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Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024()-infected livestock and wildlife have been epidemiologically linked to human Q fever outbreaks. Despite this growing zoonotic threat, knowledge of coxiellosis in wild...
INTRODUCTION
()-infected livestock and wildlife have been epidemiologically linked to human Q fever outbreaks. Despite this growing zoonotic threat, knowledge of coxiellosis in wild animals remains limited, and studies to understand their epidemiologic role are needed. In -endemic areas, ticks have been reported to harbor and spread and may serve as indicators of risk of infection in wild animal habitats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare molecular techniques for detecting DNA in ticks.
METHODS
In total, 169 ticks from wild animals and cattle in wildlife conservancies in northern Kenya were screened for DNA using a conventional PCR (cPCR) and two field-friendly techniques: Biomeme's qPCR Go-strips (Biomeme) and a new PCR high-resolution melt (PCR-HRM) analysis assay. Results were evaluated, in the absence of a gold standard test, using Bayesian latent class analysis (BLCA) to characterize the proportion of positive ticks and estimate sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the three tests.
RESULTS
The final BLCA model included main effects and estimated that PCR-HRM had the highest Se (86%; 95% credible interval: 56-99%), followed by the Biomeme (Se = 57%; 95% credible interval: 34-90%), with the estimated Se of the cPCR being the lowest (24%, 95% credible interval: 10-47%). Specificity estimates for all three assays ranged from 94 to 98%. Based on the model, an estimated 16% of ticks had DNA present.
DISCUSSION
These results reflect the endemicity of in northern Kenya and show the promise of the PCR-HRM assay for surveillance in ticks. Further studies using ticks and wild animal samples will enhance understanding of the epidemiological role of ticks in Q fever.
PubMed: 38962707
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1396714 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024A newborn female, Holstein calf weighing approximately 38.5 kg developed severe, persistent colic caused by a large colostrum curd located within the calf's abomasum....
A newborn female, Holstein calf weighing approximately 38.5 kg developed severe, persistent colic caused by a large colostrum curd located within the calf's abomasum. Based upon 10% body weight, the calf had been fed 4 liters (L) of first-milking colostrum approximately 30 min after birth and an additional 2 L of first-milking colostrum 6 h after the first feeding. Both the first and second feedings used an esophageal tube feeder to deliver the colostrum. Colic developed shortly after the second colostrum feeding. The affected calf did not respond to on-farm supportive medical therapy and was humanely euthanized by a penetrating captive bolt approximately 22 h after the onset of colic. This on-farm colostrum feeding protocol is routinely observed in the current dairy industry. This case demonstrates calves that are fed large volumes of colostrum during a relatively short window of time may develop a large, firm colostrum curd within the abomasum that causes abdominal distension, colic, and occasional death. There is an urgent need for prospective analytical studies that determine the optimal immunoglobulin mass (g/L) and the ideal volume of colostrum fed to newborn calves for both the first and second colostrum feedings within the most beneficial time frame. Guidelines should be developed that minimize complications that adversely affect calf health and well-being while ensuring the successful transfer of passive immunity.
PubMed: 38962706
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1348084 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Ovariectomy is the best method to control the density of wild ungulate populations. The present study aimed to compare two surgical approaches of ovariectomy, via the...
Ovariectomy is the best method to control the density of wild ungulate populations. The present study aimed to compare two surgical approaches of ovariectomy, via the flank and midventral, in mouflons under field conditions. A total of 20 female mouflons were enrolled in the study. The animals were divided randomly into two equal groups; group F animals were gonadectomized via the flank approach, while group L animals were sterilized via the linea alba access. The parameters evaluated were duration of surgery, duration of anesthesia, recovery time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraoperative nociception, and pain during the postoperative period. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. The evaluated parameters showed a very similar trend in both groups. Both techniques were found to be effective and safe in execution.
PubMed: 38962705
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1405847 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Canine cutaneous histiocytoma (CCH) is a benign tumor frequently occurring in young dogs which is derived from Langerhans cells (LC). Distinguishing features of this...
INTRODUCTION
Canine cutaneous histiocytoma (CCH) is a benign tumor frequently occurring in young dogs which is derived from Langerhans cells (LC). Distinguishing features of this tumor are its spontaneous regression following a rapid tumor growth. Impaired control of immune checkpoints during tumor development and progression is a widespread phenomenon which may result in an absent or ineffective immune response. The interaction between the inflammatory response and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules is only partially described in this tumor type. The aim of this study was to identify immune checkpoint molecules and molecules from the interferon-mediated immune response that are involved in the regression of CCH.
