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A Comparative Analysis of Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block and Intraperitoneal Ropivacaine for Multimodal Pain Management in Dogs Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy
BHARALI, BAYAN, Konwar, Saikia, G.E., Kalita, Chaudhary,

Modern anesthesia practices are shifting to minimized opioid use by employing multimodal pain management strategies. Intraperitoneal (IP) analgesia has been incorporated as a potential method for managing visceral pain, complemented by preemptive analgesics. Among newer techniques, the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) has gained attention for its effectiveness in providing somatic and visceral analgesia when performed in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy, at the level of the first lumbar vertebra (L1). This study compared the intraoperative and postoperative analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral QLB and IP ropivacaine. Twenty-four female dogs were randomly divided into three groups: Group RQ (bilateral QLB 0.5% ropivacaine, 3 mg kg-1 total dose), Group RP (IP ropivacaine 0.5%, 3 mg kg-1 mixed with equal volume of normal saline), and Group M (control, preemptive meloxicam only). Anesthetic protocol included premedication with IM glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg kg-1) and meloxicam (0.2 mg kg-1), followed by IV diazepam (1 mg kg-1), induction achieved with propofol (3–5 mg kg-1, IV or till effect) and maintained by continuous rate infusion of propofol (0.2-0.5 mg kg-1min-1, IV). Pain levels were assessed using cumulative pain scale and the Short Form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale intraoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Results showed that Group RQ exhibited lowest pain scores and reduced serum cortisol and blood glucose levels, followed by Group RP and Group M. The alterations in the physiological parameters were within the physiological limit. The findings suggested that QLB provides better intraoperative and early postoperative analgesia than IP ropivacaine and meloxicam alone, highlighting QLB as a promising option for multimodal analgesia in canine ovariohysterectomy.



Etoxazole Induces Dose-Dependent Oxidative Stress in Rat Heart, Lung, and Spleen Tissues
Yenidünya Konuk, Bati, Tekce, Demir, Demir,

Etoxazole (ETX) is a widely used acaricide, yet its systemic toxic effects on extrahepatic organs remain poorly characterized, particularly with regard to oxidative stress and redox balance. This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of subchronic ETX exposure on oxidative stress biomarkers in heart, lung, and spleen tissues of female Wistar albino rats. Forty-two rats were divided into six groups: one control and five treatment groups receiving 25, 100, 250, 500, or 750 mg/kg ETX by oral gavage for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the exposure period, tissue samples were collected and analyzed for total sulfhydryl groups (t-SH), adenosine deaminase (ADA), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the effects of ETX dose and organ type. ETX administration induced significant, dose-dependent oxidative stress in all examined tissues. Tissue t-SH concentrations decreased progressively with increasing ETX doses, while ADA, IMA, and ADMA levels increased markedly. Cardiac IMA showed a 2.7-fold elevation compared to controls, indicating pronounced oxidative and ischemic injury. Increased ADA activity suggested enhanced reactive oxygen species generation and inflammation, whereas elevated ADMA indicated impaired nitric oxide metabolism and endothelial dysfunction. These findings demonstrate that subchronic ETX exposure disrupts redox homeostasis in heart, lung, and spleen tissues, and the observed changes in oxidative stress biomarkers suggest potential cardiovascular and immunological risks, underscoring the need for further mechanistic and histopathological investigations.



The ability to detect wild boars with increased body temperature in the natural environment with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with thermovision in two province in Poland
Wojcicka, Zakowska, Glowacka, Adamczyk, Graniak, Podogrocki, Bijak, Niemcewicz,

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease affecting both free-living wild boars (Sus scrofa) and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). In accordance with EU regulations, an ASF outbreak in pig farms necessitates immediate herd culling, leading to severe economic losses and restrictions on pork exports. Therefore, effective epidemiological surveillance of wild boar populations is crucial for monitoring the spread of the disease in the natural environment and preventing transmission to domestic pig farms. This study assessed the effectiveness of an ASF surveillance system consisting of the AtraxASF (unmanned aerial vehicle) and the NeoxASF (fixed-wing aircraft), both equipped with thermal imaging cameras. The study was conducted in Mielec County, Subcarpathian Province, an area with confirmed ASF outbreaks. The proposed surveillance system was used to observe wild boars and identify individuals exhibiting elevated body temperature, which is the earliest detectable symptom of ASF infection. The thermal imaging technology allowed for real-time detection and mapping of potentially infected animals. The system successfully detected wild boars with increased body temperature, demonstrating its potential utility for early detection of ASF in wildlife populations. The application of drone- and aircraft-based monitoring significantly enhanced surveillance efficiency by providing a rapid, non-invasive approach to assessing the health status of wild boar populations in affected areas. The implementation of drone-based surveillance systems and thermal imaging technologies offers a highly effective alternative to traditional epidemiological monitoring methods. The system enhances early detection capabilities, enabling quicker response measures to prevent the spread of ASF to pig farms. Integrating such technologies into existing biosecurity strategies could play a key role in controlling ASF outbreaks and minimizing economic losses in the pig farming sector.



