Profiling pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression levels as a novel method for selection of increased innate immune responsiveness

Previous studies using F1 reciprocal crosses and two parental lines of broilers show the sire is instrumental in determining the in vitro leukocyte function and cytokine/chemokine profile. Since the innate immune response is the primary means young chickens have to protect themselves, we hypothesize utilizing a novel genomics approach to select sires based on an elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine profile. By identifying sires with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-1beta and IL-6) and chemokine (CXCLi2 and CCLi2) mRNA expression levels, we expect the progeny will also have elevated profiles. We characterized the pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine profile of 119 sires using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and identified two populations with inherently high and low mRNA expression levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, CXCLi2, and CCLi2. Select high and low sires were then used to produce progeny for the second phase of the trial. Blood samples were collected from 214 progeny and the cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression levels determined. Progeny from high sires had significantly (P相似文献   

Human tularaemia associated with exposure to domestic dogs—United States, 2006–2016

Dogs have been implicated in the zoonotic transmission of numerous pathogens. Whereas cats are known to transmit Francisella tularensis to humans via bite and other routes, the role of dogs in facilitating infection is much less understood. We reviewed tularaemia case investigation records collected through national surveillance during 2006–2016 to summarize those with dog involvement, characterize the nature of dog‐related exposure and describe associated clinical characteristics. Among 1,814 human tularaemia cases, 735 (41%) supplemental case investigation records were available for review; and of those, 24 (3.3%) were classified as dog‐related. Median age of patients was 51 years (range: 1–82); 54% were female. Two thirds (67%) of cases presented with ulceroglandular/glandular tularaemia; pneumonic (13%) and oropharyngeal (13%) illness occurred less frequently. Dog‐related exposures were classified as follows: direct contact via bite, scratch or face snuggling/licking (n = 12; 50%); direct contact with dead animals retrieved by domestic dogs (n = 8; 33%); and contact with infected ticks acquired from domestic dogs (n = 4; 17%). Prevention of dog‐related tularaemia necessitates enhanced tularaemia awareness and tick avoidance among pet owners, veterinarians, health care providers and the general public.     

Evaluation of canine heat shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4) as a candidate gene for primary cataracts in the Dachshund and the Entlebucher Mountain dog

OBJECTIVE: Testing of the cataract-causing insertion/deletion mutation in the canine HSF4 gene for its linkage and association with primary cataracts (CAT) in Dachshunds and Entlebucher Mountain dogs. MATERIALS: Exon 9 with flanking intronic regions of the canine HSF4 gene was sequenced in 24 Dachshunds and 20 Entlebucher Mountain dogs. The HSF4 cDNA sequence of lens tissue was analyzed in a CAT-unaffected mixed-breed dog and in three CAT-affected dogs of different breeds, including a Wire-haired Dachshund, a Dachshund-mix and a German Shepherd dog. RESULTS: In all dogs investigated here, the previously reported CAT-causing mutation did not exist. We found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron 9, which was neither associated nor linked with the CAT phenotype in the two dog breeds. CONCLUSION: The CAT phenotype in the two dog breeds investigated here was not caused by the same mutation found to be associated with early-onset CAT in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier. The intronic SNP may be useful to test HSF4 for linkage with CAT in further dog breeds.     

Propofol versus thiopental: effects on peri-induction intraocular pressures in normal dogs

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of propofol or thiopental induction on intraocular pressures (IOP) in normal dogs.Study designProspective randomized experimental study.AnimalsTwenty-two random-source dogs weighing 19.5 ± 5.3 kg.MethodsDogs were randomly assigned to receive propofol 8 mg kg⁻¹ IV (group P) or thiopental 18 mg kg⁻¹ IV (group T) until loss of jaw tone. Direct arterial blood pressure, arterial blood gasses, and IOP were measured at baseline, after pre-oxygenation but before induction, before endotracheal intubation, and after intubation.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups with regard to weight, body condition score, breed group, or baseline or before-induction IOP, arterial blood pressure, or blood gases. The baseline IOP was 12.9 mmHg. Before endotracheal intubation, IOP was significantly higher compared to baseline and before induction in dogs receiving propofol. After intubation with propofol, IOP was significantly higher compared to thiopental and was significantly higher compared to before induction. After intubation, IOP was significantly lower compared to before intubation in dogs receiving thiopental. Propofol increased IOP before intubation by 26% over the before-induction score and thiopental increased IOP by 6% at the same interval. The IOP in group P remained 24% over the before induction score whereas thiopental ultimately decreased IOP 9% below baseline after intubation. There was no significant relationship between any cardiovascular or blood gas parameter and IOP at any time. There was no significant relationship between the changes in any cardiovascular or blood gas parameter and the changes in IOP between time points.Conclusions and clinical relevancePropofol caused a significant increase in IOP compared to baseline and thiopental. Thiopental caused an insignificant increase in IOP which decreased after intubation. Propofol should be avoided when possible in induction of anesthesia in animals where a moderate increase in IOP could be harmful.     

Effects of dietary L‐arginine supplementation to early pregnant mares on conceptus diameter—Preliminary findings

The importance of the amino acid L‐arginine (ARG) for conceptus growth and litter size has been demonstrated in various species. L‐arginine is part of embryo‐derived polyamines, a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and stimulates protein synthesis by the embryo. In the present study, we have investigated whether dietary L‐arginine supplementation stimulates early conceptus growth in mares. Warmblood mares with singleton pregnancies received either an arginine‐supplemented diet (approximately 0.0125% of body weight, n = 12) or a control diet (n = 11) from days 15 to 45 after ovulation. Diameter of the embryonic vesicle (days 14, 17, 20 of pregnancy) and size of the embryo respective foetus (length and maximal diameter, days 25–45 of pregnancy at 5‐day intervals) were determined by transrectal ultrasound. At foaling, weight and size of the foal and the placenta were determined. Blood for determination of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and progestin concentrations was collected repeatedly. Neither eCG nor progestin concentration in plasma of mares differed between groups at any time. No effects of arginine treatment on diameter of the embryonic vesicle between days 14 and 20 of pregnancy were detected. Diameter of the embryo/foetus on days 40 to 45 of pregnancy strongly tended to be enhanced by arginine supplementation (p = 0.06). Weight and size of neither the foal nor placenta at birth differed between groups. In conclusion, L‐arginine supplementation was without negative effects on early equine embryos and may support embryonic growth at the beginning of placentation.     

Relationship between performance,metabolic profile,and feed efficiency of lactating beef cows

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Twenty-seven Nellore cow-calf pairs were submitted for feed efficiency testing. The animals were weighed every 21 ± 5 days to...     

Suitability of plant physiological methods to estimate the transpiration of agricultural crops

Transpiration is the main part of the water balance in the system soil-plant during the vegetation period. Its determination or calculation is essential for modeling of soil moisture content or solute transport. Transpiration is difficult to quantify because it is influenced by the atmosphere, the soil, and the plants. This paper describes the potential and limitations of plant physiological methods (sap flow, gas exchange, leaf water potential) to estimate the transpiration. A weighable lysimeter was used as reference method. Results are shown for corn [Zea mays L.] and rape [Brassica napus L.]) for the years 1998 and 1999. At days without rain the diurnal transpiration rates, determined by the plant physiological methods and by the lysimeter differ by less than 12%. The results demonstrate that the plant physiological methods applied are important for an understanding of the complex transpiration process. Limitations lie in the difficulties in up-scaling, and the impossibility of measurements of the absolute actual transpiration rates of agricultural crops for longer periods like months or years.