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A total of ten 1-2-year-old rabbits died within 2 weeks at a facility in Ehime prefecture in May 2019. Necropsy revealed liver discoloration and fragility, hemorrhage of some organs and blood coagulation failure. On histopathologic examination, necrotizing hepatitis was a common finding, together with fibrin thrombi in the small vessels and hemorrhage in some organs. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) virus gene was detected in liver samples, and viral particles of approximately 32 nm in diameter were found in the cytoplasm of degenerated hepatocytes by electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial VP60 gene sequence classified it as Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2. This is the first confirmed outbreak of RHD caused by globally emerging GI.2/RHDV2 in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competition and indirect ELISAs are currently being used to monitor rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses (RHDV1 and RHDV2) in rabbits worldwide. Temporal changes in the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of RHDV1 competition-ELISA (cELISA1), RHDV2 competition-ELISA (cELISA2), and RHDV1 Immunoglobulin G (IgG1) ELISA, were investigated using Bayesian Latent Class models (BCLM) in the Australian wild rabbit population where both viruses circulate simultaneously and a long-term serological dataset exists. When cELISA1 was compared to IgG1 ELISA, the Se of cELISA1 improved while the Sp of IgG1 ELISA declined over the 2011–21. This corresponded with a decline in the true RHDV1 prevalence in 2018–21, suggesting that a large proportion of RHDV1 exposed rabbits survived the introduction and dominance of RHDV2 up to approximately 2017/2018, after which they died and were not replaced. The Se and Sp estimates for 2014–15 for both cELISA1 and IgG1 ELISA, and the true prevalence when analysing all three tests together were similar to those obtained from the analysis of cELISA1/IgG1 ELISA. The same was also true for the Se and Sp of cELISA2 and IgG1 ELISA estimates from 2018 onwards. This suggests that RHDV1 was the dominant infection type in 2014–15, but RHDV2 was the dominant infection type in 2018–21. Further, the increase in Se of cELISA2 and the low Sp of IgG1 ELISA in the cELISA2/IgG1 ELISA analysis, compared to the Se of cELISA2 and Sp of IgG1 ELISA when analysing all three tests together suggests that the underlying infection status was more influenced by RHDV2 and that the higher Se of IgG1 ELISA is due to cross-reaction of RHDV2 antibodies on IgG1 ELISA. The true prevalence data suggest that RHDV2 exposure peaked in 2017. Our findings show that test characteristics changed in response to the changing virus prevalences over time. IgG1 ELISA, currently having a high Se, should be used to monitor both viruses and will perform better than both cELISAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some prior evidence has suggested that lop‐eared rabbits and those with brachycephalic skull conformations have a higher dental disease risk. This retrospective cohort study reports the frequency and conformational risk factors for primary‐care veterinary diagnosis with dental disease in companion rabbits in the UK. Methods: Anonymised VetCompass clinical records were manually reviewed to confirm dental disease cases. Risk factor analysis used multivariable binary logistic regression modelling. Results: From 161,979 rabbits under primary veterinary care in 2019, the 1‐year period prevalence of overall dental disease was 15.36% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.78–15.96). The prevalence of dental disease affecting incisors was 3.14% (95% CI: 2.87–3.44), and for cheek teeth it was 13.72% (95% CI: 13.17–14.29). Neither lop‐eared conformation nor brachycephalic skull conformation was significantly associated with increased odds of dental disease. Dental disease odds increased as age increased and decreased as bodyweight increased. Limitations: This study retrospectively accessed clinical records, so breed names may sometimes be imprecise. Conclusion: The high overall prevalence of dental disease represents a major welfare concern for all companion rabbits, regardless of conformation. This information can be used to encourage regular routine dental assessment of rabbits of all conformations to promote earlier diagnosis, paying particular attention to older rabbits and those with low bodyweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may prolong the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its efficacy is limited due to the high rate of incomplete embolization. Hypoxia after embolization can cause a series of changes in the tumor microenvironment, including lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) upregulation. Therefore, the current study assessed the antitumor effect and the underlying mechanism of the LDHA inhibitor, sodium oxamate (Ox), combined with TACE, using the rabbit VX2 liver tumor model. VX2 liver tumor models were created in the left liver lobe of rabbits, and after 14 days of treatments, the rabbits were sacrificed for the collection of the tumor tissues and blood samples. The antitumor effects of Ox, and the combination of Ox and TACE, and changes in the tumor microenvironment after treatments were assessed by histopathological evaluation, and the safety of the treatments was analyzed by measuring changes in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. The results demonstrated that the combination of Ox and TACE notably improved antitumor effects compared with in the other groups, as it significantly inhibited tumor growth. Additionally, treatment with Ox + TACE downregulated vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9, and enhanced the infiltration of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells into tumor tissues, thus suggesting that Ox + TACE may have a synergistic effect on increasing the infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. With a well-tolerated and manageable impairment of hepatorenal function, targeting metabolic reprogramming could promote the efficacy of TACE, thus providing novel avenues for the future clinical management of patients with advanced HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed dispersal mechanisms and regeneration of various forest ecosystems can benefit from the actions of carnivores via endozoochory. This study was aimed to evaluate the role of carnivores in endozoochory and diploendozoochory, as well as their effect on seed viability, scarification, and germination in two forest ecosystems: temperate and tropical dry forest. We collected carnivore scat in the Protected Natural Area of Sierra Fría in Aguascalientes, Mexico, for 2 years to determine the abundance and richness of seeds dispersed by each carnivore species, through scat analysis. We assessed seed viability through optical densitometry using X‐rays, analyzed seed scarification by measuring seed coat thickness using a scanning electron microscope, and evaluated seed germination in an experiment as the percentage of seeds germinated per carnivore disperser, plant species, and forest type. In the temperate forest, four plant species (but mainly Arctostaphylos pungens) were dispersed by four mammal species. The gray fox dispersed the highest average number of seeds per scat (66.8 seeds). Bobcat dispersed seeds through diploendozoochory, which was inferred from rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) hair detected in their scats. The tropical dry forest presented higher abundance of seeds and richness of dispersed plant species (four species) than in the temperate forest, and the coati dispersed the highest number of seeds (8,639 seeds). Endozoochory and diploendozoochory did not affect viability in thick‐testa seeds (1,480 µm) in temperate forest and thin‐testa seeds (281 µm) in tropical dry forest. Endozoochory improved the selective germination of seeds. Nine plant species were dispersed by endozoochory, but only one species (Juniperus sp.) by diploendozoochory. These results suggest that carnivores can perform an important ecological function by dispersing a great abundance of seeds, scarifying these seeds causing the formation of holes and cracks in the testas without affecting viability, and promoting the selective germination of seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide, and about 30% of males will have recurrent disease. Methods: In order to treat recurrent BC, we designed a type of silica nanodelivery system loaded with epirubicin and curcumin (composite nanoparticles, CNPs). To promote CNPs clinical application, the stability, the blood, immune and cell compatibility, skin stimulation experiments, anti-tumor activity in vivo and in vitro were studied. Results: In our study, the CNPs had a particle size of 73.9 nm and a uniform size and morphology; moreover, they maintained physical