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Biomedical subjects

M Zulauf

Publications and source records attributed to M Zulauf.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[The effect of a pain medication in bloodless castration of male calves on the concentrated feed intake, weight gain and serum cortisol level].

Since September 2001, castration of male calves in Switzerland is not allowed without anesthesia. The use of rubber rings for this purpose is forbidden. It was the goal of this study to describe the effect of a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, administered additionally to sedation and local anesthesia, in clamp-castrated (Burdizzo) calves of 110 to 160 kg of body weight. Plasma fibrinogen concentration, white blood cell count, serum cortisol concentration, scrotal swelling, concentrate intake and weight gain were evaluated. A positive effect after administration of a NSAID was obvious for the serum cortisol concentration, the concentrate intake within the first 3 days after castration and scrotal swelling.

Animals↗

[Open diagonal fracture of metatarsus III/IV and internal fixation in an alpaca].

This report describes the case of a 15-month-old alpaca stallion with an open fracture of metatarsus (MT) III/IV that occurred during transportation. Despite of a guarded prognosis, the animal was operated on request of the owner. The surgical intervention consisted of meticulous lavage and curettage of the wound and affected bone, precise fracture reduction, internal fixation with a 12-hole broad 3.5 mm DCP and implantation of a gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge. Primary wound healing was evident and the implant was removed at 3 months after the initial intervention. At 14 months after surgery, the stallion did not show any signs of lameness and was used for service.

Animals↗

Modification of spontaneous contractility of smooth muscle preparations from the bovine abomasal antrum by serotonin receptor agonists.

The effects of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), a 5-HT2-receptor agonist, alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (alpha-M-5-HT) and RS-67506, a 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist, on spontaneous contractility of bovine abomasal smooth muscle preparations were investigated in vitro. Preparations from the abomasal antrum of freshly slaughtered healthy dairy cows were cut parallel to the longitudinal fibres, suspended in isolated organ baths, and concentration-response curves were performed by cumulative application of the 5-HT receptor agonists. Blockade of 5-HT2-induced response was tested with atropine and hexamethonium. Serotonin evoked a significant increase in the area under curve (AUC), whilst the 5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-M-5-HT significantly increased the AUC and resting tone (RT). RS-67506 induced a significant increase in AUC and RT and a significant decrease in the maximum force. The effect of alpha-M-5-HT was mediated by a muscarinic cholinergic pathway, as the effect of alpha-M-5-HT was inhibited in the presence of atropine but not hexamethonium. It is concluded that 5-HT2 and 5-HT4 receptors are present in the bovine abomasal antrum. Muscarinic receptors are involved in the increase in RT seen after 5-HT2 receptor stimulation.

Abomasum↗

[Unilateral laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in a llama].

Cryptorchism is an inherited congenital abnormality characterized by the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum. Diagnosis can be difficult if the retained testicular tissue cannot be localized during clinical examination and the history of the animal is unknown, or if the animal shows persistent male behaviour despite the history of successful previous castration. The present case report describes the history of a cryptorchid Lama and the techniques of general anesthesia and laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy advocated.

Animals↗

Fenestration of the abaxial hoof wall and implantation of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges for the treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle.

A novel surgical approach to the distal interphalangeal joint of cattle, through the abaxial hoof wall, for the treatment of septic arthritis is described. In seven cattle a rectangular piece of horn (15 x 40 mm) was excised from the abaxial hoof wall and the joint was lavaged with Ringer's solution. Infected and/or necrotic tissue was removed from the joint and gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges were introduced. The piece of horn was reattached, a rubber block was glued to the contralateral claw, and a bandage applied. Aftercare consisted of changes of bandage, systemic administration of antimicrobial drugs and box rest. At follow-up, six of the cattle were sound but one cow which had been slaughtered five months after surgery had remained slightly lame.

Animals↗

Fluorescent DNA: the development of 7-deazapurine nucleoside triphosphates applicable for sequencing at the single molecule level.

