University of Veterinary Science

Brain delivery of lipophilic antioxidants is limited by poor solubility and restricted transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To address this challenge, we developed a plant-derived glucosylceramide (GlcCer)-based w/o/w nanoemulsion designed to exploit glucose transporter (GLUT)-mediated uptake for brain targeting. Unlike synthetic glucose conjugates, GlcCer provides intrinsic amphiphilicity and biocompatibility, enabling self-assembly into stable, surfactant-free nanoemulsions incorporating astaxanthin, curcumin, and sesame oil through a cost-effective and scalable process. The resulting GlcCer-functionalized nanoemulsions demonstrated enhanced physicochemical stability and low cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y and hCMEC/D3 cells. Quantitatively, the sesame oil-based targeted formulation achieved a 1.6-fold increase in neuronal uptake, stronger ROS suppression, and a 1.4-fold improvement in transendothelial transport compared with nontargeted controls. These findings identify GlcCer-based w/o/w nanoemulsions as a promising and scalable platform for brain-targeted antioxidant delivery.

The comparative characterization of the complete mitogenome of three subspecies of the genus Rucervus duvaucelii revealed close genetic relationship among Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii, Rucervus duvaucelii branderi and Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhii. Three mitogenome of Rucervus duvaucelii branderi were sequenced by next generation sequencing without the use of mitogenome-specific primers and measured 16407 bp, 16412 bp and 16361 bp. These three sequences of Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii (n = 3) were compared with seven previously reported Rucervus mitogenomes derived by Sanger sequencing using specific primers. The length of coding genes (CGs) in all the three subspecies ranged from 11461 bp to 11403 bp accounting for 69.77-69.85% of the mitogenome. The A + T content of the 13 CGs in the mitogenome were comparable among the three subspecies. All transfer RNA gene sequences formed secondary cloverleaf structures except trn Ser2 and G + C content of the tRNA genes varied from 20.3% (trn Arg ) to 45.2% (trn Asn ). Two hepta nucleotide motifs (‘ttttccc’ and ‘gtacata’) were observed in the control region. The atp8 gene presented the highest evolutionary rate, with a dN/dS ratio of (0.348) whereas cox1 exhibited the lowest (0.0106). The phylogenetic tree highlighted the evolutionary significance of the genus Rucervus and all the ten whole mitochondrial genome sequences were clustered together.

Abstract Conservation success stories, such as the recovery of the isolated populations of mountain gorilla ( Gorilla beringei beringei ), are increasingly threatened by emerging health challenges. In the Virunga Massif, strongylid‐associated gastrointestinal disease has been linked to significant morbidity and mortality of mountain gorillas, posing a critical threat to this population's long‐term survival. Using metabarcoding of faecal samples (~65% of the population) and spatial and habitat analyses, we examined the composition and drivers of strongylid nematode communities and their role in clinical disease emergence. We identified Hyostrongylus nematodes, known pathogens in suids, as the primary contributors to gastric lesions observed in necropsied gorillas. Spatial variation in strongylid communities is correlated with environmental gradients, indicating that environmental factors such as climate and vegetation play a significant role in shaping strongylid community composition. Additionally, limited genetic diversity resulting from historical population bottlenecks may negatively impact the health of gorillas affected by parasites. Our findings suggest that the high absolute abundance of pathogenic Hyostrongylus is concentrated in specific high‐altitude regions, aligning with observed cases of severe gastritis. Synthesis and applications . These findings highlight an emerging health threat for mountain gorillas, with implications for other isolated wildlife populations facing similar ecological and evolutionary pressures. The study calls for continued monitoring of parasitic diseases in wildlife populations, especially those in fragmented habitats with limited capacity for expansion, to mitigate potential risks to their conservation.

There have been few reports of neoplasia in hyenas to date. In this report, we describe a captive adult female spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) that developed inappetence, lethargy and marked abdominal distension over a 3-day period. The hyena was chemically immobilised to allow clinical investigation of the severe symptoms; however, she died before any internal examination occurred. At necropsy, severe serosanguinous hydropericardium was evident, as well as pulmonary congestion and oedema, ascites and chronic passive congestion of the liver with mild fibrosis. Histopathological examination of the pericardial surface revealed fibrous proliferations lined by mostly a single layer of large proliferating neoplastic mesothelial cells forming papillary projections into the lumen of the pericardial sac as well as infiltration into the pericardial connective tissue, with innumerable haemosiderin-laden macrophages in places, suggestive of chronic haemorrhage. The liver revealed severe congestion and interstitial fibrosis, and the lung revealed congestion and oedema, with moderate numbers of alveolar macrophages and marked anthracosis. The diagnosis was pericardial well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma, with death under anaesthesia caused by cardiogenic shock due to pericardial mesothelioma-associated cardiac tamponade. As primary pericardial mesothelioma (PPM) is a rare tumour type for both animals and humans, and this is the first report of a PPM in a hyena, we compare the clinical findings with those seen in other species.

