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Biomedical subjects

P H Walz

Publications and source records attributed to P H Walz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Influence of steam-flaked corn moisture level and density on the site and extent of digestibility and feeding value for finishing cattle.

Performance and digestibility experiments were conducted to determine the influence of moisture and flake density (FD) on the feeding value of steam-flaked corn (SFC). Dietary treatments consisted of finishing diets that contained 78% (DM basis) SFC that was tempered using 0, 6, or 12% moisture and processed to either 360 (SF28) or 310 (SF24) g/L. A 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used. In Exp. 1, 78 steers were individually fed the respective treatments for 106 d. Moisture added during tempering tended (linear; P < 0.10) to increase starch availability but linearly decreased (P < 0.01) particle size. Decreasing flake density increased (P < 0.001) starch availability and also decreased (P < 0.001) particle size. Starch availability (P < 0.001), moisture (P < 0.001), and particle size (P = 0.05) were all greater for SFC that was collected the day of processing compared with SFC that had been processed the previous day. Steers fed diets containing SF24 consumed less DM as the moisture level increased, whereas steers fed diets containing SF28 had increased DMI as moisture level increased (moisture x FD interaction; P < 0.01). Nonetheless, ADG, G:F, and most carcass characteristics did not differ among treatments. In Exp. 2, 6 multicannulated Jersey steers were used in a 6 x 6 Latin square using the same treatments as in Exp. 1. Increasing moisture intake linearly decreased (P < 0.05) starch intakes. Organic matter and N intakes followed similar trends but were not different. Decreasing FD tended to increase (P < 0.10) microbial N flow to the duodenum and increased microbial efficiency (P < 0.05). Ruminal starch digestibility was 90.5%, and total tract starch digestibility was 99.5% without adding moisture or processing beyond SF28. Moisture additions to corn before steam flaking resulted in few differences in performance or digestibility, despite increases in starch availability that occurred as moisture increased. Processing corn more extensively than SF28 may be unnecessary and cost-prohibitive.

Animal Feed↗

Experimental inoculation of pregnant swine with type 1 bovine viral diarrhoea virus.

The ability of bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) to induce transplacental infection in pigs was evaluated. Control pigs (n = 4) were sham-inoculated while infected pigs (n = 4) were intranasally inoculated with BVDV-1 on day 65 of gestation. Blood samples were tested throughout the study for BVDV and antibody to BVDV. On day 110 of gestation, a Caesarean section was performed. Serum was obtained for virus isolation and antibody determination from all piglets, and all experimental animals were killed. Tissues were collected for virus isolation and histopathology. Bovine viral diarrhoea virus was isolated on days 5 and 7 after infection and seroconversion was demonstrated in all infected gilts; however, BVDV was only isolated from one fetus from an infected pig. Viraemia and seroconversion were demonstrated in the pregnant gilts; however, transplacental infection at day 65 of gestation in the pig was not consistently demonstrated.

Animals↗

Study of cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus that lack detectable virus in serum.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) that lack virus detectable in serum by use of the immunoperoxidase microtiter assay (IPMA) can transmit the virus to susceptible herdmates and determine prevalence of these cattle. DESIGN: Clinical trial and serologic survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: 2 cattle and 1,952 blood samples. PROCEDURE: A persistently infected cow in which virus could not be detected in serum was housed with a BVDV-seronegative steer. Blood and nasal swab specimens were tested via virus isolation and serum virus neutralization. Parallel WBC preparations and sera from blood samples of 1,952 adult cows were screened for BVDV by use of IPMA. RESULTS: The steer seroconverted to BVDV within 4 weeks of contact with the cow. Virus was detected in sera and WBC of 5 adult cows that were verified as persistently infected by retest 3 weeks later. Cattle persistently infected with BVDV in which virus could not be detected in both serum and WBC by use of IPMA were not found. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cattle persistently infected with BVDV in which virus cannot be detected in serum by use of IPMA may serve as virus reservoirs for infecting susceptible cattle. Persistent infection was detected at a prevalence of 0.26%. Screening adult cattle by use of IPMA on serum samples appears to be a reliable means of detecting persistent infection with BVDV. Prevalence of cattle persistently infected with BVDV that have negative results of IPMA on serum is extremely low.

