'Candidatus Mycoplasma Haemoalbiventris' and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Black-Eared Opossum (Didelphis aurita) from Southeastern Brazil.

The black-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita) is a South American synanthropic marsupial. The presence of opossums in domestic spaces is relevant in the One-Health context since they are hosts of pathogens and ectoparasites that may affect the health of domestic animals and humans. In this study, we aim to determine the occurrence of hemoplasmas and selected tick-borne pathogens in free-ranging black-eared opossums, along with their molecular characterization, hematological and biochemical evaluation and factors associated with infection, in the municipality of Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Thirty black-eared opossums were trapped between March 2021 and June 2022. Ectoparasites were collected. Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed. DNA from EDTA-blood samples were analyzed by PCR and qPCR assays. By molecular analyses, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' was the most prevalent hemoparasite (73.3%), followed by Hepatozoon sp. (22.2%). Significant differences were observed in the number of platelets, and in the concentration of protein and globulins in the animals infected by 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' when compared with the negative group. This is the first report of 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' infection in D. aurita.

Biochemical, urinary, and acid-base profile in cattle treated with maintenance enteral electrolyte solutions containing calcium propionate, propylene glycol or glycerol.

Enteral fluid therapy administered in continuous flow through the naso-ruminal route for long periods with electrolyte solutions is safe and effective in cattle. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative assessment between maintenance enteral electrolyte solutions containing calcium propionate, propylene glycol or glycerol administered in continuous flow in cattle. Six heifers were used and the study was carried out in a 6 × 3 crossover design, in which each animal received three different treatments: enteral electrolyte solution containing calcium propionate (ESCaP), enteral electrolyte solution containing glycerol (ESGly) and enteral electrolyte solution containing propylene glycol (ESPrG). Solutions were administered at a rate of 15 mL kg-1 h-1 for 12 h. Serum and urinary biochemical assessment; urinary volume, pH, and specific gravity; and blood gas analysis were measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h. All three enteral electrolyte solutions expanded blood volume and increased urine volume without causing electrolyte imbalances. ESCaP caused mild reversible metabolic alkalosis while the most significant glycemic potential was observed in electrolyte solutions containing propylene glycol (ESPrG) and calcium propionate (ESCaP).

Influence of Short and Medium Distance Road Transport on the Acute Phase Proteins in Horses.

Horse transport is a common practice and is usually associated as a cause of stress in animals, with consequences for their well-being. There are several of evidence that stress can increase an acute phase response. The aim of this study was to verify whether the road transport of horses over distances of 50 and 300 kilometers induces changes in the values of acute phase proteins. To do this, the serum SDS-PAGE was performed and the bands obtained were identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). The blood samples were collected in tubes without anticoagulant to obtain the serum, and the evaluations occurred before the road transportation (T0), immediately after the journey (T1), six hours later (T2), and 24 hours (T3), 48 hours (T4), 72 hours (T5), 96 hours (T6), 120 hours (T7) and 144 hours (T8) after the end of the trip. All analyzes were performed using the Minitab 17 statistical package, and significance was considered when P<0.05. The APPs found through SDS-PAGE and properly identified were α2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, α1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, apolipoprotein alpha 1, and α1-acid glycoprotein. No differences were observed in the concentration values between 50 and 300 km or between the moments after each route. The distances covered with the horses were not challenging enough to provoke an acute phase response reflected in changes in APPs.

Influence of Obesity on Serum Concentrations of Acute-Phase Proteins in Horses.

