Total Protein Values Research Articles

4-Year Pulp Survival in a Randomized Trial on Direct Pulp Capping

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess pulp survival in a randomized trial on pulp lavage in adult nonpainful posterior teeth with carious pulp exposure. The treatment included complete caries excavation, direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate, and immediate restoration with composite resin. MethodsFluid was collected from the pulp wound to assess matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and total protein values. Before pulp capping, cavities were randomly (block randomization, n = 48) washed with a physiological saline or a sodium hypochlorite solution (2.5% NaOCl). Treatment outcome was assessed clinically (cold test) and radiographically after at least 1 year and again after at least 3 years. Painful failures were differentiated from nonpainful failures. Pulp survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method including 95% confidence intervals (CIs) up to 1500 days. ResultsFrom the 96 patients originally enrolled, 73 individuals could be followed continuously. The clinical observations indicated a beneficial and sustained effect of pulp lavage with 2.5% NaOCl over a control treatment with physiological saline solution on estimated pulp survival 1500 days postintervention, with 7% (95% CI, 1%–40%) in the saline group versus 55% (95% CI, 30%–100%) in the NaOCl group. High MMP-9/total protein values in pulpal fluid collected from the exposed site indicated early and painful treatment failures yet were not associated with failures that occurred more than 250 days after intervention. ConclusionsThe low 4-year success rates reported here challenge the concept of direct pulp capping in the cases that were included. NaOCl lavage did not only increase the survival of affected pulps substantially but also particularly diminished painful failures (33% in the NaOCl group vs 62% in the saline group). The lack of the predictive value of MMP-9 assessments beyond early treatment failures points to inflammatory states of the pulp tissue under deep caries, which are not related to neutrophil infiltration.

Stimulatory effects of seaweed Laminaria digitata polysaccharides additives on growth, immune-antioxidant potency and related genes induction in Rohu carp (Labeo rohita) during Flavobacterium columnare infection

Stimulatory effects of dietary supplementation of large brown alga, Laminaria digitata polysaccharides (LDPs) at doses of 0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg diets were assessed on growth, hemato-biochemical, and antioxidant-immune variables as well as related genes expression in Indian rohu carp (Labeo rohita) during Flavobacterium columnare infection. Fish growth indices were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by dietary LDPs and bacterial infection but not their interaction. However, growth indices of rohu carp in normal unchallenged (NuC) increased pointedly at treatments of 200 or 300 mg/kg diets with no significant difference between them. In normal challenged bacterial (NbC) groups, highest fish growth was observed at the treatment of 300 mg LDPs/kg diets. Feed intake and FCR values were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary LDPs, bacterial infection, and their interaction. The highest feed intake accompanied with lowest FCR value was observed in the treatment of 200 mg LDPs/kg diets. No mortality was seen in NuC groups but lowest fish survival was observed in NbC groups fed with 0.0 and 100 mg LDPs/kg diets. Highest values of white blood cell, total protein, albumin, and globulin found in NuC fish groups administrated with 200 or 300 mg/kg diets with no differences between them. Feeding NbC fish groups on 300 mg LDPs/kg diet recovered the adverse effects of bacterial infection. It is noted that levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary LDPs, bacterial infection, and their interaction. The values of antioxidant indices were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in NuC fish groups received 200 or 300 mg LDPs/kg diets with no significant (P > 0.05) differences between them. In NbC fish groups, values of antioxidant indices were significantly (P < 0.05) lower that those in NuC fish groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly influenced by dietary LDPs alone and its lowest values were observed in both NuC and NbC fish groups fed with 200 or 300 mg/kg diets with no differences between them. Phagocytic activity, alternate complement pathway, lysozyme, respiratory burst, peroxidase, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M values improved significantly (P < 0.05) in both NuC and NbC fish groups fed with 200 or 300 mg/kg diets with no differences between them. The mRNA manifestation of hepatic SOD, CAT, and GPx genes were significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated in both NuC fish groups fed on 200 and 300 mg LDPs/kg diets but feeding NbC fish on 300 mg LDPs/kg diets enhanced their mRNA expression. The HSP70, HSP90, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 mRNA expression in the NuC fish groups showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences due to dietary supplementation of LDPs to ruho carp, but their expressions were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in NbC fish groups; particularly at the treatment of 100 mg LDPs/kg diets. The mRNA expression of IL-10, IgM, hepcidin, and Mx1 genes were significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated in NuC fish group fed with 200 or 300 mg LDPs/kg diets. The bacterial infection downregulated their expressions but the dietary LDPs recovered the adverse effects of bacterial infection especially at 200 or 300 mg LDPs/kg diets. These results shown that the use of LDPs (200 or 300 mg/kg diets) has a valuable role in enhancing the growth, antioxidant-immune status, and inflammatory responses in rohu carp during F. columnare infection.

