Cartilage canals in newborn dogs : histochemical and immunohistochemical findings

Cartilage canals (CCs) are microscopic structures involved in secondary ossification centers (SOCs) development. The features of CCs were investigated in the humeral and femoral proximal epiphyses of small-sized newborn dogs (from premature to 28 days after birth) with histochemical and immunohistochemical approaches. Masson's Trichrome revealed a ring-shaped area around CCs, which changes in colour from green (immature collagen) to red (mature collagen) as ossification progresses; perichondrium staining always matched the ring colour. Safranin-O was always negative. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed immunopositivity for both collagen type I and V around the CCs; collagen type II was negative. CCs count showed a tendency to be higher in the humerus than in the femur. This work enlightened for the first time changes in composition of CCs surrounding matrix during SOCs development in dogs, paving the way to further investigations

Temperature effect on muscle growth in acipenser baeri yolk-sac larvae

In intensive aquaculture, fish species are constantly exposed to environmental stressful conditions, among which, temperature and stocking density are considered the major ones that may have an impact on the physiology, health, welfare and behaviour of cultures fish (1). The aim of the current study was to investigate the stress impact and muscle growth in precocious stages of Acipenser baerii subjected to three rearing temperatures. After hatching, larvae were subjected to three different rearing temperatures (16°C, 19°C and 22°C) until the yolk-sac was completely absorbed. Larvae were sampled at hatching, schooling and complete yolk-sac absorption. Histological, histometrical, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were executed, with the scope of evaluating muscle growth and development (total fibres area, fast fibres area, slow fibres area; anti proliferating cell nuclear antigen; anti-caspasi) and stress biomarkers (heat shock protein 70 and 90) were assessed. SAS software (v. 9.3, Cary Inc., NC) was used to perform statistical analysis. Total Fibres Area (TFA) and Fast Fibres Area (FFA) were higher in the schooling stage at 19°C; no differences were found regarding the Slow Fibres Area (SFA) at the tested temperatures. A significantly higher number of proliferating cells was observed in the schooling phase at 22°C than at 16°C, which is in accordance with another study on Siberian sturgeon (2). The anti-caspase immunohistochemistry was never observed in the larvae at any temperature. HPS70-immunopositivity was not observed in the muscle and HSP90 immunopositivity was evident at 19°C, which appears in full accordance with a part of a study on HSP’s (3). This study indicates that a lower rearing temperature would appear more appropriate for Siberian sturgeon larvae rearing, but further studies are necessary to deepen the effect of temperature on a mid-long term basis. (1) Pankhurst NW, King HR. J Fish Biol 2010,76:69-85. (2) Daczewska M, Saczko J. Folia biol (Kraków). 2005;53:29-38

Nutritional Regulation of Gut Barrier Integrity in Weaning Piglets

Simple Summary Weaning is a very stressful period in the piglet's life in intensive farming: it is a sudden process occurring between three to four weeks of age, when the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is still immature. The GIT is formed by the epithelial, immune and enteric nervous system which controls epithelial barrier integrity as well as gut functions including the transport of luminal nutrients, water and electrolytes. Early weaning is characterized by a breakdown of these gut functions, an increase in intestinal permeability and the appearance of gastrointestinal functional disorders, which can have long-lasting consequences in the pig's life. Weaning, therefore, requires the correct level of nutrients, high quality ingredients, and management, which are directed primarily at encouraging rapid feed intake whilst reducing mortality and morbidity. This review describes the organization of the GIT and highlights the interactions between feed components and the morphology and physiology of the epithelial barrier. Novel dietary strategies focused on improving gut health are also discussed, considering the impacts of selected feed ingredients or additives on the GIT such as functional amino acids, phytochemicals and organic acids. Abstract Weaning is very stressful for piglets and leads to alterations in the intestinal barrier, a reduction in nutrient absorption and a higher susceptibility to intestinal diseases with heavy economic losses. This review describes the structures involved in the intestinal barrier: the epithelial barrier, immune barrier and the enteric nervous system. Here, new insights into the interactions between feed components and the physiology and morphology of the epithelial barrier are highlighted. Dietary strategies focused on improving gut health are also described including amino acids, phytochemicals and organic acids

