bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Composition and Untargeted Metabolomics Reveal the Potential of Tetradesmus obliquus, Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oceanica as Valuable Nutrient Sources for Dogs
Authors: Cabrita Ana R. J. , Guilherme-Fernandes Joana , Valente Inês M. , Almeida Agostinho , Lima Sofia A. C. , Fonseca António J. M. , Maia Margarida R. G.
Published: October 2022

The growing pet population is questioning the sustainability of the pet food system. Although microalgae may constitute a more sustainable food resource, the assessment of their potential for canine diets is almost non-existent. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of three microalgae species (Tetradesmus obliquus, Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oceanica) grown locally in industrial photobioreactors as alternative food resources for dogs. A detailed characterization of their nutritional composition and metabolomic profile was carried out and related to the nutritional requirements of dogs. Overall, the essential amino acid content exceeded the amounts required for dogs at all life stages, except methionine and cysteine. The three microalgae were deficient in linoleic acid, N. oceanica presented a linolenic acid content below requirements and T. obliquus and C. vulgaris were deficient in arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids. The fiber was mainly composed of insoluble dietary fiber. The mineral profile varied greatly with the microalgae species, demonstrating their different potential for dog feeding. Untargeted metabolomics highlighted glycolipids, glycerolipids and phospholipids as the most discriminating compounds between microalgae species. Overall, the results support the potential of T. obliquus, C. vulgaris and N. oceanica as valuable macro- and micro-nutrients sources for dog feeding.
Association between Socio-Demographic Factors and Owners’ Beliefs and Attitudes to Pet Cats Fundamental Dietary and Physical Exercise Needs, in City of Belfast
Authors: Naughton Violetta , Grzelak Teresa , Mulhern Maria S. , Moffett Charlotte R. , Naughton Patrick J.
Published: October 2022

A cross-sectional survey questionnaire was developed in-house to investigate pet cat owners’ beliefs and attitudes related to the fundamental care of their pet cats. The questionnaire consisted of questions which were grouped into the following sections: (i) owners’ socio-demographics; (ii) cat(s) body weight and body condition monitoring; (iii) owners’ attitudes to cats’ dietary preferences, needs and satisfaction, (iv) owners’ perceptions of their cats’ physical exercise needs and satisfaction. The sample size of 376 was estimated to be required to represent the population of the given geographical location (Belfast, NI, UK). Hard copies of the questionnaires were distributed in January and February 2019 and in total 402 completed questionnaires were collected; questionnaires which included >20% of missing or incomprehensible responses were excluded from the database, resulting in 398 questionnaires being included in the final database. The study identified a number of socio-demographic factors associated with owners’ beliefs and attitudes that directly affect care provided to pet cats, e.g., the owner’s occupation has been identified as a factor associated with owner perception of certain cats’ behaviours, e.g., a cat brushing against the owner as food requests by their animal (Chi-Square 7.711 (df1), exact p = 0.006). Furthermore, most female respondents, aged 26–67 years and in an occupation not related to animals, reported selecting cat food based on their animal preferences (Chi-Square 10.332 (df1), exact p = 0.003). In contrast, female owners in animal and veterinary occupations were significantly more likely as compared to other respondents (Chi-Square 15.228 (df1), exact p < 0.001), to select cat food based on its perceived health benefit to the cat. Analysis of the respondents’ opinions of cats’ abilities to self-regulate physical activity showed that owners age was the main differentiating determinant, i.e., cat owners over 25 years old were significantly more likely than younger adults to believe that pet cats can regulate their own physical activity to keep healthy (Chi-Square 6.313 (df1), exact p = 0.025). Furthermore, respondents’ opinions of their cat’s ability to self-regulate feed intake were mainly associated with owner’s education level (Chi-Square 6.367 (df1), exact p = 0.036). The study results indicated that the attitude and beliefs behind the fundamental care practices provided to pet cats depends on particular demographic factors, especially owners’ education and occupation.
Neurophysiology of Milk Ejection and Prestimulation in Dairy Buffaloes
Authors: Napolitano Fabio , Braghieri Ada , Bragaglio Andrea , Rodríguez-González Daniela , Mora-Medina Patricia , Ghezzi Marcelo Daniel , Álvarez-Macías Adolfo , Lendez Pamela Anahí , Sabia Emilio , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Jacome-Romero Joseline , Mota-Rojas Daniel
Published: October 2022