and chemical stability in the blood protein environment. Additionally, results showed that nanoparticles had good blood and immune compatibility, and they did not affect intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) and intracellular catalase (CAT). Skin stimulation experiments showed that CNPs did not cause any obvious irritative damage to the intact skin of rabbits. In the cytotoxicity study, CNPs showed strongest antitumor activity. The results of cell cycle and apoptosis studies showed that CNPs could mainly induce apoptosis of S and G2/M phase cells. In vivo, CNPs showed strongest aggregation in the tumor after 6 h of tail vein administration, and a large amount of CNPs continued to accumulate in the blood after 12 h of administration, indicating that CNPs had long circulation ability. The in vivo antitumor activities showed that CNPs had the strongest antitumor activity and tumor targeting ability, and hematoxylin-eosin staining of internal organs showed no obvious difference between treatment groups and negative control. Conclusion: CNPs have an ideal biosafety and therapeutic effect for recurrent BC, and they have potential clinical application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-three of 42 European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), belonging to the same rabbit colony, died in March 2020 (55% mortality) in Chiba prefecture, Japan. The disease course was extremely acute without indicators of death or hemorrhage. Necropsy revealed liver swelling, discoloration, cloudiness and fragility, and pulmonary edema. Histologically, severe hepatocellular necrosis (mainly peripheral) and intra-glomerular capillary hyalin thrombi were observed. On molecular-biological examination, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of RNA from tissues detected a rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, confirmed as a RHDV-2 VP60 fragment, which shared 99.42% nucleotide identity with the homologous fragment of RHDV-2 German isolate by nucleotide sequence analysis. This report shows the outbreak of rabbit hemorrhagic disease caused by RHDV-2, an emerging infectious disease, in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a vector-borne viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants. Epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is transmitted by Culicoides spp. EHDV is a member of the Orbivirus genus within the Reoviridae family. It shares many morphological and structural characteristics with other members of the genus, such as the bluetongue virus, African horse sickness virus, and equine encephalosis virus. Aims: The purpose of our study was to investigate the epidemiological situation of EHDV in Libya in order to gain some knowledge about the presence of this virus in the country. Methods: In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of EHDV in Libya, testing 855 blood samples collected during 2015. The samples were collected from domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) originating from 11 provinces of Libya. Sera were tested by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and positive samples confirmed by serum neutralization test. Results: The overall seroprevalence of EHDV was estimated to be 4% (95% confidence intervals = 2.8%--5.4%). Small ruminant seroprevalence was significantly (p = 0.016) higher than that found in cattle. Neutralizing antibodies against EHDV-6 were detected in a sheep from the western region of Libya. Conclusion: This study suggests that EHDV has circulated or is circulating in Libya, and sheep could play an important role in the epidemiology of EHDV, and the virus may still be circulating in North Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Micro-computed tomography (µCT), a modern imaging technique, provides detailed information on the bone morphology of small animal models. Aims: The objectives are 1) to produce three dimensional (3D) models from µCT images of femoral and tibial bones of New Zealand rabbits, and 2) to estimate and compare morphometric and volumetric results among genders as well as left and right sides. Methods: A total of twenty adult New Zealand rabbits (10 females, 10 males, aged 12-18 weeks, weight= 2.5-3 kg) were used for this study. Three dimensional reconstructed models of the femoral and tibial bones of rabbits were created from cross-sectional images of µCT using the 3D Slicer program. Anatomical structures were determined on these 3D bone models. Afterward, morphometric parameters such as length, thickness, and width of various parts of the bones were calculated with volume and volume ratio values of cortical bone, trabecular bone, and medullary cavity. Results: The gender*laterality interaction term was found statistically significant in measurements of femoral diaphysis diameter (FDD), internal femoral diaphysis diameter (IFDD), femoral head diameter (FHD), tibial diaphysis diameter (TDD), tibial distal width (TDH), and tibial proximal width (TPW) (P<0.001). The gender*laterality interaction term was not significant in volume and volume fraction values of cortical bone, trabecular bone, and medullary cavity (P>0.05). Conclusion: It is thought that the study will contribute to the orthopedic experimental studies of rabbits for femoral and tibial bones and will bring a modern perspective to the field of veterinary anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known pathogen that infects humans and animals. However, information on the fatal respiratory infection in rabbits caused by S. aureus is still limited. In the present study, a S. aureus isolate designated ND01 was recovered from lung samples of rabbits that died of fatal respiratory infection, and the ND01 was characterised by intranasal infection of rabbits, multi-locus sequencing typing, screening virulence genes and testing antimicrobial susceptibility. Clinical signs of matted forepaws and pathological lesions of haemorrhagic tracheitis and necrotising haemorrhagic pneumonia were observed in the ND01 infected rabbits, which were identical to those of naturally infected ones. The sequence type of the ND01 was defined as ST3320 and the ND01 was further grouped into the clonal complex 398. Notably, the ND01 was pvl-positive S. aureus and carried the human-associated scn gene. Moreover, the ND01 was methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and was susceptible to 6 of 10 tested antibiotics. This study described the characteristics of the ND01 causing fatal respiratory infection in rabbits. The results are helpful to further the understanding of the pathogenicity of S. aureus ST3320 clone in rabbits. The results also highlighted that operators must be on the alert for the colonisation of pvl-positive S. aureus in rabbits and potential transmission events between rabbits and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a critical health threat to the rabbit industry in Europe. In 2018, the French rabbit industry adopted a voluntary control plan against this disease. In this context, two epidemiological studies were conducted on RHD outbreaks that occurred between 2013 and 2018 in France. The objectives were to describe the spread of RHD due to the new genotype RHDV GI.2 (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus GI.2) and to identify rearing factors influencing the occurrence of the disease in order to guide the prevention measures recommended in the control plan. An analysis of cases on 295 farms between 2013 and 2017 showed that 32% of farms were affected at least once; the incidence of the disease increased in 2016-2017 compared to 2013-2015. Farms already affected in 2013-2015 had a higher risk of being infected in 2016-2017 than those that remained unaffected until 2015 (Relative Risk and 95% Confident Interval 1.7 [1.1-2.7]). A case-control study carried out between 2016 and 2018 on 37 outbreaks and 32 control farms revealed variability in biosecurity and decontamination practices between farms. The risk of being infected tends to be linked to these practices, but certain structural factors (e.g. the manure disposal system, transfer of rabbits at weaning) could also influence the risk of virus introduction into farms. In the context of a limited vaccination coverage of the farms (only females are vaccinated), these hypotheses will be studied further, using information from the RHD outbreak monitoring system implemented at the same time as the control plan in 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was aimed to detect the deleterious effects of lead on the biochemical, histopathological, and reproductive performances of Newzealand rabbit and Yucca schidigera extract role in protecting the tox impacts. sixty mature male Newzealand rabbits were divided into four groups, each one subdivided into 3 replicates. The treatments as follows: group 1 control basal diet, group 2 basal diet + 150 mg Pb/kg bwt, group3 basal diet +yucca (100 mg/kg diet), and group 4 basal diet + Pb (150 mg Pb/kg diet) + yucca (100 mg/kg diet). lead exposure group showed decreasing sperm concentration, and motility in comparison with control, and adding yucca extract can improve reproductive performance concerning control. