Cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression profiles in tracheobronchial lymph nodes from pigs singularly infected or coinfected with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHYO)

The objective of this study was to determine cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression profiles in tracheobronchial lymph nodes from pigs singularly infected with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHYO), or coinfected with both. Twenty-eight pigs were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) negative controls (NEG), (2) inoculated with MHYO (IMHYO), (3) inoculated with MHYO and PCV2 (CoI), and (4) inoculated with PCV2 (IPCV2). MHYO infection significantly (P<0.05) stimulated innate cytokines, IL1B and IL8. PCV2 infection significantly stimulated expression of IFNG, IL8, NOS2A and chemokines CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL10. IFNB, IL1B and IL12 were slightly increased with PCV2 infection and IFNA and IL4 were significantly downregulated. Compared to NEG pigs, coinfection resulted in a significant increase in expression of IFNG, IL1B, IL8, CCL5, CXCL10, and weak stimulation of IFNB, IL6 and IL10; IL13 and IFNA were significantly downregulated. Overall MHYO potentiated PCV2 infection by increasing IFNG and IL10 mRNA expression levels. The increase of IFNG and chemokines and decrease of IFNA in IPCV2 and CoI pigs were correlated with increased severity of lymphoid lesions and the presence of PCV2 antigen. In summary, this work provided evidence that the increased severity of lesions in PCV2 and MHYO coinfected pigs was associated mainly with the presence of PCV2 antigen and alterations of cytokine mRNA expression profiles.     

Effects of activation methods on DNA synthesis and development of parthenogenetic porcine embryos

This study investigated the timing of DNA synthesis and patterns of pronuclear (PN) formation during the first cell cycle, and its influence on developmental competence, velocity and proliferation index of porcine parthenote blastocysts produced by different activation treatments. Oocytes were activated as follows: electrical stimulation (EST), EST combined with 7.5 μg/ml cytochalasin B (EST + CCB), 10 μg/ml cycloheximide (EST + CHX) and 1.9 mm 6-dimethylaminopurine (EST + 6-DMAP) for 3 h. DNA synthesis and PN formation were evaluated using 1 mm 5'bromo-2'deoxy-uridne (BrdU) at 2 h intervals from 1 to 13 h or 5 to 13 h of post-activation (hpa), respectively. In EST, DNA synthesis started at 3 hpa, reached the peak at 11 hpa and decreased at 13 hpa. Treatment with 6-DMAP resulted in an early increase of DNA synthesis at 3 hpa, whereas CCB delayed DNA synthesis for 2 h. In EST and EST + 6-DMAP, most of the eggs showed 1PN, whereas, incidence of 2PN in EST + CCB was higher than 1PN. EST + CHX was observed with 1PN, 2PN and multiple PN. Blastocyst rate in EST + CCB and EST + 6-DMAP were significantly (p<0.05) higher than EST + CHX. But, the developmental velocity was not different among groups. Proliferation index of blastocysts, as indicated the number of blastomere at S-phase of the cell cycle was low in all groups. In conclusion, CCB, CHX and 6-DMAP used for producing porcine parthenogenetic embryos induced different onset of DNA synthesis and PN, but they did not affect the subsequent embryo development.     

Estimation of genetic parameters for mature weight in Angus cattle

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for BW of Angus cattle up to 5 yr of age and to discuss options for including mature weight (MW) in their genetic evaluation. Data were obtained from the American Angus Association. Only records from herds with at least 500 animals and with >10% of animals with BW at ≥ 2 yr of age were considered. Traits were weaning weight (WW, n = 81,525), yearling weight (YW, n = 62,721), and BW measured from 2 to 5 yr of age (MW2, n = 15,927; MW3, n = 12,404; MW4, n = 9,805; MW5, n = 7,546). Genetic parameters were estimated using an AIREML algorithm with a multiple-trait animal model. Fixed effects were contemporary group and departure of the actual age from standard age (205, 365, 730, 1,095, 1,460, and 1,825 d of age for WW, YW, MW2, MW3, MW4, and MW5, respectively). Random effects were animal direct additive genetic, maternal additive genetic, maternal permanent environment, and residual. Estimates of direct genetic variances (kg(2)) were 298 ± 71.8, 563 ± 15.1, 925 ± 52.1, 1,221 ± 65.8, 1,406 ± 80.4, and 1,402 ± 66.9; maternal genetic variances were 167 ± 4.8, 153 ± 6.1, 123 ± 9.1, 136 ± 12.25, 167 ± 18.0, and 110 ± 14.0; maternal permanent environment variances were 124 ± 2.9, 120 ± 4.3, 61 ± 7.5, 69 ± 11.9, 103 ± 15.9, and 134 ± 35.2; and residual variances were 258 ± 3.8, 608 ± 8.6, 829 ± 34.2, 1,016 ± 38.8, 1,017 ± 52.1, and 1,202 ± 63.22 for WW, YW, MW2, MW3, MW4, and MW5, respectively. The direct genetic correlation between WW and YW was 0.84 ± 0.14 and between WW and MW ranged from 0.66 ± 0.06 (WW and MW4) to 0.72 ± 0.11 (WW and MW2). Direct genetic correlations ranged from 0.77 ± 0.08 (YW and MW5) to 0.85 ± 0.07 (YW and MW2) between YW and MW, and they were ≥ 0.95 among MW2, MW3, MW4, and MW5. Maternal genetic correlations between WW and YW and MW ranged from 0.52 ± 0.05 (WW and MW4) to 0.95 ± 0.07 (WW and YW), and among MW they ranged from 0.54 ± 0.14 (MW4 and MW5) to 0.94 ± 0.07 (MW2 and MW3). Genetic correlations suggest that a genetic evaluation for MW may be MW2-based and that including BW from older ages could be accomplished by adjusting records to the scale of MW2.     

