Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

In recent years, fluorescent imaging has emerged as an active area of interest in medical imaging. Fluorescent imaging plays a critical role in molecular imaging. Evidence suggests its use in providing a detailed structural outlook and genetic and cellular operatives of the body procedures on a molecular plane. Imaging agents are identified to be related to risks such as not biologically disintegration and great poisonousness. Researchers have shown a keen attentiveness to the growth of targeted multifunctional agents in oncology and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. This study assessed fluorescent imaging and bio-cellular acceptance of the gold (NIR) conjugated cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles Au-CsCaCO3NPs. The synthesized Au-CsCaCO3NPs were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for size and morphology, Zeta potential, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Biocompatibility of Au-CsCaCO3NPs in cultured human breast carcinoma cells MCF-7 and mouse embryonic fibroblast cells NIH3T3 was evaluated using bioassays like Lactate Dehydrogenase LDH and Reactive Oxygen Species ROS for toxic examination. Cellular morphology and uptake were studied by fluorescence and confocal microscopy. The outcomes proved that MCF-7 treated Au-CsCaCO3NP cells observed more cell deaths than NIH3T3 treated Au-CsCaCO3NP cells. Additionally, the cells were capable of assuming nanoparticles within their cellular compartments. In conclusion, gold-near infrared dye conjugated cockle shell calcium carbonate nanoparticles Au-CsCaCO3NPs were easily synthesized, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. It is safe to state that the Au-CsCaCO3NPs could be used for imaging and could present opportunities for progressing cancer imaging.

Fasciolosis is a neglected/re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica that infects both livestock and humans worldwide, causing severe economic losses and public health problems. The study determined the seroprevalence of F. hepatica infection in buffaloes and its associations with age, sex, and climatic/environmental factors (derived from satellite data) to identify potential risk factors from two tropical climate subtypes in two Mexican states. A total of 725 serum samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-F. hepatica immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with excretory-secretory (E/S) products as the antigen. The overall prevalence of the parasite in buffaloes between September 2022 and December 2022 was 10.62% (77 out of 725). The highest rate of F. hepatica infection was detected in Veracruz state 9.18%. In addition, the highest prevalence among the climate regions was found in the tropical rainforest 13.62%. In the two states studied, the highest positivity rate for fasciolosis was observed in young animals aged three years and below 21.52% and in male buffaloes 20.00%. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we determined four factors (age, normalized difference vegetation index, land surface temperature day (LST day), and rainfall) to be significantly associated with an increased risk of parasitic infection. Rainfall was the variable most strongly associated with F. hepatica infection (OR 3.434; 95% CI: 2.181-5.406), followed by LST day (OR 2.832; 95% CI: 1.916-4.186). The results indicate that different factors are significantly associated with the prevalence of liver flukes and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring programs for parasite infections to prevent economic losses in buffalo production.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is considered the primary foodborne pathogen because of its diverse virulence factors, including staphylococcal enterotoxins that can lead to food poisoning in humans that are eating contaminated and undercooked food, such as raw milk and undercooked ground beef. Iraqi traditional meat products like basturma are made to preserve meat. Forty-five samples of locally made basturma were gathered from various local shops located throughout the city of Mosul. The study's original April 2023 deadline was extended to June 2023. This project depended on the classical methods and PCR method for detecting the spa, nuc, and mecA genes in S. aureus. The results of our investigation demonstrated that S. aureus could be identified in local basturma samples using conventional microbiological techniques and PCR methods at a rate of 3 out of 45 (6.7%). The mecA gene (100%), with a molecular weight of 147 bp, was discovered to be present in all S. aureus isolates that referred to all isolates as MRSA. The spa type of all S. aureus isolated was t213. Three novel S. aureus sequences are registered in the NCBI Genbank and have the accession numbers PP388962.1, PP388963.1, and PP388964.1. Extremely comparable S. aureus isolates from this investigation. Additionally, the S. aureus sample revealed a tight association with another S. aureus isolates from throughout the globe.

Food safety is an important issue that concerns scientific and commercial communities worldwide for its direct impact on people’s health. The current study used conventional methods to isolate Enterococcus faecalis from dairy products. The study was also evaluated its pathogenicity (cytolysin) and detected the genes responsible for the production of cytolysin (cylM, cylB, asa, cylA, and cylLs) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here, the study was first started with collecting of 72 dairy product samples (21 cheese, 31 yogurts, and 20 curd samples). The samples were subjected to conventional cultivation, cytotoxicity, and PCR methods. The results of the cultivation revealed the presence of the E. faecalis in 43/72 (59.7%) samples, which is distributed over 20/21 (95.2%) cheese, 14/31 (45.2%) yogurt, and 9/20 (45%) curd samples. The findings of the hemolysis analysis demonstrated that the hemolytic capability of the isolated bacteria of types (γ, α, and β) differed, depending on the type of blood agar (BA) employed (human (Hn), sheep (S), and horse (Hs)). On HnBA plates, 17 isolates (39.5%) exhibited γ hemolytic action; however, 21 isolates (48.8%) exhibited β hemolytic activity. The cytotoxic activity on Vero cells showed various rates of dead cells and ranged from 0.2% (for the control) to 50.1% for specific isolates. The result of the PCR revealed the amplification of the examined genes in the bacterial isolates of dairy products. The current data demonstrate the presence of Enterococcus faecalis in dairy products with the indications of its pathogenicity due to the presence of cytolysin-coding genes and the cytotoxic activity of this protein on Vero cells.

