Bovine babesiosis in India: Estimation of prevalence by systematic review and meta analysis.

Bovine babesiosis is a serious threat to the livestock sector especially in tropical countries like India. Understanding the epidemiology of the disease in the country is essentially important in strategizing the available methods to effectively control the disease. Keeping this as the background, the present study was undertaken to estimate the pooled prevalence of bovine babesiosis in India. The relevant literature pertaining to bovine babesiosis was identified and a total of 49 studies published between 1983 and 2018 were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted using meta-package of R software and prevalence estimates were calculated. Bovine babesiosis was reported from 21 states of India with pooled prevalence estimate of 6% (95% CI = 4%-9%) using random effect model. Zone wise analysis revealed highest pooled prevalence in the west zone and north zone (8%) followed by east zone (7%), central zone (6%), south zone (4%) and northeast zone (4%). The results of meta-analysis indicated high variability between studies. In addition, the pooled seroprevalence was high (29%) compared to prevalence of active infection (5%) of bovine babesiosis in India. Further, the pooled prevalence estimate of B. bigemina infection in India was more (7%) compared to B. bovis infection (1%). The estimation of prevalence of active infection and seroprevalence separately will helps to understand the actual disease prevalence in the country. The study indicated the wide prevalence of bovine babesiosis in India which urges for immediate mitigation strategies.

Animal disease surveillance: Its importance & present status in India.

Animal disease surveillance encompasses systematic collection of long-term data on disease events, risk factors and other relevant parameters followed by analyzing the same with reference to temporal and spatial characteristics to arrive at a conclusion so that necessary preventive measures can be taken. In India, the animal disease surveillance is done through National Animal Disease Reporting System, which is a web-based information technology system for disease reporting from States and Union Territories with the aim to record, monitor livestock disease situation and to initiate the preventive and curative action in a swift manner during disease emergencies. National Animal Disease Referral Expert System is a dynamic geographic information system and remote sensing-enabled expert system that captures an incidence of 13 economically important livestock diseases from all over the country and also provides livestock disease forecasting. The laboratories under State and Central governments, several research institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and veterinary colleges are involved in livestock disease diagnosis including zoonotic diseases. An integrated surveillance system is necessary for early detection of emerging/zoonotic diseases in humans. This review provides information on disease reporting and surveillance systems in animal health sector and the need for One Health approach to improve and strengthen the zoonotic disease surveillance system in India.

Effect of preferential solvation and bimolecular quenching reactions on 3OCE in acetonitrile and 1,4-dioxane binary mixtures by optical absorption and fluorescence studies.

Fluorescence quenching and preferential solvation of a coumarin derivative, namely 3-[2-oxo-2-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-ethylidene]-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one (3OCE), with aniline used as a quencher in solvent mixtures of acetonitrile (AN) and 1,4-dioxane (DX) was carried out at steady state. Suppan's theory of dielectric enrichment was used to understand the nonideality and dielectric enrichment in AN-DX solvent mixtures. The effect of viscosity and dielectric constant variation at room temperature were analyzed. Quenching was characterized using Stern-Volmer plots with an upward curvature. It was found that 3OCE underwent combined static and dynamic quenching that was evident from the quenching rate parameters.

First report on serological evidence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in farmed and free ranging mithuns (Bos frontalis).

Despite reports of BVDV infection in several domestic and wild ruminants, no information exists for mithun (Bos frontalis) species. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine prevalence of BVDV infection in mithuns, which contribute significantly to local economy in the North Eastern region of India. Blood and serum samples were collected between 2013 and 2016 from mithuns (n = 466) belonging to the states of Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. Serum samples were tested for BVDV antibodies by a commercial ELISA and leukocytes were tested for BVDV by real-time RT-PCR. The overall true seroprevalence rate was 13.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 6.9-17.8%) with higher prevalence in mithuns reared under semi-intensive system (27.5%) than in free-ranging mithuns (7.6%). Among the three states, seroprevalence (16.2%) was highest in Nagaland, while prevalence rates varied markedly among geographical locations. Age-wise data showed highest seroprevalence rate in >6-year-old animals (20.6%) than 2-6 years old (16.9%), 6 months-2 years old (8.5%), and <6-month-old animals (11.3%). The seroprevalence was higher in males (20.9%) than in females (12.1%). Among the four mithun strains, higher prevalence was evident in Manipur (30.3%) than Arunachal (21.3%), Nagaland (11.7%), and Mizoram strain (10.2%). However, no BVDV genomic RNA could be detected. The results provide first serological evidence of BVDV infection in mithun species and extend the knowledge on BVDV host range. The baseline data will help further investigations on epidemiology of BVD in mithun and its impact on mithun production.

