A 10-year retrospective analysis (2012-2021) of hospitalizations resulting from dog bites in Southern Italy.

This study aimed to describe the incidence and characteristics of dog-bite injury hospitalizations (DBIH) in the largest administrative region of Italy (Sicily) over the 10-year period: 2012-2021. Four hundred and forty-nine cases were analyzed. Patients were divided into seven age groups: preschoolers (0-5 years), school-age children (6-12 years), teenagers (13-19 years), young adults (20-39 years), middle-aged adults (40-59 years), old adults (60-74 years), and the elderly (≥75 years). Association among categorical variables (age, gender, principal injury location) was evaluated using chi-square tests, and mean differences for normally distributed variables were assessed using one-way analysis of variance. Finally, a Poisson regression general linear model (GLM) analysis was used to model incidence data. The results revealed that the incidence of DBIH per 100,000 population increased from 0.648 in 2012 (95%CI 0.565-0.731) to 1.162 in 2021 (95%CI 1.078-1.247, P < 0.01). Incidence for both male and female victims also increased over the studied period (P < 0.05). We found an increasing trend of incidence in young and middle-aged adults (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005 respectively). Moreover, the most frequently injured age group by dogs was the preschooler group and, whilst we found a lower risk of being injured for males older than 20 years, no difference with females was observed. The location of lesions depended on the age group (P < 0.001). The number of days of DBIH increased significantly with age (P < 0.01). The increase of DBIH represents a public health problem that requires the development of preventive approaches.

Serum Cortisol and Its Correlation with Leucocyte Profile and Circulating Lipids in Donkeys (Equus asinus).

The values for basal serum cortisol concentrations of horses are available in many studies. However, there are limited data about serum cortisol in donkeys. The present study aimed to determine the baseline values for serum cortisol, to evaluate the influence of age and pregnancy on its levels, and to correlate its values with leucocyte profile, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides. Serum samples were collected from 97 healthy donkeys. Cortisol was analyzed by chemo-luminescent assay. The median and the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of serum cortisol measured and calculated in all donkeys were 5.64, 3.40, and 10.54 µg/dL, respectively. Females (n.91) were divided into three groups: Group A (young), Group B (adult), and Group C (pregnant at the 9th−11th months). The effect of age and physiological status was investigated by the Mann−Whitney test. Group C showed significantly higher levels than Group B (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found in Group B with monocytes (r = 0.37, p < 0.01) and triglycerides (r = 0.30, p < 0.05), and in Group C with monocytes (r = 0.79, p < 0.01), basophils (r = 0.6, p < 0.05), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (r = −0.63, p < 0.05). Higher cortisol values related to late pregnancy are also found in this species. These preliminary results provide evidence for a relationship between cortisol and the immune system as well as cortisol and lipid metabolism modulated by age and pregnancy when parameters are within normal values.

Interleukin-1Ra (Il-1Ra) and serum cortisol level relationship in horse as dynamic adaptive response during physical exercise.

The monitoring of endocrine and immunologic markers during exercise is of paramount importance to assess and/or maintain the physical well-being of athletes as well as to optimize the athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the linkage between acute stress response and immune status in Thoroughbred horses competing in an official 1300-m race. From 10 horses blood was collected 1 week before the day of the race (1W-BEFORE), before (REST) and immediately after the race to assess the cortisol, Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), total proteins, white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) concentration. Higher levels of cortisol, Il-1Ra, WBC and erythrocytes indices after exercise was found than 1W-BEFORE and REST (P < 0.0001). Cortisol concentration was positively correlated with Il-1Ra, WBC, RBC, Hb and Hct. Overall, the findings suggest that submaximal exercise induces an acute stress response and an immune system reaction in athletic horse. Also, the correlation found between cortisol levels and Il-1Ra, WBC and erythrocytes indices open new scenario on the positive role of this hormone on the complex and dynamic physiological adaptation to exercise implemented by the organism to re-establish the homeostatic equilibrium, and, interestingly, to maintain an adequate anti-inflammatory environment after exercise.

Peripheral Modulators of the Central Fatigue Development and Their Relationship with Athletic Performance in Jumper Horses.

