[Unclear fertility-related losses in cattle - a pilot study to evaluate the occurrence of bovine endometrosis]. / Unklare fruchtbarkeitsbedingte Abgänge beim Rind ­ eine Pilotstudie zur Evaluation des Vorkommens boviner Endometrose.

INTRODUCTION: With every surgical procedure there is a risk of postoperative infection (surgical site infection = SSI). This risk of infection can be influenced by various factors, including perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. In terms of antibiotic stewardship, antibiotics should only be used if there is a proven benefit for the patient. However, this advantage has not yet been conclusively proven, especially for clean and clean-contaminated surgeries. The aim of our study was to document various relevant influencing factors on the infection rate after clean and clean-contaminated surgeries in dogs and cats. In particular, it was documented to what extent a reduced use of antibiotics affects the infection rate in the context of all influencing factors. Over a period of eleven months, 807 clean and clean-contaminated surgeries in dogs and cats were prospectively analyzed with possible influencing factors (gender, ASA classification, underlying endocrinological diseases, duration of anesthesia, duration of surgery, type of surgery, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (POA), duration of hospitalization) affecting the infection rate. After surgery all cases were followed up either 30 or 90 days, if implants were used. The effect of the various factors was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. SSI was detected in 25/664 clean and 10/143 clean-contaminated surgeries. Longer hospitalization, without antimicrobial prophylaxis, and male animals had a significantly higher risk of SSI. In clean surgeries, SSI occurred in 2,3 % of all cases with POA and 5,3 % without POA. The SSI in clean-contaminated was 3,6 % with POA and 9 % without. This difference resulted mainly from the results of osteosynthesis, gastrointestinal and skin surgeries. However, other types of surgeries, such as castrations, neurological interventions, abdominal and thoracic surgeries, and surgeries in the head and neck region, showed comparable infection rates with and without POA.

INTRODUCTION: Toute intervention chirurgicale comporte un risque d'infection postopératoire (infection du site opératoire = ISO). Ce risque d'infection peut être influencé par différents facteurs, dont l'antibioprophylaxie périopératoire. En termes de gestion responsable des antibiotiques, les antibiotiques ne devraient être utilisés que s'il existe un avantage prouvé pour le patient. Cependant, cet avantage n'a pas encore été prouvé de manière concluante, en particulier pour les chirurgies propres et propres-contaminées. L'objectif de notre étude était de documenter divers facteurs d'influence pertinents sur le taux d'infection après des chirurgies propres et propres-contaminées chez les chiens et les chats. Nous avons en particulier cherché à savoir dans quelle mesure une utilisation réduite des antibiotiques affecte le taux d'infection en tenant compte de tous les facteurs d'influence. Sur une période de onze mois, 807 chirurgies propres et contaminées chez des chiens et des chats ont été analysées prospectivement avec les facteurs d'influence possibles (sexe, classification ASA, maladies endocrinologiques sous-jacentes, durée de l'anesthésie, durée de la chirurgie, type de chirurgie, prophylaxie antibiotique périopératoire (POA), durée de l'hospitalisation) affectant le taux d'infection. Après la chirurgie, tous les cas ont été suivis durant soit 30 soit90 jours si des implants avaient été utilisés. L'effet des différents facteurs a été évalué par une analyse de régression logistique multivariable. Des ISO ont été détectées dans 25/664 chirurgies propres et 10/143 chirurgies contaminées propres. Une hospitalisation plus longue sans prophylaxie antimicrobienne ainsi que les animaux mâles présentaient un risque significativement plus élevé d'ISO. Dans les chirurgies propres, les ISO sont survenues dans 2,3 % des cas avec POA et 5,3 % sans POA. Dans les opérations propres-contaminées, les ISO étaient de 3,6 % avec POA et de 9 % sans POA. Cette différence était principalement due aux résultats des ostéosynthèses, des chirurgies gastro-intestinales et cutanées. En revanbche, d'autres types de chirurgies, comme les castrations, les interventions neurologiques, les chirurgies abdominales et thoraciques et les chirurgies de la tête et du cou ont montré des taux d'infection comparables avec et sans POA.

Aspects of transition cow metabolomics-Part II: Histomorphologic changes in the liver parenchyma throughout the transition period, in cows with different liver metabotypes and effects of a metaphylactic butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin treatment.

