bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free University of Berlin, Department of Veterinary Physiology, Germany
Authors: Mohr E. , Krzywanek H. , Pinkowski W.
Published: March 2003

Monitoring training by measuring blood lactate content is a well‐known procedure in sports physiology. Because of the difficulties in standardizing a test procedure in field studies, this method is fraught with considerable problems when applying it to race horses. The aim of the present study was to develop a test procedure which is able to give evidence about the training state of different race horses after non‐identical test‐loads.

Under almost identical environmental conditions, the level of blood lactate was determined in five trotters which were kept in training. Immediately after the single phases of a three‐stage test procedure (handicap: ‘small’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’ load for the animals chosen at the discretion of the coach) blood samples were drawn. The lactate value was set in relation to the speed of each animal. A curve of the equation y = y0 + e(k + b*x) was fitted with r2 > 0.93 to these data. With the aid of this equation, the ‘comparative speed’, , was calculated; this is the arithmetic mean of the velocities V4, V8 and V20, obtained by inserting the appropriate values for (imaginary) lactic acid concentrations in the formula.

With the aid of it was possible to detect both an increase and a decrease in physical fitness. In this way, animals tested together on one date, as well as the development of one animal tested on several dates, can be scored.

Advantages and limitations of the method are discussed in detail.
Induction of Functional Differentiation and Growth Inhibition In Vitro of Canine Osteosarcoma by 22‐Oxacalcitriol, Calcitriol and All‐trans Retinoic Acid
Authors: Barroga E. , Kadosawa T. , Okumura M. , Fujinaga T.
Published: March 2003

The effects of 22‐oxacalcitriol (OCT), calcitriol and all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the induction of functional differentiation and growth inhibition of the canine osteosarcoma cell line POS were investigated in vitro via bone differentiation markers and proliferation assays, respectively. The intracellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the gamma‐carboxyglutamic acid osteocalcin (GLA‐OC) and procollagen type I C peptide (PIP) production were used as markers of differentiation. Treatment with 10−8 m concentrations of all drugs for 72 h significantly inhibited growth (P < 0.0001) and increased ALP activity and GLA‐OC and PIP production in POS. OCT, calcitriol and ATRA significantly increased the: ALP activity from 1.58 ± 0.14 μmol/min/mg protein (mean ± SD; control) to 2.50 ± 0.09 (P < 0.0001), 2.30 ± 0.14 (P < 0.0001) and 2.00 ± 0.14 (P = 0.0008), respectively; GLA‐OC production from 0.71 ± 0.01 ng/ml (control) to 2.87 ± 0.01 (P < 0.0001), 2.87 ± 0.11 (P < 0.0001) and 1.36 ± 0.06 (P < 0.0001), respectively; and PIP production from 433.91 ± 23.29 ng/ml (control) to 536.54 ± 15.46 (P = 0.0002), 497.06 ± 1.99 (P = 0.0028) and 481.66 ± 0.01 (P = 0.0104), respectively. This study demonstrated that treatment with these drugs induced a phenotypic maturation of POS cells into cells that exhibit the properties of functionally mature bone cells with parallel growth inhibition. The effects of these drugs on functional differentiation may be useful to complement the progression of a normal osteogenic differentiation process in the sarcoma.
Absence of S100A4 (mts1) Gene Mutations in Various Canine and Feline Tumours. Detection of a Polymorphism in Feline S100A4 (mts1)
Authors: Mayr B. , Brem G. , Reifinger M.
Published: March 2003

Ninety canine and 101 feline tumours of various types were investigated for gene mutations in the coding regions of the metastasis‐associated gene S100A4 (mts1). No gene mutations were present in the analysed genomic area. A widespread histidine/tyrosine polymorphism was detected in codon 17 of S100A4.
Epidemiology of Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis in Cattle in South‐east Ethiopia
Authors: Takele G , Zerihun A.
Published: March 2003

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of infectious keratoconjunctivitis on cross‐breed dairy farms and to evaluate factors that influence its distribution. A total of 11 dairy farms and one cattle cross‐breeding farm in different parts of Arsi region, south‐east Ethiopia were clinically and bacteriologically investigated from February 1989 to December 1990. Out of 5221 local zebu and cross‐breed dairy animals, 110 were found to have different degrees of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis. Of these, 94 (85.5 %) were unilateral and 16 (14.5 %) were bilateral. The prevalence of the disease was significantly (P < 0.001) influenced by age and breed; high exotic blood level and younger age groups were mainly affected. However, severity of the disease was not significantly associated with age (P > 0.750). Moraxella bovis was isolated from 88 (80 %) of the 110 bacteriologically positive cases. Of these isolates, 61 (69 %) were haemolytic and 27 (31 %) were non‐haemolytic strains. Infection with M. bovis was unilateral. Concurrent infections with M. bovis included Actinomyces pyogenes 23 (21 %), Staphylococcus aureus 17 (15 %), Pasteurella haemolytica nine (8 %), Escherichia coli eight (7 %) and Proteus spp. four (3.6 %).
Reproductive Efficiency of Three Estrus Synchronization Schemes Comprising Fixed‐Time Insemination in Dairy Cows
Authors: Amiridis G. S. , Belibasaki S. , Leontides L. , Lymberopoulos A. , Vainas E.
Published: March 2003

