Selected biochemical parameters in plasma of blood and semen of Persian sturgeon,Acipenser persicus

The investigation of blood and seminal plasma biochemical parameters is essential for fish stock conservation and development of artificial propagation methods via extender improvement. In this research, comparison of blood and seminal plasma compounds and their relationship in Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, were studied. Seminal plasma contained 59.53?±?2.56 mEq/l sodium (Na⁺), 4.72?±?0.31 mEq/l potassium (K⁺), 1.45?±?0.075 mEq/l chloride (Cl^?), 9.1?±?1.42 mEq/l calcium (Ca²⁺), 0.7?±?0.072 mEq/l magnesium (Mg²⁺), 0.11?±?0.021 g/dl total protein, 6.67?±?1.04 mg/dl cholesterol, 15.2?±?0.65 mg/dl triacylglycerol, and 18.22?±?4.16 mg/dl glucose. Also, blood biochemical values were determined (mean?±?SEM) for Na⁺ (123.2?±?1.31 mEq/l), K⁺ (2.77?±?0.088 mEq/l), Cl^? (97.18?±?1.23 mEq/l), Ca²⁺ (6.67?±?0.24 mEq/l), Mg²⁺ (1.29?±?0.074 mEq/l), glucose (198.49?±?18.03 mg/dl), triacylglycerol (214.22?±?13.38 mg/dl), total protein (3.62?±?0.23 g/dl), and cholesterol (127.11?±?6.94 mg/dl). The mean blood and seminal osmolality values were 244.62?±?3.66 and 86.9?±?4.22 mOsm/kg, respectively. Results of the comparison between biochemical parameters of seminal and blood plasma indicated that the concentrations of all parameters of blood plasma were significantly (P?++ and Na⁺ of the seminal plasma (P?P?相似文献   

Changes in haematological parameters and oxidative stress response of goats subjected to road transport stress in a hot humid tropical environment

Even though studies investigating the effect of road transportation on haematological parameters in goats from temperate and hot tropical environments are numerous, few studies have focused on the recovery rate following transportation, especially in the hot, humid tropical environment. This study investigated the haematological parameters and oxidative stress response of goats subjected to 7 h of road transportation in the hot, humid tropical environment and the possible recovery period. Thirty-five healthy Boer goats, aged 2–3, weighing 20–25 kg, were divided into two groups, designated A and B, of 30 and 5 animals, respectively. Group A was transported for 7 h, and blood samples were collected before, 3.5 h on transit, after transport, and on days 3, 7, 16 and 26 post-transport, while five goats served as control. Plasma and haemolysate were prepared and used to assay malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione alongside haematological parameters. The differential leukocyte counts of group A were altered following transportation as neutrophils, monocytes and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios increased significantly (P?<?0.01) during transport compared to group B. Malondialdehyde value increased significantly (P?<?0.01) following transportation through day 3 post-transport, while superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities decreased simultaneously following transportation and increased from day 3 through day 7 post-transportation. This study revealed that goats subjected to 7 h of transportation in the hot humid tropical condition experience haematological derangements and oxidative stress which take an average period of 3 to 16 days for recovery.     

