bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tubular Contents of Equine Dentin: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Muylle S. , Simoens P. , Lauwers H.
Published: March 2003

The dentinal tubules of 20 permanent equine incisors were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Occlusal surfaces and longitudinal fracture planes of both etched and undecalcified teeth were examined. Three different types of structure were observed inside the dentinal tubular lumen. Odontoblastic processes could only be visualized in the circumpulpal parts of the tubules. The more peripheral parts were empty or housed cylindrical structures that probably correspond to the laminae limitantes. Collagen fibres were frequently observed in the tubular lumina and were most numerous in the circumpulpal parts of the tubules.
Binding Profile of Spiramycin to Oviducal Proteins of Laying Hens
Authors: Furusawa N.
Published: March 2003

In vitro protein binding of spiramycin (SP) in the plasma and oviducts of laying hens was studied. The data for SP were compared with those for oxytetracycline (OTC), sulphadimidine (SDD), sulphamonomethoxine (SMM) and sulphaquinoxaline (SQ). The two oviduct segments, magnum (M) and isthmus plus shell gland (IS), were collected. The soluble (cell sap) fractions from the magnum (M‐S9) and the isthmus plus shell gland (IS‐S9) were used as samples. Plasma protein binding was highest for SQ (81.4 %) (P < 0.01), and lowest for SDD (30.9 %) (P < 0.01). No M‐S9 protein binding of OTC was found. The IS‐S9 protein binding of SP (60.4 %) was very much higher than those of OTC (0.8 %), SDD (4.1 %), SMM (4.0 %) and SQ (12.3 %) (P < 0.01). Biological half‐lives of these drugs in egg albumen were directly correlated to the extent of their binding to IS proteins. Of plasma, M‐S9 and IS‐S9, variation in SP concentration in the ranges from 1 to 20 µg/ml did not alter the binding properties of the drug.
Na+‐Dependent Transport of d‐Xylose by Bovine Intestinal Brush Border Membrane Vesicles (BBMV) is Inhibited by Various Pentoses and Hexoses
Authors: Scharrer E. , Grenacher B.
Published: March 2003

To detect whether pentoses and hexoses occurring in rumen bacteria or in hemicellulose ingested with feed and partly released in the small intestine have an affinity for the Na+‐dependent glucose transporter of the bovine intestinal brush border membrane (BBM), we investigated whether these monosaccharides inhibit Na+‐dependent transport of 14C‐labelled d‐xylose across the BBM using brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) isolated from the mid‐jejunum of cows. We used d‐xylose as the transport substrate, because it has a low affinity for the Na+‐dependent glucose transporter and thus its uptake into BBMV is more efficiently competitively inhibited by other sugars than that of d‐glucose. d‐Ribose, d‐mannose and l‐rhamnose occurring in rumen bacteria significantly inhibited Na+‐dependent uptake of d‐xylose into BBMV, but their inhibitory effect was less than that of d‐glucose, d‐xylose and phlorizin. This also applied to l‐arabinose (and d‐arabinose), which is, like d‐xylose and d‐galactose, a constituent of hemicellulose, and to 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose. Of all monosaccharides tested, only d‐fructose did not affect Na+‐dependent d‐xylose transport. It is concluded that some pentoses and hexoses occurring in rumen bacteria (d‐ribose, d‐mannose and l‐rhamnose) or hemicellulose (l‐arabinose and d‐xylose) have a low affinity for the Na+‐dependent glucose transporter of the bovine BBM and may therefore be absorbed from the jejunum when released in the small intestine.
Activities of γ‐Glutamyltransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase and Aspartate‐Aminotransferase in Colostrum, Milk and Blood Plasma of Calves Fed First Colostrum at 0–2, 6–7, 12–13 and 24–25 h after Birth
Authors: Zanker I. A. , Hammon H. M. , Blum J. W.
Published: March 2003

Enzyme activities of γ‐glutamyltransferase (γ‐GT), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and aspartate‐aminotransferase (AST) were measured from birth to the age of 28 days in calves which were fed colostrum at 0–2, 6–7, 12–13, or 24–25 h after birth. Enzyme activities were also measured in colostrum (first to fifth milking) and in mature milk. Activities were highest in the first colostrum milking and decreased to the lowest activities in mature milk. Plasma γ‐GT activity transiently increased after first colostrum intake and was greater in calves fed first colostrum within less than 6–7 h than in those fed first colostrum later than 12 h after birth. Activity of γ‐GT reflected the absorption of colostral γ‐GT, which decreased with time after birth. The AP activity transiently increased after colostrum intake and was higher in calves fed colostrum within the first 12 h of life than in those fed later after birth. The transient rise of plasma AP activity also indicated absorption of colostral AP, although endogenous sources of AP could not be excluded. The activity of AST also transiently increased after colostrum intake but there was no association with time of first colostrum feeding, indicating that the rise of plasma AST activity was the consequence of enhanced endogenous production and was independent of colostrum intake. In conclusion, there are different causes leading to postnatal changes in enzyme activities.
Pharmacokinetic Behaviour of Phenylglyoxal Bis(Guanylhydrazone) (PGBG) after Intravenous Administration in Rabbits
Authors: Rodríguez C. , San Andrés M. I. , San Andrés M. D. , Encinas T. , González F. , Ballesteros E.
Published: March 2003

Phenylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (PGBG) is a synthesized analogue of methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG), which has demonstrated anti‐parasitic activity in rabbits. The pharmacokinetic behaviour of PGBG after intravenous administration (10 mg/kg bodyweight) was studied in five rabbits. Plasma concentrations of PGBG were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Plasma PGBG concentrations decreased rapidly and were not detectable beyond 90 min after treatment. The mean [± standard deviation (SD)] volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) was 2.19 ± 0.47 l/kg and the mean plasma clearance value (Cl) was 29.99 ± 3.98 ml/min kg. This drug is rapidly eliminated from the body in rabbits, having a short elimination half‐life (0.93 h) and mean residence time (1.21 h).
Primary Intranasal Transmissible Venereal Tumour in the Dog: A Retrospective Study of Six Spontaneous Cases
Authors: Papazoglou L. G. , Koutinas A. F. , Plevraki A. G. , Tontis D.
Published: March 2003

The medical records of six dogs with primary intranasal transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) were reviewed. Epistaxis (4/6), serosangineous nasal discharge (2/6), oronasal fistulae (2/6), facial swelling (1/6) and submandibular lymphadenopathy (3/6) due to reactive hyperplasia (2/3) and metastasis (1/3) were the most common complaints and clinical findings. Diagnosis was made by rhinoscopy and confirmed by cytology and histopathology in five dogs and by cytology only in one dog. The microscopic appearance of the tumours with both diagnostic techniques was typical of TVT. Four cases were treated effectively with four to five weekly cycles of vincristine monotherapy that resulted in complete resolution of TVT masses in approximately 1 month. One case was resistant to this kind of treatment and another one was lost to follow‐up.
The Sow Endometrium at Different Stages of the Oestrous Cycle: Immunohistochemical Study on the Distribution of SWC3‐Expressing Cells (Granulocytes, Monocytes and Macrophages)
Authors: Kaeoket K. , Dalin A.‐M. , Magnusson U. , Persson E.
Published: March 2003

Uterine samples from sows taken immediately after slaughter at late di‐oestrus, pro‐oestrus, oestrus, early di‐oestrus and di‐oestrus, were analysed by immunohistochemistry with an avidin–biotin–peroxidase method using a monoclonal antibody (anti‐SWC3) to granulocyte, monocyte and macrophage populations. The endometrium was then examined by light microscopy. In the surface and glandular epithelium, the largest numbers of SWC3‐expressing cells (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05) were found at oestrus, and at pro‐oestrus and oestrus, respectively. The numbers of SWC3‐expressing cells in the epithelium were positively correlated with the plasma levels of oestradiol‐17β. In the connective tissue of the subepithelial and glandular layers, no significant effect of the oestrous cycle stage was found on the number of SWC3‐expressing cells. The present study showed a variation in the distribution of SWC3‐expressing cells in the sow endometrium, especially in the surface and glandular epithelium, during different stages of the oestrous cycle.
No Effect of Vitamin D3 Treatment on Active Calcium Absorption Across Ruminal Epithelium of Sheep
Authors: Schröder B. , Goebel W. , Huber K. , Breves G.
Published: March 2003

A significant contribution of the forestomachs in net calcium (Ca2+) absorption from the gastrointestinal tract has been postulated from in vivo and in vitro studies in different ruminant species. However, the potential role of vitamin D3 and its metabolites in controlling these mechanisms is still under discussion. It was therefore the aim of the present study to investigate the effectiveness of treatment with vitamin D3 in stimulating active Ca2+ absorption from sheep rumen. Four mature, non‐lactating, non‐pregnant sheep that had been treated 7 and 4 days before the Ca2+ flux rate measurements with intramuscular injections of 300 000 IU of vitamin D3 each in aqueous solution were used. Two female and three male placebo‐treated sheep served as controls. To characterize the effects of vitamin D3 application on plasma parameters the time courses of total calcium, inorganic phosphate, calcitriol and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were recorded. In vitro studies of unidirectional Ca2+ flux rates across isolated, intact rumen wall epithelia were carried out by applying the Ussing‐chamber technique. Western blot analysis and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT‐PCR) were applied to identify vitamin D receptors (VDR) in ruminal and jejunal tissues. In addition, Western blot analysis for qualitative examination of epithelial calbindin D9k levels was carried out in these tissues. Total calcium and phosphate levels in plasma were not significantly affected by treatment with vitamin D3 whereas calcitriol concentrations significantly increased by about 130 and 63% after the first and second application, respectively. In contrast, iPTH tended to decrease by about 60% indicating regulatory effects of calcitriol on systemic Ca homeostasis. The Ca2+ flux rate measurements in Ussing‐chambers revealed significant net Ca2+ absorption indicating the contribution of active mechanisms for Ca2+ transport in rumen epithelia. This, however, was not significantly affected by increased calcitriol concentrations in plasma. Western blot analysis on the basis of a human recombinant VDR protein and RT‐PCR clearly indicated the presence of VDR in ruminal and jejunal epithelia, but, in contrast to jejunum, this was not reflected by respective amounts of calbindin‐D9k in ruminal tissues. The results suggest the absence of classical calbindin‐D9k‐mediated mechanisms for active Ca2+ transport in sheep rumen.
Recovery Times and Evaluation of Clinical Hemodynamic Parameters of Sevoflurane, Isoflurane and Halothane Anaesthesia in Mongrel Dogs
Authors: Polis I. , Gasthuys F. , Van Ham L. , Laevens H.
Published: March 2003

