An innovative approach to predict immune-associated genes mutually targeted by cow and human milk microRNAs expression profiles

Research (Published online: 01-09-2018)

1. An innovative approach to predict immune-associated genes mutually targeted by cow and human milk microRNAs expression profiles

Kaj Chokeshaiusaha, Thanida Sananmuang, Denis Puthier and Catherine Nguyen

Veterinary World, 11(9): 1203-1209

ABSTRACT

Aim: Milk is rich in miRNAs - the endogenous small non-coding RNA responsible for gene post-transcriptional silencing. Milk miRNAs were previously evidenced to affect consumer's immune response. While most studies relied on a few well-characterized milk miRNAs to relate their immunoregulatory roles on target genes among mammals, this study introduced a procedure to predict the target genes based on overall milk miRNA expression profiles - the miRNome data of cow and human.

Materials and Methods: Cow and human milk miRNome expression datasets of cow and human milk lipids at 2, 4, and 6 months of lactation periods were preprocessed and predicted for their target genes using TargetScanHuman. Enrichment analysis was performed using target genes to extract the immune-associated gene ontology (GO) terms shared between the two species. The genes within these terms with more than 50 different miRNAs of each species targeting were selected and reviewed for their immunological functions.

Results: A total of 146 and 129 miRNAs were identified in cow and human milk with several miRNAs reproduced from other previous reports. Enrichment analysis revealed nine immune-related GO terms shared between cow and human (adjusted p≤0.01). There were 14 genes related to these terms with more than 50 miRNA genes of each species targeting them. These genes were evidenced for their major roles in lymphocyte stimulation and differentiation.

Conclusion: A novel procedure to determine mutual immune-associated genes targeted by milk miRNAs was demonstrated using cow and human milk miRNome data. As far as we know, this was the 1st time that milk miRNA target genes had been identified based on such cross-species approach. Hopefully, the introduced strategy should hereby facilitate a variety of cross-species miRNA studies in the future.

Keywords: immune-associated target gene, microRNAs, milk, miRNome.

Assessment of selected heavy metal concentration in fresh and grilled beef - A case study in East Legon, Ghana

Research (Published online: 31-08-2018)

7. Assessment of selected heavy metal concentration in fresh and grilled beef - A case study in East Legon, Ghana

Frederick Adzitey, David Mireku and Nurul Huda

International Journal of One Health, 4: 40-44

ABSTRACT

Aim: Contamination of meat by heavy metals is a concern due to their possible toxicity and effects on human health. The present study was undertaken to determine the presence and concentration of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in the fresh and grilled beef sold by kebab sellers in East Legon.

Materials and Methods: A total of 16 fresh and 16 grilled beef samples were collected purposely from three popular kebab sellers (School Junction, Bawalashie, and Otano) in East Legon. Beef samples were dried and digested to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy to determine the presence and concentration of the heavy metals.

Results: The concentration of the heavy metals ranged from 0.80 to 16.43 mg/kg for Fe, 0.05 to 0.27 mg/kg for Zn, 0.09 to 2.10 mg/kg for Cu, 51.74 to 90.83 mg/kg for Ca, and 0.26 to 0.52 mg/kg for Mg. There was statistical difference (p=0.001) in the concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Ca in the fresh and grilled beef samples. The concentration of Mg in the fresh and grilled beef samples did not differ statistically (p=0.370). Pb and Cd were not detected in the beef samples examined. The concentration of Fe was highest in the grilled beef samples obtained from Bawalashie and lowest in the fresh beef samples obtained from Otano. The concentration of Ca was highest in the grilled beef samples obtained from School Junction (SG) and lowest in Bawalashie. The concentration of Mg was highest in the fresh beef samples obtained from SG and lowest in the grilled beef samples obtained from Bawalashie.

Conclusion: The study revealed the presence and absence of some heavy metals. Heavy metals present were available in varying concentrations. All trace elements were below the maximum limit, hence making it less harmful for consumption.

Keywords: concentration, fresh beef, grilled beef, heavy metal.

Amino acid sequence based on Cytochrome b gene in Kejobong goat and its genetic relationships among several local goats in Asia

Research (Published online: 30-08-2018)

27. Amino acid sequence based on Cytochrome b gene in Kejobong goat and its genetic relationships among several local goats in Asia

Dela Ayu Lestari, Endang Purbowati, Sutopo Sutopo and Edy Kurnianto

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1196-1202

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the amino acid sequence of Cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene in Kejobong goat and its genetic relationships with local goats located in Asia.

