Correlation between colic and antibody levels against Anoplocephala perfoliata in horses in The Netherlands

The importance of Anoplocephala perfoliata in horses with colic was studied in 139 horses referred for colic and 139 control horses with no signs of colic for at least three years. The serodiagnostic method of Proudman and Trees, which measures the level of A. perfoliata antibody, was used to detect A. perfoliata infection. Thirty-two horses were examined at necropsy, to determine whether the presence of A. perfoliata in the ileocaecal region was associated with the A. perfoliata antibody level. The mean A. perfoliata antibody level was significantly higher in horses with colic than in horses without colic (P < 0.001), indicating a relationship between A. perfoliata infection and colic in general. There was no relation between age and A. perfoliata antibody level. The mean A. perfoliata antibody level in 12 horses with ileocaecal disorders was significantly higher than that in control horses (P < 0.001). Of the 32 horses examined at necropsy, 7 horses with tapeworms in the ileocaecal region had a significantly higher mean A. perfoliata antibody level than the 25 horses without the parasite (P = 0.030). Lastly, examination of faeces to detect the presence of A. perfoliata infection was not useful in the present study.     

新疆阿勒泰地区罗布麻锈病发生动态及影响因子

由罗布麻栅锈菌(Melampsora apocyni)引致的锈病是影响罗布麻(Apocynum venetum)产业化的主要因素之一。本研究于2016年调查了新疆阿勒泰地区盐湖、红沟两个野生罗布麻和6龄、7龄栽培罗布麻锈病的发生动态,分析了野生和栽培罗布麻锈病发生与气象因子和生境等的相关性。结果表明,锈病均随罗布麻生长期的延伸而加重,其中盐湖、红沟罗布麻锈病分别在7月18日、8月3日达到发病高峰,发病率分别为86.47%和87.60%,随后发病率逐渐下降,生长末期下降至75.97%和53.78%;6龄、7龄栽培区锈病发病率分别在8月7日、7月23日达到发病高峰,发病率分别为25.52%和31.49%。野生罗布麻锈病病情指数和病害曲线下面积(AUDPC)分别为31.39~46.18和651.74~1 522.31,较栽培罗布麻相应指标高6.51~6.95倍及4.37~9.69倍。野生区罗布麻锈病的发生与降水量和植被总盖度显著正相关(P0.05),与物种多样性指数显著负相关(P0.05);栽培区罗布麻锈病的发生与罗布麻盖度显著正相关(P0.05),与物种多样性显著负相关(P0.05)。     

Tendon Transfer for Treatment of Peroneal Nerve Paralysis in a Dog Report of a Case

A six-year-old male Labrador cross was left with a sensory and proprioceptive deficit in the right hind paw after recovering from a severe case of warfarin poisoning. Palliative treatment in the form of protective devices, casts and bandages was not successful. A chronic ulcerative infection developed with enlargement of the popliteal lymph node requiring medical treatment. A conscious proprioceptive deficit in the right hind leg only was consistent with a peroneal or ischiatic nerve deficit. A surgical procedure to shorten the long digital extensor was not satisfactory. A second precedure, the transfer of the long digital flexor tendon to the long digital extensor tendon provided an excellent end result.     

The effect of concurrent infections with Pasteurella multocida and Ascaridia galli on free range chickens

Pasteurella multocida and Ascaridia galli are observed with high prevalences in free range chickens in Denmark, but the impact is unknown. A study was carried out to examine the interaction between A. galli and P. multocida in chickens and the impact on production.Five groups, each with 20 18-week-old Lohmann Brown chickens were infected. Group 1 was orally infected with 1000+/-50 embryonated A. galli eggs. Group 2 received 10(4) cfu P. multocida intratracheally. Group 3 was infected with A. galli and subsequently with P. multocida. Group 4 was infected with P. multocida followed by A. galli. Group 5 was the control. The study ran for 11 weeks where clinical manifestations, weight gain and egg production were recorded. Excretion of P. multocida was determined on individual basis and blood smears were made for differential counts. At the end of the study pathological lesions and the number of adult worms, larvae and eggs in the faeces were recorded.The birds were more severely affected when infected with both pathogens compared to single infections with A. galli or P. multocida, respectively. A lower weight gain and egg production was observed with dual infections. A. galli infection followed by a secondary P. multocida infection resulted in more birds with pathological lesions and continued P. multocida excretion.In conclusion a negative interaction between A. galli and P. multocida was observed and it is postulated that free range chickens are at higher risk of being subjected to outbreaks of fowl cholera when they are infected with A. galli.     

