Perspectives and Possibilities for New Antimicrobial Agents in the Treatment and Control of Mastitis Induced by Algae of the Genus Prototheca spp.: A Review.

Innovative approaches in nanotechnology provide a potentially promising alternative to untreatable cases of mastitis caused by genus Prototheca spp. algae infections. Drying of the teats of the affected animals or culling are typically the outcomes of mastitis in dairy cattle caused by these pathogens. A major issue in both veterinary medicine and animal breeding is the Prototheca species' widespread resistance to the current methods of managing infections and the available drugs, including antibiotics. Commercial antifungal preparations are also ineffective. Nanotechnology, an emerging discipline, has the potential to create an effective alternative treatment for protothecal mastitis. The aim of the paper is to combine the literature data on the use of nanotechnology in the control of mastitis, taking into account data on combating mastitis caused by Prototheca spp. infections. The databases employed were PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, focusing on literature from the last 20 years to ensure relevance and currency. Studies conducted in vitro have demonstrated that nanomaterials have significant biocidal activity against mastitis infections of different etiologies. Analyzed research papers show that (NPs), such as AgNPs, CuNPs, AuNPs, etc., may not negatively impact various cell lines and may be effective agents in reducing the pathogens' viability. However, it is also critical to assess the risks involved in using nanomaterials.

The Role of NF-κB in Endometrial Diseases in Humans and Animals: A Review.

The expression of genes of various proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines is controlled, among others, by the signaling pathway of the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) superfamily of proteins, providing an impact on immune system functioning. The present review addresses the influence and role of the NF-κB pathway in the development and progression of most vital endometrial diseases in human and animal species. Immune modulation by NF-κB in endometritis, endometrosis, endometriosis, and carcinoma results in changes in cell migration, proliferation, and inflammation intensity in both the stroma and epithelium. In endometrial cells, the NF-κB signaling pathway may be activated by multiple stimuli, such as bacterial parts, cytokines, or hormones binding to specific receptors. The dysregulation of the immune system in response to NF-κB involves aberrant production of chemokines and cytokines, which plays a role in endometritis, endometriosis, endometrosis, and endometrial carcinoma. However, estrogen and progesterone influence on the reproductive tract always plays a major role in its regulation. Thus, sex hormones cannot be overlooked in endometrial disease physiopathology. While immune system dysregulation seems to be NF-κB-dependent, the hormone-independent and hormone-dependent regulation of NF-κB signaling in the endometrium should be considered in future studies. Future goals in this research should be a step up into clinical trials with compounds affecting NF-κB as treatment for endometrial diseases.

The Influence of Intravaginal Gestagens Treatment on the Morphological Features and Endometrial Steroid Hormone Receptors Content during Anestrus Type II in Dairy Cattle.

BACKGROUND: Gestagens are the most widely used therapy in anestrus type II. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaginal progesterone inserts therapy in anestrus type II in cows. METHODS: The study was conducted on 33 cows. Progesterone (PR) and estrogen (ER) receptors expression in endometrium was assessed on a molecular level based on mRNA tissue expression. Additionally, blood 17ß-estradiol and progesterone levels were evaluated. RESULTS: A decrease in mRNA expression of A and B PR and ER α was noted in treated and untreated animals. In the treated group, an increase of ERß mRNA expression was observed, while a decreased was found in untreated animals. There was increased PR, ERα and ß expression in endometrial tissue in treated cows, and decreased expression of these factors in untreated cows. In the treated group, recurrence of ovarian cyclicity was noted in 52% of animals and pregnancy was obtained in 34.8% of them, while in the untreated group, recurrence did not occur. In the control group, spontaneous recurrence of ovarian cyclicity was not observed. An increase of PR expression was correlated with increased proliferation of endometrial cells. CONCLUSIONS: It seems likely that the endometrium is well developed and ready for placentation after removing the exogenous source of progesterone and preventing the recurrence of cyclicity of ovaries.

Computational multivariate modelling of electrical activity of the porcine uterus during spontaneous and hormone-induced oestrus.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does oestrous cycle synchronization influence myoelectrical activity of porcine myometrium? What is the main finding and its importance? Exogenous hormones used to synchronize oestrus in pigs altered myoelectrical activity, which was effectively modelled. Higher-order multivariate statistic modelling provided evidence of similar activity in both types of oestrus, but a larger order of EMG signals during induced oestrus. Higher-order statistical analysis of the probabilistic model suggests the beginning of the early follicular phase and the mid-luteal phase to be most important in evaluation of the natural patterns of myoelectrical activity. Higher-order multivariate cumulants are more informative than classical statistics in characterization of myoelectrical activity changes in porcine myometrium. ABSTRACT: In pig production units, control of the oestrous cycle and synchronization of ovulation have become routine herd management procedures. During the oestrous cycle, in both induced and spontaneous conditions, the ovaries and the uterus undergo hormone-dominated physiological changes, which are consistent with the hypothesis that there is a functional role of uterine contractions in promoting fertilization. We have used electromyography to determine whether the use of exogenous hormones, such as equine chorionic gonadotrophin and human chorionic gonadotrophin, which have the potential to control the timing of ovulation in female pigs, changes the multivariate relationships between parameters of electrical bursts and modulates the patterns of myoelectrical activity. We used the mathematical approach of higher-order multivariate cumulants in complex modelling of the myometrial electrical activity. The experiment was conducted on 12 mature Polish Landrace sows, and uterine activity was recorded during both spontaneous and induced oestrous cycles. The burst parameters were determined using six features in the time domain and, after Fast Fourier transformation, in the frequency domain. Evaluation of myoelectrical activity patterns was conducted based on classical univariate statistical methods and multivariate probabilistic modelling. The classical statistical approach indicated weaker myoelectrical activity after hormonal stimulation, whereas the higher-order multivariate statistical model showed evidence of similar status of activity and a larger order of signals during induced oestrus. Routine oestrous cycle synchronization affects the multivariate probabilistic model of myometrial electrical activity.

