Ultrastructure and development of the body cuticle of Oesophagostomum dentatum (Strongylida, Nematoda)

The ultrastructure, development, and morphogenesis of the body cuticle of adult and juvenile Oesophagostomum dentatum (Strongylida, Nematoda) were investigated by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The cuticle of the first 3 juvenile stages consists of a trilaminate epicuticle, an amorphous layer, and a radially striated layer. In the last juvenile stage and the adult worm, the radially striated layer is replaced by a fibrous layer with 3 sublayers of giant fibers and a basal amorphous layer. The new forming cuticle of the 3rd juvenile stage exhibits the epicuticle and amorphous material and, at a later time, the epicuticle and the radially striated layer; finally, amorphous material appears between these layers. Our finding of a structural change in the cuticular morphology between the 3rd and 4th juvenile stage harmonizes with earlier reports about the Strongylida. Such a change occurs at different ontogenetic stages or seems to be missing in other nematodes. Morphogenetic events such as the formation of the radial striation layer from amorphous precursor material agrees with previous observations on strongylids.

Recovery of Oesophagostomum dentatum from pigs by isolation of parasites migrating from large intestinal contents embedded in agar-gel

Four groups with three pigs in each group were inoculated with Oesophagostomum dentatum larvae (L3 larvae). Groups 1 and 3 were inoculated with 20,000 larvae, and Groups 2 and 4 with 200,000 larvae. On Days 11 and 34, respectively, Groups 1 and 2 and Groups 3 and 4 were slaughtered, and the contents from the large intestines collected. Subsamples of intestinal contents were mixed with agar to a final concentration of 1% agar and allowed to set. The worms were allowed to migrate from the agar-gel into 38 degrees C 0.9% saline overnight. Then the worms were collected on a sieve (38 microns mesh) and counted. The worms retained in the agar-gel were counted after pouring the melted agar through a sieve (38 microns mesh). The results showed that more than 95% of the worms migrated out of the agar-gel, and subsequently were available for counting in an almost clean suspension. Additionally the method yielded a high worm recovery; all stages were recovered. The recovery percentage was not significantly affected by either the dose of parasites or the time interval from slaughtering to start of incubation (37-128 min).

Growth and fecundity of Oesophagostomum dentatum in high-level infections and after transplantation into naive pigs

This experiment was designed to examine the growth, proportion of stages, and fecundity of an Oesophagostomum dentatum population by transplantation of a known small number of worms from a high-density population into helminth-naive recipient pigs. Approximately 1,500 4-week-old worms [69% fourth-stage larvae (L4), 31% adult worms] were transplanted into each of 5 recipient pigs (group B), and these pigs, along with a group of 5 high-level-infection control pigs (group C), were killed at 4 weeks after transplantation to determine and compare the worm burdens. By 2 weeks after transplantation and throughout the experiment, fecal egg counts of group B exceeded those of group C and the fecundity of the worms was higher, though not statistically significantly so, in the transplanted worms. In the recipient pigs, all worms (approx. 70% establishment) had developed to the adult stage and were significantly longer than worms recovered from the group C pigs.

Experimental Oesophagostomum dentatum infections in the pig: worm populations resulting from trickle infections with three dose levels of larvae

