Search Results (58,914)

Advertising images constitute an important factor influencing consumer purchase intentions in commercial settings. Drawing on the perspective of self-conscious emotions, this study examines the impact of advertising image types for fresh agricultural products on consumer purchase intentions and explores the underlying mechanisms. Advertising images are classified into three categories: meat-typical, animal-typical, and composite. Evidence from two randomized experiments reveals the following findings: (a) The effectiveness of the three advertising image types in promoting purchase intentions follows the order of meat-typical > animal-typical > composite; (b) guilt mediates the relationship between advertising image types and purchase intentions, such that composite images evoke greater guilt than meat-typical and animal-typical images, thereby reducing consumer willingness to purchase; and (c) self-construal partially moderates the mediating effect of guilt, in that interdependent self-construal consumers exposed to composite advertising images are more likely to experience heightened guilt and consequently exhibit lower purchase intentions. This study extends the application of animal-related classifications in advertising and marketing research and provides new empirical evidence and practical insights for the design of advertising strategies for fresh agricultural products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thermoregulation is essential for survival, with the hypothalamic preoptic area integrating peripheral signals to maintain core body temperature. While fever enhances immune responses, excessive hyperthermia causes cellular damage. Previous work has shown that central glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonism intensifies lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fever, suggesting a role for GLP-1 signaling in temperature regulation. However, the direct effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on fever remained unexplored. This study investigated the effects of liraglutide (LIRA), a GLP-1 analog used to treat diabetes and obesity, on temperature regulation and fever in rats, with a focus on sex-dependent mechanisms. Methods: Male and female Wistar rats received lipopolysaccharide (LPS, i.p.) to induce fever, followed by LIRA treatment (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) one hour later. Body temperature was monitored for up to six hours post-LPS injection. Results: LIRA reduced body temperature in both euthermic and febrile rats of both sexes. LPS increased PGE₂ concentration in both sexes, with males showing a twofold increase compared to females. LIRA treatment reduced PGE₂ levels in LPS-challenged males (62%, p < 0.01) but not in female rats. LPS elevated interleukin (IL)-6 levels in both sexes, while LIRA treatment decreased IL-6 only in females (45%, p < 0.05). In males, LPS reduced hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT) levels, and LIRA further decreased 5-HT in saline-treated animals. In females, LIRA increased 5-HT levels (84%, p < 0.01) in LPS-challenged animals. Additionally, LIRA exhibited sex-specific effects on hypothalamic JNK phosphorylation, increasing activation in LPS-treated males and reducing it in LPS-treated females. Conclusions: LIRA demonstrates antipyretic properties through distinct, sex-specific mechanisms. In males, temperature reduction correlates with decreased hypothalamic PGE₂, whereas in females, antipyretic effects are associated with reduced IL-6, decreased JNK phosphorylation, and increased 5-HT. These findings reveal sexually dimorphic GLP-1R-mediated thermoregulatory pathways during inflammation. However, the causal relationships between these molecular changes and temperature regulation require further investigation, particularly regarding whether observed biochemical alterations represent primary mechanisms or secondary consequences of temperature modulation. Future studies should investigate the functional significance of the apparent contradiction in serotonergic responses between sexes. Full article

Rhodotorula spp. are ubiquitous red-pigmented yeasts increasingly reported as opportunistic animal pathogens. Recognition matters because underdiagnosis can misguide therapy, especially in companion-animal otitis externa. This review supports laboratory and clinical decisions by summarising taxonomy and ecology, host risk factors, diagnostics, virulence factors, antifungal susceptibility, and veterinary cases. This review addresses: (1) taxonomy and ecology; (2) clinical epidemiology and predisposing factors (immunomodulation, prior antibacterial therapy, chronic inflammation); (3) diagnostics—cytology, organism burden, repeat or pure culture, MALDI-TOF MS, ITS sequencing—with a brief comparison of feasibility in veterinary practice; (4) virulence factors—adhesion and biofilm on abiotic surfaces, hydrolytic enzymes, capsule in some strains, haemolysins, urease, and carotenoids that protect against oxidative stress; (5) antifungal susceptibility and therapy—intrinsic resistance to echinocandins, often high azole MICs, and the most consistent in vitro activity of amphotericin B ± flucytosine; and (6) a synthesis of veterinary case reports. Rhodotorula spp. should not be dismissed as contaminants when clinical signs match laboratory evidence; distinguishing infection from colonisation requires clinicomicrobiological correlation. This review highlights the need for standardised susceptibility testing and veterinary breakpoints, prospective data on burden and outcomes, better data on biofilm behaviour on clinical materials, environmental surveillance, and practical diagnostic and treatment guidance. Full article

