Effect of reproductive disorders on productivity and reproductive efficiency of dromedary she-camels in relation to cytokine concentration

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of reproductive disorders on reproductive efficiency and milk production in relation with pro-inflammatory cytokines in dromedary she-camels. Total of 20 late pregnant Maghrabi she-camels, aging 6–9 years, weighing 420–550 kg, and between the second and third parities were divided into two groups. Animals in the first group (n?=?12) showed normal reproductive status (G₁) at parturition, while those in the second one (n?=?8) were suffered from reproductive disorders after parturition (G₂). Results showed that during pre-partum, red blood cells (RBCs) count decreased (P?≤?0.05), while white blood cells (WBCs), packed cell volume (PCV) value, and neutrophils percentage increased (P?≤?0.05) in G₂ than in G₁. Percentages of monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils as well as hemoglobin concentration did not differ significantly (P?≥?0.05) in G1 and G2. During postpartum period, the same results were noticed in addition to increase (P?≤?0.05) in eosinophil and decrease (P?≤?0.05) in basophils percentages. During prepartum period, concentration of total proteins, albumin (AL) and IGF-1decreased (P?≤?0.05), cholesterol concentration, and activity of AST and ALT were higher (P?≤?0.05) in G₂ than in G₁. Globulin (GL), AL: GL ratio, glucose, urea-N, creatinine, and triglyceride concentrations did not differ significantly in G₁ and G₂. During postpartum period, the same results were noticed with decrease (P?≤?0.05) in GL and glucose concentrations in G₂ as compared to G₁. Concentration of all pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ, was higher (P?≤?0.05) in G₂ than in G₁ at different peri-parturient times. Milk yield, days in milk, protein and lactose percentages, and IgG concentration were higher (P?≤?0.05) in G₁ than in G₂. Fat, total solids, solid non-fat, and ash percentages did not show any significant differences between both groups. Reproductive traits, including length of estrous cycle, duration of estrous period, number of services/conception, gestation period, days open, and conception rate, were higher (P?<?0.05) in G₁ than in G₂. From the present study can be concluded that pro-inflammatory cytokines may be a necessary test for the early diagnosis to prevent related disease in dromedary camels suffering from reproductive disorders. This study indicated strong relationship between hematological parameters and concentration of blood biochemicals and cytokines with reproductive efficiency in camels, which may be helpful in elucidating the adverse effects associated with reproductive disorders.     

Climate change,migration and human rights in Bangladesh: Perspectives on governance

Bangladesh experiences some of the most severe impacts of climate change, with impacts already evident in the coastal regions. Recent data shows that around 32% of the coastal communities in Bangladesh are affected by climate‐induced hazards each year. In 2011, 64% among them were displaced locally and 27% were displaced to other locations in Bangladesh. It requires comprehensive and viable polices and planning to meet the challenges of managing a large number of displaced people. In this context, this paper reviews and investigates the effectiveness of current governance frameworks to address migration of affected communities. It argues that migration can be an effective way to cope with environmental shocks. Finally, it discusses policy imperatives for effective protection of people displaced by climate risks with a special reference to adopting a human rights‐based approach in law and policy making for climate‐induced migration.     

Pigmentation and growth performance in the blue gourami,Trichogaster trichopterus,fed marigold,Calendula officinalis,powder, a natural carotenoid source

The present study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of marigold, Calendula officinalis, powder, 0 (control), 0.5% (M0.5), 1.5% (M1.5), and 2.5% (M2.5), on pigmentation and growth performance of the blue gourami after a 70‐day trial. At the end of the experiment, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in fish growth performance and body compositions. Color parameters (L*, a*, and b*) were weekly evaluated by examining a point posterior to the fish operculum. The marigold‐fed fish were darker than the control fish at Weeks 9 and 10. Yellowness intensity of the M2.5 was significantly higher than the other treatments at Week 9. Skin and caudal fin total carotenoids, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and β‐carotene contents of the treatment M2.5 were significantly different (p < 0.05) compared to the other treatments. Muscle total carotenoids, astaxanthin, and canthaxanthin contents of the marigold‐treated fish were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. Muscle β‐carotene contents of the treatments M1.5 and M2.5 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. This study shows that marigold powder may be considered an efficient natural carotenoid source for pigmentation in blue gourami.     

Vorratsschädllche Insekten in Saudi-Arabien

A survey of insect pests of stored products in three main regions of Saudi Arabia was carried out during two successive years, 1978 und 1979. Randomized samples of different commodities were collected for inspection from 13 localities four times a year. Thirty six species of insect pests belonging to 12 families and 4 orders in addition to 2 hymenopterous parasites were recorded.     

