Periconceptional maternal alcohol consumption leads to behavioural changes in adult and aged offspring and alters the expression of hippocampal genes associated with learning and memory and regulators of the epigenome.

Maternal alcohol consumption throughout pregnancy can result in long term behavioural deficits in offspring. However, less is known about the impact of alcohol during the periconceptional period (PC). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of PC ethanol (PC:EtOH) exposure on long term cognitive function; including memory and anxiety. Rats were exposed to a liquid diet containing ethanol (EtOH) (12.5% vol;vol) or a control diet from 4 days prior to mating until day 4 of pregnancy. Separate cohorts of animals were tested at 6 months (adult) or 15-18 months of age (aged). Offspring underwent a series of behavioural tests to assess anxiety, spatial and recognition memory. The hippocampus was collected, and mRNA expression of epigenetic modifiers and genes implicated in learning and memory were examined. PC:EtOH exposure resulted in a subtle anxiety like behaviour in adult female offspring with a significant reduction in directed exploring/head dipping behaviour during holeboard testing. In aged male offspring, PC:EtOH exposure resulted in a tendency for increased directed exploring/head dipping behaviour during holeboard testing. No differences between treatments were observed in the elevated plus maze. Aged female offspring exposed to PC:EtOH demonstrated short term spatial memory impairment (P < 0.05). PC:EtOH resulted in an upregulation of hippocampal mRNA expression of bdnf, grin2a and grin2b at 18 months of age along with increased expression of epigenetic modifiers (dnmt1, dnmt3a and hdac2). In conclusion, PC:EtOH can lead to sex specific anxiety-like behaviour and impairments in spatial memory and altered hippocampal gene expression.

Early postnatal development of the visual cortex in mice with retinal degeneration.

This study characterizes the early postnatal development of the visual neocortex in C3H/HeNRj mice. These mice are homozygous for the Pde6brd1 mutation, which causes retinal degeneration starting from postnatal day 7 (P7). To monitor the development of the visual cortex between P3 and P28 we used eight antigens known to be expressed at different developmental stages (Nestin, tau3, ß3- Tubulin, Calbindin, Doublecortin, MAP2, Parvalbumin and NeuN). Using semiquantitative analysis we traced the expression and localization of different developmental markers throughout the layers of the visual cortex. Cortical tissue sections corresponding to the first postnatal week (P3-P6) stained positively for Nestin, tau3, ß3-Tubulin and Calbindin. These proteins are known to be involved in the migration of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) within the cortical plate. At the time of eye-opening (P14), Doublecortin, MAP2 and NeuN, markers for developing and maturing neurons involved in NPC differentiation are present. Between P9 and P21 Nestin and Calbindin disappear while NeuN and Parvalbumin expression increases in the course of visual neocortex development. The findings of this study provide a snapshot of the dynamic changes in cortex formation during early postnatal development. So far, it is the first investigation on the postnatal development of the mouse visual cortex. Our results indicate that in C3H/HeNRj mice retinal degeneration during these early stages may not influence the maturation of the visual cortex. Until P28 in this mouse strain, the development of the visual neocortex is in accordance with data from other mice (C57BL/6) without retinal degeneration. Whether in older individuals of the C3H/HeNRj strain the visual neocortex will show signs of functional impairment has to be shown by future work.

Changes of hematological and biochemical parameters and levels of pepsinogen, histamine and prostaglandins in dairy cows affected with left displacement of the abomasum.

The aims of this study were to determine the serum levels of pepsinogen, histamine, and prostaglandins F2α and E2 in lactating dairy cows affected with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA). In addition, the hematological and serum biochemical parameters were also determined in cows affected with LDA. A total of 52 adult lactating Holstein-Friesian cows affected with LDA and 30 normal cows (control) were used. In LDA cows, the average age, BCS and body weight were 4.9 ± 1.2 years, 2.5 ± 0.75, and 525 ± 150kg respectively. The average days-in-milk (DIM) in affected cows was 14 ± 6 with a range between 7 to 45 days. There were no significant differences in values of rectal temperature, heart rate and respiration rate between LDA cows and control. Rumen motility was significantly (p≤0.05) decreased in LDA cows. Cows affected with LDA had significantly (p≤0.05) increased glucose levels, and decreased levels of calcium and magnesium. There were significantly (p≤0.05) increased serum levels of pepsinogen and histamine in LDA cows while levels of prostaglandin E2 were significantly decreased in comparison to those in control cows. There were no significant changes in serum levels of prostaglandin F2α. In the hematology analyses, there were no significant changes in cows with LDA when compared to those in control cows. This study provides evidence of a possible role for pepsinogen, histamine and prostaglandin E2 in the etiopathophysiology of LDA in dairy cows.