7-Deaza-2'-deoxyadenosine and -guanosine phosphoramidite building blocks as well as corresponding 5'-triphosphate derivatives are described carrying in position 7 substituents such as iodo, hexyn-1-yl or 5-aminopentyn-1-yl residues. The phosphoramidites were used to synthesize a series of modified oligodeoxynucleotides. A systematic study of the thermal stabilities of these oligonucleotide duplexes demonstrated that the 7-substituents are well accommodated in the major groove of B-DNA. The 7-(aminoalkyn-1-yl)-7-deazapurine 2'-deoxynucleoside triphosphates were labeled with bulky fluorophores such as Rhodamine Green(R) or tetramethylrhodamine.

Biochemistry↗

Influence of refractive correction on peripheral visual field in static perimetry.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of refractive errors on peripheral visual field thresholds in automated static perimetry. METHODS: In 47 subjects (age 16-49 years), the difference of perimetric thresholds was tested in the peripheral visual field without and with contact lens correction, using a custom-made program (Goldmann stimulus size III) with the automated perimeter Octopus 2000 R. Refractive errors ranged from -16.75 to +12.5 diopters. Sixty-four test locations on three concentric rings between 30 degrees and 50 degrees in 19 hyperopic and 28 myopic eyes were tested. RESULTS: All rings in myopic eyes revealed a significant influence of refraction on the differential light sensitivity in the peripheral visual field. In hyperopic eyes only the inner ring showed a significant influence of refraction. The decrease in sensitivity, measured in dB/diopter, for the myopic inner ring was 0.75; for the myopic middle ring it was 0.46; for the myopic outer ring it was 0.22; and for the hyperopic inner ring it was 0.40. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association between refractive errors and differential light sensitivity exists in the peripheral visual field of myopic eyes. Therefore, contact lens wear is recommended when performing automated perimetry of the peripheral visual field of myopic patients with higher refractive errors.

Adolescent↗

Approaches to determining membrane protein structures to high resolution: do selections of subpopulations occur?

Three different methods are currently used for the study of high-resolution structures of membrane proteins: X-ray crystallography, electron crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Thus far, all methods combined have yielded a rather modest number of crystal structures that have been solved at the atomic level. It is hypothesized here that different methods may select different populations of proteins on the basis of various properties. Thus, protein stability may be a significant factor in the formation of three-dimensional (3D) crystals from detergent solutions, since exposure of hydrophobic protein zones to water may cause structural perturbation or denaturation in conformationally labile proteins. This is different in the formation of two-dimensional (2D) crystals where a protein remains protected in its native membrane environment. A biological selection mechanism may therefore be operative in that highly ordered lattices may form only if strong protein-protein interactions are relevant in vivo, thereby limiting the number of proteins that are amenable to electron crystallography. Keeping a protein in a bilayer environment throughout 3D crystallization maintains the lateral pressure existing in native membranes. This can be accomplished by using lipidic cubic phases. Alternatively, the hydrophobic interface of a membrane protein may be spared from contact with water by crystallization from organic solvents where the polar caps are protected in reverse micelles by using appropriate detergents. Some of the criteria that are useful in optimizing the various approaches are given. While the usefulness of complementary methods seems obvious, the results presented may be particularly critical in recognizing key problems in other structural approaches.

Crystallization↗

[Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) in a 15 month old heifer].

The clinical findings, results of further investigations and necropsy of a 15-month old heifer with multiple congenital heart defects are presented. The symptoms were caused by a high ventricle septum defect and a hypoplastic, completely dextroponed aorta (DORV). Hematology, radiology and ultrasonography findings, right heart and pulmonary blood pressure, and blood gas measurements, as well as electro- and phonocardiograms are presented. The consequences of the multiple cardiac anomalies for the pulmonary circulation are described.

Animals↗

[Short- and longterm results after surgical treatment of teat stenosis in the region of Fürstenberg's rosette using theloresectoscopy: 15 cases (1999-2000)].

