Analysis of gene expression of prostaglandin EP4 receptor in canine osteosarcoma

In many human cancers, the expression of the prostaglandin receptor EP4 (EP4R) is associated with the development of malignancy and a poor prognosis. The expression of EP4R has not yet been evaluated in canine tumors. The objective of this study was to characterize the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of EP4R in canine osteosarcoma (OSA). Gene expression of EP4R was evaluated using RNA in-situ hybridization (RNAscope). In all canine OSA samples evaluated, strong universal positive expression of EP4R was identified. Gene expression was significantly higher in OSA tissue samples than in normal nasal turbinate bone, possibly implicating EP4R in the pathogenesis of canine OSA.     

Molecular characterisation of Theileria equi and risk factors associated with the occurrence of theileriosis in horses of Punjab (Pakistan)

Theileria equi (T. equi) is an obligate intra- and extra-erythrocytic parasite that causes equine theileriosis (ET) in equids. Equine theileriosis is considered a notifiable disease of global significance, a major constraint to the international movement of horses, and endemic in many countries. This disease may be difficult to diagnose, as it can produce variable and nonspecific clinical signs. A cross-sectional study was designed for the molecular characterisation of T. equi and to investigate the associated risk factors of ET accompanied by its consequences on haematological and sero-biochemical parameters. A convenience sampling of 500 blood samples were collected from ET suspect horses from January to December 2017. PCR was performed on all blood samples targeting the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi followed by sequencing; 9% animals tested positive with confirmed sequences. The isolates of this study showed high homology with Cuban, Russian and Brazilian isolates of T. equi (accession numbers KY111762.2 , MG551915.1 and KY952237.1 , respectively). Based on multivariate analysis, the principal risk factors consisted of absence of dogs on the premises and presence of tick infestation. The haemato-biochemical parameters showed a decrease in granulocytes and erythrocytes, and an increase in lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean platelet volume, glucose, phosphorus and aspartate aminotransferase in positive horses. This is the first study which identified ET in Punjab (Pakistan) using molecular techniques and risk factors together with the haemato-biochemical variations in horses.     

In-hospital development of an aorto-cardiac fistula in a Warmblood gelding with chronic renal disease

A 20-year-old Warmblood gelding presented for evaluation and treatment of ventral oedema and azotaemia of unknown aetiology. On presentation, a diastolic heart murmur was appreciated and echocardiography revealed moderate aortic insufficiency due to chronic degenerative valve disease. The horse was hospitalised and failed to respond to oral and i.v. fluids and diuretics. Following discontinuation of all fluid and diuretic therapy, the horse became acutely agitated and developed monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. The ventricular tachycardia spontaneously converted to normal sinus rhythm, however the heart murmur changed in timing to a right basilar continuous murmur and bounding jugular pulses were noted. Repeat echocardiogram revealed an aorto-cardiac fistula with dissection into the basilar interventricular septum and left-sided chamber volume overload that was not previously present. Attempts at stabilisation were unsuccessful and euthanasia was elected. Post-mortem examination confirmed chronic renal disease of unknown aetiology in addition to an aorto-cardiac fistula originating from the right sinus of Valsalva with subsequent dissection into the basilar interventricular septum.     

Revisiting the use of hydroxyethyl starch solutions in equine fluid therapy

The last decade has led to major shifts in opinions on the use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions in fluid therapy, specifically in human patients with sepsis. The majority of evidence documenting adverse effects of HES solutions on coagulation and renal health come from studies in people. However, these findings have led to investigation into the safety of HES solutions in veterinary species. While there are now studies investigating the effects of HES solutions on coagulation and renal health in dogs, cats and horses, information regarding long-term follow-up, clinical significance of these changes and use of these solutions in critically ill animals is still lacking. The information presented here serves to review the physiology of oncotic pressure and the rationale behind colloid use, specifically HES solutions. Additionally, the foundation of arguments against the use of HES and the available literature regarding HES use in animals will be summarised.     

