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A male neutered Cavalier King Charles spaniel was presented initially because of pruritus, seborrhoea and otitis externa at about 15 months of age. The initial clinical diagnosis was allergic dermatitis. Treatment with antibiotic and antifungal ear preparations, prednisolone and cephalosporins over the following year did not fully resolve the problem and the dog also developed a mucopurulent conjunctivitis with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The dermatological and ophthalmological conditions prompted investigation for the condition known as congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca and ichthyosiform dermatosis (CKCSID), which has been previously reported overseas in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Histopathology of skin biopsies confirmed the likelihood of the latter diagnosis. Genetic testing was undertaken and established that the dog was heterozygous for the disorder. The dermatosis and the keratoconjunctivitis are being managed by ongoing symptomatic therapy, with reasonable response to the former, however, the keratoconjunctivitis sicca is expected to result in eventual blindness. Clinical cases of CKCSID are generally thought to be homozygous for the genetic mutation, although this has been questioned in some publications. The heterozygosity of the present case adds support to another mode of expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of yeast-derived products on growth performance, gut lesion score, intestinal population ofClostridium perfringens, and local innate immunity of broiler chickens challenged withC. perfringens. One-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments providing six replicate pens of 55 birds each per treatment. Dietary treatments consisted of Control diets without and withC. perfringenschallenge, and diets containing bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD, 55 g/tonne), nucleotides (150 g/tonne), yeast cell wall (YCW, 300 g/tonne), and a commercial product Maxi-Gen Plus (1 kg/tonne) fed to chickens challenged withC. perfringens. Diets containing 10% distillers dried grains with solubles without and withC. perfringenschallenge were also used. Birds were orally challenged withC. perfringens(108 colony-forming units (cfu)/bird) on day 14. On day 21, intestinal samples were collected for gene expression analysis. Pathogen challenge significantly (P < 0.05) impaired feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) shortly after the challenge (14–21 days). IncreasedC. perfringenscounts and intestinal lesion scores were observed for challenged birds except the BMD-containing diet. Over the entire trial (1–35 days), no difference in growth performance was observed except the BMD diet which improved FCR over the Control, challenged group. Birds receiving nucleotides showed increased expression of toll-like receptors and cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-18 compared to the Control, challenged group. Expression of macrophage mannose receptor and IL-18 was upregulated in birds receiving YCW. Increased expression of cytokines and receptors involved in innate immunity in broilers receiving nucleotides and YCW suggests the immunomodulatory properties of these products under pathogen challenge conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background An ulcerative dermopathy caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans is described in two alpacas ( Vicugna pacos) domiciled in endemic areas of Victoria, Australia. Results The diagnosis was confirmed in both cases by PCR targeting the M. ulcerans-specific insertion sequence, IS 2404. Extensive wound debridement and bandaging was effective in controlling local disease in one alpaca, although the animal was eventually euthanased because of suspected disease recurrence at other anatomical sites. Treatment was not undertaken in the second animal, but the results of a complete necropsy are described. Investigation of the environs of the second animal yielded low levels of M. ulcerans DNA associated with a variety of samples. The potential use of adjunctive antibiotic therapies directed against M. ulcerans infection in this species is discussed. Conclusion Mycobacterium ulcerans infection should be suspected in alpacas domiciled in endemic areas and presented with ulcerative skin disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many seasonal breeders time their reproductive efforts to specific times of the year to ensure adequate resources for the production and care of young. For long-day (ID) breeders, females born before the summer solstice (LDs) reach sexual maturity quickly and often breed that same year, whereas females born after the summer solstice (short days (SD5)) may delay reproductive development to the following spring when environmental conditions are favorable for reproduction. In Siberian hamsters, development in SD is associated with structural and functional differences in the ovary compared with females held in ID, including a greater number of primordial follicles and an abundance of hypertrophied granulosa cells (HGCs), which are immunoreactive for anti-Müllerian hormone. The goal of this study was to determine whether SD-induced gonadotropin suppression is responsible for these phenotypic differences. Gonadotropin levels were suppressed in ID hamsters using the GNRH antagonist acyline. Conversely, to determine whether the SD ovarian phenotype is completely reversed by gonadotropin stimulation, recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) was administered. Our treatments were successful in mimicking FSH concentrations of the opposite photoperiod, but they did not produce a comparable change in the ovarian phenotype. Most notable was the lack of HGCs in the ovaries of acyline-treated ID females. Similarly, NGCs were maintained in the ovaries of SD females treated with rhFSH. Our data suggest that gonadotropins alone do not account for the SD ovarian phenotype. Future studies will determine whether SD-induced changes in other factors underlie these phenotypic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localised infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans is described in two Kelpies, a Whippet and a Koolie domiciled on the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. The diagnosis was confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the M. ulcerans-specific insertion sequence (IS 2404) in DNA extracted from swabs of ulcerated lesions in all cases. Where available, molecular typing confirmed that three of the dogs were infected with a strain of M. ulcerans that was indistinguishable from a disease-causing strain in people and other animals in Victoria. One dog was still undergoing treatment at the time of writing, but the remaining three dogs were successfully treated with a combination of surgical debridement and medical therapy in one case, and medical therapy alone in the other two. Investigation of the home environs of three of the dogs using real-time PCR revealed low amounts of M. ulcerans DNA in various environmental samples. Mycobacterium ulcerans infection should be included in the differential diagnoses of any ulcerated skin lesions in dogs that live in or visit endemic areas of Victoria and Queensland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Dinoprostone Slow Release Pessary (Propess) with Gel (Prostin) for induction of labour (IOL) at term. A total of 120 women requiring IOL at term with no previous uterine surgery and no contraindication to prostaglandins were included. The main outcome measures were efficacy of drug preparations, patient satisfaction and the cost-effectiveness. The secondary outcome measures noted were maternal complications during the labour, type of delivery, the neonate's Apgar scores at birth and 5 min and incidence of significant morbidities. There were insignificant differences between the two groups in induction-to-delivery interval, mode of delivery, number of women delivering within 24 h and neonatal outcomes. However, the number of vaginal examinations was significantly lower in the Propess group. Propess was found to be more cost effective compared with Prostin in view of single dose and less midwifery hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the spatial dimension of plant disease development which was always neglected by epidemiologists despite its importance. It discusses that methods such as spatial scales, mapping and geostatics to be used for spatial analysis. It infers that the spikelet disease severity is numbered and that the metabolic profiles were recorded using gas chromatography.

