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Prof. Micaela Sgorbini
Department of veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Equine Internal medicine
0 Equine respiratory diseases
0 equine neonatology
0 donkey medicine
0 SIRS Biomarker

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Equine Internal medicine

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Short Biography

I works an associate professor at the Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Pisa. My clinical activities are mainly focused on equine internal medicine and neonatology. I am author/co-author of 80 papers attended many courses, seminars, congresses, both as speaker. I joined the Editorial Board of the Journal of equine Veterinary Sciences and the Journal of Animal Science and Research. I am the Head of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital till September 2018. I have to children.

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Journal article
Published: 06 July 2021 in Animals
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Colic horses show systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) clinical signs. Procalcitonin (PCT) showed increased circulating levels in sick horses. This study compares plasma PCT concentrations in healthy vs. SIRS negative/positive colic horses over time, and evaluates PCT and SIRS score potential correlation, to verify the usefulness of PCT for the evaluation of SIRS severity. Ninety-one horses were included; 43/91 were healthy, on basis of physical examination, blood work and SIRS score (score = 0), while 48/91 were sick colic horses, classified as SIRS-negative (score < 2) and positive (score ≥ 2). Moreover, a 0–6 point-scale SIRS score was calculated (assessing mucous membrane color and blood lactate concentration). PCT was evaluated at admission, and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, using a commercial kit for equine species. We verified by the ANOVA test PCT differences between healthy vs. colic horses, healthy vs. SIRS-negative or SIRS-positive colic horses, at all sampling times, and the correlation between the SIRS score at admission with the SIRS score. Statistically significant differences were detected between healthy vs. all colic horses and between healthy vs. SIRS-positive or negative horses at all sampling times. No correlation was observed between the SIRS score at admission and PCT values. PCT was statistically higher in colic horses compared to the healthy ones, suggesting a role as a biomarker for colic.

ACS Style

Irene Nocera; Francesca Bonelli; Valentina Vitale; Valentina Meucci; Giuseppe Conte; Eduard Jose-Cunilleras; Luis Gracia-Calvo; Micaela Sgorbini. Evaluation of Plasmatic Procalcitonin in Healthy, and in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) Negative or Positive Colic Horses. Animals 2021, 11, 2015 .

AMA Style

Irene Nocera, Francesca Bonelli, Valentina Vitale, Valentina Meucci, Giuseppe Conte, Eduard Jose-Cunilleras, Luis Gracia-Calvo, Micaela Sgorbini. Evaluation of Plasmatic Procalcitonin in Healthy, and in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) Negative or Positive Colic Horses. Animals. 2021; 11 (7):2015.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Irene Nocera; Francesca Bonelli; Valentina Vitale; Valentina Meucci; Giuseppe Conte; Eduard Jose-Cunilleras; Luis Gracia-Calvo; Micaela Sgorbini. 2021. "Evaluation of Plasmatic Procalcitonin in Healthy, and in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) Negative or Positive Colic Horses." Animals 11, no. 7: 2015.

Journal article
Published: 22 June 2021 in Animals
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Body measurements could be used to estimate body weight (BW) with no need for a scale. The aim was to estimate heifers weight based on their body dimension characteristics. Twenty-five Holstein heifers represent the study group (SG); another 13 animals were evaluated as a validation group (VG). All the heifers were weighed (BW) and their wither height (WH), shin circumference (SC), heart girth circumference (HG), body length (BL), hip width (HW) and body condition score (BCS) were measured immediately after birth, and then weekly until 2 months and monthly until 15 months old. Equations were built with a stepwise regression in order to estimate the BW at each time using body measures for the SG. A linear regression was applied to evaluate the relationship between the estimated BW and the real BW. Equations found were to be statistically significant (r2 = 0.688 to 0.894; p< 0.0001). Three variables or fewer were needed for BW estimation a total of 11/23 times. Regression analysis indicated that the use of HG was promising in all the equations built for BW estimation. These models were feasible in the field; further studies will evaluate possible modifications to our equations based on different growing rate targets.

ACS Style

Luca Turini; Giuseppe Conte; Francesca Bonelli; Alessio Madrigali; Brenno Marani; Micaela Sgorbini; Marcello Mele. Designing Statistical Models for Holstein Rearing Heifers’ Weight Estimation from Birth to 15 Months Old Using Body Measurements. Animals 2021, 11, 1846 .

AMA Style

Luca Turini, Giuseppe Conte, Francesca Bonelli, Alessio Madrigali, Brenno Marani, Micaela Sgorbini, Marcello Mele. Designing Statistical Models for Holstein Rearing Heifers’ Weight Estimation from Birth to 15 Months Old Using Body Measurements. Animals. 2021; 11 (7):1846.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luca Turini; Giuseppe Conte; Francesca Bonelli; Alessio Madrigali; Brenno Marani; Micaela Sgorbini; Marcello Mele. 2021. "Designing Statistical Models for Holstein Rearing Heifers’ Weight Estimation from Birth to 15 Months Old Using Body Measurements." Animals 11, no. 7: 1846.

