Effect of endogenous hormones, antisperm antibody and oxidative stress on semen quality of crossbred bulls.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of factors like hormones, antisperm antibody (ASA), and oxidative stress and its relation with semen quality in crossbred bulls. Ejaculates from two bulls were categorized into good (n = 12) and poor (n = 12) based on initial progressive motility, that is, ≥70% and ≤50%, respectively. The level of hormones like Testosterone (p < 0.05) and PGE2 (p < 0.01) was significantly higher in good-quality ejaculates compared to poor-quality ejaculates; however, estradiol (p < 0.05), progesterone, oxidative stress, and ASAs were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in poor-quality ejaculates compared to good-quality ejaculates. Therefore, it could be concluded that oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance might have resulted in high number of dead and defective spermatozoa which was ultimately responsible for poor quality semen ejaculates.

Microclimate modification in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers during summer: Effect on intake, growth and hematobiochemistry.

The present investigation evaluated the effect of microclimate modification on feed intake, growth performance, and hemato-biochemical profile of Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers during summer. Twenty-four buffalo heifers, between 15 and 20 months of age with an average body weight of 363.75 ± 11.27 kg, were randomly assigned to 4 groups based on their age and body weight. The heifers of the T0 (control) group were kept under the shed without any cooling treatment, while the animals in group T1 were tied with a cooling jacket. Buffalo heifers of group T2 were subjected to a cooling jacket with forced ventilation and animals in group T3 were treated with intermittent sprinkling (10 min., at 2 h intervals) and forced ventilation between 9.00 AM and 6.00 PM during the experiment. The ambient temperature inside the shed and core body temperature were reduced in groups T1, T2, and T3 compared to T0. Heifers had higher dry matter intake when subjected to cooling treatments T1, T2, and T3, whereas water intake was reduced in T2 and T3 groups. The animals in T2 and T3 groups attained higher average daily weight gain, while the feed conversion was better in the T3 group compared to T0. The hematological measures such as hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, and total leucocyte count were found higher in T0. The serum glucose, sodium, and potassium levels increasedand alkaline phosphatase activity decreased in groups T1, T2 and T3 when compared with T0. It can be concluded that the provision of intermittent sprinkling and cooling jacket in combination with forced ventilation could improve the microclimate, which in turn could enhance the performance of Murrah heifers during hot summer days in the tropics.

Effect of milking environment enrichment through music on production performance and behaviour in cattle.

Enrichment of milking environment through music has been proposed to help animals to cope with divergent stressors. In sight of the above, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Indian instrumental music-based environmental enrichment played in yaman raga on milk production performance and behaviour in cattle. A total of 21 lactating dairy cattle (Vrindavani crossbred cows) having similar parity and stage of lactation were selected in three groups - T1, T2 and T3, each consisting of seven animals. The T1 and T2 groups were exposed to instrumental flute and sitar, respectively, 10 min prior to the start of milking and continued till completion of milking; while the T3 group served as control. Musical enrichment of the environment was done using recorded-tape of flute and sitar was played in yamen raga at 40-60 (dB) decibel intensity. The results revealed a non-significant difference in milk yield, rectal temperature, respiration rate, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) hormones. However, there exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) difference in milking time, milking speed, cortisol hormones and behavioural parameters such as milk let-down in the animals exposed to music compared to the control group. Thus, the results have significant implications relating to the behavioural fitness and welfare of dairy animals and reducing residual milk.

Short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy versus conventionally fractionated long-course chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The trial hypothesis was that, in a resource-constrained situation, short-course radiotherapy would improve treatment compliance compared with conventional chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer, without compromising oncological outcomes. METHODS: In this open-label RCT, patients with cT3, cT4 or node-positive non-metastatic rectal cancer were allocated randomly to 5 × 5 Gy radiotherapy and two cycles of XELOX (arm A) or chemoradiotherapy with concurrent capecitabine (arm B), followed by total mesorectal excision in both arms. All patients received a further six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with the XELOX regimen. The primary endpoint was treatment compliance, defined as the ability to complete planned treatment, including neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy to a dose of six cycles. RESULTS: Of 162 allocated patients, 140 were eligible for analysis: 69 in arm A and 71 in arm B. Compliance with planned treatment (primary endpoint) was greater in arm A (63 versus 41 per cent; P = 0.005). The incidence of acute toxicities of neoadjuvant therapy was similar (haematological: 28 versus 32 per cent, P = 0.533; gastrointestinal: 14 versus 21 per cent, P = 0.305; grade III-IV: 2 versus 4 per cent, P = 1.000). Delays in radiotherapy were less common in arm A (9 versus 45 per cent; P < 0.001), and overall times for completion of neoadjuvant treatment were shorter (P < 0.001). The rates of R0 resection (87 versus 90 per cent; P = 0.554), sphincter preservation (32 versus 35 per cent; P = 0.708), pathological complete response (12 versus 10 per cent; P = 0.740), and overall tumour downstaging (75 versus 75 per cent; P = 0.920) were similar. Downstaging of the primary tumour (ypT) was more common in arm A (P = 0.044). There was no difference in postoperative complications between trial arms (P = 0.838). CONCLUSION: Reduced treatment delays and a higher rate of compliance were observed with treatment for short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy, with no difference in early oncological surgical outcomes. In time- and resource-constrained rectal cancer units in developing countries, short-course radiotherapy should be the standard of care.

