Search

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Theileria equi (T. equi) is an obligate intra‐ and extra‐erythrocytic parasite that causes equine theileriosis (ET) in equids. Equine theileriosis is considered a notifiable disease of global significance, a major constraint to the international movement of horses, and endemic in many countries. This disease may be difficult to diagnose, as it can produce variable and nonspecific clinical signs. A cross‐sectional study was designed for the molecular characterisation of T. equi and to investigate the associated risk factors of ET accompanied by its consequences on haematological and sero‐biochemical parameters. A convenience sampling of 500 blood samples were collected from ET suspect horses from January to December 2017. PCR was performed on all blood samples targeting the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi followed by sequencing; 9% animals tested positive with confirmed sequences. The isolates of this study showed high homology with Cuban, Russian and Brazilian isolates of T. equi (accession numbers KY111762.2, MG551915.1 and KY952237.1, respectively). Based on multivariate analysis, the principal risk factors consisted of absence of dogs on the premises and presence of tick infestation. The haemato‐biochemical parameters showed a decrease in granulocytes and erythrocytes, and an increase in lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean platelet volume, glucose, phosphorus and aspartate aminotransferase in positive horses. This is the first study which identified ET in Punjab (Pakistan) using molecular techniques and risk factors together with the haemato‐biochemical variations in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat is an important component of our diet. Male meat is exclusively preferred for consumption. In order to control the quality of suppliers the identification of the meat gender is important for meat processors. The DNA based methods have proved, to be efficient for gender identification. Females (bovine and ovine) are used for reproduction and are normally slaughtered only when older, which lead to increase in length and rigidity of muscle fibers resulting in tougher meat of lower quality. To enable detection of male bovine meat samples, a PCR-assay was designed in the present study. The Amelogenin gene located on X and Y-chromosome has proved to be a good marker for gender identification even in cooked meat samples. A pair of primers was designed based on AMEL-X and AMEL-Y genes which would be able to identify animal gender of bovine and ovine meat samples. The accuracy and specificity of the primers was assessed using DNA template extracted from bovine and ovine meat samples of known gender. Established method was applied to 180 bovine and ovine meat samples. PCR products of meat samples after electrophoresis showed two bands (250, 180- bp) for male DNA sample while only single band (250bp) for female DNA Sample. Result shows that the PCR assay based on the Amelogenin gene is reliable for gender determination in meat. This technique is also of practical utility in biodiversity assessment in non-invasive studies. Gender identification plays an important economic role in animal production industries where females are requisite for the dairy industry while males are preferred for beef production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anopheles subpictus s.l. Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae) is a malaria vector in South Asia, where insecticides are the mainstay for vector control interventions. Information on any variation in metabolic enzyme levels in mosquitoes is helpful with respect to adapting alternative strategies for vector control. The scarce data on the biochemical basis of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors of Pakistan limit the available information for vector control interventions within the country. The insecticide susceptibility status and its biochemical basis against dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (4%), deltamethrin (0.05%) and permethrin (0.75%) in An. subpictus s.l. collected from all Tehsils of district Kasur were evaluated. For this purpose, a World Health Organization susceptibility bioassay was performed followed by the detection of altered metabolic enzyme activity using biochemical assays. Similarly, a significant difference in knock‐down effect was observed among field collected and susceptible strain against all insecticides 24 h post exposure. The overall mean mortality rates of DDT, deltamethrin and permethrin were 27.86% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 29.65–26.06], 44.89% (95% CI = 46.23–43.54) and 78.82% (95% CI = 80.16–77.47), respectively. The biochemical assays