Concomitant melanoma and keratoma affecting the equine digit: clinical, pathological, and long-term follow-up findings.

BACKGROUND: This case report details a long-term follow-up of a hoof melanoma with dermo-epidermal activity (resembling Spreading Superficial Melanoma (SSM)) in a bay horse with a history of a right front hoof keratoma. Melanomas involving the horse's foot are seldom reported and usually diagnosed as anaplastic melanomas based on signalment and post-mortem examination. The clinical-pathological characteristics of the foot melanoma in this bay horse are consistent with SSM-like described in humans, which is considered an intermediate malignant tumour attending their biological behaviour. However, a definitive diagnosis is limited by the single case and the lack of references in horses. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-year-old bay Andalusian gelding underwent keratoma removal on the lateral aspect of the hoof wall. A partial resection of the hoof wall was performed for this purpose. Additionally, a plaque-like, hyperkeratotic pigmented lesion, 2 × 2X0,4 cm in size, was observed at the lateral aspect of the coronary band and was also resected for histopathological examination. Microscopically, a melanocytic tumour, characterised by small nests of large polygonal or epithelioid cells infiltrating the basal and suprabasal epidermis, the dermo - epidermal junction, and the superficial dermis, was observed. The neoplastic cells exhibited large euchromatic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, moderate pleomorphism and 4 mitotic figures per 2,37mm2; variable amounts of dark granules (melanin) were present in the cytoplasm, as well as in numerous peritumoral macrophages. The immunophenotype of the tumour cells was PNL2 + + + , S100 + + , AE1/AE3-. A diagnosis of melanoma with dermo-epidermal junction and marked intraepidermal activity (consistent with superficial spreading melanoma) was made. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed, revealed no further invasion into surrounding structures. Treatment was based on surgical resection and multiple local chemotherapy sessions with cisplatin were applied. The biopsies obtained after treatment showed partial regression of the tumour and different stages of healing. After 26 months of follow-up, there was no signs of malignant spreading into surrounding structures including the pedal bone and distal metastasis but a dark - coloured area persists over the lateral aspect of the coronary band. CONCLUSIONS: This case presents a concomitant keratoma and melanoma with dermo - epidermal activity, resembling a spreading superficial melanoma. After a follow - up of 26 months the horse remains healthy and sound providing new information for clinicians and pathologists. Despite the poor prognosis associated with foot malignant melanocytic tumours, it is important that an early and accurate diagnosis is reached through different diagnostic modalities such as advanced imaging techniques and histopathology. Additionally, these findings demonstrate that the current classification and prognosis for equine foot melanomas are insufficient.

Pharmacokinetics and thermal anti-nociceptive effects of oral morphine in horses.

Introduction: Morphine is an effective analgesic in horses, however, IV administration at therapeutic doses has been shown to produce dose-dependent neuroexcitation and unwanted gastrointestinal effects. The analgesic effects of morphine have, at least in part, been attributed to the morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) metabolite. Oral administration to horses results in comparable M6G concentrations to that achieved following IV administration of a therapeutic dose without the adverse effects. The anti-nociceptive effects have not yet been reported. In the current study the thermal anti-nociceptive effects of single and multiple oral doses of morphine were assessed. Methods: Six horses received a single 0.2 mg/kg IV dose of morphine and multiple oral doses of 0.8 mg/kg morphine every 12 h for 4.5 days. Blood samples were collected throughout administration, morphine, and metabolite concentrations determined and pharmacokinetic analysis performed. Drug related behavior and physiologic responses were recorded. Response to noxious stimuli was evaluated by determining thermal threshold latency in response to the application of heat. Results: The maximum concentrations of M6G were higher following oral administration compared to IV and the combined morphine and M6G concentrations exceeded that of IV administration starting at 2 h. Oral administration of 0.8 mg/kg morphine provided and maintained comparable anti-nociception effects to IV morphine with less adverse effects, following single and multiple doses. Morphine was well tolerated following oral administration with less excitation and minimal effects on gastrointestinal borborygmi scores compared to IV administration. Discussion: Results of the current study warrant further investigation of the anti-nociceptive effects of oral morphine administration to horses.

Walter Brendel and the dawn of transplantation research in Germany.

