Replacing soybean meal with okara meal: Effects on production, milk fatty acid and plasma amino acid profile, and nutrient utilization in dairy cows.

Okara meal is a byproduct from the production of soymilk and tofu and can potentially replace soybean meal (SBM) in dairy diets due to its high crude protein (CP) concentration and residual fat. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing SBM with okara meal on feed intake, yields of milk and milk components, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, nutrient utilization, and plasma AA concentration in lactating dairy cows. Twelve multiparous (65 ± 33 d in milk) and 8 primiparous (100 ± 35 d in milk) organically certified Jersey cows were paired by parity or days in milk, and within pair, randomly assigned to treatments in a crossover design with 21-d periods (14 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for data and sample collection). Diets were fed as total mixed ration formulated to be isonitrogenous and isofibrous and contained (dry matter basis) 50% mixed, mostly grass baleage, 2% sugarcane liquid molasses, 2% minerals-vitamins premix, and either (1) 8.1% SBM, 10% soyhulls, and 27.9% ground corn (CTRL); or (2) 15% okara meal, 8% soyhulls, and 23% ground corn (OKR). Dietary CP, ash-free neutral detergent fiber, and total FA averaged 15.4, 35.3, and 3.08% for CTRL and 15.9%, 36.3%, and 3.74% for OKR, respectively. Substitution of SBM with okara meal did not alter dry matter intake but increased intakes of CP and ash-free neutral detergent fiber. Additionally, no significant differences between treatments were observed for yields of milk and milk components, and concentrations of milk fat, lactose, and total solids. However, milk true protein concentration was lower in cows fed OKR (3.76%) versus CTRL (3.81%). Both milk urea N (8.51 vs. 9.47 mg/dL) and plasma urea N (16.9 vs. 17.8 mg/dL) concentrations decreased with OKR relative to the CTRL diet, respectively. Compared with CTRL, feeding OKR lowered the milk proportions of total odd-chain FA, de novo FA, and mixed FA and increased those of preformed FA, total n-6 FA, and total n-3 FA. The milk proportions of trans-10 18:1, trans-11 18:1, and cis-9,trans-11 18:2 were greater with feeding OKR versus the CTRL diet. The apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, urinary excretion of total purine derivatives (uric acid plus allantoin), and total N were not affected by treatments. Except for plasma Leu, which was lower in OKR compared with the CTRL diet, no other significant changes in the plasma concentrations of AA were observed. The plasma concentration of carnosine was lowest in cows receiving the OKR diet. Overall, our results revealed that okara meal can completely replace SBM without negatively affecting production and nutrient digestibility in early- to mid-lactation Jersey cows. Further research is needed to assess the economic feasibility of including okara meal in dairy diets, as well as the amount of okara meal that maximizes yields of milk and milk components in dairy cows in different stages of lactation.

Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and nitrogen balance of goats fed with diets containing residue from tamarind fruit.

This study is aimed at determining the maximum inclusion level of tamarind (Tamarindus indica) residues in the diet of goats on intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and nitrogen (N) balance. Twenty-four crossbred (Boer × undefined breed) castrated goat kids (5 months old and with an initial weight of 23.9 ± 0.3 kg) were assigned in a completely randomized design (4 treatments and 6 replicates). Diets consisted of Tifton 85 (Cynodon sp.) hay as the roughage (400 g/kg) source and concentrate (600 g/kg); the levels of tamarind residue inclusion were 0.0, 7.0, 14.0, and 21.0% on a dry matter (DM) basis. The experimental period lasted 23 days (15 of adaptation and 8 of sampling). Inclusion of tamarind residue in the goat kid diets did not affect (P > 0.05) the intake and digestibility of DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and total digestible nutrient; intake of N, urinary N, and retained N (g/day); time spent ruminating; numbers of times/day feeding, ruminating, or idling; eating efficiency of DM and NDF; number of boluses/day; and amount (g) of DM/bolus. However, there were a linear reduction in ether extract digestibility (P = 0.011) and a linear decreasing trend in non-fibrous carbohydrate digestibility (P = 0.083). The addition of tamarind residue had a positive linear effect (P = 0.041) on the time spent feeding and promoted a decreasing linear trend for the time spent idling (P = 0.063). It is recommended to include the residue from tamarind fruit at a level of 21% in diets for goat kids, as it does not affect nutrient intake and digestibility and the N balance.

