Attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnology application for improved indigenous pig production in Zambia

Research (Published online: 22-02-2022)

22. Attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnology application for improved indigenous pig production in Zambia

Rubaijaniza Abigaba, Pharaoh C. Sianangama, Progress H. Nyanga, Wilson N. M. M. Mwenya and Edwell S. Mwaanga

Veterinary World, 15(2): 403-413

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Pig production remains crucial to the livelihood of farmers in Zambia. However, low production continues to undermine efforts to reduce animal protein deficit; hence, the need emerges to improve production through biotechnology. To contribute to the prediction of their acceptance, this study assessed the attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnologies by exploring the socio-demographic characteristics of farmers.

Materials and Methods: The study conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey that employed a mixed-methods design with a qualitative-quantitative methodological triangulation. Quantitative data were obtained from 622 respondents using a questionnaire, whereas seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to obtain qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Results: The majority (65.1%) of the respondents were low-income earners who mainly (64.8%) attained primary education. In addition, pig farming was dominated by middle-aged (43.7%) and elderly (40.7%) individuals. Moreover, most of the respondents owned (51.3% and 78.0%) more than 2 acres and six pigs, respectively. Furthermore, the respondents expressed a positive attitude (3.84±0.42) toward reproductive biotechnology application. However, despite supportive opinions (4.17±0.54) and favorable behavioral intentions (4.09±0.51), their feelings were generally neutral (3.10±0.89). In addition, the study observed various contrasting attitudes across socio-demographic factors. The respondents mainly preferred artificial insemination (AI; 66.2%). The results of the FGDs supported the survey findings. Nevertheless, the lack of information, knowledge and practical exposure, absence of peer influence, perceived beliefs and risks, poverty situations, and gender issues were pinpointed as the identified barriers to the biotechnology acceptance of the participants.

Conclusion: The respondents generally supported reproductive biotechnology application and its contribution to improved production. However, further promotion of the favorable attitudes of the farmers will be required. In this case, interventions sensitive to their socio-demographic characteristics, perceived barriers, and identified contributing factors to favorable attitudes will be crucial. In addition, despite the overwhelming preference for AI, efforts to promote AI-supporting reproductive technologies are required because they contribute to AI success rate.

Keywords: attitudes, indigenous pig production, reproductive biotechnology, survey, traditional farmers.

In vitro anticoccidial activity of nanoencapsulated bromelain against Eimeria spp. oocysts isolated from goats in Kenya

Research (Published online: 22-02-2022)

21. In vitro anticoccidial activity of nanoencapsulated bromelain against Eimeria spp. oocysts isolated from goats in Kenya

Ahmota Romain Daiba, John Maina Kagira, Maina Ngotho, James Kimotho and Naomi Maina

Veterinary World, 15(2): 397-402

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Eimeria spp. calls for the development of novel anticoccidial drugs. Plant extracts provide a possible natural source for such drugs. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro anticoccidial activity of encapsulated bromelain (EB) in chitosan nanocarriers on Eimeria spp. oocysts isolated from goats kept by farmers in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: Bromelain was extracted from the peel of ripe pineapples using standard methods. Eimeria spp. oocysts were isolated from the feces of goats using a flotation method. The inhibition of sporulation was assayed after exposing the oocysts to solutions of EB, non-EB (NEB), and diclazuril (positive control) at concentrations between 4 mg/mL and 0.125 mg/mL for 48 h. The oocysts were examined under a microscope (40x) to determine the effects of the drugs on the sporulation process. The percentage of sporulation inhibition was calculated after 48 h and the inhibition concentration 50% (IC50) was determined by probit analysis.

Results: Bromelain manifested anticoccidial activity through the inhibition of the sporulation of coccidia oocysts. EB achieved inhibition with a lower dose compared with NEB. The IC50 values of diclazuril, EB, and NEB were 0.078 mg/mL, 0.225 mg/mL, and 0.575 mg/mL, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.01) between the IC50 of EB and NEB compared with the standard treatment drug.

Conclusion: This preliminary study showed that EB has anticoccidial activity supporting further evaluation at an in vivo level to develop a novel drug for the management of coccidiosis in goats.

Keywords: anticoccidial activity, bromelain, chitosan, coccidia, goat, nanoencapsulation.

