Hepatoprotective effect of Holothuria leucospilota methanolic extract on dimethyl nitrosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Background:Complementary medicine is an interesting field for extracting bio-active compounds from various plant and animal sources.The hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of a species of sea cucumber called Holothuria leu-cospilota in an animal model of liver cancer caused by dimethyl nitrosamine(DMN)was studied.Methods:Wistar female rats were randomly divided into five groups(n=12):control(intact),positive control(received 1%DMN[10 mg/kg/week,intraperitoneally]for 12 weeks),and three treatment groups(received 50,100,and 200 mg/kg/day H.leu-cospilota extract orally for 12 weeks along with intraperitoneal administration of 1%DMN[10 mg/kg/week]).In all groups,ultrasound was performed on the liver every week to check its density.Blood sampling and liver isolation were performed on three occasions,at 4,8,and 12 weeks,to check liver enzymes and the histopathological condition of the liver tissue(every week,four animals from each group were randomly selected).Results:Liver density changes were evident from the eighth week onward in the positive control group.Histopathological results indicated pathologic changes in the positive control group after 4 weeks.The increase in liver enzymes in the posi-tive control group was significantly different from that in the treatment and control groups.Conclusions:We demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of H.leucospilota on DMN-induced liver damage in rats using biochemical and histological parameters and ultrasonography.More additional research(in silico or in vitro)is needed to find the exact mechanism and the main biological compound in H.leucospilota.

Impact of an oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic profiles and microbial ecology of weanling pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E.coli

Background Our previous study has reported that supplementation of oligosaccharide-based polymer enhances gut health and disease resistance of pigs infected with enterotoxigenic E.coli(ETEC)F18 in a manner similar to carbadox.The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of oligosaccharide-based polymer or antibiotic on the host metabolic profiles and colon microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with ETEC F18.Results Multivariate analysis highlighted the differences in the metabolic profiles of serum and colon digesta which were predominantly found between pigs supplemented with oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic.The relative abundance of metabolic markers of immune responses and nutrient metabolisms,such as amino acids and carbohydrates,were significantly differentiated between the oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic groups(q<0.2 and fold change>2.0).In addition,pigs in antibiotic had a reduced(P<0.05)relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae,whereas had greater(P<0.05)Clostridiaceae and Streptococcaceae in the colon digesta on d 11 post-inoculation(PI)compared with d 5 PI.Conclusions The impact of oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic and microbial profiles of pigs is not fully understood,and further exploration is needed.However,current research suggest that various mechanisms are involved in the enhanced disease resistance and performance in ETEC-challenged pigs by supplementing this polymer.

Clinicopathological Description of a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in a Dog

Hematopoietic tumors are associated with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and a poor prognosis. Furthermore, their pathophysiology in dogs is not well understood. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been rarely reported in golden retrievers, perhaps due to difficulties in diagnosis and care. An 8-year-old spayed female golden retriever was referred to our hospital with a 2-month history of fatigue, weakness, and selective appetite. The dog was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia based on blood smear evaluation. Despite treatment, the dog deteriorated and the owners opted for euthanasia. Histopathological examination revealed atypical lymphocytes in the spleen, extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen and liver, bone marrow depletion, moderate neutrophilic myocarditis, and acute renal tubular necrosis. In an immunohistochemical panel, cells in the spleen and bone marrow were positive for anti-CD20, anti-CD45, anti-CD3, anti-IBA-1, anti-Ki67, anti-MUM-1, and anti-PAX-5. In conclusion, the leukemia diagnosis was confirmed through reactive histiocytosis, marked extramedullary hematopoiesis, and other clinical and laboratory findings. Herein, we report a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a female dog with clinical, laboratory, and necroscopy findings.