Meniscus Matrix Remodeling in Response to Compressive Forces in Dogs

Joint motion and postnatal stress of weight bearing are the principal factors that determine the phenotypical and architectural changes that characterize the maturation process of the meniscus. In this study, the effect of compressive forces on the meniscus will be evaluated in a litter of 12 Dobermann Pinschers, of approximately 2 months of age, euthanized as affected by the quadriceps contracture muscle syndrome of a single limb focusing on extracellular matrix remodeling and cell-extracellular matrix interaction (i.e., meniscal cells maturation, collagen fibers typology and arrangement). The affected limbs were considered as models of continuous compression while the physiologic loaded limbs were considered as controls. The results of this study suggest that a compressive continuous force, applied to the native meniscal cells, triggers an early maturation of the cellular phenotype, at the expense of the proper organization of collagen fibers. Nevertheless, an application of a compressive force could be useful in the engineering process of meniscal tissue in order to induce a faster achievement of the mature cellular phenotype and, consequently, the earlier production of the fundamental extracellular matrix (ECM), in order to improve cellular viability and adhesion of the cells within a hypothetical synthetic scaffold

Seaweeds in pig nutrition

Seaweeds are macroalgae, with different sizes, colors and composition. They consist of brown algae, red algae and green algae, which all have a different chemical composition and bioactive molecule content. The polysaccharides, laminarin and fucoidan are commonly present in brown seaweeds, ulvans are found in green seaweeds and, red algae contain a large amount of carrageenans. These bioactive compounds may have several positive effects on health in livestock. In order to reduce the antimicrobials used in livestock, research has recently focused on finding natural and sustainable molecules that boost animal performance and health. The present study thus summarizes research on the dietary integration of seaweeds in swine. In particular the influence on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, prebiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities were considered. The review highlights that brown seaweeds seem to be a promising dietary intervention in pigs in order to boost the immune system, antioxidant status and gut health. Data on the use of green seaweeds as a dietary supplementation seems to be lacking at present and merit further investigation

Swine cortical and cancellous bone: histomorphometric and densitometric characterisation

Introduction: Swine bone morphology, composition and remodelling are similar to humans\u2019, therefore they are considered good models in bone-related research. They have been used for several studies involving bone growth, bone and cartilage fractures and femoral head osteonecrosis. Nevertheless, the literature about pig normal bone features is incomplete. This work aims to fill the literature gaps on the microarchitecture and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of swine femoral diaphysis and distal epiphysis and tibial plateau and diaphysis. Materials and methods: Five hind limbs were collected from slaughtered 80-100 kg pigs. Microscopic analysis of cortical and cancellous bone from middle/distal femur and proximal/middle tibia was performed to determine basic histomorphometric parameters at different sites. Dual-energy X-Rays Absorptiometry was also employed to evaluate BMD. ANOVA and correlation between BMD, bone area (BA) and cortical thickness were performed. Results and discussion: Diaphyseal cortical bone was mostly plexiform both in the tibia and the femur; primary/secondary osteons without clear organization were also found. Mean values for bone area, bone perimeter, trabecular width, number and separation and BMD at different anatomical sites were defined. No significant difference was found for these values at different anatomical sites. BMD proved to be positively correlated with cortical thickness (r=0,80; p<0,01). Despite the small sample size, these results seem homogeneous. They could therefore represent reference values for normal bone parameters in pigs. Applied anatomy and regenerative medicine, in fact, demand very precise information about bone micromorphology, composition and density to provide reliable indication in bone substitutes building. Moreover, since the interpretation of bone abnormalities is based on mastering normal bone characteristics, the definition of reference parameters is mandatory to avoid misinterpretation and allow comparative evaluation. Conclusion: The results of this study, although preliminary, may be considered a dependable starting point for the definition of normal bone features in pigs

Effects of stocking density on reared Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) larval growth, muscle development and fatty acids composition in a recirculating aquaculture system