The aims of this study were to evaluate histopathologic changes during the transition period, describe the histopathological features of the metabotypes identified in Part I (Schären et al., 2021b), and investigate effects of a metaphylactic treatment with butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (BCC) on the liver parenchyma. Eighty German Holstein cows (mean 305-d production: 10,957 kg, range: 6,480-15,193 kg; mean lactation number: 3.9, range: 2-9) from a commercial dairy farm in Saxony, Germany, were enrolled in a randomized, prospective, triple-blinded study. Two groups received a treatment with BCC (5 or 10 mL/100 kg of body weight 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin, Catosal, Bayer Animal Health, n = 20 each) and one group a placebo treatment (NaCl 0.9%, n = 40). Liver biopsy specimens were collected 14 d antepartum (AP) and 7, 28, and 42 d postpartum (PP), routinely processed for histologic examination, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Sudan III, periodic acid-Schiff, and picrosirius red stains. The sections were assessed for fat and glycogen content and degenerative, inflammatory, fibrotic, and proliferative changes. The statistical analysis included the effects of the sampling day, the lactation number, the treatment, and the metabotype (A = medium, B = minor, C = large alterations in the liver metabolome profile between AP and PP status). There was mild to moderate fat infiltration in the liver of 37% of cows in the last 2 wk AP, and moderate to severe fat infiltration in 66% of cows in the first days PP. The degree of fat infiltration increased from 2 wk AP until the end of the first week PP, and then decreased until the end of the study period, at which time about 25% of cows had moderate to severe fatty infiltration. Lipidosis was positively correlated with the severity of liver cell degeneration, and negatively correlated with the degree of glycogen deposits. Complete glycogen depletion of hepatocytes was not observed in cows, even in the presence of severe hepatic lipidosis. Moderate to severe lymphocytic hepatitis was seen in 39% of cows throughout the study period, and cows with lactation numbers 5 or greater had perisinusoidal fibrosis more often than younger cows. Severe fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver did not occur. Metabotype B animals exhibited a higher chance of fatty infiltration, lower glycogen storage, and perisinusoidal fibrosis and for this metabotype positive correlations were calculated between increased fat deposition in the liver and marked glycogen depletion, and increased degenerative, inflammatory, fibrotic, and proliferative changes of hepatic tissue. For the treatment with BCC, no significant effect was observed. In summary, during the transition period, the liver of dairy cows is characterized by fat accumulation and glycogen depletion and histologic signs of hepatitis and hepatocyte degeneration. These histomorphologic changes were accentuated in animals exhibiting little alterations in their liver metabolome profile across the transition period (metabotype B) and support the assumption of a decreased grass silage quality as a causative factor.

[Surgical treatment of a perforated cornea in a zebra]. / Chirurgische Versorgung einer Hornhautperforation bei einem Zebra.

Microsurgical procedures in zoo and wildlife animals are challenging because of the reduced perioperative sterility and postoperative care. This case report describes the positive result of the surgical treatment of a perforated corneal ulceration with prolapsed iris in an 18-year-old Grévy's zebra mare. The postoperative development and the results of the histomorphological examination 3.5 years after surgery are described.

Influence of apical enlargement on the repair of apical periodontitis in rats.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of different apical enlargement protocols on the radiographic and histological healing of apical periodontitis in rats. METHODOLOGY: Apical periodontitis was induced bilaterally in the mandibular right and left first molars of 24 Wistar rats by pulp exposure to the oral cavity for 3 weeks. A standard serial root canal preparation technique was performed in the molar of one side, whilst the opposite side was the control group. Rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 8), according to the diameter of apical enlargement during root canal preparation: K-files size 20 (EG1), size 25 (EG2) and size 30 (EG3). Each animal was its own positive control, because the opposite arch remained untreated. Root canals were filled with a standard technique. After 3 weeks, the animals were euthanized. The main outcome of apical periodontitis healing was evaluated radiographically (mm2 ) and histologically (ordinal scores of inflammation) using a HE staining technique. The measurement of effect was obtained between the three experimental groups by carrying out generalized estimating equations, with Poisson regression with robust variance, pairing each experimental group with its respective control group within animals, adjusted for the mean within animal differences, with α = 5%. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviations of radiographic apical periodontitis size (mm2 ) and intensity of histological inflammatory scores were, respectively: EG1 (0.44 ± 0.27; 2.25 ± 0.46), EG2 (0.33 ± 0.10; 2.50 ± 0.53) and EG3 (0.22 ± 0.08; 2.63 ± 0.74). After 3 weeks, a significantly more favourable radiographic repair was observed when larger apical enlargement was performed (EG3), compared to EG1 and EG2 (P = 0.001). All experimental groups were associated with a significant difference on the radiographic and histological healing of apical periodontitis compared with its respective control group. CONCLUSION: Under the experimental conditions of this study, a larger apical enlargement protocol favoured a more rapid radiographic repair of apical periodontitis in rats after a 3-week follow-up.