Prevalence of Enteric Pathogens Associated with Infections among Table Egg Consumers in Some Primary Health Establishments in the Center Region of Cameroon

Method: In Cameroon limited data are available regarding the prevalence of enteric bacteria associated with table egg consuming infections. As such, a situational-based study was performed in patients with complains of stomach disorders after egg consumption. Data related to sociodemographic characteristics and other factors were collected using a structured based questionnaire. Stool culture of utmost importance in stomach disorders patients and serum were collected for typhoid serological test. Results: A total of 207 participants took part in the survey, Results indicated nontyphoidal Salmonella infections were highest in the 3 areas of study with Mfoundi (73.44%) having the highest level of infection compared to other bacterial infection. other enteric bacteria associated to this infection were E. coli serotype 157, Aeromonas, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloaca and typhi salmonella. Meanwhile salmonelosis caused by typhic salmonella had highest prevalence in the Lekie Division (13.11%) as a result of poor hygienic practices associated with the conservation and preparation of eggs, Stool culture was observed to detect more positive cases in the diagnosis of typhoid fever than Widal test, but with no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference between the stool culture and Widal test in the 3 areas of study. Conclusion: this study revealed that egg consumers are pruned to enteric bacterial and salmonella infections depending on how and where egg is consumed.

Docking of Human Band 3 Anion Transporter Proteins with Their Plasmodium falciparum Interactors Based on Short Linear Motifs

Plasmodium (P.) falciparum is a pathogen that causes severe forms of malaria. Protein interactions have been shown to occur between P. falciparum and human erythrocytes in human blood. The Band 3 Anion Transporter (B3AT) protein is considered the main invasive pathway for the parasite in erythrocytes that causes clinical symptoms for malaria in humans. The interactions between P. falciparum parasites and erythrocytes along this receptor have previously been explored. Short linear motifs (SLIMs) are short linear mediator sequences that involve several biological processes, acting as mediators of protein interactions identifiable by computational tools such as SLiMFinder. For a given protein, the identification of SLIMs allows predicting its interactors. Using the SLIMs approach, protein-protein interaction network analyses between P. falciparum and its human host, were used to identify a tryptophan-rich protein, A5K5E5_PLAVS as an essential interactor of B3AT. To better understand the interaction mechanism, a guided protein-protein docking approach based on SLIM motifs was performed for human B3AT and A5K5E5_PLAVS. The highlights of this important interaction between P. falciparum and its human host have the potential to pave the way to identify new therapeutic candidates.

Comparative Study of the Widal Test against Stool Culture in the Diagnosis of Suspected Cases of Typhoid Fever in Some Low Income Communities in the Adamawa Region of Cameroon

Introduction: Infectious diseases constitute a major concern of public health in developing countries. Facilities and well trained staff have been shown to be one of the major obstacles in the rapid and quality diagnosis of these diseases. As such, we carried out an analysis to compare the Widal test and stool culture to identify febrile patients with Salmonella infection. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted to diagnose salmonella infection with out-patients who demonstrated signs of salmonella infection. Serum was harvested from blood collected from 368 (Vina = 234, Mayo Banyo 65, and Djerem = 69) patients accompanied by stool, Widal test was conducted on the spot and stool was taken to a reference laboratory for culture using standard microbiological methods, sociological set up was calculated in percentages, prevalence was calculated using excel while statistical difference was calculated using SPSS. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated to compare the Widal test against stool culture. Results: A total of 368 (50.8% females and 49.2% males) participants took part in the survey. Salmonella prevalence (66.24%) in stool culture in the Vina division was significantly different (p 0.05). The sensitivity,specificity, PPV, and NPV of slide agglutination test against stool culture varied from different areas (Vina: 51.6%, 73.62%, 79.21% and 43.61%;Mayo Banyo: 60.53%, 77.78%, 79.31% and 58.33%;Djerem: 53.18%, 83.73% 73.91% and 67.39%) respectively. Slide agglutination test has a fair agreement with the stool culture (kappa, Vina = 0.202;Mayo Banyo = 0.37 and Djerem = 0.38). Conclusion: Generally, in the three areas of study, the Widal test had a fair correlation with the stool culture;This means the Widal test should not be used alone but in combination with stool culture in the detection of salmonella infections.

