3D teaching, including various types of mixed and virtual reality, are increasingly being used in anatomy, including on veterinary programs. In this study we compared the use of 3D mixed reality holographic technology and a 2D PowerPoint teaching resource to investigate the proof of concept of the usability and efficacy of the 3D technology. The anatomical area of the equine sinuses was the subject matter. The study design involved a series of questionnaires and tests delivered before and after the students used the learning resource. First-year veterinary students were randomly allocated to either the 3D or 2D group. Spatial ability and cognitive load were measured before, and cognitive load, task load, a 10-question spot test, and motion sickness (3D group only) were measured after. All students provided feedback via a short survey. The 2D group performed better in the spot test than the 3D group (t16.33 = -3.19, p < .05). No differences were noted for task load (p > .05) nor in the overall cognitive load (3D: V = 31.5, p = .2767, 2D: V = 23.5, p = .706); however, more participants in the 3D group exhibited a reduced cognitive load. Limited motion sickness symptoms were reported by participants in the 3D group. Qualitative findings from the survey demonstrated that the 2D group indicated difficulty in converting from 2D to 3D, and that the 3D group enjoyed the possibility of moving around the hologram. These findings demonstrate that the 3D mixed reality holographic technology had reasonable usability as a teaching resource, but future work is required into the efficacy of such technology for learning.
Cases of levamisole overdose without coingestants in human subjects are rare. Existing knowledge of human toxicity depends in part on records of adverse events of therapeutic use such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and rarer central nervous system effects. Much of our knowledge also comes from levamisole's role as an adulterant in cocaine, where it is known to have immune modulatory properties and is associated with vasculitis. The few cases of levamisole-only toxicity are either non-fatal or lack clinical details. We present the first case of a fatal, oral ingestion of levamisole in a patient who presented alive with clinical symptoms and had treatment documented. The patient's early symptoms included nausea, vomiting, tremors, and visual changes. Following this, the patient experienced bradycardia followed by pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest. This presentation was consistent with what would be expected of the pharmacodynamic effects of levamisole as a nicotinic agonist. Levamisole's presence was confirmed by post-mortem confirmatory testing, with a recorded femoral blood concentration of 19,000 ng/mL. The clinical picture and post-mortem testing were consistent with the cause of death as levamisole overdose.
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Despite being a popular pet, rabbits often suffer poor welfare including lack of veterinary healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to veterinary services and the cost of living crisis further increased the financial burden of pet ownership. This study investigated preventative veterinary healthcare uptake among rabbit owners before and after COVID-19. Data were utilised from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report surveys conducted between 2018 and 2023. Interrupted time series analysis was used to explore preventative veterinary healthcare provision before and after COVID-19, split by area deprivation levels. Binary logic regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between preventative veterinary healthcare provision and factors including owner demographics, experience of rabbit ownership, pre-acquisition research, source and reason for acquisition, rabbit housing, and companionship. In high deprivation areas, booster vaccination uptake declined at the start of the pandemic, with only partial recovery, while microchipping and worming uptake declined significantly post-COVID-19. In low deprivation areas, booster vaccination and veterinary registration were disrupted by the onset of the pandemic, with only partial recovery in booster vaccination uptake, while veterinary registrations returned to their pre-COVID-19 trend. Owners above median income reported feeling well informed on their rabbit's welfare needs. Seeking pre-acquisition advice, acquiring a rabbit from a rescue centre and housing with another rabbit were associated with higher uptake of preventative veterinary healthcare both before and after COVID-19. These findings can inform veterinary professionals, animal welfare charities, breeders and pet shop staff in developing strategies to promote the health and welfare of pet rabbits.
