bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting ascorbic acid biosynthesis in chickens. I. Adaptation of an assay and the effect of age, sex and food deprivation
Authors: Hooper C. L. , Maurice D. V. , Lightsey F. , Toler E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe objective of this study was to adapt an assay to measure L‐gulonolactone oxidase (GLO) activity, the final step in ascorbate synthesis, in chickens and use the procedure to study the effect of gender, age, and food deprivation. To adapt a procedure used for mammalian tissues the kinetic constants were estimated using chicken kidney and assay conditions optimized in terms of storage of tissue and homogeneity of distribution. A series of experiments were conducted using the standardized assay with individual animals as the experimental unit. Gender differences were detected only in mature birds with male chickens having lower GLO activity than females. Time‐course changes in GLO activity in immature chicks were best characterized by a segmented response function consisting of a parabola joined to a straight line. The maximum value was estimated to occur at 13 days and from day 16 declined linearly. The functional relationship did not provide evidence of an early lag period or a peak at 4 weeks in immature chickens. Food deprivation in matched groups of birds demonstrated the effect of food on GLO activity in chickens. Food and water deprivation for 12 h and food deprivation for 24 h had no significant effect on GLO activity. Food deprivation for 48 h caused a significant decrease in GLO activity and it was not further depressed by deprivation for 72 h. Initial GLO activity was restored within 24 h of repletion. The results clearly demonstrated that gender, age, and starvation are determinants of ascorbate synthesis in chickens.
Determining metabolizable energy content in commercial pet foods
Authors: Laflamme D. P. 
Published: March 2003

This study was conducted to assess the suitability of several equations for the estimation of metabolizable energy (ME) of pet foods. Sixteen canned and 31 dry cat foods and 24 dry dog foods representing the range of energy densities found in commercial adult, growth or all life stage products were evaluated in four separate experiments. In vivo ME was compared with estimates of ME generated by several previously published equations. The results indicated that the equation recommended by Association of American Feed Control Officials provided reasonable estimates of in vivo ME for both canned cat foods and dry dog foods, but proved unsuitable for dry cat foods. Better estimates were generated in each case using other published equations. Of the equations tested, the most accurate equations for estimating ME (kJ/g) without feeding trials were:for canned cat foods: [(16.32 × protein) + (32.22 × fat) + (12.55 × NFE)];for dry cat foods: [((GE × 1.209) – 1.911) × 4.184] or [((0.075 × g fat) + 2.766) × 4.184]for dry dog foods: [GE=(24 × g protein) + (38 × g fat) + (17 × g NFE), then percentage energy digestibility=91.2 – (1.43 × percentage crude fibre in dry matter), then ME=(GE × percentage energy digestibility) – (4.34 × g protein)].With the exception of high‐fibre weight‐management diets, the simple equation [((GE × 1.209)–1.911) × 4.184] also reliably predicted ME in dry dog foods.
Cats discriminate between cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol*
Authors: Morris J. G. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryA comparison was made of the ability of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol to elevate plasma concentrations of vitamin D and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in cats. Cholecalciferol, given as an oral bolus in oil, resulted in a rapid elevation of plasma concentration of cholecalciferol followed by a rapid decline. In contrast, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration in plasma increased until day 3 after administration and remained elevated for a further 5 days. When 337 μg of both cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol in oil were given as an oral bolus to 10 cats, the peak plasma concentrations of cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol occurred at 8 or 12 h after administration. Peak concentrations of cholecalciferol were over twice those of ergocalciferol (570 ± 80 vs. 264 ± 42 nmol/l). The area under the curve 0–169 h for cholecalciferol was also more than twice that for ergocalciferol. When ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol were administered in a parenteral oil‐based emulsion, higher concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 than 25‐hydroxyvitamin D2 were maintained in plasma. When both vitamins were included in the diet in the nutritional range, plasma concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D2 were 0.68 of those of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3. Discrimination against ergocalciferol by cats appears to result from differences in affinity of the binding protein for the metabolites of the two forms of vitamin D. These results indicate that cats discriminate against ergocalciferol, and use it with an efficiency of 0.7 of that of cholecalciferol to maintain plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration.
Performance and ileal histomorphology of rats treated with humic acid preparations*
Authors: Yasar S. , Gokcimen A. , Altuntas I. , Yonden Z. , Petekkaya E. 
