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Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common pathology in sport horses, presenting a chronic and recurrent course. Traditional anti-inflammatory treatments provide only temporary clinical improvement and pain relief; however, they have been associated with metabolic disorders in articular cartilage in the medium term. In this study, we generated a llama polyclonal antibody against equine TNF-α, which was used for intra-articular treatment in horses with OA. Treatment effects were assessed through clinical examination and the determination of inflammatory parameters (MMP-2, MMP-9, LDH, and GAGs) in synovial fluid prior to treatment (T0) and on day 30 (T30). Treated animals showed significant improvement in the clinical score, which decreased from 8.47 ± 2.57 to 6.16 ± 1.71 (mean ± SD) on T30 (p < 0.001). Additionally, a reduction in the activity of MMP-2 (188 % ± 82.99 to 147 % ± 40.6 %, p < 0.05), MMP-9 (100 % ± 61.28 to 74.37 % ± 64.26, p < 0.05), and LDH (239.3 IU/l ± 147.4 to 143 IU/l ± 61.21, p < 0.01) was observed. Furthermore, on T30, GAGs levels were significantly increased (1.167 ± 0.46 mg/ml to 1.439 ± 0.267 mg/ml, p < 0.01). These results indicate that the local blockade of pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α reduces pain and the levels of inflammatory molecules associated with catabolic processes and joint damage.

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Fish sperm cryopreservation is an important technique for optimizing juvenile production in aquaculture stations and laboratories and contributing to the conservation of endangered species. Despite its benefits, the cryopreservation process can cause cellular damage, affecting spermatozoa quality and offspring viability. This study aimed to evaluate the larval development of jundiá Rhamdia quelen originating from cryopreserved sperm. Larvae were obtained from artificial reproduction using oocyte samples from four females combined with fresh (Control) or cryopreserved/thawed sperm. The semen was diluted in the cryoprotective solution (1:3 ratio) consisting of skimmed milk powder (5%), methanol (10%), and fructose (5%), and was packaged into 0.25 mL straws. The straws were then stored and cooled in liquid nitrogen vapor for 18 h. The straws were individually warmed in a water bath at 25 °C for 10 s to thaw the samples. The experiments were performed in triplicates. Sperm quality, fertilization, hatching, and larval development were evaluated. After larval hatching, six larval collections were performed (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after hatching), and 15 larvae were sampled per collection per treatment. Cryopreservation reduced sperm motility (70.48 ± 7.70 fresh to 41.36 ± 4.80 cryopreserved semen), progressivity (3874 fresh to 2505 cryopreserved semen), and beat cross frequency (55.83 ± 155 fresh to 50.22 ± 190 cryopreserved semen). Increased the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology and increased most sperm pathologies. Furthermore, the fertilization rate was lower in the cryopreserved group (63.1 ± 18, and 83.72 ± 7.59 for fresh semen), while hatching was not different between groups (65.3 ± 18.05 fresh, 48.89 ± 21.77 cryopreserved semen) Otherwise, the initial larval development morphology showed no difference in the appearance of structures such as the presence of the vitelline structure, pigmentation pattern, development of the anal pore, embryonic membrane, eye, barbells, notochord flexion, and fin rays, for both treatments. There was no significant difference in the frequency of structures between larvae from fresh and cryopreserved/thawed sperm, revealing a similar developmental pattern in both treatments. In conclusion, the cryopreservation protocol affects sperm quality; however, those sperm able to fertilize the oocytes originate normal larvae with regular larval development of R. quelen up to 25 days old.

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BACKGROUND: Feline sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection caused by fungi of the Sporothrix genus, particularly concerning in endemic regions of South America, where cats are important vectors. Traditional diagnosis through fungal culture is time-consuming, which can delay the start of treatment. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to synthesize the evidence on the accuracy of alternative diagnostic methods for feline sporotrichosis. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations and the PRISMA-DTA checklist (CRD42023456520). Searches for observational studies were performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Using a random-effects model, bivariate meta-analysis was employed to estimate combined sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) with 95 % confidence intervals. The results were presented in forest plots and Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) curves; heterogeneity was assessed using Tau² and I² statistics (R-software). RESULTS: Eight studies, totaling 1,920 cats, evaluated five diagnostic methods. PCR tests had the highest accuracy (90 % sensitivity, 94 % specificity, area under the curve 0.950), while cytological methods demonstrated moderate diagnostic accuracy (89 %, 22 % and 0.879, respectively). The findings highlight the need for faster, more accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic alternatives, especially in resource-limited regions, and underscore the importance of advancing techniques to improve early detection and treatment of sporotrichosis.

