Effects of growth factors (EGF,PDGF-BB and TGF-beta 1) on cultured equine epithelial cells and keratocytes: implications for wound healing

Objective The physiologic mechanisms involving growth factors, including PDGF‐BB, EGF, and TGF‐β1, as potent mediators of fibroblasts and epithelial cells in corneal wound healing remain unknown. The goal of this study was to determine culture methods for equine epithelial cells and keratocytes and to investigate how exogenous growth factors influence proliferation of both cell types. Procedures Cell cultures were established from healthy corneas harvested from horses immediately following euthanasia and maintained using standard tissue culture protocols. To determine the effects of PDGF‐BB, EGF, TGF‐β1, keratocytes (1 × 10⁵/well) and epithelial cells (2 × 10⁵/well) were each cultured in 12 well plates and exposed separately to the growth factors. The cells were exposed to concentrations of EGF between 0 and 50 ng/mL; PDGF‐BB between 0 and 75 ng/mL; and TGF‐β1 between 0 and 10 ng/mL. Cell proliferation was measured using ³H‐thymidine assay and differences in growth determined using anova and Tukey's HSD test (P < 0.05). Results Epithelial cell and keratocyte cultures were successfully established. EGF maximally stimulated keratocyte and epithelial cells at 25 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL, respectively. PDGF‐BB maximally stimulated keratocytes and epithelial cells at 50 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL, respectively. TGF‐β1 inhibited keratocytes at 5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL, and epithelial cells at 1 ng/mL and 2 ng/mL. Conclusions Methods were established to maintain epithelial cells and keratocytes in vitro. PDGF‐BB and EGF stimulate, while TGF‐β1 inhibits the proliferation of epithelial cells and keratocytes. These growth factors may play a role in maintenance and repair of the equine cornea.     

Wild ostrich (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Struthio camelus australis</Emphasis>) reproduction in Orbata,a nature reserve in Tunisia

The aim of the current investigation was to determine wild ostrich reproductive behaviour in Orbata Nature Reserve by observing 16 hens and 28 cocks over a seven-year period. Intense laying commenced in January, one month after the cessation of the rainy season, and 92% of the eggs were produced during the dry season (January to May, peaking in March). Over the seven years, 1,322 eggs were laid in 69 nests, which corresponded to an annual average production of 19.2 ± 9.1 eggs/nest and 11.8 eggs/hen. 24 nests (34.78%) were non-brooded, 17 nests (24.64%) were deserted in the course of incubation, and 28 nests (40.58%) possessed hatched eggs. All the non-incubated nests had egg losses equivalent to 46.6 ± 12.6%. Hatchability success of incubated eggs was 41.9 ± 12.0%. Ostriches tended to dig their nests adjacent to the reserve enclosure which had direct access by road and track, the latter subjecting them to human disturbance and predation. The systematic obstruction of these nests stimulated ostriches to build additional nests within the reserve perimeter. The authors discussed the results recorded in an ostrich flock in relation to the environmental factors (climatic factors, food disponibility and predation) and suggested possibilities for improved wildlife management.     

Effects of tea saponins on rumen microbiota,rumen fermentation,methane production and growth performance—a review

Reducing methane emission from ruminant animals has implications not only for global environmental protection but also for efficient animal production. Tea saponins (TS) extracted from seeds, leaves or roots of tea plant are pentacyclic triterpenes. They have a lasting antiprotozoal effect, but little effect on the methanogen population in sheep. There was no significant correlation between the protozoa counts and methanogens. The TS decreased methanogen activity. It seems that TS influenced the activity of the methanogens indirectly via the depressed ciliate protozoal population. The TS addition decreased fungal population in the medium containing rumen liquor in in vitro fermentation, but no such effect was observed in the rumen liquor of sheep fed TS. Tea saponins had a minor effect on the pattern of rumen fermentation and hence on nutrient digestion. When added at 3 g/day in diets, TS could improve daily weight gain and feed efficiency in goats. No positive associative effect existed between TS and disodium fumarate or soybean oil on methane suppression. Inclusion of TS in diets may be an effective way for improving feed efficiency in ruminants.     

口饲胰岛素样生长因子的生理功能

本文综述了口饲胰岛素样生长因子的动物性实验结果。口饲胰岛素样生长因子具有降低血糖水平、增强机体免疫力、调节动物肠道菌群,促进胃肠道生长发育或肠道组织创伤的愈合等独特的生理功能。     

2020年宁夏吴忠市畜间包虫病流行病学调查

为了解宁夏吴忠市畜间包虫病流行范围及防治效果,科学规范指导下一阶段包虫病防治工作,2020年对吴忠市5个县(市、区)采用基本情况调查、实验室抽样检测等方法进行了畜间包虫病流行病学调查.共检测犬粪样品1861份,犬细粒棘球绦虫感染阳性率为0.75％;抽检羊脏器4027份,棘球蚴感染率为0.22％,有3个县区检出感染;检测...     

