A prevalence study on gastrointestinal parasitic infections of pig (Sus scrofa) in and around Meerut, Western Uttar Pradesh, India.

The present study was conducted to record the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of pigs by faecal sample examination. Faecal samples were collected in three different seasons viz; monsoon, post monsoon and pre monsoon, from in and around Meerut district of Western Uttar Pradesh. A total of 642 faecal samples were collected for a period of one year (2020-21). The overall prevalence rate recorded for gastrointestinal parasites in pigs was 64.4%.The findings of the present work showed that seasons have a significant role on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites infection in pigs, with highest prevalence in monsoon (78.34%) followed by pre-monsoon (60.19%) and lowest in post- monsoon seasons (54.67%). Thus, the present study will be helpful in designing the effective control strategy of parasitic infections for optimum production in porcine industry as well as preventive measures against zoonotic diseases spread by pigs.

Light-driven micromotors for on-demand and local pH sensing applications.

In recent years, self-propelled light-driven micromotors have gained significant attention due to their capabilities for a wide range of applications, including cargo delivery, chemical sensing, environmental monitoring, etc. Here, we demonstrate the design of light-driven micromotors for local pH sensing applications. The micromotors are spherical Janus particles with multiple functional coatings that provide them with interesting features, like a dual optical response, i.e., controlled swimming under UV light (320-400 nm) and pH-dependent fluorescence signal emission when excited with blue light (450 nm), and moving path guidance using a weak external uniform magnetic field (50 G). All of these features allow the micromotors to sense the pH of the medium on-demand and locally or of a target location by guiding them to swim to the target location. The pH-dependent change in the fluorescence signal intensity is used for the measurement of the local pH of the medium. It is observed that the careful measurement of small pH changes requires a spectrometer that precisely measures the intensity change. However, the fluorescence signal of the micromotors was good enough to provide a clear visual demarcation for large pH changes. Systematic experimental studies supported by controlled experiments are performed to optimize the system as well as to calibrate the micromotors for local pH sensing applications. The characteristics like easy-to-design structure, light activation, directional swimming, and ability to measure the pH on-demand and locally prove that micromotors have the potential to revolutionize pH monitoring in various domains, including lab-on-a-chip devices, biomedical research, environmental monitoring, quality control in industrial processes, etc.

Hydrogen sulfide-induced GAPDH sulfhydration disrupts the CCAR2-SIRT1 interaction to initiate autophagy.

The deacetylase SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) has emerged as a major regulator of nucleocytoplasmic distribution of macroautophagy/autophagy marker MAP1LC3/LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3). Activation of SIRT1 leads to the deacetylation of LC3 and its translocation from the nucleus into the cytoplasm leading to an increase in the autophagy flux. Notably, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a cytoprotective gasotransmitter known to activate SIRT1 and autophagy; however, the underlying mechanism for both remains unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that H2S sulfhydrates the active site cysteine of the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase). Sulfhydration of GAPDH leads to its redistribution into the nucleus. Importantly, nuclear localization of GAPDH is critical for H2S-mediated activation of autophagy as H2S does not induce autophagy in cells with GAPDH ablation or cells overexpressing a GAPDH mutant lacking the active site cysteine. Importantly, we observed that nuclear GAPDH interacts with CCAR2/DBC1 (cell cycle activator a nd apoptosis regulator 2) inside the nucleus. CCAR2 interacts with the deacetylase SIRT1 to inhibit its activity. Interaction of GAPDH with CCAR2 disrupts the inhibitory effect of CCAR2 on SIRT1. Activated SIRT1 then deacetylates MAP1LC3B/LC3B (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta) to induce its translocation into the cytoplasm and activate autophagy. Additionally, we demonstrate this pathway's physiological role in autophagy-mediated trafficking of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into lysosomes to restrict intracellular mycobacteria growth. We think that the pathway described here could be involved in H2S-mediated clearance of intracellular pathogens and other health benefits.Abbreviations: ATG5: autophagy related 5; ATG7: autophagy related 7; BECN1: beclin 1, autophagy related; CCAR2/DBC1: cell cycle activator and apoptosis regulator 2; CFU: colony-forming units; DLG4/PSD95: discs large MAGUK scaffold protein 4; EX-527: 6-chloro-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazole-1-carboxamide; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; H2S: hydrogen sulfide; HEK: human embryonic kidney cells; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MEF: mouse embryonic fibroblast; Mtb: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MOI: multiplicity of infection; NO: nitric oxide; PI3K: phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase; PLA: proximity ligation assay; PRKAA: protein kinase, AMP-activated, alpha catalytic subunit; SIAH1: siah E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1A; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; TB: tuberculosis; TP53INP2/DOR: transformation related protein 53 inducible nuclear protein 2; TRP53/TP53: transformation related protein 53.

