Apoptosis: A review of pro‐apoptotic and anti‐apoptotic pathways and dysregulation in disease

Objective – To review the human and veterinary literature on the biology of apoptosis in health and disease. Data Sources – Data were examined from the human and veterinary literature identified through Pubmed and references listed in appropriate articles pertaining to apoptosis. Human Data Synthesis – The role of apoptosis in health and disease is a rapidly growing area of research in human medicine. Apoptosis has been identified as a component of human autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and sepsis. Veterinary Data Synthesis – Research data available from the veterinary literature pertaining to apoptosis and its role in diseases of small animal species is still in its infancy. The majority of veterinary studies focus on oncologic therapy. Most of the basic science and human clinical research studies use human blood and tissue samples and murine models. The results from these studies may be applicable to small animal species. Conclusions – Apoptosis is the complex physiologic process of programmed cell death. The pathophysiology of apoptosis and disease is only now being closely evaluated in human medicine. Knowledge of the physiologic mechanisms by which tissues regulate their size and composition is leading researchers to investigate the role of apoptosis in human diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disease and sepsis. Because it is a multifaceted process, apoptosis is difficult to target or manipulate therapeutically. Future studies may reveal methods to regulate or manipulate apoptosis and improve patient outcome.     

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine and gastrointestinal disease

Gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pancreatic diseases provide a significant challenge to the veterinary practitioner. Specific causes and effective therapies can be elusive and sometimes frustrate both the animal caretaker and the veterinarian. The therapeutic options of a conventional veterinary practice are frequently limited and may come down to a decision of which is worse: the disease or the side effects of the treatment. This article provides information for the veterinary practitioner to consider for expanding his/her options. Acupuncture, herbal remedies, and homeopathy are not newly discovered modalities. They are old practices that are getting a fresh look from Western medicine as we seek new ways to better serve our patients and clients. The goal of this article is to provide the reader with many ideas and sufficient solid information to consider the use of these options. Specific therapies are suggested for numerous gastrointestinal and liver problems. Many of these may be used in conjunction with conventional therapies to aid in the healing process.     

The role of mesenchymal stem cells in veterinary therapeutics - a review

Adult mammalian tissue contains a population of cells known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), that possess the capability to secrete regenerative cytokines and to differentiate into specialised cell types. When transplanted to a site of injury MSC embed in damaged tissue and repair and regenerate the tissue by secreting cytokines. The immuno-privileged and immuno-regulatory capabilities of MSC enhance their therapeutic potential not only in autologous but also allogeneic recipients. Studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of MSC in the treatment of a variety of clinical conditions including osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and atopic dermatitis in domestic animals. Studies using animal models have shown promising results following MSC or MSC secretion therapy for induced injury in musculoskeletal and nervous systems and some organ diseases. This review describes the stem cell types relevant to regenerative medicine and the procedures used for isolation, identification, expansion, enrichment and differentiation of these cells. We also review the use of MSC in animal models of disease as well as diseases in the clinical veterinary setting.     

Human embryonic stem cells: possibilities for future cell transplantation therapy

Human embryonic stem cells are of great importance, and Parkinson's disease is given as an example of a condition that could benefit from the development of stem cell-based transplantation therapies. The reason for this is fairly obvious: the disease is caused by the loss of only one cell type from the brain that has one major function, namely the production of dopamine. Replacement of these cells should in principle cure the disease. But what are stem cells and how far is scientific research from being able to offer stem cell-based therapy in the clinic to patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, and other chronic diseases? These questions are addressed here together with a critical evaluation of short and long-term clinical perspectives, and a discussion of possible alternatives such as adult stem cells.     

Veterinary public health: past success, new opportunities

Animal diseases are known to be the origin of many human diseases, and there are many examples from ancient civilizations of plagues that arose from animals, domesticated and wild. Records of attempts to control zoonoses are almost as old. The early focus on food-borne illness evolved into veterinary medicine's support of public health efforts. Key historical events, disease outbreaks, and individuals responsible for their control are reviewed and serve as a foundation for understanding the current and future efforts in veterinary public health. Animal medicine and veterinary public health have been intertwined since humans first began ministrations to their families and animals. In the United States, the veterinary medical profession has effectively eliminated those major problems of animal health that had serious public health ramifications. These lessons and experiences can serve as a model for other countries. Our past must also be a reminder that the battle for human and animal health is ongoing. New agents emerge to threaten human and animal populations. With knowledge of the past, coupled with new technologies and techniques, we must be vigilant and carry on.     

