Changes of the salivary and serum proteome in canine hypothyroidism

In this study, changes in salivary and serum proteome of dogs with hypothyroidism were studied using tandem mass tags (TMT) labelling and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Saliva and serum proteome from 10 dogs with hypothyroidism were compared with 10 healthy dogs. In saliva, a total of seven proteins showed significant changes between the two groups, being six downregulated and one upregulated, meanwhile, in serum, a total of six proteins showed significant changes, being five downregulated and one upregulated. The altered proteins reflected metabolic and immunologic changes, as well as, skin and coagulation alterations, and these proteins were not affected by gender. One of the proteins that were downregulated in saliva, lactate dehydrognease (LDH), was measured by a spectrophotometric assay in saliva samples from 42 dogs with hypothyroidism, 42 dogs with non-thyroid diseases and 46 healthy dogs. The activity of LDH was lower in the saliva of hypothyroid dogs when compared to non-thyroid diseased dogs and healthy controls. This study indicates that canine hypothyroidism can produce changes in the proteome of saliva and serum. These two sample types showed different variations in their proteins reflecting physiopathological changes that occur in this disease, mainly related to the immune system, metabolism, skin and coagulation. In addition, some of the proteins identified in this study, specially LDH in saliva, should be further explored as potential biomarkers of canine hypothyroidism.

Starch degradation in the bean fruit pericarp is characterized by an increase in maltose metabolism

The bean fruit pericarp accumulates a significant amount of starch, which starts to be degraded 20 days after anthesis (DAA) when seed growth becomes exponential. This period is also characterized by the progressive senescence of the fruit pericarp. However, the chloroplasts maintained their integrity, indicating that starch degradation is a compartmentalized process. The process coincided with a transient increase in maltose and sucrose levels, suggesting that β-amylase is responsible for starch degradation. Starch degradation in the bean fruit pericarp is also characterized by a large increase in starch phosphorylation, as well as in the activities of cytosolic disproportionating enzyme 2 (DPE2, EC 2.4.1.25) and glucan phosphorylase (PHO2, EC 2.4.1.1). This suggests that the rate of starch degradation in the bean fruit pericarp 20 DAA is dependent on the transformation of starch to a better substrate for β-amylase and the increase in the rate of cytosolic metabolism of maltose.

Starch accumulation in bean fruit pericarp is mediated by the differentiation of chloroplasts into amyloplasts

The sucrose supply to bean fruits remains almost constant during seed development, and the early stages of this process are characterized by a significant amount of starch and soluble sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) accumulated in the pericarp. Bean fruits are photosynthetically active; however, our results indicated that starch synthesis in the pericarp was largely dependent on the photosynthetic activity of the leaves. The photosynthetic activity and the amount of the Rubisco large subunit were gradually reduced in the fruit pericarp, and a large increase in the amount of the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase small subunit (AGPase SS) was observed. These changes suggested differentiation of chloroplasts into amyloplasts. Pericarp chloroplasts imported glucose 1-P to support starch synthesis, and their differentiation into amyloplasts allowed the surplus sucrose to be used in the synthesis of starch, which was later degraded to meet the needs of fast-growing seeds. Starch stored in the bean fruit pericarp was not degraded in response to drought stress, but it was rapidly used under severe nutrient restriction. Together, this work indicated that starch accumulation in the pericarp of bean fruits is important to adjust the needs of developing seeds to the amount of sucrose that is provided to fruits.

Immunostaining in whole-mount lipid-cleared peripheral nerves and dorsal root ganglia after neuropathy in mice

