Nevin Manimala

Vet World. 2025 Aug;18(8):2487-2498. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.2487-2498. Epub 2025 Aug 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens represent a significant threat to public health by enhancing microbial survival and facilitating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Iraq, data on the biofilm-producing potential of key meat-borne pathogens remain scarce, particularly for fastidious organisms such as Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and Salmonella serovars. This study investigated the prevalence and intensity of biofilm formation in selected meat-borne bacterial isolates and examined their correlation with phenotypic AMR, focusing on moderate to strong biofilm producers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 bacterial isolates – including Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]), Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis, and Salmonella Typhimurium – were recovered from retail meat samples collected between 2018 and 2023 in Wasit, Iraq. Biofilm-forming ability was quantified using microtiter plate assays and interpreted per Stepanovic’s criteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed through the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, with resistance patterns statistically analyzed for associations with biofilm strength.

RESULTS: Among all isolates, 25% were strong and 40.91% moderate biofilm producers. Salmonella serotypes showed the highest biofilm strength (100%), followed by C. jejuni (75%) and MRSA (57.14%). A significant correlation (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between biofilm production and resistance to vancomycin, ofloxacin, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, and cefoxitin. Gram-negative isolates with strong to moderate biofilm capacity exhibited resistance rates ranging from 61.90% to 95.24%, while Gram-positive MRSA showed higher resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides.

CONCLUSION: Biofilm production significantly contributes to increase AMR among meat-borne pathogens, compromising food safety and treatment efficacy. Enhanced surveillance, targeted biofilm control strategies, and molecular studies are crucial to mitigate the rising threat of biofilm-associated AMR in the food chain.

PMID:41064834 | PMC:PMC12501576 | DOI:10.14202/vetworld.2025.2487-2498

Vet World. 2025 Aug;18(8):2158-2168. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.2158-2168. Epub 2025 Aug 2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In The Gambia, malaria transmission persists due to insecticide resistance and residual vector behavior, despite extensive use of indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated nets. Community-led larval source management using Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) offers a sustainable vector control alternative. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of community-led Bti application for reducing Anopheles mosquito populations, compared to expert-supervised application and non-intervention control arms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted across malaria-endemic regions in The Gambia from 2023 to 2024. Intervention arms included: (1) community-led Bti application, (2) expert-supervised Bti application, and (3) untreated control. Trained volunteers and entomologists applied Bti to breeding sites at weekly or biweekly intervals. Entomological surveys were conducted biweekly to monitor larval, pupal, and adult mosquito densities. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models and negative binomial regression, adjusting for environmental covariates.

RESULTS: By round 10, community-led and expert-supervised interventions achieved 96.8% and 98.6% reductions in larval density, 97.4% and 99.1% reductions in pupal emergence, and 96.2% and 98.8% reductions in adult mosquito populations, respectively. Statistically significant declines in mosquito densities were observed by 2024 (p < 0.001). Community participation enabled high coverage and operational sustainability, with over 85% of participants reporting visible mosquito reduction.

CONCLUSIONS: Seasonal Bti application, especially when led by trained community members, significantly suppresses Anopheles populations. Although expert-supervised methods yielded slightly higher efficacy, community-led biolarviciding offers a scalable, sustainable, and environmentally safe vector control strategy, supporting The Gambia’s malaria elimination goals.

PMID:41064829 | PMC:PMC12501536 | DOI:10.14202/vetworld.2025.2158-2168

Vet World. 2025 Aug;18(8):2357-2366. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.2357-2366. Epub 2025 Aug 18.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The reproductive efficiency of livestock, especially indigenous breeds such as Donggala bulls, is pivotal to successful breeding programs. While conventional semen parameters are widely used, molecular markers, such as sperm protein profiles and DNA integrity, are emerging as reliable indicators of fertility. This study aimed to characterize the sperm protein profiles of Donggala bulls and examine their correlation with sperm DNA integrity and protamine deficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Frozen semen samples were collected from six Donggala bulls (aged 5-7 years). Pre-freezing evaluations included progressive motility (via computer-assisted sperm analysis), sperm morphology (using Diff-Quik staining), DNA integrity (assessed by the acridine orange assay), and protamine deficiency (assessed by the chromomycin A3 assay). Protein concentrations were determined using the bicinchoninic acid assay, and protein profiling was performed using 1D sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Band intensities and distributions were analyzed using ImageJ. Statistical correlations were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

