Search Results (61)

The ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor (GABAR) is a key target for the development of antiparasitic agents, particularly against ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks. Binding stability and selectivity of sarolaner enantiomers for Ctenocephalides felis RDL receptors (RDLR) were investigated in the current study. Wild-type (WT) C. felis RDLR and its A285S mutant were constructed using homology-based, fragment-based threading and AI-driven approaches, of which, SWISS-MODEL generated the most reliable structures. Molecular docking showed that the sarolaner S-enantiomer had higher binding affinity for both receptors than the R-enantiomer, primarily due to hydrogen bonding with Ile256, π–π stacking with Phe326, and hydrophobic interactions with Ile267 and Ile268. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the binding stability of the S-enantiomer-receptor complex in which key residues maintained interactions throughout the trajectories. Binding free energy analysis supported these results and highlighted the role of nonpolar interactions in binding stability. The A285S mutation had minimal impact on the binding pocket, and the S-enantiomer remained selective for and bound to the mutant receptor. Insights into the insecticidal mechanism of sarolaner enantiomers are given, and the current findings may inform the development of veterinary drugs from novel isoxazoline-based NAMs targeting insect GABARs. Full article

Soft skills such as client-oriented communication, leadership, and teamwork skills are essential for veterinary clinicians. However, they are rarely addressed in the academic curriculum of most veterinary schools. Role-playing has been previously used to train and evaluate communication skills in veterinary students, but leadership and teamwork are difficult to implement in this methodology. In this study, we designed a novel role-playing activity where groups of undergraduate veterinary students faced simulated pre-planned clinical consultations portraying different roles in a hierarchically structured group (leader, two veterinarians, and one client). We tested the performance of the participants before and after receiving a focused lecture on soft skills. While the overall performance of the students in veterinary roles was significantly better after the lecture, the number of mistakes related to leadership did not significantly vary. Students rated the role of leader consistently lower than the rest. Participants considered that this novel design was useful to train and evaluate these competences. Hierarchically structured role-playing is a suitable tool to improve soft skills in veterinary students, allowing for self-learning and training in a controlled environment. Full article

