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This study aimed to evaluate the localised effects of intrauterine ozone therapy on endometrial recovery in mares with endometritis. Our investigation assessed changes in gene expression profiles of anti-inflammatory (IL-1RA and IL-10), proinflammatory (IL-R1B3i and TNFα) and pleiotropic (IL-6) cytokines, along with detailed histological measurements of epithelial and endometrial thickness and the glandular area ratio. Twenty mares were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design based on endometritis diagnosis and treatment (control or 42 µg/mL ozone insufflation), resulting in four groups: NC (negative for endometritis/control), NO (negative/ozone), PC (positive/control) and PO (positive/ozone). Oestrus was induced with 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate on Days -1, 1 and 3, plus 1 mg on Day 5. Day 0 marked the initial uterine treatment, followed by insufflations on Days 1 and 2 with O3 (ozone) or O2 (control). Uterine biopsies were taken before treatment on Day 0 and Day 6 for histological analysis and gene expression assessment. Data were analysed using a statistical model that included endometritis status, treatment type, biopsy times (D0 and D6) and their interactions, analysed with Proc Glimmix. Regardless of treatment or endometritis status, significant biopsy effects (p < 0.01) indicated increased epithelial height and endometrial thickness in Day 6 samples. Analysis of IL-1 and TNFα revealed a significant interaction (p < 0.05) among endometritis, treatment and biopsy, with higher IL-1B3i expression on Day 6 in the PC group. The treatment effect (p < 0.04) showed a higher frequency (p < 0.01) of animals with positive modulation in the PC group (66.7%) versus the PO group (0.0%). An interaction effect (p = 0.08) between endometritis and treatment resulted from higher IL-1RA expression on Day 6 in the PC group compared to the PO group. Biopsy effect was significant for IL-10 (p < 0.01), indicating higher values in the second sample associated with tissue repair. In the short-term evaluation, ozone therapy did not influence endometrial morphology and may modulate cytokine expression, specifically the reduction in IL-1 and TNFα levels. Therefore, this therapy appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for modulating the inflammatory response in mares with endometritis.
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Citocinas , Endometritis , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Ozono , Útero , Animales , Femenino , Ozono/farmacología , Endometritis/veterinaria , Endometritis/tratamiento farmacológico , Caballos , Enfermedades de los Caballos/tratamiento farmacológico , Útero/patología , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/metabolismo , Endometrio/efectos de los fármacos , Endometrio/metabolismo , Endometrio/patología , Estradiol/farmacología , Estradiol/análogos & derivados , TranscriptomaRESUMEN
The establishment of pregnancy involves a fine-tuned balance between protection and tolerance within the maternal immune system, as the female needs to accept a foreign antigen (the semi-allogenic fetus) while still being able to combat pathogens from the uterus. In the horse, the first uterine exposure to paternal antigens is during mating when sperm is introduced to the tissue and draining lymphatics of the uterus. Additionally, it has been suggested that seminal plasma and its proteins within it play an essential role in preparing the female tract for a suitable immunologic environment but this has not been confirmed in the horse. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the endometrial transcriptome following insemination either with seminal plasma or with reduced seminal plasma. We hypothesised that reduced seminal plasma would alter the endometrial transcriptome and affect transcripts relating to immunotolerance, antigen presentation and embryo growth and development. To do so, six (n = 6) mares were inseminated in a randomised switch-back design over the course of four oestrous cycles. Mares were rectally palpated and scanned via ultrasonography for the detection of a pre-ovulatory follicle (>35 mm) alongside increasing uterine oedema and relaxed cervix, and then treated with one of four treatment groups including (1) 30 mL lactated Ringers solution (LRS; NegCon), (2) 500 × 106 spermatozoa in conjunction with 30 mL seminal plasma (SP+), (3) 30 mL lactated Ringers solution (LRS; wash out) and (4) 500 × 106 spermatozoa with seminal plasma reduced via gradient centrifugation and resuspended in 30 mL LRS (SP-). Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered to standardise the time to ovulation and endometrial biopsies were collected 7 days after insemination. RNA was isolated utilising Trizol, and RNA-Seq was performed by Novogene, with 97.79% total mapping and 40 million read depth. p value was set to <0.05. When comparing SP+ to SP-, 158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Biological processes impacted included antigen processing and regulation, cholesterol synthesis, and immune/inflammatory response. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis using DAVID v6.8 revealed that many of these DEGs were involved in biological process such as antigen presentation (HLA-DM beta chain, HLA-DRB, HLA-DQA and RASGRP1), immune cell signalling (CXCL9, CXCL1, DEFB1 and MIP-2B), embryo growth and development (INHA, KLF2, RDH10, LAMA3 and SLC34A2) and embryo metabolism (ABCA1, ABCA2, APOA1, LDL, INSR, IGFBP2 and IGFBP3). Overall, reduction of seminal plasma from the insemination dose impacted the endometrial transcriptome at the time of early embryonic exposure to the uterine environment. Further work is justified to evaluate these alterations impact on embryo maturation, placental development, pregnancy outcome and development of offspring.