Novel Bivalent Mucosal Antigen Formulation Targeting SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza: Immunogenicity Assessment Using an In Vitro Human Nasal-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Model
Mahallawi, Mahallawi,

The development of mucosal vaccines is crucial for controlling the transmission of respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza at their point of entry. This study aimed to validate a human tonsil-derived in vitro model for screening vaccine candidates and to evaluate the immunogenicity of a novel bivalent formulation. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) isolated from human palatine tonsils (n=20) were stimulated with full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein, influenza A (H1N1) hemagglutinin (HA), or a combination of both (bivalent) at a concentration of 20 µg/mL. After a 10-day culture, antigen-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibody levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stimulation with individual antigens elicited robust polyisotypic antibody responses. The S protein induced significant fold-increases over unstimulated controls for IgG (8.23, p < 0.0001), IgM (5.77, p < 0.0001), and IgA (4.56, p < 0.0001). Similarly, the HA protein induced increases in IgG (7.16, p < 0.0001), IgM (4.99, p < 0.0001), and IgA (3.97, p < 0.0001). Critically, bivalent stimulation resulted in superior synergistic responses. The anti-S component showed fold-increases of 11.09 (IgG, p < 0.0001), 7.61 (IgM, p < 0.0001), and 5.97 (IgA, p < 0.0001). Similarly, the anti-HA component showed 9.66 (IgG, p < 0.0001), 6.58 (IgM, p < 0.0001), and 5.27 (IgA, p < 0.0001), with no reduction in antigen-specific responses observed in the combined condition. The NALT model is a physiologically relevant platform for preclinical screening. It provides a compelling in vitro rationale for developing a bivalent intranasal antigen formulation to elicit potent mucosal immunity against major respiratory pathogens.



Reproductive parameters of buffaloes subjected to pharmacological control of the estrous cycle: lowest cost x best benefit
Madrigal-Valverde, da Silva Cavalcante, Souza Brito, Maggitti Junior, Costa Vasconcelos, Santos Souza Carôso, Freitas Bittencourt, Vinicius Galvão Loiola, Lisboa Ribeiro Filho,

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), Estradiol benzoate (EB) and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on follicular dynamics and luteal characteristics of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The animals were separated into four experimental groups: EB (n=10), EB+eCG (n=10), GnRH (n=10), and GnRH+eCG (n=10). Using B-mode and Power-Doppler ultrasound, follicular characteristics largest follicle, from day 9 until day 11, diameter of the preovulatory follicle, follicular area, total wall area of the preovulatory follicle, growth rate of the ovulatory follicle, vascularization in the wall area of the preovulatory follicle, percentage of vascularization in the wall area of the preovulatory follicle, and moment of ovulation, were evaluated for follicular dynamics. Furthermore, on day 18 of the protocol, diameter of the corpus luteum, total area of the corpus luteum, vascularization of the corpus luteum, percentage of vascularization of the corpus luteum and the serum progesterone levels were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using Tukey's test, Kruskal-Wallis and repeated measures ANOVA with a 5% significance level. Statistically significant differences were found for diameter of the corpus luteum with 1.78±0.12cm in the EB+eCG group and 1.62±0.11cm in the EB group (P=0.047), as well as in the Progesterone dosages between the treatments GnRH+eCG (4.09±0.94ng/mL) and GnRH (2.80±0.70ng/mL), P=0.017. Regarding the variables assessed by Power Doppler, no statistical differences were found between the experimental groups. Finally, the price analysis revealed that the EB+eCG protocol is 19% cheaper than the GnRH+eCG protocol. Therefore, BE offers better cost/benefit on the reproductive parameters of buffaloes subjected to pharmacological control of the estrous cycle.



