Effects of Dietary Limonene Supplementation on Growth Performance and Immunological Parameters of Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio, Challenged by Aeromonas hydrophila.

This study examined the impact of dietary limonene treatment on the growth performance, immune response, and disease resistance of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The fish were fed with either a control diet (CTL; no limonene supplementation) or four experimental diets containing 50 (50 L), 100 (100 L), 200 (200 L), and 400 (400 L) mg/kg limonene over a 70-day period, followed by Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. The 200 L treatment resulted in a significant decrease in FCR compared to the CTL treatment. The highest post-challenge mortality was associated with the CTL treatment (62.7%), while the 200 L treatment had the lowest mortality (30.7%). Before the challenge, dietary limonene significantly increased humoral and skin mucosal immune parameters compared to the CTL treatment. The highest leukocyte, lymphocyte counts, skin mucosal protease activity, and intestinal lactic acid bacteria were observed in the 200 L treatment before the challenge. The highest plasma lysozyme activity was observed in the 400 L treatment, whereas the highest skin mucosal lysozyme and peroxidase activities were observed in the 100 L and 200 L treatments before the challenge. There were no significant differences in the blood neutrophil, monocyte, and eosinophil counts, humoral alternative complement activity, skin mucosal alkaline phosphatase activity, and the intestinal total viable bacteria among the treatments before the challenge. After the challenge, the 200 L treatment exhibited the highest leukocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte count, skin mucosal immune parameters, and intestinal lactic acid bacteria, whereas the highest blood eosinophil count was observed in the 100 L, 200 L, and 400 L treatments. At this time, the lowest blood lymphocyte counts were observed in the 100 L and 200 L, but the lowest intestinal total viable bacteria were observed in the 100 L, 200 L, and 400 L treatments. Based on these findings, dietary limonene at 200 mg/kg is ideal for common carp to promote feed efficiency, innate immunity boosting, and resistance against A. hydrophila.

Clinical and diagnostic characteristics of the development of hepatocardial syndrome in black and white cows in the early lactation period.

Background and Aim: It is known that during the early postpartum and lactation periods in dairy cows, metabolic disorders develop, that is, ketosis, which can lead to secondary damage to internal organs. Therefore, it is important to address the issues of changing the lactating cows' clinical, laboratory, and physiological parameters regarding the development of hepatocardial syndrome. This study aimed to provide clinical and diagnostic justification for developing hepatocardial syndrome in highly productive dairy cows. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 20 black and white cows in the early postpartum period (7-10 days after birth), with a milk production level of >4500 kg of milk during the previous lactation period, a positive result in the formol colloid sedimentary test, the presence of deafness and splitting of heart sounds, changes in the size, or increased pain sensitivity of the percussion field of the liver. Clinically healthy dairy cows in the early postpartum period were used as controls (n = 24). Clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters were also evaluated. Results: Dairy cows with hepatocardial syndrome developed arterial hypertension and sinus tachycardia, which led to a significant decrease in PQ and QT intervals at ECG. A significant increase in the diastolic size of the interventricular septum, systolic size of the free wall of the left ventricle, and diastolic and systolic sizes of the left ventricle and a significant decrease in the shortening fraction of the left ventricular myocardium were observed in the cows due to the development of hepatocardial syndrome. The affected cows demonstrated a significant increase in serum activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, alkaline phosphatase, troponin, malondialdehyde, diene conjugates, and ceruloplasmin and a decrease in glucose concentration. In addition, they demonstrated decreased activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Conclusion: Hepatocardial syndrome in dairy cows occurs due to ketosis, characterized by arterial hypertension, sinus tachycardia, a moderate decrease in myocardial contractility, oxidative stress, and cytolysis of cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes. Therefore, the control and prevention of the development of hepatocardial syndrome will make it possible to maintain the productive health and longevity of dairy cows.

Canine testicular tumors: An 11-year retrospective study of 358 cases in Moscow Region, Russia.

Background and Aim: Canine testicular tumors are among the most common reproductive tract tumors in male dogs and have been studied in many countries. However, to the best of our knowledge, studies with a large sample size have not been conducted in Russia. This study aimed to provide the latest information on the prevalence of canine testicular tumors in the Veterinary Oncology Scientific Center for Small Animals "Biocontrol" in Moscow, Russia, in 2010-2020 and the characteristics of the affected canine population. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of patients and histological reports was collected and analyzed from 358 dogs with 447 testicular tumors within 11 years. Results: The mean age of the affected dogs was 10.4 years, whereas that of dogs with Sertoli cell tumors was 9.4 years p=0.009. This study includes mixed-breed dogs (18.4%), Yorkshire Terriers (8.8%), Labrador Retrievers (7.9%), Golden Retrievers (5.0%), and Fox Terriers (3.4%). The most common tumors were interstitial cell tumors (n=227, 50.8%). In contrast, 107 (23.9%) seminomas, 80 (17.9%) Sertoli cell tumors, 19 (7.4%) mixed germ cell-sex cord-stromal tumors, and 26 (7.6%) testicular tumors developed from cryptorchid testes, which included 16 (61.5%) Sertoli cell tumors, 10 (38.5%) seminomas, and no interstitial cell tumors. Conclusion: This study provides baseline information on the prevalence of canine testicular tumors in the described population, including the median age of each tumor type and overrepresented dog breeds. We further found that the most common scrotal testicular tumor was interstitial cell tumor, whereas Sertoli cell tumor was the most common in cryptorchid testicles.

