Endosomal targeting and the cytoplasmic tail of membrane immunoglobulin.
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Biomedical subjects
U Braun
Publications and source records attributed to U Braun.
Percutaneous ultrasound-guided abomasocentesis in cows.
The goal of this study was to determine the optimal location for ultrasound-guided centesis of the bovine abomasum and to assess the safety of the procedure. In the first part of this study, the technique was applied to 50 clinically healthy cows which were slaughtered within two hours of the procedure. The abomasum and peritoneum were then examined for lesions. In all but one cow, the location for abomasocentesis was 10 to 27 cm caudal to the xiphoid and on the ventral midline or up to 10 cm to the right of it. No peritoneal lesions were observed in any of the cows. In all cases, the site of centesis was visible as a localised haemorrhage on the serosal surface of the abomasum. In 41 of the cows, a haematoma was visible on the mucosal surface of the abomasum. In the second part of the study, 10 cows were monitored clinically for 10 days after abomasocentesis, to assess the safety of the procedure. The appetite, general behaviour, attitude and rectal temperature of the cows remained normal. The haematocrit, total and differential leucocyte counts, and the concentrations of total solids and fibrinogen were determined daily and remained within their normal ranges. At slaughter minimal changes, such as localised reddening and adhesions between the site of the puncture in the abomasum and the abdominal wall, were visible in three of the cows.
Abomasum↗
Endosomal targeting by the cytoplasmic tail of membrane immunoglobulin.
Membrane-bound immunoglobulin (mIg) of the IgG, IgA, and IgE classes have conserved cytoplasmic tails. To investigate the function of these tails, a B cell line was transfected with truncated or mutated gamma2a heavy chains. Transport to the endosomal compartment of antigen bound by the B cell antigen receptor did not occur in the absence of the cytoplasmic tail; and one or two mutations, respectively, in the Tyr-X-X-Met motif of the tail partially or completely interrupted the process. Experiments with chimeric antigen receptors confirmed these findings. Thus, a role for the cytoplasmic tail of mIg heavy chains in endosomal targeting of antigen is revealed.
Animals↗
Ultrasonographic examination of the abomasum of 50 cows.
The purpose of this study was to determine the position, appearance and dimensions of the abomasum of 50 healthy cows by ultrasonography. The ventral abdominal region caudal to the xiphoid process was examined with a 3.5 MHz linear transducer. The abomasum could be visualised from both sides and from the ventral midline of 47 of the cows. The abomasum could be clearly differentiated from adjacent organs because of its contents, which appeared as a heterogeneous, moderately echogenic structure with echogenic stippling. However, the wall of the abomasum appeared, if at all, as a narrow echogenic line. Parts of the abomasal folds were visible occasionally as echogenic structures within the abomasum. Slow movement of the feed in the abomasum was also often visualised. The pylorus was positively identified in only one cow. The cranial margin of the abomasum was situated up to 15 cm caudal to the xiphoid process. The abomasum was between 7.4 and 42.9 cm long, and its maximal extent, measured from the ventral midline to the left, was from 5.0 to 26.0 cm in the cranial region and from 5.0 to 16.0 cm in the caudal region. From the ventral midline to the right, it was from 5.0 to 33.0 cm in the cranial region and from 28.0 to 36.0 cm in the caudal region. The minimal dorsoventral dimension of the abomasum ranged from 0.7 to 7.2 cm, and its maximal dorsoventral dimension ranged from 3.6 to 11.1 cm.
Abomasum↗
Antithrombin-III activity in plasma of healthy and sick cattle.
Antithrombin-III (AT-III) activity was determined in the plasma of 32 healthy cows. The range of activities was between 105 and 160 per cent of a human reference plasma; the median activity was 132.5 per cent, and the 5 per cent and the 95 per cent quartiles were 111.1 per cent and 153.9 per cent of the standard. The activity of AT-III was also determined in 82 cows with a variety of internal diseases. In cows with hepatopathy, acute enteritis, generalised peritonitis, blood loss, idiopathic cardiomyopathy, glomerulonephritis and disseminated coagulopathy, the activity of AT-III was lower than in healthy animals. The lower values were due to decreased synthesis, increased consumption, or the loss of AT-III. An acquired deficiency of AT-III appears to favour the development of thrombophlebitis.
Animals↗
[Determination of core body temperature. A comparison of esophageal, bladder, and rectal temperature during postoperative rewarming].