The pharmacokinetics and in vitro cyclooxygenase selectivity of deracoxib in horses

Davis, J. L., Marshall, J. F., Papich, M. G., Blikslager, A. T., Campbell, N. B. The pharmacokinetics and in vitro cyclooxygenase selectivity of deracoxib in horses. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 34 , 12–16. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of deracoxib following oral administration to horses. In addition, in vitro equine whole blood cyclooxygenase (COX) selectivity assays were performed. Six healthy adult horses were administered deracoxib (2 mg/kg) orally. Plasma samples were collected prior to drug administration (time 0), and 10, 20, 40 min and 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after administration for analysis with high pressure liquid chromatography using ultraviolet detection. Following PO administration, deracoxib had a long elimination half‐life (t_1/2k₁₀) of 12.49 ± 1.84 h. The average maximum plasma concentration (C_max) was 0.54 μg/mL, and was reached at 6.33 ± 3.44 h. Bioavailability was not determined because of the lack of an IV formulation. Results of in vitro COX selectivity assays showed that deracoxib was selective for COX‐2 with a COX‐1/COX‐2 ratio of 25.67 and 22.06 for the IC₅₀ and IC₈₀, respectively. Dosing simulations showed that concentrations above the IC₈₀ for COX‐2 would be maintained following 2 mg/kg PO q12h, and above the IC₅₀ following 2 mg/kg PO q24h. This study showed that deracoxib is absorbed in the horse after oral administration, and may offer a useful alternative for anti‐inflammatory treatment of various conditions in the horse.     

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression is related with localization, proliferation, and overall survival in canine melanocytic neoplasms

A direct relationship has been firmly established between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and malignant behavior in human melanoma. This report examines the relationship between COX-2 expression and tumor location, mitotic and proliferative indices, degree of T CD3(+) lymphocyte infiltration, overall survival, and frequency of recurrence and metastasis of 57 melanocytic tumors (25 oral and 32 cutaneous). COX-2 was highly or moderately expressed in 88% of oral neoplasms (22 of 25), whereas for their cutaneous counterparts, COX-2 expression was low or insignificant in 75% of cases (24 of 32). High and moderate COX-2 expression levels were observed in 73% of melanocytic tumors with a mitotic index ≥ 3 per 10 high-power fields (26 of 36), whereas in 81% of tumors with a mitotic index < 3 (17 of 21), expression was mild or absent. There were 41 cases with known clinical outcomes; of those showing high, moderate, and mild COX-2 expression, 83.3% (10 of 12), 37.5% (3 of 8), and 25% (2 of 8) died, respectively, whereas 100% of animals showing no COX-2 expression (13 of 13) were still alive at the last follow-up. COX-2 expression was statistically correlated with tumor location, mitotic and percentage Ki-67 proliferative indices, and overall survival, frequency of neoplastic recurrence and metastasis. Regression analysis also showed disease-specific predictive value for COX-2 expression for subjects with melanocytic neoplasms. Additionally, only high COX-2 expression showed significant differences in overall survival, in comparison with moderate, mild, or absent expression. These results suggest that high COX-2 expression may be considered a prognostic biomarker and potentially as a target for therapeutic and preventive strategies in canine melanocytic neoplasms.     

Terminology for classifying the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) status of swine herds

Standardized terminology for the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) status of swine herds is necessary to facilitate communication between veterinarians, swine producers, genetic companies, and other industry participants. It is also required for implementation of regional and national efforts towards PRRSV control and elimination. The purpose of this paper is to provide a herd classification system for describing the PRRSV status of herds, based upon a set of definitions reflecting the biology and ecology of PRRSV. The herd classification system was developed by a definitions committee formed jointly by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and the United States Department of Agriculture PRRS-Coordinated Agricultural Project, and was approved by the AASV Board of Directors on March 9, 2010. The committee included veterinarians from private practice and industry, researchers, and representatives from AASV and the National Pork Board. Breeding herds, with or without growing pigs on the same premises, are categorized as Positive Unstable (Category I), Positive Stable (Category II), Provisional Negative (Category III), or Negative (Category IV) on the basis of herd shedding and exposure status. Growing-pig herds are categorized as Positive or Negative. Recommended testing procedures and decision rules for herd classification are detailed.     