As the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) escalates globally, the influence of indiscriminate antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock cannot be overlooked. Antimicrobial use practices are continually explored in larger food-producing animals; however, small ruminants (sheep and goats) receive comparatively less research attention. Our study addresses this gap by investigating small ruminant production practices in Nigeria and exploring how they affect the use of antimicrobials and alternatives. We adopted a mixed-methods study design. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 785 farmers. Following this, a focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with 23 small ruminant industry stakeholders, which included farmers, para-veterinarians, and butchers. Participants were split into three round tables, with 7-8 participants per table. Of questionnaire respondents, 68% of farmers never vaccinated their flock against peste de petits ruminants (PPR) nor contagious caprine pleuropneumonia virus. Several health problems were regularly experienced by animals, including PPR, mastitis, and dermatophilosis. Diseases were mostly self-managed with antibiotics and herbs (> 70%) rather than through reliance on veterinary care (< 15%). More farmers (48%) used antibiotics than herbal remedies (14%) over the previous three months. Farmers' use of herbs was affected by their having low awareness of available options and how to use them appropriately. Perceived effectiveness also influenced farmers' choice between antibiotics and herbs, while economic considerations also led them to sell off sick animals before or during treatment. Among farmers who used animal health services, more farmers (59%) consulted unlicensed para-veterinarians and drugstore vendors rather than licensed government and private veterinarians (36%), a disparity attributed to the unavailability of qualified veterinary doctors. Most farmers had poor knowledge (62%), attitudes (47%), and practices (43%) towards AMU and AMR. We recommend conducting further studies to identify and investigate the efficacy of currently used herbs in treating common diseases. There is a crucial need to improve farmers' access to vaccines, veterinary care, and laboratory diagnostics. Barriers that hinder better compliance with regulations that govern the use of non-prescribed antimicrobials should be explored. Awareness programmes could be conducted to improve farmers' awareness of AMR and appropriate disease preventive practices.
Veterinary infections caused by anthropophilic dermatophytes are extremely rare and, until now, have mainly involved Trichophyton rubrum. The present investigation documents 22 cases of positive culture for the anthropophilic dermatophyte species T. tonsurans in companion animals identified in France from 2021 to 2025. Trichophyton tonsurans was isolated from 13 cats and 9 dogs. Eleven animals showed symptomatic infection, whereas the others were asymptomatic carriers. Contamination most likely followed owner-to-animal transmission, suggesting a new route of spread for T. tonsurans, an increasingly reported species. Patients infected with T. tonsurans should therefore be informed of the risk of transmission to their companion animals. We report 22 unusual cases of positive culture for the anthropophilic dermatophyte species Trichophyton tonsurans in companion animals identified in France from 2021 to 2025.
Pentobarbitone is a short-acting barbiturate central nervous system depressant used primarily for veterinary anaesthesia and euthanasia. Pentobarbitone has recognised clinical uses, including in anaesthesia and management of refractory seizures but may also be encountered in cases of intentional overdose. This report presents the case of a patient who ingested pentobarbitone and required mechanical ventilation for 6 days. Pentobarbitone and a barbiturate test kit were later found in the patient's home. Blood analysis revealed pentobarbitone concentrations of 91, 56 and 19 mg/L at 11, 59 and 107 hours post-ingestion, respectively. Following intensive supportive care, the patient made a full recovery. The case describes coma, respiratory failure and barbiturate-associated skin and vascular complications, with diagnosis delayed due to the agent's absence from standard hospital drug screens. As pentobarbitone may not cross-react with common phenobarbitone assays, rapid access to comprehensive toxicological analysis is critical for identifying uncommon toxicities and guiding timely clinical and public health responses. This case highlights that pentobarbitone toxicity may mimic severe neurological injury and may not be detected on routine hospital toxicology screening.
Assess in vitro efficacy of a device emitting 265 nm UVC light against bacteria isolated from veterinary infectious keratitis. Twenty-seven clinically-derived bacterial isolates: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 10; including n = 2 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius [MRSP]), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 1), Streptococcus canis (n = 4), Escherichia coli (n = 4, including n = 2 multidrug-resistant isolates), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 7) and Serratia marcescens. (n = 1), and three type culture strains (n = 1 E. coli, S. aureus, S. pseudintermedius) were lawn cultured. Prototype UVC device (2.50 mW/cm2 intensity, 23 mm diameter beam) provided triplicate exposures at 1, 2, 3, and 5 s, and plates incubated (37°C, 16-20 h). All experiments were performed in duplicate (n = 6 treatment zones per timepoint, per isolate). Absence of growth in all exposed areas at any time demonstrated complete UVC inhibition; presence of growth was categorized as < 10 or ≥ 10 colonies. UVC inhibition was complete in 11/30 isolates at ≤ 5 s exposure. Partial efficacy was seen in 18/19 remaining isolates at 5 s; ≥ 33% zones demonstrated absence of bacterial growth. Efficacy against MDR-MRSP and MDR-E. coli was comparable to susceptible counterparts. All P. aeruginosa were completely inhibited at ≤ 5 s; the S. marcescens isolate was least susceptible with ≥ 10 bacterial colonies within 50% zones after 5 s. Five seconds of UVC exposure is sufficient to markedly reduce growth of most bacterial species, including MDR-isolates and completely inhibit P. aeruginosa in vitro. These findings support further controlled in vivo safety and efficacy studies of UVC as an adjunct to topical antibiotics in companion animal infectious keratitis.
