Research in veterinary science最新文献

{"title":"Comparative evaluation of otological examination techniques in captive Leopardus guttulus","authors":"Maria C.A. Martini ,&nbsp;Ana L.R. Marques ,&nbsp;Marina Marangoni ,&nbsp;Gabrielle C. Freitas ,&nbsp;Gentil F. Golçalves ,&nbsp;Zalmir S. Cubas ,&nbsp;Wanderlei de Moraes ,&nbsp;Fabíola Dalmolin ,&nbsp;Tatiana Champion","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the use of conventional otoscopy, digital otoscopy, and video-otoscopy for the examination of the external ear canal and tympanic membrane in 14 southern tiger cats (<em>Leopardus guttulus</em>). While traditional otoscopic methods did not allow detailed visualization of the epithelium or cerumen, the video-otoscopy technique provided superior image magnification, enabling better identification of anatomical structures, including vascularization of the tympanic membrane. However, mild bleeding was observed in two individuals, likely due to overheating of the xenon light source. Anatomically, the auricle, external acoustic meatus, and tympanic membrane of L. <em>guttulus</em> were similar to those of domestic cats, with a cartilaginous prominence hindered access to the horizontal ear canal in some cases. Cytological analysis revealed desquamated epithelial cells in all individuals, and <em>Malassezia</em> spp. was identified in one animal, highlighting the relevance of fungal monitoring in captive wildlife. Bacterial cultures revealed the presence of coagulase-negative Gram-positive cocci suggestive of <em>Staphylococcus</em> spp. in three samples, with minimal antibiotic resistance. Two older animals presented small, benign-appearing masses near the tympanic membrane. Overall, video-otoscopy was the most effective method for otological examination, offering high-definition imaging and documentation capabilities, although its use requires caution to prevent thermal injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 106028"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145774872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Activity of selected phytogenic feed additives against Ascaris suum infection in pigs","authors":"Amalie C. Pedersen ,&nbsp;Geng Pan ,&nbsp;Helena Mejer ,&nbsp;Thibaut Chabrillat ,&nbsp;Simon Guillaume ,&nbsp;Sylvain Kerros ,&nbsp;Stig M. Thamsborg ,&nbsp;Andrew R. Williams","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105994","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal nematodes are a serious problem in pig production, and control relies mainly on the use of synthetic anthelmintics. Alternative control options would be of high value to pig producers. In this study, we tested three different feed supplements for their anthelmintic properties using <em>in vitro</em> assays and an acute, controlled 15-day infection study with <em>Ascaris suum</em> in growing pigs. <em>In vitro</em> assays showed dose-dependent activity against <em>A. suum</em> for all three supplements. <em>In vivo</em>, <em>A. suum</em> larvae numbers were reduced by 57.9 % and 58.0 % by two of the supplements (containing garlic/areca and essential oils, respectively), but these differences were not statistically significant when compared to the control group (<em>p</em> = 0.13 and 0.09, respectively). Further large-scale cohort studies are required to confirm whether the tested feed supplements could act as alternative options to control <em>A. suum</em> infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 105994"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145645844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multidimensional impacts of Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide supplementation on weaned piglets: From nutrient metabolism to systemic antioxidant enhancement","authors":"Xiaofeng Li ,&nbsp;Jing Li ,&nbsp;Bo Zhang ,&nbsp;Bing Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of <em>Achyranthes bidentata</em> polysaccharides (ABPS) on physiological parameters in weaned piglets. Thirty-six piglets (25 ± 1 days old) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: control (0 mg/kg ABPS), low-dose (800 mg/kg), and high-dose (1600 mg/kg). On day 28 post-treatment, blood samples were collected and analyzed for mineral balance, liver function, metabolic profiles, immune parameters, and antioxidant capacity. Results showed that high-dose ABPS significantly increased serum phosphorus (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) without affecting calcium, chloride, or