The effect of albumın and total proteın values as nutrıtıonal markers after Fontan surgery on prognosıs.

Children with CHD develop heart failure due to increased pulmonary blood flow, cyanosis, and pulmonary hypertension. The metabolic needs of these children differ from those of healthy children, and malnutrition is common. Protein-losing enteropathy has been reported in 5 to 13% of patients after the Fontan procedure. Serum albumin and total protein levels, which are indicators of the quality of post-operative care, can be useful tools for monitoring and examining the intensive care treatment strategies of these patients. In our retrospective study, the effects of albumin and total protein values, which are two of the markers that give us an idea about diet, nutritional status, and inflammation, on the prognosis of children who underwent the Fontan procedure were investigated. In our study, 127 patients who underwent Fontan procedure in our clinic between 2012 and 2021 were analysed retrospectively. Of the patients, 52.7% (n = 67) were male and 47.3% (n = 60) were female. The mean age is 5.83 ± 4.63 years. Patients who underwent albumin replacement were not included in the study. Although the relationship between pre-operative albumin and total protein values and post-operative mortality was not statistically significant, the inverse correlation of post-operative albumin 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-day values and post-operative total protein 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-day values with mortality was found to be statistically significant. In addition, we found that mortality was statistically high in patients whose total protein amount was below 6.65 mg/dl in the early post-operative period. Albumin and total protein, whose blood levels can vary with diet, can be used as predictors in the early post-operative prognosis of Fontan patients. In addition, when we examined the exitus patients, it was observed that the total protein amount was below 6.65 mg/dl on the post-operative 1st day. Based on this, we think that a diet with high protein content before surgery will help reduce post-operative early mortality.

Relationship between blood viscosity and thrombus burden in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

İncreased whole blood viscosity (WBV) is associated with increased infarct area, impaired microvascular circulation and mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to analyze the association between the WBV and thrombus burden (TB) in STEMI patients. This cross-sectional study included 167 STEMI patients who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention. WBV values were assessed using hematocrit and total protein values, and low shear rate(LSR) and high shear rate(HSR) were calculated. Angiographic TB was assessed according to the definition of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) study group. The cases were dichotomized into low TB (grade 1-3) (n = 87) and high TB (grade 4-5) (n = 80) groups. The mean HSR and LSR values of the high TB group were significantly increased compared to the low TB group (p < 0.001, for each). In ROC analysis,for prediction of TB, a cut-off value of 3.83 WBV for HSR had a 71% sensitivity and a 60.7% specificity, and a cut-off value of 21 WBV for LSR had a 70% sensitivity and 59.9% specificity (p < 0.001,for each). Multivariate regression analysis showed that both HSR (OR = 2.408;p=0.020) and LSR (OR = 1.055;p=0.021) were independent predictors for high TB. İncreased WBV was an independent predictor for the presence of high TB in patients with STEMI.

Clinicopathological Evaluation of Naturally Occurring Septic Arthritis in the Bovine Calves

Background: Septic arthritis affects ruminant welfare because, if left untreated, it can cause chronic pain and limit the mobility of affected joints. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathological changes in arthritic bovine calves. Methods: The study was conducted on 12 calves with swollen knees or carpal joints. All calves were evaluated through clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic examination. Peripheral blood was aspirated from each to assess hematobiochemical changes. Synovial fluid and infected swab samples were subjected to bacteriological analysis, and a synovial biopsy was taken for histological examination. Results: Ultrasound revealed inflammatory effusions with various echogenicity in the afflicted joint capsule, while radiography showed remarkable swelling of joints and surrounding structures and the development of new bone. Regarding hematological variables, the value of total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in septic arthritic calves compared to healthy calves. In the arthritis group, the serum concentration of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase was considerably (P&lt;0.05) higher than in healthy calves. The total protein and urea values were significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased in calves with infected arthritis. From the synovial fluid and purulent discharge of the joints, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were isolated. Histopathology of synovial tissue revealed chronic suppurative inflammation with intense hyperplasia of joint synovium. Conclusion: The results of this study may aid veterinarians in effectively diagnosing and treating septic arthritis in calves.