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Endometrio , Inseminación Artificial , Semen , Transcriptoma , Animales , Caballos , Femenino , Endometrio/metabolismo , Inseminación Artificial/veterinaria , Masculino , EmbarazoRESUMEN
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses and represents a significant health risk for humans, especially for immunodeficient patients. The main transmission route is by oral uptake of oocysts and consumption of undercooked meat of infected animals. Different species have been evaluated as possible reservoirs of the parasite, but few studies have been carried out to examine the role of horses in transmission of the disease. Given the proximity of these animals to humans and the widespread consumption of their meat in many countries, including the Mediterranean basin, it is important to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in this species. In this study, blood samples from 105 horses were collected and the presence of T. gondii was evaluated by serological and molecular methods. Antibodies against T. gondii of 12 horses (11.43%) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas 29 horses (27.62%) showed positive for PCR. Seroprevalence was related to use of the animals, being higher in horses used for dressage than in others. Purebreds had higher seroprevalence than crossbred animals. No differences between breed, sex or age were found. The results of this study confirm the presence of T. gondii infection in horses, highlighting the need to analyse the meat of this species before human consumption and to control of this infection in horses, as they could be an important reservoir of this zoonotic parasite.
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Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis Animal , Animales , Caballos/parasitología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/diagnóstico , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitología , España/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasma/genética , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Femenino , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Masculino , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/veterinaria , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are performed worldwide in the equine industry to produce genetically valuable foals. Among them, ovum pick up (OPU) combined with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can now be more efficient than embryo transfer (ET) under optimal conditions. However, OPU is not a benign procedure for the mare and the process is costly. Improved efficiency is therefore in the interest of everyone, maximizing mare welfare and optimizing economics for the client. One of the key factors of success is the antral follicle count (AFC) at the time of OPU and subsequently the number of oocytes obtained. Variations in AFC are reported between individuals and between geographical areas. This leads to a significant increase in numbers of embryos produced per session in some countries compared to others, independent of the laboratory efficiency. This article revisits the basics of folliculogenesis involved in establishment of the antral follicle population and explores work in other species given the paucity of equine research in this area. The aim of the review is to elucidate interesting areas of further research that could generate essential information for clinicians and clients about the management and selection of the donor mare for OPU and potentially identify pharmacological targets for manipulation.
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Folículo Ovárico , Técnicas Reproductivas Asistidas , Caballos/fisiología , Animales , Femenino , Técnicas Reproductivas Asistidas/veterinaria , Oocitos/fisiología , Inyecciones de Esperma Intracitoplasmáticas/veterinaria , Inyecciones de Esperma Intracitoplasmáticas/métodos , Transferencia de Embrión/veterinaria , Transferencia de Embrión/métodos , Recuperación del Oocito/veterinaria , Recuperación del Oocito/métodos , EmbarazoRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Existing research agrees that a well-thought design of the user interface is a key point for an mHealth application for animal owners, supporting them obtain information and make decisions regarding their pet's specific situation. However, there is currently a lack of specific advice on the design of such an application. METHODS: As part of a user-centered design (UCD) process, a formative, explorative usability test with n = 5 users was conducted for collecting design ideas. The test was conducted for two applications that were already available on the market. RESULTS: The need of supporting comprehensive information input in guided processes that can be adapted to the individual level of knowledge, was identified as a key aspect. CONCLUSION: In this paper, recommendations for the design of a suitable user interface are suggested to support application developers and designers.
