The influence of esomeprazole and cisapride on gastroesophageal reflux during anesthesia in dogs

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in anesthetized dogs and can cause esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and aspiration pneumonia.

Objective

To determine whether preanesthetic IV administration of esomeprazole alone or esomeprazole and cisapride increases esophageal pH and decreases the frequency of GER in anesthetized dogs using combined multichannel impedance and pH monitoring.

Animals

Sixty‐one healthy dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery procedures.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Dogs were randomized to receive IV saline (0.9% NaCl), esomeprazole (1 mg/kg) alone, or a combination of esomeprazole (1 mg/kg) and cisapride (1 mg/kg) 12–18 hours and 1–1.5 hours before anesthetic induction. An esophageal pH/impedance probe was utilized to measure esophageal pH and detect GER.

Results

Eight of 21 dogs in the placebo group (38.1%), 8 of 22 dogs in the esomeprazole group (36%), and 2 of 18 dogs in the combined esomeprazole and cisapride group (11%) had ≥1 episode of GER on impedance testing during anesthesia (P < .05). Esomeprazole was associated with a significant increase in gastric and esophageal pH (P = .001), but the drug did not significantly decrease the frequency of GER (P = .955). Concurrent administration of cisapride was associated with a significant decrease in the number of reflux events (RE) compared to the placebo and esomeprazole groups (P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Preanesthetic administration of cisapride and esomeprazole decreases the number of RE in anesthetized dogs, but administration of esomeprazole alone was associated with nonacid and weakly acidic reflux in all but 1 dog.     

Collection of peripheral blood CD34+ progenitor cells from healthy dogs and dogs diagnosed with lymphoproliferative diseases using a Baxter-Fenwal CS-3000 Plus blood cell separator

Background

Canine peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) apheresis using a Baxter‐Fenwal CS‐3000 Plus automated blood cell separator has not been reported.

Objective

To determine the feasibility and safety of using a CS‐3000 Plus blood cell separator with a small volume separation container holder (SVSCH) and small volume collection chamber (SVCC) to harvest canine PBMCs from dogs weighing <50 kg.

Animals

Eight healthy mongrel dogs and 11 client‐owned dogs in clinical remission for lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD).

Methods

In this prospective study, aphereses were performed using a Baxter‐Fenwal CS‐3000 Plus blood cell separator, with or without recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (rhG‐CSF) treatment.

Results

Aphereses from 6 healthy dogs given rhG‐CSF yielded an average of 1.1 × 10⁷ ± 8.2 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg. Aphereses from LPD dogs given rhG‐CSF yielded an average of 5.4 × 10⁶ ± 3.25 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg (P = .17). Higher hematocrit in both groups of dogs receiving rhG‐CSF correlated with an increased number of CD34+ cells/kg harvested (healthy, P = .04; LPD, P = .05). Apheresis was well tolerated by all dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Canine PBMC apheresis using the Baxter‐Fenwal CS‐3000 Plus cell separator with an SVSCH and SVCC is a feasible and safe option for harvesting an adequate number of CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells from dogs weighing ≥17 kg for hematopoietic cell transplantation.     

P-2 Evaluation of the influence of sex, diet and time on skin pH and surface lipids of cats