Journal article
Published: 02 June 2021 in Animals
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The umbilicus is a potential access-point for pathogens in equine foal, causing umbilical infections and potentially life-threating illness. Early diagnosis based on ultrasonographic appearance and measurement is crucial to avoid severe complications and promptly implement appropriate therapy. This study ultrasonographically evaluates the umbilical remnants of donkey foals, in the first week of life. Fifteen healthy donkey foals were included in the study. The umbilical vein, arteries and urachus ultrasounds were performed at 24 h, 3 and 7 days of life, using a portable ultrasound machine and a 5–7.5 MHz multifrequency linear probe. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn’s multiple comparisons test were applied to verify differences in relation to time for all the umbilical remnants measured. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. No statistical differences were observed in relation to time regarding umbilical remnant measurements. A correlation was found between body weight and the left artery at T0. The regression of the umbilical remnant during the first week of life was slower compared with what was reported in equine foals but was comparable with the results on calves. Thus, the different regression timing needs be considered when evaluating donkey foals with umbilical remnant diseases within the first week of life.

ACS Style

Valentina Vitale; Irene Nocera; Micaela Sgorbini; Benedetta Aliboni; Fulvio Laus; Aurora Mannini; Marilena Bazzano. Ultrasonography Evaluation of Umbilical Structures in Clinically Healthy Donkey Foals during the First Week of Life. Animals 2021, 11, 1650 .

AMA Style

Valentina Vitale, Irene Nocera, Micaela Sgorbini, Benedetta Aliboni, Fulvio Laus, Aurora Mannini, Marilena Bazzano. Ultrasonography Evaluation of Umbilical Structures in Clinically Healthy Donkey Foals during the First Week of Life. Animals. 2021; 11 (6):1650.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Valentina Vitale; Irene Nocera; Micaela Sgorbini; Benedetta Aliboni; Fulvio Laus; Aurora Mannini; Marilena Bazzano. 2021. "Ultrasonography Evaluation of Umbilical Structures in Clinically Healthy Donkey Foals during the First Week of Life." Animals 11, no. 6: 1650.

Journal article
Published: 15 February 2021 in Animals
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The aims of the present study were to evaluate the correlation between IgG Serum Radial Immunodiffusion (SRID), Electrophoresis Gamma Globulins (EGG), Electrophoresis Total Protein (ETP) and the serum total protein (TP) analyzed by refractometry and by a dry chemistry analyzer (Biuret) and to estimate serum IgG concentrations using serum TP. A total of 36 samples collected at four different times (birth, 6, 12, 24 hours after birth) from nine Amiata donkey foals were evaluated with SRID, EGG, ETP, serum TP Biuret and refractometry. SRID IgG concentration increased significantly over time until T12. Serum TP analyzed with refractometry, electrophoresis and Biuret showed a statistically significant difference between T0 and T6 vs T12 and T24. A good or strong correlation was found between different tests performed. Equations to quantify serum IgG were created and can be used for estimating the donkey foals’ serum IgG in the first day of life. Serum TP refractometry showed a high correlation with SRID IgG (0.91) which may be a particularly useful and economic instrument to estimate the transfer of immunity in donkey foals during the first day of life. Further studies evaluating a high number of animals are needed in order to set specific cut-off values.

ACS Style

Luca Turini; Francesca Bonelli; Irene Nocera; Valentina Meucci; Giuseppe Conte; Micaela Sgorbini. Evaluation of Different Methods to Estimate the Transfer of Immunity in Donkey Foals Fed with Colostrum of Good IgG Quality: A Preliminary Study. Animals 2021, 11, 507 .

AMA Style

Luca Turini, Francesca Bonelli, Irene Nocera, Valentina Meucci, Giuseppe Conte, Micaela Sgorbini. Evaluation of Different Methods to Estimate the Transfer of Immunity in Donkey Foals Fed with Colostrum of Good IgG Quality: A Preliminary Study. Animals. 2021; 11 (2):507.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luca Turini; Francesca Bonelli; Irene Nocera; Valentina Meucci; Giuseppe Conte; Micaela Sgorbini. 2021. "Evaluation of Different Methods to Estimate the Transfer of Immunity in Donkey Foals Fed with Colostrum of Good IgG Quality: A Preliminary Study." Animals 11, no. 2: 507.

Papers
Published: 01 January 2021 in Italian Journal of Animal Science
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We evaluated the preventive effects of the oral administration of chestnut tannins (Castanea sativa) together with its potential metabolic effect on calf diarrhoea. Forty Italian Friesian female calves were included and divided into Group C (control group) and Group T (tannin-treated group). From the third day of life (T0) for the following 56 days (T56), calves from Group C received 2 L of warm water, while 10 g of chestnut tannin powder extract were added to Group T. Calves were weighed at birth and at T56. Daily faecal score evaluation was performed according to the literature. The age at diarrhoea onset (TDE) and the duration of the diarrhoeic episode were recorded. Blood methaemoglobin and liver enzymes were evaluated weekly starting from T0 to T56 by spectrophotometer and clinical chemistry analysis, respectively. The t-Student and chi-square tests were performed. The TDE was higher (p = .04) in Group T than in Group C (12.0 ± 8.2 and 7.7 ± 3.8 days, respectively). There were no differences for ADG between the groups. Group C spent 24.4% of the whole period with diarrhoea, whereas Group T experienced diarrhoea for 18.9% of the period (p = .001). All the blood and serum analytes were within physiological values. The administration of tannins in calves from the third day of life seemed to delay the onset of diarrhoea by almost four days, suggesting effective preventive action of chestnut tannins.

ACS Style

Francesca Bonelli; Luca Turini; Aurora Paganelli; Giuseppe Conte; Valentina Meucci; Micaela Sgorbini; Arianna Buccioni; Marcello Mele. Evaluation of oral administration of chestnut tannins in preventing calf diarrhoea. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2021, 20, 640 -649.

