Cell type-specific resistance of trigeminal ganglion neurons towards apoptotic stimuli

Trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons are important target cells for many alphaherpesviruses and constitute a major site of virus latency and reactivation. Earlier we showed that porcine TG neurons are remarkably more resistant towards (apoptotic) cell death resulting from infection by the swine alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) compared to a broad range of other primary porcine cell types and that this resistance does not depend on the strongly anti-apoptotic US3 viral protein kinase (Geenen, K., Favoreel, H.W., Nauwynck, H.J., 2005a. Higher resistance of porcine trigeminal ganglion neurons towards pseudorabies virus-induced cell death compared with other porcine cell types in vitro. J. Gen. Virol. 86, 1251-1260). Although other viral anti-apoptotic proteins may be involved in survival of TG neurons during PRV infection, an additional factor may be that TG neurons possess a cell type-dependent capacity to withstand apoptosis compared to other cell types. To investigate this, we treated uninfected porcine TG cultures, swine kidney cells, and porcine superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons with several apoptosis-inducing reagents (staurosporine, camptothecin and genistein). None of these reagents were able to trigger substantial apoptotic cell death in TG neurons, whereas non-neuronal TG cells, swine kidney cells, and SCG neurons showed a clear dose-dependent increase in apoptosis using either of these reagents. In conclusion, sensory TG neurons may contain a cell type-specific capacity to withstand different apoptotic assaults, including infection with an alphaherpesvirus.     

A common genetic variant is associated with adult and childhood obesity

Obesity is a heritable trait and a risk factor for many common diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. We used a dense whole-genome scan of DNA samples from the Framingham Heart Study participants to identify a common genetic variant near the INSIG2 gene associated with obesity. We have replicated the finding in four separate samples composed of individuals of Western European ancestry, African Americans, and children. The obesity-predisposing genotype is present in 10% of individuals. Our study suggests that common genetic polymorphisms are important determinants of obesity.     

Genetic data from avian influenza and avian paramyxoviruses generated by the European network of excellence (EPIZONE) between 2006 and 2011--review and recommendations for surveillance

Since 2006, the members of the molecular epidemiological working group of the European "EPIZONE" network of excellence have been generating sequence data on avian influenza and avian paramyxoviruses from both European and African sources in an attempt to more fully understand the circulation and impact of these viruses. This review presents a timely update on the epidemiological situation of these viruses based on sequence data generated during the lifetime of this project in addition to data produced by other groups during the same period. Based on this information and putting it all into a European context, recommendations for continued surveillance of these important viruses within Europe are presented.     

Bilateral choanal atresia in a cat

A 7-month-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of stertor, open mouth breathing without apparent distress, and chronic bilateral nasal discharge that was unresponsive to antibiotics. Complete bilateral bony choanal atresia was diagnosed with computed tomography and nasopharyngoscopy. Choanal atresia is an uncommon congenital condition where the choana (nasal passage into the nasopharynx) is blocked by abnormal bone or soft tissue uni- or bilaterally. The cat's clinical signs improved dramatically immediately after trans-palatal surgical correction. Post-surgical complications included the development of nasopharyngeal scar tissue and subsequent stenosis, persistent right-sided nasal discharge, and permanent damage to the right eye (blindness and cataract formation). Nasopharyngeal stenosis was managed with repeated balloon dilatations and temporary stenting, and the owner reported an excellent quality of life at 8-month follow-up. Bilateral bony choanal atresia has not been previously reported in cats. Uni- or bilateral choanal atresia should be considered in young cats presenting with refractory stertor, chronic nasal discharge, and/or open mouth breathing.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous medetomidine in the horse

ObjectiveTo describe the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics following an intravenous (IV) bolus dose of medetomidine in the horse.Study designProspective experimental trial.AnimalsEight, mature healthy horses age 11.7 ± 4.6 (mean ± SD) years, weighing 557 ± 54 kg.MethodsMedetomidine (10 μg kg^?1) was administered IV. Blood was sampled at fixed time points from before drug administration to 48 hours post administration. Behavioral, physiological and biochemical data were obtained at predetermined time points from 0 minutes to 24 hours post administration. An algometer was also used to measure threshold responses to noxious stimuli. Medetomidine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and used for calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters using noncompartmental and compartmental analysis.ResultsPharmacokinetic analysis estimated that medetomidine peaked (8.86 ± 3.87 ng mL^?1) at 6.4 ± 2.7 minutes following administration and was last detected at 165 ± 77 minutes post administration. Medetomidine had a clearance of 39.6 ± 14.6 mL kg^?1 minute^?1 and a volume of distribution of 1854 ± 565 mL kg^?1. The elimination half-life was 29.1 ± 12.5 minutes. Glucose concentration reached a maximum of 176 ± 46 mg dL^?1 approximately 1 hour post administration. Decreased heart rate, respiratory rate, borborygmi, packed cell volume, and total protein concentration were observed following administration. Horses lowered their heads from 107 ± 12 to 20 ± 10 cm within 10 minutes of drug administration and gradually returned to normal. Horse mobility decreased after drug administration. An increased mechanical threshold was present from 10 to 45 minutes and horses were less responsive to sound.Conclusion and clinical relevance Behavioral and physiological effects following intravenous administration positively correlate with pharmacokinetic profiles from plasma medetomidine concentrations. Glucose concentration gradually transiently increased following medetomidine administration. The analgesic effect of the drug appeared to have a very short duration.     

Current and future regenerative medicine — Principles, concepts, and therapeutic use of stem cell therapy and tissue engineering in equine medicine

This paper provides a bird’s-eye perspective of the general principles of stem-cell therapy and tissue engineering; it relates comparative knowledge in this area to the current and future status of equine regenerative medicine.     

Seasonal and diel effects on the activity of northern pike studied by high‐resolution positional telemetry

Abstract – Temperate lakes can be ice covered for several months each year, yet little is known about the behaviour and activity of the fish during the cold season. As northern pike represents the top of the food web in many northern temperate lakes and may structure the ecosystem both directly and indirectly, a detailed understanding of the behaviour of this species during winter is important. We continuously monitored the activity of adult northern pike (Esox lucius) in a small temperate lake from late summer to winter for two consecutive years using an automatic acoustic positional telemetry system. Four subsample periods representing different temperature regimes from each year were chosen for further investigation. The results revealed that pike activity was similar between seasons. In all periods, a distinct diel pattern, showing increased activity during day as compared to night, was evident. Our findings indicate that the fish component of temperate lentic ecosystems can be more active during the cold season than previously assumed. This may have implications for the structuring effect of pike on the lower trophic levels.