Structural and molecular pathology of the atrium in boxer arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Objective

To investigate the expression and distribution of desmosomal and gap junction proteins of the intercalated disc in the atria of boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Predicting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs based on net energy and digestible lysine intake using multiple regression and artificial neural networks modelsOA

Backgrounds: Evaluating the growth performance of pigs in real-time is laborious and expensive, thus mathematical models based on easily accessible variables are developed. Multiple regression(MR) is the most widely used tool to build prediction models in swine nutrition, while the artificial neural networks(ANN) model is reported to be more accurate than MR model in prediction performance. Therefore, the potential of ANN models in predicting the growth performance of pigs was evaluated and comp...     

Ovarian response and embryo yield of Angora and Kilis goats given the day 0 protocol for superovulation in the non-breeding season

The aim of this study was to compare ovarian response and embryo yield of Day 0 protocol in Angora goats (AG) and indigenous Kilis goats (KG) in the non-breeding season. A total of 16 Angora goats (AG group) and 11 Kilis goats (KG group) were used in this study. In the synchronization process, after controlled internal drug release withdrawal, when estrus signs were observed, natural mating was performed. Ovarian response was determined by synchronized laparotomy 6 days after natural mating, and number of corpora lutea (CL) was recorded. Embryos were collected and morphologically evaluated by stereomicroscope. Synchronization rates did not differ between AG (88%, 14/16) and KG group (91%, 10/11). In AG and KG groups, the proportion of CL on the right (44% and 53%, respectively) and left (56% and 47%, respectively) ovaries were similar. The CL number per animal did not differ significantly between the two breeds and was determined as 4.4 ± 0.90 in AG group and 6.4 ± 1.44 in KG group. Transferable embryo yields were significantly higher in AG group (31/42, 74%) compared to KG group (16/46, 35%) in the non-breeding season (P < 0.01). In conclusion, it is suggested that the day 0 protocol can be used for goat superovulation in the non-breeding season; however, transferable embryo yields are affected by the breed.     

Extending the viability of emu spermatozoa during in vitro storage by manipulation of temperature and diluent potassium concentration

1. Survival of emu spermatozoa during in vitro storage is not affected by increasing the extracellular [K⁺] to the point where it does not adversely affect spermatozoa function.

2. In three experiments, the effects were studied of [K⁺] in a diluent in the range 12·5–80?mM/l on emu spermatozoa survival for up to 48?h at 5, 10 or 20°C.

3. At the end of the storage period, spermatozoa viability, motility, fertilising ability and morphology were measured.

4. In Experiment 1, spermatozoa viability and morphology were adversely affected after storage (P?M/l [K⁺] whereas spermatozoa motility decreased as [K⁺] increased from 12·5 to 80?mM/l.

5. In Experiment 2, during storage at 5°C, the spermatozoa viability was comparable among any of the diluents (standard or modified) but morphology was better (P? 6. In Experiment 3, after 48?h of storage in a diluent containing 40?mM/l of [K⁺], the spermatozoa functions were better preserved at 10°C than at 5 or 20°C.

7. It is concluded that a higher than physiological level of potassium can be used in a diluent without detrimental effect on emu spermatozoa survival during 48?h storage and that the best outcome was with storage at 10°C rather than 5 or 20°C.     

Successful balloon angioplasty of pulmonary artery stenosis in two cats and associated complications