Walter Brendel was a physiologist who headed the Institut of Experimental Surgery at the University of Munich (LMU) from 1961 until 1989. His legendary career began with the development of an anti-human lymphocyte globulin (ALG) at his Institute during the late 1960s. The initial successful treatment of a small number of patients culminated in the co-treatment of the first successfully heart-transplanted patient in Capetown, South Africa (successful reversal with ALG of an acute allograft rejection). Walter Brendel was a pioneering personality whose work has laid a wide platform for the promotion of interdisciplinarily conducted innovative research programs in various domains of translational science and medicine. Among the many innovative achievements, the most notable are: discovery of involvement of the alternative pathway of complement activation in hyperacute xenograft rejection; induction of immunological tolerance to horse IgG as a means to prevent anaphylactic reactions during ALG therapy; development and clinical implementation of the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for extracorporeal destruction of renal and ureteral calculi. The legacy of Brendel continues with the foundation of the Walter-Brendel Kolleg für Transplantationsmedizin (i.e., the German Transplant School for Transplantation Medicine), which has been held annually since 1994.

Injury to the palmar supporting structures of the fetlock alters limb stiffness and fetlock angle.

BACKGROUND: In vivo measurement of limb stiffness and conformation provides a non-invasive proxy assessment of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) function. Here, we compared it in fore and hindlimbs and after injury. OBJECTIVES: To compare the limb stiffness and conformation in forelimbs and hindlimbs, changes with age, and following injury to the SDFT and SL. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Limb stiffness was calculated using floor scales and an electrogoniometer taped to the dorsal fetlock. The fetlock angle and weight were simultaneously recorded five times with the limb weight-bearing and when the opposite limb was picked up (increased load). Limb stiffness of both limbs was calculated from the gradient of the regression line of angle versus load. Fetlock angle when the weight was zero was extrapolated from the graph and used as a measure of conformation. Limb stiffness was measured in uninjured forelimbs (n = 42 limbs), hindlimbs (n = 19 limbs), forelimbs with SDFT injury (n = 18) and hindlimbs with SL injury (n = 5). RESULTS: Limb stiffness correlated with weight in forelimbs as shown previously (p < 0.001) but also in hindlimbs (p = 0.006). When normalised to the horse's weight (503 kg, IQR 471.5-560), forelimb stiffness was significantly higher (22.3 [±4.5] × 10-3 degree-1) than for the hindlimb (16.4 [±4.0] × 10-3 degree-1; p < 0.001). While there were no significant differences between forelimb and hindlimb conformation in unaffected or SDFT injury, both limb stiffness and conformation was significantly greater in limbs with SL injury (p = 0.009 and p = 0.002, respectively). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, lack of clinical data including lameness and quantification of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Injury to the forelimb SDFT does not alter limb stiffness or conformation in the long-term, while hindlimb SL injury simultaneously increases limb stiffness and fetlock angle, suggesting an increase in SL length following injury.

Increased packed cell volume alters point of care viscoelastic clotting parameters in horses.

BACKGROUND: Polycythaemia and coagulopathy are identified risk factors for non-survival in critically ill horses. Assessment of coagulation is recommended for critical care monitoring but may be affected by concurrent polycythaemia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of induced polycythaemia on coagulation parameters as measured by a point-of-care viscoelastic coagulation device (VCM Vet™). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective interventional study. METHODS: Healthy adult horses (n = 7) were given 6 mcg/kg of phenylephrine IV over 15 min to induce transient polycythaemia. Samples for packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), complete blood count (CBC), activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT), prothrombin (PT) and VCM Vet™ viscoelastic testing were collected at baseline (T0), 5 min (T1) and 2 h (T2) post-phenylephrine infusion. Splenic volume was measured by transabdominal ultrasonography. VCM Vet™ and plasma-based coagulation parameters, splenic volume and haematologic values were compared within and between time points. RESULTS: Splenic volume decreased from T0 (11.5 ± 4.8 L) to T1 (6.1 ± 2 L, p = 0.04) and returned to baseline volume by T2 (12.1 ± 3.9 L, p = 0.8), consistent with phenylephrine-induced splenic contraction. PCV increased from T0 (37% ± 4%) to T1 (56.3% ± 5.3%; p < 0.001) and returned to baseline at T2 (41.6% ± 3.6%; p = 0.1). A10 and A20 (amplitude at 10 and 20 min, VCM units) were decreased from T0 (12.6 ± 1.6, 18.9 ± 5) to T1 (5.4 ± 1.9, 7.6 ± 2.4; both p < 0.001) and remained lower than baseline at T2 (9.3 ± 2.1, 12.7 ± 3; both p = 0.01). PT and PTT remained within reference ranges with no significant difference over time (p = 0.5 and 0.09, respectively). PCV was negatively correlated with CFT (R = -0.61, p = 0.003), A10 (R = -0.9, p < 0.001) and A20 (R = -0.87, p < 0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, limited to healthy mares. CONCLUSIONS: Phenylephrine-induced polycythaemia was associated with hypocoagulable viscoelastic traces using the VCM Vet™ device without effect on plasma-based coagulation assessments or platelet number. Further investigation of viscoelastic testing is needed in horses with increased PCV due to clinical illness.