The present review aims to integrate the anatomical characteristics of the mammary gland and the neurophysiology of milk ejection to understand the milking capacity of the water buffalo. Since one of the main uses of this species is milk production, this article will analyze the controversies on the use of oxytocin as a stimulant during milking as well as the existing alternatives that farmers apply to promote correct stimulation during milk letdown. According to the available literature, the efficiency of the milking process, the quality of the milk, and the health of the animals are elements that require the consideration of species-specific characteristics to enhance the performance of buffaloes. The incorporation of technological innovations and competitive strategies could contribute to a better understanding of water buffalo in the milk industry.
Changes in the Oxidative Status of Dual-Purpose Hens Rearing in the Free-Range System during Cold, Thermoneutral and Hot Period
Authors: Gerzilov Vasko , Alexandrova Albena , Petrov Petar , Boncheva Veselina , Keranova Neli , Andreeva Madlena , Georgieva Almira , Tzvetanova Elina
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to assess the changes in the oxidative status of six genotypes of free-range laying hens during cold, thermoneutral, and hot periods by measuring the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), total glutathione (tGSH), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocyte suspension, in relation with their egg production. Two identical experiments were conducted in two consecutive years. Thermal stress adversely affected the oxidative status of hens. The induced OS is expressed by an increase in LPO and the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx during cold and hot periods and a decrease in CAT and tGSH during the cold period in both years. The factor “temperature period”, compared to “year” and “genotype”, had the most significant influence on all biochemical parameters (p < 0.001). Significant phenotypic correlations (p < 0.05) were detected among studied biochemical parameters, except between SOD and tGSH. The chicken genotypes showed differences in their susceptibility to OS and this had an effect on egg production—from 37.87% to 74.93%. The OS is genotypically specific and can play a significant role in determining welfare and egg production in free-range systems.
The Improvement of Porcine In Vitro Embryo Development through Regulating Autophagy by miRNA-143 Inhibition
Authors: Ridlo Muhammad Rosyid , Kim Eui Hyun , Kim Eun Pyo , Kim Geon A.
Published: October 2022

In vitro embryo research is an important stage for the advancement of many reproductive technologies in research and agriculture. For this reason, the improvement of in vitro embryo development is a strategic field worthy of investigation. Relatively little is known about miR-143 and its effects on autophagy associated with embryo development and in vitro embryo culture. In this study, we examined the effect of miR-143 (via mimics and inhibitors) on embryonic development threatened by microinjection after parthenogenetic activation. We evaluated rates of cleavage, blastocyst, and total cell number of blastocyst; additionally, we performed LC3 immunofluorescence analysis and mRNA expression analyses of genes associated with autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-phagy, ER stress, embryo quality, and apoptosis. The inhibition of miR-143 positively influenced embryo development by increasing the activity of autophagy and ER-phagy and the expression of embryo quality-related genes, while reducing apoptosis. In contrast, treatment with miR-143 mimics increased ER stress-related gene expression and apoptosis, and reduced embryo development. Together, our findings indicate that miR-143 plays a role in the interplay between autophagy, ER-phagy, and embryo quality during early porcine embryo development.
Identification and Expression Pattern of cyp26b1 Gene in Gonad of the Chinese Tongue Sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)
Authors: Cui Zhongkai , Wang Jie , Yang Yingming , Chen Zhangfan , Wang Qian , Wang Jialin , Zhang Tingting , Xu Wenteng , Chen Songlin
Published: October 2022

As an RA-metabolizing enzyme, cyp26b1 has a substantial impact on RA-signaling pathways. The cyp26b1 gene from the Chinese tongue sole was cloned and identified in this investigation. The cyp26b1 ORF was 1536 bp in length and encoded a 512 amino acid protein. A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) indicated that the cyp26b1 expression is no significant sexual dimorphism in the gonads at the 80 days post-hatching (dph) stages. After 4 months post-hatching (mph), the expression of cyp26b1 showed sexual dimorphism and lower level of expression in the ovaries than in the testes. An in situ hybridization demonstrated that cyp26b1 mRNA was primarily located in the testis. Interestingly, the cyp26b1 mRNA probe was also detected in the ovaries. These results suggested that cyp26b1 participates in the sex-differentiation and gonadal development of the Chinese tongue sole.
Effects of an Herbal Source of Choline on Diet Digestibility and Palatability, Blood Lipid Profile, Liver Morphology, and Cardiac Function in Dogs
Authors: do Nascimento Rosandra Colpani , Souza Camilla Mariane Menezes , Bastos Taís Silvino , Kaelle Gislaine Cristina Bill , de Oliveira Simone Gisele , Félix Ananda Portella
Published: October 2022

We aimed to evaluate the effects of an herbal source of choline on the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD), diet palatability, fecal characteristics, blood variables, liver morphology, and cardiac function of dogs. Sixteen adult dogs were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 8) which were fed two different diets for 45 days: control, containing 0.28% choline chloride 60, and test, containing 0.14% of an herbal source of choline. Feces were collected between days 39 and 44 to determine nutrient CTTAD and fecal characteristics. On days 0 and 45, blood samples were collected and the liver morphology was evaluated. Cardiac function, in turn, was evaluated only on day 45, and the palatability test was performed on two consecutive days (n = 32). There were no changes in nutrient CTTAD, diet palatability, or fecal characteristics of dogs fed the test diet (p > 0.05). However, on day 45, dogs fed the test diet showed lower (p < 0.05) serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase when compared to the control group. We concluded that the herbal source of choline can be a possible substitute for choline chloride in dog nutrition.
Concentration of Selected Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Horse Hair as an Important Tool for the Monitoring of Animal Exposure and Health
Authors: Cygan-Szczegielniak Dorota , Stasiak Karolina
Published: October 2022

