Showing papers in "Journal of Cell and Animal Biology in 2013"
TL;DR: It is concluded that reproductive cycle, sex, age and season modulate haematologic parameters, and that they should be considered in order to ensure accurate interpretation of the parameters in domestic animals.
Abstract: Haematologic parameters play a pivotal role in clinical diagnosis, the evaluation of patient before surgical intervention and in monitoring responses to therapy. The paper reviews haematologic parameters as influenced by exogenous and endogenous factors, including reproductive cycle, sex,age and season, with emphasis on domestic animals reared in the tropics. It is concluded that reproductive cycle, sex, age and season modulate haematologic parameters, and that they should be considered in order to ensure accurate interpretation of the parameters in domestic animals.
Key words: Haematology, reproductive cycle, age, sex and season.
41 citations
TL;DR: The urgent need to revisit the measles immunization and vaccination programme in Africa and in Nigeria with the sole aim of introducing a two-dose schedule to halt the endemic transmission is believed to bring about the successful eradication of measles in Africa.
Abstract: This review study reports on global eradication of measles: a highly contagious and vaccine preventable disease-what went wrong in its eradication in Africa. Measles is one of the most contagious human diseases which have continued to cause large outbreaks all over the world even in countries that have achieved high vaccination coverage with a single dose strategy. The disease can also lead to lifelong disabilities including brain damage, blindness, and deafness. These serious complications are rare in developed countries where measles vaccine is widely available, the highest mortality is however found in poor nations. The disease has remained the fifth leading cause of deaths among children less than five years of age, worldwide. It accounts for 44% of total deaths due to vaccine preventable diseases (VPD), among children less than 15 years, the highest mortality occurring in poor communities with malnutrition, overcrowding and low vaccination coverage. Indeed, measles transmission has been interrupted in several countries, reinforcing the view that measles eradication is technically feasible using existing vaccines and intervention strategies. However, measles still accounts for 10% of global mortality from all causes among children aged <5 years (i.e., approximately 1 million deaths annually). Progress toward measles control varies substantially among countries and regions. In Nigeria where there is perennial, low routine vaccination coverage and where the quality of the mass immunization campaign is not high enough, large and persistent measles outbreaks continue to occur with high morbidity and mortality. Today, despite the availability of a safe, effective and relatively inexpensive vaccine for more than 40 years, measles still kills more than any other vaccines preventable disease among children. There is therefore, the urgent need to revisit the measles immunization and vaccination programme in Africa and in our country Nigeria with the sole aim of introducing a two-dose schedule to halt the endemic transmission. This is believed to bring about the successful eradication of measles in Africa. Intensified efforts will be necessary to implement appropriate control and elimination strategies, including supplementary vaccination campaigns, expansion of routine vaccination services, and surveillance. These strategies and estimates of the resources will also be required to implement them will require adjustment based on accumulating experience. Programmatic and financial obstacles must be overcome if the final goal of measles eradication is to be achieved.
Key words: Epidemiology; highly contagious disease, immunization, immunosuppression public health; vaccination, vaccine preventable disease, measles, measles virus, measles vaccine
28 citations
TL;DR: First generation crosses of all types, particularly those sired by Jersey semen were superior in all the lifetime performance traits considered in this study while second generation (F2) crosses were inferior in all of the lifetime productivity indicators.
Abstract: Longevity traits, lifetime milk and calf productivities are one of the primary interests of dairy cattle producers. We used lifetime data of 523 crossbred dairy cows that born between 1980 and 2003 in the central tropical highlands of Ethiopia with the purpose to evaluate longevity traits and associated lifetime milk and calf productivity. Based on the type of sires used and level of exotic gene inheritances, the crossbred dairy cows were classified in to six genetic groups. These include F1 Friesian x Boran (F1 FxBo), F1 Jersey x Boran (F1 JxBo), F2 Friesian x Boran (F2 FxBo), F2 Jersey x Boran (F2 JxBo) and 75% Friesian and Jersey inheritances. A Generalized Linear Model in the statistical analysis system (SAS, 2004) was used to analyze the data. The overall least squares means ± s. e. for total life (TL), herd life (HL), productive life (PL), lifetime milk yield (LTMY) and lifetime calf crop production were 4036 ± 126.3 days, 2675.74 ± 201.7 days, 1951.00 ± 173.8 days, 10460.6 ± 1117.4 L and 5.70 ± 0.2 calves, respectively. The overall least squares means ± s. e. for lifetime milk yield per day of total life (LTMY/TL), lifetime milk yield per day of herd life (LTMY/HL) and lifetime milk yield per day of productive life (LTMY/PL) were 2.56 ± 0.2, 3.97 ± 0.3 and 5.26 ± 0.3 L, respectively. In conclusion, first generation crosses of all types, particularly those sired by Jersey semen were superior in all the lifetime performance traits considered in this study while second generation (F2) crosses were inferior in all the lifetime productivity indicators.
