Search Results (481)

Semen cryopreservation is a critical biotechnological approach for preserving superior genetic resources in livestock. Spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to cryogenic stress during the freeze–thaw process, resulting in impaired structure and function. Therefore, the development of effective cryoprotective additives is essential for improving yak semen cryopreservation. In this study, ginseng peptide (GFREH) was incorporated into the freezing extender at different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mg/mL) to evaluate its effects on post-thaw sperm quality, in vitro fertilization (IVF) capacity, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Semen samples treated with 0 and 0.75 mg/mL GFREH were further subjected to proteomic analysis to elucidate the molecular basis of its cryoprotective action. The results demonstrated that GFREH significantly increased total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), as well as plasma membrane and acrosome integrity of frozen–thawed yak spermatozoa (p < 0.05). GFREH also significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ATP content (p < 0.05). Moreover, GFREH at concentrations of 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mg/mL significantly improved IVF and blastocyst formation rates compared with the control (p < 0.05), with the 0.75 mg/mL group exhibiting the highest fertilization and blastocyst rates. Proteomic analysis further revealed that GFREH modulated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and downregulated FOXO1 expression. Collectively, these findings indicate that ginseng peptides enhance yak sperm cryotolerance by coordinating oxidative balance, mitochondrial energy metabolism, and survival-related signaling, with 0.75 mg/mL representing an optimal effective concentration within the functional dose range tested. Full article

Background: Vasicine (Vas) is a quinazoline alkaloid derived from Adhatoda vasica Nees, which has good anti-allergic asthma and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its specific functional mechanism on allergic asthma is unclear. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Vas on allergic asthma and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Initially, the therapeutic effects of Vas were assessed in ovalbumin-sensitized BALB/c mice using airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), histopathological examinations, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Subsequently, a non-targeted metabolomic analysis was performed to examine the influence of Vas on lung metabolites, while molecular docking was utilized to clarify the mechanisms by which Vas intervenes in allergic asthma. Lastly, RBL-2H3 cells were employed in vitro to validate the metabolomic findings by measuring intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations, in addition to conducting ELISA and Western blot analyses. Results: In vivo, Vas alleviates AHR in mice with allergic asthma, enhances histopathological conditions, and reduces inflammatory factors. Non-targeted metabolomics analyses indicate that the primary pathway implicated in its intervention in allergic asthma may be the FcεRI pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking techniques were utilized to evaluate the binding affinity between Vas and proteins associated with this pathway. In vitro, Vas effectively inhibits degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells and diminishes the release of inflammatory factors by modulating the FcεRI/Lyn + Syk/MAPK pathway. Conclusions: These findings indicate that Vas may effectively alleviate allergic asthma by reducing inflammatory responses, decreasing AHR, and improving histopathological features. Furthermore, Vas seems to inhibit mast cell degranulation and modulate the FcεRI/Lyn + Syk/MAPK pathway. Full article

Members of the microsporidial genus Encephalitozoon have the capacity to infect both mammals and birds, and E. cuniculi is most commonly found in rabbits. With a seroprevalence ranging up to 85%, E. cuniculi can be a problem in pet rabbits as well as in food production and laboratory animal science. While most infections are likely subclinical, there are three main clinical presentations: neurological, renal, and ocular. Typical clinical signs including vestibular disease and phacoclastic uveitis may develop with initial or relapsing infection, while renal infection is usually progressive and associated with non-specific clinical signs. High-sensitivity/specificity ante mortem diagnostic options are lacking, and serological testing most often provides adjunct rather than definitive information such that physical examination and other diagnostics are used more so for ruling out other differentials and comorbidities, rather than confirming infection. In the veterinary community, treatment regimens are variable given the lack of thorough studies and a consensus. The aim of this document is to present the available literature to give a concise review of this organism and its infection of rabbits as well as to propose guidelines and protocols for diagnostics and treatment regimens. In addition, the current challenges and recommendations for further studies are discussed. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary linseed cake on the fatty acid profile of meat and abdominal fat, and on growth performance in broiler chickens. A total of 198 birds were randomly allocated to three groups (66 birds/group). The control group (C) received a standard soybean meal-based feed, while the LIN6 and LIN12 groups were fed diets that were supplemented with 6% and 12% linseed cake, respectively. Linseed cake supplementation reduced saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat and abdominal fat, and lowered the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). The 12% inclusion resulted in a more pronounced accumulation of n-3 PUFAs—4.3–5.0 times higher than the control—while 6% inclusion increased n-3 PUFAs by 2.8–3.3 times (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). However, 12% inclusion negatively affected growth performance, reducing body weight by 9.9% and feed intake by 10.4% at 42 days (p < 0.05), whereas the 6% inclusion had no adverse impact (p < 0.05). These results indicate that 6% linseed cake represents the optimal practical inclusion level, effectively enhancing the n-3 PUFA profile of broiler meat and abdominal fat without compromising growth, while higher inclusion levels may impair production performance. Full article

