Whereas reproducibility of studies is a prerequisite for trustworthy deep learning (DL) in veterinary histopathology and microscopy, the actual degree of methodological transparency that exists in the literature remains uncertain. We performed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-guided systematic review to quantify the degree to which supervised DL and supervised machine learning studies report reproducibility-critical details. Using a veterinary-journal-restricted Boolean search executed in PubMed and Scopus, we screened 180 unique records and included 50 primary research articles for full-text analysis. Based on a recently published guideline for the development of DL models in veterinary pathology, we extracted information for each study across 5 dimensions: (1) study and task characterization, (2) data transparency, (3) experimental design and data-leakage control, (4) model and training details, and (5) performance evaluation and reporting. Among the included studies, private data sets predominated, with 90% of studies relying on private data. Sharing of code was uncommon (3%). Key training details such as augmentation and hyperparameters were often incompletely reported; augmentation was not reported in 56% of studies, and key hyperparameters were absent in 40% of studies. It was often not clear whether patient-level stratification (necessary to avoid data leakage) was performed. In summary, these results highlight major deficits in the reporting of details and experimental design necessary for reproducing DL results in veterinary histopathology. This review provides a practical baseline and reporting roadmap to support more transparent and reproducible research in veterinary computational pathology.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix/Per-ARNT-Sim (bHLH-PAS) family of transcription factors involved in responding to various environmental, metabolic, and chemical signals. Initially known for its involvement in neurodevelopment, ARNT2 is now recognized as an essential binding partner for other transcription factors, including single-minded homologs 1 and 2 (SIM1, SIM2), neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (NPAS4), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1), and plausibly Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) to regulate stress adaptation, synaptic plasticity, immune signaling, and energy balance pathways. The role of ARNT2 has also been implicated in a plethora of pathologies, including inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, and cancers. This review summarizes the current knowledge of ARNT2's structure, regulation, interacting partners, and its toxicopathological significance. A better understanding of ARNT2 biology may open new avenues for its characterization as a molecular target and designing novel therapeutic strategies across multiple diseases.
The One Health approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health; however, its relationship to the emotional bond between elderly pet guardians and veterinary professionals remains underexplored. Understanding this dynamic is essential for promoting animal welfare and owners' well-being. To evaluate the emotional bond between elderly pet guardians and animal health professionals within the One Health framework. This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to February 2024 at the Veterinary Hospital HVU of UFRPE. Participants included 66 older elderly owners (>60 years) seeking veterinary care and all hospital professionals. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed descriptively, including the frequency distribution of absolute and relative data. Most guardians were women (62.1%), aged 60-69 years (77.7%), and 89.3% owned dogs. Additionally, 60.6% had pets for over 5 years, and 77.3% were first-time owners. A strong emotional bond was observed, with 92.4% reporting improved mental health due to pet companionship. Despite this, 65.5% were unaware of the One Health concept, though all expressed interest in learning more about vaccination, parasite control, and emotional health improvement linking animals, people, and their environment. Among professionals, 100% recognized the emotional dependence of guardians on pets, and 53.1% considered this bond beneficial. Elderly pet guardians demonstrate a strong emotional connection with their animals, which positively impacts their mental health. However, knowledge of One Health is limited, underscoring the need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance awareness and support holistic well-being in this population.
