Protecting effect of PrP codons M142 and K222 in goats orally challenged with bovine spongiform encephalopathy prions.

Breeding towards genetic resistance to prion disease is effective in eliminating scrapie. In sheep, classical forms of scrapie have been eradicated almost completely in several countries by breeding programs using a prion protein (PrP) gene (PRNP) amino acid polymorphism. For goats, field and experimental studies have provided evidence for several amino acid polymorphisms that are associated with resistance to scrapie, but only limited data are available concerning the susceptibility of caprine PRNP genotypes to BSE. In this study, goat kids representing five PRNP genotypes based on three polymorphisms (M142, Q211 and K222 and the wild type I142, R211 and Q222) were orally challenged with bovine or goat BSE. Wild type goats were killed with clinical signs between 24-28 months post inoculation (mpi) to both challenges, and goats with genotype R/Q211 succumbed between 29-36 mpi. I/M142 goats developed clinical signs at 44-45 mpi and M/M142 goats remained healthy until euthanasia at 48 mpi. None of the Q/K222 goats showed definite clinical signs. Taken together the highest attack ratios were seen in wild type and R/Q211 goats, and the lowest in I/M142, M/M142 and Q/K222. In all genotype groups, one or more goats remained healthy within the incubation period in both challenges and without detectable PrP deposition in the tissues. Our data show that both the K222 and M142 polymorphisms lengthen the incubation period significantly compared to wild type animals, but only K222 was associated with a significant increase in resistance to BSE infection after oral exposure to both BSE sources.

A histopathological study of bovine ganglia.

One hundred and sixty-eight ganglia from 54 cattle aged 10 days to 10 years were examined microscopically. Samples from six autonomic ganglia and one sensory ganglion were represented. Thirteen animals were clinically normal and 41 were submitted for post-mortem examination. Neuronal vacuolation, spheroid formation, lipofuscin accumulation and central chromatolysis were observed sporadically and were of varying magnitude. Neuronal vacuolation and spheroid formation were not age-related changes, while lipofuscin accumulation was more common in older animals and central chromatolysis was more common in younger cattle. Non-suppurative inflammation and neuronophagia were also common findings (23 out of 54 animals, 42.6%) in autonomic ganglia that did not contain herpesvirus DNA as determined by polymerase chain reaction. Renaut bodies, features of peripheral nerves, were most commonly noted in the vagus. None of the histopathological findings were related to any particular disease in which loss of autonomic nervous system function might be expected. Furthermore, all changes were as common in clinically normal animals as in animals with disease.

Pathogenesis of classical and atypical BSE in cattle.

It is known from earlier studies that the pathogenesis of BSE in cattle differs considerably from the TSE pathogenesis in sheep, where the lymphoreticular system (LRS) is majorly involved in the transport and propagation of the agent. In cattle, the BSE agent has only been detected in the Peyer's patches of the distal ileum and in the tonsils, which have both been identified as the portal of entry for the agent after oral uptake. It was shown that as opposed to most other animal species, in cattle the BSE agent amplifies almost exclusively in the central and peripheral nervous system. However, there is growing evidence for a centrifugal spread from the central nervous system into the periphery at the late stage of the disease. Moreover, there are only very limited data available concerning the pathogenesis of both atypical BSE forms, H type and L type BSE, as compared to classical BSE. In this manuscript we summarize the most recent data that we generated on the classical BSE pathogenesis after an oral challenge study that was performed with 56 cattle. Preliminary results on the pathogenesis of both atypical BSE forms are also presented, based on an intracranial challenge of cattle with German isolates of both atypical BSE forms.

Repetitive strain injury: an overview of the condition and its implications for occupational therapy practice.

The incidence of occupationally induced upper extremity disorders, often referred to as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), has increased dramatically in the last decade. An overview of recently published literature is presented which discusses economic impact, etiology, and historical and sociopolitical factors influencing these conditions. A number of prospective studies which conceptualize RSI as a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon framed within a chronic pain model offer some insights into the importance of a multidisciplinary, multifactorial approach to treatment. Opportunities exist for occupational therapists to make a significant contribution to enhancing the health of the worker in the workplace through participation in a team approach to treatment and in health promotion through workplace education with a view to prevention.

[Effect of ultrasound examination on fetal version of breech presentation]. / Der Einfluss der Ultraschalluntersuchung bei der äusseren Wendung der Beckenendlage.

