Anatomy of the sternum and humerus in the domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus).

Injuries of the sternum and humerus are an important welfare concern in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus), especially laying hens. Published anatomic references using standardized terminology from the Nomina Anatomica Avium (NAA) are lacking. Objectives of the current retrospective, descriptive study were to provide a user-friendly hierarchical table of NAA-compliant anatomic terms and labeled images illustrating anatomic structures for the sternum and humerus of domestic chickens. Three-dimensional model images were downloaded from a publicly accessible platform, labeled in consultation with a veterinary anatomist, and enhanced by a medical illustrator. Findings can serve as a resource for future clinical and research applications.

Environmental contaminants, endocrine disruption, and transgender: Can "born that way" in some cases be toxicologically real?

Gender is viewed by many as strictly binary based on a collection of body traits typical of a female or male phenotype, presence of a genotype that includes at least one copy of a Y chromosome, or ability to produce either egg or sperm cells. A growing non-binary view is that these descriptors, while compelling, may nonetheless fail to accurately capture an individual's true gender. The position of the American Psychological Association (APA) agrees with this view and is that transgender people are a defendable and real part of the human population. The considerable diversity of transgender expression then argues against any unitary or simple explanations, however, prenatal hormone levels, genetic influences, and early and later life experiences have been suggested as playing roles in development of transgender identities. The present review considers existing and emerging toxicologic data that may also support an environmental chemical contribution to some transgender identities, and suggest the possibility of a growing nonbinary brain gender continuum in the human population.

Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of tannic acid supplementation in broilers infected with Salmonella Typhimurium.

Infection by Salmonella Typhimurium, a food-borne pathogen, can reduce the poultry production efficiency. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tannic acid (TA) supplementation on growth performance, Salmonella colonization, gut barrier integrity, serum endotoxin levels, antioxidant capacity, gut health, and immune function in broilers infected with the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium nalidixic acid resistant strain (STNR). A total of 546 one-day-old broilers were arbitrarily allocated into 6 treatments including 1) Sham-challenged control (SCC; birds fed a basal diet and administrated peptone water); 2) Challenged control (CC; birds fed a basal diet and inoculated with 108 STNR); 3) Tannic acid 0.25 (TA0.25; CC + 0.25 g/kg TA); 4) TA0.5 (CC + 0.5 g/kg TA); 5) TA1 (CC + 1 g/kg TA); and 6) TA2 (CC + 2 g/kg TA). On D 7, supplemental TA linearly reduced STNR colonization in the ceca (P < 0.01), and TA1 and TA2 group had significantly lower reduced STNR colonization in the ceca (P < 0.01). On D 7 to 21, average daily gain tended to be linearly increased by supplemental TA (P = 0.097). The serum endotoxin levels were quadratically decreased by supplemental TA on D 21 (P < 0.05). Supplemental TA quadratically increased ileal villus height (VH; P < 0.05), and the TA0.25 group had higher ileal VH compared to the CC group (P < 0.05). Supplemental TA linearly increased percentage of peripheral blood CD8+ T cells on D 18 (P < 0.01). The TA0.5 group had significantly lower lymphocyte numbers compared to the CC groups (P < 0.05). The abundance of monocytes linearly increased with TA supplementation (P < 0.01). Therefore, broilers fed TA had reduced STNR colonization, increased growth performance, decreased serum endotoxin levels, enhanced gut health in the broilers, and stimulated the immune system in broilers infected with STNR. Supplementation of TA (1-2 g/kg) enhanced growth performance and gut health via antimicrobial and immunostimulatory effects in broilers infected with STNR.

Working Dog Service, Harmful Agent Exposure and Decontamination.

Working dogs are widely used by service professionals and the military for diverse roles that include sentry, patrol, messenger, tracking, search and rescue, law enforcement, apprehension, as well as explosives and narcotics detection. The expected tasks performed are in many ways determined by the breed, which is customarily a German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, Beagle, or Belgium Malinois. Working dogs may be subject to injury from dangerous work environments or harmful agent exposure. Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been developed for such dogs, but may impede performance of duties or be poorly tolerated. Canine-specific field-use ready decontamination techniques and kits are therefore needed for use on working dogs that have encountered a harmful agent exposure. This report briefly reviews the development of the military working dog and examines personal protective equipment and decontamination techniques for working dogs after exposure to harmful biologic or chemical agents.

