The Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Silver carbene complexes (SCCs), a group of novel silver-based compounds capable of
gradually releasing silver ions, have shown significant antimicrobial activity against a wide
range of bacterial pathogens mainly isolated from human cases. The antimicrobial activity
against animal isolated pathogens has yet been done. The in vitro efficacy of two SCCs with
different carrier molecules (SCC1 with a methylated caffeine backbone and SCC22 with a
dichloroimidazolium backbone) was investigated against three important animal and
human pathogen species. SCC1 and SCC22 exhibited bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects
against multidrug resistant Salmonella Typhimurium (poultry isolate), E. coli 843 and E. coli
1568 (swine isolates), and the poultry field isolates Salmonella Heidelberg, Salmonella
Enteritidis, and Salmonella Montevideo with MICs and MBCs ranged from 16-21 µM (6-8
µg/mL) and 16-32 µM (6-12 µg/mL), respectively. Clostridium perfringens type A was
sensitive to both SCC1 and SCC22 with the MICs being 11 (4 µg/mL) and 21 µM (8 µg/mL),
respectively. These values were comparable to the MICs and MBCs for silver acetate. The
MBCs against C. perfringens was >85 µM for SCCs and >192 µM for silver acetate (>32 µg/mL
for all compounds). Ten hours incubation of C. perfringens with 40 µg/mL of all three
products showed down regulation of virulence genes plc and netB, suggesting viable cells
and silver can modulate the virulence. Treating the C. perfringens with higher concentration
(100 µg/mL) of each SCC for 10 hours inhibited more bacteria compared to the untreated
bacterial cells, however, no differences in the ultrastructure of lysed bacteria were seen and
this concentration might not induce viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state as suggested by
transmission electron microscopy findings. SCCs showed a broad antimicrobial activity
against all bacterial species tested including multidrug resistant pathogens. Both SCCs
demonstrated inhibitory effect against the Gram-positive anaerobic C. perfringens type A
which could have a high accumulation capacity for silver ion. These data suggest that SCCs
may represent a novel class of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, which may be used to
reduce the burden of pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of poultry.

The study aimed to assess the effects of different concentrations of Ziziphus spina-Christi (ZSC) leaves on the fertility of buck goats. Twelve buck goats aged 8-12 months with an average body weight of 22±2 kg was divided randomly into three dietary treatments: T1, T2, and T3, all animals were fed a uniform diet in addition to feeding with 20 g/kg (2%) of ZSC for T1, 40 g/kg (4%) of ZSC for T2; the T3 was used as a control that consumed a basal diet only. The experiment lasted for three months. On day 45 and 90, blood samples werecollected for plasma testosterone measurement using an immunochromatographic assay. Additionally, semen samples were collected, at the same time of blood collection, for macroscopic (volume, colour, and pH) and microscopic (semen concentration, mass and individual motility percentage, and live-dead sperm percentages evaluations).The results showed that ZSC at 4% significantly increased the testosterone hormone concentration and all physical parameters at 45 and 90 days compared to 2% ZSC and control groups. Additionally, ZSC at 4% significantly improved the microscopic parameters at both periods compared to 2% ZSC and control groups. The present findings revealed that ZSC at 4% diet could enhance goat semen processing and enhanced significantly the testosterone hormone that had higher values compared to (2%) of the ZSC control group. Similarly, (4%) of ZSC affected the physical assessment of semen, such as the volume, colour, and pH values. Thus, adding ZSC with a high concentration (4%) could enhance the goat semen parameters.

Male reproductive health is intricately regulated by molecular and physiological processes, with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) playing a crucial role by being activated by various ligands and influencing the onset and progression of diseases The present study aimed to evaluate the role of AhR on spermatogenesis in adult male rats that were affected by resveratrol(RES) as agonist and CH223191, as an AhR antagonist. The study included forty rats which were randomly divided into four equal groups: The control group, DMSO group (positive control), RES group, and AhR ̅ group. The rats were received respective treatments intraperitoneally twice weekly for 60 days. Parameters related to male reproductive health were evaluated. The results showed that activation by the RES treatment enhanced the sperm morphology, sperm acrosomal integrity, and luteinizing hormone. The testicular tissue integrity was maintained by RES.Moreover, the Dnah1gene expression were upregulated and played a major role in sperm morphology, it was upregulated,and testosterone levels were elevated by RES. On the other hand, sperm morphology, sperm acrosomal integrity, testosterone hormone levels, and Dnah1expression were reduced in AhR ̅ rats’group. The testicular tissue integrity was maintained by RES. These findings highlight the role of AhR in male reproductive health and suggest RES as a potential therapeutic agent.