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and uric acid were significantly elevated in Pb while, yucca treated groups and coexposure to yucca with Pb were significantly decreased than the lead alone group. Pb-exposed group significantly decreased total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activities and reduced glutathione content, and significant elevation in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. Co-exposure to yucca with lead elevate the antioxidant parameter and reduced MDA and NO than lead alone. Co-exposure to yucca+ Pb reduced the level of Pb residues in hepatorenal tissue than the lead-exposed group. The results of adding yucca exhibited have a protective effect against the lead-induced inhibitory effects on biochemical and reproductive performances of rabbit and yucca have improved the toxic impacts induced by lead in rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabbits are popular pets and veterinary knowledge about this species has evolved greatly in the past 15 to 20 years. Rather than languishing in hutches, many rabbits are now house pets; consequently, changes in drinking and voiding habits are more easily noticed by owners. Perhaps unsurprisingly, urinary tract disease is a common reason for rabbits to be presented to veterinary practices. In a histological survey of rabbit kidneys, Hinton (1981) found that 32.7 per cent of unhealthy rabbits had renal lesions, and so did 25 per cent of healthy rabbits, demonstrating the renal disease is a significant disease in our pet rabbits. Aim of the article: This article provides practical information on diagnosing and treating urinary tract disease in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are very similarity in the types of plasma-based treatments: the platelet rich-plasma (PRP) and platelet poor-plasma (PPP). The both types have been established as an autologous source for therapeutic angiogenesis. and the both have two main ingredient: platelets and plasma, fifteen healthy mature male rabbits were divided randomly into three experimental groups: The first group which treated with PRP, the second group, which treated with PPP and the third was control group, the sciatic nerve in all treated animals were transected and served in treatment protocols through surgical procedure after the nerve suture. Then all animals were followed up clinically for fourteen days, and histologically for sixty days after the operations. The results either clinically or histologically indicated that the treatment with PRP has remarkable beneficial effects on nerve healing represented acceleration and improvement of the nerve through reduce adhesion, increase nerve regenerations time and improve nerve function. However, the PRP treated groups were progressed than the PPP and control groups, by findings, demonstrated early weight bearing with fastest healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medical plants for treating diseases is a worldwide phenomenon in developing and developed countries. The classical knowledge of medicinal plants have led up to the different medical drugs development, and is as yet the basis of numerous scientific studies. The seeds of Lepidium sativum L. plant which is known as the garden cress are used in Arabian regions as a complement of food and as well as in classical medicine. In the present research the phenolic methanolic extract of plant seeds obtained by Soxhlet extraction was examined for the histological changes in the tissues of testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle of adult male rabbits. The capacity of the phenol extract of plant seeds to stimulate changes in the studied rabbits organs morphology and histology compared to the normal groups were determined. The results revealed that the phenol extract of garden cress caused moderate and marked reduction in the concentration of sperm at 64 and 96 mg/kg body weight of phenol extract. This result suggests that phenol extract could be harmful to the architecture of rabbits testis when the concentration and period of experiment were increased. The results also indicated that this extract caused the presence of fewer numbers of sperms in the lumen and less marked stereocilia in the epididymis, and a decrease in the height of the epithelial secretive cells of the seminal vesicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was done for the clinical and radiographic evaluation of the effect of low-level laser therapy on the xeno- bovine bony implantation (X-BBI), which fills the induced empty femoral space in rabbits. 10 adult rabbits of both sexes were employed, to remove 1cm of the femoral bone, the empty space filled with suitable size and length of xeno-bovine bony implantation which prepared from the ulna of calves and well fixed by food grate stainless steel rods (FGSR) as internal fixation methods .The experimental animals divided to control group which followed for normal healing processing without any treatment, while the treatment group exposed to daily single dose of low level laser therapy (LLLT) at (780 nm for 5 minutes at 8 points for 4 weeks p. o. ), the animals followed for 6th months p. o. The clinical evaluation showed the same inflammatory signs in both groups while the limb gait in treatment group was returned normally in the end of 4th weeks p. o. compare with control group which remain from the end of 4th and 6th weeks p. o., the radiographic finding revealed, that the new callus formation increase in volume and density in the treatment group at end of the 2nd week p. o. compare with the control group and these callus increase gradually to form bony bridge over the X-BBI, at the end of the 4th and 8th weeks p. o. in the treatment group, while in the control group the bony bridge formation still not completely formed at the end of 8th weeks p. o. at the end of the 16th weeks p. o. in the treatment group the callus formation stopped in forming with remodeling phase continuous until the end of 24th weeks p. o. the external hard callus well formed with symmetrical arranged with bony incorporation between the X-BBI and the recipient femoral bone and periosteum, compare with the control group in which the external hard callus stopped forming with partial incorporation with the bony cortex at the at the same time p. o. The conclusion, the X-BBI which treated by LLLT can be used to fill the induced empty femoral space, promote fractures healing, with well incorporation and alignment with the recipient femoral bone and normally use the limb more rapid and successfully than control group with no complication or body rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of testosterone on liver re-generation were investigated in this study by performing castration, and after many weeks a liver resection was done. Adult rabbits counted twenty have an age ranging from 3 to 10 months with weight of 1.5 - 2.5 Kg had been chosen from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Al-Qasim Green University from Animals herd Resource. Atropine sulphate of (1mg /Kg B.W) was utilized to anesthetize the animals intramuscularly. Then, it followed by 20 mg /Kg B.W and 40 mg /Kg B.W of xylazine hydrochloride and Ketamine hydrochloride mixture respectively after 15 minutes intramuscularly. Two groups of animals named group A and B was classified in this study. However, the operation site was prepared for group A and all animals were anesthetized their abdomens' upper part. The surgical procedure started by an incision in order to expose the fourth lobe of the liver. Stitches on the liver lobe was performed by handling it using thump forceps. The tied lobe by the three knots was cut the knots using dissecting scissors fair distal to the suture, finally, the wall of the abdominal was routinely reapproximated. For group (B), similar procedure mentioned above was followed after castrated animals at many weeks. Clinical parameters of the postoperatively such as heart rates, temperature, and respiratory, were stable and within the acceptable limits for all animals of groups A and B. Histopathological Examinations was conducted on biopsies of the liver at day 15 and 30 after the operation. The results exhibited a re-generation of the liver occurred in which it has much ripeness in (B) compared to (A) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lagovirus genus comprises both pathogenic viruses as European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV‐ GII.1) and rabbit hemorrhagic disease viruses (RHDV‐GI.1 and RHDV2‐GI.2), that principally infect European brown hares (Lepus europeaus) and European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), respectively, causing severe necrotic hepatitis, spleen