IntroductionDictyocaulus arnfieldi infection is a common parasitic respiratory disease of equines that can adversely affect animal health, welfare, and productivity. However, epidemiological information on this infection remains limited in many regions of Egypt. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of D. arnfieldi infection and identify associated risk factors among equines in three Egyptian governorates.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 415 equines, including 150 donkeys, 55 mules, and 210 horses. Animals were examined for D. arnfieldi infection, and data on species, age, body condition, and deworming history were collected. Associations between infection and potential risk factors were evaluated using appropriate statistical analyses.ResultsThe overall prevalence of D. arnfieldi infection was 41% (170/415). Donkeys had the highest prevalence (51.3%), whereas mules showed the lowest prevalence (20%). Significant associations (p < 0.05) were observed between infection and age, body condition, and deworming history. Equines older than 8 years exhibited the highest prevalence (54.7%), followed by animals with poor body condition (52.4%) and those with no history of deworming (54.6%).DiscussionThe high prevalence of D. arnfieldi, particularly among donkeys, confirms their important role as the primary reservoir host, contributing to sustained transmission among equine populations. These findings highlight the need for targeted parasite control strategies, including routine deworming, improved veterinary care, and better management practices, especially for donkeys, to reduce lungworm infection and improve equine health and productivity.
Hypovolemia is a systemic state characterized by severe reduction in the effective blood volume with subsequent tissue hypoperfusion. It may be due to fluid loss, decreased water intake, fluid redistribution, or systemic disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic significance of the renal artery resistive index (RRI), caudal vena cava (CVC) diameter, and aorta (Ao) diameter in dogs with hypovolemia. For this purpose, 30 dogs (hypovolemic, n = 15; control, n = 15) were investigated. Clinical variables and hematological findings were investigated for each dog. Pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound was performed to measure the RRI and diameters of the CVC and Ao. Ultrasound examination revealed a markedly elevated RRI (p < 0.001) and significantly reduced CVC (p < 0.001) and Ao (p < 0.001) diameters in hypovolemic dogs compared to controls, reflecting increased vascular resistance and impaired venous return. Biochemical analysis showed significant increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and BUN:Cr ratio, while Cr remained unchanged. Hematological variables demonstrated limited diagnostic value, with only mild increases in packed cell volume (PCV%). Correlation analysis confirmed a strong positive correlation between RRI and BUN (r = 0.917; p < 0.01), RRI and BUN:Cr ratio (r = 0.664; p < 0.01), and CVC and Ao diameters (r = 0.832; p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with area under the curve (AUC) identified RRI (AUC = 0.99), CVC diameter (AUC = 0.93), and Ao diameter (AUC = 0.88) as highly accurate markers of hypovolemia, whereas the CVC:Ao ratio and hematological markers provided poor discrimination. Logistic regression confirmed significant diagnostic value for RRI, CVC diameter, Ao diameter, and BUN, but final multivariate analysis revealed RRI as the sole independent early diagnostic marker (p < 0.001; OR: 196.0; 95% CI: 11.12-34.72). In conclusion, RRI measured by Doppler ultrasound is the most reliable and sensitive early diagnostic marker for hypovolemia in dogs, outperforming conventional biochemical and hematological markers.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious zoonotic pathogen that poses significant threats to both public health and the poultry industry due to its multidrug resistance and virulence. In broiler chickens, MRSA infections are commonly associated with arthritis, resulting in impaired mobility, reduced productivity, and economic losses. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and genetic determinants of MRSA in broiler chickens presenting with clinical arthritis in the Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, northern Egypt. In this study, 100 broiler farms were randomly selected from a list provided by the local veterinary authority in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. Of these, 20 medium-sized farms (5000-10,000 birds per cycle) had clinically arthritic chickens. A total of 140 synovial fluid samples (six to eight chickens per farm) were aseptically collected from affected birds. The affected farms represented approximately 4.8% of the total broiler farms in the governorate and were distributed across different districts, indicating that MRSA-associated arthritis was not confined to a single locality. Bacterial isolation was performed using selective culture media and confirmed via biochemical tests and PCR targeting the nuc gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method against 16 antibiotics following CLSI 2020 guidelines. Molecular screening for resistance and virulence genes (mecA, vanA, hig) was performed by uniplex PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences was carried out using the Maximum Likelihood method. Clinical signs included joint swelling, deformity, and impaired locomotion. Epidemiological analysis revealed that MRSA-associated arthritis was detected in (3/20) 15% of infected farms, with 7.67 ± 1.53% of birds affected within infected flocks. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 60% of footpad abscesses and 65% of hock joint swellings. All isolates were resistant to multiple β-lactam antibiotics, including oxacillin, cefoxitin, penicillin G, and piperacillin. High resistance was also observed to clindamycin, cephradine, and cephalexin. The most effective agents were ampicillin-sulbactam and vancomycin. The mecA and nuc genes were detected in all isolates, and vanA and hig genes were detected in 5% and 25% of isolates, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the close genetic relatedness of the local isolate (PQ879639.1) to global S. aureus strains. MRSA is an emerging pathogen in broiler flocks with a marked capacity for antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic transmission. The detection of multidrug-resistant strains carrying key resistance genes highlights the urgent need for enhanced biosecurity, prudent antimicrobial use, and routine monitoring programs to mitigate its impact on poultry and public health.
