Pentraxin-3, endothelin-1, some biochemical parameters and hematology in bovine respiratory disease complex.

Abstract. Background: Infectious bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is one of the world's major livestock problems. Aims: The study aimed to determine the diagnostic importance of pentraxin-3, endothelin-1, clinical biochemistry, and hematological parameters in infectious BRDC. Methods: Animals in this study were Simmental breed, 1-7 years old, untreated, and healthy and BRDC cattle (40 cattle with BRDC in the disease group, and 10 healthy cattle in the control group). Clinical findings such as general posture, respiratory rate per minute, rectal temperature, heart rate per minute, and mental posture of the diseased cattle were recorded. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein only once from all cattle. Complete blood count from blood samples was measured in an automatic complete blood count device, biochemical parameters in an autoanalyzer, and pentraxin-3 and endothelin-1 were measured by ELISA method. Results: Rectal temperature, respiratory and pulse rates per minute, total leukocyte count, gamma-glutamyl transferase, urea, total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, pentraxin-3 and endothelin-1 concentrations were found to be statistically higher in BRDC group than those in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Pentraxin-3 and endothelin-1 levels were statistically significantly higher in the BRDC group compared to the control group. As a result, pentraxin-3 and endothelin-1 were found to be diagnostically important in cattle diagnosed with BRDC.

Short-term clinical and hormonal effects of a deslorelin implant on late-prepubertal bitches - Based on flare-up signs.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists offer an alternative to surgical sterilization in prepubertal dogs, preserving ovarian and uterine functions. However, the clinical and hormonal effects of GnRH agonist application during the late-prepubertal stage remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect (flare-up) and hormonal changes, specifically serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) levels, in bitches treated with 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate (DA) implants (Suprelorin®, Virbac, F) during the late prepubertal period. Sixteen clinically healthy kangal cross-breed bitches, aged 7-8 months, with a mean body weight of 20.5 ± 0.8 kg, were implanted with DA. Estrus signs were monitored daily, and blood and vaginal cytological samples were collected every other day for four weeks. Cytological changes were analyzed for overall and superficial cell index. Six out of sixteen DA-treated bitches (EST group; n = 6) exhibited clinical proestrus 8.6 ± 0.6 days after implant insertion. The mean serum concentrations of P4 and E2 at the onset of estrus were 1.38 ± 0.32 ng/ml and 37.38 ± 10.07 pg/ml, respectively. Notably, all non-estrus (N-EST group; n = 10) bitches demonstrated an increase in superficial cell index, in addition to expected cytological changes observed in the EST group. On the 18th day post-implantation, the EST group exhibited a significantly higher number of superficial cells compared to the N-EST group (p < 0.001). DA implantation resulted in cytological profile alterations accompanied by a slight increase in estrogen concentrations in all dogs. However, the flare-up response exhibited significant variability, differing from that observed in adult dogs. This study highlights the importance of meticulous timing and breed-specific considerations when utilizing DA for puberty manipulation in late-prepubertal bitches. The observed cytological and hormonal changes in response to DA implants provide valuable insights, but the variability in flare-up responses warrants further investigation.

An investigation of bovine papillomaviruses from ocular squamous cell carcinomas in cattle.

Background: Ocular squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) in cattle has been studied for many years, but no definite etiology has been established. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) may occur in different body parts of cattle. Depending on the location, it can cause an economic loss of varying degrees. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of OSCCs in the eye region of cattle. Methods: Sixty tumoral masses taken form 60 cattle with proliferation in the eye region that were collected between the years 2012-2022 were used. These cases were admitted to our department for routine diagnosis. The tissues were diagnosed as OSCC using histopathological methods. The presence of bovine papillomavirus (BPV), one of the causative factors, was investigated using immunohistochemical and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Macroscopically masses were nodular or cauliflower-like and fragile and had hemorrhagic surfaces. Considering the keratin pearls, tumoral islands, and squamous differentiation, 20 out of 60 cases were classified as well, 20 as moderately, and 20 as poorly-differentiated OSCCs. 47 of the 60 cases were BPV positive using immunohistochemical methods. However, BPV nucleic acid was detected in only two cases with PCR. Only one of the cases could be sequenced. After phylogenetic analysis, virus strain was identified as BPV-1. Conclusion: Our results indicated that papillomaviruses can contribute to the development of OSCCs, in both precursor lesions and also advanced stage OSCCs. We found that BPV-1 has a possible causative role; however, more studies are needed to investigate the role of other viral agents and their interaction with secondary factors.