The main purpose of the study was to analyse the concentrations of selected essential and toxic trace elements in the hair of sports and recreational riding horses from studs located in central Poland and thus test the usefulness of this matrix for monitoring the exposure of these animals. We also measured the concentration of heavy metals in oats used as a basic component of the equine diet to investigate the interactions between these elements in the feed and hair. The basic chemical composition of oats was analysed. Elemental analysis was performed using an EcaFlow 150 GLP electrochemical analyser with an E-104L electrode and reference to a calibration curve. The chemical composition of oats was investigated by near infrared transmission (NIR) spectroscopy calibrated for an artificial neural network (ANN) using a Foss InfraXact spectrometer. Among all elements, the coefficient of variation was highest for Pb and lowest for Cd, regardless of the study group. The content of elements in horse hair was in the range of 153.56 to 185.79 mg·kg−1 for Zn, 6.10 to 11.99 mg·kg−1 for Cu, 0.578 to 0.813 mg·kg−1 for Pb and 0.011 to 0.015 mg·kg−1 for Cd (in kg of d.w.). For hair, we found a significant negative correlation for Zn-Cu (rxy = −0.539) and Cd-Cu (rxy = −0.676) at p ≤ 0.05. For feed, there was a highly significant positive correlation for Cu-Pb (rxy = 0.723) and Zn-Cd (rxy = 0.714) at p ≤ 0.01. We found significant negative oats–hair interactions for Cu-Zn, Pb-Cu, Cd-Cu and Zn-Pb, and a positive oats–hair interaction for Cu-Cu.
Scientometrics Study of Research Output on Sheep and Goats from Greece
Authors: Lianou Daphne T. , Fthenakis George C.
Published: October 2022

The study is a scientometrics evaluation of published articles performed in Greece on sheep and goats during the last 25 years, a period coinciding with implementation of reforms to shape and consolidate tertiary education and research establishments in the country. Objectives were: evaluation of the relevant publications and presentation of quantitative characteristics regarding scientific content and bibliometric details. The Web of Science platform was used (search terms: [[sheep OR goat*] OR [Ovis aries OR Capra hircus]] (1997–2022)) and 1080 papers were considered in detail. Throughout the study period, there was a clear progressive increase in numbers of papers published. The papers originated from 39 different entities, most from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (34.0%), University of Thessaly (28.0%), Agricultural University of Athens (21.2%) and Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Dimitra (13.6%). Papers were published in 318 different journals. Journals with more published papers were Small Ruminant Research and Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society. The most frequent general topic of study in the papers was health and welfare (46.7% of papers); second most frequent topic was animal products (18.6%). The papers have received 16,558 citations, i.e., οn average 15.4 citations per paper; the h-index was 56, the i10-index was 518 and the yearly citations per paper were 1.71. Papers on goats had higher impact than papers on sheep. There were 1711 individual authors, of which 728 were first or last authors. In total, 24 authors have each co-authored ≥2.5% of all papers; five authors were each first or last in that proportion of all papers. The findings have indicated that relevant research has focused on milk production and diseases of the udder of small ruminants; moreover, there was accumulation of relevant research in Greece in some establishments only. The findings of the study can be employed to initiate improved relevant research approaches in the country.
Effects of Sugar Beet Silage, High-Moisture Corn, and Corn Silage Feed Supplementation on the Performance of Dairy Cows with Restricted Daily Access to Pasture
Authors: Aleixo José A. , Daza José , Keim Juan P. , Castillo Ismael , Pulido Rubén G.
Published: October 2022

A study was undertaken to assess the effect of supplementation with sugar beet silage, corn silage, or high-moisture corn on dairy performance, rumen, and plasma metabolites in dairy cows under conditions of restricted grazing in spring. Eighteen multiparous Holstein Friesian cows, stratified for milk yield (39.4 kg/day ± 3.00), days of lactation (67.0 days ± 22.5), live weight (584 kg ± 38.0), and number of calves (5.0 ± 1.5), were allocated in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Treatments were as follows: SBS (10 kg DM of permanent pasture, 7 kg DM of sugar beet silage, 4 kg DM of concentrate, 0.3 kg DM of pasture silage, 0.21 kg of mineral supplement); corn silage (10 kg DM of permanent pasture, 7 kg DM of corn silage, 4 kg DM of concentrate, 0.3 kg DM of pasture silage, 0.21 kg of mineral supplement), and HMC (10 kg DM of permanent pasture, 5 kg DM of high-moisture corn, 4.5 kg DM of concentrate, 1.2 kg DM of pasture silage, 0.21 kg of mineral supplement). Pasture was offered rotationally from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Between afternoon and morning milking, the cows were housed receiving a partial mixed ration and water ad libitum. The effect of treatments on milk production, milk composition, body weight, rumen function, and blood parameters were analyzed using a linear–mixed model. Pasture dry matter intake (DMI) was lower in SBS than CS (p < 0.05) and similar to HMC, but total DMI was higher in HMC than SBS (p < 0.05) and similar to CS. Milk production for treatments (32.6, 31.7, and 33.4 kg/cow/day for SBS, CS, and HMC, respectively), live weight, and fat concentration were not modified by treatments, but milk protein concentration was lower for SBS compared with HMC (p < 0.05) and similar to CS. B-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, and albumin were not different among treatments (p > 0.05), while urea was higher in SBS, medium in CS silage, and lower in HMC (p < 0.001). Ruminal pH and the total VFA concentrations were not modified by treatments (p > 0.05), which averaged 6.45 and 102.03 mmol/L, respectively. However, an interaction was observed for total VFA concentration between treatment and sampling time (p < 0.05), showing that HMC produced more VFA at 10:00 p.m. compared with the other treatments. To conclude, the supplementation with sugar beet silage allowed a milk response and composition similar to corn silage and HMC, but with a lower concentration of milk protein than HMC. In addition, sugar beet silage can be used as an alternative supplement for high-producing dairy cows with restricted access to grazing during spring.
An Anatomical, Sonographic, and Computed Tomography Study of the Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Cat Cadavers
Authors: Garbin Marta , Marangoni Sabrine , Finck Cyrielle , Steagall Paulo V.
Published: October 2022