The impact of short-term transportation stress on insulin and oral sugar responses in insulin dysregulated and non-insulin dysregulated horses.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether short-term transportation affects endocrine responses similarly in horses with and without insulin dysregulation (ID). OBJECTIVES: To characterise the effect of short-term transportation on stress parameters and insulin responses to an oral sugar test (OST) in horses with and without ID. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Fourteen adult non-pregnant, non-PPID mares of mixed light breeds were grouped as either ID (n = 7) or non-ID (n = 7) based on endocrine testing. Over 2 weeks, horses were transported once, in groups of 3-4 in a horse trailer on a round-trip journey of ~1.5 h. Blood and saliva were collected 24 h and 1 h pre-transportation, directly after unloading and 15 min, 1 h, 3 h plus 24 h post-transportation. An OST was performed 24 h pre-transportation and 3 h post-transportation with a pre- (T0) and post-OST sample collected 60 min later (T60). Heart rates and rectal temperatures were also collected throughout the study. Serum insulin, serum cortisol, and plasma glucose were measured using validated assays. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to determine differences after transportation and between ID and non-ID horses. Non-normal data were log-transformed and multiple comparisons were adjusted using Bonferroni post hoc tests. RESULTS: Mean insulin was higher in ID horses versus non-ID horses (mean = 109.9 µU/mL vs. 30.2 µU/mL, p < 0.001; 95% CI for mean difference = [55.6-107.7 µU/mL]). Mean serum insulin increased following OST at T60 in ID horses pre- (154.6 µU/mL, p = 0.04; 95% CI = [86.3-223.0 µU/mL]) and post-transportation (284.6 µU/mL, p = 0.03; 95% CI = [114.3-454.8 µU/mL]). Non-ID horses had a mean OST T60 insulin post-transportation of 56.6 µU/mL (95% CI = [29.1-84.1 µU/mL]); above recognised threshold [45 µU/mL] for ID diagnosis. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small number of horses, only mares used, and OST not performed immediately post-transportation. CONCLUSIONS: Performing an OST 3 h following short-term transportation may result in inaccurate ID status.

CONTEXTO: Atualmente não se sabe se o transporte de curto prazo afeta as respostas endócrinas de maneira semelhante em cavalos com e sem disfunção insulinêmica (DI). OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar o efeito do transporte de curto prazo nos parâmetros de estresse e nas respostas de insulina a um teste de açúcar oral (TAO) em cavalos com e sem DI. DELINEAMENTO DO ESTUDO: Estudo de coorte longitudinal. MÉTODOS: Quatorze éguas adultas não prenhes, sem disfunção da pars intermédia da pituitária, de raças leves foram agrupadas como DI (n = 7) ou não­DI (n = 7) com base em testes endócrinos. Durante 2 semanas, as éguas foram transportadas uma vez, em grupos de 3 a 4,em um caminhão de cavalos, em uma viagem de ida e volta de ~1,5 h. Sangue e saliva foram coletados 24 h e 1 h antes do transporte, diretamente após o descarregamento e 15 min, 1 h, 3 h e 24 h após o transporte. Um TAO foi realizado 24 h antes do transporte e 3 h após o transporte, com uma amostra pré­ (T0) e pós­TOA coletada 60 min depois (T60). Frequências cardíacas e temperaturas retais também foram coletadas ao longo do estudo. Insulina sérica, cortisol sérico e glicose plasmática foram medidos usando ensaios validados. ANOVA de medidas repetidas foi utilizada para determinar diferenças após o transporte e entre cavalos com e sem DI. Dados não normais foram transformados logaritmicamente e comparações múltiplas foram ajustadas usando testes post hoc de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS: A média de insulina foi maior em cavalos com DI em comparação aos cavalos sem DI (média = 109,9 µU/mL vs 30,2 µU/mL, p < 0,001; IC 95% para diferença de média = [55,6­107,7 µU/mL]). A média de insulina sérica aumentou após o TAO em T60 em cavalos com DI antes (154,6 µU/mL, p = 0,04; IC 95% = [86,3­223,0 µU/mL]) e após o transporte (284,6 µU/mL, p = 0,03; IC 95% = [114,3­454,8 µU/mL]). Cavalos sem DI tiveram uma média de insulina TAO T60 pós­transporte de 56,6 µU/mL (IC 95% = [29,1­84,1 µU/mL]); acima do limite reconhecido [45 µU/mL] para diagnóstico de DI. PRINCIPAIS LIMITAÇÕES: Pequeno número de cavalos, uso apenas de éguas e TAO não realizado imediatamente após o transporte. CONCLUSÕES: Realizar um TAO 3 horas após o transporte de curto prazo pode resultar em um status de DI impreciso.

