Profile of Selected Mineral Elements in Tibiotarsal Bone of the White-Tailed Sea Eagle in Its Natural Habitat.

Mineral bone composition (dry matter, bones ash, P, Ca, Zn, Mn, Mg, and Cu) and Pb levels of tibiotarsi of seven White-Tailed Sea Eagles were assessed. Lead intoxication in different bird species including waterfowl and raptors is being studied worldwide. The bones were analyzed for Pb by mass spectrometry with excitation in inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS Elan DRC II) and for bone composition by Atomic Emission Spectrometer (Agilent 4100 Microwave Plasma). Pb levels ranging from 3.54 µg/g to 74.6 µg/g DM suggest that some of the investigated birds might have been intoxicated by Pb. Results of this analysis were divided into two groups of bones, with bone Pb levels higher and lower than Pb toxicity levels, and mineral bone compositions of both groups were compared. The present study shows the differentiation of bone mineral composition among seven examined White-Tailed Sea Eagles, considered a specific species in raptors. Pb intoxication may not have a major influence on mineral bone composition in raptors. It also suggests that assessing bone composition of raptor bones may help finding the possible cause of their deaths.

A Disorder of Sex Development in a Holstein-Friesian Heifer with a Rare Mosaicism (60,XX/90,XXY): A Genetic, Anatomical, and Histological Study.

In this study, we describe an eighteen-month-old Holstein-Friesian heifer with a deformed vulva, located abdominally. The heifer showed typical signs of estrus. A comprehensive anatomical and histopathological examination revealed a blind-ended vagina and an additional section of urethra, which became a part of the shortened penis. Cytogenetic analysis showed the presence of two cell lines: 60,XX and 90,XXY. The frequency of the triploid cell line was low (3%) in leukocytes and elevated (35%) in fibroblasts. The molecular detection of Y-linked genes (SRY and AMELY) in the blood, skin, hair follicles, and buccal epithelial cells confirmed the presence of a cell line carrying the Y chromosome. Genotyping of 16 microsatellite markers in DNA isolated from hair follicles and fibroblast culture showed the presence of one (homozygous) or two variants (heterozygous) at all the studied loci, and allowed chimerism to be excluded. We concluded that the heifer had diploid/triploid (60,XX/90,XXY) mosaicism. To our knowledge, this is only the fifth such case to be reported worldwide in this species. Since cytogenetic studies are routinely performed on in vitro cultured leukocytes, we suspect that the prevalence of this chromosome abnormality is underestimated, as it is known from published reports that the frequency of the triploid cell line is usually very low in leukocytes.

Congenital Malformations in a Holstein-Fresian Calf with a Unique Mosaic Karyotype: A Case Report.

A Holstein-Fresian calf with multiple congenital malformations was subjected postmortem to anatomical and genetic investigation. The calf was small (20 kg), had shortened limbs and was unable to stand up. It lived only 44 days. Detailed anatomical investigation revealed the following features: head asymmetry, the relocation of the frontal sinus and eye orbits, hypoplastic thymus without neck part, ductus Botalli, unfinished obliteration in umbilical arteries, and a bilateral series of tooth germs in the temporal region. Cytogenetic examination, performed on in vitro cultured fibroblasts, showed a unique mosaic karyotype with a marker chromosome-60,XX[9 2%]/60,XX,+mar[8%], which was for the first time described in cattle. No other chromosome abnormalities indicating chromosome instabilities, like chromatid breaks or gaps were identified, thus teratogenic agent exposure during pregnancy was excluded. The marker chromosome (mar) was small and it was not possible to identify its origin, however, sequential DAPI/C (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) band staining revealed a large block of constitutive heterochromatin, which is characteristic for centromeric regions of bovine autosomes. We suppose that the identified marker chromosome was a result of somatic deletion in an autosome and its presence could be responsible for the observed developmental malformations. In spite of the topographic distance among the affected organs, we expected a relationship between anatomical abnormalities. To the of our best knowledge, this is the first case of a mosaic karyotype with a cell line carrying a small marker chromosome described in a malformed calf.

