Immunogenicity of eight Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis specific antigens in DNA vaccinated and Map infected mice

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), the etiological agent of chronic enteritis of the small intestine in domestic and wild ruminants, causes substantial losses to livestock industry. Control of this disease is seriously hampered by the lack of adequate diagnostic tools and vaccines. Here we report on the immunogenicity of eight Map specific antigens, i.e. MAP1693c, Ag3, MAP2677c (identified by post-genomic and immunoproteomic analysis of Map secretome) and Ag5, Ag6, MAP1637c, MAP0388 and MAP3743 (identified by bioinformatic in silico screening of the Map genome). Strong, antigen-specific IFN-γ responses were induced in mice vaccinated with plasmid DNA encoding MAP1693c, MAP1637c, MAP0388 and MAP3743. In contrast, T cell responses in Map infected mice were directed preferentially against Ag5 and to a lesser extent against MAP3743. None of the tested DNA vaccines conferred protection against subsequent challenge with Map.     

An assessment of the impact of climate adaptation measures to reduce flood risk on ecosystem services

Measures of climate change adaptation often involve modification of land use and land use planning practices. Such changes in land use affect the provision of various ecosystem goods and services. Therefore, it is likely that adaptation measures may result in synergies and trade-offs between a range of ecosystems goods and services. An integrative land use modelling approach is presented to assess such impacts for the European Union. A reference scenario accounts for current trends in global drivers and includes a number of important policy developments that correspond to on-going changes in European policies. The reference scenario is compared to a policy scenario in which a range of measures is implemented to regulate flood risk and protect soils under conditions of climate change. The impacts of the simulated land use dynamics are assessed for four key indicators of ecosystem service provision: flood risk, carbon sequestration, habitat connectivity and biodiversity. The results indicate a large spatial variation in the consequences of the adaptation measures on the provisioning of ecosystem services. Synergies are frequently observed at the location of the measures itself, whereas trade-offs are found at other locations. Reducing land use intensity in specific parts of the catchment may lead to increased pressure in other regions, resulting in trade-offs. Consequently, when aggregating the results to larger spatial scales the positive and negative impacts may be off-set, indicating the need for detailed spatial assessments. The modelled results indicate that for a careful planning and evaluation of adaptation measures it is needed to consider the trade-offs accounting for the negative effects of a measure at locations distant from the actual measure. Integrated land use modelling can help land use planning in such complex trade-off evaluation by providing evidence on synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem services, different policy fields and societal demands.     

Bilateral microphthalmia and aphakia associated with multiple eye abnormalities in a free-living European red deer calf (Cervus elaphus)

A free-living European red deer calf (Cervus elaphus) was euthanized due to bilateral microphthalmia. Lens was missing, replaced by proliferating squamous epithelial cells; hyperplastic squamous cells, sebaceous and mucinous glands were observed within the cornea with the characteristics of inclusion cyst. Findings were consistent with congenital microphthalmia/aphakia, with multiple eye abnormalities.     

Antioxidant defence of colostrum and milk in consecutive lactations in sows

Background

Parturition is supposed to be related to oxidative stress, not only for the mother, but also for the newborn. Moreover, it is not clear whether consecutive pregnancies, parturitions, and lactations are similar to each other in regards to intensity of metabolic processes or differ from each other. The aim of the study was to compare dynamic changes of antioxidative parameters in colostrum and milk of sows taken during 72 h postpartum from animals in consecutive lactations. Activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione transferase (GSH-Tr), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and amount of vitamin A and C were measured. Healthy pregnant animals were divided into 4 groups according to the assessed lactation: A -1^st lactation (n = 10), B - 2^nd and 3^rd lactation (n = 7), C - 4^th and 5^th lactation (n = 11), D - 6^th - 8^th lactation (n = 8). The colostrum was sampled immediately after parturition and after 6, 12, 18 and 36 h while the milk was assessed at 72 h after parturition. Spectrophotometric methods were used for measurements.

Results

The activity of antioxidative enzymes and the concentration of vitamin A increased with time postpartum. The concentration of vitamin C was the highest between the 18th and 36th h postpartum.

Conclusions

Dynamic changes in the values of antioxidant parameters measured during the study showed that sows milk provides the highest concentration of antioxidants in the 2^nd and 3^rd and 4^th and 5^th lactation giving the best defence against reactive oxygen species to newborns and mammary glands.     