OBJECTIVE: The data of 60 postoperatively sedated and ventilated patients were studied for analysis of oesophageal, bladder, and rectal temperatures. The purpose of the investigation was to clarify whether changes of oesophageal temperature are adequately reflected by bladder and rectal temperatures and whether the rate of rewarming has an influence on the accuracy of the latter two sites. METHODS: For temperature recording, a Hi-Lo Temp esophageal stethoscope (Mallinckrodt Medical), a Foley FC400-18 catheter temperature sensor (Respiratory Support Products, Mallinckrodt Medical), and a rectal temperature probe N401 (YSI) were used. Each probe and matching recording unit was calibrated over a range of 30-40 degrees C against a reference quartz thermometer (Hewlett packard Model 2801 A) in a thermostated water bath before the investigation. Five measuring points distributed over the whole period of rewarming were evaluated. Patients were assigned to groups with slow and fast rewarming, respectively. Agreement between the methods of measurement was assessed as described by Bland and Altman. Furthermore, differences between the oesophageal and bladder or rectal temperature were checked at each measuring point for statistical significance using the t-test. RESULTS: In regard to oesophageal temperature, the bladder and rectal temperatures had biases of -0.01 degree C and -0.03 degree C, respectively. Limits of agreement (+/- s) were +/-0.68 degree C and +/-0.82 degree C, respectively. The bias of the bladder temperature was independent of the rate of rewarming (Fig. 3). The bias of the rectal temperature, however, differed in regard to the rewarming rate, being +0.06 degree C in the group with slow rewarming and -0.13 degree C in the group with fast rewarming (Tables 1 and 2, Fig. 1 and 2). These differences were significant for the measuring points 4 and 5 (Fig. 4). CONCLUSIONS: Bladder and rectal temperatures can accurately indicate the oesophageal temperature with a very small bias in postoperatively sedated and ventilated patients. Since the rate of rewarming influences the accuracy of rectal temperature readings, monitoring of bladder temperature seems to be more favourable in the postoperative period.
Body Temperature↗
Ondansetron, droperidol and their combination for the prevention of post-operative vomiting in children.
In this study the antiemetic effects of droperidol, ondansetron and their combination were evaluated in 160 ASA Grade I and II children undergoing surgery for strabismus, who were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Group D received droperidol 75 micrograms kg-1, group O ondansetron 0.1 mg kg-1, group D+O received both droperidol 75 micrograms kg-1 and ondansetron 0.1 mg kg-1, and group N NaCl as placebo. Emesis within the first 24 h occurred in 95.0% of the children with placebo medication, compared with 32.5% (D), 40.0% (O) and 45.0% (D+O) in the groups with antiemetic prophylaxis. The differences between group N and all other groups were significant (P < 0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups D, O and D+O. It is concluded that droperidol (75 micrograms kg-1) and ondansetron (0.1 mg kg-1) both significantly reduce PONV in children undergoing surgery for strabismus. Neither ondansetron, nor the combination D+O were superior to droperidol alone.
Adolescent↗
[Temperature measurement in the ear canal: comparison of an infrared thermometer with conventional temperature probes and evaluation of clinical factors on infrared measurement].
PURPOSE: We compared the readings of the GENIUS 3000A FirstTemp infrared thermometer with a conventional temperature probe (MON-A-THERM tympanic) placed in contact with the tympanic membrane. We also systematically evaluated user-dependent factors influencing the infrared readings. METHODS: In 100 postoperative patients we investigated the repeatability of the infrared measurements and the agreement with tympanic thermocouple probes in the contralateral ear regarding the degree of auditory canal contamination. In 20 volunteers we evaluated the influence of three factors: interval between consecutive measurements, dwell time in the auditory canal before reading the temperature, and positioning of the grip. Finally, we compared the infrared readings in the same ear of 20 different users who were not familiar with this new method. RESULTS: Comparison with the tympanic contact probes revealed a mean difference of -0.67 degree C (+/-0.65 degree C 2 SD). The infrared thermometer significantly underestimated the temperature of the thermocouple probes. Repeatability was +/-0.3 degree C. The presence of cerumen in the auditory canal had no influence on the infrared readings. Shortening of the interval between two consecutive readings (30 and 60 s.) led to increasing differences between the two measurements with the second reading decreasing. After positioning the infrared thermometer in the auditory canal 5 seconds before taking temperatures, the recorded temperatures were significantly lower compared to the immediate temperature recordings. Rotation of the device out of the telephone handle position led to an increasing lack of agreement between infrared thermometry and thermistor probes. In 20 inexperienced operators agreement with the thermocouple probe was -0.80 degree C (+/-0.60 degree C 2 SD) and repeatability was +/-0.6 degree C. CONCLUSION: Although easy to use, infrared thermometry requires careful handling and experienced users. To get optimal recordings, the time between consecutive measurements should not be less than 90 seconds. Recordings should be taken immediately after positioning the device in the auditory canal. Best results are obtained when the grip of the device follows the ramus mandibulae like a telephone handle. The lower readings of the infrared thermometer compared to tympanic contact-probes indicate that the obtained readings represent the temperature of the auditory canal rather than of the tympanic membrane itself.
