Healthy Animals Research Articles

A murine model of acute and prolonged abdominal sepsis, supported by intensive care, reveals time-dependent metabolic alterations in the heart

BackgroundSepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) often occurs in the acute phase of sepsis and is associated with increased mortality due to cardiac dysfunction. The pathogenesis remains poorly understood, and no specific treatments are available. Although SICM is considered reversible, emerging evidence suggests potential long-term sequelae. We hypothesized that metabolic and inflammatory cardiac changes, previously observed in acute sepsis as potential drivers of SICM, partially persist in prolonged sepsis.MethodsIn 24-week-old C57BL/6J mice, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture, followed by intravenous fluid resuscitation, subcutaneous analgesics and antibiotics, and, in the prolonged phase, by parenteral nutrition. Mice were killed after 5 days of sepsis (prolonged sepsis, n = 15). For comparison, we included acutely septic mice killed at 30 h (acute sepsis, n = 15) and healthy controls animals (HC, n = 15). Cardiac tissue was collected for assessment of inflammatory and metabolic markers through gene expression, metabolomic analysis and histological assessment.ResultsIn prolonged sepsis, cardiac expression of IL-1β and IL-6 and macrophage infiltration remained upregulated (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, tissue levels of Krebs cycle intermediates and adenosine phosphates were normal, whereas NADPH levels were low in prolonged sepsis (p ≤ 0.05). Gene expression of fatty acid transporters and of the glucose transporter Slc2a1 was upregulated in prolonged sepsis (p ≤ 0.01). Lipid staining and glycogen content were elevated in prolonged sepsis together with increased gene expression of enzymes responsible for lipogenesis and glycogen synthesis (p ≤ 0.05). Intermediate glycolytic metabolites (hexose-phosphates, GADP, DHAP) were elevated (p ≤ 0.05), but gene expression of several enzymes for glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidation of pyruvate, fatty-acyl-CoA and ketone bodies to acetyl-CoA were suppressed in prolonged sepsis (p ≤ 0.05). Key metabolic transcription factors PPARα and PGC-1α were downregulated in acute, but upregulated in prolonged, sepsis (p ≤ 0.05 for both). Ketone body concentrations were normal but ketolytic enzymes remained suppressed (p ≤ 0.05). Amino acid metabolism showed mild, mixed changes.ConclusionsOur results suggest myocardial lipid and glycogen accumulation and suppressed mitochondrial oxidation, with a functionally intact Krebs cycle, in the prolonged phase of sepsis, together with ongoing myocardial inflammation. Whether these alterations have functional consequences and predispose to long-term sequelae of SICM needs further research.

Rebound tonometry intraocular pressure reference values for conscious adult Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus).

To obtain standard reference values of intraocular pressure measured with rebound tonometry in conscious healthy Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus). 17 Egyptian vultures presented for a routine health check, involving a full physical examination, blood film examination, Hct, manual total leukocyte count, and plasma biochemistry. 15 animals considered healthy and with no signs of stress underwent an ophthalmic examination, including observation of facial symmetry, adnexa, and direct fundoscopy to screen for ocular disease. Healthy animals, with no evidence of ocular disease and no signs of stress, were included in the study. The birds were manually restraint in an upright position for rebound tonometry of the right and left eyes. Mean and SD of intraocular pressure were 27.33 ± 3.54 mm Hg for the right eye and 27.00 ± 4.11 mm Hg for the left eye. There was no statistical difference when comparing the right and left eyes. The combined mean ± SD for both eyes was 27.2 ± 3.76 mm Hg. Rebound tonometry was well tolerated in all animals included in the study. The results of intraocular pressure with rebound tonometry can be used as reference values during the ophthalmological examination of Egyptian vultures. The investigation of vision threatening diseases in Egyptian vultures may necessitate rebound tonometry as part of a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination. Rebound tonometry values obtained from anesthetized Egyptian vultures, or Egyptian vultures restrained in lateral, dorsal, or sternal positions, may differ from those reported here.

