Effect of broiler genetics, age, and gender on performance and blood chemistry

A total of 640 broilers were used to determine the effects of strain, sex, and age on hematology and blood chemistry using rapid detection devices. Day old chicks from two genetic lines of common fast-growing and high-yield broiler strains were sexed and allocated to 40 pens (16 birds per pen) containing either male or female and Ross or Cobb strains (n = 10). Venous blood was analyzed weekly using 2 broilers from each pen (n = 20) using the i-STAT® Alinity Handheld Clinical Analyzer, Zoetis Vetscan VS2, and iCheck™ Carotene devices at 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 d, as well as growth performance. Post-mortem health tracking metrics were also recorded on 42 d. Broilers were deemed healthy based on posting data results and performed in accordance with industry standards with males presenting greater BW and reduced FCR than female broilers. Ross broilers displayed greater BW to 14 d with similar FCR compared with Cobb birds. Day of age had a highly significant impact on blood calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, carotene, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, bile acids, uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, total carbon dioxide, hematocrit, and malondialdehyde. Male broilers had reduced blood sodium, chloride, carotene, uric acid, albumin, and increased total protein, glucose, and total carbon dioxide. Ross broilers had greater blood potassium, and sodium, as well as reduced uric acid, total protein, globulin, and malondialdehyde, compared with Cobb birds. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of point-of-care devices in measuring blood chemistry and hematology in modern broilers. These data can be utilized to determine normal healthy blood ranges in these types of broilers when accounting for strain, sex, and age.

Effect of coccidial challenge and vaccination on the performance, veterinary postmortem scores, and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens

A total of 960 male Cobb 500 broilers were used in a growth performance study to explore the effect of coccidial vaccination and/or coccidial challenge on blood biochemistry and veterinary postmortem metrics. Day-old chicks were randomly divided into one of the 4 experimental treatments. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with the factors being without or with vaccination (administered on day 1) or coccidial challenge (oral gavage on day 7). Growth performance was monitored on a weekly basis. Blood sample collection, as well as full veterinary necropsies, were carried out on days 6, 8, 13, 20, 27, and 34. Birds that did not receive the vaccination but were challenged with coccidiosis had higher feed conversion ratio, lower body weights, and higher mortality than the other experimental groups, and this effect was particularly evident from day 13 to day 20. Birds challenged with coccidiosis had lower plasma sodium and total carotenoid concentrations and higher potassium and globulin concentrations than nonchallenged birds. Significant interactions between age and experimental treatment for these blood parameters were observed, particularly on day 13. The necropsy results confirmed the effectiveness of the challenge and vaccination treatments, wherein birds that were challenged had higher coccidiosis scores on day 13 and day 27 than birds that were not challenged. These results demonstrate the potential for plasma sodium, potassium, total protein, total carbon dioxide, globulin, and carotenoid analysis for early diagnosis of coccidiosis in growing broiler chickens. Further work is necessary to establish whether the changes in blood biochemistry observed in the present study are transferable to alternative flocks of chicken and whether early diagnosis and intervention may mitigate performance losses associated with this disease.

DNA and chromosomal damage in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) as side effects of ozone-based water treatment - Contribution to optimization of fish-farming practices

