An evaluation of the usefulness of invasive and non-invasive methods used to diagnose Helicobacter spp. infections in dogs.

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of invasive and non-invasive methods used to diagnose Helicobacter spp. in the stomachs of dogs. The study was carried out on 30 dogs of both sexes and different breeds, between one and 15 years old. A histopathologic examination, a microbiological culture, a rapid urease test, a direct bacteriological preparation and a nested PCR assay were carried out. Gastric Helicobacter spp. was identified in gastric biopsy specimens from 16 (53.3%) dogs using direct bacteriological preparation, in four (13.3%) dogs based on a culture, in 23 (76.6%) dogs using the rapid urease test and in 21 (70,0%) dogs based on a histopathological assessment of the biopsy specimens. The nested PCR of the gastric biopsy specimens revealed gastric Helicobacter spp. in all the dogs (100%). A saliva PCR assay revealed gastric Helicobacter spp. in 23 (76.6%) dogs, while stool PCR revealed the bacterium in seven (23.3%) dogs. We found that invasive methods were more accurate than non-invasive methods in detecting a Helicobacter spp. infection in dogs. In addition, the nested PCR method used to evaluate the gastric mucosal biopsy specimens was the most accurate test for detecting Helicobacter spp. It was further found that the PCR-based saliva assay was the best non-invasive method for detecting Helicobacter spp. However, taking into consideration that most of the diagnostic methods used to detect this bacterium have drawbacks, at least two diagnostic methods should be used to detect Helicobacter spp. as is done in human medicine.

Detection of gastric Helicobacter spp. in stool samples of dogs with gastritis.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and identify the species of gastric Helicobacter in the stool of dogs with gastritis. The study was carried out on thirty dogs of different breeds, of both genders and of various ages, diagnosed with gastritis. Helicobacter spp. was detected in stool samples using the nested-PCR method. Helicobacter bacteria were identified in stool samples from seven (23.3%) dogs. Helicobacter heilmannii was found to be the most common species of gastric Helicobacter. Helicobacter salomonis was identified much less frequently, while Helicobacter felis, Helicobacter pylori and Helicobacter bizzozeronii were not detected in any of the samples.

Detection of Helicobacter spp. in the saliva of dogs with gastritis.

The aim of this study was to identify the species and determine the prevalence of gastric Helicobacter in the saliva of dogs with gastritis. The study was carried out on 30 dogs of different breeds, genders and ages, which were diagnosed with gastritis. The nested-PCR method was used to detect Helicobacter spp. in saliva. Helicobacter bacteria were found in the saliva samples of 23 (76.6%) dogs. Helicobacter heilmannii was the most commonly detected species of gastric Helicobacter spp. in canine saliva, and was found in 22 (73.3%) cases. The results indicate that gastric Helicobacter spp. occurs relatively frequently in dogs with gastritis. Moreover, the saliva of dogs with gastritis may be a source of Helicobacter spp. infection for humans and other animals. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding as the PCR method does not distinguish active from inactive infections.

The clinical aspects of Helicobacter heilmannii infection in children with dyspeptic symptoms.

UNLABELLED: Helicobacter heilmannii (H. heilmannii) infection is a relatively rare causative agent of gastroduodenal diseases in children. However, H. heilmannii frequently colonizes gastric mucosa of animals, mainly cats and dogs, from where it can be transmitted to humans. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of H. heilmannii infection in children with dyspeptic symptoms treated in our clinic. A number of 13,124 esophagogastroduodenoscopies in children aged 4 to 18 years were conducted from 1992 to 2010. The indications for examination were: chronic abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, anaemia, disturbances of intestinal absorption and other. In 11,023 cases microbiologic studies and cultures toward Helicobacter infection were carried out and in 22 children H. heilmannii infection was confirmed. H. heilmannii infection was diagnosed based on morphologic examination in direct microscopy of biopsy specimens from gastric mucosa. In children with H. heilmannii infection clinical symptoms, contact with animals, endoscopic findings of the upper gastrointestinal tract and results of diagnostic tests for Helicobacter pylori infection were assessed. In our studies H. heilmannii infection was diagnosed in 22 children. The rate of H. heilmannii infection was 0.2% in examination of gastric mucosa specimens. No sex-dependent difference in the rates was observed. Most of the children lived in cities and 54.5% had contact with dogs and/or cats. Children complained of chronic epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and heartburn. Endoscopic studies most often revealed nodular gastritis and gastric or duodenal ulcer in two children. In three children result of the endoscopic study was normal. CONCLUSIONS: H. heilmannii infection in children is rare. However, it may be one of the causes of gastroduodenal diseases in children.