Tendon injuries remain a significant clinical challenge due to the tissue's inherently limited regenerative capacity. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) possess well-documented antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, yet their role in tendon healing has not been formally evaluated. This study aimed to assess the effect of locally applied ZnONPs on Achilles tendon healing in a rabbit model, using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Twelve adult New Zealand albino rabbits (mean body weight 3.5 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly allocated into two equal groups (n = 6 per group). A standardized central tendon defect was surgically created in all animals. The control group received no additional treatment, while the ZnONP group received a single peri-tendinous injection of 0.5 mL of a 0.2% (w/v) ZnONP suspension (20 nm; spherical; Nanotech Egypt Co.) at the time of surgery. Tendon samples were harvested at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively (n = 2 per group per time point) for IHC evaluation of vimentin expression using the avidin–biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) method and for mRNA quantification of TGF-β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by RT-qPCR. IHC analysis demonstrated a progressive and statistically significant reduction in vimentin expression in the ZnONP group compared with controls at 4 weeks (9.796 vs. 20.374; P < 0.05) and 6 weeks post-operatively (0.315 vs. 13.684; P < 0.001), indicating accelerated resolution of the inflammatory-fibroblastic response. RT-qPCR data at 2 and 4 weeks revealed significantly elevated mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory mediators (TGF-β and IL-10) and markedly reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in ZnONP-treated animals relative to controls. Topical infiltration of ZnONPs at the time of tendon repair significantly modulated the inflammatory microenvironment, promoting organized collagen deposition and accelerating tissue regeneration in a rabbit Achilles tendon model. These findings support the potential therapeutic value of ZnONPs as an adjunct to tendon surgery. Further investigation in larger animal cohorts and biomechanical studies is needed.
Babesia spp. are important tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasites that affect the health and productivity of livestock, including camels. The present study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of Babesia spp. infection in camels from northern Egypt and to evaluate the associated epidemiological risk factors. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from camels in Kafr El-Sheikh and Qalyubia Governorates, Egypt. Molecular detection of Babesia spp. was performed using PCR targeting the 18 S rRNA gene. Epidemiological data related to sex, age, season, body condition, tick infestation, and acaricide application were analyzed to identify potential risk factors associated with infection. The overall prevalence of Babesia spp. infection was 18
Identifying physiological changes during the transition period is essential for improving the health and productivity of dairy goats. This study evaluated hematological, biochemical, hormonal, oxidative stress, and molecular alterations in Shami goats during the pre-pregnancy, late pregnancy, and early lactation periods. Eighty clinically healthy goats were examined, and blood samples were analyzed for hematological indices, metabolic and hormonal profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers, and relative expression of genes associated with energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, inflammation, and autophagy. Late pregnancy was characterized by significant (p < 0.05) increases in red blood cell count (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), neutrophils, albumin, globulin, urea, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), and malondialdehyde (MDA), accompanied by decreased glucose, cholesterol, total protein (TP), antioxidant markers, total leukocyte count, packed cell volume, and monocytes. Early lactation was associated with higher non-esterified fatty acid, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels. Genes involved in lipid mobilization and oxidation, ketogenesis, inflammation, cellular stress, and autophagy; sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1A), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme a synthase 2 (HMGCS2), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), lipase E (LIPE), protein kinase amp-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1 (PRKAA1), solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1), haptoglobin (HP), interleukin 6 (IL6), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), beclin 1 (BECN1), and autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) were significantly upregulated, whereas antioxidant- and glucose transport-related genes nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), catalase (CAT), thioredoxin (TXN), and solute carrier family 2 member 4 (SLC2A4) were downregulated during the transition period. The results indicate well-orchestrated metabolic and molecular adaptations that can be employed as biological indicators to track the physiological status of Shami goats. These findings fulfilled the study objective and identified potential biomarkers of the transition period in Shami goats.
