Walk or be walked by the dog? The attachment role.

BACKGROUND: The human-animal bond has been recognized as having positive effects on the health and well-being of both humans and pets. The present study aims to explore the influence of attachment on physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and health outcomes of dog owners (DO), highlighting the mutual benefits resulting from the relationship between DO and dogs. METHODS: Thirty-eight DO and their dogs participated in this study. Socio-demographic data, the Self-Rated Health (SRH), FANTASTICO Lifestyle Scale, and the Lexington Attachment Pet Scale (LAPS) were assessed. PA was measured in both the DO and the dogs, using an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in the context of daily routine. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation analyses were performed to examine the associations between LAPS, PA levels, socio-demographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, and SRH. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the dog owners' light-level PA and the pets' vigorous level of PA (rho = 0.445, p = 0.01). Furthermore, the importance of the pets' health (rho = -0.785, p = 0.02) and the LAPS subscales, namely proximity (rho = 0.358, p = 0.03), and attachment (rho = 0.392, p = 0.01), were related to taking the pet for a walk. Regarding lifestyle, DO with a healthier lifestyle had a better self-assessment of their health using the SRH (rho = 0.39, p = 0.02). Moreover, DO with better lifestyles also exhibited greater concern for their pet's health (rho = 0.398, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes that individuals who adopt healthier habits tend to perceive themselves as healthier and exhibit greater concern for their pets' health. The attachment between DO and dogs is important in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and engagement in PA. Our results highlight that the presence of a dog is associated with a higher level of PA in DO, depending on the strength of the human-animal bond.

Feline calicivirus and natural killer cells: A study of its relationship in chronic gingivostomatitis.

Background and Aims: Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a frequent chronic inflammatory condition in the oral cavity with an etiopathogenesis not completely identified. This study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of FCGS by identifying the presence of feline calicivirus (FCV) antigens and natural killer (NK) cells and comparing them. Materials and Methods: Forty biopsies from the oral mucosa of cats diagnosed with chronic gingivostomatitis were subjected to immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate cells with FCV antigens and NK cells positive for CD56. Results: NK cells were identified in all samples, with an average of 725.3 ± 409.1 cells. Regarding FCV, it was identified in 18 out of 30 samples (60%), with a different number of cells with virus in between the analyzed cases. In all cases, the number of cells infected with FCV was lower than the number of NK cells present in the same samples, but there was no statistical association between them. Conclusion: This preliminary study shows that NK cells are present in gingivostomatitis lesions not exclusively caused by FCV-stimulus, as only 60% of all cases were positive for this virus, but other antigens should be considered in the etiology of FCGS.

Pet's influence on humans' daily physical activity and mental health: a meta-analysis.

Abstract: The benefits of the human-animal bond on owners' health and quality of life have been the focus of research in recent decades. However, the results are still inconsistent. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether the presence of a pet, compared to a control group, influences daily physical activity levels and mental health using a meta-analytic method. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for all research articles that included pets as an object of study and related mental health and quality of life variables between pet owners and non-owners until April 2022. The PRISMA 2020 checklist was used, and the Downs and Back checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the difference between a group of pet owners and non-pet owners. Results: An initial search located 11,389 studies, but only 49 studies fulfilled all requirements. Our results indicate that pets have a moderately significant positive effect on the physical activity of owners compared to non-pet owners. Among the moderating variables, the frequency of physical activity showed a highly significant effect, indicating that owners had a higher frequency of physical activity than non-owners. Moreover, our results indicate a significant impact but with a low effect size of pets on owners' mental health when compared to non-pet owners. Conclusion: Pet ownership does not seem to influence owners' mental health, but it does influence their physical activity. Specifically, owners show a higher frequency of physical activity than non-owners.

Estimating sequence diversity of prion protein gene (PRNP) in Portuguese populations of two cervid species: red deer and fallow deer.