Uterine EMG activity in the non-pregnant sow during estrous cycle.

BACKGROUND: Uterine myoactivity is crucial for successful reproductive performance of the sow. Spontaneous contractions of the uterus are strictly controlled and coordinated. Uterine electromyographic (EMG) activity undergoes hormonal regulation with rapid and long-term effects. What is more, interstitial Cajal-like Cells (ICLC) appear essential for smooth muscle contractility in the reproductive tract where they are suspected to be playing a major role in generating, coordinating, modulating and synchronizing slow triggering waves. The aim of this study was to investigate the myoelectrical activity of sow's uterus during estrus cycle. RESULTS: Study was conducted on 10 Polish Landrace sows. Propagation mechanisms and their connection with the uterine EMG activity were considered in correlation with expression of c-kit, progesterone and oxytocin receptors of the non-pregnant sow. ICLC were labeled with antibody directed against c-kit receptor and visualized by confocal microscopy and scanning cytometer for positive cells percentage assessment. EMG signal was recorded directly from the myometrium with telemetry transmitters and electrodes located in different topographic regions of reproductive tracts. The stages of estrus cycle were determined by monitoring levels of luteinizing hormone, progesterone and estrogen with radioimmunoassays. Significant differences of the EMG signal parameters between diestrus and estrus and the correlations with density of labelled receptors were demonstrated. Moreover, the electrophysiological studies indicated that ICLC in the myometrium in the tip of uterine horn may participate in the regulation of slow waves duration and frequency. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of EMG signal propagation in the wall of the non-pregnant porcine uterus occurs in an orderly, bidirectional fashion and at distinctive speed, with no differences between diestrus and estrus.

Interferon-tau promotes luteal endothelial cell survival and inhibits specific luteolytic genes in bovine corpus luteum.

Interferon-tau (IFNT), a maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) signals in domestic ruminants, suppresses the release of luteolytic pulses of uterine prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a), thus extending the corpus luteum (CL) life span. We hypothesized that IFNT also exerts anti-luteolytic actions in bovine CL. To examine the direct effects of IFNT on bovine CL, luteal slices and enriched luteal endothelial cells (LECs) were utilized. We found that recombinant ovine IFNT (roIFNT) markedly elevates interferon-associated genes (STAT1, STAT2 and IRF9) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs: MX2, ISG15 and OAS1Y) in both models. Furthermore, IFNT time-dependently induced STAT1 phosphorylation in LECs without affecting total STAT1. roIFNT-stimulated viable LECs numbers and the knockdown of protein inhibitor of activated STAT1 (PIAS1) abolished this effect, suggesting that PIAS1 may mediate the proliferative effect of IFNT. IFNT significantly downregulated luteolytic genes such as TGFB1, thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), endothelin-1 (EDN1) and serpin family E member-1 (SERPINE1) in LECs. However, less robust effects were observed in luteal slices. Moreover, PGF2a alone induced THBS1, SERPINE1 and EDN1 mRNA in CL slices whereas in the presence of IFNT, THBS1 and SERPINE1 stimulation was abolished. Collectively, these results indicate that IFNT acts via STAT1- IRF9-dependent and independent pathways and affects diverse luteal functions. Most interestingly, this study suggests the existence of an anti-luteolytic effect of IFNT in bovine CL, namely, inhibiting key PGF2a-induced luteolytic genes. The proliferative effect of IFNT may constitute an additional mechanism that promotes luteal cell survival, thus, extending the luteal life span during early pregnancy in cows.

