BMC Veterinary Research最新文献

Currently, control programmes for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) contemplate the use of vaccines to reduce disease incidence rates. The BCG vaccine and the culture filtrate protein extract (CFPE) of Mycobacterium bovis are strong candidates for vaccination against bTB. We conducted an analysis of the immune response and evaluated activation and memory markers in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-lymphocyte subpopulations in Holstein-Friesian calves immunised with different doses of M. bovis BCG-Phipps vaccine (1×10⁴ and 1×10⁶ CFU) or with CFPE (300 µg and 600 µg) in a natural transmission setting. The study was carried out in a dairy herd, selecting calves aged 1-4 months that tested negative in various bTB diagnostic tests. In the groups immunised with the BCG-Phipps vaccine, gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion levels increased significantly, with the highest increase observed in the group that received a dose of 1×10⁶ CFU (P ≤ 0.05). The CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio increased significantly over time in both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, with no significant differences between them. However, notable differences were observed in activated (CD25⁺) and memory (CD45RO⁺) CD4 and CD8 T-cell populations across different times and treatments. Remarkably, the groups immunised with the BCG vaccine remained free of M. bovis infection, as evidenced by negative IFN-γ results using ESAT-6/CFP-10 antigens and negative PCR test results for bacterial detection. The comparative analysis of the immune response induced by the different doses of the BCG-Phipps and CFPE vaccines revealed that the group of animals vaccinated with the 1×10⁶ CFU dose exhibited greater production of gamma interferon and a higher percentage of CD4⁺ T cells, as well as activated and memory CD8⁺ T cells compared to the other vaccinated and control groups in the natural transmission environment.

Background: Quality of life is an essential component of decision-making in veterinary oncology. Poor management of adverse events during chemotherapy can impair dogs' quality of life and be life-threatening. Consequently, client-reported outcome measures (CROMs) are being proposed to help assess both clinical signs and quality of life. The purpose of this rapid review was to: (1) identify existing CROMs that have been used to assess dogs' clinical signs and quality of life during chemotherapy; and (2) evaluate their methodological development to inform adaptation or development of a CROM for use in routine clinical practice, including remote monitoring. Databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PUBMED/MEDLINE) were searched for CROMs (questionnaires) completed by a non-expert family member about their companion dog. CROM content (domains measured) and scale quality were appraised.

Results: Ten CROMs were identified and three were variations of the same tool. Content of the CROMs varied considerably (range 3-17 domains) with gastrointestinal being the most frequently measured clinical sign cluster (9/10 studies), followed by mobility/ambulatory activity (7/10) and global quality of life (6/10). No CROMs adhered to quality standards for the development of questionnaires and most failed to include qualitative design methods and basic psychometric assessment to ensure reliability and validity (such as internal consistency, test-retest reliability or factor analysis).

Conclusion: The validity and reliability of existing chemotherapy CROMs for dogs remains under-tested. Although CROMs combined with remote digital monitoring have the potential to enhance patient care, as has been demonstrated with physician-based oncology, there is a need to apply quality standards to ensure optimal validation. Interdisciplinary collaborations would likely improve CROM quality and clinical utility thereby allowing veterinary healthcare professionals to better support their patients.

Background: Animals serve as important models for exploring the pathology, diagnosis, and therapy of different diseases and injuries. While smaller animals are preferred for bulk cohort studies, larger animals offer opportunities to investigate surgical procedures at proportions close to the human situation. Therefore, in a feasibility study, we investigated urethral sphincter deficiency in German landrace gilts and Göttingen minipigs to develop a model of urinary incontinence as a basis for future preclinical studies of incontinence therapies. Urethral sphincter deficiency was induced surgically by transurethral electrocautery and balloon dilatation, and the deficiency was determined by urodynamics after injury and during follow-up. In cryosections, sphincter injury was visualized by histochemistry.

Results: Sphincter deficiency was induced in two cohorts and groups of four female Göttingen minipigs each (total n = 20) by two different treatments. One cohort of minipigs showed an initially significant urethral sphincter deficiency (treatment 1; n = 16, p < 0.001). However, spontaneous sphincter regeneration was observed within one to two weeks. The other cohort of minipigs (treatment 2; n = 4) displayed a non-significant reduction of urethral sphincter pressure and an increase in muscle strength over time as well. In contrast, German landrace gilts presented immediately after treatment with significant sphincter deficiency (treatment 1; n = 6, 21%, p < 0.001) and suffered from significant loss of sphincter function for at least five weeks (67%, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Göttingen minipigs inherit significantly superior sphincter regeneration capacities compared to landrace pigs. This difference may bias preclinical studies in urology and other fields and explain in part seemingly contradictory results from different animal studies.

The emerging field of canine cognitive neuroscience uses neuroimaging tools such as electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map the cognitive processes of dogs to neural substrates in their brain. Within the past decade, the non-invasive use of EEG has provided real-time, accessible, and portable neuroimaging insight into canine cognitive processes. To promote systematization and create an overview of framings, methods and findings for future work, we provide a systematic review of non-invasive canine EEG studies (N=22), dissecting their study makeup, technical setup, and analysis frameworks and highlighting emerging trends. We further propose new directions of development, such as the standardization of data structures and integrating predictive modeling with descriptive statistical approaches. Our review ends by underscoring the advances and advantages of EEG-based canine cognitive neuroscience and the potential for accessible canine neuroimaging to inform both fundamental sciences as well as practical applications for cognitive neuroscience, working dogs, and human-canine interactions.

