Comparison of MB fraction of creatine kinase mass and troponin I serum levels with necropsy findings in acute myocardial infarction

Serum levels of troponin and heart-related fraction of creatine kinase (CK-MB) mass are used as diagnostic and prognostic criteria in myocardial infarction, but the relation between those levels and-the necropsy-determined size of necrosis has not been tested in human beings. In this retrospective study, 1-cm-thick transverse sections of the ventricles were cut from the base to the apex in the necropsy hearts of 27 patients aged 47 to 86 years (mean 66, median 69; 19 men). Total and necrotic areas were measured using a computer-linked image analysis system. The weights of the necrotic areas were also calculated. The correlations of the areas and weights of necrotic myocardium with the highest serum values of CK-MB mass and troponin 1, which had been quantified during life by chemiluminescence immunoassays, were verified by Pearson`s test; results were considered significant at p <= 50.05. Significant correlations were detected between CK-MB mass peak and infarct size (r = 0.63, p < 0.01) and weight (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) and between CK-MB mass and highest troponin level (r = 0.73, p < 0.01); however, the correlations between highest troponin level and myocardial infarct size (r = 0.31, p = 0.11) and weight (r = 0.35, p = 0.07) were small and nonsignificant. In conclusion, despite the well-established role of serum levels of troponin as a diagnostic tool for myocardial infarction, their highest values showed poor correlations with the extent of infarct. In contrast, the highest serum level of CK-MB mass was well correlated with myocardial infarct size. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of feeding high levels of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) cladodes on urinary output and electrolyte excretion in goats

A study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding spineless cactus cladodes on diuresis and urinary electrolyte excretion in goats. Five bucks were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square experiment with 17-day periods. Experimental diets contained (g/kg dry matter (DM) basis) 370, 470, 570, 670, and 770 spineless cactus cladodes. Water consumption from feed and urine output increased linearly (P<0.05) as the level of cactus cladodes in the diet increased. However, water intake from drinking was low and unaffected by cactus cladode level. Creatinine clearance and urinary Na excretion were similar for all dietary treatments while K excretion decrease linearly (P<0.05) as the level of cactus cladodes in the diet increased. Feeding cactus cladodes caused diuresis and reduced urinary K excretion in goats. Possible reasons for these effects include water over-consumption from cactus cladodes and high dietary K intake. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microbial and sensory changes throughout the ripening of Prato cheese made from milk with different levels of somatic cells

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of 2 levels of raw milk somatic cell count (SCC) on the composition of Prato cheese and on the microbiological and sensory changes of Prato cheese throughout ripening. Two groups of dairy cows were selected to obtain low-SCC (<200,000 cells/mL) and high-SCC (>700,000 cells/mL) milks, which were used to manufacture 2 vats of cheese. The pasteurized milk was evaluated according to the pH, total solids, fat, total protein, lactose, standard plate count, coliforms at 45 degrees C, and Salmonella spp. The cheese composition was evaluated 2 d after manufacture. Lactic acid bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, and yeast and mold counts were carried out after 3, 9, 16, 32, and 51 d of storage. Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus counts were carried out after 3, 32, and 51 d of storage. A 2 x 5 factorial design with 4 replications was performed. Sensory evaluation of the cheeses from low- and high-SCC milks was carried out for overall acceptance by using a 9-point hedonic scale after 8, 22, 35, 50, and 63 d of storage. The somatic cell levels used did not affect the total protein and salt: moisture contents of the cheeses. The pH and moisture content were higher and the clotting time was longer for cheeses from high-SCC milk. Both cheeses presented the absence of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes, and the coagulase-positive Staphylococcus count was below 1 x 10(2) cfu/g throughout the storage time. The lactic acid bacteria count decreased significantly during the storage time for the cheeses from both low- and high-SCC milks, but at a faster rate for the cheese from high-SCC milk. Cheeses from high-SCC milk presented lower psychrotrophic bacteria counts and higher yeast and mold counts than cheeses from low- SCC milk. Cheeses from low- SCC milk showed better overall acceptance by the consumers. The lower overall acceptance of the cheeses from high-SCC milk may be associated with texture and flavor defects, probably caused by the higher proteolysis of these cheeses.

Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Zinc Gluconate Associated with Dimethyl Sulphoxide for Sexually Mature Canine Males Chemical Neutering

Contents The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of zinc gluconate associated with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) for chemical neutering in canine males. Fifteen sexually mature male dogs were divided in two groups, named control and treated. An injection was administered to both testicles, at a concentration of 26.2 mg zinc gluconate per ml and 0.5% DMSO in the treated group (11 dogs). The control group was given injections of saline solution (four dogs). Clinical examination and blood collection for a haemogram were done both before and after drug injection. There were 12 spermograms performed to analyse sperm motility, sperm vigour, ejaculate volume, testicle size, pathology and sperm concentrations. Libido was also measured. An ultrasound examination and histopathology were performed at the end of the experiment. Dogs` libido after chemical injection was reduced by over 50%. The spermogram analysis showed final mean results of 14.54% for sperm motility, 0.72 of sperm vigour and 37 150 per million spermatozoa per millilitre, values considered below the necessary levels at which fertilization can occur. Ultrasound and histopathology analyses of testicles for the treated group revealed more intense injuries when compared with the control group, with compromised testicular parenchyma and a decrease of germ cell number leading to total atrophy, indicating that the treatment reduced the fertilizing potential of male dogs, promoting a possible subfertile status.

Long-Term Maternal Separation Differentially Alters Serum Corticosterone Levels and Blood Neutrophil Activity in A/J and C57BL/6 Mouse Offspring

Objectives: In this work, we searched for maternal separation effects on serum corticosterone levels and blood neutrophil activity in adult male A/J and C57BL/6 mouse offspring. Methods: 40 male A/J mice and 40 male C57BL/6 mice were divided within each strain into two groups. Mice in the maternal separation group were separated from their mothers (1 h/day) on postnatal days 0-13. Mice in the control group were left undisturbed. On postnatal day 45, blood was drawn from all mice and used to assess neutrophil activity by flow cytometry and serum corticosterone levels by radioimmunoassay. Results: The results showed that each mouse strain responded differently to maternal separation, but in both cases, serum corticosterone levels were affected. In both strains, adult mice that experienced maternal separation showed lower serum corticosterone levels than control mice. In relation to control mice kept together with their mothers, the levels of serum corticosterone were 72.7 and 36.36% lower in A/J and C57BL/6 mice submitted to maternal separation, respectively. The current findings showed that maternal separation increased neutrophil activity in mice after reaching adulthood. The observed effects, although in the same direction, differed between A/J and C57BL/6 mice. Maternal separation increased both the percentage and intensity of phagocytosis in C57BL/6 mice, but had no effects on A/J mice. Furthermore, maternal separation increased basal and propidium iodide-labeled Staphylococcus aureus-induced oxidative burst in A/J mice but did not affect oxidative burst in C57BL/6 mice. Finally, phorbol myristate acetate-induced oxidative burst increased in both strains. Conclusion: These results indicate that early maternal separation increases innate immunity, most likely by modifying hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. This suggests that maternal separation is a good model for stress which produces long-term neuroimmune changes whatever the animal species and strain used. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel

Food aversion: A critical balance between allergen-specific IgE levels and taste preference

Animals sensitized to allergens change their feeding behavior and avoid drinking the otherwise preferred sweetened solutions containing the allergens. This phenomenon, known as food aversion, appears to be mediated by allergen-specific IgE antibodies. Here we investigated food aversion in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, which differ in their allergic responses to the allergen ovalbumin as well as in their preference for sweet taste. BALB/c mice present higher levels of IgE and a natural lower preference for sweet flavors when compared to C57BL/6 mice. Specifically, we studied a conflicting situation in which animals simultaneously experienced the aversive contact with the allergen and the attractive sweet taste of increasing concentrations of sucrose. We found that BALB/c mice were more prone to develop food aversion than C57BL/6 mice and that this aversive behavior could be abolished in both strains by increasing the palatability of the solution containing the allergen. In both strains food aversion was positively correlated with the levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies and inversely correlated with their preference for sucrose sweetened solutions. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Protection levels of vaccinated pigeons (Columba livia) against a highly pathogenic newcastle disease virus strain