This study compared the distribution of a bupivacaine–iopamidol–dye solution following ultrasound-guided in-plane TAP injection using a 1-point (TAP-L) or 2-point (TAP-SL) approach in cat cadavers. Two cadavers were used to study the TAP sonoanatomy while eight cadavers were enrolled in a randomized, prospective, blinded investigation. Each cat randomly received a TAP-L with 0.5 mL/kg in one hemiabdomen and a TAP-SL with 0.25 mL/kg/point in the contralateral hemiabdomen. After injection, computed tomography and dissection were performed to assess contrast distribution and number of stained target nerves. TAP-SL resulted in a wider contrast spread (mm) compared with TAP-L (87 ± 7 versus 71 ± 9; p = 0.002). The prevalence of nerve staining was higher using TAP-SL than TAP-L (p = 0.001). The ventral branches of T10, T11, T12, T13, L1 and L2 were stained in 2/8, 2/8, 5/8, 7/8, 4/8 and 1/8, and in 7/8, 7/8, 8/8, 8/8, 8/8 and 1/8 using TAP-L and TAP-SL approaches, respectively. Computed tomography and dissection identified minimal injectate intraperitoneally or within the falciform ligament fat following 1 TAP-L and 2 TAP-SL. Ultrasound-guided TAP-SL provided better injectate distribution around the thoracolumbar spinal nerve branches than TAP-L.
Forest Management Practice Influences Bird Diversity in the Mid-Hills of Nepal
Authors: Neupane Bijaya , Dhami Bijaya , Panthee Shristee , Stewart Alyssa B. , Silwal Thakur , Katuwal Hem Bahadur
Published: October 2022

Forest management practice plays a critical role in conserving biodiversity. However, there are few studies on how forest management practice affects bird communities. Here, we compare the effectiveness of the Panchase Protection Forest (PPF; protected forest with government administration) and the Tibrekot Community Forest (TCF; community forest with community forest users’ group administration) in hosting bird diversity in the mid-hills of Nepal. We examined 96 point count stations during summer and winter in 2019 and recorded 160 species of birds with three globally threatened vultures (red-headed vulture Sarcogyps calvus, slender-billed vulture Gyps tenuirostris, and white-rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis). Forest management practice, season, and elevation all influenced the richness and abundance of birds. The diversity, richness, and abundance of birds and the most common feeding guilds (insectivore, omnivore, and carnivore) were higher in TCF than in PPF; however, globally threatened species were only recorded in PPF. We also recorded a higher bird species turnover (beta diversity) in TCF than in PPF. Our study indicates that community-managed forests can also provide quality habitats similar to those of protected forests managed by the government, and provide refuge to various bird species and guilds. However, we recommend more comparative studies in other tropical and sub-tropical areas to understand how different forest management practices influence bird diversity.
Genetic Analyses of Rabbit Survival and Individual Birth Weight
Authors: Belabbas Rafik , Ezzeroug Rym , Berbar Ali , de la Luz Garcia María , Zitouni Ghania , Taalaziza Djamel , Boudjella Zoulikha , Boudahdir Nassima , Diss Samir , Argente María-José
Published: October 2022

Genetic parameters of kit survival traits and birth weight were estimated on ITELV2006 synthetic line aimed at improving kit survival using a multiple trait linear and threshold model. Data on 1696 kits for survival at birth and at weaning, as well as individual birth weight and litter size were analysed. Genetic effects of kit survival traits and birth weight were estimated based on threshold and Gaussian models, respectively, using a Bayesian approach. The statistical model included, as fixed effects, parity, lactation status, season of farrowing, nest status, cannibalism in kit, place of kit’s birth in the cage and gender, and adjustment for litter size. Posterior means of heritabilities for direct genetic effects of survival at birth and the entire nursing period, as well as birth weight, were 0.018, 0.023, and 0.088, respectively, and were increased when adjusted for litter size to 0.021, 0.027 and 0.146. Genetic correlation between survival traits was zero. Therefore, these traits can be treated genetically as different traits. Genetic correlation between direct effects of survival at birth and birth weight showed positive, but low, value (+0.134) and was increased to +0.535 when the traits were adjusted for litter size. No genetic correlation was found between survival at weaning and birth weight. These magnitudes of genetic parameter estimates suggested that there is substantial potential for the genetic improvement of kit survival at birth through selection for birth weight.
Dietary Fatty Acid Composition Impacts the Fatty Acid Profiles of Different Regions of the Bovine Brain
Authors: Rule Daniel C. , Melson Emily A. , Alexander Brenda M. , Brown Travis E.
Published: October 2022

