Determining Immunoglobulin Content of Bovine Colostrum and Factors Affecting the Outcome: A Review

The immunoglobulin concentration in bovine colostrum should be measured to ensure feeding with sufficient immunoglobulins (≥50 mg immunoglobulin G mL−1). Adequate feeding prevents diseases, promotes development, and has a positive influence on the adult animal. Indirect and direct measurement methods are available for this purpose. Direct measurement methods cannot be easily used in practice; therefore, farmers use indirect methods such as a colostrometer and a refractometer. Many factors influence the immunoglobulin concentration of colostrum; some of them have already been intensively researched. In particular, lactation and temporal aspects play an essential role. Newer aspects such as dry period, seasonal influences, and genetics are gaining importance, but their impact on immunoglobulin content has not been sufficiently investigated. Developments are still needed, especially in data management. This review analyzes the outcome of different studies on the indirect and direct measurement methods and discusses different factors influencing the immunoglobulin concentration of bovine colostrum.

The Effects of Viewing Cute Pictures on Performance During a Basketball Free-Throw Task

Previous studies have shown that viewing cute pictures leads to performance improvement in a subsequent fine motor task. We examined the beneficial effects of viewing cute pictures in a more complex sporting skill (i.e., basketball free throws) by comparing three conditions (viewing baby animal pictures, adult animal pictures, and no pictures) and two tests (no-pressure and pressure). The participants, all of whom were college basketball players, performed 16 free throws in each condition. In the no-pressure test, male participants improved performance after viewing pictures of baby animals but not after adult animals and no pictures. In the pressure test, no significant improvement was observed. For female participants, the cuteness-viewing effect was not observed in both tests. The results suggest that viewing cute pictures may improve performance during basketball free throws in a low-pressure situation by narrowing the breadth of attentional focus and inducing approach motivation and caregiving behaviors.

The Use of a Locking Plate for the Treatment of Femoral Diaphyseal Fracture in Giant Anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

Background: The giant anteater is considered a species vulnerable to trauma due to being slow and, therefore, vulnerable to long bone fractures, such as femoral fracture. Locking plates have the potential to restore and maintain fractured bone stability, as well as reduce damage to the vascular supply. This study aims at reporting cases of two giant anteaters subjected to femoral osteosynthesis using locking plates. Cases:Two giant anteaters presenting non-weight bearing lameness on the right pelvic limbs were evaluated, diagnosed with femoral fracture of unknown etiology and submitted to osteosynthesis. A clinical evaluation was performed under chemical restraint for the adult animal and physical restraint for the young one. Crepitation and swelling in the right femur topography led to a radiographic examination, which showed a complete and transverse diaphyseal fracture of the right femur in both cases. The first one was an adult male and was subjected to osteosynthesis of the right femur using a locking plate. Once anesthetized, the animal was placed in left lateral recumbency, and the right pelvic limb was clipped and sterilized. A craniolateral incision was made to expose the femoral diaphysis. A large amount of fibrous-looking tissue was found and removed. Subsequently, the fracture was reduced and the locking plate system was positioned on the craniolateral side of the femur. An osteotomy of the femoral trochanteric crest was required to position the implant. The overlying fascia lata was closed using monofilament suture in a simple continuous pattern. The closure of the subcutaneous tissue and skin was performed using a Cushing pattern and simple interrupted pattern, respectively. Immediate postoperative radiographic examinations showed fracture reduction and bone axis alignment, with a properly positioned implant. The surgical wound was cleaned daily with 0.5% aqueous chlorhexidine solution. Seven days after surgery, the animal had a partial dehiscence at the suture site, with bone and plate exposure. Wound healing by second intention was initiated. At 127 days after surgery, a radiographic examination showed periosteal bone proliferation in the middle third of the right femur and that the bone implants were well-positioned. The second case was of a young 3.68 kg female anteater. The surgery was performed as described for the adult one, but there was no fibrosis at the fracture site and the osteotomy of the femoral trochanteric crest was not required. Closure of the fascia lata, subcutaneous tissue, and skin was performed as in Case 1. An immediate postoperative radiographic examination showed fracture reduction, bone axis alignment, and a properly positioned implant. The surgical wound was cleaned daily with 0.5% aqueous chlorhexidine solution. On the day of the surgery, the animal could already bear weight on its right pelvic limb, presenting discrete lameness with gradual improvement. Twenty-three days after surgery, a radiographic examination showed moderate periosteal bone proliferation in the middle third of the right femur. The bone implant was still well-positioned and bone healing was achieved around the 40th post-operative day.Discussion:The cases are very similar, but the younger anteater's femoral trochanteric crest didn't prevent positioning the plate. The fibrosis observed on the adult specimen is indicative of a chronic fracture, which may explain, in conjunction with the post-surgical complications, the longer time required for bone healing in the adult animal. Even so, both animals recovered fully and it's safe to deduce that the locking plate is an adequate option for internal fixation in transverse diaphyseal femoral fractures in both adult and young giant anteaters.

