Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

The study aimed to explore the acute toxic effects of the broad-spectrum imidacloprid (IMI) insecticide in adult mice and their adverse impact on the development and neurobehavioral levels in postnatal pups exposed to it during the pregnancy period. This goal was supported by brain histological sections from exposed newborn pups. The oral LD50 doses of IMI were 113.15 and 107.2 mg/kg in female and male mice, respectively. The mice treated with toxic percentages 60 and 80% of acute oral LD50 suffered from salivation, nasal discharge, lacrimation, lethargy, piloerection, tremor, straub tail, and convulsions. The doses of 90.5 and 85.5 mg/kg produced a significantly higher toxic ratio with 100% death compared to lower doses 68 and 64 mg/kg, respectively. Exposure of the pregnant mice to IMI at 11 and 34 mg/kg orally during the 7th to 15th days of pregnancy produced developmental defects in newborn pups as a significant delay in pinna opening, lint growth, and eye-opening compared to control. The postnatal pups also suffered from neurobehavioral toxic effects as significant delays in both righting reflex time on postnatal day (PND)5 and cliff avoidance performance on PND 6 compared to control; the same doses also produced significant lowering in the scores of olfactory discriminations on PND 9 and swimming test on PND 10 compared to control. The histological changes in the newborn brain from exposure dams show vacuolization in the cortex of the cerebrum, periaxonal edema, neurophagia, glial cell satellitosis, and gliosis. The data in the current study concluded that there were toxic effects of IMI in adult mice models, and exposure to IMI during pregnancy, even in low doses, produced developmental and behavioral defects in newborns from exposure mothers.

This study intended to research the immunological and immune-histochemical outcomes of 6 bivalent live vaccines against NDV and IBV. Two hundred ten, 1-day old chicks divided equally into 7 groups. The chicks of group 1 received (the Nobilis MSD® vaccine). G2 vaccinated with (Hipraviar® vaccine). G3 performed with (Vaxxinova® vaccine). G4 given (Komipharm® vaccine). G5 vaccinated with (KAVAC® vaccine). G6 vaccinated by (Dagluban® vaccine). Group 7 (negative control). The groups G1 to G6 were vaccinated by the ocular route at 1 and 14 days of age with the abovementioned vaccines. Serum samples were collected for ELISA and HI tests, while tracheal tissue was collected for histochemical and immunohistochemical Staining. The high titer of Abs against NDV was observed mainly in G1 on days 21, 28, and 35 when compared to other groups of different ages. IBV ELISA findings showed that G1 had a greater Abs at day 21 than G4 and G6, whereas G2 explained a significantly higher titer of Abs at day 28 than other groups. The HI results indicate a bimodal and fluctuating titer of Abs. Assessment of tracheal mucin pictures found that MUC5AC and MUC5B immunostaining were significant in group 5 after 7 and 21 days. MUC5AC immunostaining was high in more than half of the epithelial cells in group 2. In conclusion, some of the tested vaccines provided a sufficient amount of Abs against NDV and IBV diseases. Mucin illustrated high to moderate expression in the epithelial surface and goblet cells associated with groups of experiments.