AMA Style

Francesca Bonelli, Luca Turini, Aurora Paganelli, Giuseppe Conte, Valentina Meucci, Micaela Sgorbini, Arianna Buccioni, Marcello Mele. Evaluation of oral administration of chestnut tannins in preventing calf diarrhoea. Italian Journal of Animal Science. 2021; 20 (1):640-649.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Bonelli; Luca Turini; Aurora Paganelli; Giuseppe Conte; Valentina Meucci; Micaela Sgorbini; Arianna Buccioni; Marcello Mele. 2021. "Evaluation of oral administration of chestnut tannins in preventing calf diarrhoea." Italian Journal of Animal Science 20, no. 1: 640-649.

Journal article
Published: 10 November 2020 in Animals
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We evaluated the udder cistern (UC) size during the dry period using ultrasound. Forty healthy quarters were evaluated in both the longitudinal and cross-section of the UC. Quarters were evaluated at the drying-off (T0) and 24 h later (T1), then regularly until the end of the dry period (T7–T58), during the colostrum production phase (TCPP) and at 7 days in milking (T7PP). The Spearman test was applied to find the correlation between the ultrasonographic UC size (UUCS) assessment and time. The Friedman test and Dunn’s test for multiple comparisons as a post-hoc test were performed to compare the forequarter and hindquarter cross-sections (FQCSs and HQCSs, respectively) and the forequarter and hindquarter longitudinal sections (FQLSs and HQLSs, respectively) at T0 vs. T58 vs. TCPP vs. T7PP. A total of 440 images were evaluated. A negative linear correlation between time and FQCS and FQLS (r = −0.95; p < 0.0004) and between time and HQCS and HQLS (r = −0.90; p < 0.002) was found. The UUCS decreased throughout the dry period, starting to increase at the beginning of the next lactation. Measuring the UUCS provides useful information for monitoring the dry period.

ACS Style

Francesca Bonelli; Chiara Orsetti; Luca Turini; Valentina Meucci; Alessio Pierattini; Micaela Sgorbini; Simonetta Citi. Mammary Cistern Size during the Dry Period in Healthy Dairy Cows: A Preliminary Study for an Ultrasonographic Evaluation. Animals 2020, 10, 2082 .

AMA Style

Francesca Bonelli, Chiara Orsetti, Luca Turini, Valentina Meucci, Alessio Pierattini, Micaela Sgorbini, Simonetta Citi. Mammary Cistern Size during the Dry Period in Healthy Dairy Cows: A Preliminary Study for an Ultrasonographic Evaluation. Animals. 2020; 10 (11):2082.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Bonelli; Chiara Orsetti; Luca Turini; Valentina Meucci; Alessio Pierattini; Micaela Sgorbini; Simonetta Citi. 2020. "Mammary Cistern Size during the Dry Period in Healthy Dairy Cows: A Preliminary Study for an Ultrasonographic Evaluation." Animals 10, no. 11: 2082.

Journal article
Published: 04 November 2020 in BMC Veterinary Research
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Background Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is an antioxidant enzyme, whose activity decreases during the acute phase response in many species. Little is known about PON-1 and its role as a negative acute phase protein during septic inflammation in horses, but promising findings about its utility in diagnosing SIRS and predicting the outcome in diseased horses, were recently highlighted. The objective of the study was to investigate the behaviour of PON-1 in horses after experimentally induced endotoxemia. To this aim, PON-1 activity was measured on 66 plasma samples collected from six clinically healthy mares, previously included in another study, before and at multiple time points between 12 and 240 h after intravenous infusion of Escherichia coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results Compared with baseline values, a progressive transient decrease of PON-1 activity was observed starting from 24 h post-infusion, with lowest values observed between 3 to 7 days post-infusion, followed by a normalisation to pre-infusion levels the tenth day. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that measurement and monitoring of PON-1 activity might be useful to evaluate progression and recovery from endotoxemia in horses. Further studies in horses with naturally occurring sepsis are warranted.

ACS Style

Donatella Scavone; Micaela Sgorbini; Alexandre S. Borges; José P. Oliveira-Filho; Valentina Vitale; Saverio Paltrinieri. Serial measurements of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. BMC Veterinary Research 2020, 16, 1 -7.

AMA Style

Donatella Scavone, Micaela Sgorbini, Alexandre S. Borges, José P. Oliveira-Filho, Valentina Vitale, Saverio Paltrinieri. Serial measurements of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. BMC Veterinary Research. 2020; 16 (1):1-7.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Donatella Scavone; Micaela Sgorbini; Alexandre S. Borges; José P. Oliveira-Filho; Valentina Vitale; Saverio Paltrinieri. 2020. "Serial measurements of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia." BMC Veterinary Research 16, no. 1: 1-7.

Preprint content
Published: 12 October 2020
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Background: Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is an antioxidant enzyme, whose activity decreases during the acute phase response in many species. Little is known about PON-1 and its role as a negative acute phase protein during septic inflammation in horses, but promising findings about its utility in diagnosing SIRS and predicting the outcome in diseased horses, were recently highlighted. The objective of the study was to investigate the behaviour of PON-1 in horses after experimentally induced endotoxemia. To this aim, PON-1 activity was measured on 66 plasma samples collected from six clinically healthy mares, previously included in another study, before and at multiple time points between 12 and 240 hours after intravenous infusion of Escherichia coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results: compared with baseline values, a progressive transient decrease of PON-1 activity was observed starting from 24 hours post-infusion, with lowest values observed between 3 to 7 days post-infusion, followed by a normalisation to pre-infusion levels the tenth day.Conclusions: the results of this study suggest that measurement and monitoring of PON-1 activity might be useful to evaluate progression and recovery from endotoxemia in horses. Further studies in horses with naturally occurring sepsis are warranted.

