Decoding halal and jhatka slaughter: novel insights into welfare and protein biomarkers in slow-growing broiler chicken.

BACKGROUND: The first evidence of blood biochemical and proteomic changes in slow-growing broiler chicken subjected to ritual slaughter like halal (HS) and jhatka (JS) without stunning and commercial slaughter with electrical stunning (ES) was decoded. RESULTS: Significant stress indicators like cortisol and triiodothyronine were markedly elevated in JS birds, whereas increased (P < 0.05) levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase were observed in JS and ES birds. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled to MALDI-TOF MS elucidated the overabundance of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and l-lactate dehydrogenase that are positively correlated with stress in JS broilers. Bioinformatic analysis explored the multifaceted landscape of molecular functions. CONCLUSION: The study has uncovered that ritual slaughter performed without stunning against commercial slaughter with ES practices elicit varying levels of stress as evident from blood biochemistry and novel protein markers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Culture techniques for ciliate protozoa from the rumen: Recent advances and persistent challenges.

Ciliate protozoa are key members of the microbial community of the rumen. Their study is important to the health and productivity of cattle, which are their hosts. However, there have been persistent challenges in culturing this microbial group in the laboratory. This review will sum up recent advances along with these persistent challenges. Protozoa have been maintained in three types of cultures (ex vivo, in vitro batch, in vitro continuous). Ex vivo cultures are prepared readily from rumen contents by washing away contaminating cells (e.g., bacteria). They have been useful in making basic observations of metabolism, such as which types of fermentation products protozoa form. However, these cultures can be maintained for only short periods (minutes or hours). In vitro batch and in vitro continuous cultures can be used in longer experiments (weeks or longer). However, it is not currently possible to maintain protozoa in these cultures unless bacteria are also present. We conclude the review with a protocol for preparing ex vivo cultures of protozoa. Our protocol has been standardized and used successfully across animal diets, users, and institutions. We anticipate this review will prepare others to culture rumen ciliate protozoa and reach new insights into this important microbial group.

Development of superoxide dismutase based visual and spectrophotometric method for rapid differentiation of fresh and frozen-thawed buffalo meat.

Study aimed to develop biomarker-based assay for rapid detection of fresh and frozen-thawed buffalo meat in the supply chain. The method is based on development of a solvent system and identification of suitable substrate and developer for screening of biomarkers. For the confirmation column chromatography, gel electrophoresis and Western Blotting were carried out. Validation was done by intra- and inter-day validation, storability study, and determination of thermal history. Best results were shown with pH 8.0 Tris-HCl; extraction buffer, 205 µM nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen; substrate, 184 µM Nitroblue tetrazolium, and 1.9 µM phenazine methosulfate; developer. The thermal history ranged from 0.14 to 0.17 during storage at -20 °C. The intra- and inter-day assay precision (CV %) ranged from 5.3 to 6.5 %; in chilled and 14.1 - 9.2 % in frozen-thawed samples. The study confirmed SOD as a viable biomarker. Developed method using SOD has significant potential for rapidly differentiating chilled or frozen-thawed meat.

Characterization of plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from rhizosphere of lentil (Lens culinaris L.) grown in two different soil orders of eastern India.

Lentil, which is an important grain legume, can be co-inoculated with plant growth-promoting rhizobia and rhizobacteria to boost nitrogen fixation, increase biomass, and a possibility for early nodulation. The goal of the ongoing study was to identify plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the rhizosphere of lentil growing soils in eastern India. Sixteen rhizosphere bacteria were isolated from two different soil orders, and their capacity to solubilize phosphate and generate hydrogen cyanide (HCN), siderophore, and indole acetic acid (IAA) was assessed. The three best strains were selected for compatibility study with twenty Rhizobium isolated from lentil root nodules. The isolated rhizobacteria were able to produce ammonia and different mycolytic enzymes. Isolate B3 produced the highest amount of IAA and siderophore; the highest amount of phosphate solubilized by PSB1 strain; and isolates AB1, AB2, B3, PS2, and PSB2 produced considerable amount of HCN gas. Among all the isolates, B3, PSB1, and PS2 performed better based on different plant growth-promoting abilities. These three bacterial isolates showed compatible reaction with most of the Rhizobium strains. Isolates B3, PS2, and PSB1 were identified as Bacillus subtilis (MT729775), Pseudomonas palmensis (MT729782), and Paraburkholderia caribenis (MZ956803), respectively. Lentil shoot weight, root length, nodule number, N uptake, and P uptake were increased in the pot culture experiment when inoculated with these strains. PGPR strain B3 performed best among the three strains in the pot culture experiment. Strain B3 can be used as potential biofertilizer along with compatible Rhizobium species for better production of lentil.