Seasonal or pathological findings? Morphofunctional characteristics of the equine endometrium during the autumn and spring transition.

The deep anoestrous phase in winter is part of the anovulatory season in mares and is bordered by the autumn and spring transitional periods (ATP/STP). To define an annual time span for effective prognostic biopsy sampling, the aim of this study was to provide a morphofunctional characterization of the endometrium during ATP and STP. To outline both transitional periods, endometrial specimens were taken in September, October and November (n = 76) as well as February, March and April (n = 184) with the requirement of a detailed clinical documentation. Tissue samples were examined histologically with special emphasis on the functional endometrial morphology. Additionally, an immunohistochemical evaluation was performed on selected specimens regarding the expression of oestrogen receptor α, progesterone receptor and Ki67-antigen. An absent to low endometrial activity was ascertained in more than 60% of all specimens from late October onwards, whereas a comparably lacking or low activity in STP was observed until early April. Approximately 30% (ATP) to 22% (STP) of all samples exhibited a predominantly "irregular" endometrial differentiation. During the transitional periods, the clinically evaluated ovarian status (transrectal palpation, transrectal ultrasonography and/or serum progesterone and oestrogen analyses) and the endometrial functional morphology were in accordance with approximately 70% of all cases. The expression of steroid hormone receptors and Ki67-antigen was generally low. Given that endometrial maldifferentiations were frequently found during ATP and STP, its occurence might display a characteristic and physiological feature of the transitional periods. Regarding the functional endometrial morphology, a diagnostic biopsy sampling should therefore be performed between late April and before September.

Establishment and characterization of a coculture system of equine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells.

To investigate the equine endometrium as close to the in vivo situation as possible, we established a coculture system for epithelial and stromal cells (ECs/SCs). ECs and SCs were isolated from nine endometrial tissue specimens. ECs obtained as glandular formations were cultivated on one side of the semipermeable membrane of a Millicell® insert. After 2 days, SCs (2 × 104 cells/membrane) were seeded onto the other side of the same membrane. During cocultivation, the low serum containing culture medium (Theuß et al., 2010) was supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 17ß-estradiol (2.0-3.0 pg/ml medium) and progesterone (0.5-15.0 ng/ml medium). Once the cocultures formed continuous cell layers as determined by phase-contrast microscopy, the membranes were fixed and processed for light microscopical examination. Cytokeratin 19, steroid hormone receptors and the uterine proteins uteroglobin and calbindinD9k were detected using immunocytochemistry to determine the degree of culture purity and functional cellular differentiation. The culture purity of the EC layer averaged ≥95%. Uteroglobin and calbindinD9k were consistently expressed in ECs, while hormone receptors were predominantly absent in both cell populations. An explicit cytomorphological epithelial differentiation with formation of round-oval to polygonal cell forms was encountered in ≤50% of all ECs and independent of supplemented steroids. Based on the findings altogether, and despite the partly absent congruence to the in situ prerequisites, we established a standardized and reproducible coculture system, which offers a basic approach for studies of physiologic and pathophysiologic issues in the mare.

Predicting pre- and postoperative pain of endodontic origin in a southern Brazilian subpopulation: an electronic database study.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of preoperative endodontic pain (PREP) and the incidence of postoperative endodontic pain (POEP), identifying the predictors of PREP and POEP in a southern Brazilian subpopulation, using clinical data from an electronic chart database (ECD). METHODOLOGY: This retrospective observational study included 563 consecutive individuals presenting for root canal treatment (RCT). Patients were treated by undergraduate and graduate students, following standard RCT protocols. Demographic, medical and dental variables were extracted from a pre-structured and standardized ECD. The main outcomes PREP and incident POEP were collected through a 0-10 numeric rating scale, dichotomized as none/mild (<4) or moderate/severe (≥4) pain. Predictive models calculating the prevalence ratios (PR) of PREP and the relative risks (RR) of incident POEP were carried out with Poisson regression analysis, estimating the relationship between clinical factors, PREP and incident POEP. RESULTS: Mean age at baseline was 49.2 ± 17.1 years, with 68.4% women. The prevalence and incidence of moderate/severe PREP and POEP were 44.4% and 3.8%, respectively. RCT intervention significantly reduced PREP (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that group of teeth, location (mandibular teeth), pulpitis, necrotic pulp, preoperative swelling and periapical radiolucency were independently associated with moderate/severe PREP, whilst age ≥60 years and root canal retreatments were independent protective factors to PREP (P < 0.05). No demographic, medical or dental variables were associated with POEP, although molar teeth (RR = 4.23, 95%CI = 0.93-19.2, P = 0.056) had a borderline nonsignificant association. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate/severe PREP was independently associated with age, group of teeth, location, preoperative swelling, retreatments and pulp and periapical status. No demographic, medical or dental variable predicted moderate/severe POEP following RCT amongst this subpopulation.

