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Retrovirus infections in non-domestic felids: serological studies and attempts to isolate a lentivirus.

An African lioness from the Zoo of Zurich had to be euthanized because of an inoperable tumor. The serum tested negative for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) p27 antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) but was strongly positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies by ELISA and Western blot. When her only offspring and mate were tested for FIV, high antibody titers to FIV were also found in their serum. Lymphocytes were prepared from these two lions on different occasions and co-cultivated with specific pathogen free (SPF) cat lymphocytes in the presence of concanavalin A and recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) for 6 weeks. The cell culture supernatants tested negative for Mg(2+)-dependent reverse transcriptase and FIV p24 by a double antibody sandwich ELISA throughout the culture period. Whole blood and buffy coat cells collected from these two lions were transmitted by intraperitoneal injection into two SPF cats. The two cats did not seroconvert for a period of 11 months nor could reverse transcriptase activity and FIV p24 antigen be demonstrated in the supernatant of several lymphocyte cultures. To determine the importance of lentivirus infections in zoo-kept wild felids, 124 serum samples were obtained from African lions, Indian and Siberian tigers, snow leopards, panthers, cheetahs and other wild cats from nine European zoos. In addition, serum samples collected from 12 Asiatic lions originating from Gir forest in the Indian State of Gujarat were included in this study. The sera were tested for antibodies to FIV, FeLV and feline syncytium-forming virus (FeSFV) by ELISA and Western blot using the respective viruses after gradient purification. In addition, some of the sera were also tested for antibodies to equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) and Visna-Maedi virus (VMV). Antibodies to FIV were found in 30/53 (57%) of African lions, one of 18 tigers and one of four panthers. All other sera including those collected from the 12 Asiatic lions were negative for FIV antibodies. Some of the FIV positive lion sera had high antibody titers producing strong bands on Western blot strips even in dilutions of >> 1:1000. The Western blot pattern of the lion sera differed from that of domestic cats in that primarily p24 and to a lesser degree p17 was recognized. Antibodies to FeSFV were found in 14 animals (seven with strong, seven with intermediate, reaction). No correlation was found between FIV and FeSFV infection. Antibodies to FeLV were found in two cheetahs which later turned out to have been vaccinated with Leukocell, a FeLV vaccine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Development of an enzyme immunoassay for the Hawaii agent of viral gastroenteritis.

The Hawaii agent is a Norwalk-like virus of acute gastroenteritis in humans which is antigenically distinct from the prototype Norwalk agent. We established a solid phase sandwich type microtiter enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for Hawaii antigen employing sera and stools from experimentally challenged volunteers as reagents. This assay detected the Hawaii agent in stools from 3 of 8 volunteers who were ill after oral challenge with the Hawaii agent, including one specimen which was positive to a dilution of 1/320. Virus shedding occurred on days 3 to 7 after challenge. The Hawaii-positive stools did not react in the EIAs for Norwalk and Snow Mountain agent (SMA), nor did Norwalk or SMA-positive stools react in the Hawaii EIA. Human rotavirus, enteric adenovirus, feline calicivirus, and several enteroviruses also did not react in the Hawaii EIA. A blocking EIA to detect serum antibody to the Hawaii agent was also developed employing a diarrheal stool containing Hawaii as a source of antigen. Serum antibody rises were detected in 15 of 16 individuals with experimentally induced illness after challenge and in 3 of 5 individuals who remained well after challenge. The EIA for the Hawaii agent should permit epidemiologic studies of the Hawaii agent to be carried out as well as allow further characterization of the Hawaii virion.

Antibodies, Viral↗

For a few parasites more: Inoculum size, vector control and strain-specific immunity to malaria.

What precipitates malaria illness in an area of intense transmission? Greenwood, Marsh and Snow(1) and Marsh(2) have discussed the hypothesis that the severity of malaria depends on the size of the inoculum, that is, on the number of sporozoites inoculated at one time(3). According to these authors, this is suggested by the results of vector control trials in which parasite prevalence remained the same but episodes of disease were reduced. This is clearly an important observation, but Jo Lines and Jo Armstrong interpret it differently. They see the primary implication of these results as being that natural immunity to malaria must be largely strain specific, and only if there is strain specificity can inoculum size be important. Here they present arguments to support this view,and point out that, if there is strain specific immunity, then short-term evaluation o f vector control is likely to overestimate its long-term benefit.

