Objectives: Fructus Mume has long been used to prevent diseases by modulating gut microbiota, enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, and boosting immune function. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the specific connection between Fructus Mume and gut health. Materials and Methods: This study employed 16S rDNA sequencing to investigate the regulatory effects of Fructus Mume decoction on the gut microbiota structure in Kunming (KM) mice. 13-week-old male KM mice were randomly assigned to a control group and to low-, medium-, and high-dose Fructus Mume groups (n = 4 per group). Mice were administered distilled water or Fructus Mume decoction (0.42, 0.84, 1.68 gm/kg) via daily gavage (0.2 ml) for 7 consecutive days. Fecal samples were collected on days 1 and 7 post-withdrawal. Results: At the phylum level, on day 1 post-withdrawal, the Bacteroidota abundance increased slightly in the high-dose group, while the Firmicutes_D abundance increased significantly. At the genus level, CAG-873 and Alloprevotella exhibited significantly positive correlations with Fructus Mume dose, whereas UMGS1994 and Nanosyncoccus showed significantly negative correlations (|r| > 0.4). Functional prediction indicated upregulation of carbohydrate metabolism and xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism pathways in Fructus Mume groups. The latter pathway gradually downregulated post-treatment cessation. Molecular docking analysis revealed that kaempferol and quercetin in Fructus Mume decoction could interact with core proteins associated with intestinal diseases. Conclusions: Gavage of Fructus Mume decoction at human-equivalent doses for one week altered intestinal flora composition in KM mice, reducing diversity and richness, and the dose of 0.84 gm/ kg was more beneficial to gut health. These parameters gradually recovered post-withdrawal.
Objectives: This study investigates the hypothesis that hyperfibrinolysis may occur in cats with acute trauma, leading to alterations in hematological, biochemical, and coagulation parameters, particularly in severe cases. The aim is to assess these parameters (aPTT, PT, fibrinogen, and D-dimer) in traumatized cats and to examine their association with trauma severity and prognosis. Materials and Methods: This study involved 35 acutely traumatized and 11 healthy cats. Trauma severity was quantified using the ATT (Multiple Trauma Triage Scoring System). For hematological, biochemical, and coagulation analyses, 2 ml of blood was drawn from a venous vein and processed within 15 to 30 min of collection. Results: Traumatized cats exhibited significantly elevated CPK and WBC counts, alongside significantly reduced HCT and RBC counts (p < 0.05). Fibrinogen concentrations were significantly decreased. D-dimer levels and ATT scores were significantly increased in the trauma group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups for PT, aPTT, TT, platelet count, or lactate levels (p > 0.05). Non-survivors had significantly higher lactate levels and lower pH, base excess (BE), and body temperature (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that ATT, lactate, pH, BE, and body temperature are effective predictors of both trauma severity and clinical prognosis in cats with acute trauma. Fibrin degradation products formed during this process are thought to contribute to elevated D-dimer levels, indicating the development of hyperfibrinolysis.
Objectives: Owning pets has been shown to reduce stress and improve the well-being of their owners in other countries. The present study aimed to document the perceived stress levels among pet and non-pet owners in the Philippines. In this country, the literature about this is still limited. Materials and Methods: Using a descriptive-analytical design, 417 respondents (286 pet owners and 131 non-pet owners) were asked about their stress status, personal stressors, coping mechanisms (including exercise or social support), impacts of physical activity levels, well-being, support systems, and the effect of having a pet on stress. Results: Pet ownership was more prevalent among females and younger individuals, particularly those aged 18-25. A statistically significant association was observed between pet ownership and being single (p = 0.019). However, this does not necessarily imply that single people were more likely to have pets for companionship, as the majority of respondents were single. The study also revealed that pet owners experience lower stress than non-pet owners. Significant differences were observed in coping mechanisms (p < 0.01), the impact of pet ownership on stress (p < 0.01), and overall stress levels (p < 0.01), highlighting the vital role pets play in emotional support and stress management. Pet ownership was also significantly linked to physical activity levels (p = 0.043) and personal stressors (p = 0.003). Despite these benefits, some pet owners reported challenges, including financial and time constraints. Conclusions: The findings indicate that while owning a pet comes with specific responsibilities, it is a valuable way to cope with stress and supports mental health and well-being.
