Variations of energy-related biochemical metabolites during transition period in dairy cows

This study describes the variation of serum biochemical metabolites during transition period in dairy cows. Blood samples were obtained on days 22 and 8 prepartum and days 7 and 21 postpartum (pp), to determine total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, glucose, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). NEFA concentrations during the pre-fresh period had a positive correlation with triglyceride, BHBA, and AST during post-calving days. This finding indicates that NEFA testing during the last days of a dry period is a reliable predictor of fat mobilization and energy status during this transition period. Serum glucose showed no strong correlations with other energy-related metabolites. AST was significantly correlated to triglyceride, BHBA, NEFA, cholesterol, and glucose at day 8 pp. AST also showed significant correlation with triglyceride concentrations at days −8 and +8 relating to parturition. In addition, AST was significantly correlated to BHBA and NEFA at day 21 pp.     

Selected biochemical values of yearling African blue neck ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Iran

Ten 12-month-old male clinically healthy young blue neck breed ostriches (Struthio camelus) from Zabol district of Sistan, Baluchestan province, Iran were blood sampled in plain tubes for harvesting serum. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. The following results were obtained: total protein, 35.3?±?2 g/l; albumin, 16.4?±?1.53 g/l; globulin, 18.9?±?0.8 g/l; total cholesterol, 1.67?±?0.11 mmol/l; LDL cholesterol, 0.68?±?0.07 mmol/l; HDL cholesterol, 0.67?±?0.02 mmol/l; triglyceride, 0.70?±?0.1 mmol/l; uric acid, 302.15?±?20.81 μmol/l; calcium, 2.27?±?0.15 mmol/l; inorganic phosphorus, 1.81?±?0.13 mmol/l; AST, 246.3?±?22.4 IU/l; ALT, 8.4?±?0.52 IU/l; and GGT activity, 26.9?±?2.97 IU/l. Correlations between measured parameters were also determined. Blood biochemical values determined in this study can be considered as reference data for disease diagnosis in yearling African blue neck ostriches (S. camelus) in Iran.     

Behavioral and physiological responses of dairy goats to food thwarting.

Eight Nubian dairy goat does in one experiment, and eight Alpine dairy goat does in a second experiment, were randomly allotted to food-thwarted or fed groups in a crossover experimental design. Food thwarting was hypothesized to produce an emotional state analogous to frustration. After a 1-week training period during which the goats of both breeds were conditioned to being simultaneously fed in adjacent feeding stalls, frustration was induced in half the goats by feeding only alternate does. Focal animal behavior was recorded for the initial five min after feeding frustration commenced. Blood samples were collected via a jugular cannula before, during and after frustration was induced for thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), cortisol, norepinephrine (NOR), and epinephrine (EPI) determinations. Food thwarting was characterized by increased plasma concentrations of NOR, and increased incidences of pawing, head movements, mouthing of objects, behaviors directed toward neighboring does being fed, and rearing (p less than 0.01). When data were pooled across experiments, breed had a strong influence on cortisol (p less than 0.05), with Nubian does having higher concentrations regardless of treatment. Concentrations of hormones were not significantly correlated with behaviors. These findings suggest that frustration may elicit a discharge of NOR but not EPI.     

Effects of feeding state on anticoagulation in adult goats treated with warfarin

For the continued development of improved mechanical circulatory systems, longer term evaluation of new devices in animal model experiments may be critical. The effects of anticoagulants in adult goats have not been well studied. We assessed the effects of oral warfarin in three adult goats during fasting or after feeding. The goats [weighing 57.8 ± 8.1 kg (53.0–67.2 kg)] were administered warfarin orally beginning at a dose of 5 mg/day and then increasing to 10, 20, 40, and 60 mg every 2 weeks. One goat (receiving 10 mg/day warfarin) was killed on day 27 because of the inability to stand. After administration of 60 mg warfarin, the remaining goat received no warfarin for 4 days to return to coagulated state. The goats were then fasted and treated with 40 mg warfarin. During warfarin administration, both goats required a dose of 60 mg/day to achieve International Normalized Ratios (INRs) of approximately 2.5; however, when, the animals were in the fasted condition, precipitous extension of INR was observed in 5 days. After resuming feeding, the INR was reduced to the proper range. We showed the tendency that warfarin therapy in goats required higher doses than the doses administered to human patients and that the effects of therapy were related to the feeding state. The results of this study provide important information for development of anticoagulation protocols to assess mechanical circulatory support devices for long-term use in preclinical examination.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ureaplasma parvum</Emphasis> causes hyperammonemia in a pharmacologically immunocompromised murine model