Comparative serum biochemical profiles of three types of donkeys in Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the three types of working donkeys in Ethiopia (Abyssinian, Ogaden, and Sennar) while they are in their ecological adaptation sites to evaluate and compare the reference values of serum biochemical profiles. Blood samples were collected from a total of 229 apparently healthy adult working donkeys (134 Abyssinian, 55 Ogaden, 40 Sennar types), and ten serum biochemical analytes (total serum protein, glucose, creatinine, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), sodium, chloride, and potassium) were analyzed using a commercial kit (Centronic GmbH, Wartenberg, Germany) for the target groups. A comparison based on the serum biochemical profile of the three donkey types irrespective of sex has shown significantly lower serum activities of ALT (19.20?±?3.55 IU/l; CI, 18.06–20.34) and AST (178.13?±?55.70; confidence interval (CI), 160.31–195.94) for Sennar donkeys compared to the activities of ALT (23.65?±?7.73; CI, 21.56–25.75) and AST (240.60?±?110.20; CI, 210.81–270.39) (P?<?0.05) for Ogaden-type adult donkeys. A significantly lower serum activity of GGT (36.36?±?14.70 IU/l; CI, 33.85–38.87) was observed for Abyssinian donkeys than for Ogaden donkeys (48.24?±?16.59 IU/l; CI, 43.75–52.72) (P?<?0.001). The serum sodium (147.55?±?21.81 mmol/l; CI, 141.65–153.44) and chloride (116.67?±?16.23 mmol/l; CI, 112.28–121.06) concentrations of Ogaden donkeys were found to be significantly higher than the sodium (132.68?±?14.16 mmol/l; CI, 128.15–137.20) and chloride (104.50?±?6.45 mmol/l; CI, 102.44–106.56) (P?<?0.001) concentrations of Sennar donkeys. A significantly higher serum potassium concentration (4.84?±?0.63 mmol/l; CI, 4.73–4.94) of Abyssinian donkeys was found compared to those of Sennar (4.38?±?0.49 mmol/l; CI, 4.22–4.54) and Ogaden donkeys (4.31?±?0.78 mmol/l; CI, 4.10–4.52) (P?<?0.05). There was no significant variation in the serum concentration of total protein, glucose, creatinine, and ALP activity among the three types of donkeys. A comparison of the serum biochemical profile of adult jacks has shown a significantly different result for the serum activities of GGT, ALT, and AST and the concentrations of serum chloride and sodium among the three donkey types. Abyssinian jennies in Afar had significantly higher serum activities of AST (248.92?±?120.05 IU/l; CI, 202.78–295.07) (P?<?0.05) and ALT (29.04?±?8.34 IU/l; CI, 25.83–32.24) (P?<?0.001) than the AST (192.57?±?66.60 IU/l; CI, 176.97–208.17) and ALT (20.76?±?6.61 IU/l; CI, 19.21–22.31) activities for jennies in Sebeta but had lower serum glucose and chloride concentrations. In conclusion, the findings of the present study could be used as reference values for the serum biochemical parameters of the three types of donkeys in Ethiopia, and clinical interpretation of the biochemical parameter based on the standard reference values should consider the types of donkeys.     

Stem cell implantation in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease

Treatment options of ischemic vascular disease of the lower limbs are a challenged field that necessitates new therapeutic modalities. Stem cell transplantation offers a promising achievement of therapeutic angiogenesis in patients with ischemic limbs. Our study investigated the efficacy and safety of the implantation of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) mobilized by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in patients with chronic limb ischemia. Twenty-four patients with chronic lower limb ischemia were enrolled and divided randomly into two groups: the implanted group (n?=?12) and the control group (n?=?12). In the implanted group, the patients received subcutaneous injections of recombinant human G-CSF (300 μg/day) for 5 days to mobilize stem/progenitor cells, and their PBMNCs were harvested using a blood cell separator and were implanted by multiple intramuscular injections into the ischemic limbs, while the control group was injected with sterile saline and received conventional medical treatment. All patients were followed up after 12 weeks. At the end of the follow-up period, the main manifestations significantly improved in patients of the implanted group compared with the control group. The mean of rest pain decreased from the baseline level of 6.42?±?2.15 to 1.67?±?0.389 (P?<?0.001). The mean of pain-free walking distance increased from 25.00?±?8.90 to 409.00?±?104.00 (P?<?0.001). The mean ankle–brachial pressure index increased from 0.45?±?0.12 to 0.79?±?0.38 (P?=?0.005). Seven out of nine limb ulcers and wounds (77.8 %) of implanted patients healed after cell implantation. Two lower limb amputations (16.67 %) occurred in the implanted patients. In contrast, eight control patients (66.67 %) had to receive lower limb amputation. Implantation of stem/progenitor cells is a feasible and readily available effective strategy for therapeutic angiogenesis in patients with chronic limb ischemia.     

Decreased Proinflammatory Cytokines Production in Children with Complicated Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion after Intrapleural Fibrinolytic Treatment

Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IFT) provides clinical benefit in the treatment of complicated pleural parapneumonic effusion (CPE). Whether IFT influences the proinflammatory cytokines production and fibrinlytic activity is currently unclear. Therefore, we collected pleural effusion samples from CPE patients with IFT (study group) and patients without IFT (control group). A membrane human inflammatory cytokines array kit was used to compare the difference of targeted cytokine production between these two groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods were used for quantitative analysis of targeted cytokines and fibrinolytic enzymes. The results showed there were no significant differences between the study (n = 16) and control (n = 14) groups in patients’ demographic data. After fibrinolytic therapy, the patients in the study group had significant lower plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) level (732.36?±?254.09 ng/mL vs 1,509.36?±?1,340.11 ng/mL, p?<?0.05) and higher urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) level (75.56?±?41.70 ng/mL vs 6.87?±?5.07 ng/mL, p?<?0.05) than they did before treatment. Moreover, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) (1,560.03?±?403.49 pg/mL vs 3,686.45?±?1,263.83 pg/mL, p?<?0.05) and inflammatory chemokine, regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted/chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (RANTES), (293.58?±?212.93 pg/mL vs 749.27?±?53.79 pg/mL, p?<?0.05), were also significantly lower in the study group after fibrinolytic therapy, but not in the control group. In conclusion, intrapleural fibrinolytic treatment with urokinase could enhance fibrinolytic activity and decrease TIMP-2 and RANTES production.     

Protective effect of Azadirachta indica extract against Eimeria papillata-induced coccidiosis

Coccidiosis in poultry is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, which is responsible for worldwide economic losses. The methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves was used in vivo for its pharmacological, antioxidant, and anticoccidial properties. Four groups of mice were investigated. The first group was inoculated only with sterile saline and served as the control group. The second group was treated by oral gavage with neem extract (500 mg/kg) daily for 4 days. The third and fourth groups were infected with 10³ sporulated oocysts of Eimeria papillata. The fourth group was also treated once daily with neem extract for 4 days. Paraffin sections from the jejunum as well as jejunal homogenate were prepared for the histopathological and biochemical investigations, respectively. The data showed that mice infected with E. papillata revealed an output of 6.5?×?10⁵?±?29,753 oocysts per gram feces on day?4 postinoculation. This output is significantly decreased to 2.7?×?10⁵?±?37,341 oocysts in neem-treated mice. Infection with E. papillata induced marked histopathological alterations in the jejunum in the form of inflammation, vacuolation of the epithelium, and destruction of some villi. Also, the neem extract greatly diminished body weight loss of infected mice. Moreover, the number of goblet cells stained with Alcian blue within the infected villi was significantly lowered (P?≤?0.05). In addition, E. papillata enhanced lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production in both serum and jejunum with concomitant reduction in glutathione. Neem induced marked improvements in all of the studied parameters as well as the histopathological features of the jejunum. Our study revealed that neem as a natural product has protective effects against E. papillata-induced coccidiosis.     

Sublethal effects of atrazine and glyphosate on life history traits of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Although exposure of mosquito larvae to agricultural chemicals such as herbicides is common and widespread, our understanding of how these chemicals affect mosquito ecology and behavior is limited. This study investigated how an environmentally relevant concentration of two herbicides, atrazine and glyphosate, affects mosquito life history traits. One hundred and fifty (150) first instar Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) or Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) larvae were reared in 1.6 L of live oak leaf (Quercus virginiana) infusion in the presence (5 mg/L) or absence (0 mg/L) of atrazine or glyphosate. The containers were monitored daily to determine the emergence rates, sex ratio, male and female emergence times, and female body size. Emergence rates of A. aegypti from atrazine treatment were significantly higher relative to either glyphosate or control treatments (A. aegypti: atrazine?=?93?±?6 % (±95 % CI), glyphosate?=?82?±?5 %, control?=?78?±?5 %), while emergence rates of A. albopictus in atrazine treatments were significantly higher than in glyphosate treatments but not in controls (A. albopictus: atrazine?=?84?±?5 %, glyphosate?=?76?±?4 %, control?=?78?±?4 %). For both mosquito species, a sex ratio distortion with male bias was observed in control and glyphosate treatments, but not in atrazine treatments (A. aegypti: atrazine?=?0.90?±?0.17 (±SE), glyphosate?=?1.63?±?0.21, control?=?1.69?±?0.26; A. albopictus: atrazine?=?1.09?±?0.08, glyphosate?=?1.88?±?0.12, control?=?1.37?±?0.11). Emergence times for both sexes of the two mosquito species were significantly longer in atrazine treatments compared to glyphosate or control treatments (A. aegypti: females: atrazine?=?11.20?±?0.50 (days?±?95 % CI), glyphosate?=?9.71?±?0.23, control?=?9.87?±?0.21; males: atrazine?=?9.46?±?0.27, glyphosate?=?8.80?±?0.25, control?=?8.85?±?0.24; A. albopictus: females: atrazine?=?17.40?±?1.70, glyphosate?=?12.4?±?0.40, control?=?12.5?±?0.30; males: atrazine?=?12.96?±?0.41, glyphosate?=?10.48?±?0.24, control?=?10.64?±?0.37). For A. albopictus but not A. aegypti, adult females from atrazine treatment had significantly longer wing lengths compared to those from glyphosate or control treatments (A. albopictus: atrazine?=?3.06?±?0.07 (mm?±?95 % CI), glyphosate?=?2.80?±?0.07, control?=?2.83?±?0.06). These results demonstrate the potential for atrazine, a widely used herbicide, to influence epidemiologically relevant life history traits of mosquitoes.     