Imaging of the spectrum of abnormal systemic arterial supply to the lungs using dual-source CT.

Abnormal systemic arterial supply to the lungs can be seen in various congenital and acquired diseases. Identification and characterisation of aberrant vascular supply is essential for further management and treatment. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) with its multiplanar capabilities and volume-rendering techniques provides precise information regarding the anatomy and spatial relationship of arterial vascular channels. The following concise review elucidates the characteristic imaging findings of conditions in which systemic arteries are seen supplying the lung parenchyma on dual-source CT.

Trends in packaging material for food products: historical background, current scenario, and future prospects.

The commercial demand for food products and dietary supplements has increased drastically in the last few decades. The packed food products and nutritional supplements have made a profound impact on the modern human lifestyle. Since ancient times, storage and long-term use of food products remain a significant challenge for humans. There are different parameters for the evaluation of food products and dietary supplements broadly categorized as quality control and quality assurance. On an average million tons of food, materials get spoiled daily worldwide due to lack of storage and transportation point out packaging systems inequalities. To ensure the quality of packed food products and nutritional supplements among available measures, packaging remained an important event and had been refined from time to time to provide a standard. Over a period, the packaging industry has evolved using modern technology from the conventional methods of new generation packaging, including glass, wood, and paper to most new biodegradable materials. The ancient pattern of packaging; manual packaging has been taken over by an automated system of packing, resulting in enhanced output with minimal chance of damage to valuable products for humanity. The article will emphasize new insights into current packaging system not only provide the quality of these products but also in aiming new heights beyond conventional technologies and consumer opinions. In the present study, we have given more emphasis on novel methods of packaging, the packaging materials, quality of packed products, and their impacts of food products on the environment.

Genotypic variability in nutritional and functional attributes of blueberry varieties grown in northern-western Himalayas.

Blueberry fruits are known for their high vitamin C, essential dietary fibre, antioxidant activity and anthocyanin pigments. Different blueberry varieties have been introduced in India but no attempt has been made for their nutritional profiling. Nutritional profiling of varieties helps us to know the unique varietal characters, which serves as a guideline for recommendation of a valuable variety for fresh consumption and/or processing. Therefore, the present study was conducted in eight different blueberry varieties such as 'Misty', 'Sharp Blue', 'Biloxi', 'Jewel', 'Gulf Coast', 'Blue Crop', 'Star', 'Legacy'. The results of the study revealed that all tested varieties differed significantly in physical attributes (10-berry weight, fruit firmness, roundness index, moisture content) and biochemical and functional attributes (ascorbic acid, total anthocyanin, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, total sugars, organic acids) and mineral content. Regression analysis and Principal Component Analysis showed that antioxidant potential of blueberries was mainly contributed by phenolics followed by anthocyanins and ascorbic acid content. However for taste perception, fructose among sugars and succinic acid among sugars were the most influencing factors (p ≤ 0.05). Total phenolics and anthocyanins content were responsible for overall difference in functional attributes among the varieties. The attributes such as high fruit firmness, sensorial score, and appropriate shape and weight make 'Misty', the best variety for marketability and fresh consumption among all tested varieties.

Emphysematous osteomyelitis caused by Salmonella typhi in beta thalassemia major.

