Pregnant Animals Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Cattle in Southern Egypt: Do Milk and Serum Samples Tell the Same Story?

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite of veterinary and public health importance. Infection may lead to abortion in susceptible pregnant animals and women, and potentially fatal health complications in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, we aimed to provide an update on the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for, T. gondii antibodies in cattle from Qena, southern Egypt. Additionally, we investigated if raw milk and serum samples from the same animals reacted similarly in a commercial ELISA, thus potentially reducing the invasiveness of future serosurveillance studies. Cattle serum samples (n = 362) from three locations in the Qena governorate (Qena, Qus, and Al Waqf cities), of both sexes and different ages were collected. From most dairy cows, a corresponding milk sample (n = 154) was additionally obtained. We found that the overall seroprevalence in serum samples was 9.1% (33/362). Increasing age was the sole risk factor identified in our study among all tested parameters (location, age, sex, lactating yes or no). Thus, older cattle (more than 3 years old) exhibited significantly higher rates of T. gondii antibodies (11.7%; p = 0.033, odd ratio = 4.3) in comparison to animals younger than 1 year (2.9%). In the corresponding serum and milk samples, the prevalence was 12.3% (19/154) in serum samples, and 9.7% (15/154) in milk samples, respectively. A high correlation was observed between the two sample types with a concordance of 97.4%, a kappa value of 0.87, and a Pearson r correlation coefficient of 0.85. When the serum ELISA was taken as the gold standard, the milk ELISA had the following characteristics: sensitivity (78.9%), specificity (100%), positive predictive value (100%), negative predictive value (97.1%), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (0.6, p = 0.0011). In this study, we confirmed the frequent occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in cattle in southern Egypt and demonstrated that non-invasive milk samples may be used instead of serum samples for seroprevalence studies in dairy cows.

Efeito do uso da Promixalicina no controle de verminose e parâmetros sanguíneos de ovelhas

Sheep producers are increasingly looking for strategies to tackle the problem of worms in animals, as well as to improve the functioning of the animals' immune system. Therefore, two experiments were carried out, in two different properties (with high and low challenges in relation to verminosis) with the objective of, in both, evaluating the effect of using Ovine Promixalicin on OPG (Eggs per gram of Feces) and blood parameters of pregnant and non-pregnant sheep, on two different properties. The indication for use of the product is to, among others, contribute to the control of verminosis. The animals evaluated on the properties came from a pasture production system, with the use of concentrated and/or roughage supplementation if necessary. The animals used were of the Dorper, Texel, Ile de France and Sulfolk breed. The parameters evaluated were OPG, Famacha©, Body Condition Score and blood parameters (lymphocytes, leukocytes and erythrocytes). In relation to experiment one, with a low challenge in relation to worms, the use of Promyxalicin significantly helped to reduce worms and animal well-being, thus helping the herd to increase productive parameters such as weight gain and fertility. In experiment 2, a system with a high challenge in terms of verminosis, the animals remained uniform and controlled by the use of Promyxalicin, including beneficial results in relation to blood parameters, which did not increase during its use. Therefore, the use of Ovine Promixalicin does not alter the consumption of food by animals, as well as being effective in controlling verminosis, including Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colobriformis, Oesophagostomum columbianum e Strongyloides papillosus, promoting well-being and maintenance of the immune system, especially in pregnant animals, bringing benefits to the sheep production system.

Disruption of Erythritol Catabolism via the Deletion of Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase (Fba) and Transaldolase (Tal) as a Strategy to Improve the Brucella Rev1 Vaccine.

