High Dilution of Dexamethasone in gestation and fetal development of mice

Background: Recently, the use of homeopathy in veterinary medicine has grown significantly, mainly for farm animal practice, because of its usefulness in organic production and low cost. There is a  wide range of veterinary products available in the  marketoften used in females. However, the effect of these products in the litter and derived products for human consummation is completely unknown. Aims: this  study sought to  develop an experimental model to study the putative effects of high diluted substances in newborns after chronic exposure of females. Methods: based on previous studies, the chosen test substance was dexamethasone 15cH; adult female Balb/c mice were divided into 4 groups: a) treated with PBS (control); b) treated with dexamethasone 15 cH; c) treated with dexamethasone 15cH + dexamethasone 4 mg/kg and d) treated with dexamethasone 4 mg/kg. All medicines were administered subcutaneously, 3 times a week, in females from the first day of pregnancy up to the 20th day after parturition (end of lactation period). TDevelopment of the offspring was evaluated daily  for 15 days after birth. Parameters evaluated were: female and offspring viability, number of newborns, time for eye opening, pinna opening, fur growth and postural reflex. Results: the group treated with dexamethasone 15cH  showed 39% increase in mortality rate 39 days after the beginning of treatment and 35% increase in fetal mortality at the end of gestation (p=0.0049). Females treated with dexamethasone 4mg/kg + dexamethasone 15cH showed 100% of fetal mortality. After parturition newborn survival in animals exposed to dexamethasone 4 mg/kg was higher than the control (p=0.0002). All other parameters of neonatal development were unchanged among groups. Conclusions: these data point to adverse effect when using high diluted dexamethasone during gestation detectable by this experimental model in Balb/c mice.

Seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies among vaccine manufacturing workers in contact with the Brucella melitensis Rev.1 vaccine strain

ABSTRACTBackgroundCattle vaccination remains an essential measure for the control of brucellosis. Strict preventive measures are applied to protect vaccine manufacturing workers (VMW) employed in processing these live attenuated vaccines. We analyzed the serological responses of VMW in contact with the Brucella melitensis Rev.1 strain.MethodsWe conducted an observational study of a cohort of VMW in a Spanish biopharmaceutical company, a leader in manufacturing veterinary products. The results of the Brucella serological tests carried out on these workers between 2012 and 2019 were reviewed, as well as demographic data, length of time in the company (seniority), and level of exposure. Multivariate analysis was performed with the logistic regression test.ResultsOf the 115 VMW studied, 47 (41%) showed positive Rose Bengal tests during company check-ups. Exposure levels were correlated with seropositivity, with an adjusted OR of 6.6 (95% CI: 2.1-20.3) for the high exposure and 2.0 (95% CI: 0.6-6.7) for the medium exposure groups. Sixteen (34%) seropositive VMW demonstrated an acute serologic pattern of IgG and IgM antibodies seropositivization, while 31 (66%) manifested a chronic serologic pattern of constant or intermittent positive IgG antibodies with persistently negative IgM antibodies. Seniority was inversely associated with the acute pattern: adjusted OR of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.79-0.97) for each year added. No seropositive VMW showed evidence of active brucellosis during follow up.ConclusionDespite strict safety measures, a percentage of VMW were exposed to the Rev.1 strain. Exposure levels were correlated with seropositivity. None of them developed symptomatic infection during follow-up. Two different serological patterns were observed: an acute IgM-positive pattern or a chronic IgM-negative pattern. Seniority was associated with the chronic pattern.

Pharmacognostic Specifications of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton Leaf and Tribulus terrestris L. Fruit: Important Medicinal Plants Used in Veterinary Products

Present article deals with the pharmacognostic specification of selected medicinal plants used in veterinary products for the purpose of their standardization, as evidential support concerning quality determination of plant material in veterinary medicine is scarce and there is poor documentation on primary studies of many species. The plants undertaken for the study were Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) and Tribulus terresteris (Zygophyllaceae) on the basis of their usage relevance in veterinary products. Both plants are official in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Morphology as well as various pharmacognostic aspects of different parts of the plant were studied and have been described, which will help in authentication and quality control. The observed microscopic characters of Calotropis procera leaf were rubiaceous type apostomatic stomata, epidermis, collenchymas, parenchyma, vascular bundles, palisade cells, cortical fibres and lamina, trichomes on the cuticle of lamina. Microscopic characteristics of Tribulus terrestris fruit were epicarp cells showing clusters of calcium oxalate crystals, xylem vessels, group of thin walled sclerenchymatous fibres, group of stone cells of mesocarp. Powder microscopy of the Tribulus terrestris fruit shows abundance of epidermal trichomes - simple, short, long, thick walled, multicellular covered trichomes, sclereids. The qualitative microscopic features would prove useful for laying down their pharmacopoeial standards. The present study also provides the information with respect to identification and authentication of crude drug and serves as a reference point for the proper identification of Calotropis procera leaf and Tribulus terrestris fruit, thereby contributing to the scientific world of research.

