Researches:

Article title: Detection of reston ebolavirus from pigs slaughtered in selected abattoirs of Laguna, Philippines using real time RT-PCR
Authors: Sokom Kong, BS, MS, Loinda R. Baldrias, DVM, MVS, PhD2, Rio John T. Ducusin, DVM, MAgr, PhD, Michelle Grace V. Paraso, DVM, MSc, PhD and Arman M. Parayao, BS, MS
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine 55(2):141-146, 2018

Abstract:
Detection of Reston ebolavirus (REBOV) was conducted in 384 blood samples from pigs raised and slaughtered in Laguna province which were collected at randomly selected ten (43.5%) out of the total 23 slaughterhouses in Laguna province. The slaughterhouse in Sta. Cruz had the highest number of pigs tested (107, 27.86%), while the lowest number of samples (4, 1.04%) was from the San Pablo slaughterhouse. Females had a slightly higher number, 194 (50.52%) compared to males (190, 49.48%). Blood samples came from pigs from commercial farms registering the highest number of samples at 242 (63.02%), whereas 142 (36.98%) samples came from small-hold farms. In terms of age, 373 (97.14%) were <20 months, 6 (1.56%) animals were aged 41-60 months, and only 5 (1.30%) were aged 21-40 months. The RNA extracted from the sera of these blood samples was subjected to real-time RT-PCR test to detect and profile the occurrence of REBOV. With reference to the sampled population of swine raised and slaughtered in Laguna, no Reston ebolavirus was detected.
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Article title: Anthelmintic efficacy of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) leaves decoction against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats
Authors: Julienne Maria Undine Paz A. Hurtada, Billy P. Divina and Rio John T. Ducusin
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Veterinary Animal Science 38(2):157-166, 2012

Abstract:
Reports of increasing anthelmintic resistance to chemical dewormers used in goat farming necessitate research on alternative anthelmintics. The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of jackfruit and tamarind leaves decoction as alternative anthelmintics and to determine the mean effective dose (ED 50) of the different concentrations against larval development of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Fecal slurries with prepared decoctions at different concentrations were inoculated with 100 nematode eggs, then incubated at room temperature for seven days. Larvae were collected, enumerated and identified. Four genera of gastrointestinal nematodes were identified, namely, Trichostrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Haemonchus spp. and Bunostomum spp. Results showed that at increasing concentrations of jackfruit and tamarind leaves decoctions, the number of larvae killed increased. Both jackfruit and tamarind decoctions showed high efficacy in killing nematode larvae at high concentrations. ED50 was at 40% concentration for both decoctions. The results suggest that decoctions of jackfruit and tamarind leaves can be used as anthelmintics in goats.
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Article title: Anatomy of the Intermandibular Region of the Philippine Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis L.) (Artiodactyla: Bovidae)
Authors: Ceferino P. Maala, Jaehoon Hyung, Rio John Toledo Ducusin
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine 49(1):1-7, January 2012

Abstract:
The intermandibular region of the Philippine water buffalo was long and narrow measuring approximately 28.0-30.0 cm long, 2.0-4.0 cm wide caudally, 7.0-10.0 cm wide at the middle and 11.0-15.0 cm wide caudally. The skin was 1.0 to 1.5 cm thick rostrally, 0.4-1.0 cm thick at the middle and 0.2-0.4 cm thick caudally. The hairs were oriented slightly medio caudally and measured 3.5-5.0 cm long caudally and 1.5-2.5 cm long rostrally. Superficially, the caudal third of the intermandibular region was occupied by the sternomandibularis, omohyoideus and sternohyoideus muscles and in the rostral two-thirds by in mylohyoideus muscle. Deep in the caudo-lateral part of the intermandibular region was the digastricus muscle consisting of rostral and caudal belies and their intervening tendon. The latter showed some degree of muscular development. The intermediate tendon was divided into a larger dorsal tendon which joined the long dorsal part of the rostral belly rostrally and a smaller ventral tendon which connected with the short ventral part of the rostral belly of the digastricus. The geniohyoideus muscle, lingual nerve, mylohyoid nerve, the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands and their ducts showed no striking features. The intermandibular region was largely occupied by the massive tongue which measured 30.0-35.0 cm long, 1.5-2.0 cm thick at the apex, 5.0-5.5 cm thick at the body and 7.0-8.0 cm thick at the torus linguae. The present observations will be of great importance when considering the intermandibular region as an alternative approach to intraoral surgery in the Philippine water buffalo.
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Article title: Anatomy of the Superficial Lymph Nodes of the Philippine Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Important in Clinical Examination and Meat Inspection
Authors: Rio John T. Ducusin, DVM, MAgr, PhDl; Ceferino P.Maala,DVM, MVSc, PhD and Bony Vincent L. Binarao, DVM
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine 46(1):1-15