C-reactive protein (CRP) level, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been proposed as biomarkers that reflect disease severity in canine chronic enteropathies. Their correlation with the Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index (CCECAI) remains unclear. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to assess the correlation between CCECAI and hematological and immunological markers in dogs with CIE. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation of CRP, PLR, and NLR with CCECAI as a diagnostic marker. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to accomplish this procedure. Pooled correlation coefficients were calculated using Fisher's Z-transformation under random effects models. Heterogeneity and publication bias were examined using standard procedures for the meta-analysis. Eleven studies were found to be fit: five for CRP, four for NLR, and four for PLR. The pooled correlation for CRP level was 0.229 (95% CI: 0.143-0.311, p < 0.001), with consistent findings across studies (I-2 = 0%). PLR demonstrated a moderate correlation (pooled r = 0.381, 95% CI: 0.238-0.508, p < 0.001; I-2 = 41%), while NLR showed a slightly stronger correlation (pooled r = 0.410, 95% CI: 0.286-0.521, p < 0.001) but with substantial heterogeneity (I-2 = 68%). Publication bias analyses indicated modest asymmetry for CRP and PLR, with Egger's regression significant for both, whereas the NLR showed no clear evidence of bias. Trim-and-fill adjustments slightly attenuated the pooled estimates but did not alter the statistical significance. In conclusion, the correlation between CCECAI and NLR is the most promising biomarker, followed closely by PLR, whereas CRP has a weaker predictive value. The correlation between CCECAI and each of NLR and PLR may provide rapid and reliable diagnostic information about CIE in dogs.
This study investigates the nutritional effects of a thyme meal and B. subtilis mixture on growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, gene expression, and gut microbiota in heat-stressed rabbits. One hundred and twenty male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four dietary treatments (five replicates/group). The rabbits in the first group were fed a basal diet, while the other three groups were fed a basal diet containing B. subtilis, thyme meal, and their mixture, respectively. The B. subtilis and thyme meal mixture increases the heat-stressed rabbits’ body weight gain and carcass weight, and enhances nutrient digestibility and the feed conversion ratio. Supplementing the CBT mixture improved the lipid profile and liver and kidney function via decreasing plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, creatinine, urea, and AST levels, while increasing total protein and albumin levels. Furthermore, the CBT mixture enhanced the immune response and oxidative stability by increasing IgA and IgG levels, GPx enzyme activity, and SOD, while decreasing plasma MDA content. Adding the CBT mixture enhanced gut health by reducing pathogens and inflammation, as well as increasing volatile fatty acid levels and the expression of CAT-1, MUC-2, and SGLT-1 genes. The combination of a thyme meal and B. subtilis enhanced growth, immune function, antioxidant capacity, gut microbiota modification, and the expression of gut health nutrient absorption-related genes in heat-stressed rabbits.