Twenty-Three Years of Insect Pollinator-Dependent Crop Studies in Agro-Ecological Zones of Cameroon (2011-2020)

Cultivation of pollinator-dependent crops has expanded globally, increasing our reliance on insect pollination. This essential ecosystem service is provided by a wide range of managed and wild pollinators whose abundance and diversity are thought to be in decline, threatening sustainable food production. In Cameroon, several studies on pollinator-dependent crops carried out in different agro-ecological zones (AEZ) have been published in national and international journals, in order to present the importance and impact of flowering insects on fruit and seed yields of plant species. We proposed to produce a review article highlighting the different flowering insects and their importance for different plants according to AEZ, without however focusing on the quality of the journal (predator or non-predator) and how the different insects were identified (scientific names given in the publications). Thus, from 1997 to 2020, we collected 116 published papers from which only 26 were kept for this review. The results show that Hymenoptera, including the Apidae, followed by Megachilidae, are the most excellent pollinators of plant species in Cameroon, and they are present in different agro-ecological zones. The majority of publications focused on bees, particularly the honeybee Apis mellifera.

Experimental models of high-risk bowel anastomosis in rats:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Anastomotic leaks remain one of the most dreaded complications in gastrointestinal surgery causing significant morbidity,that negatively affect the patients’quality of life.Experimental studies play an important role in understanding the pathophysiological background of anastomotic healing and there are still many fields that require further investigation.Knowledge drawn from these studies can lead to interventions or techniques that can reduce the risk of anastomotic leak in patients with high-risk features.Despite the advances in experimental protocols and techniques,designing a high-quality study is still challenging for the investigators as there is a plethora of different models used.AIM To review current state of the art for experimental protocols in high-risk anastomosis in rats.METHODS This systematic review was performed according to The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.To identify eligible studies,a comprehensive literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed(MEDLINE)and Scopus,covering the period from conception until 18 October 2023.RESULTS From our search strategy 102 studies were included and were categorized based on the mechanism used to create a high-risk anastomosis.Methods of assessing anastomotic healing were extracted and were individually appraised.CONCLUSION Anastomotic healing studies have evolved over the last decades,but the findings are yet to be translated into human studies.There is a need for high-quality,well-designed studies that will help to the better understanding of the pathophysiology of anastomotic healing and the effects of various interventions.

Pharmacokinetics of Gelsemium elegans in female rats

Background:Gelsemium elegans Benth(G.elegans)is a poisonous perennial evergreen vine plant that has been applied in livestock production and veterinary clinical practice.Early studies found that the toxicity of G.elegans showed significant gender differences in rats,but the underlying reasons for this difference are still not well understood.Methods:In order to explore whether the gender differences in the toxicity of G.elegans are related to pharmacokinetic differences,based on the previous pharmacokinetic study of multiple components of G.elegans in male rats,this study used HPLC-MS/MS method established in the laboratory to conduct a pharmacokinetic study of multiple alkaloids in the plasma of female rats after a single gavage administration of G.elegans(dose of 0.1 g/kg).Results:Through detection,17 alkaloid components in the plasma of female rats were identified,and the pharmacokinetic parameters of 11 of these alkaloids were calculated.We find that in female rats.The T_(max)values were generally less than 0.5 h,and the T_(1/2)values exceeded 3 h,with the longest reaching up to 32.80 h half elimination time.Additionally,the C_(max)and AUC results indicated that female rats had generally higher absorption and exposure levels for most alkaloids.Conclusion:These results suggest that the reason for the differences in the toxicology of G.elegans may be related to the absorption and exposure of gelsemidine-type alkaloids in animals.