Greater loss of axons in primary progressive multiple sclerosis plaques compared to secondary progressive disease.

The pathological substrate of progressive disability in multiple sclerosis is hypothesized to be axonal loss. Differences in the demographic, pathological and radiological features of patients with primary progressive compared with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis raise the question as to whether they actually represent separate clinical entities. So far, large pathological studies comparing axonal damage between primary progressive and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis have not been reported. In this clinico-pathological study we examined the cervical spinal cord in patients with primary and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Human cervical spinal cord was derived at autopsy from 54 patients (17 primary progressive, 30 secondary progressive and 7 controls). Tissue was stained immunohistochemically and examined to determine: (i) the number of surviving corticospinal tract axons; (ii) the extent of grey and white matter demyelination; (iii) the degree of inflammation inside and outside of lesions; and (iv) the relationship between demyelination and axonal loss. Associated clinical data was used to calculate expanded disability status scale for each patient preceding death. Motor disability in the primary progressive and secondary progressive groups was similar preceding death. Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients showed considerably more extensive demyelination of both the white and grey matter of the cervical spinal cord. The total number of corticospinal axons was equally low in primary progressive and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis groups versus controls. The reduction of axonal density in demyelinated regions compared to normal appearing white matter was significantly more extensive in primary progressive versus secondary progressive patients (33% reduction versus 16% reduction, P < 0.001). These findings suggest axonal loss is the pathological substrate of progressive disability in both primary progressive and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with a common plaque-centred mechanism. More extensive axonal loss within areas of demyelination in primary progressive multiple sclerosis could explain high levels of axonal loss observed in these patients despite low levels of demyelination.

Metabolic profiles in goat does in late pregnancy with and without subclinical pregnancy toxemia.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant goat does can develop various metabolic diseases during late pregnancy that may have profound effects on their health and productivity, including subclinical pregnancy toxemia. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate serum biochemical findings in goats in late pregnancy with and without subclinical pregnancy toxemia. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 153 clinically healthy goats in the last trimester of pregnancy from 14 herds in central and northern Jordan. Serum was analyzed for the following constituents: 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB), glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, cortisol, T3, T4, total calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, using commercially available kits. Goats were classified as having subclinical pregnancy toxemia or as controls on the basis of 3-HB results. Biochemical results were compared between the 2 groups using nonparametric statistical tests. RESULTS: Fifty-three does had subclinical pregnancy toxemia (3-HB>0.86 mmol/L) and 100 were pregnant control does (3-HB< or =0.86 mmol/L). Does with subclinical pregnancy toxemia had significantly lower glucose concentrations (P<.001) and significantly higher urea (P=.042) and total protein (P=.048) concentrations compared with pregnant control does. 3-HB concentration was significantly correlated with glucose (r=0.290, P=.035), phosphorus (r=0.351, P=.01), and cortisol (r=0.394, P=.004) concentrations in goats with subclinical toxemia. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that the biochemical profile of does with subclinical pregnancy toxemia had significantly lower glucose (P < .001) and total protein (P = .048)concentrations, whereas urea concentrations were significantly higher (P = .042) compared with pregnant control does [corrected].

Effect of shearing on the incidence of caseous lymphadenitis in Awassi sheep in Jordan.

A total of 876 sheep from five flocks in north Jordan were selected to study the effect of shearing on the incidence of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA). The animals were divided into two age groups, sheep aged 1-2 years and those aged > or = 3 years. Blood samples were collected from the animals at the time of shearing and again 6 months later. A toxin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify sheep that had been infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The point prevalences of CLA were 6.59% and 21.06% in the 1-2-year and > or = 3-year age groups, respectively, and were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the > or = 3-year age group. The overall prevalence among all ages was 15.3%. In the shorn sheep, the incidence of CLA was 22.46% and 9.47% in the 1-2-year and > or = 3-year age groups, respectively, and was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the 1-2-year age group. In the control animals, the incidence was 8% and 5.26% in the 1-2-year and > or = 3-year age groups, respectively, and was different (P < 0.01) between the shorn (22.46%) and control (8%) animals of the 1-2-year age group. An epidemiological survey of 35 sheep farms revealed the prevalence of CLA, shearing wounds and unhygienic conditions during shearing in all farms. In conclusion, the prevalence of CLA increases with age and the incidence increases only in young sheep after shearing. Sheep are sheared under unhygienic conditions, which may be a contributing factor in increasing both the prevalence and the incidence of CLA.