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis caused by the genus Brucella, which mainly affects domestic animals. In these natural hosts, brucellae display a tropism towards the reproductive organs, such as the placenta, replicating in high numbers and leading to placentitis and abortion, an ability also exerted by the B. melitensis live-attenuated Rev1 strain, the only vaccine available for ovine brucellosis. It is broadly accepted that this tropism is mediated, at least in part, by the presence of certain preferred nutrients in the placenta, particularly erythritol, a polyol that is ultimately incorporated into the Brucella central carbon metabolism via two reactions dependent on transaldolase (Tal) or fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (Fba). In the light of these remarks, we propose that blocking the incorporation of erythritol into the central carbon metabolism of Rev1 by deleting the genes encoding Tal and Fba may impair the ability of the vaccine to proliferate massively in the placenta. Therefore, a Rev1ΔfbaΔtal double mutant was generated and confirmed to be unable to use erythritol. This mutant exhibited a reduced intracellular fitness both in BeWo trophoblasts and THP-1 macrophages. In the murine model, Rev1ΔfbaΔtal provided comparable protection to the Rev1 reference vaccine while inducing fewer adverse reproductive events in pregnant animals. Altogether, these results postulate the Rev1ΔfbaΔtal mutant as a reproductively safer Rev1-derived vaccine candidate to be studied in the natural host.

Pregnancy alters fatty acid metabolism, glucose regulation, and detoxification of the liver in synchrony with biomechanical property changes

Pregnancy places a metabolic burden on the body including the liver, which is responsible for ensuring adequate nutrition for the maternal and fetal systems. To gain a better understanding of liver adaptation, this study investigates metabolic shifts occurring in livers of pregnant rats. Metabolic capacities of the livers of pregnant and non-pregnant female Wistar rats were assessed using comprehensive metabolic models. Kinetic metabolic models were generated for each animal based on protein abundance data from proteomics analysis allowing for a subject-specific assessment of hepatic metabolic functions. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD050758. Additionally, tissue stiffness, viscosity, and water diffusion obtained from magnetic resonance imaging and elastography were correlated with metabolic capabilities to study the relationship between metabolic function and biophysical properties. Proteome profiling revealed differences in protein expression in the livers of pregnant and non-pregnant animals. Functional analysis showed significant variations in metabolic capacities. Livers of pregnant rats had reduced capacities in carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, along with altered urea synthesis. Additionally, there were associations between metabolic functions and biophysical properties highlighting potential links between changes in liver structure and metabolic capacities during pregnancy. In summary, our work reveals extensive hepatic metabolic changes in pregnant rats. The liver adapts its metabolic capacities to ensure whole-body metabolic homeostasis but may struggle to counteract nutritional challenges, such as hypoglycemia. The study, employing a personalized approach combining proteomics, kinetic modeling, and advanced imaging, sheds light on the intricate interplay between hepatic adaptations and medical imaging markers, providing a foundation for further investigations into the implications for maternal and fetal health.

Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Female Reproductive Function: A Review of Animal and Human Studies.

Intermittent fasting has gained significant attention, yet a comprehensive understanding of its impact on female reproductive health is lacking. This review aims to fill this gap by examining various intermittent fasting regimens and their effects on female reproductive function, along with potential mechanisms. In healthy non-overweight/obese or pregnant animal models, alternate-day fasting (ADF) and an 8-h time-restricted feeding (TRF) window may have adverse effects on reproductive function. However, these regimens show potential to mitigate negative consequences induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) or environmental exposure. A 10-h TRF demonstrates benefits in improving fertility in both normal-weight and HFD-fed animal models. In women with overweight/obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the 5:2 diet and TRF significantly reduce the free androgen index while elevating sex hormone binding globulin, promising improvements in menstrual regulation. For pregnant Muslim women, available data do not strongly indicate adverse effects of Ramadan fasting on preterm delivery, but potential downsides to maternal weight gain, neonatal birthweight, and long-term offspring health need consideration. Factors linking intermittent fasting to female reproductive health include the circadian clock, gut microbiota, metabolic regulators, and modifiable lifestyles. Drawing definitive conclusions remains challenging in this evolving area. Nonetheless, our findings underscore the potential utility of intermittent fasting regimens as a therapeutic approach for addressing menstruation irregularities and infertility in women with obesity and PCOS. On the other hand, pregnant women should remain cognizant of potential risks associated with intermittent fasting practices.

