In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic response of the seeds of Amomum subulatum roxb and Vitex negundo / Atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro e in vivo das sementes de Amomum subulatum roxb e Vitex negundo

The current study was designed to check the anthelmintic activities of some local plants. Seeds of Amomum (A.) subulatum and Vitex (V.) negundo in different solvents were subjected to in vitro (adult motility assay; AMA and egg hatch assay; EHA) and in vivo (faecal egg count reduction test; FECRT) anthelmintic activity testing protocols using Haemonchus (H.) contortus as an experimental model. The results of AMA, EHA, and FECRT were statistically analysed through linear regression and Duncan multiple range test. In AMA test, at 50 mg mL-1 concentration, the percent mortality of H. contortus was higher in A. subulatum than V. negundo, whereas, in EHA test, A. subulatum was proven better ovicidal (LC50=14.2 µg mL-1) than V. negundo (LC50= 65.7405 µg mL-1). The FECRT also indicated the better efficacy of A. subulatum than V. negundo against natural infection of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. The crude powder of plants used in this study showed 29.6% to 57.7% anthelmintic. The reduction rate was found higher for A. subulatum (3 g kg-1) as compared to V. negundo (7 g kg-1). Reagrding efficacy analysis of solvents used for plants extract, ethyl acetate and chloroform were found better in increasing ovicidal activity in adult worms (in vitro testing), whereas, the crude aqueous methanol was found better than the crude powders in in vivo testing. It will be beneficial to document the indigenous knowledge to standard scientific procedures for their validation. This study will help to motivate the farmers to make a better choice of cultivation of the indigenous plants because of their varying efficacies as an alternative preventive approach against the GI parasitic infections.

O presente estudo foi desenhado para verificar as propriedades anti-helmínticas de algumas plantas locais. Sementes de Amomum (A.) subulatum e Vitex (V.) negundo em diferentes solventes foram submetidas à análise de atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro (ensaio de motilidade de adultos; AMA e teste de eclosão de ovos; EHA) e in vivo (teste de redução da contagem de ovos nas fezes; TRCOF), usando o Haemonchus (H.) contortus como modelo experimental no protocolo de teste. Os resultados dos testes AMA, EHA e TRCOF foram analisados ​​estatisticamente por meio de regressão linear e teste de Duncan. No teste AMA, na concentração de 50 mg mL-1, o percentual de mortalidade de H. contortus foi maior com o uso de A. subulatum do que com V. negundo, enquanto, no teste EHA, A. subulatum apresentou maior ação ovicida (LC50=14,2 µg mL- 1) do que V. negundo (LC50= 65,7405 µg mL-1). O TRCOF também indicou a melhor eficácia do uso de A. subulatum do que de V. negundo contra a infecção natural de parasitas gastrointestinais (GI). O extrato bruto seco das plantas utilizadas neste estudo apresentou 29,6% a 57,7% de atividade anti-helmíntica. A taxa de redução observada com o uso de A. subulatum (3 g kg-1) foi maior que com o uso de V. negundo (7 g kg-1). Em relação à análise da eficácia dos solventes utilizados para o extrato de plantas, o acetato de etila e o clorofórmio apresentaram maior ação ovicida em vermes adultos (testes in vitro), enquanto o extrato bruto metanólico aquoso apresentou maior eficácia do que os extratos brutos secos em testes in vivo. Consideramos vantajoso documentar o conhecimento indígena relativos aos procedimentos científicos padronizados, para sua validação. Este estudo irá servir de motivação para que os agricultores façam escolhas melhores referentes ao cultivo das plantas indígenas devido às suas diferentes eficácias comprovadas, servindo como alternativa para a abordagem preventiva contra as infecções parasitárias GI.

Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite impaired ToLCNDV ability to maintain cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite / O enrolamento da folha de algodão Multan betassatélite prejudica a capacidade de ToLCNDV de manter o enrolamento da folha de algodão alfassatélite Multan

Alphasatellites (family Alphasatellitidae) are circular, single-stranded (ss) DNA molecules of ~1350 nucleotide in size that have been characterized in both the Old and New Worlds. Alphasatellites have inherent ability to self-replicate, which is accomplished by a single protein, replication-associated protein (Rep). Although the precise function of alphasatellite is yet unknown, and these consider dispensable for infectivity, however, their Rep protein functions as a suppressor of host defence. While alphasatellites are most frequently associated with begomoviruses, particularly with monopartite than bipartite begomoviruses, they have recently been found associated with mastreviruses. The in planta maintenance of alphasatellites by helper geminivirus is still an enigma, with no available study on the topic. This study aimed to investigate whether a widely distributed bipartite begomovirus, tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), can maintain cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite (CLCuMuA) in the presence or absence of cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB). The findings of this study demonstrated that ToLCNDV or its DNA A could maintain CLCuMuA in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. However, the presence of CLCuMuB interferes with the maintenance of CLCuMuA, and mutations in the CP of ToLCNDV further reduces it. Our study highlighted that the maintenance of alphasatellites is impaired in the presence of a betasatellite by ToLCNDV. Further investigation is needed to unravel all the interactions between a helper virus and an alphasatellites.

Alfassatélites (família Alphasatellitidae) são moléculas de DNA circulares de fita simples (ss) de ~1350 nucleotídeos de tamanho, que foram caracterizadas tanto no Velho como no Novo Mundo. Os alfassatélites têm capacidade inerente de autorreplicação, o que é realizado por uma única proteína, a proteína associada à replicação (Rep). Embora a função precisa dos alfassatélites ainda seja desconhecida, e estes sejam considerados dispensáveis ​​para infectividade, entretanto, sua proteína Rep funciona como supressora da defesa do hospedeiro. Embora os alfassatélites sejam mais frequentemente associados a begomovírus, particularmente com begomovírus monopartidos do que bipartidos, eles foram encontrados recentemente associados a mastrevírus. A manutenção in planta de alfassatélites por helper geminivirus ainda é um enigma, sem estudos disponíveis sobre o tema. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar se um begomovírus bipartido amplamente distribuído, o tomate leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), pode manter o alfassatélite Multan do enrolamento das folhas de algodão (CLCuMuA) na presença ou ausência do betassatélite Multan do enrolamento das folhas de algodão (CLCuMuB). Os achados deste estudo demonstraram que ToLCNDV ou seu DNA A poderia manter CL CuMuA em plantas de Nicotiana benthamiana. No entanto, a presença de CLCuMuB interfere na manutenção de CLCuMuA, e mutações no CP de ToLCNDV a reduzem ainda mais. Nosso estudo destacou que a manutenção de alfassatélites é prejudicada na presença de um betassatélite por ToLCNDV. Mais investigações são necessárias para desvendar todas as interações entre um vírus auxiliar e um alfassatélite.

Clinico-pathological assessment of virulent Newcastle Disease Virus in ducks

Abstract Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious, highly contagious and lethal disease of avian species. It is considered that ducks are natural reservoir or carrier for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and are resistant against different strains of NDV. Current study was designed to evaluate the pathogenesis of Newcastle disease in domestic ducks through histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serum biochemical changes. For this purpose, eighty ducks were reared for 42 days and divided in two groups A and B. Ducks in group A were challenged with (NDV) at rate of 0.1 ml of ELD50 (virus titer 107.32/100µl) on second week of age, whereas Group B was control negative. Splenomegaly, atrophy of thymus and necrotic lesion in kidney were observed on 9th day of post infection. Hepatic degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration were noticed in proventriculus and intestine in challenged ducks. Viral antigen detected in lungs, intestine, proventriculus and lymphoid organs of infected ducks through IHC. Albumin and total protein values were significantly low in infected groups A as compared to control group B. ALT, AST, and ALP values were significantly high in infected group A. On 5th and 7th day of post infection oropharyngeal swabs were negative for NDV and cloacal swabs were positive for NDV through Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It is concluded that ducks are susceptible to NDV and virulent strain of NDV caused disease in ducks.