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Bartonella spp. are typical vector-borne pathogens, whose transmission has been primarily associated with a wide variety of hematophagous arthropods. These bacteria are responsible for several clinical syndromes in both humans and animals. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of Bartonella spp. in 345 specimens of Culicoides Latreille from the Brazilian Amazon. Out of 345 Culicoides specimens collected in the Amazon National Park, state of Pará, northern Brazil, 86.7 % (299/345) were positive for the endogenous cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. We detected a 24 % (72/299) prevalence rate for Bartonella spp. using a quantitative real-time PCR targeting the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Culicoides foxi was statistically more associated with Bartonella positivity when compared to C. hylas and C. leopoldoi. Culicoides specimens collected at the ground level were more associated with positivity for Bartonella spp. when compared to those collected at the canopy. Further molecular characterization was performed using conventional PCR assays targeting seven molecular markers (nuoG, gltA, groEL, ftsZ, rpoB, pap31, and ribC). The BLASTn analysis revealed four gltA sequences with 99.72-100 % identity to Bartonella bovis previously detected in cattle from Brazil. One ribC sequence showed 100 % identity to Bartonella henselae previously detected in a cat from Germany. Six pap31 sequences showed 90-91 % identity to a Bartonella sp. sequence previously detected in a bat (Carollia perspicillata) from Brazil. This study represents the first molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. DNA in biting midges and contributes to understanding their role in the epidemiological cycles of these agents.

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This study evaluated oocyte competence, gene expression, and in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in cattle, based on follicular waves. Twenty Bos taurus taurus donors were subjected to ovulation synchronization, starting with intramuscular administration of 2 mg estradiol benzoate and a 1.9 g intravaginal progesterone device on a random estrous cycle day (ten days before synchronized ovulation; D-10). After 3 days, the device was removed, and 150 µg of D-cloprostenol sodium, 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin, and 1.0 mg of estradiol cypionate were administered. Day zero (D0) was defined as the day of ovulation, and the ovaries of the females in the crossover design were examined using Doppler ultrasonography. Ovum pick-up was scheduled on days D4, D8, D14, and D18, and the experimental groups were designated as G4 (n = 5), G8 (n = 5), G14 (n = 5), and G18 (n = 5), respectively. The corpus luteum (CL) increased in diameter, perimeter, and area throughout the estrous cycle, with significant differences between G4 and other groups (P < 0.0001). CL vascularization scores on G4, G8, G14, and G18 revealed a gradual increase in peripheral blood flow(1.28, 1.79, 1.67, and 1.86, respectively). The central blood flow was higher in G8 (1.53) and G14 (1.57) than that in G4. Oocytes from each group were analyzed using reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction after cumulus cell removal. The effect of group (OPU timing) on follicular growth waves was analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. All statistical analyses were conducted using Minitab statistical software version 18.1, with the significance level set at P ≤ 0.05. For evaluation of qPCR data, the 2-ΔCq method was used. Analyses were conducted using SigmaStat 4.0 and MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Differences were considered significant at P < 0.05 and/or FC > 2.0 (upregulated) or FC < 0.5 (downregulated).Total and viable oocyte numbers were lowest in G8 (13.9 and 9, respectively). The average numbers of embryos per donor were 2.58, 2.38, 2.29, and 1.69 G14, G18, G4, and G8, respectively. Gene expression analysis showed downregulation of genes related to apoptosis and lipid metabolism in oocytes retrieved from G14 compared to those from G4, G8, or G18. Oocytes from G18 showed upregulation of genes related to apoptosis control and lipid metabolism, whereas those from G4 and G8 were downregulated. In conclusion, ovum pick-up at the beginning of the second follicular wave can improve IVP efficiency.

