Geographical variation of the skull morphology of the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis).

Geographical variation was examined morphologically in the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis) in some Indochinese and Malayan regions. Osteometrical examination and principal component analysis elucidated the morphological differences among various populations. The populations from southern and western Thailand were distinguished morphologically from the other populations. Variation in males from south Thailand and Kuala Lumpur suggests that the Isthmus of Kra may have an influence on the variation of skull morphology. However, the Isthmus of Kra was not completely considered as a factor of geographical separation in this species, because we could not confirm the separation in skull size and shape between the localities at least in females. While, the Kanchanaburi population in western Thailand was significantly smaller than the other population in skull size, and constituted the morphologically separable group in our study.     

DNA polymorphism of srRNA gene among Eimeria tenella strains isolated in Japan

DNA polymorphism in twelve starains of Eimeria tenella isolated from various places in Japan was examined using 1.l kb small subunits ribosomal RNA amplified by PCR. Genetic variation was evaluated by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. DNA fingerprint patterns were grouped into two, indicating that at least two DNA polymorphisms exist in Japanese E. tenella strains.     

Immunohistochemical detection of canine distemper virus in haired skin, nasal mucosa, and footpad epithelium: a method for antemortem diagnosis of infection.

A reliable antemortem diagnostic method is needed for determining infection with canine distemper virus (CDV). The utility of immunohistochemical detection of CDV antigen was examined was examined for samples of nasal and footpad epithelium and haired skin in dogs with and without detectable CDV antigen in the lung and/or brain. Tissues from 57 dogs at risk of CDV infection were tested. Viral antigen was found in the lung and/or brain of 28 dogs. Among these dogs, viral antigen was demonstrated in the epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa in 24 of 27 dogs, in the footpad epithelium in 24 of 26 dogs, and in the haired skin of the dorsal neck in 26 of 27 dogs. Among the 29 dogs without CDV antigen in either the lung or brain, 1 dog had positive staining for viral antigen in the skin and nasal mucosa. Biopsies of haired skin of the dorsal neck, which is relatively simple to sample, can be used for immunohistochemical testing for acute and subacute infection with CDV.     

Usefulness of aerobic microbial culture and cytologic evaluation of corneal specimens in the diagnosis of infectious ulcerative keratitis in animals

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic value of aerobic microbial culture and cytologic evaluation of corneal specimens in the diagnosis of infectious ulcerative keratitis (IUK). DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 48 animals (26 dogs, 13 horses, 7 cats, 1 bird, and 1 llama) with corneal ulcers. PROCEDURE: Scrapings from corneal ulcers were examined cytologically. Corneal swab specimens were submitted for microbial culture. Animals were grouped according to whether they had been receiving antimicrobials at the time of admission. RESULTS: Of the 38 animals receiving antimicrobials, 19 had positive results for IUK on cytologic evaluation, 20 on microbial culture, and 26 on cytologic evaluation, microbial culture, or both. Of the 10 animals not receiving antimicrobials at the time of admission, 7 had positive results for IUK on cytologic evaluation, and 9 had positive results on microbial culture. In this group of 10 animals, additional animals with IUK were not identified on the basis of cytologic evaluation alone. When all 48 animals were considered irrespective of antimicrobial treatment, 26 and 29 had positive results for IUK on cytologic evaluation and microbial culture, respectively, whereas IUK was confirmed in 35 animals on the basis of cytologic evaluation, microbial culture results, or both. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Microbial culture and cytologic evaluation of corneal specimens maximizes identification of IUK, especially in animals receiving antimicrobial treatment. Because of serious consequences of untreated IUK, we recommend that both diagnostic tests be used to tailor treatment and reduce risk of vision impairment in animals.     

Performance, serum characteristics, carcase traits and lipid metabolism of broilers as affected by supplement of chromium picolinate.

1. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with chromium picolinate on the performance, serum and carcase traits and lipid metabolism of broilers. In trial 1, 120 1-day-old broilers with an equal number of males and females were assigned at random to 4 groups with 3 replicates. Four treatments with dietary supplements of 0 (control), 800, 1600 and 3200 microg/kg of chromium picolinate were used. In trial 2, 6-week-old broilers (20) were used to determine how supplements of 0, 200, 400 and 800 microg/kg chromium in an incubation medium influence their hepatocyte lipogenic capacity and adipocyte lipolysis, in vitro. 2. Dietary supplements of 1600 and 3200 microg/kg chromium in broiler diets significantly increased food consumption (P<0.05); 1600 microg/kg markedly improved weight gain (P<0.05); 1600 and 3200 microg/kg groups showed increased liver lipid content (P<0.05). However, the abdominal fat content tended to decrease in these 2 groups. 3. Dietary supplements of 1600 and 3200 microg/kg of chromium decreased serum glucose and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations while increasing serum phospholipid content (P<0.05). Insulin concentration decreased only in birds receiving 3200 ppb chromium (P<0.05). Serum triacylglycerol (TG) clearance rate in chromium-supplemented groups was markedly enhanced (P<0.05). 4. In addition, chromium supplemented groups had increased serum HDL contents and also reduced serum VLDL and LDL contents (P<0.05). 5. Trial 2 indicated that lipogenesis from [U-14C]glucose by isolated hepatocytes was significantly enhanced by 400 ppb chromium (P<0.05). 6. The results from this study demonstrate that a supplement of 1600 microg/kg of chromium picolinate in the ration influences the growth, carcase, serum traits and lipid metabolism of broilers.     

