Ultrasonographic-based predictive factors influencing successful return to racing after superficial digital flexor tendon injuries in flat racehorses: A retrospective cohort study in 469 Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury is an important health and welfare concern in racehorses. It is generally diagnosed with ultrasonography, but predictive ultrasonographic features have not been reported. OBJECTIVES: To determine ultrasonographic features of forelimb SDFT injury at initial presentation in Thoroughbred racehorses that could predict a successful return to racing (completing ≥5 races). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Digitised ultrasonographic images of 469 horses with forelimb SDFT injuries from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (2003-2014) were evaluated, using a previously validated ultrasonographic scoring system. Six ultrasonographic parameters were evaluated (type and extent of the injury, location, echogenicity, cross-sectional area and longitudinal fibre pattern of the maximal injury zone [MIZ]), as well as horse signalment, retirement date and number of races before and after injury. Data were analysed by generalised linear regression with significance at P<0.05. RESULTS: Cases were divided into two groups: 1) For cases of SDFT tendonitis with core lesions, cross-sectional area at the MIZ was the most significant factor determining a successful return to racing (P = 0.03). If the lesion was <50% of the total cross-sectional area, horses had 29-35% probability of successfully racing again, but if it was ≥50% this decreased to 11-16%. 2) For cases of SDFT tendonitis without a core lesion, longitudinal fibre pattern at the MIZ best predicted a successful return to racing (P = 0.002); if the affected longitudinal fibre pattern was <75% of the total, horses had 49-99% probability of successfully return to racing, but if it was ≥75% this decreased to 14%. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Prognostic information may not be applicable to other breeds/disciplines. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe ultrasonographic features of forelimb SDFT injuries at initial presentation that were predictive of successful return to racing. The outcomes will assist with early, evidence-based decisions on prognosis in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Reproductive disruption in Fasciola hepatica associated with incomplete efficacy of a new experimental formulation of triclabendazole.

The objective of the present study was to analyse the reproductive viability (using histopathologic studies) of Fasciola hepatica from cattle artificially infected and treated subcutaneously with a new experimental formulation of triclabendazole (8mg/kg b.w.). The results of the efficacy controlled test, which only takes into account the presence of live adult flukes, indicated that, whilst in the control group (n=7) 533 live specimens were recovered, in the test groups (doses of 8 and 12mg/kg b.w.) only 195 and 47 adults were recovered, respectively. These numbers indicate efficacies of 69% and 95.6%, respectively. It was observed in that dose of 8mg/kg b.w. some specimens remained viable, but they were infertile, which severely compromises the biological cycle of the trematode. In the testis tubules of flukes treated with the low dose of TCBZ (8mg/kg), very few cells were present and the vitelline follicles were markedly reduced in size and each follicle contained very few cells. This would have direct implications for the pathogenesis of the parasitosis since the remaining parasites would produce little clinical-productive manifestations, would stimulate the immune response and would find it difficult to establish future re-infestations/re-infections. Consequently, these observations will also prompt a review of certain methodological and interpretative aspects related to efficacy tests, where the only discriminative factor is the reduction of the adult parasite load. On one hand, histopathological studies could be complementary to the efficacy controlled test for TCBZ or other BZD formulations.

Reduction of Adherence of E. coli O157:H7 to HEp-2 Cells and to Bovine Large Intestinal Mucosal Explants by Colicinogenic E. coli.

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli strains (EHEC) had emerged as foodborne pathogens and cause in human diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Because of the widespread distribution of EHEC serotypes and O157 and non-O157 in cattle population, its control will require interventions at the farm level such as the administration of probiotics that produce inhibitory metabolites. E. coli O157:H7 shows tissue tropisms for the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of cattle. The aim of this study was to test the ability of a colicinogenic E. coli (isolated from bovine) to reduce the adherence of E. coli O157:H7 to HEp-2 cells and to GIT of cattle. We inoculated HEp-2 cells and bovine colon explants with both kinds of strains. Colicinogenic E. coli was able to reduce the adherence of E. coli O157:H7 to HEp-2 cells and to bovine tissues.

Conformation and anatomical relations of the liver of llama (Lama glama).