Effects of dietary thyme essential oil and prebiotic administration on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) welfare and performance.

The aim of this study was to examine the combined effects of thyme essential oil (TEO) and prebiotic (Immunogen ®) on growth performance, hematological parameters, innate immunity, and oxidative status of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. For this purpose, the fish (11.92 ± 0.06 g) were fed (3% of biomass) experimental diets that contained 0 (Control; without Immunogen and/or TEO); 1% TEO + 0.1% Immunogen (T1); 1% TEO + 0.2% Immunogen (T2); 2% TEO + 0.1% Immunogen (T3) and 2% TEO + 0.2% Immunogen (T4) for 60 days. According to results, all experimental treatments exhibited similar final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate (SR), which were significantly higher than those of the control treatment. Although all treatments reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group, the lowest value was observed in T4. All experimental treatments showed a significant increase in amylase and protease activity compared to the control group. Moreover, the fish fed on T4 and T1 diets showed the highest and lowest lipase activity. Dietary TEO and Immunogen supplementations significantly increased WBC count and Hb level compared to the control group. Fish fed on control and T2 diets displayed lower hematocrit than fish fed on other experimental diets. The highest and lowest MCH index were recorded in T3 and control groups, respectively. The fish fed diets supplemented with T3 diet presented significantly higher MCV index compared to the control and T2 treatment. All experimental treatments exhibited similar AST, and ALP activities, which were significantly lower than those of the control group. Also, the lowest ALT activity was observed in T2 and T4 treatments compared to other groups. Dietary TEO and Immunogen supplementations significantly enhanced skin mucus total Ig, total protein level, and ACH50, protease, and lysozyme. All experimental treatments exhibited enhanced intestine total Ig, ACH50, and lysozyme level. Dietary thyme essential oil and Immunogen supplementations significantly enhanced liver antioxidant parameters including catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased MDA production compared to fish fed on control diet. As a result, it can be suggested that the combination of thyme essential oil and Immunogen (specially 2% TEO + 0.2% Immunogen) is useful for enhancing the yield and well-being of farmed rainbow trout.

Parameters of nonspecific resistance of calves with respiratory pathology before and after treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The research was conducted to study the effect of a complex antimicrobial drug with an anti-inflammatory effect and an antimicrobial drug with an immunostimulating effect on the parameters of nonspecific resistance in calves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups (n = 5 each) of sick calves with respiratory pathology were selected for this study. For the treatment of the first experimental group, a complex antimicrobial drug Sulfetrisan® was used. The second experimental group of the calves was intramuscularly injected with the experimental drug gentaaminoseleferon (GIA). To assess the cellular component of immunity in the blood before and after treatment, the number of white blood cells, T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, phagocytic activity of leukocytes, phagocytic number, and phagocytic index (PhI) were determined. In addition, for assessing the humoral component, serum complement activity (SCA), serum lysozyme activity, serum bactericidal activity (SBA), circulating immune complexes (CIC), and total immunoglobulins (total Ig) were measured. The results were compared with the baseline parameters of healthy calves of the control group. RESULTS: When studying the parameters of the humoral and cellular components of nonspecific resistance, it was found that in sick animals, compared with healthy ones, respiratory pathology was accompanied by an imbalance in the immune system. In the process of recovery in animals of the experimental groups under the effect of the drugs, positive changes occurred. However, many of the studied parameters did not reach the values of healthy animals. In the group of calves that received GIA, compared with the calves given Sulfetrisan®, a significant increase in PhI (p < 0.05), SBA (p < 0.006), SCA (p < 0.05), total Ig (p < 0.0005), and CIC (p < 0.05) was observed, which indicated an increase in natural resistance due to the immunostimulating action. CONCLUSION: The use of GIA in sick animals added to an increase in the general nonspecific cellular and humoral resistance of calves, which made it possible to increase therapeutic efficacy and shorten their recovery time.

