Attitudes of EAPD members toward using the "knee-to-knee" position.

AIM: This survey assessed the attitude of paediatric dental EAPD members toward using "knee-to-knee" positioning for dental examinations and minor procedures in infants and toddlers. METHODS: An anonymous electronic online questionnaire was distributed among EAPD members. The survey consisted of 12 questions and assessed demographic characteristics, professional experience and attitudes toward the use of the "knee-to-knee" position. RESULTS: Of the 162 respondents, 148 (91%) reported using "knee-to-knee" positioning for dental examination. In addition, 97 (63%) reported performing other procedures in the "knee-to-knee" position. Fluoride application and oral hygiene instructions were the most common procedures performed in the "knee-to-knee" position. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the paediatric dentists who responded to this survey reported performing dental examinations in toddlers up to 2 years old using the "knee-to-knee" position. Majority of respondents also used this position to instruct parents regarding oral hygiene and to apply fluoride varnish.

Dentists, dental hygienists and dental students' knowledge regarding recommended fluoride concentration in toothpaste for children.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of dentists, dental hygienists and dental students regarding the Israeli Ministry of Health guidelines for using fluoridated toothpaste. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to dentists, dental hygienists, and dental students in their final years at the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine. Participants were queried regarding their knowledge of Ministry of Health fluoride concentration guidelines in toothpaste by the following age categories: under 2 years, 2-6 years, and above 6 years. RESULTS: Thirty-two paediatric dentists (specialists and residents), 63 general dentists, 68 dental hygienists, and 69 students responded to the survey. Analysis of survey respondent's knowledge of Ministry of Health fluoride toothpaste guidelines by age group found that 81%, 75% and 88% of participants selected a fluoride concentration within the recommended range for those under 2 years, 2-6 years and greater than 6 years, respectively. Only 58% of respondents were aware of the recommended fluoride concentration for all three age groups. Among respondents who answered all three questions, there was a significant association between correctly answering the fluoride questions and respondent's profession (P = 0.026), with a larger percentage of paediatric dentist (76%) and dental students (66%) correctly answering all three questions. CONCLUSIONS: Israeli dental practitioners should be educated about the Israeli Ministry of Health fluoride concentrations in toothpaste guidelines. The guidelines should be emphasised at annual meetings and in continuing education courses.

Effects of intravenous infusion of E. coli lipopolysaccharide in early pregnant cows.

The objective was to characterize effects of Escherichia coli LPS (given i.v.) on corpus luteum (CL) and embryonic viability in early pregnant cattle. Eight non-lactating German Holstein cows were given 0.5 µg/kg LPS on 35 ± 3 day (mean ± s.e.m.) of pregnancy, whereas seven heifers, 41 ± 6 day pregnant, were given 10 mL saline (control group). Transrectal B-mode examinations of the CL were done at -1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h relative to treatment. Blood samples were collected at -1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. At 12 and 48 h, the CL was biopsied. None of the cows still in the experiment 10 day after LPS (n = 7) had embryonic loss. In LPS-treated cows, luteal area decreased (from 4.1 to 3.1 cm2; P ≤ 0.05) within 6 h and until 48 h. Luteal blood flow decreased by 39% (P ≤ 0.05) within the first 6 h after LPS, but returned to pre-treatment values by 48 h. Plasma P4 decreased by 62% (P ≤ 0.05), reached a nadir (2.7 ± 0.6 ng/mL) at 12 h after LPS and was not restored to pre-treatment (P ≤ 0.05). In luteal tissue, mRNAs for STAR and for FGF1 were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in LPS than in saline-treated cattle at 12 h, with no difference between groups at 48 h. Levels of mRNAs for CASP3 and FGF2 were not different between groups (P > 0.05) at 12 or 48 h after treatment. In conclusion, LPS transiently suppressed CL function, but did not induce embryonic mortality.

Pregnancy outcome is influenced by luteal area during diestrus before successful insemination but not by milk production level.