Key words: Herd life, lifetime milk yield, longevity, productive life.
22 citations
TL;DR: The frequency of ripe gonads suggested that O.niloticus in Lake Beseka breeds throughout the year and intensive breeding coincided with the rainy seasons, and estimated fecundity was linearly related with total length and total weight of the fish.
Abstract: Reproductive biology of Oreochromis niloticus in Beseka was studied. Samples of O.niloticus were collected monthly during September 2010 to August 2011 using different centimeter mesh sizes of gillnets. The relationship between total length and total weight was curvilinear and sex ratio was different throughout the sampling periods. The 50% sexual maturity length (L50) was estimated at 14 cm TL for females and 17 cm TL for males. Estimated fecundity was linearly related with total length and total weight of the fish. Absolute fecundity was estimated in number and range from 125 to 251 with a mean of 161 ± 2.5. The frequency of ripe gonads suggested that O. niloticus in Lake Beseka breeds throughout the year and intensive breeding coincided with the rainy seasons.
Key words: Breeding season, length-weight, Oreochromis niloticus, sex ratio, fecundity, Lake Beseka.
17 citations
TL;DR: Results of this study showed that supplementing broiler diets by hemicell enzyme did not improve production performance and ileal digestibility of crude fat and crude protein in broiler chickens.
Abstract: The current study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing diet of broiler chickens with hemicell enzyme on performance, carcass characteristics, growth parameter, blood parameters and ileal digestibility of nutrients. One hundred and eighty day-old Ross 308 strain broiler type chickens were randomly assigned to three treatments with five replicate pens containing 12 birds in each experimental diets containing 0, 0.5, and 1 g/kg of hemicell enzyme. All diets were calculated to be iso-nutritive to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements recommended by the National Research Council (NRC, 1994) for broilers. Growth parameters were estimated for each group using Gompertz model (2008). At day 35, titanium oxide (1 g/kg of feed) was added to all diets for five days and used as an analytical marker to determine digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and crude fat. At 6 weeks of age, blood samples were collected via wing vein to harvest plasma for biochemical analyses. During the starter phase, grower phase and the course of study, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not significantly differ among the treatments (P>0.05). Hemicell enzyme in broiler diets had no significant effect on dressed weight, kitchen carcass, breast muscle, thigh and gizzard percentages (P>0.05), but had significant effect on heart and liver percentages (P 0.05). Dietary inclusion of hemicell enzyme significantly increased plasma concentration of glucose (P = 0.064). Plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were not affected by the dietary treatments (P>0.05). Plasma concentrations of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration were significantly affected by enzyme supplementation (P<0.05). The ileal digestibility of fat and protein was significantly improved by hemicell enzyme addition (p<0.05). The results of this study showed that supplementing broiler diets by hemicell enzyme did not improve production performance and ileal digestibility of crude fat and crude protein in broiler chickens.
Key words: Hemicell enzyme, broiler chickens, growth parameter, blood factors, ileal digestibility.
16 citations
TL;DR: The results of this study indicate that addition of fermacto prebiotic and Biotronic S.E increased the final body weight, significantly (p˂0.05) and addition of additives decreased abdominal fat, triglycerides, serum cholesterol and increased carcass weight.
Abstract: This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with the fermacto prebiotic and Biotronic®S.E (an acidifier) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. 240 day old Ross 308 broilers were equally distributed into 24 floor pens and reared for 42 days. A basal diet was formulated according to the recommendations of NRC for starter (1 to 21 days) and grower (22 to 42 days) periods and considered as control diet. Four tested diets were formulated as listed control diet (without any additives), fermacto prebiotic, Biotronic®S.E (an acidifier) and mixture of fermacto prebiotic plus Biotronic® S.E. Six replicate were used for each treatment. The results of this study indicate that addition of fermacto prebiotic and Biotronic® S.E increased the final body weight, significantly (p˂0.05). Furthermore, addition of additives decreased abdominal fat, triglycerides, serum cholesterol and increased carcass weight. Addition of fermacto prebiotic plus Biotronic® S.E had the best performance, carcass characteristics and lowest serum cholesterol on broiler chickens at 42 day of age.
Key words: Fermacto prebiotic, Biotronic® S.E, performance, broiler, carcass characteristics, serum cholesterol.
15 citations
TL;DR: Isolates with high multi-drug resistance profiles were found to possess multiple plasmids with large sizes in the range of 1 to 120 KB, and very high resistance levels (>75%) were detected against Ampicillin, Cotrimaoxazole, Cephalothin and Streptomycin.