Materials and Methods: A total of 28 heads of Kejobong goat were purposively sampled. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from blood using gSYNC DNA mini kit (Geneaid Biotech Ltd.). Cyt b gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with CytbCapF and CytbCapR primers. The amplified PCR products were sequenced for further analysis.

Results: There were a total 377 amino acid sequences translated from 1140 base pair (bp) of Cyt b gene, 99.20% of it were monomorphic, amino acid alterations were found at site 16th, 121st, and 231st, and Kejobong goat was in the same cluster with Southeast Asian local goats.

Conclusion: Most of the amino acid sequence on Cyt b gene in Kejobong goat is monomorphic (99.20%), only a few nucleotide mutations were found that causing amino acid alteration in three sites (0.80%). Kejobong goat has a close genetic relationship to several local goats in Southeast Asian.

Keywords: amino acid sequence, cytochrome b, Kejobong goat.

Mixing two different propolis samples potentiates their antimicrobial activity and wound healing property: A novel approach in wound healing and infection

Research (Published online: 29-08-2018)

26. Mixing two different propolis samples potentiates their antimicrobial activity and wound healing property: A novel approach in wound healing and infection

Noori Al-Waili

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1188-1195

ABSTRACT

Aim: The study aimed to investigate whether mixing two different propolis samples can potentiate their biological activity. This hypothesis was tested by studying the effect of mixed propolis on microbial growth and wound healing and compared with the effect of each propolis individually.

Materials and Methods: The effect of mixing two different propolis extracts (A and B) collected from different locations in Iraq on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans was studied by minimum inhibitory concentration assessment and compared with the effect of each propolis. Wound healing effect of the mixed propolis was studied. Twenty-four rabbits were used for the experiment, and they were assigned to four groups. Wounds were created on the dorsum of each rabbit and treated by topical application of 1 mL of either mixed propolis, propolis A, or propolis B extracts or were kept without treatment as a control. Macroscopic wound evaluation was performed with an assessment of wound size, wound recovery, redness, edema, discharge, granulation tissue, and epithelialization.

Results: Propolis A was more potent than propolis B extracts to inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans (p<0.05). However, mixed propolis showed a higher antimicrobial activity toward all the pathogens than propolis A or propolis B extract individually (p<0.05). Furthermore, propolis A and propolis B extracts showed favorable effects on wound healing which was more pronounced with propolis A extract. Interestingly, mixed propolis accelerated wound healing faster than propolis A or propolis B extracts, and it shortened the time of reepithelialization (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates for the first time that mixing different propolis samples possesses a higher antimicrobial activity and higher wound healing property than individual propolis. This approach could pave the way for the development of more effective antimicrobials and wound healing agents.

Keywords: healing, microorganisms, mixed propolis, wound.

Assessment of antibody assay methods in determination of prevalence of infectious bursal disease among local chickens and guinea fowls in Kwara state, North Central Nigeria

Research (Published online: 28-08-2018)

25. Assessment of antibody assay methods in determination of prevalence of infectious bursal disease among local chickens and guinea fowls in Kwara state, North Central Nigeria

Oluwafemi Babatunde Daodu, Oladapo Oyedeji Oludairo, Julius Olaniyi Aiyedun, Hauwa Motunrayo Ambali, Rafiu Adebisi Kadir, Oluwakemi Christiana Daodu, Isaac Dayo Olorunshola and Arimie Deborah Adah

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1183-1187

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to assess available assay methods for infectious bursal disease (IBD) diagnosis and seromonitoring in local birds. It also sought to know the prevalence of IBD antibodies among local chickens and guinea fowls in Kwara state, North Central Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Sera were obtained from local chickens and guinea fowls and IBD virus (IBDV) antibodies were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test, and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test.

Results: A total of 265 sera were obtained from local birds during dry and wet seasons. ELISA recorded the highest prevalence of 81.1% (215/265) while IHA and AGID detected IBDV antibodies in 183 (69.1%) and 122 (46%) birds, respectively. Significant differences were established for IBD-positive sera based on the assay method used, bird species, and seasons.