The objective was to compare luteal area (LA), luteal blood flow (LBF), and progesterone (P4) concentration before and after artificial insemination (AI) in pregnant and open cows in the diestrus preceding insemination and during the first 21 d after insemination. A number of 119 multiparous German Holstein cows were examined using B-mode and color Doppler sonography in diestrus (15-5 d before AI) and on days 7, 14, and 21 post insemination (pi). Blood samples for determination of P4 concentration were collected at each examination. In pregnant cows, P4 was measured in the diestrus before AI and on days 7, 14, and 21 of pregnancy, and in open cows, in the diestrus preceding the first AI and 7, 14, and 21 d later. Cows were retrospectively allocated into two groups according to the mean daily milk yield in the first 42 d (high milk yield [HMY], ≥39 kg/d; low milk yield [LMY], <39 kg/d). Pregnant cows had larger LA than open cows during diestrus before insemination (5.69 ± 1.85 vs. 4.94 ± 1.66 cm2, P < 0.05), on days 7 (5.34 ± 1.83 vs. 4.52 ± 1.93 cm2, P < 0.05) and 21 pi (5.92 ± 1.60 vs. 4.97 ± 1.44 cm2, P < 0.05). On day 14 there was a tendency towards larger LA in pregnant cows (P = 0.09). Luteal blood flow (1.72 ± 0.74 vs. 1.22 ± 0.67 cm2) and P4 concentration (8.97 ± 4.37 vs. 6.49 ± 4.32 ng/mL) were higher in pregnant cows than in open cows on day 21 (P < 0.05). At day 150, 69% of the LMY cows and 56% of the HMY cows were pregnant (P > 0.05). Pregnant HMY cows had larger LA during diestrus before insemination and on days 7 and 21 pi than open HMY cows (P < 0.05) and tended to result in larger CLs on day 14 (P = 0.06). Pregnant HMY cows had higher LBF on days 14 and 21 (P < 0.05) and higher P4 concentration on day 21 than open HMY cows (P < 0.05). The main finding of this study was a larger LA during diestrus in cows that conceived in the ensuing estrous cycle compared to cows that did not conceive. Luteal area, LBF, and P4 concentration were greater in pregnant cows compared to open cows, and further studies should be conducted on the usefulness of these variables to detect open cows as early as possible after breeding. High-yielding cows appear to require larger LA, LBF, and higher P4 concentration than low-yielding cows to maintain pregnancy. In conclusion, larger LAs were established in pregnant cows in the diestrus before successful insemination regardless of their milk yield. Further studies are needed to verify whether LA in the diestrus before insemination might be used to predict probabilities in reproductive performance.

Evaluation of the iVET® birth monitoring system in primiparous dairy heifers.

The objective was to validate the iVET® birth monitoring system and to determine if it reduced fetal death in primiparous dairy heifers over a 1-y interval. There were 359 pregnant heifers enrolled; 167 heifers in the iVET® group were monitored electronically and the remaining 192 (controls) were monitored visually for onset of Stage 2 labor, according to routine farm management. In addition, as a reference, all heifers were observed throughout the study by two independent investigators. Calves born dead or that died within 24 h after birth were defined as stillborn. The interval from appearance of the chorioallantoic sac to recognition of onset of calving in the control group averaged 21 min longer than the iVET® signal (p = 0.0001) and rate of fetal death was numerically lower in the iVET® group (8.9%) than in the control group (10.4%, p = 0.65). Interestingly, dystocia occurred more often in the iVET® group (58.3%) than in the control group (40.9%, p = 0.001). The iVET® system detected onset of Stage 2 labor earlier than conventional monitoring by farm staff. However, the device was lacking in several aspects and should be improved before its use in primiparous heifers can be recommended.

Investigations of mammary and uterine blood flow in relation to milk yield, postpartum disease, and pregnancy result in dairy cows.

The objective was to determine the blood flow variables in the uterine arteries and the pudendoepigastric trunks, which supply the mammary gland, and relate these variables to the occurrence of uterine disease, milk yield, and pregnancy result. To achieve this, 119 multiparous German Holstein cows were examined using color Doppler sonography once during the dry period and on Days 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 66, 76, 86, and 96 postpartum (pp). Cows with retained fetal membranes or metritis had a higher blood flow volume and time-averaged maximum velocity and a lower pulsatility index in the uterine arteries on Days 7, 14 and 28 pp (P < 0.05). Milk yield was correlated with blood flow volume in the pudendoepigastric trunks on examination Days 7 to 96 pp with the exception of Day 76 (P < 0.05), and with time-averaged maximum velocity on Days 7 and 14 pp (P < 0.05). The pulsatility index was greater in the left pudendoepigastric trunk on examination Days 7 to 76 pp than in the right pudendoepigastric trunk (P < 0.05). Milk yield did not affect pregnancy result and was not related to uterine perfusion. Increased uterine perfusion in cows with retained fetal membrane and metritis may be due to increased uterine size attributable to delayed involution. High mammary perfusion in high-yielding cows is due to an increased demand for nutrients and oxygen. Color Doppler sonography is a useful method for the investigation of the effect of uterine disease on uterine blood flow and of the effect of milk yield on mammary perfusion.

