bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Poultry Vaccination Knowledge and Practices Among Commercial Layer Farmers in the Serukele Veterinary Range, North Western Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Nishanka P. , De Seram H. E. L. , Karunaratne N. D.
Published: November 2024

Proper knowledge and practice regarding poultry vaccinations are crucial to minimise vaccine failures and disease outbreaks in commercial poultry farms. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 30 commercial layer farms in the Serukele veterinary range of Sri Lanka. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the associations between selected outcome variables and three categorical variables (flock size, period engaged in layer farming, and method of bird procurement) were assessed using Chi-Square test. Flock sizes were categorised as small (<500), medium (500-1000), and large (>1000), with large-scale engagement (36.67%) being the most common. Direct sourcing of birds from hatcheries was prevalent (63.33%), with most birds (46.67%) starting to lay at 18 weeks. All farms used open-sided housing systems with deep litter floors. Self-mixed feed was the primary practice (66.67%), and well water was the main water source (66.67%). Predatory threats were reported by more than half of the farms, and 80% had visitor restrictions while 10% used foot baths as biosecurity measures. Vaccination compliance was high for critical diseases such as Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease. Although correct vaccine storage temperatures were generally maintained (90%), there were discrepancies in the correct water quantity for vaccine administration (30%) and the use of commercial vaccine stabilisers (0%). Challenges in implementing vaccination programmes included affordability (86.67%) and vaccine accessibility (50%), particularly in small quantities (70%). Significant associations were found between vaccine storage temperature and both the period engaged in layer farming and the method of bird procurement. Additionally, the use of chlorinated water for vaccination was associated with the method of bird procurement. The study identifies areas of compliance and non-compliance with vaccination practices and highlights potential areas for improvement in poultry farm management and vaccine administration.
Supporting Africa-Europe collaborations on creative economies: An equitable research agenda
Authors: Comunian Roberta , Ikpe Eka , Oni Duro
Published: November 2024

No abstract available.
The scourge of antimicrobial resistance: Containing a global crisis
Authors: Erasmus Rajiv T. , Obi Chikwelu L. , Souda Sajini
Published: November 2024

No abstract available.
Implementation of internal controls in supply chain management: A case study
Authors: Klein Yolandy , Lubinga Stellah , Masiya Tyanai
Published: November 2024

Background: Internal controls in the supply chain management (SCM) are very important as they are the checks and balances that ensure compliance with rules and regulations. Internal controls further promote compliance, increase transparency and accountability and reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions.Objectives: The study examined the factors influencing internal controls within the SCM function in the Department of Social Development (DSD), South Africa.Method: Using a qualitative research approach and a case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analyses were used to interpret the findings.Results: The study’s findings established that there are challenges affecting the effectiveness of internal controls in the SCM function, namely, poor policy implementation, outdated SCM policy, a lack of training on policies and procedures, inadequate monitoring and evaluation of SCM, non-compliance with SCM rules and regulations, capacity constraints in the SCM directorate and a lack of consequence management.Conclusion: Effective internal controls are crucial for organisations to compete successfully in the supply chain environment. In this regard, there must be adherence to financial management processes and procedures that guide and serve as internal controls.Contribution: The study contributes towards the strengthening of internal controls in the DSD by paying particular attention to the five essential components of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) framework.
A review of trauma-informed neuroscientific theory to unpack the early childhood education teacher’s pastoral role in South Africa
Authors: Meier Corinne
Published: November 2024

Background: This review explores the pastoral role of early childhood development (ECD) teachers through a trauma-informed lens, grounded in neuroscience. Traumatised learners experience neurobiological changes that hinder cognitive and physical functioning. The review highlights the importance of pastoral support in ECD because of learners’ increasing mental health needs. Teachers must be equipped with various strategies to support emotional development, and collaborate with school nurses, counsellors, and psychologists, especially those specialising in ECD, to foster learners’ well-being and growth.Aim: This study aimed to examine the ECD teacher’s pastoral role, informed by neuroscience, in supporting learners with childhood trauma.Setting: The study focuses on ECD teachers in South Africa working with young learners affected by trauma.Methods: A contextual and conceptual literature review was conducted using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were analysed through hermeneutics and interpretivism.Results: Understanding neuroscientific principles can transform the ECD teacher’s role, offering insights into trauma’s neurological effects. Teachers can implement resilience-building strategies and create trauma-informed environments that support learners’ emotional, cognitive, and social development.Conclusion: Neuroscientific theories can reshape the ECD teacher’s pastoral role, fostering safe, trusting spaces for learners’ growth. This approach helps to mitigate the effects of trauma, promoting resilience and social competence in learners, and contributes to a supportive learning environment.Contribution: Trauma-informed, neuroscience-based practices enable ECD teachers to prioritise empathy, safety, and trust, addressing the needs of traumatised learners and promoting resilience through early intervention.
Comparing the Doppler flow parameters of orbital vessels among healthy nonsmokers, diabetic nonsmokers, and diabetic smokers visiting a tertiary health-care center
Authors: Mahesh Babu , Manjegowda Nidhi
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE:

The present study aimed to assess the impact of diabetes mellitus and smoking in orbital vessels, utilizing resistive index (RI) through color Doppler imaging (CDI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The cross-sectional study consisted of 90 participants divided into three groups of 30 each. Group A consisted of normal individuals, Group B consisted of patients with diabetes, and Group C consisted of patients with a history of diabetes and smoking. The RIs were obtained for the orbital vessels for both eyes using CDI. Analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey’s HSD test was conducted for pairwise comparison of the groups. Pearson’s correlation test was used to correlate between RI and the amount of smoking.