Foodborne illness outbreaks have been associated with animal foods, and foodborne disease (FBD) is an international health issue. Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is considered one of the most important foodborne pathogens. The objectives of the present study were to isolate and identify S. aureus isolated from Meat, hand, and instrument of restaurants in Erbil city and to genes encoding virulence factors based on classical and molecular biology methods. Three hundred fifty samples of all kinds were collected from various areas in Erbil, Iraq (30, 40, 60, and 100-meter streets) from August 2024 to November 2024. The results of the current study found that the prevalence rate of S. aureus was 43.4% (152/350). The prevalence rate of S. aureus was different according to the area; in the 30-meter street was 38.8% (31/80); in the 40-meter street was 50% (40/80); in the 60-meter street was 36.7% (33/90), and in the 100-meter street was 48% (48/100). Additionally, all S. aureus possessed the nuc and coa genes at 100% (40/40), while S. aureus possessed the clfA gene at 95% (38/40), and the clfB gene was 92.5% (37/40). The gene profiles of S. aureus isolates are divided into four primary groups. The percentage of S. aureus isolates possessed the first gene profile was 85% (34/40), the second gene profile was 5% (2/40), the third gene profile was 7.5% (3/40), and the fourth gene profile was 2.5% (1/40). Staphylococcus aureus is isolated from meat and tools used in restaurants, significantly spreading the S. aureus in restaurants. All genes detected most of the S. aureus isolates based on the PCR assay.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a bacterium that causes Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (EGA) disease in equids (ponies, horses, mules, and donkeys), which was worldwide distribution. The current study is aimed recording the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in equids in Mosul city, Iraq using the PCR technique, determining some of the related factors linked to the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum, and exploring the phylogenetic analysis of the bacteria detected in this study. One hundred blood samples were obtained from equids (41 donkeys and 59 horses) of different ages, genders, and management practices. The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in equids in Mosul city was 32%. A higher prevalence of the EGA was linked with the risk factors that include donkeys, more than 3 years, female equids, out-of stables animals, and ticks found on the equids. The individual analysis of 30 sequences of the 16S rRNA gene, which were extracted from equid's blood, confirmed A. phagocytophilum bacteria species. These four sequences were deposited to the American GenBank and assigned accession numbers (PQ594492.1, PQ594493.1, PQ594494.1, and PQ594495.1). These sequences were 99.46% - 100% identical to these sequences previously deposited to the NCBI GenBank includes: (KC422267.1) in North Korea, (KC916734.1, MG869512.1, KC916737.1) in China, (AB454076.1, AB196721.1) in Japan, and (MT754315.1, MT754351.1, MT754365.1) in South Korea. In conclusion according to the results, A. phagocytophilum is common among equines in Mosul, Iraq, and these results may be useful for future research and beneficial management of the A. phagocytophilum in the study region.

The study aimed to investigate the genetic variability of the Gashun Soviet Merino sheep breed, determining myostatin (MSTN) and calpastatin (CAST) gene polymorphism by the PCR-RFLP method. Earmark samples were collected from 200 animals, and DNA was isolated using a commercial kit. The MSTN gene had A and G allele frequencies of 0.33 and 0.67, and the CAST gene had M and N allele frequencies of 0.83 and 0.17, respectively. The frequencies of the AG and GG genotypes for MSTN and MM and MN for CAST were 0.66 and 0.34, respectively, in both. Genetic equilibrium was maintained for the CAST gene (χ²=4.1951). For the MSTN gene, the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was violated (χ²=24.2). The pre-slaughter body weight, hot carcass weight and slaughter weight were higher in CAST_MN genotype than CAST _MM by 4.8%, 6.5%, and 6.4%. The hot carcass and slaughter weights of lambs with the MSTN_AG genotype were higher than MSTN _GG by 4.7% in both. However, the pre-slaughter weight in the animals with the MSTN _GG genotype was higher by 3.4%. Data on the CAST and MSTN gene polymorphism and the genetic structure of the studied sheep population were obtained for the first time, their association with slaughter traits was revealed, and desirable genotypes CAST_MN and MSTN_AG were determined. The Na, Ne, Ho, He, FIS and χ2 values obtained and the absence of individuals with CAST_NN and MSTN_AA genotypes substantiated the prospect of further use of these genes in programs of genetic livestock improvement.