Rabies remains a major neglected disease, causing tens of thousands of deaths annually in endemic regions. Cell culture-based assays are central to rabies diagnostics and antibody quantification, yet interpretation relies on manual fluorescence image reading, which is labour-intensive, subjective, and difficult to scale. Here, we present, what is to our knowledge, the first AI-based workflow for detecting rabies virus infection in BHK-21 cell cultures and quantifying antibody titres. Three state-of-the-art architectures-ResNet, Swin Transformer V2, and MambaOut-were trained on a large dataset of 2344 fluorescence images (36,822 annotated patches) capturing biological and technical variability. Evaluation at patch, image, and well levels showed MambaOut consistently outperformed other models, achieving 0.996 accuracy, 0.993 F1-score, and 0.999 AUC-ROC at the well level. To assess applicability, models were tested on unseen images from the WHO/WOAH-recommended fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation assay. MambaOut demonstrated complete agreement with ground truth in predicting antibody concentrations, confirming workflow reliability for vaccine assessment and pet travel schemes. These results establish a foundation for AI-assisted rabies diagnostics and open opportunities for applying deep learning to other cell culture-based viral assays. AI-driven automation for high-throughput image analysis offers a scalable and time-efficient solution for diagnostic laboratories, particularly in endemic countries.
Supervised deep learning (DL) receives great interest for automated analysis of microscopic images with an increasing body of literature supporting its potential. The development and testing of those DL models rely heavily on the availability of high-quality, large-scale data sets. However, creating such data sets is a complex and resource-intensive process, often hindered by challenges such as time constraints, domain variability, and risks of bias in image collection and label creation. This review provides a comprehensive guide to the critical steps in data set creation, including (1) image acquisition, (2) selection of annotation software, and (3) annotation creation. For image acquisition, besides ensuring a sufficiently large number, it is important to address sources of image variability (domain shifts), such as those related to slide preparation and digitization, that could lead to algorithmic errors if not adequately represented in the training data. For annotations, key quality criteria are the 3 "C"s: correctness, consistency, and completeness. For mitigation of annotation bias of a single annotator, this review explores advanced annotation methods (eg, computer-assisted annotations). To support data set creators, a standard operating procedure is provided as supplemental material, summarizing all important considerations for data set creation. Furthermore, this article underscores the importance of open data sets in driving innovation and enhancing reproducibility of DL research. By addressing the challenges and offering practical recommendations, this review aims to advance the creation and availability of high-quality, large-scale data sets, ultimately contributing to the development of generalizable and robust DL models for pathology applications.
Surgery has undergone a transformation in recent decades, from open operations to minimally invasive surgery. Significant advancements in technologies like robotic and minimally invasive techniques have led to better outcomes. However, simply enhancing anatomical knowledge and surgical skills has left the field of surgery stuck in a rut. Challenges like cost, training, patient safety, ethics, and global disparities persist. In the knowledge-explosion era, surgical methods have been advanced by the integration of multidisciplinary cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), genetic technologies, bioengineering, and elaborative rehabilitation scheme. Surgeons can more effectively and efficiently handle complicated clinical difficulties, optimize surgical operations, and provide individualized therapies by utilizing the combined power of these technologies, paving the way for reshaping contemporary surgical practices. Here, we overview how these key technological advancements have brought about the advent of "next-generation surgery."
The emergence of Aeromonas salmonicida in swine respiratory disease represents a significant animal health concern with potential public health implications due to the risk of zoonotic antimicrobial resistance transmission. This study aimed to characterize the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of A. salmonicida isolated from pigs with respiratory disease in Jilin Province, China, to assess its potential threat to animal and public health. Between January 2023 and December 2023, 786 pigs with mild respiratory disease were randomly sampled from 19 conveniently selected farms in Jilin Province, China. The presence of one or more mild clinical signs, such as nasal discharge, coughing, labored breathing, lethargy, or anorexia, defines this condition. From these pigs, 13 A. salmonicida strains were isolated from the upper respiratory tracts. The isolates' taxonomic identification was systematically determined through a polyphasic approach. This included 16S rRNA gene sequencing, phylogenetic analyses based on the gyrB and rpoB housekeeping genes, and Average Nucleotide Identity analysis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 21 agents was performed using the CLSI-standardized agar dilution minimum inhibitory concentration assay, with Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 