Magnetic properties of strained La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 perovskites from first principles.

The critical temperature T(C) of ferromagnetic La(x)Sr(1-x)MnO3 (LSMO) can be controlled by distorting the crystal structure, as was reported by Thiele et al (2007 Phys. Rev. B 75 054408). To confirm these findings theoretically, we investigate the electronic as well as the magnetic ground state properties of La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 as a function of tetragonal lattice distortions, using a multiple-scattering Green function method. Within this approach, we calculate exchange coupling constants as well as the phase transition temperature from first principles. Comparing our findings with those for La2/3Sr1/3CoO3 (LSCO), we find that the decrease of T(C) is much stronger in LSMO than in LSCO. Our findings can be explained by the electronic structures and are also in accordance with the experiment. The computed decrease of TC with distortion is smaller than observed experimentally, a result that corroborates the importance of phonon contributions.

Noncollinear magnetism in ultrathin films with strong spin-orbit coupling from Ab Initio.

Fe and Pt are paradigms for ferromagnetism and strong spin-orbit coupling, respectively. Their combination--in an ultrathin Fe film on a Pt(111) substrate--is thus expected to modify the magnetic structures. We report on a theoretical investigation of a monolayer of Fe on Pt(111), using a generalized Heisenberg model that includes the complete spin interaction matrices I(ij) computed from first principles. We find a noncollinear periodic configuration that is strongly determined by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Taking into account a magnetic field to mimic recent experiments, this noncollinear structure solves the disagreement between the experimental magnetization and the average magnetization for a ferromagnetic system. The critical temperature decreases from 670 K to 590 K due to spin-orbit coupling.

Atomistic magnetization dynamics in nanostructures based on first principles calculations: application to Co nanoislands on Cu(111).

The magnetization dynamics of Co nanoislands on Cu(111) is studied on the atomic scale by means of the stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. The exchange and anisotropy constants of the spin Hamiltonian are computed from first principles. We focus on hysteresis loops and magnetic switching in dependence on temperature, island size, and strength of an external magnetic field. The magnetic switching of nanoislands whose magnetization is reversed on the sub-nanosecond time scale is found consistent with the Stoner-Wohlfarth theory. We separate the superparamagnetic from the ferromagnetic regime and provide evidence that nanodomains can exist at least on a sub-picosecond time scale.

Protein engineering of carboxyl esterases by rational design and directed evolution.

In the past few years a considerable number of mutagenesis methods and high-throughput screening (HTS) systems have been developed and improved. In parallel, computer programs or software packages for molecular modeling have been further investigated. Thus, the number of examples for successful directed evolution and rational design is increasing constantly. In this review the essential mutagenesis methods and HTS systems, especially for esterases, are described and various examples for the application of these protein engineering tools are provided.

Identification of pig liver esterase variants by tandem mass spectroscopy analysis and their characterization.

Pig liver esterase (PLE) is probably the most important carboxyl esterase in organic synthesis and is commercially obtained by extraction of the animal tissue. However, problems occur in its application due to the presence of several isoenzymes (alpha-, beta- and gamma-PLE). The functional expression of the gamma-isoenzyme was already shown and differences in the enantioselectivity compared to the commercial preparations were confirmed. The amino acid and nucleotide sequences of the alpha- and beta-PLE are still unknown. In this work, putative sequences of the alpha-isoenzyme were identified from a commercial PLE preparation by 2D gel electrophoresis, digestion with proteases and analysis using Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (TOF) and electrospray ionisation quadrupole-TOF mass spectrometry. Based on these results, three amino acid exchanges were introduced into the gene encoding gamma-rPLE by site-directed mutagenesis, and the proteins were expressed in E. coli Origami (DE3). The produced PLE mutants were characterised with respect to their substrate specificity and enantioselectivity. No significant differences in the activity towards methyl butyrate were found, but several variants showed substantially enhanced enantioselectivity in the resolution of (R,S)-1-phenyl-2-butyl acetate with E = 100 for the best mutant V236P/A237G.