Production, milk and plasma fatty acid profile, and nutrient utilization in Jersey cows fed flaxseed oil and corn grain with different particle size.

We aimed to compare the effects of ground (GC) or cracked corn (CC), with or without flaxseed oil (FSO), on milk yield, milk and plasma fatty acid (FA) profile, and nutrient digestibility in Jersey cows fed diets formulated to contain similar starch concentrations. Twelve multiparous organic-certified Jersey cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 455 ± 41.9 kg of body weight and 152 ± 34 d in milk and 4 primiparous organic-certified Jersey cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 356 ± 2.41 kg of body weight and 174 ± 30 d in milk in the beginning of the experiment were used. Cows were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each period lasted 24 d with 18 d for diet adaptation and 6 d for data and sample collection. Treatments were fed as total mixed rations consisting of (dry matter basis): (1) 0% FSO + 27.1% GC, (2) 0% FSO + 28.3% CC, (3) 3% FSO + 27.1% GC, and (4) 3% FSO + 28.3% CC. All cows were offered 55% of the total diet dry matter as mixed grass-legume baleage and treatments averaged 20% starch. Significant FSO × corn grain particle size interactions were observed for some variables including milk concentration of lactose and proportions of cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 18:3 in milk and plasma. The proportion of cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 18:3 in milk and plasma decreased slightly when comparing GC versus CC in 0% FSO cows, but a larger reduction was observed in 3% FSO cows. Dry matter intake did not differ and averaged 16.1 kg/d across diets. Feeding 3% FSO increased yields of milk and milk fat and lactose and feed and milk N efficiencies, but decreased fat, true protein, and MUN concentrations and apparent total-tract digestibility of fiber. The Σ branched-chain, Σ<16C, Σ16C, and Σn-6 FA decreased, whereas Σ18C, Σcis-18:1, and Σtrans-18:1 FA increased in 3% versus 0% FSO cows. No effect of corn particle size was observed for production and milk components. However, the apparent total-tract digestibility of starch was greater in GC than CC cows. Compared with CC, GC increased Σ branched-chain, Σ<16C, Σ16C, Σn-6 FA, and decreased Σ18C and Σ cis-18:1 FA in milk fat. Overall, results of this study are more directly applicable to dairy cows fed low starch, mixed grass-legume baleage-based diets.

Genotypic variation and relationships among nitrogen-use efficiency and agronomic traits in tropical maize inbred lines.

Improvement in nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) on maize is among the best strategies to mitigate the problems of poor soil fertility in tropical conditions. The objectives of this study were: i) to quantify the genetic variability for NUE-components and agronomic traits in a set of tropical maize inbred lines; ii) to study the genetic divergence among tropical maize inbred lines under contrasting nitrogen (N) levels; iii) to identify the secondary traits associated with NUE in tropical maize inbred lines; and iv) to identify maize inbred lines efficient in NUE and its components. Sixty-four tropical maize inbred lines were evaluated in the field under low- and high-N conditions for NUE-components and agronomic traits. Genetic variability for NUE-components and agronomic traits was found; lines in eight different groups for each N condition were allocated, and N-efficient inbred lines were identified in different groups. Furthermore, we suggest flowering time traits and kernel number as great secondary traits for selecting tropical maize inbred lines for NUE under both N conditions, and chlorophyll content for selecting for NUE under N stress.

Mesodesma mactroides Gill Cells Exposed to Copper: Does Hyposmotic Saline Increase Cytotoxicity or Cellular Defenses?

Gill cells of filter feeding mollusks have cellular defense mechanisms, such as multixenobiotic resistance (MXR), that allow them to extrude possible contaminants. To analyze the cytotoxicity and cellular defenses of gills in the clam Mesodesma mactroides, gill cells were exposed to copper in both iso- and hyposmotic solutions. Analysis of MXR activity by fluorescence microscopy showed that hyposmotic saline activated defenses, whereas the presence of copper in isosmotic solution inhibited the activation of defenses. Cell viability was decreased in cells exposed to copper in isosmotic saline, but not in cells exposed to hyposmotic saline. We conclude that when cells cannot defend themselves due to decreased MXR, cell death occurs. In addition, gill cells under hyposmotic conditions have a greater capacity for defense and a lower rate of cellular mortality than when they are maintained under isosmotic conditions.