Immunohistochemical characterization of primary afferent fibers (intact or after nerve damage) is traditionally performed in thin sections from dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) or in teased fibers, as light scattering in whole-mounts compromises visualization. These procedures are time-consuming, require specific equipment and advanced experimental skills. Lipid-clearing techniques are increasing in popularity, but they have never been used for the peripheral nervous system. We established a modified, inexpensive clearing method based on lipid-removal protocols to make transparent peripheral nerve tissue (inCLARITY). We compared retrograde-labeling and free-floating immunostaining with cryo-sections. Confocal microscopy on whole-mount transparent DRGs showed neurons marked with retrograde tracers applied to experimental neuromas (Retrobeads, Fluoro-ruby, Fluoro-emerald, DiI, and Fluoro-gold). After immunostaining with calcitonin gene-related peptide (peptidergic) or isolectin IB4 (non-peptidergic), nociceptors were visualized. Immunostaining in transparent whole-mount nerves allows simultaneous evaluation of the axotomized branches containing the neuroma and neighboring intact branches as they can be mounted preserving their anatomical disposition and fiber integrity. The goal of our study was to optimize CLARITY for its application in peripheral nerve tissues. The protocol is compatible with the use of retrograde tracers and improves immunostaining outcomes when compared to classical cryo-sectioning, as lack of lipids maximizes antibody penetration within the tissue.

Use of acute phase proteins for the clinical assessment and management of canine leishmaniosis: general recommendations

BACKGROUND

Dogs with canine leishmaniosis (CanL) due to Leishmania infantum can show a wide spectrum of clinical and clinicopathological findings at the time of diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to describe the possible application of acute phase proteins (APPs) for the characterization and management of this disease, based on previously published information on the utility of APPs in CanL and the experience of the authors in using APPs as analytes in the profiling of canine diseases.

MAIN BODY

Dogs diagnosed with L. infantum infection by serology, polymerase chain reaction, cytological or histopathological identification, can be divided into three groups based on their clinical condition at physical examination and their APPs concentrations: Group 1: dogs with no clinical signs on physical examination and APPs in reference range; Group 2: dogs with changes in APPs but no clinical signs on physical examination; Group 3: dogs with clinical signs and changes in APPs. This report describes the main characteristics of each group as well as its association with the clinical classification schemes of CanL.

CONCLUSION

APPs concentration can be a useful clinical tool to characterize and manage CanL.

Hyperpolarization-activated channels shape temporal patterns of ectopic spontaneous discharge in C-nociceptors after peripheral nerve injury

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain is thought to be mediated by aberrant impulses from sensitized primary afferents, and the temporal summation of the discharges might also influence nociceptive processing. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels (Ih current) generate rhythmic activity in neurons within the central nervous system and contribute to nociceptors excitability in neuropathic pain.

METHODS

We searched for single fibres with ectopic spontaneous discharges from an in vitro preparation in mice containing a neuroma formed in a peripheral branch of the saphenous nerve together with the undamaged branches.

RESULTS

Both damaged (axotomized) and undamaged fibres (putative intact) developed ectopic spontaneous activity with different temporal spike trains: Clock-like, Irregular or Bursts. The Ih current blocker, ZD7288, significantly suppressed ectopic spontaneous discharges in nociceptive fibres (3/5 Aδ- and 24/31 C-units and 1 nonclassified) by 64%. Additionally, ZD7288 changed the spike patterns of 5/7 Clock-like and 3/4 Burst units to Irregular. Exogenous cAMP produced a significant ~65% increase in the ectopic firing in 5 Irregular fibres, which was restored by ZD7288. In six additional fibres (three Clock-like and three Irregular), exogenous cAMP had no further effect, but co-application with ZD7288 decreased their discharge by half. These units showed significant higher levels of discharges than the cAMP-sensitive ones.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that HCN channels modulate ectopic spontaneous firing in C-nociceptors and shape their temporal patterns of discharge which will, ultimately, modify the nociceptive message received and processed by second-order neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE

We show an involvement of HCN channels in the modulation of ectopic spontaneous discharges from C-nociceptors. This finding exposes a mechanism of nociceptive transmission enhancement and highlights the clinical relevance of peripheral HCN blockade for spontaneous pain relief during neuropathy.