A Meta-Analysis on Quantitative Sodium, Potassium and Chloride Metabolism in Horses and Ponies

The goal of this meta-analysis was to (i) identify any potential differences in the apparent and true digestibility, renal excretion, and retention between ponies and horses and (ii) examine the impact of work on these parameters. Additionally, the study aimed to (iii) evaluate the effects of water deficiency. This meta-analysis used data from 33 studies and plotted them in diagrams similar to the Lucas test against mineral intake. Three studies involved ponies that were later diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). These were compared with other data to identify quantitative differences, as they may have clinical significance. If any significant difference was observed, the data were not used for the evaluation of the aforementioned goals. Data were compared within certain intake ranges using t-tests and ANOVA, followed by Holm–Sidak post hoc tests. Working equines showed significantly higher apparent and true Na digestibility and lower endogenous faecal Na losses compared to non-working ponies and horses, suggesting a rather important role of the gastrointestinal tract in the regulation of Na metabolism in equines. The true K digestibility was also significantly higher in working animals than in non-working ones, but the differences were quantitatively smaller than for Na. Retention plus sweat losses for Na, K and Cl were higher in working animals compared to equines in maintenance. Horses showed higher Na and K retention plus sweat losses compared to ponies. These effects are likely attributable to greater sweat losses in working equines, particularly horses. The apparent and true Cl digestibility was significantly higher in ponies than in horses. A clinical relevance of this observation is rather unlikely, as the digestibility remained very high in both. Water deprivation influenced serum Cl levels and increased renal K excretion, which subsequently led to reduced K retention. Compared to other animal species, no effects on blood K levels or Na metabolism were observed. The ponies diagnosed with PPID exhibited a significantly lower apparent K digestibility compared to healthy animals, which could be an important factor to consider when feeding soaked hay, due to potential electrolyte losses during soaking.

Covariation Between Microbiome Composition and Host Transcriptome in the Gut of Wild Drosophila melanogaster: A Re-Analysis.

Gut microbiota are fundamental for healthy animal function, but the evidence that host function can be predicted from microbiota taxonomy remains equivocal, and natural populations remain understudied compared to laboratory animals. Paired analyses of covariation in microbiota and host parameters are powerful approaches to characterise host-microbiome relationships mechanistically, especially in wild populations of animals that are also lab models, enabling insight into the ecological basis of host function at molecular and cellular levels. The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster is a preeminent model organism, amenable to field investigation by 'omic analyses. Previous work in wild male D. melanogaster guts analysed paired measurements of (A) bacterial diversity and abundance, measured by 16S amplicon sequencing; and (B) the host gut transcriptome, but no signature of covariation was detected. Here, we re-analyse those data comprehensively. We find orthogonal axes of microbial genera, which correspond to differential expression of host genes. The differentially expressed gene sets were enriched in functions including protein translation, mitochondrial respiration, immunity and reproduction. Each gene set had a distinct functional signature, suggesting that wild flies exhibit a range of distinct axes of functional variation, which correspond to orthogonal axes of microbiome variation. These findings lay a foundation to better connect ecology and functional genetics of a leading host-microbiome model.

Healthy Cows, Happy Farmers? Exploring the Dynamics of Mastitis and Farmer Well-Being.

Clinical mastitis, a prevalent production disease in the dairy industry, causes significant pain and swelling in dairy cows' udders. While previous research highlights a symbiotic relationship between humans and animals, particularly in terms of health, this study investigates how animal health, specifically clinical mastitis, influences farmers' well-being. Acknowledging farmers' pivotal role in mitigating animal health problems, we examined the human-animal relationship by exploring how dairy cow health relates to the psychological well-being of dairy farmers. This was performed by investigating the connection between animal and farmer health and whether it is mediated by farmers' perceptions of mastitis as a production disease and their sense of control over the situation. For the current study, we combined and matched data from a large questionnaire study covering dairy farmer's well-being (n = 356) with data on dairy cow herd health. For statistical analyses we used the PROCESS macro for serial multiple mediator analysis, an analysis that allows for the estimation of the effect of multiple mediators in a causal chain. We found that farmers' well-being is indirectly related to animal health though their illness perception (P < 0.05) and perceived self-efficacy (P < 0.001), underscoring the importance of cultivating awareness and control over mastitis occurrences. For these estimations, we controlled for the effect of farm size, expected income from dairy production, marital status, and cohabitation status of the farmer, as well as age and gender. Our results indicate that maintaining healthy animals with minimal mastitis incidents, coupled with farmers' perceived self-efficacy, is positively related with farmer well-being.

