Evaluation of ultrasonography for measuring solar soft tissue thickness as a predictor of sole ulcer formation in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows.

The aim of this research was to investigate the correlation between the thickness of solar soft tissue (SST; i.e. the corium and subcutaneous tissue) in early lactation and sole ulcer formation in late lactation. Fifty Holstein-Friesian cows were examined three times: (1) 30 days after calving (locomotion scoring, trimming, claw examination, measurement of SST); (2) 70 days after calving (locomotion scoring); and (3) 180 days after calving (locomotion scoring, trimming, claw examination). SST thickness was measured using an 8 MHz linear probe, at two points (SST1 below the apex of the pedal bone, and SST2 below the flexor tubercle). Mean values for SST1 and SST2 were 3.26 ± 0.43 mm and 4.35 ± 0.46 mm, respectively; the two measures were positively correlated (r=0.95, P<0.001). At 180 days after calving, a sole ulcer was diagnosed in 12/50 cows (24%). Cows with a thinner SST had a higher risk of developing sole ulcers than those with a thicker SST. The optimal cut-off values of SST1 and SST2 in predicting cows with sole ulcers (as calculated by ROC analysis) was ⩽ 3 mm for SST1 and ⩽ 3.9 mm for SST2. The relative risk of a sole ulcer developing, based on those cut-off values was 4.25 (95 CI, 1.77-24.88) for SST1 ⩽ 3 mm and 3.63 (95 CI, 1.18-10.8) for SST2 ⩽ 3.9 mm.

Accelerated healing of excisional skin wounds by PL 14736 in alloxan-hyperglycemic rats.

PL 14736 is a synthetic peptide, originally isolated from human gastric juice, that has anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective actions in experimental models of gastrointestinal inflammation. To investigate its possible benefit in poorly healing skin wounds, the effects of the topical application of PL 14736 in a gel formulation have been studied on full-thickness excisional wounds in rats, either healthy or made hyperglycemic by alloxan (175 mg/kg s.c.) 5 days previously. The effects of becaplermin gel (platelet-derived growth factor, PDGF-BB, Regranex, a standard therapy for diabetic foot ulcers, were investigated for comparison. Healing was evaluated for up to 7 days after wounding, using digital planimetry analysis, macroscopic scoring and histology. While healing was too rapid in healthy rats to observe enhancement by either treatment, in the hyperglycemic rats which exhibited delayed healing, PL 14736 (10-1,000 microg/wound) produced a dose-dependent acceleration of wound healing (determined by macroscopic scoring) equivalent at the highest doses to that observed with becaplermin. The beneficial effect on healing was associated with increased deposition of organized granulation tissue by day 7 for both PL 14736 and becaplermin, as determined histologically. PL 14736 tended to have a greater effect than becaplermin on the formation of granulation tissue containing mature collagen. Wound contraction, as measured by planimetry, was not significantly affected. In conclusion, topical PL 14736 produces a dose-dependent acceleration of deficient skin wound healing in hyperglycemic rats by facilitating granulation tissue formation, similar to the response seen with topical becaplermin, the standard therapy for diabetic skin wounds. PL 14736 may represent an alternative therapy for delayed wound healing, such as that seen with diabetic foot ulcers, without the proliferative concerns or immunogenicity associated with growth factors.

Neurophysiological effects of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) on isolated rat intestines.

Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) is well known as a medicine from ancient times and the earliest notes. Today it is used as a remedy. The aim of this research was to examine the effects of mistletoe extracts and their components on some neurophysiological parameters in rat intestines. The tonus and contractile responses of isolated intestinal segments (duodenum, ileum and distal colon) were analysed. The experiment was carried out in three groups. In the first group (control group) different concentrations of acetylcholine were added into the organ bath (10-50 nmol/L). In the second group, mistletoe extracts were added into the organ bath with increasing concentrations and in the third group, atropine, a non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist, was added into the organ bath (concentration 10(-7) mol/L) and after atropine plant extracts were administered. The results obtained suggest that extracts from different parts of mistletoe have neurophysiological effects and change intestinal contractions. The results also suggest that the effects of mistletoe extracts on intestinal contractility act via cholinergic pathways, activating muscarinic receptors in the intestines. However, in order to establish the subtype of receptors, further investigations are necessary where selective antagonists of muscarinic cholinergic receptors should be used.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) and kindling epilepsy in rabbit.

