Assessment of retinal atrophy in mixed breed dogs using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinography.

The aim of the study was to characterize retinal atrophy (RA) with progressive retinal atrophy symptoms in mixed breed dogs using ophthalmoscopy, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinography (ERG).The study was performed on 13 mixed breed dogs affected by retinal atrophy (11 males and 2 females that were 1.5-14 years old). Depending on the advancement of RA, SD-OCT examinations identified retinal abnormalities ranging from layer disorganisation to advanced atrophy. The most advanced RA occurred ventral to the optic disc. Total retinal thickness in both eyes (mean ± SD) was lower in dogs with RA compared to controls dorsally (77.7 ± 39.5 µm vs 173.5 ± 13.3 µm), ventrally (33.4 ± 29.9 µm vs 139.5 ± 10.8 µm), nasally (65.0 ± 34.5 µm vs 163.9 ± 11.0 µm) and temporally (61.8 ± 41.7 µm vs 171.9 ± 11.1 µm) to the optic disc. In dogs with locally normal architecture of inner retina, loss of definition of outer retinal layers occurred in many regions. Dark and light-adapted ERGs were reduced in 2 dogs with RA and were unrecordable in 11 dogs. Lesions evident in SD-OCT scans of mixed breed dogs affected with retinal atrophy initially appear ventrally to the optic disc and ventro-dorsally in advanced RA. In all mixed breed dogs with retinal atrophy, clinical signs and SD-OCT results correlate with ERG findings.

Study on the Ixodid ticks species diversity (Acari: Ixodidae) on domestic ruminants in different agro-climatic regions of Tamil Nadu.

A survey of Ixodid tick species diversity on domestic ruminants was conducted in seven agro-climatic regions of Tamil Nadu State, India. Tick surveys were conducted on domestic ruminants such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat in seven districts of Tamil Nadu. The overall tick infestation was 38.8%, 5.8%, 14.6%, and 40.8% on cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats, respectively. A total of 8068 ticks from 18 species belonging to four genera were recorded. Overall, Haemaphysalis intermedia was the predominant (51.38%) tick species which has a wide host range. The most prevalent tick species in cattle and buffalo were Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus (25.41%) and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (56.69%), respectively. Haemaphysalis intermedia was the most prevalent in ticks in sheep (70.35%), goat (70.35%), and dog (55.79%). In the present study, local anomalies such as the ectromely of one leg and the absence of adanal plates were observed in Rh. haemaphysaloides. The study also found that local anomaly such as protuberances in the hind tarsal and atrophy of the adanal plate was observed in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. In addition, a general anomaly with three atrophy caudal appendages was also observed in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The overall prevalence of anomalies in Rh. haemaphysaloides and Rh. (B.) microplus was 0.3% (3/971) and 0.4% (3/678), respectively.

Decreased circulating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) and kidney TGF-ß immunoreactivity predict renal disease in cats with naturally occurring chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare the circulating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) of clinically normal age-matched and naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (CKD) cats and to determine the correlation between the TGF-ß expression and histopathological changes in cats with CKD. METHODS: A total of 11 clinically normal age-matched and 27 cats with naturally occurring CKD were included in this study. Circulating TGF-ß was quantified by immunoassays. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the association between survival time and the concentration of circulating TGF-ß. A general linear model was used to compare the circulating TGF-ß between groups. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed TGF-ß expression in renal tissues from cats with CKD that died during the study (n = 7) and in available archived renal tissue specimens taken at necropsy from cats that had previous CKD with renal lesions (n = 10). Correlations of the TGF-ß expression and clinical parameters (n = 7) and histopathological changes (n = 17) were analysed using Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: The median survival time of cats with a lower concentration of circulating TGF-ß was shorter than that of cats with a higher concentration. The area under the curve of circulating TGF-ß for predicting CKD was 0.781, indicating good differentiation. The study indicated a significant difference in circulating TGF-ß concentrations between clinically normal cats and those with CKD and demonstrated that TGF-ß expression is correlated with tubular atrophy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The study findings suggest that decreased serum TGF-ß and tubular atrophy with TGF-ß immunoreactivity may be significant in cats with CKD.

Iatrogenic adrenal atrophy following oral corticotherapy is not reliably identified ultrasonographically in cats.