Study of tumor necrosis factor receptor in the inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis(UC)and Crohn’s disease(CD)are part of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases(IBD)and have pathophysiological processes such as bowel necrosis and enteric neurons and enteric glial cells.In addition,the main inflammatory mediator is related to the tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α).TNF-αis a mediator of the intestinal inflammatory processes,thus being one of the main cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of IBD,however,its levels,when measured,are present in the serum of patients with IBD.In addition,TNF-αplays an important role in promoting inflammation,such as the production of interleukins(IL),for instance IL-1βand IL-6.There are two receptors for TNF as following:The tumor necrosis factor 1 receptor(TNFR1);and the tumor necrosis factor 2 receptor(TNFR2).They are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD and their receptors have been detected in IBD and their expression is correlated with disease activity.The soluble TNF form binds to the TNFR1 receptor with,and its activation results in a signaling cascade effects such as apoptosis,cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.In contrast,the transmembrane TNF form can bind both to TNFR1 and TNFR2.Recent studies have suggested that TNF-αis one of the main pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of IBD,since TNF levels are present in the serum of both patients with UC and CD.Intravenous and subcutaneous biologics targeting TNF-αhave revolutionized the treatment of IBD,thus becoming the best available agents to induce and maintain IBD remission.The application of antibodies aimed at neutralizing TNF-αin patients with IBD that induce a satisfactory clinical response in up to 60%of patients,and also induced long-term maintenance of disease remission in most patients.It has been suggested that anti-TNF-αagents inactivate the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-αby direct neutralization,i.e.,resulting in suppression of inflammation.However,anti-TNF-αantibodies perform more complex functions than a simple blockade.

Anti-leishmanial,immunomodulatory and anti-oxidative activity of quercetin against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major

Objective:To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of quercetin and its immunomodulatory and anti-oxidative activity against Leishmania major(L.major).Methods:L.major promastigotes and amastigotes were incubated with different concentrations of quercetin to estimate EC_(50).For in vivo study,the base of tails of mice was infected with L.major.After developing ulcers in the inoculation site,mice were treated with 50 mg/kg quercetin orally for 28 consecutive days.The wound-healing potential of quercetin was evaluated by histopathological analysis of tissue sections stained by hematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson's trichrome.In addition,the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,malondialdehyde,and adiponectin,the ferric reducing ability of plasma,as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured.Results:The EC_(50)values of quercetin against L.major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes were 0.27 and 0.85μM,respectively.Histopathological analysis showed that fewer inflammatory cells,more fibroblasts,and more collagen deposition were observed in tissue sections of quercetin-treated mice.In addition,treatment with quercetin markedly increased glutathione peroxidase activity,the ferric reducing ability of plasma and adiponectin levels while decreasing malondialdehyde,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels.Conclusions:Quercetin shows anti-leishmanial activity,immunomodulatory,anti-oxidative,and anti-inflammatory effects.Therefore,it may be further explored as an effective drug in treating leishmaniasis.

The effects of dietary supplementation with mushroom or selenium enriched mushroom powders on the growth performance and intestinal health of post-weaned pigs

