Search Results (12,531)

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a widespread zoonotic disease leading to serious public health concerns and economic losses to animal husbandry. Currently, highly effective vaccines against toxoplasmosis remain unavailable. This study aimed to investigate the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of the gra47-deficient mutant strain PruΔgra47 as a live-attenuated vaccine candidate. We evaluated the virulence of PruΔgra47 in a mouse model, determined the optimal immunization dose, and measured serum antibody levels and cytokine profiles. Then, mice immunized with PruΔgra47 were challenged with different T. gondii strains to assess protection against acute and chronic infection. PruΔgra47 displayed significantly attenuated virulence and its ability to form cysts was weakened. Vaccination with 5 × 10⁶ tachyzoites elicited predominantly Th1-skewed immune responses. Immunization with PruΔgra47 provided complete protection against challenge infection with relatively low-virulent PYS strain and homologous Pru strain, prolonged survival against the highly virulent RH strain, and achieved a 90% survival rate with reduced brain cyst burden under chronic challenge. In conclusion, PruΔgra47 is relatively safe and immunogenic in the murine model, and is worth being evaluated in food-producing animals and cats. Full article

Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS) is a widespread condition in pigs and has been proposed as an early-life animal-based measure (ABM) for assessing health and welfare. However, its prognostic value for later-life outcomes under commercial conditions remains poorly understood. This study investigated the prevalence, progression, and predictive relevance of SINS in two organic pig farms in the Netherlands. Clinical SINS signs were assessed in suckling and weaned piglets and related to hematological parameters at weaning (35 weaned piglets) as well as tail integrity at slaughter. SINS lesions were highly prevalent in suckling piglets (approximately 80%) but markedly decreased after weaning. Lesion prevalence and severity differed substantially between farms and showed clear age-dependent patterns, peaking between days 3 and 5 of life. Higher SINS scores in suckling piglets were associated with systemic hematological alterations at weaning, including increased monocyte proportions, reduced platelet counts, and altered red blood cell indices. Importantly, early-life SINS was significantly associated with later tail integrity. Pigs with higher SINS scores showed a lower probability of intact tails at slaughter and subsequently a higher prevalence of tail lesions. These findings suggest that SINS may have potential as an early-life indicator of later tail outcomes; however, this hypothesis requires validation in larger studies involving a greater number of farms and production systems. Full article