In the present study the influence of three volatile agents (halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane) in oxygen at two concentrations [1.5 and 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)] on non‐invasive cardio‐respiratory parameters (heart and respiratory rates, non‐invasive blood pressures at 15, 30, 60 min and after extubation) and on the recovery times (appearance of the first eyelid reflex, emergence time) after clinical anaesthesia was studied. After premedication with fentanyl‐droperidol (5 μg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg, intramuscularly) and induction with propofol (5 mg/kg, intravenously) six dogs were randomly anaesthetized for 1 h for a standard neurologic stimulation test. A wide individual variation in respiration rate (induced by an initial hyperpnea) was observed in the 1.5 MAC protocols, without significant differences. Heart rate was significantly lower during 1.5 and 2 MAC halothane when compared to isoflurane and sevoflurane. An increase from 1.5 to 2 MAC induced significant decreases in diastolic (DAP) and mean arterial blood pressure in all groups without significant changes in the systolic arterial pressures. Only DAP in sevoflurane protocol was significantly different at 1.5 and 2 MAC compared to halothane. Time had no significant influences on the non‐invasive blood pressures in all protocols. Extubation induced a significant increase of all parameters in all protocols. The time for a first eyelid reflex was significantly longer after 2 MAC compared to the 1.5 MAC protocol. There was no significant difference between the three anaesthetic agents. Although emergence time was longest for halothane at both anaesthetic concentrations, no significant difference in emergence time was observed for the three volatile agents.
Determination of a Gravity and Shock Score for Prognosis in Equine Surgical Colic
Authors: Grulke S. , Olle E. , Detilleux J. , Gangl M. , Caudron I. , Serteyn D.
Published: March 2003

A retrospective study evaluated 200 surgical colic cases. A gravity score (GS) based on four clinical parameters estimating intestinal obstruction (rectal palpation, borborygmi, abdominal distension, pain) and classified into three categories was established and tested to determine if it could evaluate prognosis. A shock score (SS) based on six parameters was also attributed to each case. The overall survival rate was 54 %. The statistical analysis showed a significant (P < 0.01) difference in the survival rate in the different categories of the GS, as well as in the categories of the SS. A multivariate logistic regression model showed that horses with GS 3 are 10.6 times more likely to die than those with GS 1. A model combining the two scores showed an odds ratio of 7.1 for GS 3 versus GS 1, and for SS 3 versus SS 1, the odds ratio was 7.2.
Nitrite/Nitrate Responses to Endotoxin in Calves*
Authors: Hüsler B. R. , Blum J. W.
Published: March 2003

Plasma concentrations and urinary excretions of nitrite plus nitrate (NOx) increase in heifers after endotoxin‐induced nitric oxide synthase activation. The rise can be enhanced by administration of arginine, the substrate for the production of nitric oxide, whose effects may be modified by the iron status. In 10‐week‐old veal calves (six Simmental × Red Holstein) arginine (0.5 g/kg body weight for 6 h) was intravenously infused. At 2 h after the start of the infusionsEscherichia coliendotoxin O26:B6 (2 μg/kg body weight) was intravenously injected. This caused a rise of rectal temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and of urinary NOxexcretion, but not of plasma NOxconcentrations, in contrast to the experience with older cattle to which the same amounts of arginine were infused before and during endotoxin administration. In 8‐week‐old veal calves (18 Simmental × Red Holstein) the question of whether oral supplementation with arginine and iron modifies NOxresponses to endotoxin (2 μg/kg) was also investigated. The calves were divided between three groups (GrA−, GrA+, GrC) and before endotoxin injections GrA−was fed 0.5 g arginine/kg for 4 days, GrA+was fed 0.5 g arginine/kg for 4 days plus 80 mg iron/kg milk for 2 weeks, whereas GrC was not supplemented with arginine or iron. Iron supplementation increased plasma iron concentrations and arginine supplementation increased plasma arginine and urea concentrations and urinary urea excretion. Ensuing administration of endotoxin enhanced plasma tumour necrosis factor‐α concentrations, rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate, but not plasma NOxconcentrations in GrC and GrA−and only transiently and slightly increased plasma NOxconcentrations in GrA+but did not affect urinary NOxexcretions. In conclusion, the expected stimulation of NOxresponses to endotoxin by intravenous arginine infusion appears to be much weaker in young veal calves than in older cattle. The NOxresponses in young veal calves were not modified if arginine was orally administered and plasma NOxwere barely enhanced by combined oral supplementation of arginine and iron.
Analgesic, Sedative and Haemodynamic Effects of Spinally Administered Romifidine in Female Goats
Authors: AMARPAL  , KINJAVDEKAR P. , AITHAL H. P. , PAWDE A. M. , PRATAP K.
Published: March 2003