Selected biochemical values of yearling African blue neck ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Iran

Ten 12-month-old male clinically healthy young blue neck breed ostriches (Struthio camelus) from Zabol district of Sistan, Baluchestan province, Iran were blood sampled in plain tubes for harvesting serum. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. The following results were obtained: total protein, 35.3?±?2 g/l; albumin, 16.4?±?1.53 g/l; globulin, 18.9?±?0.8 g/l; total cholesterol, 1.67?±?0.11 mmol/l; LDL cholesterol, 0.68?±?0.07 mmol/l; HDL cholesterol, 0.67?±?0.02 mmol/l; triglyceride, 0.70?±?0.1 mmol/l; uric acid, 302.15?±?20.81 μmol/l; calcium, 2.27?±?0.15 mmol/l; inorganic phosphorus, 1.81?±?0.13 mmol/l; AST, 246.3?±?22.4 IU/l; ALT, 8.4?±?0.52 IU/l; and GGT activity, 26.9?±?2.97 IU/l. Correlations between measured parameters were also determined. Blood biochemical values determined in this study can be considered as reference data for disease diagnosis in yearling African blue neck ostriches (S. camelus) in Iran.     

A study on the antioxidant defense system of psoriasis patients in the ethnic population of Kashmir-India

The study was designed to evaluate the role of antioxidant defense system in the etiology of psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder of complex etiology and pathology. Hospital-based case–control study was carried out in major referral hospital in Kashmir, North India. Cases (N?=?40) were composed of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and controls (N?=?20) were healthy volunteers. Study included estimation in plasma of both patients and controls of glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and total antioxidant potential (AOP) as indices of antioxidant defense system and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of lipid peroxidation (LP), an indicator of oxidative stress. The GSH levels, SOD activity, AOP, and malondialdehyde levels in plasma of psoriasis patients were 2.58?±?0.22 μM/l, 5.24?±?0.69 U/ml, 0.020?±?.011?nmol^?1/ml?h, and 0.88?±?0.20 nmol/ml and were 4.76?±?0.52 μM/l, 4.14?±?0.56U/ml, 0.042?±?0.018 nmol^?1/ml?h, and 0.53?±?0.16 nmol/ml in healthy voluntary controls, respectively. A significant decrease in GSH levels (p?<?0.005) and AOP (p?<?0.005) and significant increase in SOD activity (p?<?0.01) MDA levels (p?<?0.005) as an indicator of LP was observed.     

Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in clinically healthy calves and cows determined by agarose gel electrophoresis

The aim of the present study was to determine the physiologic electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in clinically healthy calves and cows using agarose gel electrophoresis, and to describe the possible influence of age on the concentrations of serum protein fractions in young and adult cattle. Into the evaluation we included 14 clinically healthy calves of a Slovak spotted breed and its crossbreeds at the age of 4–6 months, and 13 clinically healthy cows of the same breed at the age of 3–5 years. Blood serum was analyzed for total serum protein concentrations, and for the absolute and relative values of serum protein fractions using agarose gel electrophoresis. In cows we found significantly higher total serum protein concentrations than in calves (P?<?0.001). Serum protein electrophoresis identified in cows, as well as in calves, six fractions comprising albumin, α₁ and α₂, β₁ and β₂, and γ-globulins. The concentrations of serum protein fractions in cows were 34.8 g/l for albumin, 9.3 g/l for α₁-globulins, 4.9 g/l for α₂-globulins, 6.2 g/l for β₁-globulins, 6.8 g/l for β₂-globulins, and 21.1 g/l for γ-globulins. In calves we observed a marked shift in the concentrations of some protein fractions, with nonsignificantly higher concentrations of α₁-globulins. On the other hand, the values of α₂- and γ-globulins in young animals were significantly lower than those measured in adult ones (P?<?0.01 and P?<?0.001, respectively). Presented results suggest a more marked influence of age on the concentrations of several serum protein fractions in cattle. The relative concentrations of the most of protein fractions showed significant differences between young and adult cattle. Seeing that the analysis of serum proteins and their electrophoretic separation in cattle is less well documented, the study provides important findings for clinicians when evaluating dysproteinemias.     

