A comparison of the uterine proteome of mares in oestrus and dioestrus

Proteomic analysis of mare uterine flush fluid provides a minimally invasive technique for studying protein changes associated with the oestrous cycle. The aim of this study was to identify differentially abundant proteins in the uterine flush fluid of mares in oestrus and dioestrus. In this study, uterine flush fluid samples were collected from eight reproductively healthy mares in either oestrus (n = 5) or dioestrus (n = 3). Proteomic analysis was performed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Of 172 proteins identified, six proteins (immunoglobulin lambda‐like polypeptide 1, haemoglobin subunit alpha, alpha‐1B‐glycoprotein, serotransferrin, apolipoprotein A‐1, and haemoglobin subunit beta) were significantly more abundant in oestrus. These proteins may contribute to the endometrial defence system through roles in inflammation, immunity or antimicrobial activity. In other species, some of these proteins have been described as immunoglobulins, negative acute phase proteins or defence agents against micro‐organisms. During dioestrus, immunoglobulin alpha‐1 chain C region‐related, complement factor I, CD 109 antigen and uterocalin, were significantly more abundant. Research in other species suggests that these four proteins contribute to the immune response through proposed immunoregulatory characteristics, complement system involvement or roles in B cell–T cell interactions. In conclusion, ten differentially abundant proteins were identified in the uterine flush fluid of mares in oestrus and dioestrus. Targeted studies on these proteins could elucidate their role in uterine defence mechanisms during the oestrous cycle in the mare.     

Rapid Absorption and Local Redistribution of Progesterone after Vaginal Application in Gilts

Catheters were implanted in 6 anaesthetized gilts (3 animals in the follicular phase, 3 in the luteal phase) into a carotid artery and into the utero-ovarian vein and uterine artery on both sides. The uterine lumina were closed by a suture. Further, a catheter was inserted into the vagina after which the animals were allowed to recover. Tritiated progesterone was infused into vagina the following day during a 2 min period and simultaneous blood samples collected from the 5 catheters every 10 min for 2 h after which the animals were sacrificed. Tissue samples were obtained from the genital organs.The results showed a rapid absorption of progesterone from the vaginal lumen and a marked redistribution to the genital organs. The increased level of radioactivity in the plasma samples collected from the uterine arteries compared to the simultaneous samples from the carotid artery in 2 of the 3 animals in the luteal phase indicates the existence of a local redistribution system.     

Relationships between endometrial cytology and interval to first ovulation, and pregnancy in postpartum dairy cows in a single herd

The objectives were to investigate the relationships between endometrial cytology (EC) and interval from calving to first ovulation, and pregnancy in dairy cows, and that between uterine fluid and EC. On day 25 postpartum, 39 dairy cows were grouped based on EC, as having low (?8%) or high (>8%) polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), and the quantity of uterine fluid was assessed by ultrasound. The interval from calving to first ovulation was shorter in low, than in high PMN cows (32 vs. 45 d). A greater proportion of cows with uterine fluid had high PMN (64% vs. 21%), and the PMN increased from 14% to 34% as the quantity of uterine fluid increased. The mean interval from calving to ovulation was longer in primiparous cows with high PMN (49 d) compared to that of primiparous and multiparous cows with low PMN (28 and 29 d, respectively). Although the conception rate to first service at 92 d postpartum was not different between PMN groups, the cumulative pregnancy at 270 d tended to be higher in low than in high PMN (80% vs. 58%) multiparous cows. Also, cows that had uterine fluid on day 25 postpartum had a shorter interval from calving to pregnancy than those with no uterine fluid (161 vs. 208 d). In conclusion, combining transrectal ultrasonography with endometrial cytology on day 25 postpartum has diagnostic value in the assessment of uterine inflammation.     

