M. Younus

In vitro and in vivo acaricidal activity of a herbal extract.

The anti-tick efficacy of combined aqueous herbal extracts of Azadirachta indica leaves, Nicotiana tabacum leaves, Calotropis procera flowers and Trachyspermum ammi seeds was evaluated using adult immersion test, larval packet test and ear bag method. The extract exhibited lethal effects on egg laying (index of egg laying=0.371404±0.00435), hatching (22.35%) and total larval mortality at 50 mg ml(-1) and reduced tick intensity on the infested calves (18 detached out of 35 at 45% (w/w) suspension, topically applied). The herbal extract exerted dose- and time-dependent response against all the developmental stages of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus considered in this study, thus justified their use in the traditional system of Pakistan.

Chitosan: A potential biopolymer for wound management

It has been seen that slow healing and non-healing wounds conditions are treatable but still challenging to humans. Wound dressing usually seeks for biocompatible and biodegradable recipe. Natural polysaccharides like chitosan have been examined for its antimicrobial and healing properties on the basis of its variation in molecular weight and degree of deacetylation. Chitosan adopts some vital characteristics for treatment of various kinds of wounds which include its bonding nature, antifungal, bactericidal and permeability to oxygen. Chitosan therefore has been modified into various forms for the treatment of wounds and burns. The purpose of this review article is to understand the exploitation of chitosan and its derivatives as wound dressings. This article will also provide a concise insight on the properties of chitosan necessary for skin healing and regeneration, particularly highlighting the emerging role of chitosan films as next generation skin substitutes for the treatment of full thickness wounds.

Role of aflatoxin toxicity on transmissibility and pathogenicity of H9N2 avian influenza virus in turkeys.

The study was conducted to investigate the role of aflatoxin on the infectivity and transmissibility of H9N2 AI virus. The experiment was performed on 80 non-vaccinated turkeys, divided into 4 groups of 20 birds each. Group A was kept as non-infected and a non-treated negative control; Group B was inoculated intratracheally with H9N2 AI virus (1 × 107 EID50) at 4 weeks of age; Group C was fed on a diet containing 0.5 ppm aflatoxin from Day 1 through the entire experiment period and Group D was fed on diet containing 0.5 ppm aflatoxin as for Group C but inoculated intratracheally with H9N2 AI virus (1 × 107 EID50) at the fourth week of age and then mixed with naïve birds. Infected and contact birds showed clinical signs of different severity, showing the most prominent disease signs in birds of the aflatoxin + H9N2 group. All infected birds showed virus shedding, however, the pattern of virus shedding was different for birds of the aflatoxin + H9N2 group showing pronounced virus secretion. Similarly, efficient transmission of virus was observed between infected and contact birds, but more prominent virus transmission was seen in those birds inoculated and fed aflatoxin-treated diet. Moreover, significantly lower antibody titres against H9N2 AIV were observed in birds fed aflatoxin-treated diet, indicating an immunotoxic nature of aflatoxin as the reason for poor seroconversion. Similarly, decreased IFNγ mRNA expression and higher mortality (35%) suggest an immunotoxic and immunosuppressive effect of aflatoxin leading to enhanced pathogenesis of H9N2 viruses in aflatoxin-fed birds. The immunosuppressive nature of aflatoxin might delay influenza virus clearance and this may be one of the reasons for increased pathogenicity of H9N2 LPAI viruses in turkeys under field conditions.

