The Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine

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The present study was conducted to measure the concentration of progesterone throughout gestation and ‎parturition in control and treated bitches. Thirty anestrus bitches aged 3 - 6 years and weighing 19.5 - 26 kg ‎were used in this study. The bitches were divided equally into three groups as follows: the 1st group as a ‎control group without treatment, the 2nd group as a treated group anestrus bitches treated orally with 0.125 ‎mg‏/‏kg BW bromocriptine (Parlodel) twice daily, and the 3rd group treated orally by 0.012 mg/kg BW ‎cabergoline (Dostinex) until the appearance of estrus signs. The results showed that the number of responded ‎animals were in proestrus bleeding and became pregnant and newborn 70%, 60% and 50% for control, ‎bromocriptine, and cabergoline treated groups, respectively. In addition, there were no significant ‎differences (P ≤ 0.01) in progesterone concentration between the control and treated pregnant bitches. It can ‎be concluded that both medicines bromocriptine and cabergoline have no effect on progesterone levels ‎during pregnancy period in bitches.‎

The biosynthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) was done under alkaline conditions (pH 12) ‎and temperature ≥ 80 ◦C. After mixing 10% of aqueous pomegranate peel extract (PPE) with 0.1 ‎molar of zinc nitrate [Zn (NO3)2.6H2O], the mixture was stirred at 70-80◦C for 15 minutes and then ‎left at room temperature overnight. Then, the mixture was separated and centrifuged at 4000 rpm ‎for 10 minutes. This process was repeated three times and the precipitate was collected and dried ‎for using. ZnONPs were characterized by visual observation of color changes. The estimated ‎duration of synthesis was compared to the weight of ZnONPs using the UV-visible analysis, Fourier ‎transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The ‎results of this line investigated the proper conditions for ZnONPs synthesis. The result of FT-IR ‎showed a functional group related to Zn-O at 613.38 to 580.59 cm_1, whereas the result of X-RD ‎at 2 theta diagnosed the type of oxide formation as ZnO and determined that the particle size was ‎in a range of 20-30 nm. Finally, SEM image showed crystals shape of ZnO nanoparticles. In ‎conclusion, PPE acts as a reducing agent used in synthesis of ZnO in Nano-scale size via easy and ‎simple method‎

Nanoparticles have many properties, especially in treatment of medical field, but the controversy continues ‎about their cytotoxicity. Hence, this research was conducted to estimate the concentration of gold ‎nanoparticles (GNPs) in tumor and other organs such as kidney, liver, and spleen after injecting GNPs by ‎two routes, intratumoral and intraperitoneal to compare between the two methods in mice implanted with ‎mammary adenocarcinoma for 28 days. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to measure the GNPs ‎concentrations. The results revealed that the GNPs concentrations were significantly (P≤0.05) increased ‎‎(3.75±1.75, 2.42 ±0.31 ppm) in kidney tissue after intratumoral and intraperitoneal administration, ‎respectively, when compared to the other organs (liver and spleen), followed by tumor mass (2.66±0.01, 1.09 ‎‎±0.06 ppm) in tissue. While the concentrations of GNPs in spleen and liver were 1.40 ±0.33, 0.726 ±0.01 ‎and 0.602 ±0.03, 0.517 ±0.02 after intratumoral and intraperitoneal administration, respectively. Also, the ‎experiment showed that the injection by intratumoral method was more efficient than the intraperitonial ‎method for tumor treatment, and the nanoparticles were cleared by responsible lymphoid organs of body.‎

This study aimed to produce silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Nigella sativa, also to investigate ‎the effects of green synthesized Nigella sativa seeds silver nanoparticles on dyslipidemia and DNA ‎fragmentation in hydrogen peroxide-exposed rats. The produced Nigella sativa seeds silver nanoparticles ‎were characterized through Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray ‎powder diffraction (XRD) style, and Scanning Electron microscope, and the morphology and size of these ‎synthesized nanoparticles were investigated. Forty adults male rats were randomly and equally divided into ‎five groups, which had been inspected daily for two months as followings: G1 group (Control), G2 group ‎received tap water containing 1% H2O‏2‏‎, animals in G3 and G4 groups were injected IP with the ‎nanoparticles in a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg B.W., respectively, and also received ordinary tap water ‎containing 1% H2O‏2‏‎ , and in G5 group, the animals were injected IP with Nigella sativa seeds extract in 50 ‎mg/kg B.W. and received ordinary tap water containing 1% H2O‏2‏‎. Blood samples were collected after one ‎and two months of the experiment from each animal for DNA fragmentation measurements and serum lipid ‎estimation. The results reported a case of dyslipidemia, as well significant elevation in DNA damage in G4 ‎and G2 groups. The results also confirmed the hypolipidemic and cytoprotective effect of Nigella sativa ‎seeds extract (G5 group) and silver nanoparticles, and group G3 clarified the correction between ‎dyslipidemia, and the significant alleviation in DNA damage. In conclusion, the current study shows the ‎effects of high doses of Nigella sativa seeds silver nanoparticles, and documents the ameliorative effect of ‎these seeds extract and their silver nanoparticles on lipid profile and DNA damage.‎