RESULTS:

Significant differences were observed in the mean RI values of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery (CRA), and central retinal vein (CRV) in all three groups bilaterally (P < 0.001). Compared with patients in Group A, those in Group B had significantly larger RIs for all orbital vessels in both eyes (P < 0.01 for all). Patients in Group C had significantly larger RI for all three vessels (P < 0.001 for all) except for the CRV in the right eye than those in Group A. Compared with patients in Group B, those in Group C had significantly larger RI in CRA bilaterally (P = 0.05 for the right eyes and P = 0.024 for the left eyes). In Group C, a positive correlation was observed between RIs of all orbital vessels and the amount of smoking.

CONCLUSION:

RIs of the orbital vessels are significantly increased in patients with diabetes and higher in diabetic smokers, suggesting that diabetes affects the retinal vasculature, and smoking exacerbates this pathology.
Об инвариантных подпространствах матриц-циркулянтов и рекурсивных матриц
Authors: Davydov Stepan Andreevich
Published: November 2024

Изучаются инвариантные подпространства линейных преобразований, заданных матрицами-циркулянтами и рекурсивными матрицами. Показано, что при некоторых условиях найденный ранее класс инвариантных подпространств матриц-циркулянтов является единственным для них. Эти условия выполняются для максимально рассеивающих матриц-циркулянтов. В частности, полностью описаны инвариантные подпространства матриц, использующихся в линейных преобразованиях шифрсистемы AES и хэш-функции Whirlpool. При тех же условиях построена вторая нормальная форма матрицы-циркулянта. Предложен вид подпространств, инвариантных относительно параллельного применения одинаковых $S$-блоков. Показано, что при некотором условии рекурсивные матрицы не имеют инвариантных подпространств соответствующего вида, в частности, это верно для матрицы линейного преобразования шифрсистемы Кузнечик.
Enhancing metformin efficacy with cholecalciferol and taurine in diabetes therapy: Potential and limitations
Authors: El-Akabawy Gehan , Eid Nabil
Published: November 2024

Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), poses a significant global health challenge. Traditional management strategies primarily focus on glycemic control; however, there is a growing need for comprehensive approaches addressing the complex pathophysiology of diabetes complications. The recent study by Attia et al explores the potential of a novel therapy combining metformin with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and taurine to mitigate T2DM-related complications in a rat model. The findings indicate that this treatment combination improves glycemic control and reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid abnormalities. However, the study is limited by a lack of safety profile data and in-depth molecular mechanism insights. This editorial critically highlights the study's strengths and weaknesses, compares it against other combination therapy research in T2DM, and underscores the need to explore further the mechanisms underpinning the observed therapeutic effects and investigate the safety profile of this novel approach.
Influence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on the therapeutic effect of nucleoside (acid) analogs for hepatitis B virus
Authors: Li Hua-Dong , Liu Ya-Nan , Wu Shuang , Quan Xu-Feng , Wang Xiao-Yan , Xiang Tian-Dan , Li Shu-Meng , Xu Ling , Wang Tong , Wang Hua , Zheng Xin
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The effect of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on the efficacy of nucleoside analogues (NAs) in antiviral therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains controversial.

AIM

To investigate the influence of NAFLD on virological response in CHB patients undergoing NAs treatment.

METHODS

Logistic regression analysis was conducted on a cohort of 465 CHB patients from two hospitals to determine whether NAFLD was a risk factor for adverse reactions to NAs. CHB patients were followed up for more than 28 months after initial antiviral treatment, and further validation was performed using different viral load populations.

RESULTS

NAFLD was identified as an independent risk factor for partial virological response following antiviral therapy with NAs (odds ratio = 1.777, P = 0.017). In our subsequent analysis focusing on CHB patients with high viral load, the NAFLD group exhibited significantly longer virus shedding time and lower proportion of the complete virological response compared with the non-NAFLD group (16.8 ± 6.1 vs 13.0 ± 6.8, P < 0.05). During the 24-month period of antiviral treatment with NAs, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels decreased slowly in the NAFLD group, and the negative conversion rate of HBV was notably lower than that observed in non-NAFLD group (P = 0.001). Similar results were obtained when analyzing patients with low baseline HBV viral load within the NAFLD group.