The objective of this field trial was to compare the odds of pregnancy at 25 days (P25) and at 60 days (P60), of embryonic death (ED) between 25 and 60 days, and of non‐pregnant cows returning to heat 20–25 days after artificial insemination (AI). Three fixed‐time insemination protocols involving combined administration of either double gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandins (A) or GnRH, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and prostaglandins (B), or double treatment with prostaglandins (C) were used. Cows included in the trial were selected from five herds, comprising a total of 735 (herd size range 85–250, median 120) Holstein dairy cows. Animals used for the study were multiparous, 4–7 years of age, had expressed at least one overt postpartum heat, were between 60 and 120 days of lactation and had at least one palpable corpus luteum and no gross morphological anomalies of their reproductive tracts. They were randomly allocated to receive treatment A (n = 89), B (n = 93), or C (n = 65). Pregnancy of cows not observed in heat 18–24 days post AI was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography at 25–30 days and confirmed by rectal palpation at 60–75 days post AI. Those that were detected in heat in the normal period post AI were re‐inseminated. No differences were detected among the three treatment groups concerning the odds of P25 (P = 0.5), P60 (P = 0.2) and ED (P = 0.13). In contrast, non‐pregnant cows that were administered treatment A were less likely to exhibit estrous signs in the normal period post AI than those administered treatments B (P = 0.02) or C (P = 0.005).
Polyamines in the Gastro‐intestinal Tract of Goat Kids and in the Regenerating Ruminal Epithelium of Sheep
Authors: Eliassen K. A. , Sjaastad Ø.V.
Published: March 2003

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether temporal changes in polyamine concentration and synthesis could be found in the luminal content and wall tissue of the rumen and abomasum, two organs which have entirely different growth patterns during the first month of life. In the abomasal mucosa there was a marked gradual decrease in the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity during the first month of life, while the ODC activity in the ruminal mucosa was low during the whole experimental period. However, injury of the rumen wall was followed by increased ODC activity. The ODC activity in duodenal mucosa was about 10 times higher than in the ileal mucosa and the ruminal epithelium. In ruminal liquid a clear peak in ODC activity was observed during the period 51–70 days after birth. The polyamine concentration did not parallel the ODC activity, in either the ruminal epithelium or the ruminal liquid. Of the polyamines, the spermine concentration was always highest, and with the exception of duodenal mucosa, the putrescine concentration was lowest. In liver a clear decrease in spermidine concentration from day 1 to about day 60 after birth was observed. Otherwise no marked temporal changes in tissue polyamine concentrations were observed. Two and a half hours after oral administration of 14C‐labelled spermine, nearly all of the radioactivity was found in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, 1 h after intravenous injection of polyamines the walls of the gastrointestinal tract were strongly labelled. In conclusion, the polyamines needed for ruminal epithelial development seem to come from sources other than the ruminal epithelium itself or the ruminal lumen.
Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 Activity in Bovine Synovial Fluids
Authors: Arican M. , Coughlan A. R. , Clegg P. D. , Carter S. D.
Published: March 2003

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important enzymes found in connective tissues and thought to be involved in cartilage degradation. They are detectable in bovine synovial fluid and may play a destructive role in bovine septic arthritis. The MMP gelatinase enzymes were detected by gelatin zymography using image analysis of the gels. The active gelatinase levels were determined by a gelatin degradation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Increased concentrations of MMP‐9 activity were found in the synovial fluids of cows with septic arthritis (P< 0.001) in comparison with fluids from normal joints. Using the gelatin degradation ELISA the net active gelatinases were measured, and significant increases were found in gelatinase bioactivities in synovial fluids from septic joint disease cases (P< 0.001). Increased concentrations of MMP‐2 activity were found in the synovial fluids of cows with aseptic arthritis, which appeared to be playing an important role in degradation of articular cartilage in joint disease. This finding required further investigation.
Stability of Tetracycline in Water and Liquid Manure
Authors: Kühne M. , Ihnen D. , Möller G. , Agthe O.
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to establish a suitable model for the prediction of the environmental stability of antibiotics in water and liquid manure. The model consists of incubation systems for solutions with installations for stirring and ventilation. It was used to examine the stability of tetracycline in ventilated and unventilated Ringer's solution and liquid pig manure for a period of 8 days. Tetracycline concentrations decreased significantly during the experiment. The fastest degradation was observed in ventilated liquid manure. The test might be used as a screening test for the determination of the degradation half‐life of antibiotics in the first phase of an environmental safety study according to directive 92/18/EEC.
Pharmacokinetics and Urinary Excretion of Sulphadimidine in Buffalo Calves
Authors: Jain S. K. , Punia J. S. , Garg B. D.
Published: March 2003

Pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of sulphadimidine (SDI) were determined in buffalo calves following single oral administration (150 mg/kg). The plasma levels of free sulphadimidine were above minimum effective therapeutic concentration (>40 µg/ml) between 4 and 12 h and the N4‐acetylated form of the drug was in the range of 7.2–19.3 %. Kinetic evaluation of plasma levels was performed using a two‐compartment open model. The absorption and elimination half‐lives of SDI were 3.01 and 11.94 h, respectively. Based on this study, an optimal dosage regimen of sulphadimidine in buffalo calves would be 100 mg/kg, followed by 50 mg/kg at 12 h intervals. Sulphadimidine was mainly excreted in the urine as free amine. The percentage of N4‐acetyl sulphadimidine in urine was comparatively higher than in plasma.
Synchronization of Lactating Dairy Cows with Prostaglandin F2α: Insemination on Observed Oestrus versus Timed Artificial Insemination
Authors: Tenhagen B.‐A. , Drillich M. , Heuwieser W.
Published: March 2003