LINE-1 (long interspersed nuclear element-1) is a family of related class I transposable elements in the DNA that is dispersed throughout the entire genome and the study of its methylation pattern is used in the understanding of several neoplasms. Canine mast cell tumors represent a frequent cutaneous neoplasm in veterinary practice presenting different degrees of malignancy and being classified according to their histological differentiation. In view of the current scientific scarcity of information in relation to the epigenetic pattern of neoplasms in domestic animals, this study aimed to verify whether there is correlation between the methylation pattern of LINE-1 with the different grading of canine mast cell tumors according to Kiupel classification. DNA and RNA were extracted from paraffinized healthy and neoplastic (classified as low-grade and high-grade) tissue samples using the phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol and TRIzol® methods, respectively. LINE-1 methylation pattern and expression were quantified by qPCR. A higher LINE-1 expression was observed in neoplasms characterized with a higher degree of malignancy in relation to healthy samples and tumors with a lower degree of malignancy. It was also noted hypomethylation of the LINE-1 promoter region in both neoplastic mast cell tumor grades in relation to the healthy tissue, but no significant difference was found between low-grade and high-grade groups. Thus, high-grade tumors presented higher expression of LINE-1, suggesting the potential use of LINE-1 as a biomarker of genomic instability.
To report the proportion, pathogenic bacterial isolates (PBIs), and colonization rate of open, appendicular fractures in dogs and cats. To evaluate whether the time to antibiotic administration and to definitive surgical debridement was associated with colonization rate, number of PBIs, complication rate, or complication severity. The electronic medical records of patients transferred to a veterinary referral center's surgery department between September 2019 and August 2024 were reviewed. Data were collected for all dogs and cats transferred with fractures. All cases with open fractures were included for bacterial isolate and antibiotic susceptibility reporting and statistical analysis. 466 dogs and cats were transferred for fracture management. Open fractures occurred in 44 of 357 dogs (12%) and 11 of 70 cats (16%) with appendicular fractures. Thirty-two dogs and 6 cats were included for statistical analysis and had culture results reported. Twenty-one fractures grew 42 PBIs from 15 genera. The most frequently cultured isolates included 22 Enterobacterales and 9 Enterococcus sp. There was an increased frequency of gram-negative aerobes compared to human medicine. There was a 47% complication rate including 3 minor, 13 major, and 1 catastrophic complication. Open fractures in dogs and cats appeared to be colonized with a higher proportion of gram-negative aerobes than human patients. Empiric antibiotic therapy for open fractures in dogs and cats should cover gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes. Monotherapy with penicillins or cephalosporins may not provide sufficient antibiotic coverage due to frequent resistance.
Adropin, a peptide hormone encoded by the Energy Homeostasis Associated (Enho) gene, is involved in regulating food intake, energy homeostasis, and diverse metabolic functions; it is predominantly produced in the liver and brain and exerts its effects on both central and peripheral tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of intracerebroventricular (ICV) adropin administration on food intake and its interactions with NPY and melanocortin systems. This research encompassed 6 experiments organized into 4 distinct groups. In experiment 1, chickens received ICV injections of saline or adropin (0.5, 1, and 2 µg). In experiment 2, birds received ICV injection of saline, B5063 (NPY1 receptor antagonist, 1.25 µg), adropin (2 µg) and co-injection of the B5063 + adropin. Experiments 3 to 6 mirrored the methodology of experiment 2, with the sole modifications being the substitution of B5063 with SF22 (NPY2 receptor antagonist, 1.25 µg), SML0891 (NPY5 receptor antagonist, 1.25 µg), SHU9119 (MC3/MC4 receptor antagonist, 0.5 nmol) and MCL0020 (MC4 receptor antagonist, 0.5 nmol). At 30, 60, and 120 min subsequent to ICV injection, cumulative food intake was evaluated. Adropin produced a significant reduction in food intake in a dose-responsive manner compared with control animals (p < 0.05). Co-injection of B5063 alongside adropin intensified the hypophagic response elicited by adropin (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the anorexigenic response triggered by adropin was negated when SHU9119 and MCL0020 were given alongside it (p < 0.05). Adropin-mediated suppression of feeding was unaffected by the administration of SF22 and SML0891 (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the NPY1, MC3, and MC4 receptors contribute to the hypophagic response triggered by adropin.
