OSTEOCHONDROSIS LESIONS OF THE CANINE SHOULDER: CORRELATION OF POSITIVE CONTRAST ARTHROGRAPHY AND ARTHROSCOPY

In this study the correlation between positive contrast arthrography and arthroscopy was evaluated in a series of 20 shoulder joints (12 dogs) with radiographic and clinical evidence of osteochondrosis. The joints were consecutively examined by arthrography and arthroscopy. In 12 joints arthrography revealed the presence of a cartilage flap, and this finding was confirmed by arthroscopy. In 3 out of 8 joints where arthrography failed to demonstrate rupture of the cartilage, arthroscopy revealed the presence of a distinct fissure line. In 2 joints arthroscopy demonstrated a lesion comparable with chondromalacia and in 3 only a dimple in the articular cartilage was found. In 2 joints arthroscopy revealed the presence of small joint mice not detected by arthrography. Kissing lesions on the surface of the glenoid cavity opposite to cartilage flaps could be demonstrated as well. Evaluation of synovial inflammation, judged by the aspect and pattern of the synovial villi, correlated well with histologic findings. These results indicate that arthroscopy is a complementary examination in painful joints where arthrography fails to demonstrate rupture of the articular cartilage. It could be the procedure of choice if diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy can be combined. However, arthrography remains the technique of choice to demonstrate joint mice within the bicipital tendon sheath.     

Expression of garlic leaf lectin under the control of the phloem-specific promoter Asus1 from Arabidopsis thaliana protects tobacco plants against the tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae)

BACKGROUND: To check for correlation between the insecticidal properties and the specificity of lectins, a comparative study was made of the insecticidal activities of two garlic lectins with different biological activities.RESULTS: The insecticidal activity of the garlic (Allium sativum L.) leaf lectin ASAL and bulb lectin ASAII towards the tobacco aphid Myzus nicotianae Blackman was studied using bioassays with transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Wisconsin 38). Bioassays were started with newborn nymphs of the tobacco aphid. Although during the first 7-8 days when nymphs developed to adults there were no apparent effects, part of the nymphal population was found to develop into winged (alate) forms. Later it became clear that transgenic plants expressing ASAL and ASAII had a significant effect on the reproduction capacity of the resulting adults, with a reduction of up to 40%. Different life table parameters such as prereproductive time, intrinsic rate of natural increase, generation time and doubling time were significantly affected (P < 0.05) in aphids grown on transgenic plant material expressing ASAL and ASAII.CONCLUSION: Bioassays with tobacco plants expressing ASAL and ASAII demonstrated a significant impact on the population growth of M. nicotianae. Therefore, both lectins can be considered as valuable candidate aphid control agents.     

Changes in wind pattern alter albatross distribution and life-history traits

Westerly winds in the Southern Ocean have increased in intensity and moved poleward. Using long-term demographic and foraging records, we show that foraging range in wandering albatrosses has shifted poleward in conjunction with these changes in wind pattern, while their rates of travel and flight speeds have increased. Consequently, the duration of foraging trips has decreased, breeding success has improved, and birds have increased in mass by more than 1 kilogram. These positive consequences of climate change may be temporary if patterns of wind in the southern westerlies follow predicted climate change scenarios. This study stresses the importance of foraging performance as the key link between environmental changes and population processes.     

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. Boulardii and β-galactomannan oligosaccharide on porcine intestinal epithelial and dendritic cells challenged in vitro with Escherichia coli F4 (K88)

ABSTRACT: Probiotic and prebiotics, often called "immune-enhancing" feed additives, are believed to deal with pathogens, preventing the need of an immune response and reducing tissue damage. In this study, we investigated if a recently developed β-galactomannan (βGM) had a similar protective role compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. Boulardii (Scb), a proven probiotic, in the context of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection. ETEC causes inflammation, diarrhea and intestinal damage in piglets, resulting in large economic loses worldwide. We observed that Scb and βGM products inhibited in vitro adhesion of ETEC on cell surface of porcine intestinal IPI-2I cells. Our data showed that Scb and βGM decreased the mRNA ETEC-induced gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, GM-CSF and chemokines CCL2, CCL20 and CXCL8 on intestinal IPI-2I. Furthermore, we investigated the putative immunomodulatory role of Scb and βGM on porcine monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) per se and under infection conditions. We observed a slight up-regulation of mRNA for TNF-α and CCR7 receptor after co-incubation of DC with Scb and βGM. However, no differences were found in DC activation upon ETEC infection and Scb or βGM co-culture. Therefore, our results indicate that, similar to probiotic Scb, prebiotic βGM may protect intestinal epithelial cells against intestinal pathogens. Finally, although these products may modulate DC activation, their effect under ETEC challenge conditions remains to be elucidated.     

