Accuracy of methods for diagnosing heart diseases in cats

Research (Published online: 09-05-2020)

6. Accuracy of methods for diagnosing heart diseases in cats

Tanarut Laudhittirut, Natrada Rujivipat, Kornnicha Saringkarisate, Peeraya Soponpattana, Teerawat Tunwichai and Sirilak Disatian Surachetpong

Veterinary World, 13(5): 872-878

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the current methods for diagnosing heart diseases in cats.

Materials and Methods: The data of 58 cats were retrospectively retrieved. Cats were classified into two groups: Thirty-eight cats with heart diseases and 20 healthy cats. Echocardiography was the gold standard method for diagnosing heart disease. The results of seven methods were retrieved: (1) Vertebral heart score (VHS) with a cutoff value >8, (2) VHS with a cutoff value >8.5, (3) multiplication of cardiac length (L) and width (W), (4) multiplication of cardiac L and W divided by the L of the fourth sternal thoracic bone, (5) N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) point-of-care test, (6) subjective ultrasonographic assessment of the left atrial size, and (7) subjective radiographic assessment of the left atrial size. Cross-tabulation was used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for each test. This study found that using the NT-proBNP point-of-care test was optimal in the diagnosis of cats with heart disease.

Results: The subjective ultrasonographic assessment of the left atrial size was good for diagnosing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.

Conclusion: This study showed that the more tests used, the higher the reliability of the diagnosis.

Keywords: cardiac disease diagnosis, N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, thoracic radiography, ultrasonography.

Celery (Apium graveolens) as a potential antibacterial agent and its effect on cytokeratin-17 and other healing promoters in skin wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Research (Published online: 09-05-2020)

5. Celery (Apium graveolens) as a potential antibacterial agent and its effect on cytokeratin-17 and other healing promoters in skin wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Yos Adi Prakoso, Chylen Setiyo Rini, Asih Rahayu, Miarsono Sigit and Dyah Widhowati

Veterinary World, 13(5): 865-871

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem caused by extensive utilization of antibiotics that promote gene resistant among bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to analyze the potential effects of celery (Apium graveolens) extract as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and Methods: Celery was extracted and tested against a MRSA isolate in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against MRSA for the celery extract (CE) was determined to be 0.1% and it was formulated into a cream. A total of 30 female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Group 1, negative control; Group 2, positive control; Group 3, treated with 0.05% CE cream; Group 4, 0.1% CE cream; and Group 5, 0.2% CE cream. All animals in the groups were exposed to a full-thickness skin biopsy on the dorsal portion, and they were infected with 30 μL of 105 colony-forming units of the MRSA isolate. The treatment was administered twice a day for 7 days. The skin samples were collected on days 3 and 7 after the treatment. The skin tissue was examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin, Gram staining, and immunohistochemistry against cytokeratin (CK)-17.

Results: Results showed that 0.2% of CE cream was the best treatment for wounds infected with MRSA. CE (0.2%) cream increased skin reepithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, and CK-17 expression; it also decreased the percentage of wound area, inflammatory cell infiltration, and bacterial colonization in skin wound tissue compared to the other treatments (p≤0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that celery could be utilized as an alternative herbal therapy against MRSA-associated skin infections.

Keywords: antimicrobial, celery, cytokeratin-17, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, wound healing.

Ophthalmic findings in sheep treated with closantel in Curitiba, Brazil

Research (Published online: 08-05-2020)

4. Ophthalmic findings in sheep treated with closantel in Curitiba, Brazil

Marianna Bacellar-Galdino, Fabiano Montiani-Ferreira, Andre Tavares Somma, Ricardo Guilherme D'Otaviano de Castro Vilani and Ivan Roque de Barros Filho

Veterinary World, 13(5): 860-864

Background and Aim: Closantel is a widely used anti-parasitic drug that is known to cause ophthalmic problems that lead to blindness. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible electroretinographic changes in sheep that received closantel.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four 30-day-old Suffolk sheep were split into control group (12 animals) and closantel group (12 animals). The latter group received 15 mg/kg of closantel subcutaneously immediately after the first electroretinography (ERG). The ISCEV protocol was used to perform the ERGs pre-dose (0), 7, and 30 days after treatment. Statistical analyses to compare ERG responses using t-test and analysis of variance were performed (p<0.05). Three months later, the animals were euthanized and the eyes and a part of optic nerve were collected for histopathology. Photography of the retina and optic nerve was taken, and measures of the retinal layers were made and analyzed by paired t-test.