The purposes of this study were to model a vaccination regimen for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in pigeons, and to evaluate the susceptibility and behavior of vaccinated birds against a highly pathogenic NDV Brazilian strain. Antibody response was assessed by means of hemagglutination inhibition test (HI), and viral genome excretion by means of RT-PCR. Vaccinal strains (La Sota and Ulster) induced high antibody titers without any adverse effects, both in inoculated and in sentinel birds. A viral strain pathogenic for chickens did not produce clinical signs of the disease in experimentally infected pigeons. Only 4 out of 10 vaccinated pigeons shed NDV genome, and just for two days. Results confirmed the high infectivity of the vaccinal strains used, as all nonvaccinated pigeons showed antibody titers as high as those of vaccinated birds.

Moxidectin interference on sexual behavior, penile erection and hypothalamic GABA levels of male rats

The moxidectin (MXD) is an antiparasitic drug used in domestic animals. The mechanism of action, in mammals, involves GABA, a neurotransmitter with an important role in the sexual behavior control. Presently, the effects of 0.2 mg/kg therapeutic dose were studied on sexual behavior, sexual motivation, penile erection and central GABA levels. Sexual behavior results showed increased latencies to the first mount and intromission as well as in inter-intromission interval; a reduction in total mounts was detected on the drug post-treatment. No difference was observed between sexual motivation of control and experimental animals. MXD treatment reduced penile erection and hypothalamic GABA levels. The results suggest that MXD reduced sexual behavior and penile erection by an action on the hypothalamic GABA system. Probably, the lack of effects in the motivational test and the increased mount and intromission latencies as well as decreased total mounts could be explained as a consequence of reduced male rat erection process. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Antioxidants During Bovine In Vitro Fertilization Procedures on Spermatozoa and Embryo Development

Increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) may cause cytotoxic damage to gametes, whereas small amounts of ROS favour sperm capacitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of antioxidants [50 mu M beta-mercaptoethanol (beta-ME) and 50 mu M cysteamine (Cyst)] or a pro-oxidant (5 mm buthionine sulfoximine) on the quality and penetrability of spermatozoa into bovine oocytes and on the subsequent embryo development and quality when added during IVF. Sperm quality, evaluated by the integrity of plasma and acrosomal membranes, and mitochondrial function, was diminished (p < 0.05) after 4-h culture in the presence of antioxidants. Oocyte penetration rates were similar between treatments (p > 0.05), but antioxidants adversely affected the normal pronuclear formation rates (p < 0.05). The incidence of polyspermy was high for beta-ME (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in cleavage rates between treatments (p > 0.05). However, the developmental rate to the blastocyst stage was adversely affected by Cyst treatment (p < 0.05). The quality of embryos that reached the blastocyst stage, evaluated by total, inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm cell numbers and ICM/total cell ratio was unaffected (p > 0.05) by treatments. The results indicate that ROS play a role in the fertilizing capacity in bovine spermatozoa, as well as in the interaction between the spermatozoa and the oocytes. It can be concluded that supplementation with antioxidants during IVF procedures impairs sperm quality, normal pronuclear formation and embryo development to the blastocyst stage.

Influence of Osteopontin in Bovine Uterine Tube Fluid on Sperm Binding and Fertilization in RCA-1 Lectin-treated Oocytes