Preanesthetic drugs play an essential role in general anesthesia for smooth induction and recovery and have multiple pharmacodynamic properties; however, they are considered blockers of histamine receptor type 1. The fundamental goal was to determine the properties of orphenadrine as a pre-anesthetic in a chick model. Healthy, unsexed chicks were used. Up-and-down methods determined the safety profile of orphenadrine for the average lethal dose and the average analgesic dose. We administered orphenadrine at different doses and times. We then calculated the onset, duration, and recovery of anesthesia using xylazine and ketamine, as well as the body temperature and breathing rate of the chicks that had undergone general anesthesia. The median lethal dose was 121.10±8.49 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP), and the median analgesic dose was 2.49±0.21 mg/kg IP. Orphenadrine at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg produced analgesia in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of orphenadrine at 5 mg/kg and IP at different times significantly prolonged the duration of anesthesia for xylazine and ketamine in a time-dependent manner, and body temperature and breathing rate were significantly decreased in the lateral recumbency situation in comparison with pre-lateral recumbency and post-lateral recumbency (recovery). Orphenadrine at 5,10, and 20 mg/kg, IP followed by 30 minutes produced a significant decrease in the onset of anesthesia, prolonged duration, and shortened recovery time compared with ketamine and xylazine alone. Orphenadrine also made a significant decrease in body temperature before lateral recumbency compared with xylazine and ketamine. Body temperature and breathing rate were significantly lower in lateral recumbency than in pre- and post-lateral recumbency. Conclusion: Orphenadrine is a safe drug because of the wide range between the average lethal and analgesic doses. It is also a good preanesthetic drug that prolongs the duration of anesthesia and shortens the recovery time in a Chick's model. However, because it has a hypothermic property, it must be used with caution when used as a preanesthetic.

This research aimed to examine the effects of haplotype groups observed in three different loci on the Calpastatin gene on ultrasonographic MLD measurements and seasonal live weight in five different types of sheep (GBK, HM, K, KM, and R). In the CAST intron 1, intron 5, and intron 12 regions, 15 SNPs were found. The HWE p-value for SNP2, SNP3, SNP5, SNP6, SNP7, SNP8, and SNP14 is less than 0.05, and except SNP9 and SNP10, all SNPs have a MAF of more than 0.01. SNP1, SNP2, and SNP7 made up one haplotype block. The haploblock has 3 haplogroups. The most common haplotype group was H1 (-AGG-), which had a frequency of 0.52; H2 (-TGG-) and H3 (-TAA-) had rates of 0.35 and 0.13, respectively. Based on ultrasonographic MLD readings and live weights, there were no statistically significant differences between haplotype H1 and H3, but there were statistically significant differences between haplotype H2 lambs. The effect of the H2 haplotype on 90-day MLD depth revealed a statistically significant difference between the HM and KM and K and KM breeds. This distinction persisted until the 180th day of life before disappearing into adulthood. Similarly, the effect of H2 haplotype on the skin thickness at day 90 was significant between K and KM and between K and R, whereas the effect of H2 haplotype on fat thickness demonstrated a substantial difference between HM and KM at one year of age.

Efforts to enhance cattle productivity often involve strategic crossbreeding and selection methods. This study investigates the relationship between leptin gene polymorphism and growth characteristics in crossbred cattle, which is crucial for improving livestock performance. Successful crosses were achieved by mating Brahman Cross females with Belgian Blue, Galician Blonde, and Wagyu bulls. The leptin gene plays a pivotal role as a selection marker, influencing body metabolism in cattle. One hundred seventeen crossbred cattle samples were collected from Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. Using the HindIII restriction enzyme, the research method employed PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of the SNP g.3272 T/C in first filial (F1) crossbreeds of Belgian Blue, Galician Blonde, and Wagyu demonstrated Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). It exhibited high Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values, indicating genetic stability and diversity within the populations. The association between SNP g.3272 T/C and growth characteristics was highly significant. Specifically, this SNP showed substantial associations with birth weight, body length, chest circumference, shoulder height, and average daily gain at birth, weaning, and one year of age. It was also associated with average daily gain in F1 Belgian Blue crossbred cattle, particularly among those with the highest frequency of the TC genotype. Similarly, significant associations were observed at weaning and 1.5 years of age and with average daily gain in F1 Galician Blonde crossbred cattle, especially among those with the highest frequency of the CC genotype. This study highlights the importance of genetic markers, like SNP g.3272 T/C in the leptin gene, for understanding and improving growth characteristics in crossbred cattle populations.