Discussion of the Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions: preventing zoonotic disease transmission in veterinary personnel

Veterinary practices are unique environments that bring humans into close contact with many different species of animals; therefore, the risk of exposure to infectious pathogens is inherently different in veterinary medicine than in human medicine. In contrast to the risk of exposure to blood in human medicine, infections from zoonotic diseases in veterinary personnel are primarily related to exposure to animal faeces, infected skin, wounds, droplets and puncture wounds. Infection-control measures in veterinary practices are often insufficient to prevent zoonotic disease transmission. The Veterinary Standard Precautions (VSP) Compendium is designed to help prevent transmission of zoonotic pathogens from animal patients to veterinary personnel in private practice.     

Progress in the discovery and definition of monoclonal antibodies for use in feline research

The practice of veterinary medicine and research into both animal diseases and animal models of human disease are restricted by the scarcity of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that react with animal proteins. One way to enlarge the repertoire of mAb to animal leukocyte differentiation antigens (LDA) is to test mAb specific to other species for cross-reactivity to the species of interest. We have tested a panel of 380 commercially available anti-human mAb for cross-reactivity to feline LDA. Twenty-six of these mAb cross-react with cat LDA and 19 others are of questionable cross-reactivity. Definition of mAb specificity in the cat is being investigated by multi-color flow cytometry (FCM) to compare test mAb specificity with that of mAb to known feline LDA. The addition of these cross-reactive mAb to the anti-feline mAb currently available will enhance studies in comparative medicine.     

New technology for prevention and control of infectious bovine respiratory diseases

Recent advances in molecular biology, genetics, and immunochemistry have provided the basis for a new generation of vaccines, diagnostic tools, and prophylactic substances for the prevention of infectious diseases in cattle. This article describes how these new technologies are being applied to veterinary medicine and their potential in bovine respiratory diseases caused by infectious agents.     

中兽药在畜禽病毒性传染病中的应用及发展前景

中兽药（Tradition Chinese Veterinary Medicine）是指以天然植物、动物和矿物为原料,炮制加工而成的饮片及其制剂,并在中兽医药学理论指导下用于动物疾病防治与提高生产性能的药物。当前,我国动物疾病面临的防治形势十分严峻：旧病复发、新病又不断发生;混合感染和继发感染疾病增多,且多出现隐性临诊表现;免疫抑制性病原感染普遍。因此在西药的薄弱领域可充分发挥中兽药的优势,特别是针对畜禽疾病中占重要部分的病毒性传染病,中兽药具有多方位调节和治疗作用,可提高动物机体的免疫力和抗应激能力。同时,国家对食品安全、公共卫生安全和健康养殖理念也日趋重视。由于中兽药具有独特的天然属性、用药原则、较高的安全性和有效性,使其拥有前所未有的发展机遇。本文就中兽药在畜禽病毒性传染病中的特点和应用现状以及发展前景作一综述。     

Disease diagnostic coding to facilitate evidence-based medicine: current and future perspectives

Technologic advances in information management have rapidly changed laboratory testing and the practice of veterinary medicine. Timely and strategic sampling, same-day assays, and 24-h access to laboratory results allow for rapid implementation of intervention and treatment protocols. Although agent detection and monitoring systems have progressed, and wider tracking of diseases across veterinary diagnostic laboratories exists, such as by the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), the distinction between detection of agent and manifestation of disease is critical to improved disease management. The implementation of a consistent, intuitive, and useful disease diagnosis coding system, specific for veterinary medicine and applicable to multiple animal species within and between veterinary diagnostic laboratories, is the first phase of disease data aggregation. Feedback loops for continuous improvement that could aggregate existing clinical and laboratory databases to improve the value and applications of diagnostic processes and clinical interventions, with interactive capabilities between clinicians and diagnosticians, and that differentiate disease causation from mere agent detection, remain incomplete. Creating an interface that allows aggregation of existing data from clinicians, including final diagnosis, interventions, or treatments applied, and measures of outcomes, is the second phase. Prototypes for stakeholder cooperation, collaboration, and beta testing of this vision are in development and becoming a reality. We focus here on how such a system is being developed and utilized at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to facilitate evidence-based medicine and utilize diagnostic coding for continuous improvement of animal health and welfare.     

