Bacterial Contamination of Boar Semen and its Relationship to Sperm Quality Preserved in Commercial Extender Containing Gentamicin Sulfate.

This study was designed to determine the degree and type of bacterial contamination in boar semen (79 ejaculates from Large White and Landrace boars) and its consequences for sperm quality during storage (27 extended semen samples, 16°C for five days) under practical conditions of artificial insemination (AI). The results revealed the presence of aerobic bacteria in 99% of the ejaculates (from 80 to 370 ×106 colony-forming units/mL). Most of the ejaculates contained two or three bacterial contaminants, while the Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas bacterial genera were most frequently isolated. Also detected were Enterobacter spp., Bacillus spp., Proteus spp., Escherichia coli, P. fluorescens, and P. aeruginosa. In general, the growth of certain bacterial types isolated prior to semen processing (Enterobacter spp., E. coli, P. fluorescens, and P. aeruginosa) was not discovered on different days of storage, but fluctuations (with a tendency towards increases) were found in the frequencies of Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Staphylococcus spp. isolates up to the end of storage. Semen preserved for five days exhibited decreases in sperm motility and increases in the average number of total aerobic bacteria; this was associated with sperm agglutination, plasma membrane disruption, and acrosome damage. We inferred that, due to the different degrees and types of bacterial contaminants in the boar ejaculates, the inhibitory activity of some antimicrobial agents used in swine extenders (such as gentamicin sulfate) may be limited. Because such agents can contribute to the overgrowth of certain aerobic bacteria and a reduction in the quality of stored semen, procedures with high standards of hygiene and microbiological control should be used when processing boar semen.

Circannual changes in serum concentrations of thyroxine, calcitonin and parathormone in immature and mature red deer females (Cervus elaphus).

The aim of this study was to determine circannual changes in the serum concentrations of thyroxine, calcitonin and parathormone in mature and immature red deer females. Blood samples from 8 hinds were collected monthly for 26 months. Secretions of thyroxine and calcitonin showed circannual rhythms with significantly higher levels in the immature hinds compared to the mature animals (p<0.05). For thyroxine, the concentration was higher in the winter/spring period than in summer/autumn (p<0.05), while for calcitonin the concentration profile was the opposite (p<0.05). The concentration of parathormone was significantly higher in summer/autumn that in the other months of the experiment (p<0.01). These results may indicate that the hormones investigated may be involved in the regulation of seasonal reproductive activity and in processes contributing to entering puberty in red deer females.

Serum selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium content in testes of Polish Konik horses from selenium--deficient area in North-Western Poland.

The aim of this study was to determine serum selenium concentrations in Polish Konik horses residing in the Odra Delta Nature Park (Poland) and to evaluate the activity of glutathione peroxidase and Se content in testes of this horse breed. In over 95% of cases, serum Se concentration was below the optimal range, and none of the horses examined was deficient in this trace element. The lack of Se deficiency in the animals examined suggests however, that the Polish Konik horses have a natural ability to the optimal use of nutrients available in their life area. Testicular content of Se and GSHPx activity in the colts was higher than those found in stallions, and a positive relationship between these antioxidants was demonstrated. The differences in Se contents and GSHPx activities in testes between colts and stallions suggest that selenoenzymes play important roles during the puberty of male horses.

[Anterior petrosal approach - analysis of the surgical technique in cadavers simulation]. / Dostep skalisty przedni - analiza techniki operacyjnej na podstawie symulacji na zwlokach.

The aim of the study was to present consecutive stages of the anterior petrosal approach (APA). Eight simulations of APA were performed on non-fixed human cadavers without any known pathologies of the head and neck. The consecutive stages of the procedure were documented with photographs and schemes. The starting point for APA is a temporal craniotomy and extradural exposition of the base of the middle cranial fossa. Mobilisation of the trigeminal nerve allows for removal of the apex of the petrous bone. Approach to the upper part of the clivus is achieved by elevation of the temporal lobe and section of the tentorium and superior petrosal sinus with surrounding dura. Anterior petrosal approach is a reproducible technique, which provides surgical penetration of the upper clivus and related regions. This approach is particularly useful in the treatment of tumors of the mentioned above anatomical areas.

