Expression of key immune genes in polarized porcine monocyte-derived macrophage subsets.

Swine are considered one of the most relevant large animal biomedical models since they share many immunological similarities with humans. Despite that, macrophage polarization has not comprehensively investigated in pigs. In this study, porcine monocyte-derived macrophages (moMΦ) were untreated or stimulated with IFN-γ + LPS (classical activation), or by different M2 polarizing stimuli: IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, or dexamethasone.

Discrepancies between Genetic and Visual Coat Color Assignment in Sarcidano Horse.

This study aimed to evaluate the discrepancies between genetic and visual coat color assignment in the Sarcidano Horse and to elucidate potential reasons. Individual DNA from 90 Sarcidano Horses was used for genetic assignment of coat color to explore the correspondence with individual forms containing phenotypical traits. The exon 1 and exon 3 have been genotyped and sequenced to obtain a picture of the coat color distribution in this breed.

Retrospective study of lameness in beef cattle in northeastern Sardinia, Italy.

Lameness is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting dairy and beef cattle, resulting in decreased animal performance, decreased animal welfare, and substantial economic loss. In extensive beef cattle farming, the risk factors for this multifactorial disease are largely unexplored. This study aims to conduct a preliminary epidemiological survey of risk factors in beef cattle in extensive breeding, evaluate the farmer's perception of lameness, and determine the recurrence frequency of the pathologies under investigation in treated animals.

Sutureless Technique for Surgical Castration in Adult Boars: A Feasibility Study.

The heterogeneity of Italian manufacturing processes results in the production of a large variety of pork products. In Sardinia, boars are raised and butchered to produce charcuterie. These animals are castrated before slaughter as androstenone would otherwise taint the meat, rendering it unfit for human consumption.

Characterization of the Sarcidano Horse Coat Color Genes.

The goal of this study was to contribute to the general knowledge of the Sarcidano Horse, both by the identification of the genetic basis of the coat color and by updating the exact locations of the genotyping sites, based on the current EquCab3.0 genome assembly version. One-hundred Sarcidano Horses, living in semi-feral condition, have been captured to perform health and biometric checks.

Use of saline contrast ultrasonography in the diagnosis of complete jugular vein occlusion in a horse.

Background: Thrombophlebitis and thrombosis are the most common causes of jugular vein occlusion in horses. Medical and surgical treatments aim to recanalize the occluded vessel and reduce proximal venous congestion and edema.

Case Description: The present report describes a clinical case of equine jugular vein thrombosis (JVT) with complete vein occlusion diagnosed by saline contrast ultrasonography (SCU) and confirmed by contrast venography.

Ixodid ticks on wild donkeys in a Mediterranean nature reserve (Asinara National Park): diversity and risk factors.

The Sardinian coloured donkey Equus asinus (Perissodactyla: Equidae) and its albino colour morph represent the wildlife species most typical of the island of Asinara. This Mediterranean island represents a favourable context for ticks and tick-borne diseases; however, knowledge of the tick fauna on Asinara is scarce. A total of 106 Sardinian donkeys were inspected for tick infestation from June to November 2015.

Determination of minimum alveolar concentration and cardiovascular effects of desflurane in positive-pressure ventilated sheep.

OBJECTIVE To determine the minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane (MAC) and effects on cardiovascular variables in positive-pressure ventilated sheep. ANIMALS 13 adult female sheep. PROCEDURES Anesthesia was induced with desflurane.

Determination of the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and cardiopulmonary effects of sevoflurane in sheep.

Objective: To determine sevoflurane's minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and its cardiopulmonary effects in sheep.

Study Design: Prospective experimental study.

Animals: A group of 10 female nonpregnant Sardinian milk sheep.

MAC-sparing effect of nitrous oxide in sevoflurane anesthetized sheep and its reversal with systemic atipamezole administration.

Introduction: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an anesthetic gas with antinociceptive properties and reduces the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) for volatile anesthetic agents, potentially through mechanisms involving central alpha2-adrenoceptors. We hypothesized that 70% N2O in the inspired gas will significantly reduce the MAC of sevoflurane (MACSEVO) in sheep, and that this effect can be reversed by systemic atipamezole.

Materials And Methods: Animals were initially anesthetized with SEVO in oxygen (O2) and exposed to an electrical current as supramaximal noxious stimulus in order to determine MACSEVO (in duplicates).

REAC regenerative treatment efficacy in experimental chondral lesions: a pilot study on ovine animal model.

Radioelectric asymmetric conveyor (REAC) technology is a platform designed to optimize cell polarity. Cell polarity is a universal biological phenomenon that is implicated in cell differentiation, proliferation, morphogenesis, aging, and rejuvenation. In this work, we investigate a timing and administration protocol for tissue optimization regenerative treatment type C, in order to treat aging-related chondral damage or injuries and gain insights into regenerative processes of articular cartilage in humans.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of progressive ethmoid hematoma in 2 horses.

Progressive ethmoid hematoma is frequently reported among the pathologies of the upper airways in horses. While several hypotheses have been proposed such as repeated trauma, inflammatory processes and/or chronic infections, congenital phenomena, complication of hemangiomas, and neoplastic processes, the aetiology of this condition is yet unknown. Clinical symptoms are non-specific and includes haemorrhagic nasal discharge, respiratory noise not related to physical exercise and, in most severe cases, phenomena of coughing.

Cercopithifilaria spp. in dogs in Sardinia Island (Italy).

A survey on Cercopithifilaria spp. was carried out on owned and kennelled dogs in Sardinia, Italy. A total of 180 dogs were sampled and tested by microscopic detection or PCR of dermal microfilariae in skin snip sediments.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and skull of sheep with cerebral coenurosis.

Objective: To determine MRI characteristics of the skulls and brains of sheep with chronic cerebral coenurosis (CC) caused by naturally acquired Taenia multiceps infection.

Animals: 33 sheep with CC and 10 healthy control sheep.

Procedures: Sheep underwent MRI of the head.

Effects of lidocaine constant rate infusion on sevoflurane requirement, autonomic responses, and postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariectomy under opioid-based balanced anesthesia.

The effects of constant rate infusion (CRI) of lidocaine on sevoflurane (SEVO) requirements, autonomic responses to noxious stimulation, and postoperative pain relief were evaluated in dogs undergoing opioid-based balanced anesthesia. Twenty-four dogs scheduled for elective ovariectomy were randomly assigned to one of four groups: BC, receiving buprenorphine without lidocaine; FC, receiving fentanyl without lidocaine; BL, receiving buprenorphine and lidocaine; FL, receiving fentanyl and lidocaine. Dogs were anesthetized with intravenous (IV) diazepam and ketamine and anesthesia maintained with SEVO in oxygen/air.

Lumbar interbody expanding cage. A preliminary study on an animal model.

Interbody fusion devices are used in human medicine for treating degenerative diseases of the spine. Currently, there is not a universally accepted assessment tool for determining fusion, and the definitive criteria for diagnosing a successful interbody fusion remain controversial. The aim of this study was to describe microscopic and helical computed tomography (CT) imaging in the assessment of lumbar interbody fusion using cylindrical threaded titanium expanding cage in sheep.