Minimal criteria for reporting mesenchymal stem cells in veterinary regenerative medicine

The widespread application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in veterinary regenerative medicine highlights their promising therapeutic potential. However, the lack of standardized characterization and reporting practices across studies poses a significant challenge, compromising the assessment of their safety and efficacy. While criteria established for human MSCs serve as a foundation, the unique characteristics of animal-derived MSCs warrant updated guidelines tailored to veterinary medicine. A recent position statement outlining minimal reporting criteria for MSCs in veterinary research reflects efforts to address this need, aiming to enhance research quality and reproducibility. Standardized reporting criteria ensure transparency, facilitate evidence synthesis, and promote best practices adoption in MSC isolation, characterization, and administration. Adherence to minimal reporting criteria is crucial for maintaining scientific rigor and advancing the field of veterinary regenerative medicine. Ongoing collaboration among stakeholders is essential for effective implementation and adherence to updated guidelines, fostering excellence and innovation in MSC-based therapies for animal patients.

Mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage regeneration: Insights into molecular mechanism and therapeutic strategies

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cartilage regeneration has gained significant attention in regenerative medicine. This paper reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying MSC-based cartilage regeneration and explores various therapeutic strategies to enhance the efficacy of MSCs in this context. MSCs exhibit multipotent capabilities and can differentiate into various cell lineages under specific microenvironmental cues. Chondrogenic differentiation, a complex process involving signaling pathways, transcription factors, and growth factors, plays a pivotal role in the successful regeneration of cartilage tissue. The chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs is tightly regulated by growth factors and signaling pathways such as TGF-β, BMP, Wnt/β-catenin, RhoA/ROCK, NOTCH, and IHH (Indian hedgehog). Understanding the intricate balance between these pathways is crucial for directing lineage-specific differentiation and preventing undesirable chondrocyte hypertrophy. Additionally, paracrine effects of MSCs, mediated by the secretion of bioactive factors, contribute significantly to immunomodulation, recruitment of endogenous stem cells, and maintenance of chondrocyte phenotype. Pre-treatment strategies utilized to potentiate MSCs, such as hypoxic conditions, low-intensity ultrasound, kartogenin treatment, and gene editing, are also discussed for their potential to enhance MSC survival, differentiation, and paracrine effects. In conclusion, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in MSC-based cartilage regeneration and outlines promising therapeutic strategies. The insights presented contribute to the ongoing efforts in optimizing MSC-based therapies for effective cartilage repair.

Phylogenetic analysis and haplotype networking of Hepatozoon felis infecting wild animals in Gir National Park, Gujarat, India

The present study was aimed to determine the phylogenetic relationship, haplotype network, and demographic dynamics of H. felis infecting the endangered Asiatic lions in Gir National Park, Gujarat, India, on the basis of partial 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 18S rRNA gene sequences of H. felis exhibited the presence of two distinct genotypes of H. felis (HfG1 and HfG2) infecting the Indian wild felids, viz., the Asiatic lion, Royal Bengal tiger, and Indian leopard. The HfG1 and HfG2 genotypes exhibited 97.6-100% and 99.7-100%, and 96.9-98.7% nucleotide identity within and between themselves, respectively. The HfG1 genotype exhibited a higher genetic diversity as compared to HfG2. A total of 22 molecular signatures were identified in the 18S rRNA gene between these genotypes. Further, analysis of a total 67 sequences of H. felis (13 different host species from 13 countries of Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe) that were downloaded from GenBankTM, generated 30 haplotypes. Among all the haplotypes, Hap_17 (h=12) was the most frequent followed by Hap_12 (h=09) and Hap_4 (h=05). Out of 13 location-wise populations, India (h=12) shared the highest number of haplotypes followed by Japan (h=08), and the least number of haplotypes were found in Hungary (h=02). Population dynamics study involving neutrality tests and mismatch distribution, and genetic differentiation indices, revealed the presence of phylogeographic population structure and a constant population size indicating a uniform gene flow among the populations worldwide. In conclusion, a high genetic diversity along with the presence of two distinct genotypes of H. felis were observed on the basis of 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis.

ChatGPT and artificial hallucinations in stem cell research: assessing the accuracy of generated references - a preliminary study

Stem cell research has the transformative potential to revolutionize medicine. Language models like ChatGPT, which use artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing, generate human-like text that can aid researchers. However, it is vital to ensure the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated references. This study assesses Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT)'s utility in stem cell research and evaluates the accuracy of its references. Of the 86 references analyzed, 15.12% were fabricated and 9.30% were erroneous. These errors were due to limitations such as no real-time internet access and reliance on preexisting data. Artificial hallucinations were also observed, where the text seems plausible but deviates from fact. Monitoring, diverse training, and expanding knowledge cut-off can help to reduce fabricated references and hallucinations. Researchers must verify references and consider the limitations of AI models. Further research is needed to enhance the accuracy of such language models. Despite these challenges, ChatGPT has the potential to be a valuable tool for stem cell research. It can help researchers to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and to find relevant information.

Experimental safety testing confirms that the NSAID nimesulide is toxic to Gyps vultures in India

Population declines of Gyps vultures throughout South Asia were caused by unintentional poisoning by the NSAID diclofenac, which was subsequently banned. However, other vulture-toxic NSAIDs are available, including nimesulide, which, in experiments carried out in South Africa, was shown to be toxic to Gyps vultures. We report on safety-testing of nimesulide carried out on Himalayan Griffons G. himalayensis. We gave two vultures a dose of nimesulide by oral gavage at the maximum level of exposure, with two controls dosed with benzyl alcohol. In the two tested birds, plasma nimesulide concentrations peaked after six hours, while serum uric acid concentrations increased steadily up until 24 h post-treatment, after which both birds died, displaying severe visceral gout. The control birds showed no adverse clinical or biochemical signs. We confirm that nimesulide is toxic to Gyps vultures. Veterinary use of nimesulide should be banned in all Gyps vulture range countries in the region.