Morphological studies of the liver of the llama are structural supportive to the clinical practice, surgery and specific diagnostic techniques. The aims of this study were first to determine the location of the organ and the direction of its major axis to project it to the abdominal wall, identifying visible and palpable bony references. Secondly, to characterize and determine anatomical relations of the surfaces, borders and angles of the llama liver, as well as, of its lobulation. Twenty adult llamas of both sexes and two foetuses of 6.5- and 7-month-old were used. Llama liver is a post-diaphragmatic organ located in the cranial abdominal region, in the right hypochondrium, in relationship with the last six ribs. Dorsally, it can exceeds the last (twelfth) rib. Its major axis presents a cranio-ventral bent. Its shape is irregularly triangular. It presents two surfaces (parietal and visceral), three borders (cranial, caudal and ventral) and three angles (dorsal, cranial and caudal).

Determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sewage sludge by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography and HPLC-fluorescence detection: a comparative study.

Two different methods, based on micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC-DA) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fluorescence detection, were studied to separate and determine 12 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of 16 PAHs recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in sewage sludge. beta-cyclodextrin was used as a micelle precursor in a sodium borate buffer solution which included the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and the acetonitrile dissolvent. The following parameters: temperature, voltage, pH, concentrations of buffer solution and injection time, were optimized by an experimental design (Nemrodw programme). Furthermore, HPLC-fluorescence detection and separation conditions are reported. The mobile phase was acetonitrile-water in different percentages. Precision, accuracy, linearity and detection and quantification limits were determined. This method was applied in the analysis of sewage sludge from a wastewater depuration station in Crispijana (Alava, Spain). In this case, it is necessary to carry out a solid phase extraction step for its determination. The method was validated by the analysis of a certificated sample of LGC 6182, and finally samples of sewage sludge were analysed weekly for two years, obtaining in all cases results under the legal limits for the use of sewage sludge in agriculture.

Conducto hepatopancreático de la llama / Hepatopancreatic duct of llama

La estructura de las vísceras y glándulas anexas del aparato digestivo de los camélidos sudamericanos, muestran diferencias morfológicas con relación a otros rumiantes. Los estudios macroscópicos realizados, nos permitieron observar que en los camélidos sudamericanos la ampolla duodenal y el conducto hepatopancreático (CHP) presentan características particulares que le confieren una marcada diferencia con los bovinos domésticos, al presentar una desembocadura común de ambos conductos. Los estudios se realizaron mediante técnicas histológicas de rutina y por medio de histoquímica de lectinas. El conducto biliar se une al pancreático a unos 3 cm del duodeno, formando el CHP que desemboca sobre el duodeno en el pliegue duodenal, bien visible, con dirección caudal a favor del tránsito intestinal, recorriendo 2 cm por dentro de la mucosa intestinal. Presenta un orificio terminal en forma de bisel, ubicado a unos 40 cm del píloro. No se observa conducto pancreático accesorio. El CHP se halla tapizado por epitelio cilíndroco simple, sin células caliciformes. Sobre el pliegue duodenal se observa mayor desarrollo glandular, aumentando su espesor. El epitelio cilíndrico es más alto, más acidófilo y se invagina formando glándulas rodeadas de tejido conectivo. Las glándulas son tubulares con células acidófilas y basófilas, ricas en mucopolisacáridos. Para caracterizar los glicoconjugados, se utilizó una batería de siete lectinas (con A, UEA-1, SBA, DBA, PNA, RCA-1, WGA). En las células epiteliales de la mucosa, los glucoconjugados más destacados presentes son la N-acetilglucosamina y N-acetilgalactosamina dado que dieron marcada reactividad con las lectinas WGA y SBA. La N-acetilglucosamina y N-acetilgalactosamina son aminoazúcares que suelen encontrarse como carbohidratos estructurales. En las glándulas de la mucosa del CHP se observó que las células presentan N-acetilgalactosamina y en menor proporción N-glucosamina

Physiological studies in the South American camelid llama (Lama guanicoe f. d. glama). I. Body water spaces and water turnover.