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A brucelose humana é uma zoonose bacteriana de relevância global. Este protocolo apresenta diretrizes para a vigilância epidemiológica e manejo clínico da brucelose humana no estado do Tocantins. O documento aborda as formas de transmissão, diagnóstico laboratorial, tratamento e medidas de controle e prevenção da doença. Inclui fluxogramas de conduta clínica, recomendações terapêuticas e diretrizes para monitoramento epidemiológico.

La brucelosis humana es una zoonosis bacteriana de relevancia global. Este protocolo presenta directrices para la vigilancia epidemiológica y el manejo clínico de la brucelosis humana en el estado de Tocantins. El documento aborda las formas de transmisión, diagnóstico de laboratorio, tratamiento y medidas de control y prevención de la enfermedad. Incluye diagramas de flujo para la conducta clínica, recomendaciones terapéuticas y directrices para el monitoreo epidemiológico.

La brucellose humaine est une zoonose bactérienne d'importance mondiale. Ce protocole présente des lignes directrices pour la surveillance épidémiologique et la prise en charge clinique de la brucellose humaine dans l'État du Tocantins. Le document aborde les modes de transmission, le diagnostic de laboratoire, le traitement et les mesures de contrôle et de prévention de la maladie. Il comprend des organigrammes de conduite clinique, des recommandations thérapeutiques et des directives pour le suivi épidémiologique.

Human brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis of global significance. This protocol provides guidelines for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management of human brucellosis in the state of Tocantins. The document covers transmission methods, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and control and prevention measures for the disease. It includes clinical management flowcharts, therapeutic recommendations, and guidelines for epidemiological monitoring.

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The lesser-grison (Galictis cuja) is a mustelid native to South America with an wide, but its diet remains poorly understood. The present study combines published data with new information on the diet of G. cuja from the semiarid Caatinga ecoregion, based on the analysis of the stomach contents of two road-killed specimens. Sixteen studies, conducted in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, were reviewed, permitting the identification of seven dietary categories: Invertebrates, Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, and Plant Material. Mammals and birds were the items consumed most frequently, while amphibians and fish were the least common items. The novel items identified in the Caatinga sample included the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris), white tegu eggs (Salvator merianae), and melon seeds (Cucumis melo L.). The data indicate that G. cuja has a diverse diet, with mammals present in 100% of the diets analyzed, reflecting the role of the species as a mesopredator and potential seed disperser. The lack of data from a number of different ecoregions highlights the need for further research to better understand the ecological role of the species, and to develop effective conservation strategies, given that the current knowledge on the diet of G. cuja may not best represent its ecological importance and the challenges faced by the species in impacted environments.

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The purpose of this study was to assess the fermentative characteristics of total mixed ration silage (TMR) based on cactus pear and cottonseed cake and its effect on the productive performance and ingestive behaviour of lambs in feedlot. The study was divided into two experimental trials. The first experimental trial evaluated the fermentative quality of the total mixed ration silages, in five replications per treatment, and the second evaluated the productive performance and ingestive behaviour of lambs, in eight replications per treatment, with the treatments being represented by the proportion of cottonseed cake in the TMR (0; 20; 25 and 30% cottonseed cake on dry matter basis). Significant treatment effects (P < 0.05) were observed on yeast population, pH, gas losses, effluent losses, dry matter recovery, ether extract intake, digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and non-fiber carbohydrates, and on all ingestive behaviour variables except for those of feeding. Thus, cactus pear ensures the fermentative and hygienic quality of total mixed ration silages, regardless of the proportions of cottonseed cake. Therefore, based on the productive performance and ingestive behaviour of feedlot finished Dorper lambs, it is recommended the use total mixed ration silages with 30% cottonseed cake.