A relationship between hyperammonemia and Ureaplasma infection has been shown in lung transplant recipients. We have demonstrated that Ureaplasma urealyticum causes hyperammonemia in a novel immunocompromised murine model. Herein, we determined whether Ureaplasma parvum can do the same. Male C3H mice were given mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and prednisone for 7 days, and then challenged with U. parvum intratracheally (IT) and/or intraperitoneally (IP), while continuing immunosuppression over 6 days. Plasma ammonia concentrations were determined and compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Plasma ammonia concentrations of immunosuppressed mice challenged IT/IP with spent broth (median, 188 μmol/L; range, 102–340 μmol/L) were similar to those of normal (median, 226 μmol/L; range, 154–284 μmol/L, p?>?0.05), uninfected immunosuppressed (median, 231 μmol/L; range, 122–340 μmol/L, p?>?0.05), and U. parvum IT/IP challenged immunocompetent (median, 226 μmol/L; range, 130–330 μmol/L, p?>?0.05) mice. Immunosuppressed mice challenged with U. parvum IT/IP (median 343 μmol/L; range 136–1,000 μmol/L) or IP (median 307 μmol/L; range 132–692 μmol/L) had higher plasma ammonia concentrations than those challenged IT/IP with spent broth (p?<?0.001). U. parvum can cause hyperammonemia in pharmacologically immunocompromised mice.     

Response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to mitogenic stimulation in the presence of β‐hydroxybutyrate, 1, 3‐butanediol and cortisol

In early weaned calves, rumen development resulting in elevated concentrations of blood β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), or stress resulting in elevated concentrations of blood cortisol, may be deleterious to cell‐mediated immunity and overall calf health. To further define the influence of specific factors generated from these physiological events during early weaning of dairy calves on the immune response, this study evaluated the influence of increasing concentrations of BHBA (0.63–10 mM), 1,3‐butanediol (0.63–10 mg ml^‐1) and cortisol (12.1–194 ng ml^‐1) on responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs; 5 calves, 11 weeks of age) to concanavalin A (Con A), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) in vitro. Responses of PBMCs to PHA and PWM were unaffected by BHBA, while BHBA significantly reduced PBMC blastogenesis in response to Con A. However, in the presence of increasing BHBA, there was a slight but significant linear decline of PBMC blastogenesis in response to PHA. Cortisol significantly reduced PBMC blastogenesis in response to all mitogens, although inhibition did not increase above 24–3 ng ml^‐1. Increasing concentrations of 1,3‐butanediol caused a significant linear reduction in PBMC blastogenesis in response to all mitogens. These results suggest that elevated BHBA concurrent with rumen development in dairy calves near weaning has little influence on mononuclear cell blastogenesis, whereas elevated cortisol concentrations may increase susceptibility of dairy calves to disease.     

