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Veterinary Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) 2022infection is one of the protozoal diseases of animals caused by various species of (intracellular parasite) and causes reduced productivity and mortality in ruminants,...
INTRODUCTION
infection is one of the protozoal diseases of animals caused by various species of (intracellular parasite) and causes reduced productivity and mortality in ruminants, especially in young ones. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information in Ethiopia on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 in and around Adama and Bishoftu towns with the objectives to estimate the prevalence of infection; identify circulating oocysts, the intensity/burden of infection and associated risk factors of infection in cattle and sheep. A total of 384 randomly selected (265 cattle and 119 sheep) fecal samples were collected from the rectum and examined by flotation technique using sheather's sugar solution to detect the oocysts of . A 2.5% potassium dichromate solution was added to the positive fecal samples for sporulation of the oocysts.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The overall prevalence of 48.95% infection was recorded during the study. 45.0% and 58% prevalence of the infection was registered in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) in infection between the study animal species, age of the animals, breed, farm hygiene and management system. However, there was no significant difference in infection (P > 0.05) in sex, body condition of the animals and fecal consistency. The maximum oocysts per gram of feces was found to be 10,000. infection is of great importance to livestock producers and requires serious control and prevention initiatives.
PubMed: 36110350
DOI: 10.2147/VMRR.S377017 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2023The Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law is widely used as the fundamental equation for quantification in absorption spectroscopy. However, deviations from the Bouguer-Lambert-Beer...
The Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law is widely used as the fundamental equation for quantification in absorption spectroscopy. However, deviations from the Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law have also been observed, such as chemical deviation and light scattering effect. While it has been proven and shown that the Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law is valid only under very restricted limitations, there are only a few alternatives of analytical models to this law. Based on the observation in the experiments, we propose a novel model to solve the problem of chemical deviation and light scattering effect. To test the proposed model, a systematic verification was conducted using potassium dichromate solutions and two types of microalgae suspensions with varying concentrations and path lengths. Our proposed model demonstrated excellent performance, with a correlation coefficient ( ) exceeding 0.995 for all tested materials, significantly surpassing the Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law, which had an as low as 0.94. Our results confirm that the absorbance of pure pigment solutions follows the Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law, while the microalgae suspensions do not due to the light scattering effect. We also show that this scattering effect leads to huge deviations for the commonly used linear scaling of the spectra, and we provide a better solution based on the proposed model. This work provides a powerful tool for chemical analysis and especially for the quantification of microorganisms, such as the concentration of biomass or intracellular biomolecules. Not only the high accuracy but also the simplicity of the model makes it a practical alternative to the existing Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law.
PubMed: 37008024
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1116735 -
The Journal of Parasitology Dec 2023A commercial producer hatching and rearing chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) in Ontario, Canada had flocks experiencing coccidiosis. Microscopic analysis of Eimeria...
A commercial producer hatching and rearing chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) in Ontario, Canada had flocks experiencing coccidiosis. Microscopic analysis of Eimeria species isolated from a field sample indicated the presence of 2 distinct oocyst morphotypes; the most abundant species was determined to be Eimeria chapmani, based on oocyst morphology and sequence-based genotyping, and the less abundant, second Eimeria sp. was an undescribed parasite. Oocysts of the unknown Eimeria sp. were large and oval-shaped; dimensions averaged 27.9 μm by 17.0 μm (shape index = 1.65 μm). Oocysts contained at least 1 polar granule and 4 almond-shaped sporocysts with average dimensions measuring 12.5 μm by 6.9 μm (shape index = 1.83). Each sporocyst featured a Stieda body, sub-Stieda body, and sporocyst residuum; a sporocyst contained 2 sporozoites that each possessed a small anterior refractile body and a larger posterior refractile body. Virtually all oocysts sporulated after 24 hr when suspended in potassium dichromate at room temperature (22 C) on a rotary platform. Experimental infections with various doses of oocysts demonstrated elevated parasite shedding from birds gavaged with higher challenge doses; fecundity generally decreased in heavier infections. The approximate prepatent period of the parasite was 4-5 days (unsporulated oocysts observed histologically at 90 hr postinfection and in feces by day 5) and patency lasted until day 12 postinfection. To characterize the endogenous development of the Eimeria sp., tissues were collected at 8 regions along the intestinal tract (including the ceca and rectum) every 6 hr throughout the estimated prepatent period. Parasites were observed to infect the descending and ascending duodenum, midjejunum, proximal and distal ileum, and the ceca. The endogenous stages identified included intracellular sporozoites, 3 generations of merogony, and gametogonic stages. Sequences of the mitochondrial genome (GenBank MW934555) and nuclear 18S ribosomal DNA (GenBank MW934259) were obtained using polymerase chain reaction amplification for Sanger sequencing, and these were unique from all published sequences on GenBank. Molecular data, in conjunction with the unique biology of the Eimeria sp. isolated from the chukar partridge flock, support that this coccidium is new to science.