The study aimed to determine hypodermosis using clinical examination and indirect ELISA. Between October 2022 and March 2023, the study was conducted in several Nineveh governorate regions. One hundred ninety cows were clinically examined, collected milk samples, and used the commercial indirect ELISA kit. Seven (3.68%) of the 190 cows examined in the field had hypodermosis conversely, Hypoderma spp. Antibodies were detected in twenty-nine (15.26%) of the 190 cow's milk samples. The highest percentage 36.36% was reported in Bazwaia, whereas the lowest 6.66% was reported in Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ashuwa'yrat, and Qayyarah. The percentage was 20.32% for cows five years or less and 5.97% for those over five. The results also showed that the native breed had a higher percentage 16.07% than the imported breed 9.09%. Cows fed outside have a higher rate of antibodies 28.72% than cows fed indoors 2.08%. Furthermore, October 2022 had more infested cows 23.33% than December 2022 9.37%. The study concluded hypodermosis risks cows and the leather industry, affecting the country's economy. Moreover, detecting hypodermosis effectively be achieved by testing milk for antibodies.

Raw milk exposure to many sources of contamination and cold storage is a big problem and may impact milk quality, especially the psychotropic Pseudomonas fluorescens a predominant bacterium causing milk spoilage. Some P. fluorescens strains can produce protease and lipase exoenzymes accelerating the milk spoilage process and reducing the shelf-life of milk and dairy products. Thirty-nine isolates of P. fluorescens isolated from raw cow milk, teat surfaces and milk tanks were examined to detect their abilities to produce both protease and lipase enzymes. These enzymes may increase the virulence of this bacterium based on the detection of both aprX (1434bp) and lip (1422bp) genes using polymerase chain reaction. Results of this study revealed the detection of the aprX gene in 36.8% of P. fluorescens isolates from raw milk and 81.8% in bacterium isolated from teat surfaces However, their ability to produce lipase enzymes was reduced by detecting lip genes in 26.3, 9.1, and 33.3% of P. fluorescens isolates from milk, teat surfaces and milk tanks respectively. These results confirm the potential of P. fluorescens to induce spoilage in milk and dairy products processed from milk through protease secretion which causes casein hydrolysis and indicates prognosis about the hygienic procedures during milking and processing affecting the milk shelf-life period.

Aims of study to compare between Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery to reduce excess weight in dogs with less complication. The study was conducted on 12 overweight male dogs. Their weights ranged between 33 and 39 kg, while their ages ranged from 20 months to 38 months. The dogs were randomly divided in two equal groups. The first group underwent gastric sleeve surgery, while the second group underwent gastric bypass surgery. The following criteria were used to evaluate the results: Animals weights were checked every two weeks for eight weeks. Laparoscopy was also performed two and eight weeks after surgery to evaluate any complications at the surgical operation site and ensure that stomach or intestinal contents were not leaking into the abdominal cavity. A blood sample was taken from each animal before surgery (zero time) and at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks after surgery to measure iron and vitamin B12 levels. The weights of the animals in both groups decreased during 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks, but the animals in the second group lost significant weight (p≤0.05) more than the animals in the first group. The results of the laparoscopic examination showed that there was no leakage of stomach and intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity; However, adhesions to the omentum, adjacent organs, or another part of the intestine are observed at the site of the operation. These adhesions were less in the first group than in the second group. According to the result of the iron test, the iron level in the second group decreased more than in the first groups. Vitamin B12 levels in the second group were lower than in the first group. In conclusion, the study showed that gastric bypass surgery effects on iron and vitamin B12 also severe adhesion and loss body weight more than gastric sleeve surgery.

The characterization of NSAIDs in reducing pain, inflammation, and fever by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) leads to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, which is the primary mechanism; still, there are other mechanisms of NSAIDs to produce these effects. In this study, we report a comparison between nimesulide (NIM) (selective COX-2) and aspirin (ASP) (non-selective COX-2) inhibitors in mice model at the molecular level on the caspase-3, peroxisome proliferation-activated receptors-alpha (PPAR-α) and gene expression of COX-2. Individual ED100 doses of NIM and ASP (15.8 and 424.5 mg/kg, i.m.) were injected in mice for 5 consecutive days with and without acetic acid. This study reports new pharmacological mechanisms for NIM and ASP to contribute as anti-inflammatory drugs by other important intracellular mechanisms. NIM outperforms ASP for caspase-3 inhibition in the kidney, liver, and plasma (anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects). Also, NIM was better than ASP in molecular effects at the PPAR-α reducing inflammation and producing its antinociceptive effects. NIM and ASP in therapeutic doses reduced the COX-2 gene expression in the kidney (down-regulation), which causes the potentiation effect as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug. This research provided that NIM outperforms ASP in efficacy for the new mechanisms of NIM and ASP for inhibition of caspase-3 and binding with PPAR-α which worked as an anti-inflammatory action and reduced pain plus the suppression of COX-2 gene expression (down-regulation), which all contributing to reducing inflammation, pain and fever.