Captive reptiles bred for economic and medicinal purposes are often susceptible to intestinal parasites that undermine their health and overall farm productivity. In many regions, their economic value largely derives from medicinal use; accordingly, they are described as reptiles with medicinally driven economic value. In this study, we applied high-throughput sequencing to characterize gut eukaryotic communities and assess parasite prevalence in tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) and Chinese blue-tailed skinks (Plestiodon chinensis). Across both host species, six pathogenic genera were identified: Cryptosporidium (P. chinensis: 57.1%, 12/21; G. gecko: 0%), Eimeria (P. chinensis: 14.3%, 3/21; G. gecko: 0%), Oswaldofilaria (P. chinensis: 0%, G. gecko: 4.8%, 1/21), Strongyloides (P. chinensis: 14.3%, 3/21; G. gecko: 19.1%, 4/21), Spironucleus (P. chinensis: 14.3%, 3/21; G. gecko: 9.5%, 2/21), Spauligodon (P. chinensis: 0%, G. gecko: 14.3%, 3/21). Among these, Cryptosporidium exhibited a striking host-specific pattern, occurring exclusively in Chinese blue-tailed skinks (Fisher’s exact test, p = 5.32 × 10⁻⁵). Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated clear host-associated segregation along PC1, which accounted for 58.2% of total variance. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis revealed significant positive associations (all p < 0.01) between parasites and other eukaryotes, particularly fungi and protozoa. Collectively, these findings underscore the value of high-throughput sequencing for parasite surveillance in reptile farming and point to the importance of integrated diagnostic approaches and enhanced biosecurity measures for maintaining animal health. Full article

This narrative review explores the role of artificial light at night (ALAN) as an emerging environmental determinant of liver and metabolic health, with particular emphasis on its contribution to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The objective was to synthesize and critically evaluate experimental and epidemiological evidence linking nocturnal light exposure, circadian disruption, and hepatic metabolic alterations. Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases covering the period 1980–2025 using predefined search terms related to ALAN, circadian rhythm disturbance, melatonin suppression, sleep disruption, and MASLD. Relevant experimental studies in animal models and observational studies in humans were included. Evidence indicates that blue-enriched light (~460–480 nm) suppresses melatonin, desynchronizes central and hepatic circadian clocks, and disrupts glucose–lipid metabolism, leading to insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and hepatic steatosis. Chronic ALAN exposure also alters gut microbiota composition and increases intestinal permeability, suggesting a light–gut–liver axis in MASLD pathogenesis. Human epidemiological studies associate higher environmental ALAN exposure with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and poor sleep quality—recognized risk factors for MASLD. Recognizing ALAN as a modifiable environmental exposure highlights the need for public health strategies and clinical guidelines to mitigate its metabolic impact through improved lighting design and sleep hygiene. Full article

