Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in horses in Niğde Province of Turkey

The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii specific antibodies in local horses from four districts of Niğde in the middle of Turkey, between April–June 2004. Serum samples were obtained a total of 125 horses which consisted of 81 (50 female, 31 male) 1–10 years old and 44 (25 female, 19 male) 11–20 years old and tested for antibodies to T. gondii using the Sabin Feldman Dye Test (SFDT). According to the results of the SFDT, antibodies to T. gondii were found by the SFDT in 9 (7.2%) of 125 sera with the titers of 1:16 (8 horses) and 1:64 (1 horse). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 6 (7.40%) of 81 horses (1–10 years old) and 3 (6.81%) of 44 horses (11–20 years old). From the 5 (10%) out of 50 male horses and the 4 (5.33%) out of 75 female horses were detected anti-T. gondii antibodies. No statistically significant difference in age groups (p > 0.01) and genders (p > 0.005) were observed between the seropositive and seronegative horses using the x² test. Seropositivity rates ranged from 2.85% to 11.42%, depending on the study sites. In regard to study sites, there was no statistically significant difference was found (p > 0.005). This is the first serological report on toxoplasmosis in horses from Niğde of Turkey.     

Expression and Localization of Integrin αv in Different Parts of the Fallopian Tube in Reproduction Cycle of Yak

The objective of this study was to explore the expression differences of integrin αv in different parts of the fallopian tube at different reproduction stages of yak, and provide some important theoretical foundations for understanding the effect of integrin αv on the reproductive performance of yak. The samples of the tubal umbrella, ampulla, and isthmus of healthy female yaks (3-6 years old) during follicular, luteal and pregnancy stages were collected, the fallopian tubes of the follicular phase, the luteal phase and the pregnancy phase were divided into 9 groups according to the umbrella, ampulla and isthmus. Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western-blotting (WB) were used to detect the expression of integrin αv gene and protein. The expression of integrin αv protein was localized by immunohistochemistry. Results: 1) qRT-PCR results showed that, during the follicular phase, the expression of the integrin αv gene in the umbrella of the fallopian tube was the highest and extremely significantly higher than those in the ampulla and isthmus (P<0.01). During the luteal phase, the expression of the integrin αv gene in the isthmus of the fallopian tube was the highest and extremely significantly higher than those in the umbrella and ampulla (P<0.01). During the pregnancy phase, the expression of the integrin αv gene in the umbrella of the fallopian tube was the highest and extremely significantly higher than those in the ampulla and isthmus (P<0.01). 2) Western-blotting results showed that, during the follicular phase, the expression of integrin αv protein in the umbrella of the fallopian tube was the highest and extremely significantly higher than those in the ampulla and isthmus (P<0.01). During the luteal phase, the expression of integrin αv protein in the isthmus of the fallopian tube was the highest and extremely significantly higher than those in the umbrella and ampulla (P<0.01). During the pregnancy phase, the expression of integrin αv protein in tubal isthmus and umbrella was not significantly different, but these were extremely significantly higher than that in the ampulla (P<0.01). 3) The results of immunohistochemistry showed that integrin αv protein was positively expressed in ciliated cells, secretory cells, basal cells, muscular layers and serous glands of the fallopian tube umbrella, ampulla and isthmus. The results indicated that the expression of integrin αv in different parts of the fallopian tube at different reproduction stages of the yak were significantly different, which showed that αv might be involved in a series of reproductive processes such as fertilization and early embryonic development, the results provided basic information for the study of yak's reproductive performance.     

Environmental conditions in favour of a hantavirus outbreak in 2015 in Germany?

Bank voles can harbour Puumala virus (PUUV) and vole populations usually peak in years after beech mast. A beech mast occurred in 2014 and a predictive model indicates high vole abundance in 2015. This pattern is similar to the years 2009/2011 when beech mast occurred, bank voles multiplied and human PUUV infections increased a year later. Given similar environmental conditions in 2014/2015, increased risk of human PUUV infections in 2015 is likely. Risk management measures are recommended.     

The effectiveness of in‐plant chlorination in poultry processing

1. Sampling carcasses after plucking or after the post‐evisceration spray‐wash showed that 10 or 20 ppm available chlorine in the processing‐plant water supply caused little reduction in carcass contamination.

2. When 20 ppm chlorine was used in the water supply to parts of the processing‐plant other than the mechanical immersion chilling system, counts of faecal and spoilage bacteria from carcasses were reduced approximately 10‐fold after passage through the chilling system; bacterial numbers were correspondingly decreased in the chiller water due to a carry‐over of chlorine from the final spray‐washer.