Morphological and functional comparison of lingual papillae in suckling and adult feral cats: Forensic evidence

Feral cats are considered as strays and are more likely to hunt in the street. We investigated the effect of environmental adaptations on the structures of lingual papillae in feral cats, which could be used as forensic evidence for their identification. There are no reported studies about the structural comparison of lingual papillae between suckling and adult feral cats. The present study described the lingual papillae of both suckling and adult cats macroscopically and microscopically via light and scanning electron microscopy. A total of nine tongue samples each for suckling and adult feral cats were examined grossly and histologically. Papillae distributions of suckling cats were similar to those observed in adult cats. Meanwhile, the shapes of those papillae were markedly different from that of corresponding papillae in adults. The change in taste bud position and size seemed to be related to the progressive growth of the papillae between adult and suckling cats; absence of taste buds in foliate papillae of feral cats at any stage; and marginal papillae which were a characteristic feature for all suckling cats. All previous elements could be affected by the specific feeding behaviour and mastication mode adaptation in suckling and adult feral cats which might help to identify suckling and adult feral cats among other breeds and animal species. We anticipate these findings may provide promising forensic evidence to discriminate between adult and suckling feral cat remains as well as prediction of environmental harshness and feeding behaviour.     

Genetic analysis and phylogenetic comparison of Black queen cell virus genotypes

Phylogenetic analysis of 22 Black queen cell virus (BQCV) genotypes collected from honeybee colonies in Poland, Austria and Hungary was performed on a partial helicase enzyme coding region (ORF1) and on a partial structural polypeptide coding region (ORF2). While the phylogeny based on the ORF2 region showed – with the exception of one strain from Poland – clustering of the genotypes corresponding to their geographic origin, the ORF1-based tree exhibited a completely different distribution of the Polish strains: three of them clustered within a branch clearly separated from all other central European BQCVs, while four other Polish strains remained well within the central European BQCV genotypes. In order to investigate this discrepancy in more detail, the nearly complete genome sequences of the three differing Polish strains were determined, together with one Hungarian sample. The sequences were aligned to each other and to the reference strain from South-Africa. Comparison of the different genome regions revealed that the 5′-UTR and the intergenic regions of the BQCV genome are highly conserved with longer homologous sections. ORF1 (non-structural protein coding region) was found more variable compared to ORF2 (structural protein coding region). The 5′-proximal third of ORF1 was particularly variable and contained several deletions/insertions. The sudden changes in the similarity levels of BQCV strains in different genomic regions are indicative of preceding recombination events.     

Efficiency of uterine fluid cytology in the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

This study compared endometrial cytology vis‐a‐vis uterine fluid cytology for assessment of uterine health in clinically normal and subclinical endometritis (SE)‐affected buffaloes. Uterine fluid samples and endometrial samples were collected from the buffaloes (n = 38) at oestrus using blue sheath and cytobrush, respectively. The smears were stained with Field stain for 3 minutes, and a minimum of 400 cells were counted in each smear for determination of the percentage of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocyte. The incidence of subclinical endometritis, based on the cytobrush cytology, was 23.08%. The correlation between cytobrush cytology with uterine fluid cytology was positive and significant (r = .37; p = .02). The ratio of PMN leucocyte in cytobrush cytology to uterine fluid cytology was 1:2.4. ROC analysis revealed that the threshold value of 6.16% PMN leucocyte in uterine fluid cytology showed a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100% in differentiating normal from SE‐affected buffaloes. In conclusion, collection of uterine fluid was easier compared to collection of endometrial samples using cytobrush and the percentage of PMN leucocyte in uterine fluid cytology can be used as a tool for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in buffaloes.     

大鼠发情周期各阶段的阴道细胞变化观察

为了比较准确的确定大鼠发情周期各个阶段,利用阴道组织涂片法,对14只6月龄雌性Wistar大鼠连续20 d进行阴道涂片,镜检,观察阴道涂片中细胞的变化规律。结果表明,在发情间期,阴道涂片以白细胞为主(84.6个±1.1个);发情前期以有核上皮细胞为主(72.4个±8.3个);在发情期,以角质化的上皮细胞为主(78个±5.4个);发情后期角质化上皮细胞、有核上皮细胞和白细胞3种细胞都有,而且比例相当。阴道涂片法能简便有效的区分大鼠发情周期的各个阶段。     

Vaginal cytology and cervicovaginal mucus arborisation in the breeding management of bitches

