Effect of Excess Fluoride Exposure on Radiographic and Histopathological Changes in Long Bones of Rabbit.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of excess fluoride exposure on long bones in young rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). New Zealand White rabbits (n = 30) were randomly divided into five equal groups and were provided drinking water containing 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg added fluoride per ml ad lib for a period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 45, and 90 of the experiment, and femur samples were collected for fluoride estimation on day 90 after radiography of long bone before sacrifice. Study revealed significant increase in serum fluoride concentration following oral intake of excess fluoride. Alterations in activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and concentrations of creatinine and urea nitrogen in blood plasma were also recorded in animals receiving excess fluoride, though changes revealed inconsistent pattern. Radiographic changes in long bones in fluoride exposed rabbits included widening of metaphysis, thinning of cortical region, and a variety of osteopenic changes like osteoporosis and osteomalacia that were more prominent in animals receiving 200 ppm or more than 200 ppm fluoride in drinking water. Important changes in histomorphology of growth plate in long bones recorded in excess fluoride (> 100 ppm) exposed rabbits included irregular thickening of epiphyseal growth plate with haphazard orientation of chondrocytes forming nodular protrusion into metaphysis. Fluoride exposure induced both osteogenesis and osteoporosis to a degree varying with dose of fluoride exposure.

Molecular investigations of camelpox virus circulating in dromedary camel population in Rajasthan, India.

Camelpox is an important viral disease of dromedary camel in Rajasthan, India. In the present study, partial C18L gene sequences (n = 6) of camelpox virus (CMLV) obtained in an outbreak in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India in year 2022 were compared with other similar sequences obtained in the past in similar geographical location. Clinical and epidemiological features of the disease were also compared. Genomic study suggested variations in C18L gene sequences obtained in the present outbreak from those obtained during the past outbreaks. CMLV were genetically different from cowpox viruses, but appeared identical to CMLV causing disease in Israel, Egypt and Kazakhstan. Genomes of CMLV virus circulating in dromedary camel population of Rajasthan, India appeared diverse and changing, hence complete genome sequencing and identification of genomic changes altering infectivity and pathogenicity is warranted for designing control strategies.

Normal Serum Fluoride Concentration in Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Fluoride (F) concentration in blood serum of healthy dromedary camel population was measured, and its relationship with age and sex was determined. In male animals, the level varied from 0.017 to 0.296 ppm, with mean (± S.E.) value of 0.163 ± 0.013 ppm. In females, the level varied from 0.036 to 0.372 ppm with mean value of 0.157 ± 0.011 ppm. The overall mean serum fluoride concentration in female was significantly lower than male. Mean fluoride concentrations did not differ significantly among different age groups (Gr. I: 1 to 5 years; Gr. II: 5 to 10 years; and Gr. III: > 10 years). However, in comparison to male, serum F concentration in female was significantly lower in Gr. I and II, but higher in Gr. III animals. The overall, mean (± S.E.) serum fluoride concentration in camel, irrespective of age and sex, was 0.160 ± 0.008 ppm. These values can be used as reference serum fluoride concentrations for monitoring fluoride exposure in dromedary camel.

Effect of flubendiamide, lead and their combined exposure on erythrocytic indices in water buffalo calves.

This study evaluated the effect of flubendiamide, lead and their combined oral administration on erythrocytic indices in water buffalo calves. Exposure to flubendiamide alone resulted in non-significant decreases in Hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). Lead acetate exposure resulted in significant declines in Hb, PCV and TEC. Combined exposure to flubendiamide and lead resulted in declines in Hb, TEC and PCV, but values did not differ significantly from corresponding values in the group treated with lead alone. Changes in MCV, MCHC and MCH were inconsistent. Plasma calcium concentration declined on day 90 in lead-exposed animals, but increased again on day 30 post-treatment. Results of the present study indicated that flubendiamide exposure results in marginal alterations in erythrocytic indices, but lead exposure caused significant declines in Hb, PCV and TEC. No interactive effects were observed for flubendiamide and lead on changes in erythrocytic indices.