Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative agent of contagious equine metritis, is a fastidious bacterium with limited tolerance to extra-host conditions; however, quantitative data on its growth dynamics and survival outside the host remain scarce. This study evaluated the growth of T. equigenitalis under aerobic and microaerophilic conditions in liquid medium and its survival in wet and dry straw-based bedding under controlled laboratory conditions. Growth was assessed at 20 °C and 37 °C using real-time optical density monitoring and viable cell counts. No proliferation was observed at 20 °C, whereas incubation at 37 °C resulted in measurable growth after 25–33 h. Viable cell counts were higher after incubation under aerobic conditions than under microaerophilic conditions, with a mean difference of 0.45 log10. Bacterial survival in straw-based bedding declined progressively over seven days, with significantly higher counts maintained under wet conditions compared to dry conditions. Viable cells remained detectable until the end of the experiment, particularly in wet bedding. The results provide quantitative data on the growth characteristics of T. equigenitalis and underscore the importance of appropriate hygiene and biosecurity measures in equine breeding facilities.
Tantalum(V) complexes remain a significantly underexplored class of potential metallodrugs. This study provides a critical re-evaluation of the half-sandwich Ta(V) Schiff-base [Ta(eta(5)-Cp*)Cl-2(salaph)] scaffold (1, Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, H(2)salaph = 2-{(E)-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenol)) based on targeted structural modifications involving halogen substitution on salaph and the coordination of different chelating or monodentate ligands. This approach resulted in eleven new complexes with the general composition [Ta(eta(5)-Cp*)(L-n)X-2] (2-12, H2Ln = O,N,O '-donor ligand, X = Cl-, dichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate), which were synthesized and extensively characterized. NMR stability studies showed chlorido complexes (1-8) as inert to hydrolysis under the used conditions, while carboxylato complexes (9-12) demonstrated a higher hydrolysis rate dependent both on water content (NMR results) and complex concentration (UV-Vis study), with half-lives ranging from minutes to hours. The in vitro antiproliferative activity was initially assessed against non-small cell lung cancer lines (A549, MOR, cisplatin resistant MOR/CPR), where the complexes proved inactive (IC50 > 20 mu M). However, further screening against monocytic THP-1 cells - a key model for lung tumour microenvironment - revealed a selective cytotoxic response. Cytotoxicity results correlated with increasing lipophilicity determined by RP-HPLC, with iodine-substituted complex 7 being the most potent (IC50 = 8.8 +/- 1.1 mu M). Furthermore, the coordination of dichloroacetate in 10 improved the activity compared to its inactive chlorido precursor 3, highlighting the potential of multimodal Ta(V)-carboxylato systems. These results suggest that while the Ta(V) scaffold faces challenges in treating solid tumours, it represents a promising lead for targeting haematological malignancies and the immune components of the tumour microenvironment.
Ursolic Acid (UA), a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene, was isolated from Ochrosia elliptica. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. In this study, we investigate the role of UA in alleviating the symptoms of PCOS, focusing on its biochemical, hormonal, and histopathological effects in a rat model. Using adult female Wistar Albino rats, PCOS was induced through letrozole administration. The rats were then treated with UA at two different doses (25 and 50 mg/kg), alongside a control group and a standard ovulation-inducing medication, clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg). Biochemical analyses showed that PCOS induction significantly increased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by approximately 1.21-fold, while markedly reducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities (p ≤ 0.05) by approximately 0.48-fold, relative to negative control. Treatment with UA (50 mg/kg) dose-dependently restored oxidative balance, reducing MDA ( 0.82-fold) and elevating SOD ( 2.39-fold) and CAT ( 2.11-fold) activities toward PCOS values (p ≤ 0.05). Hormonally, PCOS rats exhibited elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels by approximately 1.70-fold, compared to the negative control (p ≤ 0.05). Both doses of UA significantly lowered LH and testosterone, with the 50 mg/kg dose achieving reductions comparable to clomiphene citrate (p ≤ 0.05). Histopathological examination showed improved ovarian morphology with reduced cystic follicles and increased corpus lutea in UA-treated groups. Furthermore, UA downregulated key genes involved in steroidogenesis and oxidative stress response, suggesting a multifaceted mechanism of action. The findings highlight UA’s potential as a novel therapeutic option for managing PCOS symptoms, emphasizing the need for further research into its efficacy and safety in clinical applications.
