Radicine snails are of considerable medical and veterinary importance as termatode vectors. These snails are responsible for transmission of the zoonotic trematodes including Schistosoma turkestanicum and Fasciola gigantica in Iran. This study investigates Lymnaedae infestation by termatodes, considering the species and sampling locations. 1,700 snails were collected from the suburbs of Borujerd, Khorram Abad, and Dorud in Lorestan, Iran from April to August 2018. Round snails were separated, and Snail species were identified by measuring length, width, spire, and valve, using the shape of the radula as an identification key. To separate the radula, snails soft tissue was removed from the shell using forceps, then incubated in a 7% potassium solution for 24 hours at room temperature. The isolated radula was placed in a 15% acetic acid solution. It was then placed in Mallory's dye solution for 3 minutes and sunsequently washed with an oxalic acid solution. After dehydration with 96% ethanol, the samples were examined under a light microscope. To investigate trematode larvae in snails, 10% of the snail samples (a total of 170 Lymnaeidae snails) were selected and examined using the crushing method on a slide. The morphological results showed that in Dorud and Borujerd, the highest distribution of Lymnaea gedrosiana was 24.09% and 19.72%, while the lowest distribution of Bulinus truncatus was 4.72% and 4.48%, respectively. Lymnaea species were the most abundant in plain villages, whereas Bithynia and Physa were more commonly observed in mountain villages. In Khorram Abad, the highest distribution was related to Lymnaea truncatula (20.15%), while the lowest distribution was related to Lymnaea stagnalis (5.56%). The genera Bithynia and Physa showed a significant increase in mountainous villages of Khorram Abad compared to those in Borujerd and Dorud. The overall infectionrate of Lymneidae snails with termatodes was 32.94%, including 18.23% in Borujerd, 8.23% in Dorud, and 6.47% in Khorramabad. According to the chi-square test (p<0.05), a significant difference was observed in the rate of trematode infection in Lymneade snails. In this regard, the Borujerd region exhibited the highest rate of infection, whereas Khorram Abad showed the lowest.

Nearly a century has passed since Glenny and colleagues introduced aluminum-based adjuvants. Over this extensive period, billions of doses of human and veterinary vaccines incorporating these adjuvants have been produced, ensuring both human health and food security. Aluminum-based adjuvants have played a pivotal role during epidemics, allowing scientists to accelerate vaccine development and save lives. Continuous research conducted by institutions worldwide has substantiated the safety and efficacy of aluminum-based adjuvants, establishing them as the gold standard. Consequently, any new adjuvant must be benchmarked against aluminum-based adjuvants and demonstrate substantial advantages in order to gain regulatory approval. This study aims to investigate the short-term structural and physicochemical changes in aluminum hydroxide in protein-based formulations under thermal treatments at 100°C for 24, 48, and 72 hours. These periods were designed to simulate the aging process that occurs during the storage of adjuvants at room temperature. Specifically, the research examines changes in the physicochemical properties of the adjuvant, including pH fluctuations during these thermal treatments, alterations in the sterilization process, protein adsorption capacity for each sample, particle size distribution, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. These findings not only enhance our understanding of adjuvant stability in vaccine formulations but also provide valuable insights into determining their optimal shelf life and performance. The study demonstrates that the best storage conditions for the adjuvant, with minimal impact from the aging process, are a low pH (pH=5) and higher ionic strength. It was also confirmed that innovative measures, such as reducing the sterilization cycle, stirring the samples after sterilization, and rapidly cooling them afterward, can prevent crystal growth and even produce smaller particle sizes with higher adjuvanticity. This is significant, as previous studies have reported a decline in adjuvanticity following sterilization.