Abstract: Plasmid profiling is among the methods used to determine and characterize antibiotic resistance traits in bacteria. In this study, a total of 80 Escherichia coli isolate from four domestic livestock comprising cattle, goats, poultry and swine in three states of South East Nigeria were screened for antibiotic susceptibility and plasmid profiles. The isolates were tested against 14 antibiotics using the disc diffusion method while plasmid DNA was extracted using the alkaline SDS method and separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. A total of 42 different antibiotic resistance profiles were observed, with each isolate showing resistance to at least four or more drugs tested. Plasmids of different sizes were detected in the isolates. Isolates with high multi-drug resistance profiles were found to possess multiple plasmids with large sizes in the range of 1 to 120 KB. Very high resistance levels (>75%) were detected against Ampicillin, Cotrimaoxazole, Cephalothin and Streptomycin, while Nalidixic acid and Gentamycin recorded the least resistance levels of 16.3 and 12.5% respectively among the isolates.
Key word: Plasmid profile, Escherichia coli, Nigeria.
11 citations
TL;DR: From the biological and economic data analysis, it is recommended that MUB with 17.72% CP could be used as supplement for sheep fattening in mid rift valley of Ethiopia.
Abstract: Sheep fattening with Molasses-urea feed block (MUB) was undertaken in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha District at Aneno and Arba villages for 87 days during both dry (from 22 March to 17 June) and during wet season (from 19 August to 10 November, 2009). A study was conducted to determine the performance and profitability obtained from MUB supplemented grazing sheep. Molasses, urea, wheat bran, finely ground haricot bean haulm, salt, and bindinder (cement and termite mould) were used as ingredients to produce three different MUBs; Treatment two (T2), Treatment three (T3) and Treatment four (T4) with 17.72, 20.96 and 24.6% CP, respectively. Six sheep were randomly allotted to each of T1, T2, T3 and T4 during both dry and wet seasons at each village. Sheep in T4 had higher overall average daily weight gain (ADWG) (74.8 ± 11.13 g/head/day followed by T2, T3 and T1 (72.88 ± 9.27, 58.5 ± 12.98 and 33.67 ± 3.03) g/head/day, respectively. Over all total body weight gain (TBWG) of T4 was higher (6.26 ± 0.53) kg, followed by T2, T3 and T1 (6.13 ± 0.46, 4.92 ± 0.64 and 2.83 ± 0.39) kg, respectively. Differences (P 0.05). ADWG (67.96 ± 10.31) g/head/day and TBWG (5.91 ± 0.87) kg of sheep at Aneno village was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the ADWG (51.79 ± 9.41) g/head /day and TBWG (4.51 ± 0.75) kg of sheep at Arba village. Significant difference (P<0.05) in ADWG and TBWG was observed between seasons with the higher gain during wet season ( 67.33 ± 11.43) g/head/day growth rate and 5.86 ± 0.43 kg total weight gain as compared to dry season ( 52.07 ± 8.3) g/head/day growth rate and 4.53 ± 0.39 kg total weight gain. The interaction of season by village was not significantly influenced both ADWG and TBWG of sheep. Marginal rate of return of T2 is higher (123.46) followed by T3.77.16) and T4 (65.64). From the biological and economic data analysis, we can conclude and recommend that MUB with 17.72% CP could be used as supplement for sheep fattening in mid rift valley of Ethiopia.
Key words: Feed block, crude protein, weight gain, growth rate, return.
10 citations
TL;DR: The overall prevalence of parasites was 8.61% and the protozoan parasites did not show gender specific differences, and the high prevalence may be attributed to low sanitary conditions in the region.
Abstract: To determine the overall prevalence of human amoebiasis at Nishtar Hospital Multan, Punjab, stool samples (n = 766) were collected from patients visiting Nishtar Hospital Multan. Temporary mounts were prepared for determine amoebiasis. Out of 766 patients, 66 were infected with Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar/Entamoeba moshkovskii. The overall prevalence of parasites was 8.61%. It was more prevalent in females (9.46%) as compared to males (8.15%). The relationship between sex and human amoebiasis was non-significant (P>0.05). The prevalence of amoebiasis was highest in age group of 33 to 48 years (16.67%) and lowest in 49 to 63 years (3.45%). The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The high prevalence may be attributed to low sanitary conditions in the region. The protozoan parasites did not show gender specific differences.
Key words: Prevalence, age, sex, amoebiasis, humans.