Liquorice, a derivative of the root of Glycyrrhizia glabra, has been proposed as a treatment for gastric ulcers. Here, a preparation of liquorice combined with sesame oil was evaluated in experimental wound healing. The study was carried out in two female 10-month-old Holstein calves. An area of 10 × 10 cm on each side of the thorax of the animals was surgically prepared and infiltrated with local anaesthetic. Eight uniform skin wounds were created in two rows with an 8-mm biopsy punch on each prepared area. Each side of an animal was used to evaluate one treatment (Groups 1–4). To make the mixture, powdered and sieved liquorice (16 g) was mixed with sesame oil (36 g) to make a suspension. The wounds were treated for 7 days. The wounds of Groups 1–3 were rinsed daily with normal saline, after which the mixture of liquorice and sesame oil (Group 1) or only the sesame oil (Group 2) was applied to the wounds. In Group 4, no treatment was applied. All wounds were left open. On day 8, skin biopsies were taken from the wounds for histopathologic study. In Group 1, seven wounds (87%) showed moderate granulation tissue, mild scab formation, and complete re-epithelialization. In Group 2, there was massive scab formation with no granulation tissue and minimal re-epithelialization. In Groups 3 and 4, mild granulation tissue, severe scab formation and very limited re-epithelialization were observed. We conclude that a preparation of liquorice and sesame oil can be an effective remedy for wound healing.
Funding: Self-funded.     

FC‐61 The role of a liquorice preparation in healing of experimental wounds in calves: a histopathologic study

Liquorice, a derivative of the root of Glycyrrhizia glabra, has been proposed as a treatment for gastric ulcers. Here, a preparation of liquorice combined with sesame oil was evaluated in experimental wound healing. The study was carried out in two female 10‐month‐old Holstein calves. An area of 10 × 10 cm on each side of the thorax of the animals was surgically prepared and infiltrated with local anaesthetic. Eight uniform skin wounds were created in two rows with an 8‐mm biopsy punch on each prepared area. Each side of an animal was used to evaluate one treatment (Groups 1–4). To make the mixture, powdered and sieved liquorice (16 g) was mixed with sesame oil (36 g) to make a suspension. The wounds were treated for 7 days. The wounds of Groups 1–3 were rinsed daily with normal saline, after which the mixture of liquorice and sesame oil (Group 1) or only the sesame oil (Group 2) was applied to the wounds. In Group 4, no treatment was applied. All wounds were left open. On day 8, skin biopsies were taken from the wounds for histopathologic study. In Group 1, seven wounds (87%) showed moderate granulation tissue, mild scab formation, and complete re‐epithelialization. In Group 2, there was massive scab formation with no granulation tissue and minimal re‐epithelialization. In Groups 3 and 4, mild granulation tissue, severe scab formation and very limited re‐epithelialization were observed. We conclude that a preparation of liquorice and sesame oil can be an effective remedy for wound healing. Funding: Self‐funded.     

Hypocalcemia and hypovitaminosis D in dogs with induced endotoxemia

Background

Hypocalcemia is a documented electrolyte disturbance in people and animals with sepsis, but its mechanism is poorly understood.

Objective

To investigate mechanisms of hypocalcemia in dogs with experimentally induced endotoxemia.

Animals

Six healthy mixed breed dogs were included in this nonrandomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study.

Methods

Dogs initially were injected with placebo (0.9% NaCl; 1 mL, IV) and then lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2 μg/kg, IV) after a 5‐day washout period. Blood and urine samples were collected for measurement of serum total calcium (tCa), ionized calcium (iCa), total magnesium (tMg), ionized magnesium (iMg), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D), venous blood gases, and fractional excretion (FE) of calcium.

Results

After LPS administration, body temperature increased and blood pressure decreased. Both iCa and tCa decreased (P < .01), but iMg was not significantly different between control and LPS treatments. PTH concentrations increased (P < .01) and vitamin D concentrations decreased (P < .01). Venous pH, bicarbonate, base excess, and blood glucose also decreased (P < .01). Urine tCa concentration was below the limit of detection for all dogs after LPS administration.

Conclusions

Hypocalcemia occurs during endotoxemia in dogs and is associated with hypovitaminosis D. Hypomagnesemia, hypoparathyroidism, alkalosis, and increased calciuresis are not associated with hypocalcemia in endotoxemic dogs.     

Effect of Weight Loss in Obese Dogs on Indicators of Renal Function or Disease

Background

Obesity is a common medical disorder in dogs, and can predispose to a number of diseases. Human obesity is a risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease.