Animals↗

Relationship between degree of viremia and disease manifestation in calves with experimentally induced bovine viral diarrhea virus infection.

OBJECTIVE: To compare degree of viremia and disease manifestations in calves with type-I and -II bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection. ANIMALS: 16 calves. PROCEDURE: Colostrum-deprived calves obtained immediately after birth were assigned to 1 control and 3 treatment groups (4 calves/group). Calves in treatment groups were inoculated (day 0) by intranasal instillation of 10(7) median tissue culture infective dose BVDV 890 (type II), BVDV 7937 (type II), or BVDV TGAN (type I). Blood cell counts and virus isolation from serum and leukocytes were performed daily, whereas degree of viremia was determined immediately before and 4, 6, 8, and 12 days after inoculation. Calves were euthanatized on day 12, and pathologic, virologic, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. RESULTS: Type-II BVDV 890 induced the highest degree of viremia, and type-I BVDV TGAN induced the lowest. Virus was isolated more frequently and for a longer duration in calves inoculated with BVDV 890. A parallel relationship between degree of viremia and rectal temperature and an inverse relationship between degree of viremia and blood cell counts was observed. Pathologic and immunohistochemical examinations revealed more pronounced lesions and more extensive distribution of viral antigen in calves inoculated with type-II BVDV. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Degree of viremia induced during BVDV infection is associated with severity of clinical disease. Isolates of BVDV that induce a high degree of viremia may be more capable of inducing clinical signs of disease. Strategies (eg, vaccination) that reduce viremia may control clinical signs of acute infection with BVDV.

Animals↗

Platelet aggregation responses and virus isolation from platelets in calves experimentally infected with type I or type II bovine viral diarrhea virus.

Altered platelet function has been reported in calves experimentally infected with type II bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). The purpose of the present study was to further evaluate the ability of BVDV isolates to alter platelet function and to examine for the presence of a virus-platelet interaction during BVDV infection. Colostrum-deprived Holstein calves were obtained immediately after birth, housed in isolation, and assigned to 1 of 4 groups (1 control and 3 treatment groups). Control calves (n = 4) were sham inoculated, while calves in the infected groups (n = 4 for each group) were inoculated by intranasal instillation with 10(7) TCID50 of either BVDV 890 (type II), BVDV 7937 (type II), or BVDV TGAN (type I). Whole blood was collected prior to inoculation (day 0) and on days 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 after inoculation for platelet function testing by optical aggregometry by using adenosine diphosphate and platelet activating factor. The maximum percentage aggregation and the slope of the aggregation curve decreased over time in BVDV-infected calves; however, statistically significant differences (Freidman repeated measures ANOVA on ranks, P < 0.05) were only observed in calves infected with the type II BVDV isolates. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was not isolated from control calves, but was isolated from all calves infected with both type II BVDV isolates from days 4 through 12 after inoculation. In calves infected with type I BVDV, virus was isolated from 1 of 4 calves on days 4 and 12 after inoculation and from all calves on days 6 and 8 after inoculation. Altered platelet function was observed in calves infected with both type II BVDV isolates, but was not observed in calves infected with type I BVDV. Altered platelet function may be important as a difference in virulence between type I and type II BVDV infection.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

["Acute scrotum" in the neonate. Adrenal haemorrhage as cause].

The most common causes of an 'acute scrotum' in childhood are testicular torsion, torsion of an appendix testis, epididyoorchitis, idiopathic edema, and hematoma. In rare cases a scrotal hematoma can originate from an extra- or intraperitoneal adrenal bleeding. 12 such cases have been described in the literature, yet. We report on 3 further cases, that occurred in our institution between 1992 and 1997. In the first case we performed a scrotal exploration due to a suspected testicular torsion, but only a normal testicle and liquid hematoma were seen. Postoperatively we discovered an ipsilateral adrenal hemorrhage by sonography. In the latter two cases the adrenal bleeding was recognized primarily as causal for the scrotal mass and operation remained undone. In newborns adrenal hemorrhage is mostly due to birth-trauma, large birth-weight, hypoxia, and asphyxia. This was present as well with our 3 children. If the clinical situation of the child is stable, complete restitution under conservative therapy can be expected.

Acute Disease↗

Experimental model of type II bovine viral diarrhea virus-induced thrombocytopenia in neonatal calves.