The effect of two insemination policies after synchronization of oestrus on reproductive performance in two groups of cows was investigated. Oestrus was synchronized by two treatments with prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) at a 14‐day interval. Cows in Group 1 (n= 234) were inseminated twice on appointment 66 and 90 h after the second treatment. Cows in Group 2 (n= 222) were intensively watched for signs of oestrus after the synchronization protocol and inseminated on observed oestrus. Cows with abnormal discharge after synchronization were excluded from breeding and inseminated later during the study period. Service rate within 1 week after synchronization was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (89.3 versus 67.1 %). Conception rates on first service did not differ between groups (33.2 versus 30.0 %). Days to first service and days open were shorter in Group 1 (P< 0.05). The number of cows culled for infertility did not differ between the groups. Endometritis 14–20 days post‐partum decreased the percentage of cows pregnant at the end of the study period in both groups but did not have a significant effect on conception rates and days open. It is concluded that additional inseminations required in the timed artificial insemination protocol were economically justified by the reduction in days open in comparison with insemination on observed oestrus after synchronization.
The Effect of Repeated Follicular Puncture on Ovarian Function in Dairy Heifers
Authors: Petyim S. , Bage R. , Forsberg M. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H. , Larsson B.
Published: March 2003

Three dairy heifers were examined during three consecutive oestrous cycles (control period, CP). Subsequently, the animals were subjected to 4 and then 5 weeks of twice‐weekly ovum pick‐up (OPU) (FPP1 and FPP2, respectively) with a recovery period (RP) of two consecutive oestrous cycles between FPP1 and FPP2. After FPP2, the animals were slaughtered and the ovaries were macroscopically examined. Throughout, ovarian activity was monitored by transrectal ultrasonography and concentrations of plasma progesterone. During CP, all the heifers showed normal cyclicity. During FPPs, the heifers occasionally presented oestrous activity. Corpus luteum (CL)‐like structures developed from punctured follicles with diameters and life‐spans varying from smaller and shorter than those in the CP (P > 0.05) to equal to those in the CP. There was a tendency for a lower number of emerging and punctured follicles in the presence of a CL‐like structure. Subsequently to FPP1, all heifers regained normal cyclicity. A thickening of the ovarian tunica albuginea and a slight hardening of the ovaries were found postmortem. In conclusion, dairy heifers can occasionally show cyclic activity and form CL‐like structures during twice‐weekly OPU. Further, OPU did not seem to cause any major negative effects on ovarian structure and subsequent ovarian function.
Investigation of Antinuclear Antibodies in Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Ginel P. J. , Lucena R.
Published: March 2003

Serum samples from 40 atopic dogs and 20 healthy dogs were assayed for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) using a human epithelial cell line (HEp‐2) and standard indirect immunofluorescent methods. Samples from the atopic dogs were grouped according to the presence (n=28) or absence (n=12) of facial lesions at any moment during the follow‐up period. Positive ANA titres were found in 10 of the 40 atopic dogs analysed (25 %) whereas samples from the control group were negative. Eight atopic dogs with facial lesions had a positive titre (28.57 %) in contrast with atopic dogs without facial lesions where two positive samples (16.67 %) were found; however, the differences were statistically not significant. Endpoint titres were low (1/40), only two samples yielded a 1/80 positive titre and one sample had a 1/320 titre, all of them from the facial lesions group. Response to immunotherapy was classified as positive only in four of the 10 ANA‐positive patients (40 %) compared with a response rate of 73 % (22 of 30) in the ANA‐negative atopic dogs. However, a Fisher’s exact test showed a two‐sided P‐value of 0.122 which was considered statistically not significant. The overall response rate to immunotherapy for all atopic dogs was 65 % (26 of 40). In conclusion, the prevalence of ANA is higher in atopic than in healthy dogs, especially if facial lesions are present. Although a clinically significant pathogenic contribution is not probable, this higher prevalence should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of canine autoimmune dermatitis.
A Clinical Case of Canine Mycotic Pneumonia
Authors: García M. E. , Caro A. , Fragío C. , Blanco I. , Blanco J. L.
Published: March 2003

A bronchopneumonic process diagnosed as mycotic in origin is described. The dog fully recovered after 120 days of treatment with ketoconazole. Determination of the serological level of anti‐IgG againstAspergilluswas very useful in the follow‐up, because the clinical improvement of the animal was evident long before the antibody level dropped significantly.
Effects of Repeated Follicular Punctures on Ovarian Morphology and Endocrine Parameters in Dairy Heifers
Authors: Petyim S. , Båge R. , Forsberg M. , Rodríguez‐Martínez H. , Larsson B.
Published: March 2003