LPS-mediated effects and spatio-temporal expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the bovine corpus luteum.

When given intravenously (iv), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transiently suppresses the structure and function of the bovine corpus luteum (CL). This is associated with increased release of prostaglandin (PG) F2α metabolite. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of this process remain, however, obscure. Therefore, the aims of this study were: i) to investigate the expression of the LPS receptor toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and 2 (TLR2) in the bovine CL during early, mid- and late luteal phases; and ii) to further dissect the mechanisms of LPS-mediated suppression of luteal function. As revealed by semi-quantitative qPCR and immunohistochemistry, both receptors were detectable throughout the luteal lifespan. Their mRNA levels increased from the early toward the mid-luteal phase; no further changes were observed thereafter. The TLR4 protein seemed more highly represented than TLR2. The cellular localization of TLRs was in blood vessels; weaker signals were observed in luteal cells. Additionally, cows were treated either with LPS (iv, 0.5 µg/kg BW) or with saline on Day 10 after ovulation. Samples were collected 1200 h after treatment and on Day 10 of the respective subsequent (untreated) cycle. The mRNA expression of several possible regulatory factors was investigated, revealing the suppression of PGF2α receptor (PTGFR), STAR protein and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, compared with controls and subsequent cycles. The expression of TLR2 and TLR4, interleukin 1α (IL1A) and 1ß (IL1B) and of PGF2α and PGE2 synthases (HSD20A and mPTGES respectively) was increased. The results demonstrate the presence of TLR2 and TLR4 in the bovine CL, and implicate their possible involvement in the deleterious effects of LPS on its function.

The Evolving Theory of Evolutionary Radiations.

Evolutionary radiations have intrigued biologists for more than 100 years, and our understanding of the patterns and processes associated with these radiations continues to grow and evolve. Recently it has been recognized that there are many different types of evolutionary radiation beyond the well-studied adaptive radiations. We focus here on multifarious types of evolutionary radiations, paying special attention to the abiotic factors that might trigger diversification in clades. We integrate concepts such as exaptation, species selection, coevolution, and the turnover-pulse hypothesis (TPH) into the theoretical framework of evolutionary radiations. We also discuss other phenomena that are related to, but distinct from, evolutionary radiations that have relevance for evolutionary biology.

Technical note: The use of a sonomicrometry system for monitoring uterine involution in postpartum dairy cows.

Sonomicrometry allows the measurement of the distance between 2 piezoelectric crystals and has been widely used to investigate the contractility of the heart and gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study was to determine whether this method can be used to quantify the reduction in uterine size in cows postpartum. Seven healthy pluriparous Holstein Friesian cows (3.7±0.7 yr old, parity 2.4±0.5, mean±SD) were used. Three weeks before calving, 4 piezoelectric crystals were implanted via laparotomy in the myometrium of the greater curvature of the pregnant uterine horn in a longitudinal direction. Sonometric measurements were conducted daily from 2 d before parturition until 14 d after calving, followed by measurements every other day until d 28. Changes in the distance between neighboring crystals were presented as relative changes (%) from baseline values before parturition. The diameter of the previously pregnant uterine horn was measured using transrectal B-mode sonography from d 10 to 28 after calving. The cows were slaughtered 39±6 d postpartum and the uterus was evaluated for fixation of the crystals. The distances between neighboring crystals underwent changes with a reduction of greater than 50% until d 1 postpartum, but no further changes were recorded from d 1 to 7. In the second week, changes in all distances were affected by day postpartum. One distance was affected by day postpartum in wk 3 and 4. There was a positive correlation between the diameter of the previously pregnant horn and the distances between the crystals. Examination of the uterus after slaughter of the cows revealed that 8 crystals (29%) were no longer fixed in the myometrium. Seven of these (25%) could be evaluated completely or partially and 1 (4%) could not be analyzed. Sonomicrometry seems to be suitable for the objective measurement of reduction in uterine length in cows.