Comment↗

What is the significance of the binding of proteoglycans to amyloid?

While proteoglycans seem to bind to amyloids, the consequence of this binding on amyloid formation or deposition is unknown. The hypothesized roles of this binding that were suggested by Drs. Snow and Wight are discussed and other potential roles are addressed.

Alzheimer Disease↗

V-Y "Cup" flap for volar oblique amputation of fingers.

For fingers left shorter volarly after finger-tip amputation, a volar V-Y amputation flap designed with the V-Y portion at the middle phalanx level and using the Snow cupping technique for reconstruction of the pulp and tip has provided good sensation, padding and contour. Hypersensitivity and beaking of the nail have not been problems.

Adult↗

Hand injuries on artificial ski slope.

50 consecutive patients with injuries due to skiing on an artificial ski slope were seen in our emergency department over a 16-month period; 76% of these involved the hand or wrist. 52.5% of hand lesions were fractures and only one-third of the first ray injuries were sprains of the ulnar aspect of the MP joint. These data significantly differ from those known for skiing on snow.

Adolescent↗

Regional variation of selected polyaromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons over the South Island of New Zealand, as indicated by their content in Pinus radiata needles.

We analysed needles of Pinus radiata along three transects through the South Island of New Zealand for chlorinated hydrocarbons ( alpha- and gamma-HCH, HCB and PCB) and PAH (fluoranthene, 3,4-benzopyrene, benzo(ghi)perylene and indenopyrene). At rural sites we also collected samples of moss (Wijkia extenuata) and lichens (Usnea sp.) in order to compare the pollutant concentrations within these plants. A principal component analysis confirmed findings from moss and snow studies in Europe that the PAH concentrations vary regionally in the same way. The pattern of the principal component loadings of the chlorinated hydrocarbons reflects their heterogeneous immission and their different chemodynamics. The regional pattern indicates an increase of gamma-HCH from remote areas to those used intensively for agriculture and gardening, followed by a decrease towards the inner city of Christchurch. In contrast, PCB and PAH show their highest levels of contamination in the city. The regional distribution of PAH in Christchurch correlates well with traffic density, and particularly with the pattern of smoke from domestic fires. Our study demonstrates that needles of P. radiata can be better monitors of atmospheric pollution in New Zealand than mosses or lichens.

Journal Article↗

The relationship between hydrogen and sulphate ions in precipitation-A numerical analysis of rain and snowfall chemistry.

Acidic rain has been identified as potentially harmful to the aquatic and terrestrial components of the ecosystem. Sulphate measured in rain and snow has been used as a surrogate indicator of acidic deposition. If sulphur dioxide controls are the means to limit acidic deposition, then the association between sulphate and hydrogen ion concentrations in precipitation is an important factor in establishing such limits. Selected data on rain and snowfall chemistry from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP), the Electric Power Research Institute's SURE, the utility industries' UAPSP, and the Department of Energy's MAP3S were reviewed. Numerical analyses were performed to assess the relationship between hydrogen and sulphate ion concentrations. The strength of the association between hydrogen and sulphate ions varied from site to site. In the Midwestern and Eastern regions, the Pearson correlation coefficient was over 0.50 while in the Central and Upper Midwestern parts of the United States, the correlation coefficients were less than 0.25. Regardless of the strength of the association between hydrogen and sulphate ions, all but one of the NADP/NTN sites used in our analysis exhibited at least 30% of the anions (sulphate, nitrate, and chloride) associated with cations other than hydrogen. For sites where the strength of the association was weak, between 65% and 98% of the anions appeared to be associated with cations other than hydrogen. Because a large percentage of the anions (i.e. sulphate, nitrate, and chloride) appear to be associated with cations other than hydrogen even at those sites where the association between hydrogen and sulphate ions was strong, the complex chemistry controlling the acidity in precipitation may make it difficult to predict the impact of a reduction in sulphate concentration.

Journal Article↗

Mercury levels in surface waters of the Carson River-Lahontan Reservoir system, Nevada: Influence of historic mining activities.

