Open Veterinary Journal最新文献

Background: The Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) is a small endangered marsupial that primarily inhabits the grasslands and grassy woodlands of southeastern Australia. There are currently no reported values for intraocular pressures in Eastern Barred Bandicoots (EBBs).

Aim: This study aimed to provide preliminary reference values for intraocular pressures in EBBs.

Methods: 13 EBBs from a wild population on French Island, Victoria were humanely trapped and examined with light local restraint. All animals were healthy and had no detectable surface ocular pathology on slit exam biomicroscopy. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was estimated using a rebound tonometer (Tonovet) without topical anesthesia on the "d" setting. Only readings within an acceptable standard deviation were recorded. All EBBs examined tolerated the procedure well.

Results: Intraocular pressures were measured in 26 eyes of 13 EBBs. The median was 10 mmHg with an interquartile range of 9-11.8mmHg. The mean and standard deviation range of the IOPs in all EBBs examined was10.2 ± 1.9 mmHg (95%CI: 9.54-10.96 mmHg). No significant differences were observed between the left and right eyes (p = 0.84). Neither sex (p = 0.59) nor body weight (p = 0.13) had a significant effect on IOP.

Conclusion: This study contributes toward a better understanding of ocular physiology in this species, which can aid in population health management and improve ocular disease screening.

Background: In recent years, camel owners have increasingly attempted to make their camels more attractive by injecting botulinum neurotoxin A (BNT-A) into the lips of their camels.

Aim: This study aimed to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for the detection of antibodies to natural BNT-A in the serum of camels injected with the commercial cosmetic botulinum neurotoxin (Botox).

Methods: In the first part of the study, an indirect ELISA test was established based on coating ELISA plates with BNT-A antigen and detecting anti-BNT-A antibodies using horseradish-peroxidase-labeled conjugate. Using a polyclonal immunoglobulin G anti-BNT-A antibody as a positive control, coating ELISA plates with the inactivated BNT-A toxoid resulted in better optical density values than the recombinant BNT-A toxin. After testing several concentrations of the BNT-A toxoid, the optimal concentration for coating the plates was 2 µg/ml. In the second part of the study, eight dromedary camels were experimentally injected with Botox in their lips, and serum samples were collected before the injection (day 0) as well as 2 weeks (day 14) and 4 weeks (day 28) after the injection.

Results: All camels developed an antibody response to the BNT-A toxin when comparing serum samples collected before and after injection with Botox. Except for one camel, all the injected camels showed an increase in antibody titer on day 28, while no antibody response could be detected on day 14 after injection.

Conclusion: This is the first report on the immune response in camels after botulinum toxin-A injection. This study established an ELISA test for detecting antibody immune response to botulinum toxin-A in camels. The established test could be used to identify camels injected with the cosmetic botulinum toxin A.

Background: Cow's milk β-casein has multiple genetic variants, the two most common of which are A1 and A2, which are encoded by the CSN2 gene. Evidence suggests that the A1 variant may negatively affect human health. Type A2 milk is a safer alternative for human consumption because it is easier to digest than A1.

Aim: To determine the frequency of the A1 and A2 alleles of the β-casein gene in cattle.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 103 cattle (26 males and 77 females), 71 crossbred, 30 Simmental, 1 Jersey, and 1 Holstein. The selection prioritized females due to their economic value for milk production, reproductive potential, and capacity to replace cows of high genetic value, whereas males are intended for sale for meat production. Analysis of the A1 and A2 alleles of exon 7 of the CSN2 gene was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using the restriction enzyme DdeI.

Results: The heterozygous A1A2 genotype was the most frequent (50.5%, n = 52), followed by the homozygous A2A2 genotype (35.0%, n = 36) and A1A1 genotype (14.6%, n = 15). The results showed that 33.8% (26/77) of the females and 38.5% (10/26) of the males had the A2A2 genotype.

Conclusion: PCR-RFLP genotyping allowed the genotypic frequencies of β-casein to be determined, with 33.8% and 38.5% A2A2 in females and males, respectively.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, and systemic complications. Current treatment options have side effects and limitations, leading to a growing interest in alternative therapies.

Aim: This study investigates the therapeutic potential of jellyfish collagen (JC) on collagen-induced arthritis in a rat model.

Methods: Twenty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: negative control (G1), positive control with RA but no treatment (G2), and two experimental groups treated with 200 µg/kg (G3) and 100 µg/kg (G4) of JC. Arthritis was induced using bovine type II collagen emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. Paw swelling was assessed and photographed twice weekly. JC was administered orally from day 26 to day 31 post-immunization. Histopathological analyses were conducted on joints, liver, and spleen. Oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes (Nf-κb, Il-1β, Tnfα, Cox-2, Jak1, Stat3, Tgf-β, Il-10, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3) were assessed using molecular techniques.