Teat obstructions cause considerable financial loss in dairy industry. Recently, progress in teat surgery was made by the use of minimal invasive surgical instrumentation. The technique of theloresectoscopy as well as short- and long-term results of this surgical intervention are presented in this study. The clinical reports of 15 dairy cows with distal teat obstructions operated with the theloresectoscope between May 1999 and January 2000 at the clinic for ruminants, Department of clinical veterinary medicine, University of Berne were reviewed. Data collected by telephone conversation with the owners included: somatic cell count and milk flow at machine milking during the lactation of surgery (lactation 1), as well as during the lactation following surgery (lactation 2). Eighty-seven percent of the owners reported normal milk flow during lactation 1 and 93% during lactation 2. Considering the fact that only 46.7% of the cows showed negative results in the California mastitis test (CMT) during lactation 1, many owners reported a high somatic cell count being a disadvantage of this surgical technique. Normal (negative) CMT results during lactation 2, however, were reported by 80% of the owners. Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus explained the high somatic cell count in 2 of 15 cases. In conclusion, theloresectoscopy is a valuable minimal invasive surgical technique that can be fully recommended for treatment of distal teat obstructions in dairy cows.

Animals↗

The influence of modified purine bases on the stability of parallel DNA.

The stability of the parallel-stranded (ps) DNA duplexes is increased when the dA-residues are replaced by the 7-substituted 7-deaza-2'-deoxyadenosine derivatives 3a,b or the dG-residues by the 8-aza-7-deazapurine 2'-deoxynucleosides 6 and 7a,b. Also the N-7-glycosylated adenine 5 forms stable base pairs in ps-DNA while it destabilizes oligonucleotide duplexes with antiparallel chain orientation. The presence of a 2-amino group as in compound 4b is critical for the DNA-structure, leading to a much greater destabilization of the ps-hybrids than of aps-DNA.

Base Sequence↗

[Diagnostic laparoscopy in the cow].

This paper describes the technique of laparoscopy in cows. The laparoscopic anatomy of healthy cows is described with the laparoscope introduced through the left and right flank in the standing animal and through the ventral aspect of the abdomen with the animal positioned in dorsal recumbency. The case reports and the corresponding laparoscopic findings of 4 cows suffering from an intraabdominal problem are additionally presented.

Abdomen↗

Optimizing distribution and number of test locations in perimetry.

BACKGROUND: Short programs with few test locations have been proposed for glaucoma screening. Program G1x of the Octopus 1-2-3 automated perimeter is divided into four stages and permits the examination to be stopped after 16, 32, 45, or all 59 test locations. We investigated whether such short programs provide information comparable with that supplied by standard programs in glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 99 visual fields of 81 glaucomatous and 18 glaucoma-suspect right eyes, mean defect (MD) and loss variance (LV) of the entire visual field were compared with MD and LV of the 4 stages of Program G1x. RESULTS: MD of the entire visual field averaged 0.40 dB, with averages of -0.17 dB, 0.34 dB, 0.47 dB, and 1.04 dB for stages 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. LV of the entire visual field averaged 13.0 dB2 and was similar for all four stages. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the 16 test locations of stage 1 of Program G1x underestimate the visual-field damage present in the entire field. We recommend examination of at least 32 test locations, i.e., two stages of Program G1x. However, a prospective study is required to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of short programs for glaucoma screening. The selection of test locations for the stages might be improved.

