Detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae among Commercial Poultry in Khouzestan Province, Iran

Mycoplasmas are important  avian  pathogens,  which  can  cause  both  respiratory  disease  and  synovitis  in  poultry  that  result  in  considerable  economic  losses  to  the  poultry  industry  all  over  the  world.  The  aim  of  this  study  was  to  determine  the  prevalence  of  Mycoplasma  gallisepticum  and  Mycoplasma  synoviae  infections  among  commercial  poultry  flocks  in  Khouzestan  province,  Iran,  using  the  polymerase  chain  reaction  (PCR)  technique. Totally,  290  tracheal  swab  samples  were  collected  from  19  broiler  flocks  and  4  layer-breeder  flocks,  with or  without  respiratory  signs,  in  different  areas  of  Khouzestan  province  within  six  months.  The  PCR  tests  were  applied  for  the  specific  amplification  of  16S  rRNA  (185  bp)  and  vlhA  (392  bp)  genes.  Out  of  100  swab  samples  obtained  from  the  layer-breeder  flocks,  1  and  72  specimens  were  positive  for  M.  gallisepticum and M.  synoviae, respectively.  In  this  regard,  out  of  the  4  layer-breeder  flocks,  1  (25%)  and  4  (100%)  flocks  were  positive  for  M.  gallisepticum and  M.  synoviae,  respectively.  However, none of the studied broiler flocks were M.  gallisepticum- or  M.  synoviae-positive.  According  to  the  results,  the  PCR  technique  could  be  concluded  as  a  rapid  method  for  the  accurate  identification  of  M.  gallisepticum and  M.  synoviae infections  in  commercial  poultry  flocks.  The results were indicative of the low prevalence of M.  gallisepticum in  the  studied  flocks  in  Khouzestan  province.  On the other hand, M.  synoviae  was  widely  distributed  among  layer-breeder  flocks  in  this  province

Detection of Newcastle Disease, H9N2 Avian Influenza, and Infectious Bronchitis Viruses in Respiratory Diseases in Backyard Chickens in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2014-2015

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian influenza virus (AIV), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) are the most prevalent viral pathogens in the Iranian poultry industry. This study aimed to reveal the presence of these viruses in the backyard chickens in Ahvaz, located in the Southwest of Iran. A total of 100 chickens with respiratory signs and mortality were examined by taking the blood samples as well as tracheal and cloacal swabs. Most of the chickens had not received any vaccine. The blood samples were assessed for the antibodies against NDV and AIV by haemagglutination inhibition test, and against IBV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The swab samples were utilized for molecular detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Based on the results of the serologic test, 77%, 45%, and 38.4% of the birds were positive for NDV, AIV, and IBV, respectively. In the RT-PCR, 95% of the birds were positive for one of the three viruses. The detection rates of NDV, AIV, and IBV were 60%, 34%, and 55%, respectively. The coinfections of AIV/NDV, AIV/IBV, NDV/IBV, and AIV/NDV/ IBV were observed in 13%, 4%, 23%, and 7% of the sampled chickens, respectively. The results demonstrated that the Iranian backyard chickens were infected with NDV, AIV, and IBV. This could pose a threat to the commercial poultry; therefore, preventive measures need to be implemented in this regard

The role of intradiscal steroids in the treatment of discogenic low back pain

LBP is one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor and is the most common cause of disability under age 45.Amongst a variety of etiologies, internal disc disruption (IDD) has been postulated as an important cause of low back pain. Treating discogenic low back pain continues to be a challenge to physicians. Inflammation, either from direct chemical irritation or secondary to an autoimmune response to the nucleus pulposus has been implicated as the primary pain source. Both steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have partial effectiveness in treating pain associated with inflammation. Therefore, the rationale for using intradiscal steroids is to suppress the inflammation within the disc, thereby alleviating the patient’s symptoms. The goal of this article is to review the literature regarding the efficacy of intradiscal steroids to treat low back pain of discogenic origin

Establishment of gene bank of inland water fish species

Genetic knowledge helps to protect biodiversity and optimal harvest resources by several ways. This knowledge can help to reduce the risk of extinction to those populations that have high genetic diversity or diminished by detected them. Also, studies of population genetics can present guidelines for improving the structure of the population and understanding the biology of species. One of the most important applications of DNA database is detecting species, fishing offense, diagnose of anemia and genetic classification of animals. DNA bank has helped to identify the species that are hunted and were discovered only parts of their meat and texture. Optimal Storage of aquatic genetic resources and the conservation of biological diversity, as the national capital by using biotechnology methods are the most important goals of gene bank and database reserves of the country creation. Collecting biological specimens of aquatic species, preparation and long-term maintenance of them, genetic registration of endangered and threatened species and the use of biotechnology techniques for the protection, conservation and management of aquatic genetic resources is one of the other functions of the gene bank. Gene bank of inland waters of Iran (Gorgan) is planned and implemented to identify, collect, maintain and protect species at the level of genes, cells, tissues and live fish research and commercial exploitation. Despite the predicted projected funding for this project, unfortunately funding sources have been considered, does not allocated. Therefore some parts of the aims of this project has been organized by Golestan province credits to build molecular laboratory and aquaculture pond in Alang farm and exploitation of potential Gharasou station and Sijoval center restocking and the conditions for the bulk of the project goals is provided. Some parts like tissue culture laboratory and bioinformatics as well as parts and equipment related to the freezing of sperm and embryo development are the items that should be considered in the development of the this bank

Enhanced recovery programmes for lower limb arthroplasty in the UK

Introduction: Enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) reduce patient morbidity and mortality, and provide significant cost savings by reducing length of stay. Currently, no uniform ERP guidelines exist for lower limb arthroplasty in the UK. The aim of this study was to identify variations in ERPs and determine adherence to local policy. Methods: Hospitals offering elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) (23 and 22 centres respectively) contributed details of their ERPs, and performed an audit (15 patients per centre) to assess compliance. Results: Contrasting content and detail of ERPs was noted across centres. Adherence to ERPs varied significantly (40–100% for TKA, 17–94% for THA). Analysis identified perioperative use of dexamethasone, tranexamic acid and early mobilisation for TKA, and procedures performed in teaching hospitals for THA as being associated with a reduced length of stay. Conclusions: This study highlights variation in practice and poor compliance with local ERPs. Given the proven benefits of ERPs, evidence-based guidelines in the context of local skillsets should be established to optimise the patient care pathway

A survey of the prevalence of infectious bronchitis virus type 4/91 in Iran

To evaluate the prevalence of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) type 4/91 in Iran, tracheal swabs from 77 broiler flocks in 16 provinces were collected at the slaughterhouse. Swabs were subjected to RNA extraction and tested by RT-PCR, followed by a type-specific nested PCR. The viral RNA was detected in 33 samples (42.8%) from different provinces. The results indicate a relatively high prevalence of IBV type 4/91 in Iran and necessitate revising the vaccination programme against this disease