An investigation of the shape of the hoof capsule in hindlimbs,its relationship with the orientation of the distal phalanx and comparison with forelimb hoof capsule conformation

There is limited information documenting hind foot conformation. The objectives of the study were to describe the shape of the hoof capsule of hindlimbs from the lateral aspect in horses of variable breeds, and, within horses, to compare the conformation of the hoof capsule of forelimbs and hindlimbs and determine the orientation of the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule in hindlimbs. Lateral photographs of the fore and hind feet (n = 225) and lateromedial radiographs of the hind feet (n = 29) were obtained. Differences among breed and shoeing status groups were assessed using multivariable mixed-effects linear regression models. Angular parameters and ratios of linear measurements were compared between fore and hind feet; angular radiological variables and photographic parameters of the hind feet were compared. The mean dorsal hoof wall angle for hind feet (50.9°±3.7°) was smaller than forefeet (51.8°±3.9°) (P = 0.04). The mean heel angles for hind feet (36.4°±9.6°) were smaller than forefeet (40.1°±9.3°; P < 0.001). Dorsal hoof wall (P < 0.001) and heel (P = 0.002) angles were larger in unshod than shod feet. In the hind feet, the dorsal hoof wall was parallel to the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanx. The median angle of the distal phalanx to the horizontal (angle S) was 0.6° (interquartile range: −1.4, 2.3°). There was a positive relationship between angle S and the hoof wall angle (W); each 1° increase in angle S was associated with 0.6° increase in angle W (P < 0.001). Angle S was also positively associated with photographic heel angle; each degree increase in the angle S was associated with 1.8° increase in the heel angle (P < 0.001). It was concluded that the angle of the distal phalanx to the horizontal in hindlimbs is smaller than published values for forelimbs. The orientation of the distal phalanx in hindlimbs is correlated with external characteristics of the hoof capsule.     

口蹄疫病毒VP1基因密码子偏好性分析

VP1蛋白是口蹄疫病毒(FMDV)的主要结构蛋白,可诱导机体产生中和抗体以及激发保护性免疫应答。为探究VP1基因密码子偏好性,筛选出其最佳体外表达系统,使用Visual Gene Developer、CodonW、GraphPad Prism等软件,对VP1基因进行密码子偏好性分析,同时将VP1基因密码子使用频率与大肠杆菌、毕赤酵母、昆虫杆状病毒和哺乳动物细胞表达系统作了比较。结果显示,VP1基因的CAI为0.21,ENC为55.43,GC3S为65.26%,表明该基因密码子使用偏好较弱并且密码子偏好以G/C碱基结尾。结合VP1基因与各表达系统密码子使用频率比值,发现其与昆虫杆状病毒表达系统频率比值差异最小且CAI最大,因此推断昆虫杆状病毒表达系统是FMDV VP1基因最适体外表达系统。本研究为FMDV亚单位疫苗研制等提供了技术基础。     

陕西省西安市牛羊养殖场职业暴露高危人群布鲁氏菌感染相关风险因素分析

为掌握陕西省西安市牛羊养殖场职业暴露人群布鲁氏菌感染风险因素,做好高危人群布鲁氏菌病防控工作,2019年对西安市39个布鲁氏菌病阳性养殖场及346位职业暴露高危人群进行流行学调查,并采用单因素分析及多因素logistic回归分析,找出养殖场高危人群感染风险因素。结果显示:畜间布鲁氏菌病在养殖方式上主要发生于散养场(27/39),时间上发生于4月、7—8月、10月,在畜种上以羊群为主(28/39)。对从业人员主观潜在风险因素的单因素分析发现,感染从业人员与未感染高危人员在挤奶、喝生牛羊乳、接生、免疫、接触流产畜(流产物及粪便)病差异均有统计学意义(P 0.05);多因素logistic回顾分析发现,挤奶(OR=2.435,95%CI=1.137～5.071)、喝生牛羊乳(OR=2.893,95%CI=1.218～7.569)、接生(OR=3.217,95%CI=1.382～8.036)、接触流产畜(流产物及粪便,OR=2.439,95%CI=1.175～5.209)是从业人员感染的风险因素。同时,对养殖场客观潜在风险因素的单因素分析及多因素logistic回顾分析显示,场区消毒(OR=0.694,95%CI=0.307～1.043)、流产病死畜无害化处理(OR=0.549,95%CI=0.325～1.105)也是从业人员感染的风险因素。结果表明,挤奶、喝生牛羊乳、接生、接触流产畜(流产物及粪便)是从业人员感染的主观性风险因素,场区消毒、流产病死畜无害化处理是从业人员感染的客观风险因素。结果提示,牛羊养殖场及从业人员应加强对上述感染风险因素的控制,降低暴露风险。同时,相关机构应开展牛羊养殖场职业暴露人群布鲁氏菌病防控知识科普宣传,提升其防范能力。