Pediatric phlebotomy is a common invasive procedure frequently associated with pain, anxiety, and fear, which may negatively affect children’s cooperation and overall healthcare experiences. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention capable of providing immersive distraction and emotional engagement during painful medical procedures. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive VR in reducing pain perception and anxiety-related outcomes among pediatric patients undergoing phlebotomy procedures. This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The research question was developed using the PICO framework. Randomized controlled trials and comparative controlled studies published between January 2020 and September 2025 were identified through systematic searches of PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Studies involving children and adolescents aged 4–17 years undergoing phlebotomy or venipuncture procedures were eligible for inclusion. A total of six studies comprising 557 pediatric participants were included in the review. The VR interventions involved immersive and interactive environments, including educational simulations, animated scenarios, and game-based experiences delivered through head-mounted displays. Four studies reported statistically significant reductions in pain and/or anxiety among participants exposed to VR compared with control groups, whereas two studies found no significant differences. Across the included studies, VR interventions were generally well accepted by children, parents, and healthcare professionals, with only mild and transient adverse effects reported. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed regarding clinical settings, VR technologies, intervention protocols, and outcome assessment methods. The current evidence suggests that immersive VR is a promising adjunctive strategy for reducing pain and anxiety during pediatric phlebotomy procedures. Nevertheless, the available evidence remains limited by methodological heterogeneity and relatively small sample sizes. Future research should focus on larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials using standardized intervention protocols and outcome measures to support evidence-based implementation of VR in pediatric clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emerging viral zoonoses represent a growing threat to global public health, with most newly emerging infectious diseases originating from animal reservoirs. Recent outbreaks of monkeypox, Ebola virus disease, Marburg virus disease, Rift Valley fever, and avian influenza highlight the capacity of zoonotic viruses to cross species barriers, spread internationally, and generate substantial health, social, and economic consequences. This review examines the ecological, epidemiological, and biological determinants of viral zoonotic emergence and transmission, with particular emphasis on vaccination and outbreak prevention strategies. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using a predefined literature search strategy across major scientific databases. Peer-reviewed epidemiological, clinical, and public health publications published between January 2000 and February 2026 were screened and selected according to predefined relevance criteria. Results: The emergence of viral zoonoses is driven by complex interactions among animal reservoirs, environmental and climatic changes, human behavior, and viral adaptation. Although transmission pathways and clinical outcomes differ among pathogens, common determinants of spillover and outbreak amplification were identified. Current evidence supports the importance of integrated surveillance, genomic monitoring, vaccination strategies, and community engagement as key components of preparedness and response. Emerging preventive approaches targeting pathogen transmission, including transmission-blocking strategies and vector-associated microbiota interventions, may provide additional opportunities for disease control. Conclusions: Strengthening preparedness for emerging viral zoonoses requires coordinated One Health approaches integrating human, animal, and environmental health. Future priorities include the development of next-generation vaccines, expansion of digital and genomic surveillance systems, improved equitable access to vaccines, and innovative interventions aimed at reducing zoonotic spillover and interrupting pathogen transmission. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Despite recent advances, current therapies offer little benefit, and AD remains a significant challenge. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have attracted attention for their neuroprotective effects primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but also for their ability to influence membrane fluidity and neuronal function. DHA is the predominant omega-3 PUFA in nerve cell membranes and is critical for synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Some evidence has demonstrated that marine omega-3 supplementation reduces Aβ deposition, modulates microglial activation, and prevents cognitive decline in animal models. Even with heterogeneous results, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that long-term DHA/EPA supplementation can improve cognitive function in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and reduce neuroinflammation markers. However, individual variability and brain bioavailability pose significant challenges. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge on the importance of PUFAs for human health, exploring novel mechanistic hypotheses, such as the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on brain iron homeostasis, the microbiota–gut–brain axis, the glymphatic system, and miRNAs. Furthermore, it focuses on the therapeutic potential of PUFAs in the treatment of AD and proposes future directions for translational research. Full article

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a multifaceted condition marked by sustained elevations in arterial blood pressure. Its occurrence is closely related to alterations in target organs, such as the liver. Non-pharmacological treatments have been proposed for these effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of açaí supplementation and resistance training, applied individually or in combination, on blood pressure and liver structural parameters. An experimental, quantitative, and longitudinal study was conducted using young Wistar rats (~60 days old) and spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) strains. Fifty rats were divided into five experimental groups: Wistar Control (C), Hypertensive Control (H), Hypertensive Trained (HT), Hypertensive Açaí-Supplemented (HA), and Hypertensive Trained plus Açaí Supplementation (HAT). Each group consisted of ten animals. Subsequently, analyses were performed for the antioxidant capacity and proximate composition of the açaí pulp, systolic blood pressure assessment, and histological evaluation of the liver. The açaí used exhibited high antioxidant capacity. At the end of the experimental period, the trained groups increased their maximal load carried, along with a reduction in systolic blood pressure in all treated groups. Açaí supplementation resulted in lower relative liver mass compared with the H group. The hypertensive condition promoted extracellular matrix expansion and a reduction in hepatocyte proportion. Both interventions attenuated these effects, and the combined treatment (HAT) produced the greatest improvement, indicating an additive response. Hypertension also elevated hepatic glycogen concentration, and the treatments reduced this alteration. It is concluded that açaí supplementation and resistance training could promote positive adaptations in the liver of hypertensive animals. Full article

