Effects of dopamine administration on cecal mechanical activity and cecal blood flow in conscious healthy horses

Lateral cecal arterial blood flow, carotid arterial pressure, heart rate, and mechanical activity of the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the cecal body were measured in 7 conscious healthy horses during IV infusion of physiologic saline solution for 60 minutes (control), during a 60-minute IV infusion of dopamine (at dosages of 1, 2.5, and 5 micrograms/kg/min), and for 60 minutes after IV infusion of dopamine. The mean values for lateral cecal arterial blood flow during IV infusion of dopamine at a dosage of either 1 or 2.5 micrograms/kg/min were not significantly different from the mean values for lateral cecal arterial blood flow during IV infusion of saline solution. The mean values for lateral cecal arterial blood flow, however, were significantly greater during IV infusion of dopamine at a dosage of 5 micrograms/kg/min than the mean values for lateral cecal arterial blood flow during IV infusion of saline solution. Intravenous infusion of dopamine at 1 and 2.5 micrograms/kg/min did not significantly change the mean values for carotid arterial pressure. In contrast, the mean values for carotid arterial pressure were significantly less during IV infusion of dopamine at dosages of 2.5 and 5 micrograms/kg/min than during infusion of saline solution. The mean values for heart rate were not significantly altered by infusion of dopamine at a dosage of either 1 or 2.5 micrograms/kg/min, but infusion of dopamine at a dosage of 5 micrograms/kg/min significantly increased heart rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Relationship of osteomyelitis and associated soft-tissue lesions with green liver discoloration in tom turkeys

Tom turkey carcasses with partial green discolored livers (n = 191) or normal livers (n = 198) were examined for osteomyelitis and/or associated soft-tissue lesions. Seventy-nine turkeys with green discolored livers had osteomyelitis and/or associated soft-tissue lesions (41.4%), including 53 with just osteomyelitis (27.7%), while 112 (59.6%) had no osteomyelitis and/or soft-tissue lesions. Only five turkeys (2.5%) with normal livers had osteomyelitis. Discolored livers were significantly heavier, but carcasses with discolored livers weighed significantly less than carcasses with normal livers. Bacteria were isolated from 54 of 61 osteomyelitis lesions (88.5%); most frequently staphylococci (50.8%) followed by Escherichia coli (14.8%), Streptococcus sp. (13.1%), and occasional other organisms. Most associated soft-tissue lesions and livers were sterile (74.7%). These finding indicate that although turkey carcasses with green discolored livers are more likely to have osteomyelitis and/or associated soft-tissue lesions than turkey carcasses with normal livers, there is also an approximately equal chance they will not have these lesions.     

Retracted: Effect of Post‐Thaw Storage Time on Motility and Fertility of Cryopreserved Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso) Sperm

The aim of this study was to test the influence of post ‐ thaw storage time on the duration of sperm motility, percentage of motile sperm, and fertilization and hatching rates of fresh sperm and sperm stored for 0, 30 and 60 min at 4°C post‐thawing. After being frozen in liquid nitrogen and then thawed, the percentage of motile sperm and duration of motility were not affected by 30 min of storage at 4°C, whereas a significant decline in these parameters was observed after 60 min of storage. Similarly, fertilization and hatching rates were significantly affected within 60 min of storage at 4°C, and the fertility of frozen‐thawed sperm was significantly lower than that of fresh sperm. We conclude that cryopreserved sperm of beluga sturgeon could be stored for 30 min without the loss of sperm quality. This described procedure for beluga sturgeon cryopreservation is reliable and efficient and therefore can be recommended for hatchery practice after scaling up this technique.     

Immunophenotype and functional properties of feline dendritic cells derived from blood and bone marrow

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells of fundamental importance in initiating innate as well as specific immune responses. The identity and function of DCs in the cat are unknown, although they are likely pivotal in the response to infection. In this study, feline DCs were derived by 3-10-day culture of adherent blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) in the presence of IL 4 and GM-CSF. BMMC consistently yielded a greater number of DCs than PBMC, and there were fewer macrophages than DC from both compartments. DCs expressed a distinct constellation of surface molecules, which included CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c, CD11b, CD14, and 2-3-fold higher levels of MHC class I and II molecules than co-cultured macrophages or fresh blood monocytes. DCs displayed typical cytoplasmic processes, limited non-specific esterase activity, and acquired antigen by phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and binding to specific receptors. Cytokine-exposed cells induced proliferation of allogeneic lymphocytes. Thus, the cells derived by these culture conditions had markers and functions analogous to immature myeloid DCs. Availability of feline DCs will enable investigation of their role in infectious disease and their potential therapeutic application.     

STUDIES ON VENEREAL TRANSMISSION OF CAMPYLOBACTER FETUS BY IMMUNISED BULLS

Temporary contamination of the penis and prepuce with Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis biotype intermedius may occur when immunised bulls mate with infected heifers. However, 2 experiments showed that this contamination was not a significant cause of genital infection in susceptible heifers that subsequently mated with bulls.     

Diversity of Salmonella serovars in feedyard and nonfeedyard playas of the Southern High Plains in the summer and winter

OBJECTIVE: To compare Salmonella isolates cultured from feedyard and nonfeedyard (control) playas (ie, temporary shallow lakes) of the Southern High Plains. SAMPLE POPULATION: Water and muck (sediment) samples were obtained from 7 feedyard playas and 3 nonfeedyard playas in the winter and summer. PROCEDURE: Each water and muck sample was enriched with sulfur-brilliant-green broth and incubated in a shaker at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. A sample (100 mL) of the incubated bacterial-enriched broth was then mixed with 100 mL of fresh sulfur-brilliant-green enrichment broth and incubated in a shaker at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. After the second incubation, a swab sample was streaked on differential media. Suspect Salmonella isolates were further identified by use of biochemical tests, and Salmonella isolates were confirmed and serovar determinations made. RESULTS: Salmonella isolates were not recovered from the 3 control playas. Seven Salmonella enterica serovars were isolated from 5 of 7 feedyard playas in the summer, and 13 S. enterica serovars were isolated from 7 of 7 feedyard playas in the winter. In the summer, 296 isolates were cultured, and 47 were Salmonella organisms. In the winter, 288 isolates were cultured, and 171 were Salmonella organisms. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that feedyard playas are frequently contaminated with many Salmonella serovars. These pathogens should be considered whenever feedyard managers contemplate the use of water from these playas. Water from feedyard playas should not be used to cool cattle in the summer or for dust abatement.