Among the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids is now a rising concern in wildlife within Europe, after the detection of the first case in Norway in 2016, in a wild reindeer and until June 2022 a total of 34 cases were described in Norway, Sweden and Finland. The definite diagnosis is post-mortem, performed in target areas of the brain and lymph nodes. Samples are first screened using a rapid test and, if positive, confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting. The study of the genetics of the prion protein gene, PRNP, has been proved to be a valuable tool for determining the relative susceptibility to TSEs. In the present study, the exon 3 of PRNP gene of 143 samples from red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) of Portugal was analysed. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in red deer - codon A136A, codon T98A, codon Q226E - and no sequence variation was detected in fallow deer. The low genetic diversity found in our samples is compatible with previous studies in Europe. The comparison with results from North America suggests that the free-ranging deer from our study may present susceptibility to CWD, although lack of experimental data and the necessity of continuous survey are necessary to evaluate these populations.

Canine-Origin Platelet-Rich Fibrin as an Effective Biomaterial for Wound Healing in Domestic Cats: A Preliminary Study.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a recent platelet-based biomaterial, poised as an innovative regenerative strategy for the treatment of wounds from different etiologies. PRF is defined as a biodegradable scaffold containing elevated amounts of platelets and leukocytes having the capability to release high concentrations of bioactive structural proteins and acting as a temporal release healing hemoderivative. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of canine-origin PRF, obtained from blood of screened donors, as a regenerative biomaterial suitable for the treatment of critical wounds in felines. Four short-hair felines with naturally occurring wounds were enrolled in this study. Three of the wounds were considered infected. Each PRF treatment was the result of the grafting of newly produced PRFs at the recipient area. The PRF treatment was initially performed two to three times per week, followed by single weekly treatments. The study was finalized when complete wound closure was achieved. No topical antimicrobial/antiseptic treatment was applied. The present research demonstrated that xenogenic PRFs significantly induced healthy vascularized granulation tissue in lesions with soft tissue deficit, also prompting the epithelization at the injured site. No rejection, necrosis, or infection signs were recorded. Additionally, PRF-therapy was revealed to be a biological cost-effective treatment, accelerating the wound healing process.

Standardized Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) from canine and feline origin: An analysis on its secretome pattern and architectural structure.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been incorporated in surgical procedures to promote tissue and bone healing, particularly in human medicine. The rationale for the use of platelet-based products stems from the fact that platelets, after being activated, release growth factors (GFs) and other active molecules such as cytokines, that modulate inflammation and tissue repair. Although PRF has been advanced as a therapeutic treatment for veterinary use, namely in canine and feline patients (following human medicine developments), to our knowledge a full characterization of PRF therapeutic effectors has never been performed. Herein, we studied the biological properties and release profile of GFs and other cytokines throughout ten days in in vitro culture conditions, in order to investigate the potential therapeutic ability of PRF for canine and feline practice. A protocol for obtaining PRF from whole blood without anti-coagulant from both species was optimized, originating large and homogenous PRF clots. Then, PRF clots obtained from four dogs and four cats were incubated in culture medium to assess the temporal release of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), vascular endothelial factor-A (VEGF-A), transforming growth factor ß-1 (TGF-ß1), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Furthermore, morphological characterization of PRF clots, fresh and after 10 days of incubation, was performed by histology and high-resolution field emission electron scanning microscopy. In standard culture conditions, PRF clots from both species released PDGF-BB, TGF- ß1 and VEGF-A, in a sustained manner, up to day 10. Moreover, PRF presents an initial burst release of IL-8, a mediator of inflammatory response which plays a key role in neutrophil recruitment and degranulation. Overall, our findings show that PRF clots may be an efficient therapeutic strategy in canine and feline clinical practice, accelerating the local healing mechanism, through the sustained delivery of signalling molecules involved in the healing cascade.

Acute phase proteins and antioxidant responses in queens with pyometra.