Microplastics caused embryonic growth retardation and placental dysfunction in pregnant mice by activating GRP78/IRE1α/JNK axis induced apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Microplastics (MPs), a brand-new class of worldwide environmental pollutant, have received a lot of attention. MPs are consumed by both humans and animals through water, food chain and other ways, which may cause potential health risks. However, the effects of MPs on embryonic development, especially placental function, and its related mechanisms still need to be further studied. We investigated the impact on fetal development and placental physiological function of pregnant mice by consecutive gavages of MPs at 0, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg body weight during gestational days (GDs 0–14). The results showed that continuous exposure to high concentrations of MP significantly reduced daily weight gain and impaired reproductive performance of pregnant mice. In addition, MPs could significantly induce oxidative stress and placental dysfunction in pregnant mice. On the other hand, MPs exposure significantly decreased placental barrier function and induced placental inflammation. Specifically, MPs treatment significantly reduced the expression of tight junction proteins in placentas, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration and increased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in placentas. Finally, we found that MPs induced placental apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through the GRP78/IRE1α/JNK axis, leading to placental dysfunction and decreased reproductive performance in pregnant mice. We revealed for the first time that the effects of MPs on placental dysfunction in pregnant animals. Blocking the targets of MPs mediated ER stress will provide potential therapeutic ideas for the toxic effects of MPs on maternal pregnancy.

Идентификация гаплоблоков, потенциально ассоциированных с эмбриональной смертностью крупного рогатого скота черно-пестрого корня

Abstract. In modern realities, the problem of cattle reproduction is becoming one of the most important issues in managing a large herd. The long-term desire of breeders in all countries of the world to increase milk productivity in dairy cattle has led to the degradation of their reproductive capacity. The service period has increased by more than 40 days, the insemination index has increased almost 2 times, the intercalving period has become 3 months longer than a year. Due to intensive selection aimed at milk production and a decrease in reproductive capacity, a cow does not give birth to a calf every year, and the percentage of pregnant animals after the first insemination has sharply decreased to 30%. In terms of the degree of loss of reproductive function in cows, embryonic mortality ranks first, due to which up to 70% of pregnancy losses occur in the first 45 days after fruitful insemination. Accelerating the pace of breeding progress requires the use of genomic selection in animal husbandry, which will make it possible to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with indicators of productive longevity and fertility of cows and to identify genomic regions subject to the greatest selection pressure for indicators of productive longevity and reproductive function of dairy cattle. Purpose of the work: Identification of haplotypes responsible for reproductive function of cattle. Research methods. The studies were conducted on the Holstein breed of cattle. Identification of homozygous haplotypes was carried out using the GHap package in R software. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the identification of homozygous haplotypes responsible for early embryonic mortality and affecting fertility in a population of Holstein cows of the Ural type, Results. During the processing of the data obtained, chromosomes with haploblocks were identified, which may be responsible for early embryonic mortality and affecting the fertility of cattle.

Effects of parity and early pregnancy on peripheral blood leukocytes in dairy cattle

Subfertility remains a major problem in the dairy industry. Only 35-40% of high-yielding dairy cows and 55-65% of nonlactating heifers become pregnant after their first service. The immune system plays a critical role in the establishment of pregnancy. However, it can also create challenges for embryo survival and contribute to reduced fertility. We conducted 2 separate experiments to characterize changes in subsets of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and their phenotype over the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in heifers and cows. We used flow cytometry and RT-qPCR to assess protein and mRNA expression of molecules important for immune function. We observed that CD14+ monocytes and CD3+ T cells tended to be affected by pregnancy status in heifers, whereas CD8B+ lymphocytes and NCR1+ natural killer (NK) cells were affected during early pregnancy in cows. Changes in expression of immune function proteins appeared to be greater in heifers than cows. To compare the most striking differences between heifers and cows observed in the initial experiments, we conducted a third experiment where PBL sampled from heifers and cows were simultaneously collected and analyzed under the same experimental conditions. Our results indicate that, compared with heifers, cows had greater mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IFNG and IL6) and AHR protein along with greater percentage of MM20A+ neutrophils and myeloid cells expressing SIRPA, ITGAM and ITGAX. Moreover, animals that failed to become pregnant showed altered expression of anti-inflammatory molecules compared with cyclic and pregnant animals. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that early pregnancy signaling alters the phenotype of immune cells in the peripheral blood and that there are differences in the peripheral immune response to pregnancy between cows and heifers. Because cows have lower conception rates than heifers, it is possible that a more proinflammatory immune status in peripheral blood may play a role in embryo loss.