Resumo A doença de Newcastle (DN) é uma doença infecciosa, altamente contagiosa e letal de espécies aviárias. Considera-se que os patos são reservatórios ou portadores naturais do vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN) e são resistentes a diferentes cepas de VDN. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a patogênese da DN em patos domésticos por meio de histopatologia, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) e alterações bioquímicas séricas. Para este propósito, 80 patos foram criados por 42 dias e divididos em dois grupos A e B. Os patos do grupo A foram submetidos ao VDN a uma taxa de 0,1 ml de ELD50 (título viral de 107,32 / 100 µl) na segunda semana de idade, enquanto o Grupo B foi controle negativo. Esplenomegalia, atrofia do timo e lesão necrótica no rim foram observadas no 9º dia pós-infecção. Degeneração hepática e infiltração de células mononucleares foram observadas no proventrículo e intestino em patos infectados. Antígeno viral foi detectado em pulmões, intestino, proventrículo e órgãos linfoides de patos infectados por IHQ. Os valores de albumina e proteína total foram significativamente baixos no grupo A infectado em comparação com o grupo B. Os valores de ALT, AST e ALP foram significativamente altos no grupo A. No 5º e no 7º dia após a infecção, os esfregaços orofaríngeos foram negativos para VDN, enquanto os esfregaços cloacais foram positivos para VDN por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase via transcriptase reversa. Conclui-se que os patos são suscetíveis ao VDN e à cepa virulenta de VDN que causou doenças em patos.

Clinico-pathological assessment of virulent Newcastle Disease Virus in ducks / Avaliação clínico-patológica do Vírus da Doença de Newcastle em patos

Abstract Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious, highly contagious and lethal disease of avian species. It is considered that ducks are natural reservoir or carrier for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and are resistant against different strains of NDV. Current study was designed to evaluate the pathogenesis of Newcastle disease in domestic ducks through histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serum biochemical changes. For this purpose, eighty ducks were reared for 42 days and divided in two groups A and B. Ducks in group A were challenged with (NDV) at rate of 0.1 ml of ELD50 (virus titer 107.32/100µl) on second week of age, whereas Group B was control negative. Splenomegaly, atrophy of thymus and necrotic lesion in kidney were observed on 9th day of post infection. Hepatic degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration were noticed in proventriculus and intestine in challenged ducks. Viral antigen detected in lungs, intestine, proventriculus and lymphoid organs of infected ducks through IHC. Albumin and total protein values were significantly low in infected groups A as compared to control group B. ALT, AST, and ALP values were significantly high in infected group A. On 5th and 7th day of post infection oropharyngeal swabs were negative for NDV and cloacal swabs were positive for NDV through Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It is concluded that ducks are susceptible to NDV and virulent strain of NDV caused disease in ducks.

Resumo A doença de Newcastle (DN) é uma doença infecciosa, altamente contagiosa e letal de espécies aviárias. Considera-se que os patos são reservatórios ou portadores naturais do vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN) e são resistentes a diferentes cepas de VDN. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a patogênese da DN em patos domésticos por meio de histopatologia, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) e alterações bioquímicas séricas. Para este propósito, 80 patos foram criados por 42 dias e divididos em dois grupos A e B. Os patos do grupo A foram submetidos ao VDN a uma taxa de 0,1 ml de ELD50 (título viral de 107,32 / 100 µl) na segunda semana de idade, enquanto o Grupo B foi controle negativo. Esplenomegalia, atrofia do timo e lesão necrótica no rim foram observadas no 9º dia pós-infecção. Degeneração hepática e infiltração de células mononucleares foram observadas no proventrículo e intestino em patos infectados. Antígeno viral foi detectado em pulmões, intestino, proventrículo e órgãos linfoides de patos infectados por IHQ. Os valores de albumina e proteína total foram significativamente baixos no grupo A infectado em comparação com o grupo B. Os valores de ALT, AST e ALP foram significativamente altos no grupo A. No 5º e no 7º dia após a infecção, os esfregaços orofaríngeos foram negativos para VDN, enquanto os esfregaços cloacais foram positivos para VDN por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase via transcriptase reversa. Conclui-se que os patos são suscetíveis ao VDN e à cepa virulenta de VDN que causou doenças em patos.