Advances and prospects of platelet-rich plasma therapy in veterinary ophthalmology

In the recent decades, there has been a significant uptick on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a better alternative for ophthalmologic therapies in pathologies, primarily of the ocular surface. PRP is a class of liquid platelet concentrate containing a supra-physiological concentration of platelets in a relatively small amount of plasma. Its potential to heal various tissues has piqued interest in its therapeutic application as a biomaterial in regenerative medicine. It is currently a popular therapeutic agent in plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and even oral and maxillofacial surgery. Based on the data from in vitro and in vivo studies, it can be concluded that PRP possesses adequate therapeutic potential in ocular pathologies, especially those involving cornea. In addition, the high concentrations of growth factors (TGF-β, VEGF, EGF) present in the PRP accelerate the healing of the corneal epithelium. PRP has great therapeutic prospects in veterinary ophthalmology as a regenerative therapeutic modality. However, several variables are yet to be defined and standardized that can directly affect the efficacy of PRP application in different ophthalmic conditions. There is a shortage of research on the use of PRP in ocular surface defects compared to the number of studies and reports on the use of autologous and allogeneic serum eye drops. Therefore, a data-driven approach is required to generate consensus/guidelines for the preparation, characterization, and therapeutic use of PRP in veterinary ophthalmology. This review aims to inform readers of the latest research on PRP, including its preparation methods, physiological and biochemical properties, clinical applications in veterinary ophthalmology, and their safety and efficacy.

Evaluation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells with eggshell membrane for full-thickness wound healing in a rabbit model

Biomaterials capable of managing wounds should have essential features like providing a natural microenvironment for wound healing and as support material for stimulating tissue growth. Eggshell membrane (ESM) is a highly produced global waste due to increased egg consumption. The unique and fascinating properties of ESM allow their potential application in tissue regeneration. The wound healing capacity of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), ESM, and their combination in rabbits with full-thickness skin defect (2 × 2 cm2) was evaluated. Twenty-five clinically healthy New Zealand White rabbits were divided into five groups of five animals each, with group A receiving no treatment (control group), group B receiving only fibrin glue (FG), group C receiving FG and ESM as a dressing, group D receiving FG and BM-MSCs, and group E receiving a combination of FG, ESM, and BM-MSCs. Wound healing was assessed using clinical, macroscopical, photographic, histological, histochemical, hematological, and biochemical analysis. Macroscopic examination of wounds revealed that healing was exceptional in group E, followed by groups D and C, compared to the control group. Histopathological findings revealed improved quality and a faster rate of healing in group E compared to groups A and B. In addition, healing in group B treated with topical FG alone was nearly identical to that in control group A. However, groups C and D showed improved and faster recovery than control groups A and B. The macroscopic, photographic, histological, and histochemical evaluations revealed that the combined use of BM-MSCs, ESM, and FG had superior and faster healing than the other groups.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Pasteurella multocida Strain Isolated from a Spotted Deer (Axis axis) in India

Here, we report the genome sequence of a Pasteurella multocida strain isolated from the heart blood of a spotted deer (Bareilly, India). The 2.44-Mbp genome has 2,227 coding sequences, with a G+C content of 40.7%.

Allogenic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and its conditioned media for repairing acute and sub-acute peripheral nerve injuries in a rabbit model

The present study evaluated healing potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and BM-MSCs-conditioned medium (BM-MSCs-CM) for acute and subacute injuries in the rabbit peripheral nerve injury model. The regenerative capacity of MSCs was evaluated in 40 rabbits divided into eight groups, four groups each for acute and subacute injury models. BM-MSCs and BM-MSCS-CM were prepared by isolating allogenic bone marrow from the iliac crest. After inducing sciatic nerve crush injury, different treatments consisting of PBS, Laminin, BM-MSCs + laminin, and BM-MSCS-CM + laminin were used on the day of injury in the acute injury model and after ten days of crush injury in the subacute groups. The parameters studied included: pain, total neurological score, gastrocnemius muscle weight and volume ratio, histopathology of the sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius muscle, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Findings indicate that BM-MSCs and BM-MSCS-CM have augmented the regenerative capacity in acute and subacute injury groups with a slightly better improvement in the subacute groups than the animals in acute injury groups. Histopathology data revealed different levels of regenerative process undergoing in the nerve. Neurological observations, gastrocnemius muscle evaluation, muscle histopathology, and the SEM results depicted better healing in animals treated with BM-MSCs and BM-MSCS-CM. With this data, it could be concluded that BM-MSCs support the healing of injured peripheral nerves, and the BM-MSCS-CM does accelerate the healing of acute and subacute peripheral nerve injuries in rabbits. However, stem cell therapy may be indicated during the subacute phase for better results.

Emergence of Mycobacterium orygis-Associated Tuberculosis in Wild Ruminants, India

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium orygis was detected in 2 spotted deer from a wildlife sanctuary in western India and an Indian bison from a national park in central India. Nationwide surveillance is urgently required to clarify the epidemiology of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.

Pathological and molecular studies on elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus haemorrhagic disease among captive and free-range Asian elephants in India