２，４-二叔丁基苯酚对啤酒花幼苗生长与光合特性的影响

前期对不同植龄啤酒花根系分泌物及根际土壤的化学物质进行了分离鉴定,结果发现有酚类物质的存在且２,４-二叔丁基苯酚含量较高,为了进一步证实啤酒花是否存在自毒作用,采用田间小区栽培试验,研究了不同用量［０（ＣＫ,Ａ０）,７．５（Ａ１）,１５．０（Ａ２）和２２．５ｍｍｏｌ／ｍ２（Ａ３）］２,４-二叔丁基苯酚处理对啤酒花幼苗生长及光合特性的影响。结果表明,２,４-二叔丁基苯酚用量Ａ１ 和Ａ２ 处理,啤酒花生长好,地上部、地下部、总生物量及日均光合速率均比对照高,且达到显著差异（犘＜０．０５）;２,４-二叔丁基苯酚用量Ａ３ 处理,啤酒花地上部、地下部和总生物量及光合特性均较对照降低,差异达到显著水平（犘＜０．０５）。啤酒花幼苗叶片光合速率日变化呈双峰型,最高峰出现在上午９：００左右,次高峰出现在中午１５：００左右,午间有明显的“午休“现象,与对照（Ａ０）相比,Ａ１、Ａ２、Ａ３ 三个处理的次高峰出现的时间均有推迟,且Ａ１ 和Ａ２ 处理的幼苗午休”现象不太明显,气孔因素是导致其“午休”的主要原因。     

A chronic indurative mastitis in sheep, associated with maedi/visna virus infection

A possible association of a chronic indurative mastitis with mvv (maedi visna virus) infection in sheep was investigated. Sheep of four flocks (group A), in which insufficient lamb growth apparently associated with insufficient milk production and probably related to udder induration, was a serious problem, were clinically examined in mid-lactation. The results were compared with four mvv-free flocks (group B) without such complaints. The incidence of udder induration in group A (n = 263) was about eight times higher than in group B (n = 206): 63.1 versus 8.0%. The clinical picture differed essentially between the groups. In group A the udder abnormalities were of a diffuse and indurative nature, involving both udder halves, while in group B the udder lesions were mainly nodular and often limited to one udder half. Bacteriological examination revealed a difference in infection rate of the udders (6.8% in group A versus 14.1% in group B). A substantial difference was observed in a comparison of the bacteriological infection rate of the clinically abnormal udders (5.4% in group A, versus 47.0% in group B). Serological examination with an indirect ELISA revealed 81% seropositive sheep in group A, versus 0% in group B. Twelve sheep of group A and five of group B, called for reason of mastitis, were selected for pathological examination. The gross and microscopic lesions showed a pronounced difference between both groups. In group A a diffuse interstitial mastitis with slight to moderate fibrosis and a pronounced lymphoid hyperplasia was observed. In group B the mastitis had a nodular character, with a chronic galactophoritis, extensive fibrosis, and in some cases chronic abscesses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prepubic urethrostomy and vaginoplasty in a female cat

A 1-year-old, intact female, domestic shorthaired cat was presented for dysuria resulting from perineal scarring subsequent to injuries incurred during a cat fight. A prepubic urethrostomy was performed to manage the dysuria. Eleven months later, the cat was re-presented with a 3-day history of pyrexia and inappetence. A pinpoint opening extending 0.5 cm ventral to the anus on midline, exuding a clear discharge, was noted in the perineal region. A contrast fistulogram was performed, and a vaginoperineal fistula was diagnosed. The fistulous tract was a result of vulvar stricture from the trauma of the cat fight. A vaginoplasty was performed to create an opening for vaginal secretions. This is the first published report of a prepubic urethrostomy performed in a female cat.     

