Hematology and serum biochemistry of free-range brown-throated sloths in two urban areas in Brazil

Research (Published online: 30-09-2020)

40. Hematology and serum biochemistry of free-range brown-throated sloths in two urban areas in Brazil

Kissia Ferreira Pereira, Ita de Oliveira e Silva, Fernanda de Fátima Rodrigues Silva, Vinicius Herold Dornelas e Silva, Carla Soraia Soares de Castro and Vanner Boere

Veterinary World, 13(9): 2033-2038

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is widely distributed in three biomes: The Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Caatinga. Some subpopulations are isolated in urban areas in Brazil, usually in squares and small woods. Due to the scarcity of reference values, an investigation was carried out on the hematology and blood biochemistry of brown-throated sloths from urban areas.

Materials and Methods: Blood was collected by venipuncture in the femoral vein from 19 brown-throated sloths for hematological and biochemical analyses, living in two municipalities; Teófilo Otoni (TO) (Minas Gerais State) and Rio Tinto (RT) (Paraíba state), in the Atlantic Forest biome, Brazil. The samples were analyzed in specialized veterinary laboratories using automatic cell counters and slide fixation staining methods.

Results: The two subpopulations of brown-throated sloths had no significant differences in most hematological values, with the exception of a higher leukocyte concentration (p<0.01) in the RT sub-population. The difference in leukocyte concentration suggests an idiosyncratic effect, as the animals were healthy and the stress of the capture was acute, not chronic. The concentrations of urea, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were similar (p<0.05) in brown-throated sloths from TO and RT. Likewise, the liver enzyme concentrations (ALP, alanine transaminase [ALT], and aspartate transaminase [AST]) did not differ between the two subpopulations (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Compared to another study, brown-throated sloths from TO and RT have higher plasma concentrations of ALT and ALP, suggestive of a hepatic overload. Hematological and blood biochemical findings of TO and RT can be used as clinical reference values for brown-throated sloths living in an urban environment.

Keywords: order pilosa, physiology, public square, urban fauna, wildlife.

Ocimum sanctum Linn. ethanolic extract inhibits angiogenesis in human lung adenocarcinoma (a549) cells

Research (Published online: 30-09-2020)

39. Ocimum sanctum Linn. ethanolic extract inhibits angiogenesis in human lung adenocarcinoma (a549) cells

Hevi Wihadmadyatami, Puspa Hening, Ulayatul Kustiati, Dwi Liliek Kusindarta, Teguh Triyono and Supriatno Supriatno

Veterinary World, 13(9): 2028-2032

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ocimum sanctum (OS) is a herbal plant, which is easy to find and is widely used as an alternative medication. The previous studies have shown that several species of OS extract have therapeutic properties, and in some cases, antitumor properties. Furthermore, several data have shown the antiproliferative effects of OS extract in cases of breast cancer, human fibrosarcoma, and oral cancer. Lung adenocarcinoma is a major cause of male cancer worldwide; however, the effect of OS (of Indonesian origin) on the metastasis of human alveolar pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 cells remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the antiangiogenic effects of OS ethanolic extract in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Materials and Methods: An angiogenesis assay was performed by seeding A549 cells on extracellular matrix solution and observing tube formation using an inverted microscope. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for αvβ3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 was performed by analyzing the cell lysate after a given treatment.

Results: OS ethanolic extract significantly inhibited tube formation of A549 cells and suppressed the expression of integrin αvβ3, MMP-2, and MMP-9.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that OS ethanolic extract disrupts angiogenesis of A549 cells, which may result from the disruption of cell migration and proliferation as a consequence of downregulation of αvβ3, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Taken together, OS ethanolic extract may represent a good therapeutic candidate for the treatment of metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma. Further studies are warranted to further establish the efficacy of OS in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.

Keywords: A549 cells, angiogenesis, integrin αvβ3, matrix metalloproteinase, Ocimum sanctum ethanolic extract.

The prevalence and risk factors associated with Leptospira in donkeys in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North West Province, South Africa

Research (Published online: 28-09-2020)

38. The prevalence and risk factors associated with Leptospira in donkeys in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North West Province, South Africa

Kibambe Kiayima Daddy, Mulunda Mwanza, James Wabwire Oguttu and Lubanza Ngoma

Veterinary World, 13(9): 2020-2027

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is one of the major emerging global economic and health problems affecting donkeys, thereby reducing their work output. Furthermore, the disease has public health importance because of its zoonotic nature. Despite the significant contribution donkeys make to the national economy, less attention is given to diseases that afflict donkeys and reduce their productivity and performance. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of Leptospira and identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease among donkeys in the study area.