Ear Canal↗
[High altitude retinopathy after Himalayan ascent].
BACKGROUND: Visual disturbances after high altitude exposure were first reported in 1969. Later, the term "High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhage-HARH" has been used for the ensuing retinal hemorrhages and vascular engorgement. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old Caucasian male presented to our outpatient department 1 week after climbing Mt. Gosainthan in the Himalayas. He had spent 25 days without oxygen supply above 5000 meters, with a maximum of 8046 meters. He now complained of glare and decreased vision in twilight. Visual acuity was 20/25 OD and 20/20 OS. Ophthalmoscopy revealed intraretinal hemorrhages and tortuosity of dilated arterioles and venoles. After 6 weeks of gradual improvement, visual acuity was 20/20 OD and 20/16 OS with normal visual fields. DISCUSSION: The hypoxia at high altitude causes increased retinal blood flow and blood volume possibly via autoregulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, retinal venous pressure can be increased by extreme physical exertion and Valsalva maneuvers during mountain climbing. A hypoxic retinal capillary bed exposed to increased retinal venous pressure predisposes to intraretinal hemorrhage. Retinal changes include marked increase of retinal vessel diameter with tortuosity of arterioles and venoles and hyperemia or edema of the optic disc. The intra- or preretinal hemorrhages often spare the macular area. These patients do not experience debilitating symptoms unless vitreous hemorrhage occurs. This may be potentially hazardous when the patient is still in the high mountains. Clinically, all these retinal changes are reversible within weeks. To prevent high altitude retinopathy, ascending slowly and use of supplemental oxygen is recommended.
Adult↗
Clinical findings in cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila.
The goal of this study was to determine the clinical signs and course of disease in five lactating cows and in five dry cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila. Ten clinically healthy Swiss Braunvieh cows, seronegative for E. phagocytophila, were injected with 50 ml of whole blood containing E. phagocytophila. The cows were examined daily for 21 days, and blood samples were collected for microscopic examination of leukocytes for the infective agent. All cows became ill with symptoms of tick-borne fever after an incubation period of 5 to 9 days. The most important clinical signs were pyrexia (40.2-41.7 degrees C), decreased milk production and mildly to moderately disturbed general condition. In addition, there were respiratory symptoms such as polypnea, nasal discharge, cough and abnormal lung sounds. Clinical signs returned to normal in all cows without treatment after an average of 8 days. E. phagocytophila bodies were seen in leukocytes 5-8 days after infection and were present for 6-14 days. The course of disease was more severe in dry cows than in lactating cows. It can be concluded that experimental infection of cows with E. phagocytophila generally has a mild course. However, the associated decrease in milk production may be of economic importance.
Animals↗
Laboratory findings in cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila.
The goal of this study was to assess various hematological variables in 10 cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila. Blood samples were collected at regular intervals for examination of leukocytes for Ehrlichia organisms and for determination of hematological and biochemical variables. In addition, PCR amplification was performed throughout the disease period on blood and milk samples for the detection of E. phagocytophila organisms. The time of seroconversion and the duration of serum titers indicating positivity were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. For all cows, E. phagocytophila organisms were first detected microscopically in leukocytes 5 to 8 days postinfection and could be demonstrated for a period of 6 to 14 days. For all cows, the appearance of E. phagocytophila organisms in leukocytes coincided with transient erythropenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia and a decrease in hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. For five lactating cows, E. phagocytophila organisms were identified in leukocytes of milk samples during the acute phase of the disease, which, we believe, has not previously been reported. E. phagocytophila DNA was detected in blood samples by nested PCR from 1 to 2 days before to 2 to 12 days after the organisms were identified microscopically. In milk samples, E. phagocytophila DNA was detected for an average of 11 days.
Animals↗
[Polycythemia caused by liver carcinoma in cattle and sheep].
Polycythemia associated with hepatic carcinoma was diagnosed in a 10-year-old cow, an 8-month-old heifer and a 3-year-old sheep. The cow was referred to our clinic because of weight loss, reduced appetite, hematuria, marked reddening of the mucosa of the tear canal, oral cavity and vestibule and an increased hematocrit. Clinical examination also revealed injected scleral vessels. The erythrocyte count, the PCV, hemoglobin concentration and the activities of the hepatic enzymes were increased. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a very large liver with a focal echogenic lesion. Based on all findings, a diagnosis of polycythemia associated with a liver tumor, was made. The cow was slaughtered. Multifocal liver tumors were diagnosed histologically as hepatocellular carcinoma. The heifer and sheep had similar clinical and hematological findings. Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed in the heifer and cholangiocellular carcinoma in the sheep. It was concluded that in all three patients, polycythemia was caused by hepatic carcinoma.