Background: In dogs, corticosteroid administration is known to decrease adrenal gland height when measured ultrasonographically. However, comparable information is lacking in cats. Objectives: i) Validate that the adrenal height of our control population without corticosteroid administration was similar to previous data, ii) determine effects of dose and duration of oral corticosteroid therapy on adrenal height, and iii) determine an adrenal size threshold to differentiate cats receiving corticosteroids or not. Animals and procedures: Adult cats (N = 308) that received abdominal ultrasonographic examination(s) were retrospectively recruited and allocated into 2 groups: those with and without oral corticosteroid use. Cats receiving corticosteroids were subdivided into 6 subgroups by dose (supraphysiologic, anti-inflammatory, or immunosuppressive) and duration of therapy (≤ 1 mo or > 1 mo). Results: Adrenal height in cats without corticosteroid therapy was comparable to previous studies. An anti-inflammatory corticosteroid dose for > 1 mo caused a 21.4% decrease in adrenal height (mean difference of 0.8 mm; P = 0.009). However, no difference in adrenal height was noted in the other subgroups (P > 0.21), and no useful adrenal height threshold was established. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Feline iatrogenic adrenal atrophy may be difficult to establish with ultrasonography, as only cats receiving anti-inflammatory corticosteroid doses for > 1 mo had a modest (< 1 mm) decrease in adrenal height.

L'atrophie iatrogène des surrénales consécutive à une corticothérapie orale n'est pas identifiée de manière fiable par échographie chez le chat. Contexte: Chez le chien, l'administration de corticostéroïdes est connue pour diminuer la taille des glandes surrénales lorsqu'elle est mesurée par échographie. Cependant, des informations comparables manquent chez les chats. Objectifs: i) Valider que la taille des surrénales de notre population témoin sans administration de corticostéroïdes était similaire aux données précédentes, ii) déterminer les effets de la dose et de la durée de la corticothérapie orale sur la taille des surrénales, et iii) déterminer un seuil de taille des surrénales pour différencier les chats recevant des corticostéroïdes ou pas. Animaux et procédures: Des chats adultes (N = 308) qui ont subi un ou plusieurs examens échographiques abdominaux ont été recrutés rétrospectivement et répartis en 2 groupes : ceux avec et sans corticothérapie orale. Les chats recevant des corticostéroïdes ont été subdivisés en 6 sous-groupes selon la dose (supraphysiologique, anti-inflammatoire ou immunosuppresseur) et la durée du traitement (≤ 1 mois ou > 1 mois). Résultats: La taille des surrénales chez les chats sans corticothérapie était comparable à celle des études précédentes. Une dose de corticoïdes anti-inflammatoires pendant > 1 mois a entraîné une diminution de 21,4 % de la taille des surrénales (différence moyenne de 0,8 mm; P = 0,009). Cependant, aucune différence de taille surrénalienne n'a été notée dans les autres sous-groupes (P > 0,21) et aucun seuil de taille surrénalienne utile n'a été établi. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: L'atrophie surrénalienne iatrogène féline peut être difficile à établir par échographie, car seuls les chats recevant des doses de corticostéroïdes anti-inflammatoires pendant > 1 mois ont présenté une diminution modeste (< 1 mm) de la taille des surrénales.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Preliminary characterization of a novel form of progressive retinal atrophy in the German Spitz dog associated with a frameshift mutation in GUCY2D.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, preliminary electroretinographic and optical coherence tomography features of a newly identified form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in German Spitzes, and identify the causal gene mutation. ANIMALS: Thirty-three client-owned German Spitz dogs were included. PROCEDURES: All animals underwent a full ophthalmic examination, including vision testing. In addition, fundus photography, ERG, and OCT were performed. A DNA-marker-based association analysis was performed to screen potential candidate genes and the whole genomes of four animals were sequenced. RESULTS: Initial fundus changes were pale papilla and mild vascular attenuation. Oscillatory nystagmus was noted in 14 of 16 clinically affected puppies. Vision was impaired under both scotopic and photopic conditions. Rod-mediated ERGs were unrecordable in all affected dogs tested, reduced cone-mediated responses were present in one animal at 3 months of age and unrecordable in the other affected animals tested. Multiple small retinal bullae were observed in three clinically affected animals (two with confirmed genetic diagnosis). OCT showed that despite loss of function, retinal structure was initially well-preserved, although a slight retinal thinning developed in older animals with the ventral retina being more severely affected. Pedigree analysis supported an autosomal recessive inheritance. A mutation was identified in GUCY2D, which segregated with the disease (NM_001003207.1:c.1598_1599insT; p.(Ser534GlufsTer20)). Human subjects with GUCY2D mutations typically show an initial disconnect between loss of function and loss of structure, a feature recapitulated in the affected dogs in this study. CONCLUSION: We identified early-onset PRA in the German Spitz associated with a frameshift mutation in GUCY2D.

