Colleges Of Veterinary Medicine Research Articles

106 Serial Evaluation ofA. Marginale Positivity Rate Within a Single Herd of Mature Beef Cows

Abstract Anaplasmosis is an economically devastating disease in cattle that is caused by the rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma marginale. Infected cattle can serve as biological reservoirs for the organism, thus enabling further transmission of the disease to naive individuals via ticks, biting flies and contaminated needles. It is estimated that this disease causes over $300 million in expenses for the U.S. cattle industry annually. As a result, a better understanding of this disease and its prevalence is needed. As part of an ongoing collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas and the Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, general surveillance testing of beef cattle herds in Washington county, Arkansas previously indicated a possible 30% positivity rate for A. marginale in 2019. The objective of this study was to utilize both quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) tests to determine the whole-herd prevalence of A. marginale within the University of Arkansas Washington county research herd. In the fall of 2020, the entire fall-calving herd (168, apparently healthy, mature beef cows) was sampled and tested. Both whole blood and serum samples were collected from each animal. qPCR testing was completed on each whole blood sample submitted at the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine, while cELISA testing was completed on each serum sample by the University of Arkansas. Of the68 cows tested, 20 cows tested seropositive, with a % Inhibition of 30 or above (mean = 45%). Confirmatory qPCR testing on all seropositive samples, however, indicated that all cows were negative for active infection with A. marginale. Subsequently, in the spring of 2022, all available cows that had previously tested seropositive for A. marginale were retested using the same protocol as previously described, except that all qPCR testing was completed by University of Arkansas Veterinary Entomology Lab. Of the 17 mature cows still in inventory, that had previously tested seropositive for A. marginale, only 7 were still seropositive with a % inhibition of 30 or above (mean = 39%). However, confirmatory qPCR testing on all 7 seropositive samples indicated that all cows were negative for active infections with A. marginale. Because of its lower cost, compared with qPCR testing, ELISA testing is commonly recommended to and utilized by producers and veterinarians as a first-line diagnostic for individual and herd health evaluation and management. Information gathered by this study indicates that cELISA testing alone may not provide an accurate depiction of actual infection rates within a herd, and that further investigation into possible causes of false positivity are required. As part of this study, additional assays investigating the specificity of the commercial Anaplasmosis cELISA and possible cross-reaction with other endemic rickettsial pathogens will be performed.

β-catenin inhibition using XAV939 nanoparticle promotes immunogenic cell death and suppresses tumor progression

Abstract Although the incidence of conjunctival melanoma is rare, it is a highly metastatic tumor with high recurrence and mortality rates. The current conjunctival melanoma treatment strategies, including surgical resection combined with chemo- or cryotherapy, have limited usefulness because of systemic side effects, recurrence, and metastases. Tumor-intrinsic Wnt/β-catenin pathway mediates immune exclusion in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and promotes tumorigenesis. Previous studies have shown that XAV939, a potent tankyrase inhibitor, can be used for the pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin. In this study, using tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-based nanoparticle formulation for XAV939, we show that β-catenin inhibition suppresses melanoma cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, XAV939 nanoparticles promoted immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells with a significant extracellular release of ICD molecules, including HMGB1, calreticulin, and ATP. Further, using a mouse model of conjunctival melanoma, we show that β-catenin inhibition significantly suppresses conjunctival melanoma progression. Collectively, the local delivery of β-catenin represents a novel and safe approach to promoting ICD and activating anti-tumor immunity for combinatorial immune checkpoint inhibition therapies against vision and life-threatening ocular melanomas. This study was supported by research funding from the Intramural Grants Program, Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer (AURIC), and start-up funds from the Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University.