Zoonotic Disease: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dairy Farm Owner in Wolaita Sodo District, Ethiopia.

Lack of knowledge regarding zoonotic transmission, prevention and control measures is a potential high risk for the occurrence of zoonotic diseases. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of dairy farm participants concerning zoonoses. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2022 in and around Sodo town, using a questionnaire among dairy farm participants (n = 123). The structured questionnaire consisted of 48 items to evaluate knowledge (12), attitude (10) and practices (6) related to zoonotic disease-risks from livestock products and birth products was administered to the systematically and randomly selected respondents. Linear regression analyses were used to assess relations between the explanatory variables and the three indexes. The overall positive response for knowledge, attitude and practice subscores were 65%, 74% and 59% respectively. 93% of participants know that disease can transmit from animal to human. Besides, eating uncooked meat (92%), drinking raw milk (85%) and collecting aborted foetuses and placenta with bare hand (80%) are known sources of infection. Participants who thought zoonotic diseases can be treated, controlled and prevented were 78%, 80% and 81%, respectively. Among participants, 74% showed positive attitude towards risk of acquiring disease through the consumption of raw meat and milk. The participants who believed that apparently healthy animals can be a source of infection were 42%. Education level was positively associated with better knowledge, attitude and practice towards zoonoses. Furthermore, farm type, size and respondent's residence were also associated with better practice of zoonotic disease prevention (p < 0.05). Despite good knowledge, attitude and practice about zoonotic diseases' control and prevention, there are some serious knowledge and practice shortcomings. Awareness creation and training programs for the members of the dairy producers on zoonotic diseases and their transmission mechanism might help the effort in public health significance of zoonotic disease prevention.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Haemato-Biochemical Changes Associated with Colic in Horses in Sana’a Province, Yemen

Background: Colic is a major health problem in controlled horse populations globally. It is a multifactorial and complex disorder. In Yemen, the prevalence, risk factors, and results of horse colic are unclear. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and haemato-biochemical changes associated with colic in horses in Sana’a, Yemen. Methods: A prospective study was conducted from September 2023 to February 2024. A total of 254 horses were examined under field conditions. Colic was identified based on physical examination, clinical symptoms, and rectal examination. A questionnaire was distributed to the horse owners to assess the risk factors while the clinical examination was performed, and blood samples were obtained to estimate the haemato biochemical parameters in horses with colic. Results: out of a total of 254 horses, the overall prevalence of colic in horses was found to be 11.81% (30 cases) and of these, 73.3% had spasmodic colic whereas 26.7% had impaction. The Means of respiration rate, pulse rate, and capillary refill time were significantly increased in horses affected with colic than healthy control animals (P&lt;0.05). The horses with colic showed a significant association between cases with age (p&lt;0.098), gender (p&lt;0.023), deworming frequency (p&lt;0.001), and previous exposure to colic (p&lt;0.001). In hematological indices, the mean packed cell volume in horses with colic was found to be dramatically increased (P&lt;0.0001), while the means of total platelet count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count were found to be significantly decreased (P&lt;0.001). Serum biochemical indices, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, albumin, total protein, and alkaline phosphate, were significantly higher in horses with colic compared to healthy controls (P&lt;0.0001). Conclusions: This is the first study that documented the prevalence of colic in horses and identified risk factors and haemato-biochemical changes associated with colic in Sana’a province, Yemen. This information is a crucial first step in understanding the impact of colic in horses and developing ways to reduce the risk of colic.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage in Healthy Companion Animals in Al-Nasiriyah, Iraq

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage in Healthy Companion Animals in Al-Nasiriyah, Iraq