Objectives

To investigate the possible association of weight loss on plasma and renal biomarkers of kidney health.

Animals

Thirty‐seven obese dogs that lost weight were included in the study.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Three novel biomarkers of renal functional impairment, disease, or both (homocysteine, cystatin C, and clusterin), in addition to traditional markers of chronic renal failure (serum urea and creatinine, urine specific gravity [USG], urine protein‐creatinine ratio [UPCR], and urine albumin corrected by creatinine [UAC]) before and after weight loss in dogs with naturally occurring obesity were investigated.

Results

Urea (P = .043) and USG (P = .012) were both greater after weight loss than before loss, whilst UPCR, UAC, and creatinine were less after weight loss (P = .032, P = .006, and P = .026, respectively). Homocysteine (P < .001), cystatin C (P < .001) and clusterin (P < .001) all decreased upon weight loss. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed associations between percentage weight loss (greater weight loss, more lean tissue loss; r = ?0.67, r² = 0.45, P < .001) and before‐loss plasma clusterin concentration (greater clusterin, more lean tissue loss; r = 0.48, r² = 0.23, P = .003).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

These results suggest possible subclinical alterations in renal function in canine obesity, which improve with weight loss. Further work is required to determine the nature of these alterations and, most notably, the reason for the association between before loss plasma clusterin and subsequent lean tissue loss during weight management.

     

A randomized trial investigating the efficacy and safety of water soluble micellar paclitaxel (Paccal Vet) for treatment of nonresectable grade 2 or 3 mast cell tumors in dogs

Background

Effective treatments for dogs with advanced stage mast cell tumors (MCT) remain a pressing need. A micellar formulation of paclitaxel (paclitaxel [micellar]) has shown promise in early‐phase studies.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The objective was to demonstrate greater activity for paclitaxel (micellar) compared with lomustine. The null hypothesis was μ_p = μ_L (ie, proportion of responders for the paclitaxel [micellar] and lomustine groups, respectively).

Animals

Two hundred and fifty‐two dogs with advanced stage nonresectable grade 2 or 3 MCT.

Methods

Prospective multicenter randomized double‐blind positive‐controlled clinical trial. The primary endpoint was confirmed overall response rate (CORR) at 14 weeks. A secondary endpoint, biologic observed response rate (BORR), also was calculated. Safety was assessed by the characterization and grading of adverse events (AE).

Results

Overall CORR (7% versus 1%; P = .048) and BORR (23% versus 10%; P = .012) were greater for paclitaxel (micellar) compared with lomustine. Paclitaxel (micellar)‐treated dogs were 6.5 times more likely to have a confirmed response and 3.1 times more likely to experience a biologic observed response. The majority of AE with paclitaxel (micellar) were transient and clinically manageable. Twenty‐seven dogs (33%) receiving lomustine were discontinued because of hepatopathy compared with 3 dogs (2%) receiving paclitaxel (micellar) (P < .0001; odds ratio 26.7).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Paclitaxel (micellar)'s activity and safety profile are superior to lomustine. The addition of an active and novel taxane to the veterinary armamentarium could fill a substantial need and, as its mechanism of action and AE profile do not overlap with currently available TKI, its availability could lead to effective combination protocols.     

Magnetic resonance imaging for the differentiation of neoplastic, inflammatory, and cerebrovascular brain disease in dogs

Background

The reliability and validity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting neoplastic, inflammatory, and cerebrovascular brain lesions in dogs are unknown.

Objectives

To estimate sensitivity, specificity, and inter‐rater agreement of MRI for classifying histologically confirmed neoplastic, inflammatory, and cerebrovascular brain disease in dogs.

Animals

One hundred and twenty‐one client‐owned dogs diagnosed with brain disease (n = 77) or idiopathic epilepsy (n = 44).

