Diagnostic value of serum galactomannan, (1,3)-ß-d-glucan, and Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgA and IgG assays for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in non-neutropenic patients.

Detection of serum galactomannan (GM) and (1,3)-ß-d-glucan (BG) is considered useful for non-culture diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in neutropenic patients. Only few studies evaluated these seromarkers in non-neutropenic patients suspected of having IPA. The aim of this study was to evaluate both tests together with the Aspergillus fumigatus-specific serum IgG and IgA (IgAG) test for serological IPA diagnosis in non-neutropenic patients. Sera from 87 patients suspected of having IPA were retrospectively analysed. Patients were categorised into groups of proven IPA (n = 10), putative IPA (n = 31) and non-IPA colonisation (n = 46). When the GM, BG and IgAG assays were used for patients included in the study, the sensitivity/specificity/positive predictive value (PPV)/negative predictive value (NPV) were 48.8%/91.3%/83.3%/66.7%, 82.9%/73.9%/73.9%/82.9% and 75.6%/95.7%/93.9%/81.5%, respectively. Thus, the highest specificity and PPV were confirmed for the IgAG assay. Improvements in the sensitivity and NPV were achieved by "at least one positive" analysis with the GM and BG assays, with the sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV values being 85.0%/69.6%/71.4%/84.2%. Nevertheless, the highest sensitivity and NPV were achieved by the "at least one positive" analysis combining the GM, BG and IgAG tests (97.6% and 96.8%, respectively). The involvement of the IgAG assay could improve IPA diagnosis in non-neutropenic patients by increasing the sensitivity and NPV when combined with the GM or BG assays. Furthermore, improvement was achieved by combining the GM, BG and IgAG assays using the "at least one positive test" strategy, especially if doubt exists.

[The effect of Rumensin on mineral metabolism and on the conversion of nutrients in feedlot cattle]. / Vliv Rumensinu na minerální metabolismus a konverzi zivin u zírného skotu.

A study on mineral metabolism and conversion of nutrients by applying sodium monensinate, 125 mg per head and day, in cattle fattening was performed. This experiment was realized under production conditions in the fattening station of pavillion type for 367 days and included 985 bulls of Bohemian Spotted cattle. The feed ration consisted of maize silage with addition of dried poultry bedding and concentrates. At the beginning of the experiment the appetite antipathy was observed, the adaptation period lasted 4 weeks. During the adaptation period the weight gains decreased; after adaptation of animals to monensin the weight gain not only counter-poised, but in comparison with the control it increased. Throughout the experiment no health disorders connected with the applied additive were observed. In the rumen fluid the content of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron was followed. In the blood plasma the levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron were followed. The application of sodium monensinate did not affect the followed parameters of mineral metabolism. The experiment was aimed at the evaluation of production and operational parameters with a view to the weight gain and feed conversion. In the experimental group the weight gain was higher by 3.85%. The saving of maize silage in the experimental group amounted to 5.8%, by using of this additive the saving of concentrates amounted to 1.35%. In the experimental group the feed conversion converted to dry matter increased by 7.12%. Sodium monensinate at the dose of 125 mg per head and day had positive effect on the followed production and economic parameters.

[The effect of Rumensin on the metabolic profile of rumen fluid in feedlot cattle]. / Vliv Rumensinu na metabolický profil bachorové tekutiny u zírného skotu.

The effects were studied of sodium monensinate dosed 125 mg on the metabolic profile of rumen fluid. The experiment was conducted under current farming conditions in a pavilion cattle fattening house. The experiment, which lasted 367 days, comprised 985 bulls of the Bohemian Spotted breed. The feed ration was based on silage with an additive of dried poultry litter and concentrates. The additive was administered in concentrate mixture, 125 mg per head/day. After the start of the experiment want of appetite to sodium monensinate was observed. The animals took approximately four weeks to adapt completely to the additive. The following characteristics were investigated to study the metabolic profile of rumen fluid: actual acidity, total titration acidity, ammonia, total nitrogen, lactic acid, total volatile fatty acids, per cent acetic acid, per cent propionic acid, molar ratio acetic acid: propionic acid, per cent iso- and n-butyric acid, absolute number of infusoria and energy net yield of volatile fatty acids. Increased levels of the clinico-biochemical parameters of the metabolic profile of rumen fluid were found in lactic acid, propionic acid and energy net yield of volatile fatty acids. The per cent of propionic acid increased at some samplings by up to 116%. A drop was recorded in total nitrogen, per cent acetic acid, per cent butyric acid, molar ratio C2 : C3 and total number of infusoria. The decrease in the per cent of acetic acid ranged around 16% and the drop in butyric acid level amounted at some samplings up to 78%. No response to the additive was observed in the other characteristics of the metabolic profile of rumen fluid.

[The effect of Rumensin on the health status and energy metabolism of feedlot cattle]. / Vliv Rumensinu na zdravotní stav a energetický metabolismus u zírného skotu.

The effect was studied of sodium monensinate dosed 125 mg pro die and given to feeder cattle on the health condition and some clinico-biochemical parameters in view of the energy metabolism. The experiment was performed under current farming conditions in a pavilion fattening house. The experiment, which lasted 367 days, was conducted with 985 bulls of the Bohemian Spotted breed. Ten animals from the experimental and ten animals from the control pavilion were subjected to detailed clinical and clinico-biochemical examination. The feed ration was based on corn silage with an additive of dried poultry litter and concentrates. The additive was administered in the concentrate mixture, 125 mg per head/day. The health condition of the bulls was good during the whole period of study, and except several cases where neck chain wounds were observed, or small traumatic alterations on the extremities, no health disorders occurred. Some clinico-biochemical parameters of the blood were followed to study the metabolic processes and health condition. pH, pCO2, BE, SB were studied to find out the acid-base relations of the blood. As to the energy metabolism, the levels of glucose, total protein, urea, nonesterified fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol and total lipids were followed. Among other hematologic parameters studied there were hemoglobin, hematocrit, beta-carotene and the levels of glutamate-oxalacetate transaminase and glutamyl-transpeptidase in relation to liver metabolism. During the period of study, increased urea levels were found in the experimental animals, and on the other hand lower levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides in the blood serum. No significant changes in the other studied parameters were observed in the course of the experiment. It can be stated according to the obtained results that sodium monensinate did not influence negatively the studied clinico-biochemical parameters nor the health condition.