Role of microorganisms isolated from cows with mastitis in Moscow region in biofilm formation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Mastitis is one of the most important diseases of cows and the most expensive pathology for the dairy industry. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the role of microorganisms isolated from cows with mastitis in the formation of biofilms under the conditions of farm biogeocenosis in the Moscow region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodic visits to 12 farms in the Moscow region were conducted to explore the microbial profile of the udder of cows with mastitis. During the visits, 103 milk samples from sick animals were collected and examined. Through microbiological analyses, 486 cultures of microorganisms were identified, which are assigned to 11 genera. Mastitis in cows is caused not only by a single pathogen but also by microbial associations, which included two to seven microbial isolates. RESULTS: It was observed that 309 isolates (63.6%) from the total number of isolated microorganisms could form a biofilm. The ability to form biofilms was most frequently observed in Staphylococcus aureus (18.8%), Escherichia coli (11.9%), and Staphylococcus uberis (11.7%) cultures from the total number of biofilm-forming microbial cultures. Low biofilm-forming ability among the isolated microorganisms was found in lactobacilli, wherein only 20 (22.5%) Lactobacillus strains had the ability to form biofilms. The isolated microorganisms exhibited different sensitivities to antimicrobial agents, which cause difficulty in selecting an antimicrobial agent that would act on all aspects of the parasitocenosis. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of microorganisms isolated from cows with mastitis have the ability to form biofilms. The isolated microorganisms exhibited different and highly heterogeneous sensitivity to the action of antimicrobial drugs. This causes difficulty in using these tools for the effective control of mastitis in cows, which is frequently caused by pathogenic associations of microbial biofilms. Therefore, it is important to explore novel and more effective methods to combat this disease.

Protective effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) diet supplementation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) against immune depression, oxidative stress and metabolism dysfunction induced by glyphosate.

Sustainable aquaculture arises as key to increase food production in the coming years. However, the sector still faces many challenges such as the exposure of the cultured animals to pesticide-contaminated water. Pesticides used in agriculture can reach aquaculture systems either directly (integrated-agriculture aquaculture practices) or indirectly (soil leakage) and cause a broad range of ecotoxicological effects on cultured fish and shellfish. Here, we studied how glyphosate affects several haematological, biochemical, and immune parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings, the fourth most important cultured fish species worldwide. We also evaluated the potential of dietary supplementation with black seed (Nigella sativa, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%) to lower glyphosate-associated toxicity. Our results showed that 14-day sub-lethal exposure of common carp fingerlings to glyphosate increases oxidative stress, decreases antioxidant defences, affects several metabolic pathways, and induced immune depression. Furthermore, we showed that fish fed with N. sativa-enriched diets at 0.25, 0.5 and 1% for 60 days coped better with glyphosate exposure than control fish and displayed more stable levels of biochemical serum parameters (total protein, albumin, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein LDL), cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein HDL), higher levels of immune defences (lysozyme and immunoglobulin) and higher antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase SOD, glutathione peroxidase GPx) than control fish. Fish fed with all enriched diets also displayed lower lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde MDA), lower metabolic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase ALT, aspartate aminotransferase AST and alkaline phosphatase ALP) levels in blood serum and lower cortisol levels than control fish. Altogether, our results show that dietary inclusion of black seed can be used as a sustainable bio-remediation strategy, mitigating many of the negative effects of glyphosate exposure in fish.

Effects of gentaminoseleferon on blood parameters during treatment of Mycoplasma dispar respiratory infection in calves.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Respiratory diseases in young cattle are among the significant cattle pathologies that cause considerable economic damage globally. For the treatment of respiratory diseases, coformulated drugs that increase general nonspecific resistance, exhibit adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, and normalize metabolic processes in animals are currently being used. The aim of our study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the complex drug "gentaminoseleferon," used in the treatment of respiratory diseases in calves, especially in Mycoplasma dispar infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals were divided into three groups. Calves with the first clinical signs of respiratory pathology were randomly divided into two groups. The first experimental group (n=5) was intramuscularly injected with sulfetrisan at a dose of 5-10 mL/animal once per day for 7 days. The second experimental group (n=5) was given gentaminoseleferon at a dose of 1 mL/10 kg of body weight once per day for 7 days. The drugs were not used in the control group, the "healthy animals (n=5)." Blood samples were taken 10 days before and after treatment and compared between the experimental and healthy calves. The changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and serum were evaluated. RESULTS: During the recovery process of animals in the experimental groups, a normalization of the hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and serum was noted. Interestingly, in calves of the second experimental group, an increase in the total serum protein content by 2.2% (p<0.05) was recorded in comparison with the first group. The second group, furthermore, showed an increase in Vitamins A, E, and C concentrations by 13.5% (p<0.05), 11.9% (p<0.005), and 15.1% (p<0.0005), respectively, as well as in zinc and iron concentrations by 4.1% (p<0.05) and 9.3% (p<0.0001), respectively. These findings indicate a more pronounced decrease in the inflammatory process in the respiratory system and intensive restoration of metabolism, thereby establishing the high therapeutic efficacy of gentaminoseleferon. CONCLUSION: Gentaminoseleferon was proven highly effective in the treatment of calves with respiratory illnesses and in restoring homeostasis in the organisms of animals after treatment, as indicated by the normalization of morphological and biochemical blood parameters with a reduction in the recovery time.