potassium levels. Low-dose ABPS elevated serum iron while reducing ceruloplasmin levels (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). High-dose ABPS significantly decreased activities of hepatic enzymes (glutamic pyruvic transaminase, 5′-nucleotidase, alkaline phosphatase) (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Nutritionally, high-dose ABPS reduced blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, while low-dose ABPS lowered total cholesterol (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Immunologically, low-dose ABPS enhanced IgM, IgG, lysozyme, and lactate dehydrogenase levels (P &lt; 0.05), with both doses reducing serum lactate. Antioxidant effects demonstrated dose dependency: high-dose ABPS upregulated superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, while both doses improved total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity while reducing malondialdehyde levels (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, ABPS, particularly at 1600 mg/kg, enhances mineral homeostasis, liver function, lipid metabolism, immune response, and oxidative stress resistance in weaned piglets, demonstrating its potential as a functional feed additive to alleviate post-weaning stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 106020"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Equine oviduct-specific glycoprotein is modulated by hormones and sperm cells","authors":"Pedro Pinto-Bravo ,&nbsp;Maria Rosa Rebordão ,&nbsp;Ana S. Amaral ,&nbsp;Anna Szóstek-Mioduchowska ,&nbsp;Carina Fernandes ,&nbsp;António M. Galvão ,&nbsp;Elisabete Silva ,&nbsp;Joana Alpoim-Moreira ,&nbsp;Rosário P. Roberto da Costa ,&nbsp;Dariusz J. Skarzynski ,&nbsp;Graça M Ferreira-Dias","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oviduct glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1) is a key protein involved in oviductal functions. β-estradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄), oxytocin (OXT) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) modulate the equine oviduct function, through prostaglandin regulation. The objective was to evaluate OVGP1 expression within each equine oviduct segment (infundibulum, ampulla isthmus), throughout the estrous cycle. The <em>in vitro</em> effect of (i) E₂, P₄, OXT, TNFα; and (ii) spermatozoa, on oviduct OVGP1 transcription and secretion was studied. Gene transcription was assessed by real-time PCR; protein expression by western blot; and protein production by enzyme immunoassay. <em>OVGP1</em> mRNA increased in the ampulla, in the early-luteal phase (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). OVGP1 protein expression increased in the follicular phase, in all portions (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). A temporal desynchronization between transcription and protein synthesis might maintain oviduct function. In ampulla explants, OXT and TNFα up-regulated <em>OVGP1</em> transcripts in follicular phase; E₂ in early-luteal phase; and P₄ in mid-luteal phase (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). OXT and TNFα effect on OVGP<em>1</em> transcripts might be ascribed to prostaglandin modulation. Oviductal endogenous E₂ in follicular phase, could prime E₂ stimulation of <em>OVGP1</em> transcripts in early-luteal phase. The stimulatory effect of P₄ on <em>OVGP1</em> transcripts may modulate early embryogenesis. OVGP1 <em>in vitro</em> production was not dependent of E₂, P₄, OXT or TNFα treatments. Sperm cells, either in direct or indirect contact with oviduct explants, up-regulated OVGP1 production, in the isthmus (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). These data suggest that OVGP1 modulates sperm and mare's oviduct cross-talk and may play an important role in improving assisted reproductive technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 106022"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145768913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of phytogenic additive and sodium monensin on broiler gut microbiota and immune response to Eimeria infection","authors":"T.B. Stefanello ,&nbsp;K.M. Cardinal ,&nbsp;C. Orso ,&nbsp;C.H. Franceschi ,&nbsp;J.P. Silva ,&nbsp;M.B. Mann ,&nbsp;A.P.M. Varela ,&nbsp;J. Severo ,&nbsp;J. Frazzon ,&nbsp;A.M.L. Ribeiro","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105989","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105989","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effect of Sodium Monensin or Phytogenic