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Pseudoplacentational endometrial hyperplasia (PEH) is a common uterine lesion in dogs. A high frequency of pyometra has been associated with PEH in dogs, suggesting that PEH might be related to the pathogenesis of pyometra. This study aimed to assess transcription levels and expression of Toll like receptors (TLR) 1, 2 and 4; alpha estrogen receptors (ESR1), progesterone receptors (PR) and prolactin receptors (PRLR) in uteri with PEH. Furthermore, the inflammatory response of dog endometrium with PEH against ex vivo bacterial stimulus was also investigated. Uteri were classified as controls or with PEH. Uterine explants were cultured for 6 and 12 hours after in vitro stimulus with inactivated Escherichia coli . Transcription of receptors and proinflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) and CXCL8 were evaluated. Expression of receptors was also evaluated in uterine explants and uteri from biopsy archives. CXCL8 concentration was measured in supernatants from all cultured explants. Transcription levels and expression of both PR and ESR1 were lower in uteri explants with PEH not stimulated and cultured for 6 hours. Expression of PRLR was higher in uteri with PEH from biopsy archives. Proinflammatory response by transcription levels of interleukin 6 demonstrated downregulation in uteri with PEH at 6 hours of stimulation followed by upregulation at 12 hours. However, no differences between groups were observed. Both control and uteri with PEH secreted similar concentrations of CXCL8 at 6 hours of bacterial stimulation. At 12 hours, no response to stimulation was observed in the PEH group and supernatant concentrations of CXCL8 were higher in the control group. The inflammatory response to bacterial stimulus in uteri with PEH had different pattern than the control group, with an inversion in IL-6 transcription levels between 6–12 hours of culture. Additionally, CXCL8 production ceased earlier in explants with PEH than in control.

In horses, there is an increasing interest in developing long-lasting drug formulations, with biopolymers as viable carrier alternatives in addition to their use as scaffolds, suture threads, screws, pins, and plates for orthopedic surgeries. This communication focuses on the prolonged biocompatibility and biodegradation of PLA, prepared by hot pressing at 180 °C. Six samples were implanted subcutaneously on the lateral surface of the neck of one horse. The polymers remained implanted for 24 to 57 weeks. Physical examination, plasma fibrinogen, and the mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) were performed. After 24, 28, 34, 38, and 57 weeks, the materials were removed for histochemical analysis using hematoxylin-eosin and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There were no essential clinical changes. MNT decreased after the implantation procedure, returning to normal after 48 h. A foreign body response was observed by histopathologic evaluation up to 38 weeks. At 57 weeks, no polymer or fibrotic capsules were identified. SEM showed surface roughness suggesting a biodegradation process, with an increase in the median pore diameter. As in the histopathological evaluation, it was not possible to detect the polymer 57 weeks after implantation. PLA showed biocompatible degradation and these findings may contribute to future research in the biomedical area.

Pseudoplacentational endometrial hyperplasia (PEH) and cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) are both hyperplastic conditions that may occur in the canine uterus during diestrus. CEH can impair fertility, and, although the consequences of PEH are poorly known, this condition is significantly associated with pyometra. The aim of this study was to investigate frequencies of both PEH and CEH in female dogs according to age, size, breed, and breed group. Uteri from 300 female dogs were sampled and processed for histopathologic analyses. Lesions were identified, and frequencies were statistically compared. PEH was significantly more frequent in dogs between 4 and 12 years of age and significantly less frequent in Yorkshires than Shih-tzus, as well as in the breed group that includes Brazilian Terriers and Yorkshires. CEH was significantly more frequent in dogs older than 12 years, but no breed predisposition was observed. The frequency of PEH was significantly higher than that of CEH. The frequency of pyometra in PEH cases was significantly higher than endometritis or uterus without inflammation. This study identified age, breed group, and size as predisposing factors for PEH and further demonstrated the association between this condition and pyometra in dogs.

Pyometra, characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus, is the most prevalent reproductive disease in canines. While the disease often begins with mild local symptoms, it can escalate into peritonitis, sepsis, and multi-organ dysfunction, thereby posing a significant threat to life. Despite the high incidence and recognized significance of canine pyometra, gaps persist in our understanding of its epidemiology, etiology, and pathogenesis. Recent studies have, however, broadened our comprehension of this disease, shedding light on potential new infection sources, etiologies, and the application of clinical predictive biomarkers and new therapeutic protocols. This study aimed to review the current understanding of canine pyometra, with particular emphasis on the latest research concerning its etiology and epidemiology. Furthermore, it addressed key research questions and proposed directions for future investigations into various facets of canine pyometra.