ACS Style

Donatella Scavone; Micaela Sgorbini; Alexandre Secorun Borges; Josè Paes De Oliveira-Filho; Valentina Vitale; Saverio Paltrinieri. Serial measurements of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Donatella Scavone, Micaela Sgorbini, Alexandre Secorun Borges, Josè Paes De Oliveira-Filho, Valentina Vitale, Saverio Paltrinieri. Serial measurements of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Donatella Scavone; Micaela Sgorbini; Alexandre Secorun Borges; Josè Paes De Oliveira-Filho; Valentina Vitale; Saverio Paltrinieri. 2020. "Serial measurements of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia." , no. : 1.

Case report
Published: 29 August 2020 in Theriogenology
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Induction of parturition in horses is still not well accepted due to the potential peripartum complications for mares and newborn foals. We assessed differences after spontaneous and induced parturition with low doses of oxytocin (OX) in 1) incidence of peripartum complications in mares; 2) viability, behavioral, physical, and venous blood gas analyses in foals. In this study 61 mares were included; 45/61 were enrolled in the spontaneous foaling group (SF) and 16/61 in the induced foaling group (IF). In the IF group, when the calcium in mammary secretion reached concentrations of ≥250 ppm, mares received a single injection of 2.5 IU of oxytocin IV once a day until foaling. Mares’ breed, age, parity, gestational and stage II length, and peripartum complications were recorded. Foal maturity, vital (Apgar score), behavioral and physical parameters were assessed at birth, and the foal clinical condition was monitored for one week. A jugular venous blood sample was collected at birth for blood gas analysis, acid-base status, and lactate assessment. The median gestational length was within the reference interval in all the mares included and did not differ between the two groups. No statistical differences in the II stage length nor in incidence of peripartum complications were observed between the two groups. All the foals were born alive and showed no signs of prematurity/dysmaturity. No statistical differences were found in foal viability between the two groups. Time to stand and nurse from the mare, and body temperature were significantly higher in the IF compared to the SF group. Venous blood pH, SO2% and BE were lower, while pCO2 and lactate were higher in the IF than in the SF group. All the foals in both groups remained clinically healthy during the observation period. In conclusion, at term induction of parturition with a low dose of oxytocin does not have adverse effects on peripartum in mares. Our findings suggest that at term induced foals suffer slightly greater, but not clinically significant, hypoxia, hypercapnia and acidosis than spontaneously delivered foals.

ACS Style

Micaela Sgorbini; Francesca Freccero; Carolina Castagnetti; Jole Mariella; Aliai Lanci; Paola Marmorini; Francesco Camillo. Peripartum findings and blood gas analysis in newborn foals born after spontaneous or induced parturition. Theriogenology 2020, 158, 18 -23.

AMA Style

Micaela Sgorbini, Francesca Freccero, Carolina Castagnetti, Jole Mariella, Aliai Lanci, Paola Marmorini, Francesco Camillo. Peripartum findings and blood gas analysis in newborn foals born after spontaneous or induced parturition. Theriogenology. 2020; 158 ():18-23.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Micaela Sgorbini; Francesca Freccero; Carolina Castagnetti; Jole Mariella; Aliai Lanci; Paola Marmorini; Francesco Camillo. 2020. "Peripartum findings and blood gas analysis in newborn foals born after spontaneous or induced parturition." Theriogenology 158, no. : 18-23.

Journal article
Published: 26 August 2020 in Animals
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In human medicine, procalcitonin (PCT), the precursor of calcitonin, is used for the rapid identification of the origin and severity of sepsis. In veterinary medicine, PCT has been studied in horses, cattle, and dogs, but the use of PCT in diagnostic and/or prognostic settings is not possible because of the lack of validated assays to obtain reference ranges. The aim of the present study was the investigation of commercially available ELISA kits for the detection of canine and equine PCT in plasma samples. Validation of the ELISA kits was performed by using species-specific recombinant proteins spiked both in plasma and buffer samples; linearity, limit of detection (LOD), recovery, and intra-assay and inter-assay variability were calculated. Moreover, clinical samples obtained from sick and healthy animals were also analyzed with the tested kits. Canine PCT was measured with a recombinant canine and a canine PCT ELISA kit. Equine PCT was measured with an equine and a human ELISA PCT kit. Our data demonstrate that the canine recombinant PCT ELISA kit can be used to measure canine PCT in plasma samples, showing an intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variation less than 20% and a LOD of 11 pg/mL, whereas the present results do not support the use of the canine PCT ELISA kit. The human PCT ELISA kit is suitable to detect equine PCT with a LOD of 56 ng/mL, whereas the equine PCT ELISA kit did not detect recombinant equine PCT.

ACS Style

Federica Battaglia; Valentina Meucci; Rosalba Tognetti; Francesca Bonelli; Micaela Sgorbini; George Lubas; Carlo Pretti; Luigi Intorre. Procalcitonin Detection in Veterinary Species: Investigation of Commercial ELISA Kits. Animals 2020, 10, 1511 .

AMA Style

Federica Battaglia, Valentina Meucci, Rosalba Tognetti, Francesca Bonelli, Micaela Sgorbini, George Lubas, Carlo Pretti, Luigi Intorre. Procalcitonin Detection in Veterinary Species: Investigation of Commercial ELISA Kits. Animals. 2020; 10 (9):1511.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federica Battaglia; Valentina Meucci; Rosalba Tognetti; Francesca Bonelli; Micaela Sgorbini; George Lubas; Carlo Pretti; Luigi Intorre. 2020. "Procalcitonin Detection in Veterinary Species: Investigation of Commercial ELISA Kits." Animals 10, no. 9: 1511.