In the present research pathology and molecular diagnosis of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus-haemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) among Asian elephants was studied. Out of 76 cases, 20 were positive for EEHV infection in PANPOL and POL1 based semi-nested PCR. Out of 20 samples, 10 samples were fatal cases of EEHV-HD while 10 were of either subclinical or latent infection. Acute onset haemorrhagic disease with EEHV-HD had anorexia, facial and neck swelling, cyanotic buccal mucosa and tongue, nasal and ocular discharge, and colic. The hallmark of gross finding in all cases were severe haemorrhagic lesions in the internal organs viz. cyanosis of tongue with multifocal petechial haemorrhages, diffuse epicardial and endocardial haemorrhages, swollen liver (rounded edges) with parenchymal haemorrhages, serosal and mucosal haemorrhages in gastrointestinal tract, congested kidneys with corticomedullary haemorrhages, highly congested meninges, and brain capillaries with haemorrhages. Microscopic findings in all the cases had severe vascular changes in the visceral organs. Microthrombi was present in the vasculature of tongue, heart, lung, liver, kidney, and brain. The endothelial lining of most of the blood vessels were swollen with apoptotic changes. Amphophilic to basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in the endothelial cells. Immunostaining using anti-EEHV DNAPOL hyperimmune sera revealed intense positive signals in the endothelium of blood vessels and their walls. Quantification of viral load in necropsy tissue samples revealed highest in the heart (7.4 × 10⁶/μg of sample) and least in the brain (9 × 10³/μg of sample). The PCR amplicons from EEHV1 specific genes (POL1(U38) and TER were subjected to partial genome sequencing which had 99.9% similarity with the EEHV1A subtype. It was concluded that Asian elephants in India are latently infected for EEHV1 and in all the fatal EEHV-HD cases, EEHV1A subtype was the causative agent with characteristic pathomorphological changes in visceral organs.

Metabolism of aceclofenac to diclofenac in the domestic water buffalo Bubalus bubalis confirms it as a threat to Critically Endangered Gyps vultures in South Asia

Vulture declines in South Asia were caused by accidental poisoning by the veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Although veterinary use of diclofenac has been banned, other vulture-toxic NSAIDs are legally available, including aceclofenac, which has been shown to metabolise into diclofenac in domestic cattle. We gave nine domestic water buffalo the recommended dose of aceclofenac (2 mg kg^-1 body weight), collected blood at intervals up to 48 h, and carried out a pharmacokinetic analysis of aceclofenac and its metabolite diclofenac in plasma. Aceclofenac was rapidly converted to diclofenac, and was barely detectable in plasma at any sampling time. Diclofenac was present within 20 min, and peaked 4-8 h after dosing. Aceclofenac is a prodrug of diclofenac, and behaves similarly in domestic water buffalo as it did in domestic cattle, posing the same risk to vultures. We recommend an immediate ban on the veterinary use of aceclofenac across vulture-range countries.

Genetic and population diversity of Toxocara cati (Schrank, 1788) Brumpt, 1927, on the basis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region

The present investigation was aimed to study the sequence, phylogenetic and haplotype analyses of Toxocara cati based on the ITS region, along with the genetic diversity, demographic history and population-genetic structure. The maximum likelihood tree based on Kimura 2-parameter model was constructed using the complete ITS region of all the nucleotide sequences (n = 57) of Toxocara spp. and other related ascarid worms available in the GenBank™. It placed all the sequences of T. cati into four major clades designated as T. cati genotypes 1-4 (TcG1-G4). A total of 66 signature nucleotides were identified in the ITS region between genotypes. The median-joining haplotype network displayed a total of 24 haplotypes, with China exhibiting the highest number of haplotypes (h = 20) followed by India (h = 4), and Japan and Russia (h = 1). It indicated a clear distinction between all the four genotypes. The pairwise F_ST values between all the genotypes indicated huge genetic differentiation (> 0.25) between different T. cati genotypes. Moreover, the gene flow (Nm) between T. cati genotypes was very low. Results of AMOVA revealed higher genetic variation between genotypes (92.82%) as compared to the variation within genotypes (7.18%). The neutrality indices and mismatch distributions for the G1-G4 genotypes, Indian isolates and the overall dataset of T. cati indicated either a constant population size or a slight population increase. The geographical distribution of all the genotypes of T. cati is also reported. This is the first report of genotyping of T. cati on the basis of the ITS region.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a free ranging leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) in India

We report an incidence of natural infection of SARS-CoV-2 in free-ranging Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca). The case was detected during routine screening. Post-mortem and laboratory examination suggested virus-induced interstitial pneumonia. Viral genome could be detected in various organs including brain, lung, spleen, and lymph nodes by real-time PCR. Whole-genome sequence analysis confirmed infection of Pango lineage B.1.617.2 of SARS-CoV-2. Till now, only Asiatic lions have been reported to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 in India. Infections in animals were detected during peak phase of pandemic and all the cases were captive with close contacts with humans, whereas the present case was observed when human cases were significantly low. No tangible evidence linked to widespread infection in the wild population and the incidence seems to be isolated case. High nucleotide sequence homology with prevailing viruses in humans suggested spillover infection to the animal. This report underlines the need for intensive screening of wild animals for keeping track of the virus evolution and development of carrier status of SARS-CoV-2 among wildlife species.

Tuberculosis in free-ranging and captive wild animals: Pathological and molecular diagnosis with histomorphological differentiation of granulomatous lesions

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious zoonotic threat, impacting the human-livestock-wildlife interface globally. Here, we evaluated the status and histomorphological differentiation of TB lesions in 89 morbid cases of wild animals (bovids, cervids, carnivores, non-human primates, and pachyderms) in India. Histomorphological and molecular studies were done using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas cultural isolation was performed on selected samples. A total of 32 (35.95%) cases were confirmed as TB, comprising of 12 carnivores, 09 bovids, 06 cervids, 04 non-human primates, and a pachyderm. The TB lesions in the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes varied from the large-sized caseous nodules filled with dry cheesy material in bovids and cervids to variable-sized cavitations containing liquefied caseum in carnivores' lungs. The lungs, livers, and spleens of non-human primates exhibited small to medium-sized nodules. Histologically, lesions were divided into four categories (Types I, II, III, and IV) based on the extent of necrosis, the presence of mineralization, giant cells, and fibrous encapsulation. Extensive caseous necrosis with calcification, abundant giant cells, and thick fibroblastic encapsulation were consistent findings in the lungs, livers, and lymph nodes of bovids and cervids, whereas airway impaction with cellular exudate containing a teeming number of acid-fast bacilli and, at times, alveolar rupture leading to cavity formation was present in the lungs of carnivores. Absence of calcification and fibrous encapsulation was recorded in lungs of non-human primates. Immunohistochemical labelling with anti-early secretory antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10) antibodies showed mild, moderate, and intense positive reactions in type II and III, type I, and type IV granulomatous lesions, respectively. Molecular detection by PCR revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (12 carnivores, 02 non-human primates and 01 pachyderm), M. bovis (02 cervids and 01 bovid) and M. orygis (02 cervids and 01 bovid). Cultural isolation confirmed M. tuberculosis in 03 carnivores and M. orygis in 02 cervids and 01 bovid. Our findings imply that TB is quite prevalent in the wildlife of India and there are considerable differences in the histomorphological lesions induced by distinct Mycobacterium species in different wild animals. The circulation of TB organisms in wild animals warrants a strict surveillance programme to identify the carrier status of these animals so that effective TB control strategies can be formulated to prevent spillover and spillback incidences at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.