Tilapia aquaculture as a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistance and zoonotic bacteria: evidence from Makassar, Indonesia
Mursalim, Raharjo, Kholilulloh, Azis, Nurdin, Mar’ah, Hartanti, Amalia, Sari, Mabrok, Aljasir,

Tilapia aquaculture in Indonesia has grown rapidly, supporting food security and livelihoods, but urban systems face higher risks of pathogen emergence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Tanjung Bunga Lake, where aquaculture, urbanization, and pollution converge, remains understudied. This study examined bacterial diversity, antimicrobial susceptibility, and water quality in an urban Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production system. A total of 69 bacterial isolates representing 13 species were recovered from 60 tilapia and 14 water samples. Isolates were identified via phenotypic characterization, biochemical assays, and VITEK MS, and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, followed by calculation of the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index. Dominant taxa included Bacillus cereus (21.7%), Plesiomonas shigelloides (17.4%), and Enterobacter spp. (15.9%), while 11.6% remained unclassified, suggesting potential novel taxa or database limitations. Zoonotic species such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter johnsonii were also detected. Species distribution did not differ significantly between fish and water, indicating uniform microbial dissemination. Gram-negative isolates showed higher resistance than Gram-positive, with multidrug resistance, particularly erythromycin–penicillin combinations, most prevalent in Aeromonas spp. MAR indices ≥ 0.2 indicate chronic antibiotic exposure. While water quality was generally suitable for tilapia, localized hypoxia and acidic pH may promote pathogen persistence. The coexistence of multidrug-resistant and zoonotic bacteria highlights the need for integrated health management and responsible antimicrobial use in urban aquaculture



The Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Cardiac Aquaporins in Adolescent Rats under a Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model
BAKSI, Baksi, GÖKDEMİR, ARKAŞ ALKLAY, Karakoç,

Adolescent depression is a prevalent and serious mental health issue that can negatively impact multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. This study investigates the effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), a validated animal model of depression, on the expression of Aquaporins (AQP1, AQP2, and AQP3) in the cardiac tissue of adolescent rats and evaluates the potential therapeutic role of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal). Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, CUMS, CUMS+SERT, and CUMS+ASHW. Treatments were administered via oral gavage for 28 days, and cardiac tissues were evaluated histologically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically. While serum levels of CK, Na, Cl, and K showed no significant differences across groups, histological examination revealed myocardial damage (edema, hemorrhage, vacuolization) in CUMS rats. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated strong AQP1 expression across all groups, while AQP2 and AQP3 showed increased expression in treatment groups compared to the control. These findings suggest that Ashwagandha may mitigate stress-induced cardiac changes and influence aquaporin expression, particularly AQP2 and AQP3, which could be relevant to cardiac water balance and function in depression. Further studies are warranted to explore the molecular mechanisms linking aquaporin modulation and cardioprotection in stress-related pathologies.



Epidemiological Investigation of Streptococcus bovis in Yaks in Different Regions of Tibet
Mehmood,

Streptococcal diseases critically harm the health and productivity of animals as well as humans, and are generally considered an obstacle in the development of the breeding industry. However, there is little data on Streptococcus bovis in different seasons in different regions of Tibet. In this study, a total of 964 yak serum samples from three different cities in Tibet Autonomous Region, comprising of 326 samples from Lhasa city, 522 samples from Naqu City, and 116 samples from Xigatse city, were collected randomly. Enzyme-linked S. bovis i.e., ELISA kit (YJ233340) was employed for detection. An overall seroprevalence of 1.87% was revealed in Tibet during 2021-2024, in which the seroprevalence of Lhasa city was 3.99%, followed by Naqu City (0.96%), and Xigatse city (0%), respectively. Seroprevalence was more frequent in the Spring season (6.42%) and in 2024 (11.36%). The results of this study serve as a reference for the development of sustainable policies regarding cattle raising industry and the preventive measures of S. bovis in Tibet Autonomous Region.



Molecular surveillance of small ruminant anaplasmosis and phylogenetic investigations on zoonotic Anaplasma capra from distinct agro-ecological regions of Pakistan
Azam, Atif, Kashif, Zaman, Imran,

Anaplasma infects diverse cell types in animals and humans, worldwide. The current study was aimed to evaluate the occurrence, risk parameters and phylogeny of Anaplasma capra in small ruminants from three agro-climatically distinct regions of Pakistan. A total of 600 blood samples were randomly gathered from asymptomatic sheep and goats from Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, and Dera Ismail Khan districts of Pakistan using a multistage cluster sampling technique from January 2023 to May 2024. The blood samples were analyzed for Anaplasma infection targeting 16S rRNA gene using the PCR followed by sequencing. A pre-tested questionnaire was utilized to gather information regarding risk factors. The prevalence of anaplasmosis was revealed as 27.83% (167/600). The data suggested a higher frequency of disease in goats (30.37%) compared to sheep (24.82%). The analysis of multivariate logistic regression expressed that cracks in walls (p<0.0001, OR=2.240, CI=1.439-3.487) and grooming practice (p<0.01, OR=1.793, CI=1.235-2.604) were the significant risk factors. The phylogeny of 16S rRNA gene identified two separate clusters of A. capra exhibiting 99-100% similarity with various geographic isolates. The isolates of the current study exhibited higher homology with isolates from France, Ghana, South Korea, Turkey, China, and Pakistan traced from ticks, sheep, water buffalo, cattle, and water deer, respectively. In conclusion, anaplasmosis is widespread in the study regions with indication of genetic diversity. Additional research is required on the clinicopathological and potential vectors of zoonotic A. capra for devising better treatment and control measures.



