Hepatic immune response in calves during acute subclinical infection with bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 1

Eight colostrum-deprived calves aged 8-12 weeks were inoculated intranasally with a non-cytopathic strain of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) genotype-1 and the effects on the hepatic immune response were studied. Two calves were sacrificed at each of 3, 6, 9 and 14 days post-inoculation (dpi) and two uninoculated animals were used as negative controls. BVDV was detected in hepatic macrophages and monocytes from 3 to 14dpi and in Küpffer cells (KCs) from 6 to 14dpi. Increases in the numbers of MAC387(+) KCs and monocytes, but not interstitial macrophages, differentiated by morphological features, were evident in the liver following inoculation with BVDV. There was a substantial increase in the number of monocytes positive for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, but only small increases in the numbers of TNF-α(+) KCs and interstitial macrophages and interleukin (IL)-6(+) monocytes, KCs and interstitial macrophages. There was an increase in the number of interstitial CD3(+) T lymphocytes in the liver, but no substantial changes in the numbers of circulating CD3(+) T lymphocytes, interstitial or circulating CD4(+) or CD8(+) T lymphocytes, or CD79αcy(+) B lymphocytes. Serum haptoglobin and serum amyloid A increased transiently at 12dpi. Upregulation of some pro-inflammatory cytokines by hepatic macrophages is evident in subclinical acute BVDV type 1 infection in calves.     

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in 40 dogs with histologically confirmed intracranial tumours

Magnetic resonance (MR) images of 40 dogs with histologically confirmed primary and secondary intracranial tumours were reviewed. Forty-one tumours were diagnosed by means of MR imaging (MRI). MRI findings allowed diagnosis of a neoplastic lesion in 37/41 cases. Based on MRI features, differentiation between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions was possible in 24/27 (89%) primary brain tumours and in 13/14 (92%) secondary brain tumours. Diagnosis of tumour type based on MRI features was correct in 19/27 (70%) primary tumours and in 13/14 secondary tumours. The results of this study show that MRI is a good diagnostic imaging modality to detect neoplastic lesions and to diagnose tumour type in dogs. However, as some neoplasms show equivocal MRI features the technique has limitations in the detection of some intracranial tumours and in predicting tumour type.     

Identification of serum stress biomarkers in pigs housed at different stocking densities

Eight Duroc×(Landrace×Large White) male pigs housed at a stocking rate of 0.50m(2)/pig were subjected to a higher stocking rate of 0.25m(2)/pig (higher density, HD) for two 4-day periods over 26 days. Using biochemical and proteomic techniques serum and plasma samples were examined to identify potential biomarkers for monitoring stress due to HD housing. HD housed pigs showed significant differences (P<0.001) in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-associated cholesterol, as well as in concentrations of the pig-major acute phase protein (Pig-MAP) (P=0.002). No differences were observed in serum cortisol or other acute phase proteins such as haptoglobin, C-reactive protein or apolipoprotein A-I. HD-individuals also showed an imbalance in redox homeostasis, detected as an increase in the level of oxidized proteins measured as the total plasma carbonyl protein content (P<0.001) with a compensatory increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (P=0.012). Comparison of the serum proteome yielded a new potential stress biomarker, identified as actin by mass spectrometry. Cluster analysis of the results indicated that individuals segregated into two groups, with different response patterns, suggesting that the stress response depended on individual susceptibility.     

Transmission electron microscopy for characterization of acrosomal damage after Percoll gradient centrifugation of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa

The objective of this study was to characterize acrosomal ultrastructure following discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation of cryopreserved bovine sperm. Semen was collected from six bulls of different breeds and three ejaculates per bull were evaluated. Frozen semen samples were thawed and the acrosomal region of sperm cells was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) before (n = 18) and after (n = 18) Percoll centrifugation. The evaluation of 20 sperm heads from each of the 36 samples analyzed ensured that a large number of cells were investigated. The data were subjected to analysis of variance at a level of significance of 5%. Percoll centrifugation reduced the percentage of sperm exhibiting normal acrosomes (from 61.77 to 30.24%), reduced the percentage of sperm presenting atypical acrosome reactions (from 28.38 to 4.84%) and increased the percentage of sperm exhibiting damage in the acrosome (from 6.14 to 64.26%). The percentage of sperm with typical acrosome reactions was not significantly different before (3.70%) and after (0.67%) centrifugation. TEM distinguished four different types of acrosomal status and enabled ultrastructural characterization of acrosomal injuries. The percentage of sperm exhibiting normal acrosomes decreased and damage in the acrosome was the most frequent acrosomal injury with the Percoll gradient centrifugation protocol utilized.     