Adult↗

The influence of iris color on the pupillary light reflex.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of iris color on the pupillary light reflex (PLR) in normal healthy volunteers. METHODS: Pupil perimetry was performed on 50 healthy volunteers with the Octopus 1-2-3 automated perimeter. Within the 30-deg visual field, 33 test locations were investigated four times. Stimulus parameters were Goldmann size V (1.72 degrees), intensity 1632 cd/m2, stimulus time 200 ms, background illumination 0 cd/m2, and interstimulus interval 3 s. Pupillometric parameters studied were initial pupil size, amplitude (magnitude of pupillary contraction), latency time, contraction time, pre-PLR movement, contraction velocity, and redilation velocity. Pupillometric parameters were investigated by analysis of variance by the independent variables blue and brown irides. RESULTS: Iris color (blue vs brown) influenced statistically significantly (P < 0.05) amplitude (0.504 mm vs 0.594 mm), contraction time (401 ms vs 407 ms), contraction velocity (13.75 mm2/s vs 16.01 mm2/s), and redilation velocity (4.80 mm2/s vs 5.66 mm2/s). Iris color did not influence initial pupil size (4.78 mm vs 4.83 mm), latency time (520 mm vs 521 ms), and pre-PLR movement (0.328 mm2/s vs 0.325 mm2/s). CONCLUSIONS: Pupillary contraction amplitude and velocity depended on iris color, whereas pupil size and latency time were independent of iris color. Therefore, iris color might be considered when, evaluating pupillary movements in pupil perimetry.

Adult↗

Optic neuropathy associated with sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine ocular abnormalities in sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), an entity characterized by repetitive upper airway obstructions during sleep, inducing hypoxia and sleep disruption with the risk of cardiovascular and neurologic sequelae. DESIGN: The study design was a case series. PARTICIPANTS: Nine patients referred for evaluation of suspected SAS participated. INTERVENTION: Complete ophthalmologic examination, including computerized perimetry, was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlations between the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) during night sleep, a value used to diagnose and to grade SAS, and visual field indices using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r(s)) were measured. RESULTS: One patient was excluded from the statistical analysis because of optic nerve drusen with constricted visual fields, another because of tilted discs with corresponding temporal visual field defects. All three patients with severe SAS and one patient with moderate SAS had relative nasal arcuate visual field defects; two patients with severe SAS also had paracentral relative defects. One patient with normal polysomnographic result and two patients with mild or moderate SAS had normal visual fields. The RDI correlated positively with the mean visual field defect (r(s) = 0.81, P < 0.05) and with the visual field loss variance (r(s) = 0.78, P < 0.05). The clinical ophthalmologic examination results were normal in all seven patients. In two of the three patients with severe SAS treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), visual field defects remained stable over 18 months. The patient with optic nerve drusen also had severe SAS and was, therefore, treated with CPAP. His constricted visual fields improved dramatically after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Visual fields of patients with SAS showed defects consistent with an optic neuropathy. The CPAP therapy seems to stabilize or even reverse visual field defects.

Adult↗

Evaluation of the Brusini glaucoma staging system for typing and staging of perimetric results.

BACKGROUND: Brusini's recently introduced glaucoma staging system (GSS) categorizes visual-field damages into different types (i.e. generalized, mixed and localized) and classifies them into stages similar to those of Aulhorn-Karmeyer. Basically, the Brusini GSS is a scatterplot of mean defect (x-axis) and corrected loss variance (CLV; y-axis). The Brusini GSS charts are claimed to be simple to understand due to their 2-dimensional spatial representation and there is no subjective interpretation necessary, since their numerical presentation provides an objective evaluation. Inter- and intraindividual comparisons are, thus, provided 'at a glance'. METHODS: Retrospectively, 610 visual fields (Octopus 201, Program G1) for each eye of 32 glaucoma patients were inspected on screen with PeriData 7.0. The performance of the Brusini GSS was evaluated in terms of typing of visual-field defect and staging as defined by the Aulhorn-Karmeyer classification. RESULTS: Typing of defects into 'normal' and various degrees of generalized and localized damage agreed with PeriData in 89% of fields; 5% were wrongly classified as normal by the Brusini GSS. The type of visual defect showed in 1.3% fields as marked and in 5% a minor discrepancy. Most of the 11% of nonagreement was due to high short-term fluctuation. Agreement could potentially be enhanced by using loss variance instead of CLV Staging of visual-field defects with Brusini GSS charts was in agreement with the Aulhorn-Karmeyer classification in 73% of fields. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend the Brusini GSS because of its simplicity to concisely describe visual-field damage for clinical use as well as research work and because of the remarkably good agreement with the well-known Aulhorn-Karmeyer classification.

Adult↗