The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has raised concern regarding anthropozoonotic transmission to domestic animals, posing potential public and veterinary health risks. Latin America remains underrepresented in seroepidemiological assessments of such zoonotic spillover. This study aimed to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in domestic dogs and cats in Panama using a One Health surveillance framework. A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted between October 2022 and December 2023 across the metropolitan area of Panama City. Serum samples from 341 animals (198 dogs and 143 cats) were analyzed using a commercial double-antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. A historical panel of 100 pre-pandemic canine and feline samples was also tested. Demographic, clinical, and exposure data were collected through owner questionnaires, and statistical associations with seropositivity were assessed using univariate tests and binary logistic regression. Seropositivity was detected in 12/341 animals (3.5%; 95% confidence interval: 1.96–6.11%), comprising 9 dogs (4.5%) and 3 cats (2.1%). In addition, 2/100 pre-pandemic canine samples (2.0%) tested positive. Most seropositive animals (75%) were reported to have lived in households with confirmed COVID-19 cases, although this variable was not statistically associated with seropositivity. Regression analysis identified ideal body condition as a significant predictor (p = 0.016), while sampling location and demographic variables were not significant. This study presents the first serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in domestic pets in Panama. While low in prevalence, the findings underscore the relevance of community-based animal surveillance and reveal possible serological cross-reactivity with endemic canine coronaviruses. The data support the continued integration of domestic animal monitoring into One Health strategies to preempt zoonotic risks and improve pandemic preparedness.

Ticks are critical vectors of pathogens affecting humans and livestock globally. The microbiome of ticks, comprising diverse bacterial communities, plays a crucial role in tick biology and vector competence. Hyalomma ticks are prominent in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and are known carriers of significant pathogens. This study aimed to systematically evaluate existing literature regarding the microbiome composition of Hyalomma ticks in the MENA region, identify predominant bacterial genera, and highlight knowledge gaps. A systematic literature search was conducted using four databases: ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The search covered studies published between 2014 and 2024 employing 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to analyze microbiomes of Hyalomma ticks within the MENA region. Studies not fulfilling these criteria were excluded through independent assessment by two authors. Out of 1,220 screened articles, seven studies met inclusion criteria, involving five Hyalomma species: Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, and Hyalomma scupense. Most studies (57.14%) focused on H. dromedarii, primarily collected from camels. The geographical distribution of studies included the United Arab Emirates (42.86%), Saudi Arabia (28.57%), Iran (14.29%), and Tunisia (14.29%). Common bacterial genera identified across multiple studies included Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Flavobacterium, Francisella, Rickettsia, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Corynebacterium. However, substantial gaps were noted, particularly concerning variations related to tick lifecycle stages, host interactions, temporal dynamics, and extensive geographic coverage within the MENA region. This systematic review underscores the presence of key bacterial genera within Hyalomma ticks across the MENA region, revealing their potential roles in tick biology and pathogen transmission. Major research gaps identified include limited geographical scope, insufficient exploration of microbiome variation across tick life stages, host-specific interactions, and the environmental factors influencing microbial communities. Addressing these gaps through comprehensive, longitudinal, and multi-regional studies is imperative for improving public health strategies and developing targeted tick-control methods.  

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating robust animal models for research into its mechanisms and therapeutic options. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel lung cancer mouse model using the inbred C3H strain through intraperitoneal (I.P) injection of benzo(a)pyrene, offering insights into hematology, pathology, imaging, and proteomic biomarkers. Twelve male inbred C3H mice were assigned to non-treated and treatment groups, with the latter receiving 100 mg/kg body weight of benzo(a)pyrene intraperitoneally. Tumor development was monitored for 15 days using hematological analysis, ultrasound imaging (Vevo F2), histopathological assessment, and proteomic profiling through liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Hematological analysis indicated a decrease in white blood cells, lymphopenia, and neutropenia, while red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets remained within normal ranges. Ultrasound imaging revealed tumor formation as hypoechoic areas with irregular patterns on the lung surface. The histological analysis highlighted lymphocyte infiltration, alveolar wall thickening, fibroelastosis, and dysplastic changes in the bronchial epithelium. Proteomic profiling identified specific biomarkers associated with lung cancer, including A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 12, abnormal spindle, adducin-3, adhesion G protein-coupled receptor, Agrin, apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer 1, rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma isoforms B oncogene, breast cancer gene 2, hypoxia-induced gene-1, leucine-rich repeat-containing 2, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2, leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 2 isoform X2, membrane-spanning 4-domains, subfamily A, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src, rat sarcoma virus-related protein 14, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, and transcription intermediary factor 1-alpha. The I.P administration of benzo(a)pyrene in C3H mice effectively induced lung cancer, demonstrating significant pathological and biomarker changes. This model provides a valuable platform for investigating lung cancer mechanisms, evaluating new therapeutic approaches, and potentially shortening the timeframe required to establish reliable animal models for preclinical studies.

