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Biomedical subjects

A Busato

Publications and source records attributed to A Busato.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Molecular and immunodiagnostic investigations on bovine neosporosis in Switzerland.

Neospora caninum has gained considerable attention through its role in the aetiology of bovine abortion. Due to its close phylogenetic relationship with Toxoplasma gondii, respective unequivocal differential diagnosis deserves special consideration. In order to evaluate the diagnostic performance of molecular and immunodiagnostic techniques and to provide insights into the epidemiological significance of bovine neosporosis in Switzerland, we conducted a study on 83 cases of bovine abortion: of these, 24 (29%) foetal brains were positive by Neospora-PCR, six of these foetuses were simultaneously seropositive in Neospora-IFAT and/or somatic antigen-ELISA. Conversely, four (5%) foetal brains were considered positive by Toxoplasma-PCR, two of which were also seropositive in the Toxoplasma-P30-ELISA and/or direct agglutination test. The seroprevalence in 1689 cattle sera obtained from 113 diary farms was 11.5% (95% confidence interval: 9.2-13.8) by Neospora-somatic antigen-ELISA were and 10.7% (95% confidence interval: 8.3-12.6) by Toxoplasma-P30-ELISA. From the same samples, 1.1%, less than statistically expected, were positive in both ELISA. Within selected groups of cow-calf farms, the seroprevalence determined using the Neospora-somatic antigen-ELISA was 14% (95% confidence interval 5.0-23.0) for dams and 15% (95% confidence interval: 3.0-28.0) for offspring calves. Seroprevalences determined by Toxoplasma-P30-ELISA were 8% (95% confidence interval: 4.0-12.0) for dams and 3% (95% confidence interval: 0.3-6.0) for calves. None of the sera gave a positive reaction in both ELISA. Our data indicated that prenatal neosporosis appears as an important cause of bovine abortion in Switzerland.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1998

Inhalation anaesthesia for the castration of piglets: CO2 compared to halothane.

General anaesthesia with 80% CO2/20% O2 and 5% halothane in O2 (mask induction) was compared for castration of 3-4 week-old piglets. One group was castrated without anaesthesia. Of the noncastrated control groups one had CO2- and one halothane anaesthesia, one breathed room air through the induction system, and one was held in castration position. The behaviour to induction and castration was assessed, and the cortisol-, ACTH- and beta-endorphin plasma concentrations were determined to quantify the stress elicited by anaesthesia, castration and handling. Violent struggling and vocalization were elicited by CO2 and positioning into the mask induction system while breathing room air; halothane induction was quiet. CO2 induced profound surgical anaesthesia; whereas under halothane anaesthesia some animals exhibited still a slight reaction to castration. Recovery was fast, smooth and quite. Permanent violent struggling and vocalization were elicited by castration without anaesthesia. Plasma cortisol was not a sensitive tool to judge castration stress. The high ACTH and beta-endorphin plasma concentrations elicited by CO2 anaesthesia confirm our clinical experience. General anaesthesia is fast and safely induced with CO2 in piglets and castration can be performed without any reaction, but with CO2 anaesthesia the stress is not reduced.

Anesthesia, Inhalation↗
PubMed1998

A case control study of potential enteric pathogens for calves raised in cow-calf herds.

A matched case control study was performed to describe the epidemiological features of potential enteric pathogens for calves reared in 53 cow-calf herds located in western Switzerland. A total of 106 diarrhoeic calves and 126 healthy control calves were collected, all calves were less than 4 months old. Faecal samples were analysed for presence of infectious agents related to calf diarrhoea including enterotoxigenic E. coli, Verotoxin producing E. coli (VTEC), Campylobacter sp., Yersinia sp., Salmonella sp., rotavirus, coronavirus, helminths and coccidian protozoa. Multivariate logistic models were used to analyse the relationship between presence of infection and onset of diarrhoea. The study provided evidence of significant associations between diarrhoea and infection with rotavirus, Campylobacter coli and the presence of Verotoxin in faecal samples. With the exception of Cryptosporidium parvum intestinal parasites including Strongylidae and Eimeria sp. were found to be less prevalent in cases than in controls. Control calves were significantly more frequently infected with Strongyloides papillosus than case animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of two classification protocols in the evaluation of elbow dysplasia in the dog.