The Paraoxonase (PON) gene family consists of three paralogues (PON1, PON2 and PON3) that are tandemly located on chromosome 7. In this review paper, the structure and function of the encoded proteins is summarized. In addition, an overview is given on the generated animal models. Finally, their involvement in the pathogenesis of different diseases is discussed, starting from an extended screening of the literature using PUBMED and Web of Science. PON1 and PON3 are mainly expressed in the liver and released into the bloodstream, bound to high-density lipoprotein. PON2 is expressed in various tissues, including the liver, lungs, heart, placenta and testes, but remains intracellular. The name of the enzyme family reflects PON1′s ability to neutralize paraoxon, but they also exhibit lactonase and esterase activities. All three PON enzymes play a role in reducing lipid peroxides in High-Density Lipoproteïne (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein(LDL), giving them antioxidant properties. This links them to Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a metabolic liver condition marked by the excessive accumulation of triglycerides (TG) in liver cells. In addition to their association with MASLD, the PON genes are, due to their antioxidant properties, also associated with other conditions including cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, neurological and immunological conditions up to some forms of cancer. In the latter, the antioxidant properties can result in tumor progression by protecting malignant cells from oxidative damage thus supporting survival, proliferation and metastasis indicating them as potential drug targets for treatment of cancer. Therefore, further research on this protein family can provide novel insights into their function and their potential therapeutic applicability. Full article

West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease caused by West Nile virus (WNV), maintained in an enzootic cycle between avian hosts and Culex mosquitoes. While birds are the principal reservoirs, WNV also infects a wide range of mammals, including humans, horses, and wildlife species. In this study, we assessed WNV seroprevalence in wild ungulates, wild boars, golden jackals, and the invasive rodent nutria in Serbia. A total of 522 serum samples from wild animals were tested. Antibodies against WNV were detected across all tested species, with seroprevalence rates of 37% in wild boars, 11.9% in nutrias, 32.4% in golden jackals, 50.6% in red deer, and 9.1% in roe deer. Detection of antibodies in both adults and juveniles provides evidence of recent transmission during the study period. These findings confirm widespread circulation of WNV in Serbian wildlife and suggest that wild ungulates, carnivores, and invasive rodents may serve as useful sentinel species for monitoring WNV prevalence and geographic spread in natural ecosystems. Full article

This study investigated the protective efficacy of two distinct combinations of three recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (rAAV9) vectors encoding broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1—CombiMab-1 and CombiMab-2—in mice humanized with primary CD4⁺ T-lymphocytes. We demonstrated that mice preventively treated with CombiMab-1 or CombiMab-2 did not develop viremia and maintained human CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts following viral challenge, in contrast to control animals. These results demonstrate the significant protective capacity of CombiMab-1 and CombiMab-2 against HIV-1 challenge. Full article

Gastrointestinal strongyle infections are a common challenge in dairy goat farming, potentially impacting animal health and milk production. We, therefore, conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of pour-on eprinomectin (EPM) in early-lactating dairy goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal strongyles and to verify the related effects on milk yield and quality. A total of 42 pluriparous Camosciata delle Alpi goats, from two farms (F1 and F2), were involved in the trial. In each farm, the goats were divided into two groups: untreated (CONTROL) or treated (EPM, 1 mg/kg BW). Following the treatment, faeces were individually collected weekly for one month, subjected to copromicroscopic analysis, a faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test, and coproculture; according to the same time schedule, individual milk yield was recorded, and individual milk samples were collected and analysed (fat, protein, lactose, and somatic cell count). Data were statistically analysed by a mixed-model procedure for repeated measures over time. The low efficacy of EPM was demonstrated at all experimental times; overall FECR percentages (90% CI lower and upper bounds) were 39.00% (30.12–50.53) for F1 and 38.82% (30.08–50.10) for F2. Coprocultures allowed the identification of larvae of the genera Haemonchus, Teladorsagia, and Trichostrongylus. Goats treated with EPM showed a lower prevalence of Teladorsagia and Trichostrongylus larvae, and higher prevalence of Haemonchus larvae, compared with CONTROL goats (p < 0.001). The treatment did not significantly improve milk yield or overall milk composition. Full article