Nowadays, there is a requisite for worthy and effective analgesic drugs with the least side effects for proper use in veterinary medicine. The goal was to relate amantadine (AMN) pharmacodynamics (i.e., analgesia and COX-2 inhibition) with a preferential (nimesulide) COX-2 inhibitor besides detecting its pharmacokinetics in chickens. The methodology included assessing the analgesic median effective dose (ED50), kidney and liver functions, Brain COX-2 activity, and AMN plasma concentration with its pharmacokinetics profile in the chickens. The analgesic ED50 of AMN was found to be 15.72 mg/kg, orally (P.O.). Oral administration of AMN (31.44 mg/kg) did not significantly alter the liver and kidney functions, as there were no significant changes in the aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), as well as uric acid and creatinine. AMN (31.44 mg/kg, P.O.) and nimesulide (20 mg/kg, intramuscularly) significantly inhibit COX-2 activity in the whole brain of chickens associated with the control animals by 26 and 14%, respectively. Plasma concentrations of AMN (31.44 mg/kg, P.O.) assessed at variant comparable times (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours) were 0.38, 0.42, 0.31, 0.30, 0.26 and 0.23 µg/ml. AMN pharmacokinetic variables were estimated to be AUC0-∞ 7.44, AUMC0-∞ 170.85, kel 0.04, Cmax 0.42, Tmax 0.5, t1/2β 15.88, MRT 3.34, Vss 96.75, and Cl 4.22. The study concluded the safety of AMN (liver and kidney functions besides its pharmacokinetics) with its unique capability to modulate the activity of brain COX-2, which makes it a good analgesic and probably anti-inflammatory drug to be used in chickens.

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis causes acute, sub-clinical, and chronic clinical complications with changes in hematological parameters: hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood cell count; doxycycline is suitable for treatment. The objective was to evaluate the effect of four drugs (doxycycline, minocycline, rifampicin, and imidocarb) on hematological parameters and the recovery of dogs with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Twenty-nine dogs were randomly distributed into 4 groups: minocycline at 10 mg/kg PO every 12 hours (G1), rifampicin at 10 mg/kg PO every 24 hours (G2), doxycycline at 10 mg/kg PO every 24 hours (G3), and imidocarb dipropionate at 6.6 mg/kg IM with 2-week intervals (G4). The effect of the drugs on hematological parameters and recovery on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 were tested by analysis of variance; means ± SD were compared with the Tukey test (α = 0.05). The treatment of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis with three antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline, and rifampicin) was more effective compared to imidocarb due to the rapid increase in platelets, leukocytes, and lymphocytes between 14 and 28 days. Based on hematological results, this study concludes that doxycycline, minocycline (semi-synthetic tetracyclines), and rifampicin were more suitable than imidocarb dipropionate for the treatment of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Therefore, in clinical practice, the administration of doxycycline and minocycline is recommended first, although rifampicin can be used in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis therapy as an optional alternative.

The giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is a high-value aquaculture commodity with increasing global demand. Adequate transportation of high-quality prawn juveniles is critical to ensuring sustainable production. Eugenol is widely known for its anesthetic characteristics. It can diminish metabolic rates and alleviate stress responses in aquatic organisms during handling and transportation. This study assessed the efficacy of eugenol, a natural anesthetic, in enhancing juvenile transport conditions by evaluating water quality, hemolymph biochemistry, histopathological alterations, and production performance. A randomized experimental design was employed with five eugenol treatments (0, 0.75, 1.87, 3.75, 5.63 mg/L) and control, combined with activated carbon and zeolite to maintain water quality during a 24-hour transport simulation. The results showed that the treatment with 1.87 mg/L eugenol yielded the best outcomes. This treatment maintained better water quality parameters, encompassing lower total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and elevated dissolved oxygen (DO) levels compared to controls. Biochemical analysis revealed reduced stress response in juveniles, as evidenced by increased total protein, hemolymph glucose levels, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and pH stability. Histopathological evaluation revealed minimal gill tissue hyperplasia and swift recovery post-transport from eugenol treatment. Treatment with 1.87 mg/L eugenol also achieved the highest juvenile survival rate (75.33%) at post-transportation (24 hours) and 10-day rearing. In contrast, the specific growth rate of all treatments was not significantly different. These findings underscore the potential of eugenol in enhancing the sustainability and transport efficacy of Macrobrachium rosenbergii juveniles.

