Apoptosis-related gene expression induced by Colombian propolis samples in canine osteosarcoma cell line

Research (Published online: 22-04-2021)

22. Apoptosis-related gene expression induced by Colombian propolis samples in canine osteosarcoma cell line

Dolly Patricia Pardo-Mora, Oscar Julián Murillo, Mauricio Rey-Buitrago, Mónica Losada-Barragán, Jaime Fabian Cruz Uribe, Karina Basso Santiago, Bruno José Conti, Eliza de Oliveira Cardoso, Fernanda Lopes Conte, Rafael María Gutiérrez, Orlando Torres García and José Maurício Sforcin

Veterinary World, 14(4): 964-971

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumor in canines and humans. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Colombian propolis samples on a canine OSA cell line (OSCA-8) by evaluating the expression of BCL-2, BAX, CASPASE 9, CASPASE 8, and TNFR1 genes involved in the apoptosis pathway.

Materials and Methods: After treating the cells with five Colombian propolis samples (Usm, Met, Fus, Sil, and Caj), we evaluated cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Early and late apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide. Furthermore, the effects of three selected samples on gene expression were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The Colombian propolis samples reduced OSCA-8 cell viability and increased LDH release. All samples induced apoptosis significantly and upregulated BCL-2 and CASPASE 8 expression. Usm and Sil increased BAX expression, Met and Sil induced CASPASE 9 expression, and Usm increased TNFR1.

Conclusion: Colombian propolis samples exhibited cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on canine OSA cells, and CASPASE 8 upregulation indicated apoptosis induction by the extrinsic pathway.

Keywords: apoptosis, cytotoxicity, osteosarcoma, propolis.

Qualitative indicators of milk of Simmental and Holstein cows in different seasons of lactation

Research (Published online: 21-04-2021)

21. Qualitative indicators of milk of Simmental and Holstein cows in different seasons of lactation

Aigerim Zhanuzakovna Khastayeva, Venera Serikbayevna Zhamurova, Laura Asilbekovna Mamayeva, Akylzhan Turalievish Kozhabergenov, Nurlybek Zhanybekovich Karimov and Karlygash Muratbekkyzy Muratbekova

Veterinary World, 14(4): 956-963

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Milk producers need to ensure that their cows are producing high-quality, nutritional milk, which is influenced by the breed, age, nutrition, and health status of lactating animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of animal breed, season, and milk production on the physicochemical characteristics of milk and predicting the effect of these changes on the composition and quality of milk products.

Materials and Methods: In total, 80 milk samples (40 Simmental and 40 Holstein) were analyzed from LLP "Kirova" of Pavlodar region (Simmental breed) and JSC "Astana-Onim" of Akmola region (Holstein breed) in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The physicochemical parameters, including fatty acid (FA) content, were studied.

Results: The Simmental cows had the lowest mass fraction of fat in the spring at 3.94% and the highest fat content in the winter at 4.09%, which was the overall highest fat content measured in both breeds (?<0.001). The lowest protein in the Simmentals was also measured in the spring. The Holstein cows had the highest fat content at 3.8% and the highest protein content at 3.3% in autumn.

Conclusion: It was found that the season and breed significantly affected the physicochemical parameters and the FA contents in cow milk. The superiority of the Simmental cows over the Holstein cows throughout the year was statistically significant.

Keywords: cow's milk, fatty acid composition, Holstein, season, Simmental breed.

Epidemiological surveillance of H9N2 avian influenza virus infection among chickens in farms and backyards in Egypt 2015-2016

Research (Published online: 20-04-2021)

20. Epidemiological surveillance of H9N2 avian influenza virus infection among chickens in farms and backyards in Egypt 2015-2016

Moataz Mohamed El-Sayed, Abdel Satar Arafa, Marwa Abdelmagid and Ahmed Ibrahim Youssef

Veterinary World, 14(4): 949-955

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: LPAI H9N2 infection among the poultry population in Egypt constitutes an additional risk factor in the poultry industry. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) in commercial and backyard chickens in Egypt. A 2-year survey of H9N2 AIV in chickens in farms and backyards was carried out in 2015 and 2016.

Materials and Methods: Direct detection of H9N2 AIV was performed by detecting the virus in tracheal and cloacal swabs using real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. A total of 20,421 samples were collected from chickens in farms and backyards in 26 Egyptian governorates.