Clinical applications of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction in veterinary practice

Adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (AdSVF) comprises a heterogeneous cell population, including the multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and pericytes. As such, multipotent adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs), are one of the important components of AdSVF. Commonly used techniques to harvest AdSVF involve enzymatic or non-enzymatic methods. The enzymatic method is considered to be the gold standard technique due to its higher yield. The cellular components of AdSVF can be resuspended in normal saline, platelet-rich plasma, or phosphate-buffered saline to produce a ready-to-use solution. Freshly isolated AdSVF has exhibited promising osteogenic and vasculogenic capacity. AdSVF has already been proven to possess therapeutic potential for osteoarthritis management. It is also an attractive therapeutic option for enhancing wound healing. In addition, the combined use of AdSVF and platelet-rich plasma has an additive stimulatory effect in accelerating wound healing and can be considered an alternative to AdMSC treatment. It is also widely used for managing various orthopaedic conditions in clinical settings and has the potential for regenerating bone, cartilage, and tendons. Autologous AdSVF cells are used along with bone substitutes and other biological factors as an alternative to conventional bone grafting techniques owing to their promising osteogenic and vasculogenic capacity. It can also be used for treating osteonecrosis, meniscus tear, chondromalacia, and tendon injuries in veterinary practice. It has several advantages over in vitro expanded AdMSC, including precluding the need for culturing, reduced risk of cell contamination, and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for clinical use.

Mapping global trends in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell research: A bibliometric analysis using scopus database

Background and objective

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSC) are multipotent adult mesenchymal cells isolated and cultured from the stromal vascular fraction derived from adipose tissue. The present study was conducted to analyze the global trends in AdMSC research using bibliometric and visual analysis tools.

Methods

The literature search was done on February 13, 2022, using appropriate keywords and inclusion-exclusion criteria from the Scopus database. The extracted data were retrospectively analyzed and visualized using Bibliometrics and R packages and VOSviewer.

Results

Preliminary analysis identified 1569 documents from the Scopus database published between 2005 and 2021. The average citations received per document was 26.51, whereas the average citations per year per document was 3.347. In addition, the selected documents had an h-index value of 90. China was the most productive country, whereas Seoul National University (South Korea) was identified as the most productive institute/university in AdMSC research. In addition, the National Natural Science Foundation of China funded the most research studies in AdMSC research.

Conclusion

The findings from this study indicate a progressive increase in interest among the research community towards AdMSC, suggesting promising prospects in the coming years.

A study on clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis in free ranging and captive wild animals of India

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of paramount importance at the wildlife-livestock-human interface.

Aims

To study the occurrence and Mycobacterium (M) species involved in the TB of free-ranging and captive wild animals in various Indian states.

Methods

A total of 396 clinical samples from 207 different wild animal species from various Indian national parks, zoological gardens, etc., were analyzed by lateral flow assay (LFA), Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, and PCR. Clinical samples include blood (n=156), faecal swabs (n=103), serum (n=73), and nasal swabs or trunk wash fluids (n=64).

Results

Clinical signs of TB were absent in 202 animals, although 21 wild animals were seropositive for pathogenic Mycobacterium antigens by LFA. Clinical signs like progressive weight loss, and respiratory distress were exhibited by 4 sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) and an elephant (Elephas maximus), which were also found positive for LFA, PCR, and ZN staining. ZN staining showed positivity for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in 9 (8.74%) faecal and 9 (14.06%) nasal swabs or trunk wash fluids of sloth bears (7 samples) and elephants (2 samples). M. tuberculosis was detected in 7 sloth bears and 2 elephants, whereas M. bovis was found in a spotted deer (Axis axis) by species-specific PCR.

Conclusion

The circulation of TB organisms in wild animals warrants a strict surveillance programme to identify the carrier status of these animals so that effective TB control strategies can be formulated.

Isolation and genetic characterization of canine adenovirus type 2 from a domestic dog showing neurological symptoms

Canine adenoviruses (CAVs) are of two types: canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), which causes infectious canine hepatitis, and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), which is mainly associated with the respiratory type of disease in dogs. Due to the widespread use of modified live vaccines to control canine adenoviral infections and subsequently reduced disease incidence, CAVs are often neglected by clinicians. Although a number of studies are available about CAV-1 prevalence in India, only meagre information is available about CAV-2. This study reports the CAV-2 infection in a vaccinated dog with neurological and respiratory symptoms which was found negative for other canine pathogens like canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus. The virus was successfully isolated from rectal swab in MDCK cells and characterized by immunofluorescence assay and virus neutralization test. On phylogenetic analysis of partial E3 region, the Indian CAV-2 grouped in a separate clade different from established subgroups. An insertion of "G" nucleotide was reported at nucleotide (nt.) position 1077 in the E3 gene of Indian CAV-2 isolates which led to a frameshift in the coding region of E3 gene thereby imparting additional eleven amino acids to its C-terminal end in comparison to isolates from other parts of the world. This may have an implication on the functional role of E3 protein inside the cell. This study reinforces the unique signature insertion in the E3 gene of Indian CAV-2 and is the second study in the world to report the association of CAV-2 with neurological disease in dogs.

