The electrocardiographic Holter monitoring in experimental veterinary practice.

The long-term electrocardiographic recording with retrospective evaluation (Holter system) has been widely used not only in cardiology, but also in other disciplines of internal medicine and in pharmaceutical research. The Holter system can be used in mini-pig, sheep, dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, and rat. In this paper hardware, software, and anesthesia requirements are summarized with respect to the experimental work with various species. As the Holter systems work in bipolar mode, the use of bipolar leads in sagittal and transversal planes has been proved to be the most appropriate because of large amplitude of QRS complex and uncomplicated consequent automatic analysis of the record. In conclusion, Holter electrocardiography represents a simple and applicable method for monitoring the electrical activity of the heart in small animals' experimental studies.

Coupling activation of pro-apoptotic caspases with autophagy in the Meckel´s cartilage.

Mammalian Meckel´s cartilage is a temporary structure associated with mandible development. Notably, its elimination is not executed by apoptosis, and autophagy was suggested as the major mechanism. Simultaneous reports point to pro-apoptotic caspases as novel participants in autophagic pathways in general. The aim of this research was to find out whether activation of pro-apoptotic caspases (-2, -3, -6, -7, -8 and -9) was associated with autophagy of the Meckel´s cartilage chondrocytes. Active caspases were examined in serial histological sections of mouse mandible using immunodetection and were correlated with incidence of autophagy based on Beclin-1 expression. Caspase-2 and caspase-8 were found in Beclin-1 positive regions, whereas caspase-3, -6, -7 and -9 were not present. Caspase-8 was further correlated with Fas/FasL and HIF-1alpha, potential triggers for its activation. Some Fas and FasL positivity was observed in the chondrocytes but caspase-8 activation was found also in FasL deficient cartilage. HIF-1alpha was abundantly present in the hypertrophic chondrocytes. Taken together, caspase-8 activation in the Meckel´s cartilage was demonstrated for the first time. Caspase-8 and caspase-2 were the only pro-apoptotic caspases detected in the Beclin-1 positive segment of the cartilage. Activation of caspase-8 appears FasL/Fas independent but may be switched on by HIF-1alpha.

Pantoprazole-based dual and triple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in duodenal ulcer and dyspepsia has been achieved using various therapy regimens. The efficacy of protein pump inhibitor pantoprazole as part of these regimens has not been widely studied. METHODOLOGY: During a prospective randomized trial, 250 Hp positive patients with either duodenal ulcer, erosive bulbitis, or gastritis and dyspepsia were treated using 14 days of therapy 1) pantoprazole 40 mg daily and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. (PC), 2) pantoprazole 40 mg daily and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. plus amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. (PCA), or 3) bismuth subcitrate 120 mg t.i.d., roxithromycin 150 mg b.i.d., metronidazole 250 mg b.i.d. plus ranitidin 300 mg (BRMR). Hp status was assessed on 3 tests at the inclusion (2-specimen rapid urease test, 2-specimen histology, serology) and 2 tests (2-specimen rapid urease test, 2-specimen histology) 4 weeks after the end of the treatment. RESULTS: The entry criteria was fulfilled in 250 patients, of whom 13 missed the control endoscopy. The treatment had to be discontinued for adverse effects in 8 (10%) BRMR patients, and 1 (1%) PCA patients. Compliance was 100% in the PC group. All ulcers were healed at the end of the study with one exception in the BRMR group. The best eradication rate of Hp was shown by the PCA group with 94.8% (n = 73/77) followed by the PC group with 82.5% (n = 66/80) and finally the BRMR with 67.6% (n = 48/71)-PCA:BRMR - p < 0.001; PC:BRMR-p < 0.001; PCA:PC-p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: This study showed that triple therapy using PPI pantoprazole combined with antibiotics clarithromycin and amoxicillin was very effective in the eradication of Hp and treatment of duodenal ulcer with rare side effects. The dual pantoprazole and clarithromycin therapy had the highest rate of patient compliance, but is less effective than triple therapy. The combination of ranitidin with bismuth based triple therapy had the highest number of adverse events and the lowest rate of Hp eradication and therefore, should not be recommended.