Fluorescent Labeling and 2-Photon Imaging of Mouse Tooth Pulp Nociceptors

Retrograde fluorescent labeling of dental primary afferent neurons (DPANs) has been described in rats through crystalline fluorescent DiI, while in the mouse, this technique was achieved with only Fluoro-Gold, a neurotoxic fluorescent dye with membrane penetration characteristics superior to the carbocyanine dyes. We reevaluated this technique in the rat with the aim to transfer it to the mouse because comprehensive physiologic studies require access to the mouse as a model organism. Using conventional immunohistochemistry, we assessed in rats and mice the speed of axonal dye transport from the application site to the trigeminal ganglion, the numbers of stained DPANs, and the fluorescence intensity via 1) conventional crystalline DiI and 2) a novel DiI formulation with improved penetration properties and staining efficiency. A 3-dimensional reconstruction of an entire trigeminal ganglion with 2-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy permitted visualization of DPANs in all 3 divisions of the trigeminal nerve. We quantified DPANs in mice expressing the farnesylated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFPf) from the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8^EGFPf/+) locus in the 3 branches. We also evaluated the viability of the labeled DPANs in dissociated trigeminal ganglion cultures using calcium microfluorometry, and we assessed the sensitivity to capsaicin, an agonist of the TRPV1 receptor. Reproducible DiI labeling of DPANs in the mouse is an important tool 1) to investigate the molecular and functional specialization of DPANs within the trigeminal nociceptive system and 2) to recognize exclusive molecular characteristics that differentiate nociception in the trigeminal system from that in the somatic system. A versatile tool to enhance our understanding of the molecular composition and characteristics of DPANs will be essential for the development of mechanism-based therapeutic approaches for dentine hypersensitivity and inflammatory tooth pain.

Oxidized Glutathione Promotes the Association of Proteins from Bean Seeds to Potato Starch

In this paper, we report the use of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in promoting the association of bean seed proteins to starch granules purified from potato tubers. The resulting interaction was stable and only a small fraction of the bound proteins was released by washing with 5% glucose. Higher concentrations of glucose or other sugars (fructose, mannose and mannitol) failed to further increase protein release. Dithiothreitol (DTT) at concentrations up to 50 mM did not liberate the proteins associated to starch; however, applied after GSSG but before adding the proteins, it was very effective in preventing binding of proteins to starch. Lastly, starch modified by the bound proteins increased its water absorption capacity.

Corneal toxicity after Ozurdex(®) migration into anterior chamber

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of corneal toxicity after migration of a dexamethasone implant into the anterior chamber.

CASE REPORT

A 62-year-old man with aphakia and a history of vitrectomy received a dexamethasone implant for a refractory Irvine-Gass syndrome. Thirty days later, the implant migrated into the anterior chamber causing endothelial contact with secondary corneal oedema that justified the removal of the implant without resolution of the oedema.

DISCUSSION

Clinical tolerability to dislocated implant is poor in cases with pre-existing corneal oedema, and because of this, it must be removed early. In cases of aphakia and vitrectomy, the increased risk of Ozurdex(®) dislocation justifies performing a prior endothelial count.

Spontaneous activity in C-fibres after partial damage to the saphenous nerve in mice: Effects of retigabine

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous pain is the most devastating positive symptom in neuropathic pain patients. Recent data show a direct relationship between spontaneous discharges in C-fibres and spontaneous pain in neuropathic patients. Unfortunately, to date there is a lack of experimental animal models for drug testing.

METHODS

We recorded afferent fibres from a new experimental model in vitro. The preparation contains a neuroma formed in a peripheral branch of the saphenous nerve together with the undamaged branches, which maintain intact terminals in a skin flap.

RESULTS

Fibres with stable rates of ectopic spontaneous discharges were found among axotomized (5 A- and 18 C-fibres, mean discharge 0.48 ± 0.08 Hz) and 'putative intact' fibres (12 C-fibres, mean discharge 0.28 ± 0.08 Hz). A proportion (~9%) of axotomized fibres had mechanical receptive fields in the skin far beyond the site of injury. Collision experiments demonstrated that action potentials evoked from neuroma and skin travelled by the same fibre, indicating functional cross-talk between neuromatose and putative intact fibres. Retigabine, the specific Kv7 channel opener, depressed spontaneous discharges by 70% in 15/18 units tested. In contrast, responses to mechanical stimulation of the skin were unaltered by retigabine.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial damage to a peripheral nerve may increase the incidence of spontaneous activity in C-fibres. Retigabine reduced spontaneous activity but not stimulus-evoked activity, suggesting an important role for ion channels in the control of spontaneous pain and demonstrating the utility of the model for the testing of compounds in clinically relevant variables. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: Our in vitro experimental model of peripheral neuropathy allows for pharmacological characterization of spontaneously active fibres. Using this model, we show that retigabine inhibits aberrant spontaneous discharges without altering physiological responses in primary afferents.