In the poultry industry, the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is gaining importance as an emerging opportunistic pathogen with notable clinical implications. This Gram-negative pathogen can contaminate hatcheries, resulting in a range of severe respiratory symptoms, enteritis, septicaemia, keratitis, sinusitis, omphalitis, nephritis, and rapid morbidity and mortality, which indicates the diverse pathogenic potential of this pathogen within avian populations. This study collected 480 samples (120 each) from liver, lung, gallbladder, and kidney of broiler chickens of different ages and examined bacteriologically. The overall isolation rates of P. aeruginosa were ranged from 70.8 to 83.3%. Phenotypically, the antibiogram of the selected isolates (n=30) revealed that 96.66% were resistant to three or more antibiotics from different antimicrobial groups, thus indicating multidrug resistance (MRD), of which the highest resistance was to amoxicillin 100%, piperacillin 96.66%, gentamycin 86.66%, ofloxacin 80%, cefepime 63.33%, ceftazidime63.33%, levofloxacin 53.3% and ciprofloxacin 53.3% followed by apramycin 36.66% and doxycycline 36.66. In comparison, 66.6% of the isolates were sensitive to the amikacin. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for determining five resistance genes in ten selected MDR P. aeruginosa isolates. The result revealed that 100% of the tested isolates harbored the mexR and ampC resistance genes. Furthermore, the prevalence of blaOXA, ermB, and arr genes were 90, 80, and 50%, respectively.

A total of ten male local rabbits were used, a one centimeter was taken from the small intestine as well as from the colon. H&E and Masson's Trichrome stains were used to stain the slides. Location, shape and size, number/section in each segment of the intestine, and surface area of nerve plexuses/ µm² were studied. The CD117 was used to express the interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC). Myenteric plexus (MP) morphology and distribution in the intestine provide interpretation for intestinal peristaltic motility. The current study showed that Auerbach's plexuses (AP) had an oval or elliptical shape in the duodenum and ileum while appearing spherical in the jejunum and located either between two layers of tunica muscularis or within the internal circular muscular layer (ICML). In contrast, the AP of the colon appeared as a line of neurons in the exact location along the whole wall. ICC in this study showed high expression in the colon, whereas their expression ranged from mild to moderate in three segments of the small intestine. In conclusion, most ICC were found distributed in different locations throughout the wall of the small intestine, whereas they concentrated near MP and within ICML of the colon's wall.

Canine babesiosis, or tick-borne protozoal disease, is prevalent among canines globally and is associated with anemia and potentially fatal illnesses in both dogs and wild animals. This research investigated babesiosis in stray dogs from Erbil Province, Iraq, employing microscopic and molecular detection practices. One hundred forty-two blood samples had been collected from stray dogs brought to private clinics and the Erbil dog shelter. Along with the samples, information regarding age group and gender was recorded. Initially, the blood samples underwent examination using the Giemsa-stained blood smear technique. Subsequently, DNA extraction was performed, and the identification of Babesia spp. was confirmed by amplifying the 18S and 28S rRNA genes. The overall incidence was 6.3% using microscopic techniques and 15.5% using PCR. Common clinical symptoms in infected dogs were fever, pale mucous membranes, anorexia, and depression. Molecular testing revealed a significantly greater prevalence of babesiosis in younger dogs 25.5% and female dogs 20.6% compared to older and male dogs. A significant difference was also found between tick infestation and poor body condition. A Phylogenetic study revealed that the two Babesia spp. from the current research with accession numbers OR896912 and OR896913 B. vogeli and OR896867 and OR896868 B. gibsoni have indicated 98-99% similarity to species isolated in India, China, and Brazil. To summarize, the findings underscore the prevalence of canine babesiosis in the region, potentially offering insights to aid in its control measures.

The current study was performed to identify Crithidia sp., a blood microparasite, in canines in Al-Qadisiyah Province and its regional districts. The study included collecting blood samples from the cephalic vein from 50 street and domesticated dogs. The study included collecting data on age, sex, clinical signs, and sample collection regions. PCR and partial sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene were performed. The findings revealed that the infection rates were 4/50 and 7/50 for age groups of >1 and ≤1 years old, respectively. Moreover, the rates were 10/50 and 1/50 for males and females. In addition, the rates were 4/50 and 7/50 for symptomatic and asymptomatic animals, respectively. Furthermore, the rates were 1(2%), 3(6%), 6(12%), 0, and 1(2%) for the city center of Al-Diwaniyah, Nuffar, Saniyah, Dagharah, and Sumar, respectively. The sequencing findings revealed that the isolates from the current study were similar to isolates from Czech and Russia. The findings suggest that Crithidia sp. exists in dogs, and these isolates might have a common ancestor of the parasite due to similarities between the isolates of the current study and Czech and Brazil isolates.