revealed an elevated level of metabolic enzymes in the field population. The results provide evidence of resistance against organochlorine and pyrethroid groups in a field population of An. subpictus s.l. from district Kasur mediated by multiple metabolic mechanisms, including acetylcholinesterases, esterases, cytochrome P450 and glutathione S‐transferases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical theileriosis is a tick-borne hemoparasitic disease and is responsible for huge economic losses in livestock sector of Pakistan. Bovine of three distinct zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province were examined to determine the molecular prevalence of T. annulata along with associated risk factors. A total of 900 blood samples (n=479 cows; n=421 buffaloes) were collected and examined; 170 (18.88%) were found positive for T. annulata. The central zone showed greater prevalence 65/300 (21.67%), followed by southern zone 56/300 (18.67%) and northern zone 49/300 (16.33%). A significant difference (P< 0.05) was observed in cows as compared to buffalo population (P > 0.05). Univariate analysis of risk factors including temporal zones, species, breeds, sexes, age, management systems, tick infestation, previous tick history, tick control, types of acaricides used and interval of acaricides usages revealed a significant (P< 0.05) association with prevalence of T. annulata in bovine. This study will help in developing more effective control of T. annulata in bovine of Pakistan. The results revealed here will help in developing more effective control strategies in future for dairy farmers in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was designed to ascertain antioxidative enzyme shift during cryopreservation of buffalo bull spermatozoa. Enzymatic profile of three enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase/reductase) was established for fresh, post-dilution, pre-freezing and post-thaw stages. A total of twenty semen samples from four bulls were cryopreserved in French straws by using tris based extender. Catalase (U/mL), superoxide dismutase (U/mL) and total glutathione (µM) profile for fresh semen (25.8±1.6, 93.1±1.3, 77.4±5.2; respectively), lowered with semen extension (6.0±0.6, 60.7±2.4, 63.0±0.9 respectively; P<0.05).During equilibration time, the enzymatic profile for catalase remained stable (7.0±0.7; P>0.05) but superoxide dismutase and glutathione profile deteriorated further (47.7±1.4, 44.6±0.6 respectively; P<0.05). During cryopreservation, major shift was observed in catalase profile (2.3±0.3; P<0.05) while superoxide dismutase and glutathione readings were stable in post-thaw evaluations (P>0.05). It is concluded that cryopreservation process deteriorated catalase enzyme profile while superoxide dismutase and glutathione profiles are declined by metabolic activities of spermatozoa in time dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative abundance of Anopheline species and its relationship with various climatic variables were investigated in Kasur and Shiekhupura districts of province Punjab, Pakistan. Anopheline mosquitoes (n=4973) were captured during the period of November, 2009 to October, 2010. Total six Anopheline species were identified from different localities of both districts. Results shown high relative abundance of An. stephensi (62.5 %) followed by An. subpictus (25.7%), An. culicifacies (5.48%), An. pulcherrimus (3.65%), An. annularis (1.34%) and An. nigerrimus (1.16%) respectively. The month-wise, highest abundance of Anopheline species was seen in the month of July (19.26%) and lowest in December (0.70%). The seasonal abundance of mosquitoes in both districts was higher in the rainy season followed by high abundance at the start of the post monsoon period, i.e. in the months of September (17.21%) and October (13.71%). While there was a decline in the abundance of mosquitoes during the late monsoon period due to decrease in the rainfall and temperature. Moving towards the end of the dry period, it is shown again increase in the surge in mosquitoes i.e. March (4.92%) to June (15.38%) due to increase in rainfall. The results revealed that the population dynamics of Anopheline mosquitoes vary with the change in geographic boundaries, demographic and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis in cattle and buffaloes by oocyst microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cryptosporidiosis as detected by microscopic examinations was higher in cattle (10.5%) than buffaloes (8.47%) in Lahore from August, 2007-July, 2008. Percent prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in cattle and buffaloes was higher at Governmental dairy farms (20.55 & 16. 