CONCLUSION

Coexistence of NAFLD may diminish virological response among CHB patients receiving antiviral treatment with NAs.
External validation of EncephalApp Stroop test to screen minimal hepatic encephalopathy patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis
Authors: Jiang Ting-Ting , Liu Xiao-Li , Yu Hao , Sun Ya-Xuan , Zhou Jia-Yan , Yang Zhi-Yun , Chen Guang
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Neurocognitive impairment, including minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and overt hepatic encephalopathy, is one of the most common complications of all types of primary liver diseases, such as hepatitis B, biliary cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. The EncephalApp Stroop test is a smartphone application-based test that is time-saving for MHE screening. However, neurocognitive impairment is different between alcoholic cirrhosis patients and nonalcoholic cirrhosis patients, so the cutoff value for MHE diagnosis might be inflated.

AIM

To validate the Stroop test in nonalcoholic cirrhosis patients.

METHODS

This external validation was performed at the National Center for Infectious Diseases (Beijing). Liver cirrhosis patients aged between 18 and 65 years who voluntarily enrolled in the study and provided signed informed consent were included. The Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) test was used as the standard diagnostic criterion for MHE. The EncephalApp Stroop test was then performed on the iPad, including two sessions of tests (“off” and “on”) to measure patients’ ability to differentiate between numbers and letters. We assessed the performance of the EncephalApp Stroop test in terms of the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, with the PHES as the standard criterion.

RESULTS

A total of 160 nonalcoholic cirrhosis patients were included in this validation study, including 87 (54.4%) patients without MHE and 73 (45.6%) patients with MHE. Taking the PHES as the gold standard, the EncephalApp Stroop test performed well for nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis patients in terms of “off” time [AUC: 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-0.91] and “on + off” time (AUC: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.80-0.91); however, total runs of “off” session (AUC: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.52-0.69), total runs of “on” session (AUC: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.48-0.65), and “on – off” time (AUC: 0.54, 95%CI: 0.44-0.63) were comparatively low. The optimal cutoff points were “off” time > 101.93 seconds and “on + off” time > 205.86 seconds, with sensitivities of 0.84 and 0.90, specificities of 0.77 and 0.71, positive predictive values of 0.75 and 0.72, and false-positive values of 0.85 and 0.89, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that different cutoffs should be used for the EncephalApp Stroop tool for MHE screening between alcoholic and nonalcoholic living patients, which is a critical check before generalization to screen for neurocognitive impairment among the whole population of chronic liver diseases.
Effects of nocturnal snacks on body composition in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Yu Yong-Bo , Fu Xiu-Juan , Xu Guo-Fen , Niu Ling-Yun , Duan Ruo-Nan , Yao Jia , Zhao Ning-Hui
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Patients with liver cirrhosis are universally malnourished and the nocturnal snacks intervention is the currently recommended nutritional intervention for patients with liver cirrhosis. Body composition is an important indicator for the assessment of nutritional conditions. We investigated the effects of nocturnal snacks (200 kcal/day) for 3 months on body composition in patients with liver cirrhosis.

AIM

To investigate the effect of nocturnal snacks on body composition in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Seventy patients with liver cirrhosis and 30 healthy controls were enrolled, and differences in body composition were detected using InBody 720, a body composition analyzer. The patients were further randomized into a normal diet group (three meals a day) and nocturnal snacks group (three meals a day + nocturnal snacks). The effect of nocturnal snacks on the body composition of patients with cirrhosis was assessed after 3 months of intervention.

RESULTS

Body fat mass (BFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), fat free mass, visceral fat area (VFA), and body cell mass (BCM) were significantly lower in the liver cirrhosis patients than in the healthy controls. After 3 months’ intervention, BFM, VFA and BCM were significantly higher in the nocturnal snacks group than in the normal diet group, with no significant differences in total caloric intake and daily activity. However, there was no significant difference in SMM between the nocturnal snacks and normal diet groups.

CONCLUSION

Long-term nocturnal snacks may improve body composition indices such as BFM, VFA and BCM in patients with cirrhosis. However, the improvement was minor for SMM.
Insight into the history and trends of liver transplantation for echinococcosis: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Mamuti Alimujiang , Tulading Aliya , Zhang Yun-Fei , Azhati Yilizhati , Tuersunmaimaiti Abudusalamu , Maimaiti Maiwulanjiang , Lv Chun-Hui , Wu Jing , Yao Gang , Aierken Amina , Tuxun Tuerhongjiang
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) has demonstrated favorable efficacy in managing end-stage alveolar echinococcosis. Nevertheless, the current research focal points and advancement trends remain ambiguous.

AIM

To map the research landscape to underscore critical areas of focus, influential studies, and future directions of LT for echinococcosis treatment.

METHODS

Publications on LT for echinococcosis treatment published between 1900 and 2023 were searched in the Web of Science database and analyzed using bibliometrics.

