Serologic prevalence of toxoplasmosis in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, bison, and elk in Montana

Serum samples from 2,539 cattle, 649 sheep, 123 goats, 413 pigs, 93 bison, and 56 elk from Montana were examined for antibody to Toxoplasma gondii in the Sabin-Feldman dye test or the modified agglutination test (MAT). Cattle, bison, and elk serum samples were treated with 0.2 M-mercaptoethanol before examination in MAT. In the dye test, 13.2% of sheep, 5.0% of pigs, and 22.7% of goats had antibody at a dilution of greater than or equal to 1:16. In the MAT, 3.2% of cattle, 3.1% of bison, and none of the elk were positive at a dilution of greater than or equal to 1:128.     

Exercise-induced alterations in plasma concentrations of ghrelin, adiponectin, leptin, glucose, insulin, and cortisol in horses

Six Standardbred (STB) mares (11+/-2 years, 521+/-77 kg; means+/-SD) performed an exercise trial (EX) where they underwent an incremental exercise test (GXT) as well as a parallel control trial (CON) to test the hypothesis that short-term, high intensity exercise would alter plasma concentrations of glucose, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, insulin and cortisol. Plasma samples were taken before (0 min), during (last 10s at 6, 8m/s, and the velocity eliciting VO(2max)), and after exercise (2, 10, 30, 60 min; 12 and 24h post-GXT). A second set of blood samples was collected before and after an afternoon meal given at 1515 h (at 1500, 1514, 1530, and 1545 h). Data were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey's test. During the GXT, there were no changes (P>0.05) in the plasma concentrations of glucose, leptin, adiponectin or ghrelin. However, there was a 29% increase (P<0.05) in mean plasma cortisol concentration and a 35% decrease (P<0.05) in mean plasma insulin concentration. Substantial increases (P<0.05) in the mean plasma concentrations of glucose and cortisol of 36% and 102%, respectively, were seen in the EX trial during the first 60 min post-GXT. Plasma leptin concentration, measured at the 24h post-GXT time point, was 20% lower (P<0.05) during the EX trial compared with the parallel time point in the standing control (CON) trial. Plasma ghrelin concentration was 37% lower (P<0.05) in the EX trial compared with CON before and after the afternoon meal, but was 43% higher (P<0.05) 12h post-GXT. There were no differences between EX and CON for plasma concentrations of insulin or adiponectin during recovery. It was concluded that short-term high intensity exercise alters plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations in STB mares post-exercise, which may signal the exercised animals to alter energy intake.     

Changes in plasma melanocyte-stimulating hormone,ACTH, prolactin,GH, LH,FSH, and thyroid-stimulating hormone in response to injection of sulpiride,thyrotropin-releasing hormone,or vehicle in insulin-sensitive and -insensitive mares

Six insulin-sensitive and 6 insulin-insensitive mares were used in a replicated 3 by 3 Latin square design to determine the pituitary hormonal responses (compared with vehicle) to sulpiride and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), 2 compounds commonly used to diagnose pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses. Mares were classified as insulin sensitive or insensitive by their previous glucose responses to direct injection of human recombinant insulin. Treatment days were February 25, 2012, and March 10 and 24, 2012. Treatments were sulpiride (racemic mixture, 0.01 mg/kg BW), TRH (0.002 mg/kg BW), and vehicle (saline, 0.01 mL/kg BW) administered intravenously. Blood samples were collected via jugular catheters at −10, 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min relative to treatment injection. Plasma ACTH concentrations were variable and were not affected by treatment or insulin sensitivity category. Plasma melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) concentrations responded (P < 0.01) to both sulpiride and TRH injection and were greater (P < 0.05) in insulin-insensitive mares than in sensitive mares. Plasma prolactin concentrations responded (P < 0.01) to both sulpiride and TRH injection, and the response was greater (P < 0.05) for sulpiride; no effect of insulin sensitivity was observed. Plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations responded (P < 0.01) to TRH injection only and were higher (P < 0.05) in insulin-sensitive mares in almost all time periods. Plasma LH and FSH concentrations varied with time (P < 0.05), particularly in the first week of the experiment, but were not affected by treatment or insulin sensitivity category. Plasma GH concentrations were affected (P < 0.05) only by day of treatment. The greater MSH responses to sulpiride and TRH in insulin-insensitive mares were similar to, but not as exaggerated as, those observed by others for PPID horses. In addition, the reduced TSH concentrations in insulin-insensitive mares are consistent with our previous observation of elevated plasma triiodothyronine concentrations in hyperleptinemic horses (later shown to be insulin insensitive as well).     

