The present study observed the effects of a green tea (Camellia sinensis) flower extract (GTFE) on melanin synthesis in B16-F10 melanoma cells. GTFE exhibited antioxidant activity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GTFE significantly diminished ${\alpha}-melanocyte$ stimulating hormone (${\alpha}-MSH$) stimulated cellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity throughout the concentration range evaluated. Based on RNA sequencing analysis, differential gene expression patterns observed in ${\alpha}-MSH$ stimulated B16-F10 melanoma cells were normalized by the addition of GTFE. In particular, the expression levels of melanoregulin and tyrosinase genes which are key regulating genes in melanin synthesis were up-regulated by 3.5 and 3 fold respectively by ${\alpha}-MSH$, and were normalized to control levels by the addition of GTFE. The results suggest that GTFE inhibits melanin synthesis in ${\alpha}-MSH$ stimulated B16-F10 melanoma cells by normalizing expression of genes that are essential for melanin synthesis. Overall, the results suggest that GTFE could be applied in the development of a whitening agent for the treatment of dermal hyperpigmentation.

Outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in vaccinated sow herds from occurrence to stabilization were monitored and analyzed in terms of serology and reproductive performance. Three different conventional pig farms experienced severe reproductive failures with the introduction of a type 1 PRRSV. These farms had adopted mass vaccination of sows using a type 2 PRRSV modified live vaccine (MLV). Therefore, to control the type 1 PRRSV, an alternative vaccination program utilizing both type 1 and type 2 MLV was undertaken. Following whole herd vaccinations with both types of MLV, successful stabilization of PRRS outbreaks was identified based on serological data (no viremia and downward trends in ELISA antibody titers in both sows and suckling piglets) and recovery of reproductive performance. Additionally, through comparison of the reproductive parameters between outbreak and non-outbreak periods, it was identified that PRRSV significantly affected the farrowing rate and the number of suckling piglets per litter at all three pig farms. Comparison of reproductive parameters between periods when the different vaccination strategies were applied revealed that the number of piglets born in total and born dead per litter were significantly increased after the introduction of the type 1 PRRS MLV.

Blood group determination in dogs is an important factor in transfusion medicine to minimize immediate or delayed adverse reactions after red blood cells transfusion in small animal clinics. Dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 is the most important blood type due to its high degree of antigenicity causing acute transfusion adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of DEA 1 in various dog breeds in Korea. As a result of testing 592 blood samples from more than 35 dog breeds, DEA 1 blood typing for each breed showed that 57.8% of Malteses, 63.3% of Poodles, 76.2% of Mastiff-like dogs, 72.5% of Pomeranians, 47.7% of Shih Tzus, 70.3% of mixed breeds, 60.0% of Yorkshire Terriers, and 71.4% of Beagles were DEA 1-positive. Miniature Schnauzers and Jindo breeds had a significantly high prevalence (100%) of DEA 1-positive dogs compared to that in other small breed dogs. This is the first report of immunochromatography-detected DEA 1 prevalence in various domestic dog breeds. Although additional studies need clarifying the potential blood transfusion risks in domestic breed dogs with DEA 1, the results of this study may be useful when selecting a blood donor.

This study assessed the effects of Weissella cibaria (W. cibaria) CMU on oral health in male and female beagles (n = 18) by measuring oral malodor and periodontal disease-related parameters (calculus, plaque, and gingivitis indices). Oral malodor and indicators of periodontal disease were assessed in five treatment groups: negative control (scaling and 0.24 mg of maltodextrin, n = 3), positive control (0.24 mg of maltodextrin, n = 3), and W. cibaria CMU groups (each n = 4) at low (CMU-L, $2{\times}10^7$ colony forming unit [CFU]), medium (CMU-M, $2{\times}10^8CFU$), and high (CMU-H, $2{\times}10^9CFU$) concentrations. After feeding with W. cibaria CMU for 6 weeks, total volatile sulfur compound concentrations in the CMU-L ($2.0{\pm}1.04ng/10mL$), CMU-M ($2.4{\pm}1.05ng/10mL$), and CMU-H ($2.6{\pm}1.33ng/10mL$) groups were significantly lower than in the positive control group ($3.2{\pm}1.65ng/10mL$). Also, CMU-L ($1.4{\pm}0.83ng/10mL$) and CMU-H ($1.9{\pm}1.14ng/10mL$) groups had methyl mercaptan levels lower than that in the positive control group ($2.4{\pm}1.21ng/10mL$) at week 2. The plaque index was significantly lower in the CMU-H group ($4.5{\pm}0.28$) than in the positive control group ($5.9{\pm}1.08$) at week 6. W. cibaria CMU could be useful as a novel oral hygiene probiotics for reducing volatile sulfur compounds production and inhibiting plaque growth in companion animals.