Diarrheagenic enteroaggregative Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infection and bacteremia leading to sepsis.

We report a case of a 55-year-old immunocompromised female who presented to the emergency department with severe diarrhea and vomiting following travel to the Philippines. Stool bacteriology revealed a mixed infection involving an enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and two distinct strains of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). During hospitalization, urine and blood culture tested positive for one of the diarrheagenic EAEC strains, necessitating urinary catheterization, intensive care, and antimicrobial treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, followed by meropenem. Although known to occasionally cause urinary tract infections, EAEC have not been previously associated with sepsis. Our report highlights the potential of EAEC to cause severe extraintestinal infections.

Family outbreak of an infection with a recombinant Coxsackie A virus in eastern Switzerland.

PURPOSE: We report on an unusual familial outbreak of a coxsackie virus infection in Switzerland in which five family members were affected. Most of the patients presented with signs of meningitis, and four were hospitalized. METHODS: In three individuals, the virus was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, pharynx, and stool, respectively. The genome was sequenced in specimens of two patients. RESULTS: The nucleotide sequences of both virus strains were identical. Blast search revealed that the first half of the sequence was 88 % homologous to Enterovirus 75 (EV-75), 87 % with Echovirus 11 (E-11), and 84 % homologous to Coxsackie virus A9 (CV-A9). The second half of the sequence was 77 % homologous to EV-75, 75 % to E-11, and 91 % to CV-A9. CONCLUSION: We propose that the isolated virus strain is a recombinant strain with a 5' untranslated region and with the start of the VP4 sequence originating from E-11/EV-75 and the rest of the genome originating from CV-A9. Interestingly, this novel virus strain showed an exceptional virulence and rapid spread. Two weeks after the initial outbreak in this family, a similar outbreak was observed in a second geographic area roughly 100 km distant to the primary identification site, and another 2 months later this virus strain was found to circulate in the western part of Switzerland some 250 km distant to the primary locus. These findings suggest that genetic recombination has resulted in a novel enterovirus with features of high virulence, contagiosity, and spreading.

Knowledge, attitudes and barriers regarding vaccination against hepatitis A and B in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a survey of family medicine and internal medicine physicians in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Although vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) is recommended for all patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, physician vaccination practices are suboptimal. Since training for family medicine (FM) and internal medicine (IM) physicians differ, we hypothesised that there are differences in knowledge, attitudes and barriers regarding vaccination against HAV and HBV in patients with chronic HCV between these two groups. METHODS: A two-page questionnaire was mailed to 3000 primary care (FM and IM) physicians randomly selected from the AMA Physician Masterfile in 2005. The survey included questions about physician demographics, knowledge and attitudes regarding vaccination. RESULTS: Among the 3000 physicians surveyed, 1209 (42.2%) returned completed surveys. There were no differences between respondents and non-respondents with regard to age, gender, geographic location or specialty. More FM than IM physicians stated that HCV+ patients should not be vaccinated against HAV (23.7% vs. 11.8%, p < 0.001) or HBV (21.9% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.001). FM physicians were also less likely than IM physicians to usually/always test HCV+ patients for immunity against HAV (33.9% vs. 48.6%, p < 0.001) or against HBV (50.8% vs. 68.0%, p < 0.001). There were numerous barriers to HAV and HBV vaccination identified. The median number of barriers was 3 for FM physicians and 2 for IM physicians (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite recommendations to vaccinate against HAV and HBV in patients with chronic HCV infection, physicians often do not test or vaccinate susceptible individuals. Interventions are needed to overcome the barriers identified and improve vaccination rates.

Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide administration transiently suppresses luteal structure and function in diestrous cows.