Fatty acid composition across functional brain regions was determined in bovine brains collected from cattle that were provided supplements of calcium salts containing either palm or fish oil. The Angus cattle were divided into two groups, with one group offered the supplement of calcium salts of palm oil and the other offered the calcium salts of fish oil (n = 5 females and n = 5 males/supplement) for 220 days. These supplements to the basal forage diet were provided ad libitum as a suspension in dried molasses. The fish oil exclusively provided eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3). The functional regions were dissected from the entire brains following commercial harvest. While the cattle provided diets supplemented with the calcium salts of palm oil had increased (p < 0.01) liver concentrations of C18:1 n-9, C18:2 n-6, and arachidonic acid, the fish-oil-supplemented cattle had greater (p < 0.01) concentrations of liver EPA, DHA, and C18:3 n-3. In the brain, DHA was the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid. In the amygdala, pons, frontal lobe, internal capsule, and sensory cortex, DHA concentrations were greater (p < 0.05) in the brains of the cattle fed fish oil. Differences among the supplements were small, indicating that brain DHA content is resistant to dietary change. Arachidonic acid and C22:4 n-6 concentrations were greater across the regions for the palm-oil-supplemented cattle. EPA and C22:5 n-3 concentrations were low, but they were greater across the regions for the cattle fed fish oil. The effects of sex were inconsistent. The fatty acid profiles of the brain regions differed by diet, but they were similar to the contents reported for other species.
Delivering an Immunocastration Vaccine via a Novel Subcutaneous Implant
Authors: Curtis Andrew K. , Jones Douglas E. , Kleinhenz Michael , Montgomery Shawnee , Martin Miriam , Weeder Mikaela , Leslie Alyssa , Narasimhan Balaji , Kelly Sean , Magstadt Drew R. , Colina Alfredo , Coetzee Johann F.
Published: October 2022

Immunocastration relies on the vaccine-mediated stimulation of an immune response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in order to interrupt spermatogenesis. This approach offers a less painful alternative to traditional castration approaches but the current, commercially available options require multiple doses of vaccine to maintain sterility. Thus, a series of pilot studies were conducted to determine the feasibility of a single-dose immunocastration vaccine implant. These five studies utilized a total of 44 Holstein bulls to determine the optimal vaccine composition and validate the ability of a stainless-steel subcutaneous implant to deliver a vaccine. Outcome measures included the duration of implant retention, scrotal dimensions and temperature, implant site temperature, anti-GnRH antibodies, and serum testosterone concentration. Over the course of several studies, anti-GnRH antibodies were successfully stimulated by vaccine implants. No significant treatment effects on scrotal dimensions or testosterone were detected over time, but changes in spermatogenesis were detected across treatment groups. Results indicate that a single-dose implantable immunocastration vaccine elicits a humoral immune response and could impact spermatogenesis in bulls. These findings provide opportunities for the refinement of this technology to improve implant retention over longer periods of time. Taken together, this approach will offer producers and veterinarians an alternative to physical castration methods, to improve animal welfare during routine livestock management procedures.
Neospora spp. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Seropositivity in Apparently Healthy Horses and Pregnant Mares
Authors: Mimoun Lea , Steinman Amir , Kliachko Ynon , Tirosh-Levy Sharon , Schvartz Gili , Blinder Elena , Baneth Gad , Mazuz Monica Leszkowicz
Published: October 2022

Equine Neospora infection has been linked to neurological disorders and infertility in horses. This study looked into the risk factors for infection and the exposure to Neospora spp. in horses. The study was performed in two independent populations in Israel. The first consisted of apparently healthy horses, and the second consisted of mares examined during pregnancy and after parturition. Sera samples collected from horses and mares were tested for Neospora exposure by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The study revealed seroprevalence of 24% in apparently healthy horses and 66.4% and 48.6% in mares during gestation and after parturition, respectively. Among the investigated risk factors, older age (p = 0.026) and housing in both stalls and paddocks (p = 0.033) in apparently healthy horses, and Arabian breeds (p = 0.005) in pregnant mares, were found to be significantly associated with Neospora spp. seropositivity in univariable, but not multivariable, statistical analysis. This study revealed high exposure of equines to Neospora parasites, especially mares. Horse farm management, in combination with active surveillance, including serological testing and follow up, could help reduce the spread of the parasite among horses in endemic areas.
Effectiveness of an O-Alkyl Hydroxamate in Dogs with Naturally Acquired Canine Leishmaniosis: An Exploratory Clinical Trial
Authors: Corpas-López Victoriano , Díaz-Sáez Victoriano , Morillas-Márquez Francisco , Franco-Montalbán Francisco , Díaz-Gavilán Mónica , López-Viota Julián , López-Viota Margarita , Gómez-Vidal José Antonio , Martín-Sánchez Joaquina
Published: October 2022