The Regulatory Role of Pancreatic Enzymes in the Maintenance of Small Intestinal Structure and Enterocyte Turnover with Special Reference to Alpha Amylase.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of porcine pancreatic enzymes (Creon® pancrelipase) in comparison to microbial-derived alpha amylase (MD amylase) on the small intestine wall structure, mucosal glycogen accumulation, and enterocyte turnover. The impact of enzyme supplementation on the small intestine was explored in 18 pigs with surgically induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Four healthy pigs served as the control group. EPI led to reduced villus length, crypt depth, and thickness of the mucosa and muscularis layers compared to those of healthy pigs. All these changes appeared to be reversible after enzyme supplementation. Brush border thickness was decreased in EPI and increased with both enzyme preparations, with MD amylase treatment leading to the highest values in the proximal jejunum. No EPI-induced changes were observed in the goblet cell (GC) population, but significant increases in GC number and area were observed following MD amylase treatment. Glycogen accumulation within the duodenal mucosa was significantly increased in EPI pigs. EPI was also shown to significantly increase apoptotic activity and decrease proliferative activity in comparison to healthy animals, while both enzyme preparations resulted in the complete recovery of both proliferative and apoptotic activity in all investigated intestinal segments. Creon® influenced the morphology of the small intestine. However, supplementation of exogenous microbial amylase alone also affected gut morphology in a similar way to that of the complex host pancreatic enzymes offered orally. These data indicate that in addition to their role in digestion of nutrients in EPI, intraluminal pancreatic enzymes, especially amylase, contribute to gut health through maintenance of the intestinal wall architecture and physiological enterocyte turnover.

A novel herpesvirus in blue penguins putatively associated with myocardial degeneration and necrosis.

We identified a novel herpesvirus in 2 deceased captive blue penguins (Eudyptula minor). Moderate-to-severe myocardiocyte atrophy and necrosis, and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies (INIBs), were seen in myocardiocytes in one bird; reticuloendothelial (RE) cell INIBs and multifocal RE cell necrosis were seen in both birds. The histologic findings were suggestive of viral infection. A herpesvirus PCR assay was positive in myocardial tissue from the bird with myocardial degeneration and in splenic tissue from both birds. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the virus, accessioned as spheniscid alphaherpesvirus 2 (SpAHV2), groups within the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily and forms a unique branch point in a subclade containing members of the Mardivirus, Simplexvirus, and Varicellovirus genera. Herpesvirus screening of tissues from 8 additional blue penguin postmortem examination cases (7 spleen, 1 liver) and combined conjunctival-choanal-cloacal swab samples from 13 live penguins revealed 5 additional dead and 7 live penguins that were positive for SpAHV2. The presence of SpAHV2 in healthy live animals and lack of significant herpesvirus-associated lesions as the cause of death in 6 of 7 SpAHV2-positive dead penguins suggests that this virus may be an endemic in blue penguins, and that recrudescence may cause disease and death.

Cytokines as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in Mediterranean buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is the primary agent of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Mediterranean buffalo, which has a negative economic impact on buffalo herds. Improving TB diagnostic performance in this species represents a key step to eradicate efficiently this disease. We have recently shown the utility of the IFN-γ assay in the diagnosis of M. bovis infection in Mediterranean buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), but other cytokines might be useful immunological biomarkers of this infection. We therefore investigated the utility of key immune cytokines as diagnostic biomarkers of M. bovis infection in this species. Thirty-six Italian Mediterranean buffaloes were used in this study: healthy animals (N = 11), infected (IFN-γ test positive, no post-mortem lesions, no M. bovis detection; N = 14), and affected (IFN-γ test positive, visible post-mortem lesions; N = 11). Heparin blood samples were stimulated with bovine purified protein derivative (PPD-B), alongside controls, and 18-24 h later plasma were collected. Levels of 14 key cytokines were measured: IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, TNF, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MCP-1, IL-36Ra, and VEGF-A. We observed that both infected and affected animals released higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, TNF, IL-1α, IL-6, MIP-1β, in response to PPD-B compared to healthy subjects. Mycobacterium bovis infected animals released also higher levels of IL-1β and IP-10 in response to PPD-B compared to healthy subjects, whereas only tendencies were detected in affected animals. Affected animals only released MIP-1α in response to PPD-B compared to healthy subjects and in this group higher values of PPD-B specific TNF was also observed. Finally, canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was used to generate predictive cytokine profiles by groups. Our data suggest that IL-10, TNF, IL-1α, IL-6, MIP-1β could be useful biomarkers of TB in Mediterranean Buffalo and can improve the TB diagnostic performance in this specie.