66) followed by Gawala colonies (12.77 & 9.44), Military dairy farm (6.11 & 4.44) and House hold dairies (3.88 & 3.34). The highest percent prevalence recorded in cattle and buffaloes was during summer (15 &12), followed by autumn (10.88 &20), spring (10.88 &7.5) and the lowest in winter season (6.6 &4.5). Infection rate was higher in young cattle and buffaloes than older. Non-significant difference was recorded in relation to sex of animals and infection rate. Percent prevalence in cattle (12.22%), as detected by PCR was highest at Governmental dairy farm(22.7%), followed by Gawala colonies (14.41%),Military dairy farm(7.7%) and House hold dairies (5%). Although, the prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis detected by PCR was higher as compared to microscopic examinations, no statistically significant difference was observed. It is concluded that cryptosporidiosis is highly prevalent in Lahore, which insinuates authorities for its monitoring by microscopic or molecular methods to achieve the production to its maximum potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis is a parasitic disease caused by intraerythrocytic parasites of the genus Babesia, which infect both wild and domestic animals. Merozoite surface antigens (MSAs) have been identified as efficient immunogens in Babesia-infected animals. MSAs play a key role in the invasion process and have been proposed as potential targets for vaccine development. Epitope-based vaccines offer several advantages over whole protein vaccines as the immunogenic proteins are small and can induce both Th1 and Th2 immune responses, which are desirable for protection. However, the MSA, particularly gp45, is polymorphic in Babesia bigemina, posing a challenge to vaccine development. The purpose of this study was to develop a recombinant gpME (gp45-multi-epitope) for a vaccine against Babesia bigemina. B-cell, T-cell, and HLA epitope predictions were used to synthesize the gpME sequence from the consensus sequence of gp45. The gpME sequence was synthesized and cloned in the pET28α vector through the commercial biotechnology company to get pET28-gpME. The plasmid cloned with the gpME sequence comprising 1068 bp was expressed in a bacterial expression system. A band of 39 kDa of rec-gpME was obtained via SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Rec-gpME @200ng was injected in calves 3 times at 2 weeks interval. The humoral response was evaluated through the indirect ELISA method. The ELISA with rec-gp45 protein showed a significant value of optical density. The recombinant protein containing multiple epitopes from the MSA gp45 may represent a promising candidate for a vaccine against Babesia bigemina., (Copyright© by the Polish Academy of Sciences.)

Anaplasma marginale is the most prevalent tick-borne haemoparasite of cattle and causes huge economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of A. marginale infection in blood and tick samples collected from livestock animals in the districts located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. A total of 184 blood and 370 tick samples were included in this study. It has never been reported that sheep, goats, and cattle in Tank, Ghulam Khan, Birmil and Miran Shah areas were infected with A. marginale. All samples of blood and ticks were collected through random sampling from March 2021 to January 2022 from cattle, sheep and goats and screened through PCR for anaplasmosis by using primer pairs of Anaplasma spp. Three hundred and seventy ticks were collected from infested hosts (120/184, 64.21%). Among the four morphologically identified tick species, the highest occurrence was recorded for Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n=138, 37.29%), followed by Rhipicephalus microplus (n=131, 35.4%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (n=40, 10.81%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n=31, 8.37%), and Hyalomma marginatum (n=30, 8.1%). The occurrence of female tick was highest (n=160, 43.24%), followed by nymphs (n=140, 37.38%) and males ticks (n=70, 18.9%). Among these ticks, A. marginale was detected in female ticks of R. microplus, and R. sanguineus. Molecular identification of A. marginale was confirmed in 120 out of 184 blood samples and 6 out of 74 tick samples. Overall, occurrence of A. marginale in blood and tick samples was found to be 65.21% and 8.1% respectively. Species-wise occurrence in blood samples of goats were 71.11% followed by sheep 68.31% and cattle 50%. Specie-wise occurrence of A. marginale in tick samples of cattle were 12.5% followed by goats 6.89%. The obtained sequence showed similarity with A. marginale reported from Kenya and USA. We report the first PCR based detection of A. marginale infection in blood samples and in R. sanguineus ticks of goats simultaneously.