Melatonin is the main molecule that transmits the signal of seasonal change to the neuroendocrine system in ‎seasonal breeding species, through specific melatonin receptors, e.g. Melatonin Receptor Type 1A ‎‎(MTNR1A). In the present study, a total of 40 local Iraqi non pregnant goats were used to study the ‎relationship between Polymorphism of Melatonin Receptor Type 1A (MTNR1A) gene with some ‎reproductive performance. Animals were reared in a farm located in Al-Yusufiya/Baghdad. Animals were ‎divided based on breading season into two groups, with 20 animals each as follows: goats which gave birth ‎in expected breading season (January, February, and March), and goats which gave birth in unexpected ‎breading season (October, November, and December). Twenty goats gave birth in January, February and ‎March, which represent breeding season. and No goat gave birth out of the breeding season during October, ‎November and December. Both groups were used to investigate the reproductive performance in local goats ‎in different breeding months. The number of kids (single or twins), weight and sex of kids were record. Five ‎milliliters of blood were collected from each goat through jugular vein puncture with EDTA coated tubes, ‎this was used for DNA extraction. The main part of exon II of MTNR1A gene was amplified by PCR using ‎specific primers, and then the PCR product was digested with BsaI restriction enzyme. The restriction ‎fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was used to determine the presence of the cleavage site that ‎produces two fragments, 279 and 577 bp (C allele), while the absence of this site produces only one ‎fragment of 856 bp (A allele). The results suggested the presence of three genotypes, including the ‎homozygote CC (279 bp, 577 bp), homozygote AA (856 bp) and the heterozygote CA (279 bp, 577 bp, 856 ‎bp). In all of the analyzed 40 local goats, the genotypic frequency was 35.0% for CC genotype, 52.5% for ‎CA genotype and 12.5 for AA genotype. The allele frequency of C and A was 61.25% and 38.75%, ‎respectively, this was in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Allele C associated with out of season breeding ‎ability of goats, and allele A associated with season breeding. No relationship was found between kids ‎weights, sex and type of parturition (single or twin) with the genetic analysis model of MTNR1A gene in ‎local Iraqi goats.‎

The current study was conducted to study the experimentaly induced zinc deficiency and its hematological ‎consequences in Iraqi goats. Twenty five goats, 5-6 months old were involved in this study. The study ‎extended from November 2018 and continued for 10 weeks in the farm of College of Veterinary Medicine, ‎University of Diyala. The animals were fed a high calcium content ration (400-500 gm/head/day), in ‎addition to hay and water with ad libitum during the study. The main clinical signs were retardation in hair ‎growth, especially of legs and head, swollen joint, poor growth, rough hair coat, loss of hair on head, limbs, ‎and scrotum, cracking of the hooves. The skin was rough, thickened, and cracked, alopecia, crusting, and ‎hyperkeratosis also occurred. Paleness of the mucous membranes of the eye, loss of appetite, itching, and ‎emaciation were observed. Body weight, heart rates, and body temperature were not significantly changed, ‎while respiratory rates significantly decreased in the 3rd and 6th weeks in comparison with the 1st week. The ‎results of total red blood cells counts revealed significantly decrease in the 2nd week compared with the 1st ‎week, then increased in the 4th, 6th and 8th weeks in comparison with the 1st week. Hemoglobin concentration ‎significantly increased at the 2nd, 4th and 6th weeks in comparison with the 1st week. Packed cell volume ‎increased at the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks compared with 1st week. Serum zinc was significantly decreased ‎from the 2nd week till the end of the experiment.Significant decrease in lymphocytes was detected at the 4th ‎week compered with the 1, 2, 6 and 8 weeks. Eosinophil was also significantly decreased in the 2nd and 6th ‎weeks compared with the 1st week, and increased during the 4th week and 8th week compared with the 2nd ‎and 6th respectively. It is concluded from this study that zinc deficiency clearly affects the overall health ‎status and may eventually lead to economic losses in local goats.‎