Aim of the study: Several previous experimental studies simulated ancient Egyptian mummification of human bodies using the embalming protocol described by Herodotus. Besides two human experiments, several animal studies have been performed with very different species, mostly over short observation periods. We used a human-sized piglet model that matches closely to humans and undertook a long-term experiment with two detailed examination time points over 13 years. This was conducted to test the efficacy of the Herodotus embalming method in the long term. Material and Methods: An 88 kg piglet, 1.30 m body length, obtained from a veterinary practice was chosen as the skin is similar to humans. Using the described formula, the carcass was cleaned, eviscerated, filled with spices and natron sachets, and then covered with 240 kg of natron for 40 days. It was then reopened, and most of the sachets were removed. The surface was cleaned with wine, the body cavity partly refilled with sachets and spices, the surface treated with oils, wax, honey and bitumen, and finally sealed with linen bandages. The body weight was regularly monitored over the 13-year period. At 7 and 13 years, re-examination, with a protocol including CT scanning, histology and microbiology, was performed. Results: The monitoring of the body weight showed a rapid loss of weight within the first year, gradually slowing, reaching more than 66% of its weight. In the final 6 years, the body weight was reduced by only 1.7 kg. The CT scans at 7 years and 13 years showed that the structures of the heart, muscle, skin, and soft tissue were well preserved, and the body significantly shrunken; only the musculature showed air inclusions. Histology and microbiology (examined at baseline, 7 years and 13 years) revealed excellently conserved tissue with anaerobic microbe spores, very limited tissue destruction, and no significant fungal or parasitic invasion. However, the preserved kidneys and internal genitalia had disappeared. Conclusions: This ongoing long-term project confirmed excellent mummification with near-perfect body conservation at 13 years, supporting the efficacy of the described Herodotus technique. This model is suitable for the assessment of special preservation techniques recently suggested for individual soft tissue organs. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, affecting both human and veterinary medicine. Pigeons are increasingly recognized as potential reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to their widespread presence in urban and rural environments. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from pigeons in Hungary. Methods: A total of 73 S. aureus isolates were collected from pigeons across seven regions of Hungary in 2022. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the broth microdilution method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Statistical analysis included correlation heatmaps, hierarchical clustering, network analysis, decision tree modeling, and Monte Carlo simulations. Results: The multidrug-resistant (MDR) prevalence rate was alarmingly high at 80.8%. Very high resistance rates were observed for doxycycline (97.3%), enrofloxacin (87.7%), and amoxicillin (84.9%). By contrast, low resistance rates were detected for vancomycin (5.5%) and imipenem (8.2%). Decision tree modeling identified tiamulin, enrofloxacin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate resistance as the most significant predictors of MDR status. Monte Carlo simulations predicted a mean MDR prevalence of 78.5%, indicating that the dominance of MDR strains is not merely a random phenomenon but part of a broader epidemiological pattern. Conclusions: These findings confirm that pigeons may serve as critical reservoirs of MDR S. aureus strains, posing a potential risk to public and animal health. Continued monitoring, the genetic characterization of resistant strains, and the development of effective control strategies are urgently needed. This study provides a foundation for future research aimed at understanding the biological, ecological, and epidemiological roles of pigeon-associated MDR strains. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing threat to veterinary medicine and food safety. This study examines Escherichia coli antibiotic resistance patterns in ducks, focusing on multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Understanding resistance patterns and predicting MDR occurrence are critical for effective intervention strategies. Methods: E. coli isolates were collected from duck samples across multiple regions. Descriptive statistics and resistance frequency analyses were conducted. A decision tree classifier and a neural network were trained to predict MDR status. Cross-resistance relationships were visualized using graph-based models, and Monte Carlo simulations estimated MDR prevalence variations. Results: Monte Carlo simulations estimated an average MDR prevalence of 79.6% (95% CI: 73.1–86.1%). Key predictors in MDR classification models were enrofloxacin, neomycin, amoxicillin, and florfenicol. Strong cross-resistance associations were detected between neomycin and spectinomycin, as well as amoxicillin and doxycycline. Conclusions: The high prevalence of MDR strains underscores the urgent need to revise antibiotic usage guidelines in veterinary settings. The effectiveness of predictive models suggests that machine learning tools can aid in the early detection of MDR, contributing to the optimization of treatment strategies and the mitigation of resistance spread. The alarming MDR prevalence in E. coli isolates from ducks reinforces the importance of targeted surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship. Predictive models, including decision trees and neural networks, provide valuable insights into resistance trends, while Monte Carlo simulations further validate these findings, emphasizing the need for proactive antimicrobial management. Full article

Artificial gastrointestinal tract models have become essential tools in veterinary medicine, providing alternatives to in vivo studies, which are labor-intensive, costly, and under certain circumstances even ethically challenging. These in vitro models facilitate the study of digestion, enable disease and host–pathogen interaction modeling, and allow for the investigation of nutrient absorption, microbiota, and pharmacokinetics. Considering the One Health concept, the application of gastrointestinal tract systems in investigations for animals can clearly reflect human health, and thus, it is pointing to the relevance of the adaptation of already existing models and the development of new models to meet the needs of veterinary and animal farming practices. This review explores and compares the various types of gastrointestinal tract models, including static and dynamic systems, and their applications across different animal species. Specific technical and methodological considerations are discussed for core animal-developed and -tested artificial systems and their integration with common ‘omics’ techniques. Dynamic models, such as RUSITEC and PolyFermS, more accurately simulate in vivo processes, including peristalsis, enzymatic activity, and microbial fermentation. The studies employing tools for ‘omics’ approaches have been conducted with more understanding analysis and comprehensive discussion and results. Full article

