Effect of body condition score and reuse of progesterone‐releasing intravaginal devices on conception rate following timed artificial insemination in Nelore cows

This study had the aim of investigating the efficiency of timed artificial insemination (TAI) through the progesterone‐releasing intravaginal device (PRID), used in new condition and for the second and third times in Nelore cows. The effects of device reuse and body condition score (BCS) on the conception rate (CR) were evaluated in 1,122 multiparous Nelore cows (mean BCS of 2.7 ± 0.4), which were randomly distributed into three groups that received new (n = 330), once (n = 439) and twice used (n = 353) PRID. Among the 1,122 females that underwent TAI, 573 became pregnant, thus representing an overall CR of 51.06%. Cows with BCS between 2.75 and 4.0 had greater (p < .0001) CR (69.75%) than cows with BSC of 2.0–2.5 (32.98%). It was observed that the CR through using PRID was 60.00%, 51.71% and 41.93% for new, once and twice used PRID, respectively, with difference between all groups (p < .0001). Under tropical conditions, animals with BCS greater than 2.5 had a higher CR, and the CR decreased proportionally with the number of times that the PRID had been used.     

Antimicrobial delivery by intrasynovial catheterisation with systemic administration for equine synovial trauma and sepsis

Objective To present the technique for intra-articular catheter placement and report the clinical outcomes of 38 cases of equine synovial trauma and/or infection treated with broad-spectrum antimicrobials administered via an intrasynovial catheter (ISC). Design Retrospective study. Procedure Medical records of 38 horses treated for synovial trauma and sepsis with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC from 1995 to 2008 were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained via clinical re-evaluation or telephone contact with the owners. Results The majority of horses (84%) received amikacin and Timentin® four times daily. In addition, synovial lavage through the ISC was carried out in 27 horses (71%). Only radiological evidence of osteolysis had a significant negative impact on both lameness at the time of hospital discharge and the long-term outcome. In total, 92% of horses treated with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC had clinical resolution of infection. Catheter obstruction occurred in three cases, necessitating replacement or removal, and two synovial fistulae developed at sites of open drainage. The majority of horses treated had a favourable outcome, with 86% being at least pasture sound and 43% returned to riding. Conclusion Septic synovial structures treated with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC had a good prognosis for survival and 43% returned to riding, which is consistent with the results of other studies. The use of a simple ISC should be considered when broad-spectrum intrasynovial antimicrobial administration and lavage of a septic synovial structure are indicated.     

The espinal: agroforestry systems of the mediterranean — type climate region of Chile

The Central Valley of Chile is largely occupied by a pseudo-savanna called espinal consisting of a single dominant tree species, Acacia caven (Mol.) Mol. (Leguminosae), and some 215 annuals, most of which were inadvertently introduced from the Mediterranean Basin. The probable origin and current distribution of the espino (Acacia caven) and the espinales in Chile are described. Predominant production systems of the espinal in both the semiarid and subhumid regions of Chile are outlined, with emphasis on the later region. Causes of the current low levels of productivity are discussed, and various strategies for long-term improvement of the espinal are presented.     

Pomegranate ellagitannin-derived metabolites inhibit prostate cancer growth and localize to the mouse prostate gland

Our group has shown in a phase II clinical trial that pomegranate juice (PJ) increases prostate specific antigen (PSA) doubling time in prostate cancer (CaP) patients with a rising PSA. Ellagitannins (ETs) are the most abundant polyphenols present in PJ and contribute greatly towards its reported biological properties. On consumption, ETs hydrolyze to release ellagic acid (EA), which is then converted by gut microflora to 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b, d]pyran-6-one (urolithin A, UA) derivatives. Despite the accumulating knowledge of ET metabolism in animals and humans, there is no available data on the pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition of urolithins. Using a standardized ET-enriched pomegranate extract (PE), we sought to further define the metabolism and tissue distribution of ET metabolites. PE and UA (synthesized in our laboratory) were administered to C57BL/6 wild-type male mice, and metabolite levels in plasma and tissues were determined over 24 h. ET metabolites were concentrated at higher levels in mouse prostate, colon, and intestinal tissues as compared to other tissues after administration of PE or UA. We also evaluated the effects of PE on CaP growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice injected subcutaneously with human CaP cells (LAPC-4). PE significantly inhibited LAPC-4 xenograft growth in SCID mice as compared to vehicle control. Finally, EA and several synthesized urolithins were shown to inhibit the growth of human CaP cells in vitro. The chemopreventive potential of pomegranate ETs and localization of their bioactive metabolites in mouse prostate tissue suggest that pomegranate may play a role in CaP treatment and chemoprevention. This warrants future human tissue bioavailability studies and further clinical studies in men with CaP.     

Caudal vena cava obstruction and ascites in a cat treated by balloon dilation and endovascular stent placement

OBJECTIVE: To present details of an unusual case of caudal vena caval obstruction and its management in a cat. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case report. STUDY POPULATION: A 15 month old male castrated domestic shorthaired cat. RESULTS: The diagnostic evaluation included the use of digital subtraction angiography and ultrasonography to locate the caudal vena caval obstruction. Treatment initially involved puncture and balloon dilation of the obstructed area of the cava. After reobstruction, the stenotic area was redilated and stented. The cat was euthanatized 4 weeks later because of vomiting, anorexia, and abnormal behavior, presumed to be associated with liver disease. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Interventional radiography provided a minimally invasive way to manage this unusual vascular anomaly.     

Congenital cardiac disease in dogs

Patent ductus arteriosus, aortic stenosis, ventricular septal defect, pulmonic stenosis and tetralogy of Fallot are the most frequently reported cardiac anomalies of dogs. Systolic murmurs occur after the first heart sound but before the second, while diastolic murmurs occur after the second heart sound. Murmurs associated with the pulmonic, aortic and mitral valves are best heard at the left intercostal spaces 3, 4 and 5, respectively, and those of the tricuspid valve at the right intercostal space 3 or 4. Mucosae at both ends of the animal should be examined for cyanosis. Right ventricular enlargement is characterized by a mean electrical axis greater than 100 degrees, a Q wave amplitude greater than 0.5 mv in leads II, III and AVF, and a positive T wave in lead V10. Left ventricular enlargement causes an axis of less than 40 degrees, a QRS complex duration greater than 0.06 seconds, an R wave amplitude greater than 3 mv, and a slurred or depressed ST segment. Atrial enlargement is characterized by a P wave duration greater than 0.04 seconds and a P wave amplitude greater than 0.4 mv. The cardiac silhouette is more upright and round on DV radiographs than on VD projections.     

Escherichia coli bacteremia associated with hypertrophic osteodystrophy in a dog.

Escherichia coli bacteremia was detected in a dog that had hypertrophic osteodystrophy. The dog improved after treatment with cephalothin sodium, iv fluid therapy, and cage rest. The cause of hypertrophic dystrophy has not been determined, although an infectious cause has been suggested. Dogs that are suspected of having hypertrophic osteodystrophy should be monitored closely for evidence of septicemia, and the administration of prophylactic antibiotics may be advisable.     

Infrared spectra from fine particulate surfaces

Characteristic spectral information can be obtained from a surface composed of fine particles either if the spectrum is observed at sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio or if the particles are well compacted.     

New method for manipulation,maintenance, and cloning of single mammalian cells in vitro

Individual mammalian cells can be isolated with the aid of easily handled glass beads to which the cells have become attached. Procedures for the preparation of cell cultures on beads, and for the recognition and manipulation of beads carrying single monocytes, HeLa cells, and Detroit-98 cells are described. Data obtained with Brucella infected monocytes, illustrating the efficiency of the method, are presented.