The current study meticulously classified soft ticks, Argas persicus, according to the taxonomic dichotomous key, which consists of many parameters. The ticks showed a mamillated, granulated, written, tinkled, or striate structure with the advantage of having a pair of claws on each tarsus, which were carefully observed and documented in our research. In Argas persicus, the separation between males and females was the genital cleft, which is a broad horizontal fissure in the females, while in males, have halved width of females and is more ovoidal in outline. Haller's organ is also a complicated sensory organ enchanted by A. persicus and has a chemosensation instead of insect antennae. Seven hundred sixty-four specimens of soft ticks collected as soon as they dropped off the bird have been seen both for individual ticks and for batches. The specimens of the ticks were identified to species level under a stereoscope dissecting microscope based on the morphological characters. A. persicus collected from local chicken and their shelters from many regions of Mosul city (north, east, west, and south of the city). The polymerase chain reaction for the COX1 mitochondrial gene had been positive in all samples; the purified amplicons had been sent to a commercial company for sequencing. The present study focused on the morphological characteristic of A. persicus to achieve guideline witness with photos taken under stereoscopic dissecting microscope, which was established by the phylogenetic analysis of four isolates of A. persicus OR995800, OR995801, OR995802, and OR995803. The convergence ratio between our isolates and those of China, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa, USA, Duhok/Iraq, and Italy was 95.36-100%, and the phylogenetic tree showed that the four isolates fell within one clade.

Piezoelectric Direct Discharge (PDD) plasma is a cold plasma with a floating electrode. It is a rapidly expanding and emerging wound treatment and tissue repair technology. The wound healing process is complex and requires advanced techniques to restore damaged skin. The current study utilized PDD plasma to heal full-thickness skin wounds in a mice model. The punch-biopsy created two circular wounds with a diameter of approximately 8 mm on the back, and three distinct groups of 12 healthy male mice, aged approximately 3 months, were utilized. The groups were exposed to a high voltage at 13 kV and a high frequency at 4.2 kHz plasma for 10 and 30 seconds, respectively. In contrast, the third group was categorized as the negative control. The findings demonstrate that PDD plasma exhibits notable efficacy in wound healing. The groups treated with plasma experienced a significantly accelerated healing process compared to the control group. The contraction percentage of healing on day 11 was 32.09% for the control group, 79.29, and 96.81% for the other two treated groups, 10 and 30 sec, respectively. The histological examination of skin tissue revealed enhanced tissue regeneration, reduced scarring due to developing angiogenesis, decreased inflammation, and improved treatment efficacy when the exposure time to plasma is increased. This method can be promising in adopting plasma PDD for being inexpensive and effective in promoting wound healing without side effects. This technology combines durability and ease of use.

The current study was conducted to detect Listeria monocytogenes, associated antibiotic resistance and virulence genes possessed by these strains, and the genotype of identified isolates from milk, cheese, beef, and chicken. Accordingly, 203 samples (53 milk samples, 52 cheese samples, 48 beef samples, and 50 chicken samples) were collected from local markets in Al-Qadisiyah Province, Iraq. These samples were used for conventional and selective cultivation and biochemical studies. Eight isolates were molecularly detected using the PCR and sequencing based on the 16S rRNA gene. All the physically detected isolates were recruited for antibiotic resistance tests. Furthermore, all isolates were exposed to the detection of virulence genes, which included actin assembly inducing protein (actA), listeriolysin (hlyA), invasive associated protein (iap), internalin A (inlA), and phospholipase C (plcA). Random amplified polymorphism DND-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was utilized to genotype these isolates. The cultivation revealed the identity of 63 isolates (16 milk, 14 cheese, 16 beef, and 17 chicken). The molecular detection confirms the identity of the eight tested isolates. Various antibiotic and pattern resistance profiles were detected for the isolates, which included the highest resistance rates, which reached up to 100% and 94% in penicillin and ampicillin, respectively. The virulence genes that reached up to 94% were identified in all isolates. The sequencing findings demonstrated strong alignment with world isolates from the GeneBank. The data here reveal the vital presence of Listeria monocytogenes in food products, which pose high health risks to consumers.

Stroke is a cause of death and disability in the world. Animal research needs animal models that are as similar as possible to the pathophysiological processes that occur in humans. The established ischemic stroke model is the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. The creation of this model requires sophisticated equipment and precision. Our study aims to describe the MCAO modeling procedure using simple tools and to identify causes of death. Creation of ischemic stroke animal models with MCAO procedure with simple equipment and using monofilament nylon suture 4.0 to clog the middle cerebral artery and reperfusion for 90 minutes. Neurological deficits are clinically tested with Bederson parameters after one hour of MCAO. 2.3.5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining was performed to determine the area of infarction after 24 hours of MCAO. The histological picture is examined with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Two rats succeeded in modeling ischemic stroke, two rats failed in modeling ischemic stroke, two rats died during preparation, four rats died during surgery, and 10 rats died several hours after occlusion. The most common cause of death was bleeding from 4.0 nylon sutures, which are too long to pass through the middle cerebral artery, thereby puncturing the blood vessels. When creating a model of ischemic stroke, it is essential to consider the elements that contribute to rat failure and death.