Nowadays, there is a requisite for worthy and effective analgesic drugs with the least side effects for proper use in veterinary medicine. The goal was to relate amantadine (AMN) pharmacodynamics (i.e., analgesia and COX-2 inhibition) with a preferential (nimesulide) COX-2 inhibitor besides detecting its pharmacokinetics in chickens. The methodology included assessing the analgesic median effective dose (ED50), kidney and liver functions, Brain COX-2 activity, and AMN plasma concentration with its pharmacokinetics profile in the chickens. The analgesic ED50 of AMN was found to be 15.72 mg/kg, orally (P.O.). Oral administration of AMN (31.44 mg/kg) did not significantly alter the liver and kidney functions, as there were no significant changes in the aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), as well as uric acid and creatinine. AMN (31.44 mg/kg, P.O.) and nimesulide (20 mg/kg, intramuscularly) significantly inhibit COX-2 activity in the whole brain of chickens associated with the control animals by 26 and 14%, respectively. Plasma concentrations of AMN (31.44 mg/kg, P.O.) assessed at variant comparable times (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours) were 0.38, 0.42, 0.31, 0.30, 0.26 and 0.23 µg/ml. AMN pharmacokinetic variables were estimated to be AUC0-∞ 7.44, AUMC0-∞ 170.85, kel 0.04, Cmax 0.42, Tmax 0.5, t1/2β 15.88, MRT 3.34, Vss 96.75, and Cl 4.22. The study concluded the safety of AMN (liver and kidney functions besides its pharmacokinetics) with its unique capability to modulate the activity of brain COX-2, which makes it a good analgesic and probably anti-inflammatory drug to be used in chickens.

Recycling biological aquatic environment waste products is considered a source of biomaterials and a challenge in biomedicine. This study aims to investigate the functional group of collagens extracted from fish skin and to evaluate its activity in accelerating wound healing based on a statistical descriptive histogram of the mean wound area, contraction, and healing rate, along with a semi-qualitative gross assessment. This includes histological evaluations of both healing criteria (inflammatory cells, collagen deposition, maturation of granulation tissue, angiogenesis, and re-epithelization) and the expression of protein genes related to collagen III, vascular endothelial growth factor, and keratin-14. Collagen was chemically extracted from carp fish skin and applied three times daily to induce wounds in the paralumbar region of rabbits. The extracted collagen was characterized by low viscosity, transparency, and a watery consistency; the functional groups of collagens were detected using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Semi-qualitative analysis revealed improved gross inflammatory features, a statistically significant reduction in wound area, and a high contraction rate in the treated group. The descriptive histogram indicated a highly significant healing rate of 0.59 in the treated group. The healing criteria showed mild infiltration of inflammatory cells and maturation of granulation tissue. Histochemical analysis demonstrated thick, parallel collagen bundles over seven days in the CoIII-treated group, with these pathophysiological events combined with intense immunohistochemistry staining of collagen III, vascular endothelial growth factors, and keratin-14 expression at the wound biopsy. This study concludes that collagen extracted from carp skin can be an innovative therapeutic substance in regenerative medicine, accelerating wound healing.

Ticks have evolved complex strategies to parasitize their hosts successfully. They are considered vectors for various pathogens that can infect humans and animals. Moreover, using acaricide has increased dramatically all over the world. Nevertheless, ticks have developed resistance to numerous acaricides. Thus, demonstrating the effect of deltamethrin on a hard tick (Hyalomma anatolicum) to estimate the level of Histamine Release Factor (HRF) using an RT-qPCR assay is important for future experimental studies, such as resistance tick identification. Also, conventional PCR was performed to confirm the species of ticks. To do this, three pairs of primers were designed in this study to demonstrate the expression level of HRF while identifying the optimal conditions. The RT-qPCR assay revealed successful amplification of the targeted HRF gene to quantify its mRNA expression. Ticks from each group were exposed to deltamethrin for two hours and then analysed for HRF mRNA expression. Also, genomic DNA was extracted for tick identification. The results revealed a significant upregulation in the exposed group with a fold change value of 4.3±0.5. At the same time, the level was lower in the control group at 1.69±0.4. Hyalomma anatolicum was found to be the predominant species in the studied region. This represents the first study in Iraq to target the effect of deltamethrin on the expression of HRF. Therefore, further studies are important to detect other tick genes that could contribute to their sensitivity or resistance to different types of acaricides and the following strategies for controlling ticks.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is the metacestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus, a serious health and economic issue in many regions of the world. The study aimed to determine the genotypes and phylogenetic relationships of E. granulosus isolated from cattle and sheep using PCR-based genotyping of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene. Additionally, it identified the genetic diversity of E. granulosus circulating in various regions of Babylon province, Iraq. 112 liver hydatid cyst samples were collected from (52) slaughtered cattle and (60) sheep. The phenol-chloroform technique was used to extract hydatid cyst DNA, which was amplified by PCR using Cox1 gene-specific primers. Sequence analysis was conducted on 20 positive samples from both hosts using Multiple Sequence Alignment with ClustalW compared to Gen-Bank sequences. The UPGMA method was utilized in MEGA 11 to create a phylogenetic tree and evaluate its reliability. Out of the 20 sequenced samples, the sequencing results indicated that 15 samples belonged to the predominant G1 strain, two to the G2 strain, and three to the G3 strain, which were detected in both cattle and sheep. The predominant strain of hydatid cysts is the G1 strain in both cattle and sheep, which shows the important role of this genotype in the spread of the parasite in this region. The first detection of genotype G2 in cattle and sheep indicates genetic diversity and the spread of infection in different hosts. Subsequently, the results can be applied to lessen human infections and interfere with the parasite's life cycle.