[Secondary hyperparathyroidism in dogs]. / Sekundární hyperparatyreóza psu.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism was found in 20 dogs over the period of 4.5 years; this represents 0.15% of the total number of examined animals. In all cases the dogs of large breeds suffered from this disease, Great Danes prevailed (nine dogs). The animals of the male sex fell ill thirteen times, the bitches seven times. The age of diseased dogs was from 3.5 to 20 months, dogs four to six months old prevailed (Tab. I). The disease was diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination, X-ray finding and biochemical analysis of blood plasma. The clinical picture was dominated by abnormal postures (95%), localized limping (90%), refusal to move (80%) and periosteal pain (65%). An X-ray findings showed reduced radiodensity of the skeleton (94%), weakening the wall of long bones (71%), bowed bend of the forearm (60%) and fractures (fissures) of long bones, or pelvis and vertebrae (59%). The results of blood plasma examination: calcium to phosphorus ratio 1:1 and higher (89%), ALP activity higher than 3 mukat/1 (72%), inorganic phosphorus concentration higher than 2.5 mmol/l and calcium concentration lower than 2.5 mmol/l (Tab. II). The diagnosis of secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism was determined on the basis of anamnestic data, results of clinical and X-ray examination and blood plasma analyses. The analysis of blood plasma also revealed marked azotemia in four patients, while urine examination (proteinuria, hematuria, cylindruria) demonstrated simultaneous affection of the kidneys. Finally, it can be stated that these were all the cases of secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, which was complicated by renal hyperparathyroidism in four cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Preclinical diagnosis of metabolic osteopathy in feedlot bulls]. / Preklinická diagnostika metabolických osteopatií u býku ve výkrmu.

Diagnostic significance of some clinico-biochemical parameters was investigated in 221 fattened bulls. An evaluation of the results has shown that the determination of concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase activity in blood plasma was not of essential importance for diagnostics. The values of these parameters were within the reference range (Tab. I). The parameters determined by chemical analyses of bioptates from the tuber coxae of the fattened bulls with various forms of alimentary osteopathy showed characteristics, statistically significant differences in comparison with the control animals (Tabs. II, III, IV). In the bulls of group B/1 (clinically healthy, phosphorus deficit in the feed ration, acidogenic nutrition in part of the animals, lowered performance, occurrence of clinical cases of osteopathy in fattening facilities), a significant decrease in the values of ash per 1 g fat-free dry matter and per 1 cm3 spongy substance of the t. coxae and a significantly wider index Ca/P were determined. In the bulls of group B/2 (clinically healthy, deficit of phosphorus, calcium, proteins and energy in the feed ration, decreased performance, occurrence of clinical osteopathy), a significant decrease of ash per 1 g fat-free dry matter and per 1 cm3 of spongy substance of the t. coxae was determined, the Ca/P index was significantly narrower. In the bulls of group C/1 (bulls with clinical symptoms of skeleton disorder, phosphorus deficit in the feed ration, acidogenic nutrition in part of the animals), a significant decrease of ash per 1 g far-free dry matter and per 1 cm3 spongy substance of the t. coxae was found out, the Ca/P index was wider.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Labor induction in cows and its effect on the development of biochemical and hematologic indicators in the blood of calves]. / Indukce porodu u krav a její vliv na vývoj biochemických a hematologických ukazatelu v krvi telat.

The effect of induction of parturitions in the 1-2 weeks of pregnancy was tested as exerted on the health of calves and on some biochemical and hematological indicators. The observations concerned 26 cows, out of which 14 cows (experimental group) were applied intramuscularly 500 micrograms of synthetic analog of prostaglandin F2 of alpha- cloprostenol. The other 12 cows were a control group. These indicators were determined in the blood of calves before colostrum intake, in 24 h, 5 and 15 days from the intake of the first colostrum ration: acid-base balance, hematocrit and leucocyte counts, in the blood plasma it was concentrations of glucose, urea, Na, K, Ca, inorganic P, vitamin A and E levels and AST and GMT activities. The same range of examinations was performed in the blood and/or in the blood plasma of cows, in addition to urea screening. Blood and urea samples were taken a month before and a month after parturition. No deviations from the normal state were found by the examination of highly-pregnant cows. Afterbirth retention was found in 87% cows of the experimental group after parturition, while it was only 9.8% in the control group. All the calves in the experiment had good vitality, very good health in the course of 15-day observation. There were not any significant differences in the birth weight and weight gains of the calves of experimental and control groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Prevention of mycotic infections in oncology patients with regard to the toxicity of antimycotic agents]. / Moznosti profylaxe mykotických infekcí u onkologických nemocných s prihlédnutím k toxicite antimykotických léku.

Profound and prolonged neutropenia following chemotherapy is a major risk factor for systemic fungal infections. It is still unclear how effective the various measures that are currently being used are in preventing serious fungal infection. Although a number of studies have been published on antifungal prophylaxis in neutropenic patients, there are a lot of conflicting data. At the present time, it seems that antifungal prophylaxis is more a matter of faith rather than science. The prophylactic use of fluconazole or itraconazole may reduce the incidence of systemic fungal infections in high-risk patient groups, mainly in patients with haematological malignancies. The antifungals currently used for prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients, and the toxicity of the antifungals are reviewed.