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In horses, basal cell neoplasms are uncommon benign tumors with slow growth mostly reported in the skin and eyelid. Malignant presentation is even more uncommon. This report describes a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the periocular region of a 10-year-old donkey. The animal presented good body condition and a neoformation in the right eye, noted 3 months prior to hospital admission. At the ophthalmological examination, the mass was identified above and adhered to the cornea, measuring 3.0 × 2.5 × 1.5 cm. Cytology revealed a suspicion of a malignant epithelial neoplasm, characterized by groups of cohesive cells that occasionally exhibited a palisade arrangement. Due to financial limitations, and advised of the higher risk of recurrence, the owner did not approve the tumor excision in association with chemotherapy and opted for exenteration of the globe. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia without complications, and with an appropriate surgical margin. On histopathology, the tumor was characterized by infiltrative, non-encapsulated neoplastic proliferation supported by thin fibrovascular stroma and organized into islands and nests, occasionally exhibiting a palisade pattern and delimiting spaces containing homogeneous eosinophilic material. The cells were polygonal with indistinct cell borders, eosinophilic cytoplasm, round to oval nucleus with a single, prominent nucleolus. On immunohistochemistry, the tumor was positive only for pan cytokeratin and negative for vimentin, Sox-10 and Melan-A. After 12 months of surgical excision, no recurrence or complications were related. This report emphasizes that in spite very uncommon, basal cell carcinoma may be included in current differential diagnoses of periocular neoplasms in horses and donkeys.

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This study evaluated the performance, muscle metabolites, and beef quality of Nellore cull cows subjected to different finishing feeding durations. Twenty Nellore cows (initial body weight of 477.4 ± 49.6 kg) were randomly assigned to the three treatments: six as the control group (D0), seven finishing-fed for 28 d (D28), and seven finishing-fed for 56 d (D56). Parameters including dry matter intake, shrunk body weight, empty body weight (EBW), hot carcass weight (HCW), carcass shrinkage, muscle metabolites, and meat quality parameters in different aging times (0AT, 7AT, and 14AT) were assessed. Cull cows subjected to D28 and D56 treatments had greater EBW (P < 0.001) than D0. However, greater HCW (P = 0.004) and back fat thickness (P = 0.005) were detected in only D56 treatment compared to D0 and D28 treatments. As a result, the carcass pH was lower in the D56 treatment (P = 0.002) compared to D0 and D28 treatments. The Longissimus lumborum muscle of cull cows finished for 28 and 56 d showed a higher concentration of sugars (glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate), glycerol, and amino acids (leucine, alanine, isoleucine, valine, and aspartate). In conclusion, as the finishing period and aging time increased, there was a corresponding improvement in fat content and meat tenderness, respectively.

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Nippostrongylus brasiliensis is an intestinal parasite of rodents with a worldwide distribution. Due to the similarities between its life cycle and that of the human hookworms Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, N. brasiliensis has been widely used as a model in experimental research. We provide new data on the embryonation and hatching processes of N. brasiliensis eggs, not in the soil, but in the large intestine of naturally infected Rattus norvegicus. The parasite was investigated in 109 rats trapped in urban and periurban areas of Valencia, Spain. Rats were preserved at - 20 °C. After thawing, all the rat organs were examined. The contents of the large intestine were analysed by the Midi-Parasep® technique. N. brasiliensis (adult prevalence 69.72%) was identified by morphological and molecular techniques. Parasite eggs were found in 88.16% of the sediments. In addition to unembryonated eggs, eggs in different stages of embryonation were encountered in 67 of the 76 contents (88.16%). Free larval stages (L1 and more developed larvae) were also found in 47 of the 76 (61.84%) sediments studied. Filariform larval stages of N. brasiliensis were also sporadically detected in the lungs of the infected rats. According to our results, the development of eggs and larvae in the intestine of naturally infected rats opens up the possibility of autoinfection in the natural life cycle of N. brasiliensis, which could explain the high burdens of adult stages frequently found in the small intestine of infected rats.