Conclusion: This study indicated that ELISA is the most sensitive and reliable assay method while AGID is the least. It also showed that there is a high prevalence of IBDV antibodies among local birds which were not vaccinated, and this implies a high IBDV activity among these bird species in the study area. This may have significant epidemiological implications on the spread of the virus to exotic bird reared in the rural areas on a commercial scale. Thus, this study suggests continuous surveillance, awareness campaign, and advocacy for vaccination of indigenous birds against IBD.

Keywords: agar gel immunodiffusion test, assessment, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect hemagglutination test, infectious bursal disease, Kwara state, prevalence.

Intestinal parasites among migrant barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) in the central region of Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Research (Published online: 28-08-2018)

24. Intestinal parasites among migrant barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) in the central region of Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Mahdi Fakhar, Tooran Nayeri Chegeni, Reza Bastani, Zahra Hosseininejad, Reza Saberi and Saber Armat

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1179-1182

ABSTRACT

Aim: Swallows are a family of migratory birds found worldwide except Antarctica. Annually, a number of species of swallows migrate to Iran. As they make their nests close to human living places, this may be a potential risk for public health. Conversely, no study has been conducted on intestinal parasitic infections of these birds so far. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in migratory swallows (Hirundo rustica) in the central region of Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 205 feces samples from two districts (Sari and Qaemshahr) in the central region of Mazandaran were randomly collected during the summer and spring sessions of 2016-2017. The collected samples were examined using the routine direct fecal examination and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration. In addition, the samples were examined by cold acid-fast staining method to detect possible Cryptosporidium oocysts.

Results: The results of this study indicated that 38 samples (18.5%) were infected with intestinal parasites. Among the helminthic parasites, eight genera and species were identified as follows: Ascaridia galli, Syngamus trachea, Raillietina, Toxocara spp., Choanotaenia, Taenia spp., Ascaridia spp., and Moniezia spp. In addition, among protozoan parasites, only the Coccidia spp. oocysts were identified.

Conclusion: Our findings showed a relatively high prevalence of parasitic infections in migratory barn swallows in Mazandaran Province. Given the presence of zoonotic parasites in the samples, further investigations are needed to identify all parasites fauna, particularly zoonotic species among swallows in the region.

Keywords: barn swallow, Hirundo rustica, intestinal parasites, Iran, zoonosis.

Serosurveillance of Brucella antibody in food animals and role of slaughterhouse workers in spread of Brucella infection in Southeast Nigeria

Research (Published online: 27-08-2018)

23. Serosurveillance of Brucella antibody in food animals and role of slaughterhouse workers in spread of Brucella infection in Southeast Nigeria

Samuel Okezie Ekere, Emmanuel Okechukwu Njoga, Joseph Ikechukwu Onunkwo and Ugochinyere Juliet Njoga

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1171-1178

ABSTRACT

Aim: The study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella antibody in slaughter cattle and goats; and the role of slaughterhouse workers (SHWs) in spread of Brucella infection during slaughterhouse operations in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Rose Bengal plate test was used to screen for Brucella antibody in 484 cattle and 340 goats slaughtered for human consumption in the state. Structured and pretested questionnaire was used to elicit information from randomly selected SHWs, on socioeconomic characteristics, awareness of brucellosis and involvement in practices that aid dissemination of Brucella infection during slaughterhouse operations.

Results: Suspected seroprevalence of 2.5% and 4.1% were recorded for Brucella antibody in cattle and goats respectively. There was poor awareness of brucellosis (32.1%) among the workers surveyed. Slaughterhouse practices that aid acquisition or spread of Brucella infection and percentage of SHWs engaged in the practices are: non-use of personal protective clothing during slaughterhouse operations (70.8%), discharge of eviscerated fetuses or pregnant uterine contents by open-air dump method of refuse disposal (64.9%) and illegal sell of eviscerated fetuses or gravid uterine contents for human consumption (59.9%) or preparation of dog food (71.5%).

Conclusion: The 4.1% suspected seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in goats represents 128% increase from 1.8% seroprevalence earlier reported in the same species and study area in 2009. Significant amounts of Brucella antibody was detected in the food animals screened. Slaughterhouse workers played significant roles in spread of Brucella infection by their involvement in risk practices and behaviours that facilitate pathogen transmission. Therefore, massive awareness campaign and coordinated brucellosis control program in Enugu State are imperative to forestall the zoonotic and economic consequences associated with brucellosis.

Keywords: Brucella antibody, brucellosis, cattle, goats, slaughterhouse workers.