Estimation of periodontal pocket surface area in small to medium dogs: a proof-of-concept study

Background Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease in dogs. Although the systemic effects of periodontal disease have not been clarified in veterinary science, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of periodontal disease in clinical trials in the future. There have been a few clinical attempts made, however, to assess the severity of periodontal inflammation and its impact on the systemic health of dogs. Meanwhile, in the field of dentistry for humans, the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and periodontal epithelial surface area (PESA) have been used to quantitatively assess the degree of periodontal disease affecting a single tooth as well as the overall extent of periodontitis. Recent studies have also suggested the use of these assessments to examine the relationship between periodontal inflammation and systemic health. Results The estimation formula for a dog’s periodontal pocket surface area (PPSA), an alternative to PISA and PESA in humans, was established using body weight and periodontal pocket depth. Actual values were measured using extracted teeth from various dog breeds and sizes (2.3–25.0 kg of body weight) to obtain universal regression equations for PPSA. Altogether, 625 teeth from 73 dogs of 16 breeds were extracted and subsequently analyzed for morphological information. PPSA was measured in 61 dogs of 10 breeds with periodontal disease using the established estimation formulas, and the correlation between PPSA and preoperative blood chemistry data was analyzed accordingly. A strong correlation was found between PPSA and serum globulin (r = 0.71) while moderate correlations were found for C-reactive protein (r = 0.54) and serum albumin (r = -0.51). Conclusions Estimation formulas using body weight and the 6-point probing depth were established for determining PPSA. Direct correlations between PPSA and several blood test results were observed in the study sample. Taken together, these results suggest that PPSA could be useful for evaluating the effects of periodontitis on systemic conditions in dogs.

Pathological and radiological irregularities in patients with chronic kidney disease - An observational study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) encompasses a spectrum of different pathophysiologic processes associated with abnormal renal function and progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are 1) to assess basic tests and kidney function tests in patients with CKD, (2) to assess coagulation profile, sugar levels, and platelets levels in patients of CKD, (3) to do the urine analysis in patients with CKD, and (4) to assess GFR among the study population. Materials and Methods: After taking the informed consent, detailed history was taken and clinical examination of patient was done. Pathological tests such as hemogram, renal function tests, liver function tests, coagulation profile, blood sugar levels, urine routine, and microscopy were performed. Ultrasonography of abdomen and pelvis was done. Correlation was done between severity of sepsis and mortality in patients. Results: Anemia was moderate (7–8.9 g/dl) in 38%, mild (9–10.9 g/dl) in 31%, while severe (<6.9) in 29 patients, that is, 29%. Thrombocytopenia was present in 58% of patients. Mean serum albumin in patients was 2.67±0.551 mg/dl; serum globulin was 3.89±0.345 mg/dl. Mean blood sugar of study subjects was 127.41±61.387 mg/dl fasting, 199.67±114.827 mg/dl post-prandial, and mean glycated hemoglobin was 5.63 ± 1.668. On ultrasound acute pyelonephritis, 25 (25%) was the most common finding. Conclusion: Correlation of clinical findings with pathological and radiological findings is very important in patients with CKD. Severity of sepsis directly correlates with mortality of patients.

Effect of Replacing Bone Ash with Fresh Water Snail (Pila Ampullacea) Shell Ash on Serum Biochemical Indices of Weaned Rabbits

Twenty five (25) mixed breed weaned rabbits were utilized in 84-days experiment to investigate the effect of replacing bone ash with fresh water snail (Pila ampullacea) shell ash on the serum biochemical composition of weaned rabbits. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria for a period of 12 weeks. The rabbits were randomly assigned to the five dietary treatments and replicated five times giving a total of one rabbit per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Rabbits were raised intensively in hutches of about 4ft × 4ft. Five experimental diets tagged T1 to T5 were formulated such that fresh water snail (Pila ampullacea) shell ash replaced bone ash at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Feed and water were served ad libitum. Bio sanitary and bio security measures were strictly adhered to. At the end of the feeding trial, three rabbits per treatment were selected for the evaluation of serum biochemistry. The parameters assayed for were: total serum protein, serum globulin, serum albumin, cholesterol, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus. The study showed that the serum biochemical indices were not influenced (P˃0.05) by the dietary treatments except for calcium which was significantly (P<0.05) influenced, however, calcium values were within the normal reference values for rabbits. This study had shown that fresh water snail (Pila ampullacea) shell ash can serve as a substitute for bone ash in weaned rabbit diet up to 100% inclusion levels without adverse effect on the serum biochemical indices.