Published: March 2003

Summary As humic acid (HA) substances have antiphlogistic, adsorptive, antitoxic and antimicrobial properties, we studied the possible effects of Farmagülatör®, an organic HA preparation, on the rat performance, nutrient retention, ileal histomorphology and hydroxyproline (HP) content of the ileum in two experiments. In experiment 1, 48 male Wistar albino rats were allotted to three dietary treatments. Each was randomly assigned to four cages, each with four rats. The treatments consisted of a control diet (C) with no addition of Farmagülator® Dry or Liquid, a treatment with addition of 2.5 g/kg Farmagülator® Dry (FDry) and a control diet containing no FDry, but the rats had 3.5 ml/l Farmagülator® Liquid in drinking water (FLiquid). The experiment lasted for 20 days. Changes in live weight were recorded at days 10 and 20 of the experiment. At the end of 20 days, all rats were killed to collect samples of intestinal tissues for the measurements of histological parameters. In experiment 2, 30 rats weaned at 21 days of age were divided into three groups, each with 10 rats, and individually caged in metabolism cages for 10 days. The above three treatments were randomly assigned to rats for 10 days to record body weight and feed intake. During the last 5 days, faecal outputs were collected to determine the dry matter and nitrogen retention. In experiment 1, FDry and FLiquid rats significantly (p<0.05) gained more live weight than the control rats. Improved weight gain with HA preparations was found to be highly associated with a high epithelial surface area as there were significantly (p<0.05) longer villi heights and crypt depths and increased HP contents of ileum in the HA treated rats compared with the control rats. Although the increased weight gain in FLiquid rats did not significantly (p>0.05) differ from the control rats in experiment 2 in contrast to the result in experiment 1, the FDry rats significantly (p < 0.05) gained more weight than the control rats. This was primarily found to be associated with significantly (p<0.05) increased feed intake and nitrogen retention in FDry rats compared with the control rats. It can be concluded that HA preparations, especially FDry, caused increased weight gain in rats as overall of two experiments. The improved weight gain only by FDry preparation was associated with increased ileal epithelial mass, increased feed intake, improved feed : gain ratio and increased nitrogen retention in rats.
Influence of age and body size on the digestibility of a dry expanded diet in dogs
Authors: Weber M. , Martin L. , Biourge V. , Nguyen P. , Dumon H. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe objectives of the study were (i) to evaluate the effects of age and body size on the apparent digestibility of a dry expanded diet and (ii) to determine whether poor faecal quality could be related to lower nutrient utilization. Four breeds of dogs were used: six Miniature Poodles (MP), six Medium Schnauzers (MS), six Giant Schnauzers (GS) and six Great Danes (GD). Digestive trials were performed at 11, 21, 35 and 60 weeks of age. Faecal moisture and scoring were recorded at the same periods. Digestibility coefficients of all macronutrients increased significantly (p < 0.05) with age in all four breeds. Organic matter digestibility increased from 80.2 ± 1.5 to 85.5 ± 1.5% in MP; from 80.2 ± 0.9 to 86.3 ± 0.5% in MS; from 79.6 ± 4.2 to 88.9 ± 0.5% in GS and from 85.7 ± 1.5 to 88.4 ± 0.8% in GD. Crude protein digestibility increased from 74.5 ± 4.0 to 81.5 ± 1.9% in MP; from 74.3 ± 3.9 to 82.6 ± 0.9% in MS; from 71.8 ± 6.0 to 85.9 ± 0.9% in GS and from 80.8 ± 4.6 to 84.8 ± 1.3% in GD between 11 and 60 weeks of age, respectively. Mean faecal moisture also increased over the growth, except in GS. Nutrient digestibility was significantly higher in large dogs at all age periods. However, larger dogs showed lower faecal scores and increased faecal moisture.In conclusion, these results show (i) an effect of age and body size on nutrients digestibility and (ii) that the lower faecal quality observed in healthy large breed dogs does not appear related to lower nutrient utilization.