The frequency and distribution pattern of Aeromonas hydrophilain cow’s raw milk and soft ‎cheese were investigated in Abu-Ghraib, Al-Fudhaliyah and Al-Sadrya regions in Baghdad. A ‎total of one hundred twenty pooled samples were collected during February until June (2019),in ‎which sixty samples of raw milk pooled from milk containers, twenty from each region (four ‎samples collected monthly per region) and sixty samples of fresh soft cheese made from raw ‎unpasteurized milk were collected from different supermarkets in Baghdad as same as proportion ‎above. Modified procedures for isolation and identification were dependent in which, modified ‎tryptone soya yeast extract sheep blood agar supplemented with ampicillin used. Gram stain and ‎oxidase reaction aid in segregation. Modified Congo red assay used to detect biofilm and Kirby-‎Bauer disc diffusion method was used for determination sensitivity of isolates toampicillin (AM ‎‎10µg),cephalexin (CLX, 30µg), azithromycin (AZM, 15µ) andvancomycin (VA 30µg). The ‎results confirmed recovery of eleventh isolates (9.16 %) from one hundred twenty pooled ‎samples, in which four isolates (3.33 %) from raw milk samples; Two (1.66 %) from Abu-Ghraib ‎and one(0.83 %) from each other regions. Seven isolates (5.83 %) were detected from fresh soft ‎cheese samples in which, three (2.5 %) from Abu-Ghraib and two (1.66 %) from each other ‎regions. All isolates were Gram-negative rod- shaped, oxidase positive and biofilm producers. ‎Four isolates (36.36 %) were resistant to selected antibiotics in which, two (18.18 %) from Abu-‎Ghraib: One (9.09 %) from raw milk and soft cheese; and one (9.09 %) in each other regions in ‎fresh soft cheese only. In conclusions. Milk and cheese production in Abu-Ghraib, Al-Fudhaliyah ‎and Al-Sadrya regions in Baghdad are encountered by the problems of bacterial contamination ‎and presence of multidrug resist strain of A. hydrophila which considered a risk to public health, ‎may be due both insufficient and misuse treatment with antibiotics or in somewhat due to bad ‎quality and/or poor hygiene of processing involved in milk production. Thus recommended ‎monitoring these products for better hygienic status.‎

Codebook shifting of some clones of Enterococci from normal flora to genotypically and ‎phenotypically foodborne opportunistic and multidrug resistant pathogens in our ecosystem ‎represent dangerous hygienic problem. Seventy-fivepooled milk samples were collectedfrom ‎differentdistricts in Baghdad ecosystem from January until May (2019). Fiftyraw milk samples ‎pooled directly from Cows and milk containers (twenty-five each) and twenty-five imported ‎milk powders pooled from Baghdad markets in which, fifteen samples inspected monthly(five ‎from each brand). Certifiedand modified traitsprofits for isolation and confirmation policy. ‎Frequency and distribution of verified data in Baghdad environment reveled variable results. ‎Seven Enterococcus faecalis phenotypes (9.33 %) recovered from raw milk samples in which, ‎four isolates (5.33 %) recovered from Cows raw milk and three isolates (4 %) recovered from ‎milk containers. None recovered clones founds in imported milk powders. All isolates were ‎biofilm-producers and vancomycin resistant verifiedvia modified Christensen biofilm assay and ‎antibiotics sensitivity test. Monitoring these contamination events with vancomycin resistant ‎Enterococcus faecalis needs sophisticated hygienic efforts in Baghdad ecosystem. ‎