Frequency of histologic lesions in the kidneys of cats without kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES: In humans, renal aging is associated with an increased frequency of glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, inflammation and tubular atrophy. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency of renal histopathologic lesions in cats without kidney disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of archival kidney tissue from 74 cats without kidney disease (serum creatinine <1.6 mg/dl; urine specific gravity >1.035) was carried out: 0-4 years (young, n = 18); 5-9 years (mature, n = 16); 10-14 years (senior, n = 34), 15+ years (geriatric, n = 6). Glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, and the presence or absence of lipid in the interstitium and tubules were scored by a pathologist masked to clinical data. Statistical analyses were performed as appropriate. RESULTS: Geriatric cats had significantly more glomerulosclerosis than mature (P = 0.01) and young cats (P = 0.004). Senior cats had significantly more glomerulosclerosis than young cats (P = 0.006). Glomerulosclerosis was weakly positively correlated with age (r = 0.48; P <0.0001). Geriatric cats had significantly more tubular atrophy than mature (P = 0.02) and young cats (P <0.0001). Senior cats had significantly more tubular atrophy than young cats (P <0.0001). Geriatric cats had significantly more inflammation than senior cats (P = 0.02), mature cats (P = 0.01) and young cats (P <0.0001). Senior cats had significantly more inflammation than young cats (P = 0.004). Geriatric and senior cats had significantly more fibrosis than young cats (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). Frequency of tubular lipid increased with age (young: 28%; mature: 56%; senior: 79%; geriatric: 100%) as did the frequency of interstitial lipid (young: 22%, mature: 56%, senior: 85%, geriatric: 100%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Evidence of renal aging exists in cats. These changes imply that the aging kidney may be more susceptible to injury and impaired healing.

Quantitative histologic evaluation reveals different degree of liver atrophy in cachectic and starved dogs.

Cases of neglect in dogs are among the forensic cases submitted most commonly for postmortem examination. Starvation is a form of primary protein-energy malnutrition in which the availability of food is severely restricted or absent; cachexia is a form of protein-energy malnutrition secondary to progressive metabolic derangement during chronic diseases. Despite both conditions leading to an emaciated appearance of the cadaver, discrimination between the two is crucial in forensic cases. We hypothesized that among emaciated dogs, the degree of liver atrophy in starved animals is higher than in cachectic ones, and that this can be investigated microscopically, regardless of the degree of cadaver decomposition. We studied 46 animals: 23 starved, 11 cachectic, and 12 control dogs. Portal tracts were identified by the presence of a bile duct and associated vascular structures recognizable by a thin rim of collagen still visible regardless of the degree of cadaver decomposition. The number of portal tracts per lpf (10×) was used as an indirect measure of atrophy. The number of portal tracts in starved dogs was significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to both cachectic and control dogs, indicating a higher degree of liver atrophy in starvation. Measuring the density of portal tracts offers a reliable additional tool for discrimination between starvation and cachexia.

Molecular Identification and Pathogenicity of Novel Duck-Origin Goose Parvovirus Isolated from Beak Atrophy and Dwarfism Syndrome of Waterfowls in the North of Vietnam.