The incidence of elbow disease based solely on arthrosis (ARTH) score was compared with a protocol using a combination of ARTH score plus a score for primary lesions (ED score). The population of dogs studied included 425 Bernese mountain dogs and 22 dogs of other breeds. The overall agreement between the two systems was high. However, 12 per cent of ARTH-score negative cases were positive using the ED score. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.005). The female:male ratio of the dogs missed using the ARTH score was 2:1. The proportion of dogs affected with arthrosis increased with age, male dogs being affected more frequently. The development of arthrosis depends not only on age and breed, but probably also on gender. Thus, screening for elbow dysplasia should be based on at least two radiographic projections, including arthrosis and primary lesions. As the vast majority of dogs in this study were Bernese mountain dogs, conclusions are valid only for this breed.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Transient increase in chloride cell number and heat shock protein expression (hsp70) in brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) exposed to sudden temperature elevation.

The native cold-adapted brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) is often the subject of biomonitoring field studies. Groups of trout were exposed to a sudden temperature rise, from 8 degrees C to 19 degrees C for two hours, and thereafter set back to 8 degrees C. Gill samples of control animals, of fish after the exposure period, and after 24 and 48 hours of recovery at a temperature of 8 degrees C were examined histologically, immunohistochemically, electron microscopically, and by Western blot analysis. By means of immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, an increase of chloride cells was observed after the temperature elevation. During the recovery period the number of chloride cells decreased. Western blot analysis for stress proteins (hsp70), widely used as a biomarker for environmental stress, was performed from skin and gill. Whereas in the gill both isoforms, the constitutive and the heat inducible form, of hsp70 were detected in all groups, in the skin the control animals only showed the constitutive form. After two hours of exposure both isoforms were visible. An increased expression of hsp70 could be demonstrated in both organs after the exposure. Comparison of the hsp70 values between gill and skin showed tissue-specific differences during the recovery period. In the gill hsp70 rapidly decreased, while in the skin the level remained elevated over the whole observation period. When hsp70 is used as a biomarker in field studies, the fast and organ-specific reaction in the gill and skin of brown trout has to be taken into consideration.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Recommended dietary allowances (RDA) in the dietary management of children and adolescents with IDDM: an unfeasible target or an achievable cornerstone?

A diet in line with RDAs is seldom achieved by IDDM patients. High post-prandial glucose levels are often attributed to food excess rather than to inadequate insulin doses. Lower dietary CHO with greater fat (in particular SFA) and protein are progressively scheduled instead of increasing insulin units. We studied 194 IDDM patients (1-23 yr) on a diet conforming to RDAs with a restriction of sucrose and without a quantitative approach and exchange lists of food for one year. The diet consisted of a high intake of starchy foods and vegetables and a restricted amount of animal products. HbA1c mean values of the year were used as an indicator of metabolic control. The mean daily insulin dose was 0.53 U/kg in patients with diabetes duration (DD) < 2 yr and 0.81 U/kg in those with DD > 2 yr. Mean annual HbA1c was 7.1 +/- 0.9%. The prevalence of obesity was low (5.7%). Adolescent females were more obese than males. A dietary approach in line with RDA requirements, that may help prevent any complications related to an inappropriate diet pattern, coupled with a dynamic insulin adjustment, is the first-line intervention to prevent complications in IDDM patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Epidemiologic and genetic studies of canine hip dysplasia in a population of Labrador retrievers: a study over 25 years].

The occurrence of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) was analyzed in a colony of 738 Labrador Retrievers between 1972 and 1996. Of these dogs, 86.3% were radiographically examined for hip dysplasia. The overall prevalence of CHD was 31.3% during the study period of 25 years. Between 1972 and 1980, the prevalence of CHD was 57.9%. It decreased to 14.9% between 1991 and 1996. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to identify the influence of potential risk factors for CHD such as age at examination, gender, color, year and season of birth, litter size, order of birth, birth weight, body weight and daily weight gain. Birth year and age at examination proved to be significant risk factors. No significant association was found between CHD and elbow dysplasia. Of the dogs diagnosed with CHD, 18% showed dysplastic changes only, without radiographic signs of secondary osteoarthritis (OA). The Norberg angle (NA) proved to be a significant risk factor for coxofemoral osteoarthritis with a moderate negative correlation between OA and NA. Finally, genetic effects were calculated in a mixed model. Heritability (h2) of CHD was estimated at 0.53 (SE = 0.17) for paternal half siblings. The proportion of the common environment of a litter to the total variance was estimated at C2 = 0.03.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1997

Calf health in cow-calf herds in Switzerland.

