scholarly journals The use of a probiotic in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Author(s):  
K.N. Koeppel ◽  
H. Bertschinger ◽  
M. Van Vuuren ◽  
J. Picard ◽  
J. Steiner ◽  
...  

Juvenile captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) often present with diarrhoea that is commonly associated with bacterial infections. A species-specific probiotic containing Lactobacillus Group 2 and Enterococcus faecium was prepared from healthy adult cheetahs. Juvenile cheetahs (n = 27) between 8 and 13 months of age were included in the probiotic trial. The animals were observed prior to and after feeding of the probiotic which was made available for 28 days. Feeding of the probiotic resulted in a significantly increased body weight in the treatment group (P = 0.026), while there was no increase in the control group. A relative improvement in the faecal quality in the probiotic group during the treatment period compared with the pre-treatment (P = 0.0363) and post-treatment (P = 0.004) period was observed. This was accompanied by an absence of blood and mucus in the faeces during the treatment period in the probiotic group.

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Míriam Elias Cavallini ◽  
Nelson Adami Andreollo ◽  
Konradin Metze ◽  
Marina Raquel Araújo

PURPOSE: To evaluate and to compare macro and microscopically the intense injuries of the gastric mucosa of rats which were caused by NSAIDS celecoxib and indomethacin and the gastric cytoprotection with omeprazole and misoprostol. METHODS: The sample is formed by one hundred and fifty Wistar rats with average weight 200 g, distributed in four groups, such as: Group A, subdivided in groups A1 and A2 - pre-treatment with omeprazole (20 mg/rat) during seven days and on the 8th day - use of NSAIDS, concerning A1 (20 rats) were given celecoxib (1mg/rat) and A2 (20 rats) were given indomethacin. The Group B, subdivided in group B1 and B2 - pre-treatment with misoprostol (20mg/rat) during seven days and on the 8th day use of NSAIDS, concerning B1 (20 rats) were given celecoxib (1 mg/ rat) and B2 (20 rats) were given indomethacin (12.5 mg/rat). The Group C: were not given cytoprotection during seven days, from the 7th to the 8th day - fast of food and water ad libitum, on the 8th day of NSAIDS use, concerning C1 (20 rats) were given celecoxib, C2 (20 rats) were given indomethacin (12.5 mg/ rat), C3 (20 rats) were given celecoxib (200mg/rato), and Group D - control group, concerning 10 rats were observed during seven days ingesting food and water ad libitum. On the 9th day, the stomachs were taken out and were macro and microscopically evaluated for the identification of the gastric injuries. RESULTS: On the macroscopic studies, the groups A2, B2 and C2 presented a remarkable high number of injuries for cm² /animal, respectively 18.55 injuries for cm² /animal, 16.25 injuries for cm² /animal and 13.55 injuries for cm²/animal. On the microscopic studies, the percentage of the injured mucosa, presented expressive difference among the groups A1, B1, C1 when compared to the groups A2, B2, C2 (p<0.0001). The average of the length/injury and the average of the depth of the injuries did not present expressive statistics differences among the groups A2, B2 and C2. The average of the edema presented expressive statistics difference among the groups A2 and D; B2 and C2 and between C2 and D (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The indomethacin on the applied concentration causes a great number of macroscopic and microscopic injuries to gastric mucosa of rats when compared to celecoxib which does not cause lesions. Omeprazole and misoprostol on the applied concentrations do not present macroscopic and microscopic effectiveness on the gastric cytoprotection when applying indomethacin. Considering the microscopic analysis of the average of the edema, the group of animals, which was given misoprostol as cytoprotection, presented a lower average compared to the group which was given omeprazole.


Author(s):  
Vivek Kumar Gupta ◽  
Abhishek Kumar ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Pereira ◽  
Nikhat Jamal Siddiqi ◽  
Bechan Sharma