Rectifying the microbiome perturbed by Eimeria invasion might alleviate the adverse effects of coccidia on broiler growth. This study employed an in vitro fermentation model to investigate the direct, host-independent effects of two probiotics—Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR) and Bacillus subtilis (BS)—on the cecal microbiome and metabolome perturbed by Eimeria tenella. Four in vitro fermentation treatments consisted of a healthy control (cecal slurry samples from health broilers), an Eimeria-disturbed control (slurry samples from infected broilers), an LR treatment (Eimeria-infected slurry + 3 × 10⁵ of LR cfu/mL), and a BS treatment (Eimeria-disturbed group + 3 × 10⁵ of BS cfu/mL). 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis revealed that Eimeria infection resulted in an increase in microbial alpha diversity, promoted opportunistic pathogens, including Helicobacter and Bacteroides, and suppressed commensals like Lactobacillus, concurrently altering 530 intracellular metabolites. Probiotic supplementation partially restored microbial composition. Notably, LR inoculation rectified 107 metabolites across pathways including galactose metabolism and phosphotransferase systems, primarily affecting membrane phospholipid balance. In contrast, BS addition restored only 64 metabolites, largely related to secondary metabolism. The current in vitro study indicates that LR can directly modulate key metabolic disturbances in a dysbiotic microbiota, while the BS may be more dependent on host-mediated interactions. Full article

Consumer demand for organic products has grown substantially in Southern Europe, driven by health, environmental, and ethical concerns. Understanding cross-country differences in attribute preferences and sociodemographic influences is critical to inform marketing strategies and policy interventions targeting organic food consumption. To perform a comparative study across Portugal, Spain, and Greece, regular organic consumers were surveyed (250 per country) using a culturally adapted Best–Worst Scaling questionnaire. Socio-demographic variables and ten organic food attributes were analysed using MANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests, PCA, and cluster analysis. Spanish and Portuguese consumers prioritised health, environmental impact, absence of GMOs, and certification, while Greeks emphasised price, appearance, taste expectation, and nutrition. Age, gender, and education influenced attribute importance differently across countries, revealing distinct national consumption patterns and preferences. Findings highlight substantial heterogeneity: health and environmental attributes dominate in Portugal and Spain, reflecting strong certification and sustainability awareness, whereas Greek consumers focus on value, sensory qualities, and nutrition, indicating lower organic uptake and stronger price sensitivity. Older and more educated consumers valued certification and provenance, women emphasised health and environmental benefits, and men responded more to convenience and status cues. These patterns suggest that marketing and policy strategies should combine universal motivators with tailored approaches addressing national, demographic, and cultural differences to enhance organic consumption. Cross-country differences reveal the need for context-specific interventions promoting organic food while leveraging common health and sustainability drivers. Full article