Serum concentrations of amoxicillin in neonates during continuous intravenous infusion

Amoxicillin is commonly used for the treatment of neonatal bacterial infection with intermittent dosing (ID) regimens. However, increasing bacterial resistance, in addition to a lack of new antimicrobial agents, urges the optimization of current therapeutic options. Clinical studies in adults suggest continuous infusion (CI) regimens of beta-lactam antibiotics to be superior to ID. There are as yet no guidelines concerning the CI dosing of amoxicillin. The present study was developed to describe the CI pharmacokinetics and -dynamics of amoxicillin during the first 3 days of life in search of the optimal dosing regimen. Neonates with a gestational age above 34 weeks, at risk of neonatal infection and requiring amoxicillin therapy, were included. Serum concentrations of amoxicillin were measured during CI on days 1 and 3 in the steady state. Twenty-two serum samples of 11 patients were collected. All patients reached and retained serum concentrations of amoxicillin within the therapeutic range without exceeding the toxic concentration (serum concentrations on day 1 mean 55.4 mg/l, range 30.9–69.5, SD 10.5, and on day 3 48.8 mg/l, range 25.5–92.4, SD 18.4). There was no significant decrease in concentration from day 1 to day 3 (p = 0.38). This study showed therapeutic, nontoxic concentrations of amoxicillin in neonates on CI of amoxicillin in the first 3 days of life. Randomized controlled trials should reveal whether the clinical benefits of the CI of amoxicillin exceed those of ID regimens.     

Haematological and biochemical parameters and the serum concentrations of phosphorus, lead, cadmium and chromium in flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) in Iran

Blood samples of nine flamingos and 12 black-headed gulls from Fars province of Iran were used to determine the haematological and biochemical factors and the concentrations of phosphorus, lead, chromium and cadmium in serum. Haematological parameters in flamingo—packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) number, white blood cell (WBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 35.21±1.6 (%), 117.8±59 (g/l), 2.27±0.29 (×10¹²/l), 5.93±1.25 (×10⁹/l), 201.84±86 (fl), 62.54±5.73 (pg), 329±1.6 (g/l), 64.71±4.47 (%), 35.14±2.1 (%) and 76.4±9.2 (10⁹/l), respectively. Haematological parameters in black-headed gull—PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 39±2.52 (%), 123±13.3 (g/l), 2.89±0.45 (×10¹²/l), 2.25±0.42 (×10⁹/l), 184±17.32 (fl), 60.33±6.74 (pg), 327.6±3.8 (g/l), 57.33±12.2 (%), 42.66±4.7 (%) and 61.44±8.25 (10⁹/l), respectively. The results of blood serum biochemistry in flamingo indicated that the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 8.45±1.65 (mmol/l), 10.4±0.01 (mmol/l), 55±4.7 (g/l), 17.1±2.7 (g/l), 528.99±172.4 (μmol/l), 70.83±19.77 (IU/l), 4.2±0.2 (IU/l), 19.78±5.38 (IU/l), 197.16±57.45 (IU/l), 2.01±0.4 (mmol/l), 2.55±0.98 (μmol/l), 11.14±3.95 (μmol/l) and 4.08±1.41 (μmol/l), respectively. The results of blood biochemistry in black-headed gull indicated that the serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, AST, ALT, ALP, CPK, phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 10.78±1.39 (mmol/l), 7.37±0.63 (mmol/l), 51±8.1 (g/l), 18.3±2 (g/l), 707.8±210.55 (μmol/l), 92.66±17.14 (IU/l), 9.21±1.2 (IU/l), 27.73±5.37 (IU/l), 164.33±48.81 (IU/l), 2.09±0.59 (mmol/l), 3.26±1.1 (μmol/l), 10.32±2.49 (μmol/l) and 5.91±1.25 (μmol/l), respectively. The results showed high concentrations of heavy metals in both species, which could be an indication of environmental pollution.     

Genetic diversity of caprine Blastocystis from Peninsular Malaysia

Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite found in humans and animals. The possibility of zoonotic transmission to humans from livestock especially goats led us to investigate the genetic diversity of caprine Blastocystis sp. obtained from five different farms in Peninsular Malaysia. Moreover, there is a lack of information on the prevalence as well as genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in goat worldwide. Results showed that 73/236 (30.9 %) of the goats were found to be positive for Blastocystis infection. The most predominant Blastocystis sp. subtype was ST1 (60.3 %) followed by ST7 (41.1 %), ST6 (41.1 %), and ST3 (11.0 %) when amplified by PCR using sequenced-tagged site (STS) primers. Four farms had goats infected only with ST1 whereas the fifth showed mixed infections with multiple STs. The proximity of the fifth farm to human dwellings, nearby domesticated animals and grass land as opposed to a sterile captive environment in the first four farms may account for the multiple STs seen in the fifth farm. Since ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST 7 were previously reported in human infection worldwide in particular Malaysia, the potential of the zoonotic transmission of blastocystosis should not be disregarded. The implications of different farm management systems on the distribution of Blastocystis sp. STs are discussed.     