Three experimental and three control heifers were included in the study. After a control period (CP), the experimental heifers were subjected to 4 and 5 weeks of twice‐weekly follicular punctures (FPP1 and FPP2) with two oestrous cycles in between. The follicular punctures were performed using the ovum pick‐up (OPU) technique. During the CP and FPPs, ovarian activity was monitored by transrectal ultrasonography and analyses of plasma progesterone, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) metabolite, luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. The animals were slaughtered 7 days after cessation of FPP2 and their ovaries examined. The control animals were monitored for their oestrous cyclicity and were then ovariectomized and the ovaries examined. Despite the absence of ovulation, the formation of corpus luteum (CL)‐like structures could be ultrasonographically observed during FPPs. These structures either had characteristics comparable to those of the CLs during the CP (group 1) or were smaller and had a shorter life span and (or) luteal active phase with a lower progesterone production (group 2). In group 1, CL‐like structures emanated from punctures of large‐sized follicles on or close to the days on which the animals showed oestrus and had a rise in oestradiol and LH. In group 2, the structures developed from punctures of smaller‐sized follicles and no oestrus nor a detectable LH rise was revealed around punctures. During most FPPs, the basal level of LH was at zero. During all FPPs, a significant rise in FSH level occurred on the day following the day of puncture. To conclude, repeated follicular puncture appeared to alter slightly endocrine profiles and cause minor morphological changes in the ovaries. Both the macro‐ and microscopic examinations revealed the presence of luteal structures and follicles of various sizes in the ovaries of all heifers studied. The connective tissue in the ovarian tunica albuginea of the experimental heifers was significantly thicker than that in controls (P < 0.001).
Comparison of Two Fibrin Glues in Anastomoses and Skin Closure
Authors: PARK W. , KIM W. H. , LEE C. H. , KIM D. Y. , CHOI J. H. , HUH J. W. , SUNG H. M. , KIM I. S. , KWEON O. K.
Published: March 2003

To control intra‐operative haemorrhage, fibrin glues are preferred by many surgeons because of their biological advantages and convenience of application. Manufacturers have developed a few kinds of fibrin glues with a little difference in their composition. This study was to compare the effectiveness of two commercially available fibrin glues; Greenplast® (Green Cross P. D. Company, Yongin, Korea ) and Tisseel® (Baxter‐Immuno AG, Vienna, Austria). They were applied experimentally to several kinds of surgery in dogs – renal vessel anastomosis, partial splenectomy, intestinal anastomosis and incision skin wound – and evaluated for their haemostatic and adhesive effects. When the two glues were applied in renal vessel anastomosis, the amount of haemorrhage in artery and vein decreased significantly. They also decreased the haemorrhage in partial splenectomy. At 10 min after application of the glues to an incision skin wound, the tensile strengths developed were significantly higher than that of control.

The present study indicates that two‐component fibrin glues have a haemostatic effect as a mechanical barrier in renal vessel anastomosis and an adhesive effect in the early stage of incision skin wound closure, and the two glues have similar effects with no complications.
Investigations into the Prevention of Neonatal Ancylostoma caninum Infections in Puppies by Application of Moxidectin to the Bitch
Authors: Epe C. , Roesler K. , Schnieder T. , Stoye M.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this investigation was to examine whether reactivated Ancylostoma caninum larvae can be eliminated by the administration of moxidectin to pregnant bitches. Four pregnant bitches infected experimentally with 20 000 third‐stage larvae of A. caninum were treated subcutaneously with 1 mg moxidectin/kg body weight on day 55 of the pregnancy (5–8 days before parturition). Another four experimentally infected pregnant bitches served as controls. The single moxidectin treatment completely prevented lactogenic infections in the puppies. Neither intestinal stages nor somatic larvae could be found. The administration of moxidectin caused no local or systemic side‐effects in the bitches. All 22 puppies of the treated bitches were born healthy and remained so during the whole trial period. Beginning during the third week after birth, all 20 puppies of the untreated bitches developed a severe microcytic, hypochromic anaemia and they revealed a total of 8649 intestinal stages of A. caninum after autopsy.
Nine Cases of Idiopathic Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Cattle in Israel
Authors: Yeruham I. , Perl S. , Elad D.
Published: March 2003

Nine sporadic cases of apparent toxic epidermal necrolysis in nine cattle herds in Israel are presented. The clinical symptoms were characterized by full‐thickness epidermal exfoliation. No underlying disease or drug administration could be detected in the affected animals, and so all cases were classified as idiopathic. Recovery was noted in all affected animals. The clinical and histological findings are discussed in the light of the pertinent literature.
Replication of Reptilian Paramyxovirus in Avian Host Systems
Authors: Ahne W. , Adrian J. , Mayr A.
Published: March 2003

The reptilian paramyxovirus GOV replicated in chicken embryo fibroblasts, in embryonated chicken eggs and in explanted chorio‐allantoic membrane with titres of up to 108.2 TCID50/ml at 28°C. The virus did not multiply above 30°C. GOV re‐isolated from the avian host systems was identified by immunofluorescence and by immunogold‐electron microscopy.
Ileoileal Intussusception Associated with Coccidiosis in Sheep
Authors: Tafti A. Khodakaram
Published: March 2003