The present study was designed to evaluate the analgesic, sedative and haemodynamic effects of spinally administered romifidine in goats. Ten female healthy goats weighing 14–18 kg were randomly divided into two groups, I and II, of five animals each. Romifidine was administered spinally at rates of 50 and 75 μg/kg body weight in the animals of groups I and II, respectively, into the lumbosacral space. The treatments were compared based on their effects on analgesia, sedation, ataxia, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, electrocardiogram and haemato‐biochemical parameters. The objective parameters were analysed statistically using pairedt‐test and Duncan's multiple range test. Depth of analgesia was measured by recording the response to pin prick at different regions and was graded on a scale from 0 to 3. Moderate to complete analgesia was recorded at perineum and flank in both groups. Sedation was moderate in both groups. Ataxia was observed in all the animals but it was more pronounced in group II. Heart rate decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in both groups. A decrease in respiration rate was also recorded in both groups but it was more significant (P < 0.01) and for longer duration in group II as compared to group I. A slight increase in rectal temperature was also observed in both groups. Mean arterial pressure decreased and central venous pressure increased significantly (P < 0.01) in both groups but changes were more pronounced in group II. Electrocardiogram changes in group I included bradycardia, increased QT interval and increased or biphasic T wave but in animals of group II, in addition to these changes, occasional sinus dysrhythmia, increased PR interval and second‐degree heart block were also recorded. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume decreased non‐significantly in both groups. A significant (P < 0.01) increase in blood glucose and non‐significant changes in plasma proteins, urea nitrogen and creatinine were recorded in both groups. The results of the study revealed that romifidine at the rate of 50 μg/kg could produce moderate to complete analgesia of perineum and flank after spinal administration into the lumbosacral space in goats. The analgesia could not be enhanced further by increasing the dose of romifidine up to 75 μg/kg, however, ataxia and cardiopulmonary and haemodynamic side‐effects became more apparent.
The Effects of Intrathoracic Pressure During Continuous Two‐Lung Ventilation for Thoracoscopy on the Cardiorespiratory Parameters in Sevoflurane Anaesthetized Dogs
Authors: Polis I. , Gasthuys F. , Gielen I. , Van Ryssen B. , Van Bree H. , Laevens H. , De Rijcke L.
Published: March 2003

The cardiopulmonary effects of different levels of carbon dioxide insufflation (3, 5 and 2 mmHg) under two‐lung ventilation were studied in six sevoflurane (1.5 minimum alveolar concentration; MAC) anaesthetized dogs during left‐sided thoracoscopy. An arterial catheter, Swan–Ganz catheter and multianaesthetic gas analyser were used to monitor the cardiopulmonary parameters during the experiment. Baseline data were obtained before intrathoracic pressure elevation and the measurements were repeated at intervals after left lung collapse induced by insufflation with carbon dioxide gas. The intrapleural pressure levels used were 3, 5 and 2 mmHg. Arterial blood pressures, cardiac index, stroke index, left and right ventricular stroke work index, arterial haemoglobin saturation, arterial oxygen tension and systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly during hemithorax insufflation, whereas heart rate, right atrial pressure, mean, systolic and diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance and arterial carbon dioxide tension significantly increased during intrapleural pressure elevation. Although carbon dioxide insufflation into the left hemithorax with an intrapleural pressure of 2–5 mmHg compromises cardiac functioning in 1.5 MAC sevoflurane anaesthetized dogs, it can be an efficacious adjunct for thoracoscopic procedures. Intrathoracic view was satisfactory with an intrapleural pressure of 2 mmHg. Therefore, the intrathoracic pressure rise during thoracoscopy with two‐lung ventilation should be kept as low as possible. Additional insufflation periods should be avoided, since a more rapid and more severe cardiopulmonary depression can occur.
Exercise‐Induced Changes in Atrial Peptides in Relation to Neuroendocrine Responses and Fluid Balance in the Horse
Authors: Kokkonen U.‐M. , Pösö A. R. , Hyyppä S. , Huttunen P. , Leppäluoto J.
Published: March 2003

Previous data show that, in horses, plasma atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP and NT‐ANP) remain elevated for a long time after exercise. To study whether exercise‐induced changes in hormonal and fluid balance explain this, we measured plasma concentrations of COOH‐ and NH2‐terminal atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP99–129and NT‐ANP1–98) together with arginine vasopressin (AVP), adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), β‐endorphin, cortisol, catecholamines, and indicators of fluid balance in six Finnhorses after a graded submaximal exercise test on a treadmill. After exercise, AVP and catecholamines diminished rapidly; atrial peptides, ACTH, β‐endorphin, and cortisol remained elevated longer. ANP reached its peak value at 5 min and NT‐ANP at 30 min post‐exercise. At 60 min, ANP was still significantly increased and NT‐ANP even above its level at the end of exercise. The different temporal patterns of ANP and NT‐ANP are most probably explained by differences in their plasma half‐lives. The post‐exercise increase in NT‐ANP indicates that the release of atrial peptides is stimulated during recovery after exercise. The rapid decrease in AVP and catecholamines suggests that these hormones do not explain the long‐lasting increase in atrial peptides. Cortisol remained elevated longer and it may have contributed to some extent. After exercise, the packed cell volume (PCV) decreased more slowly than plasma total protein and electrolytes, which refers to a slow post‐exercise return in blood volume. Taken together, the present results show that the long‐lasting post‐exercise increase in plasma atrial peptides in horses is most probably explained by elevated central blood volume and that the role of vasoactive hormones is small.
Use of Immunocytochemical Techniques in Canine Melanoma
Authors: HÖINGHAUS R. , MISCHKE R. , HEWICKER‐TRAUTWEIN M.
Published: March 2003