The aim of this study is to identify and characterize virus isolates (which are named for Bacgiang Agriculture and Forestry University [BAFU]) from diseased Cherry Valley duck and mule duck flocks and investigate the damage caused by a novel parvovirus-related virus (DuPV) to tissues and organs, including the brain, cerebellum, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, and spinal cord. The results of phylogenetic analysis show that DuPV-BAFU evolved from a goose lineage and duck parvoviruses rather than from Muscovy duck parvoviruses. In the genetic lineages, DuPVs were identified from the DuPV samples analyzed, and DuPV-BAFU was found to be closely clustered with two known goose origin parvoviruses (GPVa2006 and GPV1995) and a duck GPVs. Finally, structural modeling revealed that DuPV-BAFU and the closely related viruses GPVa2006 and GPV1995 possessed identical clusters of receptor-interacting amino acid residues in the VP3 protein, a major determinant of viral receptor binding and host specificity. Significantly, these three viruses differed from DuPVs, Muscovy duck parvoviruses, and other goose parvoviruses at these positions. These results also demonstrated that DuPV-BAFU represents a new variant of goose-origin parvovirus that currently circulates in ducklings and causes beak atrophy and dwarfism syndrome, as noted in the previous reports in Europe, Taiwan, and China. This new finding highlights the need for future surveillance of DuPV-BAFU in waterfowl in order to gain a better understanding of both the evolution and the biology of this emerging parvovirus in waterfowl.

Identificación molecular y patogenicidad de un nuevo parvovirus de ganso de origen en pato aislado del síndrome de atrofia del pico y enanismo de las aves acuáticas en el norte de Vietnam. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar y caracterizar aislados de virus detectados en la Universidad de Agricultura y Silvicultura de Bacgiang (BAFU) de parvadas de patos enfermos Cherry Valley e híbridos y también investigar el daño causado por un nuevo virus relacionado con parvovirus del pato (DuPV) en tejidos y órganos, incluidos el cerebro, el cerebelo, los riñones, el hígado, los pulmones, el bazo y la médula espinal. Los resultados del análisis filogenético mostraron que el virus DuPV-BAFU evolucionó a partir de un linaje de parvovirus de patos y gansos en lugar del parvovirus de patos reales. En los linajes genéticos, se identificaron virus DuPV a partir de las muestras de DuPV analizadas, y se encontró que el DuPV-BAFU estaba estrechamente agrupado con dos parvovirus conocidos de origen de ganso (GPVa2006 y GPV1995) y con parvovirus de pato. Finalmente, el modelado estructural reveló que el virus DuPV-BAFU y los virus estrechamente relacionados GPVa2006 y GPV1995 poseían grupos idénticos de residuos de aminoácidos que interactúan con el receptor en la proteína VP3, que es un determinante importante de la unión al receptor viral y la especificidad del huésped. Significativamente, estos tres virus diferían de los DuPV, los parvovirus del pato real y de otros parvovirus del ganso en estas posiciones. Estos resultados también demostraron que el virus DuPV-BAFU representa una nueva variante del parvovirus de origen ganso que actualmente circula en patitos y causa atrofia del pico y síndrome de enanismo, como se señaló en reportes anteriores en Europa, Taiwán y China. Este nuevo hallazgo destaca la necesidad de una vigilancia futura para el virus DuPV-BAFU en las aves acuáticas para comprender mejor tanto la evolución como la biología de este parvovirus emergente en las aves acuáticas.

Commercial vaccines used in China do not protect against a novel infectious bursal disease virus variant isolated in Fujian.

BACKGROUND: Since 2018, atrophy of the bursa has been found among vaccinated chickens with high antibody titres against infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) in Fujian, China, suggesting poor vaccine efficacy against circulating IBDV strains. METHODS: Novel IBDV strains were isolated, and vp2 and vp1 genes were sequenced and used to carry out phylogenetic analysis. Pathogenicity was investigated using 21-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. In addition, the effectiveness of current commercial vaccines used in China was evaluated against the isolated novel IBDV strains. RESULTS: Six IBDV isolates were successfully obtained, which formed an independent cluster and belonged to genotype A2dB1, based on phylogenetic analysis of the vp2 and vp1 genes. The pathogenicity of the novel IBDV FJ2019-01 isolate in 21-day-old SPF chickens was characterised by severe atrophy of the bursa and a largely decreased number of lymphocytes, atrophy of the follicle and broadening of mesenchyme in the bursa 3-23 days after infection. Unfortunately, all vaccinated chickens with high antibody titres against IBDV also developed atrophy and largely decreased lymphocytes in the bursa, as in the unvaccinated birds challenged with FJ2019-01. Furthermore, high viral loads of FJ2019-01 were detected in the bursa of all vaccinated chickens. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that current commercial IBDV vaccines used in China did not provide protection against novel IBDV variants.

