Abstract Background Curcumin extract has demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial properties in bull semen samples at a concentration of 5%. Nevertheless, its impact on fertilization outcomes remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate if curcumin extract added to bull semen had an effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) results. Bovine ovaries were collected from an abattoir, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated, graded, and randomly assigned to treatment groups before maturation. The COCs were matured for 22 hours and fertilized using semen from one bull with verified fertility. Semen samples were thawed and treated with 5% curcumin extract for 30 minutes at room temperature, and IVF was conducted at a reduced sperm concentration (0.5 × 10 6 /mL) to better assess treatment effects. Cleavage was evaluated, 44 hours post-fertilization, and embryo development was assessed on day 8. Sperm quality parameters were evaluated using Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis for motility and kinematics, and Flow Cytometry for viability markers, including membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and chromatin integrity. Results No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for any IVF outcomes. A trend toward significance was observed for total motility and immotile spermatozoa, with higher motility and lower immotility in the curcumin-treated group compared to controls. Conclusion The results demonstrated that curcumin treatment does not seem to have an effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes since no statistically significant differences were observed between the curcumin-treated and control groups in cleavage rate, the proportion of oocytes reaching more than two cells, or blastocyst formation on day 8. These findings indicate that, under the experimental conditions of this study, curcumin does not impair the fertilization capacity of bull sperm.
Campylobacter jejuni is a major zoonotic foodborne pathogen, with poultry recognized as an important reservoir for human infection. Although antimicrobial use in Finnish broiler production is minimal, sporadic increases in fluoroquinolone- and tetracycline-resistant C. jejuni have been detected. We investigated the population structure, antimicrobial resistance, and transmission pathways of C. jejuni in Finnish poultry production. A total of 333 C. jejuni isolates collected from breeder (n = 145) and broiler (n = 188) flocks during 2014–2019 were characterized using whole-genome sequencing, antimicrobial resistance profiling, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), core-genome MLST (cgMLST), and phylogenomic analysis. Resistance to fluoroquinolones and tetracycline was concentrated in specific years and was strongly associated with particular lineages, especially ST-206 clonal complex (CC), whereas the predominant ST-45 CC was largely susceptible. Genomic clustering identified several resistant clones circulating among geographically proximate broiler farms, indicating regional horizontal dissemination. Resistant isolates from breeders were uncommon, and no genomic evidence supported vertical transmission of resistant strains from breeder to broiler flocks. Instead, resistance peaks were primarily attributable to clonal expansion of successful resistant lineages. Transient increases in fluoroquinolone- and tetracycline-resistant C. jejuni in Finnish broiler production were driven mainly by regional clonal horizontal spread rather than vertical transmission from breeders to broilers. These findings highlight the value of genomic surveillance for detecting and tracking antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter lineages and support the integration of molecular epidemiology into poultry surveillance and control programmes.
Abstract Background Medication safety is a central component of patient safety. Although some studies on medication errors have been conducted in veterinary medicine, data on the prevalence and severity of errors remain scarce. This study investigated veterinary medication errors using Finnish authorative adverse event data about claimed medical malpractice. The study comprised a retrospective quantitative document analysis of 256 claims cases reviewed by the Assessment Board for Damages in Veterinary Practice between 2014 and 2023. Results A total of 87 cases met the inclusion criteria, in which 148 medication errors were identified. Medication errors occurred most frequently in dogs ( n = 57/148, 65.5%) and horses ( n = 12/148, 13.8%). The most common error type was omission of medication administration ( n = 25/148, 16.9%). Fatal outcomes occurred in 21.8% of cases ( n = 19/87), and an equal proportion ( n = 19/87, 21.8%) involved severe adverse events resulting in injury or other life-threatening conditions. In total, 223 medications were involved, most commonly systemic antibacterials ( n = 33/223, 14.8%), anti-inflammatory medications ( n = 32/223, 14.3%), and anesthetics ( n = 19/223, 8.5%). The oral route of administration was most frequent ( n = 73/223, 32.7%). Most medication errors occurred during the decision-making phase ( n = 85/148, 57.4%), and errors occurred most commonly in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals. Conclusions Targeted measures to strengthen the decision‑making phase of veterinary medication process are warranted. The most frequent medication groups associated with errors were NSAIDs, systemic antibacterial agents, and sedative and anesthetic medications. Further research is needed to better identify and prevent medication errors and to support the development of effective risk management strategies in veterinary medicine.
Abstract Background Preservation of canine genetic material through epididymal sperm recovery and vitrification has gained increasing importance in breeding programs and germplasm conservation. The warming procedure represents a critical step affecting post-vitrification sperm survival and functionality. This study evaluated the effect of two warming temperatures on the quality of vitrified canine epididymal spermatozoa. Methods Epididymal spermatozoa were collected from twelve clinically healthy dogs undergoing routine orchiectomy. Samples were vitrified using a coconut water-based extender supplemented with egg yolk and subsequently warmed at either 37 °C or 42 °C for 2 min. Sperm quality was evaluated before vitrification and after warming by assessment of motility, viability, morphology, and kinematic parameters using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Results Vitrification significantly reduced sperm quality compared with fresh samples. However, warming at 37 °C resulted in significantly higher total motility, viability, and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa compared with warming at 42 °C. Several kinematic parameters were also better preserved following warming at 37 °C. Conclusions The warming protocol significantly influences post-vitrification quality of canine epididymal spermatozoa. Warming at 37 °C for 2 min provided superior preservation of sperm function compared with warming at 42 °C and may represent a practical approach for canine germplasm banking and assisted reproduction.
BACKGROUND:Feline histoplasmosis can have variable clinical presentations, it is rarely diagnosed in Europe and has not been diagnosed in Northern Europe and Baltics. We encountered a cluster of autochthonous cases of feline histoplasmosis in Latvia-a non-endemic region. In this paper we describe the diagnostic pathways, challenges and outcomes in three cats. We also report the first molecular confirmation of Histoplasma capsulatum in the Baltic region. Three domestic shorthaired cats presented with ulcerative or erosive skin lesions and were initially evaluated by cytology. Diagnostic follow-up included histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), serology and in one case a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We outlined several practical challenges of performing fungal diagnostics in Europe, these can be valuable to our colleagues. RESULTS:All three cases showed organisms consistent with Histoplasma species on cytological examination. Case 1: a feline immunodeficiency virus positive shelter cat with multiple ulcerative cutaneous lesions. Histopathology and IHC confirmed fungal infection suggestive of Histoplasma species. The cat was lost to follow-up. Case 2: A 3-year-old male cat with a single erosive facial lesion. The cat fully recovered with antifungal treatment. Case 3: A 6-year-old neutered male with multiple erosive skin lesions. The cat was humanely euthanized. Diagnosis was supported by cytology while results of histopathology and IHC were suggestive of Histoplasma species. Serology (urine and serum) were positive for H. capsulatum antigen and the diagnosis was confirmed by PCR. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the isolate provided the first molecular confirmation of feline histoplasmosis in the Baltic region. CONCLUSIONS:We report the occurrence of clustered autochthonous feline histoplasmosis in Latvia and expand the recognized geographic range of molecularly confirmed disease in Europe. Our cases show the advantages of cytology as an initial diagnostic tool and highlight the utility of serology and molecular methods in regions with limited access to well-established diagnostic methods for non-endemic fungal diseases. Our findings suggest that histoplasmosis may be underdiagnosed in non-endemic areas and reinforce the need for heightened clinical awareness among veterinarians across Europe.