Body water (BW) and extracellular water (ECW), were determined with tritiated water (THO) and 82Br injected into the vein, to 8 mature animals of both sexes during the winter season. The biological half-time of THO (T1/2 THO) and the daily water turnover (WT) were measured and the intracellular water (ICW) calculated. The studies with THO were repeated in the same animals and in 2 lactating females in spring and summer. Two calves were also studied during spring. The values obtained in winter were: BW 659 +/- 12 ml/kg; T1/2 THO 9.2 +/- 1 day; WT per 24 h 50 +/- 3 ml/kg or 116 +/- 5 ml/kg 82 and 163 +/- 9 ml per 1 of BW82; ECW 215 +/- 8 ml/kg or 32.5 +/- 3% BW; ICW 447 +/- 12 ml/kg or 67.7 +/- 4% BW. The results of the spring's studies showed a significant increase in the values of WT. In summer a further increment of this parameters was observed when expressed as ml/kg body solids. This differences were remarkable in those in lactation. The proportion of water in the body was significantly higher during summer in all animals. BW in lactating animals during summer was 783 +/- 9 ml/kg and in the other animals 718 +/- 18; T1/2 THO values were 3.3 +/- .-06 and 4.5 +/- .4 day, respectively. WT was 396 +/- 9 ml/kg.82 or 484 +/- 8 ml/l BW82 in the lactating animals and 260 +/- 9 ml/kg 82 or 341 +/- 12 ml/l BW82 in the other animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Physiological studies in the South American camelid llama (Lama guanicoe f. d. glama). I. Body water spaces and water turnover

En ocho animales adultos de ambos sexos durante el invierno se determinaron mediante agua tritiada (THO) y 82Br. el agua corporal (AC) y extracelular (AEC) en forma simultánea. Se midieron el tiempo medio biológical del THO(T1/2THO) y el recambio diario de agua (RDA) y se calculó el agua intracelular (AIC). Los estudios con THO se repitieron en los mismos animales y en dos hembras en lactación durante la primavera y el verano. En la primavera también se estudaron dos animales lactantes. Los valores obtenidos en invierno fueron: AC 659 ñ 12ml/Kg; T1/2THO 9.2 ñ 1 día, RDA en 24h 50 ñ 3ml/Kg ó 116 ñ ml/Kg**.82 y 163 ml/AC**.82; AEC 215 ml/Kg ó 32.5 por ciento del AC. Los resultados registrados durante los estudios de primavera mostraron un incremento en los valores de RDA altamente significativo y en verano un aumento adicional en todos los animales, cuando los datos se expresan como porciento de los sólidos del cuerpo, ello fue más notable en las hembras en lactación. La porporción del AC fue también significativamente más alta en todos los animales en el verano. En los animales en lactación durante el verano el AC fue de 783 ñ 9ml/Kg y en los otros animales 718 ñ 18ml/Kg; los valores de T1/2 THO fueron 3.3 ñ 06 y 4.5 ñ 4 días, respectivamente. El RDA fue 396 ñ 9ml/Kg**.82 ó 484 ñ 8ml/l AC**.82 en los animales en lactación y 260ml/Kg**.82 ó 314 ñ 12ml/l AC**.82 en los otros animales. Los valores de RDA fueron más altos que los registrados en camellos dromedarios, pero más bajos que los reportados para diferentes tipos de bovinos, ovejas y cabras. Se postula que, aunque todos los camélos tienen un antecesor común y antecedentes evolutivos semejantes, las adaptaciones fisiológicas a condiciones desérticas diferentes, dio como resultado características particulares en el metabolismo del agua para cada especie

Physiological studies in the South American camelid llama (Lama guanicoe f. d. glama). I. Body water spaces and water turnover.

Body water (BW) and extracellular water (ECW), were determined with tritiated water (THO) and 82Br injected into the vein, to 8 mature animals of both sexes during the winter season. The biological half-time of THO (T1/2 THO) and the daily water turnover (WT) were measured and the intracellular water (ICW) calculated. The studies with THO were repeated in the same animals and in 2 lactating females in spring and summer. Two calves were also studied during spring. The values obtained in winter were: BW 659 +/- 12 ml/kg; T1/2 THO 9.2 +/- 1 day; WT per 24 h 50 +/- 3 ml/kg or 116 +/- 5 ml/kg 82 and 163 +/- 9 ml per 1 of BW82; ECW 215 +/- 8 ml/kg or 32.5 +/- 3

BW; ICW 447 +/- 12 ml/kg or 67.7 +/- 4

BW. The results of the springs studies showed a significant increase in the values of WT. In summer a further increment of this parameters was observed when expressed as ml/kg body solids. This differences were remarkable in those in lactation. The proportion of water in the body was significantly higher during summer in all animals. BW in lactating animals during summer was 783 +/- 9 ml/kg and in the other animals 718 +/- 18; T1/2 THO values were 3.3 +/- .-06 and 4.5 +/- .4 day, respectively. WT was 396 +/- 9 ml/kg.82 or 484 +/- 8 ml/l BW82 in the lactating animals and 260 +/- 9 ml/kg 82 or 341 +/- 12 ml/l BW82 in the other animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Physiological studies in the South American camelid llama (Lama guanicoe f. d. glama). I. Body water spaces and water turnover