3. Artificial contamination of carcasses with a readily identifiable strain of Escherichia coli confirmed the occurrence of cross‐contamination during plucking and evisceration; in‐plant chlorination reduced neither the proportion of carcasses contaminated nor the numbers of organisms transferred at these stages.

4. In most cases the chlorine‐resistance of poultry spoilage pseudo‐monads was greater than that of E. coli; hence in‐plant chlorination is to be recommended for processing‐plant water supplies which carry such spoilage organisms.     

ImproWin? in the treatment of gastric ulceration of the squamous mucosa in trotting racehorses

Background

Gastric ulceration is highly prevalent in horses, and there is a large commercial market for feed-additives and non-licenced products that claim effect for prevention and treatment of gastric ulceration. ImproWin® has been used as a feed additive in horses with anecdotal evidence that it may have some positive effects on gastric ulceration.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ImproWin® treatment on spontaneously occurring gastric ulcers of the squamous mucosa in Standardbred and Coldblooded trotting racehorses.The study was performed as a randomised, double-blinded, single centre study with stratified semi cross-over design with breed as stratification factors. The horses were clinically and endoscopically examined prior to start and after three weeks of treatment. The ulcerations were scored in accordance with Equine Gastric Ulcer Council (EGUC) recommendations on a 5 point scale and on a 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The patients were responder-classified after 3 weeks. Responders in need of ulcer treatment were randomly allocated to 2 or 4 weeks of additional treatment. Non-responders to placebo were crossed to ImproWin®.

Results

The 5-point EGUC score and VAS recorded score was significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.01) in both groups after 3 weeks of treatment. From 3 weeks to the end of treatment the score was further significantly reduced in the ImproWin® group (P ≤ 0.05).At the end of treatment, 78% in the ImproWin® group and 54.8% in the placebo group were classified as responders. The difference was significant (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

ImproWin® may aid the healing process of ulcers of the gastric squamous mucosa of trotters.     

Role of Excretory–Secretory Metabolites of Fasciola gigantica in Modulating Delayed-type Hypersensitivity in Rats

The role of excretory-secretory metabolites of Fasciola gigantica in modulating the delayed type of hypersensitivity in the host (rats) was investigated. Eighteen rats of either sex, aged 3-4 months, were assigned to three groups of 6 animals each. Rats in group 1 served as non-inoculated controls and each rat in this group was administered only Freund's complete adjuvant on day 7. Animals in groups 2 and 3 were administered inoculation dose(s) of somatic F gigantica antigen (SFgA) and excretory-secretory F gigantica antigens (ESFgA) according to the experimental schedule. The delayed-type hypersensitivity was monitored by assessing alterations in the foot pad thickness, its histopathology and lymphocyte proliferation assay. It was observed that the ESFgA caused diminution in delayed-type hypersensitivity response to a significant level (p <0.01) against SFgA in rats. This finding was further confirmed by lower stimulation indices of peripheral blood mononuclear cell in rats sensitized with ESFgA prior to inoculation of SFgA (group 1) than in nonsensitized rats receiving only SFgA (group 2).     

Investigation of mortality in Pacific oysters associated with Ostreid herpesvirus-1 μVar in the Republic of Ireland in 2009

High levels of mortality in Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas in the Republic of Ireland were recorded during the summer of 2009. The new variant of Ostreid herpes 1 (OsHV-1 μVar) which first emerged in France in 2008 was identified from affected stocks. Retrospective data was collected from 70 oyster farmers through an interviewer-administered questionnaire to investigate the distribution and determinants of the mortality. Based on farmer recall, data were recorded at the batch level for cumulative mortality during 2009, start dates and duration of the mortality event and the age of animals affected. Observable mortalities were recorded in 109 out of 346 batches at 47 sites; 104 of the 109 batches were located in bays where OsHV-1 μVar had been detected. The records from bays where OsHV-1 μVar had been detected were analysed to characterize the pattern of mortality and potential risk factors. Batch mortality averaged 37% (18-65% quartiles) but showed a bimodal distribution (half the batches had mortality less than 45%). Mortalities started at the end of May and continued until early August, peaking in early July. On average oysters died over a period of 18 days. Mortality varied considerably both between and within bays. Mortality started in recently introduced batches and occurred later in the summer in established oysters, which is consistent with the introduction of an infectious agent. Mortality was significantly lower in adults compared with other age groups, which supports observations from France. Three variables were significantly (P<0.05) associated, in both bivariate screening and a logistic regression, with high batch-level mortality (>40%): oysters (i) introduced as juveniles, (ii) during or since the winter of 2008/9 and (iii) which spent less than 8h out of water (in a tidal cycle) (compared with oysters introduced as adults before the winter of 2008/9 and spending more than 8h out of water). Twenty-one percent of triploid batches experienced "high" (>40%) mortality compared with 10% for diploid batches which was significant (P<0.05) in the initial bivariate screening but not in the final logistic regression model. Future studies should develop improved methods to assess oyster mortality and follow stocks over time to better determine the influence of management and environmental factors on mortality.     