The Efficacy of a Smectite-Based Mycotoxin Binder in Reducing Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity on Performance, Health and Histopathology of Broiler Chickens

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the efficacy of a smectite-based clay binder (Toxo-MX) in reducing the toxicological effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 450 one-day old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into three treatment groups with ten replicates of 15 birds each in a 42-day feeding experiment. The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC, a basal diet with no AFB1 and binder), a positive control (PC, a basal diet contaminated with 500 ppb of AFB1) and a smectite-based mycotoxin binder(Toxo-MX, PC with smectite clay binder). AFB1 challenge resulted in 14 to 24% depression in growth performance, elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), organ enlargement and immuno-suppression.As compared to PC, feeding of Toxo-MX improved the final weight (15%; p < 0.0001), average daily gain (ADG) (15%; p < 0.001) and feed efficiency of broilers (13%; p < 0.0003) but did not have any effects on liver enzyme activities. Supplementation of smectite claysignificantly increased serum globulin levels and reduced the weight of the liver (p < 0.05) as compared to AFB1-fed broiler chickens. The severity of lesions (inflammatory and degenerative changes) observed in the liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, and lymphoid organs in PC birds was reduced by feeding smectite clay. The immuno-suppression caused by AFB1 was moderately ameliorated in Toxo-MX groupby stimulating the production of antibodies against IBD at day 42 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of a smectite-based mycotoxin binder to the diet containing AFB1 improved growth performance, reduced toxicological effects in liver and improved humoral immune response in broilers, suggesting its protective effect against aflatoxicosis.

Diagnostic Challenge in a Patient Presenting with Ascites and Hypergammaglobulinemia

Ascites is defined as the accumulation of intra-peritoneal fluid that can be caused by several diseases. We described a 47-year-old female presenting with low serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) and a markedly high level of serum globulin. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed an M spike in the gamma region. Other laboratory results showed a marked increase in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and predominantly conjugated hyperbilirubinemia without a sign of dilatation of bile ducts from abdominal ultrasonography examination. Furthermore, the follow-up showed a positive result for the anti-nuclear antibody test. The patient was assessed with autoimmune hepatitis, and the cause of ascites was suggested from portal hypertension although the level of SAAG was low. The ascites condition got improved after salt restriction, diuretics treatment, and abdominal paracentesis. However, the patient passed away because of the intracranial hemorrhage as a result of prolonged INR and APTT due to liver failure.

Supplemental magnolol or honokiol attenuates adverse effects in broilers infected with Salmonella pullorum by modulating mucosal gene expression and the gut microbiota