In modern animal production systems, the use of alternative feed sources is essential for reducing production costs, protecting natural resources, and improving meat quality. This study evaluated the impact of a unique silage—one produced by agro-industrial by-products—on the growth, meat quality, and health parameters of finishing pigs. Eighteen pigs (120 days old, 59.47 ± 0.85 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments containing 0% (A), 5% (B), or 10% (C) silage. After 60 days, blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses; this was followed by slaughter for the collection of muscle tissues (triceps brachii, external abdominal oblique) and intestinal digesta (ileum, cecum). Final body weight did not differ among groups (124.54 ± 1.51 kg), and meat composition (fat, protein, collagen, and ash) and pH were unaffected (p > 0.05). ALT levels were significantly lower in group C than in A (p = 0.030). In the ileum, Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococci populations decreased, whereas Lactobacilli increased in B and C (p ≤ 0.05). Cecal Enterococci were reduced in both B and C (p ≤ 0.01), with a tendency for increased Lactobacilli in B. Group C showed higher total phenolic content (p ≤ 0.05) and an improved ω-6/ω-3 ratio (15.09 vs. 17.54 in A). The TBARS values did not differ among treatments. Campylobacter jejuni counts were lower in treatment C, and no Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes were detected in any samples. The meat color of the triceps brachii was redder in treatments B and C (p = 0.001). Overall, the innovative silage increased phenolic content, supported improvements in gut microbiota, and maintained meat quality, indicating its potential as a sustainable feed ingredient. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health threat, and gut microbiota play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis through the gut–liver axis. However, the literature contains divergent or opposing findings: key microbial metabolites, such as secondary bile acids and indole derivatives, exhibit potent pro- and anti-tumorigenic activities across different studies, hindering a unified understanding of their veritable roles. To resolve this ambiguity, this review proposes a unifying “context dependency” framework. We posit that the functions of gut microbiota and their metabolites are not fixed but are dynamically determined by the host’s physiological and pathological “context,” defined here as the integrated dynamic background shaped by local metabolite concentrations, host immune status, specific receptor expression, and tumor microenvironment (TME) features. This framework is systematically substantiated through an analysis of the dichotomous effects of major microbial metabolites, including bile acids (BAs), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and indole derivatives. We further elucidate that the key “contextual factors” governing these functional outcomes include the TME, host immune status, metabolite concentration gradients, and the activation patterns of specific signaling pathways (e.g., farnesoid X receptor/takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5, aryl hydrocarbon receptor). This novel framework not only provides a theoretical foundation for integrating existing paradoxical findings but also paves the way for the future development of context-specific precision diagnostic biomarkers and targeted microbial intervention therapies for HCC. Full article

Numerous commercial products are used in poultry farms to maintain water quality and prevent pathogen dispersion, but their actual impact on broiler chicks’ performance and gut health remains underreported. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three commercial poultry water disinfectants on broiler chicks’ performance and the physicochemical characteristics of gastrointestinal content when continuously added to drinking water. A total of 144 one-day-old Ross^® 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups: Group A (negative control), Group B (0.01–0.025% v/v Product A [H₂O₂ + silver complex]), Group C (0.01–0.04% v/v Product B [H₂O₂ + peracetic acid]), and Group D (0.05–0.1% w/v Product C [peroxides]). Body weight (BW) was measured weekly, while average daily weight gain (ADWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated for different time periods. Additionally, on days 15 and 40, the pH of the crop, gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, and cecum contents was assessed, while the viscosity of jejunal and ileal contents were also measured. Statistical analysis revealed that all water disinfectants significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced BW, ADWG, and ADFI during the early growth phase, followed by either recovery or stabilization in the later stages. Drinking water disinfectants induced significant changes in intestinal physicochemical parameters, including reductions in pH of the content in the jejunum (p ≤ 0.05) during early growth and increased gizzard pH (p ≤ 0.05) and digesta viscosity (p ≤ 0.05) at later ages. These findings suggest that continuous water disinfection can suppress broiler chicks’ performance during the early stages of growth while significantly altering the physicochemical characteristics of gastrointestinal content. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanism that underlaying these results and optimize dosage schemes that balance pathogen control with the health, welfare, and performance of broilers. Full article