Biomarkers in the assessment of acute and chronic kidney diseases in the dog and cat

In both human and veterinary medicine, diagnosing and staging renal disease can be difficult. Measurement of glomerular filtration rate is considered the gold standard for assessing renal function but methods for its assessment can be technically challenging and impractical. The main parameters used to diagnose acute and chronic kidney disease include circulating creatinine and urea concentrations, and urine‐specific gravity. However, these parameters can be insensitive. Therefore, there is a need for better methods to diagnose and monitor patients with renal disease. The use of renal biomarkers is increasing in human and veterinary medicine for the diagnosis and monitoring of acute and chronic kidney diseases. An ideal biomarker would identify site and severity of injury, and correlate with renal function, among other qualities. This article will review the advantages and limitations of renal biomarkers that have been used in dogs and cats, as well as some markers used in humans that may be adapted for veterinary use. In the future, measuring a combination of biomarkers will likely be a useful approach in the diagnosis of kidney disorders.     

Stem Cells from Foetal Adnexa and Fluid in Domestic Animals: An Update on Their Features and Clinical Application

Over the past decade, stem cell research has emerged as an area of major interest for its potential in regenerative medicine applications. This is in constant need of new cell sources to conceive regenerative medicine approaches for diseases that are still without therapy. Scientists drew the attention towards alternative sources such as foetal adnexa and fluid, as these sources possess many advantages: first of all, cells can be extracted from discarded foetal material and it is non‐invasive and inexpensive for the patient; secondly, abundant stem cells can be obtained; and finally, these stem cell sources are free from ethical considerations. Cells derived from foetal adnexa and fluid preserve some of the characteristics of the primitive embryonic layers from which they originate. Many studies have demonstrated the differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo towards mesenchymal and non‐mesenchymal cell types; in addition, the immune‐modulatory properties make these cells a good candidate for allo‐ and xenotransplantation. Naturally occurring diseases in domestic animals can be more ideal as disease model of human genetic and acquired diseases and could help to define the potential therapeutic use efficiency and safety of stem cells therapies. This review offers an update on the state of the art of characterization of domestic animals' MSCs derived from foetal adnexa and fluid and on the latest findings in pre‐clinical or clinical setting of the stem cell populations isolated from these sources.     

基于文献计量分析的我国黄芪、当归、党参在畜牧与动物医学领域的研究

目的：了解国内黄芪、当归、党参等3类中草药在＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域的研究状况,为后续研究提供参考。方法：运用文献计量学与计算机统计分析的研究方法,以国内3种中草药在＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域研究的期刊文献为样本,进行文献学特征、文献主题内容的分析与研究。结果：当归是3种中草药中＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域研究最早、时间跨度最大的中药材;3种中草药的主要饲喂或治疗对象有鸡、猪、牛、鼠、犬等;主要饲喂或用药类型有单药、组方、提取物、注射液、散剂、汤剂等;主要对症有增强免疫机能、生长性能、生产性能、治疗前胃疾病等。结论：在国内,高校是3种中草药＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域研究最主要机构,3种中草药在＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域应用范围较广、应用技术日趋成熟,普遍遵循着扶正祛邪、调节阴阳平衡的中兽医治疗原则。     

中兽药在畜牧业生产中的应用概况

中兽药以其绿色天然、安全无污染、且兼有营养和药用双重作用而深受人们青睐。为在畜牧业中安全有效地使用中兽药,以达到既能降低畜禽饲养成本、提高畜禽养殖的经济效益和畜禽产品安全性又能降低养殖业对环境的污染以维持畜牧业可持续发展的目的。论文在论述中兽药具有毒性低、无残留、无毒副作用和不产生抗药性等作用特点的基础上,着重就中兽药在畜牧生产中,包括在预防和治疗畜禽疾病方面、在畜禽免疫调节和抗应激方面、在提高畜禽的生产性能方面、在改善畜产品品质等方面的应用及中兽药制剂的开发前景等进行了较为详尽地综述。     

Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from Asian patients with chronic neurodegenerative diseases

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from disease patients are an invaluable resource for biomedical research and may provide a source for replacement therapies. In this study, we have generated iPS cells from Asian patients with chronic degenerative diseases of the nervous system, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Parkinson disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by transduction with four factors (KLF4, SOX2, OCT4 and c-MYC). All of the iPS cells showed pluripotency similar to that of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and were able to differentiate into various somatic cell types in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the iPS cells also can be committed to differentiate into neural cells, the cell type that is affected in chronic degenerative diseases. Therefore, the patient-specific iPS cells we generated offer a cellular model in which to investigate disease mechanisms, discover and test novel drugs and develop new therapies for chronic neurodegenerative diseases.     