Despite its clinical relevance, the pathogenesis of canine pyometra remains poorly understood. To date, it is recognized as a non-transmissible infectious disease. In this study, the simultaneous occurrence of pyometra and Escherichia coli in two cohabitant female dogs underwent in-depth investigation due to the hypothesis of transmission between these animals. Two 5-year-old Chow Chow dogs (namely, dogs 23 and 24—D23 and D24) were referred to a veterinary hospital with suspected pyometra. Both animals showed prostration, anorexia, and purulent vulvar discharge over a 1-week period. After ovariohysterectomy, uterine tissue, uterine contents, and rectal swabs were collected for histopathological and microbiological analysis. Uterine histology demonstrated purulent material and multifocal necrosis with endometrial ulceration, and a morphological diagnosis of pyometra was confirmed. Furthermore, E. coli from the same phylogroup (B2) and positive for the same virulence factors with the same antimicrobial susceptibility profile was isolated from the uterine contents of both dogs and the rectum of D23. Conversely, the E. coli strains recovered from D24 differed in phylogroup (one isolate), virulence factors (all three isolates), and antimicrobial susceptibility (all three isolates). Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) suggested that all isolates from the uterine content of both dogs and the rectal swab of D23 were 100% the same, but different from all isolates in the rectal swab of D24. One isolate from the uterine content of each animal as well as rectal swabs were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Both whole-genome multilocus sequence typing(wgMLST) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis supported the hypothesis that the isolates from the uterine content of both animals and the rectal swab of D23 were clonal. Taken together, these clinical features, pathology, microbiology, and molecular findings suggest, to the best of our knowledge, the first transmission of E. coli associated with pyometra between two animals. These results could impact the management of sites where several females cohabit in the same local area such as kennels.

Buffaloes and pigs play an important epidemiological roll in the Salmonella infection cycle, and asymptomatic animals can act as key component in the dissemination of the disease by horizontal, vertical, and cross-species transmission. Our study aimed and was able to confirm evidences of a cross-species transmission of Salmonella Agona between asymptomatic buffaloes and pigs. Also, we described Salmonella infection within the pig production phases, involving serotypes Agona, Senftenberg and Schwarzengrund. Rectal samples were collected from Jafarabadi buffaloes ( n = 25) and Piau pigs ( n = 32), located on a single farm. Salmonella Agona was isolated from lactating buffaloes, gilts, pregnant sows, and weaned pigs, Salmonella Schwarzengrund from lactating sows and Salmonella Senftenberg from gilts, pregnant sows, lactating sows, and weaned pigs. Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis protocol (PFGE) was performed and revealed four different profiles. Profile 1 ( Salmonella Agona), isolated from a pregnant sow, a gilt and two lactating buffaloes, revealed a indistinguishable PFGE pattern, confirming evidences of potential cross-species transmission. Profile 2 ( Salmonella Agona), 3 ( Salmonella Senftenberg), and 4 ( Salmonella Schwarzengrund), isolated from pigs, revealed important indistinguishable PFGE patterns, evidencing Salmonella infection within the pig production phases. Considering the epidemiological relevance of buffaloes and pigs in the cycle of Salmonella infection, confirmation of a potential cross-species transmission of Salmonella Agona and potential Salmonella infection within the pig production phases highlights the importance of the correct establishment of preventive health strategies in farms, in special the importance of avoiding contact between buffaloes and pigs, since cross-species transmission can occur, increasing the risk of spreading the disease.

Pseudoplacentational endometrial hyperplasia (PEH) is a common uterine lesion in dogs. A high frequency of pyometra has been associated with PEH in dogs, suggesting that PEH might be related to the pathogenesis of pyometra. This study aimed to assess transcription levels and expression of Toll like receptors (TLR) 1, 2 and 4; alpha estrogen receptors (ESR1), progesterone receptors (PR) and prolactin receptors (PRLR) in uteri with PEH. Furthermore, the inflammatory response of dog endometrium with PEH against ex vivo bacterial stimulus was also investigated. Uteri were classified as controls or with PEH. Uterine explants were cultured for 6 and 12 hours after in vitro stimulus with inactivated Escherichia coli. Transcription of receptors and proinflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CXCL8 were evaluated. Expression of receptors was also evaluated in uterine explants and uteri from biopsy archives. CXCL8 concentration was measured in supernatants from all cultured explants. Transcription levels and expression of both PR and ESR1 were lower in uteri explants with PEH not stimulated and cultured for 6 hours. Expression of PRLR was higher in uteri with PEH from biopsy archives. Proinflammatory response by transcription levels of interleukin 6 demonstrated downregulation in uteri with PEH at 6 hours of stimulation followed by upregulation at 12 hours. However, no differences between groups were observed. Both control and uteri with PEH secreted similar concentrations of CXCL8 at 6 hours of bacterial stimulation. At 12 hours, no response to stimulation was observed in the PEH group and supernatant concentrations of CXCL8 were higher in the control group. The inflammatory response to bacterial stimulus in uteri with PEH had different pattern than the control group, with an inversion in IL-6 transcription levels between 6-12 hours of culture. Additionally, CXCL8 production ceased earlier in explants with PEH than in control.