RESULTS: Significant individual variation was observed in semen quality among bulls. Progressive motility ranged from 38.3% to 46.1%, DNA integrity from 79.5% to 96.8%, and protamine deficiency from 96.0% to 98.7%. The number of protein bands per sample varied between 8 and 11, with molecular weights ranging from 5 to 175 kilodaltons (kDa). Protein concentration ranged from 8.32 to 20.70 μg/mL. A 35 kDa protein band was notably absent in one bull, which may be linked to lower motility. Strong correlations were observed between sperm motility and DNA fragmentation (r = 0.628), protamine deficiency (r = 0.539), protein concentration (r = 0.658), and protein band expression (r = 0.788).

CONCLUSION: Sperm protein profiles in Donggala bulls are significantly correlated with DNA integrity and protamine deficiency, indicating their potential as molecular biomarkers for fertility prediction. These findings provide a foundation for integrating protein profiling into breeding soundness evaluations, suggesting that targeted proteomic analysis may enhance reproductive management strategies.

PMID:41064824 | PMC:PMC12501601 | DOI:10.14202/vetworld.2025.2357-2366

Vet World. 2025 Aug;18(8):2499-2510. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.2499-2510. Epub 2025 Aug 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Ethical treatment of animals in scientific research is fundamental to ensuring data integrity and public trust. In Indonesia, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) plays a key role in ethical oversight, yet the extent of researchers’ knowledge regarding its roles and animal welfare (AW) principles remains unclear. This study assessed the level of understanding (UN) of ethical clearance and AW practices among researchers at the Indonesian Centre for Animal Research and Development (ICARD), focusing on variations based on educational background and professional position.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey involving 107 researchers from: ICARD was conducted using a structured digital questionnaire assessing knowledge across three domains: IACUC roles, ethical clearance procedures, and AW implementation. Participants were stratified by educational background (veterinary vs. non-veterinary [NV]) and professional position. Non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis) were used to evaluate group differences, with post hoc Dunn’s tests where applicable.

RESULTS: Veterinary researchers showed significantly greater UN of AW implementation (p < 0.01) and marginally higher knowledge of ethical clearance procedures (p < 0.10) compared to non-veterinarians. While IACUC knowledge was high across both groups, no significant differences were found (p = 0.161). By researcher position, prospective researchers demonstrated the lowest comprehension of AW practices (mean rank = 32.30), while junior researchers and research professors had the highest levels (mean ranks = 62.06 and 62.31, respectively). Position-based differences in IACUC and ethical clearance UN were not statistically significant, but significant variation was found in AW implementation (p = 0.035).

CONCLUSION: This study reveals critical disparities in the UN of ethical clearance and AW among Indonesian researchers, particularly between veterinary and NV backgrounds and across researcher positions. Targeted ethics training, especially for early-career and NV researchers, is essential. Institutional policies should reinforce mandatory certification and continuous professional development to foster ethical research practices and enhance AW compliance.

PMID:41064822 | PMC:PMC12501603 | DOI:10.14202/vetworld.2025.2499-2510

Vet World. 2025 Aug;18(8):2311-2319. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.2311-2319. Epub 2025 Aug 14.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dengue is a significant mosquito-borne viral disease with increasing public health relevance, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Although it primarily affects humans, veterinary research plays a crucial role in understanding disease dynamics, particularly through the use of animal models and vector control strategies. This study aimed to analyze global research trends on dengue within the field of veterinary medicine between 2019 and 2024, identifying patterns in productivity, collaboration, and emerging thematic priorities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using Scopus-indexed publications retrieved on December 15, 2024. The search included terms related to dengue and Aedes species within the veterinary subject area. Data were analyzed using SciVal for metrics and collaboration patterns and RStudio for statistical summaries and visua-lizations. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed studies on dengue relevant to veterinary contexts published between 2019 and 2024.