The study aimed to determine the effect of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) administration on ovarian immunohistomrphology and follicular growth in prepubertal female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Sixteen animals, aged 75±5 days, were equally assigned into two groups, each containing eight animals. Animals in the control group were administered with normal saline (1 ml), while the treatment group received a single intramuscular injection of PMSG (100 IU). After 72 hours, the animals were euthanized, and their ovaries were dissected. Ovarian sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to determine ovarian features, follicle measurements, and classifications. The estrogen receptor beta (ERs-β) expression pattern was recognized by immunohistochemical staining. The diameter of the secondary, preantral, and antral follicles was significantly greater (P<0.05) than the control group. Interestingly, the matured large-sized follicles were exclusively detected in the treated group. However, relative to control, the proportion of preantral and antral follicles was significantly increased (P<0.001). In contrast, PMSG triggered a substantial reduction (P<0.001) in the percentage of secondary follicles. The control group demonstrated an intense expression of ERs-β in the nuclei of granulosa cells of preantral follicles, stroma, theca, and epithelial cells. However, in the treated group, the staining pattern of ERs-β was largely decreased in the growing and antral follicles. Collectively, a single PMSG treatment effectively induced ovarian hyperstimulation in prepubertal rabbits, significantly increasing the size and number of developing follicles. Further research is necessary to understand the marked decrease in ERs-β expression triggered by PMSG treatment.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of bariatric surgery on some hematological and biochemical measurements in overweight male dogs and whether this type of surgery has complications. The study included 12 overweight male dogs (age 1.5-3 years) weighing 33-39 kg. The dogs were randomly divided into two groups, each containing six dogs. While the second group underwent gastric bypass surgery, the first group underwent gastric sleeve surgery. A blood sample was taken from each animal before surgery, as well as after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, to evaluate some blood parameters such as (Red blood cell count, White blood cell count, Hemoglobin and Platelet count) and biochemical parameter such as (Iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, and Chlorides) according to biochemical analysis. The iron, vitamin B12 and calcium levels decreased significantly in both groups, more in the second group than in the first group. However, there was no difference between the two groups in other biochemical tests, such as vitamin D3, sodium, potassium and chlorides. According to the blood test results, statistically significant differences were found in the white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hg), and platelets (PLT) before and after surgery but between the two groups, there were no differences. In conclusion, there was a significant decrease in the level of iron and vitamin B12, which is the cause of anemia in both groups, and there was a decrease in the level of calcium. The results showed that gastric bypass surgery caused more severe changes and more complications than gastric sleeve surgery.

Cheese is a product highly consumed in Nineveh province, it is easily spoiled with pseudomonas fluorescens through preparation and processing, and the growth of these bacterium causes alteration in cheese quality, consequently reducing their shelf-life periods. Fifty samples of local cheeses sold in Nineveh province were screened to detect the existence of P. fluorescens as a food spoiler from October 2023 till March 2024.The P. fluorescens isolates from positive samples were tested to evaluate their virulence in producing exoenzymes causing cheese spoilage including, protease and lipase, by genetic approach of target genes using polymerase chain reaction assay. Out of 50 samples, 10(%20) were positive for the presence of P. fluorescens according to the 16SPflu gene. The activity of protease and lipase producing enzymes to positive isolates was detected depending on the AprX gene and LipM genes; the results revealed that 3(%30) of strains positive for AprX gene presence and 1(%10) of P. fluorescens strains possess the LipM gene indicated low lipase activity. Results of DNA partial sequencing of the 16SPflu gene revealed four strains recorded in the GenBank nucleotide sequence database with accession numbers PP727372, PP727373, PP727374, and PP727375. Our results shed light on the risk of P. fluorescens existence as a spoilage indicator in local cheese and confirm following the hygienic and sanitation conditions during cheese processing from milk and ensure the safety of raw milk during milk collecting, processing and preservation of cheese under chilling environments to prolong the shelf life of the products and ensure consumer health.