The staining patterns of the monoclonal antibodies S‐100 and Melan‐A in canine melanoma were assessed based on cytological specimens of six canine melanomas (four benign, two malignant). In addition, eight regional lymph nodes of the two dogs with malignant melanomas were stained using these markers. For reference, all specimens were also evaluated immunohistochemically using S‐100 and Melan‐A. To assess the immunocytochemical specificity of both antibodies, various canine tumours and normal tissues were stained. The immunocytochemical staining results of the canine melanomas and the regional lymph nodes showed high conformity with the immunohistochemical reactivity patterns for S‐100 and Melan‐A. The specificity of Melan‐A was higher compared with S‐100. Melan‐A, in particular, may be helpful for the cytological diagnosis of canine melanoma.
Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome. Clinical and Pathological Features of Cases in the United Kingdom (1993–1998)
Authors: THOMSON J. R. , HIGGINS R. J. , SMITH W. J. , DONE S. H.
Published: March 2003

This paper documents the salient clinical and pathological features of porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) in 96 pigs submitted from 55 units in the UK from 1993 to 1998. This series of cases pre‐dated the emergence of post‐weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in the UK. The morbidity during outbreaks was 1% or less. Affected pigs ranged from 14 to 70 kg in weight and most died after a short clinical illness. Fifty‐five pigs had multifocal or coalescing erythematous skin lesions, some progressing to dermal necrosis. Biochemistry showed raised serum urea, creatinine and gamma globulin levels accompanied by proteinuria. All cases showed bilateral renal enlargement with petechiae throughout the cortices. Microscopically these renal lesions ranged in chronology from acute necrotizing glomerulitis and vasculitis with multiple hyaline casts in renal tubules to chronic glomerular sclerosis with interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Haemorrhagic dermatitis when present was associated with necrotizing vasculitis in the dermal vessels. Vasculitis was sometimes detected in other tissues including subcutis, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, joint synovial membrane, gastric and intestinal submucosa or serosa and meninges but its frequency and distribution varied considerably in individual pigs. Immunostaining showed deposits of IgG and IgM in damaged glomeruli, renal casts and skin lesions. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the condition remain unknown but the histopathological and immunological findings suggest a systemic immune‐complex disorder resulting in vasculitis with particular predilection for kidney and skin.
Cerebellar Granuloprival Degeneration in an Italian Hound
Authors: Cantile C. , Salvadori C. , Modenato M. , Arispici M. , Fatzer R.
Published: March 2003

A severe atrophy of the cerebellum was observed in a 7‐month‐old male Italian hound with a history of progressive ataxia and head tremor from the age of 3 months. On clinical examination, signs included severe hypermetric gait, head tremors and proprioception deficits in all limbs. At necropsy, a pronounced symmetrical reduction in size of the cerebellum was the only gross lesion observed. Histological examination of the cerebellum revealed marked thinning of the granular and molecular layers with almost complete loss of granule cells. Purkinje cells had normal morphology and distribution. These findings differ from those of previous reports of cerebellar cortical abiotrophy in dogs, which were mainly characterized by prominent Purkinje cell degeneration and loss.
Ultrasound‐Guided Catheterization of the Portal Vein in 11 Cows Using the Seldinger Technique
Authors: Braun U. , Camenzind D. , Ossent P.
Published: March 2003

Catheterization of the portal vein using the Seldinger technique [Acta Radiol. (1958)38, 368] was performed in 11 cows. Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous portocentesis, using a 25‐cm, 14‐gauge steel cannula, was performed from the 10th, 11th or 12th intercostal space on the right side. A stylet was placed through the cannula, which was then removed, and a polyurethane balloon‐tipped catheter was advanced over the stylet into the portal vein and sutured to the skin (Seldinger, 1952). Blood samples were collected from the catheter at least once daily. The catheter was removed 9–15 days later when blood could no longer be aspirated. The cows were then slaughtered and a post‐mortem examination was performed. During the study, appetite remained normal in nine of 11 cows. In three cows, the general behaviour and demeanour were mildly, but transiently, abnormal. Four cows had leucopoenia. The most frequently encountered problem was occlusion of the catheter, which usually was resolved by flushing with heparinized saline. The most common post‐mortem lesion observed was an increase in fibrous connective tissue at the site of cannulation. In nine of 11 cows, there was a thrombus in the portal vein at the site of catheterization. Generally, the severity of the lesions was mild. The results of this study demonstrated that ultrasound‐guided percutaneous catheterization of the portal vein, using the Seldinger technique, is possible in cows. The catheter may be left in place for collection of blood samples for up to 15 days.
Department of Animal Production and Rangeland Management, Awassa College of Agriculture, P.O. Box 5, Awassa, Sidamo, Ethiopia
Authors: Etana D.
Published: March 2003

Samples were collected from clinically infected carthorses in Awassa. Fungus species affecting the carthorses were identified. Eight genera of fungal groups were isolated from swabs and skin scrapes taken from symptomatic horses. These included Aspergillus spp., Histoplasma spp., Penicillinum spp., Microsporum spp., Trichophyton spp., yeast cells of Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp. and Geotrichum spp. The most frequent isolates were from the genera Aspergillus (48 %), Penicillium (39.2 %) and Trichophyton (31.6 %). Clinical findings are reported, the economic, zoonotic and pathogenetic importance of fungi causing dermatomycoses is discussed, and further studies are recommended.
Inactivation of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 in Semen Using a Hyperimmune Egg Yolk Semen Extender
Authors: Silva N. , Solana A. , Castro J. M.
Published: March 2003