The vasodilator effect of Eugenol on uterine artery – potential therapeutic applications in pregnancy-associated hypertension

Preeclampsia, a gestational associated hypertension, has been reported in 6–8% of pregnant women worldwide leading to premature delivery and low birth weight of newborn due to reduced blood flow to placenta. Although several vasodilators (Methyl dopa, hydralazine, β-blockers and diuretics) are currently in use to treat preeclampsia, still there is a search for safer drugs with better efficacy. Lately, antihypertensive vasodilators from natural sources are gaining importance in treating preeclampsia. Eugenol (Eug), a natural essential oil, has been traditionally used in health and food products without any risk. In the present study, ex vivo experiments were designed to examine the vasorelaxation effect of Eug and its signaling pathways in a middle uterine artery (MUA) of pregnant Capra hircus (Ch). In presence of different blockers (L-NAME, indomethacin, ODQ, Ouabain, glibenclamide, 4-AP, Ba2, Carbenoxolone and 18β Glycyrrhetinic acid), Eug-induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation response was elicited. The results showed that Eug caused a greater vasorelaxation effect in the MU of pregnant animals, which is mediated by potential activation of eNOS, KATP channels, and Kir channels with moderate activation of Na+- K+- ATPase and sGC and MEGJ. These findings provide a strong basis for developing Eug as a therapeutic candidate in the treatment of pregnancy-associated hypertension.

Potential teratogenic effect of prenatal dexamethasone administration on palate development: Experimental study in rats

BackgroundThe interaction of cell populations and synchronization of cell signaling pathways during craniofacial development can cause malformations such as facial clefts when interrupted by teratogenic agents including synthetic corticosteroids. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the potentially disturbing dexamethasone (Dex) effect on palatal shelf development in rat embryos and the possible reasons for this teratogenic potential in relation to fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) as well as FGF10 receptor2 (FGFR2) signaling. MethodsThirty pregnant rats were used, which were then randomly categorized into three groups of ten animals each: the control group, where pregnant rats received no treatment, Sham group in which pregnant rats were injected subcutaneously with saline (0.4 mg/kg body weight) during the mid-pregnancy period at gestational day 9–14, and Dex-treated group, where pregnant rats received 0.4 mg/kg of Dex at mid-gestational period. Pregnant animals from all groups were sacrificed on day 20 of gestation before birth and the fetuses were removed for examination of the palatal shelves using a light microscope (LM). In addition, a real-time polymerase chain reaction and a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were done to evaluate FGF10 and its receptor FGFR2 gene expression. ResultsThe cleft palate incidence rates in the groups of embryos were determined. Only the offspring in the Dex group showed a cleft palate. Moreover, the cleft palate incidence rate in the Dex group was significantly different compared to controls. Moreover, a significant decrease in FGF10 and FGFR2 expression levels was reported in the Dex group than in the controls. ConclusionsDex treatment in mid-gestation may increase the incidence of cleft palate development, which may be due to modulation of FGF signaling. This calls for caution when using this medication in the first half of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary and under close medical supervision.

New approach methodologies to confirm developmental toxicity of pharmaceuticals based on weight of evidence

The aim of embryo-fetal developmental toxicity assessments for pharmaceuticals is to inform potential risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, which has traditionally relied on studies in pregnant animals. Recent updates to international safety guidelines (ICH S5R3) have incorporated information on how to use weight of evidence and alternative assays to reduce animal use while still informing risk of fetal harm. Uptake of these alternative approaches has been slow due to limitations in understanding how alternative assays translate to in vivo effects and then relevance to human exposure. To understand the predictivity of new approach methodologies for developmental toxicity (DevTox NAMs), we used two pharmaceutical examples (glasdegib and lorlatinib) to illustrate the value of DevTox NAMs to complement weight of evidence (WoE) assessments while considering the relationship of concentration-effect levels in NAMs to in vivo studies. The in vitro results generated in a battery of assays (mEST, rWEC, zebrafish, and human based stem cells) confirmed the WoE based on literature and further confirmed by preliminary embryo-fetal development data. The data generated for these two compounds supports integrating DevTox NAMs into the developmental toxicity assessment for advanced cancer indications.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance trends among vaginal bacteria isolates from pregnant bitches.