Insecticidal activity of essential oils on Spodoptera frugiperda and selectivity to Euborellia annulipes.

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is the main species that causes damage to the maize crop in Brazil. In the perspective of studying alternatives of control of this pest that preserve the natural enemies, the aim of this research was to evaluate the insecticidal efficiency of the essential oils of Vanillosmopsis arborea and Lippia microphylla on S. frugiperda and verify the selectivity to the predator Euborellia annulipes. The bioassays were carried out in the Agricultural Entomology Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraiba, using insects, from 3rd instar of S. frugiperda and E. annulipes, originating from mass rearing in the laboratory itself. Dilutions of the oils were performed in Tween® 80 at concentrations of 0, 100, 150 and 200 mg mL-1. 1.0 µL from each dilution was applied to the prothoracic region of the insects. The S. frugiperda mortality was verified by topical contact of V. arborea oil with LC10 = 74.3 mg mL-1 and LC50 = 172.86 mg mL-1, for L. microphyla, LC10 = 51.26 mg mL-1 and LC50 = 104.52 mg mL-1. The observed lethal concentrations for E. annulipes were V. arborea LC10 = 71.3 mg mL-1 and LC50 = 160.2 mg mL-1. While L. microphyla, were LC10 = 50.3 mg mL-1 and LC50 = 134.67 mg mL-1. The essential oils of V. arborea and L. microphylla are efficient in the control of S. frugiperda, but are not selective to the predator E. Annulipes.

Risk of hemolytic anemia with intravenous administration of famotidine to hospitalized cats.

BACKGROUND: Famotidine administered IV has been associated anecdotally with hemolysis in cats, and some veterinarians recommend using injectable famotidine only by the subcutaneous (SC) route for cats. However, the actual risk of such a reaction is not known. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that famotidine, when given IV slowly, would not be associated with a clinically significant drop in packed cell volume (PCV) in hospitalized cats. ANIMALS: One hundred and forty-two hospitalized cats. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review was performed for hospitalized cats prescribed famotidine IV (n = 56), famotidine SC (n = 48), or no famotidine (n = 38) at a veterinary medical teaching hospital over the period from January 2004 through December 2006. RESULTS: Baseline signalment, observation times, and famotidine dosage (in treated cats) were similar among groups. Median baseline PCVs were significantly lower in the IV (31.5%) and SC (32.0%) groups compared with the control group (35.0%; P= .04). The median percent drop in PCV (3-4%), however, was no different in cats that received famotidine by either route compared with the control group (P= .90), and no cats in either famotidine group were observed to have any clinical signs of hemolysis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: We conclude from this retrospective study that famotidine IV was given to 56 hospitalized cats without evidence of hemolysis, and that the IV route appeared safe when famotidine was administered over 5 minutes. We could not document a safety advantage of SC versus IV administration in this group of cats.

Chitosan/pvp-based mucoadhesive membranes as a promising delivery system of betamethasone-17-valerate for aphthous stomatitis.

Mucoadhesive membranes were proposed in this study as drug delivery system for betamethasone-17-valerate (BMV) in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). The membranes were obtained by using the polymers chitosan (CHI) in both presence and absence of polyvinilpyrrolidone (PVP), following the solvent evaporation method. The presence of PVP in the membranes causes significant modifications in its thermal properties. Changes in the thermal events at 114 and 193 °C (related to BMV melting point), and losses in mass (39.38 and 30.68% for CH:PVP and CH:PVP-B, respectively), suggests the incorporation of BMV in these membranes. However, the morphological aspects of the membranes do not change after adding PVP and BMV. PVP causes changes in swelling ratios (>80%) of the membranes, and it is suggested that the reorganization of the polymer mesh was highlighted by the chemical interactions between the polymers leading to different percentages of BMV released ∼40% and ∼80% from CH-B and CH:PVP-B. BMV release profile follows Korsmeyer and Peppas model (n > 0.89) which suggests that the diffusion of the drug in the swollen matrix is driven by polymer relaxation. In addition, the membranes containing PVP (higher swelling ability) present high rates of tensile strength, and therefore, higher mucoadhesion. Moreover, given the results presented, the developed mucoadhesive membranes are a promising system to deliver BMV for the treatment of RAS.