Hyperimmune egg yolk semen extender was used for the inactivation of bovine herpesvirus (BHV‐1) in experimentally infected bovine semen. As much as 5 × 104 TCID50/ml of virus was inactivated in semen as assayed by tissue culture. Moreover the hyperimmune egg yolk semen extender did not produce any adverse effect on the quality of the semen after being frozen/thawed in comparison with normal egg yolk semen extender (P > 0.05). The hyperimmune egg yolk semen extender is considered an important tool for containing the spread of BHV‐1 from infected semen.
Experimental Intravaginal Infection of Goats with Caprine Herpesvirus 1
Authors: Tempesta M. , Pratelli A. , Normanno G. , Camero M. , Buonavoglia D. , Greco G. , Buonavoglia C.
Published: March 2003

Three adult goats, seronegative to caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV.1), were intravaginally inoculated with BA.1 strain of CpHV.1. The animals were kept under observation for 1 month and daily both clinical examinations and white blood cell count were performed. Ocular, nasal, rectal and vaginal swabs and heparinized blood samples were collected every day to attempt virus isolation on cell cultures and detect viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The virus was isolated and detected by PCR only from the vaginal swabs for 5–7 days post‐infection. The animals showed transient fever and leukopenia and typical necrotic lesions on the vulva and vagina.
Use of Innovative Methods in the Eradication of Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Scacchia M. , Lelli R. , Petrini A. , Prencipe V. , Calistri P. , Giovannini A.
Published: March 2003

During final phases of eradication programmes, strains of Mycobacterium sp. not belonging to the tuberculosis complex increase their relative frequency and are responsible for positive skin test reactions. Moreover, the specificity of any indirect diagnostic test, such as the skin test, is never completely accurate, therefore even when tuberculosis infection is completely eradicated, a number of false positive reactions are to be expected. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the performances of traditional isolation/typing techniques, automatic isolation/typing techniques based on fluorimetric detection of bacterial growth (Bactec), skin tests and the ‐interferon test. Samples examined for the evaluation of test sensitivities originated from 154 infected animals belonging to 32 infected herds. Samples used as negative controls in the evaluation of test specificities originated from 86 animals of nine officially infection‐free herds. The automatic isolation/typing technique based on fluorimetric detection of bacterial growth showed higher sensitivity than the traditional isolation typing technique. Moreover, it allowed a safer processing of bacterial cultures, decreasing the risk for laboratory workers. The observed performance of the γ‐interferon test was considered beneficial in that it increased the sensitivity of individual diagnosis within an infected herd, especially in ‘problem herds’, but its poor specificity did not improve detection of infected herds compared to the skin test.
A Nucleotide Deletion Causing a Translational Stop in the Protease Reading Frame of Bovine Leukaemia Virus (BLV) Results in Modified Protein Expression and Loss of Infectivity
Authors: Blankenstein P. , Bondzio A. , Fechner H. , Beier D. , Marquardt O. , Looman A. C. , Ebner D.
Published: March 2003

Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) is an oncogenic retrovirus that causes B‐cell lymphocytosis and in the terminal stage of the disease lymphosarcoma. The comparison of the previously published BLV provirus sequences from Belgium, Australia and Japan showed that the protease gene (prt) of the Australian and the Japanese isolate contain a nucleotide deletion when compared to the Belgian isolate. Because all these proviruses were isolated from tumour tissue, the prt gene of functionally active and infectious proviruses from peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) of BLV‐infected cattle and from BLV‐infected fetal lamb kidney cells were sequenced. The only variations between these sequences and the Belgian isolate consist of nucleotide substitutions. The deletion of one nucleotide of the prt gene of the Japanese and the Australian BLV tumour isolate caused a changed reading frame and a premature translational stop. It was shown that the Japanese provirus is non‐infectious in transfected cell culture and in injected sheep. To analyse the impact of the prt mutation on viral protein expression and infectivity, the prt region of the Japanese provirus was exchanged with the prt region from the Belgian provirus. The resulting pBLVprtbelg was infectious in transfected cells and enabled the expression of gag and gag‐precursor proteins. One sheep was injected with this mutated provirus and became positive in BLV‐PCR, but no seroconversion was developed. The prt mutation of the Japanese tumour isolates was shown to be responsible for the loss of infectivity and changed viral expression. These results and the occurrence of this mutation in only two isolates from lymphosarcoma indicate a possible relation between the prt mutation and the induction of cell transformation.
Protective Effect of Vaccination with Culture Supernate of M. hyopneumoniae against Experimental Infection in Pigs
Authors: Okada M. , Asai T. , Ono M. , Sakano T. , Sato S.
Published: March 2003

The protective activity of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae inactivated vaccine prepared from sedimented whole cells and cell‐free culture supernates was evaluated experimentally using hysterectomy‐produced, colostrum‐deprived pigs in which mycoplasmal pneumonia had been induced. The culture supernate vaccine containing less than 101 colour‐changing units (CCU)/0.2 ml of M. hyopneumoniae significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the percentage of lung lesions compared to controls (3.2 ± 3.9 vs. 12.2 ± 2.2 %), whereas the sedimented whole cells vaccine containing 1010 CCU/0.2 ml of organisms provided variable protection (18.7 ± 16.5 vs. 12.2 ± 2.2 %). Serum from the pigs vaccinated with culture supernate reacted with six protein bands of 97, 89, 65, 46, 42 and 41 kDa by immunoblot analysis. From these results, we conclude that vaccination with culture supernate of M. hyopneumoniae can provide protection against M. hyopneumoniae infection and that these antigens in the culture supernate may be closely related to the reduction of lung lesions.
Expression of Invasiveness of Campylobacter jejuni ssp. jejuni after Serial Intraperitoneal Passages in Mice
Authors: Fernández H. , Vivanco T. , Eller G.
Published: March 2003