SARS-CoV-2 in animals: potential for unknown reservoir hosts and public health implications

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, previously 2019-nCoV) is suspected of having originated in 2019 in China from a coronavirus infected bat of the genus Rhinolophus. Following the initial emergence, possibly facilitated by a mammalian bridge host, SARS-CoV-2 is currently transmitted across the globe via efficient human-to-human transmission. Results obtained from experimental studies indicate that animal species such as cats, ferrets, raccoon dogs, cynomolgus macaques, rhesus macaques, white-tailed deer, rabbits, Egyptian fruit bats, and Syrian hamsters are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and that cat-to-cat and ferret-to-ferret transmission can take place via contact and air. However, natural infections of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported only in pet dogs and cats, tigers, lions, snow leopards, pumas, and gorillas at zoos, and farmed mink and ferrets. Even though human-to-animal spillover has been reported at several instances, SARS-CoV-2 transmission from animals-to-humans has only been reported from mink-to-humans in mink farms. Following the rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within the mink population, a new mink-associated SARS-CoV-2 variant emerged that was identified in both humans and mink. The increasing reports of SARS-CoV-2 in carnivores indicate the higher susceptibility of animal species belonging to this order. The sporadic reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic and wild animal species require further investigation to determine if SARS-CoV-2 or related Betacoronaviruses can get established in kept, feral or wild animal populations, which may eventually act as viral reservoirs. This review analyzes the current evidence of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection in domestic and wild animal species and their possible implications on public health.

Evaluation of canine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for experimental full-thickness cutaneous wounds in a diabetic rat model

BACKGROUND

The wound healing potential of canine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was evaluated in the excisional wound of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Xenogenic BMSCs were collected aseptically from the iliac crest of healthy canine donors under general anesthesia. Full-thickness experimental wounds (20 × 20 mm²) on the dorsum of forty-eight adult healthy Wistar white rats. The wounds were assigned randomly to three treatment groups: PBS (Group A) or BMSCs (Group B) injected into the wound margins on days 0, 7, and 14 or BMSCs (Group C) injected into the wound margins on days 7, 14, and 21 post-wounding. The degree of wound healing was evaluated based on macroscopical, hemato-biochemical, histopathological, and histochemical parameters.

RESULTS

The results indicated granulation tissue formation with reduced exudation and peripheral swelling in the treatment groups compared to the control group A. Similarly, the degree of wound contraction was significantly higher in groups B and C animals than group A on days 14 and 21 post-wounding. The transplantation of BMSCs resulted in early drying of wounds, granulation tissue appearance, and enhanced cosmetic appearance.

CONCLUSION

The histopathological, histochemical, and gross findings suggested the therapeutic potential of xenogeneic mesenchymal stem cell therapy in managing diabetic wounds.

ABBREVIATIONS

BMSCs-bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, PBS-phosphate-buffered saline, MSCs-mesenchymal stem cells, FBS-fetal bovine serum, ECM-extracellular matrix.

Therapeutic Potential of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Canine Medicine

Platelets are the reservoir of growth factors and play a major role in several physiological processes, such as coagulation, angiogenesis, immune response, and tissue repair. Platelet concentrates are broadly classified into two groups depending on their fibrin content, namely platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). They are further divided based on their leucocyte contents. The PRP is plasma containing supra-physiological concentrations of the platelets. The growth factors present in the PRP play a crucial role in the promotion of local angiogenesis, regulation of cellular activity, stem cell homing, proliferation and differentiation of different stem cells, and deposition of matrix proteins contributing to tissue regeneration. This review aimed to establish the therapeutic potential of PRP in canine medicine with a particular focus on the applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, and musculoskeletal disorders. A systematic literature review was performed to identify the literature published during the past 20 years (2001-2021) using authentic academic databases, such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Scopus. In the initial search, 556 articles were identified and based on the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 59 articles were selected for further analysis. The clinical efficacy of PRP depends on the number of platelets and the growth factor concentration. The PRP-based biological therapy has broad clinical applications in musculoskeletal pathologies. It is a simple, safe, and cost-effective method that can be used to treat various diseases and disorders in canine practice. For example, PRP is used for managing corneal ulcers, corneal erosion, alkali burn, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, burn wounds, chronic wounds, cutaneous ulcers, acute traumatic bone fractures, tendinopathies, cartilage pathologies, osteoarthritis, and abdominal wall defects either as monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapeutic agent. In addition, PRP is widely used as a carrier of mesenchymal stem cells for transplanting into bone defects. Therefore, allogeneic PRP therapy can be considered a simple, safe, and cost-effective method for the treatment of various diseases and disorders in canine practice. The therapeutic application of PRP in canine medicine is limited in the present study due to the lack of consensus for collection, characterization, and clinical use. Hence, further studies are required to establish the actual worth of PRP-based regenerative strategies in canine medicine.

Classification and coding of platelet-rich plasma derived from New Zealand white rabbits for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a category of platelet concentrate that has been widely used as a therapeutic modality in musculoskeletal medicine. The present study was conducted to classify and code the non-activated platelet-rich plasma (nPRP) derived from New Zealand white rabbits for tissue engineering and other regenerative medicine applications.

METHODS

PRP was prepared from the whole blood by double centrifugation protocol using a laboratory centrifuge. The prepared nPRP was characterized using the parameters such as platelet dose, the relative composition of platelets, WBC, and RBC. The production protocol was described using the parameters such as platelet enrichment factor, factor increase in WBC concentration, platelet capture efficiency, WBC-reducing efficiency, and RBC-reducing efficiency. The nPRP was also classified and coded using the most recent and universally accepted classification and coding systems.

RESULTS

The non-activated leukocyte-poor red cell-rich PRP had an average platelet count of 1875.75 × 10⁹/L, which is higher than the basal platelet concentration in the whole blood. Furthermore, the protocol used in this study has a mean platelet capture efficiency of 47.43 ± 6.42%.