蒙古绵羊β-防御素-1cDNA的扩增及其序列分析

为了获得蒙古绵羊β-防御素-1（sBD-1）的cDNA序列,从蒙古绵羊瘤胃的上皮组织中提取总RNA,采用RT-PCR技术扩增出sBD-1的cDNA。结果 sBD-1的cDNA长为300bp,该cDNA包含由192bp组成的开放读码框（ORF）,ORF编码64个氨基酸的前原防御素。经过DNA序列分析。证实所扩增的cDNA为sBD-1。     

Pharmacokinetic studies of levofloxacin after oral administration in healthy and febrile cow calves

The present experiment was designed to study the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin in six healthy cross bred female cow calves (4 to 6 months age) weighing between 40 to 80 kg. Plasma from blood was separated by centrifugation at 10,000 rpm. Quantitative estimation of levofloxacin was done by UV-VIS spectrophotometer at 286 nm. The mean maximum plasma concentration (Cp_max ) of levofloxacin in febrile calves (5.28?±?0.32 µg/ml) did not differ significantly as compared with healthy calves (4.50?±?0.22 µg/ml) after single dose (20 mg/kg) oral administration. The mean therapeutic plasma concentration ( Cp_ther ) of levofloxacin was maintained for longer period in febrile calves (10 h) as compared to healthy calves ( 8 h). The mean maximum urine concentration (Cu_max) in febrile (40.86?±?2.19 µg/ml) also did not differ significantly as compared with healthy calves (39.38?±?2.43 µg/ml). No significant difference in various pharmacokinetic parameters of plasma was observed in healthy calves ( β?=?0.23?±?0.01/h ; t1/2 β?=?3.00?±?0.17 h and MRT?=?4.66?±?0.14 h ) and febrile calves ( β?=?0.23?±?0.01/ h; t1/2 β?=?3.05?±?0.16 h and MRT?=?5.04?±?0.14 h ) . The mean value of β, and t ½ β calculated in urine also did not differ between healthy and febrile calves. However, the value of MRT(3.79?±?0.07 h) and Cl_B(1.65?±?0.09 ml/kg/min) calculated in urine of febrile calves significantly(p?B?=?2.09?±?0.13 ml/kg/min). Based on kinetic profile levofloxacin may be given orally at the dose rate of 1.49 mg/kg B.W.at 8 h intervals in febrile calves.     

Poisoning in ostriches following ingestion of toxic plants - field observations

Data from post-mortem and field studies were obtained that discussed poisoning in ostriches following ingestion of toxic plants. From the notes, all plants studied caused death in ostriches and there was systemic organ damage. Poisoning from Sarcostemma viminale (Melktou) resulted in beak patting, muscular tremors and head flopping, followed by collapse and violent kicking before death. Ingestion of Combretum oatesii (Red wings) seeds from plants in free grazing pastures resulted in vomiting, restlessness, eyelid flicking, collapse and kicking movements. Dichapetalum cymosum (Gifblaar) killed an ostrich after episodes of shaking legs, rapid respiration and bradycardia and hyperaemia of the lungs, liver and kidneys. Poisoning from Senecio sceleratus (Ragwort) caused skin haemorrhages and bleeding in tracheal mucous membranes, the pericardium, diaphragm and interperitoneal membrane. Consumption of drupes from Melia azedarach (Syringa berry) caused muscle tremors, kicking movements and respiratory distress. Lantana camara (Cherry pie) poisoning resulted in extremely inflamed eyes with copious yellow exudates extending down their beaks and onto their necks. Bentonite was administered by gavage at a dose of 5 g/kg. Poisoning in these cases is usually associated with the farmer allowing his/her birds to roam free-range in paddocks in which toxic plants are growing. Toxic plants should be removed from grass cut for hay. The author is willing to send photographs of all poisonous plants if requested by a reader.     

遮阴对10种野生观赏植物生长及生理特性的影响

为了探讨野生观赏植物在遮阴条件下的生态适应性及寻求适度的遮阴比例,选取兰州地区10种野生观赏植物为试验材料,比较测定不同光强生境(全光照、25%、50%、70%遮光率)对10种野生观赏植物生长和生理生化的影响。结果表明,角茴香(Hypecoum erectum)和驴蹄草(Caltha palustris)含水率随着遮阴度的增加而增加,小花草玉梅(Anemone rivularis)在75%遮阴度时干重最大,显著高于其余遮阴处理及全光照(CK)(P0.05);藤本铁线莲(Clematis florida)可溶性糖含量随着遮阴度的增加而减少,鹅绒委陵菜(Potentilla anserina)、角茴香、水杨梅(Geum aleppicum)和驴蹄草的叶绿素含量随着遮阴度的增加而增加;东方草莓(Fragaria orientalis)、角茴香和驴蹄草在全光照下丙二醛的含量显著高于其它处理(P0.05),香青(Anaphalis sinica)和水杨梅在75%遮阴度下丙二醛含量较高。综上所述,香青、莓叶委陵菜(Potentilla chinensis)、藤本铁线莲和野棉花(A.vitifolia)比较适合全光照生长;鹅绒委陵菜、小花草玉梅、东方草莓、角茴香和水杨梅可以忍耐适当的遮阴环境;驴蹄草适合在遮阴条件下生长。