7 citations
TL;DR: Based on intake of DM, OM and ME and growth performance, 15 and 30% molasses could be used as a replacement to wheat bran in the ration of heifers fed maize stover with good performance.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and feed intake of crossbred (Boran x Holstein Friesian) female calves fed different levels of molasses in concentrate mixture using 24 yearlings calves with average initial weight of 142.4±20.7 kg which lasted for 90 days. The calves were assigned into treatments having 0 (T1), 15 (T2), 30 (T3) and 50% (T4) molasses which replaced wheat bran in concentrate mixture using randomized complete block design into six blocks of four animals. The dry matter (DM) degradability was determined by incubating 3 g of feed samples in fistulated steers fed natural pasture hay ad libitum supplemented with 2 kg of concentrate. The total DM and organic matter (OM) intake for T2 and T3 diets were higher (P< 0.05) than those fed T1 and T4 diets. The stover DM and OM intake for T2 and T3 diets were higher (p<0.05) than for other treatments. The highest (p<0.05) crude protein intake was observed in calves fed T3 diets. Metabolizable energy (ME) intake was higher (P<0.05) for calves fed on T2 and T3 diets, respectively. Calves fed on T2, T3 and T4 diets had higher average daily gain compared to those fed T1 diet. The DM degradability after 4, 8, 24, 48, and 96 h of incubation was higher (P < 0.05) for T4 than that of T1. Based on intake of DM, OM and ME and growth performance, 15 and 30% molasses could be used as a replacement to wheat bran in the ration of heifers fed maize stover with good performance.
Key words: Molasses, performance, crossbred, calves, maize stover, Ethiopia.
7 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that supplementation of broiler chicken drinking water with Satureja khuzestanica essential oils has no favorite impact on immune response of heat stressed broilerChicken.
Abstract: Phytogenic feed additives, also called as phytobiotics or botanicals, are plant-derived compounds added into diets to enhance the productivity of poultry. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of administration of Satureja khuzestanicaessential oils (SKEO) through drinking water on immune performance of broiler chicken using 720 one-day-old Arian chicks. The birds were raised under standard production practices up to 42 days of age. The birds continuously received drinking water treated with Tween 80 (Cont+; 500 ppm) or SKEO at 0 (Cont-), 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm. The mean hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) antibody titer was not significantly different among the treatments at 15, 21, 28 and 35 days of age (P>0.05). No significant differences were pointed out for relative weight of spleen, bursa and thymus at 21 days. Thymus weight reduced for the birds that received treated water but a difference was only significant for 400 ppm SKEO. The mean hetrophyle lymphocyte ratio was not significantly differing among the treatments. It is concluded that supplementation of broiler chicken drinking water with S.khuzestanica essential oils has no favorite impact on immune response of heat stressed broiler chicken.
Key words: Satureja khuzestanica, immune system, broiler chicken.
TL;DR: The study concludes that fluoride and aluminium have neurotoxic effects by their ability to induce excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Abstract: Studies have raised the possibility that prolonged exposure to fluoride and aluminium in drinking water is capable of causing neurological impairments. Due to the possible chronic exposure to these substances and their ability to readily interact to form a complex which crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is imperative to assess their neurotoxic effects. This study describes the alterations in the nervous system as a result of treatment with 10 mg/kg sodium fluoride and 200 mg/kg aluminium chloride (AlCl3) for 21 days. Histological sections of brain were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Cresyl fast violet and Periodic-Acid Schiff (PAS) to determine various and distinct changes in the morphology of the cells. Results revealed enlarged cells and membrane degeneration in the treatment group which suggests excitotoxicity and oxidative stress, respectively. The study therefore concludes that fluoride and aluminium have neurotoxic effects by their ability to induce excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Key words: Fluoride, aluminium, prefrontal cortex, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress.
TL;DR: It is concluded that PGF2α actually improved semen output without any negative effect on sperm qualities, as shown in the results of the current study.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of administration of PGF2α on semen characteristics in crossbred rams in the non-breeding season. Twenty crossbred rams (Arkhar-Merino × Moghani and Arkhar-Merino × Ghezel) were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The experimental group received 7.5 mg IM of Estroplan (PGF2α analogue) and the control group received 1 ml of water soluble. A total number of eighteen ejaculates per ram were collected by artificial vagina twice a week 30 min following IM administration. Semen ejaculates were evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, mass and individual motility, methylene blue reduction time-test (MBRT), percentage of live sperm and sperm abnormality rates. The results of the current study shows that PGF2α treatment on crossbreed rams improved most semen characteristics includingvolume, sperm concentration, total sperm output and MBRT in comparison to control group (P < 0.01). However, other semen characteristics show similar values. We concluded that PGF2α actually improved semen output without any negative effect on sperm qualities.
Key words: Arkhar-Merino rams, non-breeding season, prostaglandin F2α, semen characteristics.