We investigated the possibility of inducing the expression of invasiveness in 10 non‐invading, laboratory‐adapted Campylobacter jejuni ssp. jejuni strains, after serial intraperitoneal (i.p.) passage in mice. All the strains expressed invasive capacity after the first passage, with an increase in invasion rates and the number of internalized bacteria after each passage. These results suggest that i.p. passage enhances the expression of invasiveness in C. jejuni ssp. jejuni strains.
An Outbreak of Enzootic Bovine Leukosis in Upper Egypt: Clinical, Laboratory and Molecular–Epidemiological Studies
Authors: ZAGHAWA A. , BEIER D. , ABD EL‐RAHIM I. H. A. , EL‐BALLAL S. , KARIM I. , CONRATHS F. J. , MARQUARDT O.
Published: March 2003

In 1989, 220 Holstein Friesian cattle (212 heifers and eight bulls) were imported from Minnesota, USA, to form a closed dairy herd in Arab El‐Aoumar, Assiut, Upper Egypt. In November 1996, some abnormal signs such as loss of weight, decreased milk yield, external lymphadenopathy and decreased appetite were observed on this farm. Serological screening by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed a seroprevalence of antibodies directed against bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) of 37.7% in cattle under 2 years old and of 72.8% in animals more than 2 years old. Diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of BLV proviral DNA using polymerase chain reaction with primers amplifying a fragment of theenvgene. Out of 21 tested leucocyte fractions from individual animals, 15 were positive showing a BLV‐specific amplicon of 444 base pairs. Analysis of the amplicons for restriction fragment length polymorphisms and DNA sequencing results allowed the isolates to be typed. Since this was the first recorded case of enzootic bovine leukosis in Upper Egypt, strict quarantine measures were adopted and all serologically positive animals in the herd were culled.
Development of a Monoclonal Blocking ELISA for the Detection of Antibodies Against Fowlpox Virus
Authors: ISA G. , PFISTER K. , KAADEN O.‐R. , CZERNY C.‐P.
Published: March 2003

To provide a fast and easy method to detect antibodies against fowlpox virus (FWPV) particularly in high numbers of chicken sera we established a monoclonal blocking enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We chose two different monoclonal antibodies (mAb), anti‐FWPV 3D9/2B3 and anti‐FWPV 8F3/2E11, which are both directed against the 39‐kDa protein of FWPV strain HP‐1. The blocking ELISA depends on the blocking of mAb binding to solid‐phase antigen in the presence of positive serum. For an epidemiological study a total of 184 serum samples from Gambian chicken flocks were analysed against each of the mAbs. Four of the sera were shown to contain FWPV antibodies. These four sera showed a positive cut‐off value of more than 50% inhibition exclusively in the test against the mAb anti‐FWPV 8F3/2E11. This phenomenon can be explained by the binding of the mAbs to distinct epitopes on the same protein.
Overcoming Immune Tolerance During Oral Vaccination AgainstActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: SILIN D. S. , LYUBOMSKA O. V.
Published: March 2003

In the preliminary study mice were vaccinated orally withActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaemicrosphere oral vaccine. The lung and eye mucous membranes of these mice did not contain increased immunoglobulin A (IgA) following the initial oral vaccination, possibly through antibody persistence and the phenomenon of immune exclusion. A similar tendency was found for serum IgG. However, after the second vaccination, IgA still did not increase significantly, which could be attributed to immune suppression due to the possibility of the intestine inducing immune tolerance. Only the third vaccination overcame this effect and increased the level of IgA. In order to achieve a high systemic and local immune response this study attempted to overcome the initial tolerance to oral vaccination by using temporary immunosuppression, increasing antigen dose, and prolonging vaccine influence. Triamcinolone, used in the later productive phase of the immune response after the first and second vaccinations, but restricted in the inductive phase of the second and third vaccinations, could disable immune tolerance. Suppression of antibody production before the next induction of the immune response by an oral vaccine combined with suppression of cell‐suppressor activity led to the creation of systemic immunity with the possibility of high levels ofA. pleuropneumoniaegrowth inhibition. Increased antigen doses or durable consumption of antigen could overcome immune exclusion of antigen by primary antibodies. Even very low doses of vaccine (4.5 mg) could induce a primary immune response, and a dose increased by 10‐fold for the second vaccination could overcome tolerance and maintain high systemic immunity. Chronic consumption of oral vaccine led to benefits in the quantity of local (not systemic) antibodies. The outcomes of the study can be adapted for practical oral immunization of pigs.
Investigation of Helicobacter pylori in Raw Sheep Milk Samples
Authors: Turutoglu H. , Mudul S.
Published: March 2003

It is known that Helicobacter pylori is a cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in humans. However the origin and transmission of this bacterium has not been clearly explained. One of the suggested theories is transmission via raw milk from animals to human beings. In this study, the presence of H. pylori was investigated in sheep milk that is commonly consumed as human food. For this purpose, a total of 440 raw sheep milk samples collected from the Burdur region of Turkey were examined by specific cultural procedures, however, H. pylori was not isolated in any sample.
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay as a Microtiter System for the Detection of Salmonella Antibodies in the Meat Juice of Slaughter Pigs
Authors: Zamora B. M. , Hartung M.
Published: March 2003

