<div>Induced Pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have a high ability to renew and differentiate themselves into various lineages and as vehicles of cell based therapy. Stem cell can differentiate under appropriate in vitro and in vivo conditions into different cell types. This study described the establishment of condition for in vitro expression of alpha MHC gene in cardiac differentiated canine iPSC (ciPSC). In vitro differentiation of canine iPSCs via embryoid bodies (EBs) were produced by &lsquo;Hanging Drop&rsquo; method. EB&rsquo;s were differentiated by using IMDM differentiation media: FBS &ndash; 10%, NEAA (100X) &ndash; 0.5%, &Acirc;-Mercaptoethanol- 100mM, Gentamycin- 5&micro;g/ml supplemented with Azacytidine- 0.5&micro;M. During differentiation, EBs were collected on day 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 for characterization of cardiomyocytes specific marker expression. Total RNA from EBs were extracted by using Trizol method and subsequently cDNA were synthesized. The differentiated cells expressed cardiac specific gene (Alpha MHC) which started from day 6 of differentiation upto day 24 Immunocytochemistry and relative expression of cardiac specific genes revealed that ciPSC have the potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes which can be used for cardiac tissue regeneration and as disease models for pharmaceutical testing.</div>

<div>Expression of Cardiac Specific Cell Marker in Ex Vivo Differentiated Canine iPSC</div>

Background: Canine parvoviral diarrhea is one of the most common viral infections in dogs. Canine parvoviral diarrhea is caused due to the virus, Canine parvovirus-2. Regular surveillance and knowledge of the emergence of new Canine parvovirus-2 viral variants in infected pet dogs is the prerequisite for the prevention and control of this disease. 
 
Methods: Deoxyribonucleic acids extracted from processed faecal samples of 50 diarrheic pet dogs were used to amplify Canine parvovirus-2 specific gene (Partial nucleotide region) by using a polymerase chain reaction test. Viral inoculum prepared from the positive faecal sample in the above test was adsorbed on Madin Darby Canine Kidney cell line of epithelial origin. The isolated virus was further characterized by using a molecular test: amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from the processed faecal material of the dog tested positive for the presence of a Canine parvovirus 2-specific gene. The virus was successfully adapted to the Madin Darby Canine Kidney cell line and showed cytopathic effects on the very first passage. The isolated highly cytopathic virus Canine parvovirus-2 from the diarrheic pet dog was further characterized as Canine parvovirus-2a by using a molecular test.

First Isolation of Highly Cytopathic Canine Parvovirus-2 on Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells from a Diarrheic Pet Dog of Indore in Madhya Pradesh and its Molecular Characterization as Canine Parvovirus-2a&nbsp;

Canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) are two common high morbidity and mortality rates viruses in pet dogs. The current research was designed to investigate the two common diseases in pet dogs in Wenzhou, China. Secretions of eyes, nasal cavities and faeces samples from 2406 pet dogs from various districts of Wenzhou were collected at Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou, affiliated pet hospital from March of 2010 to December of 2014 and were tested CDV and CPV by commercially available rapid test Kits. Results indicated that the overall prevalence of CDV, CPV, and both viruses infections in pet dogs were observed 28.5% (685); 19.6% (471); and 7.0% (168), respectively in Wenzhou, China.

Epidemiology of Canine distemper and Canine parvovirus in&nbsp;pet dogs in Wenzhou, China

<div>Background: Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the important causes for canine gastroenteritis. Its genome codes for six structural proteins N, P, M, F, H and L, of which H is important for viral pathogenesis. Availability of CDV molecular epidemiological data is sparse. Our study reports for the first time, isolation of enteric CDV from India and its molecular epidemiology.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: We isolated the circulating wild type CDV from cases of canine gastroenteritis recorded during 2019 in India. Partial H gene of the isolates was amplified and phylogeny was reconstructed with other isolates from the NCBI database using MUSCLE from MEGA7. 
 