Thrombocytopenia has been associated with type II bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in immunocompetent cattle, but the mechanism is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to develop and characterize a model of type II BVDV-induced thrombocytopenia. Colostrum-deprived Holstein calves were obtained immediately after birth, given a BVDV-negative and BVDV antibody-negative plasma transfusion, housed in an isolation facility, and randomly assigned to either control (n = 4) or infected (n = 5) groups. Infected calves were inoculated by intranasal instillation on day 3 of age with 10(7) TCID50 of the prototype type II isolate, BVDV 890, whereas control calves were sham inoculated. Blood counts and virus isolations from serum, white blood cells, and platelets were performed daily until day 12 after infection, at which time all experimental calves were euthanatized, and pathologic, virologic, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. On physical examination, the control calves remained normal, but the infected calves developed pyrexia and diarrhea characteristic of type II BVDV infection. The platelet count decreased in all infected calves, and a statistically significant difference in the platelet count between control and infected calves was observed on days 7-12 after infection. In addition, the mean platelet volume and white blood cell counts also decreased. Examination of the bone marrow from the infected calves revealed immunohistochemical staining for BVDV antigen in megakaryocytes and evidence of concurrent megakaryocyte necrosis and hyperplasia.

Animals↗

Comparison of type I and type II bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in swine.

Some isolates of type II bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) are capable of causing severe clinical disease in cattle. Bovine viral diarrhea virus infection has been reported in pigs, but the ability of these more virulent isolates of type II BVDV to induce severe clinical disease in pigs is unknown. It was our objective to compare clinical, virologic, and pathologic findings between type I and type II BVDV infection in pigs. Noninfected control and BVDV-infected 2-month-old pigs were used. A noncytopathic type I and a noncytopathic type II BVDV isolate were chosen for evaluation in feeder age swine based upon preliminary in vitro and in vivo experiments. A dose titration study was performed using 4 groups of 4 pigs for each viral isolate. The groups were inoculated intranasally with either sham (control), 10(3), 10(5), or 10(7) TCID50 of virus. The pigs were examined daily and clinical findings were recorded. Antemortem and postmortem samples were collected for virus isolation. Neither the type I nor type II BVDV isolates resulted in clinical signs of disease in pigs. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was isolated from antemortem and postmortem samples from groups of pigs receiving the 10(5) and the 10(7) TCID50 dose of the type I BVDV isolate. In contrast, BVDV was only isolated from postmortem samples in the group of pigs receiving the 10(7) TCID50 dose of the type II BVDV isolate. Type I BVDV was able to establish infection in pigs at lower doses by intranasal instillation than type II BVDV. Infection of pigs with a type II isolate of BVDV known to cause severe disease in calves did not result in clinically apparent disease in pigs.

Animals↗

Effect of experimentally induced type II bovine viral diarrhea virus infection on platelet function in calves.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate platelet aggregation responses in calves experimentally infected with a thrombocytopenia-inducing type II bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) isolate (BVDV 890). ANIMALS: 9 neonatal male Holstein calves. PROCEDURE: 5 calves were inoculated with BVDV 890, and 4 were used as controls. Platelet aggregation studies and attempts to isolate BVDV from platelets were performed 2 days before, the day of, and every 2 days for 12 days after inoculation. Platelet function was assessed by means of optical aggregometry, using adenosine diphosphate and platelet-activating factor as agonists. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was isolated from purified platelet preparations by use of an immunoperoxidase monolayer assay. RESULTS: Maximum percentage aggregation and slope of the aggregation curve decreased over time in calves infected with BVDV. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was not isolated from platelets from control calves, but it was isolated from infected calves from 4 through 12 days after inoculation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that platelet function may be depressed in calves infected with type II BVDV. Although the mechanism for altered platelet function was not determined, it likely involved an increase in the percentage of aged platelets in the circulation, a direct virus-platelet interaction, or an indirect virus-platelet interaction. Platelet dysfunction, in addition to thrombocytopenia, may contribute to the hemorrhagic syndrome associated with acute type II BVDV infection in calves.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Differential uptake of estramustine phosphate metabolites and its correlation with the levels of estramustine binding protein in prostate tumor tissue.