Methods

Retrospective, multi‐institutional case series; 3 investigators analyzed MR images for the presence of a brain lesion with and without knowledge of case clinical data. Investigators recorded most likely etiologic category (neoplastic, inflammatory, cerebrovascular) and most likely specific disease for all brain lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, and inter‐rater agreement were calculated to estimate diagnostic performance.

Results

MRI was 94.4% sensitive (95% confidence interval [CI] = 88.7, 97.4) and 95.5% specific (95% CI = 89.9, 98.1) for detecting a brain lesion with similarly high performance for classifying neoplastic and inflammatory disease, but was only 38.9% sensitive for classifying cerebrovascular disease (95% CI = 16.1, 67.0). In general, high specificity but not sensitivity was retained for MR diagnosis of specific brain diseases. Inter‐rater agreement was very good for overall detection of structural brain lesions (κ = 0.895, 95% CI = 0.792, 0.998, P < .001) and neoplastic lesions, but was only fair for cerebrovascular lesions (κ = 0.299, 95% CI = 0, 0.761, P = .21).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

MRI is sensitive and specific for identifying brain lesions and classifying disease as inflammatory or neoplastic in dogs. Cerebrovascular disease in general and specific inflammatory, neoplastic, and cerebrovascular brain diseases were frequently misclassified.     

Antioxidant status in hyperthyroid cats before and after radioiodine treatment

Background

Reversible antioxidant depletion is found in hyperthyroid humans, and antioxidant depletion increases the risk of methimazole toxicosis in rats.

Objectives

To determine whether abnormalities in concentrations of blood antioxidants or urinary isoprostanes were present in hyperthyroid cats, and were reversible after radioiodine treatment. To determine whether or not antioxidant abnormalities were associated with idiosyncratic methimazole toxicosis.

Animals

Hyperthyroid cats presented for radioiodine treatment (n = 44) and healthy mature adult control cats (n = 37).

Methods

Prospective, controlled, observational study. Red blood cell glutathione (GSH), plasma ascorbate (AA), plasma free retinol (vitamin A), α‐tocopherol (vitamin E), and urinary free 8‐isoprostanes in hyperthyroid cats were compared to healthy cats and to hyperthyroid cats 2 months after treatment.

Results

Blood antioxidants were not significantly different in hyperthyroid cats (mean GSH 1.6 ± 0.3 mM; AA 12.8 ± 4.9 μM, and vitamin E, 25 ± 14 μg/mL) compared to controls (GSH 1.4 ± 0.4 mM; AA 15.0 ± 6.6 μM, and vitamin E, 25 ± 17 μg/mL). Urinary isoprostanes were increased in hyperthyroid cats (292 ± 211 pg/mg creatinine) compared to controls (169 ± 82 pg/mg; P = .006), particularly in hyperthyroid cats with a USG < 1.035. Plasma free vitamin A was higher in hyperthyroid cats (0.54 ± 0.28 μg/mL versus 0.38 ± 0.21 in controls; P = .007). Both abnormalities normalized after radioiodine treatment. No association was found between oxidative status and prior idiosyncratic methimazole toxicosis.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Increased urinary isoprostane could reflect reversible renal oxidative stress induced by hyperthyroidism, and this requires additional evaluation.     

FC-62 Pale sulphonated shale oil exhibits antimicrobial and tissue repairing effects in wound healing