Activation of the Sympathoadrenal System under the Influence of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Mimetic in Rats

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is the main incretin that ensures insulin secretion and normalization of postprandial glycemia. GLP-1 mimetics are used for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Besides the insulinotropic effect, GLP-1 and its mimetics have been shown to affect on the functions of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, the central mechanisms of appetite and metabolism regulation, the ion-regulatory and osmoregulatory renal functions, and a paradoxical hyperglycemic effect of incretin mimetics was also discovered. In current work the mechanisms by which the sympathoadrenal system is involved in the development of hyperglycemic and natriuretic effects of the GLP-1 mimetic exenatide in rats were studied. Experiments with healthy rats revealed that GLP-1 and its mimetic exenatide augmented the renal sodium excretion. Exenatide at doses of 0.15-5 nmol/kg, but not GLP-1 (1.5 nmol/kg), showed a hyperglycemic effect (blood glucose increased to 7.2–9.1 mM during the first hour). It has been shown that the rise of blood glucose level in rats administrated with incretin mimetic was associated with increase in renal excretion of catecholamine metabolites, was delayed by preliminary injection of a ganglionic blocker (pentamine 30 mg/kg) and was considerably leveled by non-selective β- and selective β2-adrenergic blockers (propranolol 5 mg/kg, ICI-118551 1 mg/kg). A significant modulation of natriuresis was revealed in response to the administration of exenatide during blockade of various adrenergic receptors subtypes. α1- and α2-blockers appreciably reduced (by 80%), and β1- and β2-blockers increased (by 150%) exenatide-stimulated renal sodium excretion. Thus, the data obtained indicate on the exenatide-induced activation of the sympathoadrenal system, which modulates the direction and severity of the incretin mimetic effects on blood glucose level and renal sodium excretion in healthy animals. The potential action on the sympathoadrenal system is important to consider when assessing the risk of adverse side effects during incretin mimetic therapy.

Assessment of Immobilized Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus OLXAL-1 Cells on Oat Flakes for Functional Regulation of the Intestinal Microbiome in a Type-1 Diabetic Animal Model.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of free or immobilized Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus OLXAL-1 cells on oat flakes on the gut microbiota and metabolic and inflammatory markers in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) animal model. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were assigned into eight groups (n = 6): healthy or diabetic animals that received either a control diet (CD and DCD), an oat-supplemented diet (OD and DOD), a diet supplemented with free L. rhamnosus OLXAL-1 cells (CFC and DFC), or a diet supplemented with immobilized L. rhamnosus OLXAL-1 cells on oat flakes (CIC and DIC). Neither L. rhamnosus OLXAL-1 nor oat supplementation led to any significant positive effects on body weight, insulin levels, plasma glucose concentrations, or lipid profile parameters. L. rhamnosus OLXAL-1 administration resulted in a rise in the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, as well as increased levels of lactic, acetic, and butyric acids in the feces of the diabetic animals. Additionally, supplementation with oat flakes significantly reduced the microbial populations of E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, staphylococci, and enterococci and lowered IL-1β levels in the blood plasma of diabetic animals. These findings suggested that probiotic food-based strategies could have a potential therapeutic role in managing dysbiosis and inflammation associated with T1DM.

Study of possible intrauterine infection of goat fetus with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus

Caprine arthritis-encephalitis is a serious challenge for the modern goat breeding both in Russia and abroad. The disease is quite widespread in our country, causing serious economic damage to the backyard and family-operated farm owners. The etiologic agent of caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is a virus of the Retroviridae family, which is part of the group of small ruminant lentiviruses subdivided into five genetic groups. A number of reasons prevent timely disease diagnosis, for example, lack of a legal framework regulating preventive measures, prolonged asymptomatic virus-carrier state, and absence of pathognomonic symptoms. There are two routes of the CAE virus spread: vertical (lactogenic), when colostrum or milk from a seropositive goat serves as a transmission factor; and horizontal – from a diseased animal to a healthy one in case of crowded housing, feeding from common drinkers and feeders, as well as during mating. The published data on the possibility of the intrauterine virus transmission from mother to fetus are diametrically different. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of intrauterine infection with the CAE virus. Pregnant goats with ELISAand PCR-confirmed CAE diagnosis were used in the study. Pathological material was collected from newborn goats obtained by sterile kidding, and the samples were PCR tested for the CAE causative agent. None of the tested samples demonstrated CAE that gives evidence of absence of the fact of intrauterine virus transmission from the diseased mother to the fetus. Results of long-term monitoring of the goat population kept on two backyards located in the Southern Federal District and Novosibirsk Oblast comprise an indirect evidence of that. The owners of these backyards, where 100% of the goat population were infected with CAE virus, decided to carry out a complex of the disease control measures. Sterile kidding followed by kids’feeding with colostrum and milk pasteurized at 60 °C for 30 minutes with the subsequent use of a whole milk substitute allowed to obtain a CAE-free herd in two years avoiding any significant economic losses and purchase of healthy animals from other farms.