Journal article
Published: 01 August 2020 in Journal of Dairy Science
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The present study investigated whether the fatty acid composition of milk changes in relation to an increase in the milk somatic cell count (SCC) of separate udder quarters. We investigated the potential of multivariate factor analysis to extract metabolic evidence from data on the quantity and quality of milk of quarters characterized by different SCC levels. We collected data from individual milk samples taken from single quarters of 49 Italian Holstein cows from the same dairy farm. Factor analysis was carried out on 64 individual fatty acids. In line with a previous study on multivariate factor analysis, a variable was considered to be associated with a specific factor if the absolute value of its correlation with the factor was ≥0.60. Seven factors were extracted that explained the following groups of fatty acids or functions: de novo synthesis, energy balance, uptake of dietary fatty acids, biohydrogenation, short-chain fatty acids, very long chain fatty acids, and odd- and branched-chain fatty acids. An ANOVA of factor scores highlighted the significant effects of the SCC level on de novo fatty acids and biohydrogenation. The de novo fatty acid factor decreased significantly with a high level of SCC, from just 10,000 cells/mL, whereas the biohydrogenation factor showed a significantly higher level in quarters with SCC levels greater than 400,000 cells/mL. This statistical approach enabled us to reduce the number of variables to a few latent factors with biological significance and to represent groups of fatty acids with a common origin and function. Multivariate factor analysis could therefore be key to studying the influence of SCC on the lipid metabolism of single quarters. This approach also demonstrated the metabolic differences between quarters of the same animal showing a different level of SCC.

ACS Style

L. Turini; G. Conte; F. Bonelli; A. Serra; M. Sgorbini; M. Mele. Multivariate factor analysis of milk fatty acid composition in relation to the somatic cell count of single udder quarters. Journal of Dairy Science 2020, 103, 7392 -7406.

AMA Style

L. Turini, G. Conte, F. Bonelli, A. Serra, M. Sgorbini, M. Mele. Multivariate factor analysis of milk fatty acid composition in relation to the somatic cell count of single udder quarters. Journal of Dairy Science. 2020; 103 (8):7392-7406.

Chicago/Turabian Style

L. Turini; G. Conte; F. Bonelli; A. Serra; M. Sgorbini; M. Mele. 2020. "Multivariate factor analysis of milk fatty acid composition in relation to the somatic cell count of single udder quarters." Journal of Dairy Science 103, no. 8: 7392-7406.

Original article
Published: 26 July 2020 in Equine Veterinary Education
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Variability in the technique employed for flexion tests may produce different responses and veterinary assessments. We propose a novel custom‐designed dynamometer and compare the results with the literature. Ten horses were enrolled in the present study, with a total of 20 forelimbs. The horses were found to be healthy based on orthopaedic and radiographic examination of the distal forelimb region, performed on both limbs. Lower forelimb flexion tests were performed by applying three different forces (75, 100 and 120 N), measured with a dynamometer, for one minute, with a time interval of 48 h between each test. Each horse was trotted before and after the flexion test. The experiment was videotaped, and the responses were assessed randomly and blindly by three experienced equine veterinarians. None of the horses responded with a lameness grade exceeding 1/5 on a numerical 6‐point scale. Two out of three veterinarians detected a increased degree of lameness between the minimum and the maximum force applied, while one veterinarian showed no change in the interpretation of the flexion test for all three applied forces. A mild agreement was detected between veterinarian A and B, applying a force of 100 N, and between A and C, with 120 N; a moderate agreement was found between veterinarian A and B, with 120 N. The chi‐square test showed that the results observed were only like the expected ones for 100 N. With a force of 100 N, there is no relationship between intensity and the evaluation of lameness; consequently, 100 N could be used to achieve a real standardisation of the lameness score. The use of the dynamometer was found to be easy and practical. It also enabled the applied force and the manipulation technique to be objectified.

ACS Style

I. Nocera; M. Sgorbini; L. A. Gracia‐Calvo; M. Cacini; V. Vitale; S. Citi. A novel dynamometer for the standardisation of the force applied during distal forelimb flexion tests in horses. Equine Veterinary Education 2020, 33, 484 -488.

AMA Style

I. Nocera, M. Sgorbini, L. A. Gracia‐Calvo, M. Cacini, V. Vitale, S. Citi. A novel dynamometer for the standardisation of the force applied during distal forelimb flexion tests in horses. Equine Veterinary Education. 2020; 33 (9):484-488.

Chicago/Turabian Style

I. Nocera; M. Sgorbini; L. A. Gracia‐Calvo; M. Cacini; V. Vitale; S. Citi. 2020. "A novel dynamometer for the standardisation of the force applied during distal forelimb flexion tests in horses." Equine Veterinary Education 33, no. 9: 484-488.