External version was attempted in 70 pregnancies with foetuses in breech presentation near term. Version was successful in 50 patients (71%), 40 of whom delivered vaginally (80%). Of the 20 patients in whom version was not successful, only 7 patients (35%) delivered vaginally. 2 patients required immediate Caesarean section after attempted version because of ominous foetal heart rate patterns. We analysed the sonographic parameters associated with successful version. The location of the placenta, amount of amniotic fluid, foetal biometry (estimated foetal weight, cephalic circumference, abdominal diameter, femur length) and extension or flexion of the foetal head were analysed. Only extended legs correlated with the success of the procedure. The results suggest, that ultrasonography is an important prerequisite for successful version of a foetus in breech presentation near term.

Necrotizing enterocolitis prophylaxis: oral antibiotics and lyophilized enterobacteria vs oral immunoglobulins.

We conducted a prospective randomized trial to compare the efficacy of oral gentamicin versus oral IgA-IgG for the prophylaxis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); 200 newborns considered at high risk for NEC were assigned to group A (oral IgA-IgG, n = 100) or group B (oral Gentamicin, n = 100). NEC was diagnosed in 13 cases in group A and in 1 case in group B between the 3rd and 16th days of life. Surgical treatment was necessary in 3 cases (2 in group A). All infants survived. We conclude that oral gentamicin is more effective than oral IgA-IgG in the prevention of NEC in infants at high risk.

Ultrasound diagnosis of birth-related spinal cord trauma: neonatal diagnosis and follow-up and correlation with MRI.

Two neonates, one with complete and one with incomplete birth-related transection of the cervico-thoracic spinal cord, form the basis of this report. Ultrasound and MRI findings in primary diagnosis and follow-up are described. The aim of this contribution is to bring this serious birth complication to the attention of the reader, to present the obstetrical risk factors, to describe the clinical presentation of the newborns and to make suggestions to expand the field of indications for spinal sonography. The value of spinal ultrasound in the first six months of life is stressed, especially in comparison to MRI. For definitive assessment of the lesion (transectional or nontransectional) follow-up ultrasound studies for several weeks are required.

[Severe fetopathy--toxoplasma despite serologic screening. A case report]. / Schwere Fetopathia--Toxoplasmotica trotz serologischem Screening. Ein Fallbericht.

Toxoplasmosis is a special prenatal infection because it is susceptible to medication. Serologic screening and early diagnosis of a new infection is a prerequisite for successful treatment, which protects the fetus from infection. A case of a twenty-two year old gravida-II shows, that infection is possible despite negative initial screening. A new infection was diagnosed because of seroconversion at a routine screening at the end of the second trimester. An ultrasound scan showed severe hydrocephalus, hepatomegaly, and ascites. Labor was induced in the 33rd gestational week. Conatal toxoplasmosis was confirmed by histologic and microbiologic studies of the placenta and membranes. We discuss the difficulties resulting from negative primary serology.

[Unrecognized intrauterine toxoplasmosis despite screening]. / Ausgebrannte intrauterine Toxoplasmose trotz Screening.

A female small for date infant (BW 1500 g) was delivered after uncomplicated pregnancy in the 36th week of gestation. On routine screening for toxoplasmosis a negative SFT had been obtained in the 13th week of gestation. The second examination in the 32nd week was positive (SFT 1:16384). The mother was then put on specific chemotherapy (sulfametoxydiazine and pyrimethamine). The infant, however, had severe- and characteristic lesions (cerebral calcifications, chorioretinitis) not responding to therapy. Morphology of the lesions and serology led to the conclusion that the infant was infected between the 17th and the 24th week of gestation and that the disease remained undetected until the 32nd week, when treatment came already too late. This indicates that in case of a negative test further serological examinations should be carried out at closer intervals to establish the diagnosis in due time.

[Investigation of postoperative suppression of cellular immunity in infants and children by DNCB skin test (author's transl)]. / Prüfung der postoperativen Suppression der zellulären Immunität bei Kindern durch kutane DNBC-Sensibiliserung.

The DNCB-responsiveness of operated infants and children by skin sensitization indicates a transient depression of the entire reactions of delayed immunity following major surgery. There is a strong connection between this immunosuppression and the risks of postoperative infections. Age and preoperative clinical stage of children as well as the extent of the operation determine the grade of the immunosuppression.