Cystoisospora spp. are Apicomplexa, protozoan parasites with a global prevalence of 1-5% in dogs. The current study aimed to find out about the presence and molecular features of Cystoisospora among homeless dogs in Al-Diwaniyah province in Iraq. The 200 faecal samples from street dogs from various regions were floated, sedimented and then tested by direct smear. We identified molecularly using PCR from the 18S rRNA gene and sequenced and phylogenetic. A 19% prevalence of Cystoisospora spp. was observed under a microscope, the province's first known case of the parasite. In our infection dogs, the infection rates were higher in females, 22.34%, than in males, 16.03%. Younger dogs (puppies) were much more familiar, with prevalence of 38.02%, compared with 8.52% for older dogs. Cystoisospora DNA was found in 56% (17/30) of the specimens by PCR. Sequence alignment of the 511 bp region of the 18S rRNA gene identified 100% identity with Cystoisospora canis strains already in GenBank from Canada. The strains in the locality were identified as Cystoisospora canis by phylogenetic recognition, including the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). The molecular phylogenetic data from this research on Cystoisospora canis in Iraqi street dogs represents the first such molecular phylogenetic data on this parasite in Iraq and adds to the epidemiology of this parasite in Iraq.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are epierythrocytic, and a wall-deficient bacterium within the order Mycoplasmatales can induce temperate or menacing anemia in mammals and be documented as emerging zoonotic disease, throughout the world. It is cause canine hemoplasmosis which is most often symptomless; and risky in immunosuppression dogs. The molecular detection aimed towards defining the status of this microorganism in stray canines in Mosul city. During a period from March 2022 to March 2023, blood specimens from one hundred (50 males, 30 bitches, and 20 puppies) stray dogs were evaluated, conventional polymerase chain reaction (c-PCR) method using 16Sr RNA gene, was employed to detect the presence of Hemotropic mycoplasma DNA. Mycoplasma hemocanis was detected in 40% (95% CI=32.6-46.9%) of dogs. The positive infection rates were dominant in males (48.3%, 95% CI=32.4-69.4) and adults (43.8%, 95% CI=30.4-60.9) dogs in comparison to bitches and puppies respectively. No significant relationship was found between molecular-positive animals and skin lesions, and among emaciated dogs compared to asymptomatic dogs. In conclusion, the molecular study focused in Mosul city, Iraq, reveals a substantial prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma in stray dogs, highlighting the need for effective control procedures to decrease the spread of hazards to people and other mammalians.