Effects of two dietary exogenous multi-enzyme supplementation,Natuzyme<Superscript>®</Superscript> and beta-mannanase (Hemicell<Superscript>®</Superscript>), on growth and blood parameters of Caspian salmon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmo trutta caspius</Emphasis>)

Recent increases in feed ingredient costs have motivated the fisheries industry to identify technologies that will improve feed utilisation and reduce the cost per pound of gain. The effects of two supplemental exogenous enzymes (Natuzyme® and Hemicell®) on the growth performance in Caspian salmon (Salmo trutta caspius) were examined over an 8-week feeding trial. After the experimental period, the survival rate ranged from 91.33?±?1.15 % in controls to 96.67?±?1.15 % in the group that received 0.5 g Natuzyme® kg^?1?+?0.5 g Hemicell® kg^?1 (NH) in their diet and there was a statistical difference between experimental and control groups (p?<?0.05). Growth rate was significantly higher in the NH group (1.01?±?0.01) than the other groups (Sig.?=?0.00). The best feed conversion rate (0.64?±?0.01) was in the NH group and it was significantly lower than the control group, the 0.5 g Natuzyme® kg^?1 group, and the 0.25 g Hemicell® kg^?1 group (Sig.?=?0.03). The best final body weight (80.68?±?5.27) was observed in the NH group. Also, WBC count (7,716.67?±?348.80 N/mm³) was significantly higher in the NH group compared to the control (6,916.67?±?194.10 N/mm³; p?<?0.05). No difference was observed in haematocrit%, haemoglobin, red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (p?>?0.05). The results suggested that enzyme supplementation caused significant improvement on growth performance and feed utilisation in Caspian salmon.     

Evaluation of sperm characteristics and plasma testosterone in the goldfish (Carassius auratus) during four consecutive seasons

The overall objective of the study was to investigate changes in quantitative parameters of goldfish (Carassius auratus) semen, testosterone (T), and gonadosomatic index (GSI) during the four seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). Simple environmental and hormonal treatments were used to induce out-of-season spawning in goldfish. The semen was taken from goldfish in different periods during the four seasons, and the characteristics of sperm and pH were analyzed. Plasma levels of T, GSI, and histological studies of the testes, as well as a range of indices of ovarian development, were measured. No significant differences were observed between volumes of semen which can be extracted per fish, in the four seasons (P?>?0.05). Significant differences were found between sperm motility at different seasons (P?<?0.05), as the maximum total duration of motility was observed in autumn (109.25?±?14.00 s). Sperm density showed a higher value during summer (57.30?±?10.41?spermatozoa (spz)?ml^?1) and winter (65.09?±?80.40 spz ml^?1) than values that were obtained from spring (48.00?±?7.08 spz ml^?1) and autumn (40.42?±?16.54?×?10⁹ spz ml^?1) (P?<?0.05). However, spermatocrit (in percent) was higher in winter (39.90?±?4.74) compared with other seasons (P?<?0.05). Values of pH were higher in autumn (7.87?±?0.05) and in winter (7.83?±?0.03) than values that were obtained from other seasons. The peaks of T and GSI during spermiation in spring (T, 21.08 ng/ml, and GSI?=?5.21 %) and in summer (T, 23.32 ng/ml, and GSI?=?6.10 %), when most gonadal development took place, were statistically significantly higher than the levels observed during autumn (T, 15.08 ng/ml, and GSI?=?3.21 %) and winter (T, 22.18 ng/ml, and GSI?=?2.78 %) (P?<?0.05). Our results provided the statistically significant evidence of seasonal variation in sperm characteristics, T and GSI, for goldfish. These findings may be used to: (1) optimize semen collection for hatchery production and (2) characterize the potential impact of seasons on sperm quality and plasma androgen levels.     

Histopathological changes in the infrapatellar fat pad in an experimental rabbit model of early patellofemoral osteoarthritis

Background

The purpose of this study was to characterise the histopathological changes in the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) in the early stage of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA).