CONCLUSION

The protocol described in this study can be used to prepare non-activated leukocyte-poor red cell-rich PRP (Red-PRP IC1) from rabbits that can be coded as 318-00-00.

Development of a novel atrophic non-union model in rabbits: A preliminary study

Background and aim

The currently available atrophic non-union models rely on wide segmental excision of bone diaphysis to impede the process of healing but lack resemblance to the clinical scenario. The present study focused on developing an in vivo model of atrophic non-union fracture in rabbit radius that can replicate the clinical scenario.

Materials and methods

The atrophic non-union fracture model was developed by creating a 10 mm segmental bone defect in the radial diaphysis of five adult New Zealand White rabbits. The periosteum (2 mm) of the cut bone ends was cauterized using electrocautery to induce atrophy. Atrophic non-union was confirmed using radiographic and histologic evaluations on 30th postoperative day.

Results

The radiographic signs of healing were completely absent in all the rabbits on 30th postoperative day, indicating inert bone ends. Histological findings further confirmed the presence of inert bone ends, indicating the development of atrophic non-union.

Conclusion

The combination of the segmental bone defect, electrocautery induced thermal damage of bone end periosteum, and delayed treatment can induce the development of atrophic non-union fracture model in rabbits that can replicate the clinical scenario.

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In vivo model of atrophic non-union fracture in rabbit radius was developed that can replicate the clinical scenario.

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Radiographic and histological findings confirmed the presence of inert bone ends.

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Combination of segmental bone defect, electrocautery induced thermal damage, and delayed treatment can induce atrophic non-union fracture.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing and carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli in rescued Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), India

The study reports the multi-drug resistant (MDR), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing and carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli (CRE) isolated from rescued sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), India. Non-duplicate faecal samples from 21 adult rescued sloth bears were collected at once during 2015-2016 and processed for isolation of E. coli and antibacterial susceptibility pattern. From 21 samples, 45 E. coli were isolated and on phenotypic screening, 23 were MDR, 17 were ESBL producers, and five were carbapenem-resistant (CR). Three E. coli isolates (6.67%, 3/45) showed no resistance, however 42 isolates (93.33%, 42/45) exhibited resistant to at least one antibiotics. The MDR isolates carried beta-lactamase, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, fluroquinolone, and sulphadimidine resistance genes. All the phenotypic ESBL producing isolates harbored blaCTX-M genes. On genotypic screening, three CRE (60.0%, 3/5) were positive for blaNDM carbapenemase gene and efflux pump-mediated carbapenem resistance was detected in two CRE isolates (40.0%, 2/5) which were negative for carbapenemase genes. The CRE isolates (n = 5) also co-harbored AMR genes like blaTEM-1, blaAmpC, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, tetA, tetB and sulI. Virulence screening of the resistant isolates detected the presence of Stx1(n = 1), Stx2 (n = 3), eaeA (n = 4) and hlyA (n = 3) genes. Plasmid incompatibility (Inc) typing revealed that two isolates harboured blaNDM-5 gene on Incl1 and one isolate on IncF plasmid. Apart from the NDM gene, the plasmids also carried tetracycline, beta-lactamase and quinolone resistance genes. The plasmid multilocus sequence typing (pMLST) of the E. coli Incl1 plasmid showed the Sequence Type (ST) 297. This appears to be the first report of MDR, ESBL producing and blaNDM-5 genes on Incl1 and IncF plasmids from rescued sloth bear.

Standardization and characterization of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction from New Zealand white rabbits for bone tissue engineering

Background and Aim:

Adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) contains a heterogeneous cell population comprising multipotent adipose-derived stem cells. Regenerative therapy using adipose-derived SVF has broad applications in bone tissue engineering due to the superior osteogenic potential of SVF. This study was designed to standardize and characterize adipose-derived SVF obtained from New Zealand white rabbits for bone tissue engineering and other potential applications.

Materials and Methods:

Ten skeletally mature and clinically healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. The SVF was prepared using surgically resected interscapular adipose tissue following enzymatic digestion with 0.1% collagenase type I solution. The SVF pellet obtained after the final centrifugation step was suspended in a 0.5 mL control solution to obtain ready-to-use adipose-derived SVF. The freshly prepared SVF was characterized based on the total SVF cell count and cell yield per gram of adipose tissue. The SVF cells were enumerated using a hemocytometer.

Results:

Interscapular adipose tissue depots are ideal for preparing autologous adipose-derived SVF due to the ease of access. The interscapular adipose-derived SVF prepared by enzymatic digestion had an average cell yield of 3.15±0.09×10⁶ cells/g adipose tissue. Freshly prepared SVF had a total cell count of 3.15±0.09×10⁴ cells/μL.

Conclusion:

The enzymatic digestion of adipose tissue using 0.1% collagenase resulted in better cell yield per gram than methods previously reported in rabbits. The use of adipose-derived SVF can preclude the requirement for an additional culture period. In addition, it may also reduce the risk of extensive cell contamination, which makes it a safe and cost-effective strategy for bone tissue engineering applications.

Clinical evaluation following the percutaneous transplantation of allogenic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aBM-MSC) in dogs affected by vertebral compression fracture

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Intraspinal administration of allogenic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aBM-MSC) along with supportive therapy can be recommended as a therapeutic strategy for managing neural defects associated with non-deviating vertebral compression fractures in canine patients.

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Percutaneous technique described in this communication is a non-invasive and efficient method that can be used for transplanting stem cell into the target site without the need of any imaging or guidance system.

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Simplified implantation protocol that can be applied in the field level.

