16.3 μg g -1 ) occurred in kidneys. Positive correlations were detected among Zn, Pb and Cd tissue concentrations and carapaces curve length. Heavy metal levels were higher in males than females. Heavy metals contamination of sampled turtles stood in high degree. However, there is clearly a need to evaluate heavy metals physiologic effects on European pond turtles.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) creates a very contagious viral multi-systemic canine distemper (CD) disease that affects most species of Carnivora order. The virus is genetically heterogeneous, particularly in section of the hemagglutinin (H) gene. Sequence analysis of the H gene can be useful to investigate distinction of various lineages related to geographical distribution and CDV molecular epidemiology. Since vaccination program is conducted only in large cities of Iran, CD still remains as one of the major causes of death in dogs in this country. In order to monitor H gene, CDV has been detected in 14 out of 19 sampled dogs through the amplification of nucleoprotein (NP) gene in nested-PCR assay. In the next step 665 bp of H gene was amplified in 9 out of 14 NP-gene positive dogs. Phylogenetic analysis distinguished two distinct CDV genotypes in Iran. JN941238 has been embedded in European cluster and JN941239 has been embedded in Arctic cluster. Nucleic analysis has been shown high difference among both Iranian CDV lineages with CDV vaccine strains.