Canine leishmaniosis is a challenge in veterinary medicine and no drug to date has achieved parasite clearance in dogs. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are a drug class widely used in cancer chemotherapy. We have successfully used O-alkyl hydroxamates (vorinostat derivatives) in the treatment of a laboratory model of visceral leishmaniasis without showing toxicity. In order to test the effectiveness of a particular compound, MTC-305, a parallel-group, randomized, single-centre, exploratory study was designed in naturally infected dogs. In this clinical trial, 18 dogs were allocated into 3 groups and were treated with either meglumine antimoniate (104 mg SbV/kg), MTC-305 (3.75 mg/kg) or a combination of both using a lower MTC-305 dose (1.5 mg/kg) through a subcutaneous route for 2 treatment courses of 30 days, separated by a 30-day rest period. After treatment, a follow-up time of 4 months was established. Parasite burden in bone marrow, lymph node and peripheral blood were quantified through qPCR. Antibody titres were determined through an immunofluorescence antibody test, and cytokine expression values were calculated through RT-qPCR. Treatment safety was evaluated through the assessment of haematological and biochemical parameters in blood, weight, and gastrointestinal alterations. Assessment was carried out before, between and after treatment series. Treatment with MTC-305 was effective at reducing parasite burdens and improving the animals’ clinical picture. Dogs treated with this compound did not present significant toxicity signs. These results were superior to those obtained using the reference drug, meglumine antimoniate, in monotherapy. These results would support a broader clinical trial, optimised dosage, and an expanded follow-up stage to confirm the efficacy of this drug.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration for the Optimization of Antibiotic Prescription: Analysis of Clinical Cases of Pneumonia between Emergency, Internal Medicine, and Pharmacy Services
Authors: Arteche-Eguizabal Lorea , Corcuera-Martínez de Tobillas Iñigo , Melgosa-Latorre Federico , Domingo-Echaburu Saioa , Urrutia-Losada Ainhoa , Eguiluz-Pinedo Amaia , Rodriguez-Piacenza Natalia Vanina , Ibarrondo-Olaguenaga Oliver
Published: October 2022

Background: Pneumonia is a lung parenchyma acute infection usually treated with antibiotics. Increasing bacterial resistances force the review and control of antibiotic use criteria in different health departments. Objective: Evaluate the adequacy of antibiotic treatment in community-acquired pneumonia in patients initially attended at the emergency department and then admitted to the internal medicine service of the Alto Deba Hospital—Osakidetza Basque Country Health Service (Spain). Methods: Observational, retrospective study, based on the review of medical records of patients with community-acquired pneumonia attended at the hospital between January and May 2021. The review was made considering the following items: antimicrobial treatment indication, choice of antibiotic, time of administration of the first dose, adequacy of the de-escalation-sequential therapy, duration of treatment, monitoring of efficacy and adverse effects, and registry in the medical records. The review was made by the research team (professionals from the emergency department, internal medicine, and pharmacy services). Results: Fifty-five medical records were reviewed. The adequacy of the treatments showed that antibiotic indication, time of administration of the first dose, and monitoring of efficacy and adverse effects were the items with the greatest agreement between the three departments. This was not the case with the choice of antibiotic, de-escalation/sequential therapy, duration of treatment, and registration in the medical record, which have been widely discussed. The choice of antibiotic was optimal in 63.64% and might have been better in 25.45%. De-escalation/oral sequencing might have been better in 50.91%. The treatment duration was optimal in 45.45% of the patients and excessive in 45.45%. Discussion: The team agreed to disseminate these data among the hospital professionals and to propose audits and feedback through an antibiotic stewardship program. Besides this, implementing the local guideline and defining stability criteria to apply sequential therapy/de-escalation was considered essential.
Engineering Approaches for the Development of Antimicrobial Peptide-Based Antibiotics
Authors: Kang Su-Jin , Nam So Hee , Lee Bong-Jin
Published: October 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have received increasing attention as potential alternatives for future antibiotics because of the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. AMPs are small cationic peptides with broad-spectrum antibiotic activities and different action mechanisms to those of traditional antibiotics. Despite the desirable advantages of developing peptide-based antimicrobial agents, the clinical applications of AMPs are still limited because of their enzymatic degradation, toxicity, and selectivity. In this review, structural modifications, such as amino acid substitution, stapling, cyclization of peptides, and hybrid AMPs with conventional antibiotics or other peptides, will be presented. Additionally, nanodelivery systems using metals or lipids to deliver AMPs will be discussed based on the structural properties and action mechanisms of AMPs.
Molecular Characteristics and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains with Carbapenem and Colistin Resistance
Authors: Hao Ling , Yang Xiao , Chen Huiling , Mo Zexun , Li Yujun , Wei Shuquan , Zhao Ziwen
Published: October 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) are usually multidrug resistant (MDR) and cause serious therapeutic problems. Colistin is a critical last-resort therapeutic option for MDR bacterial infections. However, increasing colistin use has led to the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, raising a significant challenge for healthcare. In order to gain insight into the antibiotic resistance mechanisms of CRKP and identify potential drug targets, we compared the molecular characteristics and the proteomes among drug-sensitive (DS), MDR, and XDR K. pneumoniae strains. All drug-resistant isolates belonged to ST11, harboring blaKPC and hypervirulent genes. None of the plasmid-encoded mcr genes were detected in the colistin-resistant XDR strains. Through a tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled proteomic technique, a total of 3531 proteins were identified in the current study. Compared to the DS strains, there were 247 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the MDR strains and 346 DEPs in the XDR strains, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that a majority of the DEPs were involved in various metabolic pathways, which were beneficial to the evolution of drug resistance in K. pneumoniae. In addition, a total of 67 DEPs were identified between the MDR and XDR strains. KEGG enrichment and protein–protein interaction network analysis showed their participation in cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance and two-component systems. In conclusion, our results highlight the emergence of colistin-resistant and hypervirulent CRKP, which is a noticeable superbug. The DEPs identified in our study are of great significance for the exploration of effective control strategies against infections of CRKP.
Current Practices and Opportunities for Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy in Hospitals: A National Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Stoorvogel Hester H. , Hulscher Marlies E. J. L. , Wertheim Heiman F. L. , Yzerman Ed P. F. , Scholing Maarten , Schouten Jeroen A. , ten Oever Jaap
Published: October 2022