A study on prevalence of ecto- and endo-parasitic infection of cattle at Savar, Dhaka

A prevalence study was conducted to observe both ecto-and endo-parasitic (gastrointestinal) infection throughout one year surveillance. The study was conducted from July 2014 to June 2015 through Parasitology Laboratory, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka. The study considered age of cattle, season and type of parasitic infestation. In the study area total number of cattle population was 2000 in which 500 fecal and 200 ectoparasitic samples was collected considering three respective seasons like rainy, summer and winter. The fecal samples were examined by direct smear method followed by McMaster counting techniques and examine under microscope. After collection of samples within 24 hours all sample were tested by preserving at 40C temperature. In clinical observation, the overall prevalence of endoparasitic (gastrointestinal) infection was 68% and ectoparasitic infection was 60%. Prevalence of endoparasite was more frequent in rainy season (52.65%) followed by summer (27.05%) and winter season (20.29%) whereas prevalence of ectoparasite was more frequent in summer (39%) followed by rainy (13.5%) and winter (7.5%) season. The parasitic prevalence load was low in winter season. In endoparasitic infection, the higher prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. (20%) was found in rainy season whereas Haemonchus spp. (14%) and Toxocara spp. (12%) were higher in summer. In cattle, prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. (25.14%) and Haemonchus spp. (18.58%) was higher in adult cattle (above 6 months), whereas prevalence of Toxocara spp. (36.67%) and Coccidial oocyst (23.33%) was higher in calf (under 6 month) than adult animal (above 6 months) of age. The overall prevalence of ectoparasite was 60% and tick infestation was highest (22.5%) followed by lice (17.5%), mange (12.5%) and maggot fly (7.5%). High humidity (above 70%) and temperature provoke high endo- and ecto-parasite infection in the environment and infect cattle as well as other livestock species. Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 21-25: 29-35, 2018

Could electrical coupling contribute to the formation of cell assemblies?

Cell assemblies and central pattern generators (CPGs) are related types of neuronal networks: both consist of interacting groups of neurons whose collective activities lead to defined functional outputs. In the case of a cell assembly, the functional output may be interpreted as a representation of something in the world, external or internal; for a CPG, the output ‘drives’ an observable (i.e. motor) behavior. Electrical coupling, via gap junctions, is critical for the development of CPGs, as well as for their actual operation in the adult animal. Electrical coupling is also known to be important in the development of hippocampal and neocortical principal cell networks. We here argue that electrical coupling – in addition to chemical synapses – may therefore contribute to the formation of at least some cell assemblies in adult animals.

Oxidative Stress-Induced Brain Damage Triggered by Voluntary Ethanol Consumption during Adolescence: A Potential Target for Neuroprotection?