Oleaster ( Elaeagnus angustifolia ) is a small tree that grows throughout Iran. Using smashed tree leaves combined with olive oil is proposed in one ancient Iranian text as a good remedy for wound healing. Our objective was to evaluate this remedy experimentally. The study was carried out in two female 10-month-old Holstein calves. An area of 10 × 10 cm on each side of the thorax was surgically prepared and infiltrated with local anaesthetic. Eight uniform skin wounds were created in two rows with an 8-mm biopsy punch on each prepared area. Each side of an animal was used to evaluate one treatment (Groups 1–4). To make the mixture, fresh oleaster leaves (50 gm) were smashed with a pestle and mixed with olive oil (25 gm). The wounds were treated for 7 days. The wounds of Groups 1–3 were rinsed daily with normal saline, after which the mixture of oleaster and olive oil (Group 1) or only the olive oil (Group 2) was applied. In Group 4, no treatment was applied. All wounds were left open. On day 8, skin biopsies were taken from the wounds for histopathologic study. Group 1 wounds all showed mild granulation tissue, scab formation and complete re-epithelialization. In Group 2, there was mild granulation tissue, massive scab formation and minimal re-epithelialization. In Groups 3 and 4, mild granulation tissue, severe scab formation and very limited re-epithelialization were observed. We conclude that a fresh oleaster leaf preparation can be an effective remedy for wound healing.
Funding: Self-funded.     

Elevated Serum Cardiac Troponin I in Cattle with Theileriosis

Background

Theileria annulata is a blood parasite affecting ruminants. Hemolytic anemia, secondary hypoxia, and vasculitis are the most important features of tropical theileriosis.

Objectives

Evaluation of electrocardiographic findings and changes in cardiovascular biochemical markers including cTnI concentrations in cattle naturally infected with theileriosis in the absence of acute cardiac failure.

Animals

Ninety adult Holstein cattle (>1 year) with clinical and laboratory evidence of theileriosis and 30 healthy cattle served as controls.

Methods

Case‐control study in which blood samples were collected and randomized after clinical, hematologic, parasitologic examination and laboratory confirmation and electrocardiographic recording on all animals, serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) were evaluated.

Results

Serum concentration of cTnI was significantly higher in cattle with theileriosis (mean: 0.028 ng/mL; range: 0.005–0.21 ng/mL; control mean: 0.011; range: <0.005–0.09 ng/mL; P = .003). There was significant correlation between serum level of cTnI and PCV (r = ?0.257; P < .001) and also between cTnI and parasitemia (r = 0.515; P < .001). Mean serum activities of AST and CK‐MB were 107 ± 46 and 301 ± 103 U/L in sick animals, which were significantly higher than healthy cattle (P = .002 and P = .041, respectively). There were no pathologic arrhythmias detected in sick animals.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Theileriosis is a risk factor for elevation of cardiac biomarkers in naturally infected Holstein cattle. Severity of anemia and parasitemia might contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial damage. The prognostic significance of increased serum cardiac troponin I concentrations in cattle with hemolytic anemia merits further investigation.

     

Effects of (−)‐hydroxycitric acid on lipid droplet accumulation in chicken embryos

This study was conducted to determine the impact of (?)‐hydroxycitric acid ((?)‐HCA) on biochemical indices and lipid metabolism parameters in chicken embryos. Two hundred and forty fertilized eggs were divided into six groups and injected with (?)‐HCA at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 10.0 and 50 mg/kg (n = 40). After 19 days of incubation, serum and liver were collected for analysis of biochemical indices and lipid metabolism parameters. Results showed no significant differences on serum biochemical indices: 1–50 mg/kg (?)‐HCA significantly increased serum glucose and hepatic glycogen contents (P < 0.05). Oil Red O staining analysis showed total area, counts of lipid droplets and hepatic triglyceride content were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), meanwhile hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05). ACLY, ME1, SREBP‐1c messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in 0.5–10 mg/kg groups and FAS mRNA level in 1–10 mg/kg groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while PPARα mRNA level, serum adiponectin content and AdipoR1 mRNA level were significantly increased in 0.5–50 mg/kg groups (P < 0.05). These results indicated (?)‐HCA treatment inhibited triglyceride synthesis via decreasing lipogenesis‐related factors, mRNA expression level and accelerated lipolysis by enhancing lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activity, which finally reduced lipid droplet accumulation, and this action may be associated with activating the adiponectin signaling pathway.     