Bovine babesiosis is a widespread tick-borne parasitic disease that compromises calf health and productivity, causing substantial economic losses. This study evaluated the potential of molecular and hematobiochemical biomarkers for the detection of babesiosis in Holstein calves by analyzing the expression dynamics of selected immune and antioxidant genes and their association with blood-based indicators. Blood samples were collected from 243 fattening calves, classified as healthy (n = 180) or naturally infected (n = 63). Transcriptional levels of immune-related genes (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1) and antioxidant genes (SOD3, CAT, GPX, and GST) were measured alongside hematological, biochemical, immunological, and oxidative stress assessments. Infected calves exhibited significant upregulation (p < 0.05) of immune and pro-inflammatory genes, indicating strong immune activation, while antioxidant gene expression was markedly downregulated, reflecting impaired redox balance. These molecular changes were accompanied by hematobiochemical alterations, including elevated liver and kidney markers, serum lipids, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress indices. Conversely, reductions were observed in glucose, serum proteins, thyroid hormones, essential minerals, total antioxidant capacity, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes. The coordinated assessment of immune and antioxidant gene expression with hematobiochemical profiles provides a robust biomarker-based approach for the early detection and monitoring of bovine babesiosis. These integrated molecular and blood-based indicators may support effective diagnosis, disease management, and control strategies in livestock production systems.
BackgroundToxocariasis caused by Toxocara canis is a common parasitic disease in dogs with important zoonotic implications. Although fecal examination is traditionally used for diagnosis, it has limitations in detecting prepatent, low-intensity, or intermittent infections. Therefore, serological testing was selected in this study as a more sensitive and time-efficient approach for assessing exposure at the population level. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. canis infection and identify associated risk factors among dogs in four Egyptian governorates.MethodsA total of 409 dogs from Cairo, Qalyubia, Kafr El-Sheikh, and Gharbia were sampled. Serum samples were tested for anti-T. canis IgG antibodies using a sensitive immunoassay. Epidemiological and management-related risk factors, including age, sex, feeding practices, housing conditions, cohabitation with cats, coprophagy, and deworming history, were recorded and analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence was 25.9% (106/409; 95% CI: 21.91–30.38%), with the highest prevalence in Cairo (32.2%) and the lowest in Qalyubia (19%). Dogs older than 4 years showed the highest seropositivity (37.4%). Seroprevalence was significantly higher among dogs fed homemade food (36%), living outdoors (41.5%), cohabiting with cats (32.4%), exhibiting coprophagy (30.4%), and those without regular deworming (33%). No statistically significant differences were observed between male and female dogs. Multivariate logistic regression identified older age, outdoor living, cohabitation with cats, coprophagy, homemade diet, and irregular deworming as significant risk factors for infection.ConclusionThe findings demonstrate substantial exposure of dogs to T. canis in the studied regions and highlight the cumulative impact of environmental and management-related risk factors. The use of serology provided a broader estimate of exposure than fecal examination alone. Regular deworming, improved feeding practices, and environmental hygiene are essential to reduce infection risk and minimize zoonotic transmission.
α-aminophosphonate and its derivatives have attracted significant attention, due to its numerous biological activities. A one-pot Kabachnik-Fields reaction involving three components 1,3-diaryl pyrazole derivatives 1, various aromatic aldehydes, and triethylphosphite in CH2Cl2 with lithium perchlorate acting as a Lewis acid catalyst was used to create α-aminophosphonates based on pyrazole skeletons. A variety of physical, spectroscopic, and analytical data were used to validate each newly synthesized molecule. The in-silico target prediction using artificial intelligence and a database of Swiss Target Prediction for the designed α-aminophosphonates 3a–h exhibited that these derivatives may exert their activity with more than one target. Structure–activity relationship studies have revealed that variations aryl aldehyde, N1-aryl and C3-pyrazole aryl substituents modulate biological profiles, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative activities. Based on antioxidant investigation, compound 3g showed strong scavenging activity for DPPH and ABTS+ radicals compared to L-ascorbic acid. For inhibition of protein denaturation, compound 3g recorded the highest anti-inflammatory impact followed by compound 3f, which had a moderate in comparison to aspirin. Moreover, anticancer activity demonstrated that compound 3g displayed the most potent anticancer activity against the MCF-7 and HepG-2 cell lines when compared to Doxorubicin. Finally, a molecular docking simulation of the promising derivative 3g was conducted within the active sites of VEGFR-2 (PDB: 4ASD) and EGFR-Tk (PDB: 1M17). Compounds show a favorable binding affinity, characterized by multiple types of interactions within the binding pocket. These findings suggest that compound 3 g may exhibit antiproliferative activity through mechanisms involving VEGFR-2 and EGFR-Tk.