Background Salmonella pullorum is one of the most harmful pathogens to avian species. Magnolol and honokiol, natural compounds extracted from Magnolia officinalis, exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antibacterial activities. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplemental magnolol and honokiol in broilers infected with S. pullorum. A total of 360 one-day-old broilers were selected and randomly divided into four groups with six replicates: the negative control group (CTL), S. pullorum-infected group (SP), and the S. pullorum-infected group supplemented with 300 mg/kg honokiol (SPH) or magnolol (SPM). Results The results showed that challenging with S. pullorum impaired growth performance in broilers, as indicated by the observed decreases in body weight (P < 0.05) and average daily gains (P < 0.05), along with increased spleen (P < 0.01) and bursa of Fabricus weights (P < 0.05), serum globulin contents, and the decreased intestine villus height and villus/crypt ratios (P < 0.05). Notably, supplemental magnolol and honokiol attenuated these adverse changes, and the effects of magnolol were better than those of honokiol. Therefore, we performed RNA-Seq in ileum tissues and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of ileum bacteria. Our analysis revealed that magnolol increased the α-diversity (observed species, Chao1, ACE, and PD whole tree) and β-diversity of the ileum bacteria (P < 0.05). In addition, magnolol supplementation increased the abundance of Lactobacillus (P < 0.01) and decreased unidentified Cyanobacteria (P < 0.05) both at d 14 and d 21. Further study confirmed that differentially expressed genes induced by magnolol and honokiol supplementation enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, in the intestinal immune network for IgA production, and in the cell adhesion molecule pathways. Conclusions Supplemental magnolol and honokiol alleviated S. pullorum-induced impairments in growth performance, and the effect of magnolol was better than that of honokiol, which could be partially due to magnolol’s ability to improve the intestinal microbial and mucosal barrier.

The Diagnostic Value of Preoperative Hematology Makers in the Classification and Molecular Subtypes of Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas

Objective The purpose of our study is to explore the diagnostic value of the single and combined hematological maker for the classification and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-1/2 mutations molecular subtypes of high-grade gliomas (HGGs). Methods A total of 354 newly diagnosed HGGs patients were included in this study. Firstly, we compared the levels of hematology indicators in the classification and molecular subtypes of HGGs. Next, the correlation between the levels of hematology indicators with basic clinical features was analyzed. Finally, the diagnostic value of the single and combined hematology indicator for identifying the classification and molecular subtypes from HGGs was performed. Results The level of fibrinogen (FIB) was higher in higher grade gliomas and glioblastoma multiforme IDH wild type (GBM IDH-wt). Nutrition-related indicators such as serum albumin (ALB), albumin/globulin ratio (AGR), and prognostic nutrition index (PNI) were negatively correlated with age, whereas FIB was positively associated with age. Compared with women, men with GBM had significantly higher AGR and lower serum globulin (GLOB). We found that the best single and combined indicator for identifying GBM and GBM IDH-wt from HGGs were FIB [0.595 (0.519–0.672) and 0.615 (0.546–0.684)] and age + FIB [0.712 (0.642–0.783) and 0.726 (0.662–0.791)], respectively. Conclusions Preoperative hematological indicators have high diagnostic value for GBM and GBM IDH-wt from HGGs, especially FIB combined age.

The Diagnostic Value of Preoperative Hematology Makers in the Classification and Molecular Subtypes of Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas

Purpose: The purpose of our study is to explore the diagnostic value of the single and combined hematological maker for the classification and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-1/2 mutations (IDH) molecular subtypes of high-grade gliomas (HGGs).Methods: A total of 354 newly diagnosed HGGs patients were included in this study. Firstly, we compared the levels of hematology indicators in the classification and molecular subtypes of HGGs. Next, the correlation between the levels of hematology indicators with basic clinical features was analyzed. Finally, the diagnostic value of the single and combined hematology indicator for identifying the classification and molecular subtypes from HGGs was performed.Results: The level of fibrinogen (FIB) was higher in higher grade gliomas and glioblastoma multiforme IDH wild type (GBM IDH-wt). Nutrition-related indicators such as serum albumin (ALB), albumin/globulin ratio (AGR), and prognostic nutrition index (PNI) were negatively correlated with age, whereas FIB was positively associated with age. Compared with women, men with GBM had significantly higher AGR and lower serum globulin (GLOB). We found that the best single and combined indicator for identifying GBM and GBM IDH-wt from HGGs were FIB [0.595 (0.519-0.672) and 0.615 (0.546-0.684)] and age+FIB [0.712 (0.642-0.783) and 0.726 (0.662-0.791)], respectively.Conclusions: Preoperative hematological indicators have high diagnostic value for GBM and GBM IDH-wt from HGGs, especially FIB combined age.

