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Simple Summary: Dairy cows commonly suffer from two major health problems, mastitis (udder inflammation) and lameness (difficulty walking), which cause significant pain and reduce milk production. These conditions are mainly caused by bacteria; however we do not fully understand how these bacteria adapt and spread. In our work, we focused on the genetic material of four important bacterial species that cause the mentioned diseases, analyzing over 4300 bacterial samples worldwide. We found that these bacteria showed different genomic diversity patterns depending on where they originated, suggesting they adapt to local conditions. Some bacteria also showed signs of becoming resistant to common treatments, which is concerning for animal health. We found that two bacterial species, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, were much more common and varied than the others. These findings help farmers and veterinarians better understand how these diseases spread and develop. This knowledge can lead to better treatments and prevention strategies, ultimately improving cow welfare and dairy farm productivity while reducing economic losses in the dairy industry. This study presents a comprehensive genomic reanalysis of major bacterial pathogens causing bovine mastitis and lameness, focusing on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and Treponema phagedenis. Through our analysis of 4326 bacterial genomes from global databases, we identified distinct patterns in genomic diversity, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes across these species. E. coli showed the highest genomic diversity with 3779 isolates, of which 98% exhibited high-quality genome sequences. Similarly, S. aureus demonstrated significant genomic plasticity across 524 isolates, with 99.8% classified as high-quality genomes. Geographical analysis revealed distinct regional variations in strain distribution, with North America contributing 45.3% of all isolates, followed by Asia (21.2%) and Europe (18.1%). Furthermore, we identified novel virulence mechanisms and resistance patterns specific to each pathogen, with particular emphasis on the evolution of antimicrobial resistance genes. Our findings provide crucial insights into pathogen adaptation and host–microbe interactions, suggesting the need for region-specific intervention strategies. These results have significant implications for developing targeted therapeutic approaches and improving bovine health management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Bovine mastitis is the costliest disease in the dairy sector and the main cause of antibiotic use in dairy cattle, potentially contributing to the antimicrobial resistance crisis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer promise as antibiotic alternatives for controlling mastitis pathogens. Methods The efficacy of five AMPs (Lynronne-1 [Lyn-1], Lynronne-2 [Lyn-2], Bovicin HC5, AMP 660, and AMP 1043) and two bioactive compounds (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] and glycerol monolaurate) was assessed against a range of 35 mastitis-causing pathogens. The fractional inhibitory concentrations index (FICI) was calculated to determine the interaction effect and values ≤0.5 were indicative of synergism. Time-dependent killing assays were performed to assess bactericidal efficacy of the combination. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay and haemolytic activity was assessed against fresh bovine erythrocytes. Results Lyn-1 and EDTA exhibited the highest broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and reduced bacterial growth (OD600 nm) by 95.1% and 86.9%, respectively. FICI values ranged from 0.1 to 0.5, indicating synergism. The combination of lyn-1 (0.03 mg/mL) and EDTA (1.02 mg/mL) exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against all bacterial strains, at significantly lower concentrations than each compound individually. Lyn-1-EDTA combination reduced viable population by >10 000-fold within 12 h. The combination was non-haemolytic in concentrations up to 8-fold the established MIC values (P  > 0.05), although cytotoxic effects were observed at concentrations above MIC (P  < 0.01). Conclusions These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Lyn-1 and Lyn-1-EDTA for developing antibiotic-free formulations to combat contagious and environmental mastitis pathogens and treat udder infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis is the most widespread disease that causes financial loss in the dairy industry. Staphylococcus aureus is a well-researched multidrug-resistant opportunistic bacterium that is frequently linked to subclinical mastitis and causes significant economic losses. A further problem in the management of S. aureus infections is its capacity to form biofilms; bacteria inside biofilms exhibit greater resistance to antimicrobials than planktonic cells. The most effective method for controlling mastitis is antibiotic therapy. Cloxacillin (CLX), ampicillin, and ceftiofur are currently the most often utilized drying treatments for dairy cattle. We have evaluated the therapy efficiency of cloxacillin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CLX-CS NPs) as well as the relationship between biofilm production, gene profile