The female must expend far more energy during reproduction than the male needs. Given that reproduction requires energy utilization, it makes sense that physiological control mechanisms associated with appetite and nutrition would also be connected. This research evaluated leptin's capacity to alleviate the effects of time-restricted feeding (TRF) in female. Twenty-four adult female rats, weighted 175-200g were divided randomly into four groups; the control group (G1) was given DW, and the (G2) group injected i.p. leptin hormone (50µg/kg BW) with normal diet. (G3) TRF group regimen from (8:00 a.m.-3:00p.m.) diet with water free, (G4) TRF with leptin groups injected i.p. leptin (50 µg/kg BW) regimen from (8:00 a.m.-3:00p.m.) diet with water-free. At the end of the research (8 weeks), Rats were sacrificed serum collection for FSH and LH estimation using ELIZA technology, Ovaries were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results showed that decreased significantly P≤0.05 in body weight in time- restricted feeding (TRF) with leptin, leptin and TRF, decreased significantly P≤0.05 in ovarian weight of leptin and TRF with leptin. FSH and LH hormone increased significantly P≤0.05 in the leptin group, TRF and TRF with leptin. Histological changes in the treated group showed many primary and secondary follicles with many large antral follicles and corpora luteum, and TRF showed normal follicles. In conclusion, time- restricted feeding promotes the reproductive function of female rats with ovarian hormones and leptin stimulates FSH and LH hormones. This is probably the agent that brings about the beginning of puberty.

The present study evaluated the accuracy of interferon-tau (INF-tau) assay for early pregnancy diagnosis in Awassi ewes compared to progestogen assay and transrectal ultrasonography. Twenty-four non-pregnant Awassi ewes were used in this study. The early pregnancy diagnosis in 22 ewes was evaluated using INF-tau assay, 18 ewes were evaluated using progesterone assay, and 24 ewes were evaluated using transrectal ultrasonography. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and predicted positive and negative values for each method were calculated according to the results of confirmation transabdominal ultrasonography on day 40 of pregnancy. At 15 and 25 days of gestation, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of INF-tau assay were 77.27, 68.75, 100, 100 and 54.55%, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the values of INF-tau assay that were recorded at 15 and 25 days of pregnancy. There was a significant correlation between the values of INF-tau and progesterone assay, which were obtained at 25 days of pregnancy. The study results conclude that the INF-tau assay has a good accuracy that can be relied upon as an early pregnancy marker (less than 20 days of pregnancy). However, suppose the duration of pregnancy increases to 25 days or more. In that case, it is preferable to use and depend on transrectal ultrasonography because the INF-tau assay may lead to the culling or slaughter of several pregnant ewes due to incorrect non-pregnant diagnosis.

Fifteen mature rabbits and the same number of mature hamsters were conducted in this study to investigate the differences in the structure of the apical segment of the cecum in rabbits and hamsters, as well as to provide baseline information about the distribution and number of M cells. Microscopic examination of the apex's rabbit and hamster cecal walls revealed four primary tunicae: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. In rabbits, the mucosa of the appendix was thrown with leaf-like folds lined with simple columnar epithelium with many goblet cells. Among these folds, there was a dome shape structure which is constructed from the aggregation of a large number of lymphoid follicles and lined with a special kind of epithelium which was termed follicle associated epithelium (FAE) and characterized by the presence of a large number of M cells, which were larger than the columnar cells and contained several lymphocytes. The immunohistochemical expression of M cells showed a strong reaction against GP2 in the cytoplasm and cell membranes, particularly in the dome epithelium of the rabbit appendix. In contrast, the reaction was weak or limited in hamsters. Concerning FAE of dome shape in the cecum of rabbit, most M cell were concentrated in the basal part of this epithelium, whereas the least expressed in the apex of the FAE. This study concluded that the apex of the rabbit cecum had more well-developed lymphoid tissue than the hamsters. The M cell count in rabbits was higher than that of hamsters, where the most occurrence of M cell was in the appendix of rabbits.

Sarcocystosis is an important disease, especially in many types of birds. It is caused by the Sarcoystis parasite, a protozoan that needs two hosts to complete its life cycle. The current study showed diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. in slaughtered poultry and imported frozen chickens. The infection rate of the Sarcocystis spp parasite of slaughtered chickens was 24.6-40%, respectively. At the same time, the infection of Sarcocystis spp of imported frozen chickens were 51.1 and 66.7% by macroscopic and microscopic examination, respectively. The infection rate of macroscopic cysts among the organs of slaughtered and imported frozen chickens in the pectoral muscles showed the highest percentage 50, 60.9%, while the lowest percentage was in the arm 0-8.7% respectively. The pepsin digestibility test recorded the highest percentage in the microscopic examination, reaching 40 and 66.7% in slaughtered and imported frozen Chickens, respectively. The histopathological examination showed the presence of tachyzoites within the interstitial tissue muscle, with coagulative necrosis, edema with inflammatory cells, congestion, and thickening of blood vessels. In our study, we confirmed the diagnosis of Sarcocystis in locally slaughtered and imported frozen chickens by molecular analysis using genus specific primers with a molecular weight of 700 bp. We found two new local isolates related to the species Sarcocystis wenzeli. Based on morphology and molecular methods, the current research is the first to diagnose Sarcocystis wenzeli infection in slaughtered local chickens and imported frozen chickens in Mosul.