There have been various cases of salmonella osteomyelitis reported in sickle cell anemia. We present a case of emphysematous osteomyelitis caused by Salmonella typhi in a 29-year-old beta thalassemia major patient. Diagnosis of emphysematous osteomyelitis was confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and culture of pus drained during surgical debridement confirmed the causative microorganism, Salmonella typhi. Antimicrobials were given according to microbiological sensitivity for a period of 8 weeks. Our patient also received hyperbaric oxygen therapy. At the end of therapy, he was afebrile and laboratory parameters normalized with a residual joint deformity which developed within 3 months.

Alpha lipoic acid supplementation ameliorates the wrath of simulated tropical heat and humidity stress in male Murrah buffaloes.

A supplement which ameliorates temperature-humidity menace in food producing livestock is a prerequisite to develop climate smart agricultural packages. A study was conducted to investigate the heat stress ameliorative efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in male Murrah water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Eighteen animals (293.61 ± 4.66Kg Bwt) were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 6); NHSC (non-heat-stressed control), HS (heat-stressed) and HSLA (heat-stressed-supplemented with ALA@32 mg/kg Bwt orally) based on the temperature humidity index (THI) and ALA supplementation. HS and HSLA were exposed to simulated heat challenge in a climatically controlled chamber (40 °C) for 21 consecutive days, 6 h daily. Physiological responses viz. Respiration rate (RR), Pulse rate (PR) and Rectal temperature (RT) were recorded daily before and after heat exposure. Blood samples were collected at the end of heat exposure on days 1, 6, 11, 16, and 21 and on day 28 (7th day post exposure which is considered as recovery) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) separation, followed by RNA and Protein extraction for Real time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis respectively, of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Two-way repeated measure ANOVA was performed between groups at different experimental periods. RR (post exposure) in HS and HSLA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than NHSC from day 1 onwards but HSLA varied significantly from the HS 8th day onwards. Post exposure RT and PR in both HS and HSLA varied (P < 0.05) from NHSC throughout the study; but between HS and HSLA, RT significantly varied on initial 2 days and last 6 days (from days 16 to 21). HSP70 mRNA expression significantly up regulated in high THI groups with respect to the low THI group throughout the experimental period. During chronic stress (days 16 and 21) HSP70 significantly (P < 0.05) increased in HS but not in HSLA (P > 0.05) with respect to NHSC. ALA supplementation up-regulates and sustains (P < 0.05) the expression of HSP90 in HSLA in comparison to the HS and NHSC. HSP105 expression was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) in HS on days 16 and 21 (during long-term exposure) but only on day 21 (P < 0.05) in HSLA. HSP70, HSP90, and HSP105 protein expression dynamics were akin to the mRNA transcript data between the study groups. In conclusion, supplementing ALA ameliorates the deleterious effect of heat stress as reflected by improved physiological and cellular responses. ALA supplementation improved cellular antioxidant status and sustained otherwise easily decaying heat shock responses which concertedly hasten the baton change from a limited window of thermo tolerance to long run acclimatization.

Moyamoya syndrome in hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia: A rare presentation and association.

Moyamoya disease is an idiopathic, nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory, chronic progressive cerebrovascular disease characterized by bilateral stenosis or occlusion of the arteries around the circle of Willis, typically the supraclinoid internal carotid arteries, followed by extensive collateralization, which are prone to thrombosis, aneurysm, and hemorrhage. Secondary moyamoya phenomenon or moyamoya syndrome (MMS) occurs in a wide range of clinical scenarios including prothrombotic states such as sickle cell anemia, but the association with other hemoglobinopathies is less frequently observed. We describe a case of a 25-year-old female with hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia who had a rare presentation of MMS in the form of choreoathetoid movements in the left upper and lower extremities. We describe this association, primarily to emphasize thalassemia as an extremely rare but a potential etiology of MMS. Since MMS is a progressive disease, it is important to diagnose and initiate treatment to prevent worsening of the disease and recurrence of stroke.

Study on correlation of sperm quality parameters with antioxidant and oxidant status of buffalo bull semen during various stages of cryopreservation.