Many of the reproductive tract infections in the bitches are caused by bacteria that can normally be present on the vaginal mucosa. These bacteria also might have an important role as the cause responsible for pregnancy loss and fetal deaths. The choice of antibiotic therapy for the pregnant animal is narrow and represents a severe problem in veterinary practice, especially due to increased antimicrobial resistance. Due to incorrect antimicrobials use in breeding kennels, the aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of the bacterial flora isolated from the pregnant bitches and their antibiotic sensitivity. The study was carried out at the private Veterinary clinic in Novi Sad, Serbia. The vaginal swabs were taken from 60 bitches diagnosed with pregnancy and were sent to be laboratory tested. Based on the results, the most common isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (20%) and beta-hemolytic streptococci (18.33%). Furthermore, significant resistance to antibiotics from beta-lactams group was detected. It is of particular importance that antimicrobial treatment be evidence based in order to reduce the overuse of antimicrobials due to increased concern regarding antimicrobial resistance.

Adoption of Improved Buffalo Husbandry Practices in Peri-Urban Areas of Surat City, Gujarat

The present study was carried out in the peri urban areas of Surat city of Gujarat to find out the adoption of improved buffalo husbandry practices. A random sample of 50 buffalo farm owners were selected and interviewed for the interview schedule prepared about adoption of improved dairy husbandry practices in six major aspects of housing, feeding, breeding, health care, milking and calf rearing management was studied. Housing in separate located place (100%), providing proper floor space (98%) and proper height and ventilation (90%) were more adopted in housing practices. Provision of clean and fresh drinking water (100%), feeding extra ration to advance pregnant animals (64%) and feeding balance concentrate mixture on the basis of milk production (64%) were more adopted in feeding management. In adoption of breeding management, keeping watch on oestrus cycle and heat symptoms of animals (100%), artificial insemination of animals (100%) and practicing pregnancy diagnosis between 60-90 days after service (91%) were more adopted by buffalo owners. Observing animals daily for signs of sickness (100%), timely and regularly vaccination (100%) and treatment of reproductive disorders (75%) were more adopted by respondents in health care management practices. In milking and calf rearing practices, washing pails and hands before milking (100%) and regularity in milking time (100%), early solid feeding (100%) and milk feeding to calves up to three months of age (96%) were more adopted by the buffalo owners.

Neurodevelopmental impairment associated with neonatal invasive group B Streptococcus disease: Are animal models on track in understanding the mechanisms at play?

Invasive Group B Streptococcus (iGBS) disease is a prominent cause of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in neonates. While the clinical manifestation of iGBS disease in neonates may include pneumonia and meningitis, generalised sepsis without focus is the most frequent manifestation of iGBS disease in neonates. Though recent human based studies highlighted meningitis as an important manifestation in infants with NDI following iGBS disease, they also noted that ∼18% of neonates present with NDI following iGBS related sepsis. Thus, it is important to not only understand the long-term pathophysiological changes associated with NDI in iGBS meningitis survivors, but so too for iGBS sepsis survivors. Since the late 1970's animal models have been used to unravel the pathophysiology of neonatal iGBS disease. These studies have inoculated neonatal or pregnant animals with GBS via various peripheral or central routes. The greatest challenge with using animal models to study NDI associated with neonatal iGBS disease, is effectively mimicking the clinical presentations of pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis, while inducing relevant pathophysiological changes and ensuring animals survival, so as to test the neurodevelopment of the animals. This review aims to evaluate the validity of neonatal rodent models, specifically in studying NDI associated with neonatal iGBS disease and explore possible future avenues of research in addressing long-term NDI in the clinical setting.

