Molecular detection of Theileria spp. in sheep and vector ticks in the North Khorasan Province, Iran

A survey was carried in North Khorasan Province, Iran in 2010–2011, designed to identify Theileria spp. infections of both sheep and ticks. The tick species were also examined. Ninety sheep from different flocks were clinically examined, and blood samples and ixodid ticks were collected. Light microscopy of blood smears revealed Theileria spp. infection in 37 (41.1 %), while 74 (82.2 %) of blood samples were positive using semi-nested PCR. Theileria ovis, Theileria lestoquardi, and mixed infection were detected in 63/90 (70 %), 5/90 (5.5 %), and 6/90 (6.6 %) of samples, respectively. Of the 434 ticks that were collected, the most prevalent species was Rhipicephalus turanicus (69.3 %) followed by Hyalomma marginatum turanicum (18.4 %), Dermacentor marginatus (6.4 %), and Rhipicephalus bursa (5.7 %). The ticks were separated into 42 tick pools, and the salivary glands were dissected out in 0.85 % (w/v) saline under a stereomicroscope and examined using semi-nested PCR. Three pools of H. marginatum turanicum salivary glands were infected with T. ovis and T. lestoquardi, and one pool of R. turanicus was infected with T. ovis. Based on these results, it is concluded that the prevalence of T. ovis is higher than T. lestoquardi and that H. marginatum turanicum and R. turanicus are likely vectors of T. lestoquardi and T. ovis in this area.     

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity of Euphorbia helioscopia L

The anthelmintic potentials of the aqueous and methanol extracts of Euphorbia helioscopia were investigated. In folklore medicine, E. helioscopia (Euphorbiaceae) is used in the treatment of various gastrointestinal ailments and diseases. A worm motility inhibition (WMI) assay and egg hatch assay (EHA) were used for in vitro assessment, and a faecal egg count reduction (FECR) assay was used for an in vivo study. The in vitro study revealed anthelmintic effects of crude methanolic extracts of E. helioscopia on live Haemonchus contortus worms as evident from their paralysis and/or death at 8h after exposure, different concentrations (12.5mgml(-1), 25mgml(-1) and 50mgml(-1)) of aqueous and methanolic extracts were used against H. contortus which exhibited dose-dependent anthelmintic effects on H. contortus. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of aerial parts (stem, leaves and flowers) of E. helioscopia were found to have very low percent inhibitory egg hatching as compared to levamisole. It is concluded that the entire plant of E. helioscopia possesses significant anthelmintic activity and could be a potential alternative for treating cases of helminth infections in ruminants.     

Effect of temperature on lutein esterification and lutein stability in wheat grain

The creamy colour of many wheat-based end-products is conferred by endogenous lutein. During post-harvest storage of grain, free lutein may be converted in part to potentially more stable lutein mono- and di-fatty acid esters. This study investigates the synthesis of lutein esters and stability of free lutein and lutein esters over a wide range of temperatures in grain of a high lutein bread wheat, Triticum aestivum L. line DM5685*B12 and a durum, Triticum durum L cv Kamilaroi. Disappearance of free lutein and lutein esterification followed first order reaction rates. The maximum rate of lutein esterification was at ≈80 °C, however, the optimum temperature for maximum synthesis with minimum degradation was between 30 °C and 60 °C. No ester synthesis was observed at temperatures higher than 120 °C. The data are consistent with an enzyme participating in the esterification reaction. Lutein esters were found to be more stable than free lutein with a longer shelf life at 60 °C whilst at temperatures ≤40 °C, lutein degradation was minimal. This study provides new information on lutein ester formation and lutein stability that should be useful to grain handlers and food manufacturers seeking to optimise retention of lutein for the benefit of consumers.     

A comparative study on behavioral,physiological, and adrenal changes in buffaloes during the first stage of labor with normal and difficult parturition

The present study was primarily carried out to trace the behavioral, physiological, and adrenal changes during the first stage of labor in cases of dystocia, either in parturient buffalo heifers or cows, and their clinical significance. Of the 118 investigated buffalo herds, 40 cows (dystocia = 20 and eutocia = 20) and 40 heifers (dystocia = 20 and eutocia = 20) were used in this study. Cows approaching actual birth were transferred to a calving box with straw bedding. Behavior of the studied animals was recorded from the time that the animal was moved to the calving box until the emergence of the fetal limbs in the vulval lips. If no progress in parturition was observed within two hours after the rupture of fetal sacs (end of the first stage), these cases were considered as suffering dystocia. As the fetal limbs emerged from the birth canal, animals were examined clinically to determine their average pulse and respiratory rates as well as body temperature. Blood samples were collected to determine the cow/heifers cortisol level. Results of the present study indicated that dystocia was accompanied by disturbed physiological status and cortisol levels. Practical monitoring system of parturient animals, through observing behavioral, physiological, and adrenal aspects during calving, should be regarded to expect dystocia and provide help for the animal in the appropriate time.     