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey was used to collect the following data: Demographic, environmental, management, and health-related factors. Blood samples were aseptically collected from 365 randomly selected donkeys from 19 villages. The sera were tested using the microscopic agglutination test. Categorical variables were summarized and presented as proportions and their 95% confidence interval (CI). A binary logistic regression model was fitted to the data to identify risk factors associated with Leptospira seroprevalence in donkeys within the study areas.

Results: The majority of the donkeys (29.6%; n=108/365) were from Mafikeng local municipality, and the rest (19.7%; n=72/365) were from Ratlou. Just over half (58.1%; n=212/365) of the donkeys tested were female, and the remaining (41.9%; n=153/365) were males. In addition, most donkeys (42.7%; n=156/365) were between 6 and 12 years old, followed by those between 0 and 5 years (37%; n=135/365), and only 20.3% (n=74/365) were above 12 years. Out of the donkeys tested, 11.5% (95% CI: 4.86-18.14) donkeys tested positive for Leptospira antibodies. The most common serovar was Bratislava (81%; n=34/42), followed by Tarassovi (19.04%; n=8/42). While gender was positively associated with seroprevalence of the disease (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=4.88; p=0.0001), the presence of horses (AOR=0.226; p=0.002) and agricultural activities (AOR=0.093; p=0.0001) in the vicinity of the dwellings of the donkeys were negatively associated with Leptospira seropositivity in the study area.

Conclusion: Findings reported here show that donkeys in the study area are reservoirs for the predominant serovar Bratislava and the less dominant serovar Tarassovi. The gender of the donkey was a risk factor for Leptospira seroprevalence. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of agricultural activities in the vicinity of the dwellings of donkeys on the occurrence of Leptospira in the study area.

Keywords: donkeys, leptospirosis, risk factors, seroprevalence.

Evaluation of the bacteriocin produced by strain 9 lactic acid bacteria isolate for biopreservation

Research (Published online: 28-09-2020)

37. Evaluation of the bacteriocin produced by strain 9 lactic acid bacteria isolate for biopreservation

I Dewa Made Sukrama, Juliana Franciska and I Wayan Suardana

Veterinary World, 13(9): 2012-2019

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of the bacteriocin produced by strain 9 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolate on the biopreservation of beef.

Materials and Methods: The strain 9 LAB isolate was identified conventionally by culturing with de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe broth medium followed by Gram staining and catalase testing. The molecular confirmation of the isolate involved analyzing the 16S rRNA gene with specific primers, that is, B27F (5-AGAGTTTGATCCTGGCTCAG-3) and U1492R (5-GGTTACCTTGTTACGACTT-3). Then, the isolate was centrifuged to evaluate the bacteriocin production, and the effect of the biopreservative activity in beef was evaluated by measuring the NH3 produced with the Eber test and the organoleptic acceptance from expert panels.

Results: This study confirmed that the strain 9 LAB isolate was a strain of Pediococcus pentosaceus, and the bacteriocin product showed biopreservative potential. The biopreservative potential was characterized by a significant decline in the production of NH3 and the panel's acceptance of the texture and tenderness of the beef, compared with the control, after 10 days of constant treatment.

Conclusion: This study highlighted the high biopreservative potency of pediocin produced by P. pentosaceus strain 9. This was noted by the production of NH3 and the modifications in texture and tenderness.

Keywords: bacteriocin, beef, biopreservative, lactic acid bacteria.

Influence of pre and postpartum alpha-tocopherol supplementation on milk yield, milk quality, and udder health of Jersey crossbred cows at tropical lower Gangetic region

Research (Published online: 26-09-2020)

36. Influence of pre and postpartum alpha-tocopherol supplementation on milk yield, milk quality, and udder health of Jersey crossbred cows at tropical lower Gangetic region

Amit Kumar Singh, Champak Bhakat, Tripti Kumari, Dilip Kumar Mandal, Anupam Chatterjee, Muthupalani Karunakaran and Tapas Kumar Dutta

Veterinary World, 13(9): 2006-2011

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Alpha-tocopherol supplementation influences milk yield, milk quality, and udder health of dairy cows, which needs to be investigated for Jersey crossbred cows at hot-humid climate. Therefore, the present study was framed with an objective to study the effect of pre and postpartum Alpha-tocopherol supplementation on milk yield, milk quality, and udder health status of Jersey crossbred cows at tropical climate.