additive (based on <em>Acacia concinna</em> and <em>Saccharum officinarum</em>) on the gut microbiota and immune response of broiler chickens infected with <em>E. tenella</em>, <em>E. acervulina</em>, and <em>E. maxima</em>. A total of 120 male broiler were divided in 3 treatments: Control group (without infection and additives); Ionophore group (sodium monensin, 100 ppm + <em>Eimeria</em> challenged) and Phytogenic group (poly-herbal product at 750 ppm + <em>Eimeria</em> challenged). At 28 days, the intestinal content of four birds per treatment was collected for microbiota analysis by Miseq Illumina platform. Samples of jejunum-ileum were collected for mRNA gene transcription reactions using StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System. The intestinal microbiota was dominated by members of the phylum Firmicutes, regardless of treatment. Phytogenic group had a higher relative proportion of Firmicutes in the ileum-jejunum, and a higher proportion of Bacteroidetes in the cecum, while Ionophore group exhibited a higher relative proportion of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria. The Phytogenic group enhanced the relative abundances of Lactobacillaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae, while monensin enhanced Lactobacillaceae, Rikenellaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Clostridiaceae. Under a coccidiosis challenge, the ionophore and phytogenic additives modulated the immune system by increasing <em>IL-6</em> and <em>MUC13</em> gene transcription compared to the Control group. The phytogenic product, a mixture composed by <em>A. concinna</em> and <em>S. officinarum,</em> and sodium monensin enhanced the abundance of important bacterial groups for the establishment of a favorable intestinal microbiota in the face of an intestinal challenge. This study found that both phytogenic additives and sodium monensin altered gut microbiota composition and enhanced immune responses in broilers infected with <em>Eimeria</em> spp.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 105989"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ocular abnormalities, tear production, and intraocular pressure findings in Italian holstein calves during their first four weeks of life","authors":"Irene Nocera ,&nbsp;Francesca Bonelli ,&nbsp;Samanta Nardi ,&nbsp;Luca Turini ,&nbsp;Grace Ann West ,&nbsp;Caterina Puccinelli ,&nbsp;Giovanni Barsotti","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study evaluated ocular abnormalities, Schirmer tear test 1 (STT 1) and intraocular pressure (IOP) values in healthy Italian-Holstein calves from birth to 4 weeks old, and compared STT 1 and IOP with those in adult bovines. Fifty-four calves underwent ophthalmic examination, and STT 1 and IOP assessment were performed within 48 h from birth, then weekly for the first weeks of age. Ophthalmic examination, STT 1 and IOP were assessed in calves' dams. Results for ocular abnormalities were shown as frequency and percentage. Differences in STT 1 and IOP were evaluated according to age, gender, and weight with ANOVA test. A <em>t</em>-test was used to compare calves' STT 1 and IOP at each measurement time with values in the calves' dams. Ocular lesions recorded were: 50 % subconjunctival haemorrhages, 25 % retinal haemorrhages, and 25 % cataract. At birth, remnants of the hyaloid system (51/51, 100 %) and <em>tunica vasculosa lentis</em> (49/51, 96 %) were detected, which regressed completely by the 16th week and 6th week, respectively. No statistical differences were found related to STT 1 and IOP. Statistical differences were observed between IOP as well as STT 1 in calves' dams and calves, for all time points (<em>p</em>-value &lt;0.0001), with higher values in adult bovines. Ocular haemorrhages were the main ocular lesion observed, and cataract was the only congenital ocular abnormality diagnosed. At birth, calf STT 1 and IOP did not change during the first month of life, and adult bovines showed higher IOP and STT 1 compared to neonatal calves.