RESULTS

A total of 14 countries/regions, 75 institutions, and 499 authors have published research articles, with China, Turkey, and France being the three most productive countries. The four institutions with the most contributions were Sichuan University, Xinjiang Medical University, the University de Franche Comte, and Inonu University. The three authors who contributed the most were Wen Hao, Wang Wentao, and Bresson Hadni Solange. The four most common keywords were alveolar echinococcosis, LT, ex-vivo liver resection and autotransplantation, and echinococcosis multilocularies.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that the treatment of complications after LT for echinococcosis treatment and the preoperative surgical plan based on the anatomical relationship between the lesion and the blood vessel are early research hotspots. Recent research focuses on the treatment of complications after ex-vivo liver resection and autotransplantation, especially vascular complications.
Determinants of sesame cultivation practices in the East region of Burkina Faso
Authors: Siri A.  , Ouedraogo J. , Chabi F. , Sanon A. , Serme I. , Kouelo A.F. , Amadji L.G. , Dagbenonbakin G. , Saïdou A.
Published: November 2024

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop, especially in West Africa, contributing to household economies. The demand for sesame has increased remarkably; against low or declining yields. The objective of this study was to identify the major determinants of sesame cultivation in the main agro-climatic zones of the eastern Sudanian region of Burkina Faso, as a strategy for intensifying its production. A survey was carried out involving 300 sesame producers, in the eastern region of Burkina Faso; using a semi-structured. Sesame cultivation was mainly influenced by low level of knowledge of sesame production; lack of improved seed varieties among producers; inadequate soil fertility management and high costs of fertilisers and improved seeds. Factors such as gender, age, education level and land area allocated to sesame cultivation, hitherto believed to be important in sesame production, had no statistically measurable effects on crop cultivation. Allocation of mostly degraded lands to sesame production considerably affected its yield levels.
Mineral composition and antioxidant analysis of the leaves of monkey’s potato (Solenostemon monostachyus (P. Beauv) Briq)
Authors: Chijindu P.C. , Biadoyo A.O. , Atubi O.
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the mineral composition and antioxidant potentials of the leaves of Monkey’s Potato (Solenostemon monostachyus (P. Beauv.) Briq.) The leaves of S. monostachyus used in this study were collected from the Biological garden at College of Education, Warri, Delta State. Standard methods were employed to determine the composition of minerals and antioxidant capacity of S. monostachyus. The results from the mineral analysis revealed that calcium had the highest composition (2.64 ± 0.01 mg/kg) followed by manganese (1.74 ± 0.00 mg/kg) and zinc (1.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg). While the composition of iron, copper, nickel and lead were 0.83 ± 0.01 mg/kg, 0.64 ± 0.01 mg/kg, 0.04 ± 0.01 mg/kg and 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg respectively. Results from the antioxidant analysis (DPPH Assay) revealed a significant difference in the radical scavenging activity of Solenostemon monostachyus and Ascorbic acid, with Solenostemon monostachyus having a significantly higher DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 0.25ug/ml than Ascorbic acid with an IC50 value of 0.03ug/ml. The total antioxidant capacity of Solenostemon monostachyus was 0.6 ± 0.01 (AAE/g) indicative of strong antioxidant activity. These minerals and antioxidant properties may account for the various health benefits of Solenostemon monostachyus. Based on the result obtained, it is therefore recommended that S. monostachyus should be cultivated for its various nutritional and antioxidant potentials rather than being treated as a weed.
Pharmacognostic and physicochemical evaluation of the leaf and root of Uvaria chamae (P. Beauv.) annonaceae
Authors: Adepiti Awodayo O. , Olufuwa Deborah O. , Oyedapo Ololade A.
Published: November 2024

The ethnomedicinal use of Uvaria chamae (P. Beauv) Annonaceae as an antimalarial has been scientifically justified. This study was carried out to determine the pharmacognostic and physicochemical characters of its leaf and root with a view to establishing pharmacopoeial parameters for their quality control. The fresh leaf and root of U. chamae, collected and authenticated in the IFE Herbarium, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, were preserved in ethanol (50%) while some were oven-dried and powdered. Organoleptic evaluation of the fresh samples and microscopy of the powders were carried out according to standard methods. Transverse section and surface preparation of the fresh leaf as well as radial and tangential longitudinal sections of the root were carried out. Physicochemical properties such as moisture content, ash and extractive values were determined. The methanol extracts of the powders were subjected to HPLC-MS analysis. The transverse section of the leaf revealed a dorsiventral midrib and striated cuticle. On the abaxial surface, paracytic stomata were observed but the adaxial surface lacked stomata while the vascular bundle was of the collateral type. The root of U. chamae had prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and tyloses. The physicochemical results were as follow: the total ash (9.6 & 9.7%), loss on drying (8.8 & 8.1%), alcohol extractive value (3.5 & 0.8%), water-extractive value (4.5 & 1.3%) for the leaf and root, respectively. Flavonoids such as pinocembrin and chamanetin were identified in the root. The study revealed pharmacognostic and chemical profiles that may aid the identity, and therefore, quality control of U. chamae.
Antisickling activity-guided fractionation of some plants used for the management of sickle cell disease in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Agbedahunsi J.M. , Elusiyan C.A. , Cyril-Olutayo M.C. , Adewoyin F.B. , Oriola A.O. , Agbaje O.A. , Ajayi T.A.
Published: November 2024