Cystic ovarian follicles (COF) are a major reproductive disorder in cows, leading to impaired fertility and substantial economic losses. The pathogenesis of COF is multifactorial and involves neuroendocrine dysregulation as well as local ovarian dysfunction. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in follicular development and granulosa cell function. In this study investigated the expression levels of miR-21, miR-93, and BMPR2 in cystic ovarian follicles. The study examined healthy (n = 35) and cystic (n = 35) ovarian tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression levels of miR-21, miR-93, and BMPR2 in bovine cystic ovarian follicles and to investigate their potential association with the cystic ovarian condition. Histopathological evaluation confirmed characteristic degenerative changes in cystic follicles, including thinning and sparse cellularity of the granulosa layer and atrophic alterations of the theca layer. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed significantly higher expression levels of miR-21 (p = 0.013) and miR-93 (p < 0.001) in cystic ovarian tissues compared with healthy controls, whereas BMPR2 expression did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.725). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated moderate discriminative power for miR-21 (AUC = 0.672) and high discriminative performance for miR-93 (AUC = 0.899). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between miR-93 and BMPR2 expression in the cystic group, while no significant correlations were observed in healthy ovaries. The findings indicate that miR-21 and miR-93 are upregulated in bovine cystic ovarian follicles, with miR-93 showing superior diagnostic potential compared with miR-21. The positive association between miR-93 and BMPR2 expression in cystic ovaries suggests a possible involvement of miR-93 in BMP-related regulatory pathways during cyst formation.
Cognitive neuroscience research often relies on convenience sampling of participants, which can result in biased sample demographics and an under-representation of older adults. There is a need to identify more effective routes to widen participation among older adults and to explore age-related differences in the motivators and barriers to research involvement. This mixed methods study combined qualitative data from two focus groups, conducted with N = 11 healthy older adults aged 55-73, and an online questionnaire completed by N = 336 adults aged 18-88. Analysis of the focus group discussions identified 3 main themes that were most important to older adults: a) The importance of receiving transparent information about the aims, procedures and safety of the study, b) Distinguishing between medical and non-medical research, and c) Contributing to the "collective good". The questionnaire echoed that altruism, and the prospect of scientific discovery, are increasingly important motivators with advancing age, whereas financial incentives become less important. Older adults have more free time to participate, are less deterred by the prospect of pain, and express more trust in researchers than younger people. Attitudes towards different imaging methods (MRI, EEG, NIBS and Eye tracking) varied, with fewest negative emotions for eye-tracking and most for non-invasive brain stimulation, but positive attitudes generally increased and negative attitudes reduced with age. These findings can inform age-tailored recruitment strategies to improve diversity in neuroimaging research. Improving communication, addressing practical barriers, and framing studies in a meaningful context may help increase participation among groups who are traditionally underrepresented in neuroimaging research.
Arthropod-induced allergic diseases are increasingly recognized as a major global health challenge in the Anthropocene. Climate change, urbanization, and ecological disruption are expanding human exposure to allergenic arthropods, including hematophagous ticks and synanthropic mites, thereby intensifying allergic sensitization and disease burden. In this review, we examine how arthropod-derived molecules disrupt epithelial barrier integrity, activate innate immune pathways, and promote type 2 immune polarization and IgE-mediated sensitization, exemplified by alpha-gal syndrome. We further integrate the epithelial barrier hypothesis with advances in component-resolved diagnostics, AI-assisted precision medicine, and One Health surveillance approaches to provide a systems-level perspective on arthropod allergy. Finally, we highlight emerging translational challenges and future directions for prediction, prevention, and personalized management of arthropod-associated allergic diseases in a rapidly changing environment.
As an abundant fungal colonizer of mammalian skin, Malassezia establishes mutualistic or pathogenic interactions with the host. Here we show that Malassezia furfur promotes skin homeostasis by maintaining epidermal integrity via tryptophan-derived metabolites that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a key regulator of keratinocyte differentiation and inflammation. M. furfur-derived tryptophan derivatives activated AhR in human epidermal equivalents and upregulated proteins important for skin structure and barrier activity in mouse epidermis. In a mouse model of atopic dermatitis, M. furfur colonization with tryptophan supplementation reduced inflammation and restored barrier function, while a fungal mutant defective in indole production was unable to do so. Mice lacking AhR specifically in keratinocytes failed to benefit from M. furfur-mediated barrier protection. These findings establish a previously unrecognized mutualistic role for Malassezia in skin physiology and expand our understanding of the skin microbiota's influence on barrier function and immune regulation.