How toxic environments influence the well-being of cervids, and further perspectives for cervid monitoring in Europe
Korzekwa, Kowalik, Boztepe, Gogola-Mruk, Ptak,

This review provides exhaustive overview of the main cervid species in Europe, including the red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), moose (Alces alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) regarding the geographic distribution of the species, population trends, habitat preferences, and key biological traits. The present study focuses on the environmental factors that influence the well-being of cervids, such as habitat quality, competition, food availability, climate change, and contamination, but also anthropopression. Cervids are considered effective bioindicators of ecosystem stability and environmental contamination due to their status as large herbivores with wide-ranging movements and sensitivity to biotope changes. In addition, the impact of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the well-being of this taxonomic family was characterized. It is imperative to emphasis the significance of incorporating prey, predators, and humans as a comprehensive ecosystem within which cervids reside. The significance of habitat sharing is well documented, particularly in regard to definition of predator–prey mechanisms. The insights derived from this research are of particular relevance when seeking to define solutions that optimize human-wildlife coexistence, especially within the context of European highly anthropogenic systems. The review concluded with a view on future perspectives for cervid well-being in Europe and emphasizes the necessity of sustainable land use, pollution mitigation, and the establishment of conservation programs for cervid populations and the ecosystems they represent. The effective management demands long-term monitoring including significant fluctuations and the behaviour of the species.



Effects of melatonin treatment on twin pregnancy and fetal mortality in sheep
Lakatos, Vincze, Vass, Dobos,

This study was the first to examine the effects of melatonin implants on the litter size and fetal mortality rate of Blanc du Massif Central ewes in Hungary. Ewes were divided into two experimental groups: group A (n=96) was treated with melatonin implants and group B (n=114) was the control group. The number of twin litters were significantly larger in group A than in group B, meanwhile the fetal mortality rate was significantly lower in the melatonin treated group than in the control group. These findings suggest that melatonin implants may provide significant benefits for sheep production in continental regions; however, their application requires careful consideration due to potential adverse effects on flock management associated with an increased incidence of twin pregnancies.



Development of a Rapid and Highly Accurate Diagnostic Test for Detecting Theileria equi in Horses Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) Combined with Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow Immunoassay
Mohammed Abdulrazaq Al-khafaji, Alsallami, Alsultan,

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a protozoan disease in horses, mainly caused by Theileria equi, and is associated with non-specific signs such as fever, anemia, and edema. The lack of specific clinical signs, coupled with the high prevalence of carrier horses, highlights the critical need for a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic test for the detection of Theileria equi. Existing methods including molecular, serological, and microscopic techniques require specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and considerable time. The current study aims to develop a rapid and accurate assay for the detection of Theileria equi in horses by utilizing pre-labeled DNA in combination with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and a lateral flow device (LFD). The proposed assay was evaluated in terms of time efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity. Of the 30 samples tested, 23 were positive for Theileria equi, with no false positives observed. Moreover, the assay demonstrated a detection limit as low as 5 ng per microliters of input DNA, and the entire process from sample preparation to result interpretation was completed within 25 minutes without the need for specialized equipment. The findings demonstrate that the proposed assay exhibits 100% specificity, high sensitivity, and strong potential for clinical application. However, further studies are required to optimize the assay for direct pathogen detection from samples, eliminating the need for DNA extraction



Serum and synovial lactate dehydrogenase levels after allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell implantation in rabbit cartilage defects
Anatolitou, Sideri, Mavrogenis, Psalla, Markou, Prassinos,

Cartilage defects have limited regenerative potential and remain a significant clinical challenge. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy offers promise in tissue engineering, yet monitoring post-implantation responses remains difficult. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a biomarker of cell damage and inflammation, may provide insight into systemic and local tissue reactions. This study aimed to assess the levels of serum and synovial fluid LDH following the implantation of allogeneic MSCs into cartilage defects in a rabbit model. A total of 56 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control (Group A), and groups receiving fibrin glue with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs), or synovial-derived stem cells (SDSCs). Serum and synovial fluid samples were collected at baseline and 12 weeks post-surgery to measure serum and synovial fluid LDH levels. Serum LDH levels were significantly elevated in all MSC-treated groups relative to controls (p=0.019), potentially due to high anaerobic metabolism or implantation-related toxicity, systemic response and apoptosis. However, no additional adverse effects were observed, making toxicity or further articular damage unlikely. No significant changes were detected in synovial fluid LDH across groups (p=0.070), suggesting limited value as a biomarker for cartilage repair.