To investigate the effects of supplemental Se on the transfer of Se to nursing pigs when sows are fed diets containing a Se level above the NRC recommendation (0.15 ppm), sows were fed diets containing no supplemental Se or supplemental (0.3 ppm) Se from sodium selenite or Se yeast. A nonSe-fortified corn-soy-bean meal basal diet with a high endogenous Se content served as the negative control (0.20 to 0.23 ppm Se). Fifty-two sows were fed diets from 60 d prepartum until 14 d of lactation. Six sows per treatment were bled at 60 and 30 d prepartum, at farrowing, and at 14 d postpartum to measure serum Se concentrations. Colostrum was collected within 12 h postpartum, and milk was collected at 14 d of lactation. Blood was obtained from 3 pigs each from 12 litters per treatment at birth and at weaning (d 14), and pooled serum was analyzed for Se and immunoglobulin G concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity. Regardless of treatment, serum Se in sows declined throughout gestation and gradually increased during lactation. Sows fed Se yeast tended (P < 0.06) to have greater serum Se at farrowing than sows fed unsupplemented diets. Colostrum and milk (d 14) Se concentrations increased (P < 0.01) when sows were fed Se from yeast but not from sodium selenite. At birth, serum Se was increased (P < 0.01) for pigs whose dams were fed Se yeast compared with pigs from sows fed the basal diet. At 14 d of age, there was no difference in serum Se concentration of pigs from dams fed any of the treatments. Pig serum immunoglobulin G concentrations and glutathione peroxidase-1 activity were unaffected by dietary Se source. Supplementation of gestating and lactating sow diets with Se (0.3 ppm) from an organic or inorganic source reduced the number of stillbirths per litter. However, only pigs born to sows fed organic Se (Se yeast) had greater serum Se at birth. Organic Se increased Se concentration of colostrum and 14-d milk to a greater degree than inorganic Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies drug combinations as discriminative stimuli using a four-choice procedure. Features of the procedure; Importance of studying the discriminative stimuli produced by drug interactions.