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is critical for infant health and development during the first six months of life. However, employed mothers often face workplace-related challenges that contribute to EBF cessation before the recommended six months. Evidence specifically examining predictors of EBF cessation among employed mothers in Somalia remains limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of EBF cessation among employed mothers in Mogadishu, Somalia. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Mogadishu, Somalia, from August 20, 2024, to October 20, 2024, among 303 employed mothers with children aged 6-24 months. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling across four occupational categories. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire adapted from World Health Organization infant and young child feeding tools and the Somalia Health and Demographic Survey. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, and crude odds ratios (CORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. The prevalence of EBF cessation was 76.2% (231/303; 95% CI: 70.3%-81.2%). Among mothers with available cessation timing data, the largest proportion stopped EBF in the third month (109/229; 47.6%). In multivariable analysis, flexible working time was associated with lower odds of EBF cessation (AOR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.23-0.96), and family support was strongly protective (AOR = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.03-0.16). Receiving paid maternity leave showed higher odds of EBF cessation but did not reach statistical significance after adjustment (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI: 0.97-6.54). Lactation breaks showed a non-significant protective trend (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.24-1.19). EBF cessation was highly prevalent among employed mothers in Mogadishu. Flexible working time and family support were protective, while paid maternity leave showed a positive but non-significant association with cessation after adjustment, possibly reflecting short leave duration and early return to full-time work. Workplace policies that extend practical maternity protection, improve work flexibility, provide breastfeeding spaces, and strengthen family and employer support are needed.
Xenosurveillance, which uses blood-feeding insects as biological samplers, is an emerging non-invasive approach for monitoring pathogens circulating among humans, livestock, and wildlife. However, its application to livestock-associated bacterial pathogens at human-animal-wildlife interfaces remains underexplored. We investigated whether mosquito blood meals could be used to detect tick-borne bacterial pathogens circulating in livestock in Kenya. We collected 4673 mosquitoes, belonging to Culex, Anopheles, Aedes, Mansonia, and Coquillettidia genera around livestock enclosures in Kajiado and Naivasha counties, Kenya, using CO₂-baited CDC miniature light traps. Traps were selected to maximise species diversity, and as light traps capture fewer engorged mosquitoes than resting traps, only 56 blood-fed individuals (1.2%) were collected and processed as whole-specimen homogenates and analysed for vertebrate blood-meal sources using cytochrome b sequencing. In total, 303 mosquito pools, including blood-fed individuals processed as single-mosquito pools, were screened for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia using PCR-high-resolution melting analysis and confirmatory sequencing. All pathogen-positive detections were exclusively from blood-fed individuals. We detected Anaplasma marginale in Culex pipiens (1/150; 0.7%) and Aedes hirsutus (2/11; 18.2%), Anaplasma sp. in Cx. pipiens (2/150; 1.4%) and Ae. hirsutus (1/11; 9.1%), and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Mansonia africana (2/50; 4%). Pathogen detections showed strong host concordance, where A. marginale was associated with cattle-derived blood meals and Anaplasma sp. with goat-derived blood meals, while Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis was detected in Mn. africana that had fed on cattle and on a host that could not be determined. Our results provide preliminary evidence that mosquito-based xenosurveillance can detect tick-borne bacterial pathogens circulating in livestock at human-wildlife interfaces in Kenya. The strong concordance between pathogen identity and vertebrate host in blood-fed mosquitoes supports the biological plausibility of this approach. Notably, detection of Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis represents the first report of this zoonotic pathogen in mosquitoes in Africa, highlighting the One Health relevance of xenosurveillance in identifying settings, where pathogen circulation and cross-interface feeding coincide. Mosquito-derived sampling has potential to complement existing surveillance tools in agro-pastoral systems, where direct host sampling is difficult or costly.
Fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli is a major global clinical threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. However, the full genomic landscape, including the relative contributions of chromosomal mutations, plasmid-mediated resistance, and the role of high-risk clones, remains poorly characterized in this setting. This study aimed to define the genomic mechanisms, clonal distribution, and genotype-phenotype relationships of fluoroquinolone resistance in clinical E. coli isolates from Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 107 clinical E. coli isolates was conducted. Phenotypic susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid was determined using VITEK 2 and broth microdilution. Whole-genome sequencing was performed, and analysis included detection of quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR) mutations (gyrA, parC, parE) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and phylogenetic analysis. Statistical associations were evaluated using chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests. Ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility was high at 86.0%. Resistance was primarily driven by a conserved chromosomal mutation profile; the combination of gyrA S83L, gyrA D87N, and parC S80I was present in 85 isolates and was associated with ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility in all affected isolates in this cohort. Isolates with only gyrA mutations were resistant to nalidixic acid but susceptible to ciprofloxacin, consistent with a stepwise resistance pathway. In this cohort, the triple QRDR signature (gyrA S83L + gyrA D87N/Y + parC S80I) was a perfect positive predictor of ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility (85/85; 100%). The ST131 lineage dominated, accounting for 21.5% of isolates and universally carrying the complete triple QRDR profile; notably, no ST131 isolate carried a PMQR determinant. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes were detected in 15.0% of isolates but were not independently associated with ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility in this cohort in the absence of concomitant QRDR mutations. Efflux pump genes were ubiquitous and non-predictive. Notably, six isolates, all from urine, were non-susceptible (R/I) despite lacking all known QRDR and PMQR determinants, pointing to uncharacterized mechanisms. In a multivariable logistic regression model that included ST131 status, PMQR carriage, and parE mutation status, ST131 was associated with ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility (adjusted OR 5.96, 95% CI 1.21-29.4, p = 0.028), whereas PMQR carriage was not (adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.18-4.85, p = 0.94). The triple QRDR signature was not included in this model because it perfectly predicted ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility in this cohort. Resistance patterns varied by clinical source, with the highest burden in bloodstream and wound infections. This stepwise hierarchy from first-step gyrA mutations to the classic triple QRDR profile is summarised in the graphical abstract, Fig. 1. Fluoroquinolone resistance in Nigerian clinical E. coli is predominantly driven by chromosomal QRDR mutations within successful clones like ST131. PMQR genes and efflux pumps appeared to play a supplementary role rather than being independent drivers of ciprofloxacin resistance in this cohort. These data support prioritising key QRDR mutations in genomic reporting and local stewardship decisions, while the QRDR-negative resistant urine isolates require further investigation.
Lipid metabolic imbalance is a major contributor to metabolic disorders in humans and livestock, creating an urgent need for safe and effective regulatory approaches. Plant-derived compounds, characterized by favorable bioavailability and low toxicity, serve as promising candidates that regulate host lipid metabolism through dynamic crosstalk with the gut microbiota. This review systematically investigates the bidirectional crosstalk between plant bioactive compounds (e.g., polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins and polyphenols) and the gut microbiota. We detail how gut microbes metabolize these compounds to enhance their bioactivity and bioavailability, while plant extracts reshape microbial community structure to enrich beneficial taxa. Furthermore, we elucidate the mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism regulation, focusing on three critical signaling pathways: (1) SCFAs-GPR43/41 signaling, (2) TLR4/NF-κB inflammation suppression, and (3) bile acid-FXR axis modulation. Collectively, this review synthesizes emerging evidence on plant-microbiota interactions as a novel therapeutic strategy to restore lipid homeostasis in animal models, offering foundational insights for agricultural and biomedical applications.
Accurate and early prediction of ovulation is critical in captive breeding of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) as both natural mating and the use of artificial insemination require major logistical preparations, and the narrow fertile window limits breeding opportunities. Estrus monitoring traditionally relies on parallel measurement of urinary estrogens and progestogens to identify the estrogen-progestogen cross-over point, which marks the onset of the follicular phase 1-2 weeks before ovulation. To increase this window as much as possible, this study aimed to investigate whether differences in estrogen assays and standard selection may affect hormone concentration measurements and the timing of cross-over detection. We evaluated the suitability of estrone-based enzyme immunoassays, targeting estrone (E1), estrone-3-glucuronide (E1G), and estrone-3-sulfate (E1S), combined with E1, E1G, and E1S standards for urinary estrus monitoring in four giant pandas (n = 5 cycles). All nine assay-standard combinations yielded highly correlated estrogen profiles (r > 0.98, p < 0.001), but significantly higher concentrations were observed with the E1S standard, regardless of assay type. Comparative testing of the most cost-effective high-sensitivity approach (E1 assay, E1S standard) against a commonly used method (E1G assay, E1G standard) in an extended dataset (n = 5 pandas, 9 cycles) revealed that the E1-E1S approach detected the cross-over point 1-3 days earlier (mean ± SD: 2.11 ± 0.93 days, p < 0.01). This earlier detection offers significant logistical advantages for breeding management without increasing analytical workload or costs and highlights the importance of optimizing assay-standard selection in reproductive monitoring.