as the quality control. Second-generation sequencing analysis was conducted, followed by a comprehensive screening of antibiotic resistance genes using the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database database (Resistance Gene Identifier module). Antimicrobial susceptibility was interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. All 13 isolates demonstrated complete resistance (13/13, 100.00%) to β-lactams (meropenem, aztreonam, cefazolin, and ampicillin) and sulfonamides (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim). In contrast, all isolates were susceptible to fosfomycin and rifampicin (13/13, 100%). Variable susceptibility to florfenicol was observed (9/13, 69.23%). Genomic analysis revealed the spread of resistance genes (mcr-3.16, cphA5, bla OXA-956) in A. salmonicida. The key mechanisms include enzymatic inactivation and efflux pumps. Biocide resistance genes (qacEdelta1) indicate disinfectant co-selection. No explicitly novel genes were reported; however, emerging variants (e.g., bla OXA-956) were identified. This study provides the first comprehensive antimicrobial resistance profile of porcine-associated A. salmonicida. Our results demonstrated that these bacteria were resistant to almost all commonly used antibiotics. The genes conferring this extensive resistance were located on mobile genetic elements, meaning they can spread to other bacteria, which poses a significant threat to both animal and public health. To address this, we recommend the following: (1) implementing antibiotic susceptibility testing in veterinary practice to guide treatment choices and avoid ineffective drugs; (2) prioritizing prevention through improved farm hygiene and biosecurity to reduce infection rates; and (3) establishing coordinated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental sectors to monitor the spread of these resistant bacteria.
Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) remains a notable zoonotic pathogen that is primarily responsible for abortion in sheep and goats. Despite its veterinary and zoonotic concerns. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of C. abortus in humans and animals in northern and coastal Egypt and the associated risk factors. A total of 196 blood samples of apparently healthy and aborted sheep were collected from different herds in three Egyptian governorates. A total of 242 blood samples were collected from women with a history of abortion admitted at El Shatby Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. The collected samples were serologically tested for specific anti-C. abortus antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay employing the major outer-membrane protein peptide followed by the investigation of various risk factors. Chlamydia abortus Immunoglobulin G (IGg) antibodies could be detected in 12.2% of the sheep examined. Five sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with anti-C. abortus IgG antibody positivity in sheep: breed (X 2 = 27.543; p = 0.000), governorate (X 2 = 33.564; p = 0.000), breeding system (X 2 = 24.298; p = 0.000), pregnancy status (p = 0.003), and history of abortion (p = 0.000). On the other hand, anti-C. abortus IgM antibodies could be detected in the sera of aborted women at a rate of 13.2%. By conducting a Pearson chi-square, a statistically significant association was detected between the infection in aborted women and residence (X 2 = 27.428; p = 0.000), contact with sheep (X 2 = 77.744; p = 0.000), history of miscarriage (X 2 = 22.044; p = 0.000), and time of miscarriage (X 2 = 54.550; p = 0.000). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to address the seroprevalence of C. abortus in humans and the potential risk factors associated with exposure in northern and coastal Egyptian regions. Furthermore, it provides an updated overview of this zoonotic pathogen's seroprevalence among sheep in Northern Egypt.
Numerous infectious agents and risk factors cause diseases of the respiratory system in farm animals. Parainfluenza virus type 3 is a common cause of respiratory tract infections in cattle, sheep, and goats worldwide. The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical and molecular identification, as well as phylogenetic tree analysis of Caprine para influenza virus 3 (CPIV3) in goats in various regions of Al-Najaf, Iraq. During December 2022 and November 2023, 100 nasal swabs showing signs of pneumonia were obtained from two separate goat fields belonging to the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kufa. The quantitative findings were presented as a chi-square test (χ2) was performed to assess the significance of the observed variances. A total of 100 nasal swabs were collected from goats, with CPIV3 possessing a molecular incidence of 38%. The clinical manifestations included fever, cough, difficulty breathing (rapid, short breaths), decreased appetite, and weight loss. There are no significant differences between the three areas of AL-Najaf province and sex (p > 0.05). Infection rates were significantly higher in age groups older than 1 year. A phylogenetic study of the (M) gene in Caprine parainfluenza virus 3 revealed that the local Iraqi isolate accession numbers (OR978482.1-OR978486.1) were found to be closely related to NCBI-BLAST Caprine parainfluenza virus 3 strain JS2013 (KJ850331.1) at a total genetic alteration (0.01%). CPIV-3 is a serious respiratory infection that affects goats all over the world, including Iraq. Clinical manifestations of CPIV-3 infection range from mild respiratory problems to severe pneumonia, causing significant economic losses in the goat industry.