IntroductionOvine mange is a highly contagious skin disease that causes substantial economic losses. This study assessed the prevalence, SNPs, gene expression, serum APPs, and immune and antioxidant markers to elucidate the immunological and oxidative mechanisms of mange in Barki sheep.MethodsA total of 320 adult Barki ewes were enrolled in the study, comprising 80 clinically affected animals and 240 apparently healthy controls. Blood samples were collected from all animals for the determination of acute-phase proteins, immunological and antioxidant biomarkers, and gene expression analyses of CARD9, CLEC7A, TNFAIP3, IL33, SESN2, ATF4, HSPA1A, and SLC7A11. Only clinically affected sheep underwent parasitological confirmation by microscopic examination of deep skin scrapings collected from active skin lesions to identify mange mites.ResultsMicroscopic examination confirmed mange in 25% (80/320) of the ewes, with Sarcoptes spp. accounting for 75% and Psoroptes spp. for 25% of the cases. Infected sheep showed upregulation of CARD9, CLEC7A, IL33, SESN2, ATF4, and HSPA1A, and downregulation of TNFAIP3 and SLC7A11 (p < 0.05), with 14 SNPs differing significantly between the healthy and infected groups. Infected animals showed elevated APPs, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress, with reduced IL-10 levels.ConclusionOvine mange is associated with distinct molecular, immunological, and oxidative stress responses that reflect the host’s reaction to mite infestation. To our knowledge, this is the first study to integrate transcriptional profiling with SNP characterization of CARD9, CLEC7A, TNFAIP3, IL33, SESN2, ATF4, HSPA1A, and SLC7A11 in naturally occurring ovine mange. The identified sequence variants, together with gene expression signatures, provide novel candidate molecular biomarkers for disease susceptibility and may support future genetic selection and precision disease management strategies. Additional studies involving larger and independent sheep populations are needed to validate these findings and determine their potential value in disease susceptibility assessment and genetic improvement programs.
The aim of this study was to investigate hematological and biochemical alterations associated with gram-negative bacterial lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and cats. For this purpose, 56 dogs and 36 cats were examined between October 2022 and May 2023. Twenty-eight dogs and twenty-two cats with clinical signs of lower UTIs were confirmed using ultrasonography, urinalysis, hematobiochemical analysis, and molecular identification of recovered pathogen. In dogs, UTIs were significantly associated with pyuria (82%), crystalluria (85.7%), and proteinuria. There was also significant decrease in total protein and globulin levels compared to those in the control. A significant increase in BUN, GGT, and CRP levels was recorded in comparison with healthy dogs. Neutrophils and monocytes showed a significant increase, whereas TLC showed no significant increase. Urinalysis revealed noticeable pyuria (82%), hematuria (57.1%), proteinuria (85.7%), and crystalluria (85.7%). However, the urinary ALP levels were significantly decreased. In cats, UTIs were significantly associated with pyuria (72.7%) and hematuria (81.8%). A significant increase in BUN, creatinine, and GGT levels was recorded in comparison with the controls. TLC significantly increased, with neutrophilia and relative lymphopenia. Urinalysis revealed noticeable pyuria (72.7%), hematuria (81.8%), proteinuria (54.5%), crystalluria (18%), and glucosuria (63.6%). Moreover, urinary ALP was significantly higher in cats with UTIs than in controls. The results of the present study indicate that Gram-negative infections of the urinary tract induce noticeable hematobiochemical alterations in dogs and cats. Dogs mainly showed systemic inflammation with mild renal effects, whereas cats showed severe renal impairment. The significant alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters emphasize their diagnostic significance in differentiating systemic inflammation from renal dysfunction.