Induction of CD4+ human cytolytic T cells specific for HIV-infected cells by a gp160 subunit vaccine

Cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses were evaluated in humans immunized with recombinant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) envelope glycoprotein gp160. Some vaccinees had gp160-specific CTLs that were shown by cloning to be CD4+. Although induced by exogenous antigen, most gp160-specific CTL clones also recognized gp160 synthesized endogenously in target cells. These clones lysed autologous CD4+ T lymphoblasts infected with HIV. Of particular interest were certain vaccine-induced clones that lysed HIV-infected cells, recognized gp160 from diverse HIV isolates, and did not participate in "innocent bystander" killing of noninfected CD4+ T cells that had bound gp120.     

The GABA a agonist muscimol enhances locomotor activity, but does not alter the behavioural effects of CRH in juvenile spring chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)†

The present study investigated the effects of manipulating the GABAergic system on locomotor activity in juvenile spring chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. In addition, we evaluated whether the GABAergic system is important for mediating the behavioural effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). An intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of the GABA_a agonist muscimol caused an acute and dose dependent increase in locomotor activity in juvenile spring chinook salmon. ICV injections of the GABA_a antagonist bicuculline prevented the increase in activity when administered concurrently with muscimol. The GABA_b agonist baclofen had no effect on locomotor activity in this study. Furthermore, we found no evidence that the locomotor response to exogenous CRH was altered by the concurrent administration of muscimol or bicuculline. These results provide evidence to support the hypothesis that endogenous GABA within the central nervous system is involved in the control of locomotor activity in fish. The data also suggest that there is no interaction between the GABAergic system and CRH with regards to the control of locomotor activity in this species.     

Effect of combined insecticide and fungicide treatments on newly sown swards of Italian and perennial ryegrass using two methods of sowing, two rates of seed and N fertilizer, with and without herbicide

The effects of six factors, each at two levels and in all combinations, on herbage yield and weed content of perennial ( Lolium perenne ) and Italian ( L. multiflorum ) ryegrass were assessed in four autumn sowings of field plots, in 3 years and at two sites. The factors were (i) perennial (PRG) or Italian (IRG), (ii) normal or low seed rate, (iii) drilling or broadcasting the seed, (iv) normal or low N fertilizer rate, (v) ryegrass fungicide seed treatment and post-emergence insecticide sprays (F + I) or untreated, and (vi) herbicide treatment or untreated. Overall, herbage yield at the first harvest was increased by F + I and IRG (all sowings), and the higher rates of seed (three sowings) and N (two sowings). Variable results were obtained for the other two factors. Increased yield was often associated with reduced weed content. Significant interactions between factors were obtained at two sowings; in particular, F + I increased yield of IRG by 12% and 22%, but had no effect on PRG. A second harvest, in the following spring, was taken for two sowings and there was no effect of F + I or the higher rates of seed and N. Thus, it is concluded that the desired aim when establishing grass swards of an adequate plant population without excessive competition from weeds appeared to be obtained even with plots receiving the least inputs.     

In vitro and in vivo effect of flutamide on steroid hormone secretion in canine and human inflammatory breast cancer cell lines

The aim was to study the effects of flutamide on cell proliferation, in vivo tumour growth and steroid production in canine and human IBC cell lines. IPC‐366 and SUM149 cell cultures were exposed to flutamide concentrations for 72 hours. Additionally, IPC‐366 and SUM149 xenotransplanted mice were treated subcutaneously with flutamide 3 times a week for 2 weeks. Steroid hormones determination in culture media, serum and tumour homogenates (pregnenolone, progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 17β‐oestradiol and oestrone sulphate) were assayed by EIA. in vitro cell proliferation percentages showed a decrease in all flutamide dosages in IPC‐366 and SUM149. in vivo flutamide reduced tumour size by 55% to 65%, and metastasis rates decreased. In treated groups, androgen levels in culture media, serum and tumour homogenates were increased as oestrogen levels decreased. These results suggest that flutamide treatment inhibits cell proliferation and promotes tumour reduction by increasing androgen levels and also support future therapy approaches.     

Effect of season and superstimulatory treatment on in vivo and in vitro embryo production in wood bison (Bison bison athabascae)