A novel phenotype for Laron dwarfism in miniature Bos indicus cattle suggests that the expression of growth hormone receptor 1A in liver is required for normal growth

Mutations within the growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene that lead to an inactivated or truncated GHR protein cause abnormal growth and small adult size in a variety of species (Laron dwarfism). We studied a line of miniature Bos indicus cattle that have phenotypic (small mature size) and endocrine (increased blood growth hormone and decreased blood insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations) similarities to Laron dwarfs. Liver mRNA from miniature and control cattle was used to amplify a cDNA within the coding region of the GHR. The miniature cattle had GHR mRNA size (determined by Northern blot) and cDNA sequence that were similar to control cattle and, therefore, were unlike most Laron dwarf genotypes in which the GHR gene is mutated. Amounts of mRNA from liver as well as muscle (superficial neck and longissimus) were analyzed by ribonuclease protection assay for IGF-I, total GHR, GHR 1A (inducible, liver-specific GHR mRNA), and GHR 1B (constitutive GHR mRNA). Four control and five miniature bulls were tested. As expected, liver IGF-I mRNA was decreased in the miniature cattle (approximately 12% of control; P < 0.01). The amount of the total GHR as well as GHR 1A mRNA were also decreased in liver (17% and 19% of control, respectively; P < 0.01). Other GHR mRNA, including GHR 1B mRNA, were similar for miniature and control cattle. In muscle, there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for decreased IGF-I mRNA and increased GHR mRNA in miniature compared with control cattle. In summary, a novel phenotype for Laron dwarfism in Bos indicus cattle was associated with underexpression of GHR 1A mRNA, but not other GHR mRNA variants in liver. In addition to decreased GHR 1A mRNA, the miniature cattle had decreased liver IGF-I mRNA. Full expression of GHR 1A in liver, therefore, may be required for full liver IGF-I expression and normal growth.     

Species-specific B-cell epitope on the C-terminal region of the alpha antigen from Mycobacterium intracellulare in mice

The alpha antigen, which is an immunodominant antigen, is a 30 kDa protein secreted by mycobacterial species. The C-terminal regions of alpha antigens are quite divergent. We investigated the question of whether the C-terminal regions of Mycobacterium avium alpha antigen (A-alpha), M. intracellulare alpha antigen (I-alpha) and M. bovis BCG alpha antigen (B-alpha) contained species-specific B-cell epitopes. We investigated the reactions of these peptides with anti-A-alpha, anti-I-alpha and anti-B-alpha sera prepared from BALB/c in a Western blot assay and ELISA. The C-terminal regions of I-alpha reacted exclusively with anti-I-alpha serum. The results of the inhibition assay of antibodies binding to I-alpha by peptides of C-A-alpha, C-I-alpha, and C-B-alpha are that only C-I-alpha inhibited the binding of antibodies to C-I-alpha. We found that the C-terminal region was B-cell epitope-specific to I-alpha in BALB/c mice.     

Faecal shedding detected earlier than immune responses in goats naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Paratuberculosis was diagnosed in a goat herd that participated in a sanitation program against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. The aim of this study was to characterise the development of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and antibody responses as well as the occurrence of faecal shedding. Faecal culture appeared surprisingly sensitive as about 18% and 40% of the goats were positive at 9 and 15-17 months of age, respectively, and shedding was often seen prior to peripheral immune responses. Peripheral IFN-γ responses were not related to protection as clinical and high shedding goats often had high responses. An IFN-γ response usually preceded a humoral response. However, positive antibody titers could sometimes be seen simultaneously with, and even prior to, IFN-γ responses. In conclusion, faecal culture appeared as sensitive as IFN-γ testing. Furthermore, the antibody ELISA and the IFN-γ assay may perform equally well in an infected herd if surveillance is conducted annually.     

Population genetics of Toxoplasma gondii: new perspectives from parasite genotypes in wildlife

Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoal parasite, is well-known for its global distribution and its ability to infect virtually all warm-blooded vertebrates. Nonetheless, attempts to describe the population structure of T. gondii have been primarily limited to samples isolated from humans and domesticated animals. More recent studies, however, have made efforts to characterize T. gondii isolates from a wider range of host species and geographic locales. These findings have dramatically changed our perception of the extent of genetic diversity in T. gondii and the relative roles of sexual recombination and clonal propagation in the parasite's lifecycle. In particular, identification of novel, disease-causing T. gondii strains in wildlife has raised concerns from both a conservation and public health perspective as to whether distinct domestic and sylvatic parasite gene pools exist. If so, overlap of these cycles may represent regions of high probability of disease emergence. Here, we attempt to answer these key questions by reviewing recent studies of T. gondii infections in wildlife, highlighting those which have advanced our understanding of the genetic diversity and population biology of this important zoonotic pathogen.     

Real-time PCR detection of Mycoplasma felis in domestic cats suffering from chronic conjunctivitis (Poland)

Real-time PCR directed to intergenic spacer (IGS) noncoding region between 16S and 23S rRNA genes was used for species specific detection of Mycoplasma felis in conjunctival scrapings. Samples were collected from 57 cats suffering from chronic conjunctivitis in 2008-2010 (Wroc?aw, Poland). Samples from 36 cats (63.2%) were shown to be positive for Mycoplasma felis. Our research gives a first insight in the occurrence of Mycoplasma felis among domestic cats in Poland suggesting that this pathogen may constitute an underestimated cause of chronic conjunctivitis.