Effect of Penicillin on Hematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters in Female Wistar Rats

An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria. It is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections, and antibiotic medications are widely used in the treatment and prevention of such infections. This study was designed to investigate effect of penicillin on blood parameters in female rats. Ten female Wistar rats (130 – 150 g) were grouped into control and penicillin (17.14 mg/kg) – treated groups for blood assay. The penicillin was administered orally for 50 days. Haematological assay was carried out using haemocytometer, while biochemical assay was carried out using spectrophotometry. Mean +/- SEM and student’s t-test at p&lt;0.05 were determined. Penicillin (17.14 mg/kg) significantly decreased haemoglobin and lymphocyte values, but induced significant increase in eosinophil value relative to their controls. It also significantly decreased total protein and ALP values relative to their controls. Conclusively, it can be suggested that penicillin had harmful effects on blood parameters in female Wistar rats via induction of significant reductions in hemoglobin, lymphocyte and total protein values. However, it also had advantageous effects on blood parameters in female Wistar rats via induction of significant increase in eosinophil value as well as significant decrease in ALP activity.

Evaluation of the combined effects of Turkish mad honey and 5-Fluorouracil in colon cancer model in rats

It was aimed to evaluate the regressive effect of grayanotoxin-rich Turkish mad honey and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), separately and together by using the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced colon cancer modelling in rats. Study groups were designed as control group (CG), cancer control group (CCG), 5-Flourouracil group (FUG), Turkish mad honey group (HG), Turkish mad honey and 5-FU combined group (FU-HG). White blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophil, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total oxidant status (TOS), and total protein values of the rats in the CCG were significantly lower than the values of the rats in the CG, whereas serum Bcl-2 and survivin levels were significantly higher in the rates belonged to the CCG in comparison to those in the CG. The presence of anaplastic epithelial cells, vascularization, precancerous changes, and inflammatory infiltration detected in the colon and small intestine of the rats in FU-HG, FUG, HG were less intense (P&amp;lt;0.05) compared to the findings in the rats in CCG. In conclusion, mad honey and 5-FU reduced anaplastic cell growth and oxidative stress via suppressed anti-apoptotic activity. Considering the histopathological findings in the liver and kidney, no toxicity occurred related to mad honey and 5-FU metabolization. Therefore, the combined use of these two substances may be an alternative method in the treatment of colon cancer.

Use of a Visual Scoring System to Assess External Udder Conformation and Its Relationship to Colostrum Quality and Lamb Growth Rates.

In sheep raised for meat production, the relationship between external udder conformation, colostrum quality, and lamb growth rates has not received much attention. We hypothesized that ewes with a more desirable udder conformation at lambing would have greater colostrum quality and greater growth rates in lambs. Fifty Suffolk ewes were used in this study. Within 6-8 h of parturition, colostrum samples from both halves of the udder were collected and visual scoring of the udder was conducted. Colostrum quality was measured for total proteins using both optical and Brix refractometers. On day 2, day 45, and day 60 after parturition, lamb weights were recorded, and udder conformation measurements were repeated. A visual scoring system evaluating udder floor (scale 1-4), udder depth (scale 1-9), teat placement (scale 1-9), teat/mammary lesions (present or absent), and the presence of wool (present or absent) was used to assess the external udder conformation. Normal udder parameters included udder depth scores of 5 or 6; udder floor scores of 1 or 2; teat placement scores of 4, 5, or 6; and the absence of teat/mammary lesions and wool. All ewes not meeting normal parameters were considered to have an abnormal udder. The data were analyzed using the GLM procedure. Mean total colostrum protein was greater (p = 0.03) in ewes displaying a 'normal' udder conformation compared with those with an 'abnormal' conformation (14.82 ± 0.5 and 13.31 ± 0.3 mg/dL, respectively). Mean Brix values were also greater (p = 0.03) for ewes with a 'normal' udder compared to an abnormal udder confirmation (21.70 ± 0.8 and 19.54 ± 0.5, respectively). On day 2 after parturition, the mean lamb body weight was not different between ewes with 'normal' and abnormal udders (5.38 ± 0.26 vs. 5.46 ± 0.15). No differences (p > 0.05) in lamb weights were detected between ewes with normal and abnormal udder conformations on day 45 and 60 after parturition. These data provide evidence of greater colostrum total protein values and greater Brix values present in ewes with a 'normal' udder conformation. There were no differences in the weights of lambs born to ewes with normal or abnormal udder conformations.