The objective was to characterize the effects of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin (given i.v.) on luteal structure and function. Seven nonlactating German Holstein cows, 5.1 ± 0.8 years old (mean ± s.e.m.), were given 10  ml saline on day 10 (ovulation=day 1) of a control estrous cycle. On day 10 of a subsequent cycle, they were given 0.5 µg/kg LPS. Luteal size decreased (from 5.2 to 3.8 cm², P≤0.05) within 24 h after LPS treatment and remained smaller throughout the remainder of the cycle. Luteal blood flow decreased by 34% (P≤0.05) within 3 h after LPS and remained lower for 72 h. Plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations increased (P≤0.05) within the first 3 h after LPS but subsequently declined. Following LPS treatment, plasma prostaglandin (PG) F metabolites concentrations were approximately tenfold higher in LPS-treated compared with control cows (9.2 vs 0.8 ng/ml, P≤0.05) within 30 min, whereas plasma PGE concentrations were nearly double (P≤0.05) at 1 h after LPS. At 12 h after treatment, levels of mRNA encoding Caspase-3 in biopsies of the corpus luteum (CL) were increased (P≤0.05), whereas those encoding StAR were decreased (P≤0.05) in cattle given LPS vs saline. The CASP3 protein was localized in the cytoplasm and/or nuclei of luteal cells, whereas StAR was detected in the cytosol of luteal cells. In the estrous cycle following treatment with either saline or LPS, there were no significant differences between groups on luteal size, plasma P4 concentrations, or gene expression. In conclusion, LPS treatment of diestrus cows transiently suppressed both the structure and function of the CL.

Plasma progesterone concentrations in the mid-luteal phase are dependent on luteal size, but independent of luteal blood flow and gene expression in lactating dairy cows.

The objective of the present study was to investigate if plasma progesterone (pP(4)) concentrations are dependent on luteal size, blood flow, or gene expression in luteal tissue. To induce cycles with high and low pP(4) concentrations, respectively, 20 lactating dairy cows received either a single treatment with 25 mg prostaglandin F(2α) (PGF(2α)) on Day 4 Hour 12 (PG1; n=8), or two treatments (25 mg PGF(2α) each) on Day 4 Hours 0 and 12 (PG2; n=12) of the estrous cycle (Day 1, Hour 0=ovulation). In four cows, ovulation occurred between 4 and 6d after the second PGF(2α) treatment; these cows and one lame cow were excluded from the study. In the 15 remaining cows with physiological interovulatory intervals, pP(4), area (LTA) and volume (LTV) of luteal tissue, as well as absolute (LBF) and relative (rLBF) luteal blood flow were determined on Day 9, and relative luteal P(4) (rLP(4)) as well as luteal mRNA expression of important receptors, angiogenic, vasoactive, and steroidogenic factors were quantified on Day 11 (±1) during two successive estrous cycles. Furthermore, rLP(4) was multiplied by LTV to produce a semiquantitative assessment of absolute luteal P(4) (LP(4)). There was no effect (P>0.05) of treatment (one or two PGF(2α) treatments), neither on pP(4) concentrations nor on any other parameter in the present study. Nevertheless, there was a lower LP(4) (P=0.01), LTA (P=0.03), and LTV (P=0.02), as well as tendencies of lower pP(4) (P=0.06) and LBF (P=0.09) at first compared with second diestrus. Plasma P(4) was related with LP(4) (r=0.43, P=0.04), LTA (r=0.65, P=0.0001), and LTV (r=0.43, P=0.02), but not with rLBF (r=-0.18, P=0.34). Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between gene expression of important steroidogenic factors and P(4) concentrations in luteal tissue. Results indicate that plasma P(4) concentrations in the mid-luteal phase were dependent on luteal size, but independent of blood flow and gene expression per luteal tissue unit.

Luteal blood flow increases during the first three weeks of pregnancy in lactating dairy cows.