Total mercury (HgT), methylmercury (MeHg), and other operationally defined Hg species were determined on water samples collected from a river-reservoir system impacted by historic mine wastes. Simultaneously, a comprehensive study was undertaken to determine the influence of some major physico-chemical parameters on the fate of Hg within the system. Total Hg levels showed an increase from background concentrations of 4 ng liter(-1) upstream of mining activity, to peak values of 1500-2100 ng liter(-1) downstream of Hg contaminated mine tailings piles. MeHg concentrations varied from 0.1 to 7 ng liter(-1) in surface waters. In both cases, peak values were associated with the highest concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS). Particulate Hg (HgP) was typically >50% of HgT and increased downstream. The dissolved fraction of MeHg (MeHgD) always constituted a large portion of total methylmercury (MeHgT). The [MeHgT]/[HgT] ratio decreased downstream suggesting either a high percentage of inorganic Hg input from point sources, or low specific rates of MeHg production within the aquatic system. The latter could be due to the combined effects on microbial populations of both high levels of Hg concentrations found in water and sediments, and other factors related to the aqueous geochemistry of the system. Concentrations of HgT in the water column appeared to be enhanced by inputs of contaminated particles from the watershed during spring snow melt. In the reservoir, significant losses of Hg from the water column were observed. In addition to losses of Hg bound to particles by sedimentation, the removal through volatilization of dissolved gaseous Hg could be an important pathway.

Journal Article↗

Microbial life at extremely low nutrient levels.

Many microorganisms ("oligotrophs") grow in distilled water: Pseudomonas spp., Caulobacter spp., Hyphomicrobium spp., Arthrobacter spp., Seliberia spp., Bactoderma alba, Corynebacterium spp., Amycolata (Nocardia) autotrophica, Mycobacterium spp., yeasts, and Chlorella spp. Also, certain lower fungi can be found here. In the laboratory, these organisms thrive on contaminations of the air (CO, hydrocarbons, H2, alcohols etc.). All are euryosmotic and often grow also in higher concentrations of salts and nutrients. Natural locations with extremely low nutrient levels (snow, rain water pools, springs, free ocean water, Antarctic rocks and soils) do not contain more than 1-5 mg/l of organic carbon. Oligotrophs found here are especially adapted to constant famine: they frequently live attached to surfaces, form polymers and storage products even while starving, and often aggregate. Many of these oligotrophs alter their morphology (surface to volume ratio) with changing nutrient concentrations. Extreme oligotrophs also occur in generally nutrient-rich environments such as sewage aeration tanks or compost soil. Here they are thought to survive in nutrient-depauperate microhabitats.

Bacteria↗

Influence of environmental factors on the deep and skin temperature in the European bison, Bison bonasus (L.).

1. In 43 European bison divided into three groups (Group A, 3-8-month-old calves; Group B, 18-month-7-year-old young bison; Group C, 12-24-year-old bison) the rectal, humerus region and abdomen region temperatures were measured. 2. The experiments were carried out in winter months, from mid-December to mid-March. 3. The mean rectal temperatures changed from 38.55 degrees C in calves to 38.15 degrees C in the oldest bison. 4. The mean temperatures of the humerus region changed from 20.69 degrees C in calves to 21.49 degrees C in older bison. 5. The mean temperatures of the abdomen region changed from 20.79 degrees C in calves to 22.17 degrees C in older bison (Gr. B). 6. The cluster analysis divided the bison into four groups named hot, warm, cool and cold bison. 7. Only air temperature measured 2 m above the ground and snow cover influenced the integrated bison temperature. Age, sex and mass as well as some environmental factors had no influence. 8. Measurements made 1 to nearly 4 hr after a bison's death showed a drop in rectal temperature and mostly increases in temperatures of the humerus and abdomen regions.

Aging↗

Feasibility of herbage sampling in large extensive pastures and availability of cattle nematode infective larvae in mountain pastures.

Herbage sampling has been used to ascertain the contamination and epidemiology of cattle nematode infective larvae in large extensive pastures situated in the centre of France, where heifers graze for four months on a total area of one ha/heifer in mountains virtual "hectares", tufts of grass being picked both close to faecal pats or "refusals", and far from these pats. Ostertagia was the predominant parasite and the occurrence of Dictyocaulus resulted from silent-carrier heifers. Just after the thawing of the snow, when the heifers arrived in the mountains, the contamination was very high: 8000-9000 L3 and 45.00 to 63.00 L3 kg-1 dry herbage, respectively, far from and close to faecal pats, but this contamination decreases regularly during the season. The sampling of four areas (four "hectares") in each paddock was found to be a very valuable method. The variation of the mean was low and found mainly when the number of larvae was high (6-19% only for the spring sampling). This technique could have some merit in parallel or concurrently with tracer calves which are always difficult and expensive to use.