Estracyt (EMP) has been used for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer for many years. Recently, new data from combination studies have given rise to new interest in this old drug. Explanations for the synergy found in the clinic are many, but one major factor may be the previous indication that the drug accumulates in the prostate tumor. We have, therefore, examined the level of the four metabolites, estromustine (EoM), estramustine (EaM), estrone, and estradiol in the tumor and serum of 14 patients with T2 and T3 prostate cancer receiving a single i.v. dose of 600 mg of EMP, about 12 h before radical prostatectomy. Because it has been suggested that the uptake into the prostate tumor is due to binding to the estramustine binding protein (EMBP), we have in addition measured the level of EMBP in the prostate tumor tissue. The main serum and tissue metabolite in all patients was EoM followed by EaM, estrone, and estradiol. The levels for EoM ranged from 63.8-162.8 ng/ml in the serum and from 64.8-1209 ng/ml in the prostate tumor, resulting in a mean ratio for serum to tumor of 1:5. The levels for EaM ranged from 8.3-51.4 ng/ml in the serum and 73.9-563.4 ng/ml in the tumor, giving a mean ratio for serum to tumor of 1:13. The levels of EMBP were higher in T3 tumors than in T2 tumors, 54.1 and 40.7 ng/g tissue, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the levels of EaM (r = 0.60) and the levels of EMBP in the tumor. These data demonstrate that 12 h after a single i.v. dose of 600 mg of EMP the levels of the cytotoxic metabolites EoM and EaM are substantially higher in the tumor than in the serum of the same patient and that a correlation exists between the levels of EaM in the tumor and the levels of EMBP. Thus, this supports the hypothesis that the EMBP is responsible for the retention of EoM and EaM in the prostate tumor.

Aged↗

Paclitaxel-based second-line therapy for patients with advanced chemotherapy-resistant bladder carcinoma (M1): a clinical Phase II study.

BACKGROUND: In a previous clinical trial, the authors disclosed that the expression of tumor cell motility factor gp78hAMFR correlates with tumor progression in patients with bladder carcinoma. This study was initiated to evaluate whether the combination of cytostatic drugs with an antimotility factor has an effect on chemotherapy-resistant bladder carcinoma. METHODS: In a Phase II trial, the authors evaluated the influence of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and an antimotility factor (acellular pertussis vaccine [APV]) in 18 patients with cisplatin- and methotrexate-resistant metastatic bladder carcinoma. Intramuscular injection of APV 3 times in the first week, on Days 1, 4, and 7, was followed by paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 and carboplatin 400 mg/m2. After an interval of 1 week APV was given again on Days 15 and 19. Each cycle lasted 3 weeks. On Day 22 the cycle was repeated. RESULTS: Four of 18 patients had objective responses (2 had complete remissions and 2 had partial remissions). After a median number of 2.5 cycles, side effects did not exceed World Health Organization Grade 4. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this clinical Phase II study demonstrate that the combination of paclitaxel-based therapy causes complete remissions previously not obtained with second-line chemotherapy, although no conclusions can be drawn as to the effectiveness of the individual substances. Further trials have to be evaluated with regard to the individual components.

Adult↗

[Differentiated metastasis of mature testicular teratoma as differential kidney and adrenal tumor diagnosis].

We report on the eighth known case of a mature metastasis of a mature teratoma of the testis. In a 19-year-old patient who had undergone a pyeloplasty of the left renal pelvis 6 years before, a mature metastasis of an occult mature teratoma of the testis was found at the former operation site. This case--in addition to those published previously--emphasizes the fact that a mature teratoma of the testis has to be regarded as a malignant tumor in adults. It is supposed that the mature teratoma originates, as other testicular tumors, from carcinoma-in-situ-cells, which are responsible for metastasize and are not detected after lysis.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Otitis media in preweaned Holstein dairy calves in Michigan due to Mycoplasma bovis.