Two cats (2.5 months and 8 months old) were each evaluated due to a loud systolic murmur, and each was diagnosed with severe pulmonary artery stenosis at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. Echocardiograms confirmed significant right atrial dilation and right ventricular dilation and/or hypertrophy that was progressive in one cat. Atenolol was initiated and the cats were referred for interventional therapy. Balloon angioplasty was performed via the jugular vein. In case 1, the pressure gradient across the stenosis was reduced from 169.7 mmHg to 23.6 mmHg and 52.4 mmHg across the left and right branch pulmonary arteries, respectively. In case 2, the stenotic echocardiographic gradient was reduced from 64 mmHg to 38.0 mmHg and 35.3 mmHg across the left branch and right-branched pulmonary arteries respectively. Both patients developed moderate to severe dynamic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction post angioplasty. Case 2 developed hypotension, desaturation, and ventricular arrhythmias intra-operatively. Case 1 was discharged but appeared to develop acute lung perfusion injury approximately 36 h after procedure that was manifested by radiographic pulmonary congestion and pulmonary infiltrate of the left lung fields. The congestion was successfully managed medically. Serial echocardiograms over the following 4 years in case 1 showed near complete resolution of the stenosis and associated right heart enlargement.     

Effect of turning upon the sub‐embryonic fluid and albumen of the egg of the Japanese quail

1. The effects of egg turning upon the formation of sub‐embryonic fluid (SEF), and albumen weight and composition are described up to day 8 of incubation.

2. The density of albumen increased, and the density of yolk sac contents decreased, during the first 5 d of incubation. Failure to turn eggs diminished these changes.

3. The rate of formation of SEF and its maximum weight were lower if eggs were not turned, as was the rate of decrease in albumen weight.

4. The concentration of sodium and chloride, as well as osmolality, were higher in SEF than in thin albumen, and were affected by a failure to turn eggs.

5. Static incubation altered the concentrations of yolk nutrients in SEF.

6. It is concluded that the formation of SEF is primarily dependent upon the transfer of sodium and chloride from albumen to SEF so creating an osmotic force for water movement in the same direction. Turning the eggs promotes this process by ensuring an adequate supply of ions in thin albumen adjacent to the blastoderm.     

Light at the end of the tunnel? Advances in the understanding and treatment of glaucoma and inherited retinal degeneration

Glaucoma and inherited retinal degeneration/dystrophy are leading causes of blindness in veterinary patients. Currently, there is no treatment for the loss of vision that characterizes both groups of diseases. However, this reality may soon change as recent advances in understanding of the disease processes allow researchers to develop new therapies aimed at preventing blindness and restoring vision to blind patients. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma patients has led to the development of neuroprotective drugs which protect retinal cells and their function from the disastrous effects of elevated pressure. Identification of the genetic mutation responsible for inherited degenerations and dystrophies of the outer retina has enabled researchers using gene therapy to restore vision to blind dogs. Other patients may benefit from retinal transplantation, stem cell therapy, neuroprotective drugs, nutritional supplementation and even retinal prostheses. It is possible that soon it will be possible to restore sight to some blind patients.     

Study on the Morphological Characteristics of Skin and Hair Coat of Yak and the Adaptability to the Cold Living Environment

Selecting 6 heads of new yak strains(the offspring of reciprocal cross of F1 produced by wild yak male mated with domestic yak female)and 6 domestic yaks at 3 and 12 age in months respectively at Datong Yak Farm of Qinghai Province. This paper was studied for the morphological characteristics of the skin and hair coat of yak and their adaptability to the cold living environment in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. The results indicated that it should be of vital importance marker for the morphological characteristics of the skin and hair coat with two type of yaks at 3 and 12 age in months and their regulations of growth and development to adapt to the cold living environment in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau,The main morphological indexes of the skin and hair coat of the rearing new yak strain were higher than those of the domestic yaks at the same age in months, or speak precisely, the new yak strain was more powerful adaptable to the alpine cold living environment than that of the domestic yaks. The resvlts above provided scientific basis for the native strain breeding of yak and the new yak strain rearing.     