Animals↗
[Epidemiologic studies of the occurrence of bovine virus diarrhea/mucosal disease in 2892 cattle in 95 dairy farms].
Blood samples were collected from 2892 cows and heifers of various ages from 95 dairy farms in the Kanton of St. Gallen and were tested for antibodies against bovine virus diarrhea. The percentages of seropositive, seronegative and inconclusive cases were 83.7%, 13.0% and 3.3%, respectively. In all herds, at least one case was seropositive, and in 29% of the herds, all the animals tested were seropositive. On a herd basis, the seroprevalence ranged from 16.2% to 100% with a mean (+/- SD) of 85.8 +/- 17.6%. The seroprevalence in one to two-year-old heifers was not significantly different from that of the entire sample.
Animals↗
Lead poisoning of calves pastured in the target area of a military shooting range.
Five calves, seven to nine months of age, were put on pasture in the target area of a shooting range in early May. Acute lead poisoning occurred in one of the calves after five days of grazing, the remainder became ill one to three days later. The most important symptoms consisted of neurological disturbances and included maniacal movements, opisthotonos, drooling, rolling of the eyes, convulsions, licking, champing of the jaws, bruxism, bellowing and breaking through fences All but one calf, which was euthanatized, died within several hours of the occurrence of the first symptoms. In one calf, the concentration of lead in samples of whole blood (940 micrograms/l), liver (38 mg/kg wet weight) and kidney (30 mg/kg wet weight) were markedly increased Post mortem examination of this calf revealed acute cardiac, renal and pulmonary haemorrhage, acute tubulonephrosis and acute severe pulmonary emphysema. The concentration of lead in the dry matter of a grass and a soil sample from the target zone of the shooting range were 29550 mg/kg and 3900 mg/kg, respectively. Further investigation revealed that this area had been used as a military shooting range for many years, and in the previous year, approximately 20000 bullets with lead contents of either 3.05 g or 8.55 g had been fired. The results of this study indicate that the target area of shooting ranges must not be used for pasture or for food production for animals or humans.
Animals↗
[Clinical examination upon suspicion of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)].
The most important clinical signs of BSE are hypersensitivity to manipulations of the head and neck and disturbances in behaviour and locomotion. Diagnostic procedures include thorough clinical and neurological examination with emphasis on the assessment of behaviour, locomotion and sensitivity. The findings have to be interpreted carefully and depending on the diagnosis, national animal health regulations must be followed.
Animals↗
[Sudden death of Alpine cattle in the canton Graubünden].
The aetiology of sudden deaths of cattle in the Kanton Graubünden has been elucidated by a multi-disciplinary approach. Certain small rivers and ponds located in the affected Alpine pastures in the areas of Misox, Rheinwald and Engadin provide favourable habitats for the growth of hepatotoxic cyanobacteria, particularly during long periods of hot and dry weather. As cattle frequently take up water from these sources, the toxins produced by cyanobacteria may lead to lethal poisonings that are typically associated with hemorrhagic liver necrosis. The latest reported case of cyanobacteria poisoning of Alpine cattle occurred during the summer of 1996. Further animal losses may be avoided by the implementation of appropriate pasture management schemes. To identify sites of potential hazards to human or animal health, we have developed a sensitive screening assay for the detection of cyanobacteria hepatotoxins in algae and water samples.
Animals↗
[Cerebrospinal nematodiasis in seven goats].
Clinical findings in seven goats affected with cerebrospinal nematodiasis are described. The animals originated from different parts of Switzerland. The disease occurred mainly in winter. The animals were admitted to the clinic because of progressive pelvic limb ataxia, recumbency, vestibular disease and circling. Clinical findings were complete or incomplete posterior paresis, pelvic limb ataxia, circling, reduced cutaneous sensation and proprioceptive deficits as well as cranial nerve reflexes deficits. The general condition was slightly reduced and the appetite was normal. In three goats predominance of mononuclear and eosinophilic cells in the cerebrospinal fluid was interpreted as typical findings for parasite infestation in the central nervous system. Histopathological changes and the finding of a nematode in cross sections in two affected animals confirmed the diagnosis. Infection with Elaphostrongylus cervi is discussed due to close contact with deer.
Animals↗
[Occurrence of bovine ehrlichiosis in the canton Obwalden].
Due the examination of six Brown Swiss cows the "Schinberg-fever" a clinical picture known for years in central Switzerland could be identified as bovine ehrlichiosis. Clinical signs were observed 23 to 116 days after the animals were turned out on pasture. Main symptoms were fever and reduced milk yield. All animals were infested with ticks and showed a severe leucopenia. In buffy coat preparations Ehrlichia phagocytophila could be identified in neutrophils and eosinophils, rarely in monocytes. All six cows could be successfully treated with oxytetracycline.
Animals↗