Topics: Animals; Eimeria; Ontario; Coccidiosis; Oocysts; Sporozoites; Galliformes; Feces
PubMed: 38113274
DOI: 10.1645/23-47 -
Toxicology and Industrial Health Jun 2018The purpose of this research is to study the process of mutagenesis and the reproductive function in male rats under separate and combined exposure to chromium and boron...
The purpose of this research is to study the process of mutagenesis and the reproductive function in male rats under separate and combined exposure to chromium and boron compounds. The experiment was conducted on two groups of animals. The first group was used to assess the ability of potassium dichromate and boric acid to induce mutation in germ and somatic cells under isolated and combined administration with the use of the dominant lethal mutations test and the micronuclei test in the polychromatophilic erythrocytes of the bone marrow. The second group was used to test the combined and separate effect of the compounds under consideration on the reproductive function of male rats during the spermatogenesis cycle. When used in specific doses, boron compounds are a promising means of preventing and correcting chromium-induced effects in chromium production facility workers and people who live in ecologically adverse regions.
Topics: Animals; Antimutagenic Agents; Boron Compounds; Chromium Compounds; Embryo, Mammalian; Female; Fertility; Male; Micronucleus Tests; Mutagenicity Tests; Mutagens; Mutation; Rats; Spermatogenesis; Uterus
PubMed: 29591889
DOI: 10.1177/0748233718759162 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Sep 2021The increasing use and disposal of plastics has become a persistent problem in the marine environment, calling for studies that refer to realistic scenarios to...
The increasing use and disposal of plastics has become a persistent problem in the marine environment, calling for studies that refer to realistic scenarios to understand their effects on biota. Particularly, the understanding about the effects of co-exposure with nanoplastic particles and metals on aquatic organisms is still limited. The present work aimed to investigate the acute toxicity of amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH; 50 nm) as proxy for nanoplastics on brine shrimp Artemia franciscana larvae under different culture conditions and at different stages of development, as well as the combined effect with two reference toxicants - potassium dichromate (KCrO) and copper sulfate (CuSO). Nauplii (instar II or III larval stages) were exposed to different concentrations of PS-NH (0.005 to 5 μg mL) for up to 48 h, with or without agitation in order to mimic a more realistic environmental scenario. Larval mobility and PS-NH accumulation were monitored under microscopy. PS-NH alone showed toxicity only at the highest concentration tested (5 μg mL) regardless the incubation method used (61.2 + 3.1% and 65.0 + 4.5% with and without agitation, respectively). Moreover, instar III stage was the most sensitive to PS-NH exposure (38.2% immobility in 24 h of exposure; 5 μg mL). Evidence of PS-NH retention in the gastrointestinal tract in a concentration- and time-dependent manner was also obtained. Mixtures of PS-NH (0.005 and 5 μg mL) with different concentrations of KCrO increased the immobilization rate of the larvae after 48 h of exposure, when compared to the KCrO alone. Similar results were observed for CuSO in the co-exposure conditions at different concentrations. However, exposing nauplii to a mixture of PS-NH (0.005 μg mL) and CuSO decreased immobilization rate, in comparison to the group exposed to CuSO alone. The present work highlights the potential risk posed by nanoplastics to zooplanktonic species through their interaction with other toxicants.
Topics: Animals; Artemia; Copper Sulfate; Larva; Nanoparticles; Polystyrenes; Potassium Dichromate; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 33860426
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13907-5 -
PloS One 2021Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect up to one-quarter of the global population, with a significant associated disease burden. The main human STH are: Ancylostoma...
