Development of an arterial thrombosis model in pigs for investigating the thrombogenicity of different dietary fats

A surgically induced model of arterial thrombosis in pigs (60–80 kg live weight) has been developed using a balloon angioplasty technique. The purpose of this model is to assess the thrombogenicity of milkfat in comparison with other dietary lipids, thereby assessing its importance in the pathogenesis of human coronary heart disease. Balloon angioplasty catheters (Meditech, 3 cm X 8 mm balloon) are inserted into the left and right femoral arteries via a cut-down on to the saphenous artery. The balloons are inflated five times for 30 seconds with 30 second intervals between inflations. This results in endothelial denudation, exposure of sub-endothelial connective tissue and formation of platelet rich thrombi. Thrombus size is quantitated using autologous blood platelets labelled with ⁹⁹Tc-HMPA0 (technetium - “Deretec”).     

Quantification of dietary calcium requirement of fingerling Heteropneustes fossilis based on growth,feed conversion efficiency,mineralization and serum alkaline phosphatase activity

Seven isonitrogenous (400 g/kg crude protein) and isocaloric (17.89 kJ/g gross energy) purified diets (casein‐gelatin based) with different concentrations of calcium (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 g/kg) supplemented with calcium lactate at the levels of 0, 5.4, 10.8, 16.3, 21.8, 27.27 and 32.73 g/kg were prepared and fed for 12 weeks to triplicate groups of Heteropneustes fossilis (7.46 ± 0.03 g) to determine the optimum dietary calcium requirement. Analysed values of calcium in the diets were 2.41, 3.82, 4.56, 5.99, 6.71, 7.40 and 8.19 g/kg, respectively. Absolute weight gain, specific growth rate, protein retention efficiency, protein gain and feed conversion ratio of fish fed diets with increasing levels of dietary calcium improved up to 5.99 g/kg and then levelled off. Whole‐body protein, moisture and ash contents improved up to 5.99 g/kg dietary calcium and stabilized thereafter. However, whole‐body fat exhibited reverse pattern and decreased with incremental levels of dietary calcium up to 5.99 g/kg. Whole‐body and vertebrae mineralization was also significantly affected (p < .05) by the increasing dietary calcium levels. Alkaline phosphatase activity improved significantly (p < .05) up to 6.71 g/kg, and no change was recorded beyond this level. Serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations were not influenced (p > .05) by dietary calcium levels. The Ca–P ratio remained static in the whole body, vertebrae and serum. Broken‐line regression analysis of data obtained on growth, mineralization and serum ALP activity against increasing levels of dietary calcium reflected the optimum calcium requirement between 5.77–6.81 g/kg diet.     

Enzymatic profiles of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Erysipelothrix tonsillae

The enzymatic activities of 39 strains of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and 34 of E tonsillae were determined with the API ZYM system. The profiles of these two species were very similar, differing solely in N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity. Whereas 90 per cent of strains of E rhusiopathiae exhibited strong activity with N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, positive reactions were observed for this enzyme in only 24 per cent of strains of E tonsillae. These results support previous DNA-DNA hybridisation studies and suggest that E tonsillae is a new species of the genus Erysipelothrix.     

Characteristics of free-roaming cats and their caretakers

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of unowned, free-roaming cats and their caretakers who participated in a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program and to determine the effect of the program on free-roaming cat colonies. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 101 caretakers of 920 unowned, free-roaming cats in 132 colonies in north central Florida. RESULTS: Most (85/101; 84%) caretakers were female. The median age was 45 years (range, 19 to 74 years). Most (89/101; 88%) caretakers owned pets and of those, most (67/101; 66%) owned cats. The major reasons for feeding free-roaming cats were sympathy and love of animals. Most caretakers reported that the cats they cared for were too wild to be adopted, but many also reported that they considered the cats to be like pets. The total surveyed cat population was 920 before participation in TNR and 678 after TNR. Mean colony size was 7 cats before TNR and 5.1 cats after TNR. Most cats lived on the caretaker's property. At the time of the survey, 70% (644/920) of the cats had been neutered. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The decrease in the surveyed free-roaming cat population was attributed to a reduction in births of new kittens, adoptions, deaths, and disappearances. Recognition of the human-animal bond that exists between caretakers and the feral cats they feed may facilitate the development of effective control programs for feral cat populations.     

Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus—An assessment of the likelihood of introduction and establishment in England and Wales

Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV) is an iridovirus that affects perch (Perca fluviatilis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). It emerged in Australia in the 1980s and has not been discovered elsewhere. It causes a high level of mortality in perch resulting in steep population declines. The main possible routes of introduction of the virus to England and Wales are the importation of infected live fish or carcasses. However, no trade in live susceptible species is permitted under current legislation, and no importation of carcasses currently takes place. The virus is hardy and low levels of challenge can infect perch. Therefore, mechanical transmission through the importation of non-susceptible fish species should be considered as a potential route of introduction and establishment. Carp (Cyprinus carpio) have been imported to the UK from Australia for release into still-water fisheries. A qualitative risk assessment concluded that the likelihood of EHNV introduction and establishment in England and Wales with the importation of a consignment of carp was very low. The level of uncertainty at a number of steps in the risk assessment scenario tree was high, notably the likelihood that carp become contaminated with the virus and whether effective contact (resulting in pathogen transmission) is made between the introduced carp and susceptible species in England and Wales. The virus would only establish when the water temperature is greater than 12 °C. Analysis of 10 years of data from two rivers in south-west England indicated that establishment could occur over a period of at least 14 weeks a year in southern England (when average water temperature exceed 12 °C). Imports of live fish from Australia need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine which, if any, sanitary measures are required to reduce the assessed risk to an acceptable level.     

Longitudinal study of veterinarians from entry to the veterinary course to ten years after graduation: career paths

OBJECTIVE: To map out the career paths of veterinarians during their first 10 years after graduation, and to determine if this could have been predicted at entry to the veterinary course. DESIGN: Longitudinal study of students who started their course at The University of Queensland in 1985 and 1986, and who completed questionnaires in their first and fifth year as students, and in their second, sixth and eleventh year as veterinarians. METHODS: Data from 129 (96%) questionnaires completed during the eleventh year after graduation were coded numerically then analysed, together with data from previous questionnaires, with SAS System 7 for Windows 95. RESULTS: Ten years after they graduated, 80% were doing veterinary work, 60% were in private practice, 40% in small animal practice and 18% in mixed practice. The equivalent of 25% of the working time of all females was taken up by family duties. When part-time work was taken into account, veterinary work constituted the equivalent of 66% of the group working full-time. That 66% consisted of 52% on small animals, 7% on horses, 6% on cattle/sheep and 1% on pigs/poultry. Those who had grown up on farms with animals were twice as likely to be working with farm animals as were those from other backgrounds. Forecasts made on entry to the veterinary course were of no value in predicting who would remain in mixed practice. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than one-fifth of graduates were in mixed practice after 10 years, but the number was higher for those who grew up on farms with animals. Forecasts that may be made at interview before entry to the course were of little value in predicting the likelihood of remaining in mixed veterinary practice.