Cats are important hosts for different zoonotic including Toxocara, a group of ‎parasitic roundworms known as ascarid nematodes. This study aimed to analyse the ‎presence of T. ‎cati in stray cats in Al-Anbar province. Iraq This is first study of this ‎parasite in Al-Anbar province, which include the prevalence of T. ‎cati in stray ‎cats, as well as molecular study. This study was conducted on 50 stray cats, were examined ‎clinically, the signs were recorded for each animal, as well as the collection of faecal ‎samples to detect the eggs of parasite under microscope, and molecular examinations. ‎Blood samples also examined to know the effect of parasite on blood cells, especially the ‎eosinophils. Our results recognized the prevalence of infection was 48% when the ‎molecular method was used, and 40% when the microscopy method was used. Clinically, ‎the infected cats with signs were 4 (8%) from the total sick animals, as well as the same ‎percentage appeared in haematological examination (the eosinophilia). However, in Al-‎Anbar cities, T. cati is highly prevalent among stray cats. In order to eradicate the T. cati ‎parasite from the region's stray cat population, efficient methods for doing so need to be ‎devised, and public education on animal and human health should also be stressed‎‎‎‎.

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of the Cyperus ‎rotundus tubers ‎on fat oxidation and stored frozen chicken nuggets' physical and microbial ‎characteristics. The extract was incorporated into minced poultry meat at concentrations of 0% (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%, and the treated samples were stored for periods of 1 and 30 days at -18°C. The addition of Cyperus rotundus extract significantly improved the pH values and water-holding capacity of the treated nuggets (T2, T3, T4, and T5) compared to the control (T1) across both storage durations. Moreover, a notable reduction in lipid oxidation markers (peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA), free fatty acids (FFA), and total volatile nitrogen (TVN) was observed in the treated samples relative to the control. Additionally, a significant decrease in the total coliform bacteria count was evident in the treated nuggets, which inversely correlated with the concentration of the Cyperus rotundus extract. The findings suggest that the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus tubers beneficially affects the quality and safety of chicken nuggets, enhancing their shelf life when stored at -18°C for up to 30 days‎‎‎.

The primary aim of this study was to analyzethe nucleocapsid (N) gene of the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in infected canines within Baghdad, Iraq. A total of 50 samples, encompassing nasal swabs and fecal specimens, were obtained from canines of various ages and breeds. Utilizing a Rapid Test, nine of 50 samples tested positive for CDV. Subsequently, the RNA from the positively tested samples was extracted and subjected to Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for cDNA synthesis. The synthesized cDNA was further amplified through conventional PCR targeting the N gene. Six amplified products were submitted to Macrogen, South Korea, for sequencing. Sequence analysis revealed multiple silent and missense point mutations within the N gene. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a 99% similarity of the N gene of the Iraqi isolates with a known strain from the USA and India strains. Overall, this study identifies point mutations inthe N gene of CDV in infected canines in Iraq and establishes that the circulating strain exhibits a high genetic resemblance to the USA and India strains. Therefore, it is imperative to formulate and implement high-efficacy vaccines and comprehensive control strategies. This represents the first study in Iraq to focus on the N gene analysis of CDV in infected dogs.

This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic properties of nefopam and the adjuvant effects of caffeine. It also investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of co-administering nefopam and caffeine on Prostaglandin E2 level (PGE2). The study involved 56 female albino mice (Mus musculus), divided into seven groups, eight mice per each group.Group A which served as the control group received distilled water; Group B received 30 mg/kg BW of nefopam orally; Group C received 28.5 mg/BW of nefopam and 5 mg/BW of caffeine orally; Group D received 27 mg/BW of nefopam and 10 mg/BW of caffeine orally; Group E received 25.5 mg/BW of nefopam and 15 mg/BW of caffeine orally; Group F received 24 mg/BW of nefopam and 20 mg/BW of caffeine orally; Group G received 22.5 mg/BW of nefopam and 25 mg/BW of caffeine orally. The nociceptive response was assessed using the formalin test, showing a significant (P<0.05) reduction in pain response (accumulative time of flinching and licking) was the first phase (0-5 minutes) in Group E as well as, a significant (P<0.05) decrease in nociceptive response in flinching and licking in second phase (20-60 minutes) was observed in Group D. However, the Prostaglandin level was significantly (P<0.05) lower in Group C. The study concluded that adding low dosages of caffeine to analgesics can boost pain relief in smaller quantities. Caffeine co-administration with nefopam may exert