Brief Communication: Predictive Value of Veterinary Student Application Data for Performance in Clinical Year 4.

Student application packages for admission to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine currently include the following information: undergraduate grade point average (GPA), GPA in science courses, GPA in non-science courses, GPA for the last 45 hours (GPALast45hrs), Graduate Record Examination Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning (GRE-QV) score, GRE Analytical Writing (GRE-AW) score, and grades for 10 required prerequisite courses. From these data, an academics score of up to 70 points is calculated. Faculty reviewers also score each applicant up to a maximum of 30 points (FileScore), giving a total possible score of 100 points. Previous analyses demonstrated that the file score and academic variables are significantly related to first-year GPA of veterinary students; however, it is unknown how these variables relate to performance in clinical rotations. The present study pooled the two most recent graduating classes to compare each academic score component to student clinical rotation grades received during year 4 (CGrYr4) in the teaching hospital. Only one component of the student application packages-the pre-admission GRE-QV score-significantly correlated with CGrYr4.

Clinical tolerance of dexamethasone in New Zealand white rabbits.

Rabbits have been a popular pet and research species world-wide. In many clinical and research situations, controlling inflammation is necessary for the health of these animals. One of the first drugs commonly employed in veterinary medicine to suppress inflammatory responses is corticosteroids. Unfortunately, steroid use in rabbits is not universally accepted as they are perceived, based on their potent immunosuppressant activity, to negatively impact quality of life. This is may be due, in part, to the lack of well-developed dosing protocols in these animals. This study evaluated the impact of a 5-day IM dexamethasone (Dex, 0.5 mg/kg) protocol on the immunity and clinical health of the New Zealand rabbit. Through two experiments separated by a 10-day washout period, experiment 1 comprised 5-days of dosing with bleedings on day 0, 3, 5 and 7, where experiment 2 consisted of 5-days of dosing with bleedings on day 0, 3 and 5. Animals were monitored twice daily for changes in clinical health. Hematology, T cell subset phenotype, leukocyte cell cycle, histopathology, phagocytosis and oxidative formation were evaluated. Consistent with other species, 5-day dosing with Dex suppressed leukocytes, in particular the T cells (p ≤ 0.003). Interestingly, rabbits failed to show any adverse clinical signs throughout the entire study. This would imply that a 5-day IM Dex (0.5 mg/kg) dosing protocol is well tolerated by New Zealand white rabbits and could be used in rabbits suffering from inflammatory conditions or disease as long as the animal's immune status is closely monitored.

Predictive Value of Veterinary Student Application Data for Class Rank at End of Year 1.

Student applications for admission to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine include the following information: undergraduate grade point average (GPA), GPA in science courses (GPAScience), GPA for the last 45 credit hours (GPALast45hrs), results for the Graduate Record Examination Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning Measures (GRE-QV), results for the GRE Analytical Writing Measure (GRE-AW), and grades received for 10 required prerequisite courses. In addition, three faculty members independently review and score subjective information in applicants' files (FileScore). The admissions committee determines a composite Admission Score (AdmScore), which is based on GPA, GPAScience, GPALast45hrs, GRE-QV, GRE-AW, and the FileScore. The AdmScore is generally perceived to be a good predictor of class rank at the end of year 1 (CREY1). However, this has not been verified, nor has it been determined which components of the AdmScore have the strongest correlation with CREY1. The present study therefore compared each component of the AdmScore for correlation with CREY1, for the three classes admitted in 2015, 2016 and 2017 (Class15, Class16, Class17). Results suggest that only a few components of the application file are needed to make strong predictive statements about the academic success of veterinary students during the first year of the curriculum.

Improvement of Spatial and Non-verbal General Reasoning Abilities in Female Veterinary Medical Students Over the First 64 Weeks of an Integrated Curriculum.