Cockroaches are widely recognized as significant carriers of various infectious and parasitic diseases that affect both animals and humans. They are more than just common pests; they are among the most medically important insects due to their frequent presence in human environments. Understanding the role of cockroaches in disease transmission is crucial, and implementing effective pest control measures is essential. This study focuses on identifying bacterial contaminants present on the surfaces of Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) collected from pig farms. A total of 350 Oriental cockroaches collected from four field populations were examined in this study. Using the Vitek 2 Compact system, a modern platform for rapid and automated phenotypic identification, several bacterial species were isolated. A total of nine bacterial taxa were identified, with Escherichia coli being the predominant species (65.7% of pooled samples), followed by Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Other less frequent isolates included Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp., Serratia marcescens, and Proteus mirabilis. These results demonstrate that B. orientalis from pig farms harbors diverse bacterial contaminants of sanitary and veterinary concern, underlining the need for strict biosecurity and pest control measures to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Stray cats and dogs present serious challenges to public health, safety, animal welfare, and environmental balance in the Gulf region. This paper proposes a unified strategic framework that aligns with the shared climatic, cultural, and legislative characteristics of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Based on a proposed national plan, the document outlines the study's objectives, contributing factors to the phenomenon, estimated number of stray and homeless animals, expected stakeholders, targeted locations, control strategy, project timeline, required materials and supplies, estimated budget, workforce structure, operational system, animal monitoring methods, tracking mechanism, animal utilization (during life and post-mortem), success factors, and official regulatory forms. The strategy aims to establish an effective balance between population control and humane treatment in accordance with international veterinary and ethical standards. It proposes an integrated system involving monitoring, capture, sheltering, public awareness, and sustainable management solutions.
Sperm morphology assessment is related to the ejaculate quality, which varies in males and breeds. Routine microscopy does not accurately assess deeper morphological or cryodamage. Comparative quality assessment of indigenous and exotic breed spermatozoa is yet to be characterized under high-resolution microscopy. This study aimed to identify dimensional, deeper morphological, and cryodamage differences in the fresh and frozen sperm of Indian and exotic pig breeds. Fresh and frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa of indigenous (Ghungroo) and exotic (Large White Yorkshire) breeds were used to estimate the deep morphological abnormalities, morphometry, and cryodamage using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used for data analysis. Under phase contrast microscopy, the quality parameters of fresh semen were found to be within acceptable limits, showing no significant differences (p > 0.05) except for volume and concentration between the two breeds. Furthermore, the quality after thawing was subpar in both breeds. In the examination under SEM, the morphometric dimensions of spermatozoa from the indigenous breed were found to be non-significantly (p > 0.05) lower, with the exception of midpiece width and the perimeter of cytoplasmic droplets, compared to those from the exotic breed. Among the deep morphological abnormalities observed in fresh semen, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was noted between the indigenous and exotic breeds for damaged acrosomal crescent, extruded acrosomal vesicle, cracks on the acrosome, bent tails, fragmented tails, plasma membrane damages (on the head and tail), and multiple vesicles (on the head, midpiece, and tail). Extensive cryodamage was noted after thawing, with significant differences (p < 0.05) in misshapen heads, multiple vesicles on the head, and damage to the acrosomal membrane, crescent, and tail membrane between the indigenous and exotic breeds. SEM is better for assessing deeper sperm morphological abnormalities or cryodamage. Indigenous breed spermatozoa were similar to their exotic counterparts in terms of morphometric dimensions, structural integrity, and cryoresilience. This study opened newer opportunities in semen testing for the early detection of fertility or subfertility for the evaluation of boar breeding soundness.