Differences in clotting parameters between species for preclinical large animal studies of cardiovascular devices

Several species of domestic animals are used in preclinical studies evaluating the safety and feasibility of medical devices; however, the relevance of animal models to human health is often not clear. The purpose of this study was to compare the clotting parameters of animal models to determine which animals most adequately mimic human clotting parameters. The clotting parameters of the different species were assessed in whole blood by in vitro thromboelastography using the clotting activators, such as tissue factor (extrinsic clotting screening test, EXTEM^®) and partial thromboplastin phospholipid (intrinsic clotting screening test, IINTEM^®). The measurements were performed using normal blood samples from humans (n?=?13), calves (n?=?18), goats (n?=?56) and pigs (n?=?8). Extrinsic clotting time (CT) and the intrinsic CT were significantly prolonged in calves compared to humans (249.9?±?91.3 and 376.4?±?124.4 s vs. 63.5?±?11.8 and 192.5?±?29.0 s, respectively, p?<?0.01). The maximum clot firmness (MCF) in domestic animals (EXTEM^®: 77–87 mm, IINTEM^®: 66–78 mm) was significantly higher than that of humans (EXTEM^®: 59.1?±?6.0 mm, IINTEM^®: 58.8?±?1.5 mm, p?<?0.01), and calves and goats exhibited longer time to MCF (MCF-t) than did humans and pigs (p?<?0.01). Our results show that there are relevant differences in the four species’ extrinsic and intrinsic clotting parameters. These cross-comparisons indicate that it is necessary to clarify characteristics of clotting properties in preclinical animal studies.     

Clinical signs,blood gases and acid–base balance after nitrate administration in calves

This work is focused on the course and changes of selected clinical and laboratory findings after nitrate administration in seven calves. The calves were 3–6 months old, were fed a solid diet and had an average body weight of 97 kg. Nitrates were administered intraruminally in a water solution of KNO₃ at a dose of 0.5 g/kg of body weight. We observed the development and course of methaemoglobinaemia (% MtHb) in relation to the emergence of clinical findings, changes in body temperature, breathing and pulse rates, blood gases and acid–base balance. Various time trends as well as methaemoglobinaemia levels were recorded when values increased. The highest values of MtHb were found in the three youngest calves (67.5, 70.9 and 90.3 %), which were consequently treated by 1 % methylene blue solution because of marked clinical findings. Marked changes were observed in breathing and pulse rates, which correlated significantly with methaemoglobinaemia levels (P?<?0.001). Significant effect of nitrate-induced methaemoglobinaemia was found on blood pH (P?<?0.05), pO₂ (P?<?0.001) and O₂ saturation (P?<?0.01). Nitrate administration and formation of methaemoglobin did not affect the metabolic parameters of acid–base balance. Changing MtHb values correlated significantly positively with changes of blood pH (P?<?0.01), breathing and pulse rates (P?<?0.001) and negatively with pCO₂ (P?<?0.05), pO₂ and O₂ saturation (P?<?0.001). The obtained results indicate a markedly different development and course of nitrate poisoning. More distinct changes in clinical findings were not observed until the methaemoglobinaemia levels were over 60 %. Methaemoglobinaemia resulted in failure of oxygen transport and hypoxaemia with a significantly negative correlation of both parameters. The achieved results contribute to the study of acute nitrate/nitrite poisoning in cattle and supplement the present knowledge by significant correlation relationships between methaemoglobinaemia levels and some clinical signs and metabolic indices.     

Increased concentrations of interleukin 1-β in whole blood cultures supernatants after 12 weeks of moderate endurance exercise