The progressive growth of aquaculture implicates a dependence on large water amounts, which are submitted to disinfection processes, namely ozonation. Considering the importance of genomic integrity, it is critical to improve the knowledge on ozone-related genotoxic hazard to organisms reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) applying ozonation. Therefore, genetic damage induced by ozone exposure in the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) was assessed, combining the comet and the erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) assays, reflecting different damage levels, i.e. DNA and chromosomal damage, respectively. Fish were subjected to a daily 6-h ozone (0.15 mg L^-1) exposure, repeated for 3 consecutive days, simulating a short-term event of overozonation. To assess the temporal impact of the previous event, the progression of damage was evaluated 7 days later, following transference to ozone-free water or to 0.07 mg L^-1 ozone, a routinely adopted level in RAS. Both endpoints pointed to the ozone genotoxic potential, displaying DNA oxidation as a possible mechanism of damage. Overall, the present findings pointed out the genotoxic hazard of ozone to fish, highlighting the importance of these types of studies and contributing to improve aquaculture practices, namely in RAS systems. These early genotoxic signals may be a prelude to negative repercussions on fish health, which may affect the aquaculture productivity. The present findings recommend precautions in relation to accidental or intentional overozonation in fish-farming, even when short-term events are considered. The strategies to mitigate the impact of ozonation in S. senegalensis may include a dietary extra supplementation of antioxidants (regularly, or punctually in cases of overozonation).

Strong Neutron Pairing in core+4n Nuclei

The emission of neutron pairs from the neutron-rich N=12 isotones ^{18}C and ^{20}O has been studied by high-energy nucleon knockout from ^{19}N and ^{21}O secondary beams, populating unbound states of the two isotones up to 15 MeV above their two-neutron emission thresholds. The analysis of triple fragment-n-n correlations shows that the decay ^{19}N(-1p)^{18}C^{*}→^{16}C+n+n is clearly dominated by direct pair emission. The two-neutron correlation strength, the largest ever observed, suggests the predominance of a ^{14}C core surrounded by four valence neutrons arranged in strongly correlated pairs. On the other hand, a significant competition of a sequential branch is found in the decay ^{21}O(-1n)^{20}O^{*}→^{18}O+n+n, attributed to its formation through the knockout of a deeply bound neutron that breaks the ^{16}O core and reduces the number of pairs.

Quasifree (p, 2p) Reactions on Oxygen Isotopes: Observation of Isospin Independence of the Reduced Single-Particle Strength

Quasifree one-proton knockout reactions have been employed in inverse kinematics for a systematic study of the structure of stable and exotic oxygen isotopes at the R^{3}B/LAND setup with incident beam energies in the range of 300-450  MeV/u. The oxygen isotopic chain offers a large variation of separation energies that allows for a quantitative understanding of single-particle strength with changing isospin asymmetry. Quasifree knockout reactions provide a complementary approach to intermediate-energy one-nucleon removal reactions. Inclusive cross sections for quasifree knockout reactions of the type ^{A}O(p,2p)^{A-1}N have been determined and compared to calculations based on the eikonal reaction theory. The reduction factors for the single-particle strength with respect to the independent-particle model were obtained and compared to state-of-the-art ab initio predictions. The results do not show any significant dependence on proton-neutron asymmetry.

Long-term results after treatment of pertrochanteric femoral fractures with percutaneous compression plate (PCCP)

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the long-term osteosynthesis results for AO/OTA 31.A1-A2 pertrochanteric fractures treated with the percutaneous compression plate (PCCP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This investigation was a retrospective observational descriptive study of 335 patients, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years and a maximum follow-up of 8 years (2004-2011).

RESULTS

The average post-operative hospital stay was 6.2 days, and the average decrease in haemoglobin levels after the intervention was 2.7 mg/dL, with transfusion required for one-third of the patients. Complications related to the implant were observed in 4.2 % of patients; the most notable complication was cut-out (2.4 % of patients), and 3 cases involved pseudarthrosis with breakage of the implant (0.9 % of patients).

CONCLUSIONS

From the results obtained in this study and an analysis of previously published work, we believe that the PCCP may be the implant of choice for AO/OTA 31.A1-A2 fractures.