Chemical composition and acaricidal activity of essential oil from Lippia sidoides on larvae of Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae) and larvae and engorged females of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

The aim of this work was to identify the compounds and to investigate the acaricidal activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Lippia sidoides on Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nitens. The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC/FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In total, 15 compounds comprising 99.97 % of the total peak area were identified. The main constituent of the essential oil was thymol (67.60 %). The acaricidal activity was assessed by the modified larval packet test, with oil concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, and 20.0 μl/ml, and by the female immersion test with concentrations of 10.0, 20.0, 40.0, 60.0, and 80.0 μl/ml. The mortality of the R. microplus and D. nitens larvae was greater than 95 % starting at concentrations of 10.0 and 20.0 μl/ml, respectively. In the test with the engorged females, the L. sidoides essential oil starting at a concentration of 40.0 μl/ml caused a significant reduction (p?<?0.05) in the values of the egg mass weight and egg production index. The viability of the eggs was affected in all the treated groups, with significantly lower hatching rates (p?<?0.05) in relation to the control group. The control percentages at concentrations of 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 μl/ml were 54, 57, and 72 %, and reached 100 % at the highest two concentrations (60.0 and 80.0 μl/ml). Therefore, it can be concluded that the essential oil from the leaves of L. sidoides has acaricidal activity on R. microplus and D. nitens.     

Comparative serum biochemical profiles of three types of donkeys in Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the three types of working donkeys in Ethiopia (Abyssinian, Ogaden, and Sennar) while they are in their ecological adaptation sites to evaluate and compare the reference values of serum biochemical profiles. Blood samples were collected from a total of 229 apparently healthy adult working donkeys (134 Abyssinian, 55 Ogaden, 40 Sennar types), and ten serum biochemical analytes (total serum protein, glucose, creatinine, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), sodium, chloride, and potassium) were analyzed using a commercial kit (Centronic GmbH, Wartenberg, Germany) for the target groups. A comparison based on the serum biochemical profile of the three donkey types irrespective of sex has shown significantly lower serum activities of ALT (19.20?±?3.55 IU/l; CI, 18.06–20.34) and AST (178.13?±?55.70; confidence interval (CI), 160.31–195.94) for Sennar donkeys compared to the activities of ALT (23.65?±?7.73; CI, 21.56–25.75) and AST (240.60?±?110.20; CI, 210.81–270.39) (P?<?0.05) for Ogaden-type adult donkeys. A significantly lower serum activity of GGT (36.36?±?14.70 IU/l; CI, 33.85–38.87) was observed for Abyssinian donkeys than for Ogaden donkeys (48.24?±?16.59 IU/l; CI, 43.75–52.72) (P?<?0.001). The serum sodium (147.55?±?21.81 mmol/l; CI, 141.65–153.44) and chloride (116.67?±?16.23 mmol/l; CI, 112.28–121.06) concentrations of Ogaden donkeys were found to be significantly higher than the sodium (132.68?±?14.16 mmol/l; CI, 128.15–137.20) and chloride (104.50?±?6.45 mmol/l; CI, 102.44–106.56) (P?<?0.001) concentrations of Sennar donkeys. A significantly higher serum potassium concentration (4.84?±?0.63 mmol/l; CI, 4.73–4.94) of Abyssinian donkeys was found compared to those of Sennar (4.38?±?0.49 mmol/l; CI, 4.22–4.54) and Ogaden donkeys (4.31?±?0.78 mmol/l; CI, 4.10–4.52) (P?<?0.05). There was no significant variation in the serum concentration of total protein, glucose, creatinine, and ALP activity among the three types of donkeys. A comparison of the serum biochemical profile of adult jacks has shown a significantly different result for the serum activities of GGT, ALT, and AST and the concentrations of serum chloride and sodium among the three donkey types. Abyssinian jennies in Afar had significantly higher serum activities of AST (248.92?±?120.05 IU/l; CI, 202.78–295.07) (P?<?0.05) and ALT (29.04?±?8.34 IU/l; CI, 25.83–32.24) (P?<?0.001) than the AST (192.57?±?66.60 IU/l; CI, 176.97–208.17) and ALT (20.76?±?6.61 IU/l; CI, 19.21–22.31) activities for jennies in Sebeta but had lower serum glucose and chloride concentrations. In conclusion, the findings of the present study could be used as reference values for the serum biochemical parameters of the three types of donkeys in Ethiopia, and clinical interpretation of the biochemical parameter based on the standard reference values should consider the types of donkeys.     