Baculovirus cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photolyases show a close relationship with lepidopteran host homologues.

Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyases repair ultraviolet (UV)-induced DNA damage using blue light. To get insight in the origin of baculovirus CPD photolyase (phr) genes, homologues in the lepidopteran insects Chrysodeixis chalcites, Spodoptera exigua and Trichoplusia ni were identified and characterized. Lepidopteran and baculovirus phr genes each form a monophyletic group, and together form a well-supported clade within the insect photolyases. This suggests that baculoviruses obtained their phr genes from an ancestral lepidopteran insect host. A likely evolutionary scenario is that a granulovirus, Spodoptera litura GV or a direct ancestor, obtained a phr gene. Subsequently, it was horizontally transferred from this granulovirus to several group II nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs), including those that infect noctuids of the Plusiinae subfamily.

Sodium-butyrate as a growth promoter in milk replacer formula for young calves.

In milk-fed calves, the effects of sodium-butyrate (Na-butyrate) to replace flavomycin on growth performance and some mechanisms involved were studied. Pancreatic and intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, plasma gut regulatory peptide concentrations, and expression of their receptors in the gastrointestinal tract were measured. Gastrointestinal tract defense systems were examined by measuring protein levels of 2 heat-shock proteins (HSP27 and HSP70). The calves were randomly allocated into 2 groups fed the same basic diet with flavomycin as an antimicrobial growth promoter or with Na-butyrate (3 g/kg of dry matter). Sodium-butyrate disappeared quickly in the upper gut and was not found in circulating blood. Supplementation with Na-butyrate enhanced growth rate and improved feed conversion into body weight gain compared with the flavomycin group. Supplementation with Na-butyrate was likely associated with an improvement in efficacy of the gastrointestinal tract digestive capacities expressed by enhanced production of digestive enzymes and increased absorptive capacities in the upper small intestine. The effects could have been controlled by insulin-like growth factor-1 but probably not by any of the cholecystokinin/gastrin peptide family. Concentrations of HSP27 and HSP70 were increased in stomach and colon of calves receiving Na-butyrate, thereby assuring protection of cells with intensive metabolism (chaperone function). In conclusion, beneficial effects of Na-butyrate on maturation of gastrointestinal functions were shown in milk-fed calves and may be applied to young mammals of other species.

Gradual disappearance of vacuolated enterocytes in the small intestine of neonatal piglets.

The unique feature of enterocytes in newborn mammals is the presence of an apical canalicular system (ACS) leading to production of large vacuoles, important for colostral macromolecule uptake. The vacuolated fetal-type enterocytes (VFE) enable transfer of colostral and milk proteins from the intestinal lumen across the epithelium without loosing their biological activity. First VFE are observed in the pig and lamb fetuses in the second trimester of pregnancy, located at the upper part of villi in the proximal region of the fetal small intestine and subsequently in the middle and distal regions. After birth the VFE are replaced with enterocytes lacking ACS. The present study aimed to investigate the depletion of VFE in the small intestine in the sow reared pig neonates during the first postnatal weeks using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM analysis demonstrated the gradual disappearance of vacuolated enterocytes in time. VFE remained in the jejunum for a few days after birth, whereas in the duodenum single VFE were present only at birth. In the proximal jejunum, the VFE were localized in the upper part of the villi, and disappeared until the day 3 of life. VFE were present in the mid and distal jejunum, and diminished gradually until day 14 of life. By the day 21 of life, the vacuolated cells were not observed neither in the jejunum nor ileum. In conclusion, morphology analysis of pig small intestinal mucosa suggests that replacement of fetal type vacuolated enterocytes is resumed within 21 days after birth.