Mycoplasma bovis was isolated from the tympanic bullae of dairy calves with an exudative otitis media. The history, clinical signs, gross and histologic lesions, and bacteriologic findings are described for 5 preweaned Holstein calves with otitis media from a 600-cow dairy in Michigan. Clinical findings consisted of unilateral or bilateral ear droop, epiphora, head tilt, and recumbency in severely affected calves. Postmortem examination revealed unilateral or bilateral fibrinosuppurative to caseous exudate in the tympanic bullae. Histologically, a marked fibrinosuppurative to caseous exudate filled the tympanic air spaces. The partially ulcerated tympanic mucosa was markedly thickened with mononuclear cell infiltration and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue. Bone remodeling and periosteal hyperostosis were present in some osseous septa. Mycoplasma bovis was isolated from the tympanic bullae of all 5 calves and from the lungs of 2 calves and the frontal sinus of 1 calf. Mycoplasma bovis was isolated at > 100,000 colony forming units/ml from the bulk milk tank of the farm of origin. The isolation of M. bovis from the bulk milk tank, indicating subclinical mycoplasmal mastitis coupled with the feeding of waste milk from mastitic cows to calves is suggestive of a possible source of the infection resulting in otitis media in preweaned dairy calves.

Animals↗

[A combination of spermatocytic and classic seminoma, mature teratoma and carcinoma in situ of the testis. An attempt at an etiologic explanation].

We report of a 39 years old patient with a large testicular tumor found during an examination for infertility. The tumor consisted of a spermatocytic seminoma (SS) and a differentiated teratoma (TD). Furthermore, two small foci of seminoma were seen in the surrounding testicular tissue, several testicular tubuli contained carcinoma in situ (CIS). The diagnosis was based on the results obtained with various immunohistochemical markers: keratin, vimentin, desmin, LCA, CD3, CD20, CD45R, ferritin, PLAP, AFP. On the basis of the macroscopic and histopathological features, we propose the following etiology: CIS progressed in an earlier phase to the (larger) TD and later to the (smaller) classical seminoma; likewise, in an earlier phase, SS developed from a still unknown precursor stage. Our case of a mixed tumor as well as other cases reported in the last years do not allow the explanation of a differing etiology for SS. On the contrary, it may be presumed that the origins of seminoma and teratoma on the one hand and SS on the other hand are less divergent than hitherto thought.

Adult↗

[Gigantic pyohydronephrosis and contralateral ureteral bud. Problems of differential diagnosis].

Both giant hydronephrosis and blind-ending ureteral bud are rare conditions. We report on a patient with an impacted ureteral stone leading to giant pyohydronephrosis (6.51) on the right side, which in turn caused displacement of the ureter containing the stone to the left. An asymptomatic blind-ending ureteral bud initially complicated the diagnosis. After nephrectomy, a unsuspected transitional cell carcinoma of the right renal pelvis and the ureter was found.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗

Influence of prostatic disease and prostatic manipulations on the concentration of prostate-specific antigen.

We examined the influence of different factors [benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatic carcinoma (PCA), organ volume, weight of resected tissue, transurethral catheter] on the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in 253 patients with BPH (n = 138; 54%) and PCA (n = 115; 46%). Only in 57.2% of the BPH patients, PSA values were < 4 ng/ml, in 74.6% < 7 ng/ml. In 108 patients with BPH, a transurethral prostatectomy was performed. PSA values correlated significantly with the sonographically determined prostatic volumes and less precisely with the weight of the resected tissue. The PSA concentration per milliliter of prostatic volume was 0.12 ng/ml, per gram of resected tissue it was 0.21 ng/ml. An incidental PCA was found in 12/108 patients (11%). The PSA values were identical with those of the total collective in regard to volume and tissue weight. In 11 patients, we examined possible alterations of the PSA values before and until 24 h after prostatic massage. Only insignificant alterations were seen, a massive increase was not found in any patient. Searching for an absolutely valid 'normal value' appears hardly appropriate. However, the usefulness of PSA is increased when the sonographically determined prostatic volume is included. A rectal examination of the prostate has no influence on the PSA value.

Aged↗

Ultrasound examination of bladder and prostate.

Transabdominal (suprapubic) sonography of the bladder and prostate is not limited to special indications but should be considered an integrated part of the urologic sonographic evaluation of the genitourinary tract. Information about many pathological conditions (e.g. residual urine, stone, tumor, diverticulum, enlarged prostate) is obtained without delay, without need of instrumentation or exposure to X-rays. Transurethral sonography has proven useful in the differentiation of superficial bladder tumors from deep infiltrating ones. Transvaginal or transrectal examination of the bladder neck has developed into a new modality for urodynamic examination. More than any other diagnostic modality, transrectal ultrasound of the prostate has become a valuable tool for the more correct detection and staging of prostatic carcinoma.

Female↗