Application of avian cytokines as immuno-modulating agents

Statement of Retraction We, the Editor and Publisher of World’s Poultry Science Journal, have retracted the following article: S. Umar, M. Arif, M.A.A. Shah, M.T. Munir, M. Yaqoob, S. Ahmed, M.I. Khan, M. Younus & M. Shahzad, ‘Application of avian cytokines as immuno-modulating agents’ (2015) 71:4, 643-654 https://doi.org/10.1017/S004393391500238X The above article has been retracted as, subsequent to publication, significant duplication has been found in content in the following sections ‘Introduction’, ‘Cytokines and avian immune system’, ‘Cytokines as therapeutic agents and vaccine adjuvants’ and ‘Delivering vaccinations and adjuvants’ with the following earlier published works: Manija Asif, Kristie A Jenkins, Louise S Hilton, Wayne G Kimpton, Andrew GD Bean & John W Lowenthal, ‘Cytokines as adjuvants for avian vaccines’ Immunology and Cell Biology (2004) 82:6, 638-643 DOI 10.1111/j.1440-1711.2004.01295.x Wigley P & Kaiser P, ‘Avian cytokines in health and disease’ Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science (2003) 5:1 DOI 10.1590/S1516-635X2003000100001 We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as “Retracted”.

Effect of sodium butyrate on performance, immune status, microarchitecture of small intestinal mucosa and lymphoid organs in broiler chickens

Objective This study aimed to examine the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) on growth performance, immune status, organs weights, and microarchitecture of lymphoid organs and small intestine. Methods A total of 120, 1-d-old broiler chicks were distributed into the following four treatment groups: corn-soy based basal diet (BD) without supplement (control), or the same BD supplemented with 0.1 g/kg zinc bacitracin (ZnB), 0.5 g/kg SB (SB-0.5), or 1.0 g/kg SB (SB-1), respectively. Six birds/group were killed on d-21 and d-35, and samples were collected. Results Cell-mediated immune response at 48 h post-Phytohemagglutinin-P injection, and antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine and sheep red blood cells on d-35 was noted higher (p<0.05) in SB-1 compared to ZnB and control. Lower (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) was attained by the supplemented groups. Thymus and spleen weighed more (p<0.05) in SB-1, and bursa registered more (p<0.05) weight in both SB groups compared to control. On d-21, areas of thymus medulla and spleen germinal centers were noted higher (p<0.05) in SB-1 group. The villus height and villus surface area increased (p<0.05) in duodenum and jejunum in both SB groups on d-21, and in SB-1 on d-35, respectively compared to ZnB and control. On d-21, number of goblet cells containing mucins of acidic nature increased (p<0.05) in all the segments of small intestines in SB-1 group compared to control, and on d-35 in ileum compared to other groups. Conclusion In conclusion, SB improved growth performance and immunity as well as modulated morphology of lymphoid organs and gut mucosa in broiler chickens.

Risk factors for H7 and H9 infection in commercial poultry farm workers in provinces within Pakistan

A cross sectional survey was conducted involving 354 farm poultry workers on 85 randomly selected commercial poultry farms in high density poultry farm areas in Pakistan to estimate the sero-prevalence of H5, H7 and H9 and to identify the potential risk factors for infection with the avian influenza virus. A haemagglutination inhibition test titre at 1:160 dilution was considered positive, based on WHO guidelines. The estimated sero-prevalence was 0% for H5, 21.2% for H7 and 47.8% for H9. Based on a generalized linear mixed model, the significant risk factors for H7 infection were area, type of farm and age of poultry worker. Risk of infection increased with the age of poultry workers. Compared with broiler farms, breeder farms presented a greater risk of infection (odds ratio [OR]=3.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 10.1). Compared with the combined Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Federal area, North Punjab had higher observed biosecurity measures and presented a lesser risk of infection (OR=0.3, 95% CI 0.1, 0.9). Biosecurity should therefore be enhanced (especially in breeder farms) to reduce the occupational risks in poultry farm workers and to decrease the risk of emergent human-adapted strains of AI H7 and H9 viruses.

