Cleavage products of lycopene produced by in vitro oxidations: characterization and mechanisms of formation

The aim of this study was to produce in vitro oxidation products of lycopene, which could be possible in vivo metabolites. An oxidation of lycopene with potassium permanganate gave a range of lycopene degradation compounds resulting from the oxidative cleavage of one or two carbon-carbon double bonds. Eleven apo-lycopenals/ones and six apo-carotendials were obtained and tentatively characterized by HPLC-DAD-MS. Apo-11-lycopenal and apo-8,6'-carotendial were isolated and characterized by (1)H NMR for the first time. Lycopene was submitted to an oxidation by atmospheric oxygen catalyzed by a metalloporphyrin, a model system of the active center of cytochrome P450 enzymes. (Z)-Isomers, monoxides, and cleavage compounds of (E)-lycopene were formed. We propose a mechanism of oxidation of lycopene by this system.     

Immunoproteomic analyses of outer membrane antigens of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae grown under iron-restricted conditions

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, a bacterial pathogen of swine and agent of porcine pneumonia, causes a highly infectious disease of economic importance in the pig industry. Commercial vaccines for A. pleuropneumoniae include whole-cell bacterins and second generation subunit vaccines but they only confer partial protective immunity. Our search for new vaccine candidates identified antigens that are expressed during conditions that mimic infection; the outer membrane (OM) proteome of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5b was examined under iron restriction. Quantitative profiling by 2D-DiGE technology revealed that iron restriction induced expression of previously described transferrin binding proteins (TbpA, TbpB) plus four lipoproteins including spermidine/putrescine binding periplasmic protein 1 precursor (PotD2). Immunoproteomic analyses with antisera from na?ve animals and from infected pigs were able to differentiate antigens within the OM proteome that were specifically recognized during A. pleuropneumoniae infection. Immunoblots of iron-restricted profiles detected PotD2, heme-binding protein A (HbpA), and capsule polysaccharide export protein (CpxD) as well as surface antigens TbpA, TbpB, and OmlA. These data identify OM proteins that demonstrate immunogenicity and upregulation under conditions mimicking infection, providing emphasis on lipoproteins as an important class of antigens to exploit for vaccine development for A. pleuropneumoniae.     

Locking compression plate osteosynthesis of sacral fractures in three heifers

Objective: To describe a technique used for reduction and internal fixation of sacral fractures in cattle. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Three heifers aged 19–32 months with deformation of the tail head and tail paralysis attributable to a closed fracture of S5 or S4 and S5. Methods: Fractures were reduced and repaired under general anesthesia. A narrow, 6–10‐hole, locking compression plate (LCP) was placed on the spinous processes of S5 and the first coccygeal (Co1) using 5.0 mm locking head screws. Follow‐up inquiries were made by telephone (3/3), and cows were examined clinically and radiographically 2 (1 cow) to 9 (1cow) months postoperatively. Results: No complications were encountered. The range of movement of the tail improved so that soiling of the tail during defecation was no longer a problem. In all heifers, the normal top line was restored and there was no narrowing of the pelvic canal. Unassisted calving occurred in all heifers, and follow‐up radiographs for 2 cows showed complete fracture healing. Conclusion: LCP‐osteosynthesis of the spinous processes provided sufficient stability for internal fixation of sacral fractures. Marked improvement in tail function occurred postoperatively without decompression by laminectomy.     

Erythrocyte antibodies in porcine eperythrozoonosis

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) was detected in pigs affected by spontaneous eperythrozoonosis. Autoantibodies against red cells were found by hemagglutination and hemolysin tests and direct and indirect antiglobulin tests using immunofluorescence. According to these findings and morphological results, the process in porcine eperythrozoonosis is to be classified as acquired autoimmune hemolytic anemia due to “cold” antibodies.     

Resuscitation of puppies after cesarean section

The neonatal depression of puppies, developed by C-section, can be treated effectively by the application of 0.1-0.2 ml Narcanti respectively Narcanti Neonatal (Naloxon) right after development. The technique of the intravenous injection in newborn puppies is simple and easy to learn.