This study evaluated the effects of rearing density on muscle growth and development in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) larvae. Three different stocking densities were tested: low (LD, 30 larvae/l), mid (MD, 80 larvae/l) and high (HD, 150 larvae/l) in a recirculating aquaculture system. Larvae were sampled at hatching (T0), schooling (T1) and complete yolk-sac absorption (T2) stage and were weighed and processed for muscle tissue histometrical analyses and for qualitative morphological study analyses; fatty acid profile was also determined by Gas Chromatography\u2014Flame Ionization Detector analysis. Low-density larvae presented a higher weight than MD or HD at T2 (p < 0.05). Histometrical analysis revealed that total muscle area was similar at T1 and T2, but higher than T0, while it was lower at HD at schooling (p < 0.05). The fatty acid profile revealed no differences between densities while, during development, there was a selective consumption: sparing or increasing of essential fatty acids to the detriment of their precursors. Our study suggests that lower densities appear to be more suitable to rear Siberian sturgeon in this particular stage of development. Indeed, larvae reared at the lower density were heavier and longer while larvae reared at the higher density showed lower muscle proliferation rate. As a consequence, LD larvae may exert an increase of potential growth at a mid-long term

Evaluation of in vivo response of three biphasic scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration in a sheep model

Osteochondral defects are a common problem in both human medicine and veterinary practice although with important limits concerning the cartilaginous tissue regeneration. Interest in the subchondral bone has grown, as it is now considered a key element in the osteochondral defect healing. The aim of this work was to generate and to evaluate the architecture of three cell-free scaffolds made of collagen, magnesium/hydroxyapatite and collagen hydroxyapatite/wollastonite to be implanted in a sheep animal model. Scaffolds were designed in a bilayer configuration and a novel "Honey" configuration, where columns of hydroxyapatite were inserted within the collagen matrix. The use of different types of scaffolds allowed us to identify the best scaffold in terms of integration and tissue regeneration. The animals included were divided into four groups: three were treated using different types of scaffold while one was left untreated and represented the control group. Evaluations were made at 3 months through CT analysis. The novel "Honey" configuration of the scaffold with hydroxyapatite seems to allow for a better reparative process, although we are still far from obtaining a complete restoration of the defect at this time point of follow-up

Advances in the anatomic study of the interscapular region of the cat

New clinical oriented approaches are supported by the integration of advanced imaging techniques, e.g. computed tomography and magnetic resonance, with gross anatomy imaging. The interscapular region of the cat is a typical site of a highly invasive infiltrative pathology, i.e. Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma. Even if chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been considered as pre-surgical therapies, extensive surgery is still the recommended treatment. Evidence suggested that the relationships between muscles, infiltrative mass and adjacent musculoskeletal structures could change according to the forelimb positions: a fact to be duly considered while planning the surgical approach. Anatomic and tomographic atlases provide only images of the interscapular region from cats positioned with their forelimbs extended cranially, which means that, they do not record musculoskeletal modifications due to the forelimb movements. Aim of this study was to provide detailed images of the changes occurring in the musculoskeletal structures of the interscapular region of cats according to their forelimb position by comparing cross-sectional gross anatomy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Dietary Verbascoside Influences Gut Morphology and the Expression of &#945;-Transducin and &#945;-Gustducin in the Small Intestine of Weaned Piglets Exposed to n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids-Induced Oxidative Stress

Reducing oxidative stress is an important goal in post-weaning piglets; previous studies have reported that verbascoside decreases oxidative stress in piglets. The effect of verbascoside on gut morphology and \u3b1-transducin and \u3b1-gustducin expression in weaned piglets fed high dosages of sunflower oil, inducing oxidative stress, was evaluated. A diet with 9% sunflower oil (T1), the same diet supplemented with 5 mg of verbascoside/kg feed (T2) and a diet containing starch (control-CTR) were employed. Histology, histometry, histochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were performed on the piglets' small intestine. In the T1 group, apical erosion was observed and villi height was lower than in other groups. The mucin profile was acidic in goblet cells of both the T1 and T2 groups. However, it was both neutral and acidic in the CTR group. Dietary treatments did not affect \u3b1-gustducin expression. Otherwise, the expression of \u3b1-transducin in the duodenum was lower (p < 0.01) in the T1 groups than in the other groups. The colocalization of \u3b1-transducin with chromogranin A and ghrelin revealed that the endocrine cells were immunopositive for both ghrelin and \u3b1-transducin. Overall, these results provide new insights into gut sensory perception in piglets and contribute to understanding how feed ingredients such as fat and polyphenols may be involved in gustatory signal transduction