Background There is an urgent need to identify natural bioactive compounds that can enhance gastrointestinal health and promote pig growth performance in the absence of pharmacological levels of zinc oxide(ZnO).The objectives of this study were to:1)compare the effects of mushroom powder supplemented with inorganic selenium(inSeMP)to mushroom powder enriched with organic selenium(orgSeMP)to pharmacological levels of ZnO on growth performance and faecal scores(FS)for the first 21 d post-weaning(Period 1);and 2)compare the molecular and microbial effects of inSeMP and orgSeMP in these pigs on d 39 post-weaning(Period 2).Methods In Period 1,pigs(3 pigs/pen;8 pens/treatment)were assigned to:(1)basal diet(control);(2)basal diet+zinc oxide(ZnO)(3100 mg/kg d 1–14,1550 mg/kg d 15–21);(3)basal diet+mushroom powder supplemented with inorganic selenium(inSeMP)containing selenium(selenite)content of 0.3 mg/kg feed;(4)basal diet+mushroom powder enriched with organic selenium(orgSeMP)containing selenium(selenocysteine)content of 0.3 mg/kg feed.Mushroom powders were included at 6.5 g/kg of feed.Results In Period 1,there was no effect of diets on average daily gain(ADG)and gain:feed(G:F)ratio(P>0.05).The orgSeMP supplemented pigs had a lower average daily feed intake(ADFI)compared to all other groups(P<0.05).The ZnO supplemented pigs had reduced FS compared to the basal and mushroom group,while the orgSeMP supplemented pigs had lower FS compared to the basal group during the 21 d experimental period(P<0.05).In Period 2,there was no effect of diets on ADFI,ADG and G:F ratio(P>0.05).The orgSeMP supplementation increased the caecal abundance of bacterial members of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phylum,including Lactobacillus,Agathobacter,Roseburia,and Prevotella and decreased the abundance of Sporobacter compared to the basal group,while inSeMP increased the caecal abundance of Prevotella and decreased the caecal abundance of Sporobacter compared to the basal group(P<0.05).Dietary supplementation with inSeMP increased expression of TLR4 and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene IL10 and decreased nutrient transporter gene FABP2 compared to the orgSeMP group(P<0.05).Conclusion OrgSeMP is a novel and sustainable way to incorporate selenium andβ-glucans into the diet of weaned pigs whilst improving FS and modulating the caecal microbiota.

Burden of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli in Pigs Slaughtered in Uganda and Its Implication on Veterinary Public Health

Antimicrobial resistance by bacteria and other microbes has become a global public and animal health threat. In this cross-sectional study, assessed the abattoir workers’ practices regarding pork handling and we investigated antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli isolated from pigs brought for slaughter at Wambizzi, Uganda’s main pig abattoir. Rectal swabs were collected from a total of 176 live pigs prior to slaughter. Additionally, 24 swabs were taken from the abattoir floor environment. The collected swabs were cultured for the detection and isolation of E. coli followed by antibiotic susceptibility tests. Regarding pork handling practices, absence of hand washing facilities was observed and none of the workers cleaned/disinfected their equipment between slaughters while slaughters took place on the unhygienic floors of the inspection room. Overall, high prevalence (85.1%) of multi-drug resistant E. coli was detected in pigs received from all the regions of Uganda. Swine E. coli isolates exhibited high resistance against erythromycin (87.4%) and the least resistance against ciprofloxacin at 2.3%. At regional level, E. coli isolates from the central region of Uganda showed higher prevalence of multidrug resistant E. coli isolates as follows;amoxicillin (30.4%, p-value = 0.007), erythromycin (34.8%, p-value = 0.002), streptomycin (40.7%), ciprofloxacin (100%), oxytetracycline (31%) and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (42.9%). Furthermore, multidrug-resistant E. coli was also confirmed in the immediate environment where pigs were gathered and slaughtered. From these environmental isolates, the highest resistance was confirmed against erythromycin (100%), whereas no isolates showed resistance against ciprofloxacin. The observed practices coupled with the presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in the slaughterhouses presents a possible risk of pork contamination with multidrug-resistant E. coli presenting a potential risk of causing foodborne illnesses among pork consumers in Uganda. The current findings could justify active surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among food animals and provides basis for monitoring the quality of pork products to ensure food safety.

MicroRNA transcriptome analysis of chicken embryo fibroblast cells infected with Newcastle disease virus variants

Variations in the pathogenicity of Newcastle disease virus(NDV),the agent causing Newcastle disease,are associated with variants of different virulence.A few studies have characterized the expression of microRNAs(miRNAs)in NDV-infected avian cells.Here,the expression of miRNAs in chicken embryo fibroblasts(CEFs)infected with Herts/33 and LaSota NDV strains(highly virulent and nonvirulent,respectively)was determined using RNA sequencing.miRNAs involved in NDV infection included 562 previously documented and 184 novel miRNAs.miRNA target genes involved transcription factors,cell apoptosis,ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis,and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum.Potential target genes associated with autophagy were verified by qRT-PCR.No studies have documented the miRNA profles of CEFs infected with NDVs variants.This study adds to our knowledge of the cellular miRNAs involved in NDV infection and the complex molecular mechanisms mediating virus-host interactions.The results of this study will aid the development of strategies against the chicken virus.