A survey of camel (Camelus dromedarius) diseases in Jordan.

Information on incidences of camel (Camelus dromedarius) diseases in Jordan is scarce. In this survey, 369 live and 156 slaughtered camels were examined in four Jordanian geographic regions and the proportion of diseased camels was calculated. Intestinal parasite ova were detected in 98% of camels; one or more species of external parasites were found on the skin of all camels; 33% had nasal myiasis; and hydatid cysts were identified in 44% of the slaughtered animals. Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei var. cameli) and trypanasomiasis, two diseases of economic importance, were also diagnosed in 83% and 33% of the 32 and 257 examined camels, respectively. Rabies virus was detected in eight camels by use of fluorescent antibody examination of brain tissues. Foreign-body accumulation within the first and second stomach compartments was the predominant gastrointestinal disease of slaughtered adult camels (22%). Ten percent of slaughtered camels had bacterial pneumonia, with Pasteurella hemolytica most often isolated (56% of pneumonic lungs). Further investigation into the relationship between parasite burden and health in camels is required to assess the significance of the high prevalence of parasites.

Prevalence of ketonemia and associations with herd size, lactation stage, parity, and postparturient diseases in Jordanian dairy cattle.

The prevalence of bovine ketonemia among 1155 dairy cows in various stages of lactation and parity on 25 Jordanian dairy herds was studied. The cross-sectional study was conducted during the spring of 1992. Serum concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) <0.9 mmol/l, between 0.9 and 1.7 mmol/l, and >1.7 mmol/l were considered to indicate normal, mild and severe ketonemia, respectively. The point prevalences of mild and severe ketonemia were 22% and 3.8%, respectively. The prevalence of ketonemia decreased with increasing herd size. Associations between the prevalence of ketonemia and parity, stage of lactation, metritis, somatic-cell count (SCC) and serum cholesterol levels were not significant (p > 0.05).

Efficacy of closantel plus albendazole liquid suspension against natural infection of gastrointestinal parasites in camels.

Oral administration of closantel in a dose of 10 mg/kg plus albendazole in a dose of 5 mg/kg liquid suspension was studied in 75 camels naturally infected with various types of gastrointestinal parasites. The camels involved were 15 pregnant she-camels, 20 non-pregnant she-camels and 40 male camels of various ages. Each camel received a single oral dose of closantel (10 mg/kg) plus albendazole (5 mg/kg) orally. Two weeks later, 20 camels of this group were re-dosed again with the same dose of the anthelmintic. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from all camels at the time of treatment and again 14 and 42 days post treatment. Fecal egg counts and generic determination of third stage larvae was performed. Results indicated that six different species of gastrointestinal tract parasites were identified in camels. Single treatment of closantel plus albendazole mixture reduced egg counts in camels by 100%, 100%, 98% and 77% for Haemonchus longistipes, Ascaris spp., Monezia expansa and Fasciola hepatica, respectively. However, administration of the drug twice on the base of 2 weeks apart significantly raised the efficacy of the drug for clearance of the parasites from 92.5% to 100% in camels infected with various parasites. Camels were not adversely affected by treatment.

National cross-sectional study of mastitis in dairy cattle in Jordan.

Between July 1991 and August 1992, 63 Jordanian dairy farms selected by stratified random sample were visited to identify the major causes and prevalence of intramammary infections in dairy cows. Of 773 cows examined 60% of all sampled quarters had > 283,000 cells/ml. The mean value of somatic cell count (SCC) was positively associated with age in lactations and negatively with herd size. Cows milked by bucket milking machines or in fully automatic parlours had a lower mean SCC than those milked by hand. Many management faults pertaining to milking procedure and maintenance of milking machines were noted. The most common isolate from clinical cases was Staphylococcus aureus (37.5%). Estimates of prevalence of bacterial pathogens in intramammary infections were: coagulase negative staphylococci (16.04%), S. aureus (9.41%), Klebsiella spp. (6.17%), Corynebacterium bovis (5.35%) and Brucella melitensis (4.52%). The results demonstrate the essential need for the development of a national mastitis control programme.

Traumatic pericarditis in an Awassi lamb.

A case of traumatic pericarditis in a 4-month-old Awassi lamb is reported. A 6 cm long metallic wire was found penetrating the pericardium and the left ventricle through to the other side of the ventricle wall. Fibrinous pericarditis, thickening of the pericardium, fusion of the pericardium and epicardium, and epicarditis were evident. The heart was enlarged with oedematous myocarditis and focal necrotic endocarditis involving the two ventricles. The liver and spleen were also enlarged with scattered 3 mm diameter granulomas.