General article
Published: 03 June 2020 in Equine Veterinary Journal
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Background There are several bioengineering solutions aimed at improving human health and welfare. Smart electrodes based on textile substrates have met the growing demand for comfort, reliability, and robustness when acquiring physiological signals. Objectives Given the importance of good quality electrocardiograms (ECG) in equine sports medicine, this study focuses on the validation of smart textile electrodes to acquire ECG signals in horses during treadmill exercise. Study design The performance of the smart textile electrodes is compared with standard silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes in terms of signal quality. Methods Five healthy Standardbred mares were fitted with two identical electronic systems for the simultaneous recording of ECGs during a Standardised Exercise Test (SET) on a treadmill. One system was equipped with smart textile electrodes, whereas the second was equipped with standard Ag/AgCl electrodes. The Ag/AgCl electrodes were positioned on shaved skin with self‐adhesive pads, and without (SET1) or with glue (SET2). The textile electrodes were positioned without shaving the skin. The Kurtosis (k) value for each ECG trace recorded was calculated as an index of ECG signal quality. Results For the textile electrodes, k values were higher, and closer to ideal compared to Ag/AgCl electrodes. The median values of the Signal Quality Indexes (kSQI) were higher for textile compared to Ag/AgCl electrodes. These differences were significant in SET 2 (p<0.001), but not in SET 1 (p = 0.08). Main limitations This study was limited to treadmill exercise that did not include a rider or harness. Conclusions During treadmill exercise, textile electrodes are a practical solution for collecting good quality ECG traces.

ACS Style

Martina Felici; Mimma Nardelli; Antonio Lanatà; Micaela Sgorbini; Enzo Pasquale Scilingo; Paolo Baragli. Smart textiles biotechnology for electrocardiogram monitoring in horses during exercise on treadmill: Validation tests. Equine Veterinary Journal 2020, 53, 373 -378.

AMA Style

Martina Felici, Mimma Nardelli, Antonio Lanatà, Micaela Sgorbini, Enzo Pasquale Scilingo, Paolo Baragli. Smart textiles biotechnology for electrocardiogram monitoring in horses during exercise on treadmill: Validation tests. Equine Veterinary Journal. 2020; 53 (2):373-378.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Martina Felici; Mimma Nardelli; Antonio Lanatà; Micaela Sgorbini; Enzo Pasquale Scilingo; Paolo Baragli. 2020. "Smart textiles biotechnology for electrocardiogram monitoring in horses during exercise on treadmill: Validation tests." Equine Veterinary Journal 53, no. 2: 373-378.

Journal article
Published: 23 May 2020 in Helminthologia
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Summary The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and the egg reappearance period (ERP) of ivermectin (IVM) in donkeys during a 13-week period. The study involved a total of 14 adult Amiata breed donkeys, 7 – 13 years of age, and naturally infected with small strongyles. A group of 10 donkeys was treated with IVM oral paste at a dose rate of 200 mcg/kg BW. Another group of 4 donkeys was kept as untreated control group. Faecal samples were collected and examined for strongyle eggs on day 0 before treatment. IVM efficacy was based on the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) on day 14 post-treatment. Then individual faecal samples were collected and examined by FECRT at weekly intervals. A FECRT of 100 % was found after treatment with IVM and its ERP, defined as the week when the mean FECRT decreased until to become lower than 90 %efficacy, was estimated to be 11 weeks without signs of developing anthelmintic resistance. No adverse reactions were observed during the study period. Our findings may be useful to veterinary practitioners and breeders as they show that IVM, at the recommended dose rate, can be still considered a highly effective and safe pharmacological tool for the treatment of small strongyles in donkeys. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all possible strategies are undertaken to avoid the risk of emergence of anthelmintic resistance to IVM in donkeys.

ACS Style

R. A. Papini; C. Orsetti; M. Sgorbini. A controlled study on efficacy and egg reappearance period of Ivermectin in donkeys naturally infected with small strongyles. Helminthologia 2020, 57, 163 -170.

AMA Style

R. A. Papini, C. Orsetti, M. Sgorbini. A controlled study on efficacy and egg reappearance period of Ivermectin in donkeys naturally infected with small strongyles. Helminthologia. 2020; 57 (2):163-170.

Chicago/Turabian Style

R. A. Papini; C. Orsetti; M. Sgorbini. 2020. "A controlled study on efficacy and egg reappearance period of Ivermectin in donkeys naturally infected with small strongyles." Helminthologia 57, no. 2: 163-170.

Standard article
Published: 10 March 2020 in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
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Background In several species, paraoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) decreases during inflammation, because of the presence of oxidative stress; its measurement recently has been validated in horses, but its role as a clinical biomarker is unknown. Objectives To evaluate sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio of PON‐1 activity to identify systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)‐positive horses or horses with a poor prognosis. Animals One hundred seventy‐two blood samples from 58 sick horses from 3 different veterinary hospitals. Methods In a cross‐sectional study, PON‐1 activity was measured upon admission and at 24‐hour intervals until discharge or death, and results were analyzed based on SIRS status and outcome. Results No statistically significant difference was found in median PON‐1 activity between SIRS and non‐SIRS cases or between survivors and non‐survivors except for mares, in which PON‐1 activity was significantly lower in SIRS‐positive horses (P = .05). The sensitivity of PON‐1 activity in identifying horses with SIRS or negative outcome was low (0.0%‐46.2% depending on the examined group) but its specificity was high (87.0%‐100.0%). However, when PON‐1 is low, the likelihood of death is 2.40‐3.89 times higher than the likelihood of survival. Repeated measurement of PON‐1 after treatment does not predict outcome. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Evaluation of PON‐1 activity in horses with inflammation might be advisable in the future, but only low activity at admission may be relevant in predicting SIRS or negative outcome.

ACS Style

Beatrice Ruggerone; Saverio Paltrinieri; Alessia Giordano; Donatella Scavone; Irene Nocera; Riccardo Rinnovati; Alessandro Spadari; Licia Scacco; Paola Pratelli; Micaela Sgorbini. Paraoxonase‐1 activity evaluation as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in horses and foals. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2020, 34, 949 -954.