Occurrence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli carrying antimicrobial resistance genes in sheep on smallholdings in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic foodborne pathogens and a significant concern with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Close human contact might have a higher chance of being transmitted to humans from sheep if the sheep population is a potential reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant STEC. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the sheep population in rural Bangladesh for antimicrobial-resistant STEC. METHODS: We screened 200 faecal samples collected from sheep in three Upazilas from the Chattogram district. Randomisation of sampling was not performed due to the smaller flock size (two to six animals per smallholding). Phenotypically positive E. coli isolates were examined for two Shiga toxin-producing genes - stx1 and stx2. PCR-positive STEC isolates were investigated for the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes - blaTEM , sul1 and sul2. RESULTS: In total, 123 of the 200 tested samples were confirmed positive E. coli using culture-based methods. PCR results show 17 (13.8%) E. coli isolates harboured ≥ one virulent gene (stx1 or/and stx2) of STEC. The AMR profile of STEC isolates was determined utilising the disc diffusion method. Of the STEC isolates, 82, 76, 71 and 71% were susceptible to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. In contrast, 47% of isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and 41% were resistant to amoxicillin. In addition, six of the tested STEC isolates exhibited the blaTEM  gene; eight STEC isolates had the sul1 gene, and the sul2 gene was detected in ten STEC isolates. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal a substantial percentage of STEC isolated from sheep in rural Bangladesh harbouring AMR genes.

Stroke warning syndromes.

It is important for physicians to be aware of stroke warning syndromes because, although rare, there is a high associated risk of subsequent ischaemic infarction. Stroke warning syndromes present as stereotypical, recurrent transient episodes of focal neurological deficit, in the absence of cortical signs, occurring within a short period of time. They are broadly divided into two main subtypes, based on vascular territory: capsular warning syndrome and pontine warning syndrome. The exact underlying pathophysiology related to stroke warning syndromes is incompletely established, but proposed pathophysiological hypotheses for cerebral hypoperfusion include micro-atherosclerosis (cerebral small vessel disease) and haemodynamic instability (e.g. hypotension). Atherosclerotic disease involving small perforating arteries in the anterior circulation (e.g. lenticulostriatal arteries) gives rise to capsular warning syndrome and subsequent risk of capsular infarcts. Conversely, involvement of the posterior circulation pontine perforator arteries gives rise to pontine warning syndrome, which can result in paramedian pontine infarcts. Although the evidence is limited, recommended treatment modalities include permissive hypertension, intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, dual antiplatelet therapy and statins.

Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in deer and nearby water sources at Safari parks in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The emergence and rapid dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in different ecosystems is a growing concern to human health, animal health, and the environment in recent years. The study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli from deer and nearby water sources at two different Safari parks in Bangladesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of 55 fresh fecal samples of deer and six water samples from nearby lakes were collected from two Safari parks. Samples were processed, cultured, and carried out biochemical tests for E. coli. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method. To identify the resistance genes, polymerase chain reaction was performed. RESULTS: A total of 32 E. coli isolates from 55 fecal samples and 6 of 6 E. coli isolates from lake water were isolated. From fecal E. coli isolates, ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole were 90.63% (n=29/32) resistant and 87.5% (n=28/32) were resistant to tetracycline and nalidixic acid. High resistance was also observed to other antibiotics. On the contrary, all E. coli isolates from water sources were 100% (n=6/6) resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and nalidixic acid. MDR was revealed in all water samples, whereas 96.88% (n=31/32) was found in fecal isolates. A number of bla TEM, tet A, and Sul2 genes were detected from both isolates. CONCLUSION: This study for the 1st time highlights, a significant proportion of E. coli isolates in wildlife deer and nearby water sources were MDR in Bangladesh.

Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from captive Bengal tigers at Safari parks in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to assess the antibiotic resistance and to identify the resistance genes in Escherichia coli from captive Bengal tigers at two Safari parks in Bangladesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of 24 environmental fecal swab samples of Bengal tigers were collected from two different Safari parks in Bangladesh. For the isolation of E. coli, samples were submitted to a number of bacteriological screening and biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli isolates was determined by disk diffusion method. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that 18 environmental fecal samples were positive to E. coli in bacteriological screening and biochemical test. The overall prevalence of E. coli in Bengal tiger was 75% (n = 18/24). The antibiogram study unveiled that all the isolates were resistant to ampicillin. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, nalidixic acid, and tetracycline were 89% (n = 16/18) resistant. On the contrary, 100% (n = 18/18) of the isolates were sensitive to colistin sulfate. bla TEM was detected in 78% (n = 14/18) ampicillin-resistant isolates, whereas sul2 was found in 31% (n = 5/16) of the sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-resistant isolates. CONCLUSION: This study, first time in Bangladesh, highlights a significant proportion of environmental fecal samples from captive Bengal tigers at Safari parks harboring antibiotic resistant E. coli. Transmission of resistant E. coli from Bengal tigers to humans and the environment could pose a public health risk at Safari parks in Bangladesh.

Factors, trends, and long-term outcomes for stroke patients returning to work: The South London Stroke Register.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is limited information on factors, trends, and outcomes in return to work at different time-points post-stroke; this study aims to identify these in a multi-ethnic urban population. METHODS: Patterns of return to work were identified in individuals in paid work prior to first-ever stroke in the population-based South London Stroke Register (SLSR) between 1995 and 2014. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between patient characteristics and return to work at 1 year (1 y), 5 years (5 y) and 10 years (10 y) post-stroke. RESULTS: Among 5609 patients, 940 (17%) were working prior to their stroke, of whom 177 (19%) were working 3 months post-stroke, declining to 172 (18%) at 1 y, 113 (12%) at 5 y, and 27 (3%) at 10 y. Factors associated with return to work within 1 y, after logistic regression, included functional independence (BI ≥ 19; p < 0.01) and shorter length of stay (p < 0.05). Younger age (p < 0.01) was associated with return to work at 5 y and 10 y post-stroke. Non-manual occupation (p < 0.05) was associated with return to work at 10 y post-stroke. Return to work within 1 y increased the likelihood of working at 5 y (OR: 13.68; 95% CI 5.03-37.24) and 10 y (9.07; 2.07-39.8). Of those who were independent at follow-up (BI ≥ 19), 48% were working at 1 y, 42% at 5 y, and 28% at 10 y. Lower rates of anxiety and depression and higher self-rated health were associated with return to work at 1 y (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Although functionally independent stroke survivors are more likely to return to work long-term, a large proportion do not return to work despite functional independence. Return to work post-stroke is associated with improved long-term psychological outcomes and quality of life.

Occurrence of Escherichia coli carrying Shiga toxin-producing genes in buffaloes on smallholdings in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) has emerged as significant foodborne pathogens. Ruminants are the primary reservoir of the zoonotic STEC. In Bangladesh, previous studies reported the presence of STEC in cattle, goat, and sheep; however, there is little information about STEC carriage by buffaloes. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of STEC in healthy (absence of clinical signs and symptoms) buffaloes on smallholdings in Bangladesh and to assess the antimicrobial resistance pattern of identified STEC isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 rectal swab samples were obtained from randomly selected buffaloes on 40 smallholdings in Chittagong Division, Bangladesh. Samples were subjected to bacteriological screening to identify E. coli. All E. coli isolates were examined for the presence of the Shiga toxin-producing genes - Shiga toxin 1 (stx1) and Shiga toxin 2 (stx2) using polymerase chain reaction. The antimicrobial susceptibility of identified STEC isolates was tested using the disk diffusion method. RESULTS: Results show that 71 fecal samples were positive for E. coli in bacteriological screening. The proportion of buffaloes harboring STEC isolates was 11% (11/100) (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.1-18.8], of which 7% (7/100) (95% CI 3.2-13.9) and 4% (4/100) (95% CI 1.2-10.2) carried stx1 and stx2 genes, respectively. Antibiogram revealed that 91% (10/11), 73% (8/11), 55% (6/11), and 55% (6/11) STEC isolates were resistant to tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, erythromycin, and ampicillin, respectively. In contrast, 91% (10/11) STEC isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin, whereas 73% (8/11) isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone. CONCLUSION: This study highlights, for the first time, a significant proportion of fecal samples from healthy buffaloes on smallholdings in Bangladesh harboring antimicrobial-resistant STEC. Transmission of antimicrobial-resistant STEC from buffaloes to humans could pose an added risk to public health in rural Bangladesh.

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration secondary to ovarian carcinosarcoma: a cerebellar conundrum.