Tumours in pets occur naturally are as common in dogs as they are in humans. Tumours of the ‎alimentary system have been reported in animals, although less frequently. Food patterns and ‎specific diet components could have a big role in such tumour occurrence. Therefore, the aim ‎of this study was to investigate the clinical signs and inspect the neoplasm lesions of the ‎gastrointestinal (GI) tract grossly and histopathologically in dogs in Baghdad, Iraq, and to see ‎whether pet diets had any tumourigenic effect. Throughout two years sixteen dogswere ‎referred to Teaching Animal Hospital and private clinics at Baghdad city had masses in (GI) ‎tract. Males and the large sizes breeds were more likely to be affected with GI tumours. Half ‎of the cases aged 5-10 years and belonged to German Shepherd, while the other half involved ‎the other breeds (i.e. Belgian Malinois, Labrador, Pointer GSP and Terrier) equally. Biopsies ‎were taken from the tumour tissues for histological examination. Clinically, the animals ‎presented general signs of digestive system abnormalities like difficulty defecating, bloody ‎stool, lethargy and weight loss. Grossly, the tumours varied in their sizes from <3 cm to >5 ‎cm in diameter, and the most frequent site of occurrence (10 out of 16 cases) was in the large ‎intestine. Histologically, the most tumours reported were malignant, and included ‎adenocarcinomas (6/16) followed by leiomyosarcoma (4/16), and 2/16 belonged to carcinoid ‎tumour. However, lipoma and viral papilloma (4/16) were also registered as the benign ‎tumours. Inconclusion,tumours of canine digestive system do exist but rare. The healthy ‎nutrition of dog may be prevent this type of tumour when dog consume enough amount of ‎raw meat, little of artificial food like kibble with small of some vegetables and fruits. ‎Additionally, the information gained from dogs could be used to suspect and test the effect ‎on humans as they have strong pathophysiology similarities. ‎

This study aimed to isolate Pseudomonas‏ ‏aeruginosa from cattle (bovine) milk with ‎mastitis to characterize its antimicrobial susceptibility against some antibiotics, and to ‎identify aminoglycoside acetyltransferase (aac-3-Ib) gene‎‏.‏A total of 100 bovine milk ‎samples were collected randomly from different local cow farms at districts of Wasit ‎governorate, Iraq. Six P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained using bacterial culture ‎method and further identified by Analytical Profile Index (API-20E). The antibiotic ‎sensitivity test was performed by disc diffusion methods. Among the 5 antibiotics ‎used, the highest resistance (100%) was found with Nalidixic acid andtetracycline, ‎follow by gentamicin (50%) and the lowest resistance rate (16.6%, and 33.3%) was to ‎the ciprofloxacin and cephalothin respectively. PCR was performed for all the ‎gentamicin resistant isolates that be among the aminoglycoside family. The where the ‎frequency of aac(3)-Ib gene have product (530bp) was to 3 of P. aeruginosa isolates. ‎From the finding of present study we concluded that P.aeruginosa thatisolated from ‎mastitic bovinehave been developed resistance against aminoglycosides through ‎presence of aac(3)-Ibgene and the ciprofloxacin and cephalothin can be taken as good ‎choice of treatment. ‎

This study aimed to determine the concentration of depleted uranium and the main histopathological changes ‎in local fish and chickens at a selected Iraqi area suspected to be polluted with uranium. Different locations of ‎Al-Tuwaitha region (Southern of Baghdad) were surveyed randomly to collect a total of 15 samples from each ‎animal species. The animals were sacrificed and dissected at the site of collection. Muscle samples were ‎collected to determine uranium concentrations using nuclear fission track analysis with CR-39 detectors. For ‎histopathological changes, sample tissues from fish (liver, gills, and kidney) and chickens (liver, kidney, and ‎lung) were collected and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The results showed that there was a ‎significant elevation in uranium concentration in both fish and chicken muscles (1.94±0.77 µg/Kg and ‎‎2.19±0.82 µg/Kg, respectively) compared with recommended uranium concentration. Histopathological ‎examination showed several effects, included congestion and thickening of blood vessels walls, vacuolation, ‎necrosis, fibrosis and inflammatory cells infiltration in most tissue sections of collected organs. In conclusion, ‎the uranium residues that found in both fish and chicken meats could raise the concerns about consumption of ‎both animal species that had been bred in Al-Tuwaitha, and could be an indicator of environmental pollution ‎with uranium in this region‎

Impact of vitamin E against mercuric chloride induced nephrotoxicity in Wister albino rats was studied. ‎Feeding rats with contaminated diet and water with HgCl2 at a non-lethal dose of (0.20mg HgCl2/kg food or ‎water) every other day for 42 days resulted in significant increase in the serum malonaldehyde (MDA), a ‎biomarker of lipid peroxidation and significant decrease in the reduced glutathione concentration and ‎glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes activities as compared to the ‎normal group. Simultaneous co-administration of vitamin E (as α-tocopherol acetate) 100 mg/kg b.w/ p.o, ‎every other day for 42 days along with mercuric chloride produced a pronounced cardinal nephro-protective ‎effect against the mercuric chloride induced nephrotoxicity by restoring the normal levels of the estimated ‎biochemical antioxidant parameters. In Conclusion serum biochemical and kidney histopathological findings ‎of the current study highlight the beneficial antioxidoreductive stress ameliorative effects of vitamin E ‎against HgCl2-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.‎