Leaf Water Potential and Peroxidase activity in Quercus cerris and Quercus pubescens after Inoculation with Diplodia mutila
Authors: Ragazzi A. , Moricca S. , Vagniluca S. , Comparini C. , Dellavalle I. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTen‐year‐old field‐grown Quercus pubescens Willd. and Quercus cerris L. individuals were inoculated with Diplodia mutila (teleomorph Botryosphaeria stevensii Shoe‐maker) to observe symptom evolution over 2 years. The experiments were carried out for the 3 years: 1991, 1992 and 1993. At the same time, the effect of D. mutila on leaf water potential and peroxidase activity was assessed on the leaves of 2‐year‐old seedlings from the same two species growing under controlled conditions (18 h day, relative humidity 75%), temperature 24/15°C day/night). Quercus pubescens was more susceptible than Q. cerris, and frequently exhibited dieback of the branch above the inoculation site. On the seedlings, the visible symptoms of infection were much more severe than on the older trees. The infected seedlings showed a lower leaf water potential than healthy seedlings, particularly those of Q. pubescens after the third week. The peroxidase activity was increased in infected Q. pubescens seedlings compared with both groups of control seedlings (wounded but not inoculated, and neither wounded nor inoculated) 14 and 21 days after inoculation. Leaf water potential and peroxidase activity are known indicators of stress which appear even before any visible symptoms; they could therefore serve as early indicators of D. mutila infection.
Pathogénie Comparée et Signe Sexuel des Isolats Marocains dePyricularia grisea (Magnaporthe grisea)Originaires de Riz et deStenotaphrum secundatum
Authors: Benkirane R. , Douira A. , Selmaoui K. , Lebbar S. 
Published: March 2003

RésuméDes isolats marocains dePyricularia grisea (Magnaporthe grisea)originaire d’Oryza sativaet deStenotaphrum secundatumont été croisés avec des isolats standard fertiles (signe sexuel Mat 1.1 et Mat 1.2) par l’utilisation de la méthode de culture de trois points sur milieu avoine. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que les isolats du riz sont de signe sexuel Mat 1.1 et peuvent être considérés comme des isolats mâles, alors que les isolats originaires deS. secundatumne sont ni de signe Mat 1.1 ni de signe Mat 1.2. Les inoculations croisées ont montré que les isolats deP. griseaoriginaires deS. secundatumsont pathogènes sur certaines variétés du riz. De même,S. secudatums'est montré sensible à certains isolats originaires du riz.
Isolation of a Potato Acidic 39 kDa β‐1,3‐glucanase with Antifungal Activity against Phytophthora infestans and Analysis of its Expression in Potato Cultivars Differing in their Degrees of Field Resistance
Authors: TONÓN C. , GUEVARA G. , OLIVA C. , DALEO G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA β‐1,3‐glucanase (GLU‐39) was isolated from a potato cultivar with a high level of field resistance (Solanum tuberosum L. cv Huinkul), after 72 h of infection with Phytophthora infestans when β‐1,3‐glucanase activity was markedly increased. Purification was performed by anion exchange chromatography, gel filtration and by chromatofocusing. A size of 39 kDa was estimated by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in denaturing conditions and by gel filtration, indicating the monomeric nature of GLU‐39. The enzyme produces a direct inhibitory effect on the germination of sporangia of P. infestans. Differential expression (determined by immunoblotting assays) of GLU‐39 was observed between two potato cultivars with different degrees of field resistance to P. infestans. In the resistant cultivar (cv Pampeana INTA) GLU‐39 induction (four‐fold with respect to healthy tubers) occurred 14 h after inoculation and remained over basal levels at 38 h after inoculation. By contrast, in the susceptible cultivar (cv Bintje), GLU‐39 was induced at lower levels than those observed in cv Pampeana INTA, and no differences were detected between wounding and infection. The localization, expression pattern and in vitro activity suggest that GLU‐39 may have a major role in field resistance.
Efficacy of an Immune Modulator in Enzootic Pneumonia of Dairy Calves
Authors: Metzner M. , Behrmann K. , D D. , öpfer . , Klee W. 
Published: March 2003

The objective of this cohort study was the evaluation of the efficacy of an immune modulator in the prophylaxis, metaphylaxis and treatment of enzootic bronchopneumonia (EBP). A total of 552 dairy calves on 13 farms were included. Groups of calves were included in the study if the prevalence of respiratory disease on the first visit was at least 50 %, and the number of animals aged 2–16 weeks was at least 10. Controls were treated with a placebo. Animals of both groups were treated antibiotically if body temperature exceeded 39.5°C. A clinimetric system was devised and used for classifying the animals into one of seven categories (healthy, beginning respiratory disease, acute BP, subacute BP, chronic BP, acute flare‐up of chronic BP, and other disease). Animals were examined clinically on days 1, 3, 10, and 28.In animals treated prophylactically, the incidence of BP on day 10 was significantly higher (51 %) than in those that received the placebo (31 %). In animals treated metaphylactically, the average number of treatment days was significantly lower (2.86) than in the placebo group (3.81). In animals treated therapeutically, the incidence of EBP on day 10 was significantly lower than in the placebo group.
