New England Disabled Sports

When hoping to improve their dogs’ behavior, owners often turn to basic obedience/manners courses. Scentwork classes, where dogs use their noses to find treats and odors, could be a potential alternative to these classes, because scentwork-based classes allow dogs to engage in the natural behavior of sniffing. The goal of this experimental study was to determine whether scentwork classes have a more positive impact on dog welfare, behavior, and the human-dog bond than basic obedience classes. Dogs and owners were randomly assigned to four-week long obedience or scentwork classes. Owners completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS), and dogs participated in a judgment bias test before and after their assigned class. There were no significant differences between the groups in C-BARQ or MDORS scores on any scales nor was there a significant difference on the judgment bias test by group. Owners in the total sample and in the Obedience group reported a significant increase in trainability for their dogs, as measured by C-BARQ, from pre- to post-measures whereas owners in the Scentwork group reported a significant increase in C-BARQ hyperactivity for their dogs. Judgment bias test scores improved significantly for the total sample and the Obedience group. There was a significant association between training class and the owners’ perception of their dogs’ quality of life such that owners with dogs in the scentwork classes reported their dogs’ quality of life had improved. These findings suggest that positive training in general might increase positive judgement bias and thus the welfare of dogs, although obedience classes might have more general improvements for training. Although more research is needed to further explore specific potential benefits of scentwork training, the results of this study suggest that dogs participating in scentwork classes are likely to enjoy similar benefits as dogs in other positive reinforcement group courses, giving owners more options for classes based on their individual dogs’ needs and interests. • This study measures change for dogs that took scentwork or obedience • Total sample improved in judgment bias • Dogs who took training improved in obedience and hyperactivity increased for dogs in scentwork • Positive reinforcement training seems to be beneficial for pet dogs • Different courses have different benefits

Approximately 50% of patients that undergo surgical reconstruction to repair the congenital heart defect tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) experience adverse effects by the age of 50. These effects can be linked to the poor healing response elicited by the synthetic materials in the commonly used cardiovascular patches. Extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterial-based therapies, on the other hand, have been shown to elicit positive healing responses in various tissues and pathologies, including those in the heart. Few studies, however, have been directed towards the development of an ECM-based cardiovascular patch that can realistically fill the voids in tissue present in ToF patients. Furthermore, cardiac ECM is typically derived from adult sources, despite knowledge that only fetal and neonatal rodents can fully regenerate functional cardiac tissue. Here, we demonstrate the widening of the RVOT in young porcine with a novel cardiovascular patch fabricated from fetal cardiac ECM and silk fibroin (cECM-silk). Histological analyses show our fetal cECM-silk patches improve patch-tissue integration and patch degradation compared to a clinical-standard GORE ACUSEAL cardiovascular patch, as a representative of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-based material. Our fetal cardiac ECM-silk patches also improve vascularization in and around the patch and reduce the detrimental fibrotic response typically seen with the GORE ACUSEAL patches. Finally, the culture of activated cardiac fibroblasts invitro showed analogous reduction in fibroblast activation when treated with solubilized fetal cECM. Our results suggest that fetal cECM is a potential alternative cardiovascular patch material that enables improved healing responses over synthetic materials post-surgical repair of ToF and other CHDs.

The present article serves as an introduction to the first ever publication in Russian of the pamphlet by the German poet, linguist, philosopher, and politician Ernst Moritz Arndt, “The Rhine, a River of Germany, but Not a Boundary of Germany.” The article provides biographical information about the author of the pamphlet and briefly characterizes the scholarly and political context of its publication in 1813. This publication opens a series of translations of works by outstanding linguists of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries who exerted a significant influence on the development of the science of language and its various disciplines.

ABSTRACTBackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern, closely linked to the excessive and unregulated use of antimicrobials in livestock production systems, particularly in poultry farming. In Bangladesh, where poultry serves as a key source of animal protein, the misuse of antimicrobials contributes to the rapid emergence and spread of AMR, endangering animal, environmental and human health. Poultry farmers play a vital role in mitigating AMR through responsible antimicrobial usage (AMU), underscoring the urgent need for targeted educational interventions and strengthened regulatory frameworks to promote prudent AMU practices.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of poultry farmers regarding AMU across three districts in Bangladesh: Bogura, Rajshahi and Munshiganj. Data were collected from 294 poultry farmers through face‐to‐face interviews using a structured, pre‐validated questionnaire. KAP was classified using descriptive statistics and the chi‐square tests (p < 0.05).ResultsA majority of farmers (98.64%) reported us antimicrobials; however, only 50.34% obtained veterinary prescriptions. In addition, 73.13% were unaware of authorized prescribers, and 91.16% had no prior knowledge of AMR. Antimicrobials were frequently used during the brooding phase (61.90%) and as growth promoters (39.46%). A significant proportion of farmers (65.31%) believed antimicrobials could be used without veterinary advice, and 80.61% held misconceptions about their efficacy against viral infections. Furthermore, about 48.98% purchased these antimicrobials from local pharmacies without prior consultation with a veterinarian. The most commonly used antimicrobials were ciprofloxacin (58.84%), levofloxacin (43.20%), colistin (39.12%), amoxicillin (36.39%), doxycycline (36.39%) and tylosin (30.95%).ConclusionsThe widespread lack of knowledge and inappropriate attitudes toward AMU among poultry farmers is a significant driver of AMR. Addressing this issue necessitates comprehensive educational programs to enhance awareness, stricter enforcement of veterinary regulations to ensure responsible antimicrobial use and the establishment of robust AMU surveillance systems for continuous monitoring and assessment.

Background: Anthracyclines are highly effective, yet cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) and heart failure are known adverse effects. Elevations in hsTnT and NT-proBNP may predict CTRCD but the optimal timing of testing is not defined. Research Question: What are the longitudinal cardiac biomarker trends with anthracycline treatment and do biomarker values differ pre and post anthracycline infusion? Methods: Participants 18+ with planned treatment with doxorubicin for breast cancer or lymphoma were enrolled in a prospective cohort study at 3 hospitals in a single health system. Biomarkers including hsTnT (normal &lt;12 ng/L) and NT-proBNP (normal 0-125 pg/mL) were collected prior to and immediately after each anthracycline infusion and every 6 months for 24 months. Echocardiograms were conducted prior to doxorubicin treatment in all participants and 6-12 months after doxorubicin in the majority. Patients were followed for 24 months. Baseline cardiovascular risk was determined using the Heart Failure Association-International Cardio-Oncology Society (HFA-ICOS) algorithm. Change in biomarkers over time was analyzed using generalized estimating equations and the linear mixed effect model. Results: We enrolled 43 participants (mean age 50, 51% female) with lymphoma (n=33) or breast cancer (n=10). The baseline mean hsTnT was 9 (SD 18) and NT-proBNP 384 (SD 741). HFA-ICOS risk was low in 21 (49%), moderate in 11 (26%), high in 9 (21%) and very high risk in 2 (4%) Pre-anthracycline infusion hsTnT level trends increased significantly with each cycle while patients were on chemotherapy and trended downwards after completion of chemotherapy (p&lt;0.001) (Fig. A). NT-proBNP did not change (p=NS) (Fig. B). Among the 36 participants with pre and post anthracycline infusion biomarkers, there was a decrease in post-infusion hsTnT levels (p=0.018) and no difference in pre and post NT-proBNP (p=0.10). Of the 32 patients with follow-up echocardiograms, 2 patients developed moderate asymptomatic and 2 developed moderate symptomatic CTRCD. Higher peak troponin level was associated with CTRCD (p=0.051). Conclusions: In this small study, there was a broad representation of cardiovascular risk among breast cancer and lymphoma patients. HsTnT, but not NT-proBNP, significantly increased with anthracycline chemotherapy. Peak troponin was associated with CTRCD. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to assess the effect of changes in biomarkers on CTRCD.