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of primates. This study applied 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology, aiming to investigate the differences in gut microbiota composition and function between captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in different zoos across the north–south demarcation line in China. Results revealed significant differences in gut microbiota composition between northern and southern groups. Alpha diversity indices were higher in the southern group (p < 0.05), while beta diversity analysis showed distinct clustering based on geographic location (p < 0.001). Bacteroidetes were more abundant in the northern group (49.22% vs. 28.44%), while Firmicutes predominated in the southern group (59.10% vs. 32.78%). Functional prediction analysis indicated higher levels of membrane transport and lipid metabolism pathways in the southern group, suggesting differences in nutrient absorption and energy metabolism. These findings suggest that geographic location and associated environmental factors significantly influence the gut microbiota of captive ring-tailed lemurs, even under similar dietary and husbandry conditions. Our study provides insights into the impact of geographic location on gut microbiota in captive primates, highlighting the importance of considering regional factors in zoo animal management and informing future strategies for optimizing the care and conservation of captive primates across different geographic regions. Full article

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a high-consequence pathogen that causes African swine fever (ASF), for which mortality rates can reach 90–100%, with death typically occurring within 14 days. ASF is currently a highly contagious pandemic disease responsible for extensive losses in pig production in multiple affected countries suffering from extended outbreaks. While a limited number of vaccines to prevent ASF are in use in south-east Asia, vaccines are not widely available, are only effective against highly homologous strains of ASFV, and must be used prior to an outbreak on a farm. Currently, there is no treatment for ASF and culling affected farms is the only response to outbreaks on farms to try and prevent spreading. CRISPR/Cas systems evolved as an adaptive immune response in bacteria and archaea that function by cleaving and disrupting the genomes of invading bacteriophage pathogens. CRISPR technology has since been leveraged into an array of endonuclease-based systems used for nucleic acid detection, targeting, genomic cleavage, and gene editing, making them particularly well-suited for development as sequence-specific therapeutic modalities. The programmability of CRISPR-based therapeutics offers a compelling new way to rapidly and specifically target pathogenic viral genomes simply by using different targeting guide RNAs (gRNA) as an adaptable antiviral modality. Here, we demonstrate for the first time a specific CRISPR/Cas9 multiplexed gRNA system that targets the African swine fever viral genome, resulting in sequence-specific cleavage, leading to the reduction in the viral load in infected animals, and subsequent recovery from an otherwise lethal dose of ASFV. Moreover, animals that recovered had protective immunity to subsequent homologous ASFV infection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli is a critical One Health challenge, with rising resistance in both humans and animals. The present study aimed to compare antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of E. coli isolates from hospitalized patients and food-producing animals in Satu Mare, a county located in northwestern Romania. Methods: Between 2022–2023, 701 samples were collected, leading to 571 non-duplicate E. coli isolates (420 human, 151 animal). Human strains were recovered from 21 hospital departments and originated from feces, urine, blood, sputum, ear secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, purulent wound secretions, and puncture fluids. Animal isolates were obtained from ceca collected at local slaughterhouses serving farms in north-west Romania, including samples from turkeys, broilers, and pigs. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against eight antimicrobials (amikacin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) using standardized methods. Resistance classification followed international definitions of MDR. Statistical associations between host species and resistance were assessed with chi-square tests. Results: Resistance levels were consistently higher in E. coli strains isolated from animals compared with those from humans (p < 0.05). Among human isolates, resistance to ampicillin (41.9%), ciprofloxacin (41.4%), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (45.7%) approached, but did not exceed 50%. In contrast, E. coli strains recovered from animals showed markedly higher resistance, exceeding 50% for ampicillin (78.8%), ciprofloxacin (65.6%), and cefotaxime (55.0%). Amikacin retained full activity against all animal isolates, whereas 2.8% of human strains were resistant. Overall, multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 70.0% of E. coli isolates from humans and 79.7% from animals, with the highest resistance burden in pig-derived isolates. Conclusions: The study underscores the veterinary sector as a key contributor to the maintenance and spread of MDR E. coli. Even in clinically healthy animals, resistance levels exceeded those observed in human isolates. These findings emphasize the need for coordinated One Health monitoring and stricter antimicrobial use policies in livestock to reduce transmission risks across human and animal populations. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of olive cake (OC) supplementation on buffalo performance and meat quality. Sixty Italian Mediterranean Buffalo males (thirty/group) were enrolled for 90 days before slaughter and allocated into two homogeneous groups according to body weight and age. The Innova group received concentrate with a 7% inclusion of OC, whereas the Ctrl group received no supplementation. Animal performances were recorded at the beginning and at the end of the trial to assess average daily gain (ADG), final live weight, and carcass weight. The Longissimus thoracis muscle samples were harvested and analyzed for chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and total polyphenols content. Dietary inclusion of OC improved animal performances, with greater ADG, final live weight, and carcass weight than the Ctrl group. Furthermore, the Innova meat exhibited a greater polyphenols content and a better acidic profile, represented by greater monounsaturated fatty acids and lower saturated fatty acids. Innova meat had a greater n-3/n-6 ratio, lower atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic index (TI), and greater hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (H/H) compared with Ctrl meat. These results suggest that inclusion of OC in buffalo diet improved the meat’s fatty acid profile and nutritional value, contributing to healthier, higher-quality products while supporting circular economy principles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Animal health remains a critical issue that directly impacts economic sustainability through animal welfare and production. In small ruminants, the gastrointestinal parasite Haemonchus contortus can lead to anemia and possibly mortality, since parasite burden can be considerable and is challenging to control. Small ruminant health can be affected by poor diet and environmental conditions that lead to changes in the metabolic balance. The link between animal health and metabolic profiles has been investigated in the past. These studies have shed important light on physiological changes by identifying dietary and disease biomarkers. This study aimed to correlate the metabolite signature of feces from goats, having two levels of Haemonchus contortus infection, grazing on two different forages (Bermudagrass and Sunn Hemp). Methods: Fecal samples were taken from goats grazing either Sunn Hemp or Bermudagrass pastures, with naturally variable Haemonchus contortus loads. Samples were evaluated using ¹H-NMR and LC/MS methods to describe and compare metabolic patterns under varied forage conditions between low and high Fecal Egg Count (FEC). Results: Our findings indicated no significant difference using univariate analyses but identified 10 discriminatory features using multivariate analyses for Bermudagrass and Sunn Hemp using ¹H-NMR. With LC-MS, we found 11 significantly different (p < 0.05, FC > 2) and 115 discriminatory features for Bermudagrass and 113 in Sunn Hemp from multivariate analyses. Combining the findings of the two approaches suggested that Haemonchus contortus influenced several pathways associated with the metabolism of amino acids and energy conversion. Conclusions: The analysis of metabolome changes across both forages may help in revealing novel knowledge and accurate identification of possible biomarkers for gastrointestinal parasites. Further study is needed to validate the potential biomarker before deploying diagnostic tools based on the metabolomics indicators for early parasite diagnosis. Full article