[Coronary angiography with a 5F catheter after percutaneous puncture of the right brachial artery. Technique and experience in 70 patients]. / Koronarangiographie mit 5-F-Kathetern nach perkutaner Punktion der rechten Arteria brachialis. Technik und Erfahrung bei 70 Patienten.

Out of a total of 1640 consecutive left heart catheterizations, 70 (58 males and 12 females; mean age 56 +/- 8 years) were performed via the right brachial artery, in most instances because of occlusive disease of the arteries in the pelvic region. 5F catheters were then successfully used for both the coronary and left-ventricular angiographies. Noninvasive examinations after two days (Doppler ultrasound, oscillography at rest and on exercise, acral plethysmography and colour-coded duplex sonography) revealed small haematomas in the region of the arterial puncture in four and a haemodynamically insignificant fistula between brachial artery and vein in one patient but no aneurysm, stenosis or thrombosis at the puncture site. This procedure is thus a valuable addition to invasive cardiological diagnosis.

[Significance of fundus evaluation in the staging of hypertensive disease compared to electrocardiography and renal circulation]. / Bedeutung der Fundus-Beurteilung bei der Stadieneinteilung der Hochdruck-Krankheit im Vergleich zum Elektrokardiogramm und zur Nierendurchblutung.

In order to determine the relevance of ophthalmoscopic findings in cases of hypertension as compared to electrocardiographic abnormalities and disorders of the renal function, the authors examined 728 patients admitted to the German diagnostic Clinic (Wiesbaden) with hypertension over a period of 2 years. In all cases blood pressure was measured twice, and ophthalmoscopy, electrocardiography, a chest X-ray, and a laboratory checkup were performed. The effective renal plasma flow was measured in 100 cases using the 131 iodine-Hippuran clearance method. The results revealed that ophthalmoscopy is the most reliable method for classifying early and more advanced stages of hypertension, as compared to ECG and measurement of the effective renal plasma flow.

[Can present-day noninvasive cardiological diagnosis replace heart catheterization in acquired heart valve diseases?]. / Kann die moderne nicht-invasive kardiologische Diagnostik die Herzkatheteruntersuchung bei erworbenen Herzklappenfehlern ersetzen?

The available noninvasive cardiac investigational methods allow an accurate diagnosis in patients with acquired valvular defects and, in most cases, a decision on timing of surgery. Retrospective studies showed that cardiac catheterizations in 45 of 111 consecutively investigated patients were superfluous. Thus, in 40% of these patients noninvasive methods were sufficient for a reliable decision on whether to proceed with surgery or conservative measures and for a satisfactory objective assessment of preoperative haemodynamics and morphology. Invasive methods should only be used when there are insufficient or discrepant noninvasive findings or when accompanying coronary heart disease must be excluded.

[The pattern of regional disorders of wall motion in primary dilated cardiomyopathy]. / Muster der regionalen Wandbewegungsstörung bei primärer dilatativer Kardiomyopathie.

Regional left ventricular wall motion was measured in 41 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and 30 healthy normal controls. Global and regional left ventricular function was noninvasively determined by radionuclide angiography (RNA). The amplitudes and phases of the first Fourier coefficient of the regional time-activity curves were used to measure regional wall motion. The normal left ventricle has its strongest contractions in the apical and distal antero-septal regions. In contrast, the left ventricle of patients with DCM contracts the least in these segments. These regional wall motion impairments are parallel to the reduced global left ventricular function. Since such a typical pattern of reduced wall motion can already be demonstrated in patients with mild DCM, determination of regional left ventricular wall motion can help to improve the early detection of DCM.

[Qualification and quality control in sonography]. / Qualifikations- und Qualitätskontrolle in der Sonographie.

On the basis of guidelines issued by the Kassenärztliche Vereingung Hessen, some criteria for the application of sonographic examinations are presented. Minimal requirements for sonographic equipment in certain specialties are mentioned, and it is pointed out how not only case history and clinical examination but also one's own sonographic evidence are important for a accurate sonographic diagnosis.

[A variant of the von Willebrand-Jürgens-syndrome with abnormalities of the factor VIII/von Willebrand factor protein (author's transl)]. / Variante des von Willebrand-Jürgens-Syndroms mit Veränderung des Faktor VIII/von Willebrand Faktor Proteins.

A family is reported with a variant of von Willebrand's disease. The members of this family showed a qualitative defect of the factor VII/von Willebrand factor protein. The qualitative defect was characterized by an abnormal electrophoretical mobility of factor VIII-related antigen and an abnormal elution pattern as demonstrated by gelfiltration on Sepharose 4 B. Factor VIII-subunits in these patients were found to be normal by polyacrylamidgelelektrophoresis.