TL;DR: The disposable microarray presents the advantage of rapidly screening bacteria for the pre-sence of known antibiotic resistance genes, and has a large potential for applications in basic research, food safety, and surveillance programs for antimicrobial resistance.
Abstract: DNA microarray was developed for detection of up to 90 antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli by hybridization. Each antibiotic resistance gene was represented by two specific oligonucleotides chosen from consensus sequences of gene families. A total of 203 oligonucleotides (50-100 base) were spotted onto the microarray. The sequence identity of each gene was compared with GenBank sequen-ces, biotin was used as the positive control and 16s rRNA as orientation. Of the 40 E. coli isolates analyzed in this study, 37 were identified as having, at least, one antibiotic resistance gene. Among the different antibiotic resistance genes detected, bla-CMY-2 and strA were the most prevalent occurring in 28 (70%) of the isolates, respectively. Other common genes included were TEM1 11(27.5%), Sul2 14 (35%) and TetA 21(52.5%). The microarray genotyping corresponded with the phenotype of the strains. The disposable microarray presents the advantage of rapidly screening bacteria for the pre-sence of known antibiotic resistance genes. This technology has a large potential for applications in basic research, food safety, and surveillance programs for antimicrobial resistance.
Key words: DNA microarray, antibiotic resistance, Escherichia coli.
TL;DR: It is concluded that GM can be added into diet up to 10.0% without adverse effects on productive performance of laying hen.
Abstract: This study was set up to evaluate the effect of different dietary levels of guar meal (GM) on productive performance of laying hens. One hundred and eighty 25-weeks-old Hisex laying hens were randomly distributed among 5 treatments with 6 replicates of 6 hens each. Hens were fed layer diets supplemented with either 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 or 20.0% GM for 8 weeks trail period (25 to 33 weeks). Body weight, mortality rate, body weight gain, egg production, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, egg mass, egg specific gravity, Haugh unit and egg yolk color were recorded. The results obtained in the present study showed that final body weight and body weight gain were significantly the lowest in hens fed 10.0 and 20.0% GM when compared with the other treatments, but no significant differences were noticed among hens fed either 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0% GM. Mortality rate was significantly higher in hens fed 0.0% GM than those fed 5.0 or 20.0% GM, but no differences were observed between hens fed either 2.5 or 10.0% GM and the other treatments. Hens fed 20.0% GM showed significantly the lowest egg number and percentage produced, feed consumption, egg weight, and egg mass per hen when compared with the remaining treatments. However, hens fed 20.0% GM exhibited the highest feed conversion ratio and egg specific gravity when compared with the other treatments. Hens fed 5.0 and 10.0% GM produced eggs with more yellowness values than those fed 0.0% GM, but there were no differences between hens fed either 2.5 or 20.0% GM and the other treatments. We conclude that GM can be added into diet up to 10.0% without adverse effects on productive performance of laying hen.
Key words: Egg Production, performance, guar meal, laying hens.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the effects of transportation stress on animals' physiological parameters was presented, with emphasis on the Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria, and the impact of the stress on donkeys was also reviewed.
Abstract: The paper reviews transportation stress and its negative effects on physiological parameters of livestock, with emphasis on the Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. Stress factors acting on animals during road transportation are numerous and the responses of animals to them are complex, non-specific and often detrimental to their health and productivity. In spite of the numerous recommendations and guidelines by many countries on the welfare of animal transport order and their strict compliance by transporters, several studies report severe welfare problems during road transportation of food animals. The impact of the stress on donkeys was also reviewed. It is concluded that measures to alleviate the adverse effects of road transportation stress in livestock will improve their welfare and health.
Key words: Transportation stress, donkeys, stress, welfare, health.
TL;DR: Data obtained in this study suggest that supplementation with vitamin C and folic acid during pregnancy may prevent defects in heart development brought about by MeHg and other environmental xenobiotics.
Abstract: This study was undertaken with the aim of investigating the teratogenic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on the chick embryos and evaluating the protective role of vitamin C and folic acid. Fertilized eggs received MeHg dose (2.5 mg/egg) alone or with addition of vitamin C (100 mM) and folic acid (100 mM) or with vitamin C and folic acid alone. Control eggs received saline. The eggs were injected on day zero of incubation. On day five, embryos were examined for viability, gross retardation and gross malformation and the hearts were processed for light and electron microscopy. Results showed that MeHg decreased the survival rate of embryos and caused gross malformations such as hypomorphic hearts, abnormal position of atria, exencephaly, hydrocephaly, anencephaly, everted viscera, microphthalmia, twisted body, limb malformation and hemorrhage, compared with control embryos. Histological examination of the hearts clearly revealed that the heart tissues have failed to develop correctly in the MeHg treated embryos. The corresponding pathological alterations were mainly characterized as cell death at the ultrastructural level. Embryos injected with MeHg plus vitamin C and folic acid were almost comparable to the control. Data obtained in this study suggest that supplementation with vitamin C and folic acid during pregnancy may prevent defects in heart development brought about by MeHg and other environmental xenobiotics.