The study evaluated the antisickling activities of some plants used in the Southwestern Nigeria ethno-medicine for the management of sickle cell disease (SCD), with a view to determining the most active plant extract and fraction. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to two hundred and ten (210) respondents, which comprised traditional medical practitioners, herb sellers and community elders. Aqueous extracts of the plants with high fidelity levels alongside the positive controls (vanillic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid) were tested in vitro against the sickled erythrocytes, using the inhibitory and reversal assay methods. The active extracts were solvent- partitioned into petroleum spirit, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions, and subsequently bioassayed. A total of 166 plants were mentioned as being used for the management of SCD within the zone, among which 27 plants were selected. Six of the selected plant extracts demonstrated remarkable antisickling activities. The aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL), Alchornia laxiflora leaf (ALL), Kigelia africana fruit (KAF), Olax subscorpioidea leaf (OSL), Pyrenacantha staudtii leaf (PSL) and Parquentina nigrescense leaf (PNL) demonstrated 88.0, 86.2, 76.2, 75.8, 54.4 and 52.2% inhibitory activities respectively, while the reversal activities were 76.9, 65.3, 75.5, 66.6, 52.4 and 66.0% respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction of MOL and KAF (4 mg/mL) demonstrated 94.6 and 87.2% inhibitory activities, and 94.7 and 81.4% reversal activities respectively. The mode of activity of KAF was by membrane stabilisation with 81.1% activity. Silica gel column purification, followed by preparative thin-layer chromatography of the ethyl acetate KAF fraction afforded 5 bands, M1 – M5 . At 4 mg/mL, band M2 demonstrated the highest activity with 78.9% inhibitory and 70.8% reversal, and also showed strong free radical scavenging property. The findings validated the ethnomedicinal use of the six listed plants, especially M. oleifera leaves and K. africana fruits for the management of SCD and identified the ethyl acetate fractions of both plants to contain the putative compounds.
Hypolipidaemic and hepatoprotective effects of six Nigerian antidiabetic plants
Authors: Ayoola M. D. , Adebajo C. A. , Ofusori D. , Obuotor M. E.
Published: November 2024

The methanol extracts of the leaves of Hoslundia opposita (HOL), Cleistopholis patens (CPL), Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii (DCL), Olax subscorpioidea (OSL) and Plumbago zeylanica (PZL), as well as whole plant of Senecio biafrae (SBW) that have been earlier reported for their antidiabetic activities were evaluated in this study for their hypolipidaemic and hepatoprotective potentials with a view to establishing their possible ability to reduce the complications of diabetes mellitus. Effects of the methanol extracts of these plants on biochemical parameters, such as, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, were estimated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological examinations of pancreases and livers of rats were carried out at 400 mg/kg for leaves of H. opposita, O. subscorpioidea, C. patens and S. biafrae whole plant, while D. cumminsii and P. zeylanica leaves at 200 mg/kg. Results obtained were expressed as mean ± SEM using GraphPad Prism 7 (GraphPad Software Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by the Dunnett multiple comparison tests were used while p < 0.05 was taken as significant. All the six plants' extracts significantly reduced total cholesterol and triglycerides levels and increased the highdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol levels of the diabetic rats. Leaves of P. zeylanica and C. patens being the most active extracts, reduced cholesterol level from 2.3 to 1.0 and 0.8 mMol/L, respectively and reduced triglyceride from 0.6 to 0.9 mMol/L. The extracts also caused a pronounced reduction in vacuolation within the islet cells with the evidence of regeneration of the cells coupled with reduction in fibrosis, indicating possible reversal of pancreatic lesions in the pancreases of the alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The methanol extracts of these six Nigerian antidiabetic plants demonstrated hypolipidaemic and hepatoprotective effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and showed evidence of regeneration of the pancreatic cells.
In vitro membrane stabilisation and free radical scavenging activities of Entandrophragma utile (dawe and sprague) sprague stem bark and Uvaria afzelii Scott-Elliot root
Authors: Mbanu Augustine Ebuka , Sonibare Mubo Adeola , Ajayi Abayomi Mayowa
Published: November 2024

Ethnobotanical surveys indicated that Entandrophragma utile and Uvaria afzelii are used for the treatment of several inflammatory diseases. However, there is no scientific validation of the traditional claims of the anti-inflammatory properties of the plants. Thus, this study was carried out to assess the anti-inflammatory potentials of the extracts of E. utile and U. afzelii and validate the ethnomedicinal claim of the plants in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Membrane stabilisation activity, free radical scavenging activity and phytochemical screening were carried out on the two plants. The inhibition of lysis by the crude extract and fractions of E. utile stem bark (EUSB) and U. afzelii root (UAR) ranged from 6.21–78.80 and 4.17–86.05%. At the lowest tested concentration (0.125 mg/mL), the best inhibition activities of 44.51±2.39 and 27.02±0.80% were by the ethyl acetate fractions of EUSB and UAR, respectively. Similarly, at 1.5625 μg/mL, the ethyl acetate fractions of EUSB and UAR proved active for free radical scavenging with activities of 48.47±0.51 and 87.24±0.21%, respectively. The results from the membrane stabilisation and free radical scavenging activities could support the ethnomedicinal claim on the use of Entandrophragma utile stem bark and Uvaria afzelii root in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Southwestern Nigeria.
Antipsychotic activity of Aframomum melegueta (roscoe) K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) and Bidens pilosa l. (Compositae) in male mice
Authors: Eigbe Victoria Onosemudiana , Gbolagade-Jonathan Pelumi Timileyin , Arowona Isimot Temitope , Sonibare Mubo Adeola
Published: November 2024