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Aplicaciones Móviles , Telemedicina , Interfaz Usuario-Computador , Caballos , Animales , Humanos , Diseño Centrado en el Usuario , Estado de Salud , Diseño de SoftwareRESUMEN
The presence of fungi in tracheal wash (TW) of horses was recently linked to mild-moderate equine asthma, indicating a possible causal role; however, increased numbers of fungi may also stem from asthma-related alteration of tracheal mucus clearance or from environmental exposure. Our objective was to elucidate the association between the presence of fungi in TW and asthma status while controlling for relevant confounders. We conducted a retrospective case-control study involving 73 horses, including 34 controls and 39 asthmatic cases. Each asthmatic horse was matched with a control from the same barn to account for the influence of environmental exposure. All horses underwent respiratory clinical scoring, endoscopy, TW, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The association between asthma status and presence of TW fungi was tested with multivariable logistic regression modelling, accounting for selected management factors, tracheal mucus accumulation, and selected TW and BAL cytological characteristics, including multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) in the TW. Given the variability in MGC definitions in the literature, particularly concerning their morphology and number of nuclei, we constructed two distinct models for each outcome (asthma status or presence of fungi in TW): one considering MGCs as cells with ≥ 3 nuclei, and another using a criterion of ≥ 10 nuclei. Horses with a tracheal mucus score ≥ 2 exhibited 3.6 to 4.3 higher odds of being asthmatic, depending on the MGC definition. None of the other variables examined were associated with either asthma status or TW fungi detection. Notably, the presence of fungal elements in the TW was not associated with equine asthma.
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Asma , Hongos , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Tráquea , Animales , Caballos/microbiología , Asma/microbiología , Tráquea/microbiología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Enfermedades de los Caballos/microbiología , Hongos/aislamiento & purificación , Estudios Retrospectivos , Masculino , Femenino , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar/microbiologíaRESUMEN
Horse's stress responses have been reported during road transport in temperate but not tropical environments. Therefore, this study measured cortisol levels, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV) in horses during medium-distance road transport with different truck conditions in a tropical environment. Six horses were repeatedly transported in either air-conditioned trucks with full (ATF) or space (ATS) loads or non-air-conditioned trucks with full (N-ATF) and space (N-ATS) loads. Blood cortisol was determined beforehand and 5, 30, and 90 minutes post-transport. HR and HRV were assessed pre-transport and at 15-minute intervals until 90 minutes post-transport. Cortisol levels increased significantly in N-ATS horses (but non-significantly in ATF, ATS, and N-ATF horses) at 5 minutes post-transport and returned to baseline by 30 minutes post-transport. Predominant parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity was observed during the first few hours and returned to baseline until the destination was reached. A recurrent, increased PNS activity was detected post-transport. Interaction effects of air condition-by-loading condition-by-time, air condition-by-time, and separate effects of air condition and time were observed on HR and various HRV variables during transport. A transient increase in beat-to-beat intervals, coinciding with decreased HR, was observed in ATF horses. The PNS index increased, corresponding to a decreased sympathetic nervous system index, in ATS horses during transport. We suggest that medium-distance road transport causes no stress for transport-experienced horses in a tropical environment. Air and loading conditions impacted hormonal and autonomic modulation, causing different responses in horses transported in differently conditioned trucks.
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Sistema Nervioso Autónomo , Frecuencia Cardíaca , Hidrocortisona , Transportes , Clima Tropical , Animales , Caballos/fisiología , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Hidrocortisona/sangre , Hidrocortisona/metabolismo , Sistema Nervioso Autónomo/fisiología , Masculino , Estrés Fisiológico/fisiología , Vehículos a Motor , FemeninoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In June 2019, a patient presented with persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction after a tick bite at a wetland park in Inner Mongolia. Next-generation sequencing in this patient revealed an infection with a previously unknown orthonairovirus, which we designated Wetland virus (WELV). METHODS: We conducted active hospital-based surveillance to determine the prevalence of WELV infection among febrile patients with a history of tick bites. Epidemiologic investigation was performed. The virus was isolated, and its infectivity and pathogenicity were investigated in animal models. RESULTS: WELV is a member of the orthonairovirus genus in the Nairoviridae family and is most closely related to the tickborne Hazara orthonairovirus genogroup. Acute WELV infection was identified in 17 patients from Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning, China, by means of reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction assay. These patients presented with nonspecific symptoms, including fever, dizziness, headache, malaise, myalgia, arthritis, and back pain and less frequently with petechiae and localized lymphadenopathy. One patient had neurologic symptoms. Common laboratory findings were leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated d-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Serologic assessment of convalescent-stage samples obtained from 8 patients showed WELV-specific antibody titers that were 4 times as high as those in acute-phase samples. WELV RNA was detected in five tick species and in sheep, horses, pigs, and Transbaikal zokors (Myospalax psilurus) sampled in northeastern China. The virus that was isolated from the index patient and ticks showed cytopathic effects in human umbilical-vein endothelial cells. Intraperitoneal injection of the virus resulted in lethal infections in BALB/c, C57BL/6, and Kunming mice. The Haemaphysalis concinna tick is a possible vector that can transovarially transmit WELV. CONCLUSIONS: A newly discovered orthonairovirus was identified and shown to be associated with human febrile illnesses in northeastern China. (Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences.).