In 1993, an observational study was initiated to provide general information on animal health in extensive beef farms, to estimate disease frequency and the economic impact of calf diseases and to identify risk factors related to health and weight gain. The longitudinal study was conducted from fall 1993 until winter 94/95 and included 100 farms in western Switzerland. The basic concept was to follow one generation of calves on these farms and record all events concerning animal health from birth to weaning. The study population included 1270 calves (most were Angus crossbreds). Farm-management data were collected with a questionnaire conducted on the farm. Birth and weaning weights were obtained from the beef cattle breeding association. Clinical diagnoses and treatment costs were provided by the farm veterinarians. Two thirds of the dead calves were submitted to a complete postmortem examination. Fifty-three percent of the farms in the study were primary type income farms while 47% were secondary type income farms. Thirty-eight percent of the farms were situated in the lower areas of Switzerland, 14% in the prealpine foothills, the remaining 48% were located in mountain areas. Preweaning calf mortality was 5%. The main causes of calf deaths were respiratory diseases and digestive disorders. Twenty-two percent of the calves were treated at least once by a veterinarian; 36% of the treatments administered by the veterinarian were applied because of diarrhea, 27% because of respiratory diseases. Disease incidence was highest during the months of November, December and January. The association of disease and potential farm-level risk factors was analysed using chi 2-statistics and multivariable regression methods including generalized estimating equations to adjusted for herd effects. Specific risk factors for disease were not identified. Treatment for disease was not associated with 250-day standardized weight gain.

Aging↗
PubMed1997

[Frequency and etiology of calf losses and calf diseases in cow-calf farms. I. Methods of data collection, calf mortality, and calf morbidity].

An observational study was initiated to provide general information on calf health and estimates of frequency and of economic impact of calf diseases in farms with extensive beef production. The study was planned as a cohort study and included all calves born during the calving season of 1993/94 in 105 cow-calf farms in western Switzerland. The total preweaning mortality was 8.5% (123 calves out of 1452 calvings); 2.5% of the calves were stillborn, and 6.0% died or were euthanized before weaning. Forty-four percent of all losses were recorded in the perinatal period (i.e. the first 48 hours p. p.). The average preweaning mortality among liveborn calves at farm level was 6.1%. A large variation in mortality was observed from farm to farm (0-50%). In 50% of the post mortem analyses, respiratory disease was diagnosed as the cause of death. Twenty-two percent of all calves were treated at least once by a veterinarian. Thirty-six percent of all treatments were performed because of diarrhea, 26% because of respiratory disease and 15% because of umbilical problems. From birth to weaning age, the average treatment costs including calving assistance, medication and prophylactic measures were SFr, 23.80 per calf.

Aging↗
PubMed1997

[Frequency and etiology of calf losses and calf diseases before weaning in cow-calf farms. II. Microbiological and parasitological diagnoses in diarrheic calves].

Diarrhea is the most frequently diagnosed disease in Swiss cow-calf farms. During an longitudinal study conducted in 105 cow-calf farms in Switzerland in 1993-95, blood and fecal samples were collected from diarrheic calves and from calves that died because of diarrhea. Campylobacter spp. were detected in 42%, E. coli (VTEC) in 32%, rotavirus in 33%, coronavirus in 13%, coccidia in 43% and helminths in 8% of the cases. In some samples Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were isolated. The BVD-virus antigen was not detected in any of the calves examined. In most cases concurrent infection with several enteropathogens was diagnosed. Specific causes of diarrhea were therefore difficult to establish. The bacteriological findings of this study have implication for food safety: VTEC, Campylobacter spp. Yersinia spp. and cryptosporidia are considered as potential causes on zoonoses.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Frequency and etiology of calf losses and calf diseases in cow-calf farms. III. seroprevalence of selected diseases and prevalence of endoparasites and weaning age].

In a cross sectional study in 38 cow-calf farms blood and fecal samples were taken from 207 calves at an age of 8-10 months and their darms, in order to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira hardjo, Coxiella burnetii, Toxoplasma gondii and the presence of the BVD-Antigen as well as the prevalence of endoparasites. The study was conducted in fall 1994 at the end of the grazing period. Eggs or larvaes of gastrointestinal helminths were detected in 74% of calves that were dewormed before the grazing period and in 88% of untreated calves. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. In 83% of the weaned calves oocysts of Eimeria spp. were diagnosed. No significant difference in weight gain was observed between animals without endoparasites and animals infected with either helminths and/or Eimeria. In cows the prevalence was 61.5% for helminths and 45.7% for Eimeria spp. In calves the seroprevalence was 4% for Leptospira hardjo, 0.5% for Coxiella burnetii and 14.0% for Toxoplasma gondii. The seroprevalence in cows were 18% for Leptospira hardjo, 7.6% for Coxiella burnetii and 14.3% for Toxoplasma gondii. The prevalence of the BVD-Virus antigen was 0.5% for calves and cows.

