The current study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal melatonin “MLT” administration against bisphenol A “BPA”- induced infertility and thyroid dysfunction in male rat offsprings (First generation “F1”). For that purpose, fifty adult albino rats (40 females and 10 males) were used and classified equally into five groups (8 females and 2 males in each group). First group (control group) in which, pregnant rats were injected with 0.3 ml of vehicle /day. The second group (low dose BPA) where rats received a daily dose of 25 µg / kg B.W. The third group (high dose BPA) where rats received a daily dose of 250 µg / kg B.W. Fourth group (low dose BPA + MLT) where rats received a daily dose of 25 µg BPA /kg B.W. plus 10 mg MLT / Kg B.W. The fifth group (high dose BPA + MLT) where the rats received a daily dose of 250 µg BPA / kg B.W. plus 10 mg /Kg B.W. All rats within each group received their specific treatment daily with subcutaneous injection starting from the fourth day of pregnancy till full term. Then, the male offsprings of each group were selected and reared until the 60th day after birth. Serum and tissue samples were collected for analyses and microscopical examination. Although prenatal administration of both BPA doses didn’t affect the body weight gain and testicular weights of male offsprings, they reduced significantly the serum levels of testosterone and triodotyrosine when compared to the control group. Also, both BPA doses disturb significantly the oxidant/antioxidant ratio. Moreover, prenatal administration of both BPA doses affected negatively semen quality of the produced offsprings and induced marked histological alterations in their testes and prostate. Remarkably, all serological and histological alterations observed after BPA exposure were ameliorated significantly with MLT co-administration. Thus, prenatal MLT administration could be considered an optimal treatment to relieve many reproductive disorders, degenerative changes of testes and prostate and thyroid malfunction induced in male offsprings after gestational exposure of their dams to BPA.

Butorphanol is a synthetic opioid commonly used for epidural anesthesia in human either alone or in combination with bupivacaine but not in goat. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of epidural butorphanol either alone or in combination with bupivacaine. Fifteen adult apparently healthy goats were randomized into three equal groups to receive a lumbosacral epidural injection of bupivacaine 0.5 % (0.5 mg/kg), butorphanol 1% (0.08 mg/kg) or their combination (bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg and butorphanol 0.04 mg/kg). Animals were observed for incoordination of hind limbs, perineal pin prick and sedation at 10 minutes interval. Heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature were assessed every 15 minutes. Epidural butorphanol resulted into significantly (P <0.05) rapid analgesia (9.8 ± 1.1 Min) than the butorphanol– bupivacaine combination (12.8 ± 0.84 Min) and bupivacaine (16.6 ± 0.55). Butorphanolbupivacaine combination provoked significant ((P < 0.05) prolonged intense analgesia (208 ± 8.36 Min) compared to either bupivacaine (112 ± 8.37) or butorphanol (166 ± 5.48 Min). Ataxia accompanied administration of bupivacaine either alone or in combination with butorphanol, while sedation was observed in animals received butorphanol alone or combined with bupivacaine. No significant changes were observed in heart rate, respiratory rate or rectal temperature. The epidural administration of butorphanol-bupivacaine combination promoted longer-lasting analgesia in goats without motor disturbances compared to bupivacaine alone. This combination might prove useful clinically to provide analgesia in goats for long-duration perineal obstetrical or surgical procedures.

Commercial broiler chickens are frequently infected with Ecoli serotypes in form of collibacillosis which characterized as an initial respiratory infection (air sacculitis) followed by generalized septicemia, perihepatitis and pericarditis. The present work aimed to study the ability of E.coli O125 previuosly isolated and identified from diseased broilers suffered from pericarditis , airsacculitis and perihapatitis to induce a disease and The current study aimed to determine the pathogenicity of E. coli serogroup O125 in broiler chicks, a trial of prevention and treatment using probiotic ( Guardyazin-m) or antibiotic (Cipronate20%). The chicks were divided into seven groups including control negative, orally infected , subcutenously infected , probiotic treated group, and finally antibiotic treated group. The clinical signs, mortality, performance parameters and postmortem examination as well as the pathological changes in liver and intestine were recorded. The probiotic group gave the best results in controlling infection by E. coli O125 followed by antibiotic. In conclusion, the E. coli O125 serogroup was pathogenic to chicks when experimentally inoculated, so particular attention must be directed toward E. coli O125 as a pathogen infecting bird. Also probiotics was of great value in protection against the E. coli infection and improve the performance parameters of chicks . Its effect on feed consumption , weekly body weight gain and feed conversion rate (FCR) was determined.