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing with an essential oil blend and ascorbic acid on performance, semen characteristics, antioxidant status, gut microbiota, immunity, and gene expression in heat-stressed male rabbits. One hundred and forty male New Zealand White rabbits, aged 6 months, were randomly distributed into four dietary groups: the control group receiving basal feed (CON), the group receiving an essential oil blend (EOB, 200 mg/kg), the group receiving ascorbic acid (ASA, 1000 mg/kg), and the group receiving an essential oil blend and ascorbic acid (MAO). The experimental period lasted for eight weeks. The MAO mixture supported rabbits’ tolerance to heat stress by enhancing stress markers, as demonstrated by decreased glucose and HSP70 and increased triiodothyronine (T3). In addition, increased body weight, carcass weight, and nutrient digestibility, but reduced mortality rate, were observed in rabbits fed the MAO mixture. Additionally, semen density and volume, as well as sperm progressive motility and normality, were enhanced in rabbits fed the MAO mixture. Furthermore, MAO mixture supplementation decreases plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, urea, and creatinine levels, while raising HDL and total protein levels. Adding MAO mixture contributed to an increase in plasma SOD and GPx levels, as well as seminal fluid TAC and GSH levels. Additionally, the incorporation of MAO increases IgA, IgG, and IL-10 levels while decreasing IL-6 and TNF-α levels. Adding the MAO mixture reduced C. perfringens and E. coli, as well as increased the expression of the MUC-2, CAT-1, and CLDN-1 genes. Combining an essential oil blend and ascorbic acid may contribute to improvements in performance, semen quality, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and gut health in heat-stressed male rabbits.
The present study evaluated the effects of adding Lactobacillus acidophilus, Nano-encapsulated Nigella Sativa oil, or their combination to alleviate the influences of heat stress on the health and performance of growing rabbits. A total of one hundred and twenty male New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups (six replicates, 35 days). Rabbits were fed a basal diet without supplements (first group, CON), whilst the other three groups were supplemented with L. acidophilus (LA, 10 & times; 108 CFU/kg of diet), nano-encapsulated Nigella Sativa oil (Nano-NS, 300 mg/kg), or their mixture (NSLA). Adding the NSLA mixture significantly enhanced body weight gain, improved feed conversion ratio, increased carcase weight, and reduced mortality rate. Additionally, the NSLA supplementation increased trypsin activity and improved nutrient digestibility, particularly of crude fibre and protein. Furthermore, dietary inclusion of the NSLA mixture decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), besides increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and triiodothyronine (T3) levels. Reduced counts of pathogenic bacteria, increased concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and upregulated expression of mucin-2 (MUC-2), sodium-glucose cotransporter-1 (SGLT-1), and cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) genes in rabbits fed NSLA mixture. We conclude that a dietary supplementation with a combination of nano-encapsulated Nigella Sativa oil and L. acidophilus can effectively mitigate the negative impacts of heat stress in growing rabbits.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease of global concern owing to its economic and zoonotic importance. Bibliometric analysis is an essential tool for assessing articles and other publications in literature. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of global trends research on rabies in the 21st century. By 1st of May 2025, the data were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). VOSviewer software was used to present the network among studies for each item under study, with an emphasis on the top-ten outcomes for each item. Co-occurrence analysis, citation analysis, and bibliographic coupling were performed. In total, 12,404 articles were included in the bibliometric analysis. Results revealed that author Rupprecht C. was the most productive author (340, 2.74%), and the publications in 2021 (770, 6.2%) were at the forefront. The United States Department of Health Human Services was the top funding agency (999, 8.05%) and the USA was the top nation in publications (3870, 31.19%). The highest publications in WoS categories were collected from Veterinary Sciences (2399, 19.34%). Research articles were the most abundant form (9240, 74.5%). Citation indicated that the paper by Hampson et al. (2015) was the most cited paper with a total citation of 1260 and an average citation of 105 per year. The findings of this bibliometric analysis can be used to determine the potential future for the prevention and control of rabies, as they show an increasing number of studies on rabies in animals and humans, which is indicative of its alarming resurgence.