Pigeon racing is a popular sport, where trained pigeons compete against each other in flying competitions. Furthermore, pigeons serve as laboratory specimens for scientific research and experiments. Additionally, many people keep pigeons as companion animals, enjoying their company and unique characteristics. The pigeon holds a significant cultural and religious significance, particularly in Islamic countries. Pigeons are susceptible to a range of viral pathogens that can impact their health and performance. This study focuses on three crucial viruses affecting pigeons: Pigeon Adenovirus, Pigeon Circovirus, and Pigeon Herpes virus. To detect these viruses in pigeons, the researchers utilized a method called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). They collected liver samples from deceased pigeons referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Ferdowsi University in Mashhad, Iran. The researchers detected DNA from the samples and prepared histopathological slides following specific protocols. This study confirmed the presence of adenovirus in 15.5%, circovirus in 100%, and herpes virus in 22.5% of the studied pigeons. AdHistopathological examination was conducted on 43% of the samples. Although only one sample (3.3%) exhibited typical inclusion bodies, nearly all the samples showed varying degrees of pathological changes, including congestion, hemorrhage, and necrosis. The present study is among the few investigations into 3 important viruses in pigeons and it is necessary to pay special attention to its results and carry out additional works. Detecting 100% of the livers of sick pigeons as infected with circovirus can also be a significant result, because other manuscripts have not reported such severe contamination.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are spontaneously generated from viral capsid proteins. VLPs imitate genuine viruses visually and physiologically, but lack viral DNA. Various VLP designs provide structural and functional appeal. Spontaneous polymerization of viral capsid proteins may result in the formation of VLPs with geometrical symmetry, which are often icosahedral, spherical, or rod-like. Moreover, functionalized VLPs may precisely target cancer cells and recruit macrophages to destroy them. The ability to target tumors for therapeutic drug delivery through VLP-based delivery platforms in novel and intriguing aspects related to cancer treatment is the primary goal of VLP design. Cancer therapies require precise targeting of diagnostic or therapeutic elements to tumor cells while avoiding healthy cells and tissues. VLPs offer an innovative approach as site-specific drug delivery systems, reducing systemic toxicity and minimizing injury to healthy cells. Immunotherapy, which boosts the host's immune system, has fewer side effects. Cancer vaccines aim to induce an immune response that provides protection against tumor cells. Due to their naturally fitted particle size and repetitive structural order, VLPs may be employed as a vaccine without any adjuvant. Recombinant VLP structures can be enhanced by including antigenic epitopes of viruses or different disease-related antigens, and targeting peptides to the interior and exterior surfaces, making them potential tools for future immunizations with preventive and regenerative qualities. Additionally, VLP-based delivery strategies may enhance immunogenicity and provide a more effective and safer approach to managing solid cancers with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy or radiation. However, the production of chimeric VLPs still faces challenges, such as the need for more reliable preclinical animal models and associated costs. Despite these obstacles, ongoing research will improve VLP-based technologies and increase their potential advantages. This review aims to provide basic information on VLPs and outline current studies on their use as drug and vaccine delivery systems in different cancers, highlighting their potential as a promising cancer treatment strategy. The key terms in the literature search-including drug delivery, gene therapy, multi-capsid VLPs, and virus-like particles (VLPs)-were searched in international databases, namely Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus from 2003 to 2022.

Autophagy is a double-edged sword for maintaining neural system homeostasis during the development of cerebral ischemia. However, the potential molecular mechanisms behind this remain unclear. Changes in miR-429 and its target GATA4, along with autophagy mediators and apoptosis in ischemic stroke, were examined in this research. Additionally, the study investigated these factors in combination with chlorogenic acid (CGA). Male Wistar rats were separated into three categories. (n=8): sham, IR (ischemia-reperfusion, Induction of transient cerebral ischemia via occlusion and reperfusion of the common carotid artery.) and IR+CGA (30 mg/kg, ip; administered intraperitoneally, 10 minutes before the onset of ischemia and 10 minutes prior to reperfusion). Levels of miR-429, GATA4, c-Caspase-3 / p-Caspase-3 ratio, LC3-I, LC3-II, Beclin1 and p62 were assessed using Real- time PCR and Western blot assays. At the end of the experiment, increased miR-429 gene expression (P<0.05) and c-Caspase-3/p-Caspase-3 ratio (P<0.01), along with decreased GATA4 protein expression (P<0.001), were observed in IR group. In addition, the brains of CCAO rats displayed significantly increased autophagy activation, as evidenced by an increased LC3-II/I ratio and Beclin1 protein expression, and decreased p62 expression after 24 h of reperfusion (P<0.001). Immunohistochemistry studies has alsorevealed that the ratio of overall LC3 immunoreactivity in the cortex tissue of male rats was significantly increased by cerebral IR (P<0.001). Treatment with CGA significantly attenuated autophagic activity and apoptosis, reversing the aforementioned molecule levels. Taken together, these results suggested that ischemic insult can increase autophagic activities and apoptosis, possibly through miR‑429 and GATA4 alterations in the brain cortex following cerebral IR insult, which can be alleviated by CGA as a potential therapy for individuals affected by ischemia.

