Seroepidemiological survey of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in sheep in Japan using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunodiffusion

Sera from 1186 apparently healthy sheep in Hokkaido were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunodiffusion (ID) for the presence of antibodies against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. ELISA-positives were 466 (39.3%) while ID-positives were 330 (27.8%). Spread of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep in Hokkaido was thus clarified. Although ID was less sensitive than ELISA in detecting the antibodies against C. pseudotuberculosis it did not give any non-specific reaction. From the results and in view of the simplicity of the test procedure, ID was found to be of practical diagnostic value. Distribution by age group of anti-C. pseudotuberculosis antibodies in 758 sheep in a herd detected by both tests showed that the ratio of positives was low in sheep aged less than 1 year, and the ratio increased significantly in those aged 1 year and continued to increase with age until it reached a plateau at the age of 4-5 years.     

Evaluation of Transmittance and Reflectance Pulse Oximetry in a Canine Model of Hypotension and Desaturation

Ten, anesthetized dogs were instrumented with three pulse oximeter probes; two lingual transmittance probes and one rectal reflective probe. Arterial oxygen desaturation was produced by decreasing the inspired oxygen concentration. Hypotension was produced with an infusion of nitroprusside. Simultaneous pulse oximeter readings (SpO₂) were compared to co-oximeter measured arterial saturation (SaO₂) collected over a range of SaO₂ (50–100%) and mean arterial pressures (40–100mmHg). Each of the monitors and means of evaluating SpO₂ studied provided accurate SpO₂ measurements over a range of mean arterial pressure from 40–100mmHg. All of the monitors tested tended to overestimate the SaO₂ when the arterial saturation was less than 70%.     

Multiresidue assay for benzimidazole anthelmintics by liquid chromatography and confirmation by gas chromatography/selected-ion monitoring electron impact mass spectrometry

A multiresidue method utilizing all-disposable labware has been developed for 8 benzimidazole anthelmintics from ovine, bovine, and swine muscle and liver tissues. After an initial extraction with ethyl acetate and subsequent evaporation, a 3-component extraction using hexane, ethanol, and 0.2N HCl was used for final cleanup. Clean extracts were produced for separation and determination by reverse-phase liquid chromatography at 298 nm, using methanol and aqueous buffer as mobile phase. A synthesized internal standard, 2-(n-butylmercapto)benzimidazole, was used for quantitation of all drugs. Results are included along with statistical information verifying the performance of the method. Spiked control tissues and incurred drug tissues were used for an intralaboratory study with a concentration range of 50-1470 ppb. A series of standard curves at 0, 50, 100, and 200 ppb were analyzed. Overall recovery at the 100 ppb level averaged 92% (CV 8%) in liver tissues, across all 3 species and 88% (CV 5%) in muscle tissues across all 3 species. Results were confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with acid hydrolysis of the remaining extract in 2N HCl followed by re-extraction of the amine and derivatization to the tert-butyldimethylsilyl derivative. The anthelmintics were identified by gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring electron-impact mass spectrometry. Ion ratio measurements were taken and compared to standard material. CVs averaged 10% or less for all drugs tested.     

Analysis of Growth and Productivity of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) in Relation to FYM, Nitrogen and Source of Fertilizer

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1992–93 and 1993–94 at Anand to study the effect of FYM, nitrogen and source of fertilizer on growth and yield of mustard [ Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Cosson]. The results showed significant variation in leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), dry matter production and seed yield. The direct effect of farmyard manure (FYM) was conspicuous in improving the growth of mustard. FYM application at 10 tonnes ha⁻¹ significantly increased the LAI, CGR and dry matter accumulation per plant at almost all the stages during first year study (1992–93) and in pooled analysis. Similarly, nitrogen application registered maximum LAI, CGR at 75 kg level and RGR and NAR at 50 kg level at almost all the during both years. Sulphur carrying source (Ammonium sulphate plus single super phosphate) increased all stages growth characters. Maximum dry matter accumulation per plant and seed yield were recorded with highest levels of FYM (20 tonnes ha⁻¹), N (75 kg ha⁻¹) and source having S. Seed yield was strongly associated with LAI and dry matter accumulation per plant at all the stages.     

Pharmacokinetic and Phase I Evaluation of Carboplatin in Dogs

Thirty dogs with spontaneously occurring malignant neoplasms were treated monthly with carboplatin (CBDCA) given as a 30-minute intravenous infusion in a dose escalation study. Twenty-eight dogs were considered evaluable for toxicity. The maximally tolerated dose of CBDCA was conceptually defined as that dose, determined by logistic regression analyses of toxicity data, resulting in a 50% incidence of moderate toxicity (MOD₅₀) or a 5% incidence of severe toxicity (SEV₅). Each designated maximally tolerated dose was calculated for the first course of treatment only and for the first and second courses of treatment combined to estimate cumulative drug toxicity. The MOD₅₀ and SEV₅ for the first treatment course were 340 and 278 mg/M², respectively. MOD₅₀ and SEV₅ values for the first plus second treatment courses were 327 and 231 mg/M², respectively. The nadir of neutrophil and platelet counts occurred approximately 14 days after treatment. The mean neutrophil and platelet values for all dogs experiencing myelosuppression during the first two treatment courses were 1541/μL and 62,600/μL, respectively. Nonparametric pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma CBDCA values suggested that half-life (T_1/2), area-under-the-curve and total body clearance (CL_b) were not dose dependent. Volume of distribution (VD_ss) significantly increased with dose only between 100 and 150 mg/M², not between 150 and 300 mg/M². Dose-independent serum CBDCA pharmacokinetic disposition indicates that detailed investigation of tissue CBDCA distribution would be warranted and may identify novel dosing strategies that could improve the therapeutic index of CBDCA by minimizing toxicity. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1993; 7:235–240. Copyright © 1993 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)     

Enzootic abortion in a goat herd, caused by mixed infection with Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydia psittaci. Case report]

We report on an outbreak of enzootic abortion in a herd of goats with high losses caused by mixed infection with Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydia psittaci. Both agents could be detected by microscopic investigation of smears from afterbirths by Giménez staining and by a capture enzyme-linked immunofluorescence assay (Capture ELIFA). Additionally, Coxiella burnetii was isolated from the same tissues in BGM cell cultures. Serological investigations with CF, indirect ELIFA, and IF tests revealed high antibody titers against both agents in most animals. Coxiella antigen was still detected 91 days later in milk samples of two infected goats by Capture ELIFA.     

Responses of ponies to equid herpesvirus-1 Iscom vaccination and challenge with virus of the homologous strain

An experimental (Iscom) vaccine previously shown to protect hamsters from lethal challenge with equid herpesvirus-1 (Ehv-1), was tested in horses. Vaccination with Ehv-1 Iscoms induced serum antibodies to the major virus glycoproteins gp10, 13, 14, 17, 18 and 21/22a, whereas antibody responses to gp2 were weak or absent. High levels of virus neutralising antibody of long duration were induced, but did not prevent challenge infection with virus of the homologous strain. However, in the vaccinated ponies there was a significant reduction in clinical signs, nasal virus excretion and cell associated viraemia compared with age-matched unvaccinated controls. There was a strong correlation between pre-challenge levels of serum virus neutralising antibody and the duration and total amount of virus excreted from the nasopharynx.     

Ⅱ型猪圆环病毒--滴答作响的定时炸弹?

对Ⅱ型猪圆环病毒的研究为与猪断奶后多系统消耗性综合征在全球爆发有关的问题提供了大量答案,但还有一些方面迫切需要引起人们的关注,以便为可能出现的梦魇般的前景准备对策.