Short-term equine interaction for reducing test anxiety and facilitating coping skill development in college students during examination periods: A preliminary study.

Mental health concerns are common among college students and more prevalent during examination periods when stress and anxiety are heightened. While the benefits of equine interaction have been reported, the impact of short-term equine interaction on coping skills valuable for managing test anxiety have yet to be studied. Therefore, the purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the impact of short-term equine interaction during the college examination period on development of coping skills and anxiety levels associated with testing, both self-reported and those reflected in physiological measures. Full-time college students engaged in a one-hour equine interaction session held on campus at the onset of final exam week. Participants completed a survey targeting perception of anxiety levels and coping skills. Heart rate and salivary cortisol measurements were collected pre- and post-session. Paired t-tests were performed between pre- and post- session measures and correlations between survey answers and physiological measures determined. Significant reductions were found in all areas of anxiety (Overall Academics P = 0.0003, Final Exam Preparation P = 0.0003, Taking Final Exam P = 0.0003). The reduction in exam-related anxiety was positively correlated to cortisol concentrations (r = 0.69, P = 0.03) with lower concentrations (P = 0.05) and increased heart rate (P = 0.003) post-session. Regarding coping skills, improvements were observed post-session in assertiveness (P = 0.008). Skill development coupled with reduced anxiety supports the potential benefits short-term equine interaction can offer students during the high stress periods, but these findings should be confirmed with more in-depth study.

Zoonotic and Public Health Implications of Campylobacter Species and Squamates (Lizards, Snakes and Amphisbaenians).

Campylobacter spp. is one of the most widespread infectious diseases of veterinary and public health significance. Globally, the incidence of campylobacteriosis has increased over the last decade in both developing and developed countries. Squamates (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians) are a potential reservoir and source of transmission of campylobacteriosis to humans. This systematic review examined studies from the last 20 years that have reported squamate-associated human campylobacteriosis. It was found that C. fetus subsp. testudinum and C. fetus subsp. fetus were the most common species responsible for human campylobacteriosis from a squamate host. The common squamate hosts identified included bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), green iguana (Iguana iguana), western beaked gecko (Rhynchoedura ornate) and blotched blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua nigrolutea). People with underlying chronic illnesses, the immunocompromised and the elderly were identified as the most vulnerable population. Exposure to pet squamates, wild animals, consumption of reptilian cuisines and cross contamination with untreated water were risk factors associated with Campylobacter infections. Proper hand hygiene practices, responsible pet ownership, 'One Health' education and awareness on zoonotic diseases will help reduce the public health risks arising from Campylobacter exposure through squamates. Continued surveillance using molecular diagnostic methods will also enhance detection and response to squamate-linked campylobacteriosis.

Identification of mobile colistin resistance genes (mcr-1.1, mcr-5 and mcr-8.1) in Enterobacteriaceae and Alcaligenes faecalis of human and animal origin, Nigeria.

Colistin is a last-resort drug used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria that have developed carbapenem resistance. Emergence and rapid dissemination of the nine plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance genes (mcr-1 to mcr-9) has led to fear of pandrug-resistant infections worldwide. To date, there is only limited information on colistin resistance in African countries where the drug is widely used in agriculture. In this Nigerian study, 583 non-duplicate bacterial strains were isolated from 1119 samples from humans, camels, cattle, dogs, pigs and poultry using colistin-supplemented MacConkey agar, among which 17.0% (99/583) were colistin-resistant. PCR (mcr-1 to mcr-9) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) identified mcr in 21.2% (21/99) of colistin-resistant isolates: mcr-1.1 (n = 13), mcr-8.1 (n = 5), mcr-1.1 and mcr-8.1 (n = 2), and mcr-1.1 and mcr-5 (n = 1). Of the 21 mcr-positive strains, 9 were isolated from human samples, with 8 being Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 6 of these human K. pneumoniae had a high colistin MIC (>64 µg/mL). In contrast, 9 of the 12 mcr-positive animal isolates were Escherichia coli, of which only 2 had a colistin MIC of >64 µg/mL. This study is the first to report mcr-1 in Alcaligenes faecalis and the emergence of mcr-5 and mcr-8 in Nigeria. WGS determined that mcr-1 was localised on an IncX4 plasmid and that 95.2% of mcr-1 harbouring isolates (20/21) transferred colistin resistance successfully by conjugation. These findings highlight the global spread of colistin resistance and emphasise the urgent need for co-ordinated global action to combat resistant bacteria.

Modelling appropriate use of trypanocides to restrict wide-spread multi-drug resistance during chemotherapy of animal African trypanosomiasis.