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We studied sows (Landrace × Yorkshire line, DanBred Hybrid) to evaluate the possible changes in progesterone receptor (PR) expression in the uterus and ovary caused by different non-hypophyseal gonadotropins treatments: equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Varying concentrations of eCG and hCG were evaluated (Groups 1, 2, 3, 4). PR expression was determined by immunohistochemistry, and labelling intensity was determined by the HScore method. In the ovary, PR expression in the granulosa cells of follicles did not differ significantly between Groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05) but differed significantly from that in Groups 3 and 4 (p < 0.05), which in turn did not differ from each other. This PR expression pattern was similar across groups in the internal and external theca cells. Conversely, in the uterus, PR expression in the lining epithelium was lower in Group 4 than that in Group 1 (p < 0.05). Increased expression was observed in the endometrial lamina propria in all groups 2 and 4 compared to that in the control group (p < 0.05). Decreased expression was observed in the glandular epithelium and myometrium in Group 4 compared to that in Group 1 (p < 0.05). In the ovary, PR expression in the granulosa and outer and inner theca of the follicles was not significantly different (p < 0.05) between Groups 1 and 2 or Groups 3 and 4; however, the expression in these pairs of groups differed from each other. Thus, changes in PR expression may depend on the concentrations and proportions of exogenous hormones used in the treatments, indicating an alteration in the reproductive process.

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BACKGROUND: An advanced curriculum for training Total Laparoscopic Gastropexy (TLG) was developed using the CVLTS-composed simulator based on an ergonomic model of a canine abdominal cavity. The performance of Veterinary surgeons trained in basic laparoscopic surgical skills during 15 training TLG sessions (experimental group, n = 10) was compared to the TLG performance of veterinary surgeons with intermediate (n = 10) or advanced (n = 6) laparoscopic skills. The transfer of surgical skills to a live model was assessed by performing TLG in fattening pigs under operating room conditions using barbed sutures. Experimental group performance after accomplishing the TLG training curriculum and all groups' performance during TLG in the in vivo model were videotaped and evaluated by external Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) experts using the GOALS and TLG-specific ranking (SRS) scales. Also, a quantitative assessment comprising time, smoothness of movements, and angular displacement using a Hand Movement Assessment System (HMAS) was performed. Besides, a postmortem biopsy recovered from the gastropexy site three months after surgery to evaluate gross and microscopic characteristics by histopathology was analyzed. RESULTS: GOALS and SRS scores (P < 0.05), and time, smoothness of movements, and angular displacement during TLG (P < 0.01) significantly improved in the Experimental group after training. They also compared their performance with expert and intermediate groups (P < 0.05) performances. The learning curve for intracorporeal suture stabilized since the tenth (out of 15) training session. Besides, trainees achieved significant TLG skills' in vivo transfer, with no significant difference from the intermediate and expert group performances. The presence of mature collagen (100% of cases), cartilage and bone metaplasia, and foreign body reaction (25% of cases) were found at histopathology evaluation of the gastropexy site, evidencing normal healing. CONCLUSION: The TLG training curriculum supported the acquisition of TLG surgical skills in the training box and their transfer to the in vivo model. The experimental group's TLG performance in vivo did not significantly differ from the intermediate and expert groups. The clinical outcome and histopathological findings evidenced complete gastropexy-site healing.

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This study aims to report a case of sexual ambiguity in a 3-yr mongrel dog and its respective etiological approach. There was a complaint of trauma and pinpoint bleeding in a chronical exposed structure, which examination indicated to be penis-like with perineoscrotal insertion and ventral hypospadia, surrounded by skin folds that resembled vulvar labia majora or hypoplastic prepuce. No evident scrotum and testicles were noted. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed ectopic testicles and an undefined structure filled with high-cellularity content in close contact with the prostate dorsal wall. The dog underwent exploratory laparotomy, revealing structures morphologically compatible with testicles and epididymides, connected by a tubular structure macroscopically resembling uterine horns, which was subjected to histopathological analysis and genotyping. For the external genitalia, penectomy was performed, followed by lateral mucosa reinsertion of the urethra, remaining a skin extension with vulvar-lips appearance. Histopathological examination revealed testicular hypoplasia and bilateral epididymal dysplasia and confirmed that the tubular structure was indeed an excessive distended epididymal duct. Blood sample was collected for cytogenetic analysis, which revealed variations in the diploid number (2n = 78, XY) due to addition (2n = 79) or absence of acrocentric autosomal chromosomes (2n < 78). Sex genotyping confirmed a male sex (XY). In conclusion, this clinical case demonstrated a XY disorder of sexual development (male pseudohermaphroditism) due to phenotypic sex ambiguity (ambiguous external genitalia), yet with a non-function degenerated testes and hypertrophic dilation of the epididymides, suggesting a disorder of male hormonal biosynthesis.