and the type of trial group (CLX and CLX-CS NPs) against S.aureus isolated from milk samples of cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. Investigation of phenotypic biofilm production showed that majority of the S. aureus isolates extracted from milk were producers of biofilm. Cloxacillin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were able to significantly decrease the MIC (p < 0.05) and MBC values compared to cloxacillin. The relationship between the gene profile and the types of trial groups shows that coating cloxacillin with chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) was able to reduce the MIC and MBC value in all nine gene profile groups. These findings indicate that administration of cloxacillin-loaded CS-NPs in the treatment of mastitis may improve cloxacillin therapeutic properties and could act as a potential alternative to the cloxacillin antibiotic for the treatment of bovine mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is commonly found in dairy farms and can invade mammary gland tissue, often causing acute clinical mastitis. Mammary infections with E. coli have shown a wide range of clinical signs, causing abnormal appearance of the milk, udder inflammation and systemic signs of illness. Circular RNA is a class of endogenous non-coding RNA that plays an important role in the occurrence and development of various inflammatory diseases. However, there is little information on the circRNA associated with bovine mastitis. In this study investigated the involvement of circRNAs in bovine mastitis through the construction of an E. coli-infected bovine mastitis model by injecting of E. coli into the mammary gland of dairy cows, using healthy gland mammary tissue as a control (M_C). High-throughput RNA-seq was performed on the E. coli-infected mammary gland tissue (M_E) and differentially expressed circRNAs between theM_C and M_E groups, followed by an analysis of their potential functions using bioinformatics methods. A total of 164 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, including 92 downregulated circRNAs and 72 upregulated circRNAs. As shown by Gene Ontology enrichment analysis these DE circRNAs were mostly enriched in ras protein signal transduction, cytoplasmic vesicle parts, and enzyme binding, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and genome singal pathway enrichment analysis indicated significant associations with phagosome signal pathway. Additionally, the expression of bovine mastitis-related circRNAs, including novel_circRNA_0000128, novel_circRNA_0011103, novel_circRNA_0012656, novel_circRNA_0015099, novel_circRNA_005648, novel_circRNA_000074, and novel_circRNA_0011796 were verified via quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). These results provide a new direction for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying bovine mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tight junctions (TJs) are the key determinant of barrier function in the mammary gland, with their disruption being associated with the pathogenesis and progression of mastitis, especially in the case of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection. This study investigated whether selenium (Se) could attenuate S. aureus-induced mastitis by inhibiting inflammation and protecting mammary gland TJs in mice. The expression profiles of S. aureus-infected gland tissues derived from the gene expression omnibus dataset were analyzed. We found cytokine production, cell junctions, the nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway, and inflammatory responses associated with the differentially expressed genes, as revealed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Se reduced the mRNA expression and production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and decreased phosphorylation levels of the NF-κB complex. Moreover, Se alleviated structural damage and microvillus injury in mammary glands. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that Se increased the expression of Claudin-3; Western blot analysis revealed increased protein levels of Occludin and Tricellulin in the group supplemented with dietary Se. In summary, Se counteracted TJ disruption and attenuated NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses in S. aureus-infected mouse mammary glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis, an inflammatory condition affecting more than 25% of breastfeeding women, is usually associated with reduced milk secretion, pain, and discomfort, which often leads to early cessation of breastfeeding. Although the etiology of mastitis is multifactorial, a pro-inflammatory state of the mammary gland might be a risk factor. However, changes in milk composition, and specifically in the milk immune profile, prior to and during mastitis have not been well described. To help close this research gap, we documented the immune profiles of milk produced by both breasts of 10 women experiencing clinical (CM) and 8 women experiencing subclinical (SCM) mastitis during the week of sign/symptom development as well as the week prior and compared them with milk produced by 14 healthy controls. CM was defined as having signs/symptoms of mastitis, whereas SCM was presumed if the participant did not have signs/symptoms of CM, but her milk had a somatic cell count >400,000 cell/mL and/or sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio >1.0. Concentration of 36 immune factors (including immunoglobulins, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors) was quantified via immunoassays. Milk produced by women who developed CM had distinct immune profiles the week prior to diagnosis, particularly elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and regulatory cytokines IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10. In contrast, immune profiles in milk produced by women with SCM did not differ from that produced by healthy women or those with CM the week prior to mastitis onset. Once mastitis appeared, marked changes in milk's immune profile were observed in both CM and SCM groups. CM was characterized by elevated concentrations of 27 compounds, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1ra, and TNFα) and chemokines (including IL-8, eotaxin, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP1α, and MIP1β), compared to healthy controls. Milk's immune profile during SCM was intermediate, showing higher levels of IL-6, IFNγ, and MCP-1 compared to healthy controls, suggesting a milder, more controlled immune response compared to CM. Only milk produced by the mastitis-affected breast had altered immune profiles. Further research is needed to determine if these differences in milk's immune profiles can be used to improve mastitis risk prediction prior to onset of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of bovine mastitis-causing pathogens is necessary for treatment. As culturing methods are time-consuming, a more rapid detection technique is required. This study investigated the sensitivity, specificity, and detection limit of Gram staining of milk precipitates (milk Gram stain, MGS) to detect bovine mastitis-causing pathogens in milk, as well as the potential of MGS to diagnose inflammation by counting polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). MGS was performed on spontaneous mastitis cases. Culture methods were also used as reference standards to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and bacterial load in milk to determine the detection limit of MGS. PMN in the mastitic milk were counted using Gram staining. Further, somatic cell counts (SCC), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10 and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in mastitic milk were measured using cell counting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The sensitivity and specificity for all pathogens were 0.62 and 0.90, for Gram-positive were 0.67 and 0.90, and for Gram-negative were 0.50 and 1.00, respectively. The detection limits for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were 1,560 and 4,680 cfu/mL, respectively. SCC were significantly positively correlated with PMN, milk IL-6, TNF-α, and SAA concentrations, whereas PMN were significantly negatively correlated with milk IL-10 concentration. Our results suggest that MGS may be applied as a rapid method to identify causal pathogens of mastitis before culture results are determined and may also estimate inflammatory status which cannot be detected with SCC. Further clinical trials are required to elucidate whether MGS is useful in clinical veterinary settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Prepartum vaccinations of cows are performed to boost colostral antibodies available to calves in the first weeks of life. While beneficial effects of the vaccine for calves are well known, less has been investigated on its effects on the cow during the sensitive period around calving. There is evidence that vaccines have non-specific effects, including altered susceptibility to infectious diseases other than the targeted pathogens and involve the innate immune response of the vaccinated animal. Therefore, this study analyzed data from 73,378 cows on 20 farms in Germany to evaluate the effects of prepartum vaccination against neonatal calf diarrhea on mastitis, somatic cell count, and milk production. The results demonstrated that herd management had the highest influence, while prepartum vaccination had no significant impact on mammary health and milk yield. These findings suggest that prepartum vaccination does not compromise mammary health or milk productivity. Further research is recommended to explore non-specific vaccine effects on other organ systems, diseases, and production metrics in dairy cows. Prepartum vaccinations against neonatal calf diarrhea pathogens are administered in late pregnancy to provide passive immunity to calves through protective colostral antibodies. Potential non-specific effects of the vaccine on maternal innate immune responses and disease susceptibility during the sensitive transition period have not been addressed so far. In this retrospective study, data from 73,378 dairy cows on 20 farms in Germany were analyzed, using linear mixed-effects regression, quantile regression, and decision-tree-algorithms, to investigate the effects of prepartum vaccination on mammary health and milk yield by comparing non-vaccinated and vaccinated transition periods. Herd management-related factors were found to be most influential for mammary health and milk yield. Vaccinated cows were not significantly more likely to develop mastitis and did not have significantly different