Two experiments were done using a two-by-two design to determine the effects of season and superstimulatory protocol on embryo production in wood bison. In Experiment 1 (in vivo-derived embryos), ovarian superstimulation was induced in female bison during the ovulatory and anovulatory seasons with either two or three doses of FSH given every-other-day (FSH × 2 vs. FSH × 3, respectively). Bison were given hCG to induce ovulation, inseminated 12 and 24 hr after hCG, and embryos were collected 8 days after hCG (n = 10 bison/group). In Experiment 2 (in vitro embryo production), ovarian superstimulation was induced in female bison during the ovulatory and anovulatory seasons with two doses of FSH, and in vivo maturation of the cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) was induced with hCG at either 48 or 72 hr after the last dose of FSH. COC were collected 34 hr after hCG, and expanded COC were used for in vitro fertilization and culture. In Experiment 1, the number of follicles ≥9 mm, the proportion of follicles that ovulated, the number of CL, and the total number of ova/embryos collected did not differ between seasons or treatment groups, but the number of transferable embryos was greater (p < .05) in the ovulatory season. In Experiment 2, no differences were detected between seasons or treatment groups for any end point. The number of transferable embryos produced per bison was greatest (p < .05) using in vitro fertilization and was unaffected by season (1.5 ± 0.2 and 1.1 ± 0.3 during anovulatory and ovulatory seasons, respectively), in contrast to in vivo embryo production which was affected by season (0.1 ± 0.01 and 0.7 ± 0.2 during anovulatory and ovulatory seasons, respectively). Results demonstrate that transferable embryos can be produced throughout the year in wood bison by both in vivo and in vitro techniques, but the efficiency of embryo production of in vivo-derived embryos is significantly lower during the anovulatory season.     

Type I immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs: 39 cases (1997-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical signs, laboratory findings, relationship to vaccination, and response to treatment for type I immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 39 dogs PROCEDURE: Clinical records and radiographic reports from 3 university referral hospitals were reviewed. Clinical signs, laboratory and investigative findings, relationship to vaccination, and response to treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Clinical signs and initial laboratory and clinical investigative findings were frequently abnormal but were nonspecific and not associated with likelihood of recovery. Time of vaccination was not associated with onset of disease. Chemotherapeutic immunosuppression resulted in complete cure in 56% of dogs. Continuous medication was required in 18% (7/39) of dogs, relapses were treated successfully in 13% (5/39) of dogs, and 15% (6/39) of dogs died or were euthanatized as a result of disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The possible involvement of vaccination in type I IMPA was not made clear from this study because of the small population size. Signalment, clinical signs, and results of diagnostic tests other than multiple synovial fluid analyses were generally nonspecific. Most dogs with type I IMPA responded to initial immunosuppressive treatment, but 31% (12/39) of dogs relapsed, required further treatment, or both.     

Relationship between accumulated heat stress during the dry period, body condition score, and reproduction parameters of Holstein cows in tropical conditions

To estimate the relationship between heat stress during the last 60 days prepartum, body condition score and certain reproductive traits in the subsequent lactation of Holstein cows, 564 multiparous cows and 290 primiparous cows from four dairy herds were used in a hot, humid region. Maximum prepartum degree days were estimated to quantify the degree of heat stress. Multiple regressions analyses and logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the effect of prepartum heat stress and body condition change on reproductive parameters, which were obtained from DHIA forms at the end of the lactation. Multiparous and primiparous cows which gained body condition score from calving to 60 d postpartum exhibited 28 and 27 fewer days open (P?<?0.05), respectively, than cows not gaining. There was no effect (P?>?0.05) of heat stress measurement on days open or services per conception in either multiparous or primiparous cows. During hotter months of calving, multiparous cows showed higher services per conception and primiparous cows showed higher days open and services per conception (P?<?0.05). Maximum prepartum degree-days were positively associated (P?<?0.05) with calving difficulty score. Multiparous cows with high body condition score at calving were 1.47 times more likely to present a very difficult calving than cows that calved in October (P?<?0.05). Collectively, these results suggest that reproductive performance was not affected by cumulative prepartum heat stress although it was associated with very difficult calving score.     

Clinical findings in 10 horses diagnosed with monorchidism following exploratory laparotomy or standing laparoscopic surgery

Monorchidism describes the complete absence of one testis and is rare in horses. This study reports the clinical findings in 10 horses diagnosed as monorchids by standing laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy. Hospital records for all horses undergoing cryptorchidectomy (2000–2016) in four centres were reviewed from which horses diagnosed with monorchidism were identified. Surgery was by either standing flank laparoscopy or an inguinal exploration and subsequent exploratory laparotomy under general anaesthesia. Ten horses were diagnosed as monorchids, five by laparoscopy (one bilateral laparoscopy) and five by laparotomy. Nine horses had a normally descended scrotal testicle, which was also removed at surgery. The right testicle was absent in three horses, and the left testicle was absent in seven horses. Anatomical findings were recorded in each case; the vaginal process was present in all horses, ductus deferens and epididymis were present in 80% of horses and the ligament of the tail of the epididymis and testicular vessels were present in 50% of horses. Laparoscopy allowed easy identification of spermatic structures enabling a prompt diagnosis of monorchidism. In conclusion, when monorchidism occurs, most other associated spermatic structures are likely to be present. A diagnosis of true monorchidism is reliant on hormonal testing and absence of testicular tissue on histopathology and so some of these horses may strictly be somewhere on the spectrum of testicular degeneration. This information is particularly useful in the surgical situation when it is not clear whether the testicle is present or not.