Aloe vera has been the most useful medicinal herb in the world since ancient times due to its vast biological effects. The presence of high content of bioactive compounds make Aloe vera a promising complementary and alternative agent in disease prevention. The effectiveness of A. vera-based medicines against pesticide toxicity has never been evaluated. It was therefore envisaged to develop an A. vera-based strategy to protect the non-target animals from adverse effects of the pesticides. This article illustrates the ameliorating effect of aqueous extract (AE) of A. vera leaves against the cartap and malathion toxicity. To evaluate the protective impact of A. vera against cartap (Ctp), malathion (Mtn) and a mixture of both pesticides, the animals were divided in eight groups, each containing six rats: Group 1- C (control), Group 2- AE + C, Group 3- Ctp, Group 4- Mtn, Group 5- Ctp + Mtn, Group 6- AE + Ctp, Group 7- AE + Mtn, Group 8- AE + Ctp + Mtn. Wistar rats exposed to Ctp, Mtn and Ctp + Mtn, displayed significant change in body weight. It was observed that the WBC level increased significantly in Mtn and Ctp + Mtn challenged groups. The contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum increased expressively in the Ctp, Mtn and Ctp + Mtn challenged groups. Rats treated with Ctp, Mtn and Ctp + Mtn displayed significant alterations in the levels of antioxidative indices (MDA, GSH, GST, GPx, SOD and CAT). Significant alterations were recorded in the activities of AST, ALT, ACP and ALP in Ctp, Mtn and Ctp + Mtn challenged groups. The histopathological results of liver supported the biochemical data. The pre-treatment of rats with the aqueous extract of A. vera leaves significantly protected them from the toxicity of pesticides. These results suggested that A. vera extract may be used as a promising natural agent for the management of pesticide induced toxicity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuqing Zhou ◽  
Qian Dong ◽  
Rong Zhang ◽  
Shunfeng Zhou ◽  
Linqiang Li ◽  
...  

Aims.To investigate cerebral hemodynamics in cirrhotic patients with HE and to observe effects of treatment in cerebral hemodynamics and correlations among ammonia, cerebral hemodynamics, and cognitive function.Methods. There were four groups: healthy controls (group 1), cirrhosis without HE (group 2), cirrhosis with MHE (group 3), and cirrhosis with OHE (group 4). Ammonia and cerebral hemodynamics (by TCD) were assessed. Patients in group 3 were subsequently randomized to two subgroups: the control (group A) and the treated (group B, treated with lactulose for two months), and they were retested for ammonia and TCD after treatment. Results. Ammonia,Vm,Vd, PI, and RI were statistically different before treatment, and ammonia, PI, and RI levels paralleled the severity of HE (P<0.05). In group B,Vdincreased and ammonia, PI, and RI declined following treatment (P<0.05), while there were no differences in group A (P>0.05). Correlations were found between ammonia andVd, PI, RI, NCT-A, and DST and also found betweenVd, PI, RI, and NCT-A and DST (P<0.05).Conclusions. This study revealed that cerebral hemodynamics were related to the severity of HE and cerebral autoregulation was impaired. There were tight correlations among ammonia, cerebral hemodynamics, and cognitive function, and, following treatment, cerebral hemodynamics improved.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing Ren ◽  
Di Ai ◽  
Tong Li ◽  
Lei Xia ◽  
Lingzhi Sun

Introduction: Despite surgical and chemotherapeutical treatment options, the prognosis for glioblastoma (GBM) remains poor. Some studies have found that using lomustine plus bevacizumab to treat GBM can prolong overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of the two drugs in combination treatment of GBM using a meta-analysis of the existing literature to help settle the ongoing debate.Materials and Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for the effectiveness of lomustine plus bevacizumab in GBM literature, updated on June 6, 2020. The main outcomes analyzed included PFS and OS; the effects of this drug combination on the 6-month PFS, which represents the percentage of patients who had PFS for 6 months, were also analyzed. All the data were pooled: OS and PFS with the mean difference (MD) and 6-month PFS with the risk ratio (RR). Because there were different control groups and dose groups, two subgroup analyses were run to ensure they were comparable. All statistical analyses were performed using the Review Manager Version 5.3 software.Results: Six clinical trials were identified which included 1,095 patients (treatment group: 516; control group: 579). The group treated with lomustine and bevacizumab showed an improvement in OS (MD =1.37; 95% CI, 0.49–2.25; p = 0.002), PFS (MD = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.13–0.34; p &lt; 0.00001), and 6-month PFS (RR = 2.29; 95% CI, 1.43–3.65; p = 0.0005). Two subgroup analyses of the main outcome, OS, show that the results of Control group A (p = 0.01) and Dose group 2 (p = 0.003) are significantly different from those of the other control or dose groups.Conclusion: This study shows that lomustine and bevacizumab can effectively increase OS, PFS, and 6-month PFS in patients with GBM. The encouraging results of the lomustine and bevacizumab combination therapy for GBM should be studied in more clinical trials in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2447-2451
Author(s):  
Noha Abdallah Beder ◽  
Ahmed Atef Mourad ◽  
Mahmoud Allam Aly