[Pain-free hospital audit: a pre-post assessment]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate improvement after implementation of care through a nurse-managed acute pain unit in a district hospital, using statistical process control (SPC) methods.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Each month we measured 3 acute pain unit quality indicators: pain prevalence, pain relief, and satisfaction with pain management. The indicators were monitored on P-charts according to SPC procedures that determine their distribution within control limits and track variability.

RESULTS

The hospital prevalence of acute pain stabilized at 30% after a year. Eight-five percent of patients achieved adequate pain relief and 90% were satisfied with pain management.

CONCLUSIONS

A nurse-managed acute pain unit designed and managed with tools for monitoring quality assurance produces significant absolute and relative improvements in the prevalence of pain, pain relief, and patient satisfaction (P < .001), leading to a savings of 15 000 days of unnecessary suffering per year.

Evaluation of an instrument to assess the needs of cancer patients in an ambulatory chemotherapy unit

19593

Background: The physical deterioration, suffering and proximity of death associated with cancer dramatically affect the patient. Knowing about their perception of the circumstances that influence quality of life and adaptation to the disease, allows us to take appropriate medical action to satisfy their needs and improve the quality of patient care. Patients and Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment-related symptoms, information access, patient-doctor relationships, health service management, confidence, waiting time and financial needs of patients receiving ambulatory chemotherapy, through an “ad hoc” questionnaire. Different samples of patients were used to design the questionnaire: 141 patients for item identification, and completeness and acceptability evaluation; 47 patients for construct validity and prevalence of needs. The construct validity of the questionnaire was tested via analysis of the principal components, while reliability was evaluated in terms of the internal consistency of dimensions and test-retest scores. Results: The principal components found through factor analysis with Varimax rotation identified seven dimensions with Cronbrach′s a coefficients >0.70, which accounted for 64.3% of the variance. Internal consistency was high: Cronbrach′s a coefficients were 0.82. Test-retest reliability was acceptable with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.60 to 0.83. The most common needs were more information about diagnosis and prognosis (63%); over 50% of patients perceived shortcomings in communication with their doctors; 85% perceived sufficient intimacy in doctors‘ offices; 76% perceived that they had waited too long before being seen by doctors and given treatment. Conclusions: The validation analysis showed rather good reliability, structure validity and internal consistency. The needs expressed by patients are related to objective aspects of the disease, to time spent in contact with the service, to disease duration and to treatment lines. More vulnerable patients (elderly, low education level, more advanced treatment lines) express less needs, which is why they need an individualized analysis of their circumstances and greater attention from the professionals who take care of them.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Needs satisfaction for cancer patients in an ambulatory chemotherapy service (ACS). An exploratory study

18607

Background: ACS are currently the main way for the delivery of Chemotherapy to cancer patients. Aproximately half of them require intravenous chemotherapy and many need two or three separate lines of treatment during their clinical career. How these treatments are delivered will affect their health and quality of life. Appraisal of needs along chemotherapy process enable to identify problems related to health satisfaction status and quality of health care provided. Methods: We have evaluated the perceived needs of patients receiving ambulatory chemotherapy through an “ad hoc” questionnaire of 49 items exploring the following areas: treatment related symptoms, information and communication/interpersonal interaction, psychological, social and spiritual support, economical needs and management of health service. Results: 141 consecutive patients attending the ACS one year after its set up were evaluated. Demographics (age, gender and income), diagnosis and types of Chemotherapy (Adjuvant vs. Palliative) were considered for interrelationships. The most frequent tumors were breast and colorectal carcinoma. More than 50% of the patients reported having controlled symptoms (pain, nausea and vomiting, mucositis etc.). Information needs related to their illness and treatment were satisfied to more than half of the sample, but reported a need for more information about diagnostic procedures and prognosis; 48% perceived shortcomings in communication with their clinicians and 50% believed they received little advice about how cancer affects their sexual behaviour. Most patients (53%) reported not to need pshycological support neither for their family (60%) nor themselves, 83% not needing spiritual support and 50% were satisfied with the economical support they received. With respect to the facilities’ structure, 50% perceived enough intimacy in doctor’s offices and Chemotherapy Room and 64% felt comfortable in the waiting room but 72% perceived waiting too long before being attended by doctor’s and nurses. Conclusions: younger patients and breast cancer diagnosis are among the people that express more unsatisfaction related to the accomplishment of their needs (p < 0.05).