Designing an mHealth Application to Support Horse Owners in Assessing Their Horse's Health Status - Results of a Usability Test.

INTRODUCTION: Existing research agrees that a well-thought design of the user interface is a key point for an mHealth application for animal owners, supporting them obtain information and make decisions regarding their pet's specific situation. However, there is currently a lack of specific advice on the design of such an application. METHODS: As part of a user-centered design (UCD) process, a formative, explorative usability test with n = 5 users was conducted for collecting design ideas. The test was conducted for two applications that were already available on the market. RESULTS: The need of supporting comprehensive information input in guided processes that can be adapted to the individual level of knowledge, was identified as a key aspect. CONCLUSION: In this paper, recommendations for the design of a suitable user interface are suggested to support application developers and designers.

The pathways and the mechanisms by which Cryptococcus enters the brain.

Generally, Cryptococcus initially infects the respiratory tract, but can spread, eventually crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and causing meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Specifically, Cryptococcus invades the vascular endothelial cells of the BBB, from which it enters the brain. The main mechanisms through which Cryptococcus crosses the BBB are transcellular traversal, the paracellular pathway, and via Trojan horse. In this paper, the mechanisms by which Cryptococcus crosses the BBB were explained in detail. In addition to pathways of entry to the brain, this paper presents a discussion on some rare cryptococcal infections and provides some insights for future research directions.

Review of skin grafting in equine wounds: indications and techniques.

Skin grafting is a simple technique that can be performed by equine practitioners to improve cosmetic outcomes in wounds with large skin defects that would not heal functionally or cosmetically with standard wound therapy interventions. Successful skin grafting is not difficult but relies upon appropriate preparation of the wound bed and effective immobilisation of the grafted area after skin graft placement. Prior to grafting, the wound bed should be treated with a moist wound healing dressing to prepare the granulation tissue bed to receive the graft. For best results, skin grafts should be placed in wounds free of infection with healthy granulation tissue, and motion should be reduced in the graft region in the early postoperative period. When successful, skin grafts cover granulation tissue and encourage wound contraction and epithelialisation while decreasing exuberant granulation tissue resulting in a more cosmetic result. This review will advance practitioners' understanding of skin grafting in horses, including graft classification and techniques, donor site selection, recipient site preparation, postoperative management strategies to optimise graft retention and ongoing research in this field.

Bioreactance noninvasive cardiac output monitoring in euvolemic adult horses subjected with 7.2% saline and 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) solution infusions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ability of bioreactance noninvasive cardiac output (BR-NICO) with thermodilution cardiac output (TDCO) for the measurement of cardiac output (CO) in healthy adult horses receiving 2 different IV volume replacement solutions. DESIGN: Prospective randomized crossover study from September to November 2021. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Six university-owned adult horses. INTERVENTIONS: Horses were randomly assigned to receive 7.2% hypertonic saline solution (HSS) or 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) solution (HETA). BR-NICO and TDCO were measured simultaneously at baseline, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, and 120 minutes before fluid administration and again at the same times after starting a bolus infusion of IV volume replacers. All solutions were administered within 10 minutes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: BR-NICO and TDCO were strongly correlated (Pearson r2 = 0.93; P < 0.01). Regression analysis showed the relationship between TDCO and BR-NICO was BR-NICO = 0.48 × TDCO + 0.6. For the corrected BR-NICO values, the Bland-Altman agreement mean bias and lower/upper limits of agreement were -0.62 and -5.3 to 3.9 L/min, respectively. Lin's concordance (95% confidence interval) between methods was 0.894 (0.825-1.097). Compared with baseline, HSS increased the CO at 10 and 20 minutes (TDCO and BR-NICO). Compared with baseline, HETA decreased the CO at 10 and 20 minutes (TDCO and BR-NICO) and increased the CO at 90 (TDCO only) and 120 minutes (TDCO and BR-NICO). CONCLUSIONS: BR-NICO strongly agreed with TDCO in the measurement of CO in healthy unsedated adult horses. HSS administration significantly increased CO in the first 30 minutes, while HETA initially decreased CO at 10 minutes but increased CO to above baseline values by 90 minutes.