Antigenic response to CT-P13 and infliximab originator in inflammatory bowel disease patients shows similar epitope recognition.

AIM: To test the cross-immunogenicity of anti-CT-P13 IBD patients' sera to CT-P13/infliximab originator and the comparative antigenicity evoked by CT-P13/infliximab originator sera. METHODS: Sera of patients with IBD with measurable anti-CT-P13 antibodies were tested for their cross-reactivity to 5 batches of infliximab originator and CT-P13. Anti-drug antibody positive sera from treated patients were used to compare antigenic epitopes. RESULTS: All 42 anti-CT-P13 and 37 anti-infliximab originator IBD sera were cross-reactive with infliximab originator and CT-P13 respectively. Concentration of anti-drug antibodies against infliximab originator or CT-P13 were strongly correlated both for IgG1 and IgG4 (P < 0.001). Anti-CT-P13 sera of patients with IBD (n = 32) exerted similar functional inhibition on CT-P13 or infliximab originator TNF binding capacity and showed reduced binding to CT-P13 in the presence of five different batches of CT-P13 and infliximab originator. Anti-CT-P13 and anti-infliximab originator IBD sera selectively enriched phage-peptides from the VH (CDR1 and CDR3) and VL domains (CDR2 and CDR3) of infliximab. Sera reactivity detected major infliximab epitopes in these regions of infliximab in 60%-79% of patients, and no significant differences were identified between CT-P13 and infliximab originator immunogenic sera. Minor epitopes were localised in framework regions of infliximab with reduced antibody reactivity shown, in 30%-50% of patients. Monoclonal antibodies derived from naïve individuals and ADA-positive IBD patients treated with CT-P13 provided comparable epitope specificity to five different batches of CT-P13 and infliximab originator. CONCLUSIONS: These results strongly support a similar antigenic profile for infliximab originator and CT-P13, and point toward a safe switching between the two drugs in anti-drug antibody negative patients.

Treatment of ionized hypercalcemia in 12 cats (2006-2008) using PO-administered alendronate.

BACKGROUND: Long-term treatment of cats with ionized hypercalcemia using alendronate has not been evaluated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Alendronate is well tolerated in treatment of ionized hypercalcemia in cats. ANIMALS: A total of 12 cats with ionized hypercalcemia. METHODS: Prospective study of 12 cats with ionized hypercalcemia of idiopathic origin was identified by telephone and email communication with a convenience sample of consulting veterinarians. Cats were treated with alendronate at a dose of 5-20 mg per feline PO q7d. Serum ionized calcium concentration (iCa) was measured before beginning treatment with alendronate, and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. Alendronate dosage was adjusted according to iCa. Evaluation included physical examination, CBC, biochemistry profile, and diagnostic imaging. The owners and referring veterinarians were questioned about any observed adverse effects. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test was used to compare baseline iCa to iCa at different time periods. RESULTS: Alendronate treatment resulted in a decrease in iCa in all 12 cats. The median percentage change in iCa was -13.2%, -15.9%, and -18.1% (range, -29.6 to +7.6; -30.5 to -1.9; -45.8 to +1.5%) at the 1, 3, and 6 month time points, respectively. Baseline iCa was significantly different from 1 month (P = .0042), 3 months (P = .0005), and 6 months (P = .0015). No adverse effects were reported for any of the cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Alendronate was well tolerated and decreased iCa in most cats for the 6-month period of observation.

Duodenoplasty and proximal gastric vagotomy in peptic stenosis. Experience with 43 cases.

Experience with 43 duodenoplasties as a complementary procedure of proximal gastric vagotomy used in peptic duodenal stenosis was reviewed. After a rigid protocol aimed at treating the metabolic imbalance, gastric dilation, and activity of the ulcer, the cases were very similar to elective ones. Two types of duodenoplasty were most commonly employed: anterior duodenectomy with a transverse duodenorrhaphy (26 cases) and Finney's duodenoplasty (15 cases). No deaths or serious complications were reported. The only operative accident was a splenic lesion with splenectomy. Two recurrences were observed. The patients were followed up from January 1978.

Effect of praseodymium chloride on liver microsomal enzymes of rats.

