Evaluation of 5 methods for diagnosing failure of passive transfer in 160 Holstein calves.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate absorption of colostral IgG1 is termed failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). Dairy calves with FTPI have increased mortality and morbidity in their first 6 months of life. OBJECTIVES: This study compared the clinical performance of 5 methods for diagnosing FTPI in Holstein calves. METHODS: An observational study was performed using 160 Holstein heifer calves. Serum was harvested at 48 hours of age, and FTPI was assessed using a digital Brix refractometer for total solids measurements, and digital refractometry and the biuret method to measure serum total protein (STP) concentrations. Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity was measured with an automated analyzer, and serum IgG was measured with the zinc sulfate turbidity test and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Diagnostic test performance was compared with that of the reference method (FTPI defined as a serum total IgG concentration <10 g/L). Test performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, the sensitivity, the specificity, and the positive likelihood ratio at the optimal test cut point, and by calculating the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: A serum digital Brix percentage of <7.8% and an STP concentration of <52 g/L measured using digital refractometry were the best methods to identify calves with FTPI. The STP concentration measured with digital refractometry was 0.1 g/L lower than that measured with the biuret method. CONCLUSIONS: The digital Brix refractometer and the digital refractometer provide accurate and clinically useful methods for identifying dairy calves with FTPI. In this study, the excellent performance of the Brix refractometer was likely due to the use of a fixed sample volume (200 µL) and a uniform sample temperature at the time of measurement.

Higher whole-blood selenium is associated with improved immune responses in footrot-affected sheep.

We reported previously that sheep affected with footrot (FR) have lower whole-blood selenium (WB-Se) concentrations and that parenteral Se-supplementation in conjunction with routine control practices accelerates recovery from FR. The purpose of this follow-up study was to investigate the mechanisms by which Se facilitates recovery from FR. Sheep affected with FR (n = 38) were injected monthly for 15 months with either 5 mg Se (FR-Se) or saline (FR-Sal), whereas 19 healthy sheep received no treatment. Adaptive immune function was evaluated after 3 months of Se supplementation by immunizing all sheep with a novel protein, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The antibody titer and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test to KLH were used to assess humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity, respectively. Innate immunity was evaluated after 3 months of Se supplementation by measuring intradermal responses to histamine 30 min after injection compared to KLH and saline, and after 15 months of Se supplementation by isolating neutrophils and measuring their bacterial killing ability and relative abundance of mRNA for genes associated with neutrophil migration. Compared to healthy sheep, immune responses to a novel protein were suppressed in FR-affected sheep with smaller decreases in FR-affected sheep that received Se or had WB-Se concentrations above 250 ng/mL at the time of the immune assays. Neutrophil function was suppressed in FR-affected sheep, but was not changed by Se supplementation or WB-Se status. Sheep FR is associated with depressed immune responses to a novel protein, which may be partly restored by improving WB-Se status (> 250 ng/mL).

Acupuncture for immune-mediated disorders. Literature review and clinical applications.

Acupuncture activates the defense systems. It influences specific and nonspecific cellular and humoral immunities; activates cell proliferation, including blood, reticuloendothelial, and traumatized cells; and activates leucocytosis, microbicidal activity, antibodies, globulin, complement, and interferon. It modulates hypothalamic-pituitary control of the autonomic and neuroendocrine systems, especially microcirculation, response of smooth and striated muscle, and local and general thermoregulation. Immunostimulant points include LI-4, LI-11, ST-36, GB-39, SP-6, GV-14, BL-11, BL-20, BL-23, BL-24, BL-25, BL-26, BL-27, BL-28, and CV-12. Some, such as BL-47, are immunosuppressive. Antifebrile points include GV-14 and ST-36. Reactive reflex SHU points, MU points, and earpoints are useful in organic diseases. In immunomediated diseases, some or all of these points can be used with other points, especially local points and points of the major symptoms or points of the affected body part, area, function, or organ. Applications of acupuncture include treatment of inflammation and trauma; stimulation of tissue healing in burns, ulcers, indolent wounds, ischemia, necrosis, and gangrene; infections; postinfection sequelae; fever; autoimmune disease; allergies; anaphylaxis and shock; and treatment or prevention of side effects from cytotoxic chemotherapy and ionizing radiation. Acupuncture therapy may inhibit neoplastic cells. Examples of acupuncture use in immunomediated conditions in small animals are given.