This research focuses on studying liver illnesses in ducks in Mosul city by analyzing the expression of TNF alpha and FGF proteins as indicators of inflammation and abnormal growths in the liver tissues samples were collected from duck liver in Mosul city from November 2022 to November 2023 to detect any pathological changes and occurrences infections. Histopathological observations unveiled abnormalities such as inflammation and extensive tissue damage noted as foci of coagulative necrosis of the hepatocytes, focal infiltration of inflammatory cells, and severe fatty degeneration of the hepatocytes. The results also demonstrated severe massive hydropic degeneration of the hepatocytes, proliferation of Kupffer cells, and expansion of sinusoids. Immunohistochemical tests revealed TNF alpha expression in inflamed regions with a presence in the injured areas, suggesting a robust inflammatory reaction is underway. Conversely, FGF was detected in the regions that demonstrated regrowth, highlighting its vital role in fibrous tissue restoration. The histopathological changes among ducks soared to 52%, indicating an occurrence of liver disorders within the duck population. This research offers information about liver lesions in ducks in Mosul City and helps enhance our understanding of the causes and signs of diseases affecting them. The immunohistochemical results concerning TNF alpha and FGF provide insights into disease progression processes, potentially setting the stage for better treatment and prevention strategies.

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a viral endemic disease in different geographical areas, including Mosul city, Iraq. We aimed in the current study to observe the gross and microscopic lesions caused by natural infection with OPA, in addition to recording the reactivity of this viral disease in sheep with some tissue markers such as CD45RO, P53, Ki67, and VEGFA using immunohistochemical assay. A total of 73 lung tissue samples were collected from sheep that showed clinical signs of OPA; 21 samples only showed gross and microscopic OPA lesions. The samples with pathognomic lesions for OPA were subjected to immunohistochemical assay using tissue markers against CD45RO, P53, Ki67, and VEGFA. The result showed gross lesions of edematous lungs, pale to purple, with hard consistency. Microscopically, the neoplastic tissue has two stages: the early stage, with neoplastic cells well defined as either cuboidal or columnar with feathery cytoplasm, while the late stage has neoplastic cells poorly differentiated and usually found as cellular debris in the lumen of affected alveoli and bronchioles. The result of IHC showed a strong positive reaction with CD45RO and P53, a positive reaction with VEGFA, and a negative reaction with Ki67. In conclusion, the lesions of naturally occurring OPA have two major forms, either classic or atypical forms, in addition to the mixed form; all these forms have the same IHC reactivity, where they are strongly positive for CD45RO, P53, and VEGFA, while they are negatively stained with Ki67.

The quarter horse is a breed that stands out for its strength, explosiveness, versatility, and use in several equestrian sports. For equines, assisted reproduction presents challenges for artificial insemination and/or in vitro fertilization. This study aimed to characterize a portion of the eFSHR gene promoter in Quarter Horses and associate it with the number of embryos produced in the 2021 season. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 92 inseminated mares for several embryos produced, DNA extraction, followed by conventional PCR, purification, and sequencing using the Sanger method. Genetic population parameters and potential binding factor sites were determined. The association of haplotypes with the number of embryos produced was analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS (onDemand) with a significance level of 0.05. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified: -217G>T, -195G>A, and 127A>G. Four haplotypes were determined: G/G/A, G/G/G, G/G/GA, and G/GA/G. The wild-type sequence had 74 binding sites, with Sp1 and TFAP-2alpha binding at position -217 and GR binding at position 195. The mutant sequence had 71 identified sites. The eFSHR gene promoter demonstrated polymorphism in Quarter Horses, but there was no association with the number of produced embryos. However, it could be used for other reproductive traits in mares.

The pandemic crisis abruptly altered veterinary medical education, leading to a rapid transition from in-person to online learning. Creating of E-learning modules represents a new trend in the teaching and learning veterinary anatomy courses. Therefore, the present study aimed to prepare an educational module for the vasculature of the goat's eye to be used in online anatomy teaching. Two healthy adult female goats were subjected to radiographic examination to demonstrate the vasculature of the goat's eye, and eight goat heads were injected with colored latex. The arterial supply of the eye and orbit in goats was mainly derived from the external ophthalmic and malar arteries, with a minor contribution from the superficial temporal artery. The external ophthalmic artery formed the external ophthalmic rete mirabile, which gave the supraorbital, lacrimal, external ethmoidal, ciliary, and anterior ciliary arteries. The eyelids and conjunctiva were supplied by small branches from the malar and superficial temporal arteries. The venous drainage of the eye and orbit mainly occurred via the ventral external ophthalmic and dorsal external ophthalmic veins. The malar vein drained into the ventral external ophthalmic vein. The ophthalmic plexus connected the ventral external ophthalmic vein medially with the dorsal external ophthalmic vein laterally, draining the ventral vorticose vein. The dorsal external ophthalmic vein collected venous blood from the lacrimal and dorsal vorticose veins. The established E-learning module creates a supplemental virtual anatomy tool for every student.