somatic cell counts and milk yields compared to non-vaccinated cows. Healthy primiparous cows with and without vaccination had similar energy-corrected milk yields. The study concludes that prepartum vaccination against calf diarrhea has no significant effects on mammary health and milk yield. Further research is recommended to investigate potential non-specific vaccine effects on other organ systems, infectious diseases, and production metrics of the dairy cow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the last decade, buffalo farming has been attracting the interest of the research communities because of its high resilience in the current climate change context. Over their lifetime, animals face a range of infectious and non-infectious stressors on which successful recovery of their optimal performance may depend on different psychological conditions. Enabling both innate and adaptive immune responses, through the secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, plays a key role in the onset or progression of disease. This review describes the complex immune competence of the buffalo in the presence of the most prevalent infectious stressors, including mastitis, endometritis, and non-infectious stressors such as climate change-induced heat stress. Immune competence is a critical aspect of protecting animals from the negative consequences of disease. The activation of the immune response from inflammation is part of adaptive homeostasis that serves to eliminate danger, induce tissue repair, and restore tissue homeostasis. Therefore, the main goal for the organism is to control both the induction and suppression of inflammation and resist the onset of disease. In this condition, modulators of inflammatory responses are produced, including small proteins called cytokines, which exert a pro- or anti-inflammatory action in a context-dependent manner. Indeed, the cytokine profile could be considered a useful biomarker to determine the pathophysiology of certain diseases, such as mastitis, endometritis, change-induced heat stress, and zoonoses. Recently, buffalo breeding has attracted the interest of the research communities due to their high resilience; however, little is known about the immune mechanism activated under specific stressors. This review describes the complex immune competence of the buffalo in the presence of the most common infectious and non-infectious stressors. In addition, a brief description of methods for early diagnosis of disease using cytokine quantification will be introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Non-puerperal mastitis (NPM) is an inflammatory breast disease affecting women during non-lactation periods, and it is prone to relapse after being cured. Accurate prediction of its recurrence is crucial for personalized adjuvant therapy, and pathological examination is the primary basis for the classification, diagnosis, and confirmation of non-puerperal mastitis. Currently, there is a lack of recurrence models for non-puerperal mastitis. The aim of this research is to create and validate a recurrence model using machine learning for patients with non-puerperal mastitis. Methods: We retrospectively collected laboratory data from 120 NPM patients, dividing them into a non-recurrence group (n = 59) and a recurrence group (n = 61). Through random allocation, these individuals were split into a training cohort and a testing cohort in a 90%:10% ratio for the purpose of building the model. Additionally, data from 25 NPM patients from another center were collected to serve as an external validation cohort for the model. Univariate analysis was used to examine differential indicators, and variable selection was conducted through LASSO regression. A combination of four machine learning algorithms (XGBoost、Logistic Regression、Random Forest、AdaBoost) was employed to predict NPM recurrence, and the model with the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) in the test set was selected as the best model. The finally selected model was interpreted and evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, Decision curve analysis (DCA), and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) plots. Results: The logistic regression model emerged as the optimal model for predicting recurrence of NPM with machine learning, primarily utilizing three variables: FIB, bacterial infection, and CD4+ T cell count. The model showed an AUC of 0.846 in the training cohort and 0.833 in the testing cohort. The calibration curve indicated excellent calibration of the model. DCA revealed that the model possessed favorable clinical utility. Furthermore, the model effectively achieved in the external validation group, with an AUC of 0.825. Conclusion: The machine learning model developed in this study, serving as an effective tool for predicting NPM recurrence, aids doctors in making more individualized treatment decisions, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing the risk of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis is a considerable challenge within the dairy industry, causing significant financial losses and threatening public health. The increased occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has provoked difficulties in managing bovine mastitis. Bacteriophage therapy presents a novel treatment strategy