Comparative Evaluation of Piper nigrum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cymbopogon citratus and Juniperus communis L. Essential Oils of Different Origin as Functional Antimicrobials in Foods.

Essential oils can be used as preservatives in foods because of their ability to inhibit bacteria growth in low concentration, which does not influence on foods' organoleptic properties and does not generate the resistance mechanisms in cells. The aim of that work was to compare the effectiveness of commercial oils from black pepper (Piper nigrum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and juniper (Juniperus communis L.) with oils obtained in our laboratory. The typical cultivation method was supported by the flow cytometry to detect the cells of very low physiologic and metabolic activity. Our investigation demonstrated that both types of oils can effectively inhibit the growth of saprophytic bacteria P. orientalis. The oils distilled in our laboratory had a bacteriostatic effect at a lower concentration, which is important for application in the food industry. Flow cytometry analyzes and confirmed the thesis that essential oils do not have a germicidal effect on bacteria cells.

The Osteometry of Equine Third Phalanx by the Use of Three-Dimensional Scanning: New Measurement Possibilities.

This study consisted in analyzing the asymmetry between bilateral third phalanges (coffin bones) in cold-blood horses based on the angle range of the plantar margin of the bone. The study employed a scanner projecting a hybrid set of images, consisting of sinusoidal stripes preceded by a Gray code sequence. As it turned out, three-dimensional scanning can be used to effectively determine the angle range for a selected portion of the studied bone. This provides broad possibilities for osteometric studies, as it enables the determination of angle distribution in a given fragment. The results obtained indicate a weak correlation between age and bilateral third-phalanx asymmetry in terms of the angle range of the plantar margins and no correlation between body weight and the asymmetry described.

The arterial circle of the brain, its branches and connections in selected representatives of the Antilopinae.

The arterial circle of the brain, that is, the circle of Willis, and its branches in ruminants have been chiefly described in farm animals and only in selected wild species. In view of the deficit of information about this vascular region in numerous other species of the Ruminantia, the arteries of the encephalic base were analyzed in five antelope species representing different genera of the Bovidae, Antilopinae. Specimens of the following species were examined: springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii), saiga (Saiga tatarica), and oribi (Ourebia ourebi). Post-autopsy material received from domestic zoological gardens was used to inject the bilateral common carotid arteries with a stained acetone solution of vinyl superchloride. When the material was polymerized, the specimens were macerated enzymatically. The process resulted in casts of arteries of the head and encephalic base on a skeletal scaffold. The investigations revealed that the bilateral components of the arterial circle of the brain, that is, the rostral cerebral artery and caudal communicating artery, arose from the division of the intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery, which emerges from the rostral epidural rete mirabile. The extracranial segment of the internal carotid artery was obliterated. In consequence of this process, the blood reaches the brain chiefly from the maxillary artery. The research proved that the arteries of the encephalic base in the Antilopinae are most similar to the vessels described in antelopes of Tragelaphus, Taurotragus, and Boselaphus genera and small domestic ruminants. However, they are different from the arterial pattern of the encephalic base in bovines and other species classified as the Bovini.

Age- and sex-related differences of morphometric, densitometric and geometric parameters of tibiotarsal bone in Ross broiler chickens.