Role of Wheat Based Diet on the Pathology of Necrotic Enteritis in Turkeys

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of wheat based diet on the pathology of necrotic enteritis in turkeys. Turkeys were divided into four groups. Groups A and B were kept as noninoculated and fed normal commercial diet while groups C and D were challenged orally with C. perfringens and fed wheat based diet to promote the development of experimental disease. Infected turkeys showed clinical signs of depression, ruffled feathers, and dark yellowish faeces showing the most prominent disease signs in turkeys of group D with 30% mortality. Similarly, turkeys of group D showed more striking gross and histopathologic lesions as compared to turkeys of group C. The most severe gross lesions comprised intestinal distension, small necrotic spots and haemorrhages on intestine, fragile intestinal wall, and gas bubble formation in the small intestine. Histologically, inoculated turkeys showed patchy necrosis, desquamation of intestinal epithelium, and intense leukocyte infiltration in the intestine. Microscopic examination showed significant decrease in the height of intestinal villi of inoculated birds. Haematological studies showed significant influence of necrotic enteritis on the blood profile of turkeys in group D. The findings revealed that simultaneous feeding of wheat enhanced the pathology of necrotic enteritis in turkeys.

Sodium arsenate and/or urea differently affect clinical attributes, hemato-biochemistry and DNA damage in intoxicated commercial layer birds

Abstract An experimental study was ascertained in birds to assess the toxicological effects of arsenic (sodium arsenate) and urea alone or in different combinations. After two weeks of acclimatization, all the birds were randomly divided into six equal groups (T0–T5) each containing 15 birds. Arsenic (A) and urea (U) was given to chickens (mg/kg body weight) daily for 39 days as follow: T1 (A10U0.5), T2 (A15U0.75), T3 (A20U1.0), T4 (A25) and T5 (U1.5). Various signs of toxicity such as depression, dullness, tremors, watery droppings, gasping, anemic comb and wattle were prominent in treated birds. Feed consumption and body weight of experimental birds treated with arsenic and urea decreased significantly. The absolute and relative weights of different visceral organs such as heart, liver, kidneys, spleen and bursa of treated birds were decreased significantly. Histologically, tissue sections of liver showed necrosis of hepatocyte, fatty degeneration and mild congestion. Microscopically, necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, congestion and increased urinary spaces in kidneys, mild congestion in spleen and vacuolation in bursa of Fabricius of treated birds was evident. Hematological assessment indicated significant decrease in hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, hematocrit percent and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations. Results revealed significant increase in serum cardiac iso-enzyme, triglycerides, cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentration in treated birds as compared to untreated birds. A significant decrease in serum total proteins while increased concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, asparatate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and urea was estimated in treated birds. Significantly increased frequency of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes was recorded. It was concluded that arsenic and urea in combinations even at low levels affect clinical attributes, hemato-biochemical parameters and erythrocyte morphology in layer birds.

Health Concerns Associated with Biofuel Production

Worldwide intensive demand of biofuel as a substitute to fossil fuels has sparked a debate about their advantages especially concerns about human health. Potential health impacts of biofuel are linked to biochemical and chemicals applied in biofuel production processes. Such caustic chemicals are highly hazardous for human health. Other impacts of biofuel come through water pollution; air pollution and use of agrochemicals and pesticides to raise the feedstock. Incomplete burning of sugarcane leaves or residues may results in toxic compounds formation and fine particulates are emitted into atmosphere. The chapter summarizes the basic health effects of biofuel from agriculture cultivation of feedstock to production processes.

Viral hepatitis in chicken and turkeys

We, the Editor and Publisher of World’s Poultry Science Journal, have retracted the following article: M. Younus, Q. Nisa, M.T. Munir, T. Jamil, K. Kaboudi, Z.U. Rehman, S. Umar & M.A. Shah ‘Viral hepatitis in chickens and turkeys’, World’s Poultry Science Journal, (2017) 73:2, 379-394 https://doi.org/10.1017/S0043933917000228. The above article has been retracted as, subsequent to publication, a significant duplication has been found in content throughout the article with the following earlier published article: Danielle M. Yugo, Ruediger Hauck, H. L. Shivaprasad & Xiang-Jin Meng ‘Hepatitis Virus Infections in Poultry’, Avian Diseases, (2016) 60:3, 576-588, DOI 10.1637/11229-070515-Review.1 We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as “Retracted”.