Growth performance and carcass quality of fattening lambs from fat-tailed and tailed sheep breeds

The growth performance and carcass traits of two fat-tailed breeds (Chaal and Zandi) and their crosses with rams of a tailed breed (Zel) were compared. After weaning, the growth and feed consumption of male and female lambs fattened for 114 days were recorded. A total of 45 male and female lambs were slaughtered and the left side of the carcasses were cut into six pieces, and the lean meat, bone, subcutaneous and intermuscular fat were determined. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in crossbred lambs improved, but the differences with pure lambs were not significant. The average weight of shoulder, brisket and loin were higher in crossbred than pure breed lambs (P < 0.01). The percentage of protein in the carcass of Zel × Zandi lambs was significantly higher than Zandi lambs. The smaller size and lower weight of fat-tail in crossbred lambs were compensated by higher percentage of subcutaneous, intermuscular and internal fat. The fat-tailed breeds provided good quality lean meat in terms of lower percentage of intermuscular fat.     

Identification, cloning and sequencing of Escherichia coli strain χ1378 (O78:K80) iss gene isolated from poultry colibacillosis in Iran

Aims:  To identify, clone and sequence the iss (increased serum survival) gene from E. coli strain χ1378 isolated from Iranian poultry and to predict its protein product, Iss.
Methods and Results:  The iss gene from E. coli strain χ1378 was amplified and cloned into the pTZ57R/T vector and sequenced. From the DNA sequence, the Iss predictive protein was evaluated using bioinformatics. Iss from strain χ1378 had 100% identity with other E. coli serotypes and isolates from different origins and also 98% identity with E. coli O157:H7 Iss protein. Phylogenetic analysis showed no significant different phylogenic groups among E. coli strains.
Conclusions:  The strong association of predicted Iss protein among different E. coli strains suggests that it could be a good antigen to control and detect avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC).
Significance and Impact of the study:  Because the exact pathogenesis and the role of virulence factors are unknown, the Iss protein could be used as a target for vaccination in the future, but further research is required.     

Tumour induction in BALB/c mice for imaging studies: An improved protocol

Dealing with nude mice, which lack thymus and therefore are sensitive to unsterile conditions, needs special care and laboratory conditions. For preclinical studies, especially tumour imaging purposes, in which therapeutic properties of drugs or therapeutic compounds are not studied, mice with normal immune system can be a favourable alternative if they carry tumours of interest. In the current study, we introduce an optimized protocol for induction of human tumours in BALB/c mice for preclinical studies. Immune system of BALB/c mice was suppressed by administration of cyclosporine A (CsA), ketoconazole and cyclophosphamide. The tumours of MDA-MB-231, A-431 and U-87-MG human cancer cells were induced by subcutaneous injection of the cells to the immunosuppressed mice. Tumour size was calculated weekly. Histopathological and metastatic analyses were performed using haematoxylin and eosin staining. The combination of the three drugs was found to suppress immune system and decrease the numbers of white blood cells, including lymphocytes. At the eighth week, tumours with a dimension of approximately 1400 mm³ developed. Large atypical nuclei with scant cytoplasm were found to exist using histopathological analysis. No metastasis was observed in the tumour-bearing mice. A combination of CsA, ketoconazole and cyclophosphamide can be used to suppress the immune system in BALB/c mice and induce tumours with significant size.     

Genetic associations and serum paraoxonase levels with atherosclerosis in western Iranian patients

Molecular Biology Reports - The oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the arterial wall plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis which is a...     

Comparative inflorescence and floral ontogeny in the genus Mentha (Mentheae: Nepetoideae: Lamiaceae): variable sequences of organ appearance and random petal aestivation

The genus Mentha is a taxonomically complex genus, characterized by large morphological variations. Only a few, frequently overlapping, characters are of value in taxonomy. Comparative floral developmental studies provide an opportunity for better understanding the systematic relationships among different species. The inflorescence and floral ontogeny of three Mentha L. species (M. piperita L., M. pulegium L. and M. suaveolens Ehrh.) were investigated using epi-illumination light microscopy. All three species studied have thyrses with the same developmental pathway. The lack of higher order bracts and the monochasial branching of the higher order inflorescence apices were found as special features of inflorescence ontogeny. Sepals appear unidirectionally from the adaxial side in all except for M. pulegium which shows a modified unidirectional sequence. Variable sequences of petal and stamen appearance from unidirectional to reversed unidirectional sequence are present in all. Significant ontogenetic features include (1) appearance of the corolla as a rim before petal lobes become visible and (2) instability in petal aestivation. Morphological features including densely hairy calyx, five-lobed corolla tube, smaller adaxial stamens and hairy ovary with included style distinguish M. pulegium from the other species. On the basis of our results floral ontogenetic features could be considered important characters for delimiting or diagnosing different sections in the genus Mentha. Variable sequences of petal lobe appearance and instability in petal aestivation were found as unusual developmental characters.