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Possible role played by R1 protein in starch accumulation in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seedlings under phosphate deficiency

The effect of phosphate (Pi) deficiency on starch accumulation was studied in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). After 3 weeks of Pi deprivation total Pi concentration in root and shoot was reduced by 68% and 42%, respectively; however, only shoot growth was affected. In leaves, Pi deprivation induced glucose, fructose and starch accumulation. Pi deficiency did not affect starch synthesis, but it reduced its mobilization during the dark period. At the same time, starch produced by Pi deficient plants have fewer Pi bound and was also less susceptible to beta-amylase hydrolysis. R1 protein is the protein responsible of phosphorylating C3 and C6 glucosyl residues of the polyglucan, increasing the hydration capacity and the interaction with amylolytic enzymes. Pi deprivation did not change the amount of R1 protein detected in total extracts but decreased its association with starch granules.

The role of interleukin-6 in cases of cardiac myxoma. Clinical features, immunologic abnormalities, and a possible role in recurrence

We performed this prospective study to evaluate the correlation of interleukin-6 serum levels with preoperative constitutional symptoms and immunologic abnormalities, and the possible role played by this cytokine in tumor recurrence. Eight patients with atrial myxoma were evaluated at our institution from July 1993 to November 1998. We measured their interleukin-6 serum levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method preoperatively and 1 and 6 months after surgery. Two of the cases involved recurrent tumor, 1 patient had undergone his 1st surgery at a different institution and died during the 2nd procedure, so his data were incomplete. Preoperatively the whole group of patients had elevated interleukin-6 serum levels. Although patients with a 1st occurrence of tumor demonstrated a positive correlation between interleukin-6 serum level and tumor size, the 2 patients with recurrent tumors appeared to have higher interleukin-6 levels regardless of tumor size. Once the tumor was surgically removed, interleukin-6 levels returned to normal values, and this was associated with regression of clinical manifestations and immunologic features. According to our study, the overproduction of interleukin-6 by cardiac myxomas is responsible for the constitutional symptoms and immunologic abnormalities observed in patients with such tumors and might also play a role as a marker of recurrence. This study also suggests that recurrent cardiac myxomas form a subgroup of cardiac myxomas with a highly intrinsic aggressiveness, as implied by their greater interleukin-6 production despite their smaller size. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Renal enlargement in the fetus and newborn with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a refuted hypothesis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is one of the most frequent causes of neonatal death because of lung hypoplasia (LH). The literature mentions a relationship between renal and pulmonary development, with higher kidney weight in presence of LH. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between lung and kidney weight and to test the hypothesis of renal enlargement in fetuses and newborns with CDH.

METHODS

Body weight (BW), combined kidney weight (KW), and lung weight (LW) of 52 CDH cases were established; 52 morphologically normal fetuses or newborns, matched by BW, served as a control population. Comparisons were done by covariance analysis, and a P value of less than .05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

Excluding renal abnormalities, adjusted mean kidney weights were 22.0 g (+/-1.8 SE) in CDH cases and 20.5 g (+/-1.5 SE) in controls (F = 1.05; P = .308). KW to BW ratio was lower in CDH cases than in controls (P = .023). LW was significantly lower in CDH cases than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference between KW of CDH cases and controls could be observed. The current study provides enough evidence to reject the hypothesis of renal enlargement in cases of LH and CDH.

[Explicit and implicit memory during inhalation and intravenous anesthesia]

OBJECTIVE

Patients rarely report memory or knowledge of surgery after general anesthesia. During apparently adequate surgical anesthesia, however, information processing of high level functions, such as language comprehension and learning, can continue unconsciously. Our objective is to assess whether different anesthetic techniques (two inhalational and two intravenous) guarantee the absence of both types of memory.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

One hundred patients were randomly assigned to receive the following anesthetic procedures: desflurane/N2O (group 1), isoflurane/N2O (group 2), fentanyl/N2O (group 3) and total intravenous anesthesia (group 4). A cassette with the same music was played in all cases, and an order requiring a nonverbal response was given to 15 randomly chosen patients in each group. Response was evaluated at a visit 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Fifteen patients, therefore, constituted the study group for each anesthetic procedure, and 10 patients formed the control group. We assessed the presence of explicit memory in a structured interview, and implicit memory by way of the relation between the number of times the nonverbal order was obeyed and the time of the interview.