Study of biochemical biomarkers in freshwater prawn Macrobrachium borellii (Crustacea: Palaemonidae) exposed to organophosphate fenitrothion

Several agrochemicals like organophosphates are extensively used to control pests in agricultural practices but they also adversely affect non-target fauna. The effect of organophosphorous fenitrothion on the prawn Macrobrachium borellii was evaluated. The 96-h LC50 was determined. Activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and lipid oxidation levels, were evaluated in the hepatopancreas from adults exposed to sublethal fenitrothion concentrations for 1, 2, 4 and 7 days. In addition, superoxide dismutase mRNA expression, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and haemocyte DNA damage were determined. The 96-h LC50 was 4.24μg/l of fenitrothion. Prawn exposed to sublethal FS concentrations showed an increase of both catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, mainly after 2 and 4 days exposure and an increase of glutathione-S-transferase activity from day 2 to day 7 while lipid oxidation levels increased mainly on day 1. Superoxide dismutase transcripts were significantly higher in fenitrothion -treated prawns, indicating an induction mechanism. Hemolymph analysis showed that while acetylcholinesterase activity decreased after 2 days, haemocytes displayed most DNA damage after 7-day exposure to fenitrothion. These results indicate that prawn enzymes are highly sensitive to fenitrothion exposure, and these biological responses in M. borellii could be valuable biomarkers to monitor organophosphorous contamination in estuarine environments.

Geraniol and simvastatin show a synergistic effect on a human hepatocarcinoma cell line

Simvastatin is a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity, whereas geraniol is a monoterpene with multiple pharmacologic effects on mevalonate metabolism. Both of them inhibit growth and proliferation of many cell lines. The present study was designed to determine the action of geraniol, in combination with simvastatin, by assessing their effects in vitro on human hepatocarcinoma cell line (Hep G2). The treatment of Hep G2 cells with concentrations of simvastatin or geraniol that did not inhibit cell proliferation (5 µmol·l⁻¹ of simvastatin and 50 µmol·l⁻¹ of geraniol) resulted in a significant inhibition of cell proliferation. We also examined the effect of simvastatin, geraniol and the combination of both on the biosynthesis of lipids from [¹⁴C]-acetate. Our results demonstrate that the combination of simvastatin and geraniol synergistically inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis and proliferation of Hep G2 cell line, contributing to a better understanding of the action of a component of essential oils targeting a complex metabolic pathway, which would improve the use of drugs or their combination in the fight against cancer and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Inactivation of O6 methylguanine DNA methyltransferase and nitrogen oxide in colorectal cancer

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Background: O6Methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT or AGT) activity plays an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Inactivation of MGMT can occur by promoter CpG island hypermetilation or through inhibition caused by nitrogen oxide (NO) and species derived from it. NO is synthesized from L-arginine by nitric oxide syntases (NOS) and plays a critical role in various biological processes and many disorders including cancer.

Methods: We evaluated the expression of NOS1, NOS2, NOS3 and MGMT protein by immunohistochemistry. Plasma concentrations of nitrate/nitrite were analyzed by spectrophotometry. Methylation in the promoter region of MGMT was investigated by pyrosequencing.

Results: Methylation of MGMT and loss of MGMT expression was detected in 68.8% and 32.6% of tumors, respectively. There was no significant association between MGMT methylation and protein expression with NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3 or nitrate/nitrite. Significant association was found between MGMT expression and methylation status (p < 0.001). NOS2 immunoreactivity was observed in the cytoplasm of the malignant cells (95.7%) and was positively associated with lymph node involvement (p = 0.046) and advanced stage (p = 0.048). Nitrite also showed association with lymph node involvement (p = 0.010).

Conclusions: Loss of expression of MGMT protein is frequently caused by promoter hypermethylation at the MGMT gene and both are not associated with NOS enzymes or nitrate/nitrite. NOS2 overexpression and plasma concentration of nitrite may serve as a predictor for the prognosis of patients with CRC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Intervention strategies for laryngotracheitis: impact of extended downtime and enhanced biosecurity auditing