Quorum sensing is a well-known mechanism used by many bacteria to control important virulence factors through the production and subsequent response to N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). Quorum sensing inhibition (QSI), targeting AHL-dependent signalling, has been reported as a strategy for the control of bacterial pathogenicity. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the capability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an indicator to rapidly screen for potential QSI caused by plant extracts based on pigment inhibition. Four ethanolic plant extracts including: dried flower buds of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L), bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia L), leaves of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam), and Al-Gutub (Tribulus terrestris L) dried fruits were investigated for their QSI ability in comparison with furanone (the known QS inhibitor). Agar well diffusion assay was used, in which the indicator isolate, P. aeruginosa, was inoculated onto Pseudomonas special agar medium containing 8 mm wells to load different concentrations of the plant extracts along with furanone or phosphate buffered saline (negative control). The results showed that furanone was successful in inhibiting the pyocyanin pigment of P. aeruginosa without interfering with the bacterial growth, this verified the ability of this bacterium as a potent QS indicator organism. Importantly, clove extract at different concentrations caused complete inhibition of the pyocyanin pigment with little impact on the bacterial growth. On the use of cinnamon, only the high concentrations showed clear dye inhibition of the indicator organism. Moringa also caused certain degree of dye inhibition but only at high concentrations. Conversely, Al-Gutub neither affected on the pyocyanin production nor on the bacterial viability. In conclusion, P. aeruginosa isolate, pyocyanin producer, was successful in the screening of QS inhibitors. This simple study recommends the use of such isolate without relying on the import of certain strains of Chromobacterium violaceum, Pseudomonas aureofaciens, or Agrobacterium tumefaciens‎‎‎‎‎.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of ‎‎apigenin, obtained from Portulaca oleracea L., using a male mouse model‎. A total of 56 ‎healthy BLAB/c albino male mice (Mus musculus) were used in two experiments. In the first experiment‎, ‎the xylene-induced ear edema, 28 male mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=7). ‎The negative control group received distilled water, while the positive control, apigenin-‎treated, and indomethacin-treated groups were exposed to xylene (0.03 mL applied to ‎the anterior and posterior surface of the right ear lobe) to induce inflammation. ‎Subsequently, the apigenin-treated group received orally 50 mg/kg BW apigenin, and ‎the indomethacin-treated group received orally 0.36 mg/kg BW indomethacin.‎ Ear weight ‎difference was calculated as an indicator ‎of anti-inflammatory. For the second experiment, the carrageenan-induced paw edema‎, a ‎similar experimental design was followed, but carrageenan (50 ‎mg/kg BW of 1% solution) ‎was ‎administered intra-dermally‎ in the right hindpaws.‎ Paw skin thickness difference ‎and differential white blood ‎cells (WBCs) count, along with the ‎quantification of prostaglandin E-2 ‎‎(PGE-2) and ‎interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum samples, were used as indicators of anti-inflammatory.‎ Results showed that xylene exposure led ‎to a significant ear weight increase, ‎indicative of ‎inflammation. Conversely, the ‎apigenin-treated group demonstrated a ‎reduction in ear ‎weight compared to the positive control group. Similarly, carrageenan ‎administration resulted ‎in a substantial ‎increase in paw skin thickness and elevated levels of ‎WBCs count, PGE-2, ‎and IL-6. ‎Apigenin treatment significantly mitigated these ‎inflammatory markers, ‎‎outperforming indomethacin in PGE-2 ‎and IL-6‎. This study provides evidence supporting the potential ‎of P. oleracea-derived ‎apigenin as an effective anti-inflammatory agent, showing ‎comparable or better ‎efficacy ‎than indomethacin‎‎‎‎‎.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the phytochemical and morphological characterization between Iraqi and America Lanata camara extracts and to evaluate their inhibition effect on the egg albumin-induced paw inflammation. Successive maceration was used to eliminate the leaves of L. camara. The bioactive substance components present in the extract were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. In addition, HPLC analysis was performed for the detection of active compounds. The paw edema induced by injecting egg albumin (0.1ml) in both right and left hind-paw and the percentage inhibition as well as cell count, and skin thickness was measured. The initial phytochemical screening yielded positive test results for phenolic compounds, glycosides, tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, polysaccharides, and terpenoids. The results of GC-MS analysis of Iraqi and American leaves showed oleic acid (22.65%, 36.69%), octadecanoic acid (26.58%, 13.49%) and hexadecanoic acid (7.06%,14.52%), respectively, were the main compound in both extracts. The HPLC analysis indicated the presence of vitamin K in Iraqi and American leaves (9.52%, 9.77%) respectively, while there are no other research publications indicated to such results. The concentration 0.05% of Iraqi and America L. camara showed a significant inhibition effect (99.7%) of inflammation. The cell counts and skin thickness showed a significant decreased when treated with both extracts of L. camara. In conclusion, this study showed that the phytochemical composition of lantana camara leaf extract varies depending on the geographical region. The findings also suggest that this extract, contains various bioactive compounds that could be a valuable resource for developing pharmaceuticals to treat different diseases. The study also found that the extract has a significant anti-inflammatory effect and could be a promising option for inhibition of inflammation.