RESULTS

Explicit memory was absent in all patients. The presence of implicit memory was confirmed, however, in the isoflurane (p = 0.02) group. Significant differences between the isoflurane group and both the desflurane and total intravenous anesthesia groups (p = 0.03) were found.

CONCLUSION

Explicit memory was absent with all four anesthetic techniques used in our study. Implicit memory was more difficult to inhibit, however, with isoflurane/N2O.

Persistent left cranial vena cava associated with multiple congenital anomalies in a six-week-old puppy

A six-week-old male puppy was presented with a distended abdomen, dypsnoea and cyanosis. Auscultation revealed a grade II/VI systolic murmur. Thoracic radiographs showed gross cardiomegaly. An electrocardiogram revealed a narrow-complex tachycardia, deep S waves in leads I, II, III and aVF, and negative P waves in lead III. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed a high ventricular septal defect and marked dilation of the right-sided chambers. There was also an echolucent structure lateral to the left atrium at a site corresponding to the coronary sinus. Contrast echocardiography revealed right-to-left shunting through the septal defect. Necropsy confirmed the existence of a septal defect in the membranous part of the septum and a persistent left cranial vena cava with dilation of the coronary sinus. In addition, a small patent ductus arteriosus and tricuspid dysplasia were present.

[Effect of the local anesthetic on visceral pain in cesarean sections done under intradural anesthesia]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of local anesthetic on the incidence and severity of visceral pain during cesarean section performed under subarachnoid anesthesia.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

This was a randomized double blind study of 90 parturients undergoing scheduled or emergency cesareans. The women were distributed among three groups according to local anesthetic used: 2% isobaric mepivacaine in group 1, 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine in group 2, and 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine with adrenalin in group 3. The total anesthetic dose was selected based on height, and pain was defined as silent and dull, or a sensation of pressure that was poorly defined, diffuse or referred to another area and accompanied or not by nausea and/or vomiting. Pain was assessed on a visual analog scale at various moments during surgery. Other variables recorded were metameric level of blockade, hemodynamic function and presence of nausea and/or vomiting.

RESULTS

One patient in each group was excluded. The incidences of visceral pain and 95% confidence intervals were as follows: 38% (23-56%) in group 1 and 10% (3.5-25%) in groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.002). The metameric level of blockade differed significantly among the groups. The highest level (T1-5) was reached in group 1 but level was the most consistent (T3-5) in group 2. Systolic arterial pressures in all groups were significantly lower than baseline levels 5 min after puncture and the decrease was greatest in group 3. The highest incidence (p = 0.01) of nausea and/or vomiting occurred in the isobaric bupivacaine group.

CONCLUSION

Use of hyperbaric bupivacaine offers advantages over the other techniques, as it assures more consistent attainment of metameric level, an incidence of visceral pain that is lower than that of isobaric mepivacaine, and fewer hemodynamic repercussions than isobaric bupivacaine with vasoconstrictor.

Transmission of bovine virus diarrhoea virus by blood feeding flies

Three species of blood-feeding flies (Stomoxys calcitrans, Haematopota pluvialis and Hydrotaea irritans) were fed for five minutes on a bullock persistently infected with bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) containing 10(4.5)TCID50 non-cytopathic BVDV/ml serum, then subsequently fed on BVDV-free seronegative animals maintained in isolation. Virus was isolated from recipient animals between days 5 and 10 using H pluvialis, and up to 72 hours after transmission with S calcitrans; virus isolation was negative using H irritans. Positive seroconversion results obtained with H pluvialis gave a steadily increasing antibody titre. BVDV was recovered from flies 96 hours (four days) after an infective feed for H pluvialis and S calcitrans, but for two hours only for H irritans.