The objectives of this experiment were to characterize luteal blood flow in pregnant and non-pregnant cows and to determine its value for early pregnancy diagnosis. Lactating dairy cows (n = 54), 5.2 ± 0.2 y old (mean ± SEM), average parity 2.4 ± 0.2, and ≥ 6 wk postpartum at the start of the study, were used. The corpus luteum (CL) was examined with transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography (10.0-MHz linear-array transducer) on Days 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, and 21 of the estrus cycle (estrus = Day 0). Artificially inseminated cows (n = 40) were retrospectively classified as pregnant (embryonic heartbeat on Day 25; n = 18), nonpregnant (interestrus interval 15 to 21 d, n = 18), or having an apparent early embryonic loss (interestrus interval >25 d, n = 4). There was a group by time interaction (P < 0.001) for luteal blood flow from Days 3 to 18; it was approximately 1.10 ± 0.08 cm(2) (mean ± SEM) on Day 3, and increased to approximately 2.00 ± 0.08 cm(2) on Day 13 (similar among groups). Thereafter, luteal blood flow was numerically (albeit not significantly) greater in pregnant cows, remained constant in those with apparent embryonic loss, and declined (not significantly) between Days 15 and 18 in nonpregnant cows. Luteal blood flow was greater in pregnant than in nonpregnant (P < 0.05) and nonbred cows (P < 0.05, n = 14) on Day 15 (2.50 ± 0.16, 2.01 ± 0.16, and 2.00 ± 0.18 cm(2), respectively) and on Day 18 (2.40 ± 0.19, 1.45 ± 0.19, and 0.95 ± 0.21 cm(2)). In cows with apparent early embryonic loss, luteal blood flow was 2.00 ± 0.34 and 2.05 ± 0.39 cm(2) on Days 15 and 18, which was less (not significantly) than in pregnant cows, but greater (P < 0.05) than in nonbred cows on Day 18. Although mean luteal blood flow was significantly greater in pregnant than nonpregnant (and nonbred) cows on Days 15 and 18, due to substantial variation among cows, it was not an appropriate diagnostic tool for pregnancy status.

Noninvasive detection of hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows with calibrated ultrasonographic image analysis.

The aim was to test the accuracy of calibrated digital analysis of ultrasonographic hepatic images for diagnosing fatty liver in dairy cows. Digital analysis was performed by means of a novel method, computer-aided ultrasound diagnosis (CAUS), previously published by the authors. This method implies a set of pre- and postprocessing steps to normalize and correct the transcutaneous ultrasonographic images. Transcutaneous hepatic ultrasonography was performed before surgical correction on 151 German Holstein dairy cows (mean +/- standard error of the means; body weight: 571+/-7 kg; age: 4.9+/-0.2 yr; DIM: 35+/-5) with left-sided abomasal displacement. Concentration of triacylglycerol (TAG) was biochemically determined in liver samples collected via biopsy and values were considered the gold standard to which ultrasound estimates were compared. According to histopathologic examination of biopsies, none of the cows suffered from hepatic disorders other than hepatic lipidosis. Hepatic TAG concentrations ranged from 4.6 to 292.4 mg/g of liver fresh weight (FW). High correlations were found between the hepatic TAG and mean echo level (r=0.59) and residual attenuation (ResAtt; r=0.80) obtained in ultrasonographic imaging. High correlation existed between ResAtt and mean echo level (r=0.76). The 151 studied cows were split randomly into a training set of 76 cows and a test set of 75 cows. Based on the data from the training set, ResAtt was statistically selected by means of stepwise multiple regression analysis for hepatic TAG prediction (R(2)=0.69). Then, using the predicted TAG data of the test set, receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to summarize the accuracy and predictive potential of the differentiation between various measured hepatic TAG values, based on TAG predicted from the regression formula. The area under the curve values of the receiver operating characteristic based on the regression equation were 0.94 (<50 vs. >or=50mg of TAG/g of FW), 0.83 (<100 vs. >or=100mg of TAG/g of FW), and 0.97 (<50 vs. >or=100mg of TAG/g of FW). The CAUS methodology and software for digitally analyzing liver ultrasonographic images is considered feasible for noninvasive screening of fatty liver in dairy herd health programs. Using the single parameter linear regression equation might be ideal for practical applications.

Mobile encapsulated bodies comprising fat necrosis and fibrous tissue in the abdominal cavity of cows.

The microscopical features of 18 samples of fat necrosis and/or fibrous tissue removed from the abdominal cavity during laparotomy from 15 cows were studied. The nodular, ivory-coloured mobile structures were free-floating in the abdominal cavity, were not attached to any abdominal tissues or organs, and were completely surrounded by a fibrous capsule. Abdominal fat necrosis (bovine lipomatosis) was not observed in any animal. The structures comprised either necrotic fat, fibrous tissue or varying proportions of both. Focal calcification and mild inflammatory cell infiltration and accumulations of haemosiderin were also present. Microscopically, the lesions resembled encapsulated fat necrosis occurring in human subcutaneous tissue. The mechanisms of development of these mobile encapsulated bodies in cows is unknown and it is not clear how, in the absence of a blood supply, there can be inflammatory cell infiltration, calcification and proliferation of fibroblasts.