Phoenixin (PNX), well-conserved but newly discovered neuropeptide, is involved in various physiological processes, such as food intake, cardiovascular functions, reproductive functions, and stress regulation. PNX is the predicted ligand of GPR173 receptor, but due to its relatively recent discovery in 2013, there is a lack of studies describing the exact mechanism of action of the peptide. In addition, the protein was not been well-studied in specific organs, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of ruminants, including domestic cattle, which are among the world's main livestock animals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the immunolocalization and quantification of PNX and GPR173 in the GIT of domestic cattle. Study material, including GIT sections of two age groups, calves and adult bulls (n = 6 per group), was obtained from a slaughterhouse. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were performed. Analyses revealed low levels of PNX in the GIT of both age groups, with localization restricted to epithelial cells across all examined GIT segments, with statistically significant differences between age groups and GIT segments, which may result from the delayed development of forestomachs in calves. On the other hand, GPR173 levels were shown to be higher than those of PNX and to have a wider distribution extending beyond the epithelium to the blood vessels wall and the intrinsic nervous system. This may suggests that PNX is not the only ligand for this receptor. Overall, the results may suggest that both PNX and GPR173 could possibly play protective roles related to the immune response, regulate digestive and absorptive functions, and due to receptor presence in nerve fibres, may play a role in regulating GIT secretion and motility. These findings could potentially facilitate further research into the therapeutic potential of targeting PNX and GPR173 in managing gastrointestinal disorders in domestic cattle and other species, and can also be further used for experimental, clinical or pharmacological research into the treatment of eating disorders not only in humans, but also in farm animals.

Background: Enterovirus E (EV-E) has been called bovine enterovirus and has been found in both healthy animals and sick animals. To date, the pathogenicity of EV-E in goats is still unclear, and the natural infection of EV-E in goats has not been reported in China. In this study, natural infections of EV-E in goat herds were reported in China.

Results: From March 2023 to April 2023, an emerging respiratory disease affected goats in 12 backyard farms in Henan Province, central China. To investigate the pathogens associated with the disease, samples were collected: sick group included six lung samples from dead goats and 68 nasal swabs and 68 blood samples from sick goats; health group included 36 nasal swabs and 36 blood samples from healthy goats in the same farms; control group included 15 nasal swabs and 15 blood samples from healthy goats in five different farms. Then, these samples were analysed by serology, isolation and molecular detection methods. By molecular detection, 83.3% (5/6) of lung samples, 51.5% (35/68) of nasal samples, and 33.8% (23/68) of blood samples were positive for EV-E in sick group. Four complete EV-E genomes were successfully sequenced and analysed. Compared with genomic sequences of EV A-J, at the nucleotide level the similarities of VP1, P1 and polyprotein genes of the 4 strains were 35.3% to 80.4%, 40.2% to 79.3%, and 49.5% to 82.0%, respectively. At the amino acid level, the similarities of VP1, P1 and Polyprotein were 38.4% to 87.1%, 42.9% to 88.7%, and 51.4% to 91.6%, respectively. Based on the VP1, P1 and Polyprotein sequences, the four strains were clustered with the subtype EV-E4 isolates. In addition, no recombinant event was observed in the four strains in our work by RDP analysis.

Conclusions: This is the first molecular evidence of natural infection of genotype E4 in goats with respiratory disease in China. Greater prevention and control measures should be carried out for this disease.

Background: Cartilage injuries pose significant challenges in horses and often lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Despite the advances in surgical and regenerative techniques, the result in most cases is the formation of a fibrocartilage repair tissue. Cell-based cartilage therapies are mainly focused on equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (eBMSCs) as they are easily accessible, and multipotent. Nonetheless, alternative allogeneic sources, for example equine umbilical cord matrix mesenchymal stromal cells (eUCMSCs), hold promise given their non-invasive and readily accessible nature. Considerable research has been dedicated to exploring chondroinductive factors (e.g., peptides and small compounds), aiming to replace growth factors for inducing chondrogenesis. However, these factors have not yet translated to the equine community. Therefore, in the current study, we selected from the literature two promising peptides, CM10 and CK2.1, and two promising compounds, kartogenin and SM04690, and assessed their chondroinductive potential with both eBMSCs and eUCMSCs. In addition, the chondroinductive potential of eBMSCs was evaluated in monolayer and spheroid culture in both hypoxia and normoxia in response to dexamethasone and/or transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3).

Results: Following 21 days of culture, none of the evaluated chondrogenic factors resulted in a higher gene expression of chondrogenic markers compared to the positive or negative controls with eBMSCs or eUCMSCs. Interestingly, spheroid culture in hypoxia with dexamethasone treatment (without TGF-β or any compound or peptide) was sufficient to induce the chondrogenic differentiation of eBMSCs.