Organoleptic characteristics and compositional profile of meat of growing Japanese quail fed different levels of poultry byproducts compost.

The poultry industry generates a lot of waste, including dead birds, manure, and poultry litter. Poultry waste should never be disposed of improperly because it can seriously harm the environment. The waste can be recycled as a feedstock for use in poultry feed by composting the litter and deceased birds. The compositional profile and organoleptic properties of the meat of growing Japanese quail were examined over the course of a 4-week trial to ascertain the effect of adding compost to the diet. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 1200 newly hatched quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were divided into five treatment groups (diets with 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% compost), each consisting of 40 birds with six replicates. The addition of compost to the diet had no noticeable effects on the organoleptic qualities of appearance, color, aroma, taste, texture, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability (P>0.05). The compositional profile characteristics for chicks given compost at any level compared to chicks fed the control diet showed no differences (P>0.05). These findings suggest that the sensory characteristics and compositional profile of growing meat quails can be maintained when fed diets including up to 10% compost.

Assessing effect of feeding poultry byproducts compost on organoleptic characteristics and compositional profile of meat of broiler chickens.

Large amounts of waste, including dead birds, manure, and poultry litter, are produced by the poultry industry. Poultry waste should be disposed of properly to avoid major pollution and health risks. Composting litter and dead birds could be an option to recycle the waste and use in poultry feed. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding composted poultry waste on the organoleptic qualities and compositional profile of the meat of broiler chickens. A total of 300 day-old broiler chicks (500-Cobb) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups replicated six times with 10 birds each, under a completely randomized design (CRD). Five iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets including composted poultry byproducts at concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% were fed ad libitum to the birds from day 0 to day 35. The sensory grading and meat composition profile of 500 Cobb broiler chickens were tested at 35 days of age. The findings showed that there were no variations in the sensory profiles of the meat from birds given various diets (P>0.05). Although the results were somewhat lower for the chicks fed compost-containing diets than for the control group, this difference was deemed to be insignificant (P>0.05). Similarly, there were no variations in the compositional profile values of the meat between meat from birds fed various diets (P>0.05). These findings imply that broiler chickens may be raised on diets containing up to 10% poultry byproduct compost without any negative impacts on the meat's sensory quality or composition. Additionally, using compost into broiler diets may help to lower the cost of feed.

Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan / Seleção de habitat pelo urso-negro asiático (Ursus thibetanus) nos vales Siran e Kaghan, Paquistão

Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetations i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.(AU)

O urso-negro asiático está presente em uma variedade de habitats, como folhas largas e florestas de coníferas, estendendo-se do nível do mar até 4.300 m de altitude e mudando seu habitat para fins alimentares sazonalmente. O presente estudo foi conduzido nos vales Kaghan e Siran, distrito de Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão, para avaliar o habitat do urso preto. O método de transecto linear foi usado para a observação de sinais do urso. Parcelas de raio circular de 12 m foram selecionadas para a vegetação de preocupação, ou seja, árvores, arbustos e ervas, e 3 a 6 parcelas foram colocadas em cada transecto. No resultado da pesquisa de sinais, 13 categorias diferentes de sinais de urso foram registradas e a taxa de encontro foi calculada para cada sinal. Um total de 1858 sinais foi observado durante os levantamentos de campo. O total (81%) de espécies de coníferas foi recodificado entre as árvores, com maior aparecimento de Pinus wallichiana (34,22%) e Spruce spp (27,76%); árvores de folhas largas (18,56%) também foram recodificadas em parcelas de habitat. A maioria dos sinais foi encontrada em áreas com arbustos, enquanto um alto número de Viburnum spp (60,29%) estava presente. É indicado que o urso-negro prefere a mistura de árvores coníferas, espécies de viburnos e samambaias; provavelmente porque essas plantas fornecem alimento suficiente, proteção e abrigo meticuloso porque mais de 80% do habitat é composto por essas três espécies. Atualmente, a destruição do habitat e o aumento da população humana são questões crescentes para os animais selvagens, especialmente o urso-negro asiático, que é altamente sensível a esses problemas. Altos níveis de esforços de conservação são recomendados para a proteção do habitat do urso-negro e para evitar a interferência humana em seu território.(AU)

Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan

Abstract Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetations i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.