Mast Cell Density and Subtypes in the Skin of Shar Pei Dogs with Cutaneous Mucinosis
Authors: Welle M. , Grimm S. , Suter M. , Von Tscharner C. 
Published: March 2003

Skin biopsies from 13 Shar Peis showing signs of cutaneous mucinosis and 13 control dogs of different breeds with no clinical or histological evidence of skin disease were examined. One section of each tissue sample was stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and another with toluidine blue to demonstrate the sulphated acid glycosaminoglycans in mast cell (MC) granules. To investigate the MC subtypes involved, the tryptase and chymase content of mast cells was evaluated by a double enzyme‐immunohistochemical staining technique. Regardless of the staining technique, a significantly lower mast cell density in the skin of Shar Peis was demonstrated. In the dermis of control dogs, we detected a median mast cell density of 31.2 MC/mm2 using the toluidine blue staining method and 27.5 MC/mm2 using the double labelling technique. In Shar Peis only 9.1 MC/mm2 were found by toluidine blue staining (P = 0.001) and 14.8 MC/mm2 by the double labelling method (P = 0.0387). The percentile distribution of mast cell subtypes was also significantly different in Shar Peis as compared to control dogs. Whereas in the dermis of control dogs the predominant mast cell subtype was the tryptase and chymase containing MC (TC‐MC) (60.4 %), in Shar Pei skin the only chymase containing MC (C‐MC) predominated (62.2 %) and the percentage of TC‐MC was significantly lower (32.9 %P = 0.0016). The percentage of only tryptase containing MC (T‐MC) (4.7 %) was higher in Shar Peis compared to control dogs (1.9 %P = 0.0178). The data obtained indicate a possible involvement of mast cell subtypes in the pathogenesis of cutaneous mucinosis.Further investigations on the pathophysiological role of mast cell subtypes may foster understanding of the pathogenesis of cutaneous mucinosis.
Comparison of Xylazine and Lidocaine Effects for Analgesia and Cardiopulmonary Functions Following Lumbosacral Epidural Injection in Goats
Authors: Mpanduji D. G. , Mgasa M. N. , Bittegeko S. B. P. , Batamuzi E. K. 
Published: March 2003

The present study was carried out in order to compare the effects of xylazine and lidocaine on analgesia and cardiopulmonary parameters following epidural injection in goats.Twelve healthy Small East African goats of both sexes (mean ± SD; 15.6 ± 1.9 kg body weight) were used. The goats were randomly assigned to two groups of five and seven animals. The first group (n = 5) was given 2 % lidocaine‐HCl at 4400 μg/kg body weight. The second group (n = 7) was administered 2 % xylazine‐HCl at 150 μg/kg body weight. All drugs were diluted in 5 ml of sterile water and were injected epidurally through the lumbosacral interspace with the injection taking over 20 s.Both drugs induced analgesia within 5 min. Signs of sedation, cardiopulmonary changes and lateral recumbency developed within 5–7 min after administration of epidural xylazine. Tail flaccidity and hind limb paralysis developed 3 min after epidural administration of lidocaine. The time from recumbency to regaining normal stance was 60 and 158 min for xylazine‐ and lidocaine‐treated animals respectively.Xylazine induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum, which extended to the head and forelimbs. In contrast, lidocaine induced adequate bilateral flank and perineal analgesia extending up to the third thoracic vertebra. For both drugs, analgesia of the flank and perineum persisted for the entire 180‐min observational period. Epidural injection of xylazine and lidocaine caused variable depression effects on the cardiopulmonary values but was not so low as to cause concern.It is concluded that lumbosacral epidural injection of xylazine at 150 μg/kg body weight in 5 ml of water for injection offers the most desirable sedation and analgesia of the flank and perineum. The longer duration of analgesia may be useful for postoperative analgesia and relief of continuous straining in goats.