Mental disorder features unhealthy situations such as sleep disturbance, social withdrawal and impaired role functioning, all of which  are treated with herbal formulations, by traditional healers. Aframomum melegueta and Bidens pilosa are medicinal plants applied traditionally to treat psychosis. Hence, this study investigated the antipsychotic effect of the two plants in ketamine induced psychosis in mice. Pulverised plant samples consisting of Aframomum melegueta seeds and leaves, and stem of Bidens pilosa were macerated in absolute methanol for 72 h. Extracts were evaluated in mice for hyper-locomotion in open field and stereotype behaviour in transparent chamber models. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA at p < 0.05. Aframomum melegueta seeds, and B. pilosa leaves at 500 mg/kg and B. pilosastem at 250 mg/kg, decreased hyperactivity in mice, when compared to the negative control group (ketamine only). Furthermore, the highest dose (500 mg/kg) of Aframomum melegueta seeds, B. pilosa leaves and 250 mg/kg of B. pilosastem gave total tranquilising effect at 60 min into the experiment. Findings from this study revealed that seeds of Aframomum melegueta, and the leaves as well as stem of Bidens pilosa possess constituents responsible for the treatment of psychosis. This in turn justifies the traditional use of both plants in the treatment of mental illness. Different ratios of both plants under study may be combined as formulations and tested in future research, as a step towards drug development.
Comparison between the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride and R-salbutamol fed during the finishing period on the growth and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle
Authors: Webb E.C. , Stock C. , Morris S.D.
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to compare the effects of feeding 60 mg of the β-adrenergic agonist, zilpaterol HCl (Zilmax®), per steer per day versus feeding 120 mg of the β-adrenergic agonist, R-salbutamol (Salbutamate®10%), per steer per day for the last 30 days of the finishing period on the growth, efficiency, and carcass characteristics of 228 typical South African feedlot steers in a completely randomised control study. The steers were slaughtered at the same abattoir after a 3-day withdrawal period. The growth and feedlot parameters included starting mass, slaughter mass, average daily gain, live mass gain, and lean carcass gain. The carcass characteristics included warm (WCW) and cold carcass mass (CCW), carcass length (CL), subcutaneous fat thickness measured over the 13th rib (SCF), dressing percentage, carcass compactness, carcass classification score, age code, and fat code using the South African carcass classification system. The inclusion of zilpaterol HCl as a feed additive resulted in higher growth and efficiency, with an ADG of 1.3 kg/day (P <0.05) in steers fed zilpaterol HCl compared to 1.1 kg/day for steers fed R-salbutamol. Steers in the zilpaterol HCl experimental group had a 12.5 kg higher average slaughter mass, yielding ~3 kg higher calculated lean gain than steers fed R-salbutamol. Steers fed zilpaterol HCl yielded better carcass characteristics of 11.4 kg higher CCW and marginally longer carcasses compared to steers fed R-salbutamol. Therefore, the overall growth, feedlot performance, and carcass characteristics were higher in the zilpaterol HCl-fed steers than in R-salbutamol-fed steers.
Replacement of soybean with canola improves short-term milk yield and nitrogen-use efficiency in high-producing, early-lactation Holstein cows
Authors: Mohammadi F. , Firouzabadi M.S.S. , Savari M. , Kachoie M.A. , Rayshan A.R. , Sivapriya T. , Abdollahzadeh F.
Published: November 2024

It has been demonstrated that canola meal (CM) is used more efficiently than soybean meal (SBM) by lactating dairy cows. This study was conducted to determine the effects of replacing SBM with CM on production performance, blood metabolites, and ruminal fermentation parameters of high- producing dairy cows in early lactation. Twelve lactating Holstein cows (4 primiparous and 8 multiparous; 36 ± 8 days in milk) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with three treatments and four replicates (cows) over three 21-day periods. Cows were fed diets formulated with incremental amounts of CM as 0% (CM-0), 50% (CM-50), or 100% (CM-100) of SBM replaced by CM. Experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (16.8% crude protein) and isoenergetic (NEL = 1.65 Mcal/kg DM). Dry matter intake (23.2 kg/d), milk composition, energy-corrected milk production (34.5 kg/d), total VFA, and blood metabolites were not affected by treatment. However, cows fed CM diets produced an average 2.9 kg/d more milk than control cows (CM-0). Apparent N efficiency was greatest in cows fed CM-50. Compared with the control, crude protein digestibility and ruminal ammonia concentration were greater and lower for cows fed CM-50 or CM-100, respectively. CM can be a potential substitute for SBM in dairy cow diets as its partial or complete substitution of SMB improved the production performance and nitrogen-use efficiency.
Effect of liquid-fermented potato hash, with or without exogenous enzymes, on carcass characteristics of growing pigs
Authors: Sebothoma P. , Hlatini V.A. , Ncobela C.N. , Thomas R.S. , Chimonyo M.
Published: November 2024