[Posterior petrosal approach - analysis of the surgical technique in cadavers simulation]. / Dostep skalisty tylny - analiza techniki operacyjnej na podstawie symulacji na zwlokach.

The aim of the study was to present consecutive stages of the posterior petrosal approach (PPA). Eighteen simulations of PPA were performed on non-fixed human cadavers without any known pathologies in the head and neck. The consecutive stages of the procedure were documented with photographs and schemes. The starting point for PPA is a temporal craniotomy, suboccipital craniectomy and mastoidectomy with keeping the bony labyrinth intact. Approach to the middle part of the clivus is achieved by raise of the temporal lobe and section of the superior petrosal sinus and tentorium and by mobilization the sigmoid sinus. Posterior petrosal approach is a reproducible technique, which provides surgical penetration of the middle clivus and related regions. It reduces the operating distance and allows to limit the cerebellum and temporal lobe traction and to preserve the anatomic integrity of the brain stem and cranial nerves of the cerebellopontine angle.

Meningiomas of the upper and middle part of the clivus and surrounding structures: early and long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Meningiomas of the upper and middle parts of the clivus and surrounding structures are removed using petrosal approaches: anterior, posterior, combined and complete. The purpose of this study is to show the results of treatment of these meningiomas and to present our interpretation of the treatment strategy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients (17 women, 9 men) were included in the study. The neurological status of the patients was assessed before and after surgery as well as at the conclusion of the treatment. The following measurements and data were collected and recorded: approximate volume of the treated lesion, its relation to large blood vessels, cranial nerves and the brainstem, as well as tumour consistency and vascularisation. RESULTS: Symptoms duration ranged from 1 to 60 months (median: 16 months). In 57.7% of patients, imbalance was the predominant sign. Less frequent symptoms were: head-aches, dysacusis and hemiparesis. Approximate volumes of the tumours ranged from 4 to 65 mL (mean: 32 mL). Total or subtotal resection was achieved in 73.1% of patients. The patients' performance improved postoperatively in 34.5%, remained unchanged in 46.2% and deteriorated in 11.5% of patients. Two (7.8%) patients died after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The use of petrosal approaches in the surgical treatment of meningiomas of the upper and middle parts of the clivus and the surrounding structures facilitates good or at least satisfactory neurological outcome with a high proportion of complete resections and relatively low mortality.

Factors Affecting Breathing Capacity and Early Tracheal Extubation After Liver Transplantation: Analysis of 506 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Early extubation is a standard procedure after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: The preoperative and perioperative data of 506 adult patients undergoing LT from July 2000 to March 2015 were analyzed. The goal of this study was to determine preoperative and perioperative independent predictors of early tracheal extubation. RESULTS: Of the 506 study patients, 73.7% were extubated early after LT. Patients in this group exhibited better preoperative and perioperative outcomes. However, according to multivariate logistic regression analysis, only 3 parameters were independent predictors of early extubation: initial hemoglobin concentration (odds ratio [OR], 1.187 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.033-1.364]), application of epidural anesthesia (OR, 2.762 [95% CI, 1.025-7.445), and units of perioperative packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma transfused (OR, 0.919 [95% CI, 0.888-0.952]). CONCLUSIONS: Early extubation of patients undergoing LT is a safe and widely used procedure. However, the decision regarding this procedure should be made after thorough analysis of the patient's current status, the course of operation, and the patient's preoperative parameters. Based on our findings, we believe that the decision regarding early extubation can be aided by taking into account the patient's initial hemoglobin concentration, the number of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma transfused during surgery, and pain control by application of a thoracic epidural catheter.