En ocho animales adultos de ambos sexos durante el invierno se determinaron mediante agua tritiada (THO) y 82Br. el agua corporal (AC) y extracelular (AEC) en forma simultánea. Se midieron el tiempo medio biológical del THO(T1/2THO) y el recambio diario de agua (RDA) y se calculó el agua intracelular (AIC). Los estudios con THO se repitieron en los mismos animales y en dos hembras en lactación durante la primavera y el verano. En la primavera también se estudaron dos animales lactantes. Los valores obtenidos en invierno fueron: AC 659 ñ 12ml/Kg; T1/2THO 9.2 ñ 1 día, RDA en 24h 50 ñ 3ml/Kg ó 116 ñ ml/Kg**.82 y 163 ml/AC**.82; AEC 215 ml/Kg ó 32.5 por ciento del AC. Los resultados registrados durante los estudios de primavera mostraron un incremento en los valores de RDA altamente significativo y en verano un aumento adicional en todos los animales, cuando los datos se expresan como porciento de los sólidos del cuerpo, ello fue más notable en las hembras en lactación. La porporción del AC fue también significativamente más alta en todos los animales en el verano. En los animales en lactación durante el verano el AC fue de 783 ñ 9ml/Kg y en los otros animales 718 ñ 18ml/Kg; los valores de T1/2 THO fueron 3.3 ñ 06 y 4.5 ñ 4 días, respectivamente. El RDA fue 396 ñ 9ml/Kg**.82 ó 484 ñ 8ml/l AC**.82 en los animales en lactación y 260ml/Kg**.82 ó 314 ñ 12ml/l AC**.82 en los otros animales. Los valores de RDA fueron más altos que los registrados en camellos dromedarios, pero más bajos que los reportados para diferentes tipos de bovinos, ovejas y cabras. Se postula que, aunque todos los camélos tienen un antecesor común y antecedentes evolutivos semejantes, las adaptaciones fisiológicas a condiciones desérticas diferentes, dio como resultado características particulares en el metabolismo del agua para cada especie A(U)

Evaluation of the intraperitoneal route for the transfusion of erythrocytes using rats and dogs

Se evaluó la transfusión intraperitoneal en ratas y perros con vía alternativa para la reposición de sangre. Se inyectaron eritrocitos marcados con 59Fe a 5 perros en un volumen equivalente al 50% de la masa eritrocitaria teórica de los animales. Otros 3 perros y 12 ratas fueron inyectados con volúmenes de eritrocitos proporcionales al 9% del volumen globular de los animales. La máxima incorporación de eritrocitos a la circulación sanguínea de las ratas fue de 96ñ7% a las 48h. El T 1/2 de sobrevida de las células fue de 29 días. La máxima actividad promedio en todos los perros fue de 91.2ñ6% a las 96 h post-transfusión. Se verificó destrucción al azar de los eritrocitos y el tiempo medio de sobrevida se estimó en 66 días. La transfusión se efectuó en unos 15 segundos en las ratas y entre 2 y 4 minutos en los perros. En la necropsia se observaron reacciones serosas mínimas. El procedimiento es recomendable por su rapidez, seguridad y sencillez

Evaluation of the intraperitoneal route for the transfusion of erythrocytes using rats and dogs

Se evaluó la transfusión intraperitoneal en ratas y perros con vía alternativa para la reposición de sangre. Se inyectaron eritrocitos marcados con 59Fe a 5 perros en un volumen equivalente al 50% de la masa eritrocitaria teórica de los animales. Otros 3 perros y 12 ratas fueron inyectados con volúmenes de eritrocitos proporcionales al 9% del volumen globular de los animales. La máxima incorporación de eritrocitos a la circulación sanguínea de las ratas fue de 96ñ7% a las 48h. El T 1/2 de sobrevida de las células fue de 29 días. La máxima actividad promedio en todos los perros fue de 91.2ñ6% a las 96 h post-transfusión. Se verificó destrucción al azar de los eritrocitos y el tiempo medio de sobrevida se estimó en 66 días. La transfusión se efectuó en unos 15 segundos en las ratas y entre 2 y 4 minutos en los perros. En la necropsia se observaron reacciones serosas mínimas. El procedimiento es recomendable por su rapidez, seguridad y sencillez (AU)

Evaluation of the intraperitoneal route for the transfusion of erythrocytes using rats and dogs.