Results: In 2015, cases positive for H9N2 AIV numbered 388 (3.9%) out of 10,016 examined cases. However, in 2016, the total positive cases numbered 447 (4.3%) out of 10,405 examined cases. The prevalence of H9N2 AIV among chickens on commercial farms was 4.6% out of the 16,666 chickens examined. The rates of positive cases in 2015 and 2016 were 4.4% (349/7884) and 4.7% (417/8782), respectively. The prevalence of H9N2 AIV in backyard chickens was 1.8% (69/3755). The rates of positive cases in backyard chickens were 1.8% (39/2132) in 2015 and again 1.8% (30/1623) in 2016. The highest positivity rate of H9N2 in chicken farms was in Beni-Suef (61.5%) (8/13), whereas the highest positivity rate in backyard chickens was in Fayoum (8.2%) (8/97).

Conclusion: The analysis of H9N2 infections among chicken farms and in backyard chickens in the different governorates of Egypt over 2 years indicated widespread infection throughout the country. Thus, continuous surveillance and implementation of control programs are warranted.

Keywords: Egypt, H9N2 avian influenza virus, influenza, surveillance.

Detection and genetic characterization of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque" infection among long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Thailand using broad-range nested polymerase chain reaction assay

Research (Published online: 19-04-2021)

19. Detection and genetic characterization of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque" infection among long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Thailand using broad-range nested polymerase chain reaction assay

Wanat Sricharern, Supakarn Kaewchot, Sarawan Kaewmongkol, Natnaree Inthong, Thitichai Jarudecha, Rucksak Rucksaken, Bandid Mangkit, Sakulchit Wichianchot and Tawin Inpankaew

Veterinary World, 14(4): 943-948

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Hemoplasmas are defined as small, epicellular parasitic bacteria that can infect the red blood cells of several mammalian species. Diseases caused by these bacteria range from asymptomatic infections to acute hemolytic anemia. However, data on hemoplasmas in non-human primates in Thailand remain to be limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of hemoplasmas among long-tailed macaques in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 339 long-tailed macaques in three provinces of Thailand. DNA was then extracted from the blood samples and tested for hemoplasma using broad-range nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the 16S rRNA gene. PCR-positive samples were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis for species identification was conducted.

Results: In total, 38 (11.2%) out of the 339 samples were found to be positive for hemoplasmas, based on the broad-range nested PCR assay of the 16S rRNA gene. The 16S rRNA sequences of Mycoplasma spp. were highly similar (98-99% identity) to "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque." Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood demonstrated that the sequences were located in the same cluster of "Ca. M. haemomacaque."

Conclusion: The detection of hemoplasmas among long-tailed macaques in Thailand is reported. Genetic characterization confirmed that these hemoplasmas are closely related to "Ca. M. haemomacaque." These results indicate that long-tailed macaques in several locations in Thailand may be infected and serve as reservoirs for this parasite.

Keywords: broad-range nested polymerase chain reaction, hemoplasma, long-tailed macaque, mycoplasma, Thailand.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice about rabies prevention and control: A community survey in Nepal

Research (Published online: 17-04-2021)

18. Knowledge, attitude, and practice about rabies prevention and control: A community survey in Nepal

Pushkar Pal, Adisorn Yawongsa, Tej Narayan Bhusal, Rajendra Bashyal and Theera Rukkwamsuk

Veterinary World, 14(4): 933-942

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rabies is a fatal zoonosis caused by RNA virus belonging to genus Lyssavirus. Nepal is one of the endemic countries in South Asia for rabies. This study was conducted to better understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of Nepalese community toward rabies across five developmental zones of the country.

Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out by face-to-face interview using structured questionnaires among 5000 respondents of five cities representing each of the five developmental regions of Nepal by adopting random cluster sampling procedure. The respondents were classified into four categories, including gender, age, education, and social status. The responses for KAP variables were analyzed using descriptive and Chi-square test.

Results: The male and younger age respondents with higher education and social status were found more knowledgeable than their counterparts in terms of knowledge variables, including cause of rabies, mode of transmission, clinical signs, treatment, and preventive measures of this fatal disease. Similar findings were observed for attitude and practice variables such as vaccination practice, dog sterilization, health-seeking behavior, first aid practice, and use of first aid materials after dog bites. Some respondents in elderly age group still preferred to use traditional and local methods, which were application of turmeric powder and shrubs to cure dog bites rather than seeking medical facilities.

Conclusion: There is a strong need for rabies awareness programs in the community targeting females, school, and college-level students, older age groups, and economically marginalized communities. The awareness materials need to focus on particular topics such as the risk of rabies, modes of transmission, the importance of first aid, health-seeking behavior following dog bite injuries, and practice preventive measures for their pets and community dogs.