Results: JC treatment significantly reduced arthritis scores, with the lower dose (100 µg/kg) having the most significant effect. Histological analysis showed reduced tissue damage in the joints, liver, and spleen. JC treatment exhibited antioxidant properties, as shown by the reduction in oxidative stress markers MDA and the increase in GPx activity in the liver and kidney. Additionally, JC exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, as confirmed by reduced Nf-κb levels in the ankle joint and the transcription levels of inflammation-related genes in the spleen, including Nf-κb, Il-1β, Tnfα, Cox-2, Jak1, and Stat3, were down-regulated, while the transcription levels of anti-inflammatory related genes, such as Tgf-β and Il-10, were up-regulated. Moreover, JC showed an anti-apoptotic effect, as indicated by increased transcription level of Bcl-2 gene and decreased Caspase-3 (Cas3) gene transcription level in the spleen.

Conclusion: Our research suggests that JC might be a useful therapeutic treatment for RA because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties, particularly at the lower dose of 100 µg/kg.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a highly contagious viral infection in rabbits that can occur in acute, subacute, chronic, or peracute forms and is not fatal. It is caused by RHD virus (RHDV), a member of the genus Lagovirus in the family Caliciviridae, with variants including RHDV1, RHDV1a, and RHDV2. First identified in 1984 in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in China, RHD has since been reported in Asia, Europe, Africa, Central America, and North America. Both innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to host defense, although rapid disease progression can limit adaptive immunity. Carcasses of affected rabbits often retain adequate fat reserves, indicating that death occurs before the development of cachexia. The liver and spleen are the most frequent gross lesions, with hepatic necrosis as the predominant finding. Diagnosis is confirmed through postmortem examination and laboratory testing, with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) being the most sensitive method for detecting viral RNA. Transmission occurs via direct contact, aerosol inhalation, contaminated food or water ingestion, ocular exposure, and contact with fomites. The virus is shed in respiratory secretions, feces, and urine, thereby enabling its rapid spread. Mortality rates range from 70% to 90%, leading to a significant decline in wild rabbit populations. No specific antiviral treatment exists, and control relies on strict biosecurity, quarantine, environmental disinfection, and vaccination. Strain-specific and bivalent vaccines remain the most effective preventive measures, particularly in regions where RHDV2 is endemic. Continuous surveillance is essential for mitigating ecological and economic impacts.

Background: Cat urolithiasis is more common in male orchiectomized cats (ORCHs).

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of orchiectomy on productive performance, physiologic, hematologic, and blood chemistry parameters, renal function, and electrolyte handling in healthy adult cats.

Methods: Ten male, 2-3 years old, 4.7-5.9 kg, with a moderate body condition score, and clinically healthy domestic cats were used in this study. The animals were divided into two groups: the orchiectomized cat (ORCH) group and the sham-operative control surgery (SOC) group. Before surgery, daily weight gain, food intake, water intake, and urine volume were recorded, and urine pH and urine ammonia excretion were measured. Furthermore, vital signs, urine specific gravity, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio were measured, and clearance studies were conducted. The biological, clinical, and renal function parameters were measured 5 weeks after surgery, as they were before surgery.

Results: Orchiectomy in adult male cats increased productive performance (weight gain and food intake) without altering physiologic, hematologic, and metabolic parameters. The serum testosterone concentration in orchiectomized animals was significantly lower than that in the SOC group (p < 0.05). The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the ORCH group decreased significantly after orchiectomy, whereas that of the SOC group remained unchanged. The renal handling of electrolyte values of ORCH 5 weeks post-orchiectomy did not differ from those before the surgery or in the SOC group. All parameter values were within the physiological reference range for healthy cats.

Conclusion: Orchiectomy had a short-term effect on productive performance but no negative impact on physiologic, hematologic, metabolic, or renal handling of electrolyte parameters in healthy adult male cats with sexually intact cats. However, there is a decrease in GFR, urine pH, and urine specific gravity and an increase in urine ammonia excretion. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the long-term impact of orchiectomy in cats.

Background: Two flowering plants, Valeriana officinalis L. (valerian) and Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm), have a sedative effect. Valerianic acid, flavonoids, and iridoids have been discovered in many distinct compounds; these compounds have anxiolytic characteristics and have been frequently utilized as a measure of sedative effect. Lemon balm has been shown to have antiseptic, antipyretic, spasm-relieving, and calming properties.

Aim: Our study aimed to judge the efficiency of the two extracts for sedation in order to offer the poultry industry more substantial physiological upsides.

Methods: In April 2023, 80 broiler chicks were segregated into four cohorts (20/group); the control group got a typical diet, whereas the second and third groups received valerian extract (4 ml/l) and lemon balm extract (2 ml/l), respectively. In the final group, two extracts were blended at the same dosage.

Results: When analyzed by Immunohistochemistry (IHC), valerian exhibited moderate expression of two neurotransmitters in brain tissue, as well as intense positivity for serotonin in the mixed group, whereas lemon balm exhibited weak γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) expression but moderate positivity for serotonin. Additionally, both valerian alone and with lemon balm (mixed group) significantly raised GABA levels, whereas all three treatments raised serotonin levels in the brain tissue. According to the hematological knowledge, each of the treatments had significantly greater RBC and packed cell volume than the control group, but valerian and lemon balm had high hemoglobin pigment values, while valerian did not differ statistically from the control or mixed groups.