The effect on brain volume in HIV-negative and non-transplant cryptococcal meningitis.

To explore the brain volume (BV) changes of HIV-negative and non-transplant cryptococcal meningitis (CM) in 1 year after initial therapy. Case data were collected from 78 CM patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning at least 3 times in 1-year interval after initial therapy. The assessment of BV was measured by a non-commercial software, uAI Research Portal. Linear mixed model was used to investigate the association between clinical characteristics and the changes in BV. Longitudinal study showed a decrease in total brain volume (-4.65 cm3, P = .005), regional brain volume including white matter (-2.86 cm3, P = .031) and basal ganglia (-0.25 cm3, P = .007), and increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume (3.58 cm3, P = .013) in CM patients in 1 year after initial therapy. Ventricular volume in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) was lower than that in patients without VPS (-7.5 cm3, P < .05). Ventricular volume in patients with post-infectious inflammatory response syndrome (PIIRS) was larger than that in patients without PIIRS (7.1 cm3, P < .01). In addition, temporal lobe atrophy was associated with corticosteroid therapy (-6.8 cm3, P < .01). The present study suggested that brain atrophy, especially regional BV decrease, could happen in HIV-negative and non-transplant CM patients over a 1-year interval.

We investigated the evolution of brain volume changes in different regions among HIV-negative and non-transplant cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients within 1 year after initial therapy. To assess whether brain atrophy occurs among HIV-negative and non-transplant CM patients.

Expression of the highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) in various types of cells in thymic tissues.

Thymus, an important central immune organ in pigs, is the site of T lymphocyte development and maturation and an important target organ for infection and replication of various pathogens. Highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) infection results in severe thymic atrophy in piglets. This study aimed to explore the effects of HP-PRRSV on the thymic structure of piglets to elucidate the pathogenesis of thymic atrophy induced by HP-PRRSV. In this study, histopathological techniques and immunofluorescence double staining techniques were used to analyze thymic tissues infected by HP-PRRSV to explore the structural changes of thymus caused by the viral infection and its target cell types. An antibody of cluster of differentiation (CD) 3 (CD3), CD20, CD80, or calgranulin + calprotectin was applied to identify T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and macrophages, respectively. The results indicated that a variety of cell components in the thymic tissue were diffusely damaged after viral infection. In the infected thymic tissue, CD80- or calgranulin + calprotectin- -labeled cells supported the HP-PRRSV infection, whereas CD3-labeled T cells and CD20- -labeled B cells did not support the viral infection. The results showed that HP-PRRSV caused the reduction of visible cell components in the thymic tissue, and the virus attacked CD80- and calgranulin + calprotectin-positive cells (such as DCs and macrophages) in the thymic tissue, which played an important role in the pathogenesis of thymus atrophy. These results lay the foundation for elucidating the immunosuppression of piglets after infection with HP-PRRSV.

Duck Tembusu virus infection causes testicular atrophy.

In recent years, Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is becoming an important emerging and re-emerging pathogen that severely harms the poultry industry in China. The DTMUV disease was principally identified by a sharp decline in egg production, whereas few studies were focused on the virus-reproductive system interaction, especially male reproductive system. Herein, the present study was aimed at investigating the in vivo morphological changes in testis from DTMUV-infected adult Shaoxing ducks. After DTMUV infection, the gross observation indicated that the testis of DTMUV-infected ducks was significantly atrophied at 2 days post-infection (dpi), 4 dpi, and 8 dpi. At microscopic and ultrastructural level, morphological analysis revealed that DTMUV could lead to cytoplasmic vacuolation and exfoliation in seminiferous epithelium, decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubule (ST), and even induce interstitial inflammation in duck testis. Ulteriorly, the spermatogenic cells, especially spermatocytes, are identified as the target cells of DTMUV infection in the testis of ducks through immunohistochemistry (IHC). And more notably, single virus particles and clustered virus particles were observed in the spermatogenic cells from infected ducks. In summary, our results comprehensively illustrated the effects of DTMUV infection on the testis, the morphological changes underlying testicular atrophy and identified the target cells of DTMUV infection in the testis of ducks.

Atypical chorioretinal lesions in Siberian Husky dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma: a case series.