Background:Aloe vera gel is rich in polysaccharides (acemannan), phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals, while Pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.) is a valuable source of punicalagin, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This study examined the impact of these bioactive-rich supplements on growth performance, metabolic activity, digestive enzyme function, antioxidant status, levels of nucleic acids and proteins, as well as gastrointestinal histomorphometry in growing rabbits. Materials and methods:Thirty male New Zealand White rabbits (56 ± 3 days) at the start of the trial, corresponding to the early post-weaning/growing phase in New Zealand White rabbits. Rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) and treated for 14 weeks. The control group (C) received a basal diet; the pomegranate group (P) received the basal diet supplemented with 4.5% pomegranate peel; and the Aloe vera group (A) received the basal diet with drinking water containing Aloe vera gel (500 mg/L). Results:Both supplemented groups exhibited significantly higher body weight and improved metabolic indices, including elevated blood glucose, total protein and lipid profile, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Activities of amylase, lipase, and protease increased significantly, with stronger stimulation observed in the pomegranate group. Antioxidant assays revealed higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase (CAT) activity, accompanied by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in both supplemented groups (p < 0.05). DNA and total protein concentrations were also elevated, particularly in the pomegranate group. Histomorphometric analysis of the duodenum showed significant improvements in villus height, crypt depth, and glandular area (p < 0.05). Aloe vera supplementation exerted greater effects on villus and crypt architecture, whereas pomegranate peel predominantly enhanced glandular development. Molecular docking simulations revealed that acemannan and punicalagin possess high binding affinities for pro-apoptotic and antioxidant targets. Specifically, acemannan exhibited markedly lower binding energies than punicalagin for both BAX (-10.627 vs. -7.540 kcal/mol) and SOD (-10.544 vs. -7.663 kcal/mol). These results suggest that acemannan may exert superior bioactivity by effectively modulating BAX-mediated apoptosis and augmenting SOD-driven antioxidant defense through stable protein-ligand complexation. Discussion:In conclusion, dietary supplementation with pomegranate peel or Aloe vera significantly improved growth performance, optimized metabolic activity, and enhanced intestinal morphology in growing rabbits. Each supplement provided unique physiological benefits, supported by molecular docking evidence linking their bioactive compounds to antioxidant and cytoprotective mechanisms.
Salmonellosis in calves is a common infectious disease caused by Salmonella bacteria, which can be dangerous to humans as well. It most often affects calves under two months of age, with peak incidence occurring in the spring after calving. The disease is found in most regions of Azerbaijan. In order to optimize application of GIS-technologies for studies of salmonellyoz diseases, utilized have been the data on epizootiological investigations of salmonellyosis cases Lenkaran city in Azerbaijan. Described has been a methodological approach to the issue, comprising 4 phases and aimed at enhancement of epizootiological surveillance over salmonellyosis. The first stage consists in learning the lessons of previously conducted salmonellyoz diseases mapping and specification of peculiarities of the territory. The second one is application of GIS-technologies for epizootiological analysis with a view to outlining the criteria for enzootic territory zoning, to assess dynamic qualitative and quantitative changes of epizootiological process, and estimate the impact of socio- ecological factors on the epizootic processes. The third phase is databases creation, (attributive charts) compiled with information on geographically referenced phenomena under discussion (natural salmonellyoz diseasesfoci, sites of host- animal allocation, potentially hazardous areas, morbidity rates, etc.). The fourth one – complex analysis of the software designed maps. Implementation of this methodology makes it possible not only to evaluate epizootological significance of the foci, to investigate integrated impact of socio-ecological factors on the occasion of population exposure to the infection, but also to carry out zoning of the territory taking into consideration epidemically significant factors. Therewith, it forms scientifically substantiated premises for the development and implementation of prophylactic and anti-epizootic measures.