Conclusion: Based on cell response to the positive control, in the conditions employed in the current study, eBMSCs may be preferred over eUCMSCs for chondrogenesis. The current study supports the use of spheroid culture, and the use of dexamethasone over TGF-β or any of the compounds or peptides tested here from the prior literature to drive chondrogenesis with eBMSCs.

Background: Aflatoxin has a negative impact on the health of both humans and animals. One of the reasons for financial losses in the chicken sector is aflatoxicosis. In chickens, aflatoxicosis results in lowered growth rates and egg production, increased mortality, and diseases susceptibility. The current investigation sought to determine the mould's prevalence at the Giza and Assiut Governorates. Then, the isolated toxigenic strain was used to obtain aflatoxin B1, which used to evaluate the dietary influence of curcumin and nano curcumin on growth performance, carcass traits, biochemical, aflatoxin residue, and pathological lesion of liver, spleen, and intestine in Cobb broiler chickens. 120 hatched chicks were divided into 4 group. The groups were control fed basal diet without additives, Afl group fed diet contaminated with aflatoxin, Afl + Cu group fed diet contaminated with aflatoxin and curcumin as a feed additive (7 g curcumin/kg diet), and Afl + Nano-Cu group feed diet contaminated with aflatoxin and nano curcumin as a feed additive (400 mg nano curcumin/kg diet).

Results: The results indicated that curcumin better than nano curcumin in ameliorating the deleterious effects of aflatoxin that appeared in improving the body weight gain, liver function, and pathological condition of liver, spleen, and intestine than nano curcumin fed group.

Conclusion: The current study offers an experimental scientific foundation for the use of curcumin as a medicinal medication or supplement in animal husbandry practices.

Background: Long-term aerobic exercise during endurance racing places high demands on equine homeostasis. This study aimed to use proteomic analysis to elucidate complex biological responses during endurance exercise. It was hypothesized that different serum proteome changes would be noted, reflecting physiological processes as a response to race. The serum has been taken before and after an 80 km race from 13 endurance horses. Proteomic analysis of samples has been performed by TMT-based quantitative method. Apolipoprotein and haptoglobin values have been validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and biochemical assay respectively. The difference in protein abundance between pre and post-race values has been determined.

Results: In serum samples, 10 master proteins with significant p value differences between pre- and post-race abundances were detected. Increased protein abundance after the race was noted for the apolipoprotein groups: ApoA IV and E, Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4), transferrin, and antithrombin-III. Decreases in apolipoprotein C-II, C-III and R, alpha-1-microglobulin/bikunin precursor protein (AMBP) and haptoglobin abundance were reported after the race compared to before the race. Gene Ontology analysis revealed changes in triglyceride and acylglycerol homeostasis, lipid localization regulation, triglyceride catabolic processes, cholesterol binding, antioxidant activity and several cellular components.

Conclusions: The endurance race caused several homeostatic imbalances characterized by various alterations in serum protein levels. The most pronounced changes emphasize the adaptation of energy metabolism to a more pronounced consumption of lipids.

Background: Canine chronic enteropathies (CE) are a group of disorders defined by persistent or recurrent clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease without a primary neoplastic, metabolic, parasitic, or other infectious cause. In this prospective, multicentre, uncontrolled, open-label study, a commercial dry diet with a protein source of extensively hydrolysed poultry feather was assessed in the management of dogs with CE that had not responded to previous dietary and antibacterial therapies. Dogs with moderate or marked protein-losing enteropathy were excluded. After screening, dogs entered stage 1 and started the test diet. Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed, and only dogs with histopathological evidence of small intestinal inflammation confirming CE could continue to stage 2 of the trial. The test diet was fed for 10 weeks throughout stages 1 and 2, and the primary outcome measure was clinical success defined as a reduction in canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) of ≥ 75%. Secondary outcomes included body condition score (BCS, scale 1-9) and faecal consistency score (scale 1-5). Results (median [range]) for dogs with confirmed CE that participated in both study stages are reported.

Results: A total of 15 dogs commenced stage 1, and 13 of these progressed to stage 2 (age 4.2 [1.1-7.1] years; BCS 3 (2-4); previous diet therapies 2 [1-3]) of which two were withdrawn at week 5 for protocol deviations. CIBDAI scores decreased from 9 (7-16; n = 13) at baseline to 2 (1-11; n = 13) at week 2 (P < 0.001), 2 (0-6; n = 13) at week 5 (P < 0.001), and 1 (0-3; n = 11) at week 10 (P < 0.001). Treatment success was achieved by 8/13 dogs at week 5 and 10/11 dogs at week 10. Faecal score (n = 11) and BCS (n = 11) improved between baseline (1 [1-3] and 3 [3-4], respectively; P < 0.001) and week 10 (4 [3-5] and 4 [3-5], respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Dogs with CE that had failed to respond to previous dietary and antibacterial therapy showed clinical improvement within 10 weeks when fed a dry extruded diet with a single protein source hydrolysed to amino acids and oligopeptides, without concurrent immunosuppressant treatment.