This review analyses and logically structures modern intelligent sensor technologies in the context of animal husbandry, feed production, and veterinary medicine. The main research discussed in the article focuses on machine learning based on modern neural network models, computer vision, and sensor systems that are transforming the methods for assessing the health, behavior, and nutrition of farm animals. The first part examines modern approaches to quality control and optimization of mineral and vitamin premixes, including visual inspection using visual sensors and neural networks. Key roles are played by precise dosing, component stability (minerals, vitamins), and the transition to more bioefficient organic forms of micronutrients to reduce environmental impact. Improvements in feed and premix production are analyzed, including automation, energy management, and the use of machine learning for non-destructive quality control, defect detection, mixing homogeneity assessment, and vitamin stability prediction. The second part analyzes methods for animal location and behavior detection. This article presents computer vision-based systems, including modifications of YOLO, for automatically tracking and classifying key behavioral patterns (lying down, standing, feeding, and aggression) in cattle and pigs, even in crowded conditions. It also discusses the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) systems and accelerometers combined with machine learning for high-precision positioning and detection of specific behavioral anomalies, such as lameness and playfulness. The third section focuses on the application of machine learning in veterinary diagnostics, including the automated interpretation of medical images (X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI) as sensor data streams for the diagnosis of cardiovascular, oncological, and orthopedic diseases in farm and small animals. Furthermore, the article examines the use of machine learning models for proactive disease diagnosis in farm animals and poultry based on multimodal data and image analysis. Considerable attention is given to methods and tools for radiometric diagnosis of animal diseases at an early stage using microwave sensors, as well as laser therapy and surgery in veterinary medicine. The review concludes that the integration of intelligent systems enables a transition to data-driven livestock management, significantly improving animal welfare and, consequently, the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic stress contributes to anxiety disorders and cognitive impairment, while effective multi-target therapeutic strategies remain limited. This study investigated the effects of a standardized extract prepared from the aerial parts of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Brahmi) extract and an anthocyanin-rich mixed Thai berry extract, administered individually and in combination, in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model. Methods: Extracts derived from Morus alba L. (mulberry), Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertn. (mamao), and Syzygium nervosum DC. (ma-kiang) were characterized for anthocyanin and phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside levels using HPLC. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a 14-day CUMS protocol and treated with Brahmi extract, mixed Thai berry extract, or their combinations. Behavioral assessments included the open-field test, elevated plus maze, and novel object recognition test. Histopathological evaluation of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was also performed. Results: Brahmi extract and mixed Thai berry extract attenuated selected anxiety-related behaviors and improved recognition memory-related parameters in CUMS-exposed rats. The low-dose berry extract produced the most consistent behavioral improvements, whereas combination-treated groups showed greater histological preservation. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced neuronal degeneration and improved tissue organization in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of treated animals. Conclusions: These findings support the potential therapeutic relevance of Bacopa monnieri and anthocyanin-rich Thai berry extracts under chronic stress conditions, with differential effects observed between individual and combination treatments. Full article

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of long-term disability and is frequently accompanied by chronic pain, substantially reducing quality of life. Although spinal neuroinflammation is a recognized contributor to neuropathic pain, the role of supraspinal neuroinflammation remains less well defined. This systematic review critically evaluated experimental evidence linking SCI-induced supraspinal neuroinflammation with pain-related behaviors in animal models. A systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus identified studies published over the last 20 years using rodent SCI models that assessed both supraspinal neuroinflammatory markers and pain-related behaviors. After screening, nine studies met the predefined criteria. The analyzed studies suggested that SCI is associated with supraspinal neuroinflammatory alterations, including increased microglial and astrocytic activation and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokine-related pathways, in several brain regions. In intervention studies, reduced neuroinflammation was accompanied by improvement in mechanical or thermal pain-related behaviors. However, considerable methodological heterogeneity and moderate to high risk of bias were observed. Current evidence suggests an association between supraspinal neuroinflammatory alterations and chronic pain-related behaviors after SCI, but the limited number of studies and methodological variability restrict firm conclusions. Further well-designed experimental studies are needed to clarify underlying mechanisms. Full article