Fluconazole (FLU) is a widely used antifungal agent frequently detected in surface waters because of its extensive use in medicine, agriculture, and personal care products.Despite concerns about its persistence and developmental toxicity in aquatic species, its effects on amphibians remain poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the developmental and molecular effects of FLU and its structural core, 1,2,4-triazole (TRI), in amphibian embryos. Xenopus laevis embryos were exposed to FLU or TRI and evaluated for mortality, hatching rate, heart rate, body length, malformation incidence, and changes in gene expression. Even at low micromolar concentrations, both azoles altered the expression of Wnt- and BMP-associated genes, indicating disruption of these signaling pathways. At higher micromolar concentrations, these molecular changes were accompanied by early signs of developmental abnormalities, which intensified at the highest doses. Observed phenotypes included reduced head size, altered skin pigmentation, prolonged body length, changes in heart rate, and mild digestive tract malformations. These findings demonstrate that even the core structural motif TRI can disrupt key developmental signaling pathways in vertebrate embryos, underscoring the need for closer monitoring of azole compounds in aquatic environments. Given the fundamental role of these pathways in vertebrate development, the results raise concerns about potential risks from long-term or prenatal exposure to azoles, in both environmental and clinical contexts.

There have been few reports of neoplasia in kangaroos to date. In this report, we describe a 13-year-old male captive Red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) that developed a mass on the right side of the cloacal aperture. Histopathological analysis of a biopsy of the mass revealed proliferating, neoplastic epithelial islands with necrotic centres infiltrating a moderately desmoplastic dermis. The islands were generally large with extensive central caseation necrosis consisting of cellular debris and innumerable neutrophils. The neoplastic epithelial cells resembled the basal cells observed in the basal layer of the epidermis and were characterised by scant to moderate eosinophilic cytoplasm with indistinct cytoplasmic margins. The diagnosis was basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This is the first report of a BCC in a kangaroo, and we compare the findings with that seen in dogs, cats and humans.

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the risk associated with third-generation cephalosporin- and fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella from pork consumption by integrating phenotypic resistance profiles with genetic data to characterize the risks and transmission pathways. Methods: Salmonella were isolated from raw pork meat samples (n = 793) collected from fresh markets and hypermarkets across Bangkok during 2021–2022, of which 150 were extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and 31 were fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates. Phenotypic and genotypic resistance profiles were characterized. Quantitative antimicrobial resistance risk assessment (AMR RA) was conducted using a dose–response model. Results: Salmonella spp. was detected in 42.75% of pork samples, with a higher prevalence in fresh markets (75.5%) than in hypermarket samples and with concentrations ranging from 1.3 to 180 MPN/g. Twenty-eight percent of isolates were ESBL producers, with ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin resistance observed in 5.3% and 3.0%, respectively. The blaCTX-M55 genes were located on conjugative plasmids. Whole genome sequencing revealed both vertical and horizontal gene transfer. IncHI2/N and IncC plasmids shared conserved backbones and resistance gene architectures, indicating horizontal dissemination of resistance genes. Phylogenomics suggested possible clonal transmission among pigs, pork, and humans. AMR RA estimated 88,194 annual illness cases per 100,000 people from ESBL-producing Salmonella and 61,877 from ciprofloxacin-resistant strain, compared with 95,328 cases predicted by QMRA from Salmonella contamination. Cooking pork at ≥64 °C for 3 min eliminated the risk in all scenarios. Sensitivity analysis identified initial contamination level and cooking temperature as key determinants. Conclusions: Raw pork meat consumption represents the highest risk, which can be mitigated by thorough cooking (>64 °C, ≥3 min), while integrating genomic data enhances AMR hazard identification, source attribution, and exposure assessment. Therefore, promoting well-cooked meat consumption and safe cooking practices, alongside the use of AMR genetic data to inform targeted interventions, is recommended.

Purpose Despite extensive studies on BAPs, gaps remain in understanding their stability, bioavailability and large-scale industrial applications. This review critically examines these challenges and proposes future research directions. This study aims to discuss on various aspects of muscle food-derived bioactive peptides (BAPs) and their potential health benefits. Design/methodology/approach A nonsystematic literature review was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar searches with potential key words such as BAPs, muscle food, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and nutraceuticals. Findings Muscle food-derived sources, such as meat, fish and their byproducts have gained increased attention due to the multifunctional BAPs encrypted in them. These peptides exert a positive impact on human health and wellbeing due to their physiological functions beyond their nutritional value. The BAPs usually contain 3–20 amino acid residues, released from the native biological proteins by enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation and chemical hydrolysis during food processing or gastrointestinal digestion. They exhibit their physiological functions as anti-obesity, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immune-modulatory, satiety-regulating agents and opioid peptides, thereby conferring substantial health benefits. Originality/value Owing to their multifaceted health benefits, these muscle-food derived BAPs are evolving as promising candidates for nutraceuticals and functional food ingredients. Understanding the generation and functionality of muscle food-based BAPs will pave way for the development of different innovative dietary interventions.