Effects of different extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. on the kindling epileptic discharges were analyzed. The experiment was carried out on Chinchilla rabbits with chronically implanted electrodes in cortical structures and hippocampus. In our study we used water, n-butanol and ether fractions (mass concentrations 0.1 g/ml) of crude ethanol extract of Hypericum perforatum. The particular extracts were given intramuscularly in single dose of 1 ml/kg BW. The bioelectric activity was registered before and after applications of each extracts. The obtained results show that the effect depends on the constituents present in particular fractions. The repression of epileptic activity was in correlation with the polarity of plant constituents. Most polar constituents that remained in water fraction exerted highest antiepileptic activity in all (100%) animals tested. Substances present in butanol fraction repressed the epileptic manifestations in 40% of animals with kindling epilepsy, whereas lipid-soluble constituents in ether fraction potentated the epileptic activity.

[100 years since the birth of Academician Petr Kuzmic Anohin]. / Sto godina od rodenja akademika Petra Kuzmica Anohina.

This paper provides a brief biography of an outstanding physiologist and academician Petr Kuzmich Anokhin. With his functional system theory, academician P. K. Anokhin was the first to introduce a systematic approach to discussing functioning of an organism. Principles of functional systems have been applied in technical systems as well.

[Mechanisms of epileptogenesis and antiepileptic drugs]. / Mehanizmi epileptogeneze i antiepilepticki lekovi.

Contemporary data about the mechanisms of epileptogenesis are reviewed. The role of the neuronal membrane and synapsis in the neurons changed by epilepsy is particularly pointed out. The concept of "the paroxysmal depolarizational shift" is defined. Role of some neurotransmitters in the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and their classifications into excitatory and inhibitory ones are also presented. It is pointed to a great variety of receptors for neurotransmitters as well as the role of calcium ions in mechanisms of epileptogenesis. A review of "classical" and new antiepileptic drugs is created and possible mechanisms of their effect are stated. The same antiepileptic medicaments are listed in a special table depending on the type of epilepsy in which they have effect. It is certain that during the last two decades electrophysiologic, biochemic and pharmacologic researchers have significantly improved the knowledge of the main occurrences responsible for epileptogenesis. However, a lot of facts are still doubtful.

[Correlation of comprehensive diagnosis and functional results after cerebrovascular stroke]. / Korelacija kompleksne dijagnostike i funkcionalnog ishoda nakon cerebrovaskularnog insulta.

Cerebrovascular insult is a focal neurological disorder with sudden onset and fast development caused by pathological changes of the blood vessel and accompanied by functional disorder which requires rehabilitation. The program of rehabilitation differs from patient to patient depending on physical, emotional and social-economic factors. The aim of this paper was to underline the degree of sensibility of electroencephalography and somatosensory evoked potentials, which can serve, with other corresponding methods and clinical parameters, as criteria in prognosis of the further course of the disease, in planning rehabilitation and therapeutic treatment and functional result prognosis in hemiplegic patients.

[The effect of actinomycin D on electroencephalographic activity in the rabbit brain]. / Uticaj aktinomicina D na elektroencefalografsku aktivnost mozga kunica.

DNA, RNA and cellular proteins are of great importance in regard to the following processes: learning, memorizing and storage of memory. That is why protein synthesis blockers are successfully used in investigations of these brain functions. Aktinomicin D (AMD) is such a substance; it is an antibiotic which is used in treatment of some malignant diseases, but on cellular level it disturbs RNA synthesis. Experiments were carried out on Chinchilla rabbits with chronically implanted electrodes for registration of electroencephalographic activity. Intracerebroventricularly applicated Aktinomicin D disturbs the appearance of habituation after rhythmic repetition of electrocutaneous stimulation of the same characteristics which clearly points to the importance of preserved cellular protein synthesis in the processes of learning.

[Nervous system plasticity in the recovery of patients after cerebrovascular stroke]. / Plasticnost nervnog sistema u oporavku bolesnika nakon cerebrovaskularnog insulta.

Plasticity is a very important characteristic of the nervous system structures, due to which it alliterates the functioning way, recompenses deranged function and adapts to new conditions caused by damage. Deranged brain circulation is very frequently caused by the arteriosclerosis which can finally cause stroke. Stroke usually appears at the age of 60-69 years, but in persons of different ages as well. The aim of rehabilitation is to ensure quality of life as much as possible. In young persons recovery after stroke is usually successful, whereas the plasticity of the nervous system is completely preserved.

[Occlusive hydrocephalus as a complication of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis--case report]. / Okluzivni hidrocefalus kao komplikacija neurofibromatoze von Recklinghausen--prikaz slucaja.

Phacomatoses are hereditary disease caused by germinative matrix disorder. Apart from known proliferative and tumor processes on peripheral nerves and their roots which make up a familiar picture of this disease to all neurologist, other tissue and organ malformations of octo and mesodermal origin may occur. This is a case report of a girl with neurofibromatosis type I after Riccardi with occlusive hydrocephalus complication. We pointed to a great number of neurofibromatosis complications, their prompt detection and treatment.

[Leber's optic atrophy (case report of progressive hereditary amaurosis]. / Leberova opticka atrofija (prikaz slucaja progresivne hereditarne amauroze).

This paper presents clinical findings of Leber's optic atrophy, a hereditary disorder, characterized by a progressive lost of vision. It points out to the validity of complex clinical, laboratory and neurophysiological investigations and excludes other diseases which by differential diagnosis may be taken into account.

[Habituation and effects of protein synthesis blockers on neuronal activity in the cerebral sensorimotor cortex in rabbits]. / Habituacija i efekti blokatora sinteze proteina na neuronsku aktivnost senzomotorne kore mozga kunica.

The investigation of brain functions has been for many years an exciting and at the same time a very complex and enigmatic domain of research. In our experiments we followed the occurrence of habituation, a simple form of learning, during a peripheral light stimulation, in sensorimotor cortex neurons of rabbits. In the majority of the mature neurons habituation occurred with repeated light stimulations with same features, while in immature rabbits it was less frequently observed and was slower. Since in basic patterns of habituation and learning, cell protein plays a significant role, we followed the effects of protein synthesis blockers in the process of training and electrogenesis. Microiontophoretic application of actinomycin D and cyclohexamide compromised the occurrence of habituation in high number of registered neurons, while the application of a neurotransmitter, acetyl choline, promoted habituation in the sensorimotor brain cortex neurons of immature experimental animals.

[The effect of homocarnosine on neuronal activity during satiation and starvation]. / Dejstvo homocarnosina na aktivnost neurona u stanjima sitosti i gladovanja organizma.

We investigated effects of homocarnosine (gamma-aminobutyric-histidine) dipeptid on neuron nucleus caudatus and hypocampus activity in small and hungry experimental animals--awake grown-up rabbits. In the given conditions, through glass microelectrodes having several channels, an extracellular registration of impulse discharge was performed as well as the microapplication of homocarnosine (HC) in the immediate surroundings of registered neurons. The obtained results show that the investigated different functional conditions of the organism are manifested in the neurons' activity of the investigated brain structures. Homocarnosine represses the activity of most registered neurons in both satiated and hungry experimental animals, while that effect is more manifested in satiated animals. The demonstrated effects of homocarnosine point to its probable neuromediator role.

[The effect of clonazepam on experimental epilepsy induced by electrostimulation]. / Dejstvo Clonazepama na eksperimentalne epilepsije uzrokovane elektrostimulacijom.

The investigations were aimed at the study of effects of preparations which belong to the benzodiazepine group-Clonazepam (CZ), on total bioelectric activity (EEG) and epileptic discharge induced by electrostimulation of the hippocampus in the experimental animals (awake adult rabbits). Clonazepam was administered both intramuscularly (i.m.) and intravenously (i.v.) at a dose of 0.2-2.5 mg/kg of the body mass. The obtained results show that the administration of clonazepam prolongs the duration and the arrangement of the spindle in the bioelectric activity in rabbits and stops epileptic attacks of the grand mal type.