Sensitivity and specificity of radiography for detection of elbow incongruity in clinical patients

Elbow incongruity is an important factor regarding the treatment and prognosis of elbow dysplasia. Our purpose was to determine the sensitivity and specificity for radiographic detection of elbow incongruity in clinical patients, to establish inter- and intraobserver variation for different parameters, and to evaluate the possibility of radiographic grading of incongruity. Standard radiographic projections were acquired from 29 incongruent and nine congruent elbows of dogs of various ages and breeds. Computed tomography (CT) was used to diagnose and grade the incongruity. All radiographs were evaluated by four observers for detection and grading of elbow incongruity. Sensitivity, specificity, inter- and intraobserver variability were calculated. The mean sensitivity for detection of incongruity was very good (88.8%) with a mean specificity of 91.7%. Correct grading of incongruity was difficult. The radioulnar step and the widening of the humeroulnar and humeroradial joint space were seen most frequently. Intraobserver and interobserver variability were fair to excellent (Kappa = 0.372-0.809), depending on the investigated parameters. Radiography is valuable to screen for elbow incongruity. In over 91% of the patients, a clear distinction could be made between a congruent and an incongruent joint grading was not possible.     

Ultrasonographic and radiographic assessment of uncomplicated secondary fracture healing of long bones in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of ultrasonography (US) to detect bone healing in uncomplicated diaphyseal fractures of dogs and cats, and to compare these observations with detection of healing by radiography (RG). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (33) and cats (11). METHODS: RG and brightness mode US were used to follow uncomplicated secondary fracture healing. Fractures were examined at admission and then every 2-4 weeks until healed or implant removal. Temporal differences in definitive detection of healed fracture by imaging technique were examined by species, patient age, bone, and fracture type. RESULTS: US images obtained during uncomplicated secondary fracture healing were consistent with images of fracture healing described in humans. Mean time to US diagnosis of a healed fracture (mean 46 days) was significantly shorter than by RG (mean 66 days). Mean time until diagnosis of a healed fracture (US and RG) did not differ significantly between open and closed treatment. Patients 36 months (n=11), but there was no significant difference between the latter 2 groups. Diagnosis of a healed simple fracture by US was significantly quicker than for a comminuted fracture (P<.05), but no difference was noted when using RG. CONCLUSIONS: US can be used to evaluate secondary fracture healing in biologically treated fractures in dogs and cats. US permits detection of a healed fracture earlier than RG. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Earlier diagnosis of a healed fracture by US can prevent unnecessarily long limb immobilization and allow earlier dynamization.     

Use of computed tomography to predict the outcome of a noninvasive intranasal infusion in dogs with nasal aspergillosis

Computed tomography (CT) was performed on 36 dogs with nasal aspergillosis to assess whether this imaging technique can be used to predict the success of a noninvasive intranasal infusion of enilconazole. A CT score based on the severity of the disease was given to each dog, prior to treatment, by dividing the nasal cavities and frontal sinuses into 8 anatomical regions. After therapy, the dogs were classified into 2 response groups (success group: dogs cured after 1 treatment; failure group: dogs needing more than 1 treatment or with treatment failure). No significant relationship on the logistic scale was found between the CT score and the response to treatment. High sensitivity (treatment failures correctly predicted) and specificity (treatment successes correctly predicted) could not be obtained at the same time, whatever the cut-off value chosen. The results of this study suggest that CT cannot predict the therapeutic success of nasal aspergillosis in dogs treated with a 1-hour infusion of enilconazole. However, dogs with a low score seem to be good candidates to respond after 1 treatment.