To Assess the Knowledge Level of Farmers on ICT Interventions in Agri-Allied Enterprises

Agriculture is a major part of our economy and the related industries that support it are essential to giving farmers more advantages. Modern agriculture depends on timely and reliable information regarding market access, weather forecasting, and agricultural inputs, among other things. But farmers do not receive adequate information about the market, weather forecasts, etc. because of a lack of physical infrastructure, awareness, and information. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an effective way for develop and raise the agriculture standard. The main objective of this study was to access the knowledge level of ICTs among farmers for getting different Agriculture Information. There in regards, extensive use of information technologies must be promoted to farm level for transfer of technologies. The study was conducted during the year 2019 to assess the attitude of farmers towards information and communication technology tools in two blocks i.e., Balianta and Balipatna of Khurda district of Odisha. Pre-structured interview schedule was used for data collection from the farmers and appropriate statistical tools were used to analyse the collected data. Proportionate random sampling was used in the selection of one hundred and twenty (120) farmers as the sample of the study. The outcomes confirmed that majority of the respondents had good knowledge on television with a mean score of 2.83. Majority of the respondents had awareness on advisory services from Kisan Call Centre and ama krushi with mean score of 2.83. It was observed that majority of the respondents had learned new skill from ICT interventions with a mean score of 2.83 and knowledge gap of 5.57%. majority of the respondents had full information on weather i.e. cyclone with mean score of 3. Majority of the respondents had full information on disease management practices of crop with mean score of 3. Majority of the respondents had good information on MSP with mean score of 2.67, followed by regulated market and unregulated market and local market mandis with mean score of 2.17 and lowest on market incentives. Majority of the respondents had good information on calf, milch and pregnant animal with a mean score of 2.53 and lowest with heifer and bull and bullocks with mean score of 2. Majority of the respondents had good information on breeds, proper feed, different diseases of the animals and veterinary clinic located nearby with mean score of 2.21 and lowest with the vaccination schedule of the animals with mean score of 2.17. There is maximum knowledge gap on Community Radio, tablet and laptop that can be minimized through skill-oriented training programmes, various successful case studies may also be cited to the respondents for motivation and adoption.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Some Domesticated Animals in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Aim: This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) total antibody in some domesticated animals in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Study Design: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted at Ekiti State, Nigeria. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at Ekiti State, Nigeria between October 2023 and January 2024. Sample testing and analysis of serological test were performed at Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methodology: 186 blood samples from four animal species were randomly collected. The serum samples were obtained from the following animals in the study area using the technique of venipuncture: dogs (n=56), pigs (n=29), sheep (n=59) and goat (n=42). Blood samples were collected and separated serum for testing of HEV total antibody using Human (HEV-Ab) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The overall seroprevalence of HEV total antibodies was 41.94%, among the four animal species sampled, Pigs had the highest seroprevalence (72.4%). Out of the five Local Government areas, Ido-Osi had the highest HEV seroprevalence (53.57%). The age group ranging from ˃12-≤18 months had higher HEV prevalence (29.41%) among the age group. All age groups of the domestic animals had statistically significant differences at (P ˂ 0.05). Among all the pregnant domestic animals, goats had a considerably higher seroprevalence of HEV total antibody (73.33%) than other pregnant animals in the study area. The HEV prevalence among the pregnant domestic animals was statistically significant (P˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Data suggest that HEV remains an under-recognized and significant public health problem, wanting further attention and research.

Status of Infection during a Natural Outbreak of Brucellosis in Unvaccinated Buffaloes at a Livestock Farm of Madhya Pradesh in India by using Competitive Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay

Background: Brucellosis is one of India’s most important bacterial diseases of large ruminants. It is of economic importance. It is caused by members of the Brucella species and responsible for abortion in pregnant bovines usually during the first term and generally after the fifth month of gestation. Hence, livestock farm with a history of abortion in pregnant animals has to be investigated for Brucellosis. Methods: Whole blood samples (of 50 individual buffaloes) were collected aseptically from a herd of buffaloes experiencing a natural outbreak of Brucellosis. Extracted serum samples were tested after clarification in commercially procured competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the serological laboratory diagnosis of Brucellosis. Result: Out of 50 buffalo serum samples tested by using commercially procured competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a total of 24 buffalo serum samples tested positive for the presence of Antibodies against Brucella species. Overall seropositivity of 48% was recorded for Brucellosis in the investigated buffalo herd experiencing a natural infection in the present study even after long-term storage of serum samples at deep freezing conditions.