Proliferation, Plasticity, and Migration: Exploring the synergistic relationship between eosinophils and TH2 cells in development of HES-like syndrome

Abstract Aberrancies in eosinophil proliferation, activation and chemotaxis can lead to acute eosinophilic leukemia, paraneoplastic eosinophilia associated with T cell lymphoma and carcinomas, and Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES), respectively. HES is an idiopathic disease affecting humans and veterinary patients characterized by persistent eosinophilia (>1,500 cells/uL) and eosinophilic infiltration of solid organs leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated the role of NF-κB inducing kinase, NIK, an upstream regulator of the noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway, in development of a HES-like syndrome due to aberrant TH2 polarization in the Nik−/−murine model. However, the intricacies of eosinophilic granulopoiesis, eosinophil/neutrophil plasticity, and chemotactic ability has not been assessed during development of HES-like syndrome in Nik−/−mice. Here we show that loss of NIK potentially enhances eosinophilic chemotaxis to CCL11, enhances eosinophilic/neutrophilic plasticity, and affects granulopoiesis in the bone marrow and spleen beginning at the level of eosinophilic metamyelocytes, despite potentially decreasing the proliferative potential of these cells. Taken together, these results suggest that NIK and the noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway plays a role in dictating the hematopoietic and chemotactic potential of eosinophils and highlights a synergistic relationship with TH2 cells and their respective cytokines during development of HES-like syndrome in Nik−/−mice. Overall, these findings warrant further study to better characterize the synergistic relationship described above to better understand development of HES and HES-like diseases. Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial use in companion animals in an academic veterinary hospital in NorthCarolina.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens reduces the effectiveness of these drugs in both human and veterinary medicine, making judicious antimicrobial use (AMU) an important strategy for its control. The COVID-19 pandemic modified operations in both human and veterinary healthcare delivery, potentially impacting AMU. The goal of this research is to quantify how antimicrobial drug prescribing practices for companion animals in an academic veterinary hospital changed during the pandemic. A retrospective study was performed using prescribing data for dogs and cats collected from the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU-CVM) pharmacy, which included prescriptions from both the specialty referral hospital and primary care services. Records (n = 31,769) for 34 antimicrobial drugs from 2019-2020-before and during the pandemic-related measures at the NCSU-CVM-were compared. The prescribed antimicrobials' importance was categorized using the FDA's Guidance for Industry (GFI #152), classifying drugs according to medical importance in humans. A proportional odds model was used to estimate the probability of more important antimicrobials being administered in patients seen during the pandemic versus before (i.e., critically important vs. highly important vs. important). Rates of AMU per week and per patient visit were also compared. During the pandemic, cumulative antimicrobials prescribed per week were significantly decreased in most services for dogs. Weekly rates for Highly Important antimicrobials were also significantly lower in dogs. For important and critically important antimicrobials, rates per week were significantly decreased in various services overall. Rates of antimicrobial administration per patient visit were significantly increased for Highly Important drugs. Patients in the internal medicine, dermatology, and surgery services received significantly more important antimicrobials during the pandemic than before, while cardiology patients received significantly less. These results suggest that the pandemic significantly impacted prescribing practices of antimicrobials for companion animals in this study.

Abstract 6347: Preliminary results of an exploratory phase I clinical trial of anchored canine interleukin-12 (cANK-101) in dogs with advanced oral malignant melanoma