"Estimation of ground and excited state dipole moments of aryl boronic acid derivative by solvatochromic shift method".

In the present work, the absorption and fluorescence spectra of newly synthesized aryl boronic acid derivative namely 2-Methylphenyl boronic acid (2MPBA) have been recorded in various solvents of different polarities. The ground state dipole moment of 2MPBA was obtained from quantum chemical calculations. Solvatochromic correlations were used to estimate the ground state (µ g ) and excited state (µ e ) dipole moments. The excited state dipole moments are observed to be greater than the ground state dipole moment and ground and excited state dipole moments are not parallel but subtend by an angle of 88(0). Further, the changes in dipole moment (Δµ) were calculated both from solvatochromic shift method and microscopic solvent polarity parameter (E T (N) ), and the value are compared. The spectral variations were analyzed by Kamlet-Taft parameters.

Transmission patterns of malignant catarrhal fever in sheep and cattle in Karnataka, India.

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) presents a sporadic yet significant threat to livestock and wildlife. A comprehensive investigation in Karnataka, India into the prevalence and transmission patterns of sheep-associated MCF (SA-MCF) was conducted. A total of 507 sheep peripheral blood leukocyte samples from 13 districts along with 27 cows and 10 buffalo samples from various regions in Karnataka were tested for SA-MCF infection i.e. Ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) using heminested PCR. Furthermore, serum samples collected from 73 cows and 15 buffalo suspected of MCF were tested using a commercially available ELISA kit. Additionally, histopathological examinations of affected tissues and phylogenetic analysis of viral tegument protein sequences were conducted. Our findings indicated a 20.11%, 33.33% and 20% positivity for OvHV-2 in sheep, cows and buffalo respectively by PCR. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between the age of sheep and the detection of OvHV-2. Seven cows and one buffalo serum samples tested positive for ELISA. Clinical findings in bovids were consistent with typical MCF signs, and histopathological results revealed multi-organ involvement characterised by necrotising vasculitis and lymphoid hyperplasia. The nucleotide pairwise identity matrix revealed 99.5% identity between the sequences obtained in the study with sequences from other states. The phylogenetic analysis of partial tegument protein sequences from bovid and sheep samples suggested a close genetic relationship between the local OvHV-2 strains and those from various global regions. Crucially, this study underscores the widespread presence of SA-MCF in Karnataka, with significant implications for both livestock management and wildlife conservation.

Field application of Ca-doped ZnO nanoparticles to maize and wheat plants.

Nanoparticles play a vital role in modern agriculture to provide the nutrients required by plants. Herein, we report the preparation of calcium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (CZO NPs) via a simple and cost-effective co-precipitation method, with the aim of realizing increased fertilizer response. The synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed to study their physicochemical properties using various characterization techniques. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed a small shift in peak position towards higher values of 2θ and reduced crystal size after the zinc oxide (ZnO) matrix had been doped with Ca. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images clearly revealed a grain-like surface morphology. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study produced evidence of Zn2+ substitution by Ca2+ and enhanced Zn-O bond strengths in the CZO samples. Two major crops, maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were selected to study the impact of the CZO NP-based nanofertilizer on plant growth. During the study, the effect of the CZO-based fertilizer on growth parameters such as seed germination, root and shoot length, plant height, root and stem width, number of leaves, and leaf size was studied based on comparisons with control plants. We observed significantly increased plant growth parameters after the application of the CZO NP-based fertilizers.

Comprehensive examination on codon usage bias pattern of the Bovine Ephemeral fever virus.

Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus (BEFV) is a non-contagious virus that commonly infects cattle and water buffalo, reduces milk productivity, decreases the quality of beef, and causes an adverse economic impact on the global livestock industry. However, the evolution of BEFV is unclear, and uncertainty exists regarding its global geodynamics. Consequently, this study aims to comprehend the pattern of viral evolution and gene expression in the BEFV genes G, M, N, and P, including synonymous codons. Additionally, we performed recombination analyses, which exclusively detected recombination signals in the G- and P-genes. Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to validate and support these findings. The codon usage bias results showed that the BEFV-selected genes were influenced by both natural and mutation pressure. Furthermore, nucleotide A is more abundant in all the selected genes. The eNC values, ranging from 42.99 to 47.10, revealed the presence of moderate codon usage bias, where gene P exhibited the highest and gene G had the lowest codon usage bias. The neutrality and PR-2 plots, specified codon usage patterns of the genes, are also being shaped by strong selectional pressure. This comprehensive analysis of BEFV genes (G, M, N, and P) sheds light on the molecular evolutionary patterns, co-adaptation, and different genes expression in diverse regions, facilitating the development of preventative programs and insights into viral pathogenesis and vaccine design.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Phylogenetic analysis of NS5B gene of classical swine fever virus isolates indicates plausible Chinese origin of Indian subgroup 2.2 viruses.

Twenty-three CSFV isolates recovered from field outbreaks in various parts of India during 2006-2009 were used for genetic analysis in the NS5B region (409 nts). Seventeen of these were studied earlier [16] in the 5'UTR region. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the continued dominance of subgroup 1.1 strains in the country. Detailed analysis of a subgroup 2.2 virus indicated the plausible Chinese origin of this subgroup in India and provided indirect evidence of routes of CSFV movement within South East Asia region.

Preparation, characterization and dissolution enhancement of mefloquine hydrochloride-betaCD inclusion complex.

The solid state properties and dissolution behaviour of binary systems of mefloquine hydrochloride (MH) with betaCD were investigated. MH-betaCD interaction in the solution state was studied by phase solubility analysis and demonstrates the ability of 3CD to complex with MH giving AL type profile with 120.34 M-1 stability constant. The kneading method was adopted to prepare binary sytems of MH with betaCD in 1:1 molar ratio. The solid inclusion was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffractometry. Experimental results confirmed the existence of 1:1 inclusion complex of MH with ICD. Aqueous solubility of MH was found to be enhanced by 118% for inclusion complex. The dissolution properties of binary systems were studied in simulated gastric fluid without enzyme and compared with MH alone. The inclusion complex of MH prepared with 3CD showed a dissolution rate several times faster than that of physical mixture and pure drug.

Total carotene content and quality characteristics of pumpkin flavoured buffalo milk.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Hunger Index, the incidence of malnutrition and Vitamin-A deficiency in preschool-age children is higher in South-East Asian countries. Therefore, this study was envisaged to formulate value-added flavoured buffalo milk and to carry out the sensory evaluation, nutritional analysis, storage characteristics and total carotene content of the developed product. Flavoured buffalo milk was prepared by incorporation of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) pulp and ground sugar at a concentration of 15% and 10%, respectively. The formulation was found preeminent by panellists and then subjected to nutritional analysis and storage studies at room temperature following "in bottle heat treatment". Nutritional analysis revealed that the protein, fat, total carbohydrates, total ash and moisture content of pumpkin flavoured buffalo milk were 3.07%, 5.21%, 12.63%, 0.61% and 78.48%, respectively. The storage study of flavoured buffalo milk showed a significantly (p < 0.05) declined score in colour and appearance as well as flavour only after day 90. The overall acceptability score also declined significantly (p < 0.05) after day 60 of storage. Though the sensory score declined gradually during the storage period, the product was liked by the panellist even till day 180. The carotene content of pumpkin flavoured buffalo milk was 1.2 mg/100 g at day 0 and it decreased significantly as storage prolongs. The nutritional components were not affected significantly during the 180 days storage period. Standard plate counts, coliform counts as well as yeast and mould counts were not detected during storage of pumpkin flavoured buffalo milk.

Genome Sequence of Classical Swine Fever Virus NIVEDI-165, Subtype 1.1, a Field Virus Strain Isolated from the Southern Part of India.