Co‑infection of fasciolosis and hydatidosis and their financial loss in cattle slaughtered at Wolaita Sodo municipal abattoir,southern Ethiopia

Fasciolosis and hydatidosis are the world’s most common zoonotic major parasitic ailments of domesticated animals with financial and public health implications.A cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 randomly selected cattle slaughtered at Wolaita Sodo municipal abattoir to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors for co-infection of hydatidosis and fasciolosis using the ante-and postmortem examination techniques.Of the 384 examined cattle,4.17%were found to harbor co-infections of hydatidosis and fasciolosis.Similarly,the prevalence of concurrent fasciolosis and hydatidosis infections was 76.56%and 23.44%in local and crossbred animals,respectively.The current study took into account risk factors such as age,breed,origin,and body condition score;however,there is a statistically insignificant association between the risk factors and the prevalence of concurrent fasciolosis and hydatidosis infection.In this study,overall fasciolosis was recorded at a rate of 9.38%,with the highest prevalence of F.hepatica at 8.59%,followed by unidentified flukes at 4.17%and F.gigantica at 0.78%.Likewise,the single prevalence of hydatidosis was recorded at 10.94%.Of the 142 examined cysts,the liver alone harbors 54 cysts,and the lung alone harbors 88 cysts,with a total of 43 calcified,21 sterile,56 viable,9 nonviable,and 13 mixed cysts.The predicted yearly financial loss from organ condemnation was 15,436,142.00 ETB Birr.This study demonstrated that hydatidosis and fasciolosis are two relatively widespread parasite diseases of cattle in Ethiopia,causing significant economic loss attributable to organ rejection and indirect weight loss.Thus,awareness of the impact of the disease on the community could disrupt the parasite’s life cycle,and its economic significance was forwarded to other points.

Study of the roles of caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B in myenteric neurons in a P2X7 receptor knockout mouse model of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND The literature indicates that the enteric nervous system is affected in inflammatory bowel diseases(IBDs)and that the P2X7 receptor triggers neuronal death.However,the mechanism by which enteric neurons are lost in IBDs is unknown.AIM To study the role of the caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)pathways in myenteric neurons in a P2X7 receptor knockout(KO)mouse model of IBDs.METHODS Forty male wild-type(WT)C57BL/6 and P2X7 receptor KO mice were euthanized 24 h or 4 d after colitis induction by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(colitis group).Mice in the sham groups were injected with vehicle.The mice were divided into eight groups(n=5):The WT sham 24 h and 4 d groups,the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups,the KO sham 24 h and 4 d groups,and the KO colitis 24 h and 4 d groups.The disease activity index(DAI)was analyzed,the distal colon was collected for immunohistochemistry analyses,and immunofluorescence was performed to identify neurons immunoreactive(ir)for calretinin,P2X7 receptor,cleaved caspase-3,total caspase-3,phospho-NF-κB,and total NF-κB.We analyzed the number of calretinin-ir and P2X7 receptor-ir neurons per ganglion,the neuronal profile area(μm^(2)),and corrected total cell fluorescence(CTCF).RESULTS Cells double labeled for calretinin and P2X7 receptor,cleaved caspase-3,total caspase-3,phospho-NF-κB,or total NF-κB were observed in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups.The number of calretinin-ir neurons per ganglion was decreased in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups compared to the WT sham 24 h and 4 d groups,respectively(2.10±0.13 vs 3.33±0.17,P<0.001;2.92±0.12 vs 3.70±0.11,P<0.05),but was not significantly different between the KO groups.The calretinin-ir neuronal profile area was increased in the WT colitis 24 h group compared to the WT sham 24 h group(312.60±7.85 vs 278.41±6.65,P<0.05),and the nuclear profile area was decreased in the WT colitis 4 d group compared to the WT sham 4 d group(104.63±2.49 vs 117.41±1.14,P<0.01).The number of P2X7 receptor-ir neurons per ganglion was decreased in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups compared to the WT sham 24 h and 4 d groups,respectively(19.49±0.35 vs 22.21±0.18,P<0.001;20.35±0.14 vs 22.75±0.51,P<0.001),and no P2X7 receptor-ir neurons were observed in the KO groups.Myenteric neurons showed ultrastructural changes in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups and in the KO colitis 24 h group.The cleaved caspase-3 CTCF was increased in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups compared to the WT sham 24 h and 4 d groups,respectively(485949±14140 vs 371371±16426,P<0.001;480381±11336 vs 378365±4053,P<0.001),but was not significantly different between the KO groups.The total caspase-3 CTCF,phospho-NF-κB CTCF,and total NF-κB CTCF were not significantly different among the groups.The DAI was recovered in the KO groups.Furthermore,we demonstrated that the absence of the P2X7 receptor attenuated inflammatory infiltration,tissue damage,collagen deposition,and the decrease in the number of goblet cells in the distal colon.CONCLUSION Ulcerative colitis affects myenteric neurons in WT mice but has a weaker effect in P2X7 receptor KO mice,and neuronal death may be associated with P2X7 receptor-mediated caspase-3 activation.The P2X7 receptor can be a therapeutic target for IBDs.

