The modulating role of uniaxial straining in the IL-1β and TGF-β mediated inflammatory response of human primary ligamentocytes.

Biomechanical (over-)stimulation, in addition to inflammatory and fibrotic stimuli, severely impacts the biology, contributing to the overall chronic nature of desmopathy. A major challenge has been the lack of representative two-dimensional (2D) models mimicking inflammatory processes in the presence of dynamic mechanical strain, both being crucial for ligament homeostasis. Physiological levels of strain exert anti-inflammatory effects, while excessive strain can facilitate inflammatory mechanisms.

Time budgets and weight shifting as indicators of pain in hospitalized horses.

Introduction: Pain assessment in horses presents a significant challenge due to their nonverbal nature and their tendency to conceal signs of discomfort in the presence of potential threats, including humans. Therefore, this study aimed to identify pain-associated behaviors amenable to automated AI-based detection in video recordings. Additionally, it sought to determine correlations between pain intensity and behavioral and postural parameters by analyzing factors such as time budgets, weight shifting, and unstable resting.

"How long is life worth living for the horse?" A focus group study on how Austrian equine stakeholders assess quality of life for chronically ill or old horses.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) provides a comprehensive concept underpinning veterinary decision-making that encompasses factors beyond physical health. It becomes particularly pertinent when seeking responsible choices for chronically ill or old horses that emphasise their well-being and a good QoL over the extension of life. How different stakeholders use the concept of QoL is highly relevant when considering the complexity of these decisions in real-life situations.

Comparative proteomic profiling of the ovine and human PBMC inflammatory response.

Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammation requires robust animal models. Sheep are commonly used in immune-related studies, yet the validity of sheep as animal models for immune and inflammatory diseases remains to be established. This cross-species comparative study analyzed the in vitro inflammatory response of ovine (oPBMCs) and human PBMCs (hPBMCs) using mass spectrometry, profiling the proteome of the secretome and whole cell lysate.

Proximity tracking using ultra-wideband technology for equine social behaviour research.

Sociopositive interactions with conspecifics are essential for equine welfare and quality of life. This study aimed to validate the use of wearable ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to quantify the spatial relationships and dynamics of social behaviour in horses by continuous (1/s) measurement of interindividual distances. After testing the UWB devices' spatiotemporal accuracy in a static environment, the UWB measurement validity, feasibility and utility under dynamic field conditions was assessed in a group of 8 horses.