Abstract Background: Malignant melanoma is the most common form of oral cancer in canines with a median survival of 3 months for dogs with stage III or IV disease. Currently, there are limited effective systemic treatment options for these patients with advanced disease. We have developed an anchored immunotherapy approach in which canine interleukin-12 is stably linked to aluminum hydroxide (cANK-101). The anchored IL-12 forms a stable, functional depot of IL-12 and is expected to increase therapeutic responses with limited systemic toxicity. We report the preliminary results of an exploratory Phase I study of cANK-101 in dogs with advanced melanoma. Methods: The clinical study was approved by the University of Illinois IACUC, conducted at the College of Veterinary Medicine, and all pet owners provided written informed consent. The primary objective of the trial was to determine the safety and tolerability of cANK-101 in dogs with advanced melanoma. A standard 3+3 dose-escalation design was used with three dose levels (1, 3, and 10 µg/kg) cANK-101 given by intratumoral injection every three weeks for 4 cycles. In the absence of overt clinical progression, dogs were allowed to receive a second course of four cycles. Dogs were monitored for adverse events via VCOG-CTCAE and clinical responses were measured using RECISTv1.1. Serum was collected for pharmacokinetic (PK) and immunogenicity analyses. In addition, serial tumor biopsy and lymph node cytology were performed. Serum cytokines were assayed via ELISA while immunophenotyping of PBMC and lymph node aspirates were assessed by flow cytometry. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) analysis was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and gene expression profiling (Nanostring). Descriptive statistics were used for analyses. Results: As of November 16, 2022, 8 dogs have been enrolled and all dogs remain on treatment. Thirteen adverse events have been reported in 6 dogs, all being grade 1. However, only two are considered related to the study drug (tumor site inflammation and pain). Treatment was associated with increases in serum IFNγ and IL-10, as well as increases in peripheral CD4+ T and CD21+ T cells. Additional data on PK analyses, anti-drug antibody levels, gene expression, and clinical responses will be presented. Conclusions: Thus far, cANK-101 appears to be safe and tolerable in dogs with advanced melanoma. Data from this trial will help inform human clinical trials and may represent a new therapeutic option for dogs with advanced melanoma and perhaps other solid tumors. Our experience further suggests that companion animal trials could serve as relevant translational models for early immuno-oncology drug development. Citation Format: Matheus Moreno Passos Barbosa, Angel J. Lopez, Rachel Uyehara, Rebecca L. Kamerer, Michael Schmidt, Sailaja Battula, Howard L. Kaufman, Timothy M. Fan. Preliminary results of an exploratory phase I clinical trial of anchored canine interleukin-12 (cANK-101) in dogs with advanced oral malignant melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6347.

Determination of the Efficacy of Broccoli Sprouts Seeds on Growth, Blood Parameters, and Immunological Indicators in Experimentally Immunosuppressed Male Rats

This study was conducted in graduate laboratories, College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad’s and animal house in College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tikrit to determine the effectiveness of broccoli sprouted seeds on growth parameters, blood components and measurement of immune indicators in male rats with experimentally reduced immunity. The results of the study showed that oral administration of Sandimmun to male albino rats led to a decrease in the weight gain rate of laboratory rats and a decrease in blood components such as the white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin concentration level (Hb), while there was a significant increase in the number of platelets (PLT). It also caused a significant decrease in the values of the immunological indicators like IgG, IgA, and IgM. The results showed that feeding on broccoli sprouted seed powder with both concentrations 15% and 30% caused an increase in the weight gain rates to 53.40 and 84.40 g, respectively, compared to the average weights gained for the rats with reduced immunity in treatment G2, which was 15.40 g. The same applies to the effect of feeding on the two treatments G3 and G4. These groups had significant improvement in the blood parameters of rats in both treatments, but the G4 treatment was the best treatment in raising the level of white blood cell counts WBC, which amounted to 14.90x109 cell/ml while the number of RBC erythrocytes was at 8.18x106 cell/ml compared with their numbers in the experimentally immunocompromised group of rats, which were at 15.12x109 cell/ml and 8.06 x106 cells/ml, respectively. While the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) level was at 13.68 mg/dL, the number of Platelets (PLT) 485x103 platelets / microliter and all these values were significantly similar with their numbers in the values of treatment G1. Also, feeding at a concentrations of 15% and 30% led to increase the immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM in rats, as it caused an increase in their values in treatment G3, which were at 0.48, 0.44, 0.52 mg/dL, respectively. While their values in treatment G4 were at 0.54, 0.47, and 0.56 mg/dL, compared with their values in treatment G2, which amounted to 0.35, 0.33, 0.41 mg/dL. The conclusion of this study is that feeding with broccoli sprouted seed powder improved the growth rates, blood profile parameters and immune globulins in the experimentally reduced immune male rats.

Potential role of dietary pomegranate seed powder (PSP) (Punica granatum L.) and / or Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on lipid profile of Local male lambs

This study was conducted to find out the effect of adding pomegranate seeds (PSP) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) to the diet of local lambs on their lipid profiles. (Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C), and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (vLDL-C)) It was implemented in the animal field of Baghdad University's veterinary medicine college and ran from 12/1/2022 to 12/6/2022, with 20 lambs aged 2-3 months divided into four groups, with G1 serving as the control group fed concentration diets. G2 fed the same ration and 3% dried pomegranate seed pomace powder (PSP), G3 fed the same ration and 4% PSP with 3g of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), and G4 fed the same ration and 6% PSP with 3g of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), water supply at Libdum . Samples of blood were taken from all lambs monthly to measure some biochemical characteristics, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-C) statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were discovered in the results of The administration of PSP and SC with diets revealed a remarkable effect between treated and untreated groups for lipid profile aspects in some periods of the experiment when compared to the control group, so it could be concluded from this study that using PSP and/or SC to treat groups could contribute to improving lipid profile traits in male lambs