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"198 ","pages":"Article 105983"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145555144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative histologic survey and transcriptomic investigation into canine prostate carcinoma","authors":"Nathan K. Hoggard ,&nbsp;Said M. Elshafae ,&nbsp;Nigel A. Daniels ,&nbsp;Jonathan A. Young ,&nbsp;Chris Premanandan ,&nbsp;John B. Echols ,&nbsp;Darshan S. Chandrashekar ,&nbsp;Blake E. Hildreth III ,&nbsp;Michael C. Haffner ,&nbsp;Thomas J. Rosol","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105981","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105981","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dogs share features in prostate gland anatomy, physiology, and pathology with men. However, human and canine prostate carcinoma (PC) have histologic and molecular differences. Particularly, the histogenesis of canine PC (cPC) is unclear. This study investigated the origin of cPC using histopathology and transcriptomics with comparison to men. Prostate glands retrospectively and prospectively collected from 445 dogs (approximately 95 % autopsy samples) were surveyed for early carcinomas and preneoplastic lesions, particularly high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) due to its role in the pathogenesis of PC in men. Lineage gene signatures defining prostate luminal epithelium and urothelium were identified for inter- and intraspecies RNA-sequencing comparisons, including between cPC and canine urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC). Postmortem prostate lesion frequencies were similar to previously reported canine studies. Intraductal/intra-acinar growth (31/35; 88.6 %) was common in representative samples of cPC. Prostate epithelial changes consistent with HGPIN in men were not observed. Proliferative lesions and early carcinomas were rare (7/445; 1.6 %). Patterns in prostate and urothelium marker gene expression signatures differed between human and canine PC. Compared to non-neoplastic prostate gland, cPC had significantly decreased prostate-specific and increased urothelium gene signatures. The results suggest many cases diagnosed as cPC are UC or have urothelial differentiation and thus differ from PC in men, with important implications for canine tumor classification and translational studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"198 ","pages":"Article 105981"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Repurposing Ebselen for a potential blending-based therapeutic strategy against gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants","authors":"Irineu Romero-Neto ,&nbsp;Júlia Dall'Anese ,&nbsp;Taynara Gabriele Ribeiro Piano ,&nbsp;Verônica Wosniaki Ferreira ,&nbsp;Alda Lúcia Gomes Monteiro ,&nbsp;Leandro Piovan ,&nbsp;Marcelo Beltrão Molento","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105980","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105980","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections pose a significant challenge to the health of ruminant animals. The infection also presents a substantial financial impact worldwide. This study aimed to test the anthelmintic effect of Ebselen (C₁₃H₉NOSe), a selenium-containing organochalcogen compound, against eggs and third-stage larvae (L3) of GIN of small ruminants. Ebselen and ivermectin (IVM) were evaluated using the egg hatch test (EHT) and the larval migration inhibition test (LMIT). Additionally, we tested the inhibitory effect of drug-drug interactions using both compounds. The compounds individually showed concentration-dependent effect on eggs and L3. Ebselen inhibited 50 % of the eggs and L3 at concentrations of 0.4835 mmol L⁻¹ and 1.562 mmol L⁻¹, respectively. IVM had an half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 0.4449 mmol L⁻¹ on eggs and 0.9141 mmol L⁻¹ on L3. IVM had an efficacy of 96.6 % in avoiding egg hatch and 78.4 % in preventing L3 migration at the highest concentration. The combination of Ebselen and IVM resulted in a statistically significant increase in larval migration inhibition, demonstrating a synergistic effect (&gt;30 %). The data confirm the use of Ebselen and IVM in a novel blending-based therapeutic strategy to manage GIN that affects small ruminants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"198 ","pages":"Article 105980"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Crosstalk between myostatin and callipyge in CRISPR/Cas9-edited goat fibroblast cells","authors":"Helia Fathpour ,&nbsp;Mansooreh Fouladi ,&nbsp;Farnoosh Jafarpour ,&nbsp;Reza Moradi-Hajidavaloo ,&nbsp;Tayebeh Izadi ,&nbsp;Hanieh Shiralian-Esfahani ,&nbsp;Wilfried Kues ,&nbsp;Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Esfahani ,&nbsp;Mehdi Hajian ,&nbsp;Shahin Eghbalsaied","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Myostatin (<em>MSTN</em>) and Callipyge (<em>CLPG</em>) genes are key regulators of muscle growth. While MSTN inhibits muscle development, the <em>CLPG</em> mutation induces muscle hypertrophy through a specific imprinted genetic mechanism. The interaction between these genes remains of interest for improving livestock muscle traits. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9 was employed to edit <em>MSTN</em> and <em>CLPG</em> genes in goat fibroblast cells via electrotransfection. Cells were selected using puromycin antibiotic, and gene-editing efficiency was evaluated through Sanger sequencing. Gene expression changes were analyzed using RT-qPCR analysis. <em>MSTN</em> gene knockout resulted in significant downregulation of <em>MSTN</em> and <em>CLPG</em>, while <em>GTL2</em> expression was upregulated by more than 50-fold. Additionally, myosin heavy chain genes (<em>MYH1</em>, <em>MYH3</em>, <em>MYH4</em>) were strongly upregulated, with <em>MYH3</em> 13-fold and <em>MYH4</em> 30-fold increase in the expression. In <em>CLPG</em>-edited cells, the expression of <em>MSTN</em>, <em>TRIM28</em>, and <em>CLPG</em> was reduced, while <em>GTL2</em> was upregulated by 6-fold. <em>MYH3</em> and <em>MYH4</em> expression increased 4-fold in <em>CLPG</em>-edited cells, though the increase was less pronounced compared to <em>MSTN</em>-edited cells. <em>DLK1</em> expression was undetectable in both non-edited control and gene-edited fibroblast cells. Our findings support the interaction between <em>MSTN</em> and <em>CLPG</em>, contributing to the regulation of muscle growth. Notably, the study also highlights the challenges associated with editing imprinted genes like <em>CLPG</em> and suggests that <em>TRIM28</em> may play a role downstream of <em>CLPG</em> regulation. These results provide valuable insights into muscle development regulation, offering potential applications in livestock genetic improvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"198 ","pages":"Article 105992"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145661750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of hair samples for PCR detection of Leishmania infantum in dogs","authors":"Geovanna Vioti ,&nbsp;João Augusto Franco Leonel ,&nbsp;Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira ,&nbsp;Diogo Tiago da Silva ,&nbsp;Maria Luana Alves ,&nbsp;Andrea Cristina Higa Nakaghi ,&nbsp;Lara Borges Keid ,&nbsp;Rodrigo Martins Soares","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105979","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105979","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) caused by <em>Leishmania infantum</em> remains a major public health concern in endemic regions, where dogs are the primary domestic reservoir. Despite high accuracy, the invasiveness of current diagnostic methods limits their practical application. This study evaluated the diagnostic potential of hair as a non-invasive sample for molecular detection of L. <em>infantum</em> using a nested PCR targeting the ITS1 region (HAIR-test). All PCR-based tests in this study, including those performed on lymph node aspirates (LN-test), blood (BL-test), and conjunctival swabs (CS-test), employed the same nested ITS1-PCR protocol. A cohort of 44 naturally infected dogs, defined by parasitological confirmation or LN-test positivity, was evaluated using the HAIR-test, with hair samples independently collected by two different operators. The combined sensitivity of the HAIR-test was 59.1 %, outperforming the BL-test and matching the performance of the CS-test. Sequencing confirmed L. <em>infantum</em> DNA in hair samples, but also revealed co-amplification of non-<em>Leishmania</em> trypanosomatids in a subset, underscoring the need for high-specificity assays. Inter-collector agreement was moderate, indicating potential variability in parasite distribution or inconsistencies in sample collection and handling. No correlation was observed between hair mass and PCR-positivity, suggesting that L. <em>infantum</em> DNA is present in follicular bulbs rather than in hair shafts. Beyond suboptimal sensitivity, limitations in assay reproducibility and uncertainties regarding the precise origin of the detected DNA underscore the need for further methodological refinement and validation. The HAIR-test offers a viable, non-invasive alternative in settings where invasive sampling is impractical, but its routine diagnostic application requires methodological refinements and validation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"198 ","pages":"Article 105979"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}