Fifty bitches were mated on the basis of results of vaginal cytological and cervicovaginal mucus arborisation examination. When these were compared with a control group of 50 bitches mated on days 10 and 12 after the onset of proestrus there was a significant increase in pregnancy rate from 78 to 92 per cent. The litter size and bitch productivity was also increased, although this was not statistically significant. Forty-two per cent of bitches had two peaks of anuclear epithelial cells in the vaginal smear, separated by a mean of 3–6 ± 1–5 (SD) days. For these bitches, the maximum percentage of anuclear cells at the second peak was between 57 and 98 per cent, and the mean interval between the calculated day of the surge in plasma luteinising hormone (LH) and the second peak of anuclear cells was 4-4 ± 2-0 days. In bitches with one peak of anuclear epithelial cells, the maximum percentage of anuclear cells was between 43 and 94 per cent and the mean interval between the calculated day of the LH surge and the peak of anuclear cells was 1–9 ± 2-1 days. Arborisation of mucus collected from the anterior vagina was noted in all bitches; the mean interval between the calculated day of the LH surge and the peak of ferning was 2–3 ± 2-1 days. The collection of exfoliative cells by aspiration from the cranial vagina and the assessment of the anuclear cell index, may allow the identification of the fertile period after the surge of plasma LH. The anuclear cell index offers advantages over other methods of classification of exfoliative vaginal cells. When used in combination with examination of arborisation of cervicovaginal mucus this method can improve the breeding management of bitches.     

Squash-prep cytology in the diagnosis of canine and feline nervous system lesions: a study of 42 cases

BACKGROUND: The increased sophistication of imaging techniques in veterinary medicine allows the detection of a wide variety of intracranial and intraspinal lesions; however, imaging often does not provide a definitive diagnosis for nervous system (NS) lesions. Cytology is emerging as a useful diagnostic tool for obtaining a fast and accurate assessment of NS lesions, but little information is available for dogs and cats. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of cytologic evaluation of squash samples from NS lesions in dogs and cats and to consider cytology-based diagnostic guidelines and sources of misdiagnosis. METHODS: Cytologic specimens from masses localized in the central and peripheral NS taken during surgery or postmortem examination were classified into 3 groups according to the final histopathologic diagnosis: Group 1 = completely correct diagnosis, when the cytologic diagnosis and final histologic diagnosis were exactly correlated; Group 2 = partial correlation, when the cytologic diagnosis only partially correlated with the final histologic diagnosis, and Group 3 = no correlation, when the cytologic diagnosis was incorrect and there was no correlation with the general histologic type of lesion. The diagnostic accuracy of cytopathology was calculated by considering the histopathologic diagnosis as the "gold standard," and calculating a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 42 animals (33 dogs and 9 cats) were included in the study. The cytologic diagnoses were classified in Group 1 for 32 cases (76%; 95% CI 0.63-0.89), in Group 2 for 6 cases (14%; 95% CI 0.04-0.25), and in Group 3 for 4 cases (10%; 95% CI 0.006-0.18). Considering both complete and partial correlation as an adequate result, cytologic diagnosis was satisfactory in 90% of biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: Although the current series of cases is relatively small, cytologic evaluation of squash preparations can be considered a fairly accurate and reliable tool in the diagnosis of NS lesions.     

Postanesthetic hyperthermia in cats: a retrospective comparison between hydromorphone and buprenorphine

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of postanesthetic hyperthermia [rectal temperature >40 degrees C (104 degrees F)] in a clinical population of cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMAL POPULATION: One hundred and twenty-five cats with an age range of 2 months to 16.1 years, and weighing 3.9 +/- 1.5 kg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the medical records of 125 cats that underwent general anesthesia. Information on perioperative rectal temperatures, breed, sex, weight, surgical procedure, anesthetic time, surgery time, anesthetic and analgesic drugs were retrieved. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Five groups of cats were compared; group 1 (n = 15) received acepromazine and no opioids; group 2 (n = 17) received acepromazine and buprenorphine; group 3 (n = 19) received acepromazine, buprenorphine and ketoprofen; group 4 (n = 45) received acepromazine and hydromorphone and group 5 (n = 29) received acepromazine, hydromorphone and ketoprofen. Data conformed to a split-plot repeated measures analysis of variance and was analyzed using SAS PROC MIXED. Post hoc tests were by means of Bonferroni t-test; < or = 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Rectal temperature was significantly decreased in all groups at the end of anesthesia. Rectal temperature was significantly elevated at 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours after the end of anesthesia in group 4, and at 2, 3 and 4 hours in group 5. Sixty-four percent of cats in group 4 and 69% in group 5 had rectal temperatures >40 degrees C (104 degrees F) at one or more times in the postanesthetic period. The highest temperature recorded was 42.5 degrees C (108.5 degrees F) in one cat in group 4. Mean rectal temperature did not exceed the preoperative temperature at any time during the postanesthetic period in group 1, 2 and 3 animals. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates an association between hyperthermia and perioperative administration of hydromorphone in cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When hydromorphone is used in cats their body temperature should be closely monitored.     