Silymarin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antimicrobial properties that are superior to those of traditional treatments. These properties will enhance the further use of this medicinal plant in the veterinary field. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of silymarin against sheep bacterial pneumonia using clinical, biochemical, and metabolomics approaches. Fifty adult male Barki sheep were divided into two groups based on their health status. Group 1 included healthy sheep (n = 10); group 2 included sick sheep with clinical evidence of pneumonia (n = 40), which were further classified into four subgroups based on treatment protocols: subgroup 1 received traditional treatment; subgroup 2 received traditional treatment plus 280 mg of silymarin orally daily; subgroup 3 (SG3) received 280 mg of silymarin orally daily; and subgroup 4 received 560 mg of silymarin orally daily. Efficacy-directed distinction between therapeutic groups was accomplished based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-generated serum metabolite profiles supported by partial least squares regression analysis (PLS). The PLS score plot showed a clear discrimination between the healthy and pneumonic sheep groups that exhibited lower concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and glucose, but significantly elevated liver enzyme, urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Clinical evaluations demonstrated that oral administration of 560 mg of silymarin produced the most rapid clinical improvement. However, metabolomic profiling indicated that 280 mg silymarin (SG3) therapy provided the most favorable therapeutic outcome, as it was strongly associated with the upregulation of TAC, glucose, and both total and HDL-cholesterol levels. Pneumonic sheep treated with silymarin (560 and 280 mg) exhibited greater clinical, metabolomic, and biochemical improvement than those treated with traditional treatment alone.
Sonographic measurement of the renal pelvis is often used in the diagnosis and management of ureteral obstruction. However, much of the veterinary literature fails to detail the measurement techniques utilized. This study of renal pelvis assessment methods aimed to compare the interobserver variability of subjective assessments with that of standardized, objective measurements. Sonographic images of the renal pelvis from 15 cats with fluoroscopically confirmed ureteral obstruction were reviewed by six independent observers using 11 methods. Subjective (3) and objective (8) assessments of renal pelvic size in the dorsal, sagittal and transverse planes were created (45 images). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess interobserver agreement for each measurement method. A two-way random effect model and a single rater (quantitative) and Fleiss (categorical) kappa were calculated. Subjective assessment methods had the lowest interobserver agreement in every plane (transverse: κ = 0.326, sagittal: κ = 0.311, dorsal: κ = 0.473). The standardized measurements with the highest interobserver agreement measured the distance between the renal crest and the ureter in dorsal (ICC = 0.91) and transverse planes (ICC = 0.907). Subjective assessment of pyelectasia is variable, and standardized measurements should be used when sonographically assessing renal pelvic size. Consistent use of the method with the greatest interobserver agreement is likely to improve comparability between studies and ensure appropriate implementation of their findings in a clinical setting.
Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) in cats are generally regarded as benign skin tumors with low metastatic potential. However, rare cases of aggressive behavior and metastasis, primarily in the context of facial lesions, have been reported. A 12-year-old neutered male Scottish Fold cat presented with a chronic, non-healing ulcer on the left hock. The initial excision lacked a histopathological diagnosis, and the lesion recurred. Biopsy of the lesion confirmed basal cell carcinoma. Despite limb amputation with clear margins and no regional lymph node involvement, distant cutaneous nodules appeared 6 months later and were histologically confirmed as metastatic BCC with lymphatic and perineural invasion. Wide-margin resections and systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin were performed; however, further lesions developed, and the cat succumbed to progressive disease. This case highlights a rare and aggressive variant of feline BCC arising outside the head and neck region. The lesion demonstrated metastatic spread, perineural and lymphatic invasion, and a poor response to treatment. Early histopathological evaluation of chronic skin ulcers is essential, and recognition of aggressive subtypes may facilitate more effective clinical management.