RESULTS: A total of 742 publications were identified across 67 journals, including 652 articles and 60 reviews. Annual output showed a 3.01% decline, with an average document age of 2.56 years and 9.0 citations per article. International collaboration was evident in 41.51% of publications, with Brazil, Argentina, and Australia emerging as key contributors. Thematic evolution demonstrated a shift from basic entomological studies (2019-2020) to applied control strategies, including Wolbachia-based mosquito interventions and citizen surveillance (2021-2022). The most prolific institutions were Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Brazil) and the University of Florida (USA), while the journal Parasites and Vectors had the highest publication volume.

CONCLUSION: This bibliometric review highlights the growing interdisciplinary nature of dengue research in veterinary medicine and the pivotal role of international collaboration. The observed decline in publication rate underscores the need to reinvigorate research efforts. The findings advocate for a One Health approach integrating veterinary, ecological, and public health disciplines to address vector-borne diseases. Future efforts should focus on enhancing global partnerships, standardizing animal models, and supporting innovative vector control strategies to mitigate the burden of dengue.

PMID:41064819 | PMC:PMC12501540 | DOI:10.14202/vetworld.2025.2311-2319

Vet World. 2025 Aug;18(8):2367-2376. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.2367-2376. Epub 2025 Aug 21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Laser acupuncture has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach to enhance productivity in livestock. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of laser acupuncture applied to specific back-shu points (Bladder [BL]13, BL15, and BL21) on growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency (FE), and growth hormone (GH) levels in rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 male Hycole rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 8): Group A (placebo control), Group B (laser acupuncture on BL13, BL15, and BL21), and Group C (laser acupuncture on non-specific points). Treatments were conducted weekly over a 6-week period using a 0.2-joule semiconductor laser device. Body weight, feed intake, FCR, FE, and GH concentrations were recorded. GH levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were statistically evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s post hoc test.

RESULTS: Group B showed significantly higher final body weight (1.97 ± 0.07 kg), weight gain (919 ± 128 g), GH levels (1.75 ± 0.12 ng/mL), improved FCR (2.67 ± 0.07), and greater FE (37.45% ± 1.09%) compared to Groups A and C (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between Groups A and C, indicating the importance of targeting precise acupuncture points for therapeutic effectiveness.

CONCLUSION: Laser acupuncture at BL13, BL15, and BL21 significantly enhances metabolic efficiency, growth performance, and hormonal regulation in rabbits. The precision of point application is critical for achieving optimal physiological benefits. This technique provides a sustainable and non-invasive approach to enhancing feed utilization and productivity in rabbit farming and holds promise for broader application in modern animal husbandry.

PMID:41064818 | PMC:PMC12501583 | DOI:10.14202/vetworld.2025.2367-2376

Front Rehabil Sci. 2025 Sep 23;6:1677621. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2025.1677621. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of disability among industrial workers worldwide, often resulting from excessive physical and mental workload. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MSDs and their correlation with workload including physical and mental dimensions among industrial workers in the cleaning and ballasting division of a Peruvian shipyard.

METHODS: A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted in 2023 among 100 workers selected from a population of 134. Workload was assessed using a validated questionnaire covering physical and mental dimensions, while MSDs were evaluated with the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized the prevalence of workload and MSDs, and the relationship between variables was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, considering a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

RESULTS: High workload was identified in 85% of workers, with both physical and mental workload dimensions reaching high levels in the same proportion. The prevalence of severe MSDs was 88%, affecting primarily the wrist/hand, neck, shoulder, lumbar region, and elbow/forearm. A strong and statistically significant positive correlation was found between overall workload and MSDs (Spearman’s rho = 0.896, p < 0.001). Similar correlations were observed for the physical (rho = 0.834) and mental (rho = 0.896) workload dimensions.