This study was conducted to determine the effect of pre-exposure of oocytes to Ricinus communis (RCA-1) lectin and osteopontin (OPN) in uterine tube fluid (UTF) on in vitro sperm-egg binding and fertilization. In vitro-matured bovine oocytes were incubated (39 degrees C, 5% CO(2) in air) for 2 h in the following treatments: (i) 500 mu l of fertilization medium (FM); (ii) 250 mu l of FM with 0.25 ml of non-luteal ampullary uterine tube fluid (NLAUTF); (iii) 250 mu l of FM with 250 mu l of NLAUTF and 4 mu l of RCA-1 lectin; (iv) 250 mu l of FM with 250 mu l of NLAUTF, a rabbit polyclonal antibody (1:200) against purified bovine milk OPN, and RCA-1 lectin; (v) 500 mu l of FM and RCA-1 lectin. Following incubation, oocytes were washed, placed in FM with 2 mu g heparin, and incubated with 1 x 10(5) frozen-thawed spermatozoa per 10 oocytes. Oocytes used to assess sperm binding were stained with Hoescht 33342, and the number of sperm bound per zona pellucida counted. The remaining oocytes were fixed in acid alcohol, stained with 1% acetate-orcein and observed to determine the presence of pronuclei. More sperm bound to the zona pellucida (mean +/- SEM) when oocytes were incubated in treatment 3 (59.0 +/- 5.5) than in treatments 2 (46.4 +/- 5.6), 4 (18.1 +/- 5.4), 5 (33.4 +/- 5.6) or 1 (32.5 +/- 5.6). More oocytes were fertilized when incubated in treatment 3 (91% +/- 3.0) than in 2 (84% +/- 3.0), 4 (40% +/- 3.0), 5 (77% +/- 3.0) or 1 (76% +/- 3.0). As in previous studies, this study suggests that RCA-1 lectin enhances binding of UTF-derived OPN to bovine oocytes, resulting in increased sperm-egg binding and fertilization in vitro and a possible role in fertilization.

Pre-treatment of cattle sperm and/or oocyte with antibody to lipocalin type prostaglandin D synthase inhibits in vitro fertilization and increases sperm-oocyte binding

The present study was conducted to determine the affect of pre-treating of oocytes and/or sperm with a rabbit polyclonal antibody against recombinant cattle lipocalin type prostaglandin D synthase (alpha L-PGDS) on in vitro sperm-oocyte binding and fertilization. In vitro matured cattle oocytes were incubated (39 degrees C, 5% CO2 in air) for I It in the following treatments either 500 mu L of fertilization medium (FM) or FM with alpha L-PGDS (1:2000). Frozen-thawed spermatozoa were washed by a 45/90% layered Percoll gradient centrifugation and incubated for I h either FM or FM with a L-PGDS. This study utilized five different treatments: (1) no antibody (control); (2) a rabbit IgG against a non-bovine antigen, bacterial histidase (alpha-hist); (3) a L-PGDS at fertilization time (with fertilization medium); (4) alpha L-PGDS-treated oocytes; or (5) a L-PGDS-treated sperm. Pre-treated oocytes were incubated with 10 X 10(4) washed spermatozoa per 25 oocytes. Oocytes used to assess sperm binding were stained with Hoescht 33342, and the number of sperm bound per zonae pellucidae counted. The remaining oocytes were fixed in acid alcohol, stained with 1% acetate-orcein and observed to determine the presence of pronuclei. More sperm bound to the zonae pellucidae when oocytes and/or sperm were pre-treated with alpha. L-PGDS: (1) 26.4 +/- 3.0; (2) 25.6 +/- 3.0; (3) 59.7 +/- 3.0; (4) 56.4 +/- 3.0; and (5) 57.1 +/- 3.0. Addition of alpha L-PGDS with sperm, oocytes, or both, decreased fertilization (P < 0.05) compared with the control: (1) 89.2 +/- 2.0%; (2) 87.5 +/- 2.0%; (3) 19.4 +/- 2.0%; (4) 27.2 +/- 3.1%; and (5) 14.1 +/- 3.4%. The alpha L-PGDS reacts with both oocytes and spermatozoa, resulting in increases of in vitro sperm-oocyte binding and inhibition of fertilization. These observations suggest that L-PGDS may have a role in cattle fertilization. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Short-term urea feeding decreases in vitro hatching of bovine blastocysts