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Salmonella spp. are important pathogens of foals, causing clinical enterocolitis and sepsis. We characterized the resistance, virulence, and stress response genes in Salmonella isolates from foals with or without diarrhea. Salmonella isolates (n = 23) recovered from fecal samples of 16 diarrheic and 7 non-diarrheic <1-y-old foals were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. The most common serovars detected in diarrheic foals were S. enterica subsp. enterica serovars Infantis and Minnesota. Multidrug resistance was observed in 9 of 23 isolates, with 8 of the 9 from diarrheic foals. All of the isolates contained at least 2 resistance genes, with most of the genes related to the multidrug efflux pump complex. Among the 9 isolates shown to be resistant to ß-lactam antimicrobials, at least one antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) related to the inactivation of these antimicrobials was observed (blaTEM-1, blaCMY-2, blaCTX-M-8). Among the 7 isolates resistant to the quinolone class, 3 contained ARGs (qnrB19, qnrB6). The occurrence of multidrug-resistant isolates, particularly among foals with diarrhea, and the zoonotic potential of Salmonella species, highlight the importance of implementing biosecurity measures on the studied farms.

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The Great Shearwater, Ardenna gravis, is the largest and most abundant species of procellarid seabirds in the South Atlantic. A specimen of this shearwater was found dead and parasitized by a hard tick on Cima Beach, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the tick's identity as Ixodes uriae. Molecular screening for Rickettsiales and Piroplasmida was conducted, and all results were negative, suggesting no immediate health threats. This study reports the first occurrence of this hard tick species parasitizing A. gravis in southern Brazil, highlighting the ecological and epidemiological implications of this finding. This record contributes to the understanding of tick-host interactions in migratory seabirds and emphasizes the need for further research on the ecological roles and health implications of ectoparasites in these avian populations.

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Due to the importance of diagnosing tick fever (TF) agents and their parasitemia in the field to provide appropriate treatment, the objective of this study was to develop an application capable of detecting the presence or absence of these hemopathogens and calculating parasitemia/bacteremia. Therefore, to create the TFinder app, blood smears from the tip of the tail of cattle naturally infected with TF were prepared to train the artificial neural network (ANN) for Anaplasma marginale and Babesia spp. The ANN was trained with images from different microscope fields and angles. For the validation stage of the ANN, new blood smear images from different animals were inserted. The diagnosis of presence or absence and calculation of parasitemia/bacteremia performed by a human being were compared with that of the ANN. The ANN was trained with 8100 and 2871 images of blood smears containing parasitized erythrocytes with A. marginale and Babesia spp. respectively. In the validation stage, it was used a total of new 1000 for A. marginale and 750 for Babesia spp. There was a strong positive correlation between the A. marginale bacteremia (r = 0.9484; R² = 0.8996; p < 0.0001) values obtained by the human and TFinder app, the same occurred for Babesia spp. parasitemia (r = 0.9650; R² = 0.9314; p < 0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of TFinder app for the presence or absence of A. marginale were 97.7 %, 86.5 %, and 95.4 %, respectively. While for A. marginale bacteremia it was 89.6 %, 98.7 %, and 98.1 %, respectively. For Babesia spp., the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of presence and absence were 98.0 %, 91.1 %, and 96.9 %, respectively. The calculation of Babesia spp. parasitemia was 84.3 %, 99.7 % and 98.9 %, respectively. TFinder app can be used to diagnose and calculate the parasitemia/bacteremia of TF agents in bovine blood smear images.