enlargement and disseminated haemorrhage. This genus includes also non‐pathogenic agents, such as rabbit calicivirus (RCV‐E1 – GI.3) and the non‐pathogenic hare Lagovirus, provisionally named hare calicivirus (HaCV – GII.2). The latter had been identified for the first time in 2012 in the gut contents and faeces of healthy young hares raised in a breeding farm. In this study, we further investigated the presence of HaCV by testing the intestinal tract of 621 wild hares collected between 2010 and 2018 in Northern and Central Italy, and in 2011 in Austria, Germany and Spain. These wild hares were found dead for causes other than EBHS or were healthy hares shot during the hunting season. Forty‐three out of 322 hare samples from Italy and 14 out of 299 samples from Austria and Germany were positive for HaCV–GII.2 by RT‐PCR using universal primers for lagoviruses and primers specific for HaCV. Sequence analysis of the full capsid protein gene conducted on 12 strains representative of different years and locations indicated that these viruses belong to the same, single cluster as the prototype strain initially identified at the hares' farm (HaCV_Bs12_1). The relatively high level of genetic variation (88% nt identity) within this cluster suggests HaCVs may have been circulating widely in Europe for some time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections, and vaccines are needed to treat young children and older adults. One of GSK's candidate vaccines for RSV contains recombinant RSVPreF3 protein maintained in the prefusion conformation. The differences in immune function of young children and older adults potentially require different vaccine approaches. For young children, anti-RSV immunity can be afforded during the first months of life by vaccinating the pregnant mother during the third trimester with unadjuvanted RSVPreF3, which results in protection of the infant due to the transplacental passage of anti-RSV maternal antibodies. For older adults with a waning immune response, the approach is to adjuvant the RSVPreF3 vaccine with AS01 to elicit a more robust immune response. The local and systemic effects of biweekly intramuscular injections of the RSVPreF3 vaccine (unadjuvanted, adjuvanted with AS01, or coadministered with a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine) was tested in a repeated dose toxicity study in rabbits. After three intramuscular doses, the only changes observed were those commonly related to a vaccine-elicited inflammatory reaction. Subsequently, the effects of unadjuvanted RSVPreF3 vaccine on female fertility, embryo-fetal, and postnatal development of offspring were evaluated in rats and rabbits. There were no effects on pregnancy, delivery, lactation, or the pre- and postnatal development of offspring. In conclusion, the RSVPreF3 vaccine was well-tolerated locally and systemically and was not associated with any adverse effects on female reproductive function or on the pre- and postnatal growth and development of offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rabbit-derived human Thelazia callipaeda infection occurred in an undergraduate student. • T. callipaeda can be cured through mechanical removal. • Health and safety education of medical students should be strengthened. In November 2021, a 19-year-old medical student was diagnosed with a rabbit-derived Thelazia callipaeda infection in her left eye. She visited her doctor because she removed the white object by herself with a cotton swab 2 days earlier. She explained to the doctor that she rubbed her eyes without washing her hands when rabbit hair got into her eyes during the animal experiment class at school 2 weeks earlier. The other 2 worms were then taken out with ophthalmic forceps and were placed into physiological saline. The worms were sent to the Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy for examination. After identification, the worms were regarded as the female T. callipaeda. Ofloxacin eye drops and peranapulin eye drops were administered to control inflammation. No abnormality was found in the follow-up 2 weeks and 1 month later. This report highlights that it is very important to strengthen the health and safety education of medical students during animal experiment classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Our experience with real-time PCR, together with several different studies in this field show that this is a very useful method for rapid, specific and effective virus detection.Lagovirus europaeus GI.1/GI.2 is an etiological agent causing the highly dangerous rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). Molecular research is the basic tool today that can help solve epidemic problems related to the expansion of pathogens in the world. By using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR), we detected three different strains of Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1, which is an RNA virus infecting mainly rabbits. The results showed that the method used was fast, very specific, and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects specially cartilage, meniscus, and tendons. Ligaments, muscles, subchondral bone and synovium. This pathology is a common condition limiting the quality of life of patients. Imaging modalities have also been used for evaluation the progression of the osteoarthritis, or degenerative processes induced by acute injury. In order to use more accessible imaging modalities for experimentation, this study aimed to compare radiographic, computed tomography, and ultrasound findings in the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by the cranial cruciate ligament transection model in rabbits. Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-four male Norfolk rabbits aged approximately 5 months old were used. All rabbits were submitted to cranial cruciate ligament transection of the left stifle and evaluated 45 days after the surgery. The radiographic findings were subchondral bone sclerosis (33.33%); joint space narrowing (66%); presence of osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (4.16%), lateral femoral condyle (4.16%), medial fabela (20.83%), lateral fabela (8.33%) and sesamoid of the popliteal muscle (4.16%). No osteophytes were seen at medial and lateral tibial condyles. The tomographic computed findings were joint space narrowing (62.5%); presence of osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (75%), lateral femoral condyle (54.16%), medial fabela (66.66%), lateral fabela (37.5%), medial tibial condyle (75%), lateral tibial condyle (20.83%) and sesamoid of the popliteal muscle (37.5%). The ultrasound findings were synovial hypertrophy (95.83%); effusion in the suprapatellar recess (75%), distal tibial recess (16.66%) and cranial joint space (75%); changes (hyperechogenic foci and heterogeneity) of the lateral meniscus (50%) and medial meniscus (25%); increased thickness of the medial condyle (54.16%) and lateral condyle (45.83%); irregularity of the medial condyle (66.66%) and lateral condyle (58.33%); alterations of the patellar tendon (12.5%) and extensor ligament (effusion and increased echogenicity) (20.83%). Discussion: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is common condition which limiting the quality of life of patients. Many studies performed in rabbits have evaluated the development of osteoarthritis through post-mortem macroscopic or microscopic assessments. Imaging modalities have also been used for evaluation the progression of the osteoarthritis, or degenerative processes induced by acute injury. High quality radiographs are accurate in identifying structural changes resulted from osteoarthritis, but computed tomography allows earlier identification in relation to conventional radiography. The three imaging modalities were helpful to identify the osteoarthritis, but the findings were different and compatible with each analysis method. The computed tomographic detected a higher number of osteophytes than plain radiographs. Also, osteophytes did not visualized by radiographic examination, such as medial tibial condyle and lateral tibial condyle, were identified by computed tomography. In turn, the ultrasound examination enabled identification of lesions did not seen on radiographic and computed tomography examinations. Synovial hypertrophy and joint effusion had the highest percentage. In human patients, ultrasound examination has been used to assess hypertrophy and inflammation of the synovium due to osteoarthritis. In conclusion, computerized tomography images provided more information than plain X-ray images and can be complemented by ultrasound examination to identify osteoarthritis induced by cranial cruciate ligament transection in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemorrhagic syndrome is a major cause of morbidity and mortality associated with the acute radiation syndrome (ARS). We previously characterized the dose–response relationship for total body