This study aims to examine the effect of zeolites in optimizing the process of food waste composting. A novel method of sequential hydrothermal was introduced to modify the natural zeolite and apply to in-vessel compost bioreactors. Raw and modified natural zeolites were applied at 10 and 15% (w/w) of the total waste and compared with un-amended control trial. Both raw and modified zeolites affected the composting process, but the notable results were observed for modified natural zeolite. The results for compost stability parameters were prominent at 15% modified natural zeolite concentration. The rapid and long-term thermophillic temperature and moisture content reduction to the optimum range was observed for modified natural zeolite. Furthermore, the total ammonium (NH 4 + ) and nitrate (NO 3 - ) concentration in modified natural zeolite were increased by 11.1 and 21.5% respectively as compared to raw zeolite. Compost stability against moisture contents (MC), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matters (OM), total carbon (TC), mineral nitrogen, nitrification index (NI) and germination index (GI) was achieved after 60 days of composting that was in accordance with the international compost quality standards. The findings of this study suggested the suitability of modified natural zeolite addition at 15% to the total waste as the optimum ratio for the composting of food waste in order to achieve a stable nutrient-rich compost., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This paper aims to examine the influence of biochar produced from lawn waste in accelerating the degradation and mineralization rates of food waste compost. Biochar produced at two different temperatures (350 and 450 °C) was applied at the rates 10 and 15% (w/w) of the total waste to an in-vessel compost bioreactor for evaluating its effects on food waste compost. The quality of compost was assessed against stabilization indices such as moisture contents (MC), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matters (OM) degradation, change in total carbon (TC) and mineral nitrogen contents such as ammonium (NH 4 + ) and nitrate (NO 3 - ). The use of biochar significantly improved the composting process and physiochemical properties of the final compost. Results showed that in comparison to control trial, biochar amended compost mixtures rapidly achieved the thermophilic temperature, increased the OM degradation by 14.4-15.3%, concentration of NH 4 + by 37.8-45.6% and NO 3 - by 50-62%. The most prominent effects in term of achieving rapid thermophilic temperature and a higher concentration of NH 4 + and NO 3 - were observed at 15% (w/w) biochar. According to compost quality standard of United States (US), California, Germany, and Austria, the compost stability as a result of biochar addition was achieved in 50-60 days. Nonetheless, the biochar produced at 450 °C had similar effects as to biochar produced at 350 °C for most of the compost parameters. Therefore, it is recommended to produce biochar at 350 °C to reduce the energy requirements for resource recovery of biomass and should be added at a concentration of 15% (w/w) to the compost bioreactor for achieving a stable compost., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Serum from one hundred and ten breast cancer patients and thirty healthy female volunteers, were prospectively collected and evaluated for serum levels of Shh and IL-6 using human Shh and IL-6 specific enzyme-linked immunoassays. All patients were regularly monitored for event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Overall outcome analysis was based on serum Shh and IL-6 levels. In patients with progressive metastatic BC, both serum Shh and IL-6 concentrations were elevated in 44% (29 of 65) and 63% (41 of 65) of patients, respectively, at a statistically significant level [Shh (p = 0.0001) and IL-6 (p = 0.0001)] compared to the low levels in healthy volunteers. Serum levels tended to increase with metastatic progression and lymph node positivity. High serum Shh and IL-6 levels were associated with poor EFS and OS opposite to the negative or lower levels in serum Shh and IL-6. The elevated levels of both serum Shh and IL-6 were mainly observed in BC patients who had a significantly higher risk of early recurrence and bone metastasis, and associated with a worse survival for patients with progressive metastatic BC. Further studies are warranted for validating these biomarkers as prognostic tools in a larger patient cohort and in a longer follow-up study.

Sixty eight adult patients of fibromyalgia were included in this prospective study from the Outpatient Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka during the period of January 2003 to June 2003. Study samples were assigned into two treatment groups: Group A (n = 38) with exercise by static bicycle and aerobic walking in addition to tricyclic antidepressant and analgesic and Group B (n = 30) was non exercise group, treated with tricyclic antidepressant and analgesic only. The total duration of treatment was 16 weeks. Pre-treatment (week 0) and post treatment (week 16) evaluation was performed in both groups. Evaluation parameters included pain grade, number of trigger points, occurrence of arousal at night, frequency of micturition and global evaluation by the physician. After 16 weeks, mean improvement of exercise group and non exercise group was 48% and 39% respectively but this difference was not statistically significant. Therefore, from this study it was observed that aerobic exercise showed no significant benefit to fibromyalgia patients.