Does the type of exercise affect tryptophan catabolism in horses?

Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid which metabolises via the kynurenine pathway to generate a number of bioactive substances referred to as kynurenines. Among those are 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HKyn) and quinolinic acid, which are neurotoxic, as well as kynurenic acid (Kyna) and xanthurenic acid (XA), which, similarly to nicotinamide (NAm), show neuroprotective and anti-depressive effects. Routine exercise is known to modulate Trp metabolism in skeletal muscle and is thus believed to reduce the risk of depressive states in humans and laboratory animals. Analogously, it was hypothesised that exercise can influence Trp metabolism in horses as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two different types of exercise on Trp metabolism in horses of the same breed. A total of 32 purebred Arabian horses were involved in the study. The 22 three-year-old racehorses were subjected to short-time intense exercise. Ten other horses were made to perform endurance competitions at a distance of 80 km. Blood samples were collected at rest and following the end of the exercise period. Plasma concentrations of Trp, kynurenine (Kyn), Kyna, 3-HKyn, XA and NAm were determined using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionisation-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Short-time intense exercise led to an increase in plasma concentrations of Kyn, Kyna and XA. The endurance effort induced an increase in Kyna and a decrease in Trp and NAm levels. Both types of exercise, short-time intensive exercise and endurance exercise induced an increase in Trp metabolites, especially Kyna, and did not induce an increase in Trp level. Thus, from a pathophysiological perspective of the kynurenine pathway's influence on mental state, both types of exercise induced beneficial effects in horses.

Analysis of mechanical properties of bones and tendons shows that modern hybrid rye can be introduced to corn-wheat based diet in broiler chickens as an alternative energy source irrespective of xylanase supplementation.

This study focused on analyzing the effects of inclusion of modern hybrid rye to corn-wheat diet on mechanical properties of bones and tendons. A total of 224 broiler chickens were fed a diet without rye inclusion or a diet containing 15% of hybrid rye cv. Brasetto. The diets were either unsupplemented or supplemented with xylanase (minimum activity 1000 FXU/g, dose 200 mg/kg of feed). Each dietary group consisted of 56 birds. On day 42, selected chickens (n = 7 from each group) were slaughtered. Tibia were analyzed for mineralization, geometry, and biomechanical characteristics of bone mid-diaphysis. The mechanical properties of digital flexor III tendon were also assessed. Bone mineral density and bone ash percentage did not differ when both diets were given without xylanase. Enzyme supplementation increased bone mineral density (P < 0.01) in both dietary groups, whereas bone ash percentage (P < 0.01) increased only for corn-wheat diet. Rye inclusion had no effect on bone mid-shaft geometrical traits related to tibia weight-bearing capacity (cross-sectional area, cortical index, and mean relative wall thickness). Performed bending test showed no effect of hybrid rye inclusion on bone mechanical endurance. When xylanase was supplemented, bone length (P < 0.01) and weight (P < 0.05) decreased, whereas yield load (P < 0.01), stiffness (P < 0.05), Young modulus (P < 0.05), elastics stress (P < 0.01), and ultimate stress (P < 0.01) increased, irrespective of rye presence. The tendon tensile strain test showed that in corn-wheat diet enzyme supplementation positively influenced rupture force (P < 0.05) and tendon stiffness (P < 0.01). Xylanase supplementation increased the value of energy required to tendon rupture, irrespective of rye inclusion (P < 0.05). Study showed that modern hybrid rye varieties can be introduced to corn-wheat diets of broiler chickens in the aspect of animal welfare related to the development and homeostasis of musculoskeletal system, irrespective of xylanase supplementation. The enzyme addition positively affected biomechanical properties of bones and tendons.

Intestinal mucosa develops in a sex-dependent manner in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) fed Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