Assessment of anxiolytic-like effects of acute and chronic treatment of flurbiprofen in murine

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used medications with atypical pharmacological effects. This aims to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effects of flurbiprofen in rodent models. Methods: In vivo experimental try was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 at the college of veterinary medicine, university of Mosul, Iraq. The effect of flurbiprofen was assessed in mice exposed to the elevated plus maze (EPM), light-dark box test (LDT), and open-field test (OFT). Fifty male mice were divided into two groups of twenty-five, weighing 30–35 g, for acute and chronic treatment. Each group was subdivided into five subgroups: distilled water was administered to the control group; the positive control was injected with 10 mg/kg diazepam; and the flurbiprofen groups were administered orally at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. Each subgroup was subjected to EPM, LDT, and OFT one hour after administration. The second group was also subdivided like the first group. It was treated for 15 days constantly and subjected to anxiety tests on the 16th day. Results: Acute treatment with 20 mg/kg flurbiprofen revealed an anxiolytic effect, with increased time spent in the open arm of the EPM test, increased time spent in the LDB test, and increased time spent in the central area in the OFT compared to the control group. Chronic administration of flurbiprofen was ineffective in producing an anxiolytic effect. Conclusion: The low doses of flurbiprofen may eliminate the anxiety effect in experimental mice; however, the anti-anxiety effect does not appear significantly after repeated or chronic administration of flurbiprofen.

Are honey bees a suitable model for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in humans?

Last summer, I was fortunate in having the opportunity to work with the brilliant and talented individuals in the Pollinator Health Research Lab at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Wood and Dr. Simko. I was exposed to many facets of science, had hands-on experience in apiculture, and met beekeepers from around the globe. I will always be thankful for the mentorship, friendships, and skills I gained over the summer, and I hope our research will serve as a basis for validating honey bees as a model organism for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

What goes in may come out!

Veterinary Clinical PathologyVolume 52, Issue 1 p. 6-7 YESTERDAY · TODAY · TOMORROW What goes in may come out! Bente Flatland, Corresponding Author Bente Flatland bflatlan@utk.edu College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USASearch for more papers by this author Bente Flatland, Corresponding Author Bente Flatland bflatlan@utk.edu College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 10 March 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.13234Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume52, Issue1March 2023Pages 6-7 RelatedInformation

Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine: an integrated curriculum prepares practice-ready veterinarians through experiential learning.

"Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine: an integrated curriculum prepares practice-ready veterinarians through experiential learning" published on 01 Mar 2023 by American Veterinary Medical Association.

The effect of changing COVID-19 restrictions on the transmission rate in a veterinary clinic

With the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), like other institutions, restructured their services to reduce the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus while simultaneously providing critical and essential veterinary services. A mathematical model was developed to predict the change in the level of possible COVID-19 infections due to the increased number of potential contacts within the UTCVM hospital. A system of ordinary differential equations with different compartments for UTCVM individuals and the Knox county population was formulated to show the dynamics of transmission and the number of confirmed cases. Key transmission rates in the model were estimated using COVID-19 case data from the surrounding county and UTCVM personnel. Simulations from this model show the increasing number of COVID-19 cases among UTCVM personnel as the number of daily clients and the number of veterinary staff in the clinic are increased. We also investigate how changes within the Knox county community impact the UTCVM hospital. These scenarios show the importance of understanding the effects of re-opening scenarios in veterinary teaching hospitals.