Exogenous leptin controls the development of the small intestine in neonatal piglets.

Leptin, a hormone produced and secreted by adipose tIssue, muscles and stomach, is involved in the regulation of adipose tIssue mass, food intake and body weight in neonatal animals. It is also produced in the mammary glands and secreted into the colostrum and milk. Since leptin receptors are widely distributed in the small intestine mucosa, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exogenous leptin on the development of the small intestine in neonatal piglets. Male neonatal piglets were fed with sow's milk or artificial milk formula. Every 8 h the latter received either vehicle or leptin (2 or 10 microg/kg body weight). The animals were either killed after 6 days of treatment and the small intestine sampled for histology and brush border enzyme activities or were tested for marker molecule (Na-fluorescein and BSA) absorption in vivo. Feeding milk formula slowed the maturation of small intestinal mucosa compared with feeding sow's milk. However, after leptin treatment the length of the small intestine was increased, and intestinal villi length, but not crypt size, was reduced compared with controls. The mitotic index was increased and the percentage of vacuolated enterocytes was reduced in the entire small intestine. Enterocyte brush border protease and lactase activities were reduced in the jejunum. Na-fluorescein marker molecule absorption did not change but that of BSA was reduced 3.8-fold. In conclusion, exogenous leptin administered in physiological doses reversed the maturation of the small intestinal mucosa to the range found in sow-reared piglets.

Enteral exposure to crude red kidney bean lectin induces maturation of the gut in suckling pigs.

The present investigation characterized the effect of red kidney bean lectin exposure on gut maturation and function in young piglets. Eleven suckling pigs were given by stomach tube a crude red kidney bean lectin preparation (containing about 25% lectin, 400 mg/kg BW) (lectin-treated pigs) at 10, 11, and 12 d of life, and an additional 16 pigs (control pigs) were given saline instead. On the next day, the intestinal absorptive capacity was determined in vivo, and on the 14th d of life the piglets were killed and organs and small intestine samples were collected for analyses and in vitro permeability experiments. The lectin-treated pigs showed an increase in stomach weights and mucosa thickness, whereas no weight effect was found for the small intestine, spleen, liver, or adrenals. Morphometric analyses of the small intestine in lectin-treated pigs showed a decrease in villus heights, an increase in crypt depths and crypt cell mitotic indices, and fewer vacuolated enterocytes per villus and reduced vacuole size. Lectin treatment also resulted in a decrease in the absorption of different-sized marker molecules after gavage feeding, a decrease in intestinal marker permeability, and a change in small intestinal disaccharidase activities, with increased maltase and sucrase activities. The size of the pancreatic acini was also greater in the lectin-treated pigs, but no increases in enzyme content or pancreatic weight could be determined. In addition, the blood plasma levels of cholecystokinin were higher in the lectin-treated than in the control pigs. The results indicate that exposure to crude red kidney bean lectin induces structural and functional maturation of the gut and pancreatic growth in young suckling piglets. This possibility of inducing gut maturation may lead to an improvement in the piglets' ability to adapt to weaning and to an increase in the growth and health of these animals.

[Risk of hypertension after heart transplantation in the follow-up period]. / Ryzyko nadcisnienia tetniczego po przeszczepieniu serca w obserwacji odleglej.

