Cross-reactivity of anti-chicken IgY antibody with immunoglobulins of exotic avian species

Background: A major challenge in the serologic diagnosis of infectious diseases in exotic birds is the limited availability of species-specific antibodies. Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to determine if there is cross reactivity between commercially available anti-chicken IgY antibodies and immunoglobulins of several avian species, with particular emphasis on psittacines. Methods: To quantitate the reactivity with anti-chicken IgY, Western blot analysis was performed using plasma samples from many different avian species. Results were compared with gamma globulin fraction quantitation obtained by protein electrophoresis. Results: By Western blot, 2 protein bands corresponding to the heavy and light chains of chicken IgY were identified in species from 21 avian orders using 1 of 2 rabbit anti-chicken IgY antibodies. Densitometric analysis showed that the amount of immunoglobulin estimated from Western blots correlated strongly with data from protein electrophoresis assays. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that some commercially available anti-chicken IgY antibodies exhibit good cross-reactivity with most avian species.     

Comparison of fentanyl and hydromorphone constant rate infusions for pain management in dogs in an intensive care unit

Objective

To compare the efficacy and quality of analgesia provided by constant rate infusions (CRIs) of hydromorphone and fentanyl in dogs in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Sensory Analysis of Rainbow Trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss,Fed Enriched Black Soldier Fly Prepupae,Hermetia illucens

A growth trial and fillet sensory analysis were conducted to examine the effects of replacing dietary fish meal with black soldier fly (BSF) prepupae, Hermetia illucens, in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. A practical‐type trout diet was formulated to contain 45% protein; four test diets were developed by substituting 25 and 50% of the fish meal with normal (BSF) or fish offal‐enriched black soldier fly (EBSF) prepupae. Dietary fat was adjusted to approximately 20% lipid using fish oil and poultry fat. Diets were fed to three replicate tanks of fish per treatment (10 fish/tank) for 8 wk. After the trial, three fish per tank were sampled for determination of hepatosomatic index, intraperitoneal fat ratio and muscle ratio, and muscle proximate and fatty acid composition. Fish remaining after sampling were used for sensory evaluation. Growth of fish fed the EBSF diets was not significantly different from those fish fed the fish meal‐based control diet, while the growth of fish fed the BSF diets was significantly reduced as compared to the control diet. A group of 30 untrained panelists did not detect a significant difference in a blind comparison of fish fed the fish meal containing control diet as compared to fish fed the EBSF or BSF diets.     

Transmission of Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium marinum in laboratory zebrafish through live feeds

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a popular vertebrate model organism used in a wide range of research fields. Mycobacteriosis, caused by Mycobacterium species, is particularly concerning because it is a common disease associated with chronic infections in these fish. Infections are also a source of uncontrolled experimental variance that may influence research results. Live feeds for zebrafish are common and include paramecia (Paramecium caudatum), brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) and rotifers (Branchionus spp.). Although nutritionally beneficial, live feeds may pose a biosecurity risk. In this study, we investigate transmission of Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium marinum through these three live feeds. We show that all three live feeds ingest both M. marinum and M. chelonae and can transmit mycobacterial infections to zebrafish. This observation emphasizes the need for live feeds to be included in the consideration of potential biosecurity risks. This study is of importance to other beyond the zebrafish community, including those of additional aquatic models and those using live feeds for other types of aquaculture.     

Molecular characterization of potentially zoonotic isolates of Giardia duodenalis in horses

Giardia isolates from eight horses from New York State (NY), USA and two horses from Western Australia (WA) were genetically characterized at the SSU-rDNA and triose-phosphate isomerase (TPI) genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the TPI gene provided strong support for the placement of both isolates of Giardia from horses in WA and a single isolate from a horse in NY within the assemblage AI genotype of G. duodenalis. Another two isolates from horses in NY placed within the assemblage AII genotype of G. duodenalis. Phylogenetic analysis of the TPI gene also provided strong bootstrap support for the placement of four G. duodenalis isolates from horses in NY into a potentially host-specific sub-assemblage of assemblage BIV. The results of this study are consistent with previous studies showing that assemblages AI and AII of G. duodenalis provide the greatest potential zoonotic risk to humans. Horses may therefore constitute a potential source for human infection of Giardia either directly or via watersheds.     