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This review article provides a historical summary regarding the use, value, and validity of the nonhuman primate model of periodontal disease. The information provided cites results regarding the features of naturally occurring periodontitis in various nonhuman primate species, as well as the implementation of a model of experimental periodontitis. Clinical similarities to human disease are discussed, as well as the use of these models to document physiological and pathophysiological tissue changes in the periodontium related to the initiation and progression of the disease. Additionally, the use of these analytics in examination of the tissue characteristics of the disease, and the utility of nonhuman primates in testing and describing various therapeutic modalities are described. As periodontitis represents a disease of an oral microbiome dysbiosis, features of the altered microbiome in the disease in nonhuman primates are related to similar findings in the human condition. The review then provides a summary of the features of local and systemic host responses to a periodontal infection in an array of nonhuman primate species. This includes attributes of innate immunity, acute and chronic inflammation, and adaptive immune responses. Finally, extensive information is presented regarding the role of Macaca mulatta derived from the Cayo Santiago community in evaluating critical biologic details of disease initiation, progression, and resolution. This unique resource afforded the capacity to relate risk and expression of disease and traits of the responses to age, sex, and matriline derivation (e.g., heritability) of the animals. The Cayo Santiago colony continues to provide a critical preclinical model for assessment of molecular aspects of the disease process that can lead to both new targets for therapeutics and consideration of vaccine approaches to preventing and/or treating this global disease.

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The Zygocotylidae Ward, 1917 is a compact family of amphistome digeneans that until now comprised 2 genera, each represented by a single species: Zygocotyle lunata (Diesing, 1836) Stunkard, 1916 and Wardius zibethicus Barker and East, 1915 in Barker 1915. Despite highly similar morphology, these genera are separated based on the presence (Zygocotyle) or absence (Wardius) of posterolateral projections (=lappets) on the ventral sucker and esophageal bulb. In the present study, we generated partial large ribosomal subunit (28S), internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) rDNA, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences of Z. lunata from several hosts (12 avian and 1 rodent species) throughout North and South America as well as 28S and COI sequences of W. zibethicus from muskrat in North America. The newly generated 28S sequences were used for sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis. The COI sequences were used for species-level comparisons. Our analysis revealed a close relationship and high sequence similarity between Z. lunata and W. zibethicus. Considering the low morphological and genetic differences, we synonymize ZygocotyleStunkard, 1916 with Wardius Barker and East, 1915 in Barker 1915 and transfer Z. lunata to Wardius as Wardius lunatus (Diesing, 1836) n. comb.

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Economic efficiency is affected by several traits, and as the unit of selection is the individual, in artificial selection, to promote the maximization of economic genetic gain, the traits to be improved must be weighted by their respective economic values. In Brazil, breeding goals are defined empirically, and not based on an economic evaluation, therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate economic values for traits of economic importance in dairy farming systems based on the use of purebred and crossbred Guzerat animals. The economic values for 305-days milk yield (MY), fat yield (FY), protein yield (PY), and somatic cell count (SCC) were calculated for different production systems based on the feed management: System 1, based on pasture grazing with Brachiaria brizantha or Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça during rainy season, and corn-silage supplementation during the dry season; System 2, based on pasture grazing with Brachiaria brizantha or Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça during rainy season, and the mixture of sugarcane including urea supplementation during the dry season. Bioeconomic models were applied to estimate economic values, and a sensitivity analysis was performed. Four selection indexes were defined, each one with different goals: milk (I1), milk + protein yield (I2), I2 + fat yield (I3) and I3 + somatic cell count (I4). The economic values for MY and PY were positive for both production systems. However, for FY, the values were positive for System 2 but negative for System 1. The economic value for SCC was negative (-7.33 per SCS per lactation). The selection responses for I1 were higher than those for I2, I3 and I4, for both production systems. I4 presented the highest expected genetic gain for each trait, except for fat yield, whose expected genetic gain was greater with the use of I2, in both production systems. The results indicates that the inclusion of milk quality traits in the selection index provides better economic return, and due to the small differences in expected genetic superiority, I1 is still the most suitable for crossbred Guzerat herds whose main activity is milk production in Brazil.