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a regular moderate endurance exercise programme influenced the in vitro cytokine synthesis by stimulated whole blood cultures. To this end, eight healthy subjects exercised moderately by running for 3–5?h a week over a period of 12 weeks, whilst seven other healthy subjects served as the control group. The intensity of the exercise was determined by lactic acid concentrations in the blood which were maintained between 1.8 and 2.5?mmol?·?l^?1. Over the period of training the running velocity producing the 4?mmol?·?l^?1 lactic acid threshold increased from 2.86 (SD?0.83)?m?·?s^?1 to 3.06?±?0.79?m?·?s^?1 (P?≤?0.008). Blood samples were taken at rest before and after the training programme. The following blood parameters were determined: leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count, lymphocyte subpopulations [CD14 positive (+)/CD45+, CD4+/CD25+, CD8+, CD16+/CD122+]. Whole blood cultures were stimulated with lipopolysaccarides [interleukin (IL)-1 β and IL-6] and staphylococcal enterotoxin B [IL-2, soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL2-R) and interferon (IFN)-γ]. Cytokine concentrations in the supernatants were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The white blood cell count, differential leucocyte count, lymphocyte subset distribution and the expression of the CD25 and CD122 antigen on lymphocytes were unchanged by training. After the training programme the IL-1 β production changed significantly [1496 (SD?264) pg?·?ml^?1 before, compared to 2127 (SD?672) pg?·?ml^?1 after training, P?≤?0.008]. In the control group these parameters remained unchanged. With respect to changes in the values in both groups the syntheses of IL-1 β (P?≤?0.023) and IL-6 (P?≤?0.021) were significantly higher after regular training. The syntheses of IL-2, sIL-2 and INF-γ were not significantly influenced. Regular endurance exercise influenced the in vitro production of monocyte derived cytokines, while the effect of exercise on the cytokines synthesized by T-cells appeared to be of lesser importance.     

Effects of Preoperative Short Term Use of Atorvastatin on Endothelial Progenitor Cells after Coronary Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Objectives

We investigated the effects of short-term use of atorvastatin on CD34+/VEGF-R2+/CD133+/CD45- endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) count after on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Methods

Between Feb-2010 and May-2010, we randomly assigned, in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 60 consecutive patients who underwent isolated, first-time CABG to receive either 14-day atorvastatin (40 mg/day) or placebo preoperatively. Urgent CABG and recent myocardial infarction were excluded. EPCs were quantified (cells/μl) by flow cytometric phenotyping obtained from venous blood samples collected preoperatively (T₁), 6-hours (T₂), and on the 5th day postoperatively (T₃). Levels of markers of inflammation and serum cardiac troponin I were also measured preoperatively and daily until day-5 after surgery.

Results

There were no differences in baseline risk factors including cholesterol profiles, and EuroSCORES between the groups. The composite primary end-point, favored statin group with higher amount of circulating, early EPC count (cells/μl) at all time points compared with placebo (T₁, 2.30?±?0.02 versus 1.58?±?0.03, p?2, 5.00?±?0.06 versus 2.19?±?0.06, p?3, 3.03?±?0.08 versus 1.78?±?0.02, p?1, 0.8?±?0.1 versus 2.2?±?1.5, p?2, 72.9?±?3.2 versus 96.0?±?3.6, p?3, 4.3?±?1.2 versus 11.4?±?4.1, p?p?=?0.02).

Conclusions

Short-term atorvastatin use increases circulating early EPCs both pre- and post-operatively and is associated with better preservation of sinus rhythm and reduced hsCRP levels. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01096875)     

Serum C-reactive Protein Level and Distribution in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Versus Healthy Controls: a Case–Control Study from Iran

Inflammation has a contributive role in the development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The present study was designed to determine the level and the distribution of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in COPD compared with controls. Ninety patients with COPD presented to an outpatient hospital clinic and 50 controls who were selected among personals of the same hospital entered the study. Serum high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) was measured by immunoturbidimetric method and the ESR by Westergren method. Receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to determine a cutoff point for differentiation of the COPD and control group. In statistical analysis, the patients and controls were compared regarding levels and distribution of hs-CRP and ESR. Mean age of patients and controls was 67?±?11.6 and 51.3?±?6.7 years, respectively (p?=?0.001). Mean hs-CRP was significantly higher (4.76?±?5.6 vs 1.72?±?1.68 mg/L, p?=?0.001) but mean ESR was nonsignificantly higher (9.1?±?11.2 vs 7.2?±?7.4 m/h, p?=?0.95) in patients than control. Serum hs-CRP at 1.55 mg/L, differentiated patients and controls at sensitivity of 77.3 % and specificity of 60 %. Serum hs-CRP >3 mg/L was observed in 39 (44.3 %) patients and 9 (18 %) controls (p?=?0.001) and >6 mg/L in 22 (25 %) patients and 2 (4 %) controls (p?=?0.001).Serum hs-CRP was significantly correlated with ESR in patient but not in control group (Spearman correlation coefficient?=?0.516, p?=?0.001). Serum hs-CRP and ESR was not correlated with age, weigh, smoking, and the severity of COPD. The results of this study indicated a systemic inflammatory process in COPD. Since inflammation has an important contribution in development of future pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications, serum CRP assessment will provide additional information beyond that achieved by conventional method of pulmonary function test.     