Background: Metritis, a common postpartum uterine infection in bovines, poses substantial challenges in livestock management, including compromised fertility and economic losses. Poor uterine drug penetration and systemic side effects, necessitating innovative localised delivery systems and limiting current systemic antibiotic treatments. Aim: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the potential effect of the ofloxacin-loaded hydrogel as a localised drug delivery system to treat metritis in bovine. The focus was on achieving sustained drug release, enhanced antibacterial efficacy and reduced inflammation in the endometrium. Materials and Methods: The CS/PVA hydrogel was synthesised using a freeze–thaw method and further optimised for drug encapsulation efficiency (96.7 ± 2.1%), stability and biocompatibility. Physicochemical characterisation included swelling behaviour, mechanical properties and rheological analysis. In vitro drug release profiles in the simulated uterine fluid were assessed over 72 h and antibacterial activity was tested against common uterine pathogens such as Escherichia coli and S. aureus. In vivo studies were conducted on bovines diagnosed with endometritis to evaluate clinical recovery. Results: The SEM image of the ofloxacin-loaded CS/PVA hydrogel resulted in a smooth and porous structure demonstrating larger pore size than the blank. The rheological study suggested higher stability and elastic behaviour. Antibacterial assays on E. coli and S. aureus revealed significant inhibition zones, respectively, indicating potent efficacy. In vivo, evaluated on treated bovine, reduced bacterial loads were exhibited (2.86 × 10^5A CFU/mL → 6.37 × 10^2B CFU/mL), clinical improvement was marked and uterine inflammation was resolved. Conclusions: Ofloxacin-loaded hydrogels represent a promising localised treatment for bovine metritis, offering sustained antibacterial action and improved clinical outcomes. This approach addresses the limitations of systemic antibiotic therapies and provides a practical solution for enhanced veterinary care. Further studies are recommended to validate these findings in more extensive field trials and explore commercialisation potential. Full article

Background: The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus presents a critical global health challenge due to treatment failures and high mortality rates. Faced with this growing threat, new antimicrobials with original modes of action are urgently needed, and antimicrobial peptides proved to be promising alternatives. Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the structure–function relationship of the lipopeptide humimycin A, compare the spectrum of activity of the synthetic analogs against a panel of S. aureus isolates, and investigate their binding to the humimycin target, the lipid II flippase MurJ. Methods: Humimycin A and 15 analogs were produced by solid-phase peptide synthesis, and their antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion and microtitration assays against 19 S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis and other pathogens. Results: Among the synthesized peptides, four humimycin analogs exhibited activity against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. aureus, as well as several isolates in the panel, including MDR S. aureus, with minimal inhibitory concentration values ranging from 0.5 to 256 µg/mL. Results from the structure–activity relationship study showed that the β-hydroxymyristoyl lipid chain and C-terminal carboxylic acid are essential for antimicrobial efficacy. In presence of human erythrocytes, the active humimycin analogs exhibited moderate hemolytic activity, suggesting selectivity indexes ranging from 3 to 27 against the more sensitive S. aureus strains. Critical micelle concentration measurements elucidated micelle formation and proved to not be essential for the antibacterial activity. Molecular docking and 100 ns simulations with the lipid II flippase MurJ (PDB: 5T77) provided favorable binding energy. Conclusions: The findings underscore the potential of humimycin analogs as antimicrobials for preventing and treating MDR S. aureus infections in veterinary, animal husbandry, and human medicine. Full article

A pilot study was conducted with 5th–8th semester students comparing a 3D-printed simulator and a virtual 3D simulation. This study’s aim was the comparison of these two resources in three different settings. Assessment of the resources’ suitability as teaching devices for performing a central plastrotomy in chelonians took place. One group used the simulator, while the other group used the simulation to practice this method in a preparation course. Afterwards, the practical skills of 28 students were validated in an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The students evaluated their respective resources (simulator and simulation). Additionally, 10 practicing veterinarians evaluated the simulator and rated its fidelity as suitable for practicing a plastrotomy. Furthermore, the self-efficacy of the two student groups was compared with each other. An increase in subjective self-assessment of skills in both groups was identified. Students trained on the simulator achieved better results in the OSCE and self-assessment of skills than those trained with the simulation. However, the differences between the groups regarding these aspects were mostly not significant. This study indicates that a 3D-printed chelonian simulator serves as an appropriate teaching device for veterinary students and is a useful addition to established teaching methods, like using cadavers. Full article