Cutaneous melanoma accounts for a yearly mortality rate of 55,500 persons. The use of oral small-molecule kinase inhibitors, specifically targeting BRAFv600, has been licensed as the principal treatment strategy for managing both locally progressed and metastatic presentations of the condition. Approximately 30% of people on vemurafenib, a BRAFv600 inhibitor, have side effects when are taken orally. Objective: This research was attempted to develop a vemurafenib microemulsion by substituting conventional oil phases with ionic liquids (ILs). The microemulsions were created by dissolving vemurafenib in a combination of ionic liquid (1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and 1-Octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) and surfactant (Triton x-100). Multiple tests were conducted to measure physical stability, pH determination, content homogeneity examination, and in vitro medicine release analysis. Four formulations of Vemurafenib microemulsions successfully met all criteria in the microemulsion characterisation and assessment tests. The droplet sizes in these microemulsions fell inside the range of microemulsions, which is less than 200 nm. They were then used to create microemulsion-based hydrogels, employing Carbamer 340 as a gelling agent by conducting a simple mixing method. Hydrogels formed from microemulsions containing 1-Octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate demonstrated the ability to form clear hydrogels with desirable consistency. Regarding Ex-vivo permeability study and skin deposition the permeability profiles of GOT3 formula exhibits a permeability measurement of 33569± 344 mP.s at 6 rpm, whereas GOT4 demonstrates a permeability measurement of 54723± 380 mP.s at 6 rpm. During the skin irritation test, there was no apparent erythema and edema were observed when compared to the negative group. This may indicate that the designed microemulsion-based gel formulation demonstrates good biocompatibility with skin tissue. Topical delivery of vemurafenib is a promising route of drug administration to melanoma skin. Ionic liquids (ILs) have permeation-enhancing properties with either hydrophilic or lipophilic characteristics‎‎‎‎‎.

Footrot is a significant health problem in ruminants, especially sheep, caused by the bacteria Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum. Infected animals may become lame and lose body condition. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sheep had mixed infections with D. nodosus and F. necrophorum, the global genetic relationships of both target genes (lktA and 16S rRNA genes) with different reference genes, and the degree of genetic heterogeneity between the standard serogroups of D. nodosus were studied. In addition, to detect the antibacterial sensitivity against these two pathogens. One hundred and seventy-five sheep interdigital spaces were investigated (2016-2022). The D. nodosus field isolate (Dn Sul/016-KY399851) showed 96% compatibility with other global isolates (NR_104942/USA, JN008724/India, and DQ016290/Sweden) when its 16S rRNA sequence was compared to some reference genes. The local isolate (Fn Sul/016- KY399852) and other IktA gene strains from other nations (FJ230831/New Zealand, JX678872/Australia, JX648295/India) were compared, and the results showed 99% and 96% identity. Additionally, within the multiple sequence alignment, a single nucleotide variation at position 389 (CA) was seen in the partial lktA sequence when compared to the field isolate (Fn Sul/16-KY399852). This modification corresponds to a switch at residue 130 from alanine (Ala) to glutamic acid (Glu). This study showed the initial molecular identification of D. nodosus and F. necrophorum from sheep with footrot in the Iraqi province of Sulaimani‎‎‎‎‎.