Conclusion: It finds that valerian or lemon balm, either alone or in combination, exhibits GABA and serotonin expression, which boosts the sedative impact, as evidenced by improved weight gain and performance with some hematologic indicators.

Background: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli strains carrying diverse virulence genes poses significant public health risks. The transmission of disease through the food supply chain necessitates comprehensive studies on clinical and food-derived isolates.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of virulence factors, antibiotic resistance phenotypes, resistance gene profiles, and molecular typing of E. coli isolates from clinical specimens and chicken meat samples.

Methods: A total of 170 samples were collected, including 90 human clinical specimens (Al-Diwaniyah City hospitals) and 80 chicken meat samples (local stores). Escherichia coli isolation and identification were performed using culture-based techniques, biochemical assays, and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed against multiple classes of antibiotics. PCR was used to identify virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.

Results: Escherichia coli was isolated from 44.44% of the clinical specimens and 45% of the chicken meat samples. Erythromycin (85.52%) and tetracycline (76.31%) showed the highest antibiotic resistance, with clinical isolates generally more resistant than chicken meat-derived isolates. MAR (MAR index = 1) was observed in clinical isolates (pattern AH1) and several chicken meat isolates (pattern AO1). The virulence genes fimH (76.31%), aerA (69.73%), and P. fimbriae (65.78%) were highly prevalent, with clinical isolates exhibiting a higher virulence profile diversity than chicken meat isolates.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of multidrug resistant and virulence factors among E. coli isolates underscores a potential public health risk and highlights the need for stringent surveillance and antibiotic stewardship in both clinical and food industry settings.

Background: Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) overdose induces hepatotoxicity that can lead to liver failure. Liver poisoning occurs as a result of paracetamol poisoning when a toxic dose of paracetamol is taken, as the liver loses the ability to secrete the enzymes responsible for getting rid of the toxic paracetamol metabolites, and these metabolites begin to accumulate in the liver and bind to liver cells and destroying them. Although some studies state that paracetamol poisoning does not have a direct cardiotoxic effect, certain studies have shown ECG changes due to metabolic disturbance of hepatotoxicity.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of wheat germ oil (WGO) on the heart and liver activity of rats exposed to paracetamol toxicity.

Methods: Eighteen adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups (six rats in each group). The first group was the control group, the second group was treated with paracetamol (250 mg/kg) only, and the third group was treated with paracetamol (250 mg/kg) and WGO (0.9 mg/kg) for 4 weeks (5 days a week only). Blood samples were taken at the end of 4 weeks to measure alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, albumin, and blood cell count.

Results: The results showed that ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, albumin, and blood cell concentrations increased significantly in the paracetamol group, whereas the concentrations of these biochemicals decreased in rats treated with WGO.

Conclusion: WGO administration could markedly improve the hepato-renal and heart activity against paracetamol damage and consequently may be used as a therapeutic agent against the systemic toxicity of the body by reducing inflammation, as in blood cell results.

Background: Honey bees, Apis mellifera L., are exposed to many pests, including Varroa destructor, which is considered one of the most dangerous bee pests and is destructive to bee colonies.

Aim: This study aims to determine the efficiency of the volatile oil of Eucalyptus globulus against V. destructor in A. mellifera.

Methods: Intwo ways. The first step is to smoke a piece of burlap saturated with eucalyptus oil in a chimney at a concentration of 5 ml/hive. Smoke is applied from the hive door in ten regular bursts per hive in succession. The second method is the evaporation of eucalyptus oil using a bobbin connected to a dry battery. The following concentrations were used 1 ml oil, 1.5 ml oil, a mixture of (0.5 + 1) and (1 + 0.5) ml oil and alcohol, and 1.5 ml alcohol. The mites that fall are counted after 1 and 24 hours of application.

Results: When smoking, it gave an average effectiveness of 57.3%, while reached 5 for the control transaction with significant differences at a probability level of 0.01, while the coil method gave the average effectiveness reached 85.3% when fumigating the hive by 1.5 ml of (0.5 ml Eucalyptus oil + 1 ml alcohol). At the level of 0.01, significant differences were observed between this method and the control, which amounted to 22.2. It is observed when using a lower concentration of eucalyptus oil by adding an amount of alcohol. The results confirm that the oil maintained its effectiveness in reducing the waste of used oil. The effectiveness reached 90.1% when fumigating the hive with a concentration of 1.5 eucalyptus oil, 87.8% when mixing 0.5 ml of alcohol with 1 ml of oil, and 73.4% when mixing 0.5 ml of oil with 1 ml of alcohol. The average effectiveness reached 43.1% for the control, 1.5 ml of alcohol. Significant differences were also observed between the treatments and the control with alcohol at a probability of 0.01.

Conclusion: These results confirm the possibility of using Eucalyptus oil as a natural product that is safe for bees to combat Varroa.