1. The aim of study was to investigate whether the impact of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the histological structure of the intestine, innervation of the small intestine wall, and basal biochemical serum parameters in Japanese quail was sex dependent. 2. One-day-old healthy male and female Japanese quail were fed either a basal diet containing no yeast (control group) or the basal diet plus 1.5% (15 g/kg of diet) of yeast (S. cerevisiae inactivated by drying). Samples from the duodenum and jejunum were taken from each bird at the age of 42 days. Blood samples were collected at this age and the concentrations of glucose, total protein, creatinine, uric acid, lipid profile (total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL) and triacylglycerols (TG)), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), amylase (AMY), calcium, phosphorus and iron were determined. 3. Female quail fed diets supplemented with yeast had significantly lower total cholesterol and amylase activity than the control females. The concentration of HDL was higher in the male quail than in the females, irrespective of the treatment. An opposite effect was observed in LDL. The diet treatments influenced the activity of AspAT, which was significantly less in the male quail fed diets with 1.5% yeast. 4. Supplementation with S. cerevisiae increased the myenteron, submucosa and mucosa thickness, villus length and thickness and size of absorptive surface, while the number of villi and enterocytes were decreased in the duodenum in males. Female quail showed an increased absorptive surface in the jejunum. The Meissner (submucosal) plexuses were influenced by the feeding and sex to a greater extent than the Auerbach plexus (in the muscularis propria). 5. The results demonstrated that S. cerevisiae (1.5%) in the diet caused significant positive effects in Japanese quail, exerting an effect on the morphology of the small intestine in a sex-dependent manner.

Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii among domestic ruminants and horses in Poland.

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever. The cases of the disease are recorded in various species, including domestic animals. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in ruminants including cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Totally, 2082 serum samples from 936 goats, 933 cattle, 89 sheep, and 124 horses, including various horse breeds, were tested by ELISA or complement fixation test. The examination revealed that Polish horses are seronegative while in the populations of cattle and small ruminants, seropositive animals are presented. The percentage of seropositive cattle, goats and sheep was 4.18, 6.30, and 13.48, respectively.

The effect of interval versus continuous exercise on plasma leptin and ghrelin concentration in young trotters.

The effect of interval vs. continuous exercise on plasma leptin and ghrelin concentration in young Standardbred horses was studied. The experiment was conducted on 27 trotters, in the age between 2 and 3 years. They were divided into two groups according to the type of exercise. Blood samples were collected through jugular venipuncture in the following experimental conditions: at rest, immediately after exercise and 30 minutes after the end of the effort. Plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations were determined using RIA tests. The continuous exercise induced an increase in plasma leptin concentration whereas the interval type of exercise did not influence the level of this hormone (3.47 +/- 0.78 vs. 4.07 +/- 0.94 and 2.31 +/- 0.15 vs. 2.36 +/- 0.21 ng/mL, respectively). The plasma ghrelin concentration measured after the continuous exercise, significantly increased (720 +/- 27.4 vs. 814 +/- 13.8; p < or = 0.05) whereas concentration of this hormone assessed after the interval exercise, significantly dropped (982 +/- 56.5 vs. 842 +/- 35.6 pg/mL; p < or = 0.05). The changes in plasma ghrelin concentration measured after the end of the effort correlated inversely with blood lactic acid concentration. In conclusion, the obtained results showed that medium-intensive type of exercise, such as trot, interval or continuous, slightly affected plasma leptin level but significantly affected plasma ghrelin concentration in young Standardbred trotters.

Plasma leptin level in hyperlipidemic mares and their newborn foals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma leptin and lipid levels in breeding mares and their newborn foals. The study was conducted on 17 Polish cold-blood mares and their newborn foals. The mares were divided into two groups, according to the course of delivery. These groups were seven mares which had a normal delivery and 10 mares which had required veterinary intervention during their delivery. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of both the mares and their foals. The blood samples were taken within 30 min after delivery, as well as on four successive mornings directly afterwards. In obtained plasma samples, the leptin, triacylglycerols (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations were measured. The leptin and TG levels in the plasma sampled on the day of delivery and the two following days were significantly higher in mares which received veterinary intervention during the delivery, when compared to the results obtained from the plasma of mares which had normal delivery. The results obtained from foals did not show any statistical differences. In conclusion, the conducted tests have shown that post-parturient hyperlipidemia and hyperleptinemia in mares did not influence the lipid status and plasma leptin level in newborn foals.

The effectiveness of enzymatic replacement therapy measured by turbidimetry and the lipaemic index in exocrine pancreatic insufficient young, growing pigs, fed a high-fat diet.

