Oxytocin synthesis and secretion from bovine corpora lutea exposed in vitro to cycloheximide and colchicine

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of cycloheximide and colchicine on prostaglandin F₂ (PGF₂)-induced secretion and synthesis of oxytocin in bovine luteal tissue in vitro. Corpora lutea were collected from beef heifers on Day 8 of the estrous cycle. In Experiment 1, incorporation of [¹⁴C]-leucine into oxytocin synthesized and secreted by luteal slices after exposure to PGF₂, cycloheximide and cycloheximide plus PGF₂ was examined. In Experiment 2, synthesis and secretion of oxytocin were evaluated in luteal slices incubated with colchicine and PGF₂ alone and in combination. Cycloheximide inhibited incorporation of labeled leucine into luteal proteins by more than 90% and no labeled oxytocin was detected in the media or tissue. Prostaglandin F₂ induced significant secretion of oxytocin that was not inhibited by cycloheximide. Tissue levels of oxytocin after incubation with cycloheximide and/or PGF₂ did not differ and were similar to those of the incubated control. Colchicine alone did not suppress oxytocin secretion and did not alter the ability of PGF₂ to induce significant secretion of this nonapeptide. Tissue concentrations of oxytocin after incubation with colchicine and/or PGF₂ did not differ. These studies indicate that secretion and replenishment of luteal oxytocin in vitro is not contingent upon de novo protein synthesis. Inability of colchicine to suppress oxytocin secretion and synthesis may have been due to the short duration of exposure of luteal tissue to the drug.     

Nutrient intake of horses in Thoroughbred and Standardbred stables

SUMMARY Twenty-five Thoroughbred (TB) and 25 Standardbred (SB) stables were visited to determine their feeding practices. The ingredients of the main feed of the day for a mature gelding of average size in full training were weighed at each stable. Nutrient content of diets was calculated using published data for the individual ingredients. Results are expressed as mean±sd. The estimated body weight of TB horses was 493±34 kg and 437±32 kg for SB horses. There was considerable variation in diet composition and nutrient intake between stables. The TB trainers fed 11.0±2.4 kg and SB trainers 11.8±2.5 kg per day. The concentrate component of the diet weighed 7.8±1.6 and 7.7±2.3 kg for TB and SB stables, respectively, and the roughage component for TB horses 3.3±1.4 and SB horses 4.1±1.4 kg per day. The digestible energy intake of horses at TB stables was 129±29 MJ per day and at SB stables 132±31 MJ per day. Crude protein intake of TB horses was 1452±363 g and SB horses 1442±338 g per day. There were differences in some feeding practices at TB and SB stables. Standardbred trainers fed more roughage than TB trainers. Standardbred trainers fed chaffed lucerne (alfalfa) and cereal hays as the major roughage, whereas TB trainers fed more hay. The major hay type fed by TB trainers was lucerne, whereas many SB trainers preferred clover hay. Both trainers fed oats as the major grain, but TB trainers fed slightly more maize (corn) than SB trainers. The SB trainers fed barley as part of the concentrate component of the diet, whereas TB trainers usually fed boiled barley and linseed oil in winter only. Although many trainers used vitamin and mineral supplements, this appeared unnecessary in many Instances, especially with respect to Iron. Calcium and NaCI supplementation was necessary for some diets. We concluded that while there was a wide range in feed intake and diet composition for both TB and SB horses, average nutrient intakes were similar to National Research Council (1989) recommendations for horses performing intense work.     