Effects of Quercetin on Aspirin-Induced Haemato-Biochemical Alterations in Wistar Rats

Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Quercetin is natural flavonoid present in high concentration in herbal drugs, fruits and vegetables and demonstrating broad bio-pharmacological properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of quercetin (@ 100 &amp; 200 mg/kg b.wt.) in aspirin (@ 100 mg/kg b.wt.) induced haemato- biochemical alterations in Wistar rats (n=36) over a period of 28 days. There was significant decrease in mean values of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, platelets and increase in total leucocyte count in aspirin treated rats (Gr. II) over the control group (Gr I) at 28th day of experiment. Similarly, in biochemical parameters also there was significant elevation in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea and creatinine and significant decrease inmean values of total protein, albumin, triglyceride and cholesterol in aspirin treated rats. Administration of quercetin at higher dose rate of 200 mg/kg b.wt. for 28 days (Gr. III) along with the aspirin in Wistar rats prevented such alterations in different haemato-biochemical parameters as the values on day 28 were almost similar to those on day 0 and at par with control group. Hence, quercetin @ 200 mg/kg b.wt. along with aspirin @ 100 mg/kg b.wt. can be recommended to avoid aspirin induced health issues in high risk mammals.

Relationship of Salmonella isolation with different serum and inflammatory intestinal parameters in natural fowl typhoid outbreaks from laying hens

Our study was undertaken to determine the best samples and selective-differential plating media to be used for Salmonella spp. isolation. We also compared hematological and serum biochemical values, Salmonella biovar Gallinarum (SG) detection (isolation and serological test), and inflammatory intestinal response (fecal leukocyte) in laying hens with naturally occurring fowl typhoid outbreaks. Furthermore, we looked for a biomarker of SG infection. Spleen, liver, ovarian follicle content, and bone marrow were found to be the best samples for SG isolation and the agreement between MacConkey-Salmonella Shigella agar was slight to excellent. The laying hens with SG isolation and rapid serum plate agglutination positive results showed a higher percentage of heterophils, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and total white blood cells, and a lower percentage of lymphocytes than those with negative results. Furthermore, the positive fecal leukocyte samples had a higher percentage of heterophils, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total protein and globulin values than negative samples. Five biomarkers’ cut-offs are proposed to distinguish between laying hens positive and negative to SG isolation.

Glyphosate-induced biochemical changes in female Cynopoecilus sp. inhabiting temporary wetlands

Glyphosate is Brazil’s most widely used pesticide, often applied to different crops that may be close to temporary wetlands. This pesticide poses a threat to populations of annual killifish that live in these locations. Few studies have explored the toxicodynamics of pesticides in annual killifish. Here females of Cynopoecilus sp. at different development stages (young-adult and senile) are exposed to Roundup Original DI® herbicide (65, 130 and 260 µg/L of acid equivalent of N-phosphomethyl glycine (glyphosate)) to analyze its impact on oxidative balance and lipoperoxidation, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and SOD/CAT ratio, as well as markers of intermediary metabolism such as total proteins (TPs), glycogen, and uric acid (UA). Senile females showed increased CAT and glutathione S-transferase activities and a decreased SOD/CAT ratio. Total protein and UA values were increased. Two-way ANOVA demonstrated correlations between age and different exposure groups for lipoperoxidation, SOD, CAT, GST, TPs, and UA, especially in senile females. Although it is not considered a target species, Cynopoecilus sp. suffers harmful effects from the interaction with this herbicide even at environmentally relevant concentrations. This impact was observed in senile females, which may result in reduced life cycle and reproduction quality.

