Localization and macrostructure of subuterine lymphatic vessel networks in the bovine uterine broad ligament

Localization and morphological features of lymphatic vessels leaving tissues of uterine horns and running through the broad ligament area were studied in mature cows after filling the lumen of the each lymphangion with varicoloured masses, mainly Microfil. The study has revealed that each branch of the lymphatic vessels emerged from both sides of the uterus and then formed double-layered networks, dorsal and ventral in the area of the mesometrium. The lymphatic branches under the uterus are very numerous and consist of enlarged precollector lymphangions. At the level of the ovary, the branches of vessels in both layers interweave each other forming the common pathway suggesting that lymph leaving the bovine uterus can be mixed in branches which are formed by elongated lymphangions running to lymphatic nodes.     

Influence of zearalenone micotoxicosis on selected immunological, haematological and biochemical indexes of blood plasma in bitches

The immunological, haematological and biochemical analyses of blood plasma in bitches with 50 days lasting induced zearalenone micotoxicosis were carried out. It can be indirectly suggested that the inhibition of the humoral reaction of the organism, stimulation of detoxification effect in the liver and decreased cellular answer took place.     

Flow cytometry as a method for the evaluation of raw material, product and process in the dairy industry

Producing dairy products which are safe for consumers requires the constant monitoring of the microbiological quality of raw material, the production process itself and the end product. Traditional methods, still a "gold standard", require a specialized laboratory working on recognized and validated methods. Obtaining results is time- and labor-consuming and do not allow rapid evaluation. Hence, there is a need for a rapid, precise method enabling the real-time monitoring of microbiological quality, and flow cytometry serves this function well. It is based on labeling cells suspended in a solution with fluorescent dyes and pumping them into a measurement zone where they are exposed to a precisely focused laser beam. This paper is aimed at presenting the possibilities of applying flow cytometry in the dairy industry.     

Thermoregulatory effects and electrical conductivity in vagina of cow during oestrous cycle

Measurement of vaginal temperature and electrical conductivity of cervicovaginal mucus were conducted in 20 dairy cows and were related to the phase of the oestrus cycle. Temperature and electrical conductivity in the anterior part of the vagina changed in synchronicity with phases of the oestrous cycle. About 12 hours before ovulation, the vaginal temperature increased from 37.94 +/- 0.33 degrees C to 39.00 +/- 0.64 degrees C, as compared to the pre-oestrus value. The occurrence of oestrus was accompanied by an increase in electrical conductivity of mucus in the anterior part of the vagina from 7.60 +/- 0.33 mS to 12.00 +/- 0.54 mS. Vaginal temperature dropped to 38.50 +/- 0.29 degrees C, and electrical conductivity dropped to 10.00 +/- 0.55 mS at ovulation time. Rises in vaginal temperature and electrical conductivity in the anterior part of the vagina were additional symptoms of oestrus and were followed by decrease in these values, indicating ovulation in cows.     

Canine leishmaniosis

Canine visceral leishmaniosis (CVL) is an infectious disease of zoonotic potential, caused by protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania. Common clinical manifestations of canine visceral leishmaniosis include decrease of appetite, progressive weight loss, exercise intolerance, peripheral lymph node and spleen enlargement, chronic renal and liver disease, muscle, atrophy, polyarthritis and others. Because the Polish literature in the field contains no information on leishmaniosis in animals the recognised case of this disease is presented. Homeless mongrel, intact female dog, 3 years of age was brought to a veterinary clinic because of apathy, and generalised dermatologic lesions to perform routine examination. Because therapeutic effect of primarily recognised scabies was unsatisfactory, the skin samples from ear margins, trunk and lesion of the area of the left gluteal region for histopatologic examination were taken. Due to suspicion of leishmaniosis, fine-needle aspiration biopsy of lymph nodes, skin lesions, ocular discharge and imprint samples from skin lesion were performed, and tissue collected were examined under optical microscopy for identification of Leishmania amastigotes. To confirm cytologic diagnosis, blood samples for serological tests (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay-ELISA; indirect immunofluorescence assay test-IFAT) were taken. Based on physical examination, histopatology, cytopathology and serology, canine visceral leishmaniosis was finally diagnosed.     

The combined effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and the phytoestrogen genistein on steroid hormone secretion,AhR and ERβ expression and the incidence of apoptosis in granulosa cells of medium porcine follicles

Low doses of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) used in combination may act in a manner different from that of individual compounds. The objective of the study was to examine in vitro effects of low doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; 100 pM) and genistein (500 nM) on: 1) progesterone (P₄) and estradiol (E₂) secretion (48 h); 2) dynamic changes in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mRNA and protein expression (1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h); 3) dynamic changes in estrogen receptor β (ERβ) mRNA and protein expression (1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h); and 4) induction of apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells derived from medium follicles (3, 6 and 24 h). TCDD had no effect on P₄ or E₂ production, but potentiated the inhibitory effect of genistein on P₄ production. In contrast to the individual treatments which did not produce any effects, TCDD and genistein administered together decreased ERβ and AhR protein expression in granulosa cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of TCDD on AhR mRNA expression was abolished by genistein. The treatments did not induce apoptosis in the cells. In summary, combined effects of low concentrations of TCDD and genistein on follicular function of pigs differed from that of individual compounds. The results presented in the current paper clearly indicate that effects exerted by low doses of EDCs applied in combination must be taken into consideration when studying potential risk effects of EDCs on biological processes.     

Effect of the addition of ground rosemary on the quality and shelf-life of turkey meatballs during refrigerated storage

1. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the addition of ground rosemary on the quality and shelf-life of turkey meatballs. Heat-treated vacuum-packed turkey meatballs were stored at 3 ± 1°C.

2. The rate of oxidative and hydrolytic changes during refrigerated storage was slower in meatballs containing 1% of rosemary. The samples with rosemary were characterised by significantly lower values of pH and water activity than control samples. The addition of rosemary inhibited the growth of psychrotrophic, coliform and Clostridium sp. bacteria.

3. The sensory quality of meatballs decreased over storage, first in control samples and later also in those containing rosemary. Warmed-over flavour was detected after 12 d of storage in meatballs spiced with rosemary and after 3 d in control samples. A sour flavour was not perceptible in meatballs containing rosemary. The obtained results confirm the beneficial effect of rosemary added to poultry meat products.     

Survival of Staphylococcus aureus exposed to UV radiation on the surface of ceramic tiles coated with TiO2

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the antimicrobial activity of UV radiation of wavelength 253.7 nm (used in typical germicidal lamps) against Staphylococcus aureus on the surfaces of conventionally produced white ceramic wall tiles (matt and shiny) and the same tiles coated with TiO2 using three different methods: RF diode sputtering, atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition (APCVD) and spray pyrolysis deposition (SPD). Results clearly indicate that the bactericidal action of UV radiation is much stronger on the surfaces of tiles coated with TiO2 than on the tiles uncovered. The strongest bactericidal effect of UV radiation was found for film prepared by APCVD. Results of experiments for shiny and matt tiles did not differ statistically. The use of ceramic wall tiles coated with TiO2 films in hospitals, veterinary clinics, laboratories, food processing plants and other places where UV radiation is applied for disinfection should greatly improve the efficiency of this treatment.