Resumo O urso-negro asiático está presente em uma variedade de habitats, como folhas largas e florestas de coníferas, estendendo-se do nível do mar até 4.300 m de altitude e mudando seu habitat para fins alimentares sazonalmente. O presente estudo foi conduzido nos vales Kaghan e Siran, distrito de Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão, para avaliar o habitat do urso preto. O método de transecto linear foi usado para a observação de sinais do urso. Parcelas de raio circular de 12 m foram selecionadas para a vegetação de preocupação, ou seja, árvores, arbustos e ervas, e 3 a 6 parcelas foram colocadas em cada transecto. No resultado da pesquisa de sinais, 13 categorias diferentes de sinais de urso foram registradas e a taxa de encontro foi calculada para cada sinal. Um total de 1858 sinais foi observado durante os levantamentos de campo. O total (81%) de espécies de coníferas foi recodificado entre as árvores, com maior aparecimento de Pinus wallichiana (34,22%) e Spruce spp (27,76%); árvores de folhas largas (18,56%) também foram recodificadas em parcelas de habitat. A maioria dos sinais foi encontrada em áreas com arbustos, enquanto um alto número de Viburnum spp (60,29%) estava presente. É indicado que o urso-negro prefere a mistura de árvores coníferas, espécies de viburnos e samambaias; provavelmente porque essas plantas fornecem alimento suficiente, proteção e abrigo meticuloso porque mais de 80% do habitat é composto por essas três espécies. Atualmente, a destruição do habitat e o aumento da população humana são questões crescentes para os animais selvagens, especialmente o urso-negro asiático, que é altamente sensível a esses problemas. Altos níveis de esforços de conservação são recomendados para a proteção do habitat do urso-negro e para evitar a interferência humana em seu território.

Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan / Seleção de habitat pelo urso-negro asiático (Ursus thibetanus) nos vales Siran e Kaghan, Paquistão

Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetation’s i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.

O urso-negro asiático está presente em uma variedade de habitats, como folhas largas e florestas de coníferas, estendendo-se do nível do mar até 4.300 m de altitude e mudando seu habitat para fins alimentares sazonalmente. O presente estudo foi conduzido nos vales Kaghan e Siran, distrito de Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão, para avaliar o habitat do urso preto. O método de transecto linear foi usado para a observação de sinais do urso. Parcelas de raio circular de 12 m foram selecionadas para a vegetação de preocupação, ou seja, árvores, arbustos e ervas, e 3 a 6 parcelas foram colocadas em cada transecto. No resultado da pesquisa de sinais, 13 categorias diferentes de sinais de urso foram registradas e a taxa de encontro foi calculada para cada sinal. Um total de 1858 sinais foi observado durante os levantamentos de campo. O total (81%) de espécies de coníferas foi recodificado entre as árvores, com maior aparecimento de Pinus wallichiana (34,22%) e Spruce spp (27,76%); árvores de folhas largas (18,56%) também foram recodificadas em parcelas de habitat. A maioria dos sinais foi encontrada em áreas com arbustos, enquanto um alto número de Viburnum spp (60,29%) estava presente. É indicado que o urso-negro prefere a mistura de árvores coníferas, espécies de viburnos e samambaias; provavelmente porque essas plantas fornecem alimento suficiente, proteção e abrigo meticuloso porque mais de 80% do habitat é composto por essas três espécies. Atualmente, a destruição do habitat e o aumento da população humana são questões crescentes para os animais selvagens, especialmente o urso-negro asiático, que é altamente sensível a esses problemas. Altos níveis de esforços de conservação são recomendados para a proteção do habitat do urso-negro e para evitar a interferência humana em seu território.

Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite impaired ToLCNDV ability to maintain cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite.