Key words: Chick embryo, methylmercury, vitamin c, folic acid, teratogenicity.This study was undertaken with the aim of investigating the teratogenic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on the chick embryos and evaluating the protective role of vitamin C and folic acid. Fertilized eggs received MeHg dose (2.5 mg/egg) alone or with addition of vitamin C (100 mM) and folic acid (100 mM) or with vitamin C and folic acid alone. Control eggs received saline. The eggs were injected on day zero of incubation. On day five, embryos were examined for viability, gross retardation and gross malformation and the hearts were processed for light and electron microscopy. Results showed that MeHg decreased the survival rate of embryos and caused gross malformations such as hypomorphic hearts, abnormal position of atria, exencephaly, hydrocephaly, anencephaly, everted viscera, microphthalmia, twisted body, limb malformation and hemorrhage, compared with control embryos. Histological examination of the hearts clearly revealed that the heart tissues have failed to develop correctly in the MeHg treated embryos. The corresponding pathological alterations were mainly characterized as cell death at the ultrastructural level. Embryos injected with MeHg plus vitamin C and folic acid were almost comparable to the control. Data obtained in this study suggest that supplementation with vitamin C and folic acid during pregnancy may prevent defects in heart development brought about by MeHg and other environmental xenobiotics.
Key words: Chick embryo, methylmercury, vitamin c, folic acid, teratogenicity.
TL;DR: The modified multiplex PCR technique based on length polymorphism of 15 microsatellite markers was used on a total of 10 isolates and shows that stem called Africa 1 or Type I / III (90%) and Africa 2 or Type II / II (10%) circulate in Dakar.
Abstract: Toxoplasmosis is an anthropozoonosis of medical and veterinary importance, caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Oocysts shed by felids play a key role in parasite transmission as they contaminate meat-producing animals, vegetables and water consumed later by humans. In this work, we aimed to identify T. gondii isolated in Dakar (Senegal). The modified multiplex PCR technique based on length polymorphism of 15 microsatellite markers was used on a total of 10 isolates. The study shows that stem called Africa 1 or Type I / III (90%) and Africa 2 or Type I / II / III (10%) circulate in Dakar. Toxoplasma isolates and DNA extraction for genotyping analysis was performed directly on clinical samples for 56 patients and indirectly on infected mouse tissue (brain or ascitic fluid) or infected cell cultures after inoculation of clinical samples for 32 patients. These first results need to be followed by more extensive investigations.
Key words: Genotype, toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii.
TL;DR: Sucrose was found to aid in the maintainance of the morphological structure of the oocytes vitrified but at high concentrations sucrose has adverse effect on cleavage, hence sucrose is best used as an additive cryoprotectant when supporting a permeating cryoprotsectant, which maintains the integirty of the internal structures through its permeability.
Abstract: Vitrification solutions containing both permeating and non-permeating cryoprotectants provide better productions of oocytes during freezing and thus contribute to the survival of oocytes. We have investigated the efficency of sucrose in combination with propylene glycol (PROH) on the cryopreservation of the oocytes at the meoisis II (MII) stage. The vitrification of sheep oocytes was performed using 5 M PROH, PROH in combination with sucrose at varying concentrations (5 M PROH + 0.5 M sucrose/1 M sucrose/1.5 M sucrose/2 M sucrose) and 1.0 M sucrose. It was concluded that sucrose in combination with propylene gylcol is most efficient at concentration between 1.0 to 1.5 M. Sucrose was found to aid in the maintainance of the morphological structure of the oocytes vitrified but at high concentrations sucrose has adverse effect on cleavage. Hence sucrose is best used as an additive cryoprotectant when supporting a permeating cryoprotectant, which maintains the integirty of the internal structures through its permeability.
Key words: Cryoprotection, PROH, sucrose, sheep oocytes.
TL;DR: An important role of arginine in modulation of IGF signal pathway and the involvement of IGF and IGF receptors in the improved growth performance are suggested.