Analysis of Annual Changes in the Concentrations of Selected Macro- and Microelements, Thyroxine, and Testosterone in the Serum of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Stags.

The aim of the study was to analyze seasonal changes in the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium as well as thyroxine and testosterone in adult red deer stags. The highest testosterone concentrations (mean 6.29±4.36 ng/ml) were observed from the end of August to November, confirming an increase in testicular secretory activity during the mating season. The changes in thyroxine concentration show circannual rhythms, most likely related to changes in the air temperature. The highest mean level of thyroxine was observed in spring (55.69±10.99 ng/ml). The concentration of selenium also reached the highest level during this season (0.107±0.027 µg/ml). In the case of the studied macroelements, the concentrations were stable from spring to summer but then decreased to the lowest mean values in autumn in both years of the experiment (Ca, 61.17±10.60; P, 47.08±9.59; Mg, 15.96±2.39 µg/ml). The dynamics of thyroxine secretion does not seem to affect directly the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. In turn, sexual activity, manifested in the increase in secretion of testosterone, may affect changes in the concentration of calcium. Additionally, we cannot exclude a connection between changes in the concentrations of testosterone and selenium.

Cyclic nucleotides in chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes.

The influence of irradiation or surgical removal of one of two central lymphatic organs (thymus, bursa) on cAMP and cGMP intracellular concentration in chicken lymphocytes was studied. Results revealed drastic changes mainly in cAMP concentration in thymectomized or bursectomized chickens. Possible consequences of the above changes on the maturation, differentiation and proliferation of lymphocytes were discussed.

Cyclic nucleotides in chicken bursocytes and thymocytes.

Bursocytes and thymocytes of chickens previously subjected to surgical removal of thymus or bursa Fabrici or to rtg irradiation, were analyzed for the level of cyclic nucleotides. As observed, regardless of the origin of the lymphocytes cells, cAMP was quantitatively prevailing; cGMP amount was smaller in most cases. As for the absolute values, the level of cyclic nucleotides was highest in bursocytes and lowest in peripheral blood lymphocytes (control). Biological consequences of these relations were discussed.

Immunosuppressive properties of yeast extract.

Autolysate of yeast extract exhibits immunosuppressive properties. It inhibits phytohemagglutinin stimulated incorporation of 13C thymidine to rabbit lymphocytes. When administered to mice after immunization with sheep erythrocytes, it suppresses the appearance in the spleen of IgM antibody-producing cells (PFC). It also prolongs the survival time of skin allotransplants in mouse if given before and after transplantation.

Pharmacologic studies on anti-inflammatory activity of di- and triketopiperidine derivatives.

A number of derivatives of piperidine-2,4,6-trione and oxazine-2,4-dione with cyclohexyl and allyl substituents at their ring were evaluated pharmacologically. Piperidine-2,4,6-trione compounds, regardless of type of substituent, were readily absorbed from the site of their introduction and displayed similar biological activity. Introduction of the N-cyclohexylcarboxamide substituent diminished general toxicity of the derivative and increased anti-inflammatory activity in all tests. The oxazine-4,6-dione derivatives were poorly absorbed. The bis-(1-cyclohexyl-5,5-diallyl-piperidine-2,4,6-trione) derivative, product of condensation of two molecules of a simpler compound, was very well absorbed, strongly toxic, and showed distinct anti-inflammatory activity. Limited correlation between chemical structure and biological activity was noted, supporting the concept that introduction of cyclohexyl and allyl radicals imparts anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity to derivatives of this type.

Effect of a proline-rich polypeptide on IgG level in Chickens.

We have previously shown that a proline-rich polypeptide (PRP) from ovine colostrum expresses an immunoregulatory activity in mice on humoral and cellular immune response. The results presented in this communication show that PRP also modulates the immune response in chickens. PRP administered to the chickens in portions before, simultaneously or after the antigen, stimulated the antibody production. The enhancement of the immune response was also observed when a single dose was injected to the chicken before or simultaneously with the antigen. On the other hand, the single doses of PRP applied to the chickens after the immunization caused an inhibition of the production of antibodies.