Obstructive urolithiasis is a serious problem that negatively affects the quality of life in buffalo calves. The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activity, and obstructive urolithiasis in buffalo calves and tube cystostomy as a surgical technique to treat such conditions. Seventy-seven non-castrated male buffalo calves aged 3-10 months were admitted to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine clinic, Zagazig University, Egypt, with a history of anuria. Based on clinical, ultrasonographic, and biochemical examination, the calves were diagnosed with either intact bladder (n=32 calves) or ruptured bladder (n=45 calves). Ten healthy buffalo calves of the same age were used as a control for a reference range of biochemical analysis. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased in all affected calves, especially those with ruptured bladders. In addition, a significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GSH) was reported in all affected calves, with lower values in calves with ruptured bladders. The tube cystostomy technique succeeded in 95.95% of the operated cases, and only 4.05% had complications. In conclusion, there is a relation between oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, and obstructive urolithiasis in buffalo calves with useful management using the tube cystostomy technique.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by dysfunction and a complication of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with an abnormal pattern of Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. The present work also intends to monitor and analyse the ECM and GAG alterations responsible for the development of DN by employing streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic models in albino mice. It also evaluates the effectiveness of pharmacological strategies in treating GAG changes. According to the PRISMA guidelines, the articles published between 1992 and 2024 in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were analyzed studies (n=18) that used experimental models of DN with histological analysis of ECM, which included GAGs only. Staining methods like Alcian blue and Periodic Acid -Schiff (PAS) were used to assess GAG content quantitatively. Some findings that were associated with diabetic conditions, including increased ECM deposition, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, mesangial hypertrophy, and proteinuria, were elaborated. It was found that such structural alterations may cause GAG dysregulation and lead to renal fibrosis. The effects of propolis and human Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on GAG balance, ECM deposition, and renal function of diabetic models were found. Aberrant GAG expression has also been found to affect the progression of DN directly.

Small ruminant infections by the Cysticercus tenuicollis result in financial losses because of the condemnation of infected organs, which can happen in unsanitary conditions and is regarded as an ecotoxicological risk factor. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the infection rate of Cysticercus tenuicollis, risk factors, and morphological, histological, biochemical, and molecular characterization of the genetic sequence of cysts collected from the affected organs of 139 sheep and 261 goats in the Allam-ELrom abattoir, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt. The overall infection rate was 19.25%, with a higher prevalence in goats 23.40% compared to sheep 11.50%, indicating that species served as a significant risk factor for infection. However, no notable significant differences in infection rates were observed based on age or sex, with the main symptoms being pulmonary crackles by auscultation and visceral pain. The cysts were most frequently found in the omentum 72.76%, followed by the liver 18.18%. there were significant differences in biochemical parameters such as liver enzymes and lipid profile of the cyst fluid among different organs. Molecular identification through PCR and sequence investigation of the cox1 gene in goats and 12S rRNA in sheep confirmed the cysts as C. tenuicollis. The retrieved sequences (OL470129 for sheep and OL470130 for goats) were nearly identical to those reported from other countries, highlighting the genetic similarity of this parasite across regions.

The accelerated growth of broiler chickens associated with different factors can lead to pectoral myopathy. The objective of the study was to review and analyze all the information related to the incidence and prevalence of White striping (WS) and wooden breast (WB) in broiler chickens through systematic review and meta-analysis based on the current literature. For this purpose, different studies were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria for a systematic review and, consequently, meta-analysis to obtain an average occurrence value. The evaluated studies corresponded to in-vivo studies obtaining a population of 125,722 broiler chickens, considering both sexes, a genetic line designed for meat production, complete productive age from 1 to 42 days, and broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions. The Meta Essentials software was used, which allowed the calculations to be made. Heterogeneity was analyzed using Cochrane’s Q statistic and Higgins’s I2. The distribution of homogeneity through the funnel plot. The bias of the publications using the Egger statistics with a significance level of 0.005 and the weighting of the articles using the Forest plot. The occurrence for WS was 62%, and for WB was 42%. There is a need to establish a standardized diagnostic test to objectively confirm the presence and/or severity of both diseases and reduce biases.