Anatomical and histological analysis of the salpinx and ovary in Anatolian wild goat (Capra aegagrus aegagrus).

BACKGROUND: This study determined the anatomical and histological structure of the salpinx and ovary of the Anatolian wild goat (C. aegagrus aegagrus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The salpinges and ovaries from four wild goats of similar ages were used. These goats were brought to the Kafkas University Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (Kars, Turkey) for various reasons such as traffic accidents or firearm injury, but either could not be saved or were euthanased. RESULTS: The mean length of the ovary was 13.22 ± 1.27 mm, width was 8.46 ± 0.88 mm, thickness was 5.67 ± 0.79 mm, and weight was 0.59 ± 0.17 g. The mean length of the salpinx was 58.11 ± 14.02 mm, width was 0.80 ± 0.22 mm, thickness was 0.41 ± 0.01 mm, and weight was 0.30 ± 0.08 g. The salpinx consisted of three different regions (infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus). These regions consisted of tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. Prismatic epithelial cells were observed in the lamina epithelialis of the tunica mucosa in every region. CONCLUSIONS: The data resulting from this study regarding anatomical and histological structures of the salpinx and ovary in the genital system organs of Anatolian wild goat will support other studies seeking to improve reproductive efficiency and eliminate the danger of extinction of this species.

Expression of GnRH receptor in the canine corpus luteum, and luteal function following deslorelin acetate-induced puberty delay.

The goals of this study were as follows: (Experiment 1) to examine the basic capability of canine corpora lutea (CL) to respond to GnRH by assessing expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) in luteal samples collected throughout the luteal lifespan from non-pregnant dogs, and (Experiment 2) to investigate the effects of pre-pubertal application of the GnRH agonist deslorelin acetate on luteal function following the first oestrus. Mature CL were collected during the mid-luteal phase (days 30-45) from treated and control bitches. Transcript levels of several factors were determined: estrogen receptors (ESR1/ERα, ESR2/ERß), progesterone (P4)-receptor (PGR), prolactin receptor (PRLR), PGE2-synthase (PTGES) and PGE2 receptors (PTGER2/EP2, PTGER4/EP4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and VEGF receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2/PTGS2), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ßHSD). Additionally, levels of Kisspeptin 1 (Kiss1) and its receptor (KISS1-R) were evaluated. Although generally low, GnRH-R expression was time dependent and was elevated during early dioestrus, with a significant decrease towards luteal regression. In deslorelin-treated and control dogs, its expression was either low or frequently below the detection limit. EP2 and VEGFR1 were higher in the treated group, which could be caused by a feedback mechanism after long-term suppression of reproductive activity. Despite large individual variations, 3ßHSD was higher in the deslorelin-treated group. This, along with unchanged STAR expression, was apparently not mirrored in increased luteal functionality, because similar P4 levels were detected in both groups. Finally, the deslorelin-mediated long-term delay of puberty does not have negative carry-over effects on subsequent ovarian functionality in bitches.

Relationship between hepcidin and oxidant/antioxidant status in calves with suspected neonatal septicemia.

AIM: This study has been conducted for the purpose of determining serum hepcidin, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and Fe levels in calves with suspected neonatal septicemia before and after treatment and the clinical significance of hepcidin in calves with suspected neonatal septicemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study material consisted of 15 calves of different ages and sexes brought to the Training, Research and Application Center at the Kafkas University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with suspected neonatal septicemia. 8.5 mL of blood was drawn from the jugular vein of each animal into coagulant tubes before and after treatment for one-off biochemical analyses and centrifuged. After this, the serum was separated. Hepcidin, TAS, TOS, and Fe levels in the serum were measured. RESULTS: While pre-treatment hepcidin levels were 58.42±3.46 ng/mL, post-treatment levels were 46.87±2.98 ng/mL (p<0.05). Pre-treatment Fe levels were 60.13±7.27 µg/dl, while post-treatment levels were 83.1±8.09 µg/dl (p<0.05). The changes in the TAS and TOS levels were also found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In light of the fact that hepcidin plays a role function in the regulation of Fe as well as the fact that Fe is a significant nutritional source for many microorganisms, it was concluded that hepcidin may play a significant role in nutritional immunity and the pathogenesis of diseases.