This nationwide study assessed how outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is organised by Dutch acute care hospitals, the barriers experienced, and how an OPAT program affects the way hospitals organised OPAT care. We systematically developed and administered a survey to all 71 Dutch acute care hospitals between November 2021 and February 2022. Analyses were primarily descriptive and included a comparison between hospitals with and without an OPAT program. Sixty of the 71 hospitals (84.5%) responded. Fifty-five (91.7%) performed OPAT, with a median number of 20.8 (interquartile range [IQR] 10.3–29.7) patients per 100 hospital beds per year. Of these 55 hospitals, 31 (56.4%) had selection criteria for OPAT and 34 (61.8%) had a protocol for laboratory follow-up. Sixteen hospitals (29.1%) offered self-administered OPAT (S-OPAT), with a median percentage of 5.0% of patients (IQR: 2.3%–10.0%) actually performing self-administration. Twenty-five hospitals (45.5%) had an OPAT-related outcome registration. The presence of an OPAT program (22 hospitals, 40.0%) was significantly associated with aspects of well-organised OPAT care. The most commonly experienced barriers to OPAT implementation were a lack of financial, administrative, and IT support and insufficient time of healthcare staff. Concluding, hospital-initiated OPAT is widely available in the Netherlands, but various aspects of well-organised OPAT care can be improved. Implementation of a team-based OPAT program can contribute to such improvements. The observed variation provides leads for further scientific research, guidelines, and practical implementation programs.
Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern, Clustering Mechanisms and Correlation Matrix of Drug-Resistant Escherichia coli in Black Bengal Goats in West Bengal, India
Authors: Banerjee Jaydeep , Bhattacharyya Debaraj , Habib Md , Chaudhary Siddharth , Biswas Suman , Maji Chinmoy , Nanda Pramod Kumar , Das Arun K. , Dandapat Premanshu , Samanta Indranil , Lorenzo Jose M. , Dutt Triveni , Bandyopadhyay Samiran
Published: October 2022

A cross-sectional study covering four agro-climatic zones of West Bengal, India, was carried out to understand the risk-factors, antimicrobial resistance mechanism and clustering of the resistance characteristics of Escherichia coli isolated from healthy (170) and diarrhoeic (74) goats reared under intensive (52) and semi-intensive (192) farming practices. Of the 488 E. coli isolates, the majority, including the extended spectrum (n: 64, 13.11%) and AmpC β-lactamase (ACBL) (n: 86, 17.62%) producers, were resistant to tetracycline (25.2%), followed by enrofloxacin (24.5%), cefotaxime (21.5%) and amikacin (20.5%). Statistical modelling revealed that the isolates from diarrhoeic animals (p < 0.001) are likely to be more ACBL-positive than those from the healthy counterparts. Similarly, cefotaxime (p < 0.05) and enrofloxacin-resistance (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in diarrhoeic goats and in goats reared intensively. The isolates (n = 35) resistant to multiple drugs revealed the presence of β-lactamase [blaCTXM-1-(21), blaSHV-(7), blaTEM-(3), blaCMY-6-(1), blaCITM-(3)]; quinolone [qnrB-(10), qnrS-(7), aac(6’)-Ib-cr-(3)]; tetracycline [tetA-(19), tetB-(4)] and sulphonamide resistance determinants [sul1-(4)]; multiple plasmids, especially those belonging to the IncF and IncI1 replicon types; and active acrAB efflux pumps. Further, two isolates harbored the carbapenem resistance (blaNDM-5) gene and eight were strong biofilm producers. This first ever study conducted to unravel the status of AMR in goat farming reveals that not only the intensive farming practices but also certain clinical ailments such as diarrhoea can increase the shedding of the drug-resistant isolate. The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) E. coli in goats, particularly those that are carbapenem resistant, is a cause for concern that indicates the spread of such pathogens even in the livestock sub-sector generally considered as naive.
A Literature Overview of Secondary Peritonitis Due to Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients
Authors: Di Franco Sveva , Alfieri Aniello , Fiore Marco , Fittipaldi Ciro , Pota Vincenzo , Coppolino Francesco , Sansone Pasquale , Pace Maria Caterina , Passavanti Maria Beatrice
Published: October 2022

This comprehensive review of the recently published literature offers an overview of a very topical and complex healthcare problem: secondary peritonitis from multidrug-resistant pathogens, especially carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Spontaneous secondary peritonitis and postsurgical secondary peritonitis are among the major causes of community- and healthcare- acquired sepsis, respectively. A large number of patients enter ICUs with a diagnosis of secondary peritonitis, and a high number of them reveal infection by CRE, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii. For this reason, we conceived the idea to create a synthetic report on this topic including updated epidemiology data, a description of CRE resistance patterns, current strategies of antimicrobial treatment, and future perspectives. From this update it is clear that antimicrobial stewardship and precision medicine are becoming essential to fight the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and that even if there are new drugs effective against CRE causing secondary peritonitis, these drugs have to be used carefully especially in empirical therapy.
Increased Susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Ethionamide by Expressing PPs-Induced Rv0560c
Authors: Seo Hoonhee , Kim Sukyung , Mahmud Hafij Al , Sultana Omme Fatema , Lee Youngkyoung , Yoon Youjin , Rahim Md Abdur , Jo Sujin , Choi Jiwon , Lee Saebim , Song Ho-Yeon
Published: October 2022