Abstract:
The gross and microscopic anatomy of the mandibular, parotid, superficial cervical, subiliac, and superficial inguinal (scrotal and mammary) lymph nodes of the Philippine water buffalo of either sex were described. Three major difficulties encountered in palpation of these lymph nodes in live animals were the presence of obstructive adjacent tissues near the lymph nodes, thick skin and uncooperative behavior of the animals. The subiliac and superficial cervical lymph nodes had the most pronounced definition under the skin and also the most readily palpable. Except for the parotid lymph node, the lymph nodes in the carcass were generally covered by a thick pericapsular envelope consisting largely of adipose tissue. They were significantly larger (P<0.05) in males than in females, but this difference may be attributed to the generally larger body size of males. The location of the lymph nodes in the carcass was generally similar to what has been reported in cattle. Microscopically, the cortex had primary and secondary lymphatic nodules, the latter being more predominant in the mandibular and parotid lymph nodes, indicating active stimulation by antigens. There was apparently more diffuse lymphatic tissue than lymphatic nodules. The medulla had trabeculae which showed many profiles of blood vessels, appeared thick and highly branched. Of the six superficially located lymph nodes described, the subiliac and superficial cervical lymph nodes were the most readily palpable and, therefore, are highly recommended for palpation during clinical examination and ante-mortem meat inspection in this animal.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/3k9yu4h6

Article title: The gross anatomy of the hard palate and palatine printing in cattle
Authors: Ceferino P. Maala, DVM, MVSc, PhD; Rio John T. Ducusin, DVM, MAgr, PhD andJoseph A. Rizori', DVM
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine 44(1):1-7, 2007

Abstract:
The gross anatomy and imprints of the hard palate of 100 slaughtered cattle were described. The hard palate was significantly longer in male than in female animals (P<0.05). The mucosa of the hard palate was modified into an incisive papilla and two columns of variable number of transversely oriented palatine ridges. The palatine ridges in 67 (67%) specimens met at the midline in an end-to-end mannerand in alternate fashion in 28 (28%) specimens. There were more palatine ridges on the right column in male than in female animals (P<0.05). Incomplete palatine raphe was observed in 11 (11%) specimens because of fusion of some palatine ridges. The rostral. region of the hard palate was wider in the male than in the female (P<0.05). Mucosal pigmentation was variable. Various degrees of pigmentation were observed in 85 (85%) specimens. Complete pigmentation was observed in 10 (10%) specimens, and a non-pigmented mucosa in 5 (5%) specimens. Majority of the incisive papillae were diamond-shaped. Accessory ridges were present in 87 (87%) specimens. Imprints can be obtained from the hard palate of cattle and these showed clear images of the dental pads, incisive papilla, palatine ridges and the median palatine raphe. No two imprints were completely identical. It is suggested that palatine printing be tried in live cattle as a possible adjunct in the identification of valuable animals.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/musxb7jw

Article title: Effects of extracellular Ca2+ on phagocytosis and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in polymorphonuclear leukocytes of postpartum dairy cows
Authors: R.l.T. Ducusin, Y. Uzuka, E. Satoh, M. Otani, M. Nishimura,,S. Tanabeb, T. Sarashina
Publication title: Research in Veterinary Science 75(1):27-32, September 2003

Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of extracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](e)) on phagocytosis and intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The experiments were performed by using blood samples from parturient paretic and clinically normal parturient cows and manipulating the [Ca(2+)](e) in vitro. Phagocytosis by PMNs (with and without stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate and inhibition with cytochalasin B) and resting [Ca(2+)](i) were significantly lower in parturient paretic cows. Repletion of Ca(2+) in the extracellular media for the samples from these animals increased phagocytosis and resting [Ca(2+)](i). In the blood of clinically normal parturient cows, decreasing the [Ca(2+)](e) decreased phagocytosis and resting [Ca(2+)](i) in PMNs, but increasing the [Ca(2+)](e) did not affect phagocytosis. These results suggest that the hypocalcemic condition of parturient paretic cows in vivo causes decreased phagocytosis and resting [Ca(2+)](i) in PMNs, which may partly contribute to greater susceptibility to infection.
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Article title: Phagocytosis of Bovine Blood and Milk Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes after Ozone Gas Administration In Vitro
Authors: Rio John T. Ducusin, Masakazu Nishimura, Takao Sarashina, Yuji Uzuka, Shigeyuki Tanabe, Masayuki Otani
Publication title: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 65(4):535-9, May 2003

Abstract:
To determine the effects of ozone on the phagocytosis of bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), ozone gas was administered in vitro on the blood and milk of healthy lactating cows, cows with acute mastitis, and cows with milk fever. In the blood of healthy dairy cattle, although there was no significant effect of ozone gas on the viability of the leukocytes, phagocytosis of PMNs significantly decreased. In contrast, ozone gas administration in vitro significantly increased phagocytosis of PMNs from the blood of cows with acute mastitis and milk fever, and from mastitic milk. These findings showed that ozone administration in vitro has positive and negative effects on bovine PMN phagocytosis, depending on the health status of the animal.
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Article title: Cryptosporidium Infection of Cattle in the Tokachi District, Hokkaido
Authors: Hiroaki Sakai, Yoshinori Tsushima, Hideyuki Nagasawa, Rio John T. Ducusin, Shigeyuki Tanabe, Yuji Uzuka, Takao Sarashina
Publication title: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 65(1):125-7, February 2003