Cows fed high-protein diets may have impaired reproductive performance. Although the pathogenesis has not been completely elucidated, it appears that not only the uterus, but also the follicle and oocyte, are affected by excessive plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations. Thus, the objective was to determine the effects of short-term urea feeding on the competence of bovine oocytes. Forty crossbred heifers (Bos indicus vs Bos taurus) were allocated to two groups, namely CONTROL (maintenance diet) and UREA (maintenance diet supplemented with 75 g of urea/day), following a cross-over design. Heifers received their respective diets for 6 d (without adaptation). On the sixth day, blood samples were harvested both before and 3 h after feeding, and cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected by ovum pick-up. Although PUN concentrations were higher in UREA than CONTROL heifers (31.31 mg/dL +/- 1.13 vs 22.12 mg/dL +/- 0.86; mean +/- SEM), neither the number of COCs recovered (8.8 +/- 1.0 vs 9.2 +/- 0.8, UREA vs CONTROL, respectively) nor their quality (based on morphology) differed significantly between groups. Next, oocytes were fertilized and cultured in vitro to assess developmental rates. There was an absence of significant differences between groups for rates of cleavage (Day 3) or blastocyst formation (Days 6, 7 and 9), but the hatched blastocyst rate on Day 11 after fertilization was lower (P < 0.05) in the UREA than the CONTROL groups (64.3 vs 83.5%). Therefore, we inferred that the effects of urea were only manifest later in development. In conclusion, high PUN concentrations decreased oocyte competence in heifers, reinforcing the hypothesis that poor reproductive performance in cows with high PUN was due, at least in part, to a deleterious effect on oocytes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of culture media on porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization or parthenogenetic activation after oocyte maturation with cycloheximide

This study evaluated the effects of reversible meiotic inhibition and different culture media (PZM3 or NCSU23) on production of porcine embryos by either in vitro fertilization (IVF) or parthenogenetic activation (PA). Oocytes from abattoir-derived ovaries were allocated into two groups for maturation: CHX (5 mu g/ml cycloheximide for 10 h) or Control (no CHX). The percentage of metaphase II (MII) oocytes was determined at 36, 40 or 44 h of in vitro maturation. For IVF and PA, denuded oocytes were fertilized with purified sperm for 6 h or activated by electric stimuli. Zygotes were then subdivided into two culture groups: NCSU23 or PZM3. No effect of treatment with CHX and culture media was observed on cleavage (D3) and blastocyst (D7) rates in IVF and PA groups. There are no differences of quality or development rates between IVF-derived embryos cultured in NCSU23 or PZM3. However, we observed high quality PA embryos in PZM3 compared with NCSU23. Maturation arrest with CHX decreased the average blastocyst cell number in IVF while it was increased in PA embryos. As older oocytes are more effectively activated, CHX-blocked oocytes reached the mature stage faster than the control group. In conclusion, the CHX treatment for 10 h, followed by oocyte maturation for 40 h, is an efficient protocol to produce high quality parthenote embryos, especially when they are cultured in PZM3. However, this protocol is not satisfactory for IVF embryos production. In this case, a shorter maturation period could provide better embryo quality.

Evaluation of cortisol and glycemia levels of dogs anesthetized with sevoflurane and premedicated with either butorphanol or phetidine

The objective of this study was to compare the influence of butorphanol and phetidine as part of the preanesthetic medication, in 20 healthy dogs submitted to experimental orthopedic surgery. Dogs were randomly allocated in two groups: GI, acepromazine and butorphanol (0,05 mg.kg(-1) and 0,4 mg.kg(-1), respectively, i.m.) and, GII, acepromazine and phetidine (0,05 mg.kg(-1) and 4 mg.kg(-1), respectively, i.m.). Anesthesia was induced by administration of propofol (5 mg.kg-1) and maintained by the use of sevoflurane delivered in a 100% oxygen circuit. Plasma concentrations of cortisol and glucose were measured during several surgical procedures: T0, before preanesthetic medication; T1, 20 minutes after preanesthetic medication; T2, at skin incision; T3, at periostal stimulation; and, T4, at skin suture. Concentrations of plasma glucose were not significantly different between the surgical procedures and between the two groups evaluated. Concentrations of plasma cortisol were significantly higher in dogs administered with butorphanol between the surgical procedures of T0 and T3, compared with values for dogs administered with phetidine. These results suggest that phetidine is more adequate to control plasma cortisol in dogs submitted to orthopedic surgery than anesthesia with sevoflurane.