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect up to one-quarter of the global population, with a significant associated disease burden. The main human STH are: Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus (hookworms); Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis. The aim of this study was to establish a scalable system for stool STH multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR). Stool samples collected in Fiji and preserved in potassium dichromate were transferred to Melbourne at ambient temperature. Samples were washed to remove potassium dichromate and DNA was extracted with the Mini-Beadbeater-24 and a column-based kit. A SYBR green qPCR to detect the vertebrate mitochondrial gene was used as a DNA extraction control. Samples were tested using a probe-based multiplex qPCR targeting A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and S. stercoralis, and in a second multiplex reaction to detect hookworms to the species level (A. duodenale, A. ceylanicum, N. americanus). An internal amplification control in both multiplex assays was included to prevent false-negative results due to PCR inhibitors. Samples were homogenised for a single cycle of 40 seconds to release STH DNA and washed stool was stored for up to 15 weeks at -30°C without compromising DNA. Our multiplex qPCR detected multiple species of STH without reduced sensitivity compared to singleplex. qPCR data from 40 stools was validated against STH-positive stools determined by microscopy. We have developed and validated an efficient and staged system for detecting six clinically important STH affecting humans that could be easily implemented without advanced automation in any qPCR-capable laboratory.
Topics: Animals; DNA, Helminth; Feces; Fiji; Helminths; Humans; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Workflow
PubMed: 34591904
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258039 -
Chinese Herbal Medicines Oct 2021To evaluate the quality of (AR) and (DC) and study the efficacy of herbal extracts of these two herbs on the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the quality of (AR) and (DC) and study the efficacy of herbal extracts of these two herbs on the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).
METHODS
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of effective components was performed using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and HPLC-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS). allergic ACD 3D model was established by incubating 3D reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) with skin sensitizer, potassium dichromate. A total of 65 gene expression that were associated with ACD, which included 24 antioxidant responsive element (ARE) and 41 SENS-IS genes were quantified by qRT-PCR. More than or equal to 10 ARE genes and 18 SENN-IS genes were induced by 1.3-fold, demonstrating the successful establishment of ACD model. Oil extracts of AR and DC were applied on the ACD model to study the efficacy.
RESULTS
Batch 3 of AR and batch 2 of DC showed presence of all active ingredients with the highest concentrations. Active ingredients of the herbs were extracted using a special oil and formulated into herbal oil extracts. The herbal oil extracts were able to down regulate the induced genes in the ACD skin model, bringing the tissue back to homeostatic status.
CONCLUSION
The oil extracts showed the potent efficacy of using AR and DC in ACD treatment. The combination study will be done to optimize the formulation ratio which will be developed into a topical cream.
PubMed: 36119360
DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2021.10.006 -
Nanoscale Advances Nov 2021Carbon nanomaterials such as carbon dots (0D), carbon nanotubes (1D), graphene (2D), and graphite (3D) have been exploited as electrode materials for various... (Review)
Review
Carbon nanomaterials such as carbon dots (0D), carbon nanotubes (1D), graphene (2D), and graphite (3D) have been exploited as electrode materials for various applications because of their high active surface area, thermal conductivity, high chemical stability and easy availability. In addition, due to the strong affinity between carbon nanomaterials and various catalysts, they can easily form metal carbides (examples: ionic, covalent, interstitial and intermediate transition metal carbides) and also help in the stable dispersion of catalysts on the surface of carbon nanomaterials. Thermally expanded graphite (TEG) is a vermicular-structured carbon material that can be prepared by heating expandable graphite up to 1150 °C using a muffle or tubular furnace. At high temperatures, the thermal expansion of graphite occurred by the intercalation of ions (examples: SO , NO , Li, Na, K, ) and oxidizing agents (examples: ammonium persulfate, HO, potassium nitrate, potassium dichromate, potassium permanganate, ) which helped in the exfoliation process. Finally, the obtained TEG, an intumescent form of graphite, has been used in the preparation of composite materials with various conducting polymers (examples: epoxy, poly(styrene--acrylonitrile), polyaniline, ) and metal chlorides (examples: FeCl, CuCl, and ZnCl) for hydrogen storage, thermal energy storage, fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, The main features of TEG include a highly porous structure, very lightweight with an apparent density (0.002-0.02 g cm), high mechanical properties (10 MPa), thermal conductivity (25-470 W m K), high electrical conductivity (106-108 S cm) and low-cost. The porosity and expansion ratio of graphite layers could be customized by controlling the temperature and selection of intercalation ions according to the demand. Recently, TEG based composites prepared with metal oxides, chlorides and polymers have been demonstrated for their use in energy production, energy storage, and electrochemical (bio-) sensors (examples: urea, organic pollutants, Cd, Pb, ). In this review, we have highlighted and summarized the recent developments in TEG-based composites and their potential applications in energy storage, fuel cells and sensors with hand-picked examples.