This investigation was carried out to study the correlation of sperm quality parameters with antioxidant and oxidant status of buffalo bull semen during various stages of cryopreservation. Semen samples were evaluated for sperm parameters (mass motility [MM], concentration [CON], progressive motility [PM], viability [VIB], acrosomal integrity [AI] and hypo-osmotic swelling [HOS] response), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) and oxidants (Lipid peroxidation [LPO] and reactive oxygen species [ROS]) at fresh, pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Sperm parameters (PM, VIB, AI and HOS response) and antioxidants (SOD, CAT and TAC) were significantly (p < .05) reduced at fresh stage, and oxidants (LPO and ROS) were significantly (p < .05) increased at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. At fresh stage, MM was negatively correlated with LPO (p < .05), and CON was positively correlated with SOD, TAC and CAT, negatively correlated with LPO and CAT was positively (p < .01) correlated with VIB and HOS response. At pre-freeze stage, CAT was positively correlated with PM and AI (p < .05), and AI was negatively (p < .05) correlated with ROS. At post-thaw stage, CAT was positively correlated with PM, VIB, HOS response and AI,, and LPO was negatively correlated with HOS, AI and VIB. The study of correlations of these parameters at different preservation stages with bull fertility may play an important role in developing models for predicting future fertility of bulls in the absence of conception rate data.

In vitro acaricidal activity of Piper nigrum and Piper longum fruit extracts and their active components against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks.

In vitro acaricidal activity of Piper nigrum and P. longum fruit extracts and their active components (piperine for P. nigrum and piperine and piperlonguminine for P. longum) was evaluated against adults engorged females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus using adult immersion test. Three concentrations of each extract with four replications were used in the bioassay. Extracts significantly affected mortality rates of ticks in dose-dependent manner ranged 12.5-95.8% for P. nigrum and 29.2-87.5% for P. longum, with an additional effect on the reproductive physiology of ticks by inhibiting oviposition (28.1-96.9% by P. nigrum and 36.1-89.3% by P. longum). However, the acaricidal and oviposition limiting properties were decreased significantly when the active component(s) of each extract was tested separately. However, the combination of piperine and piperlonguminine (obtained from P. longum extract) caused 79.2% mortality of ticks which is equivalent to the corresponding concentration (~ 5%) of the extract. It can be concluded that the fruit extracts of P. nigrum and P. longum had both acaricidal and oviposition limiting actions against the adults of R. (B.) microplus which could make it a valuable component of developing sustainable strategy for integrated tick management.

Effect of Liquid Nitrogen Flushing of Extender on Seminal Antioxidant Profile of Murrah Buffalo during Cryopreservation.

BACKGROUND: The dissolved oxygen in the extender may act as a source for the production of reactive oxygen species that may lead to reduced seminal antioxidant profile which in turn may be responsible for impaired frozen thawed sperm quality and fertility. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of adding liquid nitrogen into the extender on semen freezability and seminal antioxidant profile in buffalo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen extender was prepared freshly and divided into two sub extenders namely, Extender I: control (non deoxygenated) and Extender II: partially deoxygenated by using LN2 flushing). The estimation of dissolved oxygen (DO) level was done in both extenders. Semen samples with mass motility of ≥ 3+ and individual progressive motility of 70% and above, collected from murrah buffalo bulls were utilized for the present study. Each semen sample was split into two group's viz., group I: diluted with extender I and group II: diluted with extender II up to 60×106 sperm/mL. The diluted semen samples were packed into French mini straws (0.25 mL), sealed with polyvinyl alcohol powder, kept for 3 h at 5°C for equilibration and then kept in automatic programmable freezer until temperature of straws reached -145°C followed by plunging into liquid nitrogen (-196°C). The evaluation of semen samples was carried out for various seminal attributes (sperm motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) response) and antioxidant profile (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) at pre freeze and post thaw stage. RESULTS: Sperm motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, HOS response were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group II as compared to group I. The average seminal SOD, GPx and TAC levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group II as compared to group I at pre freeze and post thaw stage. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that partial deoxygenation of the extender prior to its addition to semen enhances sperm quality in terms of sperm motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) response and also improves seminal antioxidant profile (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Nutritional characterization of apple as a function of genotype.

Twenty two apple cultivars grown in Himachal Pradesh, India were harvested at commercial maturity and analysed for different physical (fruit weight, fruit dimensions, firmness, color) and nutritional attributes (ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, total carotenoid, sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds and minerals). Cultivar 'Oregon Spur II' was found to have maximum fruit size and weight while the least was observed for cultivar 'Starkrimson'. Quantitative differences were found in the nutritional profile among the cultivars with respect to all the above attributes. The ascorbic acid content ranged between 19.38 mg 100 g-1 ('Well Spur') and 32.08 mg 100 g-1 ('Starkrimson') while the antioxidant activity varied between 2.64 µmol Trolox equivalent g-1 ('Granny Smith') and 13.20 µmol Trolox equivalent g-1 ('Silver Spur'). The highest total carotenoid was found in 'Red Chief' (147.06 mg kg-1) while in 'Early Red-I' the total carotenoid was only 29.03 mg kg-1. HPLC analysis for individual sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds was carried out. Fructose (average 50.79 g L-1) was the most abundant sugar. Malic acid (average 6.03 mg L-1) predominated among the individual organic acids. Potassium (average 795.14 mg 100 g-1) and iron (average 2.04 µg g-1) were the predominant macro and micro elements, respectively. Chlorogenic acid was the major constituent among phenolic compounds.