This research aimed to find new SNPs in the Lalba gene to associate them with milk production and analyze their expression profile. A total of 104 females from a property located in Bujaru/PA, were used. DNA extractions were performed using the phenolic method, followed by PCR, purification, and sequencing to investigate SNPs in the promoter region and 5’ UTR. RNA was extracted from milk epithelial cells to determine the expression profile of Lalba in 7 haplotypes selected for average milk production. Ten new SNPs were found in the studied region, with emphasis on the indel (-555>TAAA) observed in 7% of the population. None of the SNPs showed a significant association with average milk production (ML). Seven SNPs showed wild-type nucleotide allele frequencies greater than 0.5, with 90% of them detected as HWE. The SNP -42 (A>G) showed a strong binding site for the transcription factor HNF3. Haplotypes 4 and 2 were significant when compared to the others and had higher expressions. Although no SNP influenced milk production, haplotypes 4 and 2 showed the opposite, as they presented higher levels of mRNA expression in somatic milk cells, which is probably due to the additive effect of the combined alleles and, therefore, are desirable to be fixed in the population. However, studies focusing on the relationship between SNPs and expression levels in these cells, together with other genes that may be influencing milk production levels, should be carried out to investigate whether these variants are confirmed by the phenotypes of the animals.

The calpastatin (CAST) gene is one of the candidate genes affecting muscle growth and meat quality. In this study, the effects of the CAST gene on backfat thickness (BFT), lumbar muscle depth (Musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum-MLD) determined by ultrasonic measurements, body condition score (BCS), live weight (LW) were investigated in 200 Karacabey Merino sheep. It was observed that the CAST gene allele was more common than the N allele in Karacabey Merino sheep. MM, MN and NN genotypes were determined as 47.50%, 40.00% and 12.50%, respectively. It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between age groups in terms of BFT values, which is one of the ultrasound criteria (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in terms of muscle depth (MD). It was found that gender and genotypes had a significant effect on MD (P<0.05) and BFT (P<0.01). It was determined that there was a statistically highly significant difference (P<0.01) in terms of BCS and LW values between genders and age groups. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between genotypes regarding BCS values; no significant difference was found regarding LW values. The results show that the CAST gene effectively affects BFT, MLD muscle depth, BCS and LW.

This study explored current epidemiological and molecular patterns of Haemonchus species infecting sheep, particularly in Cairo and Giza governorates, Egypt. Mass screening of haemonchosis was implemented by detecting IgG using ELISA among living sheep reared by smallholder shepherds and via abomasal inspection for sheep at slaughterhouses. Molecular characterization of the adult Haemonchus worms was done through the Nuclear internal transcribed spacer-2 gene (ITS-2) and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase-1 gene (COX-1). The results indicated that haemonchosis was a seriously common parasitic infection among sheep, where the prevalence reached 70% for the living sheep and 37.1% for the slaughtered ones. A strong immune response in the abomasal mucosa was detected, with diffuse, multifocal infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and eosinophils. Risk factors significantly linked to the high incidence were being 2 years or less, in autumn, of imported Sudanese breeds and living in a colder climate. The molecular screening revealed 100% identity of the tested worms as H. contortus, and no H. placei had existed. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the Egyptian Haemonchus isolates of COX-1 sequences showed identity percent ranging from 94.85–99.37%, with previously GenBank recorded isolates from Egypt and Nigeria. However, the isolates of ITS-2 sequences from Egyptian Haemonchus revealed an identity percent of 98.29-99.78%, with those obtained from a small ruminant in Tanzania and a giraffe in Florida, USA. The current data highlighted the considerable risk of haemonchosis among sheep and revealed the importance of updating the epidemiological and molecular information to achieve a suitable preventive and control strategy.