bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An epizootic of feline herpesvirus, type 1 in a large specific pathogen-free cat colony and attempts to eradicate the infection by identification and culling of carriers
Authors: Hickman Mary A. , Reubel Gerhard H. , Hoffman Diane E. , Morris James G. , Rogers Quinton R. , Pedersen Niels C.
Published: May 2007

This study describes the clinical course of an inadvertent feline herpesvirus, type 1 (FHV-1) outbreak in 2 specific pathogen-free (SPF) research and breeding colonies housing 690 cats and assesses a programme that was designed to eradicate the virus from the colonies. The clinical signs observed in these cats were milder, with more eye involvement than those previously described for FHV-1 infection and did not include abortion. FHV-1 eradication was based on the detection and elimination of both active and latent viral carriers. Carrier cats were detected by virus isolation from oral swabs before and after corticosteroid-induced reactivation of FHV-1 excretion. Four per cent of recovered cats were actively shedding virus prior to corticosteroid treatment; 21 % of the virus negative cats shed virus after one corticosteroid injection, and 12% of remaining culture negative cats tested positive upon a second corticosteroid treatment 6 weeks later. The colony remained virus free for 8 months after all detectable virus carriers were culled and there was no seroconversion among new kittens. A second epizootic of FHV-1 then occurred among susceptible animals. At this time, all breeding cats that had tested negative after 2 injections of corticosteroids were treated a third time; 23% of them now tested positive for FHV-1. This study demonstrates that corticosteroid treatment can be useful in improving the rate of detection, essential as a basis for decreasing the incidence of enzootic disease, but it is unlikely to detect all possible FHV-1 carriers in large populations of cats.
Interlaboratory comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for detection of Bordetella bronchiseptica antibodies in guineaplgs
Authors: Wullenweber M. , Boot R.
Published: May 2007

Thirty-nine guineapigs were examined for Bordetella bronchiseptica infection by culture and serology, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)and the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test. Each serological method detected evidence of B. bronchiseptica infection in more guineapigs than did culture. IIF using an antigen prepared from a mouse isolate of B. bronchiseptica detected fewer infected guineapigs than when performed with antigens prepared from B. bronchiseptica isolates from a rat, a dog and a guineapig. ELISA and IIF detected a comparable incidence of infection.

Cross-reactivity was investigated further by carrying out ELISAs using 5 antigens prepared from B. bronchiseptica isolates from different species and antiserum to these antigens raised in non-infected guineapigs.
Body and organ growth of the developing Hormel-Hanford strain of male miniature swine
Authors: Friedman Leonard , Gaines Dennis W. , Newell Richard F. , Sager Arlen O. , Matthews Roger N. , Braunberg Robert C.
Published: May 2007

As part of a larger study designed to characterize the early developmental stages of the Hormel-Hanford strain miniature pig, whole body, brain, kidney, liver, pancreas and spleen from male animals were examined for weight increases from one to 196 days, the approximate age of maturity. At 196 days, body weights had increased to 82.5 times the weight at day 1; increases in organ weights were greatest for spleen, less and similar for kidney, liver and pancreas, and the least for brain. Little change in relative organ weights was noted, except for the brain where an almost steady decrease occurred starting from 7 days after birth.
Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus-induced testicular lesion in BALB/c mice
Authors: Shigesato M. , Hirasawa K. , Takeda M. , Doi K.
Published: May 2007

Characteristics of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus-induced testicular lesions were investigated in 4- and 8-week-old BALB/c male mice after intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intratesticular (left) (i.t.) inoculation of the D variant of EMC virus (EMC-D). Apart from variation in severity and incidence, the histopathological nature of the resultant testicular lesion was similar in all infected mice, and was characterized by degeneration and necrosis of germinal cells and spermatogonia with inflammatory infiltration. Almost all the inoculated left testes of the i.t. group developed marked lesions. In general, the virus titre in the testis and incidence of testicular lesions were higher in 4-week-old mice than in 8-week-old mice. In addition, testicular lesions developed earlier and with a higher incidence in the PBS-inoculated right testis of the i.t. group than in either testis of the i.p. group of the same age.
Twenty years on-changes in laboratory animal science
Authors: Seamer John
Published: May 2007

Changes in laboratory animal science in the 20 years since George Porter's death are reviewed, with particular emphasis on animal welfare. The need for a generally acceptable definition of animal welfare is emphasized and a new definition is propounded. The concept of stewardship as a basis for human-animal relationships is explored. This involves Man accepting his responsibility for his relationship with, and care of, animals while simultaneously accepting a moral responsibility to God, or others, for that care and relationship.
Colonization and antibody response in mice and rats experimentally infected with Pasteurellaceae from different rodent species
Authors: Boot R. , Thuis H. C. W. , Veenema J. L. , Bakker R. H. G. , Walvoort H. C.
Published: May 2007

Mice and rats were experimentally infected with Pasteurellaceae isolated from mice, rats, hamsters and gerbils. Mice and rats were most heavily colonized by strains originally isolated from mice and rats respectively, and to a lesser extent by Pasteurellaceae from hamsters and gerbils. Colonization was generally accompanied by seroconversion. Gross pathology of the lungs was not observed. We conclude that Pasteurellaceae-free SPF mice and rats can be colonized by members of this bacterial family present in other rodent species.
A simplified procedure for endotracheal intubation in rabbits
Authors: Krüger J. , Zeller W. , Schottmann E.
Published: May 2007