Result: The multiple sequence alignment of the partial H gene of circulating CDV with reference isolates revealed 88-95% nucleotide identity, and 83-91% amino acid identity along with the presence of Nde1 restriction site at position 1571-1576 that is typical of wild type CDV isolates. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the circulating CDV were grouped with three different lineages i.e., South America-2, Asia-4, and Asia-5/India-1 and distantly related with the vaccine strains. Our study strengthens the need for the development of a relevant vaccine comprising of circulating viral strains for effective vaccination strategies.</div>

<div>H Gene-based Molecular Characterization of Field Isolates of Canine Distemper Virus from Cases of Canine Gastroenteritis</div>

<div>Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) and canine adenovirus-1 (CAV-1) are the major viral agents causing enteric diseases in dogs worldwide despite several control measures. The objective of the present study was to investigate the hospital based occurrence of CPV-2 and CAV-1 in dogs in teaching veterinary clinical complex of northern India from August, 2017 to March, 2019. Faecal samples were collected from the dogs with gastroenteritis and screened for CPV-2 and CAV-1 infections by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Simultaneously, data regarding age, breed, sex and vaccination status were also recorded from the affected dogs. A total of 216 faecal samples were collected during the study period out of which 90 (41.67%), 12 (5.56%) and 26 (12.04%) samples were found to be positive for CPV-2, CAV-1 and co-infection, respectively. The analysis of positive samples revealed that the occurrence of CPV-2 and CAV-1 infection was highest in young dogs of the age group 0-3 months (CPV-2=44.44% and CAV-1=33.33%), Labrador Retriever breed (CPV-2=35.55% and CAV-1=50.0%) and unvaccinated dogs (CPV-2=68.88% and CAV-1=83.33%). Sex wise analysis revealed that the positivity of CPV-2 infection was higher in female (51.11%) than male dogs (48.88%) but, no such difference was noticed with respect to CAV-1 infection. It is concluded that the occurrence of CPV-2 and CAV-1 infections was very high in the study region and proper control measures are recommended. However, analysis of large number of samples including those from the field are required for further validation of the study as well as &nbsp;sequential analysis of CPV-2 to ensure the prevalent field antigenic variant of CPV-2 in the region.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Occurrence of Canine parvovirus-2 and Canine adenovirus-1 Infections in Dogs: A Hospital Based Study</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are a type of pluripotent stem cell derived from adult somatic cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem (ES) cell-like state through the forced expression of genes and factors important for maintaining the defined properties of ES cells. So far there are very few experiments that have been able to prove that nanomaterial-based scaffold can cultivate and maintain the iPSC as an alternative to feeder-free maintenance of iPSC. 
 
Methods: The present experiment has given us fundamental information on ex vivo canine iPSC behavior on -OH functionalized single and multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) scaffold. Here in we evaluated the cytocompatibility of iPSC cultured on MEF feeder, OH-SWCNT and OH-MWCNT.&nbsp; 
 
Result: We have seen very wonderful growth of ciPSC on CNTs similar to feeder. The cells were positive for alkaline phosphatase staining and expressed pluripotent markers. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that -OH functionalized CNTs provide a milieu of low cytotoxicity. With this test we can interpret that -OH functionalized CNT can be used as xeno-free substrate to support the maintenance of iPSC in an undifferentiated state.</div>

Evaluation of Cytocompatibility as Assessed by Genomic Stability of Canine induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Propagated on Carbon Nanotube Substrates

<div>Background: Haemoprotozoan infections are common in canine in tropical countries. The present work was based on retrospective study of 11,000 blood smears of dogs received over a period of nine years (2010 to 2019) in and around Chennai at Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The year-wise incidence, percentage increase year-wise, season-wise, breed-wise and age-wise prevalence and spatial distribution were recorded from the case reports. Diagnosis was made by whole blood and buffy coat smear examination using Geimsa&rsquo;s stain, wet film examination was done for cases suspected for Trypanosoma sp. and PCR for ruling out Babesia, E.canis and Trypanosoma sp. The collected data were entered into Excel sheets, which were imported and analyzed using Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage). 
 