Abstract Disclosure: P.D. Susilo: None. M. Kanelli: None. O. Petropulos: None. C. Dial: None. K. Kadasia: None. M. Buzo Mena: None. J. Liang: None. A. Hayward: None. K.A. Gaspie: None. S.M. Barron: None. R.R. Basani: None. A. Lopes: None. A. Yu: None. Introduction: Incretin peptide therapies have revolutionized obesity and diabetes treatment, yet overcoming oral delivery challenges—such as rapid gastrointestinal transit and limited intestinal absorption—is crucial to improving patient adherence, accessibility, and real-world effectiveness. To address these barriers, we developed the Peroral Mucosal Epithelium Absorption Enhancer (PERMEATE) method, which integrates synthetic tissue lining (SYNT) platform with proprietary permeation enhancers (PEs) to improve intestinal residence time and drive higher absorption. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates PERMEATE's ability to both create and significantly enhance the oral bioavailability of semaglutide (SEMA) in pig and rat models. Methods: A high-throughput ex vivo screen identified single and combination PEs with synergistic effects on SEMA permeation across porcine intestinal tissue. Ex vivo Franz experiments optimized formulation components and ratios to maximize colocalization of SEMA and PEs onto the intestinal tissue. Saline buffer washes were implemented to mimic a dynamic environment physiologically relevant to digestion. Lead formulations were tested in vivo in anesthetized Yorkshire pigs, a physiologically relevant gastrointestinal model, with plasma SEMA concentrations measured via LC-MS/MS over 168 hours. The area under the curve (AUC) was normalized by dose and compared to intravenous SEMA administration (n=4) to determine absolute bioavailability. To enhance replicates and rigor, formulations were also delivered via oral gavage to male rats (650-750 g, n=5-6 per group), with bioavailability assessed over 24 hours using the same methods. Results: Glycocholic acid (GCA) and ammonium carbonate (NHCO) were identified as the most effective PE combination with SEMA and SYNT, achieving a 15.5-fold increase in permeation compared to SEMA control in ex vivo tests. Optimized PERMEATE formulations improved colocalization of SEMA by 71.5-fold compared to a SEMA+PE control, after two washes, highlighting the ability of PERMEATE to create a localized depot and achieve prolonged residence time. In vivo, PERMEATE demonstrated a SEMA bioavailability of 2.4±1.6% in Yorkshire pigs (n=4), representing a significant 6-fold increase over the SEMA+PE control (0.4±0.3%, n=5; p=0.0316) and SEMA-Only control (0%, n=1). Improved bioavailability compared to controls was also observed in rats, highlighting translatability across multiple mammalian models. Conclusions: The PERMEATE platform, powered by SYNT™, significantly enhances the bioavailability of semaglutide (SEMA) in preclinical models, demonstrating up to a 6-fold improvement compared to controls. These findings underscore the potential of PERMEATE as a transformative platform for optimizing the oral delivery of macromolecule therapeutics. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Otitis media (OM) is diagnosed via imaging or, in some cases, otoscopic evaluation, by detecting fluid in the tympanic bulla (TB). In cats, the bulla septum divides the TB into ventromedial (VMC) and dorsolateral (DLC) compartments, with ultrasound restricted to imaging the VMC only. To evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of ultrasound in diagnosing naturally occurring OM in cats, using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the reference standard. Thirty-two privately owned cats (64 ears) with and without OM were enrolled in the study. In this cross-sectional study, CT or MRI confirmed fluid (OM) or air (normal) in the TB, while ultrasound imaged the VMC for air or fluid. Performance statistics for ultrasound in diagnosing OM were calculated. Bulla ultrasound took an average of 3.5 min to complete and 23 cats were awake. Ultrasound detected air in the VMC in 41 ears, fluid in 22 ears and acoustic shadowing in one ear owing to TB wall thickening, precluding the detection of gas or fluid. Thirty-nine middle ears were air-filled and 25 ears had fluid based on CT/MRI. Two false negatives resulted from undetectable scant fluid lines. Ultrasonographic data of 63 ears (ear with acoustic shadow was excluded) showed the following: sensitivity (92%), specificity (100%), positive predictive value (100%), negative predictive value (95%) and accuracy (97%). Ultrasound was rapid, well-tolerated and reliably differentiated fluid from air in the VMC, diagnosing OM in most cats. False negatives arose from scant fluid. Acoustic shadowing may represent chronic OM.