The status of schistosomiasis japonica control in the Philippines: The need for an integrated approach to address a multidimensional problem

Review (Published online: 21-02-2022)

2. The status of schistosomiasis japonica control in the Philippines: The need for an integrated approach to address a multidimensional problem

Vicente Y. Belizario, Jr., Aleyla E. de Cadiz, Rohani C. Navarro, Mary Jane C. Flores, Victorio B. Molina, Soledad Natalia M. Dalisay, John Robert C. Medina and Carlo R. Lumangaya

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 8-19

ABSTRACT

Schistosomiasis japonica remains a public health concern in many areas of the Philippines. Adequate and updated information is essential to enhance policy and service delivery toward control and elimination. Despite the efforts on schistosomiasis control in the Philippines, some challenges remain in these dimensions. An integrated surveillance system is recommended to determine the prevalence of infection in humans, animal reservoirs, and snail intermediate hosts, allowing the identification of high-priority areas for targeted interventions. This will entail the enhancement of laboratory diagnosis capacity through the use of more sensitive techniques, complemented by capacity building of concerned human and animal health professionals. Given the zoonotic nature of schistosomiasis japonica, adopting the One Health approach is essential to influence policies and interventions that may accelerate control and elimination. This can be achieved through the attainment of mass drug administration coverage targets and intensified case finding and management, robust implementation and integration of veterinary public health activities, the conduct of snail control measures, provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services, and health promotion and education into the national schistosomiasis control and elimination program. This review aimed to describe the status of schistosomiasis japonica control in the Philippines in the context of human health, animal health, vector ecology and management, environmental health, and sociocultural dimensions.

Keywords: neglected tropical diseases, One Health, schistosomiasis japonica, The Philippines.

Wound healing activity of Tropaeolum tuberosum-based topical formulations in mice

Research (Published online: 19-02-2022)

20. Wound healing activity of Tropaeolum tuberosum-based topical formulations in mice

Carmen R. Silva-Correa, Greysi I. Pazo-Medina, Víctor E. Villarreal-La Torre, Abhel A. Calderón-Peña, Cinthya L. Aspajo-Villalaz, José L. Cruzado-Razco, Jorge Del Rosario-Chávarri, Anabel D. González-Siccha, Luz M. Guerrero-Espino, María V. González-Blas, William A. Sagástegui-Guarniz, César D. Gamarra-Sánchez and Julio Hilario-Vargas

Veterinary World, 15(2): 390-396

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz and Pavón, a tuber native to South America, is characterized by its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the healing effect of the topical T. tuberosum formulations (gel and cream) on induced wounds in mice.

Materials and Methods: Here, an acidic ethanolic extract (1.5 N hydrochloric acid and 96% ethanol at the ratio of 15:85, v/v) was prepared with the tubers of T. tuberosum ecotype black and incorporated into topical cream and gel formulations at 1%. Thirty-twoBalb/c mice were divided into four experimental groups receiving daily topical treatments for 14 days: Group I (control; no treatment), Group II (a commercial ointment of neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin), Group III (1% T. tuberosum gel), and Group IV (1% T. tuberosum cream). The wound closure in the mice was determined during the treatment; then, they were euthanized to obtain skin samples for histopathological analysis.

Results: Groups III and IV showed a higher percentage of wound closure from the 6th day of the treatment. From the 8th day, the effect was greater in Group III. The healing effect was confirmed by the histopathological changes.

Conclusion: This study concludes that the topical formulations of T. tuberosum demonstrate wound-healing activity in mice, and the most effective treatment is the 1% gel formulation.

Keywords: histology, histopathological changes, skin, topical formulations, Tropaeolum tuberosum, wound healing.

Antimicrobial resistance management in Pacific Island countries: Current status, challenges, and strategic solutions

Review (Published online: 19-02-2022)

1. Antimicrobial resistance management in Pacific Island countries: Current status, challenges, and strategic solutions

Royford Magiri, Sharon Gaundan, Kennedy Choongo, Titus Zindove, Archibold Bakare, Eunice Okyere, Walter Okello, George Mutwiri, Eric Rafai, Ashodra Gautam and Paul Iji