Abrogation of Acute Inflammation in ICR Mice with Topical Administration of Philippine Stingless Bee (Tetragonula biroi Friese) Honey

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,258-266.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.028Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Mark Joseph Maranan Desamero, Mikaela Bernadette Andres Rabino, Maria Angelica Rimas Tayao, Mary Jasmin Cabillon Ang, Jussiaea Valente Bariuan, Roxanne Posilero Gapasin, Therese Marie Avena Collantes, Melissa Marie Risos Rondina, Cherry Pambid Fernandez-Colorado, Cleofas Rodriguez Cervancia, and Maria Amelita Celino Estacio Author(s) affiliations:Mark Joseph Maranan Desamero1,2,*, Mikaela Bernadette Andres Rabino1, Maria Angelica Rimas Tayao1, Mary Jasmin Cabillon Ang1, Jussiaea Valente Bariuan1,2, Roxanne Posilero Gapasin1,2, Therese Marie Avena Collantes3, Melissa Marie Risos Rondina4, Cherry Pambid Fernandez-Colorado3, Cleofas Rodriguez Cervancia2,5, Maria Amelita Celino Estacio1,2 1Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, PHILIPPINES. 2UPLB Bee Program, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, PHILIPPINES. 3Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, PHILIPPINES. 4Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, PHILIPPINES. 5Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, PHILIPPINES Abstract:Background: Honey, a sweet sugar-rich bee-derived product, has been widely recognized in the realm of Ayurveda and Pharmacognosy for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, arthritis, and gastric ulcer. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of Philippine honey obtained from local stingless bees remains unexplored and poorly investigated. Hence, this study delved on the anti-inflammatory potential of topically applied Philippine stingless bee honey (PSH) using the λ-Carrageenan-induced mouse model of paw edema. Materials and Methods: A total of 30, male ICR mice of six weeks of age were randomly divided into the following groups (n=10 per group) as follows: Distilled water-, 1% Diclofenac sodium-, and Honey-treated group. All treatments were administered immediately after Carrageenan injection and then every 8 hr during the 24-hr test duration. Results: Repeated topical application of PSH significantly attenuated the gross hind paw swelling observed at the onset of the 6 hr post-induction (pi) until the 24 hr pi with Carrageenan in contrast to the Distilled water-treated group. This corresponded histologically to a marked reduction in dermal thickness, dermal edema, and leukocytic infiltration. Whereas, at the cytokine level, this correlated to significant suppression of the circulating blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Conclusion: Based on these results, honey from the Philippine stingless bees shows convincing anti-inflammatory activity which is partly mediated through the regulation of the expression of inflammation-associated cytokines. Keywords:Anti-inflammatory, Honey, IL-1β, IL-6, Philippine stingless bees, TNF-α.View:PDF (1.75 MB)

Effect of Urtica dioica leaves and Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds on glucose and lipid Profile in the blood of males albino rats exposed to toxicity by cadmium chloride and lead acetate

The current study in Veterinary Medicine College in kirkuk University and kirkuk hosbital for period from 2-2-2015 end 28-12-2015, and designed to observe and test the preventive and Therapy effects for powder of Urtica dioica leaves and Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds in healthy adult males albino rats that exposed to cadmium chloride (5 mg/kg of body weight) and lead acetate (50 mg/kg of body weight) and the amount of the transaction over the period (30) days on Profile of blood lipids, randomly divided into (18) groups, each group included (5) animals. Giving the powder of Urtica dioica leaves and Moringa oleifera seeds led significant decrease (P˂0.05) in concentrations of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and significant increase (P˂0.05) in HDL-C, While administration of Moringa oleifera leaf powder for animal groups to the same previous results, whereas did not show significant differences (p˃0.05) in glucose, TG, HDL-C, malondia-ldehyde (MDA) and VLDL-C all of these in comparison with the normal control group. The groups that given cadmium chloride and lead acetate caused a significant increase in the TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, malondialdehyde (MDA) and significant decrease in HDL-C in comparison with the normal control group. But compariing of these groups with the groups that administrated only Urtica dioica leaves and Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds led to significant decrease in HDL-C. and a significant increase in the TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C. The groups of animals which treated with the powder of these plants under study before and after of exposed to each of cadmium chloride and lead acetate showed a positive effect on the Profile of blood lipids.

Perceptions of Veterinary Students at North Carolina State University about the Use of Animals in Teaching and Research.

