• Animal Bioscience
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.134-142
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• 2021

Objective: To understand the athletic characteristics of Thoroughbreds, high-throughput analysis has been conducted using horse muscle tissue. However, an in vitro system has been lacking for studying and validating genes from in silico data. The aim of this study is to validate genes from differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of our previous RNA-sequencing data in vitro. Also, we investigated the effects of exercise-induced stress including heat, oxidative, hypoxic and cortisol stress on horse skeletal muscle derived cells with the top six upregulated genes of DEGs. Methods: Enriched pathway analysis was conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) tool with upregulated genes in horse skeletal muscle tissue after exercise. Among the candidates, the top six genes were analysed through geneMANIA to investigate gene networks. Muscle cells derived from neonatal horse skeletal tissue were maintained and subjected to exercise-related stressors. Transcriptional changes in the top six genes followed by stressors were investigated using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: The inflammation response pathway was the most commonly upregulated pathway after horse exercise. Under non-cytotoxic conditions of exercise-related stressors, the transcriptional response of the top six genes was different among types of stress. Oxidative stress yielded the most similar expression pattern to DEGs. Conclusion: Our results indicate that transcriptional change after horse exercise in skeletal muscle tissue strongly relates to stress response. The qRT-PCR results showed that stressors contribute differently to the transcriptional regulation. These results would be valuable information to understand horse exercise in the stress aspect.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제19권6호
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• pp.735-743
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• 2018

We investigated the effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 ($TGF-{\beta}1$) on equine hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) gene expression and hyaluronan (HA) synthesis in culture models of articular chondrocytes. Equine chondrocytes were treated with $TGF-{\beta}1$ at different concentrations and times in monolayer cultures. In three-dimensional cultures, chondrocyte-seeded gelatin scaffolds were cultured in chondrogenic media containing 10 ng/mL of $TGF-{\beta}1$. The amounts of HA in conditioned media and in scaffolds were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. HAS2 mRNA expression was analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The uronic acid content and DNA content of the scaffolds were measured by using colorimetric and Hoechst 33258 assays, respectively. Cell proliferation was evaluated by using the alamarBlue assay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histology, and immunohistochemistry were used for microscopic analysis of the samples. The upregulation of HAS2 mRNA levels by $TGF-{\beta}1$ stimulation was dose and time dependent. $TGF-{\beta}1$ was shown to enhance HA and uronic acid content in the scaffolds. Cell proliferation and DNA content were significantly lower in $TGF-{\beta}1$ treatments. SEM and histological results revealed the formation of a cartilaginous-like extracellular matrix in the $TGF-{\beta}1$-treated scaffolds. Together, our results suggest that $TGF-{\beta}1$ has a stimulatory effect on equine chondrocytes, enhancing HA synthesis and promoting cartilage matrix generation.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제61권1호
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• pp.4.1-4.6
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• 2021

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi infection. We investigated antigen and antibody of EP in horses in the Republic of Korea during 2016-2017. Antigen and antibody of T. equi was detected 0.06% (1/1,650). Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA revealed that the T. equi was highly homologous with the strains from China, Mongolia, and Spain. Two Theileria spp. were also detected and highly homologous with T. buffeli, T. luwenshuni, and T. orientalis.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.57.1-57.11
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• 2020