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Fiebre , Nairovirus , Mordeduras de Garrapatas , Adulto , Anciano , Animales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Ratones , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , China/epidemiología , Fiebre/diagnóstico , Fiebre/epidemiología , Fiebre/virología , Nairovirus/genética , Nairovirus/aislamiento & purificación , Nairovirus/patogenicidad , Filogenia , Mordeduras de Garrapatas/complicaciones , Mordeduras de Garrapatas/virología , Prevalencia , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Ovinos , Caballos , Porcinos , Lactante , Preescolar , Niño , Adolescente , Anciano de 80 o más AñosRESUMEN
Ultrasound-guided local anaesthesia is commonly used in veterinary orthopaedics for horses. This study aimed to assess an in vivo ultrasound technique for the medial branch of the dorsal branch of the cervical spinal nerves (MB-DBCSNs) in horses and compare the performance of clinicians with different experience levels. Ten healthy, skeletally mature horses were examined using radiographic and ultrasound (US) techniques in the cervical area (C3-C7). Four operators with varying experience conducted US examinations using a 10 MHz linear and 6 MHz curvilinear transducer over ten training sessions. The number of cervical nerves visualized was recorded. A chi-square test was used to analyse the impact of training, anatomical location, and operator experience on the identification of facet joints. Operator agreement was evaluated with Cohen's K test. The operators assessed 80 MB-DBCSNs, with radiographs and identified 70 healthy and 10 pathological facet joints. Training significantly improved visualization success, reaching 90% in later sessions. Cranial facet joints (C3-C5) were more frequently visualized (81%) than caudal ones (C5-C7) were (59%). US performance was influenced by the operator's skill, and agreement among operators ranged from slight to fair. Overall, practice improved cervical nerve visualization in vivo, particularly for cranial nerves, but the technique requires a long learning curve because of low levels of operator agreement.
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Nervios Espinales , Animales , Caballos , Nervios Espinales/diagnóstico por imagen , Femenino , Estudios de Factibilidad , Ultrasonografía/veterinaria , Ultrasonografía/métodos , Masculino , Vértebras Cervicales/diagnóstico por imagen , Ultrasonografía Intervencional/veterinaria , Ultrasonografía Intervencional/métodosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase -producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) are important zoonotic pathogens that can cause serious clinical infections, also in horses. Preventing the spread of ESBL-E, especially in the equine hospital environment, is key to reducing the number of difficult-to-treat infections. Estimating the local prevalence of ESBL-E in horses is crucial to establish targeted infection control programs at equine hospitals. We conducted a prevalence and risk factor study in equine patients on admission to an equine teaching hospital in Finland through a rectal ESBL-E screening specimen of the horse and a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of ESBL-E in admitted horses was 3% (5/161, 95% CI 1-7%); none of the tested factors remained statistically significant in multivariate analysis, although antimicrobial treatment within three months was borderline significant (p = 0.052). Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase -producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST6179:CTX-M-15 was detected in three horses using whole-genome sequencing, which in combination with patient records suggested nosocomial transmission. Escherichia coli isolates were ST1250:CTX-M-1 (n = 1), ST1079:CTX-M-1 (n = 1), and ST1245:CTX-M-14 (n = 1). Multiple virulence genes were detected in the ESBL-E isolates. In the ESBL-E positive horses enrolled in a one-year follow-up study, ESBL-E were unlikely to be isolated in rectal screening specimens after the initial positive specimen. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ESBL-E in horses visiting a veterinary teaching hospital in Finland is low, indicating an overall low prevalence estimate in the country's equine population. No statistically significant risk factors were identified, likely due to the low number of cases. The duration of ESBL-E carriage is likely to be very short in horses.