Clinical use of deslorelin implants for the long-term contraception in prepubertal bitches: effects on epiphyseal closure, body development, and time to puberty.

Long-acting GnRH agonists have been used both for canine estrus induction and prevention. The objective of the study was to investigate the use of a deslorelin implant as a long-term and reversible contraceptive in prepubertal bitches with special regard to the time of epiphyseal closure. Thirteen healthy, crossbreed, medium-sized prepubertal female dogs were used in this study. An implant containing 9.4 mg (G1, n = 5) and 4.7 mg (G2, n = 4) deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin) or a placebo (sodium chloride 0.9%; G3, n = 4) was inserted subcutaneously in the interscapular region. Estrus was monitored once daily by physical and sexual behavioral changes. Body development, vaginal cytology, and serum progesterone and estradiol 17ß concentration were monitored weekly for the first 5 weeks, and then every 3 weeks throughout the treatment period. Radiographic examinations were performed monthly to determine the epiphyseal closure. Half of the deslorelin-treated bitches (G1: n = 2 and G2: n = 2) came into estrus during the 83-week observation period. All animals in the control group showed estrus between the 39th and 64th weeks of observation. Time to puberty averaged 82.7 ± 8.9 and 61.9 ± 9.7 weeks in the deslorelin-treated (G1 and G2) and the control bitches, respectively (P < 0.02). Both deslorelin implants (9.4 and 4.7 mg) can be used efficiently for the long-term prevention of estrus in prepubertal bitches; however, epiphyseal closure is clearly delayed which was without any clinical effect in the present study.

Carboxymethylcellulose coated on visceral face of polypropylene mesh prevents adhesion without impairing wound healing in incisional hernia model in rats.

Adhesions between viscera and mesh may result in intestinal obstruction and fistulae formation. Fewer adhesions with sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC)-coated polypropylene mesh (PM) has been reported, but impaired wound healing was the major concern. We investigated the adhesion-prevention effect of SCMC in different concentrations, as coating only on visceral face of PM and its effects on wound healing. A full-thickness abdominal wall defect was created in 28 rats, which were then divided into three groups. In Group I (control), the defect was repaired with PM only; in Group II and Group III, the defects were repaired with 1% and 1.6% SCMC-coated-PM, respectively. All animals were sacrificed at day 30, and histological evaluation and adhesion scoring were done. Animals in the group in which 1.6% SCMC-coated PM was used developed significantly fewer adhesions compared with other animals (P=0.04). Histological evaluation using a semiquantitative scoring system showed no difference between the groups in fibrosis and inflammation scores (P=0.9 and P=0.3, respectively), and thickness of fibrosis on mesh was also similar (P=0.5). SCMC in 1.6% concentration as coating only on the visceral face of PM reduced the incidence and severity of adhesions without impairing wound healing.

Hyponatremic dehydration: an analysis of 78 cases.

Our purpose was to determine the frequency of convulsion in children with hyponatremic dehydration (HD). We also investigated whether or not there was a relationship between the severity of hyponatremia and the degrees of malnutrition in our region (Eastern Anatolia of Turkey) in where malnutrition is frequently observed. In this study, the clinical and laboratory findings of 78 patients with diarrhoea (acute, persistent or chronic diarrhoea) and HD were studied. When diarrhoea lasts longer than 2 and 4 weeks they were accepted as persistent and chronic diarrhoea, respectively. Patients were said to have HD if they had the clinical findings of dehydration associated with hyponatremia [Serum sodium (SNa) <130 mmol/L)]. Nutritional status of the children was assessed by the Gomez classification using weight for age; it was accepted as normal those were between 90%-110%, mild malnutrition 75%-89%, moderate malnutrition 60%-74% and severe malnutrition <60%. Of 78 patients, 40 were boys, 38 were girls. The age and weight of the patients ranged from 40 days to 36 months (8.94 +/- 5.49 months) and from 2000 to 10,300 g (5535.25 +/- 1702.10 g) respectively. All patients except four had malnutrition; 15 (20.3%) had mild malnutrition, 30 (40.5%) had moderate malnutrition and 29 (39.2%) had severe malnutrition. Forty-seven patients had acute, 16 patients had persistent, and 15 patients had chronic diarrhoea. SNa levels were between 104 and 129 mmol/L (121.21 +/- 6.12 mmol/L). There was not statistically a significant difference between SNa level and the degree of malnutrition, and SNa level and the types (acute, persistent or chronic) of diarrhoea (p > 0.05). Of 78 patients, 12 (15.3%) patients had convulsion, of whom eight had convulsion associated with fever. Convulsion was noted in nine (19.1%) and three (18.7%) patients with acute and persistent diarrhoea, respectively (p > 0.05). Also, we observed that when hyponatremia was severer, convulsions tended to be more occuring (p < 0.05). Five (6.4%) children died and all of them had severe malnutrition and septicemia. We determined that the frequency of convulsion in HD was 15.3% (12/78), and there was not a difference between the cases of acute, persistent and chronic diarrhoea for the frequency of convulsion. We also found a significant difference was not present between SNa level and the degree of malnutrition, and between SNa level and the types (acute, persistent or chronic) diarrhoea. However, we observed that when hyponatremia was severer, convulsions tended to be more occuring.

