Zataria multiflora essential oil reduces replication rate of avian influenza virus (H9N2 subtype) in challenged broiler chicks.

1. The effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil on replication rate of the H9N2 virus in target organs was determined by real-time PCR. One-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into six groups and were challenged with H9N2 influenza. Two groups received either 20 or 40 µl/kg body weight/day Zataria multiflora essential oils (ZM) seven days before the challenge while two other groups received the essential oil at the same dosage but after H9N2 challenge. One group received 4 mg/kg body weight/day of the anti-viral compound amantadine after challenge and the last group received no treatment and served as the control. 2. Groups that received the ZM, before or after H9N2 challenge, and the amantadine treated group showed reduced viral replication in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts compared to the control. Supplementation with ZM improved weight gain and FCR in broilers in comparison with the control. 3. The results showed that ZM had a positive effect on reducing viral replication in both the intestine and trachea of H9N2 influenza infected broiler chickens, that led to milder clinical symptoms and better performance.

Isolation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from bovine umbilical cord blood.

Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used in veterinary clinical applications. Bone marrow and adipose tissue are the most common sources of stem cells derived from adult animals. However, cord blood which is collected non-invasively is an alternative source of stem cells other than bone marrow and adipose tissue. Moreover, high availability and lower immunogenicity of umbilical cord blood (UCB) haematopoietic stem cells compared to other sources of stem cell therapy such as bone marrow have made them a considerable source for cell therapy, but MSCs is not highly available in cord blood and their immunogenicity is poorly understood. In this study, the cells with spindle morphology from 7 of 9 bovine UCB samples were isolated and cultured. These mesenchymal stromal cells were successfully differentiated to osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes. In addition, Oct-4 and SH3 were determined by RT-PCR assay. It is the first report of isolation, culture, characterization and differentiation of bovine umbilical stem cells.

The housefly, Musca domestica, as a possible mechanical vector of Newcastle disease virus in the laboratory and field.

Newcastle disease (Paramyxoviridae) is a highly infectious virus shed in the faeces of infected birds. Non-biting Muscid flies characteristically visit manure and decaying organic material to feed and oviposit, and may contribute to disease transmission. The housefly, Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae), has been implicated as a mechanical vector of numerous pathogens. In this study 2000 aerial net-captured houseflies were examined for their ability to harbour Newcastle disease virus (NDV). In an adjacent study, laboratory-reared flies were experimentally exposed to NDV La Sota strain. The virus was detected in the dissected gastrointestinal tract of laboratory-exposed flies for up to 72 h post-exposure, whereas the untreated control flies were negative.

Endomorphin-1 causes synovial hypoaemia in rat knee joints via a capsaicin-sensitive neural pathway.

In joints, synthetic mu-opioids reduce inflammatory changes such as protein extravasation and associated oedema formation. However, the effect of endogenous opioid peptides on other inflammatory processes such as altered tissue blood flow has not been investigated. The present study examined the peripheral effects of the endogenous mu-opioid ligand endomorphin-1 (EM-1) on rat knee joint blood flow using laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Topical application of EM-1 (10(-16)-10(-9) mol) to exposed rat knee joints resulted in a dose-dependent increase in synovial vascular resistance with a maximum rise of 56% occurring with the 10(-9) mol dose. Destruction of unmyelinated articular afferents by capsaicin treatment completely abolished the hypoaemic effects of EM-1. These findings suggest that EM-1 acts peripherally in knee joints to decrease synovial blood flow, and this hypoaemic response is dependent on the presence of capsaicin-sensitive nerves.

Cytotoxicity of synthesized Iron Oxide nanoparticles: toward novel biomarkers of colon cancer.

In this paper we present the preliminary results of a novel biological analysis platform for early colon cancer detection using magnetic separation of magnetized markers. The platform consists of a microfluidic structure integrated with biosensors. Super-Paramagnetic Iron Oxide nanoparticles (SPIO-NPs) were functionalized with purified DNA Aptamer and their synthesis is described. In this paper, we also present the physicochemical results of the synthesized SPIO/Au-NPs characterized by TEM and XRD. Toxicity of our synthesized biomarkers on HCT116 cell line is discussed. Based on our findings, a concentration of 1mg/ml of our biomarkers added to 5 × 105 cells per well has no effect the viability of the human cells even after 24 hours.

Phylogenetic study on nonstructural (NS) gene of H9N2 isolated from broilers in Iran during 1998-2007.

Since 1998, H9N2 AI outbreaks have been one of the major problems in Iranian poultry industry. The association of high mortality and case report of H5N1 and H9N2 influenza virus in wild birds in recent years raised the specter of a possible new genetic modified AI virus. In this study, we do phylogenetic analysis on Full- length Nonstructural (NS) genes of seven H9N2 Isolates from Broilers in Iran, Tehran province during 1998-2007. Phylogenetic analysis clearly shows that Iranian H9N2 isolates gene pools, corresponding to just NS allele A. Comparison of nucleotide sequences of isolated viruses revealed a substantial number of silent mutations, which results in high degree of homology in amino acid sequences. In addition, the cluster of Iranian H9N2 isolates could be subdivided into two subgroups, which matched their times of isolation especially around 2006 time line. The high degree of similarity between the NS genes of the Iranian H9N2 isolates supports the hypothesis that these genes originated from a single predecessor. Present result provides useful molecular epidemiological data to understand the dynamics of H9N2 evolution during 9 years in Iran and support earlier phylogenetic observations.

Loss of vasomotor responsiveness to the mu-opioid receptor ligand endomorphin-1 in adjuvant monoarthritic rat knee joints.

Endomorphin-1 is a short-chain neuropeptide with a high affinity fo the mu-opioid receptor and has recently been localized in acutely inflamed knee joints where it was found to reduce inflammation. The present study examined the propensity of endomorphin-1 to modulate synovial blood flow in normal and adjuvant-inflamed at knee joints. Under deep urethane anesthesia, endomorphin-1 was topically applied to exposed normal and 1 wk adjuvant monoarthritic knee joints (0.1 ml bolus; 10(-12)-10(-9) mol). Relative changes in articular blood flow were measured by laser Doppler perfusion imaging and vascular resistances in response to the opioid were calculated. In normal knees, endomorphin-1 caused a dose-dependent increase in synovial vascular resistance and this effect was significantly inhibited by the specific mu-opioid receptor antagonist d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-O n-Thr-Pen-Th amide (CTOP) (P < 0.0001, 2-factor ANOVA, n = 5-7). One week after adjuvant inflammation, the hypoaemic effect of endomorphin-1 was completely abolished (P < 0.0001, 2-factor ANOVA, n = 5-7). Immunohistochemical analysis of normal and adjuvant-inflamed joints showed a ninefold increase in endomorphin-1 levels in the monoarthritic knee compared with normal control. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry revealed a moderate number of mu-opioid receptors in normal knees; however, mu-opioid receptors were almost undetectable in arthritic joints. These findings demonstrate that peripheral administration of endomorphin-1 reduces knee joint blood flow and this effect is not sustainable during advanced inflammation. The loss of this hypoaemic response appears to be due to down regulation of mu-opioid receptors as a consequence of endomorphin-1 accumulation within the arthritic joint.