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of early feeding with probiotic-fermented feed on growth performance, intestinal microbiota structure, immune responses, and gene expression. Two hundred and forty-one-day-old African ostrich chicks were randomly divided into three groups (eight replicates/group). The control group was fed a basal diet (CON), whereas the PELF3 and PELF6 groups were fed the probiotic-fermented feed for the first 3 or 6 days post-hatching, respectively, after which, all chicks were fed the basal diet for 56 days. The results showed that adding PELF3 or PELF6 significantly enhanced body weight gain and the feed conversion ratio. Chicks fed PELF had higher superoxide dismutase (SOD, p < 0.05), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IL-10 levels and lower IL-6 and malondialdehyde (MDA, p < 0.05) levels than those fed CON. Plasma cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine, uric acid, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decreased; however, high-density lipoprotein (HDL, p < 0.05) levels increased in the PELF groups. The addition of PELF reduced the pathogenic counts in the intestines of chicks (p < 0.05). Moreover, increased expression of IGF-1 and MUC-2 genes was observed in the PELF3 and PELF6 groups, whereas the expression of SLC15A1 increased in the PELF6 group. In conclusion, growth performance, immunity, gene expression, oxidative stability, and gut microbiota can all be significantly enhanced by early feeding with PELF. This study demonstrated an effective technique for applying early feeding of PELF in ostrich chicks.
Tendon injuries represent a significant clinical challenge because of their poor vascularity and limited intrinsic healing potential. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the regenerative efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles (MVs), and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) in promoting Achilles tendon repair in a rabbit model. Thirty-six adult New Zealand rabbits were assigned to four groups: untreated control, (0.5 mL of 0.2% sterile dispersion), (1 mL gel injected twice within one week), and A-PRF (membrane applied at surgery) groups. Standardized full-thickness Achilles tendon defects were surgically induced. The animals were euthanized at 2, 4, and 6 weeks via sedation with xylazine (5 mg/kg) followed by thiopental sodium (100 mg/kg IV). Histopathological healing scores and the mRNA expression of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β and IL-10) genes were analyzed via real-time PCR. Treatment resulted in the most advanced histological remodeling by week 6, characterized by continuous, well-aligned collagen fibers, minimal inflammation, and normalized cellularity. Compared with the control groups, both the ZnONPs and MVs groups presented significant downregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and concurrent upregulation of TGF-β and IL-10 (p < 0.05). Compared with ZnONPs, A-PRF induced early vascularization and fibroblast proliferation but delayed collagen maturation. ZnONPs exhibited the greatest capacity to accelerate tendon regeneration through the modulation of inflammatory mediators and collagen synthesis, suggesting their potential as cost-effective biomaterials for tendon repair.
Babesiosis is a major tick-borne disease causing significant economic losses in livestock, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of Babesia spp. infection in water buffaloes and to identify associated risk factors. A total of 400 examined buffaloes were screened using PCR assay and epidemiological data were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. The overall prevalence of babesiosis was 16%. Sex and locality showed no significant association with infection (P > 0.05). In contrast, age and season significantly influenced prevalence, with higher infection rates observed in buffaloes older than 4 years (29.17%) and during the summer season (28.83%). Buffaloes in contact with cattle, those infested with ticks, and animals not receiving acaricide treatment exhibited significantly higher prevalence rates. Multivariable analysis identified age (>4 years; OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.8-12.7), summer season (OR = 6.3, 95% CI: 2.4-16.7), contact with cattle (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.4-10.1), tick infestation (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.4), and absence of acaricide application (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4-5.7) as significant predictors of infection (P < 0.05). The findings highlight the important role of tick infestation, mixed-species rearing, and inadequate tick control in the epidemiology of babesiosis in water buffaloes. Implementation of integrated tick control strategies and improved management practices is essential to reduce the burden of babesiosis in endemic areas.
The objective of the present meta-analysis was to get a conclusion about the diagnostic value of urine protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). According to the guidelines of the PRISMA statement, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Sage and google scholar were searched. Standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio (OR), and confidence interval (CI at 95