Effect of lovastatin on coxsackievirus B3 infection in human endothelial cells

Objective

The coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) mediates the entry of coxsackievirus B (CVB) and adenovirus into host cells and is, therefore, a key determinant for the molecular pathogenesis of viral diseases such as myocarditis. The aim was to investigate the influence of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin on CAR expression in endothelial cells.

Methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to different concentrations of lovastatin (0.05–5 μmol/l) for up to 48 h. Alterations in CAR expression were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and flow cytometry. In addition, after treatment with 1 μmol/l lovastatin for 48 h, HUVECs were infected for 8 h with CVB3 and virus replication was detected by qRT-PCR using viral-specific TaqMan probes.

Results

We found that lovastatin decreases CAR mRNA expression by up to 80 % (p < 0.01) and CAR protein expression by up to 19 % (p < 0.01), in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, virus replication of CVB3 was significantly inhibited after lovastatin treatment (p < 0.05). The signaling mechanism of CAR down-regulation by lovastatin depends on the Rac1/Cdc42 pathway.

Conclusion

This study shows for the first time that lovastatin reduces the expression of CAR and subsequently the replication of CVB3 in HUVECs.     

Testicular testosterone biosynthesis in male Saanen goats with XX sex chromosomes

Testosterone biosynthesis was examined in three pairs of twin male Saanen goats. In each pair, one goat was a phenotypically normal male of XY chromosome constitution; the other showed testicular hypoplasia of the sort typically associated with homozygosity for the dominant gene for polledness in genetic females, and was of XX chromosome constitution.
The histological and hormonal situations in the hypoplastic male goats resembled those found in Kleinfelter and XX human males, both in their nature and in their variability. Histological examination of the testes of the hypoplastic XX males showed various degrees of degeneration. In one case a "sperm pocket" full of spermatozoa was observed, and in this case sperm cells with heads separated from tails were observed in the semen. In the other two cases semen was devoid of sperm cells. In two cases plasma testosterone levels of the hypoplastic goats were lower than those of their normal counterparts, in one of the cases much lower. When testicular microsomal fractions of these goats were tested for their in vitro ability to bring about the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone, it was observed that 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was either absent or lower in the hypoplastic goats than in their normal twins. In the third pair of animals, plasma testosterone levels were similar in both normal and hypoplastic animals. In this case, however, the increase in testosterone levels following HCG administration was lower in the hypoplastic than in the normal goats. 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was the same in normal and hypoplastic goats. The variable effects on testosterone biosynthesis support the notion that the sex chromosomes, while affecting steroid biosynthesis in the testis, do so indirectly.     