金川牦牛BCL2A1基因克隆及生物信息学分析

为探讨金川牦牛抗凋亡因子--B淋巴细胞瘤2相关蛋白A1（B cell lymphoma 2 related A1，BCL2A1）基因特点，本试验采用PCR方法以金川牦牛血液DNA为模板扩增BCL2A1基因，用DNAStar、ExPASy、ABCpred等生物信息学软件分析基因序列和蛋白质结构。结果显示，克隆获得的片段长622 bp，GenBank登录号：MG459158，开放阅读框为516 bp，共编码171个氨基酸，其中缬氨酸（V）、赖氨酸（K）的含量较多，分别为9.4%和8.8%。BCL2A1分子质量为19.46 ku，理论等电点为4.99，不稳定系数为17.44，具有跨膜螺旋结构域（Scores>500）。二级结构主要为α-螺旋，占60.82%，有一个BCL2结构域，三级结构模型与人BCL2A1同源性最高（72.79%），BCL2A1存在潜在的B细胞抗原表位。与野牦牛氨基酸序列进行比对显示，金川耗牛BCL2A1存在5个氨基酸差异位点。NJ法系统进化分析显示，金川牦牛与野牦牛同源性为98.5%，亲缘关系最近。本试验成功克隆了金川牦牛BCL2A1基因，其在哺乳动物中具有较高的保守性，为深入研究牦牛BCL2A1基因功能提供理论依据。     

Experimental infection of SPF pigs with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 9 alone or in association with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

The purpose of this study was to compare in SPF pigs, the pathogenicity of an Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 9 strain 21 (isolated from the palatine tonsils of a healthy gilt on a French nucleus pig farm, with no clinical signs or lung lesions but a highly positive reaction to A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 9 antibodies) with a pathogenic A. pleuropneumoniae strain 4915 serotype 9 (isolated in France from an outbreak of porcine pleuropneumonia). The pathogenicity of one Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strain alone or associated with A. pleuropneumoniae strain 21 was also compared. Eight groups of 7 pigs were infected (at 6 or 10 weeks of age) and a control group was kept non-infected. Results showed that sensitivity to A. pleuropneumoniae was related to the age of the pig (6 weeks vs 10 weeks) whatever the strain. Surviving pigs infected at 6 weeks of age developed severe clinical signs, lung lesions typical of A. pleuropneumoniae and they seroconverted. In contrast, symptoms and lung lesions were almost non-existent in pigs infected with strain 21 at 10 weeks of age, but a seroconversion was observed with very high ELISA titres. These results were in accordance with those observed in the nucleus pig farm. Infection with M. hyopneumoniae alone induced typical mycoplasmal symptoms, pneumonia and seroconversion. Symptoms and lung lesions were the most noticeable in pigs infected with M. hyopneumoniae at 6 weeks of age and with A. pleuropneumoniae 4 weeks later. Our results show that the presence of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 9 in a pig herd may be clinically unnoticed and that M. hyopneumoniae may potentiate A. pleuropneumoniae infection.     

Neuro-imaging the serotonin 2A receptor as a valid biomarker for canine behavioural disorders