We present a case of an elderly female patient who presented with a 6-month history of progressive slurred speech, vertigo, unsteadiness and falls. She underwent an extensive battery of neurological and cardiovascular investigations, none of which demonstrated a diagnostic cause for her symptoms. She was referred to the stroke and neurology teams and was started on treatment for presumed anxiety. As her symptoms continued to progress, she was referred to the falls service. Following a multidisciplinary team discussion, she was reviewed by the consultant geriatrician who felt this may be due to a malignancy so the consultant geriatrician arranged blood testsand CT scan of her chest, abdomen and pelvis. These demonstrated a large left adnexal mass and a raised Ca-125 level. The patient was diagnosed with an ovarian tumour, which was treated surgically. A provisional diagnosis of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, secondary to ovarian carcinosarcoma, was made.

Effect of supplementation of crystalline lysine on the performance of WL layers in tropics during summer.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of lysine concentration in the diet of WL layers with constant ratio of other essential amino acids to lysine. Pullets (528) aged 25 to 36 weeks were fed with test diet containing two protein levels (13.36 and 15.78%) each with 5% concentration of lysine (0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70) and a control with 17% CP and 0.70%, lysine. Each test diet was fed ad libitum to six replicates of eight birds for a period of 12 weeks. Egg production (EP), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), feed efficiency (g/g) (FE), body weight gain (BWG), Haugh unit (HU) and yolk colour (YC) were measured. Increased (P ≤ 0.05) EP, EW, EM, FE and BWG were obtained with increasing lysine concentration in diets. Whereas, feed intake/h/day, feed intake/egg, egg shell defects (ESD), mortality and shell thickness were not affected (P ≥ 0.05) by the concentration of lysine in diet. However, higher (P ≤ 0.05) HU score and YC were noticed at low lysine (0.50 %) concentrations. Based on this, it was concluded that WL layers (25-36 weeks) reared in open-sided houses in the tropics require approximately 0.70 % lysine (597.90 vs. 584.39 mg/h/day) in low (13.36% CP) and high (15.78% CP) protein groups in diets containing approximately 2700 kcal of ME/kg in summer.

Preparation and storage stability of meat spread developed from spent hens.

AIM: The present study was carried out to develop a meat spread as a healthier alternative to already existing meat products utilizing undervalued spent hen meat to add a new dimension to meat products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Carcasses were processed within 30 min of slaughter and conditioned at 4±1°C for about 24 h and then braised along with other ingredients to get the final product. The products were evaluated for proximate composition, peroxide values, pH, microbiological, and sensory qualities as per standard procedures. RESULTS: The mean percent values for moisture, crude protein, ether extract, and total ash content of developed product were 58.75±0.32, 9.12±0.44, 11.19±0.16, and 2.35±0.17, respectively. No significant difference was observed for mean coliform and the yeast and mold counts with the progression of storage period, but samples differed significantly for mean pH, thiobarbituric acid and total viable plate count during storage of meat spread. A progressive decline in mean sensory scores was recorded along with the increase in storage time. CONCLUSION: The meat spread was found to be a good alternative to process the underutilized spent hens for its efficient utilization for product development.

"Incidental findings" during TAVI work-up: more than just an inconvenience.

AIMS: To characterise the clinical course of patients who had incidental findings on the CT aortogram (CTA) done as a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) work-up investigation. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients who underwent CTA as a work-up investigation for TAVI were retrospectively recruited (n=295, 83±6.7 years) to identify those with an incidental finding. A total of 323 incidental findings were identified in 201 (68.1%) patients. Of those with incidental findings, 87 (43.3%) had at least one of immediate clinical significance. Within this group, fewer (52.9%) eventually had TAVI compared to those without incidental findings (63%). In patients going on to have TAVI, the time between CTA and TAVI was longer in those with incidental findings (median 96 vs. 81 days). At follow-up, overall mortality in those with incidental findings was higher than in those without (49.4% vs. 37.5%). In patients who underwent TAVI, there was a trend to increased mortality in those with incidental findings (34.8% vs. 21.4%, p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Incidental findings were associated with a longer time to TAVI procedure, lower chance of eventually receiving TAVI as definitive therapy and a worse overall outcome. Such findings are clearly important and should be taken into account when delivering a contemporary TAVI service.