The role of obesity on the recurrence of pilonidal sinus disease in patients, who were treated by excision and Limberg flap transposition.

Recurrence of pilonidal sinus disease after surgical intervention is not a very rare problem although sophisticated reconstruction procedures have been developed. Recurrence is thought to be related to the anatomical status of the patients, i.e., depth of the intergluteal groove. Obese patients have deeper intergluteal grooves. The aim of this study was to use body mass index (BMI) as an objective indicator of obesity to determine whether there is a relationship between BMI and recurrence of pilonidal sinus disease. BMI was calculated preoperatively in 114 patients with pilonidal sinus disease who were treated by excision and Limberg flap transposition between 1996-1999 in general surgery departments of two university hospital clinics. Fifteen patients were referred to our clinics after surgical intervention carried out at other institutions. Their average BMI was calculated by using their hospital records. The mean follow-up period was 24 months (range 10-36). Six of the 114 patients (5%) had recurrence. The mean BMI of patients with and without recurrence was 29.35 and 27.415, respectively (P<0.05). The mean BMI of 15 patients referred to us because of recurrent disease was 29.41; however, that of patients with primary pilonidal sinus disease was 27.212 (P<0.05). Their BMI before their first operation was 29.30. This was also significantly higher than patients with primary disease (P<0.05). We conclude that obese patients with high BMI have a higher risk of recurrence of pilonidal sinus disease after surgical intervention.

Centrally administered orexin/hypocretin activates HPA axis in rats.

The effects of i.c.v. administration of orexin/hypocretin on plasma ACTH, corticosterone and c-fos mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the rat were examined. Plasma ACTH levels were markedly increased at 30 min after i.c.v. administration of orexin-A. Plasma corticosterone levels were significantly increased in a dose-related manner 30 min after i.c.v. administration of orexin-A and orexin-B. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that the induction of the c-fos mRNA in the parvocellular division of the PVN was increased in a dose-related manner 30 min after i.c.v. administration of orexin-A and orexin-B. These results suggest that central orexin/hypocretin activates hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and may be involved in stress-induced activation of the HPA axis.

Urinary tract infection and antibiotic susceptibility in malnourished children.

In this study, 31 (30%) cases of urinary tract infection (UTI) of 103 patients with malnutrition, who were admitted to our hospital, were investigated prospectively. Our purpose was to determine the frequency of UTI, species of bacteria caused to infection and their antibiotic susceptibility in infants with malnutrition. The mean age of the patients with UTI was 11.5+/-7.6 months (ranging 50 days-30 months). The main symptoms were fever, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and seizures. The mean body weight was 5.8+/-1.9 kg (2-10 kg), and height was 67.5+/-7.8 cm (53-85 cm). Seven of them had mild, 11 had moderate, and 13 had severe malnutrition. The most common isolated microorganism from urine cultures was Escherichia coli (54.8%). Most strains of Escherichia coli were resistant to co-trimoxazole (82.3%), ceftriaxone (17.6%), cefotaxime (17.6%), and ciprofloxacine (17.6%), but none of them were resistant to gentamicin. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that UTI predominantly by gram negative microorganisms are frequent in the infants with malnutrition, and these microorganisms are mostly resistant to co-trimoxazole which is used commonly in practical medicine and prophylaxis.