Static cold storage remains the most widely used method for organ preservation in transplantation. Over time, preservation solutions have undergone continuous optimization. Ecosol is a novel extracellular-type, colloid-based preservation solution. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of Ecosol in comparison to the gold standard University of Wisconsin (UW) solution using both allogeneic and syngeneic rat orthotopic liver transplantation models. Liver function parameters were assessed and compared to baseline values of the respective rat strains. In the syngeneic setting, alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were significantly higher in the UW group than in the Ecosol group on day 1 post-transplantation (p < 0.05). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly elevated in the UW group compared to Ecosol in both allogeneic and syngeneic models on day 1 (p < 0.001). Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and total bilirubin were also significantly higher in the UW syngeneic group on day 1 (p < 0.05). In the allogeneic setting, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and ALT levels were significantly elevated in both the UW (p < 0.0001) and Ecosol (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively) groups on day 1 compared to the baseline values of Brown Norway (BN) rats. On day 7, these elevations persisted in the UW group, whereas no significant differences were observed in the Ecosol group compared to the baseline BN values (UW vs. Ecosol: p < 0.0001). In syngeneic transplants, AST and ALT levels were significantly elevated in both groups on day 1 compared to the baseline values of Lewis rats (p < 0.0001). By day 7, AST levels remained significantly elevated in the UW group, while Ecosol showed no significant difference from baseline (p < 0.0001). Organ viability, assessed via non-invasive imaging after 8 h of cold storage, was improved with Ecosol. Overall, Ecosol demonstrated biological safety and non-inferiority to the UW solution for liver preservation in a rat orthotopic liver transplantation model. Full article

Extensive goat farming is the dominant livestock system in the Mediterranean region, where woody rangelands represent essential forage resources for goats. Understanding how goats move and select vegetation within these heterogeneous landscapes–and how these patterns are shaped by herding decisions-is critical for improving grazing management. This study investigated the spatio-temporal movement behavior of a goat flock in a complex woody rangeland using GPS tracking combined with GIS-based vegetation and land morphology mapping. The influence of seasonal changes in forage availability and the shepherd’s management on movement trajectories and vegetation selection was specifically examined over two consecutive years. Goat movement paths, activity ranges, and speed differed among seasons and years, reflecting changes in resource distribution, physiological stage, and herding decisions. Dense oak woodland and moderate shrubland were consistently the most selected vegetation types, confirming goats’ preference for woody species. The shepherd’s management—particularly decisions on grazing duration, route planning, and provision or withdrawal of supplementary feed—strongly affected movement characteristics and habitat use. Flexibility in adjusting grazing strategies under shifting economic conditions played a crucial role in shaping spatial behavior. The combined use of GPS devices, GIS software, vegetation maps, and direct observation proved to be an effective approach for assessing movement behavior, forage selection and grazing pressure. Such integration of technological and classical methods provides valuable insights into diet composition and resource use and offers strong potential for future applications in precision livestock management. Real-time monitoring and decision support tools based on this approach could help farmers optimize grazing strategies, improve forage utilization, and support sustainable rangeland management. Full article

Background: Evidence on HAIs in Africa is fairly common. Objectives: The main objective was to identify the surveillance tools used for healthcare–associated infections (HAIs) in countries in the WHO African Region. Secondary objectives focused on the organization of surveillance, the pathogens involved, and the frequency of multidrug–resistant species. Inclusion and exclusion criteria: Observational or interventional studies on healthcare–associated infections in humans, published between January 2011 and December 2024, in French or English, were included. However, the following publications were not included: animal studies, healthcare–associated infections not related to healthcare, literature reviews, studies outside the period or geographical area, and studies in languages other than French or English. Sources of information and search date: The databases consulted were PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, African Index Medicus, Google Scholar, and AJOL. The search was conducted between January and March 2025. Risk of bias assessment: The risk of bias was assessed using a specific grid (eleven criteria), scored from one (low) to three (high). The studies were classified into three levels of methodological quality. The results of the bias assessment showed that the publications were excellent (strong and moderate) with a cumulative rate of 99.9%. Methods of synthesizing results: Data were extracted using a standardized grid and synthesized narratively. No meta–analysis was performed. Number of studies and characteristics: 95 studies were included, mostly cross–sectional studies (82.1%), cohorts (10.4%), and a few case reports. Most were from West Africa (60.0%), particularly Nigeria (16.8%) and South Africa (14.7%). Main results: • Most common pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus (53.7%), Escherichia coli (43.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (32.6%). • Resistance profile: ESBL (27.4%), MRSA (21.1%), multidrug resistance (13.7%). • Sources of HAIs: mainly exogenous (83.2%). • Laboratory methods: phenotypic (70.5%), genotypic or genomic rare (3.1%). • Scope of studies: local (96.8%), national (3.2%). Limitations of evidence: Risk of bias due to underreporting of HAIs, methodological heterogeneity, predominance of cross–sectional studies, low use of molecular methods, lack of modeling, and uneven geographical coverage. Overall interpretation and implications: surveillance of HAIs in Africa remains fragmented and poorly standardized. There is a need to strengthen national systems, integrate molecular methods, train professionals, and promote interventional research. The WHO GLASS program can serve as a framework for harmonizing surveillance. Full article