Tuberculosis, an infectious disease, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Drug-resistant tuberculosis exacerbates its threat. Despite long-term and costly treatment with second-line drugs, treatment failure rates and mortality remain high. Therefore, new strategies for developing new drugs and improving the efficiency of existing drug treatments are urgently needed. Our research team reported that PPs, a new class of potential anti-tuberculosis drug candidates, can inhibit the growth of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, we report a synergistic effect of PPs with ethionamide (ETH), one of the second-line drugs, as a result of further research on PPs. While investigating gene expression changes based on microarray and 2DE (two-dimensional gel electrophoresis), it was found that PPs induced the greatest overexpression of Rv0560c in M. tuberculosis. Based on this result, a protein microarray using Rv0560c protein was performed, and it was confirmed that Rv0560c had the highest interaction with EthR, a repressor for EthA involved in activating ETH. Accordingly, a synergistic experiment was conducted under the hypothesis of increased susceptibility of ETH to M. tuberculosis by PPs. As a result, in the presence of 0.5× MIC PPs, ETH showed a growth inhibitory effect on drug-sensitive and -resistant M. tuberculosis even at a much lower concentration of about 10-fold than the original MIC of ETH. It is also suggested that the effect was due to the interaction between PPs and Rv2887, the repressor of Rv0560c. This effect was also confirmed in a mouse model of pulmonary tuberculosis, confirming the potential of PPs as a booster to enhance the susceptibility of M. tuberculosis to ETH in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, more in-depth mechanistic studies and extensive animal and clinical trials are needed in the future.
Identification of Staphylococcus aureus Penicillin Binding Protein 4 (PBP4) Inhibitors
Authors: Young Mikaeel , Walsh Danica J. , Masters Elysia , Gondil Vijay Singh , Laskey Emily , Klaczko Michael , Awad Hani , McGrath James , Schwarz Edward M. , Melander Christian , Dunman Paul M.
Published: October 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a global healthcare concern. Such resistance has historically been attributed to the acquisition of mecA (or mecC), which encodes an alternative penicillin binding protein, PBP2a, with low β-lactam affinity. However, recent studies have indicated that penicillin binding protein 4 (PBP4) is also a critical determinant of S. aureus methicillin resistance, particularly among community-acquired MRSA strains. Thus, PBP4 has been considered an intriguing therapeutic target as corresponding inhibitors may restore MRSA β-lactam susceptibility. In addition to its role in antibiotic resistance, PBP4 has also recently been shown to be required for S. aureus cortical bone osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network (OLCN) invasion and colonization, providing the organism with a niche for re-occurring bone infection. From these perspectives, the development of PBP4 inhibitors may have tremendous impact as agents that both reverse methicillin resistance and inhibit the organism’s ability to cause chronic osteomyelitis. Accordingly, using a whole-cell high-throughput screen of a 30,000-member small molecule chemical library and secondary assays we identified putative S. aureus PBP4 inhibitors. Quantitative reverse transcriptase mediated PCR and PBP4 binding assays revealed that hits could be further distinguished as compounds that reduce PBP4 expression versus compounds that are likely to affect the protein’s function. We also showed that 6.25 µM (2.5 µg/mL) of the lead candidate, 9314848, reverses the organism’s PBP4-dependent MRSA phenotype and inhibits its ability to traverse Microfluidic-Silicon Membrane-Canalicular Arrays (µSiM-CA) that model the OLCN orifice. Collectively, these molecules may represent promising potential as PBP4-inhibitors that can be further developed as adjuvants for the treatment of MRSA infections and/or osteomyelitis prophylactics.
Extended Spectrum- and Carbapenemase-Based β-Lactam Resistance in the Arabian Peninsula—A Descriptive Review of Recent Years
Authors: Hays John Philip , Safain Kazi Sarjana , Almogbel Mohammed Suliman , Habib Ihab , Khan Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: October 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that also includes countries of the Arabian Peninsula. Of particular concern, is the continuing development of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in the countries of this region. Additionally, antibiotic treatment options for ESBL-producing bacteria are becoming limited, primarily due to the continuing development of carbapenem resistance (CR), carbapenems being frequently used to treat such infections. An overview of recent publications (2018–2021) indicates the presence of ESBL and/or CR in patients and hospitals in most countries of the Arabian Peninsula, although the delay between microbial isolation and publication inevitably makes an accurate analysis of the current situation rather difficult. However, there appears to be greater emphasis on CR (including combined ESBL and CR) in recent publications. Furthermore, although publications from Saudi Arabia are the most prevalent, this may simply reflect the increased interest in ESBL and CR within the country. Enhanced ESBL/CR surveillance is recommended for all countries in the Arabian Peninsula.