Vortioxetine improved schizophrenia-like behavioral deficits in a Poly I:C-induced maternal immune activation model of schizophrenia in rats.

Several studies provide clear evidence that exposure to various infections during pregnancy are linked with an increased risk for schizophrenia. In preclinical studies, administration of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) in pregnant rodents can induce maternal immune activation leading to impairments in brain function in the offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vortioxetine, a multimodal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), in the pathophysiology of Poly I:C-induced schizophrenia-like model in rats. For this purpose, Poly I:C (8 mg/kg, ip) was injected into pregnant animals 14 days after mating, and tail blood was taken for determination of IL-6 levels after 2 h. At postnatal days 83-86, behavioral tests were performed. Our results revealed that Poly I:C caused impairments in prepulse inhibition, novel object recognition, social interaction, and open-field tests. Chronic administration of vortioxetine (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, ip, postnatal days 69-83) caused significant improvements in these deficits. Overall, our findings indicate that vortioxetine may provide new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of schizophrenia. We think that increased serotonergic activity in frontal brain regions may provide the ameliorative effect of vortioxetine, especially on negative and cognitive symptoms. Therefore, it will be useful to determine the efficacy of vortioxetine with combined drugs with further studies.

Engineering a computable epiblast for in silico modeling of developmental toxicity

Developmental hazard evaluation is an important part of assessing chemical risks during pregnancy. Toxicological outcomes from prenatal testing in pregnant animals result from complex chemical-biological interactions, and while New Approach Methods (NAMs) based on in vitro bioactivity profiles of human cells offer promising alternatives to animal testing, most of these assays lack cellular positional information, physical constraints, and regional organization of the intact embryo. Here, we engineered a fully computable model of the embryonic disc in the CompuCell3D.org modeling environment to simulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of epiblast cells and self-organization of mesodermal domains (chordamesoderm, paraxial, lateral plate, posterior/extraembryonic). Mesodermal fate is modeled by synthetic activity of the BMP4-NODAL-WNT signaling axis. Cell position in the epiblast determines timing with respect to EMT for 988 computational cells in the computer model. An autonomous homeobox (Hox) clock hidden in the epiblast is driven by WNT-FGF4-CDX signaling. Executing the model renders a quantitative cell-level computation of mesodermal fate and consequences of perturbation based on known biology. For example, synthetic perturbation of the control network rendered altered phenotypes (cybermorphs) mirroring some aspects of experimental mouse embryology, with electronic knockouts, under-activation (hypermorphs) or over-activation (hypermorphs) particularly affecting the size and specification of the posterior mesoderm. This foundational model is trained on embryology but capable of performing a wide variety of toxicological tasks conversing through anatomical simulation to integrate in vitro chemical bioactivity data with known embryology. It is amenable to quantitative simulation for probabilistic prediction of early developmental toxicity.

Interferon-Tau in Maternal Peripheral Blood and Its Relationship with Progesterone and Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins in the Early Phases of Gestation in Water Buffalo.

The aim of this study was to investigate the interferon tau (IFNt) concentration in the peripheral maternal blood during the early phase of pregnancy in buffalo cows and improve the knowledge on the physiological importance of circulating IFNt, evaluating the possible interaction with pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and progesterone (P4). Blood samples were taken from buffalo cows on day 0 (day of AI), 7, 14, 18, 28, and 40 post insemination for the IFNt, PAG, and P4 analysis and to determine the IFNt mRNA expression. The animals were categorized ex post into Pregnant, Non-pregnant and Embryo mortality groups. The interferon value was influenced by group (p = 0.003), being always higher in pregnant buffalo cows than in non-pregnant ones, while the embryo mortality group showed intermediate values between those for pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The mRNA expression of IFNt was not influenced by groups or any time points. The regression analysis that included IFNt as the independent variable showed that PAGs, from day 18 (p < 0.01), and P4, from day 28 (p < 0.05), were positively associated with IFNt values. The close associations among IFNt, PAGs and P4 demonstrate that all three molecules work together for fetal-placental well-being and pregnancy support. Unfortunately, the great individual variability in circulating IFNt makes this analysis unsuitable for early pregnancy diagnosis.