Some procedural simplifications are given for a method of blind endotracheal intubation in rabbits.
Twenty-five years of progress in laboratory animal science
Authors: Quimby Fred W.
Published: May 2007

During the past 25 years tremendous improvements have been made in the field of laboratory animal science. Refinements in genetic and microbial quality assurance and animal housing coupled with the development of professional expertise has contributed to enhanced animal well-being and a reduction in the variability of data collected from research animals. These advances occurred concomitant with an increased public awareness of research animal use. In 1967 Laboratory Animals Ltd. published the first issue of Laboratory Animals. In celebration of its Silver Jubilee, I will briefly highlight some of the changes which occurred in the field of laboratory animal science since 1967 and some of the medical advances which depended on animal-based research.
Effects of gentling on open-field behaviour of Wistar rats in fear-evoking test situation
Authors: Hirsjärvi Paula , Väliaho Teuvo
Published: May 2007

The effect of individual gentling on open-field behaviour of adult male Wistar rats was studied. Dark open-field evoked prey-like behaviour both in the gentled and in the non-handled rats. Escape activity dominated in both groups although some habituation as a function of trials occurred. The effects of gentling were mainly seen in the quality of the fear-reaction as a result of reduced fear of human contact. Parameters that differentiated the 2 groups were middle field ambulation, middle field rearing and passive motionlessness.
Acquisition of a conditioned reflex in New Zealand White rabbits from three sources
Authors: Kehoe E. James , Horne Amanda J. , Kingham Jennifer , Martin Thomas , Roach Wayne
Published: May 2007

In studies of learning using rabbits, there has been standardization of behavioural procedures across laboratories. Less attention has been paid to variation that may arise from genetic differences and/or differences in rearing conditions. The present experiment revealed that acquisition of a conditioned reflex can be affected dramatically by such differences. Specifically, the acquisition of a conditioned reflex in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits from 3 different suppliers was compared. All rabbits received behavioural training in which a tone or a light signalled an electrotactile stimulation of the trigeminal nerve near the rabbits' right eye. This tactile stimulus reliably elicited an eyeblink. Repeated presentations of the auditory and visual signals followed by the tactile stimulus yielded the acquisition of a conditioned response (CR), namely closure of the eyelids during the warning period provided by the signal stimuli. Two of the groups showed steady CR acquisition at a rate that matched previous results in other laboratories as well as in the senior author's laboratory. However, the third group of rabbits showed very slow acquisition, and some rabbits failed to show any CR acquisition.
Practical aspects of milk collection in the rat
Authors: Rodgers C. T.
Published: May 2007

It is a requirement as part of the safety evaluation of novel compounds, which are intended to be administered to pregnant women or women with young children, that the potential for the compound or its metabolites to be transferred from a dam to its litter during lactation is measured. The data obtained from the rat milking studies are also used to support the rat peri- and post-natal studies. Therefore it is necessary to collect multiple milk samples from lactating rats. In this paper it was decided to concentrate on three areas: 1. The factors which had to be considered during the development of the rat milking technique; 2. The outline of the basic study design for a rat milking study; 3. The technique for milking rats.
Evaluation of animal welfare by the self-expression of an anxiety state
Authors: Carey M. P. , Fry J. P.
Published: May 2007

Although mental well-being has long been accepted as an important aspect of animal welfare, the subjective feelings of farm or laboratory animals are regarded as lying beyond the scope of scientific enquiry. We now report that pharmacological conditioning of pigs with a drug, pentylenetetrazole, known to induce anxiety in man, permits investigation of the presence or absence of this psychological state during exposure to a variety of environmental stimuli encountered during normal husbandry. Such pharmacological conditioning therefore provides a valuable means to assess and improve elements of animal welfare and should be applicable to other species that show operant behaviour.
Midazolam in combination with fentanyl/fluanisone and nitrous oxide as anaesthesia in rabbits-cardiovascular parameters
Authors: Hexeberg Erik , Hexeberg Sofie , Hessevik Idar , Fosse Richard T.
Published: May 2007