Spatial visualization ability is defined as the ability to mentally rotate two- and three-dimensional figures. Visual reasoning is the ability to manipulate mental images of an object to reach a certain conclusion and has been linked to spatial ability. There is currently limited information about how entry-level spatial and visual reasoning abilities may be enhanced with progression through the rigorous veterinary medical curriculum. The present study made use of two tests that measure spatial ability and one test that measures non-verbal general reasoning ability in female veterinary students: Guay's Visualization of Views Test, Adapted Version (VVT), Mental Rotations Test (MRT), and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test, short form (APMT). Tests were given immediately before commencing the integrated veterinary medical curriculum (T0), at week 32 (T1), and at week 64 (T2) into the program. Results showed improved spatial visualization ability as measured by VVT and MRT and improved non-verbal general reasoning ability as measured by APMT at both 32 and 64 weeks. The spatial ability scores measured by VVT and MRT showed a positive correlation with non-verbal general reasoning ability scores (APMT), supporting the idea that these abilities are linked.

Entry-Level Spatial and General Non-verbal Reasoning: Can These Abilities be Used as a Predictor for Anatomy Performance in Veterinary Medical Students?

There is currently limited available information, but growing interest, in possible relationships between spatial visualization skills in medical students and their academic performance in select areas of the curriculum such as radiographic interpretation and anatomy. There is very limited comparable information on how entry-level spatial visualization skills may correlate with macroscopic anatomy performance in veterinary medical students exposed to an integrated curriculum. The present study made use of a battery of two short tests that measure spatial ability: Guay's visualization of views test (VVT) and mental rotation test (MRT) and, one test that measures general non-verbal reasoning abilities: Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test, short form (APMT). Tests were given to 1st-year veterinary medical students (n = 124) immediately before commencing the integrated veterinary medical curriculum. Results show there is a positive correlation between entry-level spatial ability and non-verbal general reasoning scores confirming these abilities are linked (r: +0.22 and +0.3 for VVT/APMT and MRT/APMT respectively). The dispersion and inconsistency of significant positive correlation between anatomy practical exams grade and spatial and general reasoning scores suggest these abilities either do not correlate with anatomy practical exams grade or, are overcome with progression through the anatomy courses. Males scored higher than females in the spatial ability tests: 16.59 vs. 12.06 for VVT (p = 0.01) and 19.0 vs. 14.68 for MRT (p = 0.01). Scores for APMT did not show a significant difference by gender.

Environmental Lead and Wild Birds: A Review.

Lead is a persistent inorganic environmental pollutant that affects humans and animals worldwide. Avian species are especially susceptible to lead exposure through consumption of lead ammunition, lead fishing tackle, and other contaminated food sources such as aquatic species ingesting lead contaminated sediments in mining areas. Even with government regulations on the use of lead ammunition in many countries, including the United States, terrestrial, aquatic, predatory, and scavenger avian species are still at risk of exposure to potentially lethal concentrations of lead. The toxicities seen in these avian species include increased oxidative stress and decreased anti-oxidant enzymes in hepatic and renal tissue. The avian immune system is also a target of lead and displays a number of altered functions suggestive of immune suppression; however, studies in wildlife and laboratory species remain too limited for definitive statements with regard to population risk. In contrast, lead clearly inhibits reproductive capabilities in adult birds, and alters growth and development of hatchlings. Environmental remediation for lead removal, which would lower toxic exposure in wildlife, presently is a monumental and prohibitively expensive effort. Wildlife exposure will therefore continue in contaminated areas, necessitating development of new remediation practices. These plans should aim toward limiting more widespread or heavier contamination of wildlife habitats. This chapter reviews presently available information of lead toxicity in wild bird species, and suggests continued monitoring and reduction strategies to reduce lead exposure for at-risk avian populations.

Ingestion of a Single 2.3 mm Lead Pellet by Laying Roller Pigeon Hens Reduces Egg Size and Adversely Affects F1 Generation Hatchlings.