irradiation (TBI)-induced ARS in the New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit. Thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, and anemia were strongly associated with morbidity/mortality during the first three weeks post-TBI. The objective of the current study was to further characterize the natural history of thrombocytopenia, hemostatic dysfunction and hemorrhage in the rabbit model at a TBI dose range to induce ARS. Fifty male NZW rabbits were randomized to receive 7.0 or 7.5 Gy of 6 MV-derived TBI. Sham-irradiated controls (n = 6) were included as a comparator. Animals were treated with minimal supportive care including pain medication, antibiotics, antipyretics for temperature >104.8 °F, and fluids for signs of dehydration. Animals were culled at pre-determined timepoints post-TBI, or for signs of imminent mortality based on pre-defined euthanasia criteria. Hematology parameters, serum chemistry, viscoelasticity of whole blood, coagulation tests, and coagulation factor activities were measured. A gross exam of vital organs was performed at necropsy. Findings in this study include severe neutropenia during the first week post-TBI followed by thrombocytopenia and severe acute anemia with petechial hemorrhages of the skin and hemorrhage of the vital organs during the second to third weeks post-TBI. Abnormalities in whole blood viscoelastometry were observed concurrent with thrombocytopenia and hemorrhage. Antithrombin activity was significantly elevated in animals after exposure to 7.5 Gy, but not 7.0 Gy TBI. The hemorrhagic syndrome in the rabbit model of TBI recapitulates the pathogenesis described in humans following accidental or deliberate exposures. The rabbit may present an alternative to the rodent model as a small animal species for characterization of the full spectrum of multiorgan injury following TBI and early testing of promising medical countermeasures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pre and post-weaning mortality in broiler rabbit limits the production potential and lower the income generation through rabbit farming. Therefore, mortality pattern of animals in a farm is very essential clue for future strategy to combat the incidences of various diseases and prevention. Considering the above fact the present study was undertaken to find out the incidences of various rabbit diseases and mortality in an organized institutional farm. Methods: ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna was maintaining a broiler rabbit farm with 364 rabbit comprising Newzealand White (194) and Soviet Chinchilla (170) rabbit breed. During the three years (October, 2011 to September, 2014) study period in total 364 rabbits were under observation. The seasonal variation viz. (pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter, in regards to mortality, disease incidences, young and adults, sex variation, breed, housing system etc were recorded. The incidences of disease and mortality of rabbits were diagnosed through pathological examination and postmortem findings. The descriptive statistics and χ2 test were used to explain the statistical significance. Result: During the three years study period out of 364 broiler rabbits (Soviet Chinchilla and Newzealand white) in total 63 rabbits (17.31%) were died due to various diseases. The coccidiosis (3.02%), green slime disease (2.20%), haemorrhagic tracheitis (1.92%), enteritis (1.65%), pneumonia (1.37%) and peritonitis (1.37%) were affected more than the other diseases. Apart from these the other ailments that affected broiler rabbits were ear cancer (0.82%), gastroenteritis (0.82%), stomach infection (0.82%), cardinogenic shock (0.55%), stomach impaction (0.55%), kidney infection (0.55%), limb injury (0.27%), ascites (0.27%), cystitis (0.27%), abscess in abdominal cavity (0.27%), rupture of liver and gall bladder (0.27%) as well as injury of eye and blindness (0.27%). The Soviet Chinchilla rabbits were less (7.14%) affected than the Newzealand white (10.16%). It was observed that mortality of male rabbits (6.04%) were less than the female rabbits (11.26%) and mortality of young were higher (11.54%) than the adult rabbits (5.77%). The seasonal variations in mortality of broiler rabbits were observed in present study. In monsoon season mortality was maximum i.e. 6.32% whereas, in post-monsoon it was 5.49%, pre-monsoon 3.02% and in winter season mortality was only 2.47%. The Soviet Chinchilla rabbits were less susceptible and comparatively better performer in regards to disease resistance. It may be concluded that in broiler rabbit farm coccidiosia is a major concern along with other parasitic and bacterial diseases. However, proper hygiene and sanitation along with periodic treatment with coccidiostat and deworming reduces mortality of rabbits. Background: The pre and post-weaning mortality in broiler rabbit limits the production potential and lower the income generation through rabbit farming. Therefore, mortality pattern of animals in a farm is very essential clue for future strategy to combat the incidences of various diseases and prevention. Considering the above fact the present study was undertaken to find out the incidences of various rabbit diseases and mortality in an organized institutional farm. Methods: ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna was maintaining a broiler rabbit farm with 364 rabbit comprising Newzealand White (194) and Soviet Chinchilla (170) rabbit breed. During the three years (October, 2011 to September, 2014) study period in total 364 rabbits were under observation. The seasonal variation viz. (pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter, in regards to mortality, disease incidences, young and adults, sex variation, breed, housing system etc were recorded. The incidences of disease and mortality of rabbits were diagnosed through pathological examination and postmortem findings. The descriptive statistics and χ2 test were used to explain the statistical significance. Result: During the three years study period out of 364 broiler rabbits (Soviet Chinchilla and Newzealand white) in total 63 rabbits (17.31%) were died due to various diseases. The coccidiosis (3.02%), green slime disease (2.20%), haemorrhagic tracheitis (1.92%), enteritis (1.65%), pneumonia (1.37%) and peritonitis (1.37%) were affected more than the other diseases. Apart from these the other ailments that affected broiler rabbits were ear cancer (0.82%), gastroenteritis (0.82%), stomach infection (0.82%), cardinogenic shock (0.55%), stomach impaction (0.55%), kidney infection (0.55%), limb injury (0.27%), ascites (0.27%), cystitis (0.27%), abscess in abdominal cavity (0.27%), rupture of liver and gall bladder (0.27%) as well as injury of eye and blindness (0.27%). The Soviet Chinchilla rabbits were less (7.14%) affected than the Newzealand white (10.16%). It was observed that mortality of male rabbits (6.04%) were less than the female rabbits (11.26%) and mortality of young were higher (11.54%) than the adult rabbits (5.77%). The seasonal variations in mortality of broiler rabbits were observed in present study. In monsoon season mortality was maximum i.e. 6.32% whereas, in post-monsoon it was 5.49%, pre-monsoon 3.02% and in winter season mortality was only 2.47%. The Soviet Chinchilla rabbits were less susceptible and comparatively better performer in regards to disease resistance. It may be concluded that in broiler rabbit farm coccidiosia is a major concern along with other parasitic and bacterial diseases. However, proper hygiene and sanitation along with periodic treatment with coccidiostat and deworming reduces mortality of rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an acute fatal disease caused by the Lagovirus rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), which was first reported in 1984 in China. Strains of two different genotypes (GI.1a and GI.1c) have been detected in China to date. In 2010, a new RHDV variant with a unique genetic and antigenic profile was identified in France, designated RHDV2, which rapidly spread throughout continental Europe and nearby islands. Here, we report the first outbreak of RHD induced by RHDV2 (GI.2) in rabbit farms in the Sichuan province of China. We conducted haemagglutination tests and phylogenetic analysis of the new RHDV isolate SC2020/04, which was identified as a non‐haemagglutinating strain belonging to the RHDV2 (GI.2) genogroup. Considering the serious risk of RHDV2 to the Chinese rabbit industry, the circulation of RHDV2 in the population should be carefully monitored in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data about rabbit meat production are provided from the web site of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The mentioned information for the studied three Balkan countries (Bulgaria, Romania and Greece) has been extracted and organized in a created relational database. Different parameter queries have been used for visualization of certain