When establishing a rabbit model for cardiovascular research in our laboratory we have used midazolam in combination with fentanyl/fluanisone (MFF) and nitrous oxide as anaesthesia. In this study we focused on the effect of the anaesthetic regimen on cardiovascular parameters during open-chest surgery in 12 rabbits. Rabbits were tranquillized by intramuscular injection of fentanyl/fluanisone (0.2 ml/kg of the drug that contained 10 mg/ml fentanyl and 0.2 mg/ml fluanisone). After an intraperitoneal injection of midazolam (4 mg/kg) and additional i.m. injection of fentanyl/fluanisone (0.1 ml/kg) the rabbits were tracheotomized and ventilated on a respirator delivering a gas mixture of 50% N2O, 47.5% O2, and 2.5% CO2. The femoral vein and artery were cannulated and then rabbits received a supply of MFF intravenously. The chest was opened by midline sternotomy and the left ventricle was instrumented with piezo-electric crystals for measurement of regional left ventricular function and with a pressure catheter to measure left ventricular pressure. Radiolabelled microspheres were used to assess cardiac output and left ventricular tissue blood flow. Blood gas analysis showed no difference in the values of pH, pCO2 and pO2 between the open-chest and the closed-chest states. Mean aortic pressure was 74 ± 4 mmHg in the closed-chest state and 65 ± 4 mmHg in the open-chest state. Tissue blood flow showed that the left ventricle was well perfused, and mean tissue blood flow values varied between 1.80 and 2.36 ml/min·g. We conclude that the anaesthetic regimen used is easy to control. It is well tolerated in rabbits and is suitable for studies on myocardial contraction in rabbits.
Short-term evaluation of a foraging device for non-human primates
Authors: Holmes S. N. , Riley J. M. , Juneau P. , Pyne D. , Hofing G. L.
Published: May 2007

In the USA, any institution involved in using non-human primates for research has had, for regulatory reasons, to address the psychological needs of these animals. Enriching the environment through the use of foraging devices has been one method and a study was designed to evaluate the short-term effect of a new foraging device on singly-housed cynomolgus monkeys. The study was divided into 3 one-week periods of observation: baseline, device filled with normal ration, and device filled with a novel food. Four behaviours were recorded: foraging, self-directed, hopper feeding, and other behaviours. During the observation periods the device was accepted in preference to the standard hopper style feeder and self-directed behaviours were significantly reduced compared with the baseline period. Changing to a novel food re-kindled interest in the device and reduced the extinguishing effect: i.e. decrease in interest or use of the device. Based on this study, the feeder has been included with several other devices in a rotation programme.
Direct determination of saturable and non-saturable calcium uptake in the developing rat duodenum
Authors: Claassen N. , Coetzer H. , van Papendorp D. H. , Kruger M. C.
Published: May 2007

Significant changes in saturable and non-saturable intestinal calcium uptake processes occur during development of the rat. A modified 'free floating disc' assay was used to measure total, active and passive duodenal calcium uptake on matching duodenal segments from male Sprague Dawley rats aged 14 to 56 days of age. The results were compared and found to give patterns similar to data published for the in situ ligated loop technique.
Hereditary compulsive self-mutilating behaviour in laboratory rabbits
Authors: Iglauer F. , Beig C. , Dimigen J. , Gerold S. , Gocht A. , Seeburg A. , Steier S. , Willmann F.
Published: May 2007

During the last few years an increasing number of cases of extensive automutilation has been observed in a rabbit breeding colony of Checkered crosses. Digits and pads of the front feet were traumatized. No other behavioural abnormalities or signs of disease were evident. Self-mutilation was seen both in stock, breeding and experimental animals, in rabbits kept singly in cages and in those housed in groups on the ground, in rabbits kept in different buildings and under the care of different staff members. This behavioural abnormality of Checkered crosses has also been observed in animals after being placed into other institutions or private homes. No evidence of an agent responsible for the occurrence of self-injury could be found with parasitological, mycological, histological, clinical or haematological examination. Twelve to 16 animals are affected yearly in a colony varying in size between 130 and 230 rabbits.

Following complete healing, relapses occurred up to 3 times per year, on either the same or the opposite front foot. In the last 21 cases episodes of automutilation could be regularly interrupted with the dopamine antagonist, haloperidol. Similar signs of automutilation were never seen in animals of another breeding line kept in the same building and under the same conditions nor in animals brought in from other breeding colonies.

A relatively high coefficient of inbreeding can be presupposed in this 15-year-old breeding colony of Checkered crosses. A genetic predisposition for the behavioural anomaly described appears very likely.
Granulomatous dermatitis and mastitis in two SPF rats associated with a slowly growing Staphylococcus aureus-a case report
Authors: Kunstýř I. , Ernst H. , Lenz W.
Published: May 2007

An isolated occurrence of multifocal severe granulomatous dermatitis and mastitis accompanied by extensive calcifications is described in 2 female Sprague-Dawley, SPF breeding rats. Poorly growing Staphylococcus aureus of uncertain lysotype (probably lysotype II) was isolated from the lesions of both rats. The source of infection could not be determined. No further cases in the closed barrier maintained breeding colony occurred in the following 7 months. Difficulties in interpreting these findings and the practical consequences relating to the hygienic status of the barrier breeding colony are discussed.
Inefficacy of enrofloxacin in the elimination of Pasteurella multocida in rabbits
Authors: Mähler M. , Stünkel S. , Ziegowski C. , Kunstýř I.
Published: May 2007

The administration of enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 h for 10 days) failed to eliminate Pasteurella multocida from all naturally and experimentally infected rabbits. Although the enrofloxacin concentrations in serum and in turbinate bones were greater than the determined minimal inhibitory concentrations, P. multocida could be detected in nasal cavities, turbinates, trachea, middle ear and outer ear of experimentally infected rabbits after treatment. It is to be supposed that P. multocida colonizes organs or tissues in which an effective enrofloxacin concentration cannot be achieved. Such sites could be the paranasal sinuses, the auditory tube and the middle ear. This finding underlines the indispensibility of in vivo testing of antibiotic effectiveness.
Serum levels of selected liver proteins following partial hepatectomy in the female rat
Authors: Hau J. , Červinková Zuzana , O'Brien Deirdre , Stodulski G. , Šimek J.
Published: May 2007

Liver regeneration in the rat following partial hepatectomy (PH) is a frequently used model to study regulatory mechanisms in relation to cell growth and differentiation. In the present study, we analysed quantitative changes in the peripheral circulation of a number of important serum proteins following PH and laparotomy.

