Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) is a university established by the Government of Kerala in December 2010 to further education, research and extension services in the field of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. The territorial jurisdiction of the university extends to the whole of the State of Kerala. Its headquarters is located at Pookode near Kalpetta in Wayanad District in Kerala State..
This study evaluated whether quercetin nanoparticles can ameliorate ethion-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar albino rats and nanoparticle delivery improves efficacy over free quercetin. Chitosan–TPP encapsulated quercetin nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation and characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, and SEM, showing characteristic FTIR peaks at 3416.74 and 2924.20 cm − 1, a melting transition at 326.02 °C, a uniform single thermal event around 150–250 °C in TGA, and nanoscale rod-like, granular, and spherical morphologies. Forty-two rats were randomized into seven groups (n = 6): vehicle, quercetin, quercetin nanoparticles, ethion (7.2 mg/kg), ethion (3.6 mg/kg), ethion + quercetin (50 mg/kg), and ethion + quercetin nanoparticles (50 mg/kg) for 60 days. Ethion produced dose-dependent testicular toxicity, evidenced by reduced testicular enzymes (ACP, LDH, SDH, GGT), decreased antioxidant defenses (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST, GR), depletion of GSH, and increased oxidative stress indices (LPO, PCC, ROS). Reproductive impairment was reflected by decreased sperm motility, total count, viability, HOST-positive sperm, and intact acrosomes, with increased abnormal morphology. Ethion also reduced steroidogenic enzymes (3β-HSD, 17β-HSD) and reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone). Apoptosis was enhanced, with dose-dependent upregulation of caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl2 at mRNA and protein levels and by immunostaining, corroborated by histopathological necrosis, spermatogonial depletion, vacuolation, apoptotic cells, and DNA fragmentation. Co-administration of quercetin mitigated these alterations, while quercetin nanoparticles produced significantly greater protection than free quercetin, likely via increased bioavailability, enhanced solubility, targeted delivery, and sustained release, supporting quercetin nanoparticles as a promising strategy against pesticide-induced reproductive toxicity.
Porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1) is a major cause of reproductive disorders in swine, leading to stillbirths, mummified fetuses, embryonic death, and infertility, and contributes to significant economic losses worldwide. However, isolation and complete genome molecular data on PPV1 circulating under field conditions in southern India remain scarce. In this study, 100 samples suspected of viral involvement in reproductive failure were collected. These included 70 pooled fetal tissue samples (liver, spleen, and lung) from stillborn or mummified fetuses delivered by dams during farrowing and 30 serum samples from female pigs with a prior history of reproductive failure across five southern Indian states. Molecular screening for PPV1 by VP2 gene–specific PCR detected a positivity rate of 13
The current study investigates the effects of soybean meal rich in phytoestrogen on estrogen receptor (ER) expression in non gonadal tissues layer chickens. The mRNA expression of ERα and ERβ, in the liver, shell gland, and oviduct, are compared between diets with or without soybean meal. Key findings reveal that soybean meal significantly increases ERα expression in the liver and shell gland, enhancing estrogenic activity important for egg production. In contrast, ERβ expression decreases in the oviduct, indicating tissue-specific effects of phytoestrogens. These results suggest that dietary soybean meal could improve reproductive performance and egg quality in poultry. Further research is needed to assess its long-term impact on health and productivity.
The Asian Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), a Near Threatened species, is increasingly observed breeding in human-dominated landscapes across South Asia. However, systematic studies on its nesting ecology in India remain scarce. This study investigates nest-site selection and adaptability of C. episcopus in the rapidly transforming landscapes of central Kerala, India. We recorded 30 active nests during the 2022 and 2023 breeding seasons across four districts, using a combination of citizen science data, field surveys, and spatial analyses. Nests were found on both natural (53.3%) and artificial substrates (46.7%), including trees and man-made structures such as telecom towers and electric pylons. Nesting sites were typically located near agricultural wetlands, rivers, and human settlements, with many nests situated within 5 km of major rivers and within 50 m of buildings or roads. Despite high levels of anthropogenic disturbance, storks demonstrated strong adaptability in substrate use, height preferences, and spatial proximity to foraging habitats. Our findings highlight the species’ behavioral flexibility and its reliance on wetland– agriculture mosaics in modified environments. This study highlights the species’ persistence in modified habitats and underscores the need to integrate wetland and nest-site protection into regional conservation planning.
PICO Question In dogs diagnosed with canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT), does treatment with vincristine combined with ivermectin, compared to treatment with vincristine alone, lead to improved clinical outcomes? Clinical bottom line Category of research Treatment. Number and type of study designs reviewed Two randomised controlled trials. Strength of evidence Weak. Outcomes reported The studies collectively indicate that the combination of vincristine and ivermectin may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for CTVT, with potential advantages over vincristine alone. One study demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the number of treatment sessions for tumour remission, although methodological limitations and the absence of long-term follow-up limit the evidence. The other study observed comparable treatment efficacy across groups and a trend toward improved tolerability, despite the presence of cytomorphologically resistant types in the combination group; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion Ivermectin, a synthetic avermectin, may augment the action of vincristine when used for the treatment of CTVT. This may reduce the duration of therapy, lessen side effects, minimise recurrence and in turn reduce the animal’s suffering. Overall, the evidence to support this is assessed as weak.