Furazolidone, a nitrofuran antibiotic, has been broadly used in aquaculture and veterinary medicine, and its presence in water poses considerable environmental and health hazards due to its toxicity. This study investigated a hybrid photocatalytic process for the removal of furazolidone, employing graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and persulfate anions (PS) under both laboratory and pilot-scale conditions. The synergistic effect of g-C₃N₄ and PS enhanced the generation of reactive species, facilitating the efficient degradation of FZ in two different aqueous matrices. Through scavenging studies, positive holes were determined to be the dominant reactive species, followed by sulfate radicals. Seven transformation products of FZ were tentatively identified via UHPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap MS analysis. The optimized photocatalytic system (g-C₃N₄/PS) achieved a 100% removal of furazolidone in less than 60 min under simulated solar light, demonstrating its potential for large-scale application in wastewater remediation. Furthermore, pilot-scale experiments using real secondary treated municipal wastewater proved that the applied process is capable of achieving an 86.2% removal of furazolidone (k = 0.017 min⁻¹) as well as a 90% decrease in effluent ecotoxicity within 120 min of UV_A irradiation. This study provides insights into sustainable processes for the removal of antibiotic contaminants from wastewater and underscores the role of g-C₃N₄-based photocatalytic approaches in upper-scale applications. Full article

Veterinary anaesthesia requires theoretical knowledge and quick decision-making skills. Traditional education may not adequately prepare students, while simulation-based learning enhances engagement and skill development. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Twine-based web system in improving experiential learning, engagement, knowledge retention, and decision-making skills in veterinary anaesthesia students. Five interactive clinical cases were developed using Twine, simulating realistic anaesthesia scenarios with decision points and gamified elements, such as scoring systems and resource management. These modules were accessible on various devices via the web. Following a workshop for second- to fourth-year students of the Degree in Veterinary Sciences, an anonymous survey assessed the module’s effectiveness. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative feedback was processed through a hybrid AI–human thematic analysis. Out of 849 invited students, 367 responded (42% response rate). Feedback was highly positive; 90.8% found it effective for training, and 97.0% agreed it improved knowledge. User-friendliness was rated as “easy” or “very easy” by 94.6%. Regarding overall satisfaction, 96.7% of students described the workshop as “good” or “excellent”. Some participants suggested improvements in mobile device compatibility and the need for additional resources to understand the concepts better. Twine’s interactive format fosters experiential learning while reducing reliance on live animals, aligning with modern ethical standards. Its accessibility via web and translation-enabled browsers enhances its reach. Future research should examine Twine’s impact on clinical skills retention and adaptability in various educational contexts, providing a flexible approach to veterinary anaesthesia education through gamified learning. Full article

Background and Objectives: As a medicinal and food homologous substance, Eupolyphaga steleophaga is renowned for its potential health benefits, including anti-tumor effects, immune system support, and anti-inflammatory properties. Eupolyphaga steleophaga polypeptides have demonstrated significant biological activity, including the regulation of coagulation and lipid metabolism. However, the peptide composition of Eupolyphaga steleophaga requires further clarification to facilitate quality control improvements and a deeper investigation into its pharmacological effects. Therefore, this study aimed to simulate the digestive absorption process of Eupolyphaga steleophaga following oral administration and identify its enzymatic components to enhance quality control. Methods: The digestive absorption process was simulated using artificial gastric fluid and pepsin. A fingerprinting method based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS)(Acquire UPLC-Synapt G2-Si HDMS, Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, USA) was developed to identify 63 enzymatic components. The enzymolysis polypeptide fingerprint detection method was used to analyze 10 batches of Eupolyphaga steleophaga sourced from Harbin No. 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory. Chromatographic collection was performed using an ACQUITY UPLC BHE C18 column. Gradient elution was carried out using a mixture of 0.1% formic acid with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid with water, with an average flow rate of 0.3 mL/min, a column temperature of 40 °C, and an injection volume of 2 μL. The mass spectrometry (MS) conditions were set as follows: the ion source was operated in positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode, with a capillary voltage of 2.8 kV and a sampling cone voltage of 40 V. The ion-source temperature was maintained at 110 °C, while the desolvation temperature was set to 400 °C. The cone gas flow rate was 50 L/h, and the desolvation gas flow rate was 800 L/h. The range for the collection of mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) was between 50 and 1200. Results: The UHPLC-MS method demonstrated high accuracy, repeatability, and stability, successfully identifying 63 enzymatic components of Eupolyphaga steleophaga. Furthermore, polypeptide markers for 63 selected components were identified in all 10 batches of Eupolyphaga steleophaga medicinal materials. This approach was validated by including numerical values such as retention times and peak areas, confirming its reliability for quality control enhancement. Conclusions: This novel UHPLC-MS approach serves as a powerful tool for advancing quality control strategies in veterinary medicine, particularly for animal-derived medicines. It lays a solid foundation for subsequent pharmacological studies of Eupolyphaga steleophaga polypeptides, offering a more reliable means to explore their biological activities and therapeutic potential. Full article