Postmortem examination of a 3‐year‐old male Iranian native sheep with a history of anorexia and severe colic, revealed an intussusception of the small intestine, 30 cm proximal to the ileocaecal junction. Scattered hyperplastic lesions were present in the jejunal and ileal mucosa especially in intussuscipien. Microscopic examination of these lesions showed severe papillary hyperplasia of the epithelium associated with developmental stages of coccidia in the epithelial cells. An unusual type of intussusception and the presence of the proliferative nodular form of coccidiosis in the intestinal wall of intussuscipien suggested that coccidiosis could be considered as the possible cause of the problem.
Comparison of Polymerase Chain Reaction and Dot Hybridization with Enzyme‐Linked Immunoassay, Virological Examination and Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis for the Detection of Porcine Rotavirus in Faecal Specimens
Authors: Winiarczyk S. , Gradzki Z.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was the evaluation of RT‐PCR (reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction) technique and dot blot hybridization with PCR‐generated probe for the detection of group A rotavirus in faecal samples derived from diarrhoeal piglets. They were compared with virological examination (isolation of the virus), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and ELISA. The specificity and sensitivity of each assay was assessed against a ‘gold standard’ which was created on the basis of the virological examination and PAGE results. One hundred and seventeen faecal samples taken from piglets with the signs of diarrhoea were used as research material. cDNA probe labelled with digoxigenin, complementary to the region between 1 and 650 nucleotides of the segment 9 of porcine OSU and Gottfried reference strains was used. The probe detected in the dot blot hybridization 1 ng of dsRNA of the reference porcine strains. Using that test it was shown that 23 positive samples out of 117 samples of diarrhoeic piglets were detected. The RT‐PCR technique appeared to be the most specific and sensitive diagnostic method. From 117 amplified faecal samples, the products of RT‐PCR reactions were obtained from 24 samples. By means of this method it was possible to find 104 virions per 1 g of sample.

Overall comparison of the results showed respective sensitivities and specificities of 100 % and 98.9 % for RT‐PCR, 95.7 and 98.3 % for hybridization, 100 and 94.7 % for ELISA, 78.3 and 100 % for virological examination, 91.3 and 100 % for PAGE.
Decreased expression of L‐selectin (CD62L) on lymphocytes in enzootic bovine leukaemia
Authors: Dušinský R. , Bardotti M. , Ponti W.
Published: March 2003

Expression of L‐selectin was determined by single‐ and two‐colour immunofluorescence on granulocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and blasts of bovine origin by means of a monoclonal antibody IVA94 which recognizes bovine L‐selectin (CD62L). Cells were separated from peripheral blood of healthy cattle and colleagues infected with bovine leukaemia virus (BLV). BLV‐infected animals comprised lymphocytotic and non‐lymphocytotic cows. L‐selectin was expressed on 90–98 % of granulocytes in all tested animals. The percentage of PBMC expressing L‐selectin was lower in cattle with persistent lymphocytosis than in non‐lymphocytotic or BLV‐free cattle, and inversely correlated with lymphocyte counts. The ratio of B lymphocytes stained for L‐selectin was significantly decreased from 60.2 ± 1.9 % in BLV‐free cattle to 43.8 ± 3.6 and 22.5 ± 5.7 % in non‐lymphocytotic and lymphocytotic cattle, respectively. B‐lymphocytes stained for L‐selectin exhibited about 50 % reduction in L‐selectin expression in BLV‐infected cattle compared with BLV‐free cattle, as judged by the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). The percentage of L‐selectin‐positive PBMC not bearing surface immunoglobulin M (predominantly T lymphocytes) was comparable in BLV‐free and BLV‐infected cattle. However, L‐selectin expression on T lymphocytes was reduced (about 50 %) in BLV‐infected cattle, as judged by the MFI. We suppose that BLV infection results in a decreased L‐selectin expression on lymphocytes, and accordingly, it may contribute to deregulation of the host immune system.
Dynamics of the Development of Chlamydophila psittaci Inclusions in Epithelial and Fibroblast Host Cells
Authors: Escalante‐Ochoa C. , Ducatelle R. , Haesbrouck F.
Published: March 2003

The development of Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci, avian strains) inclusions in fibroblast L‐929 and epithelial BGM cell lines was studied along the bacterial growth cycle using a BGM cell‐adapted strain in the presence or absence of cycloheximide and cycloheximide + polyethylene glycol. Evolution of the inclusions was determined in terms of their number and size at 24, 30, 36, 48 and 54 h after infection. Significant differences in the chlamydial growth were found between both host cells, throughout the study. Higher numbers of inclusions (P 0.05) were observed in L cells while larger inclusions (P 0.01) were found in BGM cells. In both fibroblast and epithelial cells, inclusions showed a significant (P 0.001) increase in size at the later times studied. Free extracellular chlamydial particles were noticed at 48 and 54 h post‐infection (p.i.) in infected L cells, and at 54 h p.i. in BGM cells. Addition of cycloheximide or cycloheximide + polyethylene glycol had no significant effect on the number of inclusions or their size. The results suggest that host cell characteristics and innate compatibility between Chlamydophila strain and host cell are more important than host cell adaptation for the development of the microorganism.
Epidemiological and Bacteriological Aspects of Mastitis Associated with Yellow‐Jacket Wasps (Vespula germanica) in a Dairy Cattle Herd
Authors: Yeruham I. , Schwimmer A. , Brami Y.
Published: March 2003

The German wasp, Vespula germanica has been observed to injure teats of dairy cows, causing lesions that are associated with clinical and subclinical mastitis. The presence of skin lesions on the teats, caused by the wasps, was recorded in a dairy cattle herd located in the Samaria foothills during July–October 1999. Wasp‐inflicted injuries were found in 43.6% (58 of 133) of the adult cows and 1.4% (one of 71) of the first‐calving cows. They were located in 42.4% of cows (n = 25) on all quarters, 18 cows (30.5%) had lesions on the front quarters and 27.1% (n = 16) of cows on the hind quarters only. Clinical and subclinical mastitis were diagnosed in 61% (36 of 59) and 28.8% (17 of 59), respectively, of the injured adult and first‐calving cows. The most common bacterial isolates from the mastitic cows were Staphylococcus aureus 45.1% (n = 14), Streptococcus dysgalactiae 16.1% (n = 5), Streptococcus spp. 19.4% (n = 7) and others 13.9% (n = 5). The loss of milk production was estimated at 300 kg milk for each cow injured by wasps and exhibiting clinical mastitis. An increase in the bulk‐milk somatic cell count, from 186 × 103 at 1 month prior to the outbreak to a peak of 1200 × 103 in the post‐outbreak month, was noted. The culling rate reached 13.6% (eight of 59) of the affected cows. In summary, the considerable economic losses caused by the wasp infestation resulted from decreased milk production and a decline in milk quality, culling of affected cows, and increased demand for use of drugs and veterinary care.
The Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus (Iridoviridae) Induces Apoptosis In Vitro
Authors: ESSBAUER S. , AHNE W.
Published: March 2003

The epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV) is an iridovirus causing severe disease in different fish species. We investigated the induction of apoptosis during EHNV infection of the epithelioma carp papulosum (EPC) cell line. Apoptosis reveals several characteristic morphological changes, such as chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, cytoplasm membrane disorientation, or mitochondrial changes. During EHNV infection of EPC cells the occurrence of apoptosis was analysed using a fluorescein‐isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugate of annexin‐V to detect phosphatidylserines that have changed cytoplasm membrane localization. Annexin‐V labelling was obvious 12 h after infection. At 54 h after EHNV infection 39% of the investigated EPC cells exhibited fluorescence. Furthermore, EHNV‐infected cells were stained with 4′‐6′‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) to detect pycnotic nuclei. Appearance of DAPI‐positive nuclei was found beginning at 18 h after infection. At 54 h after EHNV infection approximately 56% of the EPC cells showed fragmented nuclei. Assays to inhibit a protein kinase‐dependent (e.g. double‐stranded RNA‐dependent protein kinase) apoptosis pathway with 2‐aminopurine revealed a reduction of EHNV titres, e.g. titres were reduced 1000‐fold in the presence of 100 and 200 mM 2‐aminopurine. Apoptosis takes place during iridovirus infection in vitro and it seems to involve the activation of protein kinases.
The Importance of Pets as Reservoirs of Resistant Enterococcus Strains, with Special Reference to Vancomycin
Authors: RODRIGUES J. , POETA P. , MARTINS A. , COSTA D.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, with special attention to vancomycin, in 104 strains of Enterococcus, which is the sentinel bacterium isolated from dog and cat faeces samples. The phenotypic characterization of the isolates classified them as E. faecium (58%), E. avium (41%) and E. faecalis (1%). Sensitivity testing used the diffusion method according to the recommendations of CASFM (Comité de l'Antibiogramme de la Société Française de Microbiogie), to oxacillin, amoxycillin, amoxycilin + clavulanic acid, ampicillin, piperacillin, cefoperazone, imipenem, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, οfloxacin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline, lincomycin, erythromicin and vancomycin. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination by E test revealed a MIC to vancomycin of between 0.5 μg/ml and 3 μg/ml. All the strains were resistant to nalidixic acid, erythromycin, cefoperazone and oxacillin. We detected resistance to amoxycillin + clavulanic acid in 1.9% of isolates, to amoxycillin in 4.8%, to piperacillin in 13.5%, and to ampicillin in 21.2% of strains. A high prevalence of antibiotic resistance to lincomycin, tetracycline, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin was found in 98.1%, 95.2%, 76.9%, 73.1% and 64.4% of strains, respectively. Resistance to vancomycin was not found, which indicates that there is no transmission risk of vancomycin‐resistant enterococcal strains to man or transfer of their resistance genes to other bacteria belonging to the endogenous flora of humans.
Identification of Acid Fast Bacteria From Caseous Lesions in Cattle in Sudan
Authors: Sulieman M. S. , Hamid M. E.
Published: March 2003

One‐hundred‐and‐twenty caseous lesions collected from slaughtered cattle at selected slaughterhouses in Sudan were processed for the detection of acid‐fast bacteria (AFB). Sixty‐four of the 120 samples showed AFB on microscopic examination after staining with the Ziehl–Neelsen method. Accordingly, it was estimated that 64 (53.3%) of the 120 caseous (purulent) lesions among the samples were due to AFB whereas 56 (46.7%) were due to other causes. Growth on Lowenstein‐Jensen slants was obtained in 54 of the 120 samples. The isolated AFB were tentatively identified using microscopic and cultural characteristics. Confirmation of the phenotypic clusters was achieved by analysing the mycolic acids contents and PCR‐amplification of the IS6110 insertion sequences. The above two methods have allowed the identification of Mycobacterium bovis and M. farcinogenes, the major AFB isolated from cattle in Sudan. The remaining AFB, which were negative for the above two tests, were further identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. The above strategy thus allowed the identification of the isolated strains as follows: 25 (46%) M. bovis; 21 (39.9%) M. farcinogenes; 4 (7.4%) M. tuberculosis; 1 (1.9%) M. avium; 1 (1.9%) Nocardia sp., 2 (3.7%) unidentified AFB. The isolation of M. farcinogenes and M. tuberculosis, from pulmonary lymph nodes represented important findings.
Apoptosis Inhibitors Delay the Cytopathic Effect of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV)
Authors: Grummer B. , Bendfeldt S. , Greiser‐Wilke I.
Published: March 2003