Trypanocide resistance remains a huge challenge in the management of animal African trypanosomiasis. Paucity of data on the prevalence of multi-drug resistant trypanosomes has greatly hindered optimal veterinary management practices. We use mathematical model predictions to highlight appropriate drug regimens that impede trypanocide resistance development in cattle. We demonstrate that using drugs in decreasing resistance order results in a negligible increase in number of cattle with resistant infection, in contrast to a more pronounced increase from trypanocide use in increasing resistance order. We demonstrate that the lowest levels of trypanocide resistance are achieved with combination therapy. We also show that increasing the number of cattle treated leads to a progressive reduction in the number of cattle with drug resistant infections for treatments of up to 80% of the cattle population for the combination treatment strategy. Our findings provide an initial evidence-based framework on some essential practices that promote optimal use of the handful of trypanocides. We anticipate that our modest forecasts will improve therapeutic outcomes by appropriately informing on the best choice, and combination of drugs that minimize treatment failure rates.

Effects of fat supplementation on plasma glucose, insulin and fatty acid analysis in ponies maintained on a forage-based diet.

The objective of this study was to observe how fat incorporated into an equine forage-based diet through supplementation altered levels of plasma glucose, insulin and fatty acids. Five Shetland/Hackney cross pony mares were fed alfalfa pellet diets top dressed with commercially available vegetable oil (blend of soya bean, canola and corn oils) at 0%, 5%, 10% or 15% of diet. Ponies were randomly assigned one of four diets to start, with a 14-day adjustment period between transitioning to another one of the four diets. Ponies were gradually adapted to the new diet within the 14-day period before a five-day trial period. Each pony received all four diets by the end of the study. Each trial was a five-day period with a three-day sample collection. Blood samples for each collection week were taken 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240 and 270 min and at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 hr post-feeding. Excess fat did not impact plasma glucose (p > .1), nor did it affect blood plasma insulin concentration. While there was no time alteration found for plasma fatty acid concentration (p > .1), C14:0 increased when ponies were fed 0% fat and C18:2 decreased when ponies were fed 0% fat. Plasma fatty acids (% of total FA) were higher in C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C20:1 in the added fat diets (p < .1). These findings suggest the amounts reported in this study of fat supplementation on a forage-based diet did influence the fatty acid analysis within the pony, but did not negatively impact blood glucose and insulin concentrations.

Draft Genome Sequences of 37 Salmonella enterica Strains Isolated from Poultry Sources in Nigeria.

Here, we report the availability of draft genomes of several Salmonella serotypes, isolated from poultry sources from Nigeria. These genomes will help to further understand the biological diversity of S. enterica and will serve as references in microbial trace-back studies to improve food safety.

Evaluation of a Salmonella vectored vaccine expressing Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis antigens against challenge in a goat model.

Johnes disease (JD), caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP), occurs worldwide as chronic granulomatous enteritis of domestic and wild ruminants. To develop a cost effective vaccine, in a previous study we constructed an attenuated Salmonella strain that expressed a fusion product made up of partial fragments of MAP antigens (Ag85A, Ag85B and SOD) that imparted protection against challenge in a mouse model. In the current study we evaluated the differential immune response and protective efficacy of the Sal-Ag vaccine against challenge in a goat model as compared to the live attenuated vaccine MAP316F. PBMCs from goats vaccinated with Sal-Ag and challenged with MAP generated significantly lower levels of IFN-γ, following in vitro stimulation with either Antigen-mix or PPD jhonin, than PBMC from MAP316F vaccinated animals. Flow cytometric analysis showed the increase in IFN-γ correlated with a significantly higher level of proliferation of CD4, CD8 and γδT cells and an increased expression of CD25 and CD45R0 in MAP316F vaccinated animals as compared to control animals. Evaluation of a range of cytokines involved in Th1, Th2, Treg, and Th17 immune responses by quantitative PCR showed low levels of expression of Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α) in the Sal-Ag immunized group. Significant levels of Th2 and anti-inflammatory cytokines transcripts (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, TGF-ß) were expressed but their level was low and with a pattern similar to the control group. Over all, Sal-Ag vaccine imparted partial protection that limited colonization in tissues of some animals upon challenge with wild type MAP but not to the level achieved with MAP316F. In conclusion, the data indicates that Sal-Ag vaccine induced only a low level of protective immunity that failed to limit the colonization of MAP in infected animals. Hence the Sal-Ag vaccine needs further refinement to increase its efficacy.

Evaluation of a Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis leuD mutant as a vaccine candidate against challenge in a caprine model.