An endophytic Fusarium sp. isolated from Monarda citriodora produces the industrially important plant-like volatile organic compound hexanal.

An endophytic fungus, MC_25L, has been isolated from the leaves of MonardacitriodoraCerv. ex Lag., a medicinal and aromatic herb from the northwestern Himalayas. It produces a fruity fragrance while growing on potato dextrose agar, suggesting that it is producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The endophyte inhibited the growth of plant pathogens such asSclerotiniasp. and Aspergillusflavus by virtue of VOCs. Identification of MC_25L based on morphological and microscopic features, as well as ITS-based rDNA sequence analysis, revealed that it is a Fusariumsp. GC-MS analysis revealed that this endophyte produces a unique array of VOCs, in particular hexanal, p-fluoroanisole, pentafluoropropionic acid 2-ethylhexyl, (5E)-5-ethyl-2-methyl-5-hepten-3-one, 2-butyl-2-hexanol, (7E)-2-methyl-7-hexadecene and acoradiene. Three major compounds were hexanal, (5E)-5-ethyl-2-methyl-5-hepten-3-one and acoradiene, and they account for around 84.57 % of the total VOCs. Moreover, of interest was the presence of hexanal, which has applications in the food and cosmetic industries, as well as in mycofumigation. This is the first report of a fungal endophyte producing the industrially important plant-like VOC hexanal. Hexanal is also active biologically. Thus this study indicates that Fusariumsp. (MC_25L) is a potential candidate for the up-scaling of hexanal.

Characterization and establishment of a reference deltamethrin and cypermethrin resistant tick line (IVRI-IV) of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

The problem of ticks and tick borne diseases is a global threat and growing reports of resistance to commonly used insecticides further aggravated the condition and demands for country specific resistance monitoring tools and possible solutions of the problem. Establishment of standard reference is prerequisite for development of monitoring tools. For studying possible role of different mechanisms involved in development of resistance in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus population and to develop newer drug to manage the problem of resistance, a deltamethrin exposed and selected tick colony, referred to as IVRI-IV, was characterized using reference susceptible IVRI-I tick line as control. The RF values of IVRI-IV ticks against deltamethrin, cypermethrin and diazinon were determined as 194.0, 26.6, 2.86, respectively, against adults. The esterase enzyme ratios of 2.60 and 5.83 was observed using α-naphthyl and ß-naphthyl acetate while glutathione S-transferase (GST) ratio was 3.77. Comparative analysis of IVRI-I and IVRI-IV carboxylesterase gene sequences revealed 13 synonymous and 5 non synonymous mutations, reported for the first time. The C190A mutation in the domain II S4-5 linker region of sodium channel gene leading to leucine to isoleucine (L64I) amino acid substitution was also detected in the IVRI-IV population. In the present study, monitorable indicators for the maintenance of the reference IVRI-IV colony, the first established deltamethrin and cypermethrin resistant tick line of India, were identified.

The economic impact of peste des petits ruminants in India.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an economically important livestock disease which affects a vast section of the small ruminant population in India. However, data on the incidence of PPR are limited and scant literature is available on the economic losses caused by the disease. In the present study, a structured sampling design was adopted, which covered the major agro-climatic regions of the country, to ascertain the morbidity and mortality rates of PPR. Available estimates of the economic losses in India due to various livestock diseases are based on single values of various epidemiological and economic parameters. Stochastic modelling was used to estimate the economic impact of PPR. Overall annual morbidity and mortality rates of PPR for small ruminants in India have been estimated from the sample as being 8%and 3.45%, respectively. The authors have analysed variations in these rates across species, age group, sex, season and region. The expected annual economic loss due to PPR in India ranges from as little as US $2 million to $18 million and may go up to US $1.5 billion; the most likely range of expected economic losses is between US $653 million and $669 million. This study thus reveals significant losses due to the incidence of PPR in small ruminants in India.