Materials and Methods: For this study, 19 similar parity, body condition score, and production level dairy animals were separated randomly into three groups, namely, Control, T1 and T2. Control group (no supplementation) was compared with two treatment groups, namely, T1 and T2. Supplementation of Alpha-tocopherol was done in concentrate fed to the animals (at 1 g/cow/day) 30 days prepartum to 30 days postpartum in T1 and 30 days prepartum to 60 days postpartum in T2 groups. Observations were taken for different parameters up to 5 months of lactation.

Results: Statistically analyzed data revealed that overall significantly (p<0.01) more milk production was found in T2, followed by T1 than the control group. Overall significantly (p<0.01) lower somatic cell counts and modified California mastitis tests were recorded in T2, followed by T1 than the control group. Overall significantly (p<0.01), better milk quality in terms of methylene blue reduction test was found in T2, followed by T1 than control groups. Differences in the milk composition of all three groups were non-significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Supplementation of Alpha-tocopherol during prepartum to initial lactation period may enhance milk yield, milk quality, and udder health status of Jersey crossbred cows at the tropical lower Gangetic region.

Keywords: alpha-tocopherol, hot-humid region, jersey crossbred, milk production, udder health.

The COVID-19: Current understanding

Review (Published online: 26-09-2020)

35. The COVID-19: Current understanding

Shweta Tripathi and Mayukh Mani Tripathi

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1998-2005

ABSTRACT

In December 2019, China reported several cases of a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The COVID-19 outbreak, which was initially limited to Wuhan, China, has rapidly spread worldwide. Infection of the disease occurs through exposure to the virus through inhalation of respiratory droplets or if a person touches a mucosal surface after touching an object with the virus on it. The common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing), fatigue, chest pain, and myalgia (muscle pain), etc. Real-time polymerase chain reaction is used to detect the virus in sputum, throat, nasal swabs, and secretion of lower respiratory samples. Early diagnosis, isolation, and supportive care are necessary for the treatment of the patients. The present review aims to provide recent information on COVID-19 related to its epidemiology, clinical symptoms, and management. This article also summarizes the current understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and its history of origin.

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019, diagnosis, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, treatments.

Serological study on brucellosis in captive elephants (Elephas maximus) and stray dogs in North Thailand

Research (Published online: 26-09-2020)

34. Serological study on brucellosis in captive elephants (Elephas maximus) and stray dogs in North Thailand

Suchanit Ngamkala, Taweepoke Angkawanish, Weerapun Nokkaew and Nikorn Thongtip

Veterinary World, 13(9): 1992-1997

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is considered as an important zoonotic disease caused by various strains of Brucella in numerous host species. Although brucellosis has been reported in almost animal species, the relevance of brucellosis infection and diagnostic technique in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) has been limited. The present serological investigation aimed to investigate the antibody response to Brucella abortus in captive Asian elephants in North Thailand. Moreover, further serological survey was also conducted to detect the antibody response to Brucella canis in stray dogs cohabiting the same area as the elephant herd.

Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 40 captive Asian elephants and submitted for serological analysis based on B. abortus antigen using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) in combination with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-tube agglutination test (EDTA-TAT) as a supplementary test and by commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). In addition, serum samples were also obtained from 16 stray dogs that live nearby the elephant-raising area and were tested using commercial Dot-ELISA based on B. canis antigen.

Results: Serological analysis in captive Asian elephants showed 100% seronegative (40/40) from all serological tests response to B. abortus. For stray dogs, 12.5% (2/16) had a low positive reaction response to B. canis.

Conclusion: The serological survey for brucellosis in Asian elephant was adapted and applied using RBPT, EDTA-TAT, and iELISA in the present study. For future evaluation, we recommended the use of a combination of serological tests with validation together with comparing by direct detection such as bacterial isolation to provide an appropriate brucellosis surveillance program in Asian elephants. In addition, the surveillance of stray dogs or multispecies habitation should be kept into considerations.

Keywords: Asian elephants, brucellosis, serology, stray dogs.