The current study aimed to investigate whether peripheral modulators of serotoninergic function and neurohumoral factors' changes in athletic horses during an official jumping competition, and to evaluate their relationship with the physical performance of competing horses. From 7 Italian Saddle mares (6-9 years; mean body weight 440 ± 15 kg), performing the same standardized warm-up and jumping course during an official class, heart rate (HR) was monitored throughout the competition. Rectal temperature (RT) measurement, blood lactate and glucose concentration, serum tryptophan, leucine, valine, the tryptophan/branched-chain amino-acids ratio (Try/BCAAs), dopamine, prolactin, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) were assessed before the exercise event (T0), at the end of the competition stage (5 min ± 10 s following the cessation of the exercise, TPOST5), and 30 min after the end of competition (TPOST30). Highest HR values were recorded during the course and at the outbound (p < 0.0001); blood lactate concentration and RT increased after exercise with respect to the rest condition (p < 0.0001). Lower leucine and valine levels (p < 0.01), and higher tryptophan, Try/BCAAs ratio, and NEFAs values were found at TPOST5 and TPOST30 with respect to T0 (p < 0.0001). A higher prolactin concentration was found at TPOST5 and TPOST30 compared to T0 (p < 0.0001), whereas dopamine showed decreased values after exercise compared to rest (p < 0.0001). Statistically significant correlations among the peripheral indices of serotoninergic function, neurohumoral factors, and athletic performance parameters were found throughout the monitoring period. The findings provide indirect evidence that the serotoninergic system may be involved in fatigue during jumper exercise under a stressful situation, such as competition, in which, in addition to physical effort, athletic horses exhibit more passive behavior.

Intra-variability of some biochemical parameters and serum electrolytes in rainbow trout (Walbaum, 1792) bred using a flow-through system.

This study aims to evaluate some biochemical parameters and serum electrolytes in cultured rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) to evaluate a potential correlation with biometric parameters (weight and length). For this purpose, 100 cultured trout (300-700 g weight range, 25-38 cm length range) bred on a fish-farm were used for the study. Physico-chemical characteristics of water were measured on the farm. Blood samples were collected from each fish to analyze the following parameters: glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST); alanine aminotransferase (ALT), calcium (Ca2+), chlorine (Cl-), iron (Fe2+), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+) and urea. Statistical data analysis showed a significant correlation between size and glucose and cholesterol. No correlation was found between size and other parameters studied. These results represent a contribution to the study of fish size leading to better understanding some biochemical parameters and serum electrolyte profiles in cultured rainbow trout. This research contributes to understanding the intra-individual variability of some blood parameters in cultured rainbow trout O. mykiss offering reliable information on chronic stress status, metabolic disorders and deficiencies in relation to different sizes. These could help in improve the health monitoring in trout fish farms.

Ethological and Physiological Parameters Assessment in Donkeys Used in Animal Assisted Interventions.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have been performed to identify objective indicators for the selection of therapeutic donkeys or to assess their welfare during animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the response to the ethological test and the modifications of physiological parameters in donkeys subjected to AAI sessions. METHODS: Thirteen donkeys were subjected to a behavioral evaluation during an AAI session. Heart rate, heart rate variability, and root mean square of successive difference values were detected. RESULTS: Statistically significant changes in the tested parameters were observed during AAI sessions. CONCLUSIONS: In donkeys, there was a neurovegetative involvement during AAI sessions. Our data give a contribution to the evaluation of donkey welfare during AAIs.

Infrared methodologies for the assessment of skin temperature daily rhythm in two domestic mammalian species.