An outbreak of vaccinal infectious laryngotracheitis (LT) began in 2005 involving 57 ranches of two broiler companies in California. Standard biosecurity, and cleaning and disinfection programs along with vaccination, did not stop the outbreak. Due to the close proximity and number of birds in the same geographic area, the decision was made by both companies to attempt a joint regional and zonal depopulation strategy. The strategy involved extended downtime between flock placements on ranches located within close proximity to one another. This extended downtime on each ranch ranged from 30 to 91 days. An extensive biosecurity audit, with more than 70 items, was implemented. Briefly, this included heating all houses to 37 C for 100 hr, removing the litter, cleaning and disinfecting everything on the ranches, then again heating the houses to 37 C for 100 hr. Used litter was spread on crops away from poultry, or was sent to a litter processor for pasteurization. Extensive surveillance for LT at 28, 35, and 42 days of age was performed on the initial flocks, which had been placed immediately after the extended downtime. Since completion of this plan in early 2008, LT was diagnosed on only two of the previously 57 affected ranches. Those two ranches, and those within close proximity, went through the extended downtime program and biosecurity audit a second time. Currently, both companies are free of LT. This program lends credence to the importance of cooperation between companies to consider all the ranches within close proximity as the population at risk. In the control of LT in broilers, the program also highlights the necessity for extended downtime and enhanced biosecurity auditing of all flocks.

Coxiella-like infection in psittacines and a toucan

Seven psittacine birds and a toucan (Ramphastos toco) were diagnosed as infected with Coxiella-like bacteria, based on polymerase chain reaction and bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence obtained from each bird's liver tissue. Most of the birds exhibited lethargy and weakness for several days prior to death. Gross lesions included mild to moderate emaciation and severely enlarged and mottled pale livers and spleens. Microscopically, there was multifocal necrosis of hepatocytes with infiltration of a mixed population of inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes, heterophils, plasma cells, and macrophages randomly scattered throughout in most birds. In several birds within the macrophages there were vacuoles containing basophilic small cocco-bacilli organisms measuring about 0.5-1 microm. The spleens had increased numbers of mononuclear phagocytic system cells, some of which had vacuoles that contained similar organisms, as observed in the liver. There was inflammation in the epicardium and endocardium, interstitium of the lungs, kidney, adrenal and thyroid glands, lamina propria of the intestine, and in occasional birds in the brain, bursa of Fabricius, and bone marrow associated with similar organisms in the macrophages. Transmission electron microscopy of the liver and lungs in most birds and in the thyroid glands of one bird revealed pleomorphic round to elongated bacteria measuring about 0.45 microm in diameter and more than 1.0 microm in length. Most of these organisms contained a peripheral zone of loosely arranged electron dense material that was located immediately beneath a trilaminar membrane. Occasional organisms contained nucleoids. This is the first documentation of disease presumptively associated with Coxiella-like bacteria in birds.

Cultural perceptions of healthy weight in rural Appalachian youth

INTRODUCTION

Rates of overweight among US children have been rising over the past three decades. Changes in lifestyle behaviors, including dietary and physical activity habits, have been examined thoroughly to identify correlates of weight status in children. Youth in rural US Appalachia are at a disproportionately greater risk for obesity and related health complications. Inadequate physical activity and poor dietary habits are two primary causes of obesity that have been noted in West Virginia adolescents. Few existing data describes the decisional balance in performing lifestyle behaviors, nor the perceptions of these youth regarding their beliefs about weight. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of a healthy weight in rural Appalachian adolescents.

METHODS

Ninth grade students were recruited from classroom presentations in four high schools throughout West Virginia. Interested parent-caregiver pairs returned forms to indicate interest in participation. Separate focus group interviews were conducted concurrently with adolescent and parents or caregivers to identify the cultural perceptions of a healthy weight. Questions were developed using grounded theory to explore how a healthy weight was defined, what factors dictate body weight, the perceived severity of the obesity issue, and the social or health ramifications of the condition. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed to identify dominant themes, and content analysis provided text segments to describe the themes. This article describes the data obtained from the adolescent focus groups.