Johne's disease (JD) is prevalent worldwide and has a significant impact on the global agricultural economy. In the present study, we evaluated the protective efficacy of a leuD (Δleud) mutant and gained insight into differential immune responses after challenge with virulent M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis in a caprine colonization model. The immune response and protective efficacy were compared with those of the killed vaccine Mycopar. In vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with johnin purified protein derivative showed that Mycopar and ΔleuD generated similar levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) but significantly higher levels than unvaccinated and challenged phosphate-buffered saline controls. However, only with ΔleuD was the IFN-γ response maintained. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the increase in IFN-γ correlated with proliferation and activation (increased expression of CD25) of CD4, CD8, and γδT cells, but this response was significantly higher in ΔleuD-vaccinated animals at some time points after challenge. Both Mycopar and ΔleuD vaccines upregulated Th1/proinflammatory and Th17 cytokines and downregulated Th2/anti-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines at similar levels at almost all time points. However, significantly higher levels of IFN-γ (at weeks 26 and 30), interleukin-2 (IL-2; week 18), IL-1b (weeks 14 and 22), IL-17 (weeks 18 and 22), and IL-23 (week 18) and a significantly lower level of IL-10 (weeks 14 and 18) and transforming growth factor ß (week 18) were detected in the ΔleuD-vaccinated group. Most importantly, ΔleuD elicited an immune response that significantly limited colonization of tissues compared to Mycopar upon challenge with wild-type M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. In conclusion, the ΔleuD mutant is a promising vaccine candidate for development of a live attenuated vaccine for JD in ruminants.

Erythrocyte surface sialic acid levels of clinically healthy mongrel and exotic (alsatian and terrier) breeds of dogs.

The erythrocyte surface sialic acid concentration of clinically healthy mongrel and exotic (Alsatian i.e. German shepherd and Terrier) breeds of dogs was analyzed in order to determine their role in the genetic resistance of these breeds of dogs to diseases that cause anaemia. The mean erythrocyte surface sialic acid (ESA) concentration was 57.08 +/- 1.67, 34.50 +/- 2.30 and 20.20 +/- 3.54 mg/dl for Mongrel, Alsatian (German shepherd) and Terrier breeds of dogs, respectively, on acid hydrolysis. The mean values of ESA obtained following enzymic hydrolysis of haemoglobin-free erythrocyte membranes using Clostridium chauvoei (Jakari strain) sialidase were 49.08 +/- 0.41, 30.97 +/- 1.82 and 18.64 +/- 0.75 mg/dl for Mongrel, Alsatian (German shepherd) and Terrier dogs respectively. When Trypanosoma vivax sialidase was used the ESA values obtained were 50.81 +/- 0.37, 41.70 +/- 0.94 and 19.65 + 0.65 mg/dl for Mongrel, Alsatian (German shepherd) and Terrier breeds of dogs respectively. This represents a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between the mean ESA concentration of all the breeds of dogs investigated in this study. The higher mean ESA concentration in Mongrel dogs, compared to the exotic breeds may be responsible for their resistance to disease conditions, whose aetiologic agents produce neuraminidase and also cause anaemia.

Relationship between velocity and temporal variables of the flat shod running walk.

The running walk of the Tennessee Walking Horse is often described as a faster variation of the walk, indicating the importance of velocity on the mechanics of the gait. Variations in gait variables create difficulties in clearly identifying the normal and abnormal running walk in a clinical evaluation. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to describe the flat shod running walk and to determine the relationship between velocity and the running walk. From frame-by-frame analysis of 60 Hz film, temporal variables were averaged for 6 strides from 6 horses performing an 'easy' (slow) and 'strong' (fast) running walk during a flat shod, easy-rider Tennessee Walking Horse show class. The running walk at both velocities was a 4-beat, symmetrical stepping gait with a lateral footfall sequence and lateral couplets. The velocity ranged from mean +/- s.d. 2.66 +/- 0.34 to 3.80 +/- 0.18 m/s. For both velocities (slow, fast), hind stance as a percentage of stride duration (58 +/- 3%, 56 +/- 2%) was significantly longer than fore (51 +/- 5%, 48 +/- 1%); diagonal advanced placement (29 +/- 2%, 37 +/- 4%) and lift-off (35 +/- 5%, 39 +/- 2%) were significantly longer than lateral (advanced placement: 22 +/- 2%, 12 +/- 3%; lift-off: 18 +/- 4%, 10 +/- 2); and lateral bipedal support (50 +/- 9%, 67 +/- 7%) was significantly longer than diagonal (27 +/- 6%, 16 +/- 4%). Strong correlations were found between velocity and diagonal advanced placement (0.640), lateral lift-off (-0.924) and diagonal (-0.648) and lateral (0.904) bipedal support. Understanding the running walk and the gait variations due to velocity may be important to both the performance and soundness of the Tennessee Walking Horse.