In vivo evaluation of an in-body, tissue-engineered, completely autologous valved conduit (biovalve type VI) as an aortic valve in a goat model

Using simple, safe, and economical in-body tissue engineering, autologous valved conduits (biovalves) with the sinus of Valsalva and without any artificial support materials were developed in animal recipients’ bodies. In this study, the feasibility of the biovalve as an aortic valve was evaluated in a goat model. Biovalves were prepared by 2-month embedding of the molds, assembled using two types of specially designed plastic rods, in the dorsal subcutaneous spaces of goats. One rod had three projections, resembling the protrusions of the sinus of Valsalva. Completely autologous connective tissue biovalves (type VI) with three leaflets in the inner side of the conduit with the sinus of Valsalva were obtained after removing the molds from both terminals of the harvested implants with complete encapsulation. The biovalve leaflets had appropriate strength and elastic characteristics similar to those of native aortic valves; thus, a robust conduit was formed. Tight valvular coaptation and a sufficient open orifice area were observed in vitro. Biovalves (n = 3) were implanted in the specially designed apico-aortic bypass for 2 months as a pilot study. Postoperative echocardiography showed smooth movement of the leaflets with little regurgitation under systemic circulation (2.6 ± 1.1 l/min). α-SMA–positive cells appeared significantly with rich angiogenesis in the conduit and expanded toward the leaflet tip. At the sinus portions, marked elastic fibers were formed. The luminal surface was covered with thin pseudointima without thrombus formation. Completely autologous biovalves with robust and elastic characteristics satisfied the higher requirements of the systemic circulation in goats for 2 months with the potential for valvular tissue regeneration.     

Diversity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptosporidium</Emphasis> species occurring in sheep and goat breeds reared in Poland

The aim of this study was molecular identification of Cryptosporidium species and assessment of their prevalence in different breeds of sheep and goat reared in Poland. In addition, the relationship between animal age, breed type, and the frequency of Cryptosporidium infections was determined. Fecal samples from 234 lambs and 105 goat kids aged up to 9 weeks, representing 24 breeds and their cross-breeds were collected from 71 small ruminant farms across Poland. The identification of Cryptosporidium species was performed at the 18 SSU ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and COWP loci followed by subtyping of C. parvum and C. hominis strains at GP60 gene locus. The presence of Cryptosporidium DNA at the 18 SSU rRNA locus was detected in 45/234 (19.2%) lamb feces samples and in 39/105 (37.1%) taken from goats. The following Cryptosporidium species: C. xiaoi, C. bovis, C. ubiquitum, C. parvum, and C. hominis were detected in small ruminants. Infections caused by C. xiaoi were predominant without favoring any tested animal species. Subsequent GP60 subtyping revealed the presence of C. parvum IIaA17G1R1 subtype in sheep and IIdA23G1 subtype in goats. IIdA23G1 subtype was detected in a goat host for the first time. There were no significant differences found in frequency of infections between the age groups (<3 and 3–9 weeks) of lambs (P = 0.14, α > 0.05) or goat kids (P = 0.06, α > 0.05). In addition, there was no correlation observed between the frequency in occurrence of particular parasite species and breed type in relation to native sheep breeds (F = 0.11; P = 0.990 > 0.05). In the case of goats, more breed-related differences in parasite occurrence were found. The results of this study improve our knowledge on the breed-related occurrence of Cryptosporidium infections in the population of small ruminants reared in Poland.     

Repellent activity of eugenol on larvae of Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae)

The repellent activity of eugenol was evaluated on Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nitens larvae in a bioassay based on the vertical migration of these tick larvae during the host-seek phase. Solutions were used at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μl/ml and a control only with the solvent ethanol 50 GL. The larvae's reaction of climbing the rods of filter paper was observed each hour for 12 h and once more at 24 h. The repellence was calculated as a percentage through visual estimation, from the tendency of the larvae to climb the rods when the top part was impregnated with the eugenol solutions. For R. microplus larvae, the four highest concentrations produced repellence levels were greater than 80 % for up to 9 h. The repellence rates after 10 h for the concentration of 10 μl/ml was lower than 2 % (p?>?0.05); and after 24 h, the values observed for the concentrations of 40 and 50 μl/ml were 77 and 80 % (p?<?0.05). For the D. nitens larvae, the repellence was greater than 80 % for up to 5 h at the concentrations of 40 and 50 μl/ml; and after 9 h, the repellence fell for all treated groups were significantly different than the control were found only at the three highest concentrations. Therefore, eugenol has repellent activity on the larval stage of these two tick species, with the R. microplus larvae being more sensitive.     