: Alcohol consumption, in particular ethanol (EtOH), typically begins in human adolescence, often in a “binge like” manner. However, although EtOH abuse has a high prevalence at this stage, the effects of exposure during adolescence have been less explored than prenatal or adult age exposure. : Several authors have reported that EtOH intake during specific periods of development might induce brain damage. Although the mechanisms are poorly understood, it has been postulated that oxidative stress may play a role. In fact, some of these studies revealed a decrease in brain antioxidant enzymes’ level and/or an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Nevertheless, although existing literature shows a number of studies in which ROS were measured in developing animals, fewer reported the measurement of ROS levels after EtOH exposure in adolescence. Importantly, neuroprotective agents aimed to these potential targets may be relevant tools useful to reduce EtOH-induced neurodegeneration, restore cognitive function and improve treatment outcomes for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). : The present paper reviews significant evidences about the mechanisms involved in EtOH-induced brain damage, as well as the effect of different potential neuroprotectants that have shown to be able to prevent EtOH-induced oxidative stress. A selective inhibitor of the endocannabinoid anandamide metabolism, a flavonol present in different fruits (quercetin), an antibiotic with known neuroprotective properties (minocycline), a SOD/catalase mimetic, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule (resveratrol), a powerful ROS scavenger (melatonin), an isoquinoline alkaloid (berberine), are some of the therapeutic strategies that could have some clinical relevance in the treatment of AUDs. As most of these works were performed in adult animal models and using EtOH-forced paradigms, the finding of neuroprotective tools that could be effective in adolescent animal models of voluntary EtOH intake should be encouraged.

Effect of Neonatal Exposure of Monosodium Glutamate in Kidney of Albino Mice – A Histological Study

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a commonly used food additive. Scientists have found that MSG has toxic effects in several tissues and organs like neurons, liver, testes, ovary, kidneys etc due to oxidative stress both after exposure in neonatal period as well as in adult animal models. Although various reports have suggested that MSG has damaging effect in kidneys only few histological studies are available. This study was done to observe any histological changes in kidneys of albino mice after neonatal exposure with MSG. Study showed significant changes in weight and volume of kidneys in gross morphology. Increased urinary space and dilatation of proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and distal convoluted tubules (DCT) were constant finding in experimental animals. There were loss of luminal microvilli and reduced height of lining cells of both PCT and DCT.

Stem cell differentiation trajectories in Hydra resolved at single-cell resolution

The adult Hydra polyp continually renews all of its cells using three separate stem cell populations, but the genetic pathways enabling this homeostatic tissue maintenance are not well understood. We sequenced 24,985 Hydra single-cell transcriptomes and identified the molecular signatures of a broad spectrum of cell states, from stem cells to terminally differentiated cells. We constructed differentiation trajectories for each cell lineage and identified gene modules and putative regulators expressed along these trajectories, thus creating a comprehensive molecular map of all developmental lineages in the adult animal. In addition, we built a gene expression map of the Hydra nervous system. Our work constitutes a resource for addressing questions regarding the evolution of metazoan developmental processes and nervous system function.

Pre-Clinical Pregnancy Models for Evaluating Zika Vaccines

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can result in a variety of developmental abnormalities in the fetus, referred to as Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). The effects of CZS can range from the loss of the viable fetus to a variety of neurological defects in full-term infants, including microcephaly. The clinical importance of ZIKV-induced CZS has driven an intense effort to develop effective vaccines. Consequently, there are approximately 45 different ZIKV vaccine candidates at various stages of development with several undergoing phase I and II clinical trials. These vaccine candidates have been shown to effectively prevent infection in adult animal models, however, there has been less extensive testing for their ability to block vertical transmission to the fetus during pregnancy or prevent the development of CZS. In addition, it is becoming increasingly difficult to test vaccines in the field as the intensity of the ZIKV epidemic has declined precipitously, making clinical endpoint studies difficult. These ethical and practical challenges in determining efficacy of ZIKV vaccine candidates in preventing CZS have led to increased emphasis on pre-clinical testing in animal pregnancy models. Here we review the current status of pre-clinical pregnancy models for testing the ability of ZIKV vaccines to prevent CZS.

The effect of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on the behaviour of ageing laboratory mice

Ageing is a complex physiological process characterized by a gradual decline in cell, tissue and organ function. Consequently, ageing is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. Altered nervous system function can lead to behavioural or psychological disorders. Recent research has shown that alpha ketoglutarate (AKG) is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle that extends the lifespan of adult animal organisms. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of AKG on the behaviour of laboratory mice in an open field test. The Na-AKG form was found to enhance perceptual-motor exploration in the mice (expressed as the number of rearings), and at the same time to suppress anxiety-related behaviour.