Pulmonary hypertension is found in about 10% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE). Pulmonary hypertension may be present at the time of diagnosis or may develop after the diagnosis of SLE or anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS). It often presents in the reproductive years and has a significant impact on pregnancy outcome, being a significant cause of indirect maternal deaths. In our observational case series of three patients there were two deaths (66%). In cases 1 and 2 the pulmonary hypertension developed during pregnancy and deteriorated rapidly with markedly abnormal mean pulmonary artery pressures of 80 and 70mmHg respectively prior to death. Both patients died within 48 hours of delivery. In case 3 the pulmonary hypertension was milder and was diagnosed very early in pregnancy. The patient received multidisciplinary care from the first trimester and the management of the pregnancy, delivery and the early puerperium was planned. Careful epidural anaesthesia was used and the patient had invasive monitoring on the intensive therapy unit (ITU) for 72 hours. Women with pulmonary hypertension need to be aware of the high risk of maternal mortality associated with pregnancy but we believe that an improvement in outcome can be achieved by careful assessment and the use of a multidisciplinary approach from early in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma zinc, serum albumin and alkaline phosphatase (a zinc-dependent enzyme) were measured in thirty-five psoriatics and their age- and sex-matched controls. No significant difference was seen between these two groups as a whole, but psoriatics with less than 10% surface involvement had significantly higher mean plasma zinc levels than their respective control group. Psoriatic patients also showed a relationship between the extent of surface involvement and the plasma zinc level, those with more extensive involvement having lower levels than those with minimal involvement. The differences were not due to disturbances in serum albumin, and no abnormalities in serum alkaline phosphatase were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides a guideline for dermatologists in preparing a medical report for occupational dermatitis. Establishment of the source of request for the report; Considerations regarding the cause of occupational dermatitis; Detailed construction of the report itself.

Zinc is a major component of many local skin applications. An investigation into its systemic absorption in thirty-one psoriatic hospital in-patients is reported. Plasma zinc, copper and whole blood delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase were followed before and during in-patient treatment over 14 days. No significant alteration in these parameters was detected. Significantly reduced plasma zinc levels were found in the patients compared to a matched control population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to measure the changes in the distribution of radioactivity of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in the body tissues, feces, and urine. The study uses the Packard Tricarb liquid scintillation spectrometer in measuring the radioactivity of the deoxynivalenol (DON). Results show that the counts in blood samples were changed and low, in which the highest level appeared in the urine and the kidney removal was enough to maintain pace with absorption of the GIT.

The article presents a study on Deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration in the digesta as it went through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of laying domestic chickens. The study obtained contaminated corn through insertion of toothpicks filled with Fusarium graminerarum into cobs and included in the complete feed of the birds, and extraction and derivatization were employed in DON analyses of feed. The study revealed the disappearance of DON from GIT due to absorption by enterocyte.

The role of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in the stimulation of lung development by estrogen is now investigated using organ cultures of lung from male and female fetal rats taken from Days 17 to 21 of gestation. Estradiol at 1 μg/ml was found to reduce cell proliferation in explants taken during a rapid growth phase (Day 18) and to stimulate surfactant synthesis in both males and females only in Day 20 explants when cell division is much slower. At this time more epithelial cells from estrogen-treated explants contained lamellar bodies, which were also secreted to fill the air sacs. These cultures also showed a significant increase in the frequency of cell-to-cell contacts between epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Uptake of tritiated estradiol by explants increased from Day 18 onward, and by autoradiography, labeling was located predominantly over fibroblasts. Using pure cultures of fetal and adult cells, uptake of labeled estradiol was significantly higher in fibroblasts than in corresponding epithelial cells, and estradiol did not directly enhance palmitate incorporation into epithelial cells. The results suggest that the earlier maturation and increased surfactant synthesis in female fetal lung is related at least in part to enhanced binding of estrogen by the fibroblast with subsequent transfer of a maturation factor to the fetal epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of monoclonal antibodies which recognize antigenic determinants on lymphoid cells has resulted in the immunologic analysis of a wide variety of diseases where disturbance of the immune system is believed to be important in pathogenesis. These reagents may be used to scrutinize cell suspensions, like blood and lymphoid cells in tissues. The diseases to be discussed in this review are lupus erythematosus, leprosy, sarcoidosis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and parapsoriasis. The specificity of the monoclonal antibodies used is shown in tabulated form.