SummaryA 5‐year‐old Oldenburg maiden mare presented for reproductive evaluation following several months of persistent oestrus‐like behaviour, as observed by the owner. At referral, examination revealed anatomical abnormalities of the caudal reproductive tract, including asymmetry of the ventral labium and multiple soft tissue horizontal bands located in the vulva and vestibulo‐vaginal fold. These findings raised the suspicion of an underlying disorder of sexual development (DSD). Cytogenetic evaluation via karyotyping was performed and revealed sex chromosome mosaicism. Chromosomal mosaicism is defined as the presence of two or more karyotypically different cell lines in the same individual. In this case, the mare was predominantly 64,XX, which is standard for an equine female. However, the mare also had individual cells with 63,XO (X monosomy) and 64,XY (male) karyotypes. While the presenting sign of persistent oestrus‐like behaviour may have been associated with this chromosomal abnormality, a definitive causal relationship could not be established. The body of literature documenting and explaining cases of sex chromosome mosaicism in horses is limited, but the recent innovations in genetic testing have allowed for DSD to be identified more frequently and with greater ease. Recent publications have shown that mosaicism may be underdiagnosed in the equine population and can occur in phenotypically normal and fertile individuals. Therefore, mosaicism should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of infertility and sub‐fertility. This report describes the diagnostic process leading to the identification of DSD in a mare presenting with persistent oestrus‐like behaviour. It illustrates how routine reproductive complaints may have a more complex underlying aetiologies with significant implications for the horse's future working and reproductive potential. Furthermore, it underscores the value of considering DSD when investigating ‘the problem mare’ and considering karyotype as an ancillary diagnostic test.

CD4+ T cells are crucial for protective immunity to intracellular pathogens. In addition to secreting cytokines, CD4+ T cells promote control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection through cognate interactions with macrophages, but the mechanism has been unclear. Here, we show that SLAMF1/CD150 is highly and uniquely induced in macrophages by antigen-specific interactions with CD4+ T cells. In macrophages, SLAMF1 enhances the generation of reactive oxygen species and restricts Mtb replication. Mtb-infection of mice promotes SLAMF1 expression specifically on infected macrophages, not uninfected bystanders. SLAMF1 expression depends on adaptive immunity and also autophagy. Moreover, Slamf1-/- mice have higher Mtb burden and more rapid disease progression than wild type mice. Using Slamf1fl/fl conditional knock-out mice, we show that in vivo Slamf1 is specifically required in macrophages to restrict mycobacterial growth and limit IL-1β production. In macaques, macrophage SLAMFI expression also correlates with T cell responses and protection. Combined, these data demonstrate that SLAMF1 is a marker of macrophage-T cells interactions, and it promotes protection against Mtb.

ABSTRACTFishes exhibit a range of feeding modes and strategies to forage in and on sand habitat. Here, we describe a novel feeding mode, whereby small juvenile baldchin groper, Choerodon rubescens (⁓65–100 mm TL), vigorously forward sweeps the benthos with a single pectoral fin to reveal small benthic prey and visually scans the immediate benthos on the swept side of the body. The behaviour was not exhibited by larger conspecifics (140–180 mm TL) presumably because they had progressed to larger and hard‐shelled benthic prey and/or perhaps because the small juveniles foraged more or less continuously to obtain enough very small prey. These records confirm yet another mode of prey capture in the evolution of the highly variable feeding repertoire of the Labridae.