Acute phase proteins (APP) and biomarkers of oxidative status have proved to be clinically useful biomarkers of pyometra in different species. Despite pyometra is considered one of the most important feline reproductive diseases, information about the APP response and the oxidative status in queens with pyometra is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the APP and the antioxidant responses at diagnosis and in the post-operative period in feline pyometra. Serum concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), albumin, total serum thiols (Thiol) and total antioxidant capacity determined by different assays, including trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assessed by two different methodologies (TEAC1 and TEAC2), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), were determined in 23 queens with pyometra at diagnosis and in 13 healthy control queens submitted to elective ovariohysterectomy. The APP and antioxidants were also evaluated in 11 queens of the pyometra group at days two and 10 after surgery. At diagnosis, queens with pyometra had serum concentrations of SAA, Hp, and FRAP significantly higher (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), and of albumin, Thiol, CUPRAC and TEAC2 significantly lower (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) than controls. Moreover, concentrations of APP and antioxidants were significantly different (with a tendency to return to physiologic levels) at day 10 after surgery than before surgery. Significant associations were found between APP and antioxidants. According to these results, an APP response and the development of oxidative stress were detected in queens with pyometra. In addition, APP and antioxidants tended to return to physiologic values after surgery in the queens that recovered from the disease. Therefore, our results suggest that APP and selected antioxidants, such as Thiol and CUPRAC, could be potentially useful biomarkers in diagnosis and assessment of the post-operative period in feline pyometra.

Evaluation of biomarker canine-prostate specific arginine esterase (CPSE) for the diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common canine prostatic disorder. Although most or even all intact male dogs may develop BPH by 5-8 years of age, many show no clinical signs. Taking into account the non-specific character of clinical and ultrasonographic findings, a new diagnostic approach has recently been proposed based on the augmentation of blood canine prostate-specific arginine esterase (CPSE) in hyperplasic dogs. The aim of the present study was to verify CPSE levels in negative controls and hyperplasic dogs, considering cytological findings as the reference method and taking into account the fact that controls were middle-aged intact dogs (median of 5.0 years), contrarily to previous studies carried out with very young control dogs. RESULTS: Significant differences of median CPSE levels were found between controls and hyperplasic dogs (29.1 versus 160.7 ng/mL, respectively); and significant positive correlations were found between median CPSE levels and age or prostatic volume (r = 0.549 and 0.448, respectively; p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios put into evidence the good performance of the test. The agreement between methods was found to be very high, notably between CPSE levels and cytological results (Cohen's kappa coefficients above 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results all together, measurement of CPSE is confirmed as a useful and accurate method and should be considered as an alternative or complementary tool to conventional methods for the diagnosis of BPH in middle-aged dogs.

Interleukin-6 gene -174G>C and -636G>C promoter polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed internal malignancies affecting men. Due to the important roles of IL-6 in different physiological and pathophysiological processes, IL-6 polymorphisms may modulate PCa risk. IL-6 -174 G>C (rs 1800795, also designated -236 G>C) and -636 G>C (rs 1800796, also designated -572 G>C) promoter polymorphisms have been implicated in PCa susceptibility, albeit still controversial. A literature search using PubMed and Highwire databases was conducted, resulting in eight case-control studies concerning the IL-6 -174 G>C polymorphism (11,613 PCa cases and 13,992 controls) and four case-control publications regarding the IL-6 -636 G>C polymorphism (1,941 PCa cases and 3,357 controls). In order to derive a more precise estimation, a meta-analysis based upon these selected case-control studies was performed. There was no significant association between IL-6 -174 G>C polymorphism and PCa increased risk. Nevertheless, the presence of allele C and the CC genotype were statistically significantly associated with decreased PCa risk in the overall analysis for IL-6 -636 G>C polymorphism. Additional studies in larger samples and analyses of functional repercussions of these SNPs in prostate tumor cells are necessary to validate these findings.

Tongue nodules in canine leishmaniosis--a case report.

BACKGROUND: Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) caused by Leishmania infantum is an endemic zoonosis in southern European countries. Infected dogs can present rare or atypical forms of the disease and diagnosis can be challenging. The present report describes a case of tongue nodules in a 3-year-old neutered female Labrador Retriever dog with leishmaniosis. FINDINGS: A fine needle aspiration of the lingual nodules revealed amastigote forms of Leishmania inside macrophages. Differential diagnosis ruled out neoplasia, calcinosis circumscripta, solar glossitis, vasculitis, amyloidosis, eosinophilic granulomas, chemical and electrical burns, uremic glossitis and autoimmune diseases. Combined therapy with antimoniate meglumine and allopurinol for 30 days resulted in the normalization of hematological and biochemical parameters. Two months after diagnosis and the beginning of treatment, a mild inflammatory infiltrate was observed by histopathology, but an anti-Leishmania immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was negative as well as a PCR on both tongue lesions and a bone marrow aspirate. Seven months after diagnosis, the dog's general condition appeared good, there were no tongue lesions and a new IFAT was negative. Fifteen months after diagnosis this clinically favourable outcome continued. CONCLUSIONS: The dog could have suffered a relapsing episode of CanL, but a new systemic or local infection cannot be excluded. Regular clinical re-evaluation should be maintained, as a future relapse can potentially occur. In conclusion, CanL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nodular glossitis in dogs.