Alphasatellites (family Alphasatellitidae) are circular, single-stranded (ss) DNA molecules of ~1350 nucleotide in size that have been characterized in both the Old and New Worlds. Alphasatellites have inherent ability to self-replicate, which is accomplished by a single protein, replication-associated protein (Rep). Although the precise function of alphasatellite is yet unknown, and these consider dispensable for infectivity, however, their Rep protein functions as a suppressor of host defence. While alphasatellites are most frequently associated with begomoviruses, particularly with monopartite than bipartite begomoviruses, they have recently been found associated with mastreviruses. The in planta maintenance of alphasatellites by helper geminivirus is still an enigma, with no available study on the topic. This study aimed to investigate whether a widely distributed bipartite begomovirus, tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), can maintain cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite (CLCuMuA) in the presence or absence of cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB). The findings of this study demonstrated that ToLCNDV or its DNA A could maintain CLCuMuA in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. However, the presence of CLCuMuB interferes with the maintenance of CLCuMuA, and mutations in the CP of ToLCNDV further reduces it. Our study highlighted that the maintenance of alphasatellites is impaired in the presence of a betasatellite by ToLCNDV. Further investigation is needed to unravel all the interactions between a helper virus and an alphasatellites.

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic response of the seeds of Amomum subulatum roxb and Vitex negundo.

The current study was designed to check the anthelmintic activities of some local plants. Seeds of Amomum (A.) subulatum and Vitex (V.) negundo in different solvents were subjected to in vitro (adult motility assay; AMA and egg hatch assay; EHA) and in vivo (faecal egg count reduction test; FECRT) anthelmintic activity testing protocols using Haemonchus (H.) contortus as an experimental model. The results of AMA, EHA, and FECRT were statistically analysed through linear regression and Duncan multiple range test. In AMA test, at 50 mg mL-1 concentration, the percent mortality of H. contortus was higher in A. subulatum than V. negundo, whereas, in EHA test, A. subulatum was proven better ovicidal (LC50=14.2 µg mL-1) than V. negundo (LC50= 65.7405 µg mL-1). The FECRT also indicated the better efficacy of A. subulatum than V. negundo against natural infection of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. The crude powder of plants used in this study showed 29.6% to 57.7% anthelmintic. The reduction rate was found higher for A. subulatum (3 g kg-1) as compared to V. negundo (7 g kg-1). Reagrding efficacy analysis of solvents used for plants extract, ethyl acetate and chloroform were found better in increasing ovicidal activity in adult worms (in vitro testing), whereas, the crude aqueous methanol was found better than the crude powders in in vivo testing. It will be beneficial to document the indigenous knowledge to standard scientific procedures for their validation. This study will help to motivate the farmers to make a better choice of cultivation of the indigenous plants because of their varying efficacies as an alternative preventive approach against the GI parasitic infections.

Clinico-pathological assessment of virulent Newcastle Disease Virus in ducks.

Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious, highly contagious and lethal disease of avian species. It is considered that ducks are natural reservoir or carrier for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and are resistant against different strains of NDV. Current study was designed to evaluate the pathogenesis of Newcastle disease in domestic ducks through histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serum biochemical changes. For this purpose, eighty ducks were reared for 42 days and divided in two groups A and B. Ducks in group A were challenged with (NDV) at rate of 0.1 ml of ELD50 (virus titer 107.32/100µl) on second week of age, whereas Group B was control negative. Splenomegaly, atrophy of thymus and necrotic lesion in kidney were observed on 9th day of post infection. Hepatic degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration were noticed in proventriculus and intestine in challenged ducks. Viral antigen detected in lungs, intestine, proventriculus and lymphoid organs of infected ducks through IHC. Albumin and total protein values were significantly low in infected groups A as compared to control group B. ALT, AST, and ALP values were significantly high in infected group A. On 5th and 7th day of post infection oropharyngeal swabs were negative for NDV and cloacal swabs were positive for NDV through Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It is concluded that ducks are susceptible to NDV and virulent strain of NDV caused disease in ducks.

Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan.

Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetation's i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.