Aging↗
PubMed1995

LH, FSH, PRL and ACTH cells in pituitary glands of cows with ovarian cysts.

We investigated morphometrically and densitometrically LH, FSH, PRL, and ACTH cells in pituitary glands in cows with follicular cysts and normal animals. Three groups were considered: cows in diestrus, cows in periestrus and cows with follicular cysts. The periestrous group was obtained by merging pro- and metaestrous groups, since the two did not differ when evaluated separately. The attribution to groups was confirmed by plasma progesterone measurements and by postmortem examination of the ovaries. After immunocytochemical labeling the pituitary cells were counted, and their area and total immunoreactivity were measured. The results suggest hypofunction of the LH cells (P < 0.05) and hyperfunction of the ACTH cells (P < 0.05) from the cows of the follicular cyst group. The FSH and PRL cells were similar in the three groups. These changes are consistent with the reduced LH release reported by most authors in cows with follicular cysts and should be relevant to the pathogenesis of the bovine follicular cysts. The subnormal activity of LH cells might be secondary to the activation of the ACTH cells.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

[The prevalence of paratuberculosis in the Plateau de Diesse region].

We analysed 595 cows in 20 herds for serological evidence of paratuberculosis with an ELISA procedure for which we had recently determined a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 98%, and we obtained an overall calculated real prevalence of 5.99%. In two herds with clinical cases of paratuberculosis, the calculated true prevalence of seroreactors was 21.47%. In 9 herds with clinical suspicion of Johne's disease, the rate was 4.23%, 9 herds without any clinical suspicion showed a mean prevalence of 0%. Whereas the trend was clear for groups of herds, the observed prevalence in individual herds varied from 0% to 17.9%, without obvious association with manifest clinical problems of paratuberculosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Genetic basis of idiopathic epilepsy in the golden retriever].

The genetic aspect of idiopathic epilepsy in the Golden Retriever was examined. 336 pedigrees of a population of normal and epileptic dogs from five different generations were statistically evaluated. Most patients showed generalized Grand-mal seizures and the onset was within one to three years in 75% of the dogs. A significant sex predisposition for males was found. The increased manifestation of seizures in some subpopulations and the repeated occurrence in different families of the same sires revealed that there is a genetic basis for the condition of this breed. The results of pedigree analyses and binomial test support the hypothesis of an autosomal multifactorial recessive mode of inheritance. However, only an objective test-mating programme is likely to delineate the exact mode of inheritance.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Endogenous nitric oxide production in canine osteoarthritis: Detection in urine, serum, and synovial fluid specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To measure nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in serum, urine, and synovial fluid (SF) of dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture and normal dogs, and to compare these with clinical and histologic changes of osteoarthritis (OA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study including 2 groups of animals selected from the hospital population. ANIMALS: Forty-three dogs (CCL group) with OA secondary to CCL rupture; 30 healthy dogs (control group) without CCL rupture. METHODS: Serum, urine, and SF were collected before and during surgery in the CCL group or immediately after euthanasia in the control group. Articular cartilage and synovial membrane tissue specimens were prepared for routine histologic examination. The stable end products of NO, total nitrite and nitrate (NOt) activity, were measured in body fluids and compared with macroscopic and histologic degrees of OA. Urinary NOt concentration was compared with urinary creatinine concentration and stated as urinary NOt:creatinine ratio (UNCR). RESULTS-SF NOt concentrations were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Serum NOt concentrations (45.6 vs 28.9 micromol/L; P =.042) and the UNCR (0.007 vs 0.004; P =.035) were significantly higher in dogs of the CCL group compared with the control population. An association between UNCR and histologic and macroscopical OA grades could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: UNCR might be a useful indicator of nitrite and nitrate production and, therefore, osteoarthritic changes in joints. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: UNCR could be used as a tool to evaluate the NOt production by joint tissues over time and might therefore provide a method of evaluating the effects of drugs in the control of osteoarthritis.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Abnormal bone scan findings of the equine ischial tuberosity and third trochanter.

Obtaining high-quality radiographs of the proximal aspect of equine limbs is difficult because of the large muscles in these regions. The use of scintigraphy may provide further information. Abnormal bone scan findings of the ischial tuberosity or the third trochanter were found in 29 adult horses with obscure hind limb lameness between 1986 and 1996 at the Large Animal Clinic of the University of Bern. Each had abnormal radiopharmaceutical uptake but not all had radiographic changes. Radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios between the ischial tuberosity and the greater trochanter were calculated. The uptake ratio in a control group of 11 clinically sound horses was lower than in 11 lame horses with subjectively enhanced radiopharmaceutical uptake.

Animals↗