Protective immune response against Rhodococcus equi: An innate immunity-focused review.

Rhodococcus equi causes pyogranulomatous pneumonia in foals and immunocompromised people. Despite decades of research efforts, no vaccine is available against this common cause of disease and death in foals. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarise the current understanding of interactions between R. equi and the host innate immune system, to describe features of the immune response that are associated with resistance or susceptibility to R. equi infection, and help guide strategies for developing novel approaches for preventing R. equi infections. Virulence of R. equi in foals has been attributed to the virulence associated protein A which allows intracellular survival in macrophages by preventing acidification of R. equi-containing vacuole. Additionally, foal susceptibility to R. equi infection is associated with immaturity and naivety of innate and adaptive immune systems, while adult horses with fully functional immune system are resistant to pneumonia. Specific interaction between R. equi and innate immune cells can result in bacterial survival or death; learning how to manipulate these responses to control infection is critical to prevent pneumonia in foals. Administration of live vaccines and stimulation of innate immune responses appears to improve foals' immune response and has the potential to overcome the challenges of foal active vaccination and elicit protection against pneumonia.

Gene doping in horse racing and equine sports: Current landscape and future perspectives.

Gene doping, the use of gene therapy or genetic manipulation to enhance athletic performance, has emerged as a potential threat to the integrity and welfare of equine sports, such as horse racing and equestrian sports. This review aims to provide an overview of gene doping in horses, including the underlying technologies, potential applications, detection methods, ethical concerns and future perspectives. By understanding the current landscape of gene doping in horses, stakeholders can work together to develop strategies to safeguard the integrity of equine sports.

The impact of restricted grazing systems on the behaviour and welfare of ponies.

BACKGROUND: Equine obesity is a growing concern. Much of the current management advice centres on dietary restrictions, including the removal or limitation of grazing. Little is known about the impact of these approaches on the welfare of the horse. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effect of two commonly used grazing systems advocated for the control of weight-the 'strip-grazing' and the 'track' systems-on the behaviour and welfare of outdoor-living ponies. STUDY DESIGN: A within-subject cross-over experimental design with four groups of pasture-kept ponies experiencing each system for 4 weeks in a random order. METHODS: Time budgets and behavioural indicators of welfare were measured using 24-h electronic surveillance, morphometric parameters including weight, body condition score and cresty neck score were measured weekly and activity levels were tracked. The effect of grazing system on movement and behaviour was tested using a general linear model. RESULTS: Ponies moved more [median (IQR) % time spent moving, track: 3.23% (2.08%), strip: 2.02% (0.90%); p = 0.001] and travelled a greater distance [median (IQR) metres/24 h, track: 7013.47 m (1761.49 m), strip: 5331.91 m (494.16 m); p < 0.001] and engaged in less overt agonistic behaviour on the track system compared with the strip system [median (IQR) prevalence per hour; track: 0.14 (0.30), strip: 0.21 (0.37) p = 0.02]. MAIN LIMITATIONS: A relatively short time period of exposure to each grazing system. CONCLUSIONS: Ponies on strip systems moved less and exhibited increased agonistic interactions compared with the track system, maybe as a result of a perceived reduction in space or concentration of resources, although the accessible areas were matched. These results suggest that there may be physical as well as psychological health benefits to the track system.

Heart rate variability in horses with and without severe equine asthma.