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) was applied in the screening of swine meat juice samples obtained from different laboratories in Germany, using the indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as test for comparison. Out of the 1350 samples tested, 987 were found acceptable for validation of results. A good level of agreement between the two tests was obtained with a κ value of 0.824 at 20% cut‐off and 0.798 at 40% cut‐off. At 20% and 40% cut‐off levels, a sensitivity of 96.2% and 97.3%, respectively, and a specificity of 94.6% and 95.1%, respectively, were demonstrated between CLIA and ELISA. The detecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen was tested for specificity and a cross‐reaction with twoEscherichia coliandYersiniastrains was found when tested with ELISA. This reaction was not observed in CLIA, possibly because of the broader measurement spectrum of this test, which allows a more distinctive definition of immunologic reactions. The same explanation can be given for the increased number of meat juice samples which were positively detected only in ELISA but not in CLIA. Because of the wide detection range in CLIA, a normalization scheme was necessary to obtain reproducible results in this test system. The samples positively classified in screening were further tested for reciprocal titres in both test systems, and a higher correlation between screening and titration results was obtained for CLIA. Based on the results of this study, CLIA can be used as a reference method in detecting Salmonella antibodies in the meat juice of slaughter pigs.
Effects of Various Applications of Lipopolysaccharides on Blood Parameters of Pigs
Authors: Müller G. , Steinbach G. , Berndt A. , Köhler H.
Published: March 2003

In five experiments, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) ofEscherichia coliO26:B6 and O111:B4 were applied intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or intrabronchially in doses of 5000–15 000 U/kg body mass to a total of 47 weaner pigs and compared with the application of sodium chloride. Different parameters of blood cells were investigated, including cell numbers,in vivointerleukin secretion, radical formation, phagocytosis capacity and IL‐6 as well as TNFαformationex vivo. Non‐specific effects and dependencies on the type of application and LPS dose are discussed.
Pestivirus in Cattle: Experimentally Induced Persistent Infection in Calves
Authors: Stokstad M. , Løken T.
Published: March 2003

Twenty‐two heifers were infected intranasally with non‐cytopathic bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) between days 74 and 82 of pregnancy. All animals had developed serum antibodies against BVDV 5 weeks later. No clinical effects were seen in the heifers, and they all delivered a live calf. The newborn calves were generally small, appeared unthrifty as typical ‘poor doers’, and some developed secondary infections with diarrhoea and signs of respiratory disease. Eighteen of the 22 calves were born without antibodies against BVDV and were persistently infected (PI) with the virus. One was weak at birth and died the following day. Four calves were born with serum antibodies against BVDV and with no detectable virus. Three of these showed signs and/or pathological changes indicating disease in the central nervous system. Otherwise, there were no obvious clinical differences between these calves and the PI calves, nor were there any apparent significant differences in blood parameters between these groups. In general, the calves showed low γ‐globulin values and thrombocytopaenia, but moderately increased fibrinogen values and relatively normal lymphocyte numbers.
Identification of a Truncated Tn1721‐like Transposon Located on a Small Plasmid of Escherichia coli Isolated from Varanus indicus
Authors: Waturangi D. E. , Schwarz S. , Suwanto A. , Kehrenberg C. , Erdelen W.
Published: March 2003

Summary The 9.1 kb plasmid pDEWT1 was isolated from an Escherichia coli strain obtained from the faeces of a free‐living lizard (Varanus indicus) in Indonesia. This plasmid mediated tetracycline resistance via a tet gene of hybridization class A. Molecular analysis of a 7755 bp segment of plasmid pDEWT1 including the tetR‐tet(A) region and its flanking areas suggested that pDEWT1 harboured a truncated copy of the tet(A)‐carrying transposon Tn1721 in which the part responsible for chemotaxis and transposition functions was lost. Analysis of the sequences at the integration site revealed the presence of the 5‐bp direct repeat TACTT. The sequences upstream and downstream of the integration site showed striking homology to sequences of a non‐coding region detectable on a small cryptic plasmid from Yersinia enterocolitica.
Methane gas Seeps Along the Oxic/Anoxic Gradient in the Black Sea: Manifestations, Biogenic Sediment Compounds and Preliminary Results on Benthic Ecology
Authors: Luth Claudia , Luth Ulf , Gebruk Audrey V. , Thiel Hjalmar
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Sediment parameters (grain size, organic content, chloroplastic pigments, Adenylates, Potential hydrolytic activity and electron transport system activity) and benthic biota were studied in methane seep area south‐west of the Crimean Peninsula in the Black Sea over a depth range from 60 to 260m. A control transect with similar depths was performed in an adjacent nonseep area. Methane seepage in this region occurs from 35 to ˜ 85m depth, passing the oxic anoxic interface zone at 130 to 180m. The methane seep areas were characterized by abundant carbonate precipitates which occurred in various shapes from small, flat structures to tall chimneys with increasing anoxia. The carbonates were associated with distinct bacterial mats. Most of the measured biochemical parameters in the sediment were quite similar in the seep and nonseep areas. The content of organic matter was higher and grain size was more uniform in the nonseep areas. However, the seep areas were charaterized by highter proportions of the larger fauna (size classes 0.5–1 mm and ≥ 1mm) as well as increased total numbers of benthic fauna in the suboxic and upper anoxic zone. The animals did not show any seep‐specific adaptations. In addition to methane seepage, highly variable hydrochemical and sedimentary conditions on the lower shelf and upper slope may also play an important role in structuring the composition and distribution of the benthic fauna.