Abstract This study analyzed the effects of varying relative humidity (RH) on the internal and microbiological quality of eggs stored at ambient temperature (22±2°C) for 28 days. Medium-sized eggs, produced by 60-week-old Lohmann Brown hens (n=30), were selected randomly and allocated into sealed chambers set to 20%, 60%, or 100% RH. Egg weight s were measured weekly, while internal quality attributes were evaluated at the conclusion of the storage duration. Eggs stored at 20% RH exhibited the highest weight loss (5.9%), whereas those at 100% RH showed minimal moisture loss (0.39%). Eggs stored at 20% RH also exhibited the highest yolk redness. Compared to 96.7% and 100% in the 60% and 20% RH groups, respectively, only 36.7% of eggs stored at 100% RH remained organoleptically acceptable for consumption after 28 days, based on predefined classification criteria. The 60% RH condition resulted in the poorest albumen structure, as reflected by the lowest Haugh unit scores. The length and width of the albumen decreased at 20% RH, while yolk pH remained unaffected by the humidity level. The yolk index declined as humidity increased. Eggs stored at 100% RH harbored the highest microbial loads, including mold, yeast, and aerobic bacteria, whereas the lowest shell contamination was observed at 20% RH. No significant differences in microbial counts were identified between the 20% and 60% RH groups. In conclusion, storage at low humidity (20%) was associated with better preservation of selected quality whereas saturated humidity (100%) was associated with significant quality deterioration and an increased risk of contamination.
Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel combined with nanohydroxyapatite (HA) on bone regeneration in critical-sized diaphyseal defects in rabbits. Fourteen clinically healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits were divided into two groups: control (HA only, n=7) and experimental (HA+PRP, n=7). Standardized defects were created in the radius (≥1.5× bone diameter), and radiological, histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on days 30, 60, and 90 post-surgery. Radiographically, the PRP group demonstrated earlier bone bridge formation and complete defect filling by day 90, with significantly higher healing coefficients (0.64 vs 0.21; p<0.05). Histological evaluation revealed accelerated callus maturation and active osteogenesis with organized bone marrow in the PRP group, whereas the HA group showed incomplete union and persistent fibrous tissue. Immunohistochemical staining (CD34) confirmed neovascularization and hematopoietic precursor cell proliferation in the PRP-treated defects. The combined use of nanohydroxyapatite and PRP gel significantly enhanced osteoregeneration and shortened healing time in critical-sized bone defects.
The retrospective study investigated hematological and biochemical differences in dogs with neoplastic splenic disease (NSD), comparing malignant versus non-malignant, as well as malignant lymphoid versus malignant non-lymphoid tumors. The research included 20 dogs with splenic disease admitted at the University Veterinary Hospital in Skopje within three years. Each dog underwent clinical examination, abdominal ultrasound, blood, serum, and cytology analysis. Based on cytological findings, dogs were divided into two groups: malignant (M, n=14) and benign (B, n=6) spleen disease. The M group was further divided into malignant lymphoid (ML, n=6) and malignant non-lymphoid (MNL, n=8) subgroups. Data (mean +/- SEM) was analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U Test with significance levels set at p<0.05. The M group had significantly higher values than B group for white blood cell (32.08 +/- 9.29 and 7.37 +/- 0.96x10(9)/L, respectively), monocyte (2.89 +/- 1.09 and 0.64 +/- 0.12x10(9)/L, respectively), neutrophil counts (17.46 +/- 3.80 and 5.39 +/- 0.88x10(9)/L, respectively), alanine aminotransferase (82.52 +/- 12.49 and 36.89 +/- 4.14 IU/L, respectively), and alkaline phosphatase levels (279.16 +/- 62.06 and 111.80 +/- 15.40 IU/L, respectively). Within the M group, ML subgroup had significantly higher values than MNL for white blood cell (62.80 +/- 19.65 and 15.02 +/- 3.03x10(9)/L, respectively) and neutrophil counts (29.02 +/- 7.86 and 11.04 +/- 2.22x10(9)/L, respectively), but lower for alkaline phosphatase (252.80 +/- 56.02 and 293.80 +/- 93.76 U/L, respectively). Ultrasonographic findings of heterogenous hypoechoic nodules ('leopard' pattern), pleomorphic lymphoblasts infiltration, and elevated leucocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, may aid in differentiating malignant from benign NSD in dogs. Additional to the ultrasonographic and cytology findings, elevated leucocytes, neutrophils, and alkaline phosphatase effectively differentiate lymphoid from non-lymphoid NSD in dogs.
Chronic hyperglycemia-induced imbalances in renal carbohydrate metabolism and oxidative stress contribute to diabetic kidney complications, highlighting the urgent need for therapies targeting both pathways. This study evaluates nephroprotective effects of Hypericum perforatum L. extracts-wild Hyperici herba (HH) and hairy root (HR)-in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats received single intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection (45 mg/kg body weight) with diabetes confirmed by fasting blood glucose >15 mmol/L. Diabetic rats were treated with daily oral doses of HH or HR extracts for 14 consecutive days. Renal carbohydrate metabolism was assessed through glycogen content, glucose levels, glucose-6-phosphate content, glucose-6-phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities. Oxidative stress markers evaluated included catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase activities, total glutathione levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Diabetes induced 1.56-fold renal glucose increase, 1.7-fold glycogen accumulation, 47.5% higher glucose-6-phosphatase activity, 39.4% lower glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, 44% catalase reduction, and elevated MDA levels. Both extracts significantly improved these parameters; HH reduced glucose-6-phosphatase by 33.1%, restored dehydrogenase by 61.5%; HR showed superior effects (37.5% and 67.3% respectively) plus normalized glycogen and enhanced catalase above controls. Glibenclamide had limited effects. Xanthone-enriched HR extract demonstrated superior nephroprotection versus HH and glibenclamide through comprehensive restoration of carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant defenses in diabetic nephropathy.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease in dogs, characterized by progressive cartilage deterioration, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. This prospective, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of OA-associated pain and identify key risk factors in a cohort of 259 dogs through an owner-completed online survey. The survey incorporated three validated pain and mobility assessment tools: the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI), and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI). Dogs exhibiting consistent signs of pain across all three tools (n=56) were selected for a full clinical evaluation, and diagnostic imaging. Most dogs were purebred (80.7%), male (61.8%), overweight (61.0%), and 3-9 years old (57.5%). Pain scores from all three assessment tools revealed significant associations between severity of OA and age, weight category, and body condition score (BCS). Notably, BCS was the strongest predictor of moderate to severe OA, followed by weight category and age. Notably, a discrepancy was observed between owner-reported mobility concerns (28.6%) and the clinical findings, highlighting the limitations of subjective assessment. These findings confirm that advanced age and, more significantly, excess body weight are primary contributors to the severity of canine OA. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of objective diagnostic tools and owner education in the early identification and management of OA. Preventive strategies, including weight control, regular monitoring, and timely interventions, are crucial for improving outcomes in affected dogs.