Genome wide scan for quantitative trait loci affecting tick resistance in cattle (Bos taurus x Bos indicus).

BACKGROUND: In tropical countries, losses caused by bovine tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus infestation have a tremendous economic impact on cattle production systems. Genetic variation between Bos taurus and Bos indicus to tick resistance and molecular biology tools might allow for the identification of molecular markers linked to resistance traits that could be used as an auxiliary tool in selection programs. The objective of this work was to identify QTL associated with tick resistance/susceptibility in a bovine F2 population derived from the Gyr (Bos indicus) x Holstein (Bos taurus) cross. RESULTS: Through a whole genome scan with microsatellite markers, we were able to map six genomic regions associated with bovine tick resistance. For most QTL, we have found that depending on the tick evaluation season (dry and rainy) different sets of genes could be involved in the resistance mechanism. We identified dry season specific QTL on BTA 2 and 10, rainy season specific QTL on BTA 5, 11 and 27. We also found a highly significant genome wide QTL for both dry and rainy seasons in the central region of BTA 23. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental F2 population derived from Gyr x Holstein cross successfully allowed the identification of six highly significant QTL associated with tick resistance in cattle. QTL located on BTA 23 might be related with the bovine histocompatibility complex. Further investigation of these QTL will help to isolate candidate genes involved with tick resistance in cattle.

Two canine Merkel cell tumours: immunoexpression of c-KIT, E-cadherin, beta-catenin and S100 protein.

Canine Merkel cell tumours are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms that show a relatively benign biological behaviour when compared with their human counterparts. To date, little information is available on their immunohistochemical properties. This report describes the histopathological and immunohistochemical features of two such tumours. The tumours' immunoreactivity profile was studied with respect to different cellular molecules including chromogranin A (CGA), neurone-specific enolase (NSE), S100 protein, c-KIT, the cytokeratins (CKs) detected by pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3) antibodies (i.e. high molecular weight CKs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 14, 15 and 16, and low molecular weight CKs 7, 8 and 19) and three markers proposed to correlate with increased malignancy in human tumours: E-cadherin, beta-catenin and p63 protein. In both lesions, tumour cells were positive for cytokeratins, CGA, NSE, S100 and c-KIT. No immunostaining was observed for p63 protein, and there was no loss or change in E-cadherin or beta-catenin immunoexpression. These results suggest that the generally benign behaviour of canine Merkel cell tumours, when compared with their human counterparts, may be partly explained by the conservation of important intercellular adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin and beta-catenin. Additionally, expression of S100 but not of the p63 protein suggests that these canine tumours present a trend towards neural, rather than basal, epithelial differentiation and do not readily compare with human Merkel cell tumours.

An alternative and fast method for determination of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) residues in soybean using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

A simple and specific method using reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) was investigated, which allowed the determination of residues of glyphosate and its metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in soybean samples. An aqueous extraction with liquid-liquid partition followed by protein precipitation was performed before the LC/MS/MS determination. The quantitation of glyphosate and AMPA was performed in positive and negative ESI mode, respectively, using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with three transitions for each analyte to enhance the specificity of the method and avoid false positives. The methodology reported in this work is capable of detecting residues of glyphosate and AMPA in soybean samples with limits of quantification of 0.30 and 0.34 mg kg(-1), respectively. This alternative method has throughput advantages such as simpler sample preparation and faster chromatographic analysis.

DNA image cytometry in bladder cancer: state of the art.