Escherichia coli from healthy farm animals: Antimicrobial resistance, resistance genes andmobile genetic elements.

The use of antibiotics in agriculture and subsequent environmental pollution are associated with the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria including Escherichia coli. The aim of this study was to detect antimicrobial resistance, resistance genes and mobile genetic elements of 72 E. coli strains isolated from faeces of healthy farm animals. Disk diffusion test showed resistance to ampicillin (59.7%), tetracycline (48.6%), chloramphenicol (16.7%), cefoperazone and ceftriaxone (13.9%), cefepime and aztreonam (12.5%), norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin (8.3%), levofloxacin (6.9%), gentamicin and amikacin (2.8%) among the studied strains. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were detected by polymerase chain reaction: the prevalence of blaTEM was the highest (59.7% of all strains), followed by tetA (30.6%), blaCTX-M (11.1%), catA1 (9.7%), less than 5% strains contained blaSHV, cmlA, floR, qnrB, qnrS, tetM. 26.4% of E. coli strains had a MDR phenotype. MDR E. coli more often contained class 1 integrons, bacteriophages, conjugative F-like plasmids, than non-MDR strains. ARGs were successfully transferred from faecalE. colistrains into theE. coliNissle 1917 N4i strain by conjugation. Conjugation frequencies varied from (1.0 ± 0.1) * 10-5 to (7.9 ± 2.6) * 10-4 per recipient. Monitoring mobile genetic elements of E. coli for antibiotic resistance is important for farm animal health, as well as for public health and food safety.

Addressing the Effect of Exercise on Glial Cells: Focus on Ependymal Cells.

A growing body of research highlights the positive impact of regular physical activity on improving physical and mental health. On the other hand, physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and death worldwide. Exercise profoundly impacts various body districts, including the central nervous system. Here, overwhelming evidence exists that physical exercise affects neurons and glial cells, by promoting their interaction. Physical exercise directly acts on ependymal cells by promoting their proliferation and activation, maintaing brain homeostasis in healthy animals and promote locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. This review aims to describe the main anatomical characteristics and functions of ependymal cells and provide an overview of the effects of different types of physical exercise on glial cells, focusing on the ependymal cells.

The Biology and Clinical Implications of PCSK7.

Discovered in 1996, PCSK7 is the seventh of the nine-membered proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin (PCSK) family. This article reviews the various aspects of the multifaceted biology of PCSK7 and what makes it an exciting new target for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affecting ∼30% of the population globally, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and likely cancer/metastasis. We will systematically review and discuss all the available epidemiological data, structural, cell biology, and in vivo evidence that eventually led to the discovery of PCSK7 as a novel post-translational regulator of apolipoprotein B. Interestingly, PCSK7 is the only convertase, other than PCSK9, that exhibits non-canonical/non-enzymatic functions, which will be amply described in this review. The data so far suggested that PCSK7 is a potential safe target in MASLD treatment. This was based on human epidemiological data, as well as mouse Pcsk7 knockout and mRNA translation inhibition using hepatocyte-targeted antisense oligonucleotides following a diet-induced MASLD. Additionally, of all the 9 convertases only the gene deletion of Pcsk7 and/or Pcsk9 in mice leads to healthy and fertile animals with no apparent deleterious consequences, suggesting that their pharmacological targeting is likely safe. Accordingly, the synergistic effects of inhibiting both PCSK7 and PCSK9 in a clinical setting may represent a novel therapy for various diseases. We believe that the current surge in oligonucleotide therapy, with many FDA-approved oligonucleotide-based drugs now available in the clinics, and the urgent need for novel MASLD therapeutics present an opportune moment for this timely review article.

