Molecular and biological characterization of some circulating strains of Newcastle disease virus in broiler chickens from Eastern Saudi Arabia in 2012-2014

Research (Published online: 30-10-2019)

21. Molecular and biological characterization of some circulating strains of Newcastle disease virus in broiler chickens from Eastern Saudi Arabia in 2012-2014

Abdullah I. A. Almubarak

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1668-1676

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Newcastle disease (ND) is a worldwide poultry disease that is historically known to cause severe losses in the poultry industry. In the present study, attempts were made to characterize ND virus (NDV) recovered from broiler chickens in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia from January 2012 to March 2014.

Materials and Methods: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of NDV followed by partial sequencing of the fusion (F) gene. The intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI), mean death time (MDT), and complete sequencing of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene were also used for further biological and molecular characterization.

Results: NDV was detected at a rate of 9.6% (11/115) of the tested flocks, most of which were vaccinated against ND. F gene-based phylogeny and motifs of the fusion protein cleavage site (FPCS) showed segregation of Saudi isolates into two groups. The first group contained 10 isolates and was located in genotype II with the lentogenic motif 112GRQGRL117 at the FPCS. The second group contained one isolate and was located in genotype VII with velogenic motif 112RRQKRF117. Further characterization using the ICPI and MDT of two representative isolates showed virulence of both tested isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the HN gene showed close nucleotide identity between the two isolates. A BLAST search for sequences similar to HN gene sequences showed high identity with isolates from the surrounding region.

Conclusion: The present findings showed a low detection rate of NDV, possibly due to the wide application of vaccines, and the circulation of at least two NDV genotypes, II and VII, in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. The present Saudi isolates may share common ancestors with isolates from the surrounding region.

Keywords: broiler chickens, Newcastle disease virus, Saudi Arabia.

Protein metabolic changes and nucleolus organizer regions activity in the lymphocytes of neonatal calves during the development of respiratory diseases

Research (Published online: 28-10-2019)

20. Protein metabolic changes and nucleolus organizer regions activity in the lymphocytes of neonatal calves during the development of respiratory diseases

Elena Kalaeva, Vladislav Kalaev, Ksenia Efimova, Anton Chernitskiy and Vladimir Safonov

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1657-1667

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Calfhood disease is an important problem in dairy farming that could cause significant effects on heifer survival and productivity and has economic and welfare effects. Total protein concentration in the blood serum could be one of the predictors of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in newborn calves. The number of active nucleolus organizers could be used to assess the viability of the protein synthesis system in cells and tissues. We aimed for a comparative assessment of the dynamics of the main indicators of protein metabolism and nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) activity in the lymphocytes of healthy calves (Group I) and calves with BRD (Group II) during the 1st month after birth.

Materials and Methods: This study included 30 calves of the red-motley Holstein breed. Venous blood samples were taken from all calves on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 28th days after birth. Quantitative analysis of total protein (Serum total protein [STP]), immune globulin (Serum immune globulin [SIg]), urea, and creatinine in serum and transcriptionally active chromosome NORs in the interphase nuclei of lymphocytes was conducted using receiver operating characteristic analysis and factor analysis.

Results: In Group I, the STP levels decreased during the 1st month of life, and in Group II, the STP levels were variable. The STP levels in both groups remained within the reference intervals. During the first 2 weeks after birth, the calves' SIg fluctuated within the statistical error limits and did not significantly differ between the groups. On the 28th day, SIg increased in both the groups (by 42.8% for Group I and 33.7% for Group II). The creatinine concentration showed a decrease but did not go beyond the range of reference values. Urea concentration in Group I markedly decreased and remained below the reference values; it did not change in Group II over the entire observation period. The number of NORs in 1-day-old calves did not significantly differ between the groups and amounted to 2.43 in Group I and 2.59 in Group II. A significant increase in the number of active NORs was found in calves in both groups at the ages of 14 and 28 days. Early BRD predictors (at 1-14 days) could not be identified among the studied indicators. The urea and creatinine concentrations and the NOR activity on day 28 after birth could be late BRD predictors. Protein metabolism in the newborn calves' organisms is regulated by three types of factors: Maintenance of a constant protein concentration in the plasma, protein decomposition, and de novo synthesis.

Conclusion: There were no observed significant differences in the protein metabolism values and dynamics of indicators between healthy calves and calves with developed BRD. Alterations in the studied characteristics are the result, but not the cause of BRD. The increase in active NORs under BRD could be a favorable forecasting indicator. Protection against foreign protein and genetic material is a more important task for the organism than ensuring growth processes during the neonatal period.