Gestational variations in the biochemical composition of the fetal fluids and maternal blood serum in goat

The purpose of this study was to determine the values of some metabolites, ions, and enzymes in maternal blood serum and fetal fluids in relation to pregnancy stage in singleton pregnant goats. Gravid uteri of goats were collected from local abattoirs. The allantoic and amniotic fluids as well as maternal blood samples were collected. Fetal age was determined according to crown–rump length by applying the age estimation formula that previously was presented for goat. The pregnancies were divided into five stages as: stage I (0–30?days), stage II (31–60?days), stage III (61–90?days), stage IV (91–120?days), and stage V (121?days to term). With the progress of pregnancy, the biochemical levels of fetal fluids and maternal serum changed as follows: there was a rise of total protein, urea, and creatinine concentrations in fetal fluids and serum; the level of glucose in serum, potassium, and ALK in fetal fluids and calcium and phosphorus in allantoic fluid increased; triglyceride and sodium contents of fetal fluids and serum decreased; glucose in fetal fluids, AST and LDH in serum and allantoic fluid, potassium and ALT in serum, and calcium and phosphorus in amniotic fluid and serum dropped; the values of AST, ALT, and ALK in amniotic fluid remained unchanged; and the levels of cholesterol and LDH in amniotic and allantoic fluids were constant in the whole gestation periods. The serum cholesterol value showed a significant decrease from stages 1 to 2 of pregnancy. But, it was not significant from stages 2 to 5 of gestation.     

Molecular identification of Theileria and Babesia in sheep and goats in the Black Sea Region in Turkey

This study was carried out to investigate presence and distribution of Theileria and Babesia species via microscopic examination and reverse line blotting (RLB) techniques in sheep and goats in the Black Sea region of Turkey. For this purpose, 1,128 blood samples (869 sheep and 259 goats) were collected by active surveillance from sheep and goats in different provinces of various cities in the region in the years 2010 and 2011. Smears were prepared from the blood samples, stained with Giemsa, and examined under the light microscope for Theileria and Babesia piroplasms. The genomic DNAs were extracted from blood samples. The length of 360–430-bp fragment in the variable V4 region of 18S SSU rRNA gene of Theileria and Babesia species was amplified using the gDNAs. The polymerase chain reaction products were hybridized to the membrane-connected species-specific probes. A total of 38 animals (3.37 %) including 34 sheep (3.91 %) and 4 goats (1.54 %) were found to be positive for Theileria spp. piroplasms in microscopic examination of smears while Babesia spp. piroplasm could not detected. Infection rates were 34.64 % in sheep, 10.04 % in goats, and totally 28.99 % for Theileria ovis while 0.58 % in sheep and totally 0.44 % for Babesia ovis. However, Theileria sp. OT3 was detected in 2.65 % of sheep and 2.04 % of all animals; besides Theileria sp., MK had 0.58 % prevalence in sheep and 0.77 % in goats, with a total 0.62 % with RLB. Although T. ovis and Theileria sp. MK were determined in both sheep and goats, B. ovis and Theileria sp. OT3 were observed only in the sheep. These results provide the first detailed molecular data for sheep and goat theileriosis and babesiosis in the region.     