Early postpartum behavioral patterns are pivotal indicators of dairy cow health, reproductive success, and lactation performance, particularly under the environmental stressors of tropical climates. This study aimed to investigate how these behavioral patterns, as captured by smart biosensor data, influence reproductive outcomes, and milk yield in Holstein Friesian cows, with specific emphasis on parity differences and behavioral clustering. A total of 227 Holstein Friesian cows, categorized by parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), were monitored using AfiTag-II accelerometers from 3 days prepartum to 30 days postpartum. Behavioral variables – activity, rest time, rest per bout, and restlessness ratio – were subjected to K-means clustering to identify distinct behavioral profiles. Reproductive performance was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models, while lactation dynamics were modeled using the Wood function to estimate peak yield, peak time, and persistency. Three distinct behavioral clusters were identified. Primiparous cows in Cluster 1 showed the highest early postpartum activity (~300 min/day at 5 days in milk [DIM]) and restlessness ratios, while multiparous cows exhibited more stable behavioral profiles. Cox regression suggested that cows in Cluster 0 had a higher, although non-significant, likelihood of estrus onset at 40 DIM (Hazard ratio = 1.44, p = 0.09). Lactation modeling revealed that multiparous cows in Cluster 0 attained the highest cumulative milk yield (4896.6 ± 252.1 kg at 305 DIM), while the single cow in Cluster 2 exhibited an atypical lactation curve with a delayed peak and reduced persistency. Postpartum behavioral clustering reveals parity-specific lactation and reproductive trajectories in tropical dairy cows. Higher activity and restlessness ratios may delay estrus and compromise milk yield, underscoring the potential of behavioral monitoring for targeted reproductive and nutritional management. Integration of sensor-based clustering with routine herd monitoring may support early identification of cows at risk of suboptimal performance, improving reproductive efficiency and milk production in tropical dairy systems.

The widespread use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry production has been implicated in altering gut microbiota and promoting the excretion of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria into the environment. Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis (Salmonella Infantis [S.I]), a prevalent zoonotic pathogen, has demonstrated increasing resistance in poultry systems. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of natural control microorganisms (NCM), Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum, in reducing the abundance of MDR S.I in fresh chicken litter from birds raised with or without AGP supplementation. It also examined how physicochemical properties and microbial dynamics influence pathogen persistence. Microcosms were constructed using litter from broilers raised under two dietary regimes (with and without avilamycin). Treatments included combinations of AGP, S.I, and NCM. Bacterial enumeration was performed using selective media, and whole-genome sequencing of S.I was conducted to characterize antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. Physicochemical parameters (pH, humidity, temperature, and ammonia) were measured and correlated with microbial loads. Antagonistic activity of NCM strains was assessed using agar diffusion assays. Genome analysis revealed that S.I carried multiple resistance genes (e.g., blaCTX-M-65, tet(A), and sul1) and efflux systems conferring MDR. In vitro assays showed strong antagonism by L. plantarum and moderate activity by B. subtilis. In microcosms, S.I counts significantly decreased in the presence of both AGP and NCM, indicating synergistic inhibition. Conversely, in the absence of AGP, NCM had a limited effect. Statistical analyses showed strong correlations between microbial groups and physicochemical variables, particularly during later production stages. The application of B. subtilis and L. plantarum in chicken litter significantly reduced S.I colonization under AGP supplementation, suggesting their potential as biocontrol agents. These findings support the development of integrated litter management strategies to mitigate zoonotic and resistant pathogen dissemination, particularly in AGP-using systems. However, the effectiveness of such interventions may vary across farms due to differences in microbial ecology and environmental conditions.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies affecting women worldwide. Given the limitations of conventional treatments, there is an increasing interest in exploring naturally derived compounds with chemoprotective properties. Purple sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) are rich in anthocyanins and have been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. This study aimed to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of ethanolic extracts from purple sweet potato peels in a rat model of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer. Fifty female Rattus norvegicus (170–200 g) were randomized into five groups. Breast tumors were induced through a single subcutaneous dose of DMBA (20 mg/rat). Three experimental groups received daily oral administration of the extract at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 4 months. One control group received only DMBA, while another received the highest dose of the extract without DMBA. Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2’-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Anthocyanin content was quantified using spectrophotometry. Tumor latency, tumor volume, and histopathological alterations were evaluated to determine the extract’s chemopreventive effects. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity comparable to quercetin at 1500 ppm (DPPH assay) and a high anthocyanin content (138.92 ± 0.58 mg/100 g dry extract). Tumor latency was significantly prolonged in the 600 mg/kg group (101 days) compared to the DMBA control (88 days). In addition, this group showed a marked reduction in tumor volume (2.26 cm3 vs. 15.21 cm3; p < 0.05). Histological examination revealed improved ductal epithelial integrity and reduced necrosis in extract-treated groups, particularly at the highest dose. The ethanolic extract of purple sweet potato peels demonstrated a dose-dependent chemopreventive effect against DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats. The extract’s high anthocyanin content likely contributed to its antioxidant and antitumor activities. These findings suggest potential applications in dietary chemoprevention, warranting further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and clinical translation.

