The efficacy of different oral dosage forms of furazolidone for E. coli infections in carrier pigeons

The clinical efficiacy of furazolidon for treatment of E. coli-induced gastro-intestinal infections in racing pigeons was investigated. 36 adult pigeons were treated with 2 different oral modes of application (capsule/drinking water) with a daily therapeutic dosage of 12.5 mg furazolidon/pigeon. The pigeons used for this study (Columba livia f. domestica) originated from conventional breeders and were housed in 3 different groups (control-, capsule- and powder-group) in different stables. After infection with an E. coli-strain (O150:H8) that proved to be pathogenic for pigeons, the animals developed clinical signs of disease within 2 days. After onset of disease the treatment with furazolidon for 5 days started. This phase was followed by an adspectory phase for 6 days. The negative identification of the E. coli O150:H8 was determined as main parameter for the clinical efficiacy of the treatment with furazolidon. This parameter showed a highly significant (p = 0.0001) difference between both groups treated with furazolidon and the control group. In both groups treated with furazolidon the E. coli strain could not be isolated after the end of the treatment. An improvement of clinical signs was seen 24 hours after treatment via capsule and 48 hours after treatment via drinking water formulation. The time difference might be caused by the high concentration of furazolidon in the capsules due to the single daily application. Considering the inaccurate dosing via drinking water that results from the varying drinking water intake in pigeons, the application by capsule should be prefered. Both furazolidon preparations proved to be effective in treating gastro-intestinal E. coli-infections in racing pigeons in a dosage of 12.5 mg/pigeon for 5 days, however, best results were obtained by application via capsule.     

Cloning,expression, and selective inhibition of canine cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2

Cyclooxygenase (COX) performs the critical initial reaction in the arachidonic metabolic cascade, leading to formation of proinflammatory prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and prostacyclins. The discovery of a second COX isoform (COX-2) associated with inflammation led to agents that selectively inhibit COX-2. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are also being developed for canine applications. To assess the compound potency on canine enzymes, canine COX-1 and COX-2 were cloned, expressed, and purified. Cyclooxygenase-1 was cloned from a canine kidney complementary DNA (cDNA) library, with 96 % sequence homology to human COX-1. Cyclooxygenase-2 was cloned from canine kidney and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage cDNA libraries, with a 93 % sequence homology to human COX-2. The arachidonic acid Michaelis constants for canine COX-1 and COX-2 were 4.8 and 6.6 micrometer, respectively, compared with 9.6 and 10.2 micrometer for ovine. Inhibition results indicated that, for all compounds tested, there was no significant difference between potencies determined for canine enzymes and those for human enzymes.     

Cyclic Related and Pathological Changes in the Lectin-binding Sites on the Swine Oviduct

This study was carried out to compare the lectin-binding pattern in the normal and pathological oviduct of sows during the ovarian cycle. Lectin-binding patterns showed differences between segments, phases of ovarian cycle and presence of morphologic lesions. In the infundibulum, it was observed that the cysts, in the follicular phase, reduced Ricinus communis-I (RCA-I) and Ulex europaeus-I (UEA-I) binding. Furthermore, in the pathological oviducts of the luteal-phase group, there is a reduction of Concanavalia ensiformis (Con-A) reactivity in this segment of the tube having wall cysts, adenomyosis and diverticulus. The Arachis hypogaea (PNA) binding in the infundibulum, during the luteal phase, decreased in the tube having adenomyosis. In animals with wall cysts, the Con-A, Triticum vulgaris (WGA) and RCA-I reactivity was minor in the glycocalyx of the isthmus epithelium during follicular phase. Con-A and Dolichos biflorus (DBA) binding pattern was minor in the luteal-phase isthmus of the tube having wall cysts, adenomyosis and diverticulus. In the ampulla, the wall cysts impaired the Con-A reaction only in the basal region of the epithelium, in the follicular phase. Binding with Con-A was decreased in the ampulla of animals in the luteal phase in the tube lesions with cysts and diverticulus. In addition, the diverticulus observed in the ampulla, during the luteal phase, reduced the PNA tubaric binding. The results of this study showed that the morphologic alterations modify the sugar pattern in the oviduct of sows. These modifications in glycoconjugates may be one of the reasons for the failure of fertility in sows.     

Non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical activity as a measure of stress in leopards Panthera pardus

Leopards Panthera pardus are classified in the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable, primarily due to habitat loss, natural prey base depletion and exploitation caused by various anthropogenic activities. Although protected areas are important for leopard conservation, the majority of suitable leopard habitat lies beyond protected area boundaries exposing individuals to different environmental, physiological and psychosocial stressors. This study aimed to examine the suitability of five different enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring adrenocortical function in the leopard based on faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) analysis. After performing an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and investigating the stability of fGCM post-defaecation, faeces from free-ranging leopards in a peri-urban and a conservation area were collected to investigate the potential impact of habitat variability on glucocorticoid output. An EIA measuring fGCM with a 5α-3β-11β-diol structure performed best, demonstrating a ～200%–330% increase in fGCM concentrations approximately 40 h post-ACTH administration. Concentrations of fGCM remained quite stable for up to six days post-defaecation and showed a maximum increase of 8% and a maximum decrease of 9%. Although not significantly different, overall median fGCM concentrations were 68% higher in individuals utilising the peri-urban area compared with leopards utilising the conservation area. The ranges of fGCM concentrations between sites, however, were similar. Individual median fGCM concentrations differed distinctly between free-ranging males and females, possibly linked to female reproductive status. The established method can now assist in addressing some of the issues facing local wildlife managers, conservationists and researchers tackling various aspects related to leopard conservation and management under different land-use practices.