From October 1988 to March 2000, 58 patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation (HTX). Data of 220 heart recipients with the follow up > or = 3 months after HTX were analyzed using the average values of blood pressure measured with the sphigmo-manometer. 65% of patients were diagnosed with the hypertension (HA). 39.9% of those patients (NTA group) had the systolic blood pressure < or = 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < or = 90 mmHg during pharmacotherapy. 60.1% of hypertensive patients (NTB group) had the systolic pressure > 140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure > 90 mmHg despite pharmacotherapy. 35% of all patients had normal blood pressure after HTX (HNA group). Patients with hypertension were older and the end stage ischemic cardiomyopathy was more frequently indication for HTX. Significantly more females were in NTA group. We observed no influence of the daily dose of cyclosporine or other immunosuppressive drugs on HA. The average blood concentration of cyclosporine A and mycophenolate mofetil was similar in all groups. The calcium channel blockers and inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme were main tool of pharmacotherapy used. In NTA group calcium channels blockers were used more frequently. In NTB group there was a statistically significant higher blood level of creatinine. After HTX there is a high risk of HA, which: increases with age, with the ischemic cardiomyopathy as indication to HTX, is significantly higher in males, there is no correlation between HA and the dosage and blood level of cyclosporine, increases with kidney insufficiency. In monotherapy calcium channel blockers seem to be especially effective.

[Predicting the risk of poor pregnancy outcome by ultrasound examination of yolk sac diameter]. / Ultrasonograficzna ocena pecherzyka zóltkowego w prognozowaniu ryzyka poronienia.

Ultrasound examination with 7.0 MHz transvaginal transducer was performed in 136 pregnant women between 5 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. Yolk Sac diameter and Crown-Rump Length were measured. It was observed that absence of YS or its diameter greater than 7 mm was usually associated with poor pregnancy outcome.

Small intestinal and pancreatic microstructures are modified by an intraduodenal CCK-A receptor antagonist administration in neonatal calves.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of CCK on the upper gut and pancreas microstructure and on pancreatic juice secretion in neonatal calves assessed by a repetitive intraduodenal administration of FK480, a CCK-A receptor antagonist, during the first 6 days of life. The experiment was performed on 10 neonatal calves surgically fitted with a pancreatic accessory duct catheter and duodenal cannulas. Calves were sacrificed on day 7 for tissue sampling. Treatment with FK480 resulted in: reduction of preprandial pancreatic juice secretion at days 1-3, smaller size of pancreatic acini and number of cells per acinus, reduction in intestinal crypt depth (except in the duodenal bulb), numerous modifications of intestinal villi length and width, lower mitotic index of crypt cells, and increased number and size of enterocytes with 'empty vacuoles'. In conclusion, the blockade of CCK-A receptors during early life both reduced pancreatic exocrine secretion and induced complex changes in pancreatic microstructure. The influence of CCK on the upper gut microstructure in neonatal calves could be either direct via activation of CCK-A receptors located in the mucosa of the upper gut or indirect by modulation of the secretion of pancreatic juice.

All that you can be: stereotyping of self and others in a military context.

The authors tested the shifting standards model (M. Biernat, M. Manis, & T. E. Nelson, 1991) as it applies to sex- and race-based stereotyping of self and others in the military. U. S. Army officers attending a leadership training course made judgments of their own and their groupmates' leadership competence at 3 time points over a 9-week period. We examined the effects of officer sex and race on both subjective (rating) and objective/common-rule (ranking/Q-sort) evaluations. Stereotyping generally increased with time, and in accordance with the shifting standards model, pro-male judgment bias was more evident in rankings than in ratings, particularly for White targets. Self-judgments were also affected by sex-based shifting standards, particularly in workgroups containing a single ("solo") woman. Differential standard use on the basis of race was less apparent, a finding attributed to the Army's explicit invocation against the use of differential race-based standards.

The incidence of malignancy in heart transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: 219 heart transplant recipients with survival over 3 months were retro- and prospectively analysed for the incidence of primary neoplasms. Patients received immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporine A, azathioprine, steroids) with a 4-5 days induction course of Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Immunoglobulin (RATG) or monoclonal antibodies induction /OKT3/ in some cases. Anti-rejection treatment consisted of pulse doses of methyloprednisolon or RATG. RESULTS: 9 cases of malignancy (4.1%) with one case of pre-malignant liver condition (dysplasia gigantocellulare, 0.45%) were found (8M; 1F; age: 45-67 y.o., x57.7). Symptoms of neoplasms occurred 7-79 months (x31.4) postoperatively. Skin carcinomas: planoepitheliale, spinocellulare, soft tissue neoplasms/mesenchymal sarcoma, larynx Ca planoepitheliale, lung: adenocarcinoma and Ca microcellulare, kidney Ca clarocellulare and post transplant non-Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed. Chemo- and radiotherapy, surgery and reduction of immunosuppression did not change the outcome of malignancy in 6 pts.; (regression-1 pt was., remission-2 pts). Patients died 7-86 months after Htx (x41), 4-25 mos. (x12.5) after suffering from first symptoms and 0-10 months (x4.9) after pathology-based diagnosis of neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: Heart transplant recipients have an increased risk of carcinogenesis. The incidence of malignancies in the studied group is similar or even lower than in other reports.