Effect of Low Intensity Magnetic Field Stimulation on Calcium-Mediated Cytotoxicity After Mild Spinal Cord Contusion Injury in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic field (MF) stimulation has the potential to reduce secondary damage and promote functional recovery after neural tissue injury. The study aimed to observe the effect of very low intensity (17.96µT) MF on general body condition, secondary damage, pain status, and locomotion. METHODS: We exposed rats to MF (2 h/day × 3 weeks) after 6.25 mm contusion spinal injury. Locomotor behavior was evaluated by BBB score, pain assessment was done by recording threshold for tail flick, expression of voltage-gated calcium channels and extent of secondary damage in the spinal cord was assessed by immunofluorescence and Cresyl violet staining, respectively. RESULTS: A significant (p ≤ .001) improvement in bladder function as well as BBB score was observed after MF exposure in comparison with sham and SCI over the observation period of 3 weeks. SCI group showed an increase in the threshold for vocalization after discharge, which decreased following MF exposure. Cresyl violet staining showed significantly higher tissue sparing (73%) at the epicenter after MF exposure when compared to SCI group. This was accompanied with a significant decrease in calcium channel expression in MF group as compared to SCI. CONCLUSION: The results suggest facilitation of sensory-motor recovery after MF exposure, which could be due to attenuation of secondary damage and calcium-mediated excitotoxicity in a mild contusion rat model of SCI.

Active natural oil-based nanoemulsion containing tacrolimus for synergistic antipsoriatic efficacy.

AIM: The current study is emphasized on development of a nanoemulsion system that simultaneously delivers two antipsoriatic agents viz. Tacrolimus and Kalonji oil (functional excepient) topically. MATERIALS & METHODS: A nanoemulsion was characterized for quality attributes; a nanoemulsion gel was evaluated for spreadability, viscosity, dermal bioavailability, and in vitro efficacy in A-431 cell line, and so forth. In vivo performance was evaluated on psoriasis model in BALB/c mice. RESULTS: Nanoemulsion depicted droplet size: 93.37 ± 2.58 nm with PDI (Polydispersity Index) 0.330 ± 0.025. The nanoemulsion gel exhibited desirable spreadability with sustained release pattern (biphasic). Dermal bioavailability enhancement (4.33-fold) accompanied significant in vitro results. A significant reduction in serum cytokines and improvement in psoriatic condition was achieved in vivo, indicating formulation efficacy compared with marketed formulation (Tacroz Forte, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Maharashtra, India). CONCLUSION: Nanoemulsion gel thus provides an effective alternative for psoriasis treatment.

Cryptosporidiosis in a buffalo calf at Meerut, Uttar Pradesh and its successful therapeutic management.

Cryptosporidium spp. are recognized as one of the most important enteric pathogens causing enteritis and severe diarrhoea in calves up to 1 month of age. Although the infection may be responsible for some mortality, its impact is mainly associated with the impairment of gastrointestinal functions and lower performance of animals. A female buffalo calf of 25 days old was presented to OPD section, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, SVPUA&T, Meerut, with the symptoms of severe voluminous watery cholera like diarrhea with mucous and blood tinge since 4-5 days. On physical examination, calf was dehydrated, weak, and emaciated with normal temperature. Parasitological examination of the faeces by the direct smear and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique revealed presence of high number of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. The affected female buffalo calf was treated with azithromycin and provided supportive care. Diarrohoeal symptoms were stopped from 3rd day and animal returned to normal condition by 7th day post treatment.

Molecular cloning and characterization of arginine kinase gene of Toxocara canis.