The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of the dietary inclusion of liquid- fermented potato hash with or without exogenous enzyme on fermentation characteristics and carcass characteristics of pigs. Forty-two crossbred, male pigs (Large White × Landrace) aged 55 d with an average body weight of 25.5 ± 3 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were selected. Six pigs were randomly allocated to seven experimental dietary treatments. The dietary treatments included dry standard feed; liquid-fermented standard feed; liquid-fermented potato hash, 200 g/kg (as fed), with and without exogenous enzymes; and liquid-fermented potato hash, 400 g/kg (as fed), with and without exogenous enzymes. The back-slopping fermentation approach was followed to prepare experimental diets. Diets were formulated to provide 14 MJ/kg digestible energy (DE), 180 g crude protein (CP)/kg and 11.6 g lysine /kg. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae, yeast, moulds, and Escherichia coli in the liquid-fermented diet with or without potato hash were influenced by the addition of enzymes. An effect of diet and enzymes was observed on lactic acid and water-soluble carbohydrates. The low and high liquid-fermented potato hash diets without enzymes had a higher pH than the low and high liquid-fermented potato hash diets with enzymes after 8 and 24 hr. Fermented potato hash with or without enzymes led to high drip loss and lean percentage. Carcass traits improved in pigs fed less liquid-fermented potato hash with or without enzymes.
Genomic markers associated with antibody response to Newcastle disease virus of Sasso chickens raised in Ethiopia
Authors: Girma M. , Morris K.M. , Sutton K. , Esatu W. , Solomon B. , Dessie T. , Psifidi A. , Vervelde L. , Hanotte O. , Banos G. , Malatji D.P.
Published: November 2024

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one of the highly contagious avian pathogens that threatens poultry producers in endemic zones due to its epidemic potential. Selection for antibody (Ab) response can effectively improve disease resistance in chickens. However, the molecular basis of the variation in Ab response to NDV is unclear. This study aimed to detect genomic markers and genes modulating Ab response to NDV in chickens reared under tropical, outdoor conditions. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on Sasso T451A chickens that were naturally exposed to infectious diseases from 56 to 112 days of age to identify regions associated with Ab response to NDV. Phenotypic immune data from 935 chickens, monitored in two batches, and genotyping data of these chickens based low-pass sequencing (2,676,181 single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) were used. BioMart data mining and variant effect predictor tools were used to annotate SNPs and candidate genes, respectively. A total of five SNPs (rs316795557 (FOXP2), chr 1; rs313761644 (CEP170B), chr 5; rs733628728, chr 13; and two unnamed SNPs, chr 30 and chr 33) were associated with the chicken antibody response to NDV at the suggestive significance level. These SNPs are located on chromosomes 1, 5, and 13 and are in genomic regions that contain several genes with roles in the regulation of the immune response. The results of this study pave the path for more investigation into the host immune response of chickens to NDV.
Effects of rumen undegradable protein source on feed intake and milk yield of Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Savari M. , Firouzabadi M.S.S. , Mohammadi F. , Abigaba R. , Rayshan A. R. , Gharagozloo A. , Abdollahzadeh F.
Published: November 2024

This study was conducted to determine the effects of heat treated-soybean meal, fish meal, meat meal, and an equal blend of fish and meat meal as rumen-ungradable protein (RUP) sources on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, N-utilization efficiency, and blood metabolites in high-producing Holstein dairy cows. Twelve lactating Holstein cows (DIM = 89 ± 11; mean ± SD) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design receiving four diets formulated with amounts (DM basis): (1) 3.1% heat treated-soybean meal (T-SBM), (2) 2.5% fish meal (FM), (3) 3.0% meat and bone meal (MM), and (4) an equal blend of 1.4% FM plus 1.4% MM (FMM), as dietary RUP sources. The crude protein concentration was kept constant across the treatments (16.7% of DM). The duration of each experimental period was 21 d with 15 d devoted to dietary adaptation and 6 d to data collection. Dry matter intake (24.2 kg/d), actual milk (41.8 kg/d), 4% fat-corrected milk yield (35.6 kg/d), milk composition (Fat = 3.03%, Protein = 2.90%), and blood metabolites were not affected by treatments. Apparent N efficiency (29.5%) was similar across the diets. Based on our results, T-SBM, FM, MM, and mixed of FM and MM had a similar effect on productivity and N-utilization efficiency in lactating dairy cows. Based on the income over feed cost (IOFC), under our experimental conditions, use of the meat meal as a source of dietary RUP can be recommended as a feeding strategy for feed to lactating cows receiving high-concentrate diets.
Effects of adding natural additives to whole milk on performance, faecal, and blood parameters in suckling Holstein calves
Authors: Guven S. , Cimrin T.
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of additives containing organic acids, herbal extracts, and prebiotics to whole milk on the developmental performance and several faecal and blood parameters of Holstein calves during the suckling period. A total of 40 one-day-old Holstein calves were divided randomly categorized into two groups of 20 (10 males and 10 females). For the first three days, both groups were provided with five litres of colostrum daily. Starting from the fourth day, the first group (control) received whole milk, while the second group (NCA) was given milk with a commercial additive of 5 g/L of whole milk. The calves had access to starter feed and water ad libitum. Results indicated the body weight and red blood cell counts of calves in the NCA group showed a substantial increase during the first four weeks, while the occurrence of diarrhoea decreased, compared to the control group. However, no marked differences between the control and NCA groups in terms of intake of concentrate feed, feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, levels of white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, aspartate aminotransferase, phosphorus, gamma-glutamyl transferase, glucose, calcium, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, faecal levels, or days with diarrhoea were noted. Consequently, it was concluded that adding commercial additives to whole milk had a positive effect on the early development of the digestive system of calves, substantially increasing their body weight in the first four weeks of life and therefore making them more resistant to diseases in this critical period.
Effects of feed form (pellet or mash), corn particle size, and Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation on performance traits and digestive tract health of broiler chickens
Authors: YousefianAstaneh I. , Chamani M. , Mousavi S.N. , Sadeghi A.A. , AminAfshar M.
Published: November 2024