The serotonergic system is disturbed in different mood and affective disorders, with especially the serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor involved in impulsive aggressiveness and anxiety. The aim of the study was to evaluate the involvement of the brain 5-HT 2A receptor in dogs with different behavioural disorders. Three groups of drug naive dogs were studied: 22 dogs showing impulsive aggressive behaviour, 22 showing normal behaviour, and 22 showing anxious behaviour. The serotonin 2A receptor was evaluated with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and the serotonin 2A receptor-selective radiopharmaceutical (123)I-R91150. A serotonin 2A receptor binding index (BI), proportional to the cortical receptor density, was calculated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine cut-off values at which optimal sensitivity and specificity are achieved and to evaluate the general performance of the BI in reflecting the state of the dog, i.e., impulsive aggressive, normal or anxious. Significantly (P<0.0056) altered 5-HT 2A receptor binding indices were found in bilateral frontal, temporal and occipital cortical brain areas of the dogs behaving abnormally, with consistently increased BI in impulsive aggressive dogs and decreased BI in anxious dogs. These results provide clear evidence for a disturbed serotonergic balance in canine impulsive aggression and anxiety disorders. A right frontal cut-off value of ≥1.92 with 86.4% sensitivity and 2.3% (1-specificity) was obtained for the impulsive aggressive dogs. Differentiating the anxious dogs from the rest of the population was possible with a cut-off value of ≤1.73 with 86.4% sensitivity and 18.2% (1-specificity). We conclude that SPECT imaging with the radioligand (123)I-R91150 can be a helpful tool in evaluating the involvement of the serotonin 2A receptor in the complex mechanisms of impulsive aggressive and anxious behaviour. The 5HT-2A binding index of the right frontal cortex appears to be a valid biomarker in differentiating the studied canine behavioural disorders.     

Antisense oligonucleotide complementary to the BamHI-H gene family of Marek's disease virus induced growth arrest of MDCC-MSB1 cells in the S-phase.

DNA synthesis was effectively inhibited by antisense oligonucleotide A1 complementary to the BamHI-H gene family in Marek's disease virus (MDV)-derived lymphoblastoid MDCC-MSB1 cells. When a cell cycle distribution of a total cell population was analyzed by flow cytometry, the proportion of S-phase cells increased in the cell populations by treatment with oligonucleotide A1. Approximately 60-70% of the cells appeared in the S phase for 24 and 36 hr of incubation in the presence of oligonucleotide A1 (20-30% in the untreated control cells). The inhibition of cell cycle progression by treatment with oligonucleotide A1 was reversible. When the cells were treated with 5 microM aphidicolin for 12 hr, a similar pattern of cell cycle distribution was observed to that obtained after treatment with oligonucleotide A1. Aphidicolin is an inhibitor of cellular DNA polymerase alpha, and it halts progression of the cell cycle at the G1/S border or early S phase. When the cells were treated with aphidicolin for 12 hr and subsequently incubated with oligonucleotide A1, no significant difference was observed in the cycle phase distribution of cells in the presence and absence of oligonucleotide A1. In contrast, when the cells were treated with oligonucleotide A1 for 12 hr and subsequently incubated with aphidicolin, the cell cycle did not progress from the G1/S border or early S phase to the next phase.     

Hepatic and intestinal CYP3A expression and activity in broilers

Cytochrome P450 is involved in drug metabolism. Subfamily CYP3A shows a degree of similarity across different animal species. However, little information is available about its expression and activity in broiler chickens. A RT‐PCR method was developed for the quantification of CYP3A37 expression in the liver and small intestine of broilers. A higher expression in the jejunum was observed compared with that in the ileum. In the liver, a significantly lower expression compared with that in the jejunum was noticed. Thus, the role of the small bowel in drug metabolism cannot be neglected in broilers. CYP3A activity was studied in vitro using midazolam as a substrate. Two protocols for the preparation of intestinal microsomes were compared. Mincing of the tissues before ultracentrifugation seemed to be more appropriate than a protocol based on ethylenediaminetetra‐acetic acid separation. CYP3A activity revealed to be the highest in the duodenum with a decreasing trend towards the ileum. Activity in liver was comparable to duodenal activity.     

Transmural rectal intestinal evisceration associated with parturition in a primiparous mare

A 6-year-old, primiparous standardbred mare was presented with a history of intestinal protrusion from the rectum shortly after parturition. A subacute grade IV rectal tear was diagnosed. The unusual nature of the tear led to speculation of a possible owner palpation accident. A grave prognosis was given and the mare was euthanized.     