Many aquatic and terrestrial avian species inadvertently ingest lead (Pb) in the form of spent or fragmented ammunition, mistaking it for food or grit. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that ingestion of even a single 45-mg pellet can significantly increase blood-Pb levels and significantly inhibit the enzyme delta aminolevulinic-acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) for a period of greater than 4 weeks. In the current study, proven breeder pairs of domestic Roller pigeons were housed in individual cages. The hens were orally gavaged with dH2O vehicle, a single #9 Pb pellet (2.0 mm/45 mg) or a single #7.5 Pb pellet (2.3 mm/95 mg), placed back with the cock bird and allowed to mate for two consecutive clutches. The eggs were monitored for fertilization, shell damage, egg weight, and length during the 16- to 18-day incubation period. Hatchlings remained with the hen and cock through the weaning period (28-35 days post hatch) and were monitored for weight, development, and mortality. Weanling blood was collected for blood-Pb levels, δ-ALAD activity, red blood cell counts, total protein, and packed cell volume. Following euthanasia, weanling liver, spleen, kidney, sciatic nerve, thymus, and brain were collected for histopathology. Egg weight and length were significantly decreased in the #7.5 Pb pellet treatment group for the first clutch, and hatchling weight 7 days post hatch also was significantly less in the #7.5 Pb pellet treatment group during the first clutch. Histopathologic analysis showed increased lesions in liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus of the Pb-treated weanlings, during both the first and second clutch compared with the non-Pb-treated weanlings. These data suggest that maternal consumption of a single 95-mg Pb pellet can adversely impact egg size and hatchling organ development.

Spatial and Visual Reasoning: Do These Abilities Improve in First-Year Veterinary Medical Students Exposed to an Integrated Curriculum?

Spatial visualization ability refers to the human cognitive ability to form, retrieve, and manipulate mental models of spatial nature. Visual reasoning ability has been linked to spatial ability. There is currently limited information about how entry-level spatial and visual reasoning abilities may predict veterinary anatomy performance or may be enhanced with progression through the veterinary anatomy content in an integrated curriculum. The present study made use of two tests that measure spatial ability and one test that measures visual reasoning ability in veterinary students: Guay's Visualization of Views Test, adapted version (GVVT), the Mental Rotations Test (MRT), and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test, short form (RavenT). The tests were given to the entering class of veterinary students during their orientation week and at week 32 in the veterinary medical curriculum. Mean score on the MRT significantly increased from 15.2 to 20.1, and on the RavenT significantly increased from 7.5 to 8.8. When females only were evaluated, results were similar to the total class outcome; however, all three tests showed significant increases in mean scores. A positive correlation between the pre- and post-test scores was found for all three tests. The present results should be considered preliminary at best for associating anatomic learning in an integrated curriculum with spatial and visual reasoning abilities. Other components of the curriculum, for instance histology or physiology, could also influence the improved spatial visualization and visual reasoning test scores at week 32.

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS--RADIOGRAPHIC, ULTRASONOGRAPHIC, COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC, AND FLUOROSCOPIC APPEARANCE OF A DISTAL PELVIC LIMB ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATION IN A YOUNG GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG.

A German shepherd puppy presented for evaluation of a suspected arteriovenous fistula on the distal aspect of the right pelvic limb. Radiographs demonstrated expansion and resorption of the tarsal and metatarsal bones, and ultrasound detected a vascular abnormality. Using computed tomographic angiography, a complex arteriovenous malformation (AVM) involving the distal tibia, tarsus, and the metatarsus and an osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion of the talus were identified. Based on these findings, therapeutic limb amputation was performed. Fluoroscopic angiography, vascular casting, and dissection were then used to further characterize features of this previously unreported AVM with concurrent bony lesions and OCD.

Influence of collection time on hematologic and immune markers in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).