Luteal blood flow is a more appropriate indicator for luteal function during the bovine estrous cycle than luteal size.

The objective of this study was to assess the reliability of luteal blood flow (LBF) as recorded by color Doppler sonography to monitor luteal function during the estrous cycle of dairy cows and to compare the results with that for the established criterion luteal size (LS) as determined by B-mode sonography. In total, 14 consecutive sonographic examinations were carried out in 10 synchronized lactating Holstein-Friesian cows (Bos taurus) on Days 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, -5, -4, -3, -2, -1 of the estrous cycle (Day 1=ovulation). Plasma progesterone concentrations in venous blood (P(4)) were quantified by enzyme immunoassay. Luteal size was determined by sonographic measurement of the maximal cross-sectional area of the corpus luteum (CL). Luteal blood supply was estimated by calculating the maximum colored area of the CL from power Doppler sonographic images. Luteal size doubled during the luteal growth phase (until Day 7) and remained at this level during the luteal static phase (Day 8 to 16) before decreasing rather slowly during luteal regression (Days -5 to -1). Luteal blood flow doubled during the growth phase, doubled furthermore during the static phase, and decreased rapidly during luteal regression. Thus, LBF values represented highly reliable predictors of luteal status. Luteal blood flow predicted reliably a P(4)>1.0 ng/mL by reaching only 35% of the maximal values, whereas LS had to exceed 60% of the maximal values to indicate reliably a functional CL. It is concluded that LBF reflected luteal function better than LS specifically during luteal regression.

Relationships between ovarian blood flow and ovarian response to eCG-treatment of dairy cows.

The goal of the present study was to investigate ovarian blood flow and ovarian response in cows undergoing a gonadotropin treatment to induce a superovulatory response, using transrectal colour Doppler sonography. Forty-two cows including 19 cross-bred, 14 German Holstein and 9 German Black Pied cows were examined sonographically before hormonal stimulation on Day 10 of the oestrous cycle, three days after administration of eCG (Day 13) and seven days after artificial insemination (Day 7(p.i.)). After each Doppler examination, blood was collected for determination of total oestrogens (E) and progesterone (P4) in peripheral plasma. The blood flow volume (BFV) and pulsatility index (PI), which is a measure for blood flow resistance, were determined in the ovarian artery, and B-mode sonography was used to count dominant follicles and corpora lutea. Important criteria to assess the ovarian response following the hormonal treatment were the number of follicles >5mm in diameter on Day 13 and the number of corpora lutea on Day 7(p.i.) per cow. The number of follicles ranged from 2 to 61 (mean+/-S.E.M.: 17.5+/-1.7) and corpora lutea from 0 to 50 (mean+/-S.E.M.: 17.0+/-1.6). The BFV increased from 28.4 to 45.0 ml/min between Days 10 and 13 and reached a maximum of 108.5 ml/min on Day 7(p.i.) The PI decreased from 6.25 on Day 10 to 4.70 on Day 13 and to 2.10 on Day 7(p.i.) The BFV and PI on Day 13 did not correlate with the number of follicles (P>0.05). However, on Day 7(p.i.) the number of corpora lutea correlated positively with the BFV (r=0.64; P<0.0001), and an inverse relationship was found for the PI (r=-0.51; P=0.0005). There were no correlations (P>0.05) between the BFV and PI on Day 10 and the number of follicles on Day 13 or the number of corpora lutea on Day 7(p.i.) Results of the present study show that in cows, a hormonal treatment to induce a superovulatory response yielded a marked increase in BFV and a marked decrease in PI in the ovarian artery. However, there was no correlation between BFV and PI in the ovarian arteries before hormonal stimulation and the number of follicles and corpora lutea that developed after stimulation. Thus BFV and PI measured in the ovarian arteries have limited diagnostic value to predict the outcome of a gonadotropin treatment.

Diffuse intracranial oligodendroglioma in a cow.

This report describes the clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical findings in an adult cow with cerebral oligodendroglioma. The tumour extended from the metencephalon to the telencephalon, with infiltration of the meninges. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells lacked expression of a specific tumour antigen, were partially positive for S-100 and tau protein, and were negative for a range of antigens including glial fibrillary acid protein, neuron-specific enolase, myelin basic protein and synaptophysin. This is the first report describing a diffuse, cerebral oligodendroglioma in a cow.