La peste des petits ruminants (PPR) est une maladie du bétail à fort impact économique. En Inde, une grande partie de la population des petits ruminants est affectée. Cependant, les données disponibles sur l'incidence de la PPR sont rares et très peu d'articles ont été consacrés aux pertes économiques causées par la maladie. Les auteurs présentent une étude basée sur un échantillonnage structuré couvrant les principales régions agro-climatiques du pays, visant à déterminer avec certitude les taux de morbidité et de mortalité de la PPR. Les estimations disponibles des pertes économiques induites par diverses maladies des animaux d'élevage sont basées sur des valeurs uniques correspondant à divers paramètres épidémiologiques et économiques. Les auteurs ont évalué l'impact économique de la PPR en utilisant un modèle stochastique. En se basant sur l'échantillon, les taux annuels de morbidité et de mortalité de la PPR chez les petits ruminants en Inde ont été respectivement estimés à 8 % et à 3,45 %. Les auteurs ont également analysé les variations de ces taux en fonction de l'espèce, du groupe d'âge, du sexe, de la saison et de la région. Les pertes annuelles attendues imputables à la PPR en Inde fluctuent d'un minimum de 2 millions de dollars US (USD) à 18 millions d'USD, mais elles peuvent atteindre 1,5 milliard d'USD ; la fourchette la plus probable des pertes économiques attendues se situe entre 653 millions et 669 millions d'USD. Cette étude souligne l'importance des pertes économiques liées à la présence de la PPR en Inde.

La peste de pequeños rumiantes (PPR) es una enfermedad del ganado que reviste importancia económica y afecta a un vasto segmento de la población de pequeños rumiantes de la India. Sin embargo, existen pocos datos sobre su incidencia y muy escasas referencias bibliográficas sobre las pérdidas económicas que ocasiona. Los autores describen un estudio encaminado a determinar las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad por PPR a partir de un muestreo estructurado que abarcaba las principales regiones agroclimáticas del país. Las estimaciones existentes de las pérdidas económicas causadas en la India por diversas enfermedades del ganado están basadas en valores únicos de diversos parámetros epidemiológicos y económicos. Para estimar el impacto económico de la PPR se utilizó una modelización estocástica. A partir de la muestra se calculó que, en los pequeños rumiantes del país, los índices anuales de morbilidad y mortalidad totales por PPR se cifran en un 8% y un 3,45%, respectivamente. Los autores analizaron después las variaciones que exhiben esos índices por especie, grupo de edad, sexo, estación y región. La cuantía prevista de las pérdidas económicas anuales causadas por la PPR en el país oscila: de apenas 2 a 18 millones de dólares estadounidenses puede llegar hasta los 1 500 millones. El intervalo más probable de pérdidas económicas se sitúa entre 653 y 669 millones. El estudio demuestra pues que la incidencia de la PPR entre los pequeños rumiantes de la India provoca pérdidas de importante magnitud.

Antisperm antibodies in repeat-breeding cows: Frequency, detection and validation of threshold levels employing sperm immobilization, sperm agglutination and immunoperoxidase assay.

Antisperm antibodies have been found in repeat-breeding(RB) cows, and those causing agglutination and/or immobilization of sperm are considered to be closely related to unexplained infertility. However, a standard protocol for identifying antisperm antibodies (ASA) in cattle is not validated. Therefore, an investigation was undertaken to evaluate sperm immobilization (SIT), sperm agglutination (SAT) and immunoperoxidase (IPT)assays for detection of ASA in serum and their respective threshold levels for confirmation. Animals (heifers, normally breeding, repeat-breeding and pregnant animals) that were free from IBR, brucellosis and uterine infections (screened by clinical examination) were included in the study. Sperm agglutinating, sperm immobilizing and antisperm antibodies evaluated by respective assay were significantly higher (p < .05) in RB cows compared to other groups. The SIT assay was able to identify 61% of RB caused by ASA, more than those employing SAT and IPT. Furthermore, a dilution rate of 1:5 and 1:80 (confirms 59.0 and 57.0% RB+ve)were sufficient to diagnose ASA by SAT and IPT, respectively. Results indicate the presence of __12.6% clumped spermatozoa and __ 2.6%(cut-off value) peroxidase-positive spermatozoa at 1:5 and 1:80 dilutions diagnosed with SAT and IPT, respectively, may be considered as repeaters arising out of ASA. Furthermore, study also showed the presence of lower incidence of ASA positivity in other groups of animals (heifer