Stem cell therapy has been extensively evaluated for its potential in managing neuronal diseases and disorders. The present study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of allogenic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aBM-MSC) for the management of neural defects associated with vertebral compression fracture (VCF) in canine. Six clinical cases presented with the history of neural defects secondary to non-deviating VCFs were included in the present study. All the animals were subjected to detailed clinical, radiological, and haematological investigations and observations were recorded. The neurological defects in each case were graded based on routine neurological examination. The aBM-MSCs were isolated, cultured, and characterized as per ISCT criteria from the bone marrow collected from healthy dogs presented for elective surgery. The prepared cell suspension containing aBM-MSC at 3rd passage was utilized for transplantation in the clinical cases of VCF. Following the intraspinal administration of aBM-MSC, the dogs were treated with methylcobalamin and gabapentin orally throughout the study period. Improvement was evaluated on the basis of a detailed neurological examination. Significant improvement in locomotor status and sensory functions was observed in all the cases. Findings of the present study suggest that intraspinal administration of aBM-MSCs along with supportive therapy can be recommended as a therapeutic strategy for managing neural defects associated with non-deviating VCFs in canine patients.

Effect of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the expression of genes involved in progesterone biosynthesis in the corpus luteum of goat (Capra hircus)

Emerging evidence indicates that dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) alter the fatty acid composition of corpus luteum (CL) and directly affect the luteal function in the cow, which is independent of the inhibitory effect on the endometrial PGF_2α production. The present study, thus, investigated the effects of n-3 PUFA rich fish oil (FO) supplementation on the transcriptional modulation of genes involved in the biosynthesis of progesterone (P₄ ) in the CL collected during the luteolytic phase of oestrous cycle in the goat. On the day of synchronized oestrus, goats (n = 6/group) were fed an isocaloric diet supplemented with either FO or palm oil (PO). The dose of oil supplementation was 0.6 mlkg^-1 body weight, and the duration was 55-57 days. The FO provided 156 mgkg^-1 body weight of n-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The CL was collected by laparotomy on day 16 post-oestrus, and the relative abundance of P450 side-chain cleaving enzyme, steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) genes was quantitated by real-time PCR. The results indicated that the dietary FO significantly upregulated the expression of 3β-HSD by 1.13-fold and downregulated StAR by ~2-fold as compared to PO group (p < .05). It is concluded that dietary FO differently affected the expression of genes involved in P₄ synthesis in the CL during the luteolytic window of the oestrous cycle in the goat.

Epoxy-Pin External Skeletal Fixation for Management of Open Bone Fractures in Calves and Foals: A Review of 32 Cases

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of this study was to evaluate epoxy-pin external skeletal fixation technique for the treatment of open fractures in calves and foals.

STUDY DESIGN

 Twenty-eight calves and four foals (weighing 45-105 kg) with fractures distal to the stifle or elbow made the subject for the retrospective study. The pins (2.0-3.0-mm Kirschner wires, crossed at 60-90°) were fixed at least at two locations in both proximal and distal bone fragments as per the case situation. The pins in the same plane were bent (∼2 cm from the skin) towards the fracture site or joint and were joined using an adhesive tape (additional pins used when required) to make a temporary scaffold of connecting bars or rings. Thoroughly mixed epoxy putty was applied along the pin scaffold (the epoxy columns were 20-25 mm diameter) and allowed to set for 45 to 60 minutes. All animals were evaluated based on various clinical and radiographic observations made at regular intervals.

RESULTS

 The epoxy-pin fixation was easy to apply and provided stable fixation of bone as indicated by early weight bearing, and fracture healing within 45 to 60 days (17/32 cases). The functional recovery was good to very good in 14 animals and satisfactory in nine cases by 12 months after removal of the fixator.

CONCLUSIONS

 The multiplanar epoxy-pin external skeletal fixation provides stable fixation of unstable open fractures distal to the stifle or elbow joint; hence, it can be used to treat a variety of fractures in calves and foals weighing up to approximately 100 kg, especially open infected fractures of lower limb, which are difficult to treat by conventional techniques.

Antimicrobial Activity of Agarwood Oil Against Multiple-Drug-Resistant (MDR) Microbes of Clinical, Food and Environmental Origin

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Multiple-Drug-Resistance (MDR) among bacteria is an imminent problem and alternative therapies are seen as a future abode. Agarwood Oil (AO) is described to possess antimicrobial activity besides many other medicinal utilities. This paper discusses the antimicrobial activity of AO on MDR and non-MDR strains of microbes of 69 genera isolated from clinical and non-clinical samples.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study sensitivity of microbes was determined for conventional antimicrobials and AO using disc diffusion assay followed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using agar well dilution assay. A total of 18.5% (522) strains were found sensitive to AO. Carbapenem resistant bacterial strains were more often (p, ≤0.01) resistant to antibiotics with 4.2 times more odds (99% CI, 2.99-5.90) of being MDR than carbapenem sensitive strains but no difference in their AO sensitivity was observed. However, MDR strains were more often (p, <0.001) resistant to AO than non-MDR strains. Bacteria isolated from dogs were more often sensitive to AO than those from buffaloes, human, horse, and cattle. On the other hand, bacteria from pigs were more often (p, ≤0.05) resistant to AO than bacteria from human, cattle, buffaloes, dogs, wild carnivores and birds. Oxidase positive Gram positive bacteria had 4.29 (95% CI, 2.94-6.27) times more odds to be AO sensitive than oxidase negative Gram negative bacteria. Bacillus species strains were the most sensitive bacteria to AO followed by strains of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. The MIC of AO for different bacteria ranged from 0.01 mg/mL to > 2.56 mg/mL.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that MDR and AO resistance had a similar trend and AO may not be seen as a good antimicrobial agent against MDR strains.

Evaluation of tissue-engineered bone constructs using rabbit fetal osteoblasts on acellular bovine cancellous bone matrix

Aim:

The aim of this study was to generate composite bone graft and investigate the rabbit fetal osteoblasts adhesion, proliferation and penetration on acellular matrices of cancellous bone.