subsets from the indicated database. Subsequently, they have been processed and evaluated. The article presents comparative analysis of the rabbit meat production in these Balkan countries for the period 1984-2018. Hierarchical cluster analysis has also been applied to the considered data. The grouping of the investigated indicator is discussed. The obtained results showed that the rabbit meat production in Romania increased significantly for 1984-1990. The same process was observed in Bulgaria and Greece during 1987-1997 and 1988-1993, respectively. The values of this indicator for Greece and Bulgaria are quite higher in comparison with those ones in Romania for 2006-2018. A decreasing tendency in the rabbit meat production in the listed three countries was established for the last five years of the time interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rabbit meat is highly appreciated for its high nutritional and dietetic quality, which could be enhanced by natural additives. Therefore, in this study, the effect of bacteriocinogenic and probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium EF9a isolated from Pannon White rabbits was checked on growth and meat quality (pH, colour, water holding capacity (WHC) , protein, fat and energy content) of broiler rabbits in a model experiment. The average daily weight gain was higher in EF9a group (p <.0001). The treatment did not have a negative influence on the pH, colour, WHC, protein and fat contents or energy value of the rabbit carcase. Inferring from these results we conclude that the application of this new bacteriocinogenic E. faecium EF9a strain with probiotic properties could be promising in rabbit farms. The new bacteriocinogenic E. faecium EF9a strain could be used in rabbit farms. The EF9a strains application increased average daily weight gain. Treatment with the EF9a strain does not affect meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-intensity ultrasound has been reported as a novel technology applied to improve tenderness in beef, pork, lamb and poultry. Its potential benefit has been studied mostly in individual muscles. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU, 24 kHz, 12 W/cm2 for 15 min) on quality traits of whole rabbit carcases. Twenty rabbit carcases were longitudinally split into two sides along the vertebral column. One side of the carcase was kept as Control and the opposed was vacuum packed and ultrasonicated with a probe Hielscher® UP400St. After treatment and 7 d (2 °C) in vacuum packs, m. L. dorsi (LD), Semimembranosus and Semitendinosus were dissected from the carcases to evaluate water holding capacity (WHC), shear force, pH, and colour (L*, a* and b*). Promising results were observed in LD after ultrasonication. LD shear force was reduced (p <.05) from 13.04 to 11.18 N (control vs. sonicated, respectively). The colour was also modified (p <.05), increasing L* from 46.70 to 48.30 units and increasing b* from 4.70 to 6.10 units (control vs. sonicated, respectively). WHC, was reduced (p <.05) by HIU only in loin. The pH, and a* from LD were not modified by ultrasonication (p >.05). In conclusion, HIU applied to rabbit carcases positively influenced LD characteristics, but no changes were observed in leg muscles under this study conditions. The data suggest that the effect of the HIU treatment on the whole carcase may differ according to the muscles. High intensity ultrasound has been applied to rabbit carcases as a small-scale model for other species. Ultrasonicating vacuum packed carcases of rabbit may lead to different changes of physicochemical characteristics in particular muscles. High-intensity ultrasonication increases L*, a* and tenderness in L. dorsi but it does not affect Semimembranosus-Semitendinosus. High-intensity ultrasound applied to carcases does not have the same effect in all muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone grafting with synthetic substitutes is now the preferred technique in maxillofacial surgery. The biocompatibility of biomaterials such as beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) necessitates animal experimentation. Here, six rabbits received β‐TCP granules in a hole drilled in the femoral condyle and were compared with ungrafted holes with a similar critical size defect on the control‐lateral side. Microcomputed tomography confirmed that new bone trabeculae had invaded the grafted zone after 28 days, whereas only minimal remodeling had occurred at the margins of the hole in control rabbits. Histological sections, after polymethylmethacrylate (pMMA) embedding, evidenced a direct apposition of bone onto the granules. In some areas, osteoid tissue remained unmineralized, sandwiched between the biomaterial and fully calcified bone. Raman analysis was used to characterize the differences between the calcium/phosphate biomaterial and the bone matrix containing hydroxyapatite. Luminescence of β‐TCP was evidenced with a 785‐nm laser used for biological analysis but not with a 532‐nm laser. The ν1 phosphate allowed a clear differentiation of bone and the biomaterial as the subpeaks were not similar (960 cm−1 for bone, 949 and 970 cm−1 for β‐TCP). Hydration (derived from identification of pMMA at 813 cm−1) and crystallinity could be determined. Raman imaging allowed the precise localization of these different peaks or ratios; luminescence peaks of β‐TCP also allowed a clear differentiation of the material from bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers the impact of various treatments of rabbit carcasses on post mortem insect colonization and weight loss. A statistically accurate time for the change in carcass weight and insect access time was determined using time series analysis depending on different carcass treatments that determined insect access. The decomposition stage was relatively short. Fifteen freshly killed white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) weighing between 2.5 kg and 4.5 kg were used as animal models in this study. Three carcasses were treated in each of five ways: normal, burnt, wrapped, hung, and immersed. A total of thirteen insect species were attracted to normal, burnt, and hung carcasses. Insects were not collected from sealed and immersed carcasses. The normal and burnt carcasses had a higher number of species and abundance compared to hung carcasses. The present study found no difference in insect colonization in normal and burnt carcasses. The determination of the weight of remaining carcass was clearly divided into the insect‐accessible (i.e., normal, burnt, and hung carcasses) and insect‐inaccessible carcasses (i.e., sealed and immersed carcasses), although no difference was found in the decrease in the rate of the remaining carcass in insect‐inaccessible carcasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Back Paddock of Woodlands Historic Park has formed a critical component of the recovery program for endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoots Perameles gunnii (Bandicooots). Two attempts have been made to reintroduce Bandicoots to this site. The first was in the 1990s: over 100 Bandicoots were released and a robust population became established. However, intense grazing pressure by Eastern Grey Kangaroos Macropus giganteus (Kangaroos) and European Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, exacerbated by dry conditions, degraded the grassy woodlands that provide secure nesting and foraging habitat for Bandicoots. Kangaroos were eventually culled, but this intervention could not prevent a precipitous decline of Bandicoots to undetectable levels. Another attempt to reintroduce Bandicoots occurred 20 years later. Rabbit control was far more effective this time and a new Bandicoot population became established. However, the Kangaroo population also increased rapidly, grass cover became severely reduced, and the Bandicoot population collapsed for the second time. All Kangaroos were eventually removed by the end of 2019, despite protests by animal activists, and the Bandicoot population is now recovering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the first-line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its therapeutic effects are hampered by the poor distribution of anticancer drugs in tumors. iRGD, a novel tumor-penetrating peptide, enhances the penetration distance and therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs. Herein, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of iRGD coupled with TACE in the rabbit VX2 liver tumor model.Subjects and Methods: This study had two stages: tumor permeability assay and anticancer efficacy evaluation. In the tumor permeability assay, we coadministered TACE with either iRGD + lipiodol-doxorubicin emulsion (LDE) or LDE in the rabbit VX2 liver tumor model. We evaluated the doxorubicin (DOX) distribution at predetermined times by immunofluorescence microscopy. To evaluate anticancer efficacy, we administered saline, LDE, or iRGD + LDE to tumor-grafted rabbits. We measured tumor volume using magnetic resonance scanning. We quantified the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 using Western blot (WB) analysis and determined the apoptosis rate in tumor cells using transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay.Results: The iRGD + LDE infusion significantly increased the DOX concentration and DOX penetration in tumors compared with the LDE infusion (P < 0.05). The antitumor efficacy of the iRGD + LDE in tumor inhibition was higher than that of the other treatments (P < 0.05). Besides, iRGD + LDE induced more apoptosis (P < 0.05).Conclusions: We demonstrated that iRGD coadministered with TACE is effective against HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To study the diagnostic value of real-time ultrasound shear wave elastography (US-SWE) in evaluating the histological stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one 8-week-old rabbits were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (experimental groups), and seven rabbits were fed a standard diet (control group). All rabbits underwent real-time US-SWE at various time points to document the histological stages of NAFLD. We categorized the histological stages as normal, NAFL, borderline nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NASH. We measured the elastic modulus of the liver parenchyma and analyzed the diagnostic efficacy of real-time US-SWE using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the four histological stages. RESULTS: The mean, minimum, and maximum elastic modulus increase for NAFL, borderline NASH, and NASH. For the mean, minimum, and maximum elastic modulus, AUCs are 0.891 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.716–0.977), 0.867 (95% CI: 0.686–0.965), and 0.789 (95% CI:0.594–0.919) for differentiating normal liver from liver with NAFLD, respectively; AUCs are 0.846 (95% CI: 0.660–0.954), 0.818 (95% CI: 0.627–0.937), and 0.797 (95% CI:0.627–0.913) for differentiating normal liver or liver with NAFL from liver with borderline NASH or NASH, respectively; AUCs are 0.889 (95% CI: 0.713–0.976), 0.787 (95% CI: 0.591–0.918), and 0.895 (95% CI:0.720–0.978) for differentiating liver with NASH from liver with lower severity NAFLD or normal liver, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time US-SWE is an accurate, noninvasive technique for evaluating the histological stages of NAFLD by measuring liver stiffness. We recommend using the mean elastic modulus to differentiate the histological stages, with the minimum and maximum elastic modulus as valuable complements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare diffusion parameters obtained from mono-exponential, bi-exponential, and stretched-exponential diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in stratifying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were fed a high-fat/cholesterol or standard diet to obtain different stages of NAFLD before 12 b-values (0–800 s/mm2) DWI. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from the mono-exponential model; pure water diffusion (D), pseudo-diffusion (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) from bi-exponential DWI; and distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) and water molecular diffusion heterogeneity index (α) from stretched-exponential DWI were calculated for hepatic parenchyma. The goodness of fit of the three models was compared. NAFLD severity was pathologically graded as normal, simple steatosis, borderline, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Spearman rank correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess NAFLD severity. Results: Upon comparison, the goodness of fit chi-square from stretched-exponential fitting (0.077 ± 0.012) was significantly lower than that for the bi-exponential (0.110 ± 0.090) and mono-exponential (0.181 ± 0.131) models (p < 0.05). Seven normal, 8 simple steatosis, 6 borderline, and 11 NASH livers were pathologically confirmed from 32 rabbits. Both α and D increased with increasing NAFLD severity (r = 0.811 and 0.373, respectively; p < 0.05). ADC, f, and DDC decreased as NAFLD severity increased (r = − 0.529, − 0.717, and − 0.541, respectively; p < 0.05). Both α (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.952) and f (AUC = 0.931) had significantly greater AUCs than ADC (AUC = 0.727) in the differentiation of NASH from borderline or less severe groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Stretched-exponential DWI with higher fitting efficiency performed, as well as bi-exponential DWI, better than mono-exponential DWI in the stratification of NAFLD severity. Key Points: • Stretched-exponential diffusion model fitting was more reliable than the bi-exponential and mono-exponential diffusion models (p = 0.039 and p < 0.001, respectively). • As NAFLD severity increased, the diffusion heterogeneity index (α) increased, while the perfusion fraction (f) decreased (r = 0.811, − 0.717, p < 0.05). • Both α and f showed superior NASH diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.952, 0.931) compared with ADC (AUC = 0.727, p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a promising new ablation method for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment with few side-effects; however, tissue perfusion and differentiation between treatment zones have not been sufficiently studied. In this project, we analyzed HCC tumor perfusion changes immediately after IRE treatment using transcatheter intraarterial perfusion (TRIP)-MRI to monitor treatment zone margins. Materials and Methods: All protocols were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee. A total of 34 rabbits were used for this prospective study: tumor liver group (n=17), normal liver group (n=14), and 3 for growing VX2 tumors. All procedures and imaging were performed under anesthesia. VX2 tumors were grown by injection of VX2 cells into rabbit hindlimbs. Liver tumors were induced by percutaneous US-guided injection of VX2 tumor fragments into liver. For digital subtraction angiography (DSA), a 2F catheter was advanced through left hepatic artery via femoral artery access, followed by contrast injection. All rabbits underwent baseline anatomic MRI, then IRE procedure or IRE probe placement only, and lastly post-procedure anatomic and TRIP-MRI. Liver tissues were dissected immediately after imaging for histology. All statistical analyses were performed on GraphPad Prism, with P< 0.05 considered significant. Results: IRE generated central IRE zone and peripheral reversible electroporation (RE) zone on anatomic MRI for both normal liver and liver tumor tissues. The semiquantitative analysis showed that IRE zone had the lowest AUC, PE, WIS, Ktrans, ve, and vp as well as the highest TTP, followed by RE zone, then untreated tissues. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that WIS and AUC60 had the highest AUCROC. Histologic analysis showed a positive correlation in viable area fraction between MRI and histologic measurements. IRE zone had the highest %apoptosis and lowest CD31+ staining. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that intraprocedural TRIP-MRI can effectively differentiate IRE and RE zones after IRE ablation in normal liver and liver tumor tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its introduction to control overabundant invasive European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the highly virulent rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has caused regular annual disease outbreaks in Australian rabbit populations. Although initially reducing rabbit abundance by 60%, continent‐wide, experimental evidence has since indicated increased genetic resistance in wild rabbits that have experienced RHDV‐driven selection. To identify genetic adaptations, which explain the increased resistance to this biocontrol virus, we investigated genome‐wide SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) allele frequency changes in a South Australian rabbit population that was sampled in 1996 (pre‐RHD genomes) and after 16 years of RHDV outbreaks. We identified several SNPs with changed allele frequencies within or close to genes potentially important for increased RHD resistance. The identified genes are known to be involved in virus infections and immune reactions or had previously been identified as being differentially expressed in healthy versus acutely RHDV‐infected rabbits. Furthermore, we show in a simulation study that the allele/genotype frequency changes cannot be explained by drift alone and that several candidate genes had also been identified as being associated with surviving RHD in a different Australian rabbit population. Our unique data set allowed us to identify candidate genes for RHDV resistance that have evolved under natural conditions, and over a time span that would not have been feasible in an experimental setting. Moreover, it provides a rare