Based on their action in cell culture, two biotypes of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) can be distinguished. The noncytopathic (ncp) BVDV isolated from persistently infected animals cause no visible damage to cultured bovine cells. In contrast, cytopathic (cp) BVDV induces severe damage and apoptosis in cell cultures. Cp BVDV can be isolated from cattle suffering from mucosal disease (MD) and is associated with the severe lesions that primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract. To get an insight into the molecular events during BVDV induced cytopathic effect (CPE), the effect of three chemical reagents (3‐aminobenzamide, ascorbic acid and N ‐acetyl‐leucyl‐leucyl‐methional) with completely different mode of actions in infected cells was analysed. All three substances were able to delay the cytopathic effect induced in permissive bovine cells.
Sequence Analysis of the Full‐Length Cloned DNA of a Chicken Anaemia Virus (CAV) Strain from Bangladesh: Evidence for Genetic Grouping of CAV Strains Based on the Deduced VP1 Amino Acid Sequences
Authors: Islam M. R. , Johne R. , Raue R. , Todd D. , Müller H.
Published: March 2003

Chicken anaemia virus (CAV) was detected in the bursa of Fabricius of a 4‐week‐old chicken obtained from an outbreak of acute infectious bursal disease in Bangladesh. Repeated attempts to grow this virus in MDCC‐MSB1 cells were not successful. A full‐length PCR amplicon of the genome of this strain, designated as BD‐3 CAV, was cloned and sequenced. The complete nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence were compared with those of 12 other CAV strains. The genetic analysis of the amino acid sequences of VP1 indicated the possible existence of genetic groups among CAV strains, as BD‐3 CAV along with four other strains (CIA‐1, L‐028, Isolate 704 and TR‐20) formed a distinct lineage. These strains have four signatory amino acids in VP1, such as 75I/T, 97L, 139Q and 144Q, out of which the latter two are located in a small hydrophilic peak.
In Situ Measurement of Pinna nobilis Shells for Age and Growth Studies:  A New Device
Authors: García‐March José Rafael , Manuel García‐Carrascosa Antonio , Luís Peña Álvaro
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Pinna nobilis
Linnaeus 1758 is an endemic bivalve mollusc in the Mediterranean Sea, where it inhabits seagrass meadows, especially
Posidonia oceanica
(L.) Delile. It is the largest bivalve in the Mediterranean, reaching lengths up to 120 cm. In its natural habitat,
P. nobilis
lives with the anterior part of the valve buried in the seabed, attached to
Posidonia
rhizomes by byssus threads.
 This habit makes it impossible to measure its total length directly in situ. As the only way to determine the individual age is the relationship between age and total length, several equations have been proposed to estimate total length by relating it to the unburied parts of the shell. Such measurements are essential to ecological studies that consider age, growth, and population dynamics, and that evaluate the environmental factors that affect this species. Accurately estimating total length depends on the accuracy and precision of the method employed to measure the unburied shell parts. In this paper, we point out the lack of precision of the instruments and methods used until now; we also demonstrate the reason for this imprecision. A new device to measure unburied parts of Pinna nobilis with a precision comparable to that obtained when measuring extracted valves is described. This device is unaffected by substratum type and reduces measurement time. The latter is a very important feature, because these procedures are usually performed whilst SCUBA diving. Finally, a growth equation has been fitted to the measurements obtained with the new device from a population located in Moraira (Alicante, western Mediterranean).
Identification of CARE‐2‐negative Candida albicans isolates as Candida dubliniensis
Authors: Morschhäuser J. , Ruhnke M. , Michel S. , Hacker J.
Published: March 2003

Among 302 clinical yeast isolates originally identified as Candida albicans, we found 16 isolates that did not hybridize with the C. albicans‐specific repetitive DNA element CARE‐2. These 16 isolates produced abundant chlamydospores, did not grow at 43 °C, and exhibited a distinct randomly amplified polymorphic DNA profile. Sequence analysis of part of the 28S rDNA demonstrated that the CARE‐2‐negative isolates are not an atypical subgroup of C. albicans but belong to the recently described new species C. dubliniensis.
Effects of Pycnoporellus fulgens (Fr.) Donk crude extract on Candida glabrata ultrastructure
Authors: Moulin‐Traffort Joëlle , Steinmetz  , Rascol  , Regli
Published: March 2003

Among antifungal products of natural origin, Pycnoporellus fulgens (Fr) Donk, is active against pathogenic yeasts. Our study was carried out to observe the ultrastructural modifications produced by P. fulgens crude extract on Candida glabrata. Yeasts were submitted to different concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400 μg ml−1) for 72 h under constant stirring at 35 °C. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the extract acted on the cell envelope (cell wall and plasmalemma). Cell divisions were also affected by thickening of the septum (50 μg ml−1) and a deficiency in the daughter cell wall texture. The extent of the antifungal effect clearly depended on the extract concentration.
Genotypic relatedness of yeast isolates from women infected with human immunodeficiency virus and their children
Authors: Ruhnke M. , Grosch‐Wörner Ilse , Lischewski A. , Neubauer A. , Steinmüller Anne , Trautmann M. , Morschhäuser J.
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to compare polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting with other molecular typing methods as an epidemiologic tool to investigate the transmission of Candida strains between HIV‐positive mothers and their children. Forty‐nine yeast strains (including Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula rubra, Candida tropicalis, Candida famata, Candida dubliniensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) from 30 individuals (15 children and 15 HIV‐infected mothers or accompanying person) were isolated. Colonization/infection with yeast was observed in 80% of all individuals in the oral cavity, and in 33% from hand cultures, respectively. Thirteen out of 15 children (86%) and 12 out of 15 adults (80%) were colonized/infected with yeasts. Candida dubliniensis strains were found in four HIV‐infected women but not in children. The results with an arbitrarily primed (AP)‐PCR mediated genotyping assay using phage M13 core sequence were compared with the hybridization patterns using the species‐specific DNA probe CARE‐2 for the C. albicans isolates. Typing of non‐C. albicans strains was done using AP‐PCR in comparison with pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Twenty‐six C. albicans strains gave two different genotypes by AP‐PCR but 16 genotypes by CARE‐2 hybridization. The CARE‐2 probe appeared to have a higher discriminatory power compared with the primer ‘M13’‐mediated AP‐PCR in typing C. albicans isolates.
Epidemiology of dermatomycoses of humans in Central Poland. Part V. Tinea corporis
Authors: Jeske J. , Lupa S. , Seneczko F. , Głowacka Anna , Ochęcka‐Szymańska Aldona
Published: March 2003

