Evaluation of seasonal changes of serum and plasma estradiol-17β, progesterone and testosterone in dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) by chemiluminescence

Research (Published online: 12-08-2015)

6.  Evaluation of seasonal changes of serum and plasma estradiol-17β, progesterone and testosterone in dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) by chemiluminescence - Santo Fragalà, Pietro Medica, Francesco Grande, Irene Vazzana and Esterina Fazio

Veterinary World, 8(8): 977-982

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.977-982

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Abstract

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Aim: The purpose of the research was to test and validate an innovative and safe chemiluminescence method to evaluate sexual hormones in serum and plasma samples of Tursiops truncatus.

Materials and Methods: The research was performed on 9 bottlenose dolphins entertained in Oltremare and in Zoomarine aquatic parks, sampled by the tail vein or from the ventral one and an ultrasound monitoring, throughout a 6 months period. Blood samples were analyzed using a chemiluminescence method. Data obtained were compared to radioimmunoassay and enzyme immuno assay reference data, with the purpose to test and validate this method, through the calculation of the coefficient of variability, and its reliability on serum and plasma samples. A one-way analysis of variance was applied to test the effect of time on serum and plasma hormonal changes.

Results: Mean concentrations of estradiol-17β in serum were equal to 149.07±6.82 pmol/L, and in plasma equal to 159.14±12.99 pmol/L; mean values of progesterone in serum were equal to 0.69±0.05 pmol/L, and in plasma equal to 0.64±0.05 pmol/L; mean values of testosterone in serum were equal to 44.43±14.42 nmol/L, and in plasma equal to 48.99±11.20 nmol/L.

Conclusion: It would be interesting to widen the investigations on a larger number of subjects, in which the relationship between the concentrations of free and binding steroid hormones, with the dosing of binding proteins, would define the physiological ranges of reference in the T. truncatus.

Keywords: dolphin, estradiol-17β, progesterone, testosterone.

Microsatellite based genetic diversity study in indigenous chicken ecotypes of Karnataka

Research (Published online: 12-08-2015)

5.  Microsatellite based genetic diversity study in indigenous chicken ecotypes of Karnataka - B. H. Rudresh, H. N. N. Murthy, M. R. Jayashankar, C. S. Nagaraj, A. M. Kotresh and S. M. Byregowda

Veterinary World, 8(8): 970-976

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.970-976

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Abstract

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Aim: The current study was the first of its kind taken upon indigenous ecotypes of the Karnataka in order to unravel the diversity details at 20 chicken microsatellite regions.

Materials and Methods: 210 indigenous chicken belonging to six districts of Bangalore and Mysore division formed the target sample for the present study. The genomic deoxyribonucleic acid was isolated by phenol chloroform isoamyl alcohol method. A panel of 20 microsatellite regions, including 14 recommended by FAO and six identified from published scientific literature became the targeted chicken genomic region. 27-33 samples were successfully genotyped in each of the six ecotypes through simplex or multiplex polymerase chain reactions, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining for the selected microsatellite panel.

Results: The chickens of Ramanagara and Chamrajnagara were most distant with a Nei’s genetic distance value of 0.22. The chickens of Bangalore rural and Mysore were least distant with a value of 0.056. The Ramanagara and Chamrajnagara pair had Nei’s genetic identity value of 0.802, which is least among all pairs of ecotypes. There were five main nodes from which the six ecotypes evolved on the basis 20 microsatellite markers used in this study. This study indicates that the four ecotypes Ramnagara, Bangalore Rural, Chickaballapura and Mysore are genetically identical due to their common ancestral evolution while, Mandya and Chamrajnagara ecotypes formed a relatively different cluster due to a separate common ancestral chicken population and less number of generations since drifting from bifurcation node.

Conclusion: Twenty microsatellite markers based genetic diversity study on six indigenous ecotypes indicated lower genetic distances as well as lower FST values compared to the distinguished breeds reported. There were two main clusters, which differentiated into six ecotypes. They may differentiate into more distinct varieties if bred in isolation for a longer number of generations.
Keywords: animal genetic resources, ecotypes, microsatellites, polyacrylamide gel.

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Tissue reactivity and suture handling characteristics of “jimat” against silk and chromic gut in cat thigh muscle: A comparative study

Research (Published online: 09-08-2015)

4.  Tissue reactivity and suture handling characteristics of “jimat” against silk and chromic gut in cat thigh muscle: A comparative study -Tilahun Bekele, A. P. Bhokre and Abreha Tesfaye

Veterinary World, 8(8): 958-969

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.958-969

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Abstract

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Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the tissue reactivity and suture handling characteristics of chromic gut, silk, and ‘jimat’ suture materials in cat thigh muscle.

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted from November, 2013 to April, 2014 in Kombolcha Animal Diseases Survey, Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Kombolcha, Ethiopia. A total of 36 local breed male cats were randomly assigned into chromic gut, silk, and “jimat” groups of 12 cats each as A, B, and C, respectively. The hind leg muscle biceps femoris was incised and sutured with suture materials according to their groups. The muscle samples with its suture were collected at six different days interval i.e. 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 and processed histopathologically to assess the degree of leukocytic infiltration and fibrous and granulation tissue formation (GTF). In addition, all suture materials were evaluated intraoperatively about their handling characteristics, by rating the precision of knot tying, square knot positioning, and resistance to knot slippage. The statistical analysis was done with two-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Chi-square tests.

Results: The histopathology showed that “jimat” thread (2.4±1.2) had produced least leukocytic infiltration than chromic gut (4.5±1.9) and silk (4.3±1.5) sutures during the study period. Higher GTF was seen at day 3 (6 [100%]), 7 (6 [100%]) and day 14 (4 [66.7%]) in all sutures, whereas “jimat” showed significantly (p<0.05) higher fibrous tissue formation (10 [83.3%]) than others. Moreover, “jimat” suture had equal suture handling characteristics (p>0.05) with both chromic gut and silk.

Conclusion: The result indicated that a single strand “jimat” thread appears to be the most satisfactory suture material as regards to both tissue reaction and suture handling characteristics for skeletal muscle approximation in cats and provided that studies on its carcinogenic effects should be done.

Keywords: handling characteristics, histopathology, leukocytic infiltration, sutures, thigh muscle.

Zoonotic enteric parasites transmitted from dogs in Egypt with special concern to Toxocara canis infection

Research (Published online: 07-08-2015)

3.  Zoonotic enteric parasites transmitted from dogs in Egypt with special concern to Toxocara canis infection - Maysa A. I. Awadallah and Lobna M. A. Salem

Veterinary World, 8(8): 946-957

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.946-957

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Abstract

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Aim: This work aimed to study the role played by dogs in transmitting zoonotic enteric parasites to humans in Egypt and to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of such infection in dogs. Serodiagnosis of anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among human beings as well as analyzing risk factors predispose to Toxocara canis infection in human beings are another objectives of this study.

Materials and Methods: From June to December 2013, a total of 130 fecal samples from 4 dog populations (Military, nomadic and domiciled dogs from rural and high standard districts) and 150 stool samples of 6 occupational groups were examined for the presence of enteric parasitic infection. Moreover, 150 serum samples were collected from humans from whom stool samples were collected and examined for the presence of anti-T. canis antibodies.

Results: Enteric parasites were detected in 30% of fecal samples from 4 dog populations in Egypt. High infectivity had been reported in nomadic dogs (63.33%) (Crude odds ratios [COR]=67.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]=8.09-560.8, p˂0.000), followed by domiciled dogs from rural areas (40%) (COR=26, 95% CI=3.14-215.54, p=0.003), domiciled dogs from high standard areas (23.33%) (COR=11.87, 95% CI=1.37-102.69, p=0.025) and military dogs (2.5%). Twelve species of enteric parasites were identified, Ancylostomatidae (6.15%), T. canis and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.38%, each), Heterophyes spp. (3.85%), Toxocara leonina and Blastocystis spp. (3.07%), Taenidaeeggs (2.31%), Hymenolepis diminuta (1.54%) and Entamoeba canis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Paragonimus spp. (0.77%, each). Univariate logestic regression revealed significant association of age (COR=4.73, 95% CI=2.13-10.53, p˂0.000), gender (COR=2.63, 95% CI=1.22-5.68, p˂0.014), housing system (COR=5.10, 95% CI=2.04-12.75), p˂0.000) with enteric parasitic infection in dogs. However, breeds (COR=6.91, 95% CI=0.88-54.52, p=0.067) and type of feeding (COR ranged from 3.5 to 7.62, p˃0.05) did not seem to have a significant association among the examined dogs. Enteric parasitic infection was reported in 31/150 human stools (20.67%). Students were the most affected groups (37.14%), followed by nomadic people (24%), house wives (20%), house guarders and military workers (12%, each), and employees (10%). The identified parasites were Cryptosporidium spp. (9.33%), Ascaris lumbercoides (3.33%),Heterophyes spp. and Ancylostoma spp. (2.66%, each) and Paragonimus spp. and Hymenolepis nana (1.33%, each). Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 36/150 (24%) serum samples investigated. Toxocara IgG antibodies were more prevalent in males (26.66%) than females (20%). Seroprevalence was highest (17/35, 48.57%) in 7-15 years old (COR=6.93, 95% CI=1.75-27.43, p=0.006). Seroprevalence values for T. canis antibodies were higher in those; raising dogs (29.85%), eating raw vegetables (25.21%) and not washing hands before meals (25.45%). T. canis antibodies were detected in 25% of those contacted with soil compared to 30% of those did not. Students were mostly affected (34.29%), followed by nomadic people (32%), house guarders (28%), housewives (20%), military workers (13%), and employees (10%).

Conclusion: Detection of enteric parasites in dogs and humans in Egypt substantiates the role posed by dogs in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans and knock an alarm for common sources of infection for humans and dogs. Common sources may be infected fish or contaminated vegetables that are consumed by dogs or humans or even infected rodents that may contaminate their feed. This pilot study necessitate the need for similar studies and tracing such infection in fish, vegetables, rodent that may be responsible for infecting humans and dogs in order to understand the epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infection transmitted from dogs to humans.

Keywords: dogs, enteric parasites, humans, risk factors, zoonoses.

Diversity of Eimeria spp. in dairy cattle of Guwahati, Assam, India

Research (Published online: 07-08-2015)

2.  Diversity of Eimeria spp. in dairy cattle of Guwahati, Assam, India - M. Das, D. K. Deka, P. C. Sarmah, S. Islam and S. Sarma

Veterinary World, 8(8): 941-945

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.941-945

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Abstract

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Aim: To determine the prevalence and diversity of Eimeria spp. in dairy cattle present in and around Guwahati, Kamrup district, Assam, India.

Materials and Methods: A total of 2339 fecal samples of calves (535), heifer (641) and adult (1163) cattle were screened for 1 year present in and around Guwahati, Assam for detection of Eimeria oocysts by flotation techniques. Sporulation of the oocyst was done in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution for identification of the Eimeria species.

Results: Examination of fecal samples revealed an overall prevalence of 11.97% Eimeria infection in dairy cattle of Guwahati, Assam. Age-wise, 33.2%, 45.4%, and 21.4% infections were recorded in calves (<1 year), heifer (1-3 years) and adult (>3 years) cattle, respectively. Season-wise, infection was recorded highest during post-monsoon (16.29%), followed by monsoon (15%), winter (9.44%), and pre-monsoon (7.49%) season. Seven species of Eimeria were recorded viz. Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria subspherica,Eimeria bukidnonensis, Eimeria auburnensis, Eimeria ellipsoidalis and Eimeria alabamensis. The oocyst count per gram of feces ranged from 50 to 1500 in infected cattle.

Conclusion: This study indicates that there is the prevalence of seven species of Eimeria in dairy cattle of Guwahati, Assam and mostly prevalent during the post-monsoon season.

Keywords: Assam, dairy cattle, Eimeria spp., prevalence.

Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on serum biochemical changes in azaserine induced pancreatic cancer in Wistar rats

Research (Published online: 07-08-2015)

1.  Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on serum biochemical changes in azaserine induced pancreatic cancer in Wistar rats - Ankit S. Prajapati, Sunant K. Raval, Suprita Sinha, Tapan N. Varia and Parimal H. Mashiyava

Veterinary World, 8(8): 937-940

   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.937-940

Abstract

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Aim: The present study was performed to investigate the effect of Phyllanthus amarus extracts on serum biochemical changes in azaserine induced pancreatic cancer in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Pancreatic cancer was developed in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of azaserine (cancer inducer) for 21 days at the concentration of 5 mg/kg body weight. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts were given to rats of different groups as per protocol.

Results: The results data revealed that oral administration of P. amarus extracts had a significant change in pancreatic amylase, lipase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activity.

Conclusion: We concluded that extract of P. amarus possessed chemoprotective activity against azaserine induced pancreatic cancer in Wistar rats.

Keywords: azaserine, pancreatic cancer, Phyllanthus amarus, serum biochemistry, Wistar rat.