Animal Husbandry↗

Amino acid sequences of mammalian kazal-type proteinase inhibitors from salivary glands.

1. The amino acid sequences of bikazins (the double-headed Kazal-type proteinase inhibitors from submandibular glands) isolated from the snow leopard (Unica unica), the European mink (Mustela lutreola), and the European pine marten (Martes martes) were determined. 2. N-terminal domains of bikazins are characterized by a cysteine residue spacing that differs from that of C-terminal domains of bikazins and other Kazal-type proteinase inhibitor domains. 3. N-terminal sequences of bikazins seem to be specific for, and highly conserved within, each Carnivora family.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Buprenorphine and cocaine effects on social behavior of monkeys.

We administered for 2 weeks intramuscular buprenorphine 0.3 mg/kg per day (and in a separate series, its vehicle) to each of 7 male, group-living Macaca fuscata (Japanese Snow Monkeys). Animals received one injection of cocaine 0.75 mg/kg and one of saline (about Days 9 and 14) in each series; after each of these doses ethologic observers recorded for 3 h the frequency of occurrence of 64 separate social, self-care, position and other behaviors. Cocaine alone changed the frequency of many behaviors. Buprenorphine alone only reduced the frequency of eating, yawning and ejaculation. The drugs had no interactive effects on behavior. In a dose reported to suppress monkeys' heroin and cocaine self-administration, buprenorphine showed remarkably few disruptions of normal group behavior. But it neither reversed nor enhanced cocaine's behavioral effects.

Animals↗

Ecology of Rhodococcus equi in horses and their environment on horse-breeding farms.

Quantitative culture of R. equi in the feces of dams and foals, in the air of the stalls and in the soil of the paddocks was carried out on three horse-breeding farms during the foaling season. The isolation rates of R. equi from the feces of dams from the 3 farms suddenly increased to approximately 80% at the end of March, when the snow in the paddocks finished melting, and remained at that level during April and May. The mean number of R. equi and the isolation rate of R. equi from the feces of dams on the farms were investigated for 5 weeks before and 5 weeks after delivery. During the 10 weeks, there were no differences in the isolation rate or in the mean number of R. equi from the feces of dams. R. equi was first isolated from the feces of the foals born in February and the middle of March at 3-4 weeks of age, on the other hand, it was first isolated from the feces of foals born in the end of March and April at 1-2 weeks of age. The number of R. equi in the soil collected from the paddocks used by dams during the winter was approximately 10(2)-10(4) g-1 of soil during the experiment. R. equi was isolated from the air in the stalls at the end of March and the number of R. equi in the air increased particularly on dry and windy days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Actinomycetales Infections↗

Subacute inhalation toxicity study of an ice-nucleation-active Pseudomonas syringae administered as a respirable aerosol to rats.

The inhalation toxicity of a commercial sample of an ice-nucleation-active Pseudomonas syringae (strain 31a) was evaluated by repetitively exposing rats to about 700 mg/m3 of an aerosol consisting of a suspension of 0.0008, 0.4 or 0.8 g/l of bacteria in water for 2 h per day, 5 days per week for 13-14 exposures. No mortality, moribundity or biologically significant differences in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption or clinical pathology were observed. Animals tested at 500 times (0.4 g/l) and 1000 times (0.8 g/l) the recommended ice-nucleation concentration (0.0008 g/l) exhibited concentration-dependent increased lung weights. Several animals exhibited enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes. The pulmonary responses observed are considered compatible with a mild irritant reaction. There was no evidence of bacterial infection. Animals tested at a concentration typical for the discharge mouth of a snow gun (0.0008 g/l) demonstrated no significant biological effect.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Herbal folk medicines in Northern India.

The herbal folk medicine in North India is commonly made available through the herbalists, elderly persons, sadhus (hermits), ojhas (village physicians practising witchcraft) and the traditional street vendors whether in the alpine region near the snows or in the arid region near the deserts. The Northern part of India constitutes four main broad regions: the Montane region; the sub-Montane region; the Northern plains; and the arid region. The very important herbal folk medicines which have been in vogue from ancient times in these regions, are discussed.

Humans↗