To assess the accuracy of infrared methodologies for daily rhythm monitoring of skin temperature, five clinically healthy Italian Saddle gelding horses, and five not pregnant and not lactating Camosciata goats, were monitored every 4 h over a 48 h period. The horses were housed in individual boxes, while the goats in two indoor pens, under natural photoperiod and natural environmental temperature. In each animal, skin temperature was recorded with the use of a digital infrared camera and a non-contact infrared thermometer, in five regions: neck, shoulder, ribs, flank and croup. Recorded values were compared with the well-established daily rhythm of rectal temperature. Rectal temperature was recorded at the same time by means of a digital thermometer. In horses, a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using the infrared thermometer for the croup region compared to shoulder and flank; a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using thermography for the croup region compared to the shoulder. In goats, a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using the infrared thermometer for the croup region compared to the flank. In both species, higher values of rectal temperature were observed, compared to the temperature recorded at the skin regions using the other two methodologies. Cosinor rhythmometry showed a daily rhythm of rectal and skin temperature recorded using both methodologies in all the examined regions. General linear model (GLM) showed statistically significant effect of breed on all rhythmic parameters; of day of monitoring on amplitude; of site of recording (rectal vs skin regions) on mesor, amplitude and acrophase; and no effect of methodologies used. The results of this study show the differences in rhythmicity of various body regions temperature and their differences in comparison with daily rhythm rectal temperature. The use of infrared methodologies was inaccurate in assessing body core temperature, but its use could be considered for the evaluation of inflammation in the different body sites.

Behavior test for seven-week old puppies (Canis familiaris): Inter-rater reliability and factors associated with test performance.

Behavioral development in domestic dogs has been investigated for predicting suitability for service dog work or for matching with the "right" families as well as for identifying predispositions to behavioral problems. Findings from the scientific literature seem to confirm that conducting behavioral tests at 7 weeks of age is too early to reliably predict the temperament and personality of a dog. However, this period for domestic dogs is sensitive for early life learning and conditions during this time could have important consequences in adulthood. The aims of this study were to evaluate inter-rater reliability of a simple standardized test and to investigate which factors influence the behavioral reaction of puppies. 105 seven-week old puppies were exposed to five subtests: social attraction, following, retrieving, sudden appearance, noise. During each task, the behaviour of each pup was scored on a 3-5 point scale that reflected the suitability of the pup's reaction to the task. Scores were evaluated for a single subtest and for two aggregate indicators (i.e. response to a person: social attraction subtest and following subtest and response to object and noise: retrieving subtest, sudden appearance subtest and noise subtest). Three assessors independently scored the dogs' reactions for each task. Inter-rater reliability of the three assessors were analyzed with Fleiss' Kappa and Kendall's coefficient, which showed a high inter-rater reliability in 4 of 5 tasks. The ordered logistic regression was carried out to obtain a proportional odds model that was used to model the relationship between sex, litter size, stimulating environment, parity of mother, adequate maternal behavior and high scores. Litter size and maternal parity were associated with test performance in response to a person. The variance of effect of litter was high in response to object and noise. Taken together, our results suggest that using this scoring system there is sufficient inter-rater reliability in the test and litter size and mother experience influences task performances related to dog-human interaction.

Plasma Serotonin in Laying Hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) With and Without Foot pad Dermatitis.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) was associated with the presence of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) in laying hens. FPD birds (n = 20) and healthy individuals (n = 22) were included. Plasma 5-HT was investigated. FPD laying hens showed significantly higher 5-HT levels (median = 6 µmol/L) compared with healthy individuals (median = 4.28 µmol/L, P < .001). When present, FPD were scored as either 1 (n = 12) indicating mildly to moderately abnormal or 2 indicating severely abnormal (n = 8). The subjects whose lesions scored 2 had higher plasma 5-HT levels than those whose lesions scored 1. Inflammatory mechanisms seem to be related to plasma 5-HT levels in laying hens. Assessing plasma 5-HT could be useful to evaluate chicken welfare.

Daily fluctuation of urine serotonin and cortisol in healthy shelter dogs and influence of intraspecific social exposure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intraspecific social exposure (socialization vs rest) and habituation factors on the levels of urinary serotonin and cortisol [corrected respectively for creatinine to give the serotonin-creatinine ratio (5-HT/Cr) and cortisol-creatinine ratio (C/Cr)] and how they fluctuate in dogs. The frequency of marking during social sessions was recorded to evaluate its relationship with physiological parameters. The effects of covariates on 5-HT/Cr and C/Cr were assessed using a linear mixed models. 5-HT/Cr values were higher at dawn than at dusk during resting days, however, this difference is less evident after socialization sessions. During rest days, there was a trend for a decrease in C/Cr between dawn and dusk, while during social exposure days there was an opposite trend. Significant interactions were found between social exposure vs rest (P = 0.0005) and social exposure vs sessions (P = 0.002). Urine marking was more frequent in male than female dogs. The frequency of urine marking also appeared to be positively associated with C/Cr. Non-invasive monitoring of physiological markers could be a useful tool in assessing behaviour modulation following intraspecific socialization exposure. C/Cr was characterized by high individual variability and interactions with examined factors. The identification of new markers such as serotonin for assessing welfare in dogs is highly desirable.