Camel reproduction faces significant challenges, including poor semen preservation and a limited understanding of gamete interactions, particularly within the oviduct. Glycan-mediated sperm binding in the oviduct is pivotal for sperm storage and longevity in various species. This study aimed to evaluate the binding affinity of camel epididymal sperm to sulfated Lewis A (SuLeA) – a trisaccharide from the oviductal isthmus – and investigate its effect on sperm lifespan and viability in vitro. Fluorescent-labeled SuLeA was used to localize glycan-binding sites on camel sperm. An in vitro model involving biotinylated SuLeA conjugated to streptavidin-sepharose beads was developed to mimic oviductal interactions. Sperm-oviduct binding specificity was assessed by pre-incubating sperm with SuLeA before their exposure to epithelial cell aggregates. Sperm viability was evaluated over 48 h using SYBR-14 and propidium iodide staining. Fluorescent SuLeA showed preferential binding to the post-acrosomal region of camel sperm (53%, p < 0.05). Pre-incubation with SuLeA significantly inhibited sperm adhesion to oviductal aggregates (82% vs. 25%, p < 0.05), confirming binding specificity. Sperm demonstrated a high affinity to immobilized SuLeA (5 sperm/bead), which was reduced to 1 sperm/bead following glycan pre-incubation. Notably, sperm bound to immobilized SuLeA exhibited significantly higher viability (59%) after 48 h compared to unbound sperm (5%, p < 0.05). This study establishes that SuLeA selectively binds to camel sperm at the post-acrosomal region, mimicking physiological sperm-oviduct adhesion. The interaction not only confirms glycan specificity but also significantly prolongs sperm viability. These findings provide a promising foundation for developing freeze-free preservation techniques and improving artificial insemination protocols in camelids.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) significantly impair small ruminant production globally, particularly in tropical regions. Anthelmintic resistance due to the indiscriminate use of synthetic drugs has necessitated the search for sustainable, plant-based alternatives. Eucalyptus wood vinegar (WV), a by-product of biomass pyrolysis, possesses bioactive compounds with potential anthelmintic activity. This study aimed to assess the in vitro ovicidal efficacy of eucalyptus WV and WV derived from co-pyrolysis of eucalyptus wood with Origanum majorana (marjoram) against eggs of GINs from naturally infected sheep. WV samples were produced through controlled pyrolysis and refined through sequential vacuum distillation. Egg hatchability tests were performed using five WV concentrations (0.3125%–5% g/100 mL), with thiabendazole as a positive control and distilled water as a negative control. Egg counts, species identification, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted to evaluate structural changes. The chemical compositions of the WVs were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Both WVs exhibited significant ovicidal activity, with eucalyptus WV achieving 97% inhibition at 1.25%, and the marjoram-enriched WV reaching 100% inhibition at 5%. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, furfural, thymol, and eucalyptol, the latter two being exclusive to the marjoram formulation. SEM micrographs confirmed morphological deformations in treated eggs, including loss of symmetry and membrane integrity. The synergistic interaction among bioactive components, particularly thymol, eucalyptol, and furfural, is proposed as the mechanism enhancing ovicidal activity. Eucalyptus WV, particularly when enriched with O. majorana through co-pyrolysis, exhibits potent ovicidal effects against GINs in sheep. These findings support the potential use of WVs as eco-friendly anthelmintic alternatives in integrated parasite management strategies for small ruminants.