Acute upper respiratory disease in chickens is a major cause of economic losses due to high mortality rates especially in poorly managed cases. Respiratory disease in poultry is initiated by variety of viruses, bacteria and fungi. The current study aims to investigate the prevalence of avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), their proteases and other virulence genes in respiratory viral disease outbreaks in broiler chickens. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed on samples from 25 farms with respiratory affections, APEC was isolated and virulence determinants in E. coli were investigated phenotypically and genotypically. E. coli was isolated from different flocks (100%, n=25). They were positive to Congo red binding (100%, n=25), iss gene (100%, n=25), iutA gene (92%, n= 23), tsh gene (24%, n=6), vat gene (20%, n=5). Presence of iss gene and CR binding proves that all isolates are APEC. Although the entire 25 APEC isolates carried more than one virulence gene; either 2 genes (n=17), 3 genes (n=7) and 4 genes (n=1), no effect of the number of genes harbored on the mortality rates in different flocks was observed. The presence of two serine proteases genes (tsh and vat) was confirmed in a total of 10 isolates (40% of the isolates) with positivity to tsh gene (24%) and vat gene (20%). qRT-PCR for detection of IBV-S1, AIV-H9, AIV-H5 and velogenic NDV-F genes revealed that 96% (n=24), 44% (n=11), 12% (n=3) and 4% (n=1) of 25 farms were positive to IBV, AIV-H9, velogenic NDV and AIV-H5, respectively. The results showed that among the 25 flocks, single viral infection was observed in 12 flocks (11 IBV and 1 AIV-H9), while mixed viral infections were detected in 13 flocks; IBV/AIV-H9 (n=9), IBV/velogenic NDV (n=3) and IBV/AIV-H9/AIV-H5 (n=1).The average mortality rate was the lowest in flocks infected with IBV, higher rates of mortality were observed in flocks infected with AIV-H9, velogenic NDV and AIV-H5. Flock age seems to affect the mortality rate in flocks infected with AIV-H9 where flocks aging 16:20, 21:25 and 26:30 days suffered from 2.38%, 8.13%, 11.48% average mortality rates, respectively.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common and costly disease affecting beef cattle calves in the world. The objectives of this study were to put a high light on epidemiology of P. multocida and M. haemolytica as important causes of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in Egypt Governorates; Giza, El-Fayoum, BeniSuef, Assiut and Sohag. A total number of 406 deep nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from 406 bovine calves suffered from respiratory manifestations reared in different Governorates in Egypt. Bacteriological examination was achieved and isolation of P. multocida and M. haemolytica were attained. The overall prevalence of both P. multocida and M. haemolytica was of 26.6%; 18.2% for P. multocida and 8.4%for M. haemolytica. EL-Fayoum Governorate showed the highest prevalences while Beni-Suef Governorate showed the lowest prevalences. P. multocida was singly isolated from 4.9% of cases. While it was mixed with S. aureus, E. coli, Streptococcus spp., both S. aureus and E. coli, both S. aureus and Streptococcus spp. and both E. coli and Streptococcus spp. with percentages of 4%, 1.2%, 2.2%, 1.7%, 3.2% and 1.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, M. haemolytica was isolated as a single isolate from 1.7% of cases while it was mixed with S.aureus, Streptococcus spp., both S. aureus and Streptococcus spp. and both E. coli and Streptococcus spp. with percentages of 2.7%, 1.2%, 2.5% and 0.2%, respectively. In conclusion respiratory manifestations are very important disorders in bovine calves. P. multocida and M. haemolytica are the most common bacteria causing infection.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate lameness and morphological changes associated with an osteochondral fragment–groove procedure as a means of experimental induction of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint osteoarthritis within an 11-week period in horses. ANIMALS 6 nonlame adult warmbloods. PROCEDURES The right MCP joint of each horse underwent an osteochondral fragment–groove procedure (day 0). After 1 week of stall rest (ie, starting day 7), each horse was trained daily on a treadmill. Weekly, horses underwent visual and inertial sensor-based assessments of lameness. Both MCP joints were assessed radiographically on days 0 (before surgery), 1, 35, and 77. A synovial fluid sample was collected from the right MCP joint on days 0 (before surgery), 35, 36, 49, 63, and 77 for cytologic and biomarker analyses. On day 77, each horse was euthanized; both MCP joints were evaluated macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS Right forelimb lameness was detected visually and by the inertial sensor system when horses were moving on a straight line after distal forelimb flexion or circling left on days 14 to 77. Compared with presurgical values, synovial fluid interleukin-6, prostaglandin E2, hyaluronic acid, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein concentrations were increased at 2 or 3 time points, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10 concentrations were decreased at 1 time point. Gross examination of all right MCP joints revealed synovitis and wear lines; synovitis was confirmed histologically. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that a combined osteochondral fragment–groove procedure can be used to induce clinically and grossly observable early MCP joint osteoarthritis during an 11-week period in horses.

OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics of cefovecin sodium after SC administration of a single dose to African lions (Panthera leo). ANIMALS 3 adult (9 to 10 years old; 1 male and 2 females) and 3 juvenile (2 years old; 1 male and 2 females) African lions. PROCEDURES A crossover study was conducted. A single dose of cefovecin was administered SC at 4 mg/kg (half dose) and 8 mg/kg (full dose) to African lions. Blood samples were collected daily for 14 days after cefovecin injection. Plasma drug concentrations were determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. RESULTS Cefovecin had first-order elimination kinetics for doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg. Mean ± SD maximum plasma concentration was 9.73 ± 1.01 μg/mL and 18.35 ± 0.94 μg/mL after doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg, respectively. Time to maximum plasma concentration was approximately 4 hours for both doses. Mean elimination half-life was approximately 111 and 115 hours after doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cefovecin was detected in lion plasma for 336 hours after administration at both 4 and 8 mg/kg at concentrations greater than the reported minimum inhibitory concentration (0.06 μg/mL) for common bacterial organisms in domestic cats. These results indicated that cefovecin administered at 4 mg/kg SC reached therapeutic concentrations for an extended period in African lions.

Assays were done to assess the ability of 5 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) isolates from difference sources to adhere to canine and human corneocytes. Cell wall-associated (CWA) protein gene profiles were examined to look for associations with adherence. Five MRSP strains were studied: 3 with the same CWA protein gene profile (14 genes) and belonging to sequence type (ST) 45 were isolated from a dog, a human, and the environment. The other 2 were an environmental isolate belonging to ST433 that had the lowest number of CWA protein genes (12) and a canine clinical isolate belonging to ST733 that had the greatest number of CWA protein genes (18). The 3 isolates of MRSP ST45, a major clone in Thailand, had the greatest ability to adhere to canine and human corneocytes. Nevertheless, MRSP adherence ability could not be predicted from the profile of genes encoding CWA proteins.

The objective of this study was to assess whether concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibronectin, and alpha(α)-2-macroglobulin in canine serum remain stable under different storage conditions. Serum was obtained from 10 adult dogs and stored for 7 d at room temperature (RT) and at 4°C and for 1, 3, and 6 mo at -20°C. Bacterial cultures of serum were carried out after 7 d at 4°C and at RT. For each dog and time point, EGF, fibronectin, and α-2-macroglobulin were quantified in duplicate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mean concentrations of each factor at each time point were used for statistical analysis. No bacterial growth was observed in any samples. Compared to baseline (232.24 ± 49.47 pg/mL), EGF concentration was significantly lower after 1 wk of storage at 4°C (135.39 ± 27.12 pg/mL, P = 0.006), but not at RT (315.85 ± 79 pg/mL, P = 0.6) or after 1, 3, or 6 mo of storage at -20°C (220.84 ± 41.07 pg/mL, P = 0.7; 220.98 ± 78.26 pg/mL, P = 0.8; 266.06 ± 20.39 pg/mL, P = 0.4, respectively). Compared to baseline, concentrations of fibronectin after 1 wk of storage at 4°C or at RT and 1, 3, or 6 mo of storage at -20°C were not statistically different. Compared to baseline (186.67 ± 45.20 mg/dL), the concentration of α-2-macroglobulin after 1 wk of storage at 4°C was significantly increased (244.61 ± 58.27 mg/dL, P = 0.002), but not at RT (177.09 ± 26.99 mg/dL, P = 0.2). The differences in concentration after 3 and 6 mo of storage at -20°C were significant compared to baseline (243.32 ± 42.64 mg/dL, P = 0.005 and 56.39 ± 21.78 mg/dL, P < 0.0001, respectively), but not after 1 mo of storage at -20°C (136.79 ± 25.61 mg/dL, P = 0.1). One week of storage at RT has little effect on the stability of EGF, fibronectin, and α-2-macroglobulin in canine serum. Measured factors remain stable for 3 mo of storage at -20°C.

The use of dietary supplements as an alternative treatment for joint-related pathologies such as osteoarthritis (OA) is increasing. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the intended use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of creatine- and amino acid-based supplements in primary cultured canine chondrocytes (CnCs) as an in-vitro model of OA and compare the effects to more commonly used agents, such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), carprofen, and the joint supplement, glucosamine (GS). CnCs were stimulated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the subsequent release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in oxylipins were also assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). All compounds examined were able to significantly reduce the release of PGE2 and TNFα and were associated with reductions in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) phosphorylation. The creatine- and amino acids-based supplements also altered the profile of oxylipins produced. All compounds examined were less effective at reducing the release of PGE2 than carprofen. Carprofen significantly increased release of TNFα from CnCs, however, while the other agents reduced TNFα release. This study suggests that creatine- and amino acid-based supplements may have a beneficial role in preventing inflammation within the joint and that further studies are warranted.