Effects of chlorogenic acid-enriched extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf on growth performance and quality and oxidative status of meat in finishing pigs fed diets containing fresh or oxidized corn oil

To investigate the effects of chlorogenic acid-enriched extract (CGAE) from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf on growth performance and quality and oxidative status of meat in pigs fed diets containing fresh or oxidized corn oil, a total of 180 barrows (initial body weight: 81.6 ± 2.08 kg) were randomly allocated into 6 diet treatments (5 replicate pens per treatment and 6 barrows per pen) in a 2 × 3 factorial design with corn oil (fresh or oxidized corn oil at 5% inclusion of diet) and CGAE (0, 500 or 1,000 mg/kg of diet containing fresh or oxidized corn oil) as main factors. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks. Dietary oxidized oil reduced average daily gain (ADG, p < .05) and average daily feed intake (ADFI, p < .01) of pigs and pH₂₄ (p < .05), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, p < .01), glutathione peroxidase (GPx, p < .05) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA, p < .05) activities in meat and increased drip loss (p < .01), cooking loss (p < .05), malondialdehyde (p < .01) and carbonyl (p < .01) contents and mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1, p < .05) in meat. Dietary CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg increased (p < .05) ADG and ADFI of pigs and pH₂₄, T-AOC, T-SOD, GPx and SERCA activities and mRNA expression of SOD1 in meat and reduced (p < .05) drip loss, cooking loss, carbonyl and malondialdehyde contents in meat. No interaction effects between oxidized corn oil and CGAE were found in pigs. Overall, dietary CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg improved growth performance and quality and oxidative status of meat in pigs subjected or not to oxidative stress induced by dietary oxidized oil.     

Linseed oil in boar's diet improved in vivo fertility and antioxidant status

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are produced during storage of boar semen are causing oxidative stress and leads to poor fertility. Also, tropical and sub-tropical weather condition adversely impacts the physicomorphological quality and fertility of boar sperm. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of feeding linseed oil to boar on its seminal attributes, sperm kinetics, biomarkers of antioxidant, fatty acid profile of seminal plasma (SP) and sperm and in vivo fertility. Six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed with 90 ml linseed oil (LIN) whereas six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed 90 ml canola oil (CON) for 16 weeks. Sperm quality was evaluated (60 ejaculates for each group; a total of 120 ejaculates) for motility, livability, abnormal morphology, acrosomal membrane integrity, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and sperm kinetic parameters by computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) at 0 h and at 72 h of storage at 17°C. Biomarkers of antioxidant (glutathione peroxidase; GPx, catalase; CAT, total antioxidant capacity; TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in SP and serum. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for the estimation of fatty acid composition of SP and sperm. Boars fed with linseed oil had higher semen volume (p < .01) and more total sperm numbers (p < .01). Feeding linseed oil to boar enhanced seminal attributes (p < .05) at 0 h as well as at 72 h of storage. Linseed oil feeding (p < .01) improved biomarkers of antioxidants and significantly (p < .01) lowered the lipid peroxidation in serum and SP. Linseed oil feeding (p < .05) increased the proportion of alpha linolenic (ALA), arachidonic and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids in SP. The ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in sperm increased significantly (p < .01) in treatment group. Farrowing rate was significantly (p < .05) higher in treatment group. In conclusion, feeding linseed oil to boar improved the in vivo fertility, enhanced antioxidant capacity and increased the DHA content of SP and sperm.     