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Infecciones por Enterobacteriaceae , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Hospitales Veterinarios , beta-Lactamasas , Animales , Caballos , Enfermedades de los Caballos/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/epidemiología , beta-Lactamasas/metabolismo , beta-Lactamasas/genética , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Finlandia/epidemiología , Infecciones por Enterobacteriaceae/veterinaria , Infecciones por Enterobacteriaceae/epidemiología , Infecciones por Enterobacteriaceae/microbiología , Masculino , Femenino , Klebsiella pneumoniae/enzimología , Klebsiella pneumoniae/efectos de los fármacos , Klebsiella pneumoniae/aislamiento & purificación , Infección Hospitalaria/epidemiología , Infección Hospitalaria/veterinaria , Infección Hospitalaria/microbiología , Escherichia coli/enzimología , Escherichia coli/aislamiento & purificación , Enterobacteriaceae/enzimología , Enterobacteriaceae/aislamiento & purificación , Enterobacteriaceae/efectos de los fármacos , Antibacterianos/farmacologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Palatal dysfunction (PD), which encompasses palatal instability (PI) and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate, is the most common performance-limiting upper respiratory tract obstruction in young Thoroughbred racehorses. Soft palate thermocautery (SPT) performed under general anaesthesia is a routinely performed procedure for PD in some countries, but the procedure for and outcome of SPT performed under standing sedation has not been published. OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe a technique for SPT performed under standing sedation; and (2) to assess post-operative performance in horses compared to controls using the Racing Post rating (RPR), British Horseracing Authority official rating (OR), Performance Index and Earnings. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for all horses that had SPT performed under standing sedation following topical and local infusion of lidocaine hydrochloride into the rostral soft palate, and that were identified to have PI by overground endoscopy. Two matched controls were identified for each case. The median RPR, OR, Performance Index and Earnings for the three pre-operative and three post-operative races were compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were identified between the SPT (n = 23) and Control groups (n = 46) for baseline characteristics or outcomes. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study design, small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in racing performance were identified between horses that had SPT performed under standing sedation and controls.
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Enfermedades de los Caballos , Paladar Blando , Animales , Caballos/cirugía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Paladar Blando/cirugía , Masculino , Enfermedades de los Caballos/cirugía , Femenino , Lidocaína/administración & dosificaciónRESUMEN
Introduction: Equine asthma (EA) is a common disease of adult horses with chronic respiratory pathology and common neutrophilic airway inflammation. It presents with hyperreactivity to hay dust components such as molds, and underlying dysregulated T cell responses have been suggested. Thus far, T cells have been analysed in EA with conflicting results and the antigen reactivity of T cells has not been demonstrated. Serological and epidemiological data point to the relevance of Aspergillus fumigatus as an antigen source in EA. Here, we aimed to identify and characterise Aspergillus antigen-reactive T cells in EA. Methods: Cryopreserved bronchoalveolar lavage cells (BALC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy horses (HE, n=9) and those with mild-moderate (MEA, n=3) or severe asthma (SEA, n=8) were stimulated in vitro with the recombinant A. fumigatus antigens Asp f 1, or Asp f 7 combined with Asp f 8, to assess antigen reactivity, and with phorbol-12-myristat-13-acetate and ionomycin (P/i) to assess overall T cell reactivity. Stimulated cells were analysed by flow cytometry for CD4, CD8, IL-17, IL-4, and IFN-γ. Cytokine expression in all lymphocytes, and in CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, was quantified and compared between the groups. In BAL fluid (BALF), soluble cytokines and chemokines were quantified by bead-based assays. Results: Antigen restimulation of BALC with Asp f 1 or Asp f 7/8 provoked higher frequencies of IL-17+ lymphocytes, CD4+IL-17+ Th17 cells, and CD4+IL-4+ Th2 cells in SEA than in HE, whereas MEA and HE were similar. Antigen stimulation of PBMC did not result in group differences. P/i stimulation of BALC resulted in increased IL-17+ lymphocyte and CD4+IL-17+ Th17 cell frequencies in MEA compared with HE but the limited number of horses with MEA must be considered. P/i-stimulated PBMC from MEA or SEA contained more IL-17+ lymphocytes compared with HE. Cytokines were hardly detected in BALF and similar between the groups but CCL2 and CCL5 concentrations were increased in BALF from SEA or MEA, respectively, compared with HE. Conclusion: Horses with SEA have increased Aspergillus antigen-reactive Th17 cells in their airways, emphasising local T cell responses to this mold, which were quantified in EA for the first time here.