PURPOSE: Conventionally, the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) involves the consumption of a specific diet as well as the replacement of pancreatic enzymes, the effectiveness of which is usually measured by a classical method of blood analyses of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and triglycerides (TG). Dietary supplementation with a pancreatic enzyme preparation (PEP), in conjunction with a high-fat diet, on growth performance, digestibility and absorption (analysed using turbidimetry) of dietary fat in pigs with EPI was investigated. MATERIALS/METHODS: EPI was developed by surgical ligation of the pancreatic duct of six male pigs, 6 weeks of age. The pigs were fed a high fat diet (twice daily). A PEP containing 1800 mg entero-coated pancreatin was included in the high fat meals. Blood, urine and faecal samples were collected. The urine and faeces were analysed for dry matter, crude protein and fat content. The lipaemic index and plasma lipid profiles were assessed. RESULTS: EPI completely stopped growth of the pigs. Treatment with PEP significantly increased (P<0.05) growth and body mass as well as the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein. PEP significantly improved the co-efficient of fat absorption, the lipaemic index (measured by turbidimetry methods) and caused significant changes in plasma nonesterified fatty acids and triglyceride concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The short term enzymatic replacement therapy together with a high fat meal has immediate beneficial effects on diet digestibility and on the growth retardation observed in EPI pigs. The turbidimetry method used to measure lipaemic index is a reliable, quick and efficient technique in measuring plasma lipid profiles and thus a good tool for assessing fat absorption.

Neurobehavioral assessment of children and adolescents attending a developmental disabilities clinic.

Although the risk of the eventual development of tardive dyskinesia and other persistent adverse effects of neuroleptics is high, among adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities, neuroleptics may ameliorate dyskinesias, aggression, and inattention. The effects of traditional neuroleptics on a comparable population of children and adolescents with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are unknown. The objective of this study was to develop an assessment battery to describe the effects of traditional neuroleptics on the behavior and movements of a small sample of children and adolescents with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. 13 children and adolescents aged 6 to 16 years attending a developmental disabilities clinic were evaluated utilizing a Movement Assessment Battery to measure behavior and motions. Five subjects took traditional neuroleptic medications. Trained raters can reliably assess the movements and behaviors of children and adolescents with multiple handicaps. Children and adolescents with developmental disabilities may be vulnerable to experience functional impairment and akathisia, tics, and other dyskinesias when administered traditional neuroleptic medications.

Development of Eimeria bovis in vitro: suitability of several bovine, human and porcine endothelial cell lines, bovine fetal gastrointestinal, Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) and African green monkey kidney (VERO) cells.

Several bovine, human and porcine endothelial cell lines, bovine fetal gastrointestinal cells (BFGC), Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) and African green monkey kidney (VERO) cells were exposed in vitro to sporozoites of Eimeria bovis. Parasites invaded all cells used and changed their shape to more stumpy forms within 12 h. Sporozoites left their host cells and invaded new ones frequently within the first 12 h post-infection. Further development took place only in bovine cells, although parasites survived in the other cells for at least 3 weeks. Within the non-bovine cells, conspicuously enlarged parasitophorous vacuoles developed in VERO cells and reached a diameter of 15-20 microm. The best development to first generation schizonts with regard both to time required to mature, to schizont size and to merozoite yields was observed in BFGC, followed by bovine umbilical vein and bovine spleen lymphatic endothelial cells. MDBK cells were less suitable. The life cycle was completed (development of oocysts) only occasionally in BFGC. Results are considered under several aspects. Thus, infected VERO cells may represent a suitable tool for studying the parasitophorous vacuole, while infected endothelial cells represent a system quite narrow to the in vivo situation and should allow basic studies on parasite/host cell interactions and BFGC can be used for the mass production of E. bovis first generation merozoites.

Intracellular calcium and pH conditions of cultured cells infected with Eimeria bovis or E. separata.

Loading of Eimeria bovis-infected Vero cells with membrane-permeant acetoxymethyl esters (AM-esters) of ion-sensitive dyes provided us with a noninvasive method for investigation of the permeability of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) and simultaneous measurement of Ca2+ and H+ concentrations in different compartments of the infected cells. The distribution patterns of the cleaved membrane-impermeant dyes argue against the existence of nonselective pores in the PVM. There is also no indication of a parasitophorous duct connecting the vacuolar space with extracellular media. The pH inside the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) was lower than that in the cytoplasm of the host cell or the parasite, whereas the [Ca2+] in these compartments did not differ significantly. In HT29 cells infected with E. separata for 24 h the Ca2+ response to extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was significantly reduced, indicating influences on the host cell's intracellular signaling.

Detection of Trypanosoma congolense antibodies with indirect ELISAs using antigen-precoated microtitre plates.