A total of 720 Ross 308, male broiler chicks were used to study the effect of feed form, corn particle size, and probiotic supplementation as a completely randomized block design with 2×2×2 factorial arrangement (eight treatments and five replications). The factors included the type of feed (pellet or mash), the average size of corn particles (590 and 1220 μm), and the addition or absence of a probiotic (DIPro) to the diet. At the end of the experiment, relative weights (% of BW) of abdominal fat and gizzard were calculated as a percentage of live weight. Using pellets increased the body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). Feeding coarse corn particles substantially reduced the body weight gain and increased the feed conversion from 1–10, 25–42, and 1–42 days of age. Feed intake reduced from 1–42 d and 42–25 d by consuming coarse corn particles. The use of probiotics increased feed intake and body weight gain from 25–42 and 1–42 d. The pelleted diet increased gizzard and proventriculus pH, whereas coarse corn particles reduced pH. The pelleted feed decreased the relative weight of the gizzard and increased the abdominal fat percentage. Coarsely ground corn increased the abdominal fat and gizzard percentage. Probiotic supplementation improved feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion from 1–42 d. Pelleted feed plus probiotics and a 590-μm particle size produced the best performance in broilers.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of farmers on antibiotic use, resistance, and stewardship in food animal production systems in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Mokhutsoane L.T. , Essack S.Y.
Published: November 2024

Non-therapeutic use of antibiotics for metaphylaxis, prophylaxis, and growth promotion in food animal production systems contributes to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance can subsequently be transmitted within and between animals, humans, and the environment and consequently lead to treatment failure in humans and animals at a later stage. A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on antibiotic use, resistance, and stewardship in food animal production systems in KwaZulu-Natal. The questionnaire was divided into four sections and information on the socio-demographic features and employment experience, in addition to knowledge, attitudes, and practices were collected. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) with average scores > 50% considered adequate. In total, 82 respondents were received, of which 66 complete questionnaires constituted the final sample. Fifty-five percent (55%) and 50% of farmers stated that antibiotic(s) were different to anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic medicines, respectively, while 42% considered them identical. Thirty-six percent of farmers agreed that the ban of antibiotic use as growth promoters in animals will have a negative effect on livestock production, and 45% agreed that it is difficult to produce high-quality livestock products without antibiotics. There are gaps in the overall knowledge, attitudes, and practices of farmers that should be improved through programs such as awareness campaigns and education and training on antibiotic use, resistance, and stewardship.
Risk factors for puerperal endometritis in the sow
Authors: Nam N.H. , Anh Dao B.T. , Sukon P.
Published: November 2024

Puerperal endometritis in sows may detrimentally affect the health of sows and reduce reproductive performance in their subsequent litters. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine risk factors for puerperal endometritis in sows. In total, 139 second-parity, Yorkshire × Landrace sows from a swine farm were recruited. Information including parity number, gestation length, litter size, number of dead-born piglets per litter, use of manual extraction of foetuses, intrapartum oxytocin use, and postpartum vaginal discharge were recorded. Puerperal endometritis was defined based on the characteristics of the vaginal discharge. Logistic regression was used to determine the significant risk factors for puerperal endometritis. The incidence of puerperal endometritis was 20.1% (28/139). Manual extraction of foetuses, farrowing duration, and number of dead-born piglets per litter were determined as the most significant risk factors for puerperal endometritis. All of these factors were positively associated with the disorder. The present study showed that puerperal endometritis was common in the sow. Determination of risk factors for puerperal endometritis contributes to the understanding of the disorder and helps farm practitioners spot and treat sows at risk early.