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Antígenos Fúngicos , Aspergillus fumigatus , Asma , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar , Citocinas , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Células Th17 , Animales , Células Th17/inmunología , Asma/inmunología , Aspergillus fumigatus/inmunología , Caballos/inmunología , Antígenos Fúngicos/inmunología , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/microbiología , Citocinas/metabolismo , Masculino , FemeninoRESUMEN
The addition of antioxidants to cryopreservation media reportedly improves sperm post-thaw quality and reproductive performance after artificial insemination. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate if the addition of L-carnitine and pyruvate to freezing media, or their addition to samples after thawing, improves the post-thaw quality of equine spermatozoa. Thus, in Experiment 1, stallion semen samples were cryopreserved in: (1) EDTA-glucose-based extender with 20% egg yolk and 5% dimethylformamide (EDTA control); (2) skim milk-based extender with 20% egg yolk and 5% dimethylformamide (milk control); (3) Extender 1 supplemented with 50 mM L-carnitine and 10 mM pyruvate (EDTA-carnitine-pyruvate); and (4) Extender 2 supplemented with 50 mM L-carnitine and 10 mM pyruvate (milk-carnitine-pyruvate). In Experiment 2, 50 mM L-carnitine and 10 mM pyruvate were added post-thaw to samples cryopreserved with extenders 1 and 2 (EDTA control and milk control). Sperm kinematic parameters, DNA fragmentation, membrane lipid peroxidation, acrosome status and viability were evaluated after thawing. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed for most of the kinematic parameters, DNA fragmentation, membrane lipid peroxidation, acrosome status and viability of spermatozoa, between the samples frozen in the presence or absence of L-carnitine and pyruvate, nor between the samples after the post-thaw addition of these components. A higher (p < 0.05) mean velocity and higher (p < 0.05) amplitude of lateral head displacement were observed in the samples frozen in the milk-based extender with the addition of L-carnitine and pyruvate after thawing. The addition of 50 mM L-carnitine and 10 mM pyruvate, either to the freezing extenders or after thawing, was not deleterious for sperm; however, it did not improve equine sperm motility, viability, acrosome and DNA integrity, nor decrease membrane lipid peroxidation after thawing.
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Carnitina , Criopreservación , Crioprotectores , Fragmentación del ADN , Peroxidación de Lípido , Ácido Pirúvico , Preservación de Semen , Espermatozoides , Animales , Masculino , Caballos , Criopreservación/veterinaria , Criopreservación/métodos , Carnitina/farmacología , Carnitina/administración & dosificación , Preservación de Semen/veterinaria , Preservación de Semen/métodos , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Ácido Pirúvico/farmacología , Crioprotectores/farmacología , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Fragmentación del ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Análisis de Semen/veterinaria , Acrosoma/efectos de los fármacos , Motilidad Espermática/efectos de los fármacos , Antioxidantes/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Milk powders are becoming a major attraction for many industrial applications due to their nutritional and functional properties. Different types of powdered milk, each with their own distinct chemical compositions, can have different functionalities. Consequently, the development of rapid monitoring methods is becoming an urgent task to explore and expand their applicability. Lately, there is growing emphasis on the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a rapid technique for the quality assessment of dairy products. In the present work, we explored the potential of NIRS coupled with chemometrics for the prediction of the main functional and chemical properties of three types of milk powders, as well as their important processing parameters. Mare, camel and cow milk powders were prepared at different concentrations (5%, 10% and 12%) and temperatures (25 °C, 40 °C and 65 °C), and then their main physicochemical attributes and NIRS spectra were analyzed. Overall, high accuracy in both recognition and prediction based on type, concentration and temperature was achieved by NIRS-based models, and the quantification of quality attributes (pH, viscosity, dry matter content, fat content, conductivity and individual amino acid content) also resulted in high accuracy in the models. R2CV and R2pr values ranging from 0.8 to 0.99 and 0.7 to 0.98, respectively, were obtained by using PLSR models. However, SVR models achieved higher R2CV and R2pr values, ranging from 0.91 to 0.99 and 0.80 to 0.99, respectively.
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Camelus , Leche , Polvos , Espectroscopía Infrarroja Corta , Animales , Espectroscopía Infrarroja Corta/métodos , Leche/química , Polvos/química , Bovinos , Caballos , Quimiometría/métodos , FemeninoRESUMEN
Habronemosis, also known as habronemiasis or habronematidosis, is a parasitic disease of equids caused by the larval stages of Habronematidae nematodes (Habronema muscae, Habronema microstoma, and Draschia megastoma) that are transmitted by muscid flies. The presence of aberrant infective larvae in the cutaneous and conjunctival tissues of these hosts results in granulomatous, exudative, and ulcerated lesions, also known as "summer sores." In this study, we present a retrospective analysis of habronemosis cases in horses from the municipality of Lages, located on the Santa Catarina Plateau, a region with high altitudes and a temperate climate that differs from regions of Brazil where such parasitosis usually occurs. The equids were examined from 2008 to 2020 at the Veterinary Hospital of Santa Catarina State University. Sixteen patients were diagnosed and treated using macrocyclic lactones and wound cleaning. Most cases were recorded in autumn in horses (10/16, 62.5%) over 15 years of age (11/16, 68.8%), and the lesions were more frequently located in the conjunctiva (11/16, 68.8%). In scientific dissemination media, this is the first report of habronemosis on the Santa Catarina Plateau, Brazil. This information will contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin diseases in horses in this region.