Alpha-fetoprotein synthesis was induced in the PH rats and remained at very low levels in non-operated controls. Pregnancy-associated murine protein-1 levels and fibronectin levels were lower in the circulation of all operated animals compared with the intact controls. The serum levels of alpha-2 macroglobulin were elevated in all operated animals compared with the non-operated controls. Circulating complement factors C3c and C4 were present at significantly lower levels in PH animals than in rats following laparotomy.

Small growth stimulating molecules (<10 kDa) synthesized by different organs during the regenerative process have been described in the literature, but dialysates of the spleen and liver from non-operated rats and PH rats showed no significant impact on serum levels of the proteins in the present study.
Breeding of Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus): influence of parity and litter size on weaning success and offspring sex ratio
Authors: Lerchl Alexander
Published: May 2007

The reproduction of 368 breeding pairs of Djungarian hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus) has been recorded and evaluated during 5 consecutive years. Three-hundred-and-eight pairs (=83.7%) were successful breeders giving birth to 2113 litters (up to 13 per dam) with a total of 12,591 offspring (mean: 6.0α2.2 [αSD] per litter). One-hundred-and-fifty dams delivered within 25 days after pairing, indicating a breeding success in the first oestrous cycle of 40.8% of all pairs (95% confidence interval: 35.7%-46.0%). The average number of offspring was higher in the 2nd than in the first litter, reaching a maximum in the 3rd (6.8α2.0), and decreasing thereafter. The loss of offspring (mean: 24.2%) was higher in older parents and influenced by the number of offspring per litter, indicating that experience and stress contribute to breeding success. A small, but significantly higher number of females was recorded only when no loss of offspring occurred until weaning (females: 2.36α1.75; males: 2.16α1.63, P<0.001). There was no indication of a shift of the offspring sex ratio towards favouring females with increased litter numbers, in contrast to the predictions of the Trivers-Willard hypothesis, at least with respect to the species and the breeding conditions as described in this report. Since all breeders were kept under long-day type photoperiods (16L : 8D), no signs of seasonality in breeding outcome were noted.
Growth of Xenopus laevis under different laboratory rearing conditions.
Authors: Hilken G. , Dimigen J. , Iglauer F.
Published: May 2007

Since the European frogs ( Rana spp.) have fallen under the German endangered species regulation, Xenopus laevis (South African Clawed Frog) is being used increasingly in animal research and education. Optimal growth rates and homogeneity of groups have not necessarily been attained as little statistical analysis of growth data has been available. Following metamorphosis, an as yet not understood variability of growth is exhibited by X. laevis. In this study the effect of environmental factors on this variability was determined. Feeding, population density, background colouring, water temperature, the availability of hiding places, water level and water care were each examined separately. Development of body weight and body length were recorded. A definite correlation between the feeding programme, population density, cover and water care on the one hand and growth on the other were seen. Of lesser importance were water temperature, water level and background colouring. The observed variability of growth is assumed to also be of ethological origin.
Ivermectin treatment of a colony of guineapigs infested with fur mite (Chirodiscoides caviae)
Authors: Hirsjärvi Paula , Phyälä Liisa
Published: May 2007

Ivermectin was used for treating a breeding colony of guineapigs heavily infested with fur mite Chirodiscoides caviae. In preliminary experiments on different dosages and routes of administration, spraying with diluted Ivomec® (ivermectin 0.2 mg/ml) as well as applying undiluted ivermectin (10 mg/ml) drops on the fur proved effective and practical. The breeding colony was treated with diluted ivermectin aerosol and retreated two weeks later with undiluted ivermectin drops applied to the coat. After 3 months neither mites nor mite eggs were observed on microscopic examination. Two-and-a-half years later, the guineapigs are still free of mites.
Adrenocortical zonation in chamois-coloured mastomys, Praomys coucha
Authors: Tanaka Shin , Nozaki Manabu , Matsuzawa Akio
Published: May 2007

Body and adrenal weights, and histology of the adrenal cortex were examined in the chamois-coloured mastomys ( Praomys coucha) at inbred generations 3 to 10. Body and adrenal weights were consistently larger in males than in females, although the adrenal to body weight ratios tended to be lower before 50 days of age and were clearly higher after. Distinct sex differences were found in the adrenal cortex. The whole cortex and the zona reticularis were thicker in males and the zona reticularis became thicker in males, but thinner in females with age. The border zone characteristics of females of the wild-coloured mastomys strain, was not formed in the chamois-coloured strain. This was a very unique, interesting strain difference. Comparative studies of both strains may contribute to elucidation of the mechanism of border zone formation in the mastomys adrenal cortex.
The flank approach to the porcine upper urinary tract: safe and reliable
Authors: Bowen John , Cranley John , Gough David
Published: May 2007

An extra-peritoneal flank approach was used to gain access to the left pelviureteric junction of 8 young pigs. The operative procedure was simple and took 15 min to complete. There were no serious complications, analgesia requirements were negligible and all animals re-established on feeds within 12 h post-operatively.