Background: Animal models are essential for translating diagnostic and therapeutic strategies into clinical practice and offer valuable insights into the pathophysiology of diseases such as aortic dissection. This study presents a novel acute in vivo large animal model of Stanford type A aortic dissection, combining open surgical access with endovascular techniques to leverage the advantages of both. The model aims to reproducibly simulate acute dissections in swine, providing a standardized platform for evaluating diagnostics, disease mechanisms, and treatment strategies. Methods: Six pigs underwent a standardized protocol to induce aortic dissection. Arterial pressure was monitored via femoral and carotid catheterization. A conventional sternotomy was performed, followed by tangential cross-clamping of the ascending aorta and a controlled incision proximal to the brachiocephalic trunk. The intima and the media were separated using a guidewire and catheter-based technique to create a false lumen. A re-entry tear was also established to allow for controlled intraluminal access. Animals were monitored for 12 h post-intervention, with serial blood sampling. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized and the aortas harvested for macroscopic and histological analysis. Results: In all 6 animals, the placement of arterial catheters in femoral and carotid arteries, as well as the sternotomy, was established without any complications. The dissection model was successfully created in 5 out of 6 animals by clinical signs such as adventitial hematoma, macroscopic wall separation and/or decreased femoral blood pressure. One animal experienced complete aortic perforation. Five animals completed the full observation period of 12 h. Conclusion: A standardized, reproducible, and robust large animal model of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection using a hybrid approach was developed. This model closely simulates the clinical and pathological features of human aortic dissection, making it a valuable tool for preclinical research in diagnostics, pathophysiology, and treatment development. Full article

The assessment of animal welfare and quality of life (QoL) is a critical aspect of veterinary practice. While the development of standardized tools to measure QoL has been widely discussed, there is limited research analyzing how these tools are applied in clinical practice. This study investigates the current state of QoL assessment in small animal medicine in Germany through a mixed-methods approach. A survey was conducted with veterinarians and veterinary assistants, assessing the awareness and use of QoL assessment tools in practice. In addition, interviews with veterinarians were conducted to examine their perceptions and experiences regarding the use of QoL measurement tools and the assessment of QoL itself. The findings indicate that the use of standardized QoL assessments is rare and often primarily done while doing studies. Factors hindering the widespread use of these instruments include lack of time, lack of awareness, the perceived lack of need and resistance to fitting the individuality and subjectivity of QoL into a schema. As beneficial features of such tools, veterinarians mentioned the possibility of documenting and tracking QoL and the enhancement of the relationship between professionals and clients. Further research should therefore not only focus on development but also on dissemination of such tools. Full article

According to climate projections, the Pannonian region is expected to experience an increasing frequency of drought events. This trend affects not only agricultural areas but also natural grasslands. The Festuca wagneri species, selected for this study, is a dominant and well-adapted grass in dry natural habitats. A total of 54 Festuca wagneri individuals were examined across three soil types: sand, loam, and clay. In each soil type, 18 plants were assessed for drought tolerance. Water was applied at three dosage levels: 200, 300, and 400 mL. The experiment was conducted between 4 April and 18 July 2024, during which the total weight of the pots and the amount of drained water were measured regularly. All data processing and statistical analyses were performed in R version 4.3.2. A three-way factorial ANOVA was used to evaluate main and interaction effects. Model residuals were tested for normality (Shapiro–Wilk test) and homoscedasticity using diagnostic plots. The results showed that Festuca wagneri individuals tolerated even the lowest soil moisture levels induced by low water-holding capacity of the soil and low water input. This indicates that the species can be effectively used in grassland management and restoration under future climate change scenarios. The main differences were observed among soil types, highlighting the crucial importance of soil structure when establishing this species. Loam soils, already near optimal, respond best to moderate. Full article