to combat MRSA infections, emerging as a possible substitute for antibiotics. This study evaluated the therapeutic potency of a novel bacteriophage cocktail against MRSA mastitis. Two new bacteriophages (vB_SauR_SW21 and vB_SauR_SW25) with potent lytic activity against MRSA were isolated and characterized. The one-step growth curve displayed a rapid latent period (20–35 min) and substantial burst size (418 and 316 PFU/ cell). In silico analyses have confirmed the absence of antimicrobial resistance or virulence factor-encoding genes within their genomes. According to the results, combining these phages augmented their host range and virulence. The phage cocktail significantly reduced bacterial burden in a BALB/c mastitis model, demonstrating efficacy comparable to antibiotic treatment. Moreover, its administration led to decreased concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α compared to the negative control group. The bacteriophage cocktail (SW21-SW25) exhibits a promising profile for therapeutic applications and may represent a novel substitute to antibiotics for managing MRSA bovine mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research on the expression and characterization of exosomal miRNAs in buffalo milk, particularly in the context of healthy, sub-clinical mastitis and pasteurized milk, is a novel contribution to the field. We are the first to investigate the expressions of miRNAs and the characterization of exosomes in boiled and pasteurized milk. This study is based on clinical signs and CMT, where twenty buffalo milk samples were divided into normal and sub-clinical mastitis and a third group of ten commercial pasteurized milk. The SCC differed significantly (p < 0.001) in all the groups before boiling. The data analysis demonstrated elevated differential expression of miR-148a and miR-186 in sub-clinical mastitis and pasteurized milk compared to normal milk before and after boiling. The positive correlation between SCC and miR-148a and miR-186 expression indicates their potential as robust biomarkers for sub-clinical mastitis in buffaloes. The miR-148a and miR-186, known to play roles in various diseases like cancer, can withstand commercial pasteurization and boiling, raising the intriguing possibility of transferring through milk exosomes. This finding underscores the need for clean milk production and the importance of understanding the mechanisms of miRNA transfer between species, which is crucial for the future of animal health and milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous microbiological investigations have demonstrated a significant correlation between Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii complex (CKC) infection and mastitis. Recent studies have confirmed the existence of the CKC, with Corynebacterium parakroppenstedtii (C. parakroppenstedtii) identified as the primary infectious agent. Examining the incidence of CKC in cases of severe non-lactational mastitis, alongside the clinical characteristics of infected patients, as well as evaluating the drug sensitivity testing protocols for CKC, can provide a more robust foundation for the diagnosis and treatment of CKC infections. Methods: Data regarding the diagnosis and treatment of non-nursing patients with severe mastitis who underwent surgical intervention were extracted from the hospital's electronic medical record system. Additionally, drug susceptibility tests were conducted on 15 strains of CKC isolated from mammary abscesses as well as DSM 44385 model strains. The effects of β-NAD and Tween80 (TW80) on the antibiotic susceptibility test by AGAR dilution and micro broth dilution were analyzed. Results: In this study, C. parakroppenstedtii accounted for 80% (12/15) of the isolates, while Corynebacterium pseudokroppenstedtii made up 13.3% (2/15), and Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii was identified in only 6.7% (1/15) of the cases. There were significant differences in age at first delivery (p < 0.001), prolactin (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.05), WBC (p < 0.05), and NEUT (p < 0.05) between CKC positive group and CKC negative group. In the AGAR dilution test, the addition of β-NAD only caused acceptable differences in penicillin G and ciprofloxacin but did not affect 12 antibiotics. There are 14 drugs with good coincidence rates (92.9%) in the micro broth dilution method and agar dilution method without the addition of β-NAD. The addition of 0.05% (v/v) TW80 resulted in all strains being resistant to penicillin G. Daptomycin is not suitable for the micro broth dilution method. Conclusion: Elderly primiparas with high prolactin levels have a higher risk of CKC infection. The micro broth dilution method is not applicable for EUCAST drug susceptibility testing for CKC and there is no suitable drug susceptibility evaluation procedure for daptomycin against CKC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the utilization of diagnostic tools such as the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and milk pH and colour assessments for detecting subclinical mastitis (SCM). Method: A total of 60 milk samples were collected from 60 apparently healthy local dairy cows in Dhamar City, Yemen, to investigate the incidence of SCM. The samples were subjected to California Mastitis Test (CMT) as well as