Materials and Methods:

Acellular cancellous bone was prepared and developed as in the previous study with little modification. These matrices were decellularized by rapid freeze and thaw cycle. To remove the cell debris, they were then treated with hydrogen peroxide (3%) and ethanol to remove antigenic cellular and nuclear materials from the scaffold. Primary osteoblast cells were harvested from 20 to 22 days old rabbit fetal long and calvarial bone. These cells were cultured and characterized using a specific marker. The third passaged fetal osteoblast cells were then seeded on the scaffold and incubated for 14 days. The growth pattern of the cells was observed. Scanning electron microscope and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to investigate cells proliferation.

Results:

The cells were found to be growing well on the surface of the scaffold and were also present in good numbers with the matrix filopodial extensions upto inside of the core of the tissue.

Conclusion:

Thus, a viable composite scaffold of bone could be developed which has a great potential in the field of bone tissue engineering.

Development of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detection of Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs

Diagnosis of canine babesiosis, caused by Babesia gibsoni is difficult, especially in chronically infected dogs. A loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and standardized by using four oligonucleotide primers targeting the hypervariable region of 18S rRNA gene (GenBank Acc. no. KC461261). The primers specifically amplified B. gibsoni DNA, while no amplification was detected with DNA from non-infected dogs as well as from dogs infected with Babesia canis vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Ehrlichia canis and Trypanosoma evansi. The assay could detect 1.35 × 10(-7) parasitaemia and 10(-4) dilution of recombinant plasmid, equivalent to 12 pg of target DNA. All the samples were tested by nested PCR as well as LAMP assay. LAMP was found to be 10 times more sensitive than nested PCR targeting the same gene. Out of 75 suspected field samples, collected from different parts of the country, LAMP could detect B. gibsoni in 43 samples, while nested PCR and microscopy could detect 37 and 23 samples, respectively. High sensitivity, specificity and rapidity of LAMP assay may be exploited for screening large number of samples in a field setting.

Nasal Oestrosis in a Jamunapari goat

Oestrus ovis is a well-known parasite of the nasal cavities and adjoining sinuses in sheep and goats. A 3-year-old female Jamunapari goat was presented with a history of anorexia, weight loss, in-coordinated movements, nasal discharge since 10 days and two nasal bots expelled during sneezing 3 days back. Upon clinical examination the animal was dull, dysphonic, unsteady gait and having blocked nostrils with thick mucoid discharge along with an increased respiratory rate. Parasitiological examination revealed it as an O. ovis (nasal bots). The occurrence of nasal bots in a goat and its successful therapeutic management and public health significance have been reported and discussed in the present communication.

Coenurus gaigeri cyst in the thigh of a goat and its successful management

A 11 month old female goat was presented to Polyclinic, IVRI with the history of swelling in the left hind leg on the inner aspect of thigh and inguinal region. Physical and radiological examination revealed a large fluctuating fluid filled bladder with distinct dimension. The cyst was successfully removed along with its membrane and parasitological examination revealed it as a Coenurus gaigeri, the intermediate stage of T. multiceps gaigeri. The animal recovered completely by 10th postoperative day without any complications. This is being described in detail as under.

Effect of IGF-1 and Uncultured Autologous Bone-Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cells on Repair of Osteochondral Defect in Rabbits

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the utility of bone-marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMNCs) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in articular cartilage repair.

DESIGN

An osteochondral defect of 3 mm diameter and 5 mm depth was created in patellar groove of the left knee joint in each of 36 New Zealand White rabbits. The defect was filled with RPMI-1640 medium in group A (control), autologous BMNCs in group B, and autologous BMNCs plus IGF-1 in group C (n = 12). Healing of the defect was assessed by gross, scanning electron microscopic, radiographic, and histological examinations up to 90 days.

RESULTS

Gross and scanning electron microscopic examination of the healing site revealed superior gross morphology and surface architecture of the healing tissue in the animals of group C as compared to other groups. Radiographically on day 90, the defect area was not distinguishable from the surrounding area in group C, but a small circular defect area was still evident in groups A and B. The regenerated tissue was mostly hyaline in group C and fibrocartilage in groups A and B. The cells were well organized and showed better deposition of proteoglycans in groups C and B than in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that implantation of bone-marrow-derived nucleated cells may facilitate the healing of osteochondral defects; however, the combination of BMNCs and IGF-1 induces faster and histologically better healing than the BMNCs alone.

Comparison of autogenic and allogenic bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells for repair of segmental bone defects in rabbits

Autogenic and allogenic bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were compared for repair of bone gap defect in rabbits. BM-MSCs were isolated from bone marrow aspirates and cultured in vitro for allogenic and autogenic transplantation. A 5mm segmental defect was created in mid-diaphysis of the radius bone. The defect was filled with hydroxyapatite alone, hydroxyapatite with autogeneic BM-MSCs and hydroxyapatite with allogenic BM-MSCs in groups A, B and C, respectively. On an average 3.45×10(6) cells were implanted at each defect site. Complete bridging of bone gap with newly formed bone was faster in both treatment groups as compared to control group. Histologically, increased osteogenesis, early and better reorganization of cancellous bone and more bone marrow formation were discernible in treatment groups as compared to control group. It was concluded that in vitro culture expanded allogenic and autogenic BM-MSCs induce similar, but faster and better healing as compared to control.

Prevalence of canine toxocariasis in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India

Toxocara canis is one of the most common parasitic helminth worm of dogs and also a causative agent of zoonotic disease in humans. This pilot study was conducted to determine the presence of T. canis infection in dog population in and around Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 558 faecal samples both from stray and owned dogs were screened and overall 24.3 % dogs were found positive for T. canis. A comparison between owned and stray dogs suggests that the higher prevalence was observed in the latter group. The age of the dogs had a considerable influence on prevalence, with a much higher proportion of younger dogs being infected. Among the stray dogs, the infection rate is much higher (62.79 %) in pups, as compared to 7.8 % in adult. Similarly, of the owned dogs screened 41.74 % pups were infected while the infection rate in adults was only 3.38 %. The higher rate of prevalence of this parasite in dogs could be the source of soil contamination for transmission of Toxocariasis which is of public health importance in this region.