Incidence and characteristics of hospitalizations after dog's bite injuries in Sicily (Italy) between 2012­2015.

There have been several studies focusing on dogs bite injuries and their epidemiology. To our knowledge, the incidence and characteristics of hospitalization after a dogs bite injury have not been examined quantitatively in Italy. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and characteristics of dogs bite hospitalizations throughout Sicily (Italy) between 2012-2015. Data for statistical analysis were acquired through the Epidemiological Observatory and Health Department of Sicilian Region (Italy). One hundred and forty records with E-code 906.0 (dogs bites) were extracted from 214 cases of hospitalization due to lesions caused by animals. The age group most frequently injured by dogs was children between 0 and 9 years old. The distribution of bite incidences among males and females was similar in children between 0 and 15 years and in elderly adults between 60-84 years old; whereas it was statistically different in adults between 16-59 years, 66% males and 34% being female (Z=2.60, P<0.01). The head, face, and neck region constituted the most common location of lesions in children (76%), the hands were the most common location of lesions for adults (38%), while the arms were the most common location for the elderly (43%). Two photoperiods were considered, short: October-March, and long: April-September. During the long photoperiod, 69% of injuries occurred in children (P<0.05). The identi cation of the incidence and characteristics of hospitalization could be useful for proposing specific preventive approaches to dogs bites injuries.

Activation of the Ahr signalling pathway by polychlorobiphenyls causes a marked induction of cytochrome P450 only after depletion of vitellogenin in Sparus aurata.

The effects of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 126 and 153 (PCB-126 and PCB-153) on vitellogenin (Vtg) and cytochrome (CYP1A1) expression were evaluated in 60 juvenile Sparus aurata. Fish were divided into four groups and the control group (Group A) was compared to fish exposed to PCB-126 (10-8M) (Group B), PCB-153 (10-6M) (Group C) singly and also in combination (Group D) for 12, 24 and 72 h. Hepatic expression of Vtg and CYP1A1 were analyzed using histological examinations and by immunochemical (Western blotting and immunohistochemistry) methods. Vtg increased in juvenile fishes of Groups B, C and D after 12h respect to Group A and decreased after 24 and 72 h respect to 12h in each group. CYP1A1 increased after 12 and 24h in all groups vs control group and increased in Group B only at 72 h vs in control group. The results showed that chemical interaction and endocrine disruption in fish might produce deleterious consequences not only for fish but also for human.

Effect of moderate treadmill exercise on some physiological parameters in untrained Beagle dogs.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the modifications of some physiological parameters during moderate treadmill exercise in seven healthy Beagle dogs. All animals were submitted to treadmill exercise consisting of walking (15 min), trotting (20 min) and walking (10 min). At every step, rectal temperature (RT) was measured, and the mean heart rate (HR) was assessed. Venous blood samples were collected immediately before starting the treadmill exercise session (at rest), after the end of walking (15 min), trotting (20 min) and walking (10 min), and after 30 min of passive recovery. For immediate assessment of lactate and glucose concentration, blood was analyzed with portable blood lactate and blood glucose analyzers, respectively. Blood was also transferred into sterile glass tubes containing K(3)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K(3)-EDTA) for evaluation of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant effect of treadmill exercise (P<0.05) on RT, HR, lactate, glucose, RBC and Hct. Considering these significant variations, the knowledge of RT, HR, glucose and lactate concentrations, RBC, and Hct, the most suitable and sensitive indicators of response to treadmill exercise in untrained dogs, is essential in order to evidence the individual levels of exercise tolerance, to investigate exercise-related problems and to design specific and individual treadmill protocols.