Size of canine hepatocellular carcinoma as an adverse prognostic factor for surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Liver neoplasms are problematic among small domestic animals. The etiological cause of hepatocellular carcinomas in domestic animals is still unknown although it is believed that chronic infections and toxic substances can affect the development of this type of tumor. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and morphological characteristics of canine hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 6,958 cancer operations were performed in the clinic. Liver tumors were detected in 123 dogs in vivo and 375 dogs postmortem. All animals with suspected liver neoplasm were assessed, including history, clinical examination, complete blood count, biochemical blood tests, radiographic examination, and ultrasound with a biopsy for performing cytological and histological analyses. RESULTS: Hepatocellular carcinomas have nonspecific clinical manifestations, also a characteristic aspect of other tumors of the hepatobiliary system. The hematological changes have an impact on the prognosis, and biochemical abnormalities reflect the changes in liver activity. The cytological diagnosis of hepatocellular tumors is difficult because of hepatocyte atypia in highly differentiated carcinomas. Finally, a histological examination was performed in all the dogs diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Hematological changes in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma affect their prognosis. Biochemical abnormalities of this pathology reflect the changes in liver activity, not indicating a specific pathology. However, an increase in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase is an unfavorable prognostic sign. In this study, five of seven dogs with a tumor size of more than 5.0 cm had a life expectancy of 30, 51, and 91 days, suggesting that the size of the tumor is an adverse prognostic factor.

Special aspects of systemic inflammation course in animals.

AIM: In this study, we identified characteristics of systemic inflammation associated with surgical sepsis in animals. We evaluated the role of purine metabolism, functionally associated lipoperoxidation processes of membrane structures, and the antioxidant system in the development of surgical sepsis in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs with a provisional exclusion of sepsis were included in the study. The control group (Group 1) included clinically healthy dogs (n=5), and medium-breed dogs with systemic inflammation response syndrome (n=30) were categorized in the experimental group (Group 2). Along with hemogram and biochemical analysis, we determined the amount of malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase on the 1st and 14th day of the study. Treatment included a thorough reorganization of the septic focus, followed by antibacterial therapy. Sick animals were injected with a drug (dexamethasone) that suppresses the synthesis and inhibits the action of inflammatory mediators. Decompensation of the functions of organs and systems was carried out using symptomatic therapy. RESULTS: We found that enhanced lipid peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids of membrane structures stimulates the generalization of inflammatory process, as evidenced by the significant deviation from the physiologically normal values of lipid peroxidation, C-reactive protein, blood cell count, etc. The course of systemic inflammation associated with surgical sepsis in animals can be attributed to several consistently developing processes that function as a result of increased purine mononucleotide catabolism, peroxide compound formation, and their excessive breakdown in reactions associated with the consumption of glutathione due to the insufficient recovery of glutathione disulfide. CONCLUSION: The amount of uric acid, glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid in blood plasma, and the content of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and glutathione reductase in erythrocytes should be considered when assessing the severity of the systemic inflammatory process. The increased glutathione requirement in dogs with surgical sepsis requires intervention with pharmacological agents, and further research is needed in this aspect.

Left ventricular myocardial remodeling in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Left ventricular myocardial remodeling could play an important role in the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) syndrome in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the left ventricular myocardial remodeling in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis and to study the dependence of the incidence of this pathological phenomenon on the functional class (FC) of progression of the CHF syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 afflicted dogs and 36 clinically healthy dogs were examined using transthoracic echocardiography. The following structural and geometric parameters of the left ventricular remodeling were evaluated: Myocardial mass and its index, sphericity index at the end of systole and diastole, end-systolic and end-diastolic relative wall thickness, and integral remodeling index. RESULTS: In all clinically healthy dogs, a normal type of the left ventricular chamber geometry was revealed, whereas, in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis, the normal geometry of the left ventricle occurred in 56.4%, eccentric hypertrophy in 24.1%, concentric remodeling in 10.2%, and concentric hypertrophy in 9.3% of the cases. In patients with endocardiosis, there was no dilatation type of cardiac remodeling observed. CONCLUSION: When compared to the clinically healthy animals, the dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis presented with indicators of structural and geometric remodeling, such as increased myocardial mass, myocardial mass index, and sphericity index at the end of systole and diastole, as well as relatively reduced integral systolic index of remodeling and systolic relative thickness of the walls of the heart. The parameters of the left ventricular myocardial remodeling correlated significantly with the FC of CHF syndrome.