Cytotoxic ellagitannins from Reaumuria vermiculata

Three ellagitannins and one disulfated flavonol were isolated from the aerial parts of Reaumuria vermiculata L. Besides that, 16 known compounds were characterized as well. The structures of all compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR and ESI HR-FTMS. The in vivo antioxidant activity using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method, of the extract, its column fractions and two of the isolated ellagitannins was accomplished. In addition, a possible cytotoxicity of the extract and two of the new ellagitannins on HaCaT human keratinocytes and the activity of both compounds against the prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) were also assessed, whereby a potent cytotoxicity with IC(50) less than 1μg/ml was determined for both compounds. Besides, the extract exhibited a potential cytotoxic effect against four different solid tumor cell lines, namely liver (Huh-7), colorectal (HCT-116), breast (MCF-7) and prostate (PC-3). The IC(50)s were found to be substantially low (ranged from 1.3±0.15 to 2.4±0.22μg/ml) with relatively low resistance possibility reaching to 0% in the case of Huh-7 cell.     

Erythrocytic oxidative damage in crossbred cattle naturally infected with Babesia bigemina

This study aimed to determine the erythrocytic lipid peroxidation and haemoglobin oxidation as contributory factors causing anaemia in cattle (Friesian × Egyptian native breed) infected with Babesia bigemina. Blood was collected from 32 cows infected with B. bigemina along with 18 healthy cows as controls for determination of erythrocytic malondialdehyde (MDA), blood methaemoglobin (MetHb), plasma free haemoglobin (PHb), corpuscular osmotic fragility (COF), red blood cell count (RBC), total haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV). Percentage of parasitaemia varied from 14% to 36%. MDA, MetHb, COF and PHb were significantly increased (P < 0.001) in infected cows versus controls. Parasitaemia was positively correlated (P < 0.001) with MDA, MetHb, COF and PHb. MDA was positively correlated (P < 0.001) with COF and PHb and negatively correlated (P < 0.001) with RBC, Hb and PCV. MetHb was negatively correlated (P < 0.001) with RBC, Hb and PCV and positively correlated (P < 0.001) with COF. In conclusion, B. bigemina infection in cattle is associated with a parasitic burden-dependent corpuscular oxidative damage as indicated by membrane lipid peroxidation and methaemoglobin formation, which are contributed to COF and intravascular haemolysis.     

Noninvasive determination of body segment parameters of the hind limb in Labrador Retrievers with and without cranial cruciate ligament disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine mass, center of mass (COM), and moment of inertia (ie, body segment parameters [BSPs]) of hind limb segments by use of a noninvasive method based on computerized tomography (CT) in Labrador Retrievers with and without cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease and to provide regression equations to estimate BSPs of normal, CCL-deficient, and contralateral hind limbs. ANIMALS: 14 clinically normal and 10 CCL-deficient Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURES: Bone, muscle, and fat areas were identified via CT. Mass, COM, and moment of inertia were determined on the basis of tissue densities in the thigh, crus, and foot segments. Regression models were developed to determine predictive equations to estimate BSP on the basis of simple morphometric measurements. RESULTS: The thigh and crus of CCL-deficient limbs weighed less than in contralateral segments. Thighs weighed less in CCL-deficient than in normal limbs. The thigh moment of inertia was less in CCL-deficient than in contralateral limbs. The crural COM was located more distally in normal limbs, compared with other limbs. Predictive equations to estimate BSP varied by parameter, body segment, and limb status. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: BSPs of the thigh and crus varied with segment and status of the hind limb in Labrador Retrievers with or without CCL disease. Equations to estimate BSP on the basis of simple morphometric measurements were proposed, providing a basis for nonterminal studies of inverse dynamics of the hind limbs in Labrador Retrievers. This approach may offer new strategies to investigate the pathogenesis of nontraumatic joint diseases.     

Circulating oxidative stress status in desert sheep naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica

Oxidative stress is a general mechanism whereby free radicals induce oxidative damages and reduce the antioxidant defences of the biological systems. The aim of the present study was to determine plasma malondialdehyde levels as a biomarker of lipid peroxidation and its relation to the antioxidants status (plasma ascorbate and blood glutathione concentrations), liver function tests and anaemia in spontaneous ovine fascioliasis. For this purpose, jugular blood samples and livers of 27 infected ewes with Fasciola hepatica along with blood samples of 20 healthy (control) ewes were collected from animals slaughtered in a F. hepatica endemic area (Kharga oasis, Egypt). An increase (P<0.001) in plasma malondialdehyde (141.1%) accompanied by decreased levels (P<0.001) of albumin (29.3%) and ascorbate (36.2%) in plasma and glutathione in blood (31.6%) of infected sheep was noticed when compared with control values. In the infected group, malondialdehyde values were positively correlated with liver fluke burden (r=0.57, P=0.002) and the activity of plasma aspartate aminotransferase (r=0.39, P=0.0.046) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (r=0.64, P=0.0003) and negatively correlated with the concentrations of albumin (r=-0.53, P=0.004), ascorbate (r=-0.46, P=0.0.17) and glutathione (r=-0.41, P=0.034). In conclusion, oxidative stress is a significant feature of chronic F. hepatica infection in grazing sheep.