The study reports the performance of four indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for antibody (AB) detection using microtitre plates which were precoated with native or heat/detergent denatured antigens (AGs) from Trypanosoma congolense (T.c.) and T. vivax (T.v.), and stored for between 1 to 206 days at +37 degrees C. Bovine serum samples were obtained by sequential bleeding of 3-months old T.c.-infected bulls and their uninfected cohorts, as well as by a single bleeding of uninfected adult cattle. The first day of AB detection, and observations on samples after this (defined as estimated ELISA sensitivity), depended on the cut-off value in the specific ELISAs. Cut-off values from pre- and early post-infection samples of individual animals demonstrated a seroconversion in all ELISAs on average after 10-15 days post-infection (dpi). The AB detection was delayed in the T.c. native and denatured AG-based ELISAs using cut-off points from uninfected cohort cattle (16.5 dpi, 19.3 dpi) and the adult cattle population (22.1 dpi, 25.0 dpi). The T.v. AG-based ELISAs however lacked crossreactiviy to T.c. ABs. The estimated sensitivity of each T.c. AG-based ELISA was above 96% throughout, but significantly lower for the T.c. native AG-based ELISA (91.1%) when the adult cattle derived cut-off point was used (p<0.01). The sensitivity of the phase contrast buffy coat technique was similar to the T.c. AG-based ELISAs, but significantly lower when the T.c. denatured AG-based ELISA was used at the adult cattle derived cut-off point (p<0.05). The implications of the results and future research aspects on ELISAs to detect trypanosomal ABs and AGs are discussed.

[Aneurysmal temporal bone cyst]. / Torbiel tetniakowa kosci skroniowej.

Two cases of aneurysmal temporal bone cysts treated surgically are described.

[Mechanisms smoothing deglutition disorders after oral cancer surgery]. / Mechanizmy lagodzace zaburzenia polykania po wycieciu nowotworu jamy ustnej.

Compensatory treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia includes postural changes and reducing the risk of aspiration. Some of compensatory maneuvers are introduced spontaneously by the ill at first weeks after oral cavity tumour resection. On the basis of roentgenotelevision examination of deglutition in 82 patients we detected mechanisms with intention to minimize swallowing disturbances. Variability of their occurrence and differences in their efficiency should be emphasized, as well as essential synchronization of laryngeal closure with emptying of pharynx and opening upper oesophageal sphincter for swallowing efficiency. The valuation of compensatory maneuvers introduced spontaneously by the ill was defined as an important part of swallowing rehabilitation.

Eimeria separata: method for the excystation of sporozoites.

A method is described for the excystation and collection of infective sporozoites of Eimeria separata. The procedure uses conditions that resemble the in vivo environment. The first treatment of the oocysts in a 0.4% pepsin/HCl solution alters the oocyst wall, which becomes thinner. The second treatment in a 0.4% trypsin/0.75% taurocholate solution breaks the oocyst wall and sporocysts are released. A third incubation of the oocyst-sporocyst mixture in trypsin-free medium with 0.75% taurocholate and an additive of MgCl2 followed by a final incubation in RPMI medium supplemented with 1% fetal calf serum yields a sporozoite excystation rate of up to 90%.

Progressive catatonia.

We present the case of a young man with a diagnosis of a childhood-onset pervasive developmental disorder who developed a progressive neurologic deterioration with persistent catatonia and right hemiparesis. On his initial evaluation approximately three years after the onset of mutism, he manifested right hemiparesis and catalepsy. Two years later, although catalepsy had subsided, motor function had deteriorated so that he could not use his hands to feed or dress himself. Oral-facialbuccal dyskinesia manifested by blepharospasm and grimacing were present constantly during waking hours. Quantitative electroencephalography demonstrated markedly decreased amplitude, a finding associated with catatonia. Left sural nerve biopsy indicated large axon cylinder degeneration. Left deltoid biopsy demonstrated perimysial fibrosis and type II fiber predominance. Although magnetic resonance imaging of the head without contrast was normal, positron emission tomography indicated hypometabolism of the right cerebral and the right cerebellar hemispheres. The patient continues to deteriorate despite a course of 25 electroconvulsive treatments. He continues to manifest criteria for catatonia including motoric immobility, mutism, and peculiarities of voluntary movement such as prominent grimacing. We suspect an inherited neurodegenerative disorder. Since catatonia is a treatable condition frequently associated with medical and neurological diseases, examination for the features of catatonia must be included in the assessment of patients with progressive brain degeneration. This report is an attempt to clarify the traits of a serious variant of progressive brain degeneration.

Prediction of treatment outcome in cocaine dependent males using quantitative EEG.