Investigation of activity of monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids against immature stages of Amblyomma cajennense and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae)

The objective of this study was to assess the acaricidal activity of carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, and (E)-cinnamaldehyde on unengorged larvae and nymphs of Amblyomma cajennense and Rhipicephalus sanguineus, using the modified larval packet test. Carvacrol, eugenol, and (E)-cinnamaldehyde were tested at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, and 20.0 μl/ml, while thymol was tested at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, and 20.0 mg/ml, in all cases with 10 repetitions per treatment. For the A. cajennense larvae, mortality rates caused by carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, and (E)-cinnamaldehyde at the lowest concentration were 45.0, 62.7, 10.2, and 81.6 %, respectively, reached 100 % at the concentration of 5.0 μl/ml for carvacrol and (E)-cinnamaldehyde and 5.0 mg/ml for thymol, while this mortality was observed at 15.0 μl/ml for eugenol. For the nymphs of this species, carvacrol and thymol caused 100 % mortality starting at a concentration of 5.0 μl/ml and 10.0 mg/ml, respectively, while eugenol caused 100 % mortality at 20.0 μl/ml and the mortality caused by (E)-cinnamaldehyde did not exceed 64 %. In the tests with R. sanguineus larvae, the lowest concentration of carvacrol and (E)-cinnamaldehyde resulted in 100 % mortality, while this percentage was observed starting at 10.0 μl/ml for eugenol. For nymphs, carvacrol and thymol at the smallest concentration caused 100 % lethality, unlike the results for eugenol and (E)-cinnamaldehyde, where 100 % mortality was only observed starting at the concentration of 10.0 μl/ml. The results obtained indicate that the tested substances have acaricidal activity on unengorged larvae and nymphs of A. cajennense and R. sanguineus.     

Prevalence,organ distribution,risk factors,and financial losses of hydatid cysts in sheep and goats slaughtered in restaurants in Jimma,south western Oromia

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2010 through April 2011 to determine the prevalence, risk factors, number, size, and fertility of hydatid cysts in infected organs and assess the economic losses due to condemnation of organs in sheep and goats slaughtered in different restaurants in Jimma Town. For this purpose, a total of 804 small ruminants (502 sheep and 302 goats) slaughtered in Jimma Town were examined for presence of hydatid cysts. Hydatid cysts were detected in 149 (29.5 %) sheep and 75 (24.8 %) goats examined. Results of the study showed that statistically significant variation was never observed in the prevalence of hydatid cysts between sheep and goat hosts. In the study, 162 (25.8 %) males and 62 (35.5 %) females were found to harbor hydatid cysts in one or more of their organs. Significantly higher prevalence in females than males was recorded. An overall prevalence of 26.3 % in young and 29.4 % in adult sheep and goats of hydatid cysts was recorded. Our study showed that the liver was the most commonly infected organs of sheep and goats with the prevalence of 50.7 % followed by the lungs (37.5 %) whereas the rest 11.3 % was mixed infection. In sheep, out of the total 508 cysts collected, 38.6 % small, 45.5 % medium, and 21.3 % large were recorded. Similarly, for goats, the corresponding values of 33.8, 43.5, and 22.4 % were detected, respectively. In this study, a total of 168 from sheep and 135 cysts from goats collected from different infected organs were subjected to fertility and viability studies. Results of the study revealed that out of the total 95 (56.5 %) of the fertile cysts in sheep, 81 (85.3 %) were viable; however, the rest 14 (14.7 %) were nonviable. In goats, out of the total 59 (43.7 %) of the fertile cysts, 44 (74.6 %) were viable; however, the rest 15 (25.4 %) were nonviable. Significantly higher numbers of fertile cysts were recorded in the livers than in the lungs in both sheep and goats hosts. The total annual economic loss incurred due to cystic echinococcosis in sheep and goats slaughtered in restaurants in Jimma Town was estimated to be 149,312.8 USD (249,324 ETB). In view of the findings of the current study, there is a need and recommendation for proper disposal of offal, reduction of backyard slaughtering, and control of stray dogs to prevent the economic losses and public health hazard associated with the cystic echinococcosis. The findings of the current study imply that cystic echinococcosis is highly prevalent and incurs huge financial losses through condemnation of infected internal organs in sheep and goats slaughtered in Jimma. Further epidemiological studies on the comparative importance of intermediate host species, definitive hosts, genotype of strains from different host species, and zoonotic and economic significance of cystic echinococcosis are urgently needed in different parts of Ethiopia.