Despite its clinical relevance, the pathogenesis of canine pyometra remains poorly understood. To date, it is recognized as a non-transmissible infectious disease. In this study, the simultaneous occurrence of pyometra and Escherichia coli in two cohabitant female dogs underwent in-depth investigation due to the hypothesis of transmission between these animals. Two 5-year-old Chow Chow dogs (namely, dogs 23 and 24—D23 and D24) were referred to a veterinary hospital with suspected pyometra. Both animals showed prostration, anorexia, and purulent vulvar discharge over a 1-week period. After ovariohysterectomy, uterine tissue, uterine contents, and rectal swabs were collected for histopathological and microbiological analysis. Uterine histology demonstrated purulent material and multifocal necrosis with endometrial ulceration, and a morphological diagnosis of pyometra was confirmed. Furthermore, E. coli from the same phylogroup (B2) and positive for the same virulence factors with the same antimicrobial susceptibility profile was isolated from the uterine contents of both dogs and the rectum of D23. Conversely, the E. coli strains recovered from D24 differed in phylogroup (one isolate), virulence factors (all three isolates), and antimicrobial susceptibility (all three isolates). Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) suggested that all isolates from the uterine content of both dogs and the rectal swab of D23 were 100% the same, but different from all isolates in the rectal swab of D24. One isolate from the uterine content of each animal as well as rectal swabs were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Both whole-genome multilocus sequence typing(wgMLST) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis supported the hypothesis that the isolates from the uterine content of both animals and the rectal swab of D23 were clonal. Taken together, these clinical features, pathology, microbiology, and molecular findings suggest, to the best of our knowledge, the first transmission of E. coli associated with pyometra between two animals. These results could impact the management of sites where several females cohabit in the same local area such as kennels.

Establishing of reference intervals (RI) for hematologic variables and blood serum acute phase proteins (APP) of healthy newborn buffaloes is an important tool for monitoring alterations during infection and inflammation. Considering the scarcity of published data on newborns, the aim of the study was to establish RI for hematologic variables and APP from healthy newborn buffaloes. Blood samples from 28 healthy Murrah buffalo calves, 10–30 days old, were selected to determine RI. Fourteen hematologic and four blood APP variables were analyzed. Before collection of blood samples, calves were subjected to physical examination (rectal temperature, degree of dehydration, and fecal consistency) and only calves that were considered healthy were included in the study. The Anderson-Darling test was used to assess normal distribution of values. The Dixon test and Tukey test were used to identify outliers. RI and 90% CI were determined using standard/robust methods and Box-Cox transformation. RI for variables analyzed were the following: (1) hematologic variables: RBC 7.5–12.9 × 10 6 /μL, HGB 10.6–19.0 g/dL, packed cell volume 33.1–54.8%, mean corpuscular volume 36.2–50.6 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 12.1–17.3 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 28.1–42.9 g/dL, platelets 361–1081 × 10 3 /μL, WBC 6.56–18.2 × 10 3 /μL, lymphocytes 4.15–12.8 × 10 3 /μL, segmented neutrophils 0.950–10.6 × 10 3 /μL, band neutrophils 0–0.160 × 10 3 /μL, monocytes 0–0.754 × 10 3 /μL, eosinophils 0–0.326 × 10 3 /μL, and basophils 0–0.149 × 10 3 /μL and (2) APP variables: fibrinogen 2.49-9.50 g/L, haptoglobin 0.02-0.56 g/L, serum amyloid A (SAA) 3.70-97.51 μg/mL, and C-reactive protein (CRP) 0.02-2.78  μg/mL. In conclusion, hematologic and acute phase protein RI have been documented and can be used as a physiologic database to help the interpretation of laboratory results of newborn buffaloes during infection and inflammation conditions.

Flavonoids are a group of natural compounds that have been described in the literature as having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective compounds. Although they are considered versatile molecules, little has been discussed about their antiviral activities for neurotropic viruses. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological potential of flavonoids in the face of viruses that can affect the central nervous system (CNS). We carried out research from 2011 to 2021 using the Pubmed platform. The following were excluded: articles not in the English language, letters to editors, review articles and papers that did not include any experimental or clinical tests, and papers that showed antiviral activities against viruses that do not infect human beings. The inclusion criteria were in silico predictions and preclinical pharmacological studies, in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo, and clinical studies with flavonoids, flavonoid fractions and extracts that were active against neurotropic viruses. The search resulted in 205 articles that were sorted per virus type and discussed, considering the most cited antiviral activities. Our investigation shows the latest relevant data about flavonoids that have presented a wide range of actions against viruses that affect the CNS, mainly influenza, hepatitis C and others, such as the coronavirus, enterovirus, and arbovirus. Considering that these molecules present well-known anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities, using flavonoids that have demonstrated both neuroprotective and antiviral effects could be viewed as an alternative for therapy in the course of CNS infections.