Background: Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) acts as an etiological agent for lameness, neurological signs, and high mortality in pigs. Despite its importance in pig industries and zoonotic potential, little is known about the effects of this pathogen. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of SDSE strains isolated from diseased pigs. Methods: A total 11 SDSE isolates were obtained from diseased pigs. Bacterial identification, PCR for virulence genes, emm typing, and antimicrobial resistance genes, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed. Results: Nine isolates were from piglets, and 8 showed lameness, sudden death, or neurological signs. The isolates were PCR-positive for sla (100%), sagA (100%), and scpA (45.5%), and only 1 isolate amplified the emm gene (stL2764). Eight different sequence types were detected, categorized into 2 clonal complexes and 4 singletons. All the isolates in this study were included in a small cluster, which also contained other strains derived from humans and horses. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for the tested beta-lactams were low, while those for macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones were relatively high. PCR analysis of the macrolide and tetracycline resistance genes demonstrated that the isolates carried erm(B) (18.2%, n = 2), mef(A/E) (9.1%, n = 1), tet(M) (18.2%, n = 2), and tet(O) (90.2%, n = 10). Two isolates presented a mutation in parC, which is associated with fluoroquinolone resistance. Conclusion: This study provided insight into swine-derived SDSE, as it is related to veterinary medicine, and elucidated its zoonotic potential, in the context of molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance in public health.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.54.1-54.11
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• 2020

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of severe infections in humans and animals worldwide. Studies elucidating the population structure, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec types, resistance phenotypes, and virulence gene profiles of animal-associated MRSA are needed to understand spread and transmission. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine 1) clonal complexes and spa types, 2) resistance phenotypes, and 3) virulence/resistance gene profiles of MRSA isolated from animals in Switzerland. Methods: We analyzed 31 presumptive MRSA isolates collected from clinical infections in horses, dogs, cattle, sheep, and pigs, which had tested positive in the Staphaurex Latex Agglutination Test. The isolates were characterized by spa typing and DNA microarray profiling. In addition, we performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the VITEK 2 Compact system. Results: Characterization of the 31 presumptive MRSA isolates revealed 3 methicillinresistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates, which were able to grow on MRSA2 Brilliance agar. Of the 28 MRSA isolates, the majority was assigned to CC398 (86%), but CC8 (11%) and CC1 (4%) were also detected. The predominant spa type was t011 (n = 23), followed by t009 (n = 2), t034 (n = 1), t008 (n = 1), and t127 (n = 1). Conclusions: The results of this study extend the current body of knowledge on the population structure, resistance phenotypes, and virulence and resistance gene profiles of MRSA from livestock and companion animals.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제62권3호
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• pp.19.1-19.6
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• 2022

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Akabane virus (AKAV) are mosquito-borne viruses that cause encephalitis and reproductive disorders in horses and cattle, respectively. There is no treatment for JEV or AKAV infections in animals. Therefore, we evaluated the antiviral activity of 18-mer amphipathic peptides in the 1b-4/21-C series on JEV and AKAV using Vero cells in vitro and evaluated their effects on JEV in mice. Of 6 peptides, 1b-4/21-C12 had the lowest IC₅₀ of 0.313 against JEV and its use as an antiviral against JEV and AKAV was examined. The IC₅₀ of 1b-4/21-C12 against JEV and AKAV was 0.78 and 1.14 µM, respectively. Mice treated with 5 or 2 mg/kg of 1b-4/21-C12 had 32% and 16% survival rates, respectively, and the surviving mice treated with 1b-4/21-C12 began to gain weight beginning 8 days post challenge with the virulent Nakayama strain. Moreover, 20 µM 1b-4/21-C peptide had no cytotoxic effects on Vero cells. Our in vitro and in vivo results indicate that 1b-4/21-C12 has antiviral activity against enveloped JEV and AKAV and might be useful as a therapeutic substance.

• 한국엔터테인먼트산업학회논문지
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.271-277
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• 2019