Comparison of a rebound and an applanation tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure in normal rabbits

Objective To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements made on healthy adult rabbits without the effect of tranquilizers using the new applanation tonometer, Tono‐Pen Avia^®, and the rebound tonometer Tonovet^®. Methods Intraocular pressure was measured throughout the day (6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00 h) in 38 adult New Zealand White rabbits (76 eyes). The animals were 20 males and 18 females, with a mean weight of 3.5 kg and an average age of 6 months. A complete ocular exam (including Schirmer tear test, fluorescein staining, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, and direct ophthalmoscopy) was performed on all animals at the beginning of the trial. Rebound tonometry was performed, and after 10 min, anesthetic drops were instilled and applanation tonometry was carried out. IOP values obtained using the two techniques were analyzed statistically. Results The mean IOP was 9.51 ± 2.62 mmHg with Tonovet^®, and 15.44 ± 2.16 mmHg with the Tono‐Pen Avia^®. Significant differences between measurements with the two tonometers were observed (P < 0.001). The linear regression equation describing the relationship between the two tonometers was y = 0.4923x + 10.754 (y = Tonovet^® and x = Tono‐Pen Avia^®). High IOPs were recorded in the early measurements (6:00), but the average IOPs from both devices were statistically similar throughout the day (P = 0.086). The correlation coefficient was r² = 0.357. No significant difference in IOP regarding gender was observed. Conclusion The Tono‐Pen Avia^® recorded higher levels of IOP compared with the Tonovet^®. Early in the day, the IOP of rabbits was higher than later in the day, regardless of the tonometer used.     

The effect of diets supplemented with fish broth and fish oil on the health of weaners

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fish-based feed materials, as a source of readily available protein contained in fish broth and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in fish oil, on the health of piglets and rearing results. The experiment was conducted on a commercial pig fattening farm. The study involved a total of 80 weaners with an approximate body weight of 15 kg. The experiment was carried out over a period of 40 days. Feed samples were subjected to laboratory analyses. Blood samples were collected from experimental group animals to determine serum biochemical and immunological parameters. The body weight gains of weaners, mortality rates and average feed intake per animal were calculated for the entire experimental period. The addition of fish broth and fish oil significantly improved the n3:n6 fatty acid ratio in diets. The presence of EPA and DHA in the experimental diet could have had a positive health effect on piglets, comparable with that exerted by therapeutic doses of zinc often administered to pigs of this age group. During the experiment, feed conversion ratio (FCR) gain was considerably reduced in the experimental group, with similar daily gains in the control and experimental group.     

Expression of 14-3-3 σ protein in normal and neoplastic canine mammary gland

14-3-3 σ protein is a negative cell cycle regulator, with both reduced and elevated levels associated with cancer in humans. This study assessed the expression of this protein in canine mammary tissues using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. 14-3-3 σ was detected in 97% of the mammary tissue samples examined and was found in both myoepithelial (MECs) and epithelial (ECs) cells. Expression levels were elevated and reduced in neoplastic ECs and MECs, respectively (P < 0.001). Intense expression of 14-3-3 σ was detected in neoplastic ECs infiltrating blood vessels and lymph nodes and suggests a possible role for this protein in the malignant transformation of mammary neoplasms. Moreover, double immunostaining for 14-3-3 σ and the MEC – specific marker p63, confirmed that 14-3-3 σ is a highly sensitive marker of MECs since all p63 – positive cells were also positive for 14-3-3 σ. However, this protein is not exclusive to MECs as ECs also labelled positively.     

Ultrasonographic assessment of maternal cardiac function and peripheral circulation during normal gestation in dogs

The aim of this study was to describe changes in cardiac morphology, systolic function and some peripheral hemodynamic parameters during normal pregnancy in dogs. Twenty healthy bitches, 10 pregnant (PG) and 10 non-pregnant controls (CG), were evaluated every 10 days using echocardiography from day 0 of the estrus cycle to parturition or to day 65 for the PG and CG groups, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and uterine artery resistance index (RI) were also assessed. Throughout the study, the shortening fraction and cardiac output increased up to 30% vs. 5% (P<0.01) and 45% vs. 2% (P<0.01) in the PG and CG groups, respectively. In contrast, SBP and RI diminished up to 20% vs. 1% (P<0.01) and 29% vs. 0% (P<0.01) in the PG and CG groups, respectively. In conclusion, a decrease in afterload, an increase in cardiac output and cardiac hypertrophy appear to be the result of the hemodynamic modifications occurring during pregnancy in dogs.     

Immunisation of pigs with a major envelope protein sub-unit vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) results in enhanced clinical disease following experimental challenge

Disease exacerbation was observed in pigs challenged with virulent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) following immunisation with a recombinant GP5 sub-unit PRRSV vaccine (rGP5) produced in E. coli. Eighteen animals were divided into three experimental groups: group A were immunised twice IM with rGP5, 21 days apart; group B acted as positive controls (challenged but not immunised); and group C were negative controls. Pigs in groups A and B were challenged 21 days after the second immunisation of the group A animals. Following challenge, three pigs given rGP5 exhibited more severe clinical signs than the positive controls, including respiratory distress and progressive weight-loss. Although not statistically significant, the more severe disease exhibited by group A animals may suggest previous immunisation as a contributory factor. The mechanisms of these findings remain unclear and no association could be established between the severity of disease, non-neutralising antibody concentrations and tissue viral loads.     

山麻雀命名的考证

山麻雀是一种广布的小型鸣禽,拉丁学名通常为Passer rutilans (Temminck).经作者考证,该种名发表于1836年12月31日,但在此之前,Gould已于1836年4月8日发表了该种并命名为Passer cinnamomeus.因此,根据动物命名法中的优先原则,该种应称作Passer cinnamomeus (Gould,1836).其公认的3个亚种也应分别称作P.cinamomeus rutilans (Temminck,1836),P.cinnamomeus intensior Rothschild,1922及P.cinnamomeus cinnamomeus (Gould,1836).