Consideraciones sobre el sistema urinario del Gallus gallus– Indian River; I. Formación y tributaris del uréter

In the literature reviewed, there are certain differences of opinion with regard to the formation and tributareis to the ureter. Therefore, dissection of 40 fowls injected with neoprene latex, k neoprene latex and celobar (radiopaque mass) and vinyl acetate casts through the ureter and blood vessels revealed the formation and disposition of the tributaries to the ureter, and its origin and number of collectors. The results were described in relation to the renal lobes.     

Growth and Survival of the Australian Red Claw Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus at Three Densities in Earthen Ponds

Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus were cultured in nine 0.02-ha earthen ponds at densities of l/m², 3/m² and 5/m² for 158 d. Average weight at stocking was 3.2 g. All ponds were provided with a combination of hay and corn silage at a rate of 500 kg/ha per month and a commercial crayfish ration fed at 5%, decreasing to 2% of estimated biomass/d during the growing season. Overall survival rate was 72%, and did not differ among treatments. Final yields and average weights varied significantly with stocking density. Red claw averaged 67 g with an average pond yield of 475 kg/ha at l/m². At 3/m² and 5/m², red claw averaged 48 g and 38 g, respectively, and yielded 1,020 kg/ha and 1,422 kg/ha, respectively.     

Viral antibodies in bovine fetuses in Argentina

In order to establish the prevalence of viral infections of the bovine fetus in Argentina, a serological survey for antibodies against viral agents currently affecting cattle in this country was conducted. Antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), bovine leukaemia virus (BLV), bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) were investigated in a total of 315 fetal serum samples. Conventional techniques were used: indirect immunofluorescence (FMDV, BHV-1, BVDv and BCV), radial immunodiffusion (BLV), ELISA (BRV) and haemagglutination inhibition (PI-3). Antibodies against BHV-1, BVDV and PI-3 were detected in samples from fetuses in the second and third trimester of gestation, with a prevalence of 1·21 per cent (two of 165), 2·03 per cent (four of 197) and 5·08 per cent (nine of 177), respectively. Either antibodies or non-antibody factors able to bind to BRV and Bcv antigens were detected with a prevalence of 2·44 per cent (five of 205) and 4·54 per cent (five of 110), respectively. In addition, 14·68 per cent of non-specific inhibitors of PI-3 mediated haemagglutination were found. No seropositives against FMDV and BLV were detected.     

Flow cytometric assay in peripheral blood of dogs--reference values for leukocytes from Brazilian beagles

Use of domestic reference values in the flow cytometry analysis is known to improve its accuracy by integrating local variations as gender, race and age. Up to date application of flow cytometry in veterinary medicine has been limited to describe the percentual values just for peripheral lymphocytes subsets of blood. We now report establishment of reference values for a wide range of proportional and absolute numbers of peripheral blood leukocytes, including T cells subsets, B cells, monocytes and eosinophils, applicable to the healthy population of Beagles in Brazil and other regions with similar demographic characteristics. Normal reference values were also established to estimate the gender-related differences. This information will provide clinical aid in the evaluation of immunologic status as well as standard values for experimental animals of dogs from Brazil and other similar regions.     

Histophagous scuticociliatids (Ciliophora) parasitizing turbot Scophthalmus maximus: morphology, in vitro culture and virulence

Systemic ciliatosis caused by histophagous ciliates constitutes a serious disease of cultured turbot. Six ciliate isolates were obtained from parasitized turbot during six epizootics at four different farms located in Spain, France and Portugal. Axenic cultures of the six isolates were obtained by periodical subculturing in ATCC 1651MA or supplemented L-15 media. In basal media or seawater, the parasites could survive starving for long periods with no apparent proliferation. In adequate media, growth kinetics was found to be very similar for isolates A and B, with a clear influence of temperature. Morphological studies demonstrated that all isolates share common features that allows their assignment to either Philasterides Kahl, 1931 or Miamiensis Thompson et Moewus, 1964. However, statistically significant differences were evident in pairwise comparisons of the isolates from the four farm sites in 16 taxonomically relevant morphometric features. This could allow the discrimination of different species or strains. Virulence of isolates A and B for healthy turbot was tested in several experiments. Differences in the virulence were especially evident after long-term in vitro culturing, isolate A being clearly attenuated after 35-42 passages, whereas isolate B became more virulent after 20-42 passages. The need of further studies to confirm such virulence variability and its implications in pathogenesis and prevention of turbot scuticociliatoses is stressed.     

Preservation of cadavers for surgical technique training

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a technique for preservation of organoleptic tissue characteristics (color, odor, texture, and flexibility) in cadavers used for surgical instruction. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Forty-three canine cadavers. METHODS: Cadavers were preserved with a modified Larssen solution of the Hospital Cochim, Paris and cryopreservation. Tissue handling qualities were evaluated in surgical laboratory sessions. RESULTS: All cadavers kept texture and tissues consistency, especially skin and muscle, similar to those of live animals. Some skin desquamation and pallor of the mucous membranes occurred with repetitive freeze-thaw cycles. CONCLUSIONS: This preservation technique provides acceptable cadaver quality and tissue handling for use in surgical instruction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preparation of patient cadavers by intravascular injection of modified Larssen solution yielded suitable instructional models for surgical training.     