This paper describes the worm populations in pigs experimentally infected by trickle infections with different dose levels of the nodular worm, Oesophagostomum dentatum. Four groups each of 20 helminth naïve pigs, 10-12 weeks old, were inoculated with 0 (group 1), 100 (group 2), 1000 (group 3), or 10,000 (group 4) infective larvae twice weekly, and the pigs were killed after 10-13 weeks. No overt clinical signs were observed, and only group 4 had slightly lower food conversion rate (P < 0.05) than the controls. Faecal egg counts revealed that the nodular worms in pigs of groups 2 and 3 had a short prepatent period (3-4 1/2 weeks) and a fairly stable egg output, while the worms in the pigs of group 4 had prepatent periods of 3-10 weeks and low, unstable egg excretion. The mean worm burdens increased with the dose rate (group 2: 929 worms; group 3: 7467 worms; group 4: 19,847 worms), but detailed analyses of the worm populations from 10 pigs from each of the infected groups revealed a clear dose-dependency in worm recovery, percentage adult worms, worm lengths and female fecundity, as all these measures declined significantly with increasing dose level. The adult worms seemed to be shorter and less fertile when they were located posteriorly to their predilection site, and especially in group 4 many stunted infertile adults measuring only 2-5 mm were found in the posterior half of the colon, but there were no indications of worm expulsion. Superimposed on the main experiment was a cohort study in which 4 pigs of group 3 were given a single dose of 1000 pyrantel resistant larvae at day 56 (all other larvae were pyrantel sensitive), treated with 28 mg pyrantel per kg body weight at day 85 and killed at day 90. Appropriate control groups were included. The mean establishment of the cohort was similar to previously uninfected controls, but between-animal variation was much higher in the trickle infected group.

Protracted methemoglobinemia after phenazopyridine overdose in an infant

Acquired methemoglobinemia may be produced by the ingestion or absorption of certain chemicals and xenobiotics. A case of methemoglobinemia in an 8.5-month old infant who ingested approximately 227 mg/kg of phenazopyridine is presented. Although this adverse event is often reversed with a single dose of methylene blue, this patient required three doses of methylene blue (1 mg/kg) over a 25-hour period. It is suggested that the need for repeated doses of methylene blue in this case was not only related to the large dose of phenazopyridine, but also its metabolites (i.e., aniline), which have the potential to produce methemoglobinemia. This case illustrates the need for close observation and serial monitoring of methemoglobin levels in patients who are at increased risk for the development of protracted methemoglobinemia. Integration of knowledge of developmental pharmacology, drug metabolism, and pharmacodynamic properties are critical determinants in the evaluation and treatment of patients with drug-induced methemoglobinemia.

Experimental Oesophagostomum dentatum infection in the pig: worm populations resulting from single infections with three doses of larvae

This report describes the effect of different dose levels of infection upon worm burdens and development and fecundity of the parasites. Three groups each of 40, 9-week-old, helminth naive pigs were inoculated once with either 2000 (group A), 20,000 (group B), or 200,000 (group C) infective third stage larvae of Oesophagostomum dentatum. Subgroups of 5 pigs from each major group were killed 3, 6, 11, 14, 18, 25, 34 and 47 days post inoculation (p.i.) and the large intestinal worm burdens were determined. Faecal egg counts were determined at frequent intervals after day 13 p.i. There were no overt clinical signs of gastrointestinal helminthosis during the experiment. Faecal egg counts became positive in groups A and B at around day 19 p.i., whereas most pigs in the high dose group C did not have positive egg counts until day 27-33 p.i. and some pigs remained with zero egg counts until the end of the study. Throughout the experiment the worm populations in group C consisted mainly of immature larval stages, while those in groups A and B were predominantly adult stages after days 14-18. Adult worms from the low dose group A were significantly longer than those from group C. At high population densities, stunted development of worms and reduced fecundity among female worms were found. Furthermore, there was a tendency for the distribution of the worms within the intestine to be altered with increasing population size.

Total hip replacement in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip: improvement in pain and functional status

A simple, self-rating questionnaire was developed to assess the clinical outcome related to pain and function after total hip replacement surgery followed by physical therapy. Twenty-two patients, 57 to 86 years of age, with osteoarthritis of the hip who underwent total hip replacement surgery and received physical therapy following surgery, participated in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 11 items was developed to ascertain the level of pain, functional ability and the assistive ambulatory device used to perform selected activities of daily living. A maximum cumulative score of 55 points was possible. The functional categories monitored included: sitting, standing, sleeping, functional walking, distance walking, stair climbing, sitting/standing from a toilet seat, driving, and sexual activities. The questionnaires were completed preoperatively, and postoperatively at 3 and 6 months. The results showed an overall improvement of 56% at 3 months and 64% at 6 months after surgery. Twenty of 22 patients obtained "excellent" results with total hip replacement surgery and follow-up physical therapy. Results of this study indicated that total hip replacement followed by physical therapy decreases joint pain and improves function in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip.