Objectives: This study assessed the health status, morphometric traits, and gastrointestinal micro-biota of Tibetan goats reared under traditional free-range conditions in Kangding, western China, without antibiotics, anthelmintics, or vaccinations. Materials and Methods: Five adult Tibetan goats were assessed for body weight, linear measurements, and blood parameters. Microbial communities from six gut segments of the gastrointestinal tract were characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To examine seasonal dynamics, rectal fecal microbiota from eight additional goats, sampled during winter and summer, were compared. Results: Despite fluctuating forage availability, growth traits were comparable to those reported for established meat goat breeds. Most hematological and serum biochemical values fell within normal physiological ranges, though mild deficiencies in certain minerals were observed, accompanied by geophagic behavior. The gut microbiota exhibited clear spatial structuring along the digestive tract, with Firmicutes and Bacteroidota as the dominant phyla and higher microbial richness in the hindgut. Seasonal differences were evident in the rectal fecal microbiota, with higher relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in winter and increased levels of Prevotella and the Christensenellaceae_R-7_group during summer. Functional predictions suggested greater nutrient transport and signaling capacity in the small intestine, whereas the hindgut showed stronger metabolic activity, particularly in fermentation-related pathways. Conclusions: Tibetan goats demonstrate notable physiological and microbial adaptability under extensive management. However, seasonal nutritional constraints may pose subclinical health risks. Integrating routine monitoring of physiological and microbial indicators could help safeguard animal welfare, maintain meat quality, and support the long-term sustainability of traditional pastoral systems in this region.
Objectives: Aedeomyia catasticta is a mosquito species with relatively limited biological information. Therefore, this study aims to examine the geographical variation of wing shape in A. catasticta populations from different regions of Thailand using a landmark-based geometric morphometric approach. Materials and Methods: Samples of A. catasticta were collected from each of four regions of Thailand, each with distinct geographical and ecological characteristics: Eastern, Northeastern, Southern, and Western. Wing size was estimated by comparing centroid size (CS) values between populations. Differences in wing shape were assessed using the Mahalanobis distance, and statistical significance was tested using 10,000 permutations. Results: Statistical analyses of wing size indicated significant differences in wing CS among various pairs of populations across different regions, particularly between eastern and western, eastern and southern, and northeastern and western populations (p < 0.05). Statistical comparisons of wing shapes also demonstrated that wing shape varied significantly across all four regions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The wing CS and shape of A. catasticta populations from different regions of Thailand may have been influenced by regional environmental factors, as indicated by geometric morphometric analyses. These findings improve understanding of regional morphological variation in this understudied mosquito species.
Objectives: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is one of the significant economically important diseases of small ruminants caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Despite the occurrence of CLA worldwide, there are no reports of CLA in slaughtered ruminants in Bangladesh. This study was designed to investigate the pathology and molecular detection of CLA in slaughtered sheep, goats, and cattle in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 102 goats, 16 sheep, and 50 cattle were examined at several slaughterhouses in Mymensingh Sadar. Mesenteric lymph nodes, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys from animals with suspected internal lesions were evaluated pathologically. Confirmation of C. pseudotuberculosis was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Gross examination revealed enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes with multiple abscesses containing greenish-yellow caseous material. The spleen exhibited a characteristic onion-skin appearance, commonly associated with CLA. Histopathology revealed caseous necrosis, encapsulated by fibrous tissue, with infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells, along with Gram-positive coccobacilli arranged in Chinese letter patterns. Similar lesions were observed in other visceral organs of goats. PCR detected C. pseudotuberculosis in 29.41% (30/102) goats, 6.25% (1/16) sheep, and 18% (9/50) cattle. Conclusions: To date, it is the first report of internal CLA in slaughtered ruminants in Bangladesh, as confirmed by pathological and molecular findings, and it highlights the importance of slaughterhouse-based surveillance for disease control.
Objectives: Helminth infections impose major health burdens on livestock and threaten wildlife at the livestock-wildlife interface in Central Asian drylands. Despite rising concern over parasite transmission between domestic and wild ungulates, integrated surveys remain limited. This study characterized helminth species richness, prevalence, and infection patterns in domestic ruminants (sheep, goats, and cattle) and critically endangered wild ungulates (Ovis ammon bocharensis, Gazella subgutturosa, and Cervus hanglu yarkandensis) in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan. Materials and Methods: From spring to summer 2025, complete necropsies (n = 51) and organ-specific examinations (n = 178) were conducted on domestic ruminants, while coprological surveys (n = 256) were performed on wild ungulates. Parasite identification followed standard morphological keys. Results: Cattle had the highest helminth species richness (28), followed by sheep (24) and goats (21). Zoonotic species, including Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena (metacestodes), and Fasciola spp., were detected across hosts. Coprological screening revealed helminths in Goitered Gazelle (32.6%), Bukhara Argali (23.3%), and Bukhara Deer (6.5%). Necropsy and coprological data provide complementary insights but limit direct prevalence comparisons due to differing diagnostic sensitivities. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive helminth baseline for the region, informing targeted anthelmintic strategies, One Health surveillance of zoonotic helminths, conservation management of endangered ungulates, and understanding of parasite dynamics at livestock-wildlife interfaces in arid ecosystems.
Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are a vital tool for rapid, simple, and low-cost disease detection in poultry and livestock. LFAs became a widely used approach in veterinary diagnostics for better animal health management. In this study, we thoroughly highlight the concepts, recent developments, and applications of LFAs in the expedited diagnosis of livestock and poultry diseases. LFAs are portable, require minimal sample preparation, and can be used for point-of-care testing, making them ideal for resource-limited field settings. In this article, we examined various types of LFAs, including multiplex platforms, nucleic acid assays, and antigen-antibody-based detection approaches. We also emphasized their significance in identifying infections that threaten animal welfare, caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Recent advancements in LFA have significantly improved sensitivity and specificity, incorporating quantitative analysis, smartphone-compatible readout devices, and nanomaterials. This paper also addresses problems with false positives, the limited number of multiplexing situations it can handle at a time, and the need for enhanced stability across a wide range of environmental conditions. Furthermore, they investigated the possibility of LFAs satisfying the growing need for rapid disease diagnosis and surveillance, particularly in light of emerging zoonotic diseases. This review emphasizes the vital role of LFAs in improving diagnostics for livestock and poultry diseases by summarizing current trends and identifying research needs, thereby supporting global animal health and sustainable agricultural practices.
Objectives: This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of Nigella sativa meal (NSM) and sesame meal (SM) in the starter feed on growth performance, blood metabolites, immunity, and health of pre-weaning Holstein calves. Materials and Methods: Forty male calves were used in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements in a completely randomized design. The four treatments were: 1) Control (basal diet), 2) Basal diet + 5% NSM, 3) Basal diet + 5% SM, and 4) Basal diet + an equal mixture of NSM and SM (NSM × SM). Results: Results indicated that treatments containing NSM and SM significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth performance, feed intake, immunity, and health. The NSM × SM interaction increased final body weight gain by 7.66%, 10.53%, and 7.32% compared to the control, NSM, and SM treatments, respectively. This treatment also superiorly improved feed efficiency by 16.67%, 12.35%, and 7.06%, respectively. The NSM × SM group showed the lowest serum concentrations of glucose (19% lower), triglycerides (19.5% lower), and cholesterol (14.2% lower) than the control. Conversely, it had the highest serum concentrations of total protein (11% higher), albumin (17.9% higher), immunoglobulin G (IgG, 36.9% higher), and white blood cell (WBC) count (33.1% higher) compared to the control. Conclusions: In conclusion, incorporating 5% sesame and N. sativa meals, especially as an equal mixture, into calves’ starter feed enhanced growth rate, feed efficiency, immunity, and overall health in pre-weaning dairy calves.
Objectives: Diabetes mellitus combined with prolonged stress has been linked with neurochemical and functional alterations that may alter brain function. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) may exert neuroprotective effects in diabetic rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) by improving neurochemical and neuroendocrine alterations. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), followed by exposure to CUS and LDIR. Radiation dose (0.1 Gy per session, three times weekly for 15 days) was administered. Behavioral assessments were conducted using open field, rotarod, and object recognition tests. Serum corticosterone levels were measured to evaluate stress-associated neuroendocrine changes. Neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and acetylcholine, were quantified in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum using ELISA. Results: Diabetic rats exposed to CUS showed a significant increase in serum corticosterone levels, reduced neurotransmitter concentrations, and impaired behavioral performance compared with control animals. Treatment with LDIR was associated with significant improvements in corticosterone levels, neurotransmitter concentrations, and behavioral performance compared with untreated diabetic-stressed animals. Combined treatment with LDIR and paroxetine demonstrated additional improvements in selected parameters. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that LDIR exerts neuroprotective effects in diabetic rats exposed to CUS and suggest its potential as a non-invasive, adjunctive therapeutic approach to mitigate stress-related neuropsychiatric complications associated with diabetes.