RESULTS

When asked what defined a healthy weight, the adolescents who participated in the focus groups placed great value on physical appearance and social acceptability. Students believed there was a particular number, either an absolute weight or body mass index value that determined a healthy weight. These numbers were usually conveyed by a physician; however, there was also a general acceptance of being 'thick' or a reliance on 'feeling healthy' as a determinant of maintaining a healthy weight. Despite these beliefs, many teens had unrealistic and unhealthy perceptions of weight. Female participants were more concerned with weight than males, some to the point of obsession. Both males and females expressed a social stigma associated with overweight. Issues of guilt and diminished self-esteem were prevalent. When asked about the extensiveness of the problem of childhood overweight, the students indicated that a degree of familiarity with being overweight has developed and 'you just get used to [seeing] it.' Because of the rising rates of chronic disease in this region, a fear was evident in these youth about the increased risk of developing these conditions in those who are overweight. Experiences with family members with diabetes and cardiovascular disease fueled these concerns, which instilled a fear of becoming overweight in many of the students. Many perceptions of healthy weight and appropriate body size were shaped by the media and entertainment industry. Additionally, some participants admitted to performing unsafe practices to reduce body mass, such as very low calorie diets or fasting.

CONCLUSIONS

Youth in rural Appalachia present similar perceptions about weight as other children; however, differences in perceived healthy lifestyle habits and a general acceptance of a higher average body weight present additional challenges to addressing the increasing problem of child overweight. Despite the relative isolation of many of these communities, the media has a profound impact on weight valuation that has been intertwined with school-based health education and cultural values of health. These data will provide valuable information for the development of obesity prevention programs in rural Appalachia.

Volatile organic compounds released by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

The composition of volatile organic compounds (VOC) released by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycete: Deuteromycotina) utilizing two different carbon sources was investigated. Analyses were performed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to capillary gas chromatography (CGC) and CGC-mass spectrometry (MS). Major components in glucose-grown cultures were diisopropyl naphthalenes, ethanol, and sesquiterpenes. Alkane-grown fungal VOC switched to a fingerprint with prevalence of n-decane. This is the first report on the volatiles released by entomopathogenic fungi.

Successful methotrexate treatment of an abdominal pregnancy in the pouch of Douglas

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare localization of ectopic pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment are advised and the choice of treatment is crucial. A successful case of conservative treatment with combined systemic and intra-amniotic methotrexate is presented. This treatment option should be considered in the management of this potentially life-threatening condition.

Buschke-Lowenstein tumor and pregnancy: a case report

Buschke-Lowenstein tumor is a giant condyloma acuminatum that arises on the male and female anogenital region. It is considered a histologically benign tumor but carries a risk of malignant transformation. Early diagnosis and treatment are advised and the choice of treatment is crucial. We present a case of a 31-year-old pregnant woman with myasthenia gravis affected by Buschke-Lowenstein tumor.

Otitis interna (labyrinthitis) associated with Salmonella enterica arizonae in turkey poults

Otitis interna was diagnosed in five 9-to-21-day-old turkey poults with clinical signs of paralysis, opisthotonus, torticollis, blindness, and increased mortality. Gross and microscopic lesions in the poults included omphalitis, typhlitis, hepatitis, meningoencephalitis, ophthalmitis, neuritis and ganglionitis of the vestibulocochlear nerve, and otitis interna. Salmonella enterica arizonae was isolated from the brains, eyes, intestines, yolk sacs, and livers of poults. Birds with otitis interna also had meningoencephalitis. It is most likely that the S. enterica arizonae infection spread from the brain to the internal ears through the vestibulocochlear nerve. This is the first documentation of otitis interna caused by bacteria in an avian species.

Serous cystadenoma of borderline malignancy arising in a parovarian paramesonephric cyst

BACKGROUND

Borderline parovarian tumors are found incidentally at surgery or autopsy. They are extremely rare. The majority have been reported in young women and rarely are they large enough to be clinically significant.