Global agriculture faces a dual imperative: increase food production to meet rising demand while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts and resource inefficiencies. Addressing this challenge requires repositioning ruminant nutrition as the intelligent nexus linking crop and livestock production within Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems (ICLS). In this role, nutrition becomes central to restoring ecological, nutritional, and economic synergies that have been fragmented by decades of agricultural specialization. While ICLS provides the ecological foundation, Precision Livestock Farming delivers the technological and analytical infrastructure necessary to operationalize integration at the individual-animal level. Real-time sensing, Internet of Things platforms, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enable dynamic monitoring of animal physiology, behavior, and environmental interactions across scales. A key advancement in this evolution is the development of Hybrid Intelligent Mechanistic Models (HIMM), which integrate biologically grounded mechanistic models with data-driven AI approaches. By combining interpretability with adaptive learning, HIMM enhances predictive accuracy, extrapolative capacity, and decision transparency, enabling the creation of digital twins that simulate biological responses before management interventions are implemented. Such architectures extend precision nutrition beyond feed efficiency and methane mitigation to include nutrient density and product quality, thereby linking different ecosystem processes directly to human dietary needs. Integrating nutrition with advanced modeling and monitoring tools can help livestock systems move beyond static “net-zero” benchmarks toward sustainable strategies that are responsive to local production contexts. In this reframed paradigm, nutrition is not merely a production input but the central analytical framework that computationally links biological mechanisms, environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and human health within sustainable ruminant systems. Full article

Feed intake and diet quality are key factors influencing enteric methane (CH₄) emissions in ruminants. Low-quality C₄ grasses typically limit intake and are associated with high CH₄ yield. Nitrogen supplementation may improve rumen function and reduce CH₄ emissions per unit of feed intake, although responses under low-quality forage conditions remain insufficiently characterized. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen supplementation (urea- or nitrate-containing supplements) on the utilization of low-quality weeping lovegrass hay (Eragrostis curvula) and CH₄ yield in beef steers. Twenty-four Aberdeen Angus steers (326 ± 27 kg body weight) were assigned to three treatments: (1) weeping lovegrass hay alone; (2) weeping lovegrass hay + sunflower expeller + urea; and (3) weeping lovegrass hay + sunflower expeller + potassium nitrate (KNO₃). The proportion of non-protein nitrogen (NPN; urea and KNO₃) included in the supplements was set according to the maximum tolerated threshold. Methane emissions were measured using the SF₆ tracer technique. Compared with the hay-only treatment, supplemented animals increased dry matter intake (DMI) by 35% and 38% in the urea and nitrate treatments, respectively (p < 0.01). Total CH₄ emissions (g/d) were not affected by treatment (p = 0.16). However, CH₄ yield (g CH₄/kg DMI) decreased by 27% and 38% in the urea and nitrate treatments, respectively (p < 0.01). The methane conversion factor (Ym) was also reduced in supplemented animals. Under the conditions of this study, supplementation of low-quality weeping lovegrass hay with nitrogen-containing supplements increased feed intake and reduced CH₄ yield without affecting total CH₄ emissions. These findings highlight the importance of considering CH₄ emission intensity, in addition to absolute emissions, when evaluating mitigation opportunities in forage-based beef production systems. Full article

Insect larvae are naturally part of the diet of farmed animals, for instance poultry, pigs, and fish. Thus, the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) has been grown for use as a source of protein in animal feed. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) feed on various organic materials and bioaccumulate the nutrients obtained from the organic materials. This results in BSFL with protein content ranging from 25 to 60% depending on the type of organic material fed. Feeding strategies customized for optimizing BSFL growth and protein deposition are essential for sustainably increasing the production of BSFL to meet the growing demand for their use in animal feed. Feeding strategies for sustainable BSFL production should: ensure nutrient utilization efficiency to optimize BSFL growth and protein deposition; use readily available local organic material of good nutritional quality, safe, and acceptable for use in the animal feed industry; ensure economic and environmental sustainability; and adhere to existing legislature. While substantial information on feeding BSFL is available in different data sources, the literature mainly focuses on increasing BSFL production without integrating sustainability issues, especially economic and environmental sustainability. The objective of this review was to synthesize and consolidate existing information on feeding strategies for BSFL production from different sources and point out sustainable feeding strategies, existing knowledge gaps, and aspects that require further research. The purpose of the review is to provide information on feeding practices for the sustainable production of BSFL to meet the growing demand for BSFL in animal feed. This will contribute to improved food security, environmental management, and job creation. BSFL can feed on mixed organic material food sources more efficiently, reducing the volume of the food by up to 72%, while bioaccumulating the nutrients better than when feeding on individual organic sources such as fruit or vegetable waste. Full article