The total number of dermatophytoses (7393) included 2204 (29.8%) cases of tinea glabrosa. Etiological factors in descending order were: Microsporum canis (23.5%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. granulosum (21.6%), Trichophyton rubrum (17.8%), Trichophyton tonsurans (10.4%), Epidermophyton floccosum (7.7%), T. mentagrophytes var. quinckeanum (6.0%), Microsporum gypseum (5.3%), Trichophyton violaceum (3.7%), T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale (2.3%), Microsporum equinum (0.7%), Trichophyton verrucosum (0.4%), Trichophyton spec. (0.4%), Microsporum cookei (0.14%). At present tinea glabrosa is dominant among all clinical forms of dermatophyte infections of skin and skin appendages in the Łódź region.
In vitro susceptibility of yeasts for fluconazole and itraconazole. Evaluation of a microdilution test
Authors: Nenoff P. , Oswald Ulrike , Haustein U.‐F.
Published: March 2003

In vitro susceptibilities were determined for a total of 159 clinical isolates and 12 reference strains of yeasts belonging to different Candida species including 94 Candida albicans strains, and further genera such as Cryptococcus, Trichosporon, Geotrichum and Saccharomyces. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for fluconazole and itraconazole were assessed using a microdilution technique with the semisynthetic high resolution (HR) medium supplemented with glucose and asparagine but without sodium hydrogen carbonate (pH 7.0), according to a proposal of the working group ‘Clinical Mycology’ of the German Speaking Mycological Society. Fluconazole MIC values for C. albicans were between 0.125 and ≥128 μg ml−1. Thus, the median of 1 μg ml−1 showed that the overall fluconazole susceptibility was good. As expected, Candida krusei (seven strains) exhibited diminished in vitro susceptibility with MIC values for fluconazole of 8 to 128 μg ml−1 with a median of 64 μg ml−1. Some Candida kefyr strains seemed to be less susceptible against fluconazole which was indicated by a MIC90 of 64 μg ml−1. Surprisingly, no Candida glabrata isolate exhibited a MIC value greater than 16 μg ml−1. Other Candida species, Trichosporon cutaneum, Geotrichum candidum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed low MICs to fluconazole. In vitro susceptibility testing of itraconazole revealed that all Candida species except C. albicans, but also Trichosporon cutaneum, Geotrichum candidum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibited acceptable low MIC values against itraconazole (0.03–2 μg ml−1). Their MIC90 values for itraconazole were in the close range between 0.125 and 2 μg ml−1. MIC values between 0.125 and 2 μg ml−1 were obtained, even for C. krusei strains. On the other hand, the range of C. albicans MICs was between 0.0125 and ≥16 μg ml−1 with MIC50 and MIC90 values of 0.125 and ≥16 μg ml−1, respectively, indicating that a considerable number of yeast strains have high MICs. The comparative evaluation of different experimental conditions revealed that there exists a marked influence both of inoculum size and incubation time on the results of susceptibility testing. Therefore, for routine usage 102 CFU ml−1 and 18–24 h incubation time for this microdilution method with HR medium are recommended.
Chlamydospore formation on Staib agar as a species‐specific characteristic of Candida dubliniensis
Authors: Staib P. , Morschhäuser J.
Published: March 2003

Staib agar (Syn. Guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar) was evaluated for differentiation between the highly related yeast species Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis. On these agar plates C. dubliniensis formed rough colonies due to mycelial growth and produced abundant chlamydospores whereas C. albicans grew only in smooth colonies and without chlamydospore formation. The rough colonies of C. dubliniensis could be readily distinguished from the smooth C. albicans colonies. These results demonstrate that, under certain growth conditions, mycelial growth with chlamydospore formation is a species‐specific marker that can be used for the identification of C. dubliniensis.
Case Report. Folliculitis barbae caused by Candida albicans
Authors: Süß Katrin , Vennewald Irina , Seebacher C.
Published: March 2003

Folliculitis barbae candidomycetica is a very rare disease and in the scientific literature this manifestation of candidosis is rarely described. In most cases, a connection with predisposing factors is suspected, although in the cases cited this connection was not frequently proved. Furthermore, in our patient who was suffering from a folliculitis candidomycetica no predisposing factors or illnesses were apparent. For this reason, the importance of such aetiological factors of Candida folliculitis must be critically discussed. Effective drugs for use in treatment are fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole.