Evaluation of the association between electrocardiogram parameters and left cardiac remodeling in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease

Research (Published online: 27-08-2022)

22. Evaluation of the association between electrocardiogram parameters and left cardiac remodeling in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease

Mizuki Ogawa, Haruka Ogi, Hirosumi Miyakawa, Huai-Hsun Hsu, Yuichi Miyagawa, and Naoyuki Takemura

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2072-2083

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Electrocardiography (ECG) is an adjunct for cardiac enlargement diagnosis. However, its efficacy in assessing left cardiac remodeling (left atrial and left ventricular enlargement) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ECG parameters and left cardiac remodeling and to investigate whether the rate of change in ECG waveforms in the same individual reflected left cardiac remodeling in dogs with MMVD.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 20 healthy dogs and 140 dogs with MMVD. Data on clinical variables were obtained through physical examination, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography. The ECG parameters were the P-wave duration, PR interval, QRS complex duration, P-wave amplitude, R-wave amplitude, and mean electrical axis. Dogs with examination data that could be obtained multiple times during the study period were classified into the non-progressive and progressive groups.

Results: Only the P-wave and QRS complex durations were selected as significant variables associated with imaging test parameters (p < 0.05); they had a relatively higher discriminatory ability for the left cardiac remodeling than other ECG parameters. The rates of change in the PR interval and R-wave amplitude were significantly higher in the progressive group than in the non-progressive group.

Conclusion: In dogs with MMVD, the P-wave and QRS complex durations were significantly correlated with the left cardiac remodeling indicators. Furthermore, an increased rate of change in the PR interval and R-wave amplitude in the same individual may indicate left cardiac remodeling.

Keywords: left atrial enlargement, left ventricular enlargement, PR interval, rate of change, R-wave amplitude.

Optimization of polymerase chain reaction for the identification of Roe deer, Saiga, and Siberian stag living in Kazakhstan

Research (Published online: 26-08-2022)

21. Optimization of polymerase chain reaction for the identification of Roe deer, Saiga, and Siberian stag living in Kazakhstan

Kanatbek Mukantayev, Darkhan Kanayev, Sholpan Zhumabekova, Alexander Shevtsov, Kanat Tursunov, Kasim Mukanov, and Yerlan Ramankulov

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2067-2071

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: One of the reasons for the decline in the number of wild species of artiodactyls is poaching and the illegal trading of animal products. Molecular genetic identification of animals from a biological sample effectively proves poaching cases and illegal trade of animal products. This study aimed to develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that allows for species identification of artiodactyl animals that are most often subject to poaching.

Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from meat and blood samples of animals killed by poachers using commercial kits. Three pairs of primers were designed and used to amplify the cytochrome b gene fragment of Roe deer, Saiga antelope, and Siberian stag.

Results: The proposed protocol allows amplification of specific PCR products of 542 bp with Roe deer DNA, 587 bp with Saiga DNA, and 525 bp with Siberian stag DNA. Specificity analysis showed no cross activity with DNA from other animal species. The detection limit of PCR ranged from 15.6 pg to 1.9 pg of DNA in 25 μL of the reaction mixture.

Conclusion: Sequencing the amplified products and subsequent comparison with the corresponding reference sequence showed a similarity ranging from 99.99% to 100%. The PCR based on the developed primers demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity when using DNA from homogeneous and heterogeneous animals.

Keywords: Argali, cytochrome b, identification, Roe deer, Saiga, Siberian stag.

Effectiveness of gel formulation of capa leaf (Blumea balsamifera L.) on wound healing in white rats

Research (Published online: 25-08-2022)

20. Effectiveness of gel formulation of capa leaf (Blumea balsamifera L.) on wound healing in white rats

Masyudi Masyudi, Muhammad Hanafiah, Said Usman, and Marlina Marlina

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2059-2066

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The capa plant (Blumea balsamifera L.) has been widely used as a traditional herbal medicine in many parts of the world, including South Aceh, Indonesia. It is generally used for wound healing due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is only available as extract or oil, and no gel formulation exists so far. Thus, in this study, we formulated the extract into a pharmaceutical gel and investigated its effectiveness in healing incision wounds in white rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Materials and Methods: We collected B. balsamifera leaf samples from Gunongpulo village, South Aceh, Indonesia. We then produced leaf extract through maceration and formulated the extract into a gel using Carbopol 940, methylparaben, triethanolamine, and propylene glycol. We applied the gel to incision wounds in white rats for 7 and 14 days. We then monitored wound healing based on wound length, histology of skin tissues, and levels of cytokine 2 (interleukin-2 [IL-2]).

Results: The gel formulation K3 (10% B. balsamifera leaf extract) was the most effective, followed by the gel formulations K2 (5% B. balsamifera leaf extract) and K4 (1% gentamicin ointment, positive control). K3 reduced wound length by 14 mm on day 7 and 29 mm on day 14. Histological analysis showed that fibroblast growth and angiogenesis were most significant in the K3-treated group, exceeding that of the positive control group. The K3-treated group also had the highest IL-2 levels, with an average of 107.7767 ng/L on day 7 and 119.1900 ng/L on day 14.

Conclusion: The 10% B. balsamifera leaf gel effectively reduced wound length, increased fibroblast cell growth and angiogenesis, and IL-2 levels, accelerating wound healing.

Keywords: fibroblast, interleukin 2, propylene glycol, wound healing.

The first study on the occurrence of bovine herpesviruses in the wild fauna of the Moscow region, Russia

Research (Published online: 24-08-2022)

19. The first study on the occurrence of bovine herpesviruses in the wild fauna of the Moscow region, Russia

Svetlana P. Yatsentyuk, Alexander V. Pchelnikov, Elizaveta R. Safina, and Maria S. Krasnikova

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2052-2058

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Some pathogens that cause infections in cattle are found in wild artiodactyls. Their prevalence, possible impact on the population of free-living animals, and the spread of infectious pathology in livestock have yet to be studied. We investigated the occurrence of bovine herpesviruses (BoHV-1, BoHV-4, and BoHV-6) among wild moose and roe deer in 8 areas of the Moscow region in the Russian Federation.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and one tissue samples and nasal swabs of 24 moose and seven roe deer were studied using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BoHV-1 DNA and conventional PCR for BoHV-4 and BoHV-6 DNA. A virus neutralization test (VNT) was used to detect antibodies to BoHV-1 in 19 serum samples. The final antibody titer was calculated with the Spearman-Kärber method.

Results: BoHV-4 and BoHV-6 DNA were not detected in all studied samples of 31 animals. BoHV-1 DNA was detected using a real-time PCR in nasal swabs from 2 adult roe deer. For BoHV-1, only 9/19 tested serum samples reacted positive in VNT with the titer range from 0.67 ± 0.19 to 3.75 ± 0.10 log2. Antibodies were detected in all age groups, more often in fawns under 1-year-old. The seropositivity of females was higher than in males.

Conclusion: Wild ungulates can potentially represent a reservoir of new pathogenic livestock viruses. To study the prevalence and genetic diversity of wild ungulate herpesviruses, detailed molecular studies of the cervid herpesvirus 1, cervid herpesvirus 2, and elk herpesvirus 1 are necessary.

Keywords: antibody, bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine herpesviruses, moose, polymerase chain reaction, roe deer.

Associations between ubiquitin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and sex steroid hormones in the failed to conceive female dromedary camels raised in hot climates

Research (Published online: 24-08-2022)

18. Associations between ubiquitin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and sex steroid hormones in the failed to conceive female dromedary camels raised in hot climates

Yousef Mesfer Alharbi

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2046-2051

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The reproductive management of female dromedary camels involves traditional implications that are widespread among desert camel raisers. Several subfertility clinical manifestations impede pregnancy and elongate the interval between parturitions. Ubiquitin is a novel-specific protein, referred to recently as a biomarker for reproductive performance in male and female mammals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between subfertility clinical status and the peripheral levels of ubiquitin versus follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, and estradiol.

Materials and Methods: According to the clinical diagnoses, 80 female dromedaries admitted to the university clinic were categorized into six female groups suffering from endometritis (EN, 28; 35%), inactive ovaries (IO, 18; 22.5%), ovarian hydrobursitis (BU, 19; 23.75%), vaginal adhesions (VA, 7; 8.75%), salpingitis (SA, 4; 5%), and cervicitis (CE, 4; 5%). In addition, five normal fertile non-pregnant females served as controls (CONs). All animals underwent ultrasonography and blood sampling for hormone and ubiquitin determinations.

Results: The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in ubiquitin in the CE (577.22 pg/mL) and VA (670.92 pg/mL) females. However, lower ubiquitin levels but still higher than the CON were noted in females with other symptoms (225.76, 425.79, 394.02, 414.96, and 393.92 pg/mL in the CON, BU, SA, IO, and EN, respectively). Concomitantly, the mean levels of FSH revealed a similar trend, showing higher (p < 0.05) levels in CE (2.79 mIU/mL) and VA (2.5 pg/mL) females. In contrast, no change was observed in FSH among other groups than CON (2.11, 2.17, 2.01, 2.24, and 2.13 mIU/mL in CON, BU, SA, IO, and EN, respectively). There was no difference in the progesterone levels among groups; however, estradiol- 17β levels significantly differed (p < 0.01), showing the highest level (629.15 pg/mL) in the SA group with no significant difference among other groups.