蛋白肽对生长猪生长性能、养分表观消化率的影响

试验旨在探讨日粮中添加不同体外胃蛋白酶消化率的蛋白肽（A80、A90）对生长猪生长性能及养分表观消化率的影响。采用单因子随机设计,试验1：选取300头杜洛克猪×长白猪×大白猪三元生长猪,随机分为5组,每组4个重复,每个重复15头。Ⅰ组饲喂基础日粮,Ⅱ~Ⅴ组分别在基础日粮中添加1%、2%、3%、4% A80,试验期30 d。试验2：选取240头杜洛克猪×长白猪×大白猪三元生长猪,随机分为4组,每个组4个重复,每个重复15头。Ⅰ组饲喂基础日粮,Ⅱ~Ⅳ组分别在基础日粮中添加1%、2%、3% A90,试验期30 d。结果显示,试验1：各组间平均日增重、平均日采食量及料重比均无差异显著（P>0.05）,但随A80添加量的增加平均日增重有降低的趋势;Ⅱ组干物质、粗蛋白质表观消化率显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅲ、Ⅴ组（P<0.05）,但与Ⅳ组差异不显著（P>0.05）,随着A80添加量的增多,钙、磷表观消化率有所提高,但没有规律性。试验2：随着日粮中A90添加量的增加,平均日增重先增加后降低。Ⅲ组平均日增重显著高于Ⅰ组（P<0.05）,与其他组间差异不显著（P>0.05）,Ⅲ组平均日采食量显著高于其他组（P<0.05）。干物质、粗蛋白质表观消化率随着A90添加量的增加有下降的趋势。综上所述,在生长猪日粮中添加A80蛋白肽对生长性能没有改善作用,营养物质消化率均先增高后降低;随着A90蛋白肽添加量的增多,生长猪的生长性能呈二次性提高,最适宜剂量为2%~3%。     

Disseminated pheochromocytoma in a North American river otter (Lontra canadensis)

A 21-yr-old male North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) with a chronic history of degenerative osteoarthritis was evaluated for acute posterior paralysis. Because no definitive cause was identified and a poor prognosis was expected, the otter was euthanatized. A malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland origin with disseminated metastases to the central nervous system, lymph nodes, diaphragm, pancreas, spleen, and liver was diagnosed on postmortem examination. No clinical signs of disseminated neoplasia had been noted throughout the otter's history. The adrenal neoplasm was composed of nests of epithelial cells surrounded by a fine fibrovascular stroma. Neoplastic cells were immunohistochemically positive for chromogranin A, PGP9.5, metencephalin, and endorphin and negative for melan A and inhibin, confirming a diagnosis of a malignant pheochromocytoma. On the basis of the necropsy finding, metastasis of the pheochromocytoma might have contributed to the observed clinical signs.     

Urinary excretion of immunoreactive sporidesmin metabolites in sheep in relation to factors influencing susceptibility to sporidesmin intoxication

AIM: To study the urinary disposition of orally administered sporidesmins A and D in sheep and identify factors influencing their kinetics, particularly the influence of breeding for resistance and susceptibility to sporidesmin, the mycotoxin responsible for the hepatogenous photosensitisation, facial eczema. METHODS: A competitive ELISA was used to monitor urinary output of immunoreactive metabolites after the intraruminal administration, to female Romney sheep, of either sporidesmin A or sporidesmin D, the nontoxic analogue. Preliminary characterisation of metabolites was carried out using HPLC with fractions monitored by ELISA. RESULTS: Maximum urinary excretion rates of immunoreactive metabolites occurred 2-8 h after dosing with sporidesmin D and 15-30 h after dosing with sporidesmin A. Sporidesmin D caused no liver injury, as detected by changes in serum enzyme activity, while the liver injury caused by sporidesmin A was greatest for the sheep with the highest cumulative output of metabolite. When sporidesmin D was administered in two separate doses to sheep bred for either resistance or susceptibility to facial eczema, the variability of metabolic output between sheep within groups was much less after the second dose. The mean urinary metabolite excretion was greater for the susceptible than the resistant sheep but the difference was not significant. Potentiation (caused by pre-administration of small doses of sporidesmin A) resulted in a more severe reaction to the dosed sporidesmin A. Urinary output of metabolite was less in the potentiated than in the unpotentiated sheep. When resistant and susceptible sheep were dosed with sporidesmin A after potentiation there was no difference between them in their cumulative totals or excretion rates of immunoreactive metabolites. However, the volume of urine produced by the susceptible sheep was lower and less variable than the resistant sheep and consequently the concentration of their urinary metabolites was higher. Preliminary ELISA examination of HPLC-fractionated urine from a sheep dosed with sporidesmin A indicated the presence of several metabolites of sporidesmin. CONCLUSION: Sporidesmin A and metabolites are rapidly excreted in urine but not as rapidly as sporidesmin D and its metabolites. Only minor differences between sheep bred for resistance and susceptibility were seen. Potentiation caused a more severe reaction to sporidesmin A and less urinary excretion of the sporidesmin and its metabolites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This work is part of a programme with the aim of identifying FE-resistant animals without the need for sporidesmin dosing.     