Anti-Inflammatory and Erythropoietic Effects of a Moderate Protein Ketogenic Food in Dogs With Chronic Gastroenteritis

Objectives Ketogenic foods are anti-inflammatory in part via the NLRP3 inflammasome. Companion dogs, susceptible to chronic gastroenteritis (CGE), manifest infiltration of leukocytes (WBC) into bowel tissues. We evaluated circulating WBC in dogs eating a ketogenic food in two studies: 1) healthy dogs; 2) a chronic gastroenteritis (CGE) case/control cohort. Hypotheses- Ketogenic food will reduce WBC and this benefit will extend to dogs with CGE. Methods Dogs housed in pairs, with daily group exercise in outdoor grassy runs. CGE dogs diagnosed by histopathology; criteria included WBC infiltration into intestinal tissue. Healthy controls matched by age, gender, weight and breed. Blood collections after fasting 16 hours. Macronutrients (P/F/C; % energy): Study #1 (St1, healthy) CON1 (21/32/48); KETO1 (26/68/5); Study #2 (St2, chronic colitis & healthy) CON2 (24/19/57); KETO2 (28/68/4). KETO2 differed from KETO1 by protein ingredient replacement. St1: dogs ate CON1 and then consumed KETO1 (each for 5 weeks). St2 a randomized crossover trial (5 weeks feeding each food). Food analyticals measured by AOAC methods. Clinical measures, pancreatic lipase (cPL) by enzyme assay. Statistical testing by dependent t-test. Significance at α = 0.05. Results Ketogenic ratios of foods: CON1 (0.46), KETO1 (1.63), CON2 (0.33), KETO2 (1.69). Relative to CON foods, KETO foods decreased circulating monocytes, neutrophils and total WBC; KETO1 also reduced lymphocytes. KETO foods decreased serum globulin, increased albumin and total protein was unchanged. KETO foods decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP). KETO foods increased red blood cells, platelets and blood hemoglobin concentration; KETO2 also increased hematocrit and decreased immature reticulocytes. In St2, cPL was not different in healthy or CGE dogs on KETO2 vs CON2 foods. The CGE dog responded in the same manner to the KETO foods as did healthy dogs. Conclusions Ketogenic foods altered circulating inflammatory cell status in healthy dogs and those with enteritis in a manner consistent with reduced inflammatory potential. KETO foods were broadly supportive of health in CGE dogs; the KETO foods increased markers of erythropoiesis and did not increase pancreatic lipase levels. Ketogenic foods may benefit companion animals with inflammatory conditions. Funding Sources Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc; Topeka, KS 66617, USA

Using dried kitchen food wastes as untraditional feed in growing rabbit's diets

Background Kitchen food wastes (KFW) are food lost from human especially from hotels, hospitals, cafeterias and home, could be alternative feed resources and create the attention of researchers to process these wastes and recycling it as animal feeding not only to reduce the use of expensive feed ingredients but also to decrease the environmental pollution. The main objective of this study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary KFW inclusion on growth performance, digestibility, carcass traits, and some blood biochemical parameters of growing New Zealand White rabbits. Results The results showed that rabbits fed on diets containing 30% KFW achieved significantly (P < 0.05) higher daily weight gain (22.61 g) than the control (20.79 g) and there were no difference between diets 10% and 20%, and the lowest daily gain was with diet 40%. The highest organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility were recorded in rabbits fed on a diet containing 30% KFW (64.08 and 64.29%, respectively), while the lowest was observed in 40% group (61.11 and 55.54%, respectively). Diets containing KFW decreased caecal ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) and increased propionate up to 30% substitution. The addition of KFW to rabbits diets had no significant effect (P < 0.05) on serum globulin, glucose, ALT, and AST values and increased significantly (P < 0.05) serum total protein, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol and creatinine. Conclusion It can be concluded that the best growth performance and economical feed efficiency was observed in rabbits fed on a diet containing 30% KFW and surpassing all treated groups and achieved the best body weight gain.