Ostertagia, Haemonchus, Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum: construction and characterization of genus-specific DNA probes to differentiate important parasites of cattle

Partial genomic DNA libraries for four common cattle parasites, Ostertagia ostertagi (Oo), Haemonchus placei (Hp), Cooperia oncophora (Co), and Oesophagostomum radiatum (Or), were generated and differentially screened with radiolabeled homologous and heterologous genomic DNA. Clones were identified from each parasite species which did not cross react with DNA from the heterologous genera by Southern blot or slot-blot analyses. Four clones, pOo2, pHp2.1, pCo2, and pOr14 were chosen for further examination. Genomic DNA from other species within the genera were screened with the cloned segments, and the clones were shown to be genus specific. The cloned fragments ranged in size from 195 to 669 base pairs and were approximately 50% in AT content. The cloned segments, pOo2 and pCo2, were approximately equally represented within their parasite genomes at 0.40 and 0.62%, respectively, whereas pHp2.1 and pOr14 were significantly higher at 1.61 and 3.39%, respectively. Sequence analysis demonstrated that pOr14 contained three 180-base pair tandemly repeated units with minor sequence variability between the repeats. Results presented here suggest that these sequences can detect as few as 25 eggs, and hence, may be used as diagnostic probes for the antemortem differentiation of trichostrongyle infections in cattle.

The effect of experimental trichostrongyle infections of housed young calves on the subsequent course of natural infection on pasture

The present studies were designed to investigate whether experimental, mixed trichostrongyle infections of stabled calves prior to their first grazing season could confer sufficient immunity to significantly reduce egg excretion after turnout, and thereby prevent loss-producing infections later on. The study comprised four groups, each of seven calves. During spring, two of the groups received two different dose levels of infective larvae twice weekly, and one group received larger larval doses at monthly intervals. One group served as non-experimentally exposed controls. In May all groups grazed separately on similarly contaminated plots. All experimental groups had reduced egg counts, and herbage infectivity of their plots was significantly lower than that of the controls. These findings were reflected in serum pepsinogen levels and in specific serum antibody responses. Additionally, clinical disease was only observed in the control group animals.

Development of immunity to Ostertagia ostertagi (Trichostrongylidae: Nematoda) in pastured young cattle

This experiment comprised 3 groups of calves, (+P2), (-P2) and (-P1), which all started their first grazing season as parasite-free calves. The (+P2)- and (-P2)-group grazed 2 seasons. In the first season the (-P2)-group of calves was grazing a pasture with no detectable trichostrongyles and treated with anthelmintics every second week. The untreated (+P2)-group grazed an Ostertagia ostertagi contaminated pasture. During the second grazing season these 2 original groups grazed together with a new group of first-year grazing calves (-P1) on paddocks infected with O. ostertagi. Parasitological analyses showed that (+P2)-group had negligible egg excretions in the second year in comparison with (-P2) and (-P1). This indicated, that the egg output may be regulated through acquired immunity. The difference in egg excretions was not reflected in the serum pepsinogen levels, which were only slightly elevated for all groups in the second year. Post mortem examination at the end of the experiment showed that only the (-P1)-group harboured relatively high numbers of worms in the abomasa at that time. Antibodies of 3 immunoglobulin classes were investigated: IgA, IgG1 and IgG2. The IgA and IgG1 responses correlated with the presence of developing and adult worms in the abomasa and they remained elevated in the (+P2)-group throughout the experiment, perhaps indicating an involvement of these antibodies in a protective immune response. In the (-P2)-group the IgA and IgG1 showed fast and sharp rises during the second season that most likely were age-related and as such a result of maturation of the immune system. The role of IgG2 is unclear as the IgG2 response was weak in all groups of calves and difficult to relate to the parasitological data.