Metronidazole, an antibiotic widely used in human and veterinary medicine, poses significant environmental risks when discharged into aquatic environments. This study explores the potential of functionalized graphene membranes for the removal of metronidazole from industrial and pharmaceutical wastewater. Employing molecular simulations and the AM1 semi-empirical-calculation method in solvent (water), we designed and simulated functionalized membranes to enhance metronidazole removal efficiency. Pharmaceutical effluent that contains metronidazole can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, including toxicity to aquatic organisms and the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Our findings show that specific functionalized membranes exhibit selective adsorption for metronidazole, indicating promising results for efficient wastewater treatment. In the study, it was confirmed that a significant drop occurs in the adsorptive property of all functions for metronidazole removal, except for membranes decorated with aldehyde (-CHO) and secondary amine (-CHNH) function. Further analysis of the functionalized graphene membranes confirms one decorated with aldehyde function to have demonstrated superior selective adsorption of metronidazole over water, compared to the other membrane decorated with other functions in the presence of water. The use of functionalized graphene membranes for metronidazole removal shows great potential in mitigating the environmental risks associated with pharmaceutical effluent, which is in line with the study findings and related literature. By improving our understanding of adsorption processes and membrane interactions, we can develop more effective wastewater treatment technologies to safeguard our environment. Full article

Tuberculosis is a zoonotic chronic respiratory infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The outbreak and epidemic of tuberculosis can seriously threaten human and veterinary health. To investigate the effects of environmental factors on tuberculosis in domestic ruminants, we collected data regarding the prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats in China (1956–2024) from publicly published literature and available databases. We identified the key risk factors among six major air pollutants and 19 bioclimatic variables; simulated the risk distribution of tuberculosis in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats in China using the maximum entropy ecological niche model; and evaluated the effects of environmental factors. The area under the curve of the model was 0.873 (95% confidence interval, 0.851–0.895). The risk factors that most significantly influenced the prevalence of tuberculosis were the nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) level, mean temperature of the coldest quarter, cattle distribution density, sheep distribution density, ozone (O₃) level, and precipitation of the driest month. The predicted map of tuberculosis risk in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats indicated that the high-risk regions were mainly distributed in South, North, East, and Northwest China. Improved surveillance is needed in these high-risk areas, and early preventive measures must be implemented based on the risk factors identified to reduce the future prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. Full article

During the COVID-19 pandemic, veterinary diagnostic laboratories tested both human and animal samples and needed to ensure that they could accurately perform large numbers of diagnostic tests in a timely manner. Sample pooling, a methodology used effectively for over 80 years as a surveillance tool for screening large numbers of potentially infected individuals, was employed. Given its sensitivity, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is more suitable for employing this strategy, as compared to other less sensitive testing methods. In this study, we evaluated the capability of detecting SARS-CoV-2 in both 5-sample and 10-sample pools of feces using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) as well as determined the level of sensitivity. A blinded method test (BMT) by an independent laboratory was conducted to assess the five-sample fecal pool. To complement detection capability, the stability of the genome within a PBS fecal suspension was measured under various time and temperature conditions across a 28-day period. Our results showed that the limit of detection for 5-sample and 10-sample fecal pools is 12.8 and 6.4 genome copies in a 25 µL PCR, respectively. The 5-sample and 10-sample pooling resulted in a cycle threshold (Ct) value loss of 2.35 and 3.45, as compared to Ct values of known positive individual samples, but consistent detection was still achieved in pools containing positive samples with an original Ct below 36 and 34, respectively. The simulation of clinical five-sample pooling showed that all positive samples could be detected regardless of the number (1–3) of positive samples in each pool. The BMT results demonstrated excellent sensitivity (100 copies/reaction) in five-sample pools for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA even though a fecal matrix effect was observed. Finally, our results show that the SARS-CoV-2 genome remains stable over a wide range of time and temperature variations. Overall, our findings provide solid data to scale up SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity in veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Full article