Assessment of PTSD symptoms in a community exposed to serial murder.

This study examined the presence of PTSD symptoms across time in a community exposed to serial murder. One hundred eighty four subjects (48% response rate) responded to the initial survey while 64 and 30 subjects, respectively, participated in the 9- and 18-month follow-up studies. Results indicated widespread endorsement of PTSD symptoms following the murders. The most severe reactions were found among residents demographically similar to the victims. PTSD symptoms, while not transient, appeared to decrease over time with few subjects still reporting symptoms at 18 months. These data suggest that violent acts such as serial murder can have far reaching psychological consequences for the community and result in vicarious victimization.

Perceptions of the media in a community exposed to serial murder.

This study examined resident perceptions of the media in a community exposed to serial murder. Residents were surveyed regarding the popularity, accuracy and trust of various information sources. One hundred eighty-four residents (48% response rate) responded to mailed questionnaires. Results indicated that traditional sources of news (television, radio, and newspapers) were the most popular sources of information. However, police press conferences were judged to be the most accurate and trustworthy. Residents viewed media reports on methods of reducing personal risk as beneficial and enhancing feelings of safety. However, details of mutilations and sensational reporting were judged to increase personal fears and led to widespread dissatisfaction with the media.

Simultaneous assimilation and contrast effects in judgments of self and others.

Judgments of self and referent others tend to be positively related, as evident in the false consensus effect, but others may also be contrasted from the self, as noted in the false uniqueness literature. In 3 studies that examined the domains of attitudes and traits, evidence of both assimilative and contrastive associations between self- and other-judgements were noted, depending on the form of judgment (objective vs. subjective) and the relevant judgment scale anchor (self vs. others). When self-judgments were made first, objective appraisals of reference groups were contrasted from subjective self-appraisals (after controlling for individual differences in participants' behavioral reports). When judgments of others were made first, objective self-ratings were contrasted from subjective other-judgments. Implications for the false consensus literature and the shifting standards model (M. Biernat, M. Manis, & T. E. Nelson, 1991) are discussed.

Gender- and race-based standards of competence: lower minimum standards but higher ability standards for devalued groups.

Stereotypes may influence judgment via assimilation, such that individual group members are evaluated consistently with stereotypes, or via contrast, such that targets are displaced from the overall group expectation. Two models of judgment--the shifting standards model and status characteristics theory--provide some insight into predicting and interpreting these apparently contradictory effects. In 2 studies involving a simulated applicant-evaluation setting, we predicted and found that participants set lower minimum-competency standards, but higher ability standards, for female than for male and for Black than for White applicants. Thus, although it may be easier for low- than high-status group members to meet (low) standards, these same people must work harder to prove that their performance is ability based.

Selective self-stereotyping.

In an examination of group members' responses to the threat of negative in-group characterizations, sorority/fraternity members were asked to rate themselves, their own sorority/fraternity, sororities/ fraternities in general, and students in general on attributes that were stereotypic of sororities/ fraternities. Results showed that individuals selectively self-stereotyped-they embraced positive stereotypes as highly descriptive of themselves and their closest in-groups but rejected negative stereotypes. They did not, however, deny that negative stereotypes were accurate or valid-they continued to accept them as typical of sororities/fraternities in general. This represents a protective, creative response to the threat posed by exposure to negative group attributes, in which self-stereotyping as a result of self-categorization is selective rather than complete.