The whole-genome sequence of an Indian field isolate of classical swine fever virus, NIVEDI-165, was found to be subtype 1.1, and it showed 89 to 99% amino acid identity and 84 to 99% nucleotide identity with four and five Indian classical swine fever virus (CSFV) isolates, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a full-genome sequence of CSFV from South India.

New steps in the control of canine rabies in India.

In India, about 20,000 people die of rabies every year. The dog is the main reservoir and transmitter of the disease. A pilot rabies control programme was launched in five Indian federal states in February, 2007. This initiative is led by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) federating many animal welfare organizations and the Ministry of Agriculture. It aims at creating a "Rabies Free India." The programme combines parenteral vaccination of accessible owned and stray dogs, spaying/neutering followed by parenteral vaccination and oral vaccination of inaccessible dogs. The freeze-dried vaccine SAG2, including the bait casing, was registered in India following successful evaluation of vaccine-bait safety and efficacy (by survival after virulent challenge) in captive Indian stray dogs in the Bhopal High Security Animal Disease Laboratory. Furthermore, bait acceptance was tested under both experimental and field conditions.

Seroepidemiology of peste des petits ruminants in sheep and goats of southern peninsular India.

This paper presents the results of a seroepidemiological study carried out between July 2006 and March 2007 to detect the presence of antibodies to peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus in randomly collected serum samples from sheep and goats in southern peninsular India. The authors used a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a monoclonal antibody developed against a neutralising epitope of the haemagglutinin (HA) protein of the virus. A total of 1,492 sheep sera and 2,068 goat sera collected from the six southern Indian states were screened. It was determined that 41.35% of the sheep sera and 34.91% of the goat sera were positive for the presence of antibody. The study indicated an extensive endemicity of the disease in these states, which is attributed to the agro-climatic conditions and the migration of livestock.

Alginate/poly(amidoamine) injectable hybrid hydrogel for cell delivery.

A covalently cross-linked injectable hybrid hydrogel, namely, alginate/poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM), with the objective of cell delivery was innovatively designed and synthesized using tetra-amino-functional PAMAM dendrimer as the cross-linker. With the increase in percentage of PAMAM cross-linker, the pore size and swelling ratio of hydrogels were in the range of 57 ± 18 µm to 88 ± 25 µm and 110 ± 16 to 157 ± 20, respectively. The study of attachment and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay through indirect and direct contact methods indicated a continuous increase in metabolically active live cells with time, implying non-cytotoxicity of the synthesized hydrogel. The live-dead assay showed >95% of live cells for alginate/PAMAM hydrogels, suggesting viability of the encapsulated cells. When the percentage of PAMAM cross-linker in alginate/PAMAM hydrogel was increased from 5 to 25, the percentage degradation rate decreased from 1.1 to 0.29%/day. Given that the poly(ethylene glycol) is commonly used cross-linker for hydrogel syntheses, we compared the behavior with poly(ethylene glycol). The incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) in alginate/PAMAM hydrogel reduced the activity of MC3T3-E1 cells and their viability compared to the alginate/PAMAM hydrogels. The protonation of amino groups in alginate/PAMAM injectables under physiological conditions led to the formation of cationic hydrogels. These cationic hydrogels showed enhanced cell encapsulation and attachment ability because of electrostatic interaction with negatively charged cell surface as determined by cell adhesion and extensions from scanning electron microscope and vinculin assay and ability of in situ calcium phosphate mineralization. These observations point toward the potential use as an injectable scaffold for cell delivery and tissue engineering applications.

Meta-analysis of classical swine fever prevalence in pigs in India: A 5-year study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the overall prevalence of classical swine fever (CSF) in pigs in India, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consortium for e-Resources in Agriculture, India, Google Scholar, PubMed, annual reports of All India Coordinated Research Project on Animal Disease Monitoring and Surveillance, and All India Animal Disease database of NIVEDI (NADRES) were used for searching and retrieval of CSF prevalence data (seroprevalence, virus antigen, and virus nucleic acid detection) in India using a search strategy combining keywords and related database-specific subject terms from January 2011 to December 2015 in English only. RESULTS: A total of 22 data reports containing 6,158 samples size from 18 states of India were used for the quantitative synthesis, and overall 37% (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.24, 0.51) CSF prevalence in India was estimated. The data were classified into 4 different geographical zones of the country: 20% (95% CI=0.05, 0.55), 31% (95% CI=0.18, 0.47), 55% (95% CI=0.32, 0.76), and 34% (95% CI=0.14, 0.62). CSF prevalence was estimated in northern, eastern, western, and southern regions, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that overall prevalence of CSF in India is much lower than individual published reports.