Incidence and predictors of early left ventricular thrombus after ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the contemporary era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

The aim of this study was to define the incidence of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) and its predictors in the contemporary era of primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) and contrast echocardiography. We retrospectively analyzed 1,059 patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to our tertiary cardiac center and treated with pPCI. Preprocedural pharmacology and procedural technique (including access route, the use of drug-eluting stents, and thrombectomy) were at the operators' discretion. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before discharge; echo contrast agent was used when appropriate. LVT was detected in 42 subjects (4%). There were no significant differences in baseline demographics or pre-PCI clinical features between the 2 groups. Post-treatment, mean ejection fraction (EF) in patients with LVT was 35±8.4% and in those without LVT was 47±10%, p<0.001. Thirty-seven patients (88%) in the LVT group presented with an anterior STEMI versus 471 patients (42%) in the without LVT group (p<0.001). Apical akinesis was noted in all patients with LVT irrespective of the principal location of the MI. Multivariate analysis predictors of LVT were reduced EF, anterior site of MI, and the use of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. After diagnosis of LVT, patients were treated with warfarin for 3 to 6 months. No significant difference in mortality was detectable at discharge between the 2 groups. In conclusion, in the contemporary era of pPCI, the incidence of LVT in patients with STEMI is significantly lower than that of the previous (thrombolysis) literature. The early presence of LVT is more likely in patients with anterior STEMI (involving the apex) and reduced EF.

Are podcasts effective at educating African American men about diabetes?

Education is a critical component of the National Blueprint to eliminate racial disparities in diabetes. Research indicates that traditional methods of diabetes education has had limited effectiveness with minority populations and suggests that different educational approaches be explored. The purpose of the research was to explore the effectiveness of an emergent technology (podcast) for use in educating inner-city, African American men about diabetes prevention. Thirty African American men participated in self-administered, pretest-posttest surveys in August 2009. Surveys collected information on demographic characteristics, perceptions of diabetes, and diabetes knowledge. Paired samples t test was computed to evaluate pretest-posttest changes in overall knowledge. McNemar or binomial tests were computed to evaluate pretest-posttest knowledge changes on each of the 15 individual knowledge items. Diabetes knowledge scores for the sample increased from 8.27 at pretest to 10.47 at posttest (p = .001). Posttest knowledge scores increased for 77% of men, stayed the same for 13%, and decreased for 10%. Men who listened to the podcast correctly answered 40% more knowledge questions on their posttest assessments. Results from this exploratory study suggest that podcasts are useful for helping inner-city, African American men recall diabetes prevention information. Additional research is recommended with larger randomly selected samples using more rigorous research designs.

Genome-wide expression profiling of the osmoadaptation response of Debaryomyces hansenii.

The euryhaline marine yeast Debaromyces hansenii is a model system for the study of processes related to osmoadaptation. In this study, microarray-based gene expression analyses of the entire genome of D. hansenii was used to study its response to osmotic stress. Differential gene expression, compared to control, was examined at three time points (0.5, 3 and 6 h) after exposure of D. hansenii cultures to high salt concentration. Among the 1.72% of genes showing statistically significant differences in expression, only 65 genes displayed at least three-fold increases in mRNA levels after treatment with 2 M NaCl. On the other hand, 44 genes showed three-fold repression. Upregulated as well as the downregulated genes were grouped into functional categories to identify biochemical processes possibly affected by osmotic stress and involved in osmoadaptation. The observation that only a limited number of genes are upregulated in D. hansenii in response to osmotic stress supports the notion that D. hansenii is pre-adapted to survive in extreme saline environments. In addition, since more than one-half of the upregulated genes encode for ribosomal proteins, it is possible that a translational gene regulatory mechanism plays a key role in D. hansenii's osmoregulatory response. Validation studies for ENA1 and for hyphal wall/cell elongation protein genes, using real-time PCR, confirmed patterns of gene expression observed in our microarray experiments. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in this organism and provides the foundation for future molecular studies assessing the significance of the genes identified here in D. hansenii's osmoadaptation.

Stochasticity of manganese superoxide dismutase mRNA expression in breast carcinoma cells by molecular beacon imaging.

Visual and quantitative monitoring of cell-to-cell variation in the expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) mRNA by using novel ratiometric imaging with molecular beacons (MB) reveals a distinct change in patterns following induction of human breast-carcinoma cells with lipopolysaccharide. Interestingly, the pattern of cell-to-cell variation in a cell line stably transfected with a plasmid bearing a cDNA clone of MnSOD and overproducing the enzyme is significantly different from the pattern associated with MnSOD induction. The levels and the patterns of cell-population heterogeneity for beta-actin mRNA expression do not show distinct changes either following induction or in stably transfected cells. These results are significant in light of the reported relationship between this enzyme and malignant phenotype of breast-carcinoma cells. Use of MBs in ratiometric image analyses for cytoplasmic mRNAs represents a novel means of directly examining the stochasticity of transcription of MnSOD and other genes implicated in cellular phenotype regulation.