Characteristics of bioelectrical activity of oviducts and uterus during early pregnancy in sows recorded by telemetry method.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? The aim of present study was to record and analyse the myoelectrical activity in the female pig reproductive tract (uterus and oviduct) during early pregnancy. What is the main finding and its importance? Understanding the contractile activity of the uterus and oviducts is indispensable for understanding the physiological mechanisms as well as all irregularities associated with the period of conception and early pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to record the myoelectrical activity of the reproductive tract in sows during the oestrous phase and early pregnancy via a telemetry recording system. In a total of eight non-pregnant pigs, the bioelectrical activity was recorded through three silicone electrodes sutured on the oviduct (isthmus and ampulla) and the uterine horn. Blood samples were collected to monitor the concentrations of progesterone (P4) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The oestrous cycle was synchronized with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and the animals were subjected to artificial insemination. Analysis of the EMG activity of the oviduct and uterus in the oestrous phase and in early stages of pregnancy suggests explicitly that telemetry could enable in vivo assessment of myoelectrical activity of parts of the reproductive system in sows. Off-line analysis of the duration of EMG activity bursts in the uterus, isthmus and ampulla were significantly higher during early pregnancy (phases II and III) than in the oestrous phase. The EMG signals demonstrated low mean amplitudes of activity in the oviduct and uterus during early pregnancy (phases I-III). Significant differences between the root mean square signals were observed in the isthmus and ampulla both during oestrus and in early pregnancy (phase I; P < 0.01). During the oestrous phase, the P4 concentration was estimated at <1 ng ml-1 , whereas the LH concentration was >4 ng ml-1 . In contrast, during early pregnancy, the P4 and LH concentrations were estimated at >4 and <1 ng ml-1 , respectively.

Assessment of Connective Tissue in the Equine Uterus and Cervix: Review of Clinical Impact and Staining Options.

Uterine diseases stand as the primary cause of infertility in mares; however, the diagnostic process often relies on obtaining endometrial biopsies and their hematoxylin-eosin staining. This review seeks to present the variability of uterine changes and their impact on fertility and underscore the utility of special stains, such as Masson trichrome, picrosirius red, elastica van Gieson, or periodic acid-Schiff, in enhancing diagnostic breadth. Connective tissue evaluation in the cervix is discussed, as it is subjected to cyclic changes and the impact on overall fertility. Vascular changes, particularly prevalent in multiparous mares, play a crucial role in adapting to physiological and pathological alterations, affecting early gestation and impeding placental development. Given that uterine vascular pathologies often involve fibrotic changes, connective tissue stains emerge as a valuable tool in this context. Moreover, equine endometriosis, predominantly associated with endometrial fibrosis, further highlights the relevance of special stains, suggesting their underutilization in the diagnostic process. Recognizing the subjective nature of diagnosing uterine pathologies and the need for additional diagnostic tools, we advocate for using dedicated stains in the histopathological evaluation of uterine samples. In conclusion, we encourage scientists and diagnosticians to embrace additional tools that enhance pathology visualization, enabling more reliable diagnoses concerning expected fertility.

Comparison of blood gas parameters, ions, and glucose concentration in polish Holstein-Friesian Dairy cows at different milk production levels.

Genetic selection for increased milk yield has been a key driver of dairy intensification. The modern dairy cow produces much higher amounts of milk than the cattle of several years ago, and this may have an influence on hematologic values at different stages of lactation and on cows with different levels of milk production. The purpose of the study was to investigate the variations in blood parameters such as Ht, tHb, sO2, FO2Hb, FCOHb, FMetHb, FHHb, pH, pCO2, pO2, standard HCO3-, actual HCO3-, BE, BE ecf, ctCO2, BO2, p50, and ctO2 in cows at different milk production levels. In addition, ions such as Na+, K+ , Ca++, Ca++ (7.4), and Cl-, and AnGap and glucose were examined. Our findings indicated that differences in the examined blood parameters between low and high-production dairy cattle do exist. The most apparent differences were connected with blood pH (p < 0.01), oxygen metabolism (Ht, tHb, sO2, FO2Hb; p < 0.01), and glucose utilization (p < 0.01) The results confirm that the parameters connected with blood oxygen metabolism and glucose metabolism increase significantly in high-production animals. In conclusion, reference values should be considered in light of the lactation stage and level of milk production, because these might influence how changes should be interpreted. The main limitation of the study is the delay to analysis. However, the blood was properly stored (4C), thus changes were delayed. Anyway, it is very hard in the field practice to perform it within 5 min after the blood collection and according to studies it has low impact on clinical outcomes.

Co-Occurrence of Severe Equine Asthma and Palatal Disorders in Privately Owned Pleasure Horses.

According to the "unified or united airway disease" theory, diseases in the upper and lower airways frequently co-occur because they represent a single morphological and functional unit. Palatal disorders (PDs) and severe equine asthma (SEA) are frequent diseases that, respectively, affect upper and lower equine airways; however, clinical studies focusing on the co-occurrence of PDs and SEA are limited. The present study investigated the prevalence of PDs in horses affected by SEA, and whether prevalence decreased after SEA treatment. Forty-six privately owned horses affected by SEA in exacerbation were included. For each horse, the severity of the asthma clinical signs was assessed using a previously described scoring system, and the co-occurrence of palatal disorders was investigated using overground endoscopy, before and after treatment for SEA. Before treatment (in exacerbation), 67.4% of SEA-affected horses showed evidence of PDs, including 39.1% showing evidence of palatal instability (PI) and 28.3% of dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Airway inflammation (neutrophil percentage in the tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) was worse in horses with co-occurring PDs. After treatment (in remission), no horses showed evidence of PI, while DDSP was diagnosed in 8.7% of horses. These findings suggest that palatal disorders respond to asthma treatment, supporting the hypothesis that both diseases could be manifestation of a common underlying disorder.