Incidence of dieback disease following fungal inoculations of sexually and asexually propagated shisham (Dalbergia sissoo)

Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) is an important multipurpose tree with great economic importance, but this tree has been devastated by dieback disease. Seedlings and asexually propagated (cuttings) plants were artificially inoculated with four fungi (Fusarium solani, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Curvularia lunata and Ganoderma lucidum) to evaluate the potential role of these fungi in shisham dieback disease. Results at 2 years revealed that highest disease was caused by inoculation of F. solani (31.39%), followed by B. theobromae (19.042%) and C. lunata (12.22%), but no dieback disease was caused by G. lucidum. During both years, seedlings exhibited greater susceptibility to disease (17.24%) compared to cuttings (7.83%). In particular, F. solani caused more disease in seedlings (46.18%) compared to cuttings (16.61%). With the F. solani inoculations, maximum disease rate was observed at 8 weeks post‐inoculation both in seedlings (77%) and in cuttings (31%), but the maximum disease increase was observed at 4–5 weeks post‐inoculation. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the different fungi and also between seedlings and cuttings. F. solani can be considered as a major fungal pathogen contributing to dieback disease of shisham, and asexual propagation can reduce the severity of dieback.     

Laparoscopic Anatomy of the Abdomen and Laparoscopic Ligating Loops,Electrocoagulation, and a Novel Modified Electroligation Ovariectomy in Standing Mare

The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed laparoscopic anatomy of the caudal abdominal region of mare in a standing position and to evaluate and modify a technique for standing laparoscopic ovariectomy using combination between hand-tied ligating loop and electrocoagulation techniques, as the ligating loops, electrocoagulation, and modified electroligation laparoscopic ovariectomy were applied using nine adult mares. Laparoscopy was practical and effective for direct visual examination of internal abdominal organs in the mare. Ventral dislocation of abdominal viscera after pneumoperitoneum was established with the mare in standing position, which provided an excellent inspection of the dorsal and ventral structures in the peritoneal cavity on the right and left sides. Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy using an electroligation modified method was considered a safe and effective method for hemostasis of the mesovarium, technically easy, time saving, and economical. The mean surgical time for bilateral ovariectomy was 40 ± 7.63, 60 ± 5.25, and 85 ± 6.43 minutes for electroligation-modified technique, ligating loops technique, and electrocoagulation technique, respectively.     

Growth response of the salt-sensitive and the salt-tolerant sugarcane genotypes to potassium nutrition under salt stress

Adequate regulation of mineral nutrients plays a fundamental role in sustaining crop productivity and quality under salt stress. We investigated the ameliorative role of potassium (K as K₂SO₄) in overcoming the detrimental effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) on sugarcane genotypes differing in salt tolerance. Four levels of NaCl (0, 100, 130 and 160 mM) were imposed in triplicate on plants grown in gravel by supplying 0 and 3 mM K. The results revealed that application of NaCl significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased sodium (Na⁺) but decreased K⁺ concentrations in shoots and roots of both genotypes with a resultant decrease in K⁺/Na⁺ ratios. Physical growth parameters and juice quality were also markedly reduced with increasing NaCl concentrations compared with controls. However, addition of K alleviated the deleterious effects of NaCl and improved plant growth under salt stress. Cane yield and yield attributes of both genotypes were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher where K was added. Juice quality was also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved with the application of K at various NaCl levels. The results suggested that added K interfered with Na⁺, reduced its uptake and accumulation in plant tissues and consequently improved plant growth and juice quality in sugarcane.     

Comparison of EDTA and ammonium Bicarbonate-DTPA for the extraction of phosphorus in calcareous soils from Kerman,Iran

Developing a fast and reliable soil testing method is critical for improving soil testing efficiency and ensuring reliable fertilizer recommendation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate sodium ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Na₂-EDTA) as a replacement for ammonium bicarbonate-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (AB-DTPA) to extract phosphorus (P) to determinate the relationships between extractable P and its uptake by crop in calcareous soils. Na₂-EDTA and AB-DTPA was compared by the amounts of extracted P by analyzing soil samples collected from agricultural production areas. There were significant correlations between Na₂-EDTA and AB-DTPA for soil test P based on soils collected from the agricultural field. Soil test P by both extractants was significantly correlated with plant P concentration. Na₂-EDTA was identified as an alternate improved extraction method instead of AB-DTPA in calcareous soils based on this study. However, more work will be needed to identify the correlation of the two extractants and crop responses under a field condition.     

The residual level of isoprothiolane in paddy field surface water and its acute toxicity level on freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium lanchesteri

Paddy and Water Environment - The application of isoprothiolane in rice cultivation may give a risk to the aquatic ecosystem. The present study was undertaken to determine the level of...