Background and Aim: As means for enhancing gastrointestinal (GI) motility, prokinetics have previously been evaluated in different breeds of horses with varying success. No previous studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of prokinetics on the intestinal tract of Arabian horses breed. Using B-mode ultrasound in the quantification of intestinal contractility, this study aimed to compare the impact of neostigmine and metoclopramide on the intestinal motility of healthy Arabian horses. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one clinically healthy Arabian horses were equally distributed into three groups. The control group was administered with 5 mL normal saline intramuscularly (IM). The second group was administered with neostigmine (0.044 mg/kg body weight [BW], IM), and the third group was administered with metoclopramide (0.25 mg/kg BW, IM). Duodenal, cecal, and colonic contractions were counted through ultrasonography for 3 min (pre-administration and 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min post-administration). Results: In the neostigmine group, a significant (p<0.05) increase in duodenal, cecal, and colonic contractions was observed 15 min post-administration compared with that in the control group (15±1.0, 11.33±1.53, and 12.33±2.31 vs. 11.0±2.0, 6.33±0.58, and 5.33±0.58 contractions per 3 min, respectively), continuing to 60 min post-administration for the duodenum and cecum and 120 min for colon and then returning to the normal; however, the metoclopramide group showed a significant (p<0.05) increase only in cecal and colonic contractions 60 min post-administration compared with the control group (11.0±1.0 and 12.33±0.58 vs. 6±1.0 and 5.67±0.58 contractions per 3 min, respectively), continuing until the end of the experiment. Excessive sweating, excitation, and straining were recorded following the administration of neostigmine, whereas no side effects were observed in the metoclopramide group. Conclusion: Neostigmine improves duodenal, cecal, and colonic contractions in healthy adult Arabian horses, whereas metoclopramide only improves cecal and colonic contractions. Metoclopramide appears to be safer and longer acting than neostigmine in the Arabian horse breed. Ultrasonography is a valuable noninvasive tool for the quantification of intestinal contractility. Future studies should consider the use of various dosages of metoclopramide and administration routes and investigate its impact on horses with GI transit disorders and inclusion in colic post-operative care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olorunfemi Raphael Molehin

Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX), a well-known chemotherapeutic drug, has been reported to induce numerous toxic side effects including renal toxicity. This preliminary study was designed to investigate the ameliorative effects of methanolic leaf extract of Clerodendrum volubile (MECV) against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: Thirty male rats were divided into five groups; (a) Control group: rats were given 0.9% NaCl as vehicle, (b) DOX group: a single dose of DOX (25 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered and the rats were sacrificed 4 days after DOX injection, (c-e) Methanolic extract of C. volubile (MECV)-treated DOX groups: rats were given MECV (at the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/d), respectively for 12 consecutive days, 8 days before and 4 days after the DOX administration. Results: DOX injection caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum creatinine and urea levels. The levels of renal antioxidant parameters: glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in DOX-intoxicated rats with concomitant elevation of malondialdehyde level. Pretreatment with MECV restored antioxidant status, attenuated oxidative stress and improved kidney function markers. Pre-treatment with MECVprotected renal tissues against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. Conclusion: The ameliorative effects of C. volubile leaves on these renal biochemical parameters may be via its antioxidant action and may serve as a novel combination agent with DOX to limit its renal damage.


2012 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Atli ◽  
Mehmet Erikoglu ◽  
Adnan Kaynak ◽  
Haci H Esen ◽  
Sevil Kurban

Purpose: In this study we examined the ability of selenium and vitamin E to prevent sepsis-induced changes in lung tissue. Methods: Fifty rats were divided into five groups: Group 1: Control group; Group 2: Sepsis group. In this group only cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) was performed. Group 3: Selenium group. An intraperitoneal dose of 100 µg selenium was given for the first two days followed by a daily dose of 40 µg for the next five days. CLP was performed the following day. Group 4: Selenium and vitamin E group. In addition to selenium, vitamin E was given intramuscularly in a dose of 250 mg/kg/day for seven days. CLP was performed the following day. Group 5: Vitamin E group. Vitamin E was given intramuscularly in a dose of 250 mg/kg/day for seven days. CLP was performed the following day. Results: There were significant differences between Group 2 and all other groups in terms of blood gas values (pH, pCO2, SaO2), and leukocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP) and glutathione peroxidase levels (p < 0.005). There was no statistically significant difference between groups 3, 4 and 5 in terms of histopathological changes in lung tissue (p > 0.05), but all groups were significantly different compared with Group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Sepsis-induced lung tissue damage can be reduced or prevented by pre-treatment with of selenium and/or vitamin E in a rat model.