Abstract: Young piglets have a high requirement of arginine for growth and metabolic function, but the sow milk or endogenous synthesis cannot provide enough arginine for maximal growth. Dietary Arginine supplementation can improve the immunity of early-weaned piglets and enhance the skeletal muscle synthesis for growth. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway is an important regulatory factor in regulating fetal and placental growth, proliferation, differentiation, migration and aggregation, and inhibits apoptosis of mammalian cells. However, how the insulin-like growth factor system expression altered in piglets with dietary arginine supplementation, and whether arginine plays a role in IGF system secretion is little noticed. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary arginine supplementation in modulation IGF system of weanling piglets. Twelve 21-day-old healthy piglets (Landrace×Yorkshire) with a mean body weight (BW) were assigned randomly to two treatments representing diets supplemented with 0.6% L-arginine and 1.23% L-alanine (isonitrogenous control). At 28 days of age, 12 piglets were killed and longissimus muscle, liver and kidney were collected. Components of IGF signaling pathway mRNA expression were examined in three tissues, IGF1 was increased in three tissues of arginine group (P<0.05). IGF2 was increased in muscle of arginine group. Both muscle and liver had a higher level of IGFBP5 with arginine supplementation (P<0.05). These data suggest an important role of arginine in modulation of IGF signal pathway and the involvement of IGF and IGF receptors in the improved growth performance.
Key words: L-Arginine, IGFs, early-weaned piglets.
TL;DR: The research demonstrated the pre-exposure to sublethal temperatures of 30, 33 and 36 °C increased the survival of Biomphalaria glabrata to lethal temperature of 42 °C.
Abstract: Thermotolerance is a temporary resistance against lethal temperatures. Induction of heat shock proteins (HSP), mainly HSP70, has been correlated to this response. Our research demonstrated the pre-exposure to sublethal temperatures of 30, 33 and 36 °C increased the survival of Biomphalaria glabrata to lethal temperature of 42 °C. This animal is a freshwater snail recognized as a suitable organism for experimental research. Additionally, it was observed an induction of HSP70 expression in digestive gland in all temperatures tested but not in ovotestis and head/foot tissues. Despite the higher expression of HSP70 had been detected at 30 °C, the animals exposed to 33 °C presented the highest survival. Our results indicate the increase of HSP70 is involved in the resistance to lethal temperature in B. glabrata as well other proteins.
TL;DR: The ovaries of Hipposideros speoris were studied histologically and histochemically for the enzymes, 3β-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase (3β-HSDH), Succinic dehydrogenases (SDH) and lipid and it was concluded that they have a certain significant role in ovarian physiology in overtaking the function of corpus luteum after its regression.
Abstract: The ovaries of Hipposideros speoris were studied histologically and histochemically for the enzymes, 3β-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase (3β-HSDH), Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and lipid from July 2005 to 2006. The interstitial cells or so called “epithelial cords” showed variations in their distribution, morphology, enzymic and their association with other ovarian structures. These cords appear to be formed in the ovarian cortex by the transformation of granulosa of the primordial follicles and small preantral follicles whose ova regress and disappear. Mostly these cords were conspicuous, hypertrophied, abundant and in clusters or in zones occupying a major portion of the cortex during 4 to 5 months of gestation and also during lactation. Both histological and histochemical studies revealed their significance as steroidogenic cells. The frequency with which these structures were observed during pregnancy made it obligatory to conclude that they have a certain significant role in ovarian physiology in overtaking the function of corpus luteum after its regression.
Key words: Chiroptera, Hipposideros, ovary, epithelial cords.
TL;DR: Results revealed appearance of vacuolar spaces, cellular fragmentation and ghost-like appearance of neuronal cells of the treatment group, while the Cells of the control group appeared intact with regular cell morphology and intact cellular integrity.
Abstract: Drinking water is a major source of fluoride and aluminium intake and these substances are known to cross the blood-brain barrier and alter the structure and function of neural tissues. One concern that has not been fully investigated is the link between fluoride, aluminium and their effects on the central nervous system. Twenty female Wistar rats were used for this investigation. Fifteen which served as the treatment group were given sodium fluoride, aluminium fluoride and their combination. The control was given distilled water for 21 days. The cerebellum was excised and histological investigations were carried out using routine Haematoxylin and Eosin, Periodic-acid Schiff and Cresyl violet stains. Results revealed appearance of vacuolar spaces, cellular fragmentation and ghost-like appearance of neuronal cells of the treatment group, while the cells of the control group appeared intact with regular cell morphology and intact cellular integrity.
Key words: Sodium fluoride, aluminium chloride, cerebellum, neurotoxicity
TL;DR: Investigation of protective effects of insulin and alpha lipoic acid on improving of blood glucose levels, body weight and laminin expression of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats suggests that untreated diabetic neuropathy in rats might be associated with increased laminIn expression and implies that insulin therapy is more effective than alpha lipOic acid treatment in improving hyperglycemia and laminationin up-regulation in diabetic nerves.