Establishment and validation of a risk prediction model for disseminated intravascular coagulation patients with electrical burns

Establishment and validation of a risk prediction model for disseminated intravascular coagulation patients with electrical burns

Prognostic Potential of Thrombocyte Indices, Acute Phase Proteins, Electrolytes and Acid-Base Markers in Canine Parvovirus Infected Dogs With Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Dogs with canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) that develop systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) frequently have a poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic potential of thrombocyte indices, acute phase proteins, electrolytes, and acid-base markers in CPVE puppies with SIRS (CPVE-SIRS+) at admission. A case-controlled, prospective, and observational study was performed on 36 CPVE puppies. Mean concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, thrombocyte count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl−) and ionized calcium (iCa) were measured and strong ion difference 3 (SID3), ATOT-albumin and ATOT-total protein were determined in CPVE-SIRS+ survivors and nonsurvivors. A prognostic cut-off value for predicting the disease outcome was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The mean values of MPV, PDW and CRP were significantly higher and the mean values of albumin, Cl− and ATOT-albumin were significantly lower in CPVE-SIRS+ nonsurvivor than CPVE-SIRS+ survivor puppies on the day of admission, but the thrombocyte count, Na+, K+, iCa, SID3 and ATOT- total protein values did not differ significantly. The positive predictive values (PPVs) for survival using cut-off value of MPV (≤15.08 fL), PDW (≤14.85%), CRP (≤180.7 mg/L), albumin (≥1.795 g/dL), Cl− (≥96.00 mmol/L), and ATOT-albumin (≥7.539) were determined as 100%, 100%, 100%, 80%, 100%, and 80%, respectively with better area under ROC curve and sensitivity. Based on sensitivity, specificity, and PPVs from ROC analysis, it is concluded that the determination of Cl− concentration and MPV at admission followed by CRP will serve as the most appropriate biomarkers in predicting the disease outcome of CPVE puppies that develop SIRS.

Assessment of liver function tests of women taking hormonal contraceptives at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital and Family Guidance Association of Gondar (FGAE), 2022; a comparative cross-sectional study.

Hormonal contraceptives are artificial preparations that contain artificial progestins and Ethinylestradiol; these preparations are utilized by women of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy. Roughly a billion women in the world use some form of contraceptive worldwide. Despite the utility of these preparations, they are linked with several adverse effects, including disturbances of liver functionality and integrity. However, previous studies conducted to assess the association between hormonal contraceptive utilization and liver function tests reported conflicting results, and the effects remained a matter of concern. The study enrolled a total of 264 participants, who were allocated into two groups. One group of hormonal contraceptive users who use the medication for a minimum of six months: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), combined oral contraceptives (COC), Norplant, and Implant users and another age-matched non-user control group in a ratio of 1:1. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data. Five ml serum blood sample was collected for liver function test analysis on a Beckman Coulter Clinical Chemistry analyzer (DXC 700 AU). Independent t-test was used to compare liver function tests of hormonal contraceptive users and non-user controls, whereas ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test was used for intra- (between classes of contraceptives) and inter-group (between each class of contraceptives and controls) comparisons and to identify factors associated. Hormonal contraceptive users were observed to have a statistically significant higher mean value of liver enzymes assessed compared to non-user control groups: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (47.07±14.79 versus 25.92±7.37; p <0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (35.83±13.76 versus 16.56 ± 5.03; p <0.001), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (63.34±14.74 versus 45.41±14.34, p <0.001) and for γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (47.37±24.32 versus 19.45 ± 6.86 p <0.001). Similarly, the mean value of total and direct bilirubin (mg/dL) among HC users showed a statistically significant elevation (0.68 ± 0.22 against 0.32 ± 0.13, p <0.001) for total bilirubin and (0.14 ± 0.06 against 0.06 ± 0.03, p <0.001) for direct bilirubin respectively. However, no statistically significant result was observed in the mean values of total protein and albumin. For total protein (6.7 ± 0.89 versus 6.5 ± 1.15, p 0.07) and for albumin (5.4 ± 0.92 versus 5.3 ± 1.08; p 0.30). The current study also indicates the level of hepatic function test alteration is related to the type of hormonal contraceptives, duration of usage, and level of adherence to a specific class of contraceptives. Hormonal contraceptive use was observed to affect hepatic function. Based on this finding, we strongly recommend to closely monitor liver function tests in women using hormonal contraceptives.