Haematology and Plasma Biochemistry of Stamboek Pre‐pubertal Gilts in Italy: Reference Values
Authors: Faustini M. , Munari E. , Colombani C. , Russo V. , Maffeo G. , Vigo D. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBlood samples were taken between February and April from 105 healthy Stamboek pre‐pubertal gilts, aged 1–3 months, which were housed at a modern pig farm in northern Italy. The blood was analysed for nine haematological and nine selected haematochemical variables by means of automated and semi‐automated blood analysis apparatus. After detection and rejection of outliers, the data were submitted to reference limits evaluation, also taking into account the limits for the red blood cell volume histogram as the anisocytosis index. Some haematological reference values deal with previously published data; in the haematochemical parameters, several discrepancies between evaluated limits and existing reference limits were noted, mainly for aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels and total protein concentration. The results confirm the relevance of age in determining blood reference intervals and that ‘normal’ values should be determined by each laboratory, taking into account the age of subjects, the sample size and methods of analysis.
Experimental Reconstruction of Teat Mucosa by Vestibular Mucosal Graft in Cows. A Histopathologic and Radiographic Study
Authors: MOLAEI M. M. , OLOUMI M. M. , MALEKI M. , ABSHENAS J. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryInjuries to the teat in dairy cows can result in partial or complete obstruction of the teat lumen. Different treatment techniques have been used to restore normal function in injured teats, one of which is autogenous mucosal grafts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vestibular mucosa as a replacement for teat mucosa in severe teat injuries. Sixteen teats of four healthy, mature, non‐gravid Jersey cows were randomly divided into two equal groups. Under high epidural analgesia and after surgical preparation a 1 × 1.5 cm piece of teat mucosa was removed. In group 1, the defect was replaced by a 2 × 2.5 cm vestibular mucosa, whereas in group 2, the defect was left open. In both groups, a sterile disposable teat cannula was inserted into the teat cistern following surgery. To evaluate luminal diameter, double contrast radiography with constant air pressure was performed every 25 days till day 125, after which the animals were slaughtered and teats removed for histopathological study (H&E staining). On the basis of radiographic examination, luminal narrowing in group 2 was significantly more severe than in group 1. Histopathologically, the entire mucosal grafts of group 1 were taken and a good adhesion could be seen between the graft and the host epithelium. In group 2, severe submucosal fibrosis and mucosal papilloid hyperplasia resulted in severe narrowing of the teat cistern. According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that using vestibular mucosal grafts with temporary insertion of teat cannula can be considered as a method of treating teat mucosal injuries.
Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Salivary Gland in a Cat
Authors: SOZMEN M. , BROWN P. J. , EVESON J. W. 
Published: March 2003

SummarySebaceous carcinoma of the submandibular salivary gland is described in a cat; tumour cells were characterized histologically by moderate amounts of pale eosinophilic or vacuolated cytoplasm. Tumour cells were stained with antibody to cytokeratins (CKs 5, 6, 8, 17 and 19) and with lectins Con A and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA); this occurs in many other types of salivary gland tumour and is a feature of normal salivary gland acinar cells.
Molecular Biological Characterization of Equine Surfactant Protein A
Authors: Hospes R. , Hospes B. I. L. , Reiss I. , Bostedt H. , Gortner L. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn the following, we describe the isolation and sequencing of the equine surfactant protein A (Sp‐A) as found in both the cDNA and the genomic DNA. We found a length of the cDNA sequence of 747 bp (base pairs), in translation into amino acids of 248. Compared with the known molecular biological facts about Sp‐A in other species, the cDNA sequence obtained showed highest homology with that of sheep (85.01%). The genomic DNA of equine Sp‐A, as in other species, includes three introns. There were no hints for the existence of two different Sp‐A genes. These results should form the basis for a better understanding of respiratory failure in foals and adult horses, and also lead to further studies on this item.
Sertoli Cell Tumour with Call‐Exner‐Like Bodies in a Dog
Authors: Bazzo R. , Sarli G. , Mandrioli L. , Marcato P. S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryAn histological diagnosis of Sertoli cell tumour and concurrent seminoma was formulated after complete resection of the right testicle in a 8‐year‐old Doberman. The unusual histological feature of abundant eosinophilic material with a extracellular location forming the Call‐Exner‐like bodies is reported.