BACKGROUND: Equine asthma in severe form (severe equine asthma [sEA]) shares remarkable similarities with human asthma. Human studies detected changes in the autonomic nervous system function in asthmatic patients based on heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between sEA and HRV in horses. METHODS: Twenty horses diagnosed with sEA and 20 asymptomatic (non-sEA) horses were investigated. SEA horses showed clinical signs. The RR intervals of the ECG were recorded for 1 h at rest between 9 AM and 11 AM using a heart rate (HR) monitor. HRV data were calculated using Kubios software. Parameters recorded for the sEA and non-sEA groups were compared using one-way MANOVA model. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS: SD2 (mean 99.6 ± SD 25.3 vs. 42.5 ± 17.1), SDNN (82.7 ± 20.7 vs. 41.3 ± 14.3), TINN (398.1 ± 104.9 vs. 209.3 ± 71.9), SD2/SD1 ratio (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3), Total power (4740.2 ± 1977.9 vs. 1503.0 ± 1179.3), LF (2415.3 ± 1072.4 vs. 707.4 ± 649.9), SD1 (60.9 ± 15.9 vs. 39.2 ± 14.1), RMSSD (86.0 ± 22.6 vs. 55.3 ± 19.8) and HF (1575.8 ± 902.5 vs. 578.1 ± 491.1) were lower in sEA horses compared with the non-sEA horses (p < 0.01 for each variable). SD2, SDNN, TNN, the SD2/SD1 ratio and Total power showed the greatest discriminatory power in differentiating the sEA and non-sEA groups. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that like humans, asthmatic horses show an overall reduction in autonomic control. A relative increase of the parasympathetic modulation of the heart was also observed. After further investigations, HRV measurement might be a non-invasive approach to monitor autonomic nervous system responses of sEA horses.

Optimal design of hybrid green energy powered reduced switch converter based shunt active power filter using horse herd algorithm.

Renewable energy sources are playing a leading role in today's world. However, integrating these sources into the distribution network through power electronic devices can lead to power quality (PQ) challenges. This work addresses PQ issues by utilizing a shunt active power filter in combination with an Energy Storage System (ESS), a Wind Energy Generation System (WEGS), and a Solar Energy System. While most previous research has relied on complex methods like the synchronous reference frame (SRF) and active-reactive power (pq) approaches, this work proposes a simplified approach by using a neural network (NN) for generating reference signals, along with the design of a five-level reduced switch voltage source converter. The gain values of the proportional-integral controller (PIC), as well as the parameters for the shunt filter, boost, and buck-boost converters in the WEGS and ESS, are optimally selected using the horse herd optimization algorithm. Additionally, the weights and biases for the neural network (NN) are also determined using this method. The proposed system aims to achieve three key objectives: (1) stabilizing the voltage across the DC bus capacitor; (2) reducing total harmonic distortion (THD) and improving the power factor; and (3) ensuring superior performance under varying demand and PV irradiation conditions. The system's effectiveness is evaluated through three different testing scenarios, with results compared against those obtained using the genetic algorithm, biogeography-based optimization (BBO), as well as conventional SRF and pq methods with PIC. The results clearly demonstrate that the proposed method achieves THD values of 3.69%, 3.76%, and 4.0%, which are lower than those of the other techniques and well within IEEE standards. The method was developed using MATLAB/Simulink version 2022b.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant staphylococci in horses and their caregivers.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, and pet-associated strains may pose a risk to human health. Equine veterinarians are at high risk of carrying methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), but specific risk factors remain elusive, and few data are available for other personnel involved in the horse industry. The prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors for nasal carriage of MRS in horses and their caregivers were studied in northwestern Italy. Nasal swabs from 110 asymptomatic horses housed at 21 barns and 34 human caregivers were collected. Data on barns, horses, and personnel were acquired through questionnaires. The samples were incubated in selective media, and the bacterial isolates were identified by mass spectrometry. Risk factors were investigated by Poisson regression. MRS were isolated from 33 horses (30%), 11 humans (32.4%) and 3 environmental samples (14.2%). Most isolates were multidrug resistant (MDRS). The prevalence of MRS and MDRS was greater in racehorses and their personnel than in pleasurable and jumping/dressing horses. MRS carriage in caregivers was associated with an increased prevalence of MRS carriage in horses. The frequency of antimicrobial treatments administered in the barn during the last 12 months was a risk factor for MRS carriage in horses [prevalence ratio (PR) 3.97, 95% CI 1.11, 14.13] and caregivers (PR 2.00, 95% CI 1.05, 3.82), whereas a good ventilation index of the horse tabling environment was a protective factor (PR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20, 0.92). Our data reveal relevant interactions occurring between bacterial communities of horses and humans that share the same environment, suggesting that One Health surveillance programs should be implemented.