BACKGROUND: A number of etiologies for different canine chorioretinal lesions have been proved or suggested but some fundic lesions remain unclear in terms of an etiologic diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. The purpose of this case series is to describe atypical chorioretinal lesions observed in dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). CASE PRESENTATION: Two spayed-female Siberian Huskies (3- and 4-year-old) and one Siberian Husky/Australian Shepherd mixed breed dog (11-month-old) that had multifocal depigmented retinal lesions and PACG were included. PROCEDURES: Ophthalmic examination, gross, and histopathologic examination findings are described. One of the dogs underwent further clinical diagnostics. Advanced clinical diagnostics on the fellow, presumed to be non-glaucomatous eye of a dog revealed: pectinate ligament dysplasia by gonioscopy, retinal thinning in the depigmented area and wedge shaped retinal thinning with delayed choroidal vascular perfusion by optical coherence tomography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. Quantifiable maze testing for the same eye revealed mild nyctalopia but the full-field electroretinogram showed no generalized decrease of retinal function. Genetic testing for mutations within the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator gene causing X-linked progressive retinal atrophy in Siberian Huskies was negative. Histopathologic evaluations on enucleated eyes in two dogs confirmed goniodysgenesis, PACG with optic nerve head cupping, and diffuse inner retinal atrophy. In addition, segmental profound retinal atrophy, loss of retinal pigment epithelium, and adhesion of the retina to Bruch's membrane was observed and coincided with multifocal depigmented lesions noted on fundic examination. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first case series with clinical and histopathologic data of chorioretinal lesions, most likely caused by severely impaired choroidal perfusion. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the etiology and pathophysiology, including its possible association with PACG.

Studies on the immune status of calves with chronic inflammation and thymus atrophy.

The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ where the primary T cell repertoire is generated. Thymus atrophy is induced by various conditions, including infectious diseases, glucocorticoid treatment, and poor breeding management. Cattle with thymus atrophy tend to exhibit weak calf syndrome, a condition in which approximately half of neonates die shortly after birth. Calves with thymus atrophy that survive the first month typically contract chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we analyzed the populations of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and thymocytes in calves with thymus atrophy. In addition, we evaluated polarization of master gene and cytokine mRNA expression in peripheral blood CD4+ cells in the calves. The population of CD4+CD8+ cells in thymus of the calves with thymus atrophy was lower than that of control calves. IL10 mRNA expression in peripheral blood CD4+ cells of calves with thymus atrophy was significantly lower than that of control calves. TBX21 mRNA expression in peripheral CD4+ cells of thymus atrophy calves was tended to be higher than that of the control group. In addition, FOXP3 mRNA expression in peripheral CD4+ cells of the thymus atrophy calves was tended to be lower than that of the control calves. Thymus atrophy calves exhibited chronic inflammatory disease leading, in severe situations, to conditions such as pneumonia with caseous necrosis. These severe inflammatory responses likely are due to decreases in IL10 mRNA expression, impairing control of macrophages, one of the main cell fractions of natural immunity.

Integrated analysis of microRNA and mRNA interactions in ovary of counter-season breeding and egg-ceased geese (Anser cygnoides).

Egg-ceasing is a phenomenon that occurs in most avian species and significantly reduces productivity. Although several factors are reported to regulate the reproduction progress, the underlying molecular mechanism of egg-ceasing remains obscure. Herein, we identified and explored the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs involved in ovarian atrophy via high throughput sequencing. We identified a total of 901 mRNAs and 50 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in egg-laying and atrophic ovaries. Among them, numerous differentially expressed gene (DEG) transcripts and target genes for miRNAs were significantly enriched in Gene Ontology terms such as reproductive processes, cell proliferation, and apoptosis pathways. In addition, an interaction network was constructed by considering target relationships and correlation of the expression levels between ovary development-related genes, miRNAs and pathways. We discovered mRNA and miRNAs transcripts that are candidate regulators of ovary development in egg-ceased geese. Our findings expanded our understanding of the functional of miRNAs in ovarian atrophy and demonstrated that RNA-Seq is a powerful tool for examining the molecular mechanism in regulating egg-ceasing.

Deletion of miR-M8 and miR-M13 eliminates the bursa atrophy induced by Marek's disease virus infection.