Expression and distribution of intermediate-filament proteins and laminin during the development of the bovine Müllerian duct

The expression pattern of several intermediate-filament proteins (vimentin, cytokeratin 8, 18 and 19) and the basal lamina component laminin was investigated in the Wolffian and the Müllerian ducts of bovine embryos and fetuses. The material studied comprised sexually undifferentiated stages [crown-rump length (CRL) 0.9 cm/1.0 cm/1.2 cm/1.9 cm/2.5 cm] and female stages (CRL 3.0 cm/4.2 cm/5.1 cm). Laminin could be demonstrated in the basal lamina of the developing Wolffian and Müllerian duct as well as in the stroma surrounding the Müllerian duct. The intermediate-filament protein vimentin was expressed in the mesothelium of the funnel field and in the epithelium of the Müllerian duct in all studied specimens, whereas the epithelial cells of the Wolffian duct only showed vimentin expression from a CRL of 2.2 cm onwards. In the cranial part of the Müllerian ducts only a few cells stained with pan-cytokeratin antibodies, whereas mesothelium and epithelium of the Wolffian duct showed as distinct immunostaining in all investigated stages. Both genital ducts showed no immunostaining with the antibody against cytokeratin 19 at any time of development. We conclude from our immunohistochemical results that the epithelial cells of the Wollfian duct do not contribute cells to the developing Müllerian duct.     

Utilisation of U‐14C‐lysine by young turkeys

1. U‐¹⁴C‐lysine was administered by tube into the crop to turkey poults fed on assay diets (maize + sesame + maize gluten meal) containing varying concentrations oflysine, and partition of the label into body components, carbon dioxide, and excreta was measured.

2. Deposition of ¹⁴C label into breast and heart muscles responded positively to dietary lysine concentration. There was no apparent relationship between dietary lysine intake and deposition of label into carbon dioxide or excreta.

3. Efficiency of lysine retention, above maintenance, was estimated to be 0.523 ± 0.034.

4. Turkeys exhibited variable metabolic efficiency in the use of lysine as indicated by loss of U‐¹⁴C‐lysine label to expired carbon dioxide and to excreta by individual turkeys.     

The effect of α-tocopherol,sweet chestnut wood extract and their combination on oxidative stress in vivo and the oxidative stability of meat in broilers

1. This study examined the effect of α-tocopherol (α-T), sweet chestnut wood extract (SCW) and their combination on oxidative stress in vivo and oxidative stability of meat in broilers given diets rich in PUFA.

2. A total of 60 male broilers were individually caged and divided into 6 groups of 10. The C-PALM group received a diet with 7·5% palm fat and the other 5 groups with 7·5% linseed oil. The linseed oil groups were either un-supplemented (C-LIN) or supplemented with α-T or/and SCW as follows: αT-85 (C-LIN diet?+?68?IU vit E as all-rac-α-T/kg), αT-200 (C-LIN diet?+?183?IU vit E as all-rac-α-T/kg), SCW (C-LIN diet?+?3?g SCW/kg) and αT-SCW (C-LIN diet?+?68?IU vit E as all-rac-α-T/kg?+?3?g SCW/kg). Different parameters of oxidative stress were measured.

3. Linseed oil induced DNA fragmentation and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, while α-T reduced both parameters, and SCW reduced the DNA damage. A combination (αT-SCW) also reduced plasma MDA. Larger antioxidant capacity of lipid soluble compounds were recorded in groups αT-85, αT-200 and αT-SCW than in the controls but there were no differences between these groups in antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant status. A combination (αT-SCW) increased tocopherol concentrations in breast muscle and in comparison to the C-LIN group MDA concentrations were reduced in groups αT-85, αT-200 and αT-SCW.

4. It can be concluded that neither of the α-T concentrations were able to prevent all the negative effects of lipid oxidation in vivo and only high concentrations of α-T improved the stability of meat. With the exception of DNA damage, SCW had no impact on in vivo and in vitro measured markers of oxidative stress but may have a sparing or regenerating effect on α-T.     

Prognostic value of mitral annular systolic plane excursion and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Introduction

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has a variable prognosis; left atrial size, presence of clinical signs and left ventricular systolic function have been shown to predict outcomes. Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) assess longitudinal ventricular systolic function and are decreased in cats with HCM. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether MAPSE and TAPSE have prognostic value in HCM and if cats with pleural effusion have lower MAPSE and TAPSE than cats with pulmonary oedema.