For the first time computed tomography has been used to analyze densitometric and geometric parameters in proximal metaphyses and the mid-diaphyses of tibiotarsal bones in broiler chickens in posthatching development as influenced by age and sex. The research was conducted on 60 tibial bones of 2-, 4- and 6-week-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) (10 males and 10 females in each age group). Statistical analysis has been conducted with the use of one-way ANOVA and Fisher's exact test. Calculations have been performed separately for each sex, with age as a differentiation variable and separately for each of the developmental stages, with sex as a differentiation factor. Pearson's correlation coefficient have been calculated. Also, relative bone density has been determined. It was observed that volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) in the diaphyses was two times higher (app. 550 cm3) than in the proximal metaphyses (app. 230 cm ) of the tibiae in broiler chickens. In the proximal metaphyses of the tibiotarsal bones, densitometric and geometrical parameters increased with age of the birds. Densitometric parameters (vBMD, BMC) in 6-week-old males displayed (slightly) higher values than in females. It is worth emphasising that in both sexes bone mineral content (BMC) was higher in the tibial proximal metaphyses than in the diaphyses. At the mid-diaphysis, most of the densitometric and geometrical parameters, i.e. bone mineral content (BMC), Strength-Strain Index (SSI), periosteal circumference (PERI_C), endosteal circumference (ENDO_C), cortical area(CRT_A), trabecular area (TRAB_A) and bone area (TOT_A), tended to grow with the birds' age. vBMD (volumetric bone mineral density in situ) is the only parameter that did not grow with age. It was also observed that in males in 4 wk, vBMD in the proximal metaphyses displayed the lowest values during posthatching development (217.47 cm3). Also between 2 and 4 wk of the development, vBMD in the diaphyses decreased from 637.64 cm3 to 539.12 cm3, (P < or = 0.05). What is important is that vBMD and BMC are parameters that play a key role in bone mineralization. However, there was no correlation observed between them. Analysis of Pearson's correlation coefficient showed that BMC in both bone sections displayed positive correlation with all the geometric and densitometric parameters (except for vBMD). It may be concluded that vBMD is independent ofother parameters. The strongest correlations were observed between BMC and TRAB_A, and TOT_A in the proximal metaphysis, they were (r = 0.98) and (r = 0.98) respectively, P < or = 0.01, and between BMC and CRT_A at the mid-diaphysis (r = 0.99), P < or = 0.05. It was demonstrated that in the group of males, decreasing vBMD in the proximal metaphyses between 2 and 4 wk and in the diaphyses from 2 to 6 wk during posthatching development, as well as decreasing relative bone weight, from 1.03% to 0.79%, led to deformities and breaks of the tibiae, which may have a negative effect on the productivity of the broiler chickens flock.

Changes in navicular bone (os sesamoideum distale) shape in horses as a result of pathological alterations.

The main aim of the study was to compare the shape of navicular bones classified as normal and pathologically changed. A comparison of metric features of the navicular bone between different types of horses and associating the examined parameters to the size of the middle and distal phalanges was an additional aspect of the study. The material comprised 53 horses of various breeds which were divided into three types. Through anatomical examinations it was concluded that as many as 30 navicular bones were normal, while 23 were found to present pathological changes. The following methods of statistical analysis were used: Levene's test, one-way ANOVA, T-test, LSD test and Pearson correlation. The shape of the navicular bone was described by seven indices developed for this purpose. From among them, three show statistically higher values in the affected bones compared to the healthy ones. The main result of the study is that navicular bones with defects are relatively thicker and have a higher flexor surface and a higher articular surface for the joint with the middle phalanx. Therefore our hypothesis is that the occurrence of pathological changes of the navicular bone is preceded by an increase in the thickness and height of this bone. Adverse changes occur only in the subsequent stage of the process. The study also revealed the interrelations between the phalanges and some metric features of the navicular bone. There were strong correlations between the breadth of the middle and distal phalanx, and the breadth and thickness of the navicular bone. Also, the height of the flexor surface of the navicular bone is strongly correlated with the breadth of the phalanges.

The variability of cranial morphology in modern horses.

Horses bred nowadays are characterized by high variability of the body build. The variability concerns exterior features and skeleton features. From among the skeleton parts the skull is an element influenced by selection and environmental adaptation. The aim of these investigations was to find whether cranial traits exhibit variability in relation to the body build of horses. To do this, metric parameters of skulls of 43 horses used in the investigations were analysed with various statistical techniques. On the basis of ANOVA, Principal Components Analysis and Canonical Discriminant Analysis it was found that horses of various constitutional types exhibit differences in cranial morphology. Warm blood horses of the respiratory constitutional type have more complex nasal cavity from horses of heavier body build. A meaningful effect on craniometric variability was observed in the length and breadth of the viscerocranium. Also the height of the viscerocranium--a cranial feature of the respiratory tract, showed a high discriminating power.