The efficacy of amoxicillin sodium against streptococcosis in cultured olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and its pharmacokinetics

The efficacy of amoxicillin sodium for controlling field and experimental Streptococcus iniae and S. parauberis infections in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) was evaluated after a single intramuscular administration. Furthermore, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against 21 Streptococcus strains were determined. In addition, the pharmacokinetics and residue depletion in olive flounder were investigated. Single intramuscular doses of amoxicillin sodium at 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg b.w. fish significantly reduced cumulative mortality rates to 18.8–31.3% (P < 0.05) for S. iniae and to 5.0–15.0% (P < 0.01) for S. parauberis, whereas the S. iniae‐ and S. parauberis‐infected positive control groups showed cumulative mortality rates of 68.8% and 60.0%, respectively. In a S. parauberis outbreak, amoxicillin sodium reduced the cumulative mortality rate to 7.5% and 4.8% at 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w. fish, respectively, whereas that of the untreated control group was 35.2%. Peak plasma concentrations (C_max) following a single intramuscular dose of 40 and 80 mg/kg b.w. fish were 62.64 (T_max, 1.59 h) and 87.61 (T_max, 3.02 h) μg/mL, respectively, with large AUC_0?t/MIC and C_max/MIC ratios, and sufficient T > MIC (time for maintaining plasma drug concentration greater than MICs) for S. iniae and S. parauberis. The estimated withdrawal period of amoxicillin sodium from muscle of olive flounder was about 8 days at 40 mg/kg b.w. fish (at 22 ± 1 °C). These results demonstrated a single intramuscular administration of amoxicillin sodium to be effective against streptococcosis in olive flounder.     

Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on chemically induced tumorigenesis in Wistar rats

Background

Astaxanthin (ASTA) is a fat-soluble xanthophyll with powerful antioxidant functions. It is extracted from e.g. salmon, an important food source for certain human populations known to have a reduced risk of tumor development. It is possible that ASTA plays a role in cancer chemoprevention in such populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary ASTA on chemically induced mammary tumorigenesis using N-methyl-N-nitroso-urea (MNU) in immature Wistar rats.

Methods

Thirty-six 37 days old juvenile female Wistar rats were at random allocated to 4 groups of which Groups 1 and 2 received a single dose of 55 mg MNU/kg body weight. The effects of ASTA was evaluated by giving rats of Groups 2 and 4 a dose of 50 mg ASTA/kg/day for the entire duration of the study. Group 3 rats received feed added alimentary oil.Necropsy and histopathological examinations were carried out on each rat 14 months after the administration of MNU. Haematological values and antioxidative status were determined. Oxidative stress was evaluated by monitoring superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in hepatic tissue. Lipid peroxidation and carbonylation of proteins was determined in protein extracts from the liver.

Results

Tumor development occurred only in rats of Groups 1 and 2, i.e. MNU exposed animals. Frequency of tumor development in general and average number of tumors per animal were insignificant between these two groups. Mammary gland tumors developed in equal frequencies in Group 1 and 2 rats, respectively. Although only rather few tumors were found in the mammary glands, a substantial number of other tumors were found in Group 1 and 2 rats, but at equal rates.Biochemical analyses showed significant higher levels of GPx, malondialdehyde and dinitrophenylhydrazine in Group 1 rats that for rats in all other groups thus indicating protective effects of ASTA on MNU induced hepatic oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Supplementation with ASTA did not reduce tumorigenesis induced by MNU in Wistar rats. However, supplementation with ASTA seemed to have anti-inflammatory effects.     

Supplementation of dairy cows with a fish oil containing supplement and sunflower oil to increase the CLA content of milk produced at pasture