Obesity in human and veterinary medicine is one of the most complex challenges within emerging diseases in the context of health. The problem of obesity in horses results in severe comorbidities; therefore, acute-phase proteins should be investigated for fluctuations increasing or decreasing by at least 25% in response to inflammation; these are candidates for future biomarkers and might provide new perspectives on early diagnosis and prognosis. Serum samples were analyzed in nine healthy animals (C) and nine obese animals (O). The proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the concentrations determined by computerized densitometry; matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry/TOF mass spectrometry was performed to identify the proteins, and the results obtained were compared to the Equidae and Metazoa taxon protein database deposited in UNIPROT using the MASCOT application. Three proteins presented a difference between the groups; ceruloplasmin (Cp), α1-antitrypsin (α1-antitryp), and haptoglobin (Hp). The behavior of the Cp and Hp proteins was compatible with the available literature for obesity in other species. The α1-antitryp protein was positively correlated with leptin, demonstrating the need for further investigations. The initial study of these proteins was important due to the lack of information available on the influence of obesity on inflammatory biomarkers in horses in Brazil; therefore, we sought to verify a possible association between overweight and changes in the studied variables.

Enteral fluid therapy administered in continuous flow by naso-ruminal route using three maintenance electrolyte solutions: effects on physiological biomarkers and the hemogram of bovines / Hidratação enteral via nasorruminal em fluxo continuo utilizando três soluções eletrolíticas de manutenção: efeitos sobre os biomarcadores fisiológicos e o hemograma de bovinos

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three enteral electrolyte solutions, each with different energy sources, administrated as continuous flow on the physiological parameters and blood count of healthy Holstein heifers. Six Holstein heifers were used in a crossover design. All animals received all three treatments: solution with calcium propionate, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, and 10g of calcium propionate diluted in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 299mOsm/L); solution with glycerol, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, 1g of calcium acetate, and 10mL of glycerol in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 287mOsm/L); solution with propylene glycol, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, 1g of calcium acetate, and 15mL of propylene glycol in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 378mOsm/L). Physical evaluations and blood samples were collected immediately before the initiation of fluid therapy, at 3-hour intervals over the 12-hour period of fluid therapy, and 12 hours after the end of fluid therapy. Animals presented no signs of stress or discomfort. All solutions resulted in a significant decrease in erythrocyte concentration, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit, without affecting the leukogram. Enteral fluid therapy administered as continuous flow via the naso-ruminal route was well-tolerated by animals with minimal effects on animal welfare, even when administered for 12 hours. This technique is indicated as an alternative route for parenteral maintenance fluid therapy. Electrolyte solutions proposed here were able to significantly expand blood volume.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de três soluções eletrolíticas enterais de manutenção com diferentes fontes de energia administradas em bovinos adultos por via nasorruminal em fluxo contínuo sobre parâmetros fisiológicos e hematológicos. Foram utilizadas seis novilhas holandesas em um delineamento crossover. Os animais foram submetidos a três tratamentos: Solução contendo Propionato de cálcio - 4g de NaCl, 0,5g de KCl, 0,3g de MgCl2 e 10g de propionato de cálcio para cada 1000mL (Osmolaridade mensurada: 299mOsm/L); Solução contendo Glicerol - 4g de NaCl, 0,5g de KCl, 0,3g de MgCl2, 1g de acetato de cálcio e 10mL de glicerol para cada 1000mL (Osmolaridade mensurada: 287mOsm/L); Solução contendo Propilenoglicol - 4g de NaCl, 0,5g de KCl, 0,3g de MgCl2, 1g de acetato de cálcio e 15mL de propilenoglicol para cada 1.000mL (Osmolaridade mensurada: 378mOsm/L). Foi realizado exame físico e colheita de sangue para os hemogramas imediatamente antes do início da hidratação e a cada três horas durante 12h de tratamento e mais uma colheita 12h após o final do período experimental, perfazendo seis colheitas ao total. Todas soluções promoveram ao longo das 12 horas de tratamento hemodiluição com redução nos valores de hemácias, concentração de hemoglobina e volume globular, sem, contudo, alterar o leucograma. A hidratação enteral em fluxo contínuo via nasorruminal, mostrou-se uma técnica bem tolerada pelos animais, como mínimos efeitos sobre o bem-estar, mesmo quando administrada por 12 horas, sendo, portanto, uma técnica indicada como uma opção à hidratação parenteral na terapia de manutenção de fluidos. As três soluções eletrolíticas aqui propostas são capazes de expandir significativamente a volemia.