Keywords: bronchopneumonia, calf, creatinine, nucleolus, serum immunoglobulin, serum total protein, urea.

Histological assessment of the efficiency of rabbit serum in healing skin wounds

Research (Published online: 28-10-2019)

19. Histological assessment of the efficiency of rabbit serum in healing skin wounds

Abeer Ahmed Majeed and Dhyaa Ab. Abood

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1650-1656

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of rabbit serum on skin wound healing with the help of histological examination.

Materials and Methods: A total of ten indigenous rabbits were used in this study. The animals were divided into two groups: control and serum- treated. The histological assessment was done with a paraffin embedding technique and the histological sections were stained with H&E stain.

Results: Severe infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with severe fibrin deposits were seen in serum treated group at 2 days post-injury; at 7 days post-injury the changes revealed moderate fibroplasia, fibrin deposit and severe infiltration of both mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes; at 14 days post-injury, there were marked epithelization and dermal deposition of collagen fibers; and at 21 days post-injury, the epidermis completed epithelization and the dermis showed neither fibroplasia nor infiltration of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Conclusion: The results indicated that rabbit's serum can prevent wound infection, accelerate epithelialization and cutaneous regeneration with less granulation.

Keywords: healing, rabbits, serum, skin, wounds.

Prevalence and economic losses of calf fetal wastage in ELAKAT public slaughterhouse of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo

Research (Published online: 26-10-2019)

18. Prevalence and economic losses of calf fetal wastage in ELAKAT public slaughterhouse of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo

Valence Bwana Mutwedu, Bernard Kanyungu Buuma, Arsene Ciza Mushagalusa, Ntagereka Patrick Bisimwa, Nadege Cizungu Cirezi, Yannick Mugumaarhahama and Rodrigue Balthazar Basengere Ayagirwe

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1644-1649

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of calf fetal wastage and its economic implications at ELAKAT slaughterhouse, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to fill the research gap in relationship with this thematic. The study investigations took place from May to September 2018.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried at the slaughterhouse. For each visit, the number of cattle slaughtered, the number of pregnant cows slaughtered, and gestational ages (stage of pregnancy of the dam, and estimated by crown-rump length) of the fetuses were recorded.

Results: Out of the 1035 cattle slaughtered during the study period, 970 were females. A total of 255 fetuses were recovered, representing a fetal recovery rate of 26.28%. The study established that one fetus was lost out of 4.5 cows slaughtered, and most of fetuses recovered (58.1%) were in the first trimester of gestation while 29.1% and 12.8% were, respectively, in the second and third trimester. Their age varied from 1.2 to 8.6 months, with body length ranging from 14 cm to 92 cm while their weight varied from 1.0 kg to 23.0 kg. The economic loss associated with the total cattle fetal wastages was estimated at Congo Democratic Francs (CDF) 29,906,400 ($15,787.5) with a monthly average of CDF 5,981,280 ($3,157.5).

Conclusion: These results attested that slaughtering pregnant cows constitute a strong constraint on cattle industry development in DR Congo. Urgent measures, such as adequate enforcement of legislations on routine veterinary examinations at slaughterhouses as well as livestock owner's sensitization, are required to avoid selling pregnant cows during calving season.

Keywords: cattle, Democratic Republic of Congo, economic implications, fetal loss, South Kivu.

Vector-borne nematode diseases in pets and humans in the Mediterranean Basin: An update

Review (Published online: 26-10-2019)

17. Vector-borne nematode diseases in pets and humans in the Mediterranean Basin: An update

Djamel Tahir, Bernard Davoust and Philippe Parola

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1630-1643

ABSTRACT

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The scale of VBDs is increasing worldwide, including in the Mediterranean Basin, a region exposed to climate changes. Indeed, weather conditions may influence the abundance and distribution of vectors. The vector-borne nematode diseases of dogs and cats, such as dirofilariosis, onchocercosis, thelaziosis, Cercopithifilaria, and Acanthocheilonema infections, are some of these vectorized diseases, several of which are zoonoses. They are all caused by parasitic nematodes transmitted by arthropods, including mosquitoes (Dirofilaria spp.), black flies (Onchocerca lupi), drosophilids (Thelazia callipaeda), ticks (Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and Cercopithifilaria bainae), and fleas and lice (Acanthocheilonema reconditum). The control and prevention of these infections and diseases require a multidisciplinary approach based on strengthening collaboration between the different actors in the fields of health, research, sociology, economics, governments and citizens, to improve human, animal, and ecosystem health. This is the concept of "one health." The review aimed to provide a general update on the spatial and temporal distribution of vector-borne nematodes diseases affecting companion animals and humans, as well as the vectors involved in the Mediterranean area. Simultaneously, certain epidemiological parameters, diagnosis, treatment, and control of these diseases based on the "one health" concept will also be discussed.