Brucellosis is one of the common zoonoses caused by Brucella abortus (B. abortus). However, little has been reported on factors affecting invasion of B. abortus into host cells. To investigate cell-type dependent invasion of B. abortus, phagocytic RAW 264.7 and THP-1 cells and non-phagocytic HeLa cells were infected with wild-type and mutant B. abortus, and their invasion efficiencies were compared. The invasion efficiencies of the strains were cell-type dependent. Wild-type B. abortus invasion efficiency was greater in phagocytic cells than in epithelial cells. The results also indicated that there are different factors involved in the invasion of B. abortus into phagocytic cells.

A 5-year-old intact female Persian cat was referred with anorexia and vomiting. Physical examination revealed icterus in the pinna, oral mucosa, and sclera. Ultrasonography revealed several findings including uniformly hyperechoic hepatic parenchyma compared to adjacent falciform fat, increased attenuation of the ultrasound beam, and poor visualization of intrahepatic vessel borders. Computed tomography revealed hypoattenuation of the hepatic parenchyma with a radiodensity value of -60 Hounsfield units. The adjacent intrahepatic vessels appeared hyperattenuated relative to the hepatic parenchyma as if the vessels were contrast-enhanced. Based on ultrasonography and computed tomography results, the cat was tentatively diagnosed as feline hepatic lipidosis.

Three aged dogs, all over 15 years old, with multiple seizure events and various neurologic signs such as head turn and ataxia were brought to the referring hospital. Two cases were tentatively diagnosed with intracranial meningioma based on magnetic resonance imaging, and one case was histopathologically confirmed as meningioma at necropsy. All dogs improved after initiation of pulsed high-dose hydroxyurea (HU) treatment. Clinical sign relapses were managed by repeating high-dose HU without obvious side effects. Pulsed high-dose HU can be applied when clinical signs are refractory to the traditionally recommended dosage for intracranial meningioma in dogs.

An 8-year-old female Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) reared in a wetland center, died 2 h after sudden onset of astasia and dyspnea despite medical treatment. Gross examination of internal organs revealed 10 adult filarioid nematodes in the right ventricle of the heart and three between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. All nematodes were identified as Dirofilaria immitis by direct microscopy and polymerase chain reaction assay. Histopathological observation revealed multifocal hemorrhage in the cerebral subarachnoid space and focal necrosis with hemorrhage in the cerebellar parenchyma. Although rare, veterinarians should consider cerebral dirofilariasis as a differential diagnosis in unexplained neurological cases.

A 6-year-old female domestic short hair cat presented with acute onset of vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, and tachypnea. The cat was apparently healthy prior to presentation without history of trauma. On diagnostic imagings, the entire stomach and spleen were detected in the thoracic cavity. An emergent celiotomy was performed, and a type-4 hiatal hernia was confirmed; the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and duodenum were herniated through the esophageal hiatus. It was corrected using phrenicoplasty, esophagopexy, and left-sided gastropexy and there was no recurrence 16 months after surgery. This is the first case report of an idiopathic type-4 hiatal hernia in a cat.

A 13-year-old spayed female Miniature Schnauzer was presented with complaints of intermittent syncope. Pericardial effusion was confirmed based on the physical examination, thoracic radiographs and echocardiography. Subsequently, prompt pericardiocentesis was performed. Clinical abnormalities were immediately improved after pericardiocentesis. However, the clinical signs associated with acute collapse recurred. After the second pericardiocentesis, thoracic radiographs revealed pleural effusion, and the clinical signs resolved rapidly. The dog underwent pleural aspiration. Analysis of pleural fluid revealed almost similar features as the previous pericardial fluid. It was possible that a pericardial-pleural fistula was created during the pericardiocentesis. The pericardial and pleural effusion disappeared after the procedures.