Typical and atypical manifestations of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in dogs

Eighteen clinically ill dogs, naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, were examined at a veterinary practice in Baxter, Minnesota. A clinical examination, complete blood cell count, enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for A phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia canis antibodies and Dirofilaria immitis antigen, and a polymerase chain reaction test for A phagocytophilum DNA were obtained for all dogs. Physical examination findings included fever, arthropathy, lymphadenopathy, epistaxis, acute gastritis, cervical hyperpathia, and central nervous system dysfunction. Complete blood cell count abnormalities included thrombocytopenia, morulae in neutrophils, anemia, leukopenia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia, and monocytosis. Seroreactivity to A phagocytophilum was found in 61%, B burgdorferi antibodies in 17%, and D immitis antigen in 5% of the dogs. Fever, arthropathy, neurologic dysfunction, and epistaxis are clinical syndromes that can be associated with A phagocytophilum infection. Treatment with doxycycline resulted in rapid resolution of clinical signs in all dogs.     

Surgical treatment and radiation therapy of frontal lobe meningiomas in 7 dogs

The cases of 7 adult dogs with generalized seizures managed by surgical excision and radiation therapy for frontal lobe meningiomas were reviewed. The neurological examination was unremarkable in 6 of the 7 dogs. Five dogs were operated on using a bilateral transfrontal sinus approach and 2 using a unilateral sinotemporal approach to the frontal lobe. One dog was euthanized 14 d after surgery; radiation therapy was initiated 3 wk after surgery in the remaining 6 dogs. Long-term follow-up consisted of neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT) scan after radiation therapy. The mean survival time for dogs that had surgery and radiation therapy was 18 mo after surgery. Frontal lobe meningiomas have been associated with poor prognosis. However, the surgical approaches used in these cases, combined with radiation therapy, allow a survival rate for frontal lobe meningiomas similar to that for meningiomas located over the cerebral convexities.     

Risk assessment and surveillance for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Argentina

An assessment was made of the risks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) occurring in Argentina. Most of the factors associated with the origin and development of the BSE epidemic in the UK are essentially absent. For example, Argentina's large sheep and cattle industries are based on low-cost production systems using grass. Concentrated feeds are not used for sheep, rarely for beef cattle and to a comparatively modest extent for dairy cows. Particularly important are the facts that scrapie (and BSE) has never been reported in Argentina—very small amounts of waste tissues from sheep are rendered to produce meat and bone meal (MBM)—and MBM is not used in concentrated feeds for cattle. We conclude that Argentina has an exceptionally low risk of BSE due to scrapie. There is a very small risk of BSE having been introduced via live animals imported from countries with BSE, but this could only give rise to isolated cases because MBM is not fed to cattle.

A surveillance programme has been carried out based largely on a histological examination of brains from three categories of old dairy cows: animals reported on the suspicion of having neurological disease; animals in poor condition at slaughter; healthy animals randomly selected in the abattoir. No evidence of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy was seen in several sections from each of a total of 1019 brains. We conclude that, for most practical purposes, Argentina may be considered to be free from BSE.     

Quality of computerized medical record abstract data at a veterinary teaching hospital

This study was designed to evaluate the quality of data from computerized medical record abstracts at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ontario Veterinary College. Information in the paper medical record (registration, physical exam, daily progress, laboratory, radiology, anaesthesia and surgery forms), the summary sheet, and the computerized record were compared. A random sample of 100 patient visits from a subset of visits that were identified as all possible dog or cat elective-surgery visits in the computerized records from 1983 through 1991 were used. Clinicians were responsible for summarizing the medical record on the summary sheet and health record technicians entered the information from the summary sheet into the computer record. Most of the discrepancies (n = 33) noted for diagnoses, procedures or complications were due to the lack of transfer of information from the paper forms to the summary sheet. Although the medical record technicians detected and entered some of these (n = 10), most were not entered into the computerized records. The next most-common discrepancies (n = 5) were due to the clinician writing a different entry on the summary sheet than was present on the other paper record forms. Only one record had a miscoded diagnosis and three had miscoded procedures. Misfiled forms in the medical record folders of two patients resulted in one incorrect diagnosis and one incorrect procedure recorded in the computer record. When any discrepancy between the paper and computer record for diagnoses, procedures or complications was considered, 41% of the visits had discrepancies (46% dogs; 36% cats). The percentage varied by surgery status: non-elective surgeries 82%, elective surgeries 37% and non-surgical visits 29%. There was no obvious time trend. The completeness and accuracy of information in the database was inadequate for the intended research on post-operative complications following elective surgeries.