Keywords: arthropods, companion animals, humans, Mediterranean Basin, one health, parasites, vectors, zoonoses.

Preliminary investigation of acaricidal activity of leaf extract of Nicotiana tabacum on dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Research (Published online: 25-10-2019)

16. Preliminary investigation of acaricidal activity of leaf extract of Nicotiana tabacum on dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Taiwo Olaide Oyagbemi, Anofi Ashafa, Johnson Olayide Adejinmi and Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1624-1629

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Tick infestation of domestic animals remains a major constraint to livestock productivity across all agro-ecological zones most especially in small animal practice. The most common method of tick control is the use of synthetic acaricide. However, a widespread increase of acaricidal resistance, scarcity and high cost of acaricides especially to farmers of low-income earnings in developing countries support the need for alternative tick control methods. Among the alternative methods for tick control is herbal therapy. In this study, we investigated the acaricidal activity of methanol and N-hexane leaf extracts of Nicotiana tabacum against dog ticks − Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

Materials and Methods: Larvicidal and adulticidal activity of N. tabacum leaf extract were examined on the dog tick − R. sanguineus in an in vitro experiment using larval packet test and adult immersion test respectively. Phytochemical and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC−MS) analysis of the leaf extract were also carried out using standard methods.

Results: We observed a tick mortality rate that was concentration-dependent. However, N-hexane extract showed a higher significant acaricidal effect than methanol extract. Lethal dose (LD50) of N. tabacum was 0.06. High quantity of terpenoids was obtained from N. tabacum. Lower tick glutathione S-transferase observed with varying concentration of N. tabacum. GC−MS revealed Pyridine, 3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)-, (S) - Nicotine, Citronellyl propionate, Crotonaldehyde, Lavandulyl acetate, trans-Phytol and Amitrole (3-Amino-1, 2, 4-triazole) in N. tabacum.

Conclusion: Both methanol and N-hexane leaf extracts of N. tabacum exhibited observable acaricidal property against the larvae and adult R. sanguineus of dog.

Keywords: adulticidal, ethnoveterinary, larvicidal, Nicotiana tabacum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

The potency of chitosan-based Pinus merkusii bark extract nanoparticles as anti-cancer on HeLa cell lines

Research (Published online: 25-10-2019)

15. The potency of chitosan-based Pinus merkusii bark extract nanoparticles as anti-cancer on HeLa cell lines

Annise Proboningrat, Amaq Fadholly, Regina Purnama Dewi Iskandar, Agung Budianto Achmad, Fedik Abdul Rantam and Sri Agus Sudjarwo

Veterinary World, 12(10): 1616-1623

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cervical cancer accounts for the fourth as a cause of death from cancer in women worldwide, with more than 85% of events and deaths occurring in developing countries. The main problems of chemotherapy are the lack of selectivity and drug resistance. This study aimed to investigate the signal transduction of chitosan-based Pinus merkusii bark extract nanoparticles (Nano-PMBE) as an anticancer on HeLa cell line.

Materials and Methods: Nano-PMBE was prepared based on the ionic gelation method. Its anticancer activities in HeLa cells were investigated through cytotoxicity test, cell cycle, and apoptosis analysis. The expression of p53 and caspase-9 was also observed.

Results: The results showed that Nano-PMBE has a size of 394.3 nm. Meanwhile, the Nano-PMBE was cytotoxic to HeLa cells ( IC50 of 384.10 μg/ml), caused G0/G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis in HeLa cells. Besides, the expression of p53 and caspase-9 has increased.

Conclusion: The results showed a notable anticancer effect of Nano-PMBE by arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis in HeLa cells, suggesting that it might have therapeutic potential for cervical cancer. Further research is needed to find out more about the anticancer mechanism of Nano-PMBE in HeLa cells to in vivo and clinical studies.

Keywords: chitosan, HeLa cells, nanoparticles, Pinus merkusii.