AMA Style

Beatrice Ruggerone, Saverio Paltrinieri, Alessia Giordano, Donatella Scavone, Irene Nocera, Riccardo Rinnovati, Alessandro Spadari, Licia Scacco, Paola Pratelli, Micaela Sgorbini. Paraoxonase‐1 activity evaluation as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in horses and foals. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2020; 34 (2):949-954.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Beatrice Ruggerone; Saverio Paltrinieri; Alessia Giordano; Donatella Scavone; Irene Nocera; Riccardo Rinnovati; Alessandro Spadari; Licia Scacco; Paola Pratelli; Micaela Sgorbini. 2020. "Paraoxonase‐1 activity evaluation as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in horses and foals." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 34, no. 2: 949-954.

Research article
Published: 06 February 2020 in PLOS ONE
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The renal resistive index (RRI) is used as a measurement of downstream resistance in arteries. The aim of this study was to assess the RRI of the arcuate arteries by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography in healthy conscious horses and donkeys, and to verify any differences related to age, breed, bodyweight (BW) or body condition (BCS). Thirty-three healthy conscious horses and nine donkeys had their systolic and diastolic flow velocities at the level of the arcuate arteries estimated by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound, and the RRI was calculated. The relationship of RRI with age, breed (Trotters vs. other breeds), bodyweight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) were evaluated. PW Doppler evaluation of RRI was successfully applied in most of the horses, but to date not in the donkeys. In horses, median RRI values for the right kidney (0.58±0.006) were statistically higher than for the left (0.51±0.006). For the donkeys the values were comparable. There was no significant difference in RRI between horses younger or older than 15 years, and between breeds in horses. No correlation with age, BW or BCS was found in either horses or donkeys.

ACS Style

Francesca Freccero; Marina Petrucelli; Mario Cipone; Irene Nocera; Micaela Sgorbini. Doppler evaluation of renal resistivity index in healthy conscious horses and donkeys. PLOS ONE 2020, 15, e0228741 .

AMA Style

Francesca Freccero, Marina Petrucelli, Mario Cipone, Irene Nocera, Micaela Sgorbini. Doppler evaluation of renal resistivity index in healthy conscious horses and donkeys. PLOS ONE. 2020; 15 (2):e0228741.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Freccero; Marina Petrucelli; Mario Cipone; Irene Nocera; Micaela Sgorbini. 2020. "Doppler evaluation of renal resistivity index in healthy conscious horses and donkeys." PLOS ONE 15, no. 2: e0228741.

Standard article
Published: 30 October 2019 in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
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Plasma clearance of iohexol is a reliable method to assess the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The relationship between aging and GFR in horses is unclear. To compare GFR estimated by iohexol clearance in horses of different ages. Twenty-one clinically healthy horses were enrolled. Prospective study. Groups: (A) composed by 8 young horses (≤14 years old) with serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL, (B) by 7 aged horses (≥20 years old) with serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL, and (C) by 6 aged horses (≥20 years old) with serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. Iohexol was injected (75.5 mg/kg) through an IV catheter, and plasma samples were collected 5, 30, and 90 minutes later. Plasma clearance of iohexol was obtained by the high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet method. The GFR was 2., 2.1, and 1.45 mL/min/kg (median value) in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. Statistical analysis showed differences between Group A versus C for urea, Group A versus B and A versus C for creatinine, and A versus C for GFR. Glomerular filtration rate was significantly reduced in aged horses with serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL compared to young horses with creatinine <1.5 mg/dL; no differences were obtained between young and aged horses with creatinine <1.5 mg/dL. Glomerular filtration rate evaluation should be considered in aged horses even if the plasma creatinine values are normal.

ACS Style

Ilaria Lippi; Francesca Bonelli; Valentina Meucci; Valentina Vitale; Micaela Sgorbini. Estimation of glomerular filtration rate by plasma clearance of iohexol in healthy horses of various ages. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2019, 33, 2765 -2769.

AMA Style

Ilaria Lippi, Francesca Bonelli, Valentina Meucci, Valentina Vitale, Micaela Sgorbini. Estimation of glomerular filtration rate by plasma clearance of iohexol in healthy horses of various ages. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2019; 33 (6):2765-2769.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ilaria Lippi; Francesca Bonelli; Valentina Meucci; Valentina Vitale; Micaela Sgorbini. 2019. "Estimation of glomerular filtration rate by plasma clearance of iohexol in healthy horses of various ages." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 33, no. 6: 2765-2769.

Journal article
Published: 23 October 2019 in Theriogenology
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The assessment of the behavior and physiological parameters of neonatal foals is essential in the detection of early signs of illness. Modified Apgar scoring systems from human medicine exist and have been validated in foals as a guide for assessing neonatal viability after birth. This study evaluated the viability of 44 Amiata donkey foals at birth, by assessing the Apgar score and comparing the relationship between viability and various physical parameters. A total of 44 Amiata donkey foals and 27 jennies were enrolled in this study. An expert operator examined each foal within 5 minutes of birth. A complete physical examination was performed, along with an existing four-parameter Apgar score. The presence of the suckling reflex was evaluated. The interval time needed to acquire sternal recumbency and quadrupedal position, as well as nurse from the mare, were recorded. In addition, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal body temperature (BT) were measured. Results were expressed as medianstandard error, minimum and maximum values. The effects of the Apgar score on time to reach sternal position and quadrupedal standing, time to nurse from the mare, RR, HR, and BT were estimated along with the differences related to Apgar scoring and gender. Differences between female and male donkey foals regarding the time to acquire sternal position and quadrupedal standing, time to nurse from the mare, RR, HR, and BT were also assessed. Differences between female and male donkey foals regarding the Apgar score was evaluated using a chi-Square test. Finally, the reference values for Amiata donkeys were also calculated. Twenty/44 (45.4%) foals were colts and 24/44 (54.5%) were fillies born from 27 jennies. None of the foals showed an Apgar score lower than 6. Twenty-nine out of 44 foals showed an Apgar score of 8/8, 10/44 a score of 7/8, while 5 foals (11.3%) showed a score of 6/8. No differences between fillies and colts in relation to the Apgar score were obtained.