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation and survival of neoplastic plasma cells (PCs) within the bone marrow (BM), where disease progression is critically supported by interactions with the BM tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite significant advances in therapeutic strategies, MM remains incurable, underscoring the need for improved preclinical models to better understand the disease biology and therapeutic response. This review summarizes current and emerging MM treatment approaches and critically examines the development of models designed to more accurately recapitulate interactions between MM-PCs and the surrounding BM niche. We describe established and emerging modeling platforms, with emphasis on advanced three-dimensional (3D) culture systems and highlight their unique contributions to the preclinical assessment of both existing and novel therapies. The advantages of 3D models, including in vitro and in silico systems, over traditional two-dimensional (2D) models are discussed, alongside a comparative evaluation of scaffold-free and scaffold-based approaches. In addition, the benefits and recent advances in the customization of BM niche simulation using microfluidic technologies and organ-on-a-chip platforms are reviewed. The application of 3D models in MM research is increasingly enabling the study of disease pathogenesis, progression, drug resistance and precision-medicine approaches (informed by biomarker discovery). Although standardized preclinical approaches for evaluating MM therapeutics are currently lacking, the growing imperative to reduce reliance on preclinical animal models highlights the importance of alternate systems. Consequently, the development and adoption of physiologically relevant models that accurately recapitulate MM-PC interactions with the BM TME will be critical for advancing future therapeutic strategies in MM. Full article

Asthma is defined as a chronic airway inflammatory disorder with over-activation of the immune system accompanied by the inability to resolve inflammation. SPMs are novel potent lipid mediators that play an important role in maintaining inflammation homeostasis and macrophages’ functional plasticity. This review will look into the potential function of SPM-programmed macrophage reprogramming as a novel therapeutic strategy for asthma. Unlike current anti-inflammatory treatments, which only focus on suppressing inflammation, SPMs can actively drive the inflammation resolution phase by promoting efferocytosis and wound healing while maintaining the defense against infection. In experimental asthma animal models, lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins have been demonstrated to alleviate inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, shift macrophages towards pro-resolving phenotypes and thus facilitate the resolution process. Levels of some SPM subclasses were found to be reduced in severe or uncontrolled asthmatics, indicating defective resolution pathways may contribute to asthma persistence. The mechanisms include down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, alteration of macrophage phenotype, improvement of immune homeostasis in the airway milieu, etc. These molecules have become highly promising therapeutic agents after the development of metabolically stable analogs, receptor-targeted agonists, and an improved delivery system. Multi-omics studies coupled with patient stratification based on biomarkers will potentially help in the future to develop personalized resolution-based therapy, in particular for those steroid-resistant and non-type 2 asthmatics. Nevertheless, the evidence provided so far is mainly preclinical; more challenges in terms of pharmacokinetics, formulation and formulation development, regulatory agency approval, and clinical validation remain and will be overcome through further studies, thus warranting investigation into SPM-mediated strategies for asthma and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Full article

Temperament has been associated with reproductive success in beef cattle, with excitable animals often exhibiting reduced fertility. This study evaluated whether acclimating heifers to human handling during an ovulation synchronization protocol improves temperament and pregnancy rates to timed artificial insemination (TAI). A total of 622 Bos taurus yearling beef heifers across five locations and two breeding seasons (eight herd-year observations) were stratified according to reproductive maturity and temperament and were assigned to either acclimation (TRT; n = 307) or control (CTRL; n = 315). Acclimated heifers were moved through handling facilities without restraint prior to each protocol event (days 0, 7, and 10). Temperament was assessed using chute score (CS) and exit velocity (EV), and plasma cortisol was measured in a subset of animals. Acclimated heifers had lower CS on days 7 and 10 (p = 0.011 and p = 0.010, respectively) and greater pregnancy rates to TAI compared with control heifers (54.5% vs. 45.2%; p = 0.018). Exit velocity and cortisol concentrations did not differ between treatments (p ≥ 0.13). These results indicate that acclimation during handling events can improve behavioral responses and pregnancy rates to TAI with modest additional handling time (a mean of 17 s per heifer; no more than 18 min per location/day), providing a practical and scalable strategy for beef producers. Full article