Study on incidence of lamb morbidity and mortality and associated risk factors in the mixed crop‑livestock production system of Gewata District, Kaffa zone, southwestern Ethiopia

Lamb morbidity and mortality cause significant loss in a smallholder production system. A longitudinal prospectivesurvey was conducted on 408 randomly selected farmers located in six purposefully selected kebeles in Gewataworeda from June 2020 to July 2021 to determine the incidence of morbidity and mortality in lambs and to identifyrisk factors. For this purpose, 408 lambs from the Gewata district’s mixed crop-livestock production system wereexamined every day from birth to three months of age. The data was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method,the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results showed that the cumulative incidence of allcauseof morbidity and mortality at the end of three month was 12.86% (95% CI: 10.26–16.13%), and 6.86% (95% CI:5.03–9.35%), respectively. Diarrhea was the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for 49.33 and 50%morbidity and mortality, respectively. Pneumonia was the second most frequent cause of morbidity and death. In theK-M hazard analysis, the greatest risk of lamb morbidity and mortality was observed during the first month of life, andthen the risk decreased significantly as the lamb grew. Of the 17 potential risk factors studied, the multivariable Coxproportional hazards regression model showed that lamb sex, birth weight, umbilical care, time and method of colostrumfeeding were the five predictors that were significantly associated with a higher risk of morbidity, whereas birthweight, lambing difficulty, dams’ parity, method and time of colostrum feeding were the five predictors that weresignificantly associated with a higher risk of mortality. Moreover, a higher risk of morbidity was observed in lambswith methods of colostrum feeding after birth (HR = 3.158;p = 0.000) and with variations in birth weight (HR = 1.418;p = 0.003). Similarly, the mortality risk was 4.926 (p = 0.047), 4.023 (p = 0.012), and 3.206 (p = 0.000) times higher inlambs with lambing difficulties, at the time of colostrum feeding, and by the method of colostrum feeding, respectively.According to this research, lamb morbidity and mortality rates in the study area are significantly high whichhas a great impact on the replacement stock and production. Hence, awareness should be created among farmersconcerning improved lamb management practices.