A single i.v. dose (5 mg/kg) of a light lanthanon, praseodymium, prolonged the duration of hexobarbital-induced sleep and zoxazolamine-induced paralysis, as well as it modified pharmacokinetic parameters of hexobarbital and zoxazolamine, in rats. Half-lives (t1/2) and area under the curve (AUC) were increased, while elimination coefficient (beta) and clearance (Cl) were decreased. However, in daily doses of 1 mg/kg i.p. for 15 days, praseodymium did not alter pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetic parameters. The in vitro hydroxylation of hexobarbital and zoxazolamine by liver microsomes was inhibited when the animals were treated previously with a single i.v. dose (5 mg/kg) of praseodymium chloride. In these animals, the amount of cytochromes P-450 and b5 were reduced significantly, whereas that of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase remained unchanged. The pretreatment of animals with phenobarbital normalized the microsomal enzyme impairment caused by praseodymium.

Pituitary macroadenoma and Cushing's disease in pediatric patients: patient report and review of the literature.

Cushing's syndrome in pediatric patients has been rarely reported and most of the cases are due to adrenal tumors. When the etiology is an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, most often it is a microadenoma. We report on a 9 year-old girl with an ACTH-secreting macroadenoma, whose surgical removal through transsphenoidal approach was extremely difficult due to invasion of the cavernous sinus as well as adjacent structures. After two surgical approaches and stereotactic radiotherapy, she still suffers from the deleterious effects of hypercortisolism, especially marked osteoporosis with vertebral collapse, which interferes with her walking and causes excruciating pain. Two months after the radiotherapy, we still had doubts about the prognosis regarding the persistence of the hypercortisolism. From six months on, her general health started improving, she lost weight, the backache disappeared and her cortisol level returned to normal.

Clinical correlations in HIV-1 and HIV-2 infected patients.

In Portugal, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) seropositivity is higher than in other European countries or North America. Recent literature data points out a possible difference on the pathogenic potential and on the natural history of HIV-1 and HIV-2, suggesting a lower virulence of HIV-2. Facing these hypothesis and the increasing number of HIV-2 cases, we analysed two infected groups HIV-1 and HIV-2, trying to correlate the ophthalmologic lesions present in both populations and searching for a difference in the clinical presentation of the ocular disorder. We studied prospectively 214 patients with HIV infection at several stages, 83% HIV-1 and 17% HIV-2. Ocular manifestations were present in both populations with a significant prevalence in HIV-1 (48%), compared to HIV-2 (19%) (p < 0.005). The ophthalmologic pathology found, particularly noninfectious retinopathy, infectious retinitis and neuro-ophthalmic disorders, were considered important for the disease's diagnosis and prognosis. All these ophthalmic findings were present in the HIV-1 population. In the HIV-2 group the most frequent lesion was noninfectious retinopathy. Within each group, HIV-1 and HIV-2, the comparison of the survival between AIDS patients with and without ocular lesions, revealed a significant shorter survival time in those with ocular pathology (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). There seems to exist a certain analogy in clinical expression in both groups, although it is possible to admit a lower severity in ocular involvement in patients infected by HIV-2.

[Risk factors for cerebrovascular stroke in a cohort of hypertensive patients]. / Factores de risco de acidente vascular cerebral numa coorte de hipertensos.

OBJECTIVES: To identify stroke risk factors in hypertensive patients and the probability of stroke in relation to those risk factors and follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study (patients with high blood pressure). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 707 hypertensive patients were studied (Hypertension Register) in what concerns stroke incidence until 1992 (n = 126), considering one case per individual. The following variables were analysed: age, sex, body mass index (Quetelet), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, types of hypertension (JNC-IV), left ventricular hypertrophy, changes in ST segment and T wave (Minnesota Code), fundi, angina pectoris, heart failure, central nervous (neurological) disturbances, antihypertensive treatment, smoking, serum potassium, serum sodium, blood urea, creatinine, uric acid, blood sugar, diabetes and cholesterol, in the initial record. Individually, in relation to the control of hypertension, the subjects were classified according to the casual recording of normal blood pressure, the absence of drug treatment, diastolic pressure > 114 mmHg and, at the end of 1992, according to survival, causes of death and follow-up. Stroke risk factors have been identified by multivariate analysis (Cox regression model). The survival probability (without stroke) was defined by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: It was possible to maintain the epidemiological surveillance, from 1975 to 1992, of 598 cases. From those, 109 hypertensive patients were victims of at least one episode of non transient cerebral ischaemia, during their follow-up of 10.5 years. From the characteristics studied, only five were identified at risk factors. The adjusted relative risks and confidence intervals (95% CI) were the following: age: 1.08 (1.06-1.10); diastolic pressure > 114 mmHg: 1.96 (1.32-2.91); neurological disturbances 4.64 (2.99-7.2); diabetes: 2.57 (1.62-4.05) and left ventricular hypertrophy: 1.34 (1.13-1.58). CONCLUSIONS: As far as stroke is concerned: a) Age, diabetes, a casual measurement of diastolic blood pressure > 114 mmHg and left ventricular hypertrophy (electrocardiogram) were the risk factors identified; b) Prevention should include blood pressure and diabetes control, although this disease has shown more risk than a casual measurement of severe hypertension; c) Its occurrence, in this model, has only partly been explained, therefore it has become necessary to deepen the study of the risk profile.