Predictors of VILI risk: driving pressure, 4DPRR and mechanical power ratio—an experimental study

BackgroundVentilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is one of the side effects of mechanical ventilation during ARDS; a prerequisite for averting it is the quantification of its risk factors associated with a given ventilatory setting. Many clinical variables have been proposed as predictors of VILI, of which driving pressure is the most widely used. In this study, we compared the performance of driving pressure, four times the driving pressure added to respiratory rate (4DPRR) and mechanical power ratio.ResultsIn a study population of 121 previously healthy pigs exposed to harmful ventilation, we compared the association of driving pressure, 4DPRR and mechanical power ratio to lung weight, lung wet-to-dry and total histological score. All the three variables were associated with these outcomes. Driving pressure, 4DPRR and mechanical power ratio increase linearly with the lung weight (adjusted R2 of 0.27, 0.36 and 0.40, respectively), the lung wet-to-dry ratio (adjusted R2 of 0.19, 0.25 and 0.37) and the total histological score (adjusted R2 of 0.26, 0.38 and 0.26). Using a multiple linear regression model with forward analysis, starting with tidal volume and progressively adding respiratory rate and positive end-expiratory pressure, and comparing the topic with the outcome variables, we obtained R2 values, respectively, of 0.07, 0.20, 0.42 for lung weight, 0.09, 0.19, 0.26 for lung wet-to-dry ratio and 0.07, 0.27, 0.43 for total histological score.ConclusionsDriving pressure, 4DPRR and mechanical power ratio, were all associated with lung injury in healthy animals undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Evaluation of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Total Bacterial Load in Milk from Clinical Mastitis, Subclinical Mastitis and Healthy Cows

Aim: Studies on alternative preventive and therapeutic approaches for bovine mastitis have gained momentum in the veterinary field due to bacterial antibiotic resistance. In this study; It was aimed to determine the total bacterial counts and lactic acid bacteria counts in milk taken from lactating cows, clinical/subclinical mastitis and healthy udder lobes, compare them with the results of the California Mastitis Test, used a screening test, and determine the variability of lactic flora load in the cases. Materials and Methods: The milk samples were collected from lactating cows from fifteen farms. Udder quarters were categorized into three subgroups: non-mastitis (NM; n=35), clinical mastitis (CM; n=30), and subclinical mastitis (SCM; n=31). Total bacteria and lactic acid bacteria were counted by inoculating milk samples onto MRS (De Man Rogosa Sharpe Agar), M17 agar and PCA (Plate Count Agar) media. Results: No significant difference between the three groups regarding the logarithmic averages of MRS and M17 colony numbers were found. When evaluated using MRS and M17, no significant difference existed among the NM, SCM, and CM groups (P=0.093). Positive correlations (P=0.001) existed between the mean of PCA, CMT, MRS and M17 media. Conclusion: The total bacterial count in milk, as well as the LAB load, are affected by the growing environment and environmental conditions. The milk microbiota is altered in healthy udder quarters and clinical and subclinical mastitis cases. Further investigation is needed to understand the flora characteristics of milk in cases of bovine mastitis and healthy animals.

Infecção dermonecrótica generalizada por &lt;i&gt;Staphylococcus hyicus&lt;/i&gt; em cão

Infections caused by opportunistic bacteria are common in veterinary practice. Staphylococcus hyicus is the causative agent of exudative epidermitis in pigs, but it can also be isolated from the skin of healthy animals, affecting lactating piglets and after weaning. They are responsible for causing serious lesions in the integumentary tissue and can lead to systemic conditions in animals. Generalized dermonecrotic infection by Staphylococcus hyicus in dogs is a rare and difficult-to-treat condition. This study aims to report the case of a 9-year-old male, neutered Shetland Sheepdog, presenting severe edema in the left pelvic limb, lameness and progressive dermonecrotic lesions. The dog had had previous contact with pigs and the diagnosis was confirmed by bacterial culture and antibiogram. Despite antimicrobial and analgesic therapy, the clinical condition worsened, with progression to hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, and purulent secretion. The patient went into cardiorespiratory arrest and died. This case highlights the severity of this infection and the need for constant monitoring, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment to minimize the risk of fatal outcomes.