Oncogenic viruses are well-established contributors to cancer development in both humans and animals. While many animal oncogenic viruses exhibit strong host specificity, concerns remain about their potential to cross species barriers and impact human health. This article examines the classification and molecular mechanisms of oncogenic viruses, including retroviruses, papillomaviruses, herpesviruses, and hepadnaviruses, in animals. It explores historical cases of cross-species transmission, such as the contamination of early polio vaccines with simian virus 40 (SV40), which resulted from the use of rhesus monkey kidney cells and insufficient screening for latent simian viruses, and the hypothesised association between bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) and human breast cancer. To provide a broader comparative perspective, the discussion also includes examples of viruses with a lower economic impact, illustrating that zoonotic and oncogenic potential is not limited to commercially significant species. Biological barriers—including receptor specificity and immune defences—generally limit transmission; however, frequent human–animal interactions, consumption of contaminated food, and viral mutations may increase zoonotic risk. Advances in molecular diagnostics, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and serological testing, play a critical role in identifying emerging threats. Prevention strategies, including veterinary vaccination programs, biosafety protocols, and the One Health approach integrating human and veterinary medicine, are essential for mitigating risks. While current evidence indicates that oncogenic animal viruses do not significantly contribute to human cancers, ongoing surveillance and research remain crucial to detect emerging threats. Understanding viral oncogenesis in animals continues to provide valuable insights into cancer prevention and therapy in humans. Full article