Reversal of maternal obesity attenuates hypoxia and improves placental development in the preeclamptic-like BPH/5 mouse model

Background:Women with obesity have higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes,including preeclampsia(PE).Late-gestational hypertension,aberrant fetoplacental development,and fetal growth restriction(FGR),hallmarks of PE,are observed spontaneously in BPH/5 mice.Similar to obese preeclamptic women,BPH/5 mice have higher visceral white adipose tissue(WAT)and circulating leptin.We hypothesized that attenuation of maternal obesity and serum leptin in pregnant BPH/5 mice will improve fetoplacental development by decreasing hypoxia markers and leptin expression at the maternal-fetal interface.Methods:To test this hypothesis,BPH/5 mice were fed ad libitum(lib)and pair-fed(PF)to C57 ad lib controls beginning at embryonic day(e)0.5.Hypoxia-related genes,hypoxia inducible factor(Hif)1α,stem cell factor(Scf),heme oxygenase-1(Ho-1),leptin(Lep),and leptin receptor(LepR)were assessed in e7.5 implantation sites.Results:BPH/5 ad lib had 1.5 to 2-fold increase in Hif1α,Scf,and Ho-1 mRNA and a greater than 3-fold increase in leptin mRNA vs.C57 that was attenuated with PF.Exogenous leptin promoted Hif1αand Ho-1 mRNA expression in e7.5 decidua in vitro.While hypoxic conditions in vitro did not change decidual leptin mRNA.Furthermore,BPH/5 PF mice demonstrated improved fetal and placental outcomes later in gestation,with greater placental vascular area by e18.5 and attenuation of FGR.Conclusion:In conclusion,pair-feeding BPH/5 mice beginning at conception may improve placental vasculature formation via decreased leptin and hypoxia-associated markers in this model.Future investigations are needed to better determine the effect of hypoxia and leptin on pregnancy outcomes in obese pregnant women.

Evaluation and application of a milk antibody ELISA for assessing the prevalence and incidence of bovine tuberculosis in dairy herds in Hubei Province,China

Bovine tuberculosis(bTB)is a chronic zoonotic disease that is endemic in China.Current in-vitro tests for bTB are mainly based on blood assays.Collection of samples results in some stress to the sampled cattle and associated economic losses for the herd owner.This study was designed to investigate the relationship between milk and serum antibody tests for bTB in dairy cows using 85 cows with milk and corresponding blood samples.Totally 4,395 milk samples were used to assesse the apparent(test)prevalence and incidence of bTB using the milk antibody ELISA.The association between levels of bTB milk antibody and milk quality was also evaluated.Milk and serum antibody tests showed a good correlation with a 87.5%(95%CI:61.7%,98.4)positive agreement and 98.7%(95%CI:95.4,99.8)negative agreement.The animal level lactoprevalence ranged from 0.3%(95%CI:0,1.2)to 33.3%(95%CI:26.6,40.6)in different farms and the incidence rate ranged from 0 head/cow-month(95%CI:0,0.02)to 0.04 head/cow-month(95%CI:0.02,0.07).Twenty percent of sampled farms met the criteria for bTB control in China.The prevalence on large-scale farms was lower(p<0.001)than on small farms.The bTB milk antibody levels had a negative correlation with milk yield and a positive correlation with somatic cell count(SCC),milk protein percentage(MPP)and percentage of total solids(TS).According to this research,milk ELISA could be used as a supplement of blood samples to assist in the surveillance for bTB and for alerting control and eradication of bTB.

Farming Features of African Bonytongue Fish Heterotis niloticus in Cameroon, Central Africa

The characterization of African bonytongue Heterotis niloticus fish farming was conducted in the Bi-modal agro-ecological zone of Cameroon from January to May 2021, Thirty-two fish farmers were interviewed and SPSS 6.2 Version was used to analyse the data. The results showed that the majority of fish farmers (81%) are men above 51 years, all of whom are Christians with more than fifty percent of them married. About 43% of them have university level education, and more than 6% of them considered the farming of Heterotis niloticus as their main income-earning activity. The main objective of Heterotis niloticus farming is sales (50%) and the uses (56%) of waged labour. A majority of the farmers produced reared African bonytongue in a polyculture system and 65% of them raised Heterotis niloticus in derivation ponds.