Teaching through the use of animals is an integral part of veterinary education. In addition to interactions with privately owned animals, veterinary students often learn using cadavers and institutionally owned animals. Veterinary students also frequently participate in research involving animals. Animal-based research is essential for the development of therapies and techniques that improve the lives of both animals and people. To investigate the perceptions of veterinary students at the North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU-CVM) toward the use of animals in teaching and research, an anonymous survey was provided to current and recently graduated veterinary students. The aims of the study were to 1) gain a general understanding of veterinary student perceptions surrounding the use of animals in research and teaching, 2) determine if providing simple facts about the contributions of animals to medical advancements would increase the acceptance of animal use for teaching and research, and 3) determine if general perceptions regarding the use of animals in teaching and research change over the course of completing the veterinary curriculum. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions were calculated for applicable response types. χ² tests were used to identify factors that influenced perceptions of the use of animals in teaching and research. A change-indicator variable was created, and binary logistic regression was used to compare responses before and after completion of the educational component of the survey. Of 141 total survey respondents, 78% were accepting of the use of animals in teaching and research, with no significant difference in the overall acceptance after reading 6 facts about animal research. In addition, 24% of respondents stated that their perceptions had changed during the course of their veterinary education. Overall, veterinary students surveyed had a high acceptance of the use of animals in teaching and research.

Comparison of metrics to assess antibiotic use in small ruminants at a university referral clinic between 2005 and 2019.

Abstract Background: Monitoring antibiotic use is essential to provide a framework enabling veterinarians to use antibiotics prudently. Methods: Electronic medical records from the University of Veterinary Medicine's University Clinic for Ruminants in Vienna were analysed with respect to sheep and goat antibiotic doses administered over a 15-year period. Antibiotic use was assessed using total mg/kg, total milligrams, number of doses administered, Defined Daily Doses (nDDDvet) for cattle and estimated nDDD for sheep. Results: 5113 antibiotic doses were recorded over the 15-year period. Urinary tract disorders required the highest number of doses administered per animal (mean 16.9; median 16.0). Antibiotic use patterns varied according to the metrics used for analysis. By mg/kg, the largest proportion of antibiotics administered were penicillin/streptomycin (43.0% of the total mg/kg), followed by tetracyclines (17.3%) and sulfonamide/trimethoprim combinations (15.2%). By number of doses administered, the most frequently used antibiotics were penicillins (excluding combinations with streptomycin) (33.9% of total number of doses administered), fluoroquinolones (25.1%), 3rd/4th generation cephalosporins (13.6%) and penicillin/streptomycin (13.4%). Limitations: As the university clinic was a city-based referral centre, this analysis cannot be compared directly with antibiotic use in commercial herds or flocks. Conclusions: The considered choice of antibiotic use metrics is essential for an effective and meaningful analysis of the responsible use of antibiotics by veterinarians in practice.

Success in Grateful Client Philanthropy: Insights from Veterinary Faculty at North Carolina State University

The veterinary literature contains few publications or empiric research on the impact of grateful client philanthropy. To improve our understanding of the impact of philanthropy on veterinary medicine, we surveyed the faculty at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This qualitative study involved an anonymous survey of 153 North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty members administered and analyzed through an online survey software program, QualitrixXMTM. 33% (51) of faculty responded to the survey. 73% (37) of the respondents indicated that their personal interactions with clients led to gifts to their research or service and 29% (15) indicated that they have received six or more gifts from their interactions with clients of the hospital. The top three examples of direct beneficial impacts from grateful client giving were research support (13.1%), technological improvements and equipment upgrades (10.5%), and professional development (4.6%). The top three negative impacts of faculty interactions with a grateful client program were the perceived need to address the overwhelming needs of the donor (19%), the faculty’s concerns regarding the owner’s higher expectations of service (7.1%) and time (7.1%). 61.9% of the respondents did not note any negative impacts. Top three responses to donor inquiries regarding philanthropic giving were to direct the client to a development officer (76%), discuss gift opportunities with the client (45.1%), and discuss individual research needs and opportunities (19.1%). Overall, faculty reported positive impact with grateful patient philanthropy. Continued development and understanding of the philanthropic process is recommended to maximize donor support of academic medical efforts.