Global greenhouse gas accumulation receives significant contributions from methane emitted by ruminant livestock, thereby exacerbating climate change. Tannin-based feed additives are being investigated by researchers as a potential means to alter rumen fermentation and reduce methanogenesis. The researchers build on previous studies on the impact of tannins on methane reduction in the digestive tract and investigate the biological mechanisms of tannins, which are coupled with the potential of animal feed sources. Tannins kill methanogenic archaea by reducing protozoa and altering volatile fatty acid composition. This simultaneously results in reduced methane emissions and improved feed and nitrogen utilization efficiency. As a result, animal production is made more efficient by the reduction of nitrogen excretion and the enhancement of protein metabolism. The use of tannins, essential oils, biochar, and probiotics together is being researched as a way to treat the diet. Yet there are still issues, such as the adverse effects of tannins on nutrition, inconsistent tannin supply across sources, and microbial adaptation over time. The effectiveness of tannins also varies and is connected to the plant source, concentration, and processing methods. Besides, scientists are developing encapsulation methods and selecting optimal feeding protocols to increase tannin effectiveness while minimizing unwanted effects. Future researchers must improve the administration techniques for tannins, develop more efficient delivery systems, and conduct a comprehensive assessment of how tannins affect rumen microbiome health and animal performance. Tannin application emerges as an ecological approach that serves sustainability in livestock management systems and helps environmental adaptation practices.
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of feeds containing sambiloto extracted in water (SWE) or ethanol (SEE) in improving the performance of broilers infected with Eimeria sp. Material and Methods: A total of 80 ROSS 308 strain day-old chicks were divided into 4 groups: groups FSWE and FSEE (chickens infected with Eimeria sp. and fed with basal feed containing SWE and SEE, respectively), group F+ (chickens infected and fed basal feed), and group F- (chickens not infected and fed basal feed). Infection was performed on day 14 by oral administration at a dose of 3×104 oocysts for every chick. Body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival rate were calculated during the treatment period. Anticoccidial efficacy variables were measured based on the oocysts per gram (OPG), oocyst ratio, oocyst value, and lesion scoring. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The performance study results indicated that the highest body weight was achieved by the FSWE, and an ideal FCR was obtained from the FSEE, respectively. The lowest oocyst count was obtained in FSWE (p < 0.05), and the highest survival rate was observed in FSEE. Conclusions: The study concluded that SWE and SEE have anticoccidial efficacy in broilers and offer benefits as feed additives in preventing Eimeria sp. infections.
Objectives: This study aimed to characterize and compare the milk microbiota composition among Holstein Friesian cows with healthy (HU), mastitis-suspected (MSU), and subclinical mastitis (SM) udders in Southern Vietnam. Materials and Methods: Sixty milk samples were collected from two dairy farms and classified based on somatic cell counts (SCC) into three groups: HU (<200,000 cells/ml), MSU (200,000-400,000 cells/ml), and SM (>400,000 cells/ml). Bacterial communities were profiled using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Results: The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 46.67% (p < 0.05). The core microbiome was dominated by phyla of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes (>90%); and taxa of Moraxellaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Streptococcaceae. Analysis revealed significant dysbiosis in the SM group, characterized by elevated relative abundances of mastitis-associated taxa (Mycobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, Moraxellaceae, Pasteurellaceae, and Mycoplasmataceae) compared to healthy udders (p < 0.05). Conversely, commensal taxa typical of healthy milk (Rikenellaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, and Opitutaceae) were significantly depleted in SM samples but remained abundant in both HU and MSU groups (p < 0.05). Notably, the microbial profile of the MSU group was statistically similar to that of the HU group (p > 0.05), with no distinct variation in key bacterial families. Principal coordinate analysis further confirmed that SM samples formed a distinct cluster separate from the HU and MSU groups. Conclusions: Subclinical mastitis drives significant shifts in the milk microbiome. However, mastitis-suspected cows retain a microbiome similar to that of healthy udders, suggesting that SCC thresholds alone may require careful interpretation in borderline cases.
Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of graded levels of Lentinus edodes-fermented durian peel (FDP) as a circular feed ingredient on production performance, yolk omega fatty acid composition, and economic efficiency of laying ducks, with the aim of identifying the optimal dietary inclusion level. Materials and Methods: A 12-week feeding trial was conducted using a completely randomized design with five dietary treatments containing 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24% FDP. Each treatment had four replicates with ten laying ducks per pen. Parameters measured included feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), hen-day production (HDP), total egg production, egg weight, yolk omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids (analyzed by GC-FID), and income over feed cost (IOFC). Data was analyzed using ANOVA and correlation analysis. Results: Feed intake and egg weight differed significantly among treatments (p < 0.05), with reduced intake observed at the highest FDP inclusion level (24%). FCR, HDP, and total egg production were not significantly affected (p > 0.05). Yolk omega-6 fatty acid content increased significantly with FDP inclusion (p < 0.05), omega-3 showed selective treatment differences, and omega-9 remained unchanged. Correlation analysis indicated positive associations of omega-6 and omega-9 with feed intake and negative correlations with FCR, while omega-3 was positively correlated with feed intake. IOFC was highest at 12% FDP inclusion but declined to 24% due to reduced feed intake and egg weight. Conclusions: Fermented durian peel can be safely incorporated into laying duck diets at moderate levels, with 12% FDP identified as the optimal inclusion rate. At this level, production efficiency is maintained, yolk lipid quality is enhanced, and economic returns are maximized, while higher inclusion levels may negatively affect profitability.
Objectives: Malaria continues to pose a substantial, widespread health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches to combat drug resistance and alleviate organ damage associated with infection. This study investigated the hepatorenal protective effects of encapsulated Holothuria atra in an experimental malaria mouse model caused by Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Materials and Methods: Random assignment of forty-eight BALB/c mice resulted in eight distinct groups for the study: an untreated control group (a negative control), a chloroquine-treated group (positive control), and six combination therapy groups receiving chloroquine alongside encapsulated H. atra with varying gum Arabic/soy protein isolate (GA/SPI) ratios and dosages. Renal and hepatic histopathology were assessed. Results: The chloroquine-only group (G2) exhibited the highest renal damage scores. Combination therapy, particularly with the 4:1 GA/SPI ratio at 100 mg/kg (G8), significantly reduced renal and hepatic damage compared with G2, approaching negative-control levels in several parameters. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in histopathological scores among the groups. Conclusions: Encapsulation enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of H. atra, with the 4:1 ratio optimizing the delivery of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, thus mitigating drug-induced and malaria-related organ toxicities. Encapsulated H. atra shows promise as a valuable adjunct in antimalarial therapy.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the water content and cholesterol levels in fresh and processed chicken meat from four major cities in Indonesia using various cooking methods. Materials and Methods: Four major Indonesian cities (Medan, Bandung, Surabaya, and Makassar) were the sites of a purposeful sampling of four different parts of chicken meat: whole, breast, thigh, and wing. Meat was analyzed fresh and processed (boiled, fried, steamed, baked, and grilled). Saponification and toluene extraction procedures were used, and the amount of water was determined by oven-drying at 100-105°C. To determine total cholesterol levels, gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods were used. The study employed a completely randomized design, ANOVA, and Duncan’s test, and SPSS version 26 software was used to perform statistical analysis at a 95% confidence level. Results: Water content and cholesterol levels of chicken meat were significantly influenced by body parts and processing methods. Fresh chicken had the highest water content, while frying caused the greatest moisture loss. Processed chicken, especially fried and baked whole and wing meat, showed higher cholesterol levels than fresh samples. Processing methods had a greater effect than differences among cities, as confirmed by ANOVA. Conclusions: The highest water content was observed in fresh chicken breasts. In fresh samples, the thigh had the highest cholesterol content, whereas the whole part had the lowest. Among the processing methods, frying resulted in the greatest reduction in water content and the highest increase in cholesterol levels. Boiling was the most effective method for minimizing cholesterol increases. Although some differences in cholesterol levels were observed between cities, the processing method had a more pronounced effect than the geographic origin.
Objectives: To elucidate the role of SMAD8 in geese egg production, we analyzed the expression patterns of SMAD8 in geese during the egg-laying and non-laying periods. Materials and Methods: LDN-193189, a specific SMAD8 inhibitor, was injected into the geese prior to the onset of egg-laying. Subsequently, the ovaries, oviducts, and serum of the geese at various reproductive stages were collected for subsequent detection and analysis. Results: The results indicated that the development of ovaries and oviducts in geese during the egg-laying period was superior to that during the non-laying period. In addition, SMAD8 expression in ovaries and oviducts of egg-laying geese was significantly higher than that in non-laying geese (p < 0.05). Injection of the SMAD8 inhibitor LDN-193189 at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg body weight per day significantly inhibited SMAD8 expression. Concomitantly, the expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) expression in the ovaries and oviducts were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the average egg production of geese was significantly increased by 4.1 eggs (p < 0.05), while the hatchability of breeder eggs remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Collectively, this study demonstrates that SMAD8 is differentially expressed at different reproductive stages in geese. Exogenous SMAD8 inhibitors can regulate in vivo SMAD8 expression, thereby modulating the expression of ovulation-related hormone receptors and ultimately improving the goose egg production. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SMAD8 may serve as a key intracellular regulator connecting reproductive organ development, hormone receptor abundance, and egg-laying performance in Wanxi White Goose (WWG) and indicate that targeted modulation of SMAD8 activity could provide a novel strategy for boosting egg production in low-yield goose breeds without compromising hatchability.
Objectives: The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of a standardized capsule combination consisting of Channa striata, Phyllanthus niruri L., and Curcuma xanthorrhiza extracts (CCE) on biomarkers of kidney function, antioxidant status, and kidney histopathology in a high-fat diet (HFD) and alloxan-induced diabetic/nephrotoxic rat model. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into 4 groups: Control; HFD + alloxan treatment (diabetics/nephrotoxic); diabetics/nephrotoxic + CCE (49.5 mg/kg BW); diabetic/ nephrotoxic+ CCE + pioglitazone treatment group (1.35 mg/kg BW). Serum Cystatin C, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and kidney histopathology were assessed at Day 60. Results: Model induction markedly increased blood glucose, HbA1c, and serum Cystatin C levels and decreased SOD activity (p < 0.001 vs controls). CCE significantly attenuated cystatin C by decreasing Cystatin C by 18.2% (p < 0.001) and restored SOD activity to 94.0% of control (p < 0.001). Histopathology showed marked improvements in glomerular hypertrophy, tubular injury, vascular congestion, and inflammatory infiltration (p < 0.001 vs model). CCE + pioglitazone showed comparable biochemical trends and enhanced histological preservation. Conclusions: CCE combination significantly attenuated diabetic/nephrotoxic-induced kidney injury by improving antioxidant defense and preserving kidney structure. This suggests therapeutic potential for managing metabolic kidney complications.
Objectives: The Enterobacteriaceae family is a group of bacteria that serve as indicators of milk collection hygiene at the farm level. The objective of this study was to detect and identify members of this family in raw cow's milk and pasteurized milk and to evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of resistance genes. Materials and Methods: A total of 14 samples of raw bulk milk and 14 samples of pasteurized milk were collected from different dairy plants in Slovakia. Isolates were identified at the family level by PCR and at the species level by MALDI-TOF MS. Ten antibiotics (ampicillin, cefoxitin, ceftizoxime, cefazolin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, gentamicin, ofloxacin, and chloramphenicol) were tested using the disc diffusion method. Genes that confer antimicrobial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics were detected by PCR using gene-specific primers. Results: Klebsiella oxytoca was the most frequently identified isolate (30.0%), followed by Enterobacter cloacae (13.3%) and Citrobacter gillenii (13.3%). According to the CLSI criteria, 22 of the 30 isolates (73.3%) were classified as cefoxitin-resistant, whereas EUCAST classified 26/30 (86.7%) as cefoxitin-resistant. The presence of resistance genes (at least one of the genes tested) was confirmed in 26 isolates. In 20 isolates, bla(TEM) was found; in 11, bla(CTX-M); and in 10, ampC genes. Conclusions: Ourfindings highlight the absence of Enterobacteriaceae in pasteurized milk, discrepancies in evaluation between the CLSI and EUCAST systems, a high level of beta-lactam resistance, and the presence of resistance genes detected only in raw milk samples.
Objectives: The study aimed to test whether plasma cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and individual Somatic Cell Count (SCC) can act as reliable proxies for the ClassyFarm risk rank. Materials and Methods: Three Animal-Based Measures (ABMs) (plasma cortisol, IL-6, and SCC) were evaluated and compared with the ClassyFarm risk rank, which is a farm-specific risk score, across three dairy cattle farms (A, B, and C). The ClassyFarm risk rank was 10, 13, and 17 on farms A, B, and C, respectively. Results: Our findings revealed a strong correlation between plasma cortisol levels and SCC across all herds (r > 0.70), particularly in B (r = 0.92). The SCC values generally complied with Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 of the European Commission. However, IL-6 levels did not show a statistically significant correlation with the other ABMs (r < 0.6). Conclusions: This preliminary study indicates satisfactory agreement between the risk analysis conducted using the ClassyFarm system, as reflected in the ClassyFarm risk rank, and the ABMs investigated. These measures might serve as good real-time proxies for the ClassyFarm risk rank, helping implement any required corrective measures on the farm more promptly.