Influence of substituting fishmeal with Vespa orientalis meal in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets on growth and feed utilisation

Abstract The impact on growth performance, feed efficiency, and health status of substituting 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of fishmeal (FM) with Vespa orientalis meal (WM) in the Nile tilapia diets was examined. Fifteen hapas of randomly selected fingerlings (with a mean weight of 1.1 g ± 0.02) were fed the test meals for 84 days. The findings indicated that the fish development rate was not noticeably affected when FM was partially replaced by up to 50% of WM. The feed conversion ratios of WM25 and WM50 were considerably greater () than those of all other diets. The substitution of FM by WM up to 100% did not significantly alter the values of total protein, globulin, albumin, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (). These results suggest that the Nile tilapia is unaffected by the integration of WM up to 50% instead of FM without adverse effects on growth and nutrient utilisation.

Biotic potential and pathogenicity of a Haemonchus contortus susceptible laboratory isolate compared to a resistant field isolate in Brazil

The high prevalence of anthelmintic resistance of Haemonchus contortus is threatening sheep farming. In this context, resistant populations’ replacement using susceptible isolates appears to be a strategy to overcome this situation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of a susceptible H. contortus laboratory isolate in comparison with a multiresistant field isolate to infect lambs and to study its behaviour in field conditions. Sixteen worm-free lambs were experimentally infected with 4000 infective larvae (L3) of a H. contortus anthelmintic-resistant field isolate (Group R, n = 8) or a laboratory isolate susceptible to anthelmintics (Group S, n = 8). Groups were placed in separate clean pastures, where they were kept for 266 days. Faecal egg counts (FEC) showed maximum values between 21- and 42-days post-infection (PI) and decreased over time, with no statistical differences between groups (P > 0.05). The pathogenicity of the isolates was similar, as lambs from both groups showed a decrease in packed cell volume and total plasma protein values in the beginning of the study, coinciding with the highest FECs. Production of L3 were similar for both groups, when evaluating faecal cultures kept in vitro or L3 recovered from pasture samples and from faecal pats collected from the paddocks, which suggests that both isolates have the same potential of development in vitro and in the environment. The degree of resistance/susceptibility to thiabendazole (TIA), levamisole (LEV), monepantel (MON) and ivermectin (IVE) was evaluated using the Larval Development Assay (RESISTA-Test©) 160 days PI. The resistant isolate showed a high resistance factor (RF) to TIA (141), LEV (822), MON (34) and IVE (196), while the RF of the susceptible isolate remained below three, which indicates high susceptibility to all drugs tested. Our study demonstrates that the susceptible isolate was able to infect lambs and did not show higher pathogenicity nor any differences on its biotic potential when compared to the resistant field isolate. These results indicate that the susceptible isolate has the potential to be used to replace a resistant population of H. contortus, which should be validated in long-term studies under commercial sheep farming conditions.

Aloe adigratana Reynolds: Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Proximate Content, Essential Oil Analysis, and In Vitro Antifungal Activity Studies of Its Leaf Peels and Gel.

Aloe species are among the most significant plants with several applications. Many of the species, however, are underexplored, owing to their scarcity and limited geographical distribution. A. adigratana Reynolds, which is common in Ethiopia, is one of the little-studied and endangered Aloe species. This preliminary study focuses on the phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, essential oil content, and antifungal activities of A. adigratana leaf peels. Antifungal activities were also tested on the gels of the plant for comparison. Standard procedures were used for phytochemical and proximate composition studies. Essential oil analysis was performed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry instrument. Using the well-diffusion method, investigations on antifungal activity were performed on three clinically isolated specimens of dandruff-causing fungus; namely, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia restricta, and Malassezia globosa. The leaf peels of A. adigratana contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes. The mean moisture, ash, and crude fat levels were 85.69, 92.20, and 8.00%, respectively, whereas the mean total protein and mean total carbohydrate values were 2.59 and 3.04%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry investigation confirmed the presence of fifteen essential oils. The most prevalent essential oil component was discovered to be phytol (33.78%), followed by decane (11.29%). In a dose-dependent way, the leaf latex and gel extracts prevented the growth of three dandruff-causing Malassezia fungal species (M. furfur, M. restricta, and M. globosa). Both the latex and gel demonstrated the maximum activity on M. globosa, the most prevalent fungus in the research area, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.24 and 0.48 mg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentrations of 0.48 and 0.97 mg/mL, respectively. In general, the proximate and essential oil compositions of A. adigratana leaves were comparable to those of other Aloe species widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, implying that A. adigratana could be a potential future plant for such industries.