Sperm Membrane and Acrosomal Integrity Affected by using Black Currant

This study was designed in order to investigate and determine the effect of black current (Prunus cerasus) extract on semen membrane and acrosome integrity of the rams. Twelve mature healthy rams were used in this study aged between 2-3 years, kept in the animal farm of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Al-Kufa University. Semen ejaculates was collected using electro-ejaculator methods once weekly a total of 36 ejaculates were collected among the period of the study. The black current (Prunus cerasus) extract was prepared by using maceration and added to the diluted semen in five doses groups (0.25 gm/ml as G1, 0.5 gm/ml as G2, 1 gm/ml as G3, 2 gm/ml as G4, 4 gm/ml as G5) and the positive control group left without any addition. The treatment samples were evaluated under cooling for five consecutive days, the membrane integrity test was evaluated using hypo-osmotic solution and acrosome integrity was analysis using semen smear stained with eosin–nigrosin stain. The result showed that high concentration of aqueous plant extract give negative result as listed in G3, G4 and G5 in the all preservation days. As found in acrosome integrity at the 5thday of incubation showed decreased at highly significantly sequentially. We conclude that the G1 and G2 of black current extract (Prunus cerasus) should be used in chilling process as a part of artificial insemination in sheep due to its protective effect of the membrane and acrosome integrity.

Effect of atorvastatin on bone formation in ovariectomized rats

The study was designed in order the effect of one class of lipophilic statins (Atorvastatin) in some biomarkers of bone formation (Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 1,25 (OH)2 D3, calcium, and phosphorous) in serum of ovariectomized female rats. Thirty adult female rats (2.5-3) months, weighing (200-220) gm were housed at conditions of controlled temperature (22-25°C), cycle (12h light - 12h dark) in the house of animals of Veterinary Medicine College of Mosul University. The animals were divided into three equal groups, sham group, ovariectomized (ovx) group, and ovx treatment orally with 20mg/kg/d of atorvastatin. After 60 days of treatment, blood from all groups was collected for ALP activity, 1,25 (OH)2 D3, calcium, and phosphorous estimation, and left femur bones were excised for histological examination. The results showed that the serum ALP, calcium, and phosphorus were significantly elevated, and a significant reduction in 1,25 (OH)2D3 was noticed in the ovx group. However, treatment with atorvastatin caused a significant reduction in ALP with a non-significant elevation in 1,25 (OH)2D3. Histological results showed a low density and thin trabecular bone, a few blood vessels, high numbers of osteoclast, with low numbers of osteoblasts in the ovx group. However, the treated ovx with atorvastatin increases the thickness of trabecular bone, medium developed osteogenic tissue, and a low number of osteoblasts. In conclusion, atorvastatin has a moderate effect on bone of ovx, affecting bone formation more than bone resorption.

Integrating Communication Skills, Awareness of Self and Others, and Reflective Feedback into One Inclusive Anatomical Representation of Relationship-Centered Health Care.

The American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education mandates in standard 11 that all accredited colleges of veterinary medicine must develop and deliver formal processes by which students are observed and assessed in nine competencies. The eighth competency combines clinical communication and sensitivity toward soliciting and understanding individual narratives across a diverse clientele to facilitate health care delivery. Several frameworks have been designed to structure health care consultations for teaching and coaching purposes. The Calgary-Cambridge guide (CCG) provides an evidence-based approach to outlining the flow of consultations, incorporating foundational communication skills and elements of relationship-centered care into a series of sequential tasks. Although the CCG was intended for use as a flexible tool kit, it lacks visible connections between concrete experiences (e.g., the consultation) and reflective observation (e.g., the feedback). This teaching tip describes the development of a novel anatomical representation of the consultation that integrates process elements of the CCG with other core curricular concepts. By combining knowledge, technical skills, critical thinking, reflection, cultural humility, and self-awareness into a skeletal consultation model, linkages are established between communication and intergroup dialogue skills, diversity and inclusion (D&I). This model has been further adapted as feline, caprine, porcine, equine, avian, and reptilian versions for in-class use as strategic visual aids that highlight key areas of focus for Professional Skills class sessions. Future developments by the authors will explore how to link species-specific consultation models to assessment rubrics to reinforce the connection between content (what) and process (how).