Marek's disease (MD) is a neoplastic disease of chickens caused by an avian alphaherpesvirus, Marek's disease virus (MDV, also known as Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 [GaHV2]). A total of 14 microRNA (miRNA) precursors and 26 mature miRNAs have been identified in MDV genome, which were grouped in three distinct clusters. In recent years, our studies revealed the role of MDV encoded cluster 3 miRNAs (or miR-M8-M10) and the specific function of its three members, miR-M6, miR-M7 and miR-M10, in regulating MDV replication and pathogenesis. In this study, we characterized the unique function of the other two members, miR-M8 and miR-M13, in cluster 3 miRNAs. Our results show that miR-M8 and miR-M13 are not important for MDV plaque formation and genome replication in vitro. Animal experiment results show that deletion of miR-M8-5p and miR-M13-5p eliminates the bursa atrophy, but not thymus atrophy, of MDV inoculated chickens. In addition, we found that the survival curve and MD incidences were not affected by disruption of miR-M8 and miR-M13. Taken together, this study uncovers the unique role of miR-M8 and miR-M13 in MDV replication and pathogenesis, which filled the gap in the research of MDV encoded miRNAs.

CircCCDC91 regulates chicken skeletal muscle development by sponging miR-15 family via activating IGF1-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been reported in various tissues of animals and associated with multiple biological processes. From our previous sequencing data, we found a novel circRNA, circCCDC91 which was generated from exon 2 to 8 of the CCDC91 gene. We observed that circCCDC91 was differentially expressed in the chicken breast muscle among 4 different embryonic developmental time points (embryonic day 10 [E10], E13, E16, and E19). Therefore, we assumed that circCCDC91 have a potential function in chicken skeletal muscle development. In this study, we firstly verify the annular structure and expression pattern of circCCDC91, and further investigate on whether circCCDC91 could promote chicken skeletal development. Mechanistically, circCCDC91 could absorb miR-15a, miR-15b-5p, and miR-15c-5p to modulate the expression of Insulin receptor substrate1 (IRS1), as well as activate insulin-1ike growth factor 1-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT (IGF1-PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. In addition, circCCDC91 could rescue skeletal muscle atrophy by activating IGF1-PI3K/AKT pathway. Taken together, the findings in this study revealed that the newly identified circCCDC91 promotes myoblasts proliferation and differentiation, and alleviates skeletal muscle atrophy by directly binding to miR-15 family via activating IGF1-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in chicken.

Urrets-Zavalia syndrome following cataract surgery in dogs: A case series.

Background: In human medicine, Urrets-Zavalia syndrome (UZS) is a well-recognized but uncommon postoperative complication characterized by a fixed dilated pupil, accompanied by iris atrophy and glaucoma. Although it was originally reported in 1963 after penetrating keratoplasty surgery for keratoconus, it has been associated with various ophthalmic procedures such as cataract surgery. The condition has not been previously published in the veterinary literature. Case Description: Three client-owned diabetic dogs that developed UZS´s triad after cataract surgery are described. Despite uneventful phacoemulsification in the six eyes, five developed moderate-to-severe postoperative ocular hypertension. Although intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes were initially controlled, fixed dilated pupils accompanied by iris atrophy and chronic ocular hypertension were seen in the five affected eyes. Aggressive medical and surgical management maintained vision in three of those eyes. In one eye, uncontrolled IOP led to blindness. Conclusion: This is the first published description of UZS in dogs, occurring after phacoemulsification. Although no exact, demonstrable causative element could be determined, we believe that should be considered a triggering condition for this syndrome, as it directly affects the ocular blood flow autoregulation and intrinsic uveal tissue integrity. Until the contrary is proved, diabetes mellitus might be considered as a risk factor for developing this syndrome after cataract surgery in dogs.