Serological survey of canine dirofilariosis in Chongqing, Kunming, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning in Southern China

The present study conducts a serological survey on the presence of canine dirofilariosis in domestic dogs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A total of 310 household dogs (166 females and 144 males) in Chongqing, Kunming, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning in Southern China were examined. Of the 310 dogs, 42 (13.5%) were seropositive for dirofilariosis. No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of sex in the seroprevalence of dirofilariosis using the ELISA kit. The positive rates for dirofilariosis were 6.6% in the 0-1-year-old group, 13.8% in the 1-4-year-old group, and 21.6% in the less than 4-year-old group. The statistical analysis revealed that significant differences were observed in the 1-4-year-old group (P=0.037, OR=0.441, 95% CI=0.170-1.144) and less than 4-year-old group (P<0.001, OR=0.256, 95% CI=0.095-0.693). In the regional comparison, the shoreline city Shenzhen (18.8%) had a significantly higher prevalence than urban and mountain areas (P<0.05, OR=0.310, 95% CI=0.066-1.445). In conclusion, Dirofilaria immitis infection in domestic dogs was present in Chongqing, Kunming, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning. Therefore, heartworm treatment and/or chemoprophylaxis for the captured domestic dogs are necessary in these areas. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first using serological methods to examine D. immitis infection in domestic dogs in Mainland China in the recent years.     

Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in swine--technique, methods, indications

The aim of this study was to investigate in 20 healthy pigs the practicability of the oesophagogastroduodenoscopic examination technique in regard to equipment, method of examination, indications and its suitability as a diagnostical tool for the assessment of the oesophagus, stomach and upper duodenum in one procedure. Preparation of the patient for endoscopy, the procedure of the endoscopic examination as well as the topographical findings of the upper intestinal tract including the duodenum until the flexura duodenojejunalis are described. Flexible oesophagogastroduodenoscopy is a suitable method for the observation and natural visualisation of mucosal surfaces and for the digital documentation of peristaltic movements. The procedure is easy to perform in anaesthetized animals, is in most cases completed within 15 min, and can be repeated in the same animal. Indications of this interesting diagnostic imaging technique are discussed.     

Heavy metals in horse blood, serum, and feed in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Pollution is a subject of worldwide concern and discussion and various areas of science are seeking to integrate their knowledge in an attempt to improve understanding of the harmful effects of modern human activities. Thus, the objective of the current study was to assess the potential for using the horse as a bio-indicator of environmental pollution. Blood and serum samples from 120 horses from locations with different degrees of urbanization and industrialization and the feeds used for these animals were analyzed to determine their heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn) content. The data obtained were compared. The results did not show increases in heavy metal concentration in the blood and serum of the horses with the intensification of urbanization and industrialization around the farms. Only Cd, as determined in the blood of the animals, showed a certain potential for using horses as bio-indicators of environmental pollution. The data for sex, age, and chemical composition of the foodstuffs supplied to the animals were not determinants in explaining the variation in the concentrations of heavy metals observed.     

Changes in metabolites, metabolic hormones, and luteinizing hormone before puberty in Angus, Braford, Charolais, and Simmental heifers

We determined changes in insulin, glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and LH before puberty in Angus, Braford, Charolais, and Simmental heifers. Our primary objective was to identify metabolites and metabolic hormones that serve as metabolic cues for onset of puberty. Angus (n = 12). Braford (n = 7), Charolais (n = 9), and Simmental (n = 7) heifers were assigned at weaning (289 +/- 25 d of age; 264 +/- 23 kg) to open-sided pens with slotted floors, and they were fed a corn silage-concentrate diet formulated to provide gains of .91 kg/d. Puberty was defined as the 1st d (d 0) that serum progesterone (determined in blood samples collected at weekly intervals) exceeded 1 ng/ml. Blood samples were collected before and after feeding at 15-min intervals for 8 h at 21-d intervals before puberty in a subsample of heifers (at least five per breed). Angus and Simmental heifers weighed less and were younger (P less than .05) at puberty than Charolais and Braford heifers. Serum FFA before feeding and frequency of LH release increased (P less than .05) from d-40 +/- 3 to d-17 +/- 3 in all breeds. Conversely, concentrations of insulin were greater (P less than .05) at -40 than at -17 d from puberty in Angus, but not in Braford, Charolais, or Simmental heifers. Frequency of GH release was greater at d -40 than at d -17 in Angus heifers; however, in Braford and Charolais heifers frequency of GH release was greater at d -17 than at d -40. Concentrations of IGF-I (measured every 2 wk) increased linearly (P less than .07) from d -56 to 0 from puberty in Angus but not in other breeds. In conclusion, frequency of LH release and concentrations of FFA increased before puberty in all breeds; however, consistent changes in other metabolites and hormones were observed only in Angus heifers.     