ACS Style

Francesca Bonelli; Irene Nocera; Giuseppe Conte; Duccio Panzani; Micaela Sgorbini. Relation between Apgar scoring and physical parameters in 44 newborn Amiata donkey foals at birth. Theriogenology 2019, 142, 310 -314.

AMA Style

Francesca Bonelli, Irene Nocera, Giuseppe Conte, Duccio Panzani, Micaela Sgorbini. Relation between Apgar scoring and physical parameters in 44 newborn Amiata donkey foals at birth. Theriogenology. 2019; 142 ():310-314.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Bonelli; Irene Nocera; Giuseppe Conte; Duccio Panzani; Micaela Sgorbini. 2019. "Relation between Apgar scoring and physical parameters in 44 newborn Amiata donkey foals at birth." Theriogenology 142, no. : 310-314.

Communication
Published: 13 September 2019 in Viruses
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Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen of horses. It is spread worldwide and causes significant economic losses. The ORF33 gene has a conserved region that is often used as target in diagnostic PCR protocols. Single nucleotide point (SNP) mutations in ORF30 are usually used to distinguish between neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic genotypes. An ORF68 SNP-based scheme has been used for grouping different isolates. Recently, the highest number of variable sites in EHV-1 from the UK has been found in ORF34. In this study, EHV-1 positive samples from Italian horses with a history of abortion were investigated by amplifying and sequencing the ORF30, ORF33, ORF34 and ORF68 genes. Most animals were infected by the neuropathogenic type A2254G. A 118 bp deletion was found at nucleotide positions 701–818 of the ORF68 gene, making impossible to assign the samples to a known group. Sequencing of the ORF34 gene with a newly designed nested PCR showed new SNPs. Analysis of these sequences and of those obtained from genetic databases allowed the identification of at least 12 groups. These data add depth to the knowledge of EHV-1 genotypes circulating in Italy.

ACS Style

Silvia Preziuso; Micaela Sgorbini; Paola Marmorini; Vincenzo Cuteri. Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 from Italian Horses: Evaluation of the Variability of the ORF30, ORF33, ORF34 and ORF68 Genes. Viruses 2019, 11, 851 .

AMA Style

Silvia Preziuso, Micaela Sgorbini, Paola Marmorini, Vincenzo Cuteri. Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 from Italian Horses: Evaluation of the Variability of the ORF30, ORF33, ORF34 and ORF68 Genes. Viruses. 2019; 11 (9):851.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvia Preziuso; Micaela Sgorbini; Paola Marmorini; Vincenzo Cuteri. 2019. "Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 from Italian Horses: Evaluation of the Variability of the ORF30, ORF33, ORF34 and ORF68 Genes." Viruses 11, no. 9: 851.

Journal article
Published: 19 June 2019 in Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
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Continuous ECG monitoring is the gold standard for diagnosing arrhythmias that occur intermittently or under exercise. The aim of this study was to compare two different methods for 24-hour Holter monitoring in horses, a 7-electrode system (7-ES) versus a 4-electrode system (4-ES), assessing the recording performance at rest and during exercise. Six standardbred horses were included in the present prospective study. Two different methods for 24-hour Holter monitoring were used in each horse with a washout period of one week between each recording method. In the first 15 minutes of the 24-hour Holter monitoring, a standard exercise test was performed. Holter recordings were analysed in terms of number of recorded hours; number of detached electrodes; total duration of artifacts over the 15-minute exercise. The number of recorded hours was significantly higher in the 7-ES (24 hours, range: 23-24 hours) in comparison to the 4-ES (6.5 hours, range: 1.2-20 hours; P<0.05). The number of detached electrodes was not significantly different between the two systems. The total duration of artifacts over the 15-minute exercise was significantly higher in the 7-ES (155 sec, range: 35-378 sec) than in the 4-ES (25 sec, range: 10-32 sec; P<0.05). Our results showed a better recording performance during exercise using the 4-ES due to the lower number of artifacts. The 7-ES showed a better performance in terms of recording duration. In conclusion, we suggest using the 4-ES for exercise tests, and the 7-ES when a longer ECG recording at rest is required.

ACS Style

Tommaso Vezzosi; Valentina Vitale; Micaela Sgorbini; Rosalba Tognetti; Francesca Bonelli. Two Methods for 24-hour Holter Monitoring in Horses: Evaluation of Recording Performance at Rest and During Exercise. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2019, 79, 127 -130.

AMA Style

Tommaso Vezzosi, Valentina Vitale, Micaela Sgorbini, Rosalba Tognetti, Francesca Bonelli. Two Methods for 24-hour Holter Monitoring in Horses: Evaluation of Recording Performance at Rest and During Exercise. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2019; 79 ():127-130.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tommaso Vezzosi; Valentina Vitale; Micaela Sgorbini; Rosalba Tognetti; Francesca Bonelli. 2019. "Two Methods for 24-hour Holter Monitoring in Horses: Evaluation of Recording Performance at Rest and During Exercise." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 79, no. : 127-130.