The most recent Consensus Review of the Clinical Utility of DNA Cytometry in Bladder Cancer, which took place in Maine back in 1992, focused solely on flow cytometry results. Since then, there have been a significant number of articles published on the use of image cytometry to evaluate DNA content in bladder cancer. This has meant that a large proportion of the information collected is scattered across the published literature. The purpose of this article was to organize the data referred to in those articles published since the 1992 Consensus Review, and organise it under three major topic headings: a) DNA image cytometry versus flow cytometry, (b) specimen sources, and (c) its clinical utility with regard to improving prognosis and recurrence detection. A variety of factors and issues are discussed and points have been raised for discussion. Prospects for the future and potential research areas are also suggested.

An electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric study of p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene complexation with ammonium hydroxide, and ammonium and sodium ions.

The formation of complexes involving p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene with neutral and charged species has been investigated by tandem mass spectrometry combined with electrospray ionization. Complexes of p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene with NH4+ ions were observed in the ratios 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, together with the complexes of p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene with NH4OH and Na+ ions in the ratios 1:1:1, 2:1:1, and 3:1:1. A single 1:1 complex of p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene with Na+ ions was observed. In addition, a doubly charged complex of p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene with NH4OH, Na+, and NH4+ ions in the ratio 6:1:1:1 was observed. The identity of each complex was determined by mass analysis of product ions formed by the application of a declustering potential over the range 20-220 V and by observation of product ion mass spectra wherein the collision energy was varied from 5 to 50 eV. Fragmentation of the complexes is characterized by the facile loss of the ammonia molecule, sodium and ammonium ions, loss of neutral p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene, and successive neutral losses of C4H8 from the six tert-butyl groups in each p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene molecule.

Complex carcinomas of the mammary gland in cats: pathological and immunohistochemical features.

Biphasic epithelial myoepithelial (complex) carcinomas of the feline mammary gland are rare. This article describes the pathological and immunohistochemical features and clinical outcome of eight cases of feline mammary carcinomas displaying complex morphology. This tumour type is a low grade malignancy that shows histopathological features distinctive from more common feline mammary carcinomas and from complex mammary carcinomas of dogs. It appears to have a better overall survival than other carcinomas of the mammary gland of cats.

CD117 immunoexpression in canine mast cell tumours: correlations with pathological variables and proliferation markers.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous mast cell tumours are one of the most common neoplasms in dogs and show a highly variable biologic behaviour. Several prognosis tools have been proposed for canine mast cell tumours, including histological grading and cell proliferation markers. CD117 is a receptor tyrosine kinase thought to play a key role in human and canine mast cell neoplasms. Normal (membrane-associated) and aberrant (cytoplasmic, focal or diffuse) CD117 immunoexpression patterns have been identified in canine mast cell tumours. Cytoplasmic CD117 expression has been found to correlate with higher histological grade and with a worsened post-surgical prognosis. This study addresses the role of CD117 in canine mast cell tumours by studying the correlations between CD117 immunoexpression patterns, two proliferation markers (Ki67 and AgNORs) histological grade, and several other pathological variables. RESULTS: Highly significant (p < 0,001) correlations were found between CD117 immunostaining patterns and histological grade, cell proliferation markers (Ki67, AgNORs) and tumoral necrosis. Highly significant (p < 0,001) correlations were also established between the two cellular proliferation markers and histological grade, tumour necrosis and epidermal ulceration. A significant correlation (p = 0.035) was observed between CD117 expression patterns and epidermal ulceration. No differences were observed between focal and diffuse cytoplasmic CD117 staining patterns concerning any of the variables studied. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the key role of CD117 in the biopathology of canine MCTs and confirm the relationship between aberrant CD117 expression and increased cell proliferation and higher histological grade. Further studies are needed to unravel the cellular mechanisms underlying focal and diffuse cytoplasmic CD117 staining patterns, and their respective biopathologic relevance.

Dermatitis in a dog induced by Straelensia cynotis: a case report and review of the literature.

This case report describes a highly pruritic, papular and crusted dermatitis affecting the dorsum of a dog and microscopically diagnosed as dermatitis induced by Straelensia cynotis. Histologically, each papule was characterized by a dilated hair follicle with marked pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, perifollicular mucinosis and an abundant mononuclear infiltration by plasma and mast cells. Each dilated follicle contained a larval mite. A therapy including systemic ivermectins and oral antibiotic therapy was initiated, but the clinical response was poor. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of straelensiosis in Portugal, and the second in Europe.