The objective of this study was to assess the wound healing traits of Valeriana officinalis and Chelidonium majus hydro-alcoholic (HA) extracts on surgical wounds in Wistar rats. The HA root extracts were separated using percolator and 96 degree alcohol in desiccator device. Additionally, 24 Wistar rats (six months old, 200 g) were divided into three groups: control, V. officinalis, and C. majus. Wound creation (2 cm in diameter) was developed by initial intraperitoneal injection of anesthetic drugs (5% ketamine and 5mg/kg of diazepam) and hair shaving. 24 hours after wound creation, treatment was initiated using ointment containing 5% of each V. officinalis and C. majus HA extract, applied for 21 days. Wound imaging on days 4, 7, 14 and 21 was performed using a digital camera. Histopathologic examination of the wounds was conducted at 4, 7, 14 and 21-day intervals. Microscopic and macroscopic observations revealed significantly higher wound healing rates in treated groups compared to the control. Histopathologic examinations indicated sufficient angiogenesis, existence of collagen and fibroblast cells and reduction in the inflammatory cells. Moreover, wound contraction was observed in the treated groups. Noticeably, the C. majus HA extract treated the wounds more efficiently. The wound healing in Wistar rats using HA extracts from V. officinalis and C. majus was promising though more investigations are required. Additionally, C. majus HA extract demonstrated healing effect compared to that of V. officinalis. It is proposed to evaluate the cytotoxic levels of extracts and formulate them in future studies to achieve more efficient and rapid healing of wounds. In addition, combination of extracts from various herbal medicines and with synthetic drugs can be studied for wound healing applications.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PGF2α treatment administered after parturition on key reproductive parameters, the incidence of postpartum pathologies, and the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in dairy cows. The study involved two groups of dairy cows: a control group (C, n=20) and an experimental group (E, n=20) that received PGF2α treatment. Postpartum pathologies, ovarian cyclicity, and reproductive performance indicators were compared between the two groups. Postpartum pathologies were observed at a higher rate in the control group, with a 30% prevalence of retained placenta, 20% for both delayed uterine involution and clinical endometritis, and 5% for pyometra. In contrast, the experimental group exhibited a lower incidence: 10% for retained placenta, 5% for delayed uterine involution, 5% for clinical endometritis and 0% for pyometra. Although these results suggest a trend toward a lower incidence of postpartum pathologies in treated cows, the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Regarding the resumption of ovarian cyclicity, the control group showed a resumption rate of only 15%, whereas 65% of the experimental group resumed cyclicity. This yielded an odds ratio of 10.52 and a highly significant p-value (<0.01), indicating that PGF2α treatment effectively hastened the return to normal ovarian function. Reproductive performance was also improved in the experimental group, with first insemination (AI1) success rate of 45% compared to 30% in the control group (OR = 1.93). The waiting period was significantly shorter in the experimental group (73 vs. 98 days, p< 0.001), and both calving-to-fertilization and calving-to-calving intervals were reduced by approximately 31 days (p<0.001). However, the overall reduction in the breeding period remained inconclusive. While PGF2α treatment did not significantly reduce postpartum pathologies, it markedly enhanced the resumption of ovarian cyclicity and improved reproductive intervals in dairy cows, leading to enhanced reproductive efficiency.