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 1-7

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently recognized as a major emerging threat to human and animal health. The burden of antimicrobial-resistant infections affects the economy in developed and developing countries. There is a rapid rise in AMR in human and veterinary medicine globally. AMR profiles are poorly documented in Fiji, and limited data are accessible. Fiji currently has no national veterinary antibiotic resistance surveillance network or regulations and guidelines on veterinary drug use. However, available literature shows that although human drugs are better managed than veterinary drugs, the knowledge is still constrained and dispersed. Furthermore, Fiji was chosen as a case study to develop a prototype AMR surveillance and control in the Pacific region. Pacific Island countries share similar geographic and climatic conditions. Currently, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research has funded an AMR project that addresses some gaps in managing AMR in the region. The project is the first to adopt the One Health approach to research the AMR in humans, animals, and the Pacific region's environment. Combating AMR needs human health and veterinary personnel to work with all other stakeholders. Continuous surveillance for resistant clinical isolates in humans and animals and the development of appropriate policy intervention measures in human and veterinary drug use are necessary to alleviate AMR burden. Therefore, there is a need to educate farmers, human patients, and the public on the fight against AMR. In addition, AMR data are necessary to develop effective AMR control strategies. This review gives a comprehensive information assessment on AMR in Fiji and the other South Pacific Islands in relation to global trends. Suggestions on the most appropriate ways of effectively managing AMR in Fiji have been made.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, Pacific Island countries, strategic management.

Endurance exercise training suppresses myostatin upregulation and nuclear factor-kappa B activation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Research (Published online: 18-02-2022)

19. Endurance exercise training suppresses myostatin upregulation and nuclear factor-kappa B activation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Nour S. Erekat and Muhammed D. Al-Jarrah

Veterinary World, 15(2): 383-389

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Muscle atrophy is common in Parkinson's disease (PD). Although myostatin has been implicated in muscle atrophy, its expression in PD skeletal muscle has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the influence of PD induction and exercise training on myostatin expression in the gastrocnemius skeletal muscle.

Materials and Methods: Thirty albino mice were randomly selected and separated into three groups of 10 mice each: Sedentary control, sedentary PD (SPD), and exercised PD (EPD). 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and probenecid were used to induce chronic parkinsonism in the PD groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of myostatin and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in gastrocnemius muscles of all three groups.

Results: Myostatin expression and NF-κB nuclear localization, indicative of its activation, were significantly (p<0.01) higher in gastrocnemius skeletal muscle in the SPD group than in the control and EPD groups. Concomitantly, the average cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius muscle fibers in the SPD albino mice was significantly smaller (p<0.01) than in the control and EPD groups, indicating muscle atrophy.

Conclusion: The present data are the first to indicate a correlation between PD induction and myostatin overexpression and NF-κB activation in the gastrocnemius muscle, potentially promoting the muscle atrophy commonly seen in PD.

Keywords: gastrocnemius, immunohistochemistry, myostatin, nuclear factor kappa B, Parkinson's disease.

Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of Punica granatum L. against toluene-induced liver injuries in rats

Research (Published online: 17-02-2022)

18. Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of Punica granatum L. against toluene-induced liver injuries in rats

Fatma Zohra Arkoub, Leila Hamdi, Labiba Kahalerras, Meriem Hamoudi and Kamel Khelili

Veterinary World, 15(2): 374-382

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Humans are more frequently exposed to chemicals in daily life by inhalation of indoor and outdoor air. However, abusers and workers are the most exposed to those chemicals and their health risks particularly, liver diseases. The present study investigated the protective effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) (Punica granatum) and pomegranate peel aqueous extract (PAE) supplementation against toluene (Tol)-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: A phytochemical analysis and assessment of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity were performed for the PJ and the PAE. The in vivo study was carried out using 70 Wistar rats that were divided into seven groups, each consisting of 10 rats. All groups were treated orally for 6 weeks as follows: Control (C), positive controls (CO: 1.25 mL/kg body weight [BW]; PJ: 4 mL/kg BW; and PAE: 400 mg/kg BW), Tol (550 mg/kg BW), and a mixture each of PJ-Tol and PAE-Tol. At the end of the 45th day of study, the hepatic biochemical markers (transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, albumin, and total proteins) were auto-analyzed, as well as histology and oxidative stress markers of the liver were evaluated.

Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed that the DPPH scavenging activity and the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were higher in the pomegranate peel extract versus the juice. The results also showed that Tol significantly increased liver enzyme activities and total bilirubin levels, whereas albumin and total proteins were significantly decreased. Similarly, Tol provoked a significant increase in hepatic malondialdehyde levels, with a decrease in glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity. The biochemical changes agreed with the hepatic histological alterations. A significant improvement in all parameters was observed in the PAE-Tol group compared with the PJ-Tol group.

Conclusion: Exposure to Tol altered the hepatic antioxidant and biochemical parameters and histological profile of the rats, and PAE was more powerful than PJ in reducing Tol liver injuries through its antioxidant activity.

Keywords: antioxidant activity, liver injuries, oxidative stress, Punica granatum, toluene.