CASE

A 53-year-old multiparous female with a symptomatic paraovarian serous borderline cystadenoma is presented.

DISCUSSION

The clinical aspects and subsequent management of related cases are discussed.

Fallopian tube carcinoma: incidental finding during surgery for acute pelvic inflammatory disease--case report

BACKGROUND

Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube is a rare condition. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and in most cases it is an intraoperative finding or a histopathological diagnosis.

CASE

A 49-year-old woman presented with pelvic pain, fever (38 degrees C), elevated white blood cell count and a right adnexal mass. Pelvic inflammatory disease was suspected and broad spectrum antibiotics were established. Five days later, due to lack of clinical response, a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and appendectomy were performed. Histopathology showed a primary fallopian tube carcinoma. Postoperatively she received chemotherapy. Afterwards she underwent a staging laparotomy. Some months later, new chemotherapy regimens were instituted because of the presence of lymph node metastases.

CONCLUSION

Malignancy should be included in the differential diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Salmonella arizonae from an Integrated Turkey Operation

Fifty cases submitted between 2000 and 2002 were selected for retrospective analysis to evaluate possible relationships between Salmonella arizonae isolated from breeder flocks, hatching eggs, and meat bird flocks belonging to a single turkey integrator. In all the meat bird cases selected for this study, arizonosis was the primary diagnosis. In birds under 1 month of age, clinical signs and pathologic changes were observed in older birds. The Salmonella arizonae isolates were analyzed by antibiotic resistance pattern and serotype and genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Serotyping and PFGE yielded similar results, but the antibiotic resistance patterns did not correspond to either serotyping or PFGE typing. The presence of common pulsed-field patterns in breeder flocks, eggs, and meat bird flocks suggested that S. arizonae was being transmitted vertically from the breeder flock.

Microstructure and mineral content of femora in male turkeys with and without fractures

Microscopic and radiographic observations, as well as ash, calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and zinc concentrations, were evaluated from femora of 32- to 35-wk-old male turkeys from two different farms (A and B). Turkeys from Farm A were divided into birds with femoral fracture (AF) and without femoral fracture (ANF). Turkeys from Farm B did not have femoral fractures (BNF). In the mid-diaphyseal cortex of turkeys without femoral fractures, collagen fibers were evenly distributed parallel to the transverse plane of bone surface. In contrast, collagen fibers were disorganized and the cortex was osteoporotic in turkeys with femoral fractures. Each turkey with femoral fractures also had callus on the mediocaudal region of the femoral middiaphysis. The periosteal callus was interrupted at the insertion of the puboischiofemoralis muscle. Muscle attachment to the bone might have interfered with the formation of periosteal callus. The concentration of calcium was lower in the cortex of turkeys in group AF compared to turkeys in groups ANF and BNF. The focal nature of the callus, along with the low levels of calcium, is indicative of a local repair response with alteration in cortical structure and altered concentrations of minerals in the cortex. These changes in the bone and the routine handling of the birds might have predisposed the turkeys to complete fractures of the femur.

Myopathy in brown pelicans (Pelicanus occidentalis) associated with rancid feed

Three adult brown pelicans (Pelicanus occidentalis) were observed to be weak, anorexic and unresponsive to antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins including vitamin E, and steroids. Blood chemistry revealed high activities of aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. Radiographs of the birds' leg muscles revealed multiple opacities suggestive of calcification; the gross lesions included white streaks in the leg, wing, and heart muscles, and the microscopical lesions consisted of various degrees of degeneration and necrosis characterised by eosinophilia, variations in fibre size, loss of striations, myolysis, mineralisation, and proliferation of mononuclear cells in the skeletal muscles and the myocardium. The levels of heavy metals, selenium and vitamin E in the birds' livers were not abnormal. The level of peroxide in their diet of capelin fish was high, 69 meq/kg, (normal <20 meq/kg) consistent with rancid feed, and the level of vitamin E was very low, 0.5 iu/kg (normal 20 to 30 iu/kg). It was concluded that the myopathy was probably caused by vitamin E deficiency due to feeding the pelicans a rancid diet.