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in chickens.

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in chickens of the inbred lines IC, CB, WB and (CBxIC)F1 hybrids was investigated. The IC line and (CBxIC)F1 hybrids gave the best reactions. In bursectomized chickens only slight changes in brain were observed. The intensity of EAE in thymectomized chickens was highly suppressed. Using the anti-T and anti-B sera it was shown that, the percentage of EAE of B lymphocytes was increased. Among the used several immunosuppressive drugs which generally decreased inflammatory reactions in brain the best results were observed with azathioprine and actinomycin D. Moreover, cyclophosphamide gave the worse results which was shown in the same experiments. The aim of our experiments was to define the role of thymus and bursa of Fabricius and peripheral B and T lymphocytes in the course of EAE. Moreover, the effect of immunosuppressive drugs on EAE was studied.

Graft versus host reaction induced by thymectomized and bursectomized chicken blood.

Graft versus host reaction in chicken embryos was induced by blood taken from thymectomized or bursectomized or nonoperated donors. The intensity of graft versus host reaction induced by the blood of thymectomized chickens was increased comparing to the reaction induced by blood from control donors. No such result was recorded when the blood donors had the bursa of Fabricius removed.

Anti-T and anti-B cell sera in modulation of humoral and cellular reactivity induced by spinal antigen in chickens.

Specific anti-T and anti-B cell sera were used in treatment of allergic encephalomyelitis in chickens. The therapeutic effectivity of anti-T cell serum was very low. Unexpectedly, anti-B as well as normal serum amplified inflammatory reactions in the central nervous system. T and B cell count in peripheral blood was reduced according to the type of antiserum used. Alterations in the anti-myelin IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies level were typical for the course of allergic encephalomyelitis. Mechanisms of activity of anti-T and anti-B cell sera are discussed. We also show that the disease within the central nervous system is accompanied by the symptoms resulting from repeated administration of the xenogeneic sera.

The influence of thymus hormones on the NK cells activity.

The influence of thymus hormone preparations on NK cell activity was studied. The following preparations were used: crude extract from calf thymus (TFX), its fraction V (TFX V) and synthetic pentapeptide (TP-5) fragment of native hemopoietin. It was shown that all preparations under study activate NK cells in vitro. The weakest effect was observed in the case of TFX, while both TFX V and TP-5 showed equally good stimulatory properties. The obtained results are discussed. The weak effect of the crude TFX is probably caused by the fact that it contains only 15% of fraction V which is responsible for affinity to the immune system.

Behavior of haptoglobin in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in chickens.

Concentration of haptoglobin (Hpc) in serum of chickens with inflammation and allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was determined. Chickens with aseptic inflammatory state revealed 2.5 times higher concentration of Hpc while in the course of EAE only small increase was observed. Administration of immunomodulator--isoprinosine, resulted in elevation of Hpc level as compared to nontreated chickens.

Investigations on pharmacological and immunological properties of imuthiol.

An observation was made that imuthiol exerts inhibitory effect on hemolysins forming cells (PFC) and on NK cells activity. It also reduces the number of T lymphocytes (in vitro), increases the activity of interleukin-1 and of the lymph node permeability factor. Well recognized is also its protective effect on thymocytes against hydrocortisone. Imuthiol was found to enhance rosette formation and to stimulate stem cells and partly suppressor cells. It reduces the level of cAMP. Its effect on the circulatory system is negligible.

Russel bodies-containing cells in the Harderian gland of the chicken in relation to different immune conditions.

The modulation of the number of Russel bodies-containing plasma cells in the Harderian gland under different experimentally induced immune conditions is reported. The findings support the conception of an immunologic function of the Harderian gland which is similar to the function of the thymus on the one hand, and to the function of the bursa of Fabricius on the other.