The operative procedure is described; due to the above considerations the flank approach to the porcine kidney can be recommended.
Anaesthesia of laboratory rabbits using etorphine/methotrimeprazine and midazolam
Authors: Whelan G. , Flecknell P. A.
Published: May 2007

The use of etorphine (a potent μ-opioid), methotrimeprazine (a phenothiazine tranquillizer) and midazolam (a benzodiazepine) in laboratory rabbits is described. The central ear artery was cannulated under local anaesthesia using lignocaine/prilocaine cream, enabling cardiovascular monitoring in conscious animals. Anaesthesia was characterized by respiratory arrest, profound analgesia and a stable cardiovascular system (after commencing intermittent positive pressure ventilation). Reversal of anaesthesia with buprenorphine (a partial μ agonist) did not reduce the degree of post-operative respiratory depression, but shortened the period of unconsciousness considerably. This anaesthetic regimen can only be recommended for rabbits that are free of respiratory disease and if facilities for IPPV are available.
Antibiotic treatment of nude rats and its impact on the aerobic bacterial flora
Authors: Hansen Axel Kornerup
Published: May 2007

A colony of nude rats were treated with the antibiotics ampicillin, spiramycin, sulfadoxine/trimethoprim, tetracycline, lincomycin and spectinomycin over a period of 30 weeks. The rats were monitored bacteriologically during the whole treatment period and for a period of 24 weeks after the treatment. Antibiograms of each isolated microorganism were made in vitro. The primary target, Pasteurella pneumotropica, was suppressed by the treatment, but reappeared after ending the medication. Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, never observed before the use of antibiotics in the colony, became one of the most common organisms in the colony. Furthermore, this bacterium was resistant to all antibiotics tested in vitro. Also other Enterobacteriaceae and some Streptococcaceae were propagated. Only Staphylococcus aureus seemed to have been eradicated by the treatment. It is concluded, that such antibiotic treatment does not necessarily improve the microbiological quality of the rats, and that it imposes a high risk of propagating resistant bacteria.
Spontaneous convulsions in Charles River Wistar rats
Authors: Nunn G. , Macpherson A.
Published: May 2007

Spontaneous clonic convulsions in the Charles River Wistar rat have been observed at an incidence of 1.5%. Females (2.3%) are more susceptible than males (0.7%). These convulsions are not seen in rats of less than approximately 16 weeks of age. Some animals have exhibited single convulsions whilst others have convulsed on numerous occasions. No histopathological abnormalities of the brain have been recorded for these animals following routine examination.
Absorption and retention studies of trace elements and minerals in rats using radiotracers and whole-body counting
Authors: Van den Berg G. J. , Wolterbeek H. Th. , De Goeij J. J. M. , Beynen A. C.
Published: May 2007

A description is given of a whole-body counting technique using radiotracers, permitting the determination of true absorption and endogenous excretion of trace elements and minerals in the rat in vivo. This non-invasive counting method involves oral and intraperitoneal administration of tracer doses of a radioisotope in a cross-over fashion and subsequent measurement of the whole-body retention in a whole-body counter. Thus, true absorption can be determined in one animal which contributes to the reduction of animal use. To study the variations in counting response due to radioisotope distribution, to size or shape of the animal body, the influence of the position of a point source and distribution over different phantoms to simulate various body sizes are experimentally evaluated for 64Cu, 65Zn, 59Fe and 28Mg. Results from 2 studies, with 64Cu and 28Mg, as an example for a trace element and a mineral respectively, are presented and illustrate that absorption as measured by apparent absorption does not necessarily reflect true absorption. True absorption as determined by the whole-body retention method using radioisotopes corrects for faecal losses of endogenous origin.
Genetic studies of a new mutant strain showing shivering in the mouse
Authors: Guo X. , Nobunaga T. , Katoh H.
Published: May 2007

A new mutant with shivering, Hula dance Sendai (tentatively named hus gene), was found in the IVCE strain. A congenic strain, C57BL/6JJcl- hus, was established by the cross-intercross method using IVCE- hus as the donor strain and C57BL/6JJcl as the recipient. No significant differences were observed in the age of the onset of shivering and life span between B6- hus and IVCE- hus mice.

Genetic analyses demonstrated that this mutation is governed by an autosomal recessive gene ( Mbphus) and is an allele of the Mbpshi gene (Chr.18)
Determination of the L-ascorbic acid requirements in Wistar osteogenic disorder Shionogi rats for prolonged carcinogenesis experiments
Authors: Chan S. W. Y. , Reade P. C.
Published: May 2007

Wistar Shionogi rats of the ( od/od) substrain with the osteogenic disorder are unable to synthesize L-ascorbic acid ( L-AA) and appear to be an appropriate animal model for studying the effect of L-AA in carcinogenesis. To determine the minimal L-AA requirements of these animals for prolonged survival in a satisfactory physical condition during experimentation, four concentrations of L-AA (0.33 g/l, 0.67 g/l, 1.67 g/l and 3.33 g/l) were administered via drinking water to four groups of animals ( n=2). Their water intake per cage was recorded three times weekly and the plasma L-AA levels were determined at the start, after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks and at the termination of the experiment. To simulate the procedures to be undertaken in oral mucosal carcinogenesis experiments, the animals were gently restrained and a designated amount of sterile NaCl was applied to the palatal mucosa three times a week for 26 weeks.