2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-197
Author(s):  
M. Ahammed ◽  
M. A. Ali ◽  
M. A. Ehsan ◽  
M. Mostafa

The experiment was carried out to determine the efficacy of Ivermectin (Ivomec® S/C Formulation) against gastrointestinal nematodiasis and ectoparasites including stephanofilaria on crossbred cattle, to determine the effect of drug on certain hematological parameters like hemoglobin (Hb) content, packed cell volume (PCV) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)in crossbred cattle and to determine the effect of the drug on live weight. A total of 100 cattle were selected randomly and examined for presence of both endo and ectoparasites including stephanofilaria. Gastrointestinal nematodiasis were detected by examination of fecal samples and ectoparasites as well as stephanofilaria were detected by physical examination. Out of 100 cattle, 20 were found to suffer from both endo and ectoparasites. These 20 cattle were selected finally for the research work. Then these cattle were divided into two groups, group A (treated group, n=15) and group B (control group, n=5). Ivermectin was injected subcutaneously to the cattle of group A @ 200µm/kg body weight (1ml/50 kg body weight). The therapeutic efficacy of the drug against gastrointestinal nematodiasis was determined by investigation of fecal egg count reduction and the efficacy was 100% against the common nematodes in crossbred cattle on day 7, 14, 21 and 28 of post treatment period. Ticks within a markable area (25 square inches) were counted on day 0 and lice infestation was marked as infected on day 0. Ivermectin showed 100% effectiveness at the 7, 14, 21 and 28 day of post treatment period against both tick and lice infestation. The efficacy of the drug against stephanofilariasis (humpsore) was determined by reduction of diameter of the sore on the day 14, 42 and 56 of post treatment period. All the sores were completely healed up by the 56 days. During the study of hematological parameters it was seen that Hb and PCV were increased whereas ESR values were decreased on post treatment days. In this study the mean live weight of the cattle of treated group was increased after treatment with ivermectin and increased body weight was 5.13% on the 28th day of post treatment period. From the above findings it may be concluded that ivermectin was 100% effective against gastrointestinal nematodes common in crossbred cattle. Effectiveness of the drug against external parasites was 100%. In this study hematological parameters were changed significantly after treatment with ivermectin, body weight of animal treated with ivermectin was increased and no adverse effect of the drug was found in this study.


2001 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roisin Haslam

Acupuncture is becoming a common technique within the physiotherapy profession as a treatment modality for pain relief; however, few randomised controlled trials have been undertaken to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture, particularly in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. Therefore, a randomised trial to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture with advice and exercises on the symptomatic treatment of OA of the hip was carried out. Thirty-two patients awaiting a total hip arthroplasty were randomly allocated to either the experimental group, (A), to have six sessions of acupuncture each lasting up to 25 minutes, or the control group, (B), to be given advice and exercises for their hip over a six week period. Group A consisted of three men and 13 women, and group B consisted of four men and eight women. The average age in group A was 66 years and in group B it was 68 years. Patients were assessed for pain and functional ability, using a modified version of the WOMAC questionnaire, pre-treatment, immediately post-treatment and at eight weeks post-treatment. The pre-treatment WOMAC scores in the two groups were similar (p=0.85). There was a significant improvement in group A (decrease in WOMAC score) immediately post-treatment (p=0.002) and this was maintained at the eight-week follow-up (p=0.03). There were no significant changes in group B. When the changes in WOMAC scores were compared between groups, a significantly greater improvement was found between pre-treatment and immediately post-treatment in group A, compared with group B (p=0.02). The changes between pre-treatment and the eight-week follow-up also showed a significant improvement in group A compared with group B (p=0.03). In conclusion, this trial supports the hypothesis that acupuncture is more effective than advice and exercises in the symptomatic treatment of OA of the hip.


2013 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samira Teixeira Leal de Oliveira ◽  
Gisele Veneroni-Gouveia ◽  
Janio Morais Santurio ◽  
Mateus Matiuzzi da Costa

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of the intake of aflatoxin on the development of tilapia and to evaluate the impact of inoculation with Aeromonas hydrophila on performance parameters, so these two individual tests were performed. One hundred and twenty fingerlings aged 35 days old, with mean weight of 1.55 ± 0.005 g and mean length of 5 cm were used in each test, distributed in 20 tanks. Each experimental unit consisted of a 60 L tank with six fingerlings. In the first experiment, increasing levels of aflatoxin (0.350, 0.757, 1.177 mg.kg feed-1) were used as treatments and, for the control group, a diet without aflatoxin was used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. In the second experiment, a control group of Nile tilapia fingerlings was used and received a diet without aflatoxin, inoculated with saline solution (group 1) and Aeromonas hydrophila (group 2), as well as groups of animals fed on diets containing 0.350 mg.kg feed-1 of aflatoxin (group 3), 0.757 mg.kg feed-1 of aflatoxin (group 4) and 1.177 mg.kg feed-1 of aflatoxin (group 5), and these groups were inoculated with Aeromonas hydrophila. The survival rate and the total length of fingerlings were influenced by the treatments (p < 0.05). The synergistic action of aflatoxins and Aeromonas hydrophila was effective and caused the death of experimental fish, thus affecting feed conversion and length.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document