A Review of the Evolution of Dairy Policies and Regulations in Rwanda and Its Implications on Inputs and Services Delivery

The dairy sector in Rwanda plays a key role in improving nutrition and generating income mostly for rural households. Despite the Rwandan 1994 genocide that left around 80% of dairy cows decimated, the dairy sector has experienced significant growth in the past two decades through government, development organisations, and donor programs, and through the nascent vibrant public–private partnership. In this paper, we reviewed and documented the evolution of the dairy policies, programs, and regulations in Rwanda and how they have contributed to the development of the dairy sector. The policy change has impacted the provision and use of inputs and services that have shaped the sector's milk production and productivity, milk quality, and demand. The results suggest that various policy- and program-level interventions have positively contributed to the growth of the dairy sector and improved the livelihoods of low-income households. This has been achieved through increased access to inputs and services, enhanced capacities of the public and private sector to deliver services, strengthened dairy cooperatives' governance, and increased value proposition to members of various farmer groups and promotion of milk consumption. We find that some of the implemented policies and programs, such as the “Girinka” (one cow per poor family) program, Rwanda Dairy Competitiveness Program II, and Rwanda Dairy Development Project, have resulted in improved farmer access to improved cow breeds and improved milk quality and cow productivity through enhanced health inputs and other services. While the dairy policies, programs, and regulations in Rwanda have paved the way for the development of the dairy sector and contributed to the provision and use of inputs and services, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Accessibility and use of veterinary and artificial insemination services are limited by the quality of veterinary products, while the inadequate quality of feeds leads to low productivity of improved cow breeds. Consequently, farmers' uptake and use of inputs and services can be enhanced through a strengthened capacity of milk collection centres and health and animal feed policies that guide and control the quality of veterinary products and feeds sold in the markets.

STAGES OF EXPERTISE OF EXTERNAL APPEARANCE OF VETERINARY PRODUCTS

The long moratorium on state control (supervision) over the activities of business entities has led to an increase in the volume of unregistered, low-quality, counterfeit and counterfeit veterinary products on the Ukrainian market. Violations by manufacturers regarding the entry into circulation of dangerous products are also due to the long absence of licensing of production and sale of products for veterinary medicine and animal husbandry. In these circumstances, there are numerous complaints from consumers about the low quality and safety of veterinary drugs, feeds, feed additives and premixes. The article covers the issues of examination of product appearance, labeling, primary (group) and secondary (transport) packaging, which is carried out in order to establish the conformity of manufactured products to the requirements declared in the regulatory documentation, which will identify dangerous products on the domestic market. In carrying out the examination of veterinary goods presented by consumers and other enterprises or institutions, the general procedure for its conduct shall be established. They check the completeness of the sent materials and check their availability with the corresponding list in the cover letter, open the sealed samples by commission and find out whether the veterinary drug has been registered in Ukraine. Then the data presented in the materials are compared with the registration materials and normative documentation, and a protocol of product inspection for compliance with the requirements declared in the dossier, registration certificates, technical conditions, quality certificates, etc. is drawn up. Examination of the appearance of the label is carried out visually, comparing with the original or with the materials of the relevant registration dossier. Check the correct labeling and packaging of products, and it is important to pay attention to the statement of the summary product of characteristics. As a result of the procedures for assessing the correctness and reliability of the appearance of veterinary products in accordance with the original sample, registration dossier and regulatory documentation, a conclusion is issued, which provides a detailed description of the research and the conclusions drawn from their results.

THE ROLE OF STANDARDIZATION AND VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND COMPETITIVENESS OF PRODUCTS FOR VETERINARY MEDICINE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

The article analyzes the impact of the introduction of standardization and voluntary certification to improve the quality of veterinary medicines, feeds, feed additives and premixes. In terms of increased competition, both domestic and global markets, you need to look for new ways to improve the quality of products for veterinary medicine and animal husbandry. The competitiveness of the enterprise depends, first of all, on the ability of the business entity to meet the needs of consumers at relatively minimal cost. In improving the quality of veterinary products, a particularly important role is played by its standardization and certification, the basic legal and organizational principles of which are regulated by the Law of Ukraine «On Standardization». However, companies that carry out standardization of products, in addition to the aforementioned law, should be guided more by such regulations: the Law of Ukraine «On veterinary medicine», SOU KZPS 74.9-02568182-003:2016 «Guidelines for typical construction, layout, design, marking, acceptance and giving effect», State Classifier of products and services DK 016:2010. On January 1, 2018, the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine «On Standardization» № 46-93 expired and the State Certification System of Ukraine (UkrSEPRO system) suspended its activities. However, the UkrSEPRO system certificate was replaced by a voluntary certificate of conformity issued by the accredited National Accreditation Agency of Ukraine (NAAU) in accordance with the requirements of the international standard DSTU EN ISO/IEC 17065:2017 «Conformity assessment. Requirements for certification agencies for products, processes and services». The basis of voluntary standardization and certification of veterinary products and products for the needs of animal husbandry is the confirmation of the manufacture of quality and safe products that will ensure its competitiveness in domestic and foreign markets.

Control of Ecotoxicants Content in Feed Additives and Veterinary Pharmacological Products

The article is devoted to the control of ecotoxicants content in mineral and organic substances of natural and artificial origin used in the production of feed additives and pharmacological veterinary agents. In the context of the growing technogenic load on the environment, the probability of detecting increased background levels of natural and technogenic ecotoxicants in mineral and organic raw materials for the production of feed additives and veterinary products increases significantly. In this regard, more attention should be paid to the study of substances of artificial origin with a minimum content of toxic and ballast components, as well as substances that have undergone technological processing to reduce their natural level of ecotoxicants. According to modern data, amorphous silicon dioxide is an effective, safe, economically available sorbing agent and it should be considered as a promising sorption-detoxifying agent for application under the influence of xenobiotics that differ in the toxicological action mechanism on the animal organism.