PubMed: 36133482
DOI: 10.1039/d1na00109d -
Contact Dermatitis Jun 2017Monitoring trends of positive patch test reactions is useful for epidemiological surveillance and contact allergy prevention, and has not previously been reported in...
BACKGROUND
Monitoring trends of positive patch test reactions is useful for epidemiological surveillance and contact allergy prevention, and has not previously been reported in Lithuania.
OBJECTIVES
To examine and compare changes in the prevalence of contact allergy to European baseline series allergens in adults with suspected contact dermatitis during a 9-year period.
METHODS
In this retrospective study, patch test results of 297 consecutive patients, tested with the European baseline series in 2014-2015, were analysed and compared with the data published earlier in Lithuania.
RESULTS
The most common allergens were nickel sulfate (30.6%), methylisothiazolinone (MI) (13.5%), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/MI (7.4%), potassium dichromate (6.1%), cobalt chloride (6.1%), Myroxylon pereirae resin (5.4%), p-phenylenediamine (5.4%), fragrance mix I (4.7%), formaldehyde (4.4%), and methyldibromo glutaronitrile (3.7%). Increases in the prevalence of sensitization to MCI/MI (2.3% in 2006-2008 and 7.4% in 2014-2015; p < 0.0001) and nickel sulfate (16.4% in 2006-2008 and 30.6% in 2014-2015; p < 0.0001) and decreases in the prevalence of sensitization to paraben mix (3.2% in 2006-2008 and 0.3% in 2014-2015; p = 0.006) were observed. Prevalences for the other allergens remained stable or showed a decreasing trend (Myroxylon pereirae resin; p = 0.06).
CONCLUSION
This study provides current information on the prevalence of contact allergy in Lithuania. Changing trends in sensitivity to some allergens probably reflect changes in exposure.
Topics: Age Factors; Allergens; Cobalt; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Formaldehyde; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Leg Dermatoses; Lithuania; Male; Myroxylon; Nickel; Nitriles; Patch Tests; Perfume; Phenylenediamines; Population Surveillance; Potassium Dichromate; Prevalence; Resins, Plant; Retrospective Studies; Sex Factors; Thiazoles
PubMed: 27917496
DOI: 10.1111/cod.12726 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Oct 2022Hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] exists environmentally and occupationally. It has been shown to pose a carcinogenic hazard in certain occupations. This study was to...
Hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] exists environmentally and occupationally. It has been shown to pose a carcinogenic hazard in certain occupations. This study was to investigate the role of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) in Cr (VI)-induced metabolism reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis in A549 and HELF cells. First, knockdown of HMGA2 by siHMGA2 significantly attenuated Cr (VI)-reduced expression of OXPHOS-related proteins (COX IV and ND1) and mitochondrial mass, indicating that HMGA2 was involved in Cr (VI)-reduced OXPHOS. Overexpression of HMGA2 by transfection of HMGA2-DNA plasmids reduced the expression of COX IV, ND1 and mitochondrial mass, suggesting the negative role of HMGA2 in OXPHOS. Secondly, both CCCP, the inhibitor of mitochondrial function, and the ER stress inhibitor, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), decreased the level of HMGA2, indicating that the interaction of mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress resulted in Cr (VI)-induced HMGA2 expression. Further study demonstrated that ER stress/HMGA2 axis mediated the metabolism rewiring from OXPHOS to aerobic glycolysis. Notably, Cr (VI) induced the accumulation of HMGA2 proteins in mitochondria and ChIP assay demonstrated that HMGA2 proteins could bind to D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which provided the proof for HMGA2-modulating OXPHOS. Taken together, our results suggested that the interaction of mitochondria and ER stress-enhanced HMGA2 played an important role in Cr (VI)-induced metabolic reprogramming from OXPHOS to glycolysis by binding directly to D-loop region of mtDNA. This work informs on the potential mode of action for Cr (VI)-induced tumors and builds on growing evidence regarding the contribution of cellular metabolic disruption contributing to carcinogenicity.
Topics: Carbonyl Cyanide m-Chlorophenyl Hydrazone; Chromium; DNA, Mitochondrial; Glycolysis; Mitochondria
PubMed: 36116352
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114085