Secreted kinase phosphorylates extracellular proteins that regulate biomineralization

Protein phosphorylation is a fundamental mechanism regulating nearly every aspect of cellular life. Several secreted proteins are phosphorylated, but the kinases responsible are unknown. We identified a family of atypical protein kinases that localize within the Golgi apparatus and are secreted. Fam20C appears to be the Golgi casein kinase that phosphorylates secretory pathway proteins within S-x-E motifs. Fam20C phosphorylates the caseins and several secreted proteins implicated in biomineralization, including the small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs). Consequently, mutations in Fam20C cause an osteosclerotic bone dysplasia in humans known as Raine syndrome. Fam20C is thus a protein kinase dedicated to the phosphorylation of extracellular proteins.     

Lack of agreement between thermodilution and echocardiographic determination of cardiac output during normovolemia and acute hemorrhage in clinically healthy, anesthetized dogs

Objective and hypothesis: To determine whether or not there is agreement between the thermodilution and echocardiographic measurement of cardiac output (CO) during normovolemia and acute hemorrhage. The hypothesis was that there will be agreement between echocardiographic measurement of CO (ECO) and thermodilution measurement of CO (TDCO) during normovolemia and acute hemorrhage. Design: CO was measured by both thermodilution and echocardiography during α‐chloralose anesthesia in dogs before and 15 and 30 minutes following acute arterial hemorrhage. Setting: Laboratory investigation. Animals: Eighteen clinically healthy dogs, weighing 20–25 kg, anesthetized with α‐chloralose. Interventions: Acute arterial hemorrhage of approximately 50% of the total blood volume. CO was measured by thermodilution and echocardiography before and 15 and 30 minutes following hemorrhage. Measurements and main results: Acute hemorrhage resulted in a significant decrease in CO. There was a lack of agreement between the 2 methods to measure CO at each time and at all anatomic points of measurement in the aorta and pulmonary artery. Conclusion: There is a lack of agreement between the 2 methods; thus, determination of CO by echocardiography may not be a clinically useful tool following hemorrhage in dogs.     

Role of the tendons of the biceps brachii and infraspinatus muscles and the medial glenohumeral ligament in the maintenance of passive shoulder joint stability in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the effect of transecting the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle (BBT), tendon of the infraspinatus muscle (IFS), or medial glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) on shoulder joint stability in canine cadavers. SAMPLE POPULATION: 81 forelimbs from mature dogs. PROCEDURE: Cadaver forelimbs were placed in a testing frame and axially preloaded with 4 kg of weight. Shoulder joint stability was tested in neutral joint position, flexion, and extension before and after transection of the BBT (n = 37), IFS (37), or MGHL (7). Humeral translation relative to the glenoid was induced by applying a 3-kg load in each of 3 directions (cranial, lateral, and medial) and quantitatively measured by use of an electromagnetic motion tracking system. Peak translational data were compared in each joint position before and after transection of the BBT, IFS, or MGHL. RESULTS: When tested in neutral position, the cranial, lateral, and medial translation of the humerus was significantly increased after BBT transection. In the flexed position, translation of the humerus in the cranial and lateral directions was significantly increased after BBT transection. In the extended position, the medial translation of the humerus was significantly increased after BBT transection. Complete medial luxation of all humeral heads occurred following transection of the MGHL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The BBT contributes to passive shoulder joint stability in dogs, particularly in the neutral and flexed positions. It also provides medial stability during shoulder joint extension. Complete luxation of the joint occurs when the MGHL is transected.