example of host genetic adaptations to virus‐driven selection in response to a suddenly emerging infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starvation is a very serious form of malnutrition characterized by a deficiency in nutrients, vitamins and caloric intake. The present study attempts to detect the effect of starvation on the morphology and histology of small and large intestine in adults' local rabbits. The present study included 25 adult rabbits divided into one control group and four starved groups (S3, S6, S9 and S12) each contained 5 rabbits. The morphological results of small (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in weight and length. The histological results of duodenum revealed congested serosal vessels in the S6 group, congestion in the mucosa of the S9 and S12 groups and a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the mucosa thickness in the S6, S9 and S12 groups, the jejunum showed congestion in the submucosa of the S3 and S12 and the muscular in the S12, the mucosa showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) only in the S12 group. The ileum included congestion of the submucosa in the S3, S9 and S12 groups, reduced mucosal lymphoid tissue in the S6 and S9 groups and reduced to absent lymphoid in the S12 starved group and a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the thickness of the mucosa. The structural changes which included reduced in organ weight and length andmucosa thickness are in direct proportion with starvation duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A five-year-old male rabbit was presented with the request of necropsy. Post mortem examination revealed a mass in the cranial mediastinum. Histopathologically, it was seen that the mass consisted of a limited mesenchymal tissue with mediumsized mature lymphocytes and a large proportion (approximately 90%) of lymphoblast-like round cell infiltration. While tumour cells were stained positively for CD3, they were negative for CD79a. Pan-Cytokeratin was localized in small number of epithelial cells in the background. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation showed that the case was compatible with thymic lymphoma and it was the first case reported in rabbits in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qualitative ultrasonographic images in diagnosing renal parenchymal diseases can be inadequate. The relationship between renal cortical echogenicity and parenchymal disease has been demonstrated in people. However, it is difficult to determine diffuse fat vacuoles and the parenchymal diseases at qualitative renal assessment. Disorders of the renal cortex are frequently seen in rabbits. The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the echogenicity of the renal cortex in clinically healthy rabbits. Fourty-two clinically normal and with no history of renal disease rabbits were used. The each rabbit was investigated by complete blood count, urinalysis and renal biopsy. Renal ultrasonography was performed with a 6.5 MHz probe. For each image, three equally sized regions of interest was detected within the renal cortex. The mean pixel intensity was determined using an 8-bit grayscale, with 256 colour of grey colours. Qualitative echogenicity was evaluated by two observers. Observer 1 evaluated as an isoechoic (36/42) and hyperechoic (6/42). Observer 2 evaluated as an isoechoic (35/42) and hyperechoic (7/42). Quantitatively, the mean pixel intensities analysed for the renal cortex was 59.2±2.23 (range: 28-91). The result of this study indicates that analysis of digitized renal cortical ultrasonographic images from rabbits using the histogram technique can be used to quantitatively determine echogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of tildipirosin in rabbits after a single intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) injection at a dose of 4 mg/kg. Twelve white New Zealand rabbits were assigned to a randomized, parallel trial design. Blood samples were collected prior to administration and up to 14 days postadministration. Plasma concentrations of tildipirosin were quantified using a validated ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a noncompartmental model in WinNonlin 5.2 software. Following i.v. and i.m. administration, the elimination half‐life (T1/2λ) was 81.17 ± 9.28 and 96.68 ± 15.37 hr, respectively, and the mean residence time (MRTlast) was 65.44 ± 10.89 and 67.06 ± 10.49 hr, respectively. After i.v. injection, the plasma clearance rate (Cl) and volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) were 0.28 ± 0.10 L kg‐1 h−1 and 17.78 ± 5.15 L/kg, respectively. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) after i.m. administration were 836.2 ± 117.9 ng/ml and 0.33 ± 0.17 hr, respectively. The absolute bioavailability of i.m. administration was 105.4%. Tildipirosin shows favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics in rabbits, with fast absorption, extensive distribution, and high bioavailability. These findings suggest that tildipirosin might be a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, primary and secondary liver cancer is one of the most common cancer types, accounting 8.2% of deaths worldwide in 2018. One of the key strategies to improve the patient's prognosis is the early diagnosis, when liver function is still preserved. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the typical wash-in/wash-out pattern in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reaches a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 96-100%. However, in recent years functional MRI sequences such as hepatocellular-specific gadolinium-based dynamic-contrast enhanced MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have been demonstrated to improve the evaluation of treatment success and thus the therapeutic decision-making and the patient's outcome. In the preclinical research setting, the VX2 liver rabbit tumor, which once originated from a virus-induced anaplastic squamous cell carcinoma, has played a longstanding role in experimental interventional oncology. Especially the high tumor vascularity allows assessing the treatment response of locoregional interventions such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transcatheter arterial embolization (TACE). Functional MRI has been used to monitor the tumor growth and viability following interventional treatment. Besides promising results, a comprehensive overview of functional MRI sequences used so far in different treatment setting is lacking, thus lowering the comparability of study results. This review offers a comprehensive overview of study protocols, results, and limitations of quantitative MRI sequences applied to evaluate the treatment outcome of VX2 hepatic tumor models, thus generating a unique basis for future MRI studies and potential translation into the clinical setting. Level of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:668-685. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feed trial was carried out to evaluate potential unconventional feed resources such as Trichanthera gigantica and moruga hill rice (Oryza glaberrima) as a partial supplementation to the diet of adult male agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina). Supplemental feeding of the agouti will decrease feeding cost to produce this animal and aid in sustainable agricultural practices. Male agoutis were used as this physiological state was the easiest to attain as well as male animals are generally used for meat production. The trial consisted of 16 male agoutis that were allocated into four dietary treatments using a completely randomized experimental design. Four diet treatments were used in the experiment; treatment 1 (T1) was the positive control which consisted of rabbit ration whilst treatment 2 (T2) to 4 (T4) had different ratios of O. glaberrima, Trichanthera gigantica and Rabbit Ration. The feeding trial had 8-week duration. T2 consisted of 5% T. gigantica, 35% O. glaberrima supplemented for rabbit ration. T3 had 10% T. gigantica and 40% O. glaberrima supplemented for rabbit ration. T4 consisted of 15% Trichanthera and 45% O. glaberrima supplemented for rabbit ration in the diet. Proximate analysis showed that Dry Matter (DM) and Ash was highest in T4 and lowest in T2. Whilst ether extract (EE) and crude protein (CP) were highest in T2 and lowest in T4. Crude fiber (CF) was highest in T3 and lowest in T2. The weights of the agoutis at the start of the experiment (2595 g-2971 g) were not significantly different to their final weight (2469-2762 g) (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference seen between treatments groups and weeks of the experiment (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the interactions between treatment and weeks (p > 0.05). T1 and T2 were not significantly different (p > 0.05) with respect to average daily gain ( [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]