Keywords: communities, developmental zones, knowledge, attitude and practice survey, Nepal, rabies.

Isolation and identification of peste des petits ruminants virus from goats in Egyptian governorates

Research (Published online: 17-04-2021)

17. Isolation and identification of peste des petits ruminants virus from goats in Egyptian governorates

Sahar Ahmed, Wafaa Abd El Wahab Hosny, Mervat Mahmoud and Mohammed Abd El-Fatah Mahmoud

Veterinary World, 14(4): 926-932

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious disease of small ruminants which negatively affects animal production and the socioeconomic status of farmers. Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) encodes eight proteins, with the viral fusion protein (F) playing a role in virus virulence and stimulating an effective protective immune response. This study aimed to isolate and complete the identification of PPRV circulating in goats in different Egyptian governorates and perform molecular characterization of the PPRV F gene.

Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from unvaccinated animals with clinical signs suggestive of PPR. A total of 256 sera were tested for the detection of PPRV antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) kit, while 214 samples of blood buffy coat preparation, animal swabs (nasal, ocular, and saliva), and fecal and tissue samples were tested for the detection of the PPRV antigen using an antigen-capture ELISA kit. Molecular diagnosis, gene cloning, blast analysis, and phylogenetic analysis were performed for the molecular characterization of PPRV.

Results: The seroprevalence results of PPRV antibodies in the tested sera showed a total of 67.9% positive samples. The rates of PPR antigen recorded by the antigen-capture ELISA in the swabs (nasal and ocular) and tissue samples were 44.3%, 46.8%, and 43.5%, respectively, with saliva swabs having the highest rate of PPRV positivity (76.4%) and fecal samples having the lowest (33.3%). Molecular characterization of the PPRV Vero cell culture revealed that the circulating PPRV strain belongs to the IV lineage. Blast analysis of the PPRV F gene showed 96.7% identity with the PPRV strain Egypt-2014 fusion protein (F) gene, KT006589.1, differing by 43 single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the emerging PPRV belongs to the IV lineage among small ruminant animals. The findings also indicate the need for an innovative strategy to control and eliminate this disease based on a regularly administered and effective vaccine, a test to distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals, and the need for further study on the protein structure and PPRV F gene expression, which should help us to understand the molecular evolution of the virus and control and eliminate PPR disease.

Keywords: molecular virology, peste des petits ruminants, serological study, small ruminants.

Association between animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality of beef carcasses, including Salmonella spp., from a slaughterhouse in Ecuador

Research (Published online: 16-04-2021)

16. Association between animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality of beef carcasses, including Salmonella spp., from a slaughterhouse in Ecuador

María Cevallos-Almeida, Ana Burgos-Mayorga, Carlos A. Gómez, José Luis Lema-Hurtado, Leydi Lema, Iveth Calvache, Christian Jaramillo, Isabel Collaguazo Ruilova, Evelyn Pamela Martínez and Pamela Estupiñán

Veterinary World, 14(4): 918-925

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Pre-slaughter management and slaughter operations are considered critical factors for animal welfare and meat quality. Previous studies have found poor animal welfare management at municipal slaughterhouses in Ecuador, and little is known about how this affects the microbiological quality of the meat. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the association of the microbiological quality of beef carcasses and animal welfare indicators in a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador.

Materials and Methods: Data for 6 months were collected from a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. Five trained researchers were strategically located along the slaughter process. A total of 351 animals were observed with regard to welfare indicators, and their carcasses were sampled to evaluate microbiological quality. Antemortem (slipping, falling, and vocalization) and postmortem animal welfare indicators (bleed interval, pH, temperature, and bruises) were measured. To determine the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and Escherichia coli counts and the presence of Salmonella spp., we collected samples by swabbing four different points of each carcass. The association between microbiological quality and animal welfare indicators was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results: The mean TAB count was 5.3 log CFU/cm2, and the mean total count of E. coli was 2.4 log CFU/cm2. Salmonella spp. were isolated in 3.1% of the carcasses. An electric goad was used in all animals, 19.1% slipped at least once, and 19.9% vocalized. The mean pH of the carcasses was 7.2, and 79.2% of carcasses had bruises. Multivariate analysis showed that Salmonella spp. and the TAB count were associated with pH and the number of bruises (p = 0.01 in both cases).

Conclusion: Although there was non-significant association between the majority of animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality, the poor management affecting animal welfare and carcass hygiene are worrisome.

Keywords: animal welfare, beef carcasses, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., total aerobic bacteria.