CONCLUSION: Severe musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among industrial workers exposed to substantial physical and mental workload. The strong correlations observed highlight the need for comprehensive occupational health strategies that address both ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors to reduce the burden of MSDs in industrial settings.

PMID:41064811 | PMC:PMC12500539 | DOI:10.3389/fresc.2025.1677621

Cureus. 2025 Oct 6;17(10):e93986. doi: 10.7759/cureus.93986. eCollection 2025 Oct.

ABSTRACT

Background Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for impaired lung function and the development of chronic respiratory diseases. Early detection of pulmonary changes using spirometry can help in timely intervention and prevention of long-term complications. Objective To compare spirometry parameters between smokers and non-smokers, and to evaluate the effect of bronchodilator administration on pulmonary function in both groups. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 60 participants (30 smokers and 30 non-smokers). Spirometry was performed before and after bronchodilator administration to measure vital capacity (VC%), forced vital capacity (FVC%), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁%), FEV₁/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow over the middle one half of the FVC (FEF25-75%), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV%), and expiratory time. Paired t-tests were used for within-group comparisons, and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Smokers had significantly lower baseline spirometry values compared to non-smokers across all parameters (p < 0.001). Both groups showed statistically significant improvements post-bronchodilator (p < 0.001), with smokers exhibiting a smaller magnitude of improvement. Notably, FEV₁% increased from 47.2 ± 6.8 to 60.3 ± 11.5 in smokers and from 56.3 ± 7.1 to 73.3 ± 7.4 in non-smokers. The FEV₁/FVC ratio and other flow rates showed similar patterns. Expiratory time also increased post-bronchodilator in both groups. Conclusion Smoking is associated with marked reductions in lung function and diminished bronchodilator responsiveness. Early spirometric screening in smokers is essential to identify functional decline and guide smoking cessation and treatment strategies to prevent progression of pulmonary disease.

PMID:41064803 | PMC:PMC12501396 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.93986

Cureus. 2025 Oct 7;17(10):c349. doi: 10.7759/cureus.c349. eCollection 2025 Oct.

ABSTRACT

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63482.].

PMID:41064799 | PMC:PMC12503352 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.c349

Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2025 Oct 8;17(1):386. doi: 10.1186/s13098-025-01959-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is recognized as a significant indicator of relative hyperglycemia that has demonstrated to correlate with poor outcomes, including elevated mortality rates in individuals facing severe acute conditions. However, the connection between SHR and all-cause mortality and premature death in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains insufficiently investigated. This research intended to investigate the relationship between SHR and all-cause mortality and premature death among individuals with CVD.

METHODS: This cohort study involved data extracted from 2,714 follow-up cohorts sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants were categorized based on SHR quartiles. The relationship between SHR and all-cause mortality and premature death in CVD patients was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, restricted cubic splines (RCS), Cox proportional hazards models, threshold effect analysis, and subgroup analyses.

RESULTS: Over an average follow-up duration of 88.38 months, 1,201 deaths were documented, of which 351 were classified as premature. The Kaplan-Meier curves illustrated that individuals in quartile 2 of SHR exhibited highest survival probability compared to other quartiles. Cox proportional hazards regression revealed a positive association between SHR (for continuous) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.12-2.19) as well as premature death (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.10-3.49). Compared with the second quartile, both lower and higher SHR values were significantly correlated with elevated risk of all-cause mortality and premature death (HR > 1, P-value < 0.05). The RCS analysis elucidated a U-shaped association of SHR with risk of all-cause mortality and premature death. Furthermore, the threshold effect analysis pinpointed the inflection points for SHR relative to all-cause mortality and premature death at 0.86 and 0.87, respectively. E-value indicated that the model demonstrated robust stability concerning potential unknown confounding variables.

CONCLUSION: An independent association of SHR with all-cause mortality and premature death was observed among individuals with CVD. Maintaining SHR within a moderate range might improve their prognosis.

PMID:41063297 | DOI:10.1186/s13098-025-01959-3