Possibilities of using different combinations of lactic acid bacteria in the production of Sudanese white cheese (Gibna Bayda)

Sudanese White cheese (Gibna Bayda) was produced by using different starter culture combinations to find the most suitable starter culture. Four cheeses were prepared with pasteurized milk inoculated with different starter culture combinations at the rate of 1% (v/v), while control cheese (T5) was made without the addition of starter culture. Cheeses were stored in vacuum bags at 4 °C and 15 °C for 90 days, and the properties of cheeses were determined at intervals of 1, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days. The yield of control (T5) cheese was higher than T4 and T1 cheeses and lower than T2 and T3 cheeses. Total solids, protein, fat, and acidity values and lipolysis degree of control (T5) cheese were lower than T4 and T1 cheeses, and higher than T2 and T3 cheeses. The proteolysis degree of control (T5) cheese was the lowest when the cheeses were stored at 15 °C, and the highest among all cheeses except T1 and T4 cheeses when stored at 4 °C. The acidity value, protein, salt, and the degree of lipolysis and proteolysis were higher in cheese samples stored at 15 °C. All sensory properties scored best in T1, T4, and T3 cheeses compared to control (T5) cheese. Cheeses stored at 4 °C scored better for odor and overall acceptability. The use of starter culture in the production of white cheese positively affected the properties of the cheeses, especially T4 cheeses containing Lactobacillus helveticus, and T1 cheeses made with mesophilic culture were better than other cheeses in terms of physicochemical and sensory properties.

The effects of Meloxicam application on quality of life and development in calves

Although it is stated that there is an increase in calf loss rates at the global level and especially in modern dairy farms, this issue, which is an international animal welfare issue, has not been adequately defined at the national, large farm, or small farm level in most developing Countries. The rate of calf deaths before, during, and after birth is between 2–20% in heifers and cows. Previous studies showed that 75% of deaths occur during birth or within the first hour after birth, 10% before birth, and 15% within 48 hours after birth. This study aimed to determine the effect of Meloxicam administration on the quality of life and development of calves. An experimental method was used to achieve the aim of this research. A total of 60 Holstein calves, 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group, were included in the study for the study group. MELOXICAM (0.5 mg·kg-1) was administered to the mother cow and the calf immediately after birth, 2 days before the expected delivery. In this study, an 8 week process was passed to collect the data. It was concluded that Meloxicam did not affect the BHBA values of maternal cows. No calves died from pneumonia and diarrhea–related diseases after being treated with Meloxicam. From the total protein and total albumin values of the calves, it was concluded that Meloxicam did not affect the protein ratio, but did affect the albumin ratio. It was concluded that Meloxicam application increased the vital activity of calves.

Effect of dipotassium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or lithium-heparin treatments and storage times on selected clinicopathologic analytes in equine synovial fluid.

Sample processing methods and storage time affect the outcome of biochemical analysis. We aimed to assess the effects of dipotassium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K2-EDTA) and lithium-heparin treatments and storage times on selected analytes in equine synovial fluid (SF). Approximately 2 mL of SF from each horse (n = 7) were collected via femoropatellar joint arthrocentesis into K2-EDTA-treated bottles (K2-EDTA group), lithium-heparin-treated bottles (heparin group), and plain bottles (control group). The pH was determined using an electronic bench pH meter. The total nucleated cell count (TNCC) of samples was determined by hemocytometer method, while total protein (TP) concentrations, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of the samples were determined spectrophotometrically at 2, 8, 24, 48, and 168 hours postcollection while being maintained at approximately 4°C. TP concentrations in the anticoagulant-treated groups remained stable for 48 hours. TNCCs were stable for 8 hours. However, after 2 hours, ALP, LDH, and pH varied significantly (P < 0.05). At 2 hours, mean ALP and LDH activities were significantly elevated in the lithium-heparin treatment samples, while the activity of these analytes was similar in the K2-EDTA and control groups. At 8 hours, the TNCC and pH were significantly elevated in K2-EDTA treated groups, while values were similar in lithium-heparin and control groups. No significant variation was seen in TP values at 2 hours, irrespective of treatment. The analytes-except for TP-became unstable within a few hours postcollection. Lithium-heparin and K2-EDTA treatments significantly altered ALP, LDH, TNCCs, and pH but not the TP concentrations of equine SF. Studies establishing reference intervals for these analytes based on the anticoagulant used are warranted to limit misinterpretations in clinical or research settings.