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Enfermedades de los Caballos , Animales , Caballos/parasitología , Brasil/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Caballos/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Masculino , Femenino , Infecciones por Spirurida/veterinaria , Infecciones por Spirurida/diagnóstico , Infecciones por Spirurida/parasitología , Infecciones por Spirurida/epidemiología , Hospitales Veterinarios , Enfermedades de la Conjuntiva/parasitología , Enfermedades de la Conjuntiva/veterinaria , Enfermedades de la Conjuntiva/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/veterinaria , Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/parasitología , Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/epidemiología , Spiruroidea/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The peripartum period constitutes a delicate physiological moment in mares showing a transient state of oxidative stress. Diet supplementation with antioxidants during pregnancy in women appears to have a beneficial effect on mother and neonate health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of diet supplementation with a commercial product containing a mix of antioxidants (Oxyliver®, Candioli) on the length of gestation, weight, and haemato-biochemical parameters in Italian Salernitano mares and their newborn foals. Eight late-term pregnant mares were randomly divided into two groups: Antiox group receiving 30 g/day of antioxidants, and Car group receiving the same amount of carrot powder, from 290 to 320 days of gestation. The following parameters were evaluated in mares: weight, colostrum composition, haemato-biochemical parameters, progesterone, and cortisol blood concentrations, along with blood oxidant/antioxidant status. Assessments were conducted at specific time points: immediately before the start of diet supplementation (T0), 15 days after (T1), at the end of diet supplementation (T2), within 8 h after parturition (T3), and 10 days post-partum (T4). Foal parameters such as weight, haemato-biochemical values, cortisol concentration, and blood oxidative stress variables were assessed within 8 h of birth (TF0) and at 10 days of age (TF1). RESULTS: Pregnancy was shorter in the Antiox group (P < 0.05) compared with the Car group; the foals' weight increase of group Antiox (40%) was higher (P < 0.05) compared to those of the Car group (28.6%). The colostrum of the Antiox group exhibited higher levels of Brix, total solids, protein, nonfat solids, casein, urea, density, free fatty acids, and glucose, while lower levels of fat and lactose were observed compared to the Car group (P < 0.05). Mares' serum albumin at T1 and T3, creatinine, glucose, total proteins, total bilirubin, AST, and ALT at T3 were lower in Antiox than in the Car group. No significant differences were found in foals. CONCLUSIONS: While the limited sample size and the potential variability of evaluated parameters, the observed outcomes suggest that Oxyliver® supplementation in mares might safely decrease gestation length and enhance liver function, thus potentially improving colostrum quality and offspring development.
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Animales Recién Nacidos , Antioxidantes , Dieta , Suplementos Dietéticos , Animales , Caballos , Femenino , Antioxidantes/administración & dosificación , Embarazo , Dieta/veterinaria , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Calostro/químicaRESUMEN
Osteochondrosis dissecans is a particularly common developmental orthopaedic disorder in equines. Among its causes, the hereditary component is no longer a matter of debate, and, for several decades, the various studbooks for sport horses have been selecting stallions in order to limit the prevalence of this condition in the population. However, to our knowledge, no study has evaluated changes in the prevalence of osteochondrosis dissecans over time through longitudinal monitoring of a population of sport horses. The study presented here is part of a large screening programme for developmental orthopaedic pathologies in Wallonia (Belgium) and assessed the presence of these lesions over a period of 19 years in the Walloon sport horse population according to constant and standardised sampling and diagnostic criteria. The effects of breeding conditions and infection in foals were also assessed by means of questionnaires. The results showed no significant change in the prevalence of osteochondrosis dissecans in a population of 1099 individuals born between 2004 and 2022. Furthermore, individuals who had suffered from sepsis during their growing period were very significantly predisposed (p < 0.001) to the development of osteochondrosis dissecans compared to a control group, with respectively 14/21 (67%) and 103/364 (28%) of individuals affected. This study suggests that the selection programmes applied to the population studied are not sufficiently strong or adapted to reduce the prevalence of osteochondrosis dissecans in the population over a period of 19 years. Moreover, this study confirms that foals with sepsis and concurrent osteochondrosis dissecans lesions should not necessarily be excluded from breeding programmes on this basis.