Crocodilians are important keystone species and indicators of environmental health. Much remains unknown, however regarding utility of field-collected crocodilian blood samples for ecologic assessments. Field sampling sites are also often distant to analysis centers, necessitating development of new techniques and panels of assays that will yield environmentally relevant data. Stability and viability of hematological and immunological indices have been of particular interest for linking ecosystem health to biomarkers in resident species. In this study, we investigated the effect of time at analysis post-blood sampling at 4 and 24 hr on a panel of potential biomarkers in alligator blood. Our results suggest alligator blood samples can be reliably evaluated for both hematologic and immunologic profile 24 hr after sampling.

Serine protease inhibition attenuates rIL-12-induced GZMA activity and proinflammatory events by modulating the Th2 profile from estrogen-treated mice.

Estrogen has potent immunomodulatory effects on proinflammatory responses, which can be mediated by serine proteases. We now demonstrate that estrogen increased the extracellular expression and IL-12-induced activity of a critical member of serine protease family Granzyme A, which has been shown to possess a novel inflammatory persona. The inhibition of serine protease activity with inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride significantly diminished enhanced production of proinflammatory interferon-γ, IL-1ß, IL-1α, and Granzyme A activity even in the presence of a Th1-inducing cytokine, IL-12 from splenocytes from in vivo estrogen-treated mice. Inhibition of serine protease activity selectively promoted secretion of Th2-specific IL-4, nuclear phosphorylated STAT6A, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)6A translocation, and STAT6A DNA binding in IL-12-stimulated splenocytes from estrogen-treated mice. Inhibition with 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride reversed the down-regulation of Th2 transcription factors, GATA3 and c-Maf in splenocytes from estrogen-exposed mice. Although serine protease inactivation enhanced the expression of Th2-polarizing factors, it did not reverse estrogen-modulated decrease of phosphorylated STAT5, a key factor in Th2 development. Collectively, data suggest that serine protease inactivity augments the skew toward a Th2-like profile while down-regulating IL-12-induced proinflammatory Th1 biomolecules upon in vivo estrogen exposure, which implies serine proteases as potential regulators of inflammation. Thus, these studies may provide a potential mechanism underlying the immunomodulatory effect of estrogen and insight into new therapeutic strategies for proinflammatory and female-predominant autoimmune diseases.

Parabens: potential impact of low-affinity estrogen receptor binding chemicals on human health.

Parabens, alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, are widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and as food additives to inhibit microbial growth and extend product shelf life. Consumers of these compounds are frequently exposed via the skin, lips, eyes, oral mucosa, nails, and hair. Parabens are estrogenic molecules but exert weaker activity than natural estrogens, which would imply a low risk. Consistent with this idea, a number of recent commission reports from different countries suggested that parabens pose a negligible endocrine-disrupting risk at the recommended doses. However, individuals are not routinely exposed to a single paraben, and most of the available paraben toxicity data, reviewed in these reports, are from single-exposure studies. Further, assessing the additive and cumulative risk of multiple paraben exposure from daily use of multiple cosmetic and/or personal care products is presently not possible based on current studies. In this review, current and recent studies of paraben exposure and public health policies as well as critical gaps in the knowledge are discussed and new research directions regarding multiple exposures and novel target cohorts are recommended.

Dosing of adult pigeons with as little as one #9 lead pellet caused severe δ-ALAD depression, suggesting potential adverse effects in wild populations.

Avian wildlife species commonly ingest lead (Pb) spent shot or bullet fragments as grit or mistakenly as food. In previous studies in our laboratory and others, the toxicity varied based on the diet as well as type and quantity of Pb ingested. In the current study, domestic pigeons were gavaged with 1, 2, or 3 Pb pellets and then followed with weekly radiographs and blood physiologic endpoints for 28 days. Pellet retention decreased by roughly 50 % per week as pellets were either absorbed or excreted, except for week 4 where pellet number no longer was diminished. Size of retained pellets visually decreased over retention time. Birds dosed with a single #9 pellet showed mean blood Pb levels over 80 times higher than those of the controls, verifying Pb pellet absorption from the gut. A single Pb pellet also reduced plasma δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity by over 80 % compared to controls, suggesting the potential for population injury in Pb pellet-exposed pigeons.

Oral lead bullet fragment exposure in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus).

