Cy3-Based Nanoviscosity Determination of Mucus: Effect of Mucus Collection Methods and Antibiotics Treatment.

The integrity of the protective mucus layer as a primary defense against pathogen invasion and microbial leakage into the intestinal epithelium can be compromised by the effects of antibiotics on the commensal microbiome. Changes in mucus integrity directly affect the solvent viscosity in the immediate vicinity of the mucin network, that is, the nanoviscosity, which in turn affects both biochemical reactions and selective transport. To assess mucus nanoviscosity, a reliable readout via the viscosity-dependent fluorescence lifetime of the molecular rotor dye cyanine 3 is established and nanoviscosities from porcine and murine ex vivo mucus are determined.

Gene amplifications cause high-level resistance against albicidin in gram-negative bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance is a continuously increasing concern for public healthcare. Understanding resistance mechanisms and their emergence is crucial for the development of new antibiotics and their effective use. The peptide antibiotic albicidin is such a promising candidate that, as a gyrase poison, shows bactericidal activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

A virulence factor as a therapeutic: the probiotic SF68 arginine deiminase inhibits innate immune signaling pathways.

The probiotic bacterial strain SF68 has been shown to alleviate symptoms of intestinal inflammation in human clinical trials and animal feed supplementation studies. To identify factors involved in immunomodulatory effects on host cells, SF68 and other commensal and clinical isolates were screened using intestinal epithelial cell lines harboring reporter fusions for NF-κB and JNK(AP-1) activation to determine the responses of host cell innate immune signaling pathways when challenged with bacterial protein and cell components. Cell-free, whole-cell lysates of SF68 showed a reversible, inhibitory effect on both NF-κB and JNK(AP-1) signaling pathway activation in intestinal epithelial cells and abrogated the response to bacterial and other Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands.

Frequency, Local Dynamics, and Genomic Characteristics of ESBL-Producing Isolated From Specimens of Hospitalized Horses.

Previous research identified veterinary clinics as hotspots with respect to accumulation and spread of multidrug resistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing (EC). Therefore, promoting the prudent use of antibiotics to decrease selective pressure in that particular clinical environment is preferable to enhance biosecurity for animal patients and hospital staff. Accordingly, this study comparatively investigated the impact of two distinct perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) regimens (short-term versus prolonged) on ESBL-EC carriage of horses subjected to colic surgery.

High-Zinc Supplementation of Weaned Piglets Affects Frequencies of Virulence and Bacteriocin Associated Genes Among Intestinal Populations.

To prevent economic losses due to post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in industrial pig production, zinc (Zn) feed additives have been widely used, especially since awareness has risen that the regular application of antibiotics promotes buildup of antimicrobial resistance in both commensal and pathogenic bacteria. In a previous study on 179 collected from piglets sacrificed at the end of a Zn feeding trial, including isolates obtained from animals of a high-zinc fed group (HZG) and a corresponding control group (CG), we found that the isolate collection exhibited three different levels of tolerance toward zinc, i.e.

Phenotypic zinc resistance does not correlate with antimicrobial multi-resistance in fecal isolates of piglets.

Background: Following the ban on antimicrobial usage for growth promotion in animal husbandry in the EU, non-antimicrobial agents including heavy metal ions (e.g. zinc and copper), prebiotics or probiotics have been suggested as alternatives.

Effects of a Four-Week High-Dosage Zinc Oxide Supplemented Diet on Commensal of Weaned Pigs.

Strategies to reduce economic losses associated with post-weaning diarrhea in pig farming include high-level dietary zinc oxide supplementation. However, excessive usage of zinc oxide in the pig production sector was found to be associated with accumulation of multidrug resistant bacteria in these animals, presenting an environmental burden through contaminated manure. Here we report on zinc tolerance among a random selection of intestinal comprising of different antibiotic resistance phenotypes and sampling sites isolated during a controlled feeding trial from 16 weaned piglets: In total, 179 isolates from "pigs fed with high zinc concentrations" (high zinc group, [HZG]: = 99) and a corresponding "control group" ([CG]: = 80) were investigated with regard to zinc tolerance, antimicrobial- and biocide susceptibilities by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).

Decellularised whole ovine testis as a potential bio-scaffold for tissue engineering.

The aim of this study was to determine an efficient whole-organ decellularisation protocol of a human-sized testis by perfusion through the testicular arteries. In the first step of this study, we determined the most efficient detergent agent, whereas the second phase delineated the optimal time required for the decellularisation process. Initially sheep testes were decellularised by one of three different detergent agents: sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Triton X-100 and trypsin-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions, each perfused for 6h.

Genetic characterisation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in pets and veterinary personnel in Iran: new insights into emerging methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP).

Objectives: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), pose a threat to animal and human health worldwide. Veterinary staff and pets may play a role in the spread of resistant clones.

Methods: A total of 125 samples from veterinary staff (n=50), dogs (n=49) and cats (n=26) were investigated.

Detection and molecular characterization of feline hemoplasmas in wild felid species in Iran in the Middle East.

Three feline hemoplasma species exist in felids: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. The aims of the study were to determine the presence of, and molecularly characterize, any hemoplasmas in wild felids, including the endangered Persian leopard in Iran, the Middle East. Blood samples were collected from 19 wild felids, including three Persian leopards.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of feline hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran.

Three known feline hemoplasmas are , '' and '. They are described as cause of feline infectious anemia in domestic and wild felids. Other blood parasites or blood-related pathogens like concurrent retroviral infections may deteriorate the clinical condition and severity of anemia.

A molecular study of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in cats in Iran.

Background: Three feline hemoplasma species are recognized: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. These species can cause anemia in cats and have a worldwide distribution.

Objectives: There was no previous information on hemotropic mycoplasma spp in cats in Iran and the Middle East.

Evaluation of Effects of Intraperitoneal CO2 Pressure in Laparoscopic Operations on Kidney, Pancreas, Liver and Spleen in Dogs.

Background: During laparoscopy, insufflation of an inert gas in the peritoneal cavity creates a working space to facilitate surgery. The space should be large enough to facilitate surgery without increasing intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) over a threshold limit (usually 15 mm Hg).

Objectives: This experimental study was performed to evaluate the effects of increasing in intra-abdominal pressure on internal organs.