Retrospective evaluation of paediatric oral biopsies over a 10-year period in Western India.

AIM: This retrospective study reviewed the paediatric oral biopsies received over 10 years at a teaching hospital and dental college in India. It is important that paediatric dentists know the diagnostic tendencies of oral pathological conditions in children, and possess updated information for their diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Biopsies of patients 17 years of age or younger were selected. Computerised data regarding age, gender, anatomic location, and histopathological diagnosis was retrieved and classified into nine categories. RESULTS: Of a total 2959 oral biopsies, 359 cases (12.1%) were in the paediatric population with a slight male predominance. Salivary gland pathology (21.4%) was most frequently observed followed by dental pathology, maxillofacial tumours and maxillofacial cysts. More than a third of cases (35.9%) were found to occur in the mandible. Five cases of malignancies were found, two of which were salivary gland tumours. CONCLUSION: The majority of lesions identified were of a benign nature necessitating minimal intervention; however, it is important to recognise that malignant lesions can occur in children. Any swelling, especially related to the salivary glands, must be investigated immediately, so as to prevent mortality and reduce morbidity. Diverse classifications used by previous authors make comparison of data challenging.

Shear bond strength of composite resin bonded to preformed metal crowns for primary molars using a universal adhesive and two different surface treatments: an in vitro study.

AIM: This was to determine the shear bond strength of composite resin bonded to preformed metal crowns with a new adhesive. Buccal surfaces of the crowns were roughened by two different methods to increase retention. METHOD: Typodont mandibular second primary molars (38) were divided into two groups (19 per group). Preformed metal crowns were cemented to the teeth with glass-ionomer cement. To enhance retention, buccal surfaces of the crowns in group I were roughened with cross-cut carbide burs (SS White #56); crowns in group II were sandblasted (aluminium oxide, 50 µm). Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (3 M-ESPE) was used to bond composite resin to the crowns. A universal testing machine tested the maximum shearing force withstood by the veneered composite surfaces. RESULTS: Sandblasted crowns demonstrated significantly higher resistance (p = 0.001) to shearing force (324.4 N) than did the crowns that were roughened with a bur (234.2 N). CONCLUSION: Chairside veneering of composite resin to pretreated crowns could be a feasible, aesthetically pleasing, and an economical option in paediatric dentistry.

Field Testing of Appropriate Technological Tool of Individualised Color Coded Any Day Neonatal Growth Monitoring Charts for Neonatal Care at Primary Health Care Level.

OBJECTIVE: To field test the Individualised Color Coded Any Day (ICCAD) growth monitoring charts at primary health care level in three districts of Maharashtra. METHODS: The present study was conducted in three districts of Maharashtra - Pune, Satara and Kolhapur and included newborns with weight ≥ 1500 g born during 1st May 2010 to 30th July 2011. Talukas were matched based on mortality and coverage indicators and put in study (ICCAD use) and control area (ICCAD non-use) from every District. Health centres were selected from each taluka where facilities of expert obstetric and pediatric services did not exist but number of deliveries conducted was high. Data was collected during neonatal period. Three patterns of ICCAD charts; 1500 g to 1999 g, 2000 to 2499 g and ≥2500 g; developed from daily weight record of 430 newborns for 30 d were used. Outcome measures were neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and weight gain in study and control groups. RESULTS: There were 6705 live births from study and 6341 from control area. The NMR of study area (6.3/1000 live births) was significantly lesser as compared to control area (10.6/1000 live births). Birth weight group specific NMR of birth weight between 1500 to <2000 g and ≥2500 g was significantly lower in study area as compared to control area. There was improvement in mean gain weight of 15 g, 43 g and 89 g for respective birth weight groups in ascending order. CONCLUSIONS: This innovative appropriate technological tool based on translational research of ICCAD neonatal growth monitoring charts appears to have benefited the decision of type of care.