tests for pH and colour. Results: According to CMT results, 45 % of the cows had SCM. The rate of prevalence in (+), (++) and (+++) CMT results was 17 (28 %), 7 (12 %) and 3 (5 %), respectively. In terms of milk pH, 27 (45 %) of the samples had a pH between 6.6 and 6.8, indicating no signs of SCM. However, 20 (33 %) of the samples exhibited a pH < 6.6, reflecting increased acidity, while 13 (22 %) had a pH > 6.8, indicating alkaline milk, a marker of severe inflammation and tissue damage. The assessment of milk colour showed that 34 (57 %) of the samples had normal white milk, indicating no mastitis, while 17 (28 %) were yellow, suggesting mild to moderate inflammation or infection. Finally, 9 (15 %) of the samples were pink, indicating the presence of blood and severe inflammation with udder damage. Conclusion: These findings underscore the reliability of CMT, pH and milk colour assessments as effective diagnostic tools for detecting SCM in dairy cows, thus providing valuable insights for early intervention and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Bovine mastitis, an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland, is a critical economic issue in the dairy industry. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to mastitis-causing pathogens poses a significant threat to dairy operations in Thailand and Cambodia. This study investigates the AMR of mastitis pathogens in Thailand and Cambodia. It focuses on detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci by identifying the presence of mecA, vanA, and vanB genes in bacterial isolates. Materials and Methods: A total of 65 bacterial isolates (55 S. aureus from Thailand and 10 Enterococcus faecium from Thailand and Cambodia) were analyzed. Disk diffusion tests were conducted for antibiotic susceptibility, and polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect AMR genes. Results: S. aureus isolates showed resistance to penicillin (21.8%), tetracycline (9.1%), and gentamycin (7.3%). Three isolates were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR), resistant to tetracycline, gentamycin, and penicillin. E. faecium isolates exhibited high resistance to tetracycline (100%) and penicillin (90%), with 60% classified as MDR. Phenotypic analysis identified VRSA in 11% of S. aureus isolates. However, mecA, vanA, and vanB genes were not detected in any isolate. Conclusion: Mastitis pathogens in this study pose significant AMR challenges, especially with MDR S. aureus and E. faecium, and phenotypically VRSA without the vanA gene. The findings highlight the need for judicious antibiotic use in dairy farms and further studies with broader sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mastitis is a common and costly disease in dairy cows, affecting milk production and animal welfare. It also increases the environmental impact of dairy farming by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to evaluate how different farm management practices affect the risk of mastitis and improve both milk production and environmental sustainability. This study presents a model for the evaluation of the impact of mastitis risk factors on dairy productivity and Global Warming Potential under diverse management scenarios. The model considers a range of factors, including bedding materials, milking systems, health surveillance, and overcrowding. The models estimate that the use of sand bedding and continuous health checks significantly reduced the incidence of mastitis and increased milk yield, thus reducing the environmental footprint of the farm. On the other hand, overcrowding and poor hygiene in resting areas increased both the risk of mastitis and the environmental impact. This research highlights the importance of good farm management practices to improve cow health, increase productivity, and reduce environmental impact. These findings can help farmers adopt more sustainable practices while maintaining or increasing milk production, benefiting both the industry and the environment. Mastitis represents a significant challenge for dairy farming, resulting in economic losses and environmental impacts. This study assesses a model for the evaluation of the impact of mastitis on dairy productivity and Global Warming Potential (GWP) under diverse management scenarios. The model considers a range of factors, including bedding materials, milking systems, health surveillance, and overcrowding. The results of the simulation demonstrate that effective management, encompassing the utilization of sand bedding, and the presence of an annual herd health monitoring plan have the potential to reduce the prevalence of mastitis and enhance milk yield by up to 10% in milking parlors and 7% in automatic milking systems. At the herd level, the GWP ranged from 1.37 to 1.78 kg CO2eq/kg Fat- and Protein-Corrected Milk (FPCM), with the use of sand bedding resulting in a 14% reduction in GWP, while the utilization of non-composted manure-based materials led to an increase of 12%. The occurrence of overcrowding and a lack of adequate cleanliness in resting areas were found to have a markedly detrimental impact on both productivity and the environmental performance of cows. These findings illustrate the dual benefits of enhanced mastitis management, namely improved milk production and reduced environmental impact. They