Result: On blood smear examination 3,844 blood smears were found to be positive for various Haemoprotozoan diseases. Among the recorded positive Haemoprotozoan diseases, the highest incidence was of Ehrlichia canis of 2167 cases (56.37%) followed by Babesia gibsoni with 837 cases (21.77%), Hepatozoan canis with 399 cases (10.37%), Babesia canis with 350 cases (9.10%), Trypanosoma sp. With 46 cases (1.19%), Microfilaria with 45 cases (1.12%). The prevalence of Canine Haemoprotozoan diseases were highest in Non-descript Dogs (ND) with 1948 cases (50.67%), Labrador retriever 1665 cases (43.31%), Spitz 909 cases (23.64%), German Shepherd &nbsp;543 cases (14.12%) and others 219 cases (5.69%) respectively. Maximum number of cases reported were 43.7% in the age group of 2-6 years followed by 38% cases in 0-2 years, 10.58% cases in 6-10 years and 7.51% cases above 10 years of age. Maximum number of cases were recorded during Monsoon season (June to September) with 1337 cases (34.78%) followed by 1001 cases (26.04%) during Summer season (March to May), 838 cases (21.80%) during winter season (December to February) and 668 cases (17.37%) Autumn season (October and November). The percentage change in occurrence of Canine Haemoprotozoan diseases follow the pattern of 2012 (-31.9%), 2013 (-23.11%), 2014 (+19.3%), 2015 (+39.06%), 2016 (+12.05%), 2017 (+104.11%), 2018 (+22.64%) and 2019 (+16.81%). The spatial distribution of the same diseases was plotted in Chennai geographical map. The epidemiological study would help the veterinary physician to identify the trends in occurrence of disease and clinical pattern followed by the protozoa, which helps in treatment and control of haemoprotozoan diseases in dogs.</div>

<div>Epidemiology of Canine Haemoprotozoan Diseases in Chennai, India</div>

<div>Background: The important causative agents associated with gastroenteritis include Canine Parvovirus, Canine Rotavirus, Canine coronavirus and E. coli. The diagnostic assay viz. lateral flow test, PCR, RT-PCR was used for screening of diarrheal fecal samples of dogs to detect the presence of these pathogens. 
 
Methods: The present study envisaged the appraisal of Canine parvovirus, Rotavirus, corona virus and enterotoxigenic E. coli infection. Total 50 rectal swabs/fecal swab in duplicate were collected for detection of viral andbacterial enteropathogens associated with canine gastroenteritis. For virus detection by PCR a 10% fecal suspension was prepared in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (pH 7.2). The detection of viral and bacterial agents done by as per reference methods. 
 
Result: Out of 50 fecal smples 10(20%) samples were found positive, 2(4%) were found to be positive for Canine Rotavirus and None of sample was found positive for Canine Corona virus. Canine Parvo virus 15(30%) and 1(2%) for Canine rotavirus by PCR and RT-PCR and None of the sample was positive for Canine Corona virus. Of this Canine parvovirus, Rotavirus and E. coli were recovered either singly or in association with each other in the form of mixed infection. Out of 50 samples, 15(30%) and 1(2%) were found positive for Canine parvovirus, Rotavirus and 45(90%) E. coli.&nbsp;</div>

Detection of Canine Viral and Bacterial Agents Associated with Gastroenteritis by PCR and RT-PCR