METHODS
Forty-eight CCH derived from dogs ≤ 4 years of age were assigned to one of four groups according to the severity and distribution of lymphocyte infiltration. Using immunohistochemistry and whole-slide image scans of consecutive sections the expression of programmed death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1), CD80, CD86, Survivin, forkhead box protein 3, Ki-67, cleaved caspase-3, CD3, and mx1 were investigated. RNA hybridization was performed for transcripts of mx1 and interferon-γ.
RESULTS
Neoplastic cells showed an expression of PD-L1, CD80, CD86, and Survivin. The density of CD80 expressing cells was negatively correlated with regression while the density of cleaved caspase-3 positive cells increased with regression. Mx1 transcripts and protein were predominantly localized in neoplastic cells while interferon-γ transcripts were most frequently detected in T-cells.
CONCLUSION
The expression of the immune checkpoint molecules CD86 and PD-L1 and particularly the reduced expression of CD80 in groups 3 and 4 indicate an influence of the investigated immune checkpoints on tumor regression. In parallel an activation of the apoptotic cascade during regression is suggested. Finally, the detection of mx1 within the neoplasm pinpoints to a yet undisclosed role of anti-cellular signaling in tumor immunity.
PubMed: 38962703
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1371931 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024The Wuzhishan ant (MY) chicken exhibits significant differences from other chicken breeds. However, the molecular genetic relationship between the MY breed and other...
INTRODUCTION
The Wuzhishan ant (MY) chicken exhibits significant differences from other chicken breeds. However, the molecular genetic relationship between the MY breed and other chicken breeds has not been assessed.
METHODS
Whole-genome resequencing was used to compare genetic diversity, nucleotide diversity, the fixation index, the linkage disequilibrium coefficient, and phylogenetic tree relationships between the MY breed and the Wenchang (WC), Danzhou (DZ), Bawangling (BW), and Longsheng Feng (LF) breeds.
RESULTS
A total of 21,586,378 singlenucleotide polymorphisms and 4,253,341 insertions/deletions were screened out among the five breeds. The MY breed had the second highest genomic genetic diversity and nucleotide diversity and the lowest LD coefficient among the five breeds. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree analysis showed that individual birds of each breed clustered together with those of their respective breeds.
DISCUSSION
Our data indicated that the MY breed is distinct from the other breeds and can be considered a new genetic resource.
PubMed: 38962700
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1319854 -
Journal of Equine Science Jul 2024Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition in horses, leading to changes in trabecular bone structure and radiographic texture. Although fractal dimension (FD) and...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition in horses, leading to changes in trabecular bone structure and radiographic texture. Although fractal dimension (FD) and lacunarity have been applied to quantify these changes in humans, their application in horses remains nascent. This study evaluated the use of FD, bone area fraction (BA/TA), and lacunarity in quantifying trabecular bone differences in the proximal phalanx (P1) in 50 radiographic examinations of equine metacarpophalangeal joints with varying OA degrees. In the dorsopalmar view, regions of interest were defined in the trabecular bone of the proximal epiphysis, medial and lateral to the sagittal groove of P1. Lower BA/TA values were observed medially in horses with severe OA (P=0.003). No significant differences in FD and lacunarity were found across OA degrees (P>0.1). FD, BA/TA, and lacunarity were not effective in identifying radiographic texture changes in the P1 trabecular bone in horses with different metacarpophalangeal OA degrees.
PubMed: 38962515
DOI: 10.1294/jes.35.21 -
Journal of Equine Science 2024Plasma or serum amino acids are used to evaluate nutritional status and metabolic disorders. In this study, we aimed to set reference values of serum amino acid...
Plasma or serum amino acids are used to evaluate nutritional status and metabolic disorders. In this study, we aimed to set reference values of serum amino acid concentrations in the Noma horse, a Japanese native horse. Thirty-one horses were classified into six age groups: neonatal foal (0-4 days), foal (0.5-1 years), youth (5 years), middle age (10 years), old (15 years), and extra-old (>20 years). Horses >5 years of age were analyzed together as the adult group. In the adult horses, there were no significant differences among the serum amino acid concentrations of each age group. The foal group had higher concentrations of alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, α-aminoadipic acid, and 3-methyl-histidine than the adult group. The neonatal foal group had higher serum concentrations of phenylalanine, lysine, alanine, proline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, β-alanine, and β-amino-iso-butyric acid and lower tryptophan concentrations and Fischer's ratios than the adult group. The neonatal foal group had higher β-amino-iso-butyric acid concentrations and lower tryptophan and 3-methyl-histidine concentrations than the foal group. Therefore, reference values might be set separately in neonatal foals, foals, and adult horses. The data for the serum amino acid concentrations can be used for health care through physiological and pathological evaluations in Noma horses.