The effect of varying dietary starch and fat content on serum creatine kinase activity and substrate availability in equine polysaccharide storage myopathy

The effect of dietary starch and fat content on serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and substrate availability was evaluated in 4 mares of Quarter Horse-related breeds with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). Four isocaloric diets ranging in digestible energy (DE) from 21.2% (diet A), 14.8% (B), 8.4% (C), to 3.9% (D) for starch, and 7.2% DE (diet A), 9.9% (B), to 12.7% DE (diet C and D) for fat were fed for 6-week periods (4 weeks with exercise) using a 4 X 4 Latin square design. Postprandial glucose and insulin responses were measured, and 4 hours postexercise, serum CK activity, glucose, insulin, free fatty acids (FFA), and beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-HBA) were analyzed. Glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate, citrate synthase, 3-hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase as well as abnormal polysaccharide and lipid content were measured in middle gluteal muscle samples. Postprandial insulin and glucose response was higher for diet A versus D. Log CK activity was higher with diets A, B, and C versus D. Daily insulin was higher and FFA lower on diet A versus B, C, and D, whereas glucose varied only slightly with diet. Muscle oxidative capacity and lipid stores were low in PSSM horses and muscle glycogen and abnormal polysaccharide content high on both diets A and D. Individual variation occurred in the response of PSSM horses to diets differing in starch and fat content. However, for those horses with clinical manifestations of PSSM, a diet with <5% DE starch and >12% DE fat can reduce exertional rhabdomyolysis, potentially by increasing availability of FFA for muscle metabolism.     

Assessment of dexmedetomidine/ketamine anesthesia in golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)

OBJECTIVE: To compare the anesthetic and cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine/ketamine combinations in golden-headed lion tamarins. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective blinded randomized study. ANIMALS: Six healthy golden-headed lion tamarins, three males and three females were studied (mean body weight +/- SD = 0.498 +/- 0.054 kg). METHODS: The animals were given one of the dexmedetomidine/ketamine combinations (0.005/10, 0.01/10, and 0.01/5 mg kg(-1) IM; treatments 5D/10K, 10D/10K, and 10D/5K, respectively) on three successive occasions. Time to sedation and recumbency, as well as anesthesia, standing, and walking times were recorded. Heart and respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure, hemoglobin saturation, and rectal temperature were recorded during anesthesia. Sedation, muscle relaxation, and auditory response were evaluated after drug administration. RESULTS: Heart rate decreased after two combinations (10D/5K and 10D/10K). Respiratory rate and rectal temperature progressively decreased in all the treatments. Arterial blood pressures were maintained in 5D/10K and 10D/5K treatments and decreased after 10D/10K administration. There were no differences in sedation and recumbency time between the treatments, but anesthesia time was significantly longer in treatment 10D/10K (67.80 +/- 13.30 minutes) compared to treatments 10D/5K (44.54 +/- 8.25 minutes) and 5D/10K (30.60 +/- 6.80 minutes). Standing time was shorter in treatment 10D/10K (11.13 +/- 10.01 minutes) than in treatments 5D/10K (18.20 +/- 10.03 minutes) and 10D/5K (19.12 +/- 14.55 minutes), and walking time was longer in treatment 5D/10K (20.00 +/- 12.46 minutes) compared with treatments 10D/10K (16.00 +/- 3.43 minutes) and 10D/5K (12.40 +/- 5.02 minutes). Anesthetic quality was significantly better 5 and 15 minutes after treatments 10D/10K and 10D/5K than after treatment 5D/10K. Analgesia scores were higher after administration of 10D/10K than after the 5D/10K treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dexmedetomidine/ketamine is useful for chemical immobilization of golden-headed lion tamarins, but bradycardia and hypotension warrant close monitoring.     

Analysis of the toxic potential of Palicourea corymbifera (Müll. Arg.) Standl. in laboratory animals

Palicourea species may produce bovine toxicity. Palicourea corymbifera grows in terra firme forests within the Amazon rain forest and in Tropical America, particularly in spots that gave place to gazing areas. The lyophilized extract done with the aerial organs of P. corymbifera were analyzed in male and female mice. Results revealed a significant toxicity: LD50 was 1.10 (1.04-1.15)g/kg for male mice, and 1.05 (1.00-1.10)g/kg for female mice. Locomotion was affected as well as there were reflexes linked to environmental stimuli in addition to changes in posture. Progressive central nervous system stimulus signs such as trembling and convulsions were detected, the latter followed by the animal's death. Macroscopic histopathological exams performed on the liver, kidneys and lungs of mice submitted to necropsy did not indicate the existence of lesions. General activity of animals, measured in an open field, was reduced as a result of the administration of the extract. Duration of locomotion and rearing frequency were reduced, in opposition to an increase in the duration of immobility. Thin layer chromatography analysis showed that monofluoroacetic acid is present in the lyophilized extract, but other qualitative techniques as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the MFAA was not present in the extract, and that the toxicity is related to other compound, although the toxic profile is very similar to that of MFAA. P. corymbifera was shown to be significantly toxic to laboratory animals and investigation of the possible toxic substance shall be done.     

Contents of carboxylic acids and two phenolics and antioxidant activity of dried portuguese wild edible mushrooms

The organic acids and phenolics compositions of nine wild edible mushrooms species (Suillus bellini, Tricholomopsis rutilans, Hygrophorus agathosmus, Amanita rubescens, Russula cyanoxantha, Boletus edulis, Tricholoma equestre, Suillus luteus, and Suillus granulatus) were determined by HPLC-UV and HPLC-DAD, respectively. The antioxidant potential of these species was also assessed by using the DPPH* scavenging assay. The results showed that all of the species presented a profile composed of at least five organic acids: oxalic, citric, malic, quinic, and fumaric acids. In a general way, the pair of malic plus quinic acids were the major compounds. Only very small amounts of two phenolic compounds were found in some of the analyzed species: p-hydroxybenzoic acid (in A. rubescens, R. cyanoxantha, and T. equestre) and quercetin (in S. luteus and S. granulatus). All of the species exhibited a concentration-dependent scavenging ability against DPPH*. T. rutilans revealed the highest antioxidant capacity.