The L-AA supplement group with the lowest concentration (0.33 g/l L-AA) achieved mean plasma levels of 7 ± 1.38 μM, approximately one-eighth that of the normal level (mean plasma L-AA level in outbred Wistar rats was found to be 58 ± 3 μM) whilst those in the higher supplement group (3.33 g/l L-AA) achieved a mean of 18 ± 1.25 μM. All of the animals employed in the present study survived for 26 weeks and showed no clinical signs of L-AA deficiency during this period.
Breeding of the water rat (Nectomys squamipes) in the laboratory
Authors: D'Andrea P.S. , Horta C. , Cerqueira R. , Rey L.
Published: May 2007

The water rat, Nectomys squamipes, is reported as a natural host of Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil. This paper presents some reproductive, growth and developmental data, and laboratory management of a breeding programme for N. squamipes. The colony was derived from animals captured at Sumidouro, Rio de Janeiro state. The animals' diploid number was 56, conception rate was 66.7% and gestation period was 30 days. Litter size ranged from 1 to 6, with a mean of 4.1 (SD±1.2) and a mode of 4 and 5. Sex ratio at birth and at weaning was not significantly different from the expected ratio of 1:1. There were no significant differences between mean body weights at birth for males and females. The minimum age for weaning was between 20-25 days. The growth curves of body weight, head-body length and tail length, for both sexes, comprise at least three linear segments representing different phases of approximately constant growth rates. Facilities for colony maintenance and its potential for use as experimental model are reported.
Simultaneous measurement of metabolic flux in portally-drained viscera, liver, spleen, kidney and hindquarter in the conscious pig
Authors: Ten have G. A. M. , Bost M. C. F. , Suyk-Wierts J. C. A. W. , van den Bogaard A. E. J. M. , Deutz N. E. P.
Published: May 2007

A method was developed to measure metabolic fluxes simultaneously across the portally-drained viscera (PDV), liver, spleen, kidney and hindquarter (HQ) in the conscious pig (20-25 kg). For this purpose, sampling catheters were implanted in the abdominal artery, portal vein, hepatic vein, splenic vein, renal vein and caval vein. Further, two extra infusion catheters were implanted in the splenic vein and abdominal artery. These allow continuous infusion of para-aminohippuric acid (PAH), providing a method for estimating the plasma flow of the liver, PDV, spleen, kidney and HQ.

To minimize the postoperative recovery period of the pigs, great attention was paid to the housing conditions. After a recovery period of seven days, pigs were used for experiments twice a week. During the three weeks experimental period, food intake, body temperature, weight gain, blood gas data and plasma flow were monitored. Mean plasma flow was: liver 52±6, PDV 40±5, HQ 20±2, spleen 4±1 and kidneys 15±2 ml/kg body weight/min. These data were characteristic for a pig in a conscious normal resting and unstressed state. The long-term patency rate of the sampling catheters was very high (ranging from 75% to 100%). This was probably due to the prevention of catheter-related infections using a gentamicin (20 mg/ml), α-chymotrypsin (225 U/ml) solution as catheter filling. We conclude that this model enables simultaneously liver, PDV, intestine, spleen, liver, kidney and HQ flux measurement of many metabolic substances in the conscious pig.
Autonomic nervous function in mice and voles (Microtus arvalis): investigation by power spectral analysis of heart rate variability
Authors: Ishii K. , Kuwahara M. , Tsubone H. , Sugano S.
Published: May 2007

We have studied the autonomic nervous function in voles ( Microtus arvalis) and mice. For this purpose, ECGs were recorded from conscious and unrestrained voles and mice using radiotelemetry and the autonomic nervous function was investigated by the power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Heart rate in voles was lower than mice and the coefficient of variance was larger in voles. In the power spectra of voles and mice, there were two major spectral components with the high frequency (HF) peak generally appearing between 2.0 and 4.0 Hz, and the low frequency (LF) peak appearing below 0.6 Hz. On the basis of this data, we set the two frequency bands as LF (0.1-1.0 Hz) and HF (1.0-5.0 Hz) to evaluate autonomic nervous function. The LF and HF powers were larger in voles than mice. The LF/HF ratio was thought to provide a convenient index of autonomic nervous balance and was smaller in voles than mice. The LF powers in both species were reduced by atropine, but propranolol reduced the LF power only in mice. The HF power was reduced by atropine only in voles. The intrinsic heart rate produced by a double blockade with atropine and propranolol in voles was almost the same as control levels, but in mice was lower than controls. The ratio of the LF and HF powers by a double blockade were almost the same as those of the administration of atropine in voles, but nearer to propranolol in mice. These results suggested that the parasympathetic nervous function was predominant in voles, but the sympathetic one was predominant in mice.
A unique design for ease of access and movement of captive Papio hamadryas
Authors: Holmes Kelli A. , Paull Michael D. , Birrell Alexandra M. , Hennessy Annemarie , Gillin Adrian G. , Horvath John S.
Published: May 2007