It has been shown that the cis 9, trans 11 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) can be increased in milk by supplementation with fish oil and vegetable oils. Feeding a high level of oil, however, can impact negatively on gross milk composition. The principal aim of this study was to determine if relatively low levels of fish oil or sunflower oil, either alone or in combination, offered to dairy cows on pasture would increase the C18:2 cis 9, trans 11 CLA concentration in milk. Forty autumn-calved cows on a diet of grazed grass were assigned to 4 supplementation treatments: (i) No supplement (P), (ii) 255 g/day of sunflower oil (SO), (iii) 255 g/day of sunflower oil + 52.5 g/day of fish oil (SOFO), and (iv) 105 g/day of fish oil (FO). The fish oil was supplied in a proprietary product called Omega-3 Supplement which is a mixture of marine oils and an extracted oilseed meal and contains 500 g/kg of oil. The oils were fed in a concentrate mixture, which was offered at a rate of 3.0 kg/cow per day. The production of the cows was measured for 54 days and the milk fatty acid composition was determined on day 0 (immediately before the supplements were introduced) and on days 14, 28 and 42 after the treatments were imposed. Supplementation increased the yield of milk (P < 0.01), protein (P < 0.05) and lactose (P < 0.001), decreased milk fat (P < 0.05) and protein (P < 0.01) concentrations and increased (P < 0.01) lactose concentration. Type of oil did not significantly affect any production variable. The concentration of C18:1 trans 9 + C18:1 trans 11 (mainly C18:1 trans 11) (P < 0.001) and C18:2 cis 9, trans 11 CLA (P < 0.01) were greater on supplemented treatments than on P and the concentration of both were greater (P < 0.05) on FO than on SO. The results confirm that the concentration of C18:2 cis 9, trans 11 CLA can be increased further, from an already relatively high concentration in milk from pasture, by offering supplements containing a low level of fish oil either alone or in combination with sunflower oil.     

Accurate Ultrasonographic Prediction of Progesterone Concentrations Greater than 1 ng/ml in Holstein lactating dairy cows

To develop an ultrasonographic assay for determining plasma progesterone concentration (P₄) as < 1 ng/ml or ≥ 1 ng/ml, the corpus luteum (CL) area and P₄ were measured in 1094 multiparous Holstein cows. The area‐measuring function and frozen images were used to outline and measure CL imaged via ultrasonography, and CL area was estimated as a polygon of a continuation straight line. A significant correlation was found between CL area and P₄ (p < 0.001), and this analysis resulted in the following correlation equation: y = ?0.35 + 1.02x (r = 0.81). According to the correlation equation, a CL area of 1.3 cm² indicated a P₄ of 1 ng/ml. Based on this relationship, each animal was categorized into one of six groups, groups differed based on CL area, and the area ranges were as follows: < 1.3 cm² (Group A), 1.3–2.2 cm² (Group B), 2.3–3.2 cm² (Group C), 3.3–4.2 cm² (Group D), 4.3–5.2 cm² (Group E) and > 5.2 cm² (Group F). For each group, the proportion of cows whose P₄ was 1 ng/ml or more was 1.5% in Group A, 83.3% in Group B, 76.6% in Group C, 96.6% in Group D, 99.2% in Group E and 100% in Group F. There was a significant difference between Group A and the other five groups, and between Groups B or C and Groups D, E or F (p < 0.005). These results indicate that a functional CL does not exist when the CL area is less than 1.3 cm² and that it exists when the CL area is 3.3 cm² or more.     

Effects of dietary protein level during rearing period and age at overfeeding on magret and foie gras quality in male mule ducks

The aim of this trial was to study the effects of dietary protein content during the rearing period on the performance of mule ducks, according to age at overfeeding (O). Ducks (n = 612) were divided into four groups differing in the protein content in the diet offered during the starting period (S, 0–20 days; S_l vs. S_h: 150 vs. 175 g/kg crude protein (CP)) and growing‐finishing period (GF; 21–67 or 81 days, depending on age at O; GF_l vs. GF_h: 133 vs. 152 g/kg CP). The relative weight of pectoral muscle was lower when ducks were fed a low protein diet during S (?5%, P < 0.01) or GF period (?6%, P < 0.001) at 68 days and higher in ducks of the S_lGF_h group (+6%; P < 0.05) at 82 days. Both foie gras and magret weights fell when ducks were fed S_l or GF_l (P < 0.05 and < 0.01). Mortality during the O period was higher in ducks fed the S_l diet and overfed at late age (7.4% vs. 0%; P < 0.01). In conclusion, a reduction in the dietary protein supply should be recommended only during the GF period for ducks overfed at a late age.