This study investigated the prevalence of staphylococcal contamination in camel milk collected from various farms in the M'sila region of Algeria and evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus spp. isolates. It is the first study involving detailed testing of staphylococci from Algerian raw camel milk. Over a three-month period, 20 camel milk samples were collected and subjected to bacterial isolation using the spread plate technique. Staphylococcus species were identified through conventional methods and the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) Biotyper. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method with various antibiotics from different classes. The results revealed a 100% prevalence of Staphylococcus contamination in the analyzed samples. Among the 30 Staphylococcus isolates, Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) (37%) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (17%) were the predominant species. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that only 6.66% of the isolates were sensitive to all tested antibiotics, while 93.3% exhibited resistance or intermediate susceptibility to at least one antibiotic. Notably, resistance to penicillin was highly prevalent (87%). Diverse antibiotic resistance profiles were observed, with single, double, triple, and quadruple resistance patterns. This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of Staphylococcus contamination and antibiotic resistance profiles in camel milk, highlighting the need for effective strategies and measures to control and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which should be part of livestock management strategies to protect both animal and public health. The identification of S. epidermidis isolate classified as MR-MDR CNS highlights the rise of methicillin-resistant strains of CNS and the challenge they pose in maintaining the efficacy of therapeutic treatments.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a common zoonotic infection caused by the metacestode form of Echinococcus granulosus. The disease is found worldwide, and Iran is considered an endemic area. Depending on the affected organ, the disease presents with different clinical signs and symptoms. Humans are regarded as dead-endintermediate hosts. CE cysts commonly develop in the liver and lungs, while they are less frequently found in other organs. Timely diagnosis of this disease is essential in humans. Diagnosis relies on imaging methods (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan), complemented by serological testing. The present study used the indirect ELISA method to compare the efficacy of in-house-produced antigen B (AgB) and a domestic commercial kit. Hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) was extracted from the liver of sheep infected with a cystic echinococcosis cyst, followed by the preparation of AgB. It was used in the indirect ELISA test. A total of 142 sera, consisting of 36 samples from patients with pathologically confirmed CE, 46 samples from patients with other parasitic diseases, and 60 samples from healthy individuals, were examined using in-house-produced AgB and a domestic commercial ELISA kit. Our findings revealed the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect ELISA using in-house AgB to be 86.11% and 95.28%, respectively. The commercial kit demonstrated a sensitivity of 77.78% and a specificity of 99.06%. Although both the in-house-produced AgB and the commercial kit showed considerable and relatively similar diagnostic efficiency, the study results showed a higher sensitivity and validity of AgB compared with the commercial ELISA kit.

The early and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is essential for efficient disease management. Traditionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for detecting IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 have relied on single antigens, such as the spike or nucleoprotein. However, the test sensitivity has not been satisfactory. This study diverges from conventional approaches by developing an indirect ELISA assay utilizing a novel, highly sensitive fusion antigen incorporating both the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and nucleoprotein (N). The physicochemical characteristics of this unique antigen were examined and confirmed through experimental validation in our recent research. Our primary objective is to enhance the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of the ELISA assay. The indirect ELISA assay was developed using a novel fusion antigen incorporating both the RBD and nucleoprotein (N) of SARS-CoV-2. A cohort of 112 patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms was evaluated to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Additionally, 25 serum samples from healthy individuals were selected as the negative control group. The study was conducted in Tehran Province, Iran, from March to July 2022. Serum samples from patients who tested positive using the real-time PCR method were collected, and an in-house indirect ELISA assay was developed. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were evaluated and compared with the results of the commercial Euroimmun anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay, which served as the gold standard. The ROC curve was analyzed using GraphPad Prism to assess the accuracy and reliability of the in-house ELISA assay. The in-house ELISA assay developed in this study demonstrated successful performance and showed 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity in detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.976, indicating high accuracy. Our in-house ELISA assay exhibits high sensitivity and specificity, underscoring its suitability for commercial development as a reliable diagnostic kit for detecting COVID-19 cases.