[Tuberculosis and the kidney]. / Tuberculose e rim.

There has been a recrudescence of tuberculosis, an ancient disease with recent control by public hygiene and drug therapy. Factors leading to the increased incidence of tuberculosis include the high incidence of tuberculosis among the AIDS population, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis. In renal failure patients, there is impairment of several aspects of lymphocyte and granulocyte function. The incidence of tuberculosis has been estimated to be as much as 10-fold higher among renal failure patients than among the general population. The authors review the history of tuberculosis, the most significant clinical and pathological aspects, and practical diagnosis and treatment in renal tuberculosis and in renal failure.

Direct optic nerve sheath (DONS) application of Schwann cells prolongs retinal ganglion cell survival in vivo.

Cell-based therapies are increasingly recognized as a potential strategy to treat retinal neurodegenerative disease. Their administration, however, is normally indirect and complex, often with an inability to assess in real time their effects on cell death and their migration/integration into the host retina. In the present study, using a partial optic nerve transection (pONT) rat model, we describe a new method of Schwann cell (SC) delivery (direct application to injured optic nerve sheath, SC/DONS), which was compared with intravitreal SC delivery (SC/IVT). Both SC/DONS and SC/IVT were able to be assessed in vivo using imaging to visualize retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis and SC retinal integration. RGC death in the pONT model was best fitted to the one-phase exponential decay model. Although both SC/DONS and SC/IVT altered the temporal course of RGC degeneration in pONT, SC/DONS resulted in delayed but long-lasting effects on RGC protection, compared with SC/IVT treatment. In addition, their effects on primary and secondary degeneration, and axonal regeneration, were also investigated, by histology, whole retinal counting, and modelling of RGC loss. SC/DONS was found to significantly reduce RGC apoptosis in vivo and significantly increase RGC survival by targeting secondary rather than primary degeneration. Both SC/DONS and SC/IVT were found to promote RGC axonal regrowth after optic nerve injury, with evidence of GAP-43 expression in RGC somas and axons. SC/DONS may have the potential in the treatment of optic neuropathies, such as glaucoma. We show that SC transplantation can be monitored in real time and that the protective effects of SCs are associated with targeting secondary degeneration, with implications for translating cell-based therapies to the clinic.

Evaluation of cytokine expression by blood monocytes of lactating Holstein cows with or without postpartum uterine disease.

Whereas neutrophils are the main phagocytic leukocytes, monocytes and macrophages are actively involved in immunomodulation after infection. Recent studies have demonstrated that neutrophil function is impaired by the state of negative energy balance around parturition, and that cows that develop uterine disease have a greater degree of negative energy balance than healthy cows. The objectives of this study were to compare monocyte gene expression and protein secretion of selected cytokines from calving to 42 d after calving in Holstein cows that did or did not develop uterine disease. Real time quantitative RT-PCR (Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), Interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) and ELISA (TNFα, IL-1ß and IL-8) were used to evaluate cytokine response following in vitro stimulation of blood-derived monocytes with irradiated E. coli. Relative to unstimulated cells, E. coli-stimulated monocytes from cows with metritis had lower gene expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines than healthy cows from calving to 14 d after calving (TNFα at 0, 7, and 14 d after calving, IL-1ß and IL-6 at 7 and 14 d after calving; P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups for expression of IL-8 or the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This was due, in part, to higher gene expression in unstimulated monocytes (TNFα, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10) in early lactation from cows with metritis. Expression of mRNA in stimulated cells (relative to housekeeping genes) was lower for TNFα (7 and 14 d postpartum) and for IL-10 (7 and 14 d postpartum) in cows with metritis. Concentration of TNFα was lower in the culture medium of E. coli-stimulated monocytes from cows with metritis than healthy cows at calving and 7 and 21 d after calving (P < 0.05). Circulating cytokine concentrations were not different between groups for IL-8 and were below the limits of detection for TNFα and IL-1ß. Cytokine gene expression and production were similar between healthy cows and cows that developed endometritis, diagnosed cytologically at 42 d after calving. We concluded that altered levels of expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines postpartum could contribute to impaired inflammatory response and predispose cows to development of metritis.