Baboons are widely used in biomedical research but their size and behaviour present potential problems with accessibility. A unique system has been developed that ensures ease of access to all animals in a colony of Papio hamadryas. Two distinct caging complexes were linked by a network of overhead races, that are connected to a physical restraint area where individual animals could be separated, restrained and weighed without being handled. Access to and separation of individual family groups was achieved in this manner. This race system proved to be time effective, simple, sturdy, safe and hygienic.
The use of isoflurane anaesthesia in studies of carnitine metabolism in the laboratory rat
Authors: Davis A. T.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of isoflurane anaesthesia in the rat prior to decapitation on metabolites of interest in studies of carnitine metabolism. Male and female fed and starved rats were allocated to either the decapitation group, or to the anaesthesia-decapitation group. Six animals were allocated to each treatment. Within each gender and within feeding status, there were no significant effects of isoflurane anaesthesia with regard to plasma and liver carnitine, plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and free fatty acids, or liver free fatty acids, triglycerides, free CoA, and acetyl CoA ( P>0.05). It was concluded that isoflurane anaesthesia can be used in studies of carnitine metabolism where the rat is used as a model.
Behaviour of rats in their home cages: daytime variations and effects of routine husbandry procedures analysed by time sampling techniques
Authors: Saibaba P. , Sales G. D. , Stodulski G. , Hau J.
Published: May 2007

The behaviour of laboratory rats in their home cages was observed on both the mornings and the afternoons of days when cages were cleaned and compared to days when cages were not cleaned. Two different time sampling methods, 'instantaneous sampling' and 'one/zero sampling', were used and compared. In general the rats were more active in the mornings than in the afternoons. Activity, particularly locomotion and that associated with manipulation of the bedding was increased during both the mornings and the afternoons of cleaning days. Defaecation also increased on cleaning days whereas sitting decreased. The cleaning regime appeared to have a greater effect on behaviour than did time of day and the effect of cleaning lasted for several hours after the procedure had been completed. The implications for experimental design are discussed.
Epi- and metaphyseal morphology in the long bones of BDIX/Han rats
Authors: Stark C. , Kahrmann B. , Walzel E.
Published: May 2007

Development and morphology of the epiphyses of the long bones were investigated in 93 adult rats of 7 different strains (BDIX/Han, BDE/Han, BN/Han, DA/Han, LEW/Han, AVN/IpcV/Wistar/Rehbrücke, Shoe: WIST) from the age of 14 weeks up to the age of 78 weeks. Strain-related differences were found in the development of the secondary centre of ossification, which was retarded in the BDIX/Han rats. Furthermore, closure of the growth plate started earlier in the BDIX/Han rats. In addition various regressive changes were detected in the growth plates of long bones of all rats, but not of the ribs. The frequency and extent of these changes varied between individuals and strains. Degeneration of the matrix and necrosis were already observed at 14 weeks of age.
Polymyopathy in a Syrian golden hamster
Authors: Wijnands M. V. W. , Woutersen R. A.
Published: May 2007

A Syrian golden hamster suffered from general swelling of skeletal muscles. At microscopical observation the muscle tissue exhibited degeneration and necrosis, as well as regenerative features. The inflammatory response was very slight. The histopathological lesions were diagnosed as polymyopathy.
Lung, ileum and heart are predilection sites for AApoAII amyloid deposition in CD-1 Swiss mice used for toxicity studies. Pulmonary amyloid indicates AApoAII
Authors: Gruys E. , Tooten P. C. J. , Kuijpers M. H. M.
Published: May 2007

Amyloid deposits represent frequent histological findings in SPF strains of mice mainly used for toxicological studies. Usually, these are deposits of reactive amyloid (AA-amyloid) derived from the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA). The SAA is an apoprotein of high density lipoprotein (apoSAA). Senescence-accelerated amyloid (ASsam) occurs in a special strain of mice. This type of amyloid is derived from apolipoprotein-AII and, therefore, is called AApoAII. Recently, C57B1/Ka control mice not treated for long duration with immunosuppressive agents, were found to have developed AApoAII-amyloidosis with a predilection for the deposits in the ileum (HogenEsch et al. 1993).

In the present study, SPF CD-1 Swiss outbred mice, used for chronic toxicity experiments, were investigated. Amyloidosis was diagnosed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. The tissue localization of amyloid was recorded and confirmed by Congo red staining. The chemical type of amyloid was investigated by peroxidase antiperoxidase (PAP)-immunostaining using anti-murine AA and anti-murine AApoAII antibodies. Those animals which died during the study and the mice killed at end of the experiment, aged 18 months, from treated as well as non-treated control groups, showed AApoAII-amyloid deposits with similar prevalence. The AApoAII amyloid had organ predilection for gut, heart and lung tissue. A group of animals was euthanazed intercurrently at a young age, since they suffered from spontaneous dermatitis associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection. Sixty-eight percent had reactive amyloid deposits found primarily in spleen, liver, kidney and gut.