Omeprazole enhances the colonic expression of the Mg2+ transporter TRPM6

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are potent blockers of gastric acid secretion, used by millions of patients suffering from gastric acid-related complaints. Although PPIs have an excellent safety profile, an increasing number of case reports describe patients with severe hypomagnesemia due to long-term PPI use. As there is no evidence of a renal Mg²⁺ leak, PPI-induced hypomagnesemia is hypothesized to result from intestinal malabsorption of Mg²⁺. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PPIs on Mg²⁺ homeostasis in an in vivo mouse model. To this end, C57BL/6J mice were treated with omeprazole, under normal and low dietary Mg²⁺ availability. Omeprazole did not induce changes in serum Mg²⁺ levels (1.48?±?0.05 and 1.54?±?0.05 mmol/L in omeprazole-treated and control mice, respectively), urinary Mg²⁺ excretion (35?±?3 μmol/24 h and 30?±?4 μmol/24 h in omeprazole-treated and control mice, respectively), or fecal Mg²⁺ excretion (84?±?4 μmol/24 h and 76?±?4 μmol/24 h in omeprazole-treated and control mice, respectively) under any of the tested experimental conditions. However, omeprazole treatment did increase the mRNA expression level of the transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6), the predominant intestinal Mg²⁺ channel, in the colon (167?±?15 and 100?±?7 % in omeprazole-treated and control mice, respectively, P?<?0.05). In addition, the expression of the colonic H⁺,K⁺-ATPase (cHK-α), a homolog of the gastric H⁺,K⁺-ATPase that is the primary target of omeprazole, was also significantly increased (354?±?43 and 100?±?24 % in omeprazole-treated and control mice, respectively, P?<?0.05). The expression levels of other magnesiotropic genes remained unchanged. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that omeprazole inhibits cHK-α activity, resulting in reduced extrusion of protons into the large intestine. Since TRPM6-mediated Mg²⁺ absorption is stimulated by extracellular protons, this would diminish the rate of intestinal Mg²⁺ absorption. The increase of TRPM6 expression in the colon may compensate for the reduced TRPM6 currents, thereby normalizing intestinal Mg²⁺ absorption during omeprazole treatment in C57BL/6J mice, explaining unchanged serum, urine, and fecal Mg²⁺ levels.     

Molecular detection and pathology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pasteurella multocida</Emphasis> B:2 in the reproductive system of pre-pubertal buffalo calves (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>)

Pasteurella multocida is responsible for one of the major animal diseases with economic importance in both developed and developing countries. P. multocida B:2 causes haemorrhagic septicemia (HS) in cattle and buffaloes, which result in heavy economic losses through direct effect, resulting in high mortality rates and indirect effects through impairment of the animal productivity. It is well known that HS affects mainly the respiratory and digestive tracts of host animals. However, involvement of the reproductive system in the pathogenesis of HS has not been reported previously. This study was designed to present detailed detection and histopathological changes of the reproductive system and mammary glands of buffaloes experimentally infected with P. multocida B:2. Briefly, nine healthy buffalo calves aged 8-month-old were divided into three groups of three calves each. Calves from groups 1 and 2 were inoculated subcutaneously and orally with 10 mL of 1?×?10¹² cfu/mL of P. multocida B:2, respectively, while calves of group 3 were inoculated orally with 10 mL of phosphate buffer saline as a sham control. All the calves in group 1 had to be euthanized after 12 h post-infection, while calves in group 2 were euthanized after day 21 post-infection. Successful isolation and PCR confirmation of P. multocida B:2 was achieved from different parts of the reproductive system, including ovary, oviduct, uterine horn, uterine body and vagina as well as mammary glands and supramammary lymph nodes of the buffaloes in group 1 after 12 h post-infection. However, P. multocida B:2 was not detected in the reproductive organs of buffaloes in group 2 and group 3 after 21 days post-infection. Significant differences (P?<?0.05) were found in histopathological changes between the two groups, which mainly affected different anatomic regions of the reproductive system. This work provides an insight into the involvement of the female reproductive system of buffaloes during the pathogenesis of HS and shows that route of inoculation strongly affect the localization of the bacterium in the reproductive system.