Validity of goniometric joint measurements in cats

OBJECTIVE: To compare and validate goniometric joint measurements obtained from nonsedated and sedated cats with measurements from radiographic evaluation. ANIMALS: 20 adult cats with no evidence of joint disease. PROCEDURES: Measurements of flexion and extension of the carpus, elbow, shoulder, tarsus, stifle, and hip joints and of carpal and tarsal joints during varus and valgus angulation were made by a single investigator before and after sedation of cats. Measurements were made by use of a goniometer with a masked dial. Joint angle measurements were compared between nonsedated and sedated cats and also with measurements from radiographs made while cats were sedated. Each series of measurements was repeated 4 times. To evaluate repeatability, Cronbach alpha values were calculated for repeated measure results of goniometric joint measurements of nonsedated and sedated cats. An intraclass correlation was calculated to determine reliability among the 3 measurement types (ie, measurements from nonsedated and sedated cats and on radiographic evaluation). RESULTS: Joint measurements did not differ significantly by measurement type, when comparing radiographic measurements with goniometric measurements in sedated and nonsedated cats. Cronbach alpha values were > 0.99 for goniometric joint measurements within individual nonsedated and sedated cats and also for comparison of mean measurements obtained from sedated cats versus nonsedated cats versus radiographs. An intraclass correlation of 0.999 revealed high reliability among measurement types. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that goniometric joint measurements in nonsedated and sedated cats are repeatable and valid.     

Quantification of water as a potential risk factor for cross-contamination with Salmonella,Campylobacter and Listeria in a poultry abattoir

1. Water used in a modern poultry processing line was tested from October 2005 to June 2006 to determine the level of bacteria in an abattoir in Germany.

2. A total of 420 water samples were taken from 14 processing sites (PSs), at 10 times, and from three different hours of the working shift at three sampling hours (SHs) at 5:00 a.m. (SH 1), 9:00 a.m. (SH 2) and 12:00 a.m. (SH 3). Each sample was assessed for the aerobic plate count (APC) and the prevalence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria and Yersinia over 30 sampling weeks. The APC numbers of each PS from three SHs were compared, and the prevalence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria and Yersinia from each PS of three SHs was determined as well as change from the initial PS to the end of the processing line.

3. A total of 46 water samples were positive for Salmonella, 120 positive for Campylobacter and 4 positive for Listeria. None of the water samples was found to be positive for Yersinia. During the course of the day, the APC increased. Salmonella was mostly found during SH 1 (5 a.m.) in water from all PSs. A high number of Campylobacter were observed at SH 2 (9 a.m.) and SH 3 (12 a.m.) from all PSs.

4. The results show that water, which is still used in substantial amounts in present poultry processing technology, can serve as a carrier for Salmonella and Campylobacter.

5. The findings indicate that birds might progressively contaminate the equipment and become contaminated via the same equipment, that water at every processing position of the line constitutes a risk and that more attention should be paid to effective water management in the processing plan.     

COMBINED USE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND CONTRAST ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TO EVALUATE ACUTE NECROTIZING PANCREATITIS IN TWO DOGS

The imaging findings in two miniature schnauzers with acute necrotizing pancreatitis are described. Both dogs were treated previously for diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. Vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy were observed in both dogs at presentation. Laboratory evaluations supportive of pancreatitis included left shift, abnormally high serum amylase and lipase activities, hypocalcemia, and abnormally high serum activities of liver enzymes. Sonographically, both dogs had diffusely enlarged hypoechoic pancreatic tissue with anechoic foci compatible with necrosis, abscessation, phlegmon, and pseudocysts formation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) findings in both dogs were compatible with pancreatic necrosis. Dog 1 was managed medically for 11 days. Follow-up CT scan in this dog disclosed decreased pancreatic size and increased contrast enhancement compatible with partial resolution of pancreatitis.     

役馬的新飼養標準

一.緒言現行的役馬飼養標準,為數甚多。由於工作的計算困難,大都祇對於某種農業情况,加以大約的估計,因此用量的大小極不一致,而又無適當可行的辦法加以比較,以便抉擇。此中情況,林敦氏(1950)有言,"最好的方法是按照下述的辦法來飼養,如感覺馬的體情退化則增加飼量,如馬有長肥的傾向則減少之"。同樣波波夫亦謂,"必須不斷地注意馬的體况,並根據觀察結果,經常調整馬的日糧"(1954)。似此,則役馬的飼養仍處於一種技術修養的狀態,談不到定額矣。本文的目的在提出一衡量工作的尺度,根據此尺度,測驗各家的標準,並從而求出一比較合理的標準,此標準不但要按照飼養乳牛的辦法,計役授糧,而且要應用簡便,易於實行。此外,不同輕重及種類的工作,經測定各種的常數以後,亦可以納入本方法之中,俟一一論及之。