Lead (Pb) is a worldwide environmental contaminant known to adversely affect multiple organ systems in both mammalian and avian species. In birds, a common route of exposure is via oral ingestion of lead particles. Data are currently lacking for the retention and clearance of Pb bullet fragments in gastrointestinal (GI) tract of birds while linking toxicity with blood Pb levels. In the present study, northern bobwhite quail fed a seed-based diet were orally gavaged with Pb bullet fragments (zero, one or five fragments/bird) and evaluated for rate of fragment clearance, and changes in peripheral blood, renal, immune, and gastrointestinal parameters. Based on radiographs, the majority of the birds cleared or absorbed the fragments by seven days, with the exception of one five-fragment bird which took between 7 and 14 days. Blood Pb levels were higher in males than females, which may be related to egg production in females. In males but not females, feed consumption, body weight gain, packed cell volume (PCV), plasma protein concentration, and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity were all adversely affected by five Pb fragments. Birds of both sexes that received a single Pb fragment displayed depressed δ-ALAD, suggesting altered hematologic function, while all birds dosed with five bullet fragments exhibited greater morbidity.

Prenatal TCDD causes persistent modulation of the postnatal immune response, and exacerbates inflammatory disease, in 36-week-old lupus-like autoimmune SNF1 mice.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to the persistent environmental pollutant and model Ah receptor agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), has been shown to permanently suppress postnatal cell-mediated immunity. More recently, skewing of select adult T and B cell responses toward enhanced inflammation has also been described in C57BL/6 mice after prenatal TCDD. This raises questions about adverse postnatal immune consequences of prenatal TCDD in animals genetically predisposed to inappropriate inflammatory responses. METHODS: Lupus-prone SNF(1) mice were exposed to 0, 40, or 80 µg/kg TCDD on gestation day (gd) 12 and examined at 36 weeks-of-age for immunomodulatory effects that correlated with worsened lupus pathology. RESULTS: Bone marrow pro- and large pre-B cells were decreased by prenatal TCDD, in both adult male and female mice, as were pre- and immature B cells. Splenic CD23(-) CD1(hi) and CD19(+) CD5(+) B cells were increased in males, as were B220(hi) B cells in females, further suggesting persistent disruption of B cell lymphopoiesis by prenatal TCDD. Female mice displayed decreased IL-10 production by ConA-activated splenocytes, while males underproduced IL-4. Autoreactive CD4(+) Vß17a(+) spleen T cells were increased in both sexes by 80 µg/kg TCDD. Male mice but not females showed increased anti-ds DNA and cardiolipin autoantibody levels. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal TCDD augmented the hallmark indicators of SLE progression in the lupus-prone SNF(1) mice, including renal immune complex deposition, glomerulonephritis, and mesangial proliferation. Prenatal TCDD therefore caused persistent modulation of the postnatal immune response, and exacerbated inflammatory disease, in lupus-like autoimmune SNF(1) mice.

Prenatal TCDD in mice increases adult autoimmunity.

Two immunologically different mouse strains, C57BL/6 and SNF(1), were exposed to a mid-gestation dose of TCDD. The C57BL/6 mouse has a high-affinity aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and is sensitive to TCDD. The SNF(1) mouse has a low-affinity AhR but spontaneously develops autoimmune nephritis. Autoreactive Vß(+)CD4(+)17a and Vß(+)CD3(+) T cells were increased at 24-weeks-of-age in offspring of C57BL/6 mice, more so in females than males. The cytokine IFN-γ was elevated in the females, while IL-10 was elevated in males. Phenotypic changes in B-lineage cells were present in bone marrow and spleen, and circulating autoantibodies were increased after prenatal TCDD. Kidneys of males showed significant anti-IgG and anti-C3 deposition, suggesting early-stage autoimmune disease. The SNF(1) offspring similarly showed increased peripheral Vß(+) cells in the females, increased autoantibody production in both sexes, and increased IFN-γ production in females. Male SNF(1) mice had increased anti-IgG and anti-C3 deposition in kidneys. Both mouse models therefore showed clear signatures of enhanced autoimmunity after prenatal TCDD.