offer valuable insights for farmers and policymakers alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare, benign, but chronic and recurrent inflammatory breast disease that significantly impacts physical and psychological well-being. It often presents symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discharge, leading to diagnostic confusion with malignancy. The etiology of GM remains unclear, though autoimmune and multifactorial components are suspected. This study aimed to explore the genetic underpinnings of GM using whole-exome sequencing (WES) on 22 GM patients and 52 healthy controls to identify single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) potentially linked to the disease. WES analysis revealed novel SNVs in six genes: BRCA2 (rs169547), CFTR (rs4727853), NCF1 (rs10614), PTPN22 (rs2476601), HLA-DRB1 (seven variants), and C3 (rs406514). Notably, most of these variants are associated with immune regulation and inflammatory pathways, supporting the hypothesis that GM is an autoimmune disease. However, all identified variants were classified as benign according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, necessitating further investigation into their potential functional effects. Despite conducting CNV analysis, no significant variations were identified. This study represents a foundational step in linking genetic predisposition to GM and highlights the need for integrating genetic, clinical, and functional data to better understand GM's pathophysiology. Future research should focus on larger cohorts, functional studies, and exploring multifactorial contributors to GM, including hormonal and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To differentiate inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) from mastitis in Asian women presenting with symptoms of inflammation. Methods: Between January 2012 and June 2024, 101 Asian women with symptoms of inflammation underwent breast ultrasound (US). Clinical and demographic data were extracted from patients' medical records. US analysis assessed lesion bilaterality, location, type, size, internal changes, and lymph node status. Patients with suspicious findings had US-guided biopsies, and pathology reports were reviewed for tumor histology and immunohistochemical markers. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios. Results: Of the 101 participants, 14 (13.9%) were diagnosed with IBC and 87 (86.1%) were diagnosed with mastitis. Patients with IBC were significantly older (46.4 vs. 38.4 years, p = 0.020) and showed a higher prevalence of postmenopausal status (57.1% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.0001). These patients experienced a longer symptom onset duration (37.7 vs. 12.7 days, p = 0.002) and more frequent localized symptoms like swelling (50.0% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.004). US findings showed that 21.4% of IBC lesions involved the entire breast, compared to only 1.1% in patients with mastitis (p = 0.001). Biopsy results revealed that invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common malignancy (78.6%). Logistic regression identified symptom onset duration (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.07, p = 0.014) and swelling (adjusted OR 15.24, p = 0.016) as significant predictors of IBC. Conclusion: In Asian women, age, menopausal status, symptom onset duration, and swelling are effective in differentiating IBC from mastitis. Logistic regression confirmed that symptom onset duration and swelling are significant predictors of IBC, with US findings indicating larger lesion sizes and more frequent whole-breast involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to screen traditional Chinese medication and compound medicines with bacteriostatic effects against the environmental causative agent of mastitis in dairy cows, Escherichia coli O157∶H7 strain. Aqueous extracts of 30 traditional Chinese medication, including Prunus mume and Cornus officinalis, were prepared by the two-decoction method and concentrated at 1 g/mL. The Oxford cup method was used to determine the size of the inhibition zone in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of effective traditional Chinese medication were determined by the tube double dilution method. The traditional Chinese medication with better antibacterial effect was selected to compose different proportions of the double compound, and the inhibition zone size, MIC, and MBC of the double compound against E. coli were measured. The results showed that E. coli was extremely sensitive to Prunus mume and Cornus officinalis, and their antibacterial and bactericidal effects were stronger than those of other traditional Chinese medication, with MIC of 15.63 mg/mL and MBC of 31.25 mg/mL. Among the compounds of traditional Chinese medication, Cornus officinalis + Prunus mume (2∶1) and Cornus officinalis + Crataegus pinnatifida (2∶1) had the strongest antibacterial and bactericidal effects, with MIC and MBC of 15.63 mg/mL and 31.25 mg/mL, respectively. The results showed that Prunus mume, Cornus officinalis, Cornus officinalis combined with Prunus mume (2∶1), and Cornus officinalis combined with Crataegus pinnati⁃ fida (2∶1) have good antibacterial and bactericidal effects on bovine E. coli O157∶H7 strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]