Abstract:
The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was examined in 480 healthy cattle (0-39 months old) in the Tokachi district in Hokkaido during the period from June to September in 2000 and from June to July in 2001. C. parvum oocysts were detected in 6 of 50 cattle (0-2 months old) in 2001; while C. muris was detected in 2 of 56 cattle (6-8 months old) in 2001, in 1 of 15 cattle (9-11 months old) in 2001, in 1 of 88 cattle (15-17 months old) in 2000, in 4 of 89 cattle (18-21 months old) in 2000 and in 2 of 53 cattle (21-23 months old) in 2000.
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Article title: Expression of mRNA of chemokine receptor CXCR4 in feline mammary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yuko Tajima, T. Nakadai, H. Furuoka, T. Oomachi
Publication title: The Veterinary record 151(24):729-33, December 2002

Abstract:
The expression of mRNA of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 in 65 surgically resected mammary adenocarcinomas from cats was investigated by in situ hybridisation. No expression of the receptor's mRNA was detectable in the mammary tissue of healthy cats, but it was expressed in areas adjacent to necrosis, surrounding blood vessels and cells infiltrating the lymphatics of 47 (72.3 per cent) of the 65 samples. There was a significant relationship between lymphatic infiltration by neoplastic cells and the expression of the receptor's mRNA (P < 0.005), but there was no significant relationship between its expression and the one-year survival of the cats.
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Article title: Changes in Serum Thyroid Hormone Levels in Newborn Calves as a Diagnostic Index of Endemic Goiter
Authors: Kenichi Takahashi, Eiji Takahashi, Rio John T. Ducusin, Shigeyuki Tanaba, Yuji Uzuka and Takao Sarashina
Publication title: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 63(2):175-8, March 2001

Abstract:
Maximum serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels of healthy calves were seen at 1 day after birth, and thereafter rapidly decreased until 5 days after birth. They stabilized until 2 weeks after birth, then gradually decreased until 4 weeks after birth. Serum T4 levels of calves with endemic goiter tended to be lower than those of healthy ones, but showed similar levels to those of adult cows. T3 levels of calves with goiter were similar to those of healthy ones, but showed higher variation. T4/T3 ratio of calves with goiter were significantly lower than those of healthy ones and adult cows. While individual levels of serum T4 and T3 at just after birth could not be considered as a diagnostic index, the T4/T3 ratio could be adopted as a diagnostic index of endemic goiter.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/4kcm6p26

Article title: Phagocytic response of bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes to different incubation conditions and following exposure to some effectors of phagocytosis and different anticoagulants in vitro
Authors: R. J. Ducusin, T. Sarashina, Y. Uzuka, S. Tanabe, M. Ohtani
Publication title: Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche vétérinaire 65(1):38-44, February 2001

Abstract:
The ability of bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to phagocytose fluorescent beads in vitro was studied using flow cytometry. The effects of varying laboratory conditions (bead:PMN ratio, length of incubation, and temperature) were first determined, then the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), cytochalasin B, and formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLP) on phagocytosis were evaluated. The recommended bead:PMN ratio, incubation period, and incubation temperature are 20:1, 30 min, and 38.5 degrees C, respectively. Lipopolysaccharide increased phagocytosis at a relatively high minimum dose; PMA increased phagocytosis even at low doses; cytochalasin B increased and decreased phagocytosis at low and high doses, respectively; and fMLP had no significant effect on phagocytosis. Also, the effects of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and acid citrate dextrose (ACD) as anticoagulants were compared with heparin-treated blood PMNs. Both EDTA and ACD decreased phagocytosis. Although there are reports that demonstrated that heparin reduced PMN phagocytosis, at least among the 3 anticoagulants used, heparin remains to be the standard anticoagulant for the study of PMN phagocytosis.
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Article title: Relationship Between the Incidence of Displaced Abomasum and Feeding of Cows in Tokachi District, Hokkaido, Northern Japan
Authors: F. Mori, K. Sawada, K. Watanabe, R. J. T. Ducusin, N. Kumase, S. Tanabe, Y. Uzuka, J. Takahashi, T. Sarashina
Publication title: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 14(1):88-91, June 2001

Abstract:
In order to investigate the relationship between the incidence of displaced abomasum and feeding, the actual feeding practices and chemical compositions of roughage were examined in 2 kinds of farms at Tokachi district in Hokkaido. Examination of animal health records revealed that the annual milk yield per cow in high incidence (H-DA) farms was significantly higher than that in low incidence (L-DA) farms. The amount of concentrates fed in H-DA farms tended to be higher than that in L-DA farms during lactation. Compared to L-DA farms, the amount of juicy roughage (corn silage and grass silage) and dry roughage (hay, hay cube and roll wrap silage) during lactation in H-DA farms tended to be higher and lower, respectively. Moreover, the amount of roughage and the ratio of roughage to concentrates in H-DA farms tended to be lower than in L-DA farms. The survey indicated that displaced abomasum was associated with insufficient feeding of dietary fiber and overfeeding of concentrates.
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