Comparison of liver cytology and biopsy diagnoses in dogs and cats: 56 cases

Abstract: The results of liver cytology and corresponding biopsy specimens submitted to the Pathology Department at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital during 1998 were retrospectively reviewed to objectively assess the diagnostic value of liver cytology. A "corresponding" biopsy was defined as a biopsy specimen obtained within 1 day of the cytology specimen. Fifty-six cases were reviewed, including 25 from dogs and 31 from cats. Results were in complete agreement in 34 cases, in partial agreement in 11 cases, and in disagreement in 11 cases. Agreement occurred most often in cases of fatty change (10 cases) and neoplasia (7 cases of lymphoma and 3 cases of epithelial tumor). Disagreement was most common in cases of hepatitis (6 cases) in which inflammation was not seen in cytologic specimens. Other causes for disagreement included fibrosis (2 cases), and 1 case each of amyloidosis, hemangiosarcoma, and lymphoma. Three cytologic specimens were considered suggestive of hepatitis because of leukocytosis in the background, although clinicians were advised to compare cytologic observation to CBC results. Cytologic evaluation of the liver was useful for determining disease processes, especially when disease distribution was diffuse.     

利福昔明子宫注入剂稳定性及其对家兔阴道黏膜刺激性研究

为研究利福昔明子宫注入剂的稳定性,从而初步确定其保质期,本试验取3批利福昔明子宫注入剂进行稳定性试验考察,包括影响因素、高温加速及长期稳定性,利用高效液相色谱法测定试验过程中利福昔明含量及有关物质的含量,从而初步确定利福昔明子宫注入剂的保质期。根据相关技术指导原则对家兔进行阴道刺激性试验。稳定性试验结果表明,根据面积归一化法计算有关物质的含量均不超过3%,注入剂的性状、沉降、粒度未发生明显变化,主成分利福昔明的含量变化在拟定标示量90.0%~110.0%范围内,从而确定本品的有效期为2年。家兔阴道刺激性试验结果显示,利福昔明子宫注入剂给药部位（阴道）和生理盐水对照组给药部位都没有出现红斑和水肿,刺激强度的评分为0;试验组和对照组的阴道黏膜没有出现明显的充血、水肿及异常分泌物流出的现象,阴道黏膜刺激指数为0.25。因此,利福昔明子宫注入剂对家兔的阴道无刺激性。本品的临床安全性良好,可进一步推广使用。     

A comparison of the 'Maxima' and the modified Ayre's T-piece breathing systems in spontaneously breathing cats

Objective To compare the fresh gas flow requirements of the ‘Maxima’ and Jackson‐Rees modified Ayre's T‐piece (JRMATP) in spontaneously breathing anaesthetized in cats. Study design Prospective randomized clinical study. Animals or sample population Fifteen adult cats (6 male, 9 female, 3.1 ± 0.4 kg [x? ± SD]). Materials & methods After pre‐anaesthetic medication with acepromazine and pethidine, anaesthesia was induced using thiopentone and the trachea was intubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube. This was attached to either a ‘Maxima’ or a JRMATP breathing system; allocation was randomized. Anaesthesia was maintained with halothane delivered in a 1 : 1 oxygen : nitrous oxide mixture. Initial total fresh gas flow (FGF) was set at 600 mL kg^?1 min^?1. After 20 minutes, FGF was reduced in increments of 200 mL min^?1 until rebreathing (inspired CO₂ concentration >0.2%) occurred. At this point, FGF was increased to 600 mL kg^?1 and the process was repeated with the other breathing system. The respiratory rate and airway pressure at the endotracheal tube connector were monitored throughout anaesthesia. Results The mean fresh gas flow that prevented rebreathing with the Maxima system (164 ± 39 mL kg^?1) was significantly less (p < 0.0001) than that required in the modified T‐piece (455 ± 0.77 mL kg^?1). Respiratory rates and airway pressures at the endotracheal tube connector were not significantly affected by breathing system employed. Conclusions In terms of the gas flow requirements that prevent rebreathing, the ‘Maxima’ breathing system is more efficient than the modified Ayre's T‐piece in spontaneously breathing cats anaesthetised with halothane.