Conclusion: Thus, ubiquitin could be used as a biomarker for genital tract inflammation in female camels raised in hot climates.

Keywords: camel, estrogens, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, subfertility, ubiquitin.

Broad lytic spectrum of novel Salmonella phages on ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella contaminated in the broiler production chain

Research (Published online: 23-08-2022)

17. Broad lytic spectrum of novel Salmonella phages on ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella contaminated in the broiler production chain

Wattana Pelyuntha, Arsooth Sanguankiat, Attawit Kovitvadhi, and Kitiya Vongkamjan

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2039-2045

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is recommended for salmonellosis treatment as the drug of choice; however, overuse of this drug can cause drug resistance issues and failure to treat diseases. Phage therapy is an alternative approach for combatting CIP-resistant infection. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CIP-resistant Salmonella isolated from the broiler production chain and evaluated the lytic ability of novel Salmonella phages isolated from water samples.

Materials and Methods: Samples were obtained from the broiler production chain and used for Salmonella isolation. serovar and CIP resistance of each isolate were characterized through latex agglutination and agar disk diffusion test, respectively. Water samples from different sources were acquired for phage isolation. The lytic activity of novel-isolated phages was also examined.

Results: In this study, 51 Salmonella isolates were recovered from the broiler production chain (two commercial farms, one free-range farm, two slaughterhouses, and three stalls from the wet market). Kentucky was the major serovar characterized (16), followed by Typhimurium (9), Agona (5), Corvalis (5), Schwarzengrund (5), Singapore (3), Weltevreden (3), Mbandaka (2), Give (2), and Albany (1). The serovars that exhibited CIP resistance were 14/16 isolates of serovar Kentucky (87.5%) and one isolate of serovar Give (50%), whereas eight other serovars were susceptible to this drug. Overall, the prevalence of CIP-resistant Salmonella recovered from the sources included in this study was 29.4%. This study identified 11 Salmonella phages isolated from wastewater samples derived from broiler farms, wastewater treatment stations, and natural reservoirs. Our phages showed the total percentage of lysis ability ranging from 33.3% to 93.3% against CIP-resistant isolates. However, only one bacterial isolate, namely 210SL, recovered from the food contact surface of a wet market stall and was resistant to all phages.

Conclusion: Diverse serovars of Salmonella were recovered in the broiler production chain in this study, while the isolates presenting CIP-resistant Salmonella were as high as 29.4%. Overall, Salmonella phages showed high lysis ability against these CIP-resistant Salmonella isolates, suggesting the potential application of phage-based treatments or biocontrol in the broiler production chain.

Keywords: antibiotics, bacteriophage, fluoroquinolone, phage lysis, poultry.

A first attempt at determining the antibody-specific pattern of Platynosomum fastosum crude antigen and identification of immunoreactive proteins for immunodiagnosis of feline platynosomiasis

Research (Published online: 23-08-2022)

16. A first attempt at determining the antibody-specific pattern of Platynosomum fastosum crude antigen and identification of immunoreactive proteins for immunodiagnosis of feline platynosomiasis

Babi Kyi Soe, Poom Adisakwattana, Onrapak Reamtong, Panat Anuracpreeda, and Woraporn Sukhumavasi

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2029-2038

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Feline platynosomiasis, also known as lizard poisoning, is a feline hepatic disease caused by the parasitic trematode Platynosomum fastosum. Since this helminth resides in biliary ducts and gallbladder, the heavy infection can lead to failure of the hepatobiliary system and can be associated with cholangiocarcinoma. The primary diagnostic tool currently used is conventional fecal microscopy. However, low sensitivity of detection could occur in the case of light infection or biliary obstruction. This study aimed to determine the antibody-specific pattern of P. fastosum crude antigen and to identify immunoreactive proteins to develop the immunodiagnostic techniques.

Materials and Methods: We investigated potential antigens specific to P. fastosum infection using western blotting. Forty-six samples of cat serum, including 16 P. fastosum-infected sera, eight healthy control sera, and 22 sera infected with other endoparasites were used. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of each band were calculated. Immunoreactive bands with high diagnostic values were further analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify the protein components.

Results: Using immunoblotting, three proteins of 72 kDa, 53 kDa, and 13 kDa were found to be immunogenic. LC-MS/MS identified these proteins as a 70 kDa heat shock protein, a hypothetical protein (CRM22_002083) (adenosine triphosphate synthase subunit beta), and histone H2B, respectively.

Conclusion: This study is the first to reveal three proteins that could be candidates for developing diagnostic tools for feline platynosomiasis.

Keywords: candidate antigens, crude worm extracts, immunoblotting, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, Platynosomum fastosum.