<div>Background: Canine parvoviral enteritis (CPVE) is a highly contagious disease of dogs of less than two years age group characterized by vomiting, haemorrhagic foul smelling diarrhoea, high grade pyrexia, dehydration and followed by death. The disease is caused by Canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) and its variants, CPV-2a, 2b and 2c. Environmental and host determinants are playing an important role in the occurrence of CPVE in dogs. Limited numbers of research studies have been were conducted on the role of the determinants associated with the disease occurrence. Hence, the present study was aimed to assess the influence of host and environmental determinants associated with the incidence of CPVE in dogs. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
Methods: Retrospective data on the incidence of CPVE in Namakkal region, Tamil Nadu was collected (2017-2019) from Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), Veterinary College and Research Institute (VC and RI), Namakkal, Tamil Nadu and had been subjected to temporal and spatial &nbsp;clustering and regression analysis. One hundred and twenty three faecal samples were collected from dogs with clinical signs of CPVE and subjected to PCR using H primer of CPV. Cross-sectional study was used to investigate the relationship between the disease and hypothesized causal factors. Relative risk, odds ratio were used to determine the causal association. Weather data was collected for the period from 2017-2019 from Animal Feed Analytical and Quality Control Laboratory (AFAQAL), VC and RI, Namakkal to assess the relationship of disease occurrence with the environmental determinants. Multiple linear regression model was developed for prediction of CPVE by correlation of environmental determinants with the occurrence of CPVE.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Temporal analysis revealed endemic pattern of CPVE started last week of April, peaks in June and ends in August and second peak was noticed at November month. Higher incidences (&gt;70%) were noticed in males and less than 6 months age group dogs. Polymerase chain reaction for confirmation of CPV infection in dogs revealed the positivity of 70.73%. Analysis of risk factors associated with CPVE revealed that vaccination, roaming of dogs, maternal vaccination and early weaning having positive statistical association with the incidence of CPVE. Multiple linear regression model revealed that relative humidity is positively associated with the occurrence of CPVE in dogs. Vaccination of dogs against CPV and administration of boosters at regular intervals, weaning of dogs after 45 days of age are used as primary strategies for prevention of CPVE.</div>

<div>Canine Parvoviral Enteritis and Its Determinants-An Epidemiological Analysis</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Canine pyometra (chronic purulent endometritis) is one of the most important uterine disorder of bitches seeks medical treatment. The hormonal therapies are not much popular among the veterinarians thus needs to exploit some hormonal protocols for this condition. Therefore, the experiment was carried out to study the therapeutic response of antiprogestin and prostaglandin in canine pyometra.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was carried out in total 21 bitches affected with pyometra were selected and divided randomly into 3 groups. Animals of control group (TC) were treated with non-hormonal supportive treatment for 7 days. Animals of T1 were received non-hormonal supportive treatment for 7 days similar to TC along with mifepristone @ 3 mg/kg orally BID on day 1, 2 and 8 and Dinoprost in @ 50-200 mcg/kg S/C day 3 to 7. Animals of T2 were treated similar to TC plus mifepristone @ 3 mg/kg orally BID on day 1, 2 and 8 and Misoprostol @ 3 mcg/kg intravaginally twice daily on day 3 to 7. 
 
Result:&nbsp;Therapeutic responses was recorded better in T1 group (100%), followed by T2 (71.43%) and TC (42.86%). The mean TLC values after completion of treatment (day 8) were significantly decreased in T1 and T2. The neutrophil count in different groups T1, T2 and TC was reduced significantly. There was significant decrease in mean concentration of BUN and creatinine on day 8 after treatment in T1 and T2 groups. The mean ALT values decreased significantly in T1 group. However, ALP values decreased significantly in T1 and T2 groups. The mean serum progesterone declined significantly in both the hormone treated groups (T1 and T2). The study can be concluded that therapeutic response of mifepristone with dinoprost tromethamine was found most effective for the treatment of canine pyometra than mifepristone with misoprostol protocol.</div>

Expression of Cardiac Specific Cell Marker in Ex Vivo Differentiated Canine iPSC

First Isolation of Highly Cytopathic Canine Parvovirus-2 on Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells from a Diarrheic Pet Dog of Indore in Madhya Pradesh and its Molecular Characterization as Canine Parvovirus-2a

Epidemiology of Canine distemper and Canine parvovirus in pet dogs in Wenzhou, China

H Gene-based Molecular Characterization of Field Isolates of Canine Distemper Virus from Cases of Canine Gastroenteritis

Occurrence of Canine parvovirus-2 and Canine adenovirus-1 Infections in Dogs: A Hospital Based Study

Evaluation of Cytocompatibility as Assessed by Genomic Stability of Canine induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Propagated on Carbon Nanotube Substrates

Epidemiology of Canine Haemoprotozoan Diseases in Chennai, India

Detection of Canine Viral and Bacterial Agents Associated with Gastroenteritis by PCR and RT-PCR

Canine Parvoviral Enteritis and Its Determinants-An Epidemiological Analysis

Therapeutic Response of Mifepristone with Dinoprost and Misoprostol for Management of Canine Pyometra