The intraperitoneal transfusion of red cells in rats and dogs was evaluated as an alternative route for blood restoration. Erythrocytes labeled with 59Fe, equivalent to about 50% of the estimated total red cell volume, were injected in the abdominal cavity of 5 dogs. Three other dogs and 12 rats were injected with a volume proportional to the 9%. The maximal incorporation of tagged red cells in the circulation of the rats was of 96 +/- 7% at 48 h. One half of the erythrocytes disappeared from the circulation 29 days later. Computing data from all dogs, the mean highest value, 91.2 +/- 6%, was reached at 96 h and although random destruction of the cells occurred, the estimated T1/2 of survival was about 66 days. The injection was completed in about 15 seconds in the rats and in 2 to 4 minutes in the dogs. At the necropsy only minor serosal reactions were observed in the peritoneal cavity of the animals. Intraperitoneal transfusion can be recommended as a rapid, safe and efficient procedure for blood supply.

Evaluation of the intraperitoneal route for the transfusion of erythrocytes using rats and dogs.

The intraperitoneal transfusion of red cells in rats and dogs was evaluated as an alternative route for blood restoration. Erythrocytes labeled with 59Fe, equivalent to about 50

of the estimated total red cell volume, were injected in the abdominal cavity of 5 dogs. Three other dogs and 12 rats were injected with a volume proportional to the 9

. The maximal incorporation of tagged red cells in the circulation of the rats was of 96 +/- 7

at 48 h. One half of the erythrocytes disappeared from the circulation 29 days later. Computing data from all dogs, the mean highest value, 91.2 +/- 6

, was reached at 96 h and although random destruction of the cells occurred, the estimated T1/2 of survival was about 66 days. The injection was completed in about 15 seconds in the rats and in 2 to 4 minutes in the dogs. At the necropsy only minor serosal reactions were observed in the peritoneal cavity of the animals. Intraperitoneal transfusion can be recommended as a rapid, safe and efficient procedure for blood supply.

Evaluation of the intraperitoneal route for the transfusion of erythrocytes using rats and dogs.

The intraperitoneal transfusion of red cells in rats and dogs was evaluated as an alternative route for blood restoration. Erythrocytes labeled with 59Fe, equivalent to about 50

of the estimated total red cell volume, were injected in the abdominal cavity of 5 dogs. Three other dogs and 12 rats were injected with a volume proportional to the 9

. The maximal incorporation of tagged red cells in the circulation of the rats was of 96 +/- 7

at 48 h. One half of the erythrocytes disappeared from the circulation 29 days later. Computing data from all dogs, the mean highest value, 91.2 +/- 6

, was reached at 96 h and although random destruction of the cells occurred, the estimated T1/2 of survival was about 66 days. The injection was completed in about 15 seconds in the rats and in 2 to 4 minutes in the dogs. At the necropsy only minor serosal reactions were observed in the peritoneal cavity of the animals. Intraperitoneal transfusion can be recommended as a rapid, safe and efficient procedure for blood supply.

Alignment and intracytoplasmic disintegration of synaptic vesicles in the brain cortex.

Perfusion fixation with highly concentrated aldehydes suggests that the synaptic vesicles undergo disintegration within the presynaptic ending upon touching the presynaptic membrane rather than being released by exocytosis into the intersynaptic cleft. Three factors have been explored in order to inquire further into the possible significance of the findings: (a) fixative concentration; (b) physiological activity; (c) cell depolarization. The transformation of the vesicles into amorphous, electron-dense material was observed in all experiments in all synapses, including those fixed with the lowest concentration of aldehydes. Besides, after acute ischemia and perfusion of excitatory and depolarizing pharmacological agents, the synaptic vesicles were seen to conflue upon the intersynaptic cleft in well-aligned rows. It was also found that the vesicles flow post mortem towards the intersynaptic cleft with absolute specificity.

Synaptic vesicle relationships with the presynaptic membrane as shown by a new method of fast chemical fixation.

Brief vascular perfusion of the rat brain with a mixture of concentrated aldehydes completely insolubilized the brain protein in less than 30 s and yielded excellent ultrastructural preservation. Abundant synaptic vesicles closely and specifically attached to the presynaptic membrane were constantly detected. These vesicles appeared to undergo progressive transformation into amorphous, electron-dense material. No evidence of vesicle exocytosis was detected in the brains perfused in vivo but fixations performed 1 h after death showed abundant exocytotic-like images. The results suggest that the vesicles may not be exocytotically released to the intersynaptic cleft but disintegrate intracytoplasmically in the immediate vicinity of the presynaptic membrane.