Aspects of in vivo endotracheal tube intracuff pressure in cats

Objectives

To determine the endotracheal tube cuff pressure produced with two inflation techniques, in two brands of endotracheal tube in cats. To determine the inspiratory pressure which produces an audible leak when the intracuff pressure is 30 cmH₂O.

in both times of testing, wh

in contrast with its insignificant effect on recognition of general information in both tests. As regards the effect of the very act of taking notes (the encoding function of note-taking), no significant effect has been found in any condition in either test.     

Great Changes in Production System of Yak

Since the time that yaks were domesticated, due to the special social, natural and economic conditions ,and yaks own biological and economic characteristics, the Yak Production System has been formed, which is different from other livestock production systems. The system has the characteristics of unique breed, herding perennially on grassland and a variety of products. It is a low-efficiency system with the low-cost,low-production,long-cycle and slowfunction. Based on the experiments and research,exercising the measure of stopping milking and mainly producing beef,it's the redisposition of resources and the combination of multi-superiority. By the scientific management, the superiority of grass growing in warm season, the dominant position of total nutrition of mother milk, the superiority of calves developing in early days and the genetic preponderance of new breeds of yak are perfectly integrated. It also got the economic, biological and ecological benefits.     

Effect of Freezing Rates and Supplementation of α-Tocopherol in the Freezing Extender in Equine Sperm Cryosurvival

This study was conducted to determine the impact of antioxidant (α-tocopherol) supplementation in the cryopreservation extender and three different freezing rates (FRs) on quality of post-thaw semen to elaborate a new protocol for stallion semen cryopreservation. Six ejaculates from each of four stallions were subjected to cryopreservation with a commercial extender (Gent, Minitub Iberia, Spain), without any supplementation (control) or supplemented with 2 mM α-tocopherol. The semen was exposed to three different freezing rates between 5°C and −15°C: slow (5°C/min), moderate (10°C/min), and fast (20°C/min). After thawing, the sperm viability (Sybr-14 and propidium iodide [PI]), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′tetraethylbenzimidazolyl carbocyanine iodine), lipid membrane peroxidation (LPO; C₁₁-BODIPY^581/591), and apoptosis status (fluorescein isothiocyanate–conjugated annexin V and PI) of the plasmatic membrane of each sample were determined by flow cytometry. For both extenders, the percentage of viable cells was higher for spermatozoa cooled at 5°C/min than at 10°C/min and 20°C/min (P ≤ .05). The FR of 20°C/min demonstrated a lower value of MMP than the FR of 5°C/min and 10°C/min (P ≤ .05). The α-tocopherol extender improved (P ≤ .05) post-thaw membrane LPO; however, it did not improved viability and the apoptosis status of the sperm plasmatic membrane after thawing. In conclusion, results clearly indicate that the cryosurvival of stallion spermatozoa is improved when FR of 5°C/min is used from 5°C to −15°C.     

Profiling of miRNAs in porcine Sertoli cells

Background: Sertoli cells(SCs) create a specialized environment to support and dictate spermatogenesis.MicroRNAs(miRNAs), a kind of ~ 22 nt small noncoding RNAs, have been reported to be highly abundant in mouse SCs and play critical roles in spermatogenesis. However, the miRNAs of porcine SCs remain largely unknown.Methods: We isolated porcine SCs and conducted small RNA sequencing. By comparing miRNAs in germ cells, we systematically analyzed the miRNA expression pattern of porcine SCs. We screened the highly enriched SC miRNAs and predicted their functions by Gene Ontology analysis. The dual luciferase assay was used to elucidate the regulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor(TNFR)-associated factor 3(TRAF3) by ssc-miR-149.Results: The analysis showed that 18 miRNAs were highly expressed in SCs and 15 miRNAs were highly expressed in germ cells. These miRNAs were predicted to mediate SC and germ cell functions. In addition, ssc-miR-149 played critical roles in SCs by targeting TRAF3.Conclusion: Our findings provide novel insights into the miRNA expression pattern and their regulatory roles of porcine SCs.     