Results: Closantel group showed a significant increase of the mean scotopic a-wave amplitude from 0 to 7 days after closantel administration, using a stimulus of 10,000 mcd.s/m2 and a decrease of the mean scotopic and photopic a-wave amplitude (from 7 to 30 days) using the same flash intensity, as well as a decrease in mean photopic b-wave amplitude (from 7 to 30 days) within the group. Control group showed a significant increase of the mean scotopic b-wave implicit time from pre to 30 days after treatment and an increase of the mean scotopic a-wave implicit time from pre to 7 days after treatment, with the stimulus of 10,000 mcd.s/m2. This group also showed a decrease in mean photopic b-wave implicit time (from pre to 30 days after treatment), using a stimulus of 10,000 mcd.s/m2 and a decrease in mean photopic a-wave implicit time from pre to 30 days after treatment, using a stimulus of 3000 mcd.s/m2. The no difference was found in images neither in the measurements of the retina layers.

Conclusion: As observed by ERG responses and the histopathology, a dose of 15 mg/kg of closantel does not significantly affect retinal and optic nerve structures in sheep but the electroretinographic results, however, showed alterations on the phototransduction.

Keywords: closantel electroretinography, histopathology, sheep.

The different hormonal system during exercise stress coping in horses

Review (Published online: 06-05-2020)

3. The different hormonal system during exercise stress coping in horses

Adriana Ferlazzo, Cristina Cravana, Esterina Fazio and Pietro Medica

Veterinary World, 13(5): 847-859

ABSTRACT

The review discusses the hormonal changes during exercise stress. The exercise generally produces a rise of adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, glucagon, growth hormone, arginine vasopressine, etc., and a drop of insulin. The hormonal events during reestablishment of homeostasis due to exercise stress can be divided into a catabolic phase, with decreased tolerance of effort, and reversible biochemical, hormonal and immunological changes, and an anabolic phase, with a higher adaptive capacity, and enhanced performance. The two main hormonal axes activated in the catabolic phase are sympathetic–adrenal–medullary system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, while in the anabolic phase, growth hormone-insulin-like factor I axis, and gonadal axes. The hormonal responses during exercise and recovery can be regarded as regulatory and integrated endocrine responses. The increase of catecholamines and ACTH is dependent on the intensity of exercise; a marked increase in plasma A occurs during exercises with high emotional content. The response of cortisol is correlated with the duration of exercise, while the effect of exercise duration on β-endorphin changes is highly dependent on the type of exercise performed. Cortisol and β-endorphin changes usually occur in phase, but not during exercises with high emotional content. Glucocorticoids and iodothyronines are involved in meeting immediate energy demands, and a model of functional interactions between HPA axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis during exercise stress is proposed. A modulation of coping responses to different energy demanding physical activities required for sport activities could be hypothesized. This review supports the proposed regulation of hypophysiotropic TRHergic neurons as metabolic integrators during exercise stress. Many hormonal systems (ghrelin, leptin, glucose, insulin, and cortisol) are activated to control substrate mobilizations and utilization. The cardiovascular homeostasis, the fluid and electrolyte balance during exercise are highly dependent on vasoactive hormones (antidiuretic hormone, atrial natriuretic peptide, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone, and prostaglandins) control.

Keywords: equines, hormones, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, iodothyronines, physical exercise.

Individual variation in fresh and frozen semen of Bali bulls (Bos sondaicus)

Research (Published online: 05-05-2020)

2. Individual variation in fresh and frozen semen of Bali bulls (Bos sondaicus)

R. Indriastuti, M. F. Ulum, R. I. Arifiantini and B. Purwantara

Veterinary World, 13(5): 840-846

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the individual factors influencing the sperm quality of Bali bulls at Baturiti Artificial Insemination (AI) center.