The bacteriological and histopathological study of Raoultella planticola in local rabbits is not presented in previous research. There is no specific information about studying this bacterium in local rabbits.Hypothesis: The present study was based on bacteriological and histopathological changes in the trachea and lungs of local rabbits, as the samples were collected from 50 unhealthy local rabbits that appeared to be suffering from respiratory signs. To study the bacteria that were isolated for the first time from sheep suffering from respiratory infections, and diagnose them through VITEk2. We injected the isolated bacteria into (50) group of local rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and studied the histopathological changes in the trachea and lungs. Due to their similar morphological characteristics, our investigation reported this bacterium as Gram-negative rods. Then used the VITEK2 system to confirm the species of bacteria (93% Probability). The animals clinically showed results (dullness with nasal and ocular discharge and cough). Then, euthanasia was performed to sacrifice animals seven days post-infection. The trachea and lungs were used in a histopathological study using routine Hematoxylin and Eosin stained. In this study, emphysema and bronchitis are often grouped under the heading of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Raoultella planticola infections are uncertain, and further studies are required. The previous difficulties in the identification of R. planticola may be explained by the introduction of more detailed identification techniques, which are explained in the present study. The conclusion of this study also provides that Raoultella planticola causes mild to moderate emphysema in local rabbits.
Peronema canescens Jack is a botanical with immunostimulant and immunosuppressive properties that is capable of modulating the immune system. The immunomodulatory properties of fractions from et leaves, specifically the fraction made from ethyl acetate (PcEA), n-butanol solvent (PcB), and water solvent (PcW) solvents, were evaluated in vitro and then characterized using Fourier transform infrared. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gene expression were used to analyze the fraction with the best immunomodulatory activity. Peronema canescens was extracted in 96% ethanol. A liquid-liquid partitioning method yielded PcEA, PcB, and PcW. After testing RAW 264.7 cells for immunomodulation, FT-IR characterization was performed. The fractions with the highest immunomodulatory activity metabolites were identified using GC-MS and gene expression profiling. Three replicates were prepared for each parameter assay. All fractions at 3.1 to 50 µg/ml concentrations exhibited no toxicity to RAW 264.7 cells in the viability assay. The phagocytic capacity assay showed that all fractions significantly improved phagocytosis compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Three fractions at 1.56 µg/ml significantly enhanced nitric oxide (NO) release relative to the untreated group (p < 0.05). In contrast, PcEA at 3.13 µg/ml tended to lower NO production than the control (p > 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production revealed that all fractions at all doses significantly increased in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production of PcEA at 25 and 50 µg/ml concentrations did not differ substantially from the control (p > 0.05). Interleukin-10 (IL-10) production of PcEA at 25 and 50 µg/ml concentrations, and PcB at 12.5 µg/ml, was significantly elevated compared to the control (p < 0.05). The GC-MS analysis of PcEA revealed eight chemicals, including terpenoids, steroids, fatty acids, and siloxane. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 gene expression demonstrate that PcEA modulates the immune system. PcEA has potential as an immunomodulatory agent in vitro. Future research should focus on the isolation and purification of the identified compound and in vivo and mechanistic studies to confirm its therapeutic potential.