Some effects of drugs in the “doping” of racehorses

Extract

At the request of the New Zealand Racing and Trotting Conferences the writer has carried out tests on racehorses using some of the drugs found in positive samples by the analyst. Most of these tests were carried out in close co-operation with the analysts to the two Conferences and were undertaken because reliable data on the excretion patterns and effects of the various drugs could not be obtained. It is often important to know how and when the particular drug was administered, and these tests have proved a valuable guide. Some of their results have been surprising and it is hoped that the findings will be of general interest since any veterinary surgeon might find himself involved in an inquiry and it is important that he should be as sure as possible of all relevant factors before entering the witness box. It is easy to make sweeping statements at an inquiry but whoever makes them must surely be prepared to verify them. Any of these doping cases, however simple their early stages may appear, might proceed to the Supreme Court where rash statements could be legally challenged. In the writer's dealings with the New Zealand Racing and Trotting Conference he has found them to be scrupulously fair and only interested in finding out the truth. Their aim is to keep racing clean; we, as veterinary surgeons, should share that aim.     

Clinico-pathological findings in natural cases of “mascadera” in goats

“Mascadera” is a chronic emaciating neuropathy affecting goats; it produces significant economic losses in many regions and its cause is unknown. Here, the histological lesions found in 15 animals naturally affected by the disease are described. Complete necropsy was performed and tissue samples were collected for histopathological study. Severe atrophy of the masseter and buccinator muscles and tongue was observed, as well as vacuolar degeneration of neurons in the nuclei of the trigeminal, facial, and glossopharyngeal nerves. No relevant lesions were observed in other tissues. These findings and the clinical signs are consistent with those observed by other authors in animals spontaneously and experimentally intoxicated with Prosopis juliflora. The disease may be due to consumption of a similar species present in our country that is still unknown. Further research on the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease is needed to establish appropriate prevention guidelines.

     

Clients’ perceptions of delivery of veterinary services in peri-urban Ghana

A study was designed aimed at comparing the assessment of performance of animal health care delivery systems in peri-urban Ghana by livestock and poultry keepers in 4 locations. 889 respondents were interviewed using a questionnaire. A higher proportion of respondents in Location 1 met their needs for animal health by themselves, while in Location 3 these needs were met mainly by veterinarians. The mean distances to veterinary clinics, veterinary technicians or to purchase medicine were significantly higher in Location 1. Higher proportions in 3 locations perceived effectiveness of service delivery to be good. However, equity was poor in all 4 locations. Higher proportions in Locations 2, 3 and 4 said services were unaffordable. Client needs were perceived to have been met by higher proportions in Locations 3 and 4 but not in Locations 1 and 2. Staff attitude and technical competence were good in all 4 locations. The study concluded that the differences reported in the quality of service indicators in the 4 locations were not critical enough to recommend location-specific delivery systems.     

Anatomy of a dinosaur—Clarification of vertebrae in vertebrate anatomy

The flat-end surfaces of dinosaur vertebral centra led to the presumption that intervertebral discs occupied the space between their vertebrae. A set of fused hadrosaur vertebrae allowed that hypothesis to be tested. The Tyrannosaurus rex responsible for this pathology did not escape unscathed. It left behind a tooth crown that had fractured. Fragments of that tooth were scattered through the intervertebral space, evidencing that there was no solid structure to impede its movement. That eliminates the possibility of an intervertebral disc and instead proves the presence of an articular space, similar to that in modern reptiles, but at variance to what is noted in birds. While avian cervical vertebral centra appear to be separated by diarthrodial joints, the preponderance of their thoracic vertebral centra is not separated by synovial joints.     

Efficacy of Omeprazole Powder Paste or Enteric‐Coated Formulation in Healing of Gastric Ulcers in Horses

Background

GastroGard, an omeprazole powder paste formulation, is considered the standard treatment for gastric ulcers in horses and is highly effective. Gastrozol, an enteric‐coated omeprazole formulation for horses, has recently become available, but efficacy data are controversial and sparse.

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of GastroGard and Gastrozol at labeled doses (4 and 1 mg of omeprazole per kg bwt, respectively, PO q24h) in healing of gastric ulcers.

Animals

40 horses; 9.5 ± 4.6 years; 491 ± 135 kg.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, blinded study. Horses with an ulcer score ≥1 (Equine Gastric Ulcer Council) were randomly divided into 2 groups and treated for 2 weeks each with GastroGard followed by Gastrozol (A) or vice versa (B). After 2 and 4 weeks, scoring was repeated and compared with baseline. Plasma omeprazole concentrations were measured on the first day of treatment after administration of GastroGard (n = 5) or Gastrozol (n = 5).