Influence of boron supplementation on vertebral and femoral bone mass in rats on strenuous treadmill exercise. A morphometric, densitometric, and histomorphometric study

We studied the effect of boron supplement on experimental osteopenia caused by strenuous exercise in 93- d-old female Wistar rats. A control group of 15 rats was not manipulated. The exercise group of 30 rats was divided into 2 groups of 15 rats each, one that was fed a diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg of boron in the form of Na(2)B(4)O(7), and other that, did not receive a boron supplement. The length and weight were determined in the femur and fifth lumbar vertebra and the bone mineral content and density were assessed through densitometry, and trabecular bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, and trabecular separation with histomorphometry. The femur length and weight, and vertebra weight, and femur and vertebra bone mineral content and density were significantly lower and the trabecular separation was higher in the exercise group than in the others (p < 0.005 in all). The femur weight, bone mineral content and density, trabecular bone volume and trabecular thickness, were significantly higher in the exercise plus boron group (p < 0.005 to 0.0001). It was concluded that boron preserves bone mass in rats that have been exposed to intense exercise.

Transient osteoporosis

Transient osteoporosis (TO) is an uncommon entity whose principal characteristic is to be a self-limited syndrome. Diagnosis is made upon clinical presentation and x-ray evidence of diffuse osteopenia around the affected joint followed by spontaneous healing after several months. When recurrent episodes occur at different times and locations it is called regional migratory osteoporosis. Magnetic resonance imaging and technetium-99 bone scan may be helpful in diagnosis during the early phase. Good results may be achieved with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication, protected weight bearing and physical therapy.

Salpingitis in Pekin ducks associated with concurrent infection with Tetratrichomonas sp. and Escherichia coli

Increased mortality (1.5% per week) and low egg production (5-10% lower than normal) were observed in a flock of domestic breeding Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). At necropsy, salpingitis and peritonitis were the most significant findings. Histologically, there was accumulation of necrotic debris in the lumen of the oviduct. Numerous bacteria and trichomonads were observed histologically in the lumen of the vagina and occasionally in the shell gland. Escherichia coli and a trichomonad were isolated from the oviduct. The trichomonads were oval (6-8 microm long, 4.5-6 microm wide) and had 4 anterior flagella and an undulating membrane extending over the entire length of the body, finishing in a long posterior flagellum. Morphology was consistent with trichomonads of the genus Tetratrichomonas. Comparative sequence analysis of the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene and the flanking internal transcribed space regions of the trichomonad isolate did not closely match with available sequences of the same region of other trichomonadid protozoa.

Characterization and carbon metabolism in fungi pathogenic to Triatoma infestans, a chagas disease vector

The pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma) and Beauveria bassiana (Bb) isolates against Triatoma infestans, the major vector of Chagas disease in Argentina is reported. A 100% mortality was achieved with mean lethal times varying form 5.8 (Ma6) to 7.7 (Bb5) or 11.1 days (Bb10). The fatty acid, hydrocarbon, and total lipid patterns were compared for glucose-grown and alkane-grown Bb10 cultures. The alkane-grown cells showed a lipid pattern different from that of glucose-grown cells, with triacylglyercol as the major lipid fraction, whereas sterols prevailed in the glucose-grown cells. A significant reduction in the relative amounts of linoleic acid diminished the unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio for alkane-grown cells; in addition, large amounts of heptacosanoic and eicosanoic acids were detected in the saturated fraction. The hydrocarbon profile of Bb10 showed a saturated chain length distribution,with a marked prevalence for straight chains, ranging from n-C18 to n-C37 in the carbon skeleton, with n-C22 as the major component. Alkane-grown cells showed no qualitative changes in their hydrocarbon fraction, but a similar ratio for odd/even carbon chains. After 48-h incubation assays,[1-(14)C]acetate uptake was largely diminished following a period of alkane growth induction. Glucose-grown cells readily incorporated 19% of the labelinto phospholipids, hydrocarbons, triacylglycerols, and free fatty acids. In contrast, incorporation was reduced to 5.3% for alkane-grown cells, accounting only for phospholipid synthesis.