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies to Anaplasma centrale and Anaplasma marginale

An enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was applied to detect antibodies to A. centrale and A. marginale using homologous and heterologous antigens. The assay was compared with the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, and although a similar degree of sensitivity was obtained, the ELISA test had several advantages. Partially purified Anaplasma initial bodies used for antigen preparations contained negligible amounts of residual erythrocytic material, and did not interfere with the specificity of the ELISA. The antigenic similarity between A. marginale and A. centrale was further substantiated by cross-reactivity obtained with heterologous antigens in both ELISA and IFA tests, and antibodies produced during natural infection with A. marginale were indistinguishable in both tests from those produced following vaccination with A. centrale.     

Seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale in 2 Iowa feedlots and its association with morbidity, mortality, production parameters, and carcass traits

A prospective cohort observational study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale in Iowa feedlots and its association with morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. Blood samples were taken from 659 calves from 31 consigners at processing and classified as seropositive to A. marginale using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) with a 30% cutoff. Health and production parameters were modeled by A. marginale serostatus with mixed model regression analysis. The apparent prevalence of seropositive cattle was 15.17% (100/659). When the cELISA positive cutoff was at 42% inhibition, the apparent prevalence was 5.00% (33/659). There was no significant association between A. marginale serostatus and production parameters; however, seropositive status had a weak positive association with undifferentiated fever (P = 0.17). Although prevalence of anaplasmosis in Iowa feedlots is higher than reported in Montana-sourced calves arriving in Canadian feedlots, this was not associated with increased production costs.     

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

A 4-yr-old male ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented with a 3-day history of pelvic limb ataxia and weakness. A cellulitis associated with a deep bite wound was identified and initially treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. Two weeks later, a grade IV/VI cardiac murmur was identified on physical examination. Echocardiographic examination revealed irregular thickening of the aortic valve leaflets, with normal chamber dimensions and normal systolic function. The ferret's physical condition rapidly deteriorated and it was subsequently euthanatized. Myxomatous degeneration of the aortic valve leaflets, with ulceration and vegetative lesions, and multiorgan infarctions were identified during necropsy. A bacterial etiologic agent was not identified from blood culture or histopathology. Lesions present were consistent with nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, a novel condition in the ferret.     

肽聚糖对鲫鱼嗜水气单胞菌灭活疫苗免疫增强效果的研究

为了探讨肽聚糖在鱼类抗嗜水气单胞菌（Aeromonas hydrophila，AH）感染中的免疫佐剂作用，用添加A3a肽聚糖的饲料投喂接种F-AH疫苗的彭泽鲫（Carassius auratus var．pengze）；通过测定鲫白细胞吞噬活性、血清和体表黏液溶菌酶活性、抗体效价以及活菌攻毒后的免疫保护率，证明肽聚糖与F-AH疫苗联合使用，鲫体表黏液和血清溶菌酶活性、白细胞吞噬活性、抗体效价以及活菌攻毒后的免疫保护率均显著提高，表明A3a肽聚糖是F-AH疫苗的良好佐剂，能增强鱼类F-AH疫苗免疫应答。