Prevalence, risk factors, and characterisation of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase -producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) in horses entering an equine hospital and description of longitudinal excretion.

BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase -producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) are important zoonotic pathogens that can cause serious clinical infections, also in horses. Preventing the spread of ESBL-E, especially in the equine hospital environment, is key to reducing the number of difficult-to-treat infections. Estimating the local prevalence of ESBL-E in horses is crucial to establish targeted infection control programs at equine hospitals. We conducted a prevalence and risk factor study in equine patients on admission to an equine teaching hospital in Finland through a rectal ESBL-E screening specimen of the horse and a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of ESBL-E in admitted horses was 3% (5/161, 95% CI 1-7%); none of the tested factors remained statistically significant in multivariate analysis, although antimicrobial treatment within three months was borderline significant (p = 0.052). Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase -producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST6179:CTX-M-15 was detected in three horses using whole-genome sequencing, which in combination with patient records suggested nosocomial transmission. Escherichia coli isolates were ST1250:CTX-M-1 (n = 1), ST1079:CTX-M-1 (n = 1), and ST1245:CTX-M-14 (n = 1). Multiple virulence genes were detected in the ESBL-E isolates. In the ESBL-E positive horses enrolled in a one-year follow-up study, ESBL-E were unlikely to be isolated in rectal screening specimens after the initial positive specimen. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ESBL-E in horses visiting a veterinary teaching hospital in Finland is low, indicating an overall low prevalence estimate in the country's equine population. No statistically significant risk factors were identified, likely due to the low number of cases. The duration of ESBL-E carriage is likely to be very short in horses.

A discrete wild horse optimizer for capacitated vehicle routing problem.

The wild horse optimizer (WHO) is a novel metaheuristic algorithm, which has been successfully applied to solving continuous engineering problems. Considering the characteristics of the wild horse optimizer, a discrete version of the algorithm, named discrete wild horse optimizer (DWHO), is proposed to solve the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP). By incorporating three local search strategies-swap operation, reverse operation, and insertion operation-along with the introduction of the largest-order-value (LOV) decoding technique, the precision and quality of the solutions have been enhanced. Experimental results conducted on 44 benchmark instances indicate that, in most test cases, the solving capability of discrete wild horse optimizer surpasses that of basic wild horse optimizer (BWHO), hybrid firefly algorithm, dynamic space reduction ant colony optimization (DSRACO), and discrete artificial ecosystem-based optimization (DAEO). The discrete wild horse optimizer provides a novel approach for solving the capacitated vehicle routing problem and also offers a new perspective for addressing other discrete problems.

Multivariate analysis of morphometric traits of the horse ecotypes reared in highlands of Bale Zone, Ethiopia.

This study was conducted to evaluate morphometric traits of horse ecotypes reared in four districts of the Bale highlands, southeastern Ethiopia. Twenty-seven morphometric traits were measured from 500 horses (294 males and 206 females) of both sexes. Data were analyzed using SAS 2012. This study revealed that certain traits, such as head length, loin length, bi-ischial width, and sternum height of horses were similar. However, significant differences (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01, p < 0.05) were observed in other traits across the districts. All traits were affected by age (p < 0.05) except rump width and canon perimeter. All 27 morphometric traits were subjected to STEPDISC analysis, of which 21 had the best discriminating power. The uppermost distances of 32.2 and, 28.8 were reported between the Agarfa and Dinsho and, Agarfa and Sinana horse populations, respectively. Mean separation distance among districts ranges from -1.75 to 3.57, -2.42 to 2.43, and -1.61 to 0.92 for CAN1, CAN2 and CAN3, respectively. The quadratic discriminate function classified 95.2, 94.4, 96.0, and 96.8 % of the sampled horses into source populations of the Dinsho, Agarfa, Sinana, and Goba districts, respectively. In addition, the cross-validation summary revealed reduced consistency of membership among each districts with 5 % average success rates and 4, 8, 4, and 4 % for the Dinsho, Agarfa, Sinana, and Goba districts, respectively. Therefore, the presence of variation in morphometric traits within the Bale Highland horse ecotypes has the potential for selection and further genetic interventions.