Toxocara canis is an important gastrointestinal nematode of dogs and also a causative agent of visceral larva migrans in humans. Arginine kinase (AK) gene is one of the important biomolecule of phosphagen kinase of T. canis which is emerging as an exciting novel diagnostic target in toxocarosis. The present study was carried out to clone and characterize AK gene of T. canis for future utilization as a diagnostic molecule. Total RNA was extracted from intact adult worms and reverse transcription was done with oligo dT primers to obtain complementary DNA (cDNA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out using cDNA as template with specific primers which amplified a product of 1,202 bp. The amplicon was cloned into pDrive cloning vector and clone was confirmed by colony PCR and restriction endonuclease analysis. Sequence analysis of the gene showed 99.8 and 77.9 % homology with the published AK gene of T. canis (EF015466.1) and Ascaris suum respectively. Structural analysis shown that the mature AK protein consist of 400 amino acids with a molecular wt of 45360.73 Da. Further expression studies are required for producing the recombinant protein for its evaluation in the diagnosis of T. canis infection in humans as well as in adult dogs.

Nasal Oestrosis in a Jamunapari goat.

Oestrus ovis is a well-known parasite of the nasal cavities and adjoining sinuses in sheep and goats. A 3-year-old female Jamunapari goat was presented with a history of anorexia, weight loss, in-coordinated movements, nasal discharge since 10 days and two nasal bots expelled during sneezing 3 days back. Upon clinical examination the animal was dull, dysphonic, unsteady gait and having blocked nostrils with thick mucoid discharge along with an increased respiratory rate. Parasitiological examination revealed it as an O. ovis (nasal bots). The occurrence of nasal bots in a goat and its successful therapeutic management and public health significance have been reported and discussed in the present communication.

Coenurus gaigeri cyst in the thigh of a goat and its successful management.

A 11 month old female goat was presented to Polyclinic, IVRI with the history of swelling in the left hind leg on the inner aspect of thigh and inguinal region. Physical and radiological examination revealed a large fluctuating fluid filled bladder with distinct dimension. The cyst was successfully removed along with its membrane and parasitological examination revealed it as a Coenurus gaigeri, the intermediate stage of T. multiceps gaigeri. The animal recovered completely by 10th postoperative day without any complications. This is being described in detail as under.

Characterization of excretory-secretory antigens of adult Toxocara canis by western blotting.

Toxocara canis is one of the most common helminth worm of dogs which continues to stimulate both public health concern alongside the higher scientific interest. It may cause visceral and ocular damage in humans especially in children. The identification of specific antigens of T. canis is important so as to develop better diagnostic techniques. Excretory-secretory (ES) antigens were prepared by culturing the adult T. canis worms in RPMI 1640 medium without serum supplementation followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation. These antigens were separated using sodium dodecyl sulphate-electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Recovered proteins ranged from 30 to 384 kDa. The specific reactivity of the T. canis excretory-secretory (TC-ES) proteins was checked by western blotting. The immuno-reactivity of the naturally infected dog sera with the TC-ES antigens showed five bands at 43, 57,105, 139 and 175 kDa. The immuno-reactivity of the hyper immune serum raised in rabbits against TC-ES antigens was observed with ten polypeptides of 21, 25, 30, 37, 45, 50, 57, 69, 77 and 105 kDa. Common antigens band were observed at 57 and 105 KDa. These antigens merit further evaluation as candidate for use in diagnosis of toxocariasis in humans and adult dogs.

Prevalence of canine toxocariasis in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Toxocara canis is one of the most common parasitic helminth worm of dogs and also a causative agent of zoonotic disease in humans. This pilot study was conducted to determine the presence of T. canis infection in dog population in and around Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 558 faecal samples both from stray and owned dogs were screened and overall 24.3 % dogs were found positive for T. canis. A comparison between owned and stray dogs suggests that the higher prevalence was observed in the latter group. The age of the dogs had a considerable influence on prevalence, with a much higher proportion of younger dogs being infected. Among the stray dogs, the infection rate is much higher (62.79 %) in pups, as compared to 7.8 % in adult. Similarly, of the owned dogs screened 41.74 % pups were infected while the infection rate in adults was only 3.38 %. The higher rate of prevalence of this parasite in dogs could be the source of soil contamination for transmission of Toxocariasis which is of public health importance in this region.