From these findings and literature data on various other mouse strains, it is concluded that in mice used for toxicity studies, AA and AApoAII types of amyloidosis may be expected. The deposition patterns of these types of amyloid are slightly different. AA-amyloid has a predilection for spleen, liver, gut and kidney, and is often associated with inflammatory lesions of the skin, whereas masses of amyloid in lung, heart and ileum suggest AApoAII. Pulmonary amyloid appears to represent the most reliable deposition criterion for discriminating between both types of amyloidosis.
Quality improvement with the new general practitioner contract - myth or reality?
Authors: Lovett John , Curry Adrienne
Published: May 2007

The introduction of the new general practitioner (GP) contract has been a significant development in the management of primary care and requires a number of changes to be made to the way things are done. This paper provides an initial evaluation of the impacts of the new contract from the perspective of practising GPs in the Greater Glasgow area of Scotland. Its impact is assessed using Ovretveit's three dimensions of quality: professional, client and managerial quality. Some of the changes have proved so far to have positive effects and some may prove to be increasingly negative if appropriate amendments to the contract are not realized. There are some noteworthy implications for policy here.
Improving operational efficiency in an inner-city emergency department
Authors: Bordoloi Sanjeev K , Beach Keith
Published: May 2007

Saving lives in a high-volume, high-acuity inner-city trauma centre demands operational excellence. We conducted our research in an emergency department where treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome is a critical operation. Our study results in a better understanding of patient flow, analysis of the waiting lines and an optimization model for labour cost minimization.
Placing the future in safe hands: legacy funds at the College
Authors: Jary Louise
Published: May 2007

As a registered charity independent of the NHS, the College is heavily reliant on voluntary income. Legacies, in particular, have always played a vital role in the College's funding and have in the past enabled us to purchase equipment and to support projects: often in areas of surgical health care that were of special interest or concern to the legator. In reviewing the activities of the College over the past year, for the first time we have taken the opportunity in the annual report to thank this very important group of donors who wish to push forward the boundaries of surgery through leaving a legacy to the College in their will.
Private centres threaten ENT provision
Authors: Towell Elaine
Published: May 2007

First it was the controversial independent sector treatment centres (ISTCs); now hospital departments are being put under further threat by plans to set up private centres to take over simple procedures from hospitals. The Clinical Assessment Treatment and Support Centres (CATS) are being gradually implemented throughout the country to carry out diagnostics and surgical treatments in a bid to cut government waiting lists.
MJDF: frequently asked questions
Authors: Palmer Nikolaus , Fortune Farida
Published: May 2007

The MJDF is the new Diploma of Membership of the joint dental faculties, the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) and Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) (FGDP(UK)). It will progressively replace the existing membership examinations of each faculty (MFDS and MFGDP(UK)) from autumn 2007. The examination is designed to assess the competencies set out in the new Department of Health foundation training (GPT) curriculum, but is relevant and available to all dentists wishing to obtain a postgraduate qualification.
Human Rights and Intellectual Property Protection in the TRIPS Era
Authors: Cullet Philippe
Published: May 2007

Human rights and intellectual property protection are two distinct fields that have largely evolved separately. Their relationship needs to be re-examined for a number of reasons. First, the impacts of intellectual property rights on the realization of human rights such as the right to health have become much more visible following the adoption of the TRIPS Agreement. Second, the increasing importance of intellectual property rights has led to the need for clarifying the scope of human rights provisions protecting individual contributions to knowledge. Third, a number of new challenges need to be addressed concerning contributions to knowledge, which cannot effectively be protected under existing intellectual property rights regimes. This article examines the different aspects of the relationship between intellectual property rights, human rights, and science and technology related provisions in human rights treaties. It analyzes existing knowledge protection-related provisions in human rights treaties. It also examines some of the impacts of existing intellectual property rights regimes on the realization of human rights. Further, it analyzes the recently adopted General Comment 17 on Article 15(1)(c) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and proposes an alternative broader reading of this provision focusing on traditional knowledge.
The Relative Universality of Human Rights
Authors: Donnelly Jack
Published: May 2007

Human rights as an international political project are closely tied to claims of universality. Attacks on the universality of human rights, however, are also widespread. And some versions of universalism are indeed theoretically indefensible, politically pernicious, or both. This essay explores the senses in which human rights can (and cannot) be said to be universal, the senses in which they are (and are not) relative, and argues for the "relative universality" of internationally recognized human rights.
"To Preserve and Build on its Achievements and to Redress its Shortcomings": The Journey from the Commission on Human Rights to the Human Rights Council
Authors: Lauren Paul Gordon
Published: May 2007

In recent years the UN Commission on Human Rights has been widely and severely castigated for its failures to live up to the vision of being a genuine protector of victims of human rights abuses and instead becoming a shield for the violators. This article provides an assessment of these criticisms of the Commission by exploring its historical beginnings, its notable achievements, and its manifest shortcomings, and then analyzes how these and other factors came into play when the membership of the United Nations decided to replace the Commission with the new Human Rights Council.