Ultrasound‐guided ‘two‐in‐one’ femoral and obturator nerve block in the dog: an anatomical study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the dye extent and distribution at the lumbar plexus (LP) of three volumes of local anaesthetic-methylene-blue solution administered close to the femoral nerve (FN) by the use of a ventral ultrasound (US)-guided suprainguinal approach (SIA).Study designProspective experimental trial.AnimalsTwenty mongrel canine cadavers weighing 17.7 ± 3.8 kg (mean ± SD).MethodsThe left and right LP of two cadavers were dissected to identify the FN, obturator nerve (ON) and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The extent and distribution of dye at the LP of each of three volumes of injectate of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mL kg^?1 administered close to the FN by a ventral US-guided SIA then were studied in a further 18 dog cadavers (n = 6 per group). Staining of ≥2 cm along the target nerves was indicative of sufficient spread to produce a nerve block.ResultsThe ventral US-guided SIA allowed the observation of the FN within the iliopsoas muscle (IPM) in a total of 17 cadavers. The assessment of the dye extent and distribution revealed a similar pattern regardless of the injected volume. From the injection site, the spreading of injectate occurred in cranial, lateral and caudal directions. The FN and ON were effectively stained in all the cases. The LFCN was not effectively stained in any case.Conclusions and clinical relevanceA volume of 0.2 mL kg^?1 administered close to the FN by a ventral US-guided SIA produced a sufficient distribution of the injectate within the IPM to produce effective staining of the FN and ON. This US-guided technique may be an appropriate alternative to previously reported techniques based on electrolocation to block the FN and ON in the dog.     

Polyphenol oxidase,alpha-amylase and beta-amylase activities of Triticum monococcum, Triticum turgidum and Triticum aestivum: A two-year study

Enzymatic activity often reduces the nutritional value of wheat flour during food manufacturing, causing compound degradation and/or heat damage. The choice of wheat varieties with low enzymatic activity could therefore help to preserve the nutritional quality of food. The aim of this research was to evaluate polyphenol oxidase, alpha-amylase and beta-amylase activities in whole meal flours of 59 accessions belonging to different wheat species and subspecies, cropped in two years. The extraction pH (7.0), reaction pH (5.5) and reaction temperature (45 °C) were determined by preliminary trials. The ANOVA highlighted significant differences for all enzymes among species/subspecies and, for amylases, between cropping years; however, the year influence was overwhelming only for alpha-amylase. Einkorn showed the highest polyphenol oxidase (362.1 ± 9.46 U/g DM) as well as the lowest alpha-amylase (0.20 ± 0.006 CU/g DM) and beta-amylase (12.0 ± 0.36 B3U/g DM) activities. The embryo/scutellum had the highest polyphenol oxidase and alpha-amylase values, followed by the bran and the endosperm; in contrast, beta-amylase was evenly distributed in the bran and the endosperm, and was absent in the embryo/scutellum.     

Effects of altering the sequence of midazolam and propofol during co‐induction of anaesthesia

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of varying the sequence of midazolam and propofol administration on the quality of induction, cardiorespiratory parameters and propofol requirements in dogs.Study designRandomized, controlled, clinical study.AnimalsThirty‐three client owned dogs (ASA I‐III, 0.5–10 years, 5–30 kg).MethodsDogs were premedicated with acepromazine (0.02 mg kg^?1) and morphine (0.4 mg kg^?1) intramuscularly. After 30 minutes, group midazolam‐propofol (MP) received midazolam (0.25 mg kg^?1) intravenously (IV) before propofol (1 mg kg^?1) IV, group propofol‐midazolam (PM) received propofol before midazolam IV at the same doses, and control group (CP) received saline IV, instead of midazolam, before propofol. Supplementary boluses of propofol (0.5 mg kg^?1) were administered to effect to all groups until orotracheal intubation was completed. Behaviour after midazolam administration, quality of sedation and induction, and ease of intubation were scored. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, and systolic arterial blood pressure were recorded before premedication, post‐premedication, after midazolam or saline administration, and at 0, 2, 5, and 10 minutes post‐intubation. End‐tidal CO₂ and arterial oxygen haemoglobin saturation were recorded at 2, 5 and 10 minutes post‐intubation.ResultsQuality of sedation and induction, and ease of intubation were similar in all groups. Incidence of excitement was higher in the MP compared to CP (p = 0.014) and PM (p = 0.026) groups. Propofol requirements were decreased in MP and PM groups with respect to CP (p < 0.001), and in PM compared to MP (p = 0.022). The HR decreased after premedication in all groups, and increased after midazolam and subsequent times in MP (p = 0.019) and PM (p = 0.001) groups. Incidence of apnoea and paddling was higher in CP (p = 0.005) and MP (p = 0.031) groups than in PM.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAdministration of midazolam before propofol reduced propofol requirements although caused mild excitement in some dogs. Administration of propofol before midazolam resulted in less excitatory phenomena and greater reduction of propofol requirements.