This study investigates the existence of outcome related neurophysiological subtypes within a population of abstinent cocaine dependent adults. We have previously reported and replicated the existence of a distinctive quantitative EEG (QEEG) profile in such a population, and demonstrated the persistence of this pattern at one and six month follow-up evaluations. This profile is characterized by significant deficits of absolute and relative delta and theta power, and excess of relative alpha power, as compared with age expected normal values. Abnormalities were greater in anterior than posterior regions, and disturbances in interhemispheric relationships were also observed. In the current study, 35 adult males with DSM-III-R cocaine dependence, were evaluated while residents of a drug-free residential therapeutic community, 5-15 days after last use of crack cocaine. Using multivariate cluster analysis, two neurophysiological subtypes were identified from the baseline QEEGs; Cluster 1 characterized by significant deficits of delta and theta activity, significant excess of alpha activity and more normal amounts of beta activity (alpha CLUS) and Cluster 2 characterized by deficits of delta, more normal amounts of theta and anterior excess of alpha and beta activity beta CLUS). No significant relationships were found between QEEG subtype membership and length of exposure to cocaine, time since last use of cocaine or any demographic characteristics. Further, no significant relationships were found between the commonly reported comorbid clinical features of depression and anxiety and subtype membership. However, a significant relationship was found between QEEG subtype membership and length of stay in treatment, with members of the alpha CLUS retained in treatment significantly longer than members of the beta CLUS.

Persistent QEEG abnormality in crack cocaine users at 6 months of drug abstinence.

The major objective of this study was to examine the persistence of abnormal quantitative EEG (qEEG) measures over a six month time interval in subjects in strictly supervised drug free residential treatment for crack cocaine dependence. Seventeen subjects were assessed with qEEG at five to 10 days, one month and six months following their last use of cocaine. No significant changes were noted over time in abnormal qEEG measures, which included deficits of absolute and relative power in the delta band and increased relative alpha power. The persistence of qEEG abnormality in crack cocaine withdrawal suggests a persistent neurobiologic alteration resulting from chronic cocaine exposure. The specificity of the qEEG findings is discussed, and an interpretation is suggested with reference to the hypothesis of neural sensitization in cocaine dependence.

[Pedicled parietal bone grafts in the facial reconstruction surgery]. / Uszypulowane przeszczepy kosci ciemieniowej w operacjach odtwórczych twarzy.

Between years 1996 and 1997, pedunculated parietal bone graft for facial reconstruction after tumor excision was used in 8 patients. The defects comprised one side of maxilla with the orbit bottom, zygomatic bone and the orbit bottom, mandibular ramus, and the whole mandible: in 4, 1, 2, and 1 patient respectively. The reconstruction was done directly after tumor excision in 6 patients and later on in the other 2. The grafts were of full thickness in 6 and of outer table in 2. Functional and cosmetic effects were considered satisfactory in 6 patients. The whole mandible reconstruction ended up with a failure due to infection and tumor recurrence.

Quantitative electroencephalographic characteristics of crack cocaine dependence.

This study replicates preliminary findings reporting a quantitative electroencephalographic (QEEG) profile of crack cocaine dependence in abstinence. All subjects (n = 52) met criteria for DMS-III-R cocaine dependence (in the form of crack), and were residing in a drug-free therapeutic community. Baseline QEEG evaluations were conducted at intake (5-10 days after last use of crack, and at follow-up (1 month after last reported use). Previous findings of significant excess of relative alpha power and deficit of absolute and relative delta and theta power were replicated in this expanded group. Abnormalities were greater in anterior than posterior regions, and disturbances in interhemispheric relationships were also observed. Further, QEEG showed little change in the interval between the first and second evaluations. This QEEG profile may reflect persistent alterations in neurotransmission as a possible consequence of chronic cocaine exposure.

Neurometric QEEG studies of crack cocaine dependence and treatment outcome.

This paper presents an overview of the quantitative electrophysiological (QEEC) research on cocaine dependence conducted at Brain Research Laboratories of New York University Medical Center. These studies have demonstrated that subjects with DSM-III-R cocaine dependence (without dependence on any other substance) evaluated in the withdrawal state, have replicable abnormalities in brain function when evaluated at baseline (approximately 5 to 10 days after last crack cocaine use), which are still seen at one and six month follow-up evaluations. These abnormalities were characterized by significant excess of relative alpha power and deficit of absolute and relative delta and theta power. Abnormalities were greater in anterior than posterior regions, and disturbances in interhemispheric relationships were also observed. In addition, QEEC subtypes were identified within the population of cocaine dependent subjects at baseline, and these subtypes were found to be significantly related to subsequent length of stay in treatment. The relationship between these QEEG findings and the neuropharmacology of cocaine dependence is discussed.