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Enfermedades de los Caballos , Sepsis , Caballos , Animales , Enfermedades de los Caballos/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Masculino , Sepsis/epidemiología , Sepsis/veterinaria , Femenino , Osteocondritis Disecante/epidemiología , Osteocondritis Disecante/veterinaria , Osteocondritis Disecante/diagnóstico por imagen , Radiografía , Bélgica/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, and pet-associated strains may pose a risk to human health. Equine veterinarians are at high risk of carrying methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), but specific risk factors remain elusive, and few data are available for other personnel involved in the horse industry. The prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors for nasal carriage of MRS in horses and their caregivers were studied in northwestern Italy. Nasal swabs from 110 asymptomatic horses housed at 21 barns and 34 human caregivers were collected. Data on barns, horses, and personnel were acquired through questionnaires. The samples were incubated in selective media, and the bacterial isolates were identified by mass spectrometry. Risk factors were investigated by Poisson regression. MRS were isolated from 33 horses (30%), 11 humans (32.4%) and 3 environmental samples (14.2%). Most isolates were multidrug resistant (MDRS). The prevalence of MRS and MDRS was greater in racehorses and their personnel than in pleasurable and jumping/dressing horses. MRS carriage in caregivers was associated with an increased prevalence of MRS carriage in horses. The frequency of antimicrobial treatments administered in the barn during the last 12 months was a risk factor for MRS carriage in horses [prevalence ratio (PR) 3.97, 95% CI 1.11, 14.13] and caregivers (PR 2.00, 95% CI 1.05, 3.82), whereas a good ventilation index of the horse tabling environment was a protective factor (PR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20, 0.92). Our data reveal relevant interactions occurring between bacterial communities of horses and humans that share the same environment, suggesting that One Health surveillance programs should be implemented.
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Portador Sano , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Infecciones Estafilocócicas , Animales , Caballos , Factores de Riesgo , Enfermedades de los Caballos/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/veterinaria , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/epidemiología , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/microbiología , Portador Sano/veterinaria , Portador Sano/epidemiología , Portador Sano/microbiología , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/efectos de los fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/aislamiento & purificación , Italia/epidemiología , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , CuidadoresRESUMEN
With the emergence of COVID-19, there is an increased focus in human literature on cytokine production, the implications of cytokine overproduction, and the development of novel cytokine-targeting therapies for use during sepsis. In addition to viral infections such as COVID-19, bacterial infections resulting in exposure to endotoxins and exotoxins in humans can also lead to sepsis, resulting in organ failure and death. Like humans, horses are exquisitely sensitive to endotoxin and are among the veterinary species that develop clinical sepsis similar to humans. These similarities suggest that horses may serve as a naturally occurring model of human sepsis. Indeed, evidence shows that both species experience cytokine dysregulation, severe neutropenia, the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, and decreased perfusion parameters during sepsis. Sepsis treatments that target cytokines in both species include hemoperfusion therapy, steroids, antioxidants, and immunomodulation therapy. This review will present the shared cytokine physiology across humans and horses as well as historical and updated perspectives on cytokine-targeting therapy. Finally, this review will discuss the potential benefits of increased knowledge of equine cytokine mechanisms and their potential positive impact on human medicine.
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COVID-19 , Citocinas , Sepsis , Caballos , Animales , Humanos , Citocinas/metabolismo , Sepsis/inmunología , Sepsis/tratamiento farmacológico , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/terapia , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , Modelos Animales de EnfermedadRESUMEN
To mitigate the use of antibiotics for many of the multifactorial diseases seen in pigs, horses and cattle, new diagnostic tools are needed. Acute phase protein (APP) measurements can, in humans, be used to guide antibiotic treatment initiation, evaluate treatment efficacy, and make a prognosis. The aim of this review is to collect evidence on the clinical functionality of APP measurements as a tool to guide antibiotic treatment in pigs, horses, and cattle. Literature was retrieved using Medline, CAB Abstracts and Google Scholar. The acute phase response has been investigated for a plethora of diseases and clinical signs and the major acute phase proteins are elevated in diseased compared to healthy animals. Few studies correlated acute phase response with aetiology, antibiotic treatment efficacy, prognosis, or severity of disease. The existing research does not support that APP can be used to guide antibiotic treatment, but the reported studies indicate that C-reactive protein (CRP) might be able to differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial causes of disease in pigs. Serum amyloid A (SAA) might reflect underlying aetiology in horses and infectious or non-infectious cases of mastitis in cows.