The effect of laparoscopic left adrenalectomy on adult bitches ' estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol levels was studied. Fifteen adult stray bitches were used. The average weight was 20 kg, age was 27 months. The study animals were randomly divided equally into three groups, each group containing five bitches. The first group underwent unilateral laparoscopic left adrenalectomy (ULLA), the second group underwent left adrenalectomy with bilateral ovariectomy, and the third group was left as a control group. Blood samples were taken from all animals on days 0, 7, 14, and 30 after surgery to estimate estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol levels. The result of using sternal decubitus laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was a practical, feasible, and rapid technique with a short average surgical time of 72 minutes and easy dissection; therefore, it is considered a standardized technique. The results also showed that the estrogen concentration on the 30th day of the three groups was 141.2, 56.8, and 137.8, respectively, with a significant difference in the second group compared to the rest groups and the progesterone concentration on the 30th day of the three groups was 3.8, 3.6 and 4.5 respectively with a significant difference among the groups, and in another context the cortisol concentration on the 30th day of the groups was 128.4, 82 and 129, respectively, with a significant difference in the second group compared to the rest groups. In conclusion, the possibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy with sternal recumbency in dogs is a standardized method, and unilateral adrenalectomy does not affect the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol due to the compensation mechanism.

This research intended to explore the effect of nano-silver particles on healing anastomosis site in the trachea. Thirty healthy male rabbits were randomly split into control and treated groups equally for this object. Then the rabbits were anesthetized with a mixture of 30 mg/kg B.W (5%) Ketamine and 15 mg/kg B.W of (2%) Xylazine. In the control group, rabbits were induced with tracheal resection and anastomosis. While, rabbits in the treatment group, were induced with the same tracheal resection and anastomosis, a solution containing silver nanoparticles was infiltrated around the anastomosis site, and clinical and histopathological examinations investigated the animals. Clinically all animals had no clinical respiratory illness such as pneumonia, cough, or subcutaneous emphysema, which may occur due to surgical operations. In the control group severe inflammation, which included swelling, pain and redness were seen compared to those of the treated group. The histopathological evaluation of the control group was characterized by granulation tissue and angiogenesis around the suture material with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of goblet cells. Also, there was an intense inflammatory reaction in the mucosa and the presence of normal cartilage with necrosis of the tracheal gland. In the treated group, it was characterized by the development of granulation tissue with angiogenesis and inflammatory cell infiltration with hyperplasia of goblet cells and congestion of blood vessels and normal columnar epithelial cells in mucosa. To summarize, the treatment group's tracheal repair was quicker than to the change in control group.

This study aimed to compare the effects of acellular ovine skin and acellular bovine pericardium on healing of large skin loss in cats. Eighteen local breed adult cats were used and divided into two equal groups. A full-thickness square of 4x4 cm dimensions wounds were created on the backs of all cats. In the first group, acellular ovine skin of a 3x3 cm patch was used to close these full-thickness back wounds and sutured with wound edges and bandaged, while acellular bovine pericardium of the same size was used in the second group. Wounds were observed macroscopically and assessed physically and clinically daily, while histopathological examination was achieved on days 7, 14, and 21 post-operations. The clinical results showed a significant difference (P˂0.05) between both groups in the rate of wound healing. The physical evaluation using Doppler ultrasound exhibited the presence of good cutaneous blood perfusion since day 12 in the first group and day 14 in the second experimental group. The histopathological manifestations revealed significant differences in most of the observed histopathological parameters, especially interwoven with the wound beds, angiogenesis, well-developed granulation tissue, and good tissue architecture associated with acellular ovine skin group. The immunohistochemistry results of vascular endothelium growth factor expression detected that 1st group exhibited more staining intensity than 2nd group. In conclusion, acellular ovine skin is much better than acellular bovine pericardium as dressing for extensive wound healing in cats.

Lice infestation is prevalent worldwide and it is one of the most significant veterinary parasitic diseases. This study was applied from August to December, 2022, a total of 25 sheep lice and 25 goat lice were collected. The study based on microscopic and molecular identification by traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and sequencing to confirm the Linognathus species infesting sheep and goats reared together. Microscopically, the morphological results identified the species infesting sheep and goats were sucking lice belonging to the genus Linognathus spp. The morphological characteristics of the adult lice were somehow identical for the same genus and was difficult to identify species, thus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing on five samples of sheep and goats, the results confirmed that the species are belonging to Linognathus africanus by amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene with reaction product of 379 bp that were isolated from the city of Mosul, with the accession numbers 598894PP, PP598895, PP598896, PP598897 and PP598898, genetic tree results revealed similarities with results of other countries recorded in the Global Genbank, 100% with Hungary, 99.44% Mexico, China and the United Kingdom while 99.17% in Mexico, but had a significant distance other strains for different species recorded in the United Kingdom, China, Canada and Australia with percentages 77.81%, 77.78%, 77.5% and 76.94 respectively.