Association between endometritis and endometrial cytokine expression in postpartum Holstein cows.

The endometrium regulates the inflammatory response after infection by production and release of cytokines and chemokines. The objective was to compare gene expression of important pro-inflammatory (TNFα, IL-1ß, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, and the main neutrophil chemokine (IL-8), from calving to Week 7 after calving, in cows that developed endometritis and healthy control cows. Uterine biopsies were obtained at calving and at Weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7. Endometritis was evaluated at Week 5 by uterine lavage and cytology; cows with ≥ 10% neutrophils were considered to have endometritis. Real-time RT-PCR threshold values (Ct) were used to calculate the fold difference in gene expression, using the 2(-ddCt) method, normalized to GAPDH and calibrated to the average dCt for all cows at calving. Serum IL-8 concentrations were measured with ELISA. The analysis included 28 cows (11 had endometritis) for the PCR data and 44 cows (20 had endometritis) for ELISA. Expression of the TNFα gene in uterine tissue was decreased in cows with endometritis compared to control cows at calving (P = 0.09) and at Week 1 (P = 0.05). Iterleukin-1ß gene expression tended to be decreased (P = 0.08) in cows with endometritis compared to control cows at Week 1, but tended to be increased (P ≤ 0.10) at Weeks 5 and 7. Cows with endometritis had increased (P < 0.05) IL-6 gene expression at calving and at Week 7 compared to control cows. Interleukin-8 gene expression was increased (P = 0.03) in endometritic cows compared to control cows at Week 7. Uterine disease was not significantly associated with IL-10 gene expression. A lower local level of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the endometrium soon after calving might impair activation of inflammation and clearance of bacteria, and lead to development of endometritis.

Comparison of signalment, clinicopathologic findings, histologic diagnosis, and prognosis in dogs with glomerular disease with or without nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) develops most commonly in people with glomerular diseases associated with marked albuminuria. Hypernatremia, hypertension, and progressive renal failure are more prevalent in nephrotic than nonnephrotic human patients. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Dogs with NS have higher serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and sodium concentrations, higher urine protein:creatinine ratios (UPC) and systolic blood pressure, and lower serum albumin concentrations than dogs with nonnephrotic glomerular disease (NNGD). NS is associated with membranous glomerulopathy and amyloidosis. Affected dogs are more likely to be azotemic and have shorter survival times. ANIMALS: Two hundred and thirty-four pet dogs (78 NS dogs, 156 NNGD dogs). METHODS: Multicenter retrospective case-control study comparing time-matched NS and NNGD dogs. NS was defined as the concurrent presence of hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, proteinuria, and extravascular fluid accumulation. Signalment, clinicopathologic variables, histopathologic diagnoses, and survival time were compared between groups. RESULTS: Age, serum albumin, chloride, calcium, phosphate, creatinine, and cholesterol concentrations, and UPC differed significantly between NS and NNGD dogs. Both groups were equally likely to be azotemic at time of diagnosis, and NS was not associated with histologic diagnosis. Median survival was significantly shorter for NS (12.5 days) versus NNGD dogs (104.5 days). When subgrouped based on serum creatinine (< or ≥1.5 mg/dL), survival of NS versus NNGD dogs was only significantly different in nonazotemic dogs (51 versus 605 days, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Presence of NS is associated with poorer prognosis in dogs with nonazotemic glomerular disease. Preventing development of NS is warranted; however, specific interventions were not evaluated in this study.