Materials and Methods: Semen that was ejaculated from nine Bali bulls was collected using artificial vaginas (n=5/bull). Semen ejaculates were evaluated immediately after collection to measure the quality of the fresh semen, including semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, membrane integrity (MI), and abnormal morphology. Frozen semen was evaluated for progressive sperm motility, concentration, viability, MI, abnormal morphology, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation. Other secondary data, focusing on semen quantity (semen volume and sperm concentration), were also collected from frozen the semen production data of the Baturiti AI center from 2017 to 2019. Data were analyzed statistically using a completely randomized design, and one-way analysis of variance was applied to find differences among individual bulls.

Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) were found among the bulls in semen volume, sperm motility, concentration, and MI of the fresh semen. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also found among the bulls in sperm motility, viability, MI, abnormal morphology, and DNA fragmentation of the frozen semen.

Conclusion: Individual variation in all the tested sperm parameters of the fresh semen of Bali bulls, except sperm viability and abnormalities, was noted. Similarly, individual variation in all the tested sperm parameters in frozen semen, except sperm concentration, was noted. Therefore, individual factors can be used for selecting a superior bull in Bali cattle.

Keywords: Bali bull, individual factors, sperm quality.

Effects of body condition score and estrus phase on blood metabolites and steroid hormones in Saanen goats in the tropics

Research (Published online: 04-05-2020)

1. Effects of body condition score and estrus phase on blood metabolites and steroid hormones in Saanen goats in the tropics

Pradita Iustitia Sitaresmi, Budi Prasetyo Widyobroto, Sigit Bintara and Diah Tri Widayati

Veterinary World, 13(5): 833-839

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Body condition scores (BCSs) assessment can be a potential management tool for the improvement of animal performance. The study investigated whether blood metabolic (protein, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and cholesterol) and steroid hormonal (progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol) parameters are affected by the BCS and estrous status in Saanen goat.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from three groups of mature, dry, and non-pregnant female goats with different BCSs: 2-2.9 (BCS 2), 3-3.9 (BCS 3), and 4-4.9 (BCS 4) on a BCS scale ranged from 1 to 5. Blood serum was collected (n = 160) to determine the blood metabolic profile and steroid hormone levels, depending on the follicular status.

Results: The results demonstrate a variation in the serum metabolite and hormone (glucose, BUN, protein, estrogen, and cortisol) levels at different BCSs and at different phases of the estrous cycle. The hormonal profiles were significantly different (p<0.05) between the estrous cycle phases. The results suggest that BCSs were associated with blood metabolic profiles and steroid hormone levels.

Conclusion: As it can be concluded, an association between steroid hormone levels and the phases of the estrous cycle existed in Saanen goats.

Keywords: blood serum, body condition score, estrus phase, hormones, Saanen goat.

Microbial risk assessment of ready-to-eat fast foods from different street-vended restaurants

Research (Published online: 03-05-2020)

8. Microbial risk assessment of ready-to-eat fast foods from different street-vended restaurants

Abdullah Al Momen Sabuj, Zobayda Farzana Haque, Md. Iftekhar Younus, Amrita Pondit, Nanda Barua, Md. Golzar Hossain, Md. Alimul Islam and Sukumar Saha

International Journal of One Health, 6(1): 41-48

ABSTRACT

Aim: Microbiological risk analysis of ready-to-eat fast foods for sale on the campus of Bangladesh Agricultural University was undertaken to understand the contribution of such foods to foodborne disease.

Materials and Methods: From each of 10 randomly selected fast food outlets, a total of 120 samples of six food items were collected to assess common microbial load. In parallel, vendors were asked about their food production and selling practices, while consumers (n=200) were asked about their consumption of fast foods and whether they had experienced symptoms of foodborne disease.

Results: Aerobic plate count (APC) varied from 6.92 to 7.24 log colony-forming unit (cfu)/g, Staphylococcus spp. 4.67 to 5.15 log cfu/g, Salmonella spp. 3.67 to 4.22 log cfu/g, and Escherichia coli 4.10 to 4.58 log cfu/g. Microbial risk assessment of Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., and E. coli for daily, weekly, or monthly consumption was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation (10,000 iterations). The consumer survey showed 57% chance of being infected by ready-to-eat fast food samples. The calculated mean annual risks of Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., and E. coli infection were about 100% in all cases.

Conclusion: Thus, the study revealed high risk of infection associated with the consumption of ready-to-eat fast foods.

Keywords: fast foods, microbial quality, microbial risk, Monte Carlo simulation.