Thymic changes due to leishmaniasis in dogs: An immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: The thymus is necessary for the differentiation of T cells, a process that is regulated by the type of antigens found in thymocytes, the environment of surrounding cells and the thymus architecture. There is evidence that infectious diseases may result in morphological changes in this organ, such as premature atrophy and decreased thymocyte proliferation, that can affect the immune response. OBJECTIVES: We characterised the morphology and tissue distribution of haematopoietic and stromal cells in the thymuses of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum, with the aim to determine the changes that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. METHODS: Thymus samples were collected from 15 animals (aged 6 months to 5 years) ELISA-positive for leishmaniasis and from 10 dogs from non-endemic regions for leishmaniasis whose death was not related to infectious causes. The samples were submitted to histological processing and staining with Haematoxylin-Eosin to assess thymic morphometry and histopathological changes. Masson's trichrome staining was used to quantify the connective tissue present (collagen). The immunohistochemical method was used to determine the cellular constitution of the thymus, using antibodies that aimed at marking T lymphocytes (anti-CD3), B lymphocytes (anti-CD79a), macrophages (anti- MAC387), mesenchymal cells (anti-vimentin), epithelial cells (anti-cytokeratin), cells in mitosis (anti-Ki67) and cells in apoptosis (anti-caspase-3). RESULTS: The histopathological evaluation of infected dogs showed more signs consistent with thymus atrophy, including decreased parenchyma, infiltration of adipose and connective tissue near the capsule and between the lobules, lymphoid rarefaction mainly in the cortical region and loss of the cortical-medullary demarcation. In addition, we observed a decrease in the amounts of CD3 + T lymphocytes, macrophages (MAC387) and Ki67-positive cells and an increase in the number of cells positive for cytokeratin and CD79a (B lymphocytes). Finally, the parasite was detected in 46% of infected thymuses and may contribute for the observed changes. CONCLUSIONS: Apparently, leishmaniasis, like other infectious diseases, causes atrophy of the thymus and depletion of thymocytes with a relative increase in thymus epithelial cells. These morphological changes in the normal organisation of the thymus by mechanisms not yet well known may result in the abnormal release of T cells, with consequent damage to the host's immune response.

Testicular Atrophy and Epididymitis-Orchitis Associated with Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Broiler Breeder Roosters.

Infectious bronchitis is a respiratory disease of chickens caused by a gammacoronavirus named infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). In addition to affecting the respiratory tract, IBV may also induce urogenital infections, leading to nephropathogenic disease, false layer syndrome in laying hens, and epididymal lithiasis and epididymitis in males. Here, we report a case of decreased reproductive efficiency due to male infertility in 33- to 38-wk-old broiler breeders. At necropsy, the males presented with urates deposited on the skin around the vent and testicular asymmetry due to marked unilateral atrophy. Histopathology revealed lymphocytic epididymitis, epididymal lithiasis, and orchitis. IBV antigen was detected within collecting and efferent ducts of epididymides by immunohistochemistry. IBV strain DMV/1639 was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR in pools of testes, oviducts, tracheas, cecal tonsils, and kidneys from a 37-wk-old affected flock. This report shows evidence of the role of IBV in male chicken infertility and highlights the importance of performing molecular surveillance of IBV to monitor vaccine strains and to detect emerging variants that can potentially hinder production.

Reporte de caso- Atrofia testicular y epididimitis-orquitis asociadas con el virus de la bronquitis infecciosa en gallos reproductores pesados. La bronquitis infecciosa es una enfermedad respiratoria del pollo causada por un gammacoronavirus llamado virus de la bronquitis infecciosa (con las siglas en inglés IBV). Además de afectar el tracto respiratorio, el IBV también puede inducir infecciones urogenitales, lo que conduce a enfermedad nefropatogénica, síndrome de la falsa ponedora en gallinas de postura y litiasis epididimaria y epididimitis en machos. En este reporte se describe un caso de disminución de la eficiencia reproductiva debido a la infertilidad de machos en reproductores pesados de 33 a 38 semanas de edad. En la necropsia, los machos presentaron depósitos de uratos sobre la piel alrededor de la cloaca y asimetría testicular por atrofia unilateral marcada. La histopatología reveló epididimitis linfocítica, litiasis epididimaria y orquitis. Antígenos del virus de la bronquitis infecciosa se detectaron dentro de los conductos colectores y eferentes de los epidídimos mediante inmunohistoquímica. La cepa del virus de la bronquitis DMV/1639 se detectó mediante transcripción reversa y PCR cuantitativa en muestras agrupadas de testículos, oviductos, tráqueas, tonsilas cecales y riñones de una parvada afectada de 37 semanas de edad. Este reporte muestra evidencia del papel del virus de la bronquitis infecciosa en la infertilidad de los pollos machos y destaca la importancia de realizar una vigilancia molecular de este virus para monitorear las cepas vacunales y detectar variantes emergentes que potencialmente pueden dificultar la producción.