Abstract: Diabetic neuropathy is associated with changes in composition of extracellular matrix. Laminin is a major component of extracellular matrix. In this study, we investigated protective effects of insulin and alpha lipoic acid on improving of blood glucose levels, body weight and laminin expression of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in the rats by 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) via an intraperitoneal injection. 12 weeks after STZ treatment, laminin expression in sciatic nerves was evaluated by immunohistochemical study and real time polymerase chain reaction. Laminin expression increased in the perineurium, endoneurium and blood vessels walls in sciatic nerve of untreated diabetic rats compared to control rats. Insulin treatment significantly reduced overall laminin immunoreactivity but alpha lipoic acid treatment significantly decreased it only in the blood vessels walls. Laminin β1 mRNA level in sciatic nerve of untreated diabetic group increased 0.6 fold compared to control group. Although, alpha lipoic acid decreased this up regulation but unlike insulin, this reduction was not significant. These findings suggest that untreated diabetic neuropathy in rats might be associated with increased laminin expression and also it implies that insulin therapy is more effective than alpha lipoic acid treatment in improving hyperglycemia and laminin up-regulation in diabetic nerves.
Key words: Diabetic neuropathy, laminin, alpha lipoic acid, insulin.
TL;DR: An experiment was conducted to compare the utilization of Tephrosia candida and Leucaena leucocephala in mixtures with Panicum maximum as feed for small ruminants, using the artificial bag technique of feed evaluation.
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to compare the utilization of Tephrosia candida and Leucaena leucocephala in mixtures with Panicum maximum as feed for small ruminants, using the artificial bag technique of feed evaluation. Three West African dwarf (WAD) sheep with rumen cannula were used for the experiment. T. candida was formulated into diets with P. maximum as diets A, B and C while L. leucocephala was formulated into diets with P. maximum as diets D, E and F in the ratio 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 respectively for both legumes. The degradation characteristics indicated L. leucocephala – based diets as being more (P < 0.05) degradable in the rumen than the T. candida – based diets, with diet D having the highest potential degradability (a+b) value.
Key words: Artificial bag technique, degradation characteristics, feed, small ruminants.
TL;DR: Toxicity of cyanide in the cortex and cerebellum can involve osmotic imbalance and excitotoxicity at the 10 mg/kg causing increased in cell size and a slower form of degeneration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation causing release hydrolytic enzymes from lysosomes that destroys the components of the cytoplasm as observed in the 20 mg/Kg treatment.
Abstract: One of the most prominent disease conditions in cassava endemic regions of the world is movement disorders. In this study, we investigate the movement disorder from the cortical and cerebellar point of view. Most toxicity studies involving movement disorder has been greatly linked to the motor cortex, thus, we examined neurodegeneration both in the motor cortex and the cerebellar cortex. This study also evaluated the possible role of such degeneration in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases associated with cassava endemicity. 15 F1 adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups of five animals each. The first group was the control, the second group received 10 mg/kg BW of potassium cyanide (KCN) and the third group received 20 mg/kg BW of KCN for 15 days. The cortical (motor area) and cerebellar tissue were obtained and fixed in formol calcium for cyto-architectural study. In conclusion, toxicity of cyanide in the cortex and cerebellum can involve osmotic imbalance and excitotoxicity at the 10 mg/kg causing increased in cell size and a slower form of degeneration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation causing release hydrolytic enzymes from lysosomes that destroys the components of the cytoplasm as observed in the 20 mg/Kg treatment.
Key words: Neuron, cell death, cerebellum, cortex, movement, degeneration, oxidative stress.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared the Boran cattle and the crossbreds and estimate genetic and crossbreeding parameters for first lactation traits, and found that crossbreeding with management interventions could be recommended to improve milk production.
Abstract: Data obtained from Holeta Agricultural Research Center in Ethiopia were analyzed to compare the Boran cattle and the crossbreds and estimate genetic and crossbreeding parameters for first lactation traits. First lactation traits studied were first lactation total milk yield (FLMY), first lactation length (FLL), milk yield per day to first lactation (FLDMY), first 305 days milk yield (MY305) and adjusted first lactation 305 days milk yield (AFL305DMY). The effect of genetic group was significant (p 0.05) difference between HF x Bo and HF x HFBo or J x Bo and J x JBo and thus exotic inheritance beyond 50% showed no improvement in first lactation traits. The heritability estimates were medium (0.21+03) for FLL to high (0.39+0.40) for FLDMY. The breed additive difference for HF or Jersey was positive and significant (p 0.05) for Jersey x Boran crosses except FLDMY and AFL305DMY. Crossbreeding improved first lactation traits three to four folds. Thus, crossbreeding with management interventions could be recommended to improve milk production.
Key words: Crossbreeding, genetic parameters, milk yield, non-genetic factors.