This review explores the potential role of androgens in human breast cancer and female canine mammary tumors. Human breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally, while female canine mammary tumors provide a natural model for the study of human breast cancer due to their similar histopathologies and molecular features. Androgen receptors, typically linked to male sex hormones, are present in up to 90% of human breast tumors. These receptors interact with estrogen-receptor signaling, suggesting their involvement in a complex mechanism in cancer progression. Androgen receptors have become key players in breast cancer biology, offering new targets for therapeutic strategies. The presence of these receptors in both human and canine tumors raises important questions about their role in the development of these malignancies. While the exact mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, research suggests that targeting androgen-receptor signaling could be a novel therapeutic approach for both humans and canines. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the implications of androgen-receptor expression and to develop more effective targeted therapies for these cancers.
Biosecurity measures in poultry farms are essential for maintaining animal health and welfare. Developing and implementing daily biosecurity protocols on farms reduce the entry of pathogenic microorganisms which can have direct impacts on the production processes. One of the most challenging zoonotic diseases to control in poultry flocks is salmonellosis. Poultry is considered an important reservoir of Salmonella, with poultry meat and eggs being the most common sources of salmonellosis infection in humans. Salmonella can be transmitted horizontally through contaminated environments and vertically from parent flocks to their offspring. Strict biosecurity protocols, together with effective immunoprophylactic measures, are an alternative for prevention and control of the disease. Salmonella is widespread globally and is particularly endemic in livestock farming regions. Its control strategies should address the entire chain, from meat production to storage, i.e. “from farm to table”. This review paper aims to provide an overview of biosecurity implementation and evaluation in poultry farming worldwide, while also exploring potential barriers and reasons for its non-implementation.
Urolithiasis is a common condition in dogs which necessitates rapid diagnosis due to the potential complications associated with the presence of uroliths. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging in the detection of urolithiasis in dogs, using cystotomy findings as the reference standard. The study also sought to identify the most appropriate imaging modality based on the results obtained. A total of 117 dogs of different breeds, ages, sexes, and body weights, all presenting with one or more clinical signs of urinary tract disease, were examined. Following a general clinical examination, all the affected animals underwent both radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging. The final diagnosis was established through surgical removal of uroliths from the urinary bladder. A total of 35.04% (41/117) of the dogs were confirmed to have urinary bladder uroliths. Radiography detected uroliths in 33 of 41 cases, whereas ultrasonography identified uroliths in 35 of 41 cases. The sensitivity of radiography and ultrasonography in detecting uroliths was 80.49% and 85.37%, respectively. Ultrasonography demonstrated superior efficacy and accuracy compared to radiography attributable to its higher diagnostic performance. Nevertheless, the combined use of both radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging is recommended for the diagnosis of canine urolithiasis, as their combined application enhances diagnostic sensitivity.
Summary: The aim of this study was to examine morphometric values of erythrocytes in donkeys and horses. While the hematological and biochemical profiles of horses and donkeys have been previously documented in literature, there are no precise morphometric data regarding erythrocytes in donkeys. Given the increasing presence of donkeys in the world, the need exists to improve knowledge about this species. Balkan donkey is a large autochthonous breed found in Serbia. Blood cell parameters such as red blood cell count (RBC), Mean Corpuscular Volume or Mean Cell Volume (MCV) are well documented in horses. However, papers examining blood morphometry in donkeys, especially erythrocyte size, are scarce. The clinical examination in this study included a total of 72 horses and donkeys. All animals were adults, located in Vojvodina, Northern Province of Serbia. Blood samples were evaluated and analyzed using ImageJ program. Following the analysis of the morphometric diameters of erythrocytes in donkeys and horses, it can be concluded that donkeys have the largest erythrocyte diameters. The precise reason for this phenomenon is still unknown.
Milk calcification within mammary acini is an uncommon histopathological finding in dairy cows, potentially affecting glandular function and milk quality. This study aimed to characterize milk calcification in udder quarters of cows removed from production. A total of 104 mammary complexes from 26 cows were examined. Ultrasonography revealed normal parenchymal appearance in all quarters, while histopathology detected calcifications in a substantial proportion of samples. Milk calcification was classified as mild, moderate or severe, ranging from small isolated deposits to massive lumen-filling mineralized masses with epithelial degeneration. Mean somatic cell count (SCC) increased with calcification severity, suggesting a link with the local inflammatory response. The findings indicate that milk calcification may remain undetected by ultrasonography, yet represents a significant pathological alteration in the mammary gland. Histopathological evaluation is essential for accurate assessment of udder health and for understanding the potential impact of mineralized deposits on milk production.
Background/Objectives: Effective melanoma prevention depends on reliable instruments capable of assessing individual risk factors, knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and preventive behaviors. However, no culturally adapted questionnaire has been available for Serbian melanoma patients. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a Serbian questionnaire designed to assess melanoma-related risk factors, knowledge, concern, attitudes, and sun-protective behavior in a clinical population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 333 melanoma patients treated at the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Serbia. The questionnaire was developed using the conceptual framework of a previously published instrument as a methodological reference and was modified and expanded for the Serbian clinical setting. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Differences between participant groups were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Correlations between questionnaire domains were assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients, while predictors of sun-protective behavior were identified using multivariable linear regression. Results: The developed questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.711 to 0.874. Participants demonstrated high levels of melanoma-related knowledge and attitudes, melanoma-related concern, and reported sun-protective behavior, whereas perceived personal melanoma risk was comparatively lower. Female participants reported significantly greater melanoma-related concern and more frequent sun-protective behavior than males (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were observed among all questionnaire domains, with the strongest associations identified between melanoma-related concern and sun-protective behavior and between knowledge and sun-protective behavior (both p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that melanoma-related concern and knowledge independently predicted adequate sun-protective behavior, explaining 61.2% of its variance. Conclusions: The developed Serbian questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory psychometric performance and represents a practical instrument for assessing melanoma-related knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behaviors in clinical settings. The findings emphasize the importance of combining knowledge with behavioral motivation and support the implementation of targeted educational interventions to improve melanoma prevention among high-risk individuals.