Effects of butorphanol, flunixin, levorphanol, morphine, and xylazine in ponies

The analgesic and behavioral effects of butorphanol (0.22 mg/kg), flunixin (2.2 mg/kg), levorphanol (0.033 mg/kg), morphine (0.66 mg/kg), and xylazine (2.2 mg/kg), given IM were observed in 8 ponies. These ponies were instrumented to measure response objectively to painful superficial and visceral stimuli. Effects on the cardiopulmonary system and rectal temperature also were evaluated in 6 of these ponies. Observations were conducted before drug injection (base-line values) and after injection at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes. Xylazine provided the highest pain threshold for the first 60 minutes and a sedative effect for 105 minutes. The effects for superficial pain and visceral pain persisted 3 hours and 4 hours, respectively. Morphine produced good analgesia for superficial pain (30 minutes), whereas butorphanol provided good effect for visceral pain (4 hours). A slight degree of analgesia for visceral pain was obtained after morphine (1 hour) and levorphanol (4 hours); flunixin did not induce analgesia. Butorphanol, levorphanol, and morphine stimulated motor activity. Behavioral effects did not occur after flunixin was given. Xylazine decreased systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures. Marked increases in these pressures, heart rate, and respiratory rate were observed after morphine was given. Changes of central venous pressure, rectal temperature, and blood gas values remained within base-line limits after both drugs were given. Butorphanol increased heart rates for 1 hour; flunixin and levorphanol did not alter any of the above values.     

Cholangitis in cats: symptoms, cause, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

Inflammation of the bile ducts is common in cats. This review article reports on what is currently known about the various types of cholangitis (i.e., cholangitis caused by liver flukes, neutrophilic cholangitis, and lymphocytic cholangitis). Treatment is available for cholangitis caused by liver flukes and for neutrophilic cholangitis, and the prognosis is good. However, the cause of lymphocytic cholangitis is not known and there is currently no evidence-based therapy. Several causes are mentioned in the literature, but more research is needed in order to establish the cause of this disease and to develop an appropriate therapy.     

就"果园内"养兔的优势、存在的问题及相应对策答读者

“野麻兔”繁育场近段时间收(接)到很多读者来信来电，就“果园内”养兔的优势、存在的问题和解决问题相应对策等一系列问题进行咨询。对此，笔者撰写此文浅谈自己的看法，与大家共同探讨和交流。     

Infection by spotted fever rickettsiae in people, dogs, horses and ticks in Londrina, Parana State, Brazil

Spotted fever is a disease caused by bacteria from the genus Rickettsia of the spotted fever group (SFG). Rickettsia rickettsii is likely the main agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). With the objective of gathering information on the circulation of SFG rickettsiae in Londrina, Parana state, ticks from dogs and horses and also blood from dogs, horses and humans were collected in a neighbourhood of the city which presented potential for circulation of rickettsiae between hosts and vectors. Amblyomma cajennense, Dermacentor nitens, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting a fragment of the Rickettsia gltA gene. This specific gene encodes the enzyme citrate synthase of Rickettsia spp., and results on all ticks were negative. Human and animal sera were tested by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay in which R. rickettsii and R. parkeri were used as antigens. Sera from 4.7% human, 2.7% canine and 38.5% equine were positive for R. rickettsii. For R. parkeri, 0.9% human, 2.7% canine and 11.5% equine samples were positive. All samples reactive to R. parkeri also reacted to R. rickettsii. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied, but there were no statistically significant results. Comparison of our serological results with previous studies in Brazil, among BSF endemic and non-endemic areas, indicates that there is no established rickettsial infection in the study area, a statement corroborated with our molecular analysis. Nonetheless, as humans of the present study are highly exposed to tick infestations, health education within the population is needed to obtain efficient tick control.     

虚拟现实中的VR、AR、MR和CR

整个社会对虚拟现实的研究和开发源于上个世纪六十年代,计算机图形学、人机接口技术、图像处理与模式识别、多传感技术、语音处理与音响技术、高性能计算机系统、人工智能等领域在之后半个世纪取得了长足的发展为虚拟现实产业爆发打下的坚实的基础。那么问题来了,到底VR、AR、MR和CR说的是什么呢?