Results

Compared with baseline (squamous score (A) 1.65 ± 0.11, (B) 1.98 ± 0.11), ulcer scores at 2 weeks ((A) 0.89 ± 0.11, (B) 1.01 ± 0.11) and 4 weeks ((A) 1.10 ± 0.12, (B) 0.80 ± 0.12) had significantly decreased in both groups (P < .001), independent of treatment (P = .7). Plasma omeprazole concentrations were significantly higher after GastroGard compared with Gastrozol administration (AUC_GG = 2856 (1405‐4576) ng/mL × h, AUC_GZ = 604 (430‐1609) ng/mL × h; P = .03). The bioavailability for Gastrozol was 1.26 (95% CI 0.56–2.81) times higher than for GastroGard.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Both Gastrozol and GastroGard, combined with appropriate environmental changes, promote healing of gastric ulcers in horses. However, despite enteric coating of Gastrozol, plasma omeprazole concentrations after single labeled doses were significantly higher with GastroGard.     

Central injection of exogenous IL-1β in the control activities of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in anestrous ewes

This study was performed to determine the effect of intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of interleukin (IL)-1β on the gene expression, translation and release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) gene expression in the hypothalamus of anestrous ewes. In the anterior pituitary gland (AP), the expression of genes encoding: GnRHR, β subunits of luteinizing hormone (LH) and folliculotropic hormone (FSH) was determined as well as the effect of IL-1β on pituitary gonadotropins release. The relative mRNA level was determined by real-time PCR, GnRH concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was assayed by ELISA and the plasma concentration of LH and FSH were determined by radioimmunoassay. Our results showed that icv injection of IL-1β (10 or 50 μg/animal) decreased the GnRH mRNA level in the pre-optic area (POA) (35% and 40% respectively; p ≤ 0.01) and median eminence (ME) (75% and 70% respectively; p ≤ 0.01) and GnRHR gene expression in ME (55% and 50% respectively; p ≤ 0.01). A significant decrease in GnRHR mRNA level in the AP in the group treated with the 50 μg (60%; p ≤ 0.01) but not with the 10 μg dose was observed. The centrally administrated IL-1β lowered also GnRH concentration in the CSF (60%; p ≤ 0.01) and reduced the intensity of GnRH translation in the POA (p ≤ 0.01). It was not found any effect of icv IL-1β injection upon the release of LH and FSH. However, the central injection of IL-1β strongly decreased the LHβ mRNA level (41% and 50%; p ≤ 0.01; respectively) and FSHβ mRNA in the case of the 50 μg dose (49%; p ≤ 0.01) in the pituitary of anestrous ewes. These results demonstrate that the central IL-1β is an important modulator of the GnRH biosynthesis and release during immune/inflammatory challenge.     

Evaluation of Dairy–Yeast Prebiotic Supplementation in the Diet of Juvenile Goldfish in the Presence or Absence of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton

Abstract

Prebiotics recently have been shown to increase immune responses and disease resistance in certain fish species; therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the commercially available dairy–yeast prebiotic, GroBiotic-A, for use with juvenile goldfish Carassius auratus. The study consisted of two 10-week feeding trials in which juvenile goldfish were fed practical diets that were either unsupplemented or supplemented with the dairy–yeast prebiotic at 2% by dry weight. Juvenile fish were sorted by size and stocked into 12 units within each of two culture systems: one indoor system supplied with recirculated well water and one system located outdoors with a continuous flow of pond water to provide a source of phytoplankton and zooplankton. Both diets were fed to fish in six units within each system at the same fixed percentage of body weight twice daily. Culture system (i.e., presence or absence of phytoplankton and zooplankton) was the primary factor influencing (P < 0.0001) percent weight gain, feed efficiency, and survival of goldfish during the feeding trials. No dietary effect was detected, although there was a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between culture system and diet, with supplementation of the dairy–yeast prebiotic tending to improve weight gain and feed efficiency of fish in the presence of phytoplankton/zooplankton. During a controlled disease challenge with an intraperitoneally administered dose of Aeromonas hydrophila that was equivalent to a predetermined LD50 (dose lethal to 50% of test fish), average survival values ranged between 67% and 83% for fish that previously had access to phytoplankton/zooplankton compared with 17–33% for fish that had no access to phytoplankton/zooplankton. The dairy–yeast prebiotic, however, did not enhance resistance of goldfish to the bacterial pathogen and did not greatly alter microbiota of the anterior or posterior gastrointestinal tract based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis. In conclusion, the dairy–yeast prebiotic did not improve feed efficiency in goldfish or resistance to a bacterial pathogen as previously observed in golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas and hybrid bass (white bass Morone chrysops × striped bass M. saxatilis).