Haematological and biochemical variations among eight sighthound breeds.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the haematological and biochemical profiles of eight sighthound breeds. DESIGN: Samples were taken from 192 individuals of the sighthound breeds (Whippet, Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Sloughi, Saluki, Borzoi, Pharaoh Hound and Azawakh). Routine haematological and biochemical examinations were performed and the results were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: There were significant differences in haematology and clinical biochemistry among the sighthound breeds. The most similar laboratory profile to Greyhounds was found in Whippets. Italian Greyhounds had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase activity than other sighthounds, except Pharaoh Hounds. CONCLUSION: Application of the Greyhound laboratory profile to other sighthounds is not recommended because of the frequent differences in haematological and clinical biochemical reference intervals.

Blood acid-base and plasma electrolyte values in healthy ostriches: the effect of age and sex.

The effect of age and sex on blood acid-base and plasma electrolyte values was determined in venous blood samples from 45 clinically healthy ostriches (Struthio camelus) from 26 days to 6 years of age. Animals were divided by age into four groups and the group of adults was divided by sex into two subgroups. Blood samples were collected without sedation. There was a significant (P<0.05) age difference in blood values of base excess (BE), plasma HCO(3)(-), total CO(2) (TCO(2)), Na(+), K(+), Cl(-) and anion gap (AG). The highest plasma concentrations of Na(+), Cl(-) and value of AG were found in adult ostriches with a steady decrease to chicks. A significant (P<0.05) sex difference in adult animals with higher blood pH, lower blood values of pCO(2), BE, plasma concentrations of HCO(3)(-), TCO(2) and K(+) was found in females. We concluded that blood acid-base values and plasma electrolyte concentrations in ostriches are affected by age and sex.

[Injection anesthesia administered in the mid-anesthesia period after ether induction in laboratory rats]. / Strednedobá injekcní anestezie po éterové indukci u laboratorního potkana.

Our experience with anaesthetic combination of butyrophenone derivative droperidol (D, 0.8 mg/kg b.w.) + alpha-2-agonist xylazine (X, 5 mg/kg b.w.) + ketamine (X, 35 mg/kg b.w.), in 28 rats (12 female, 8 + 8 male) is described. Anaesthesia protocol started with ether inhalation (5 ml/l air) in a glass bell. When the effect of anaesthesia was evident, droperidol and xylazine with ketamine were administered in an intramuscular injection. At the same time as anaesthetics, atropine (0.05 mg/kg b.w.) was injected subcutaneously. Average time of induction of ether anaesthesia was 45 +/- 30 s. and duration of the surgical stage was 64 +/- 16 s. Average time of recurrence of the position reflex was 120 min. D + X + K anaesthetic combination is safe, cost effective, and it induces good analgesia and myorelaxation. Anaesthetic effect is possible to prolong with half dose of ketamine with half dose of droperidol or xylazine in 30 to 40 min. interval and the next prolongation is possible in 20 min. interval. The presented combination of anaesthetic was used for the soft tissue surgery (laparotomy, thoracotomy, and cannulation of large vessels--a. carotis, v. jugularis), both in experiments and clinical praxis.

Diagnostic key to mycobacteria encountered in clinical laboratories.

A diagnostic key has been developed which will permit identification of most mycobacteria encountered in clinical laboratories. The key is based on performance of a few simple tests. The efficiency and accuracy of the key was evaluated in terms of correlation between identifications based on the few tests and those arrived at through application of the techniques of numerical taxonomy, which involves a large battery of tests. Of 679 cultures of mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 86.5% were correctly identified by use of the key, and only 1.8% of the cultures were erroneously identified. The remaining cultures required further examination.

Reduced nephrotoxicity of conventional amphotericin B therapy after minimal nephroprotective measures: animal experiments and clinical study.

Amphotericin B (AmB)-treated rats develop severe polyuria, polydypsia, impairment of renal concentrating ability, and morphologic signs of tubular damage. However, renal insufficiency develops quickly only in animals in which water intake is restricted to the median volume drunk by rats of the control group. Therefore, vigorous hydration seems crucial for prevention of AmB-induced nephrotoxicity. In a clinical study, 61 patients with hematologic malignancies receiving AmB therapy were massively hydrated to ensure urine output of > or =4000 mL/day. Urine sodium, potassium, and magnesium were also measured, and all losses were supplemented (potassium as a 7.45% solution via central venous catheter). AmB-treated patients developed signs of renal tubular damage (increased fractional excretion of sodium and potassium) and required large amounts of ion supplementation. The serum ion concentration and creatinine clearance remained stable. No clinically significant renal damage developed to force premature cessation of AmB treatment.