The buffalo rumen microbiome is enriched in functional genes, notably those encoding beta-glucosidase, which participate in polysaccharide breakdown. However, the characterization of enzymes and the application of buffalo rumen in biomass fermentation remain underdeveloped. This study aimed to elucidate the enzymatic profile of buffalo rumen microbiota and assess the effect of heat of ammonia-based pretreatment combined with enzymatic hydrolysis isolated from buffalo ruminal fluid in rice straw to produce bioethanol. A factorial experiment was performed with heat (H) and enzyme (E) combinations. The treatment was as follows: (1) no heat and commercial enzyme (H0E1), (2) heat and commercial enzyme (H1E1), (3) no heat and buffalo rumen enzyme (H0E2), and (4) heat and buffalo rumen enzyme (H1E2) with three replications. The enzyme activity, glucose, and ethanol levels were measured. Beta-glucosidase enzyme was the highest activity (64.23 ± 12.37 U/g) in buffalo rumen fluid. The activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase, and exoglucanase were 50.36 ± 8.05, 17.44 ± 5.95, and 0.20 ± 0.03 U/g, respectively. The interaction treatments impacted (p < 0.01) the glucose production. H1E1 treatment had the highest glucose content (193.94 ± 14.51 g/L) among all treatments. Moreover, the glucose level in the H0E1 group was higher than that in the H0E2 and H1E2 groups (102.96 ± 27.59 vs. 0.91 ± 0.15 and 1.32 ± 0.37 g/L, respectively). The combination treatments had no effect (p > 0.05) on ethanol production. Heat treatment did not (p > 0.05) influence the ethanol content. However, enzyme treatment affected (p < 0.01) the ethanol level. The ethanol production in the H0E1 and H1E1 groups (0.55% ± 0.13% and 0.99% ± 0.02% v/v) was higher than the ethanol content in the H0E2 and H1E2 treatments (0.19% ± 0.11% and 0.28% ± 0.10% v/v). Buffalo rumen-derived cellulase can convert cellulose in rice straw into glucose. However, the glucose content in the buffalo rumen enzyme treatment was lower than that of the commercial enzyme.
Heart diseases are common in dogs, geriatric, overweight, to obese individuals, with metabolic problems, lack of nutrition, and breed problems. NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) are selected for the diagnosis of heart damage in early detection. Both of these biomarkers have another function. This study compared NT-proBNP with cTnI for the early detection of cardiac diseases in dogs. This study compared NT-proBNP with cTnI levels for the early detection of cardiac diseases in dogs. A total of five dogs of various breeds, ages, sexes, and body weights were included. All animals underwent a comprehensive diagnostic workup, including a thorough history and physical examination, cardiorespiratory auscultation, and laboratory diagnostics. These diagnostics include blood pressure measurement, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography, which are performed on every patient, and biomarker levels used a commercial kit rapid test (®Flash test). Four dogs had a cardiac troponin I level of >0.1 ng/ml (abnormal), and 1 dog has a normal cTnI level, but four dogs had a normal NT-proBNP level ≤ 2 ng/ml, but 1 dog has an abnormal level. Every dog has laboratory results based on blood pressure, electrocardiography, X-ray, and echocardiography per case. Based on cardiographic results relevant with cTnI that more sensitive if asymptomatic patients rather than NT-proBNP. cTnI is more sensitive than NT-proBNP, supported by other laboratory examinations to establish a more accurate diagnosis. However, a larger number of case samples is needed to draw a more accurate diagnosis.
Alopecia X is characterized by non-inflammatory hair loss and is commonly observed in dogs with double coats and dense undercoats. The exact cause of alopecia X remains unknown, and its complex etiology and diverse responses to treatment make it challenging for veterinarians to manage. An 8-year-old Chihuahua (male, unneutered, weight 4.1 kg) with significant hair loss presented to our clinic. The owner declined to provide a definitive diagnosis; consequently, based on a physical examination and a series of questions, a diagnosis of suspected alopecia was made. Horse placenta extract, taurine, and vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B5, and B6) were administered as nonpharmacological therapies. Following a 66-day supplementation regimen, a marked improvement in hair coat coverage was observed, with the back, sides, and abdomen exhibiting near-full-coat coverage. No adverse events were observed during the supplementation period. Supplementation was terminated following an enhancement in coat condition, and no hair loss was observed during a 76-week follow-up period. The combination of supplements from different categories may be a novel treatment option for owners who wish to pursue non-invasive treatment for alopecia in their dogs.