PubMed: 38962514
DOI: 10.1294/jes.35.29 -
African Health Sciences Mar 2024CCHF is transmitted via ticks biting and directly by contact with tissue or blood of infected patients or viremic animals. This study intends to determine the occurrence...
BACKGROUND
CCHF is transmitted via ticks biting and directly by contact with tissue or blood of infected patients or viremic animals. This study intends to determine the occurrence of CCHF in Iraq between 2015 and 2019.
METHODS
This study was designed as a retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study. It was approved the occurrence of CCHF in Iraq with relation to some epidemiological and demographic data reported in the Iraqi Communicable Diseases Control Center (CDC)/zoonotic diseases section between 2015-2019.
RESULTS
Out of 206 suspected cases, only 17 were diagnosed as CCHF with a total fatality ratio of 52%, 25%, and 80% in 2015 and 2018 respectively. However, no mortality was reported during 2016, 2017, and 2019. The mean age of the patients was 33 years± 18 SD, in males mainly (76%). Moreover, the risk groups were 29 %, 23 %, 18 % 12 %, and 6 % for butchers, animal dealers, gainers, both housewives and students and children respectively.
CONCLUSION
Strict precautions and precise surveillance should be implemented to control the disease and protect the community by improving the diagnosis and treatment of CCHF. The authors recommend another future study to detect the genotyping and sequencing of CCHFV in Iraq.
Topics: Humans; Iraq; Retrospective Studies; Male; Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean; Female; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Child; Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo; Risk Factors; Animals; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38962343
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v24i1.8 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Non-human primates (NHP) are valuable models for late translational pre-clinical studies, often seen as a last step before clinical application. The unique similarity... (Review)
Review
Non-human primates (NHP) are valuable models for late translational pre-clinical studies, often seen as a last step before clinical application. The unique similarity between NHPs and humans is often the subject of ethical concerns. However, it is precisely this analogy in anatomy, physiology, and the immune system that narrows the translational gap to other animal models in the cardiovascular field. Cell and gene therapy approaches are two dominant strategies investigated in the research field of cardiac regeneration. Focusing on the cell therapy approach, several xeno- and allogeneic cell transplantation studies with a translational motivation have been realized in macaque species. This is based on the pressing need for novel therapeutic options for heart failure patients. Stem cell-based remuscularization of the injured heart can be achieved via direct injection of cardiomyocytes (CMs) or patch application. Both CM delivery approaches are in the late preclinical stage, and the first clinical trials have started. However, are we already ready for the clinical area? The present review concentrates on CM transplantation studies conducted in NHPs, discusses the main sources and discoveries, and provides a perspective about human translation.
PubMed: 38962314
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1408679 -
F1000Research 2023Recent evidence suggests that some flavonoid compounds obtained from crude methanol extract of mistletoe leaves ( ), also known as Benalu Duku (BD), have antimicrobial...
Recent evidence suggests that some flavonoid compounds obtained from crude methanol extract of mistletoe leaves ( ), also known as Benalu Duku (BD), have antimicrobial effects. Thus, the plant has the potential to eliminate viruses that may cause outbreaks in chicken farms. This study aimed to prove the ability of flavonoid compounds, namely quercetin-like compounds (QLCs), to eliminate field viruses, specifically the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). This research was performed in two stages. An test was used with a post-test of the control groups designed at a significance of 0.05. BD leaves (5 kg) were extracted using a maceration method with methanol and then separated into hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions. The final extracted products were separated using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to obtain QLCs. The QLCs were identified and compared with quercetin using HPLC, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The activity of QLCs was tested against the NDV at a virulency titer of 10 Tissue Culture Infectious Dose 50% (TCID50) and in chicken kidney cell culture. Solutions of 0.05% (w/v) QLCs were discovered to have antiviral activity against NDVs, with an average cytopathogenic effect antigenicity at a 10 dilution (p<0.05). QLCs from flavonoids from the leaves of BD have antiviral bioactivity against NDVs and may have the potential to be developed as medicinal compounds for the treatment of other human or animal viral infections.
Topics: Quercetin; Antiviral Agents; Newcastle disease virus; Newcastle Disease; Animals; Plant Extracts; Mistletoe; Plant Leaves; Chickens
PubMed: 38962299
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.133489.2