The role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in pathogenesis，development,prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a multifunctional organelle responsible for the synthesis and folding of proteins and regulation of calcium homeostasis. Multiple stimuli, such as oxidative stress, glycosylation change and so on, lead to ER dysfunction characterized by the accumulation of unfolded and/or misfolded proteins and calcium homeostasis imbalance (ER stress). Mode-rate ER stress is an important cytoprotective mechanism against stressors. However, severe and/or prolonged ER stress can trigger apoptotic signaling including CHOP, caspase-12 and JNK pathways. Recent studies have shown that ER stress plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis and it can bring about inhibitory effects on the progression of atherosclerosis through the intervention of the relevant pathways, which may be a new therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.     

自拟纯中药复方制剂球克星对鸡球虫病的治疗效果

为了验证纯中药复方制剂球克星对鸡球虫病的临床疗效和对雏鸡生长的影响,将300只35日龄的雏鸡随机分成6组,分别为球克星大、中、小剂量组(即药物试验组,球克星剂量分别为10g/kg、6 g/kg、2g/kg),药物对照组(地克珠利,200mg/kg),阳性对照组(感染球虫不给药),阴性对照组(不感染球虫,不给药).除阴性...     

Pycnogenol: A blend of procyanidins with multifaceted therapeutic applications?

Great interest is currently centred on the biologic activities of pycnogenol a standardized plant extract obtained from the bark of the French maritime pine Pinus pinaster (formerly known as Pinus maritima), Aiton, subspecies Atlantica des Villar (Pycnogenol®, Horphag Research Ltd., UK, Geneve, Switzerland), which grows in the coastal southwest France. The quality of this extract is specified in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP 28). Between 65% and 75% of Pycnogenol are procyanidins comprising of catechin and epicatechin subunits with varying chain lengths. Other constituents are polyphenolic monomers, phenolic or cinnamic acids and their glycosides. As many studies indicate, pycnogenol components are highly bioavailable. Uniquely, pycnogenol displays greater biologic effects as a mixture than its purified components do individually indicating that the components interact synergistically. Pycnogenol is now utilized throughout the world as a nutritional supplement and as a phytochemical remedy for various diseases ranging from chronic inflammation to circulatory dysfunction, including several impaired psycho-physiological functions. Owing to the basic chemical structure of its components, the most obvious feature of pycnogenol is its strong antioxidant activity. In fact, phenolic acids, polyphenols, and in particular flavonoids, are composed of one (or more) aromatic rings bearing one or more hydroxyl groups and are therefore potentially able to quench free radicals by forming resonance-stabilized phenoxyl radicals.     

Treatment With Therapeutic Bandages to Control Equine Postarthroscopic Tibio-Patellofemoral Swelling

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of therapeutic bandages, the Kinesio Taping Method (KTM), in controlling swelling following arthroscopic tibio-patellofemoral surgery in horses. In vivo experimental study was studied. Twelve horses undergoing experimental tibio-patellofemoral arthroscopy were divided into two groups: six animals in the control group (CG) (without tape) and six animals in the treatment group (TG) that received therapeutic bandages based on the KTM. All of the horses were evaluated by thermography of the lateral and cranial aspect of the joint as well as by a perimeter assessment of the tibio-patellofemoral joint. The TG showed greater control of postoperative swelling with a significant reduction in swelling after 24 hours of treatment compared to the CG staying up to 72 hours, but there were no significant differences in temperature based on the thermography. In this study, which was unprecedented in horses, the use of therapeutic bandages resulted in a significant reduction in postoperative swelling of tibio-patellofemoral arthroscopy in horses compared with CG. Although often employed in human rehabilitation, this therapy is potentially beneficial for veterinary rehabilitation, specifically in horses.     

Characterization of Horse Use in Therapeutic Horseback Riding Programs in the United States: A Pilot Survey

With increasing public scrutiny on animal welfare, it behooves those involved in the equine industry to revisit best management practices to ensure these support healthy horses. There is little published research on how horses are used in the equine industry, particularly in therapeutic horseback riding (THR) programs. Although there is a large amount of information on the benefits of THR programs to the participants, there is little published information available about the horses. Therefore, the objective of this survey was to gather data regarding horse use and care in Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.)–affiliated THR programs in the United States to help establish a foundation for a standard of care. A 20-question survey sent to 659 PATH Intl.–affiliated THR programs returned a 40% response rate. Demographics demonstrated that the median number of horses in each program was 10; geldings outnumbered mares; most horses were between 16 and 20 years of age; and Quarter Horse or stock-type breeds predominated. Median session length was 8 weeks and median lesson length was 45 minutes. Horses were typically ridden by clients 4 days/week and 2 hours/day. Most horses were donated to the programs, participated for approximately 7 years, and left because of aging. Limb lameness and back soreness were the top health issues noted, with only a small percentage of colic and ulcers reported. More horses received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a lameness issue, chiropractic adjustment, and massage than any other supplemental care or complementary therapy. Based on data gathered in this survey, THR horses were not worked excessively. Horses were ridden less than PATH Intl.’s maximum recommendation of 6 hours/day and 6 days/week and less than those used in university programs. Horses in THR programs also appeared to have fewer reported health issues as compared with data in other national reports.     

World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) guidelines for evaluating the efficacy of ectoparasiticides against myiasis causing parasites on ruminants

These guidelines have been prepared to assist in the planning, conduct and interpretation of studies for the assessment of efficacy of ectoparasiticides against the myiasis causing parasites of ruminants. These guidelines specifically focus on larvicidal efficacy against myiasis causing flies. Information is provided on the selection of animals, dose determination and dose confirmation studies, field studies, record keeping and result interpretation. These guidelines advocate the use of pen facilities for dose determination and dose confirmation studies for defining therapeutic and persistent efficacy. These guidelines are also intended to assist investigators on how to conduct specific experiments, to provide specific information for registration authorities involved in the decision-making process, to assist in the approval and registration of new ectoparasiticides, and to facilitate the world-wide adoption of standard procedures.