Volume 20(4), 2021

Original Research Articles

Computational repurposing of FDA-approved drugs against specific mastitis-causing pathogens

Naeem Abdul Ghafoor, Beata Sitkowska

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Abstract. Mastitis is the single most expensive disease among cattle in the dairy industry and environmental pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus warneri are among the most common culprits. Recent studies had shed the light on how such pathogens utilize lipolysis mechanisms to evade their host's immune response. In this study, computational drug discovery approaches were deployed to investigate human FDA-approved drugs that hold the potential of serving as inhibitors of lipase activity in the former 2 pathogens. Comprehensive computational analysis involving molecular docking, nanoscale molecular dynamics, and in silico binding free energy estimation has shown that Drospirenone, a unique progestogen with anti-mineralocorticoid properties commonly used in human birth control pills holds potential inhibitory activity against the lipase of Staphylococcus warneri as it had shown to form several stable hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds with the formers lipWY lipase enzyme.

Changes in the sensory properties of beef stored under different modified atmospheres

Katarzyna Śmiecińska

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Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory properties of musculus longissimus lumborum (LL) collected from Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White (HF BW) bulls and stored for 7, 14 and 21 days under different modified atmospheres (MA): vacuum, 80% O2 + 20% CO2, 60% O2 + 30% CO2 + 10% N2, 40% CO2 + 60% N2, 30% CO2 + 70% Ar. Meat stored for 21 days in MA containing 80% O2 was more susceptible to undesirable changes in colour. The aroma of raw meat, evaluated immediately after the package was opened, changed throughout storage. Beef stored in MA containing O2 scored lower for taste evaluated after thermal treatment. The juiciness and tenderness of beef improved during storage, and the highest scores for those attributes were assigned after 21 days of vacuum storage. A decrease in Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values and a corresponding increase in tenderness, point to the tenderization of beef regardless of storage conditions.

Case Studies

Physiotherapy support for postoperative treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: case report

Sebastian Słodki,, Joanna Bogucka

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Abstract. Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the stifle is one of the most common causes of hind-limb lameness in middle-aged and old dogs. The treatment of choice involves surgical extra- or intra-capsular stabilization of the knee joint, or the increasingly preferred tibial osteotomy techniques. Postoperative rehabilitation of the affected limb is an equally important part of the treatment. The paper describes three cases of rupture of the cruciate ligament in dogs and the methods of physiotherapeutic treatment applied to them. The techniques of passive and active exercises were used along with massage and physical therapy, such as magnetotherapy, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and laser therapy. The development of the correct physiotherapeutic treatment plan, the selection of techniques, and the duration of therapy is crucial for its effectiveness. It has been shown that rehabilitation has a positive effect on the tissue healing process. It also shortens the time needed to restore full mobility of the affected limb, both during the non-complicated healing process and in the event of problematic cases.

Physiotherapy support for treatment of acute polyneuropathy in three Yorkshire Terrier dogs: case report

Sebastian Słodki,, Joanna Bogucka

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Abstract. Polyneuropathy in dogs is an often-diagnosed neurological disorder characterized by the impairment of peripheral nerves. In this case report, we describe clinical cases of acute polyneuropathy in three Yorkshire Terrier dogs. These Yorkshire Terriers consist of 1 female and 2 males and range from 2 to 7 years in age, and 3–6 kg in body weight. The animals were subjected to the rehabilitation treatment consisting of physical therapy, kinesiotherapy and manual therapy. On average, the therapeutic sessions took place every 2–3 days, in total 15–20 sessions were held. In addition, each dog received an individually tailored set of home exercises. This report determines the impact of physiotherapy on the course and duration of treatment, and on the level of patient’s regained mobility. The physiotherapeutic regimen was prescribed for this disease entity. The detailed neurological tests and other examinations, including blood tests were performed prior to commencing rehabilitation sessions. During the physiotherapy treatment, all three dogs showed marked clinical improvement although the pace of their recovery was different. Duration of therapy was extended in particular for one subject dog due to complications caused by an acute gastrointestinal infection. This work’s findings based on analysis of three clinical cases strongly suggest the necessity to adjust the physiotherapy program to the current health status of an individual dog in order to provide safe therapy while avoiding complications. Rehabilitation plays a key role in the treatment of patients with neurological diseases, including those with acute polyneuropathy. Physiotherapy has made it possible to significantly shorten the duration of the illness while accelerating nervous system regeneration and reducing the risk of complications.

Morphometric description of the larynx in the dog (Canis familiaris)

Małgorzata Dzierzęcka, Anna Charuta

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Abstract. The anatomy of the canine larynx has been described in numerous text books. However there is still a lack of information regarding the most individually variable linear parameters of this organ. Due to a limited number of publications devoted to the morphological structure of the canine larynx in the context of individual variation among dogs, the authors decided to explore this subject. The study material comprised 13 canine larynges obtained from adult male and female dogs. Following dissection, linear measurements and weight were performed. It was demonstrated that the weight and size of the larynx are correlated with the dog’s body weight. The percentage share of the larynx weight in the dog’s body weight ranged between 0.101 and 0.203 %. It was found that parameters presenting the highest variability were: the maximum height of the thyroid cartilage and the maximum width of the epiglottis, whereas the lowest variability was observed with regard to the maximum width of the laryngeal inlet.
This Volume

Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica 20(4) 2021