Copper-induced hepatitis: the COMMD1 deficient dog as a translational animal model for human chronic hepatitis

Chronic inflammatory liver disease regardless of aetiology leads to failing regeneration and fibrosis, ending in cirrhosis. Both in man and in animals this worldwide health problem has no definitive cure. Chronic liver injury causes hepatic stellate cells to proliferate and differentiate into matrix-producing cells. New therapeutic options will be developed upon detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving liver fibrosis. This may lead to new anti-fibrotic therapies which need to be tested in suitable models before application in the veterinary and human clinic. On the other side, to restore the failing regenerative capacity of the diseased liver cells, adult progenitor cells are of interest, as an alternative to whole organ transplantation. In order to find the most suitable large animal model it is important to recognise that the typical histopathological reaction pattern of the liver can differ between mammalian species. It is therefore imperative that specialists in veterinary internal medicine and pathology, being familiar with the diseases and pathologies of the liver in different animal species, are teaming-up in finding the best models for veterinary and human liver diseases. Several large animal models have been mentioned, like pigs, sheep, and dogs. Based on the observations that man and dog share the same hepatopathies and have identical clinical, pathological and pathogenetic reaction patterns during the development of liver disease, the dog seems to be a properly suited species to test new therapeutic strategies for pets and their best friends.     

高等农业院校《兽医产科学》课程教学改革与创新研究

兽医产科学是高等农业院校兽医学教学中一门基础分支学科,主要研究动物的生理生殖、生殖疾病及繁殖技术。随着兽医学科的不断进步和国家畜牧产业发展和结构调整,向行业输送应用型、创新型、技能型兽医人才已成为农业院校人才培养的主要目标。对目前兽医产科学教学现状及存在问题进行了分析,探索了教学内容、教学方法、教学实践等方面的改革与创新研究,以期为提高我国高等农业院校兽医人才培养提供参考。     

Guidelines for zoo and aquarium veterinary medical programs and veterinary hospitals

These guidelines for veterinary medical care and veterinary hospitals are written to conform with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act, which states that programs of disease prevention and parasite control, euthanasia, and adequate veterinary care shall be established and maintained under the supervision of a veterinarian. Ideally the zoo and aquarium should be providing the best possible veterinary medical care for the animals in their collections. Many of these animals are rare and endangered and the institutions should endeavor both to provide for the long term health and well being of these animals and to advance the field of non-domestic animal medicine. It is hoped that this publication will aid in this process.     

动物源细菌耐药性对动物细菌传染性疾病防治的影响

通过阐述动物源细菌耐药性的产生及演变趋势,分析抗生素在兽医领域中的应用情况,探讨动物细菌传染性疾病的防治策略,旨在了解细菌耐药性对动物细菌传染性疾病治疗的影响,为兽用药品特别是兽用细菌疫苗的发展提供参考,促进动物卫生安全和公共卫生安全。     

Gastrointestinal Disease in Exotic Small Mammals

Exotic small mammal medicine is a relatively new specialty area within veterinary medicine. Ferrets, rabbits, and rodents have long been used as animal models in human medical research investigations, resulting in a body of basic anatomic and physiologic information that can be used by veterinarians treating these species. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of veterinary articles that describe clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options of gastrointestinal (GI) disease as it affects exotic small mammals. Although there is little reference material relating to exotic small mammal GI disease, patients are commonly presented to veterinary hospitals with digestive tract disorders. This article provides the latest information available for GI disease in ferrets (Helicobacter mustelae gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], GI lymphoma, systemic coronavirus, coccidiosis, and liver disease), rabbits (GI motility disorders, liver lobe torsion, astrovirus, and coccidiosis), guinea pigs (gastric dilatation volvulus [GDV]), rats (Taenia taeniaeformis), and hamsters (Clostridium difficile). Both noninfectious diseases and emerging infectious diseases are reviewed as well as the most up-to-date diagnostics and treatment options.