장애인을 위한 치료의 수단으로서 승마에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있는데 승마는 근육, 관절, 심폐 기능 등의 신체 조건을 향상시키고, 긴장을 완화시키며, 말과 같은 큰 동물을 통해 자신감을 키워주는 운동이다. 다양한 재활승마의 치료효과는 미국의 작업치료 및 물리치료협회 등을 포함한 많은 의학 전문가들에 의해 인정받고 있다. 반면 우리나라는 구체적인 질환별 치료적 효과나 임상적인 치료에 쓰기에 과학적 토대에 관한 연구는 아직 미비한 실정이다. 본 연구는 재활과 관련된 전문인력들의 재활승마에 대한 인식도를 조사함으로써 임상으로서의 가능성을 알아보고자 하였다. 재활승마에 대한 인지도와 사용경험은 전반적으로 낮았으나 효과성의 기대감이나 재활승마의 교육이 가정될 경우 활용하고자 하는 의사는 비교적 높았다. 이러한 결과를 토대로 향후 재활승마가 임상적 치료방법으로 인정될 가능성을 확인할 수 있다.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.135-138
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• 2023

A one-month-old Thoroughbred colt presented with left hindlimb lameness grade 5/5, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners' lameness scale. The colt started showing signs of lameness two weeks earlier without being involved in an accident. A local veterinarian examined the foal; radiography revealed no significant findings under the hip joint. No improvement was noted after 15 days of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) medication. On presentation at our hospital, ultrasonography was performed, which revealed no significant findings in the iliac wings. The foal underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan under general anesthesia. CT revealed bone cysts in the following that could have caused the lameness: the left transverse process of the 5th, 6th lumbar, and the 1st sacrum vertebrae; osteophytes in the auricular surface of the ilium, suggestive of sacroiliac arthritis. The foal recovered smoothly from anesthesia with assistance. The foal was treated with NSAIDs and rested for more than six months. The owner reported that the foal showed no lameness one year later. CT revealed bony changes in the lumbosacral region that were not detected by radiography and ultrasonography, suggesting that CT could be useful for detecting abnormalities in the pelvic region of horses.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.209-214
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• 2023

A 3-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was referred to the Jeju National University Equine Hospital with prolonged unilateral nasal discharge for several months. A sinus cyst was suspected based on the history, symptoms, endoscopic findings, and radiographic results. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that the cyst (7.5 × 8.0 × 10.0 cm) was located between the rostral maxillary sinus and the frontal sinus, causing distortion and remodeling of the overlying bones, swelling of the overlying cutaneous tissues, and a slight deviation of the nasal septum. Standing surgery under sedation was decided to remove the cyst. A frontonasal bone flap was performed using an oscillating bone saw, and the cyst filled with pus was removed. To support the approach to the maxillary sinus, trephination was performed. The horse was treated with sinus lavage via catheterization, nebulization, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The horse was discharged 18 days after the surgery without signs of any complication. This case showed that a CT scan could be a valuable tool for the diagnosis and subsequent surgical management of paranasal sinus cysts in horses. Also, the frontonasal bone flap was useful for exposing and removing the large-sized of cyst in the paranasal sinus.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제35권9호
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• pp.1289-1302
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• 2022

The next generation sequencing has significantly contributed to clarify the genome structure of many species of zootechnical interest. However, to date, some portions of the genome, especially those linked to a heterogametic nature such as the Y chromosome, are difficult to assemble and many gaps are still present. It is well known that the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an excellent tool for identifying genes unequivocably mapped on chromosomes. Therefore, FISH can contribute to the localization of unplaced genome sequences, as well as to correct assembly errors generated by comparative bioinformatics. To this end, it is necessary to have starting points; therefore, in this study, we reviewed the physically mapped genes on the Y chromosome of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and alpacas. A total of 208 loci were currently mapped by FISH. 89 were located in the male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) and 119 were identified in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR). The loci reported in MSY and PAR were respectively: 18 and 25 in Bos taurus, 5 and 7 in Bubalus bubalis, 5 and 24 in Ovis aries, 5 and 19 in Capra hircus, 10 and 16 in Sus scrofa, 46 and 18 in Equus caballus. While in Vicugna pacos only 10 loci are reported in the PAR region. The correct knowledge and assembly of all genome sequences, including those of genes mapped on the Y chromosome, will help to elucidate their biological processes, as well as to discover and exploit potentially epistasis effects useful for selection breeding programs.