Morphometric and mechanical properties of femora in young adult male turkeys with and without femoral fractures

Morphologic and torsional mechanical properties of femora were evaluated in three groups of turkeys to determine whether turkeys that incurred femoral fracture have different radiographic, morphologic, and torsional mechanical properties than do turkeys without femoral fracture, and if body weight was a factor differentiating affected and nonaffected turkeys. Nine turkeys with unilateral femoral fractures and nine turkeys without fractures from Farm A were compared with a group of nine age and genetically matched turkeys from Farm B. Turkeys from Farm A were 10 to 25% heavier (26.2+/-0.9 kg) and turkeys from Farm B were 10% lighter (18.2+/-0.9 kg) than expected breed standards. Femoral length, cortical thickness, medullary diameter, and diaphyseal curvature were measured from craniocaudal and lateromedial radiographs. One intact femur from each of five turkeys with a contralateral femoral fracture (Farm A), nine unaffected turkeys from Farm A, and nine turkeys from Farm B were subjected to failure in a torsion test. Geometric and mechanical results were compared. Turkeys from Farm A had a thicker cortex and a smaller medullary diameter than turkeys from Farm B. Turkeys from Farm A had significantly lower torsional stiffness and failure torque values compared with turkeys from Farm B, when differences in body weight were accounted for (analysis of covariance, P < 0.05). Mechanical failure torque calculated from geometric values suggests that organic or inorganic material arrangement and composition may be responsible, in part, for differences between groups. Femoral fractures may be associated with insufficient skeletal adaptation to heavy body weight.

Transient dissociation of bone metabolism induced by high performance exercise: a study in elite marathon runners

Bone metabolism parameters were studied in 18 elite marathon runners (11 men and 7 women) who participated in the Marathon World Cup held at San Sebastian, Spain in 1993. Measurements were made before the race, immediately after the race, and 24 hours after the race. The most interesting finding was increased alkaline phosphatase (P < 0. 0001) and decreased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (P = 0.0035), which suggests that exercise produced uncoupling of the bone cell metabolism. Serum calcium corrected for proteins did not increase with exercise and at the end of the race there was a negative correlation between cortisol, which was significantly higher (P < 0. 0001), and corrected serum calcium (r = 0.53, P = 0.026) that was not present at baseline. Running time showed a significant negative correlation with baseline serum cortisol (r = -0.67, P = 0.0015) and a significant positive correlation with body mass index (r = 0.53, P = 0.0207). The increase in alkaline phosphatase persisted 24 hours after the race, which suggests that exercise produced an intense and sustained effect on osteogenic capacity.

Exotic Newcastle disease in a game chicken flock

A sudden increase in mortality, preceded by a short history of respiratory signs and diarrhea, occurred in a backyard flock of 48 game chickens in the Central Valley of California. Necropsy findings included severe generalized linear hemorrhages and/or ulcers in the digestive tract, larynx, and trachea. Histology revealed severe multifocal hemorrhages and necrosis in the mucosa of the respiratory and digestive tracts, vasculitis, and necrosis of lymphoid tissue. The birds were serologically negative to Newcastle disease virus; this was consistent with an acute infection. The avian paramyxovirus type 1 isolated was characterized as velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease virus. A thorough epidemiologic investigation was carried out, and no other premises were found to have birds with clinical signs or evidence of exposure. The entire outbreak was limited to the original backyard flock and resolved within 14 days of the onset of clinical signs.