Attempts to immunize cattle against Ostertagia ostertagi infections employing 'normal' and 'chilled' (hypobiosis-prone) third stage larvae

Immunity to Ostertagia ostertagi infections in calves develops slowly and only becomes manifest towards the end of a grazing season in which they have been exposed to the parasite. In an attempt to hasten the onset of immune reactions, three immunization protocols were set up. Twenty four heifers were allocated into four groups. Beginning in January, animals in two of the groups were inoculated with four 1-monthly increasing dosages of either 'normal' or 'chilled' (hypobiosis-prone) larvae, those in the third group received a single large infection with 'chilled' larvae and those in the fourth group served as non-infected controls. All animals were turned out on a common pasture in late April. Development of immunity was evaluated through determinations of faecal egg counts, live weight gains, serum pepsinogen levels and specific serum antibody responses of three isotypes (IgG1, IgG2 and IgA). Significantly reduced egg excretions in the immunized groups were apparent early in the season, indicating that the immunizations had, in this respect, been efficacious. The 'chilled' and 'normal' larvae seemed equally efficient given as multiple and single infections. A single large dosage of 'chilled' larvae seemed to have adverse effects. Only moderate antibody responses were elicited probably because of low challenge infection level on pasture. Considerable variation in responses existed between and within the four groups, for which reason conclusions regarding correlations between antibody isotype responses and immune effects on parasites could not be made.

Development of immunity to Ostertagia ostertagi (Trichostrongylidae: Nematoda) in pastured young cattle

This experiment comprised 3 groups of calves, (+P2), (-P2) and (-P1), which all started their first grazing season as parasite-free calves. The (+P2)- and (-P2)-group grazed 2 seasons. In the first season the (-P2)-group of calves was grazing a pasture with no detectable trichostrongyles and treated with anthelmintics every second week. The untreated (+P2)-group grazed an Ostertagia ostertagi contaminated pasture. During the second grazing season these 2 original groups grazed together with a new group of first-year grazing calves (-P1) on paddocks infected with O. ostertagi. Parasitological analyses showed that (+P2)-group had negligible egg excretions in the second year in comparison with (-P2) and (-P1). This indicated, that the egg output may be regulated through acquired immunity. The difference in egg excretions was not reflected in the serum pepsinogen levels, which were only slightly elevated for all groups in the second year. Post mortem examination at the end of the experiment showed that only the (-P1)-group harboured relatively high numbers of worms in the abomasa at that time. Antibodies of 3 immunoglobulin classes were investigated: IgA, IgG1 and IgG2. The IgA and IgG1 responses correlated with the presence of developing and adult worms in the abomasa and they remained elevated in the (+P2)-group throughout the experiment, perhaps indicating an involvement of these antibodies in a protective immune response. In the (-P2)-group the IgA and IgG1 showed fast and sharp rises during the second season that most likely were age-related and as such a result of maturation of the immune system. The role of IgG2 is unclear as the IgG2 response was weak in all groups of calves and difficult to relate to the parasitological data.

Ostertagia ostertagi in neonatal calves: establishment of infection in ruminating and non-ruminating calves

An experiment was carried out to study the role of the ruminal function in the establishment of Ostertagia ostertagi in neonatal calves. Three groups of calves were fed either milk only (groups A and C), or hay and concentrate in addition to milk (group B) from birth. At the time of infection, ruminal function was negligible in groups A and C, whereas it was well developed in group B. Calves of groups A and B were each given 25,000 normal ensheathed infective larvae of O ostertagi and those of group C were given 25,000 infective larvae exsheathed in vitro. Daily faecal egg output and post mortem worm counts 28 days after infection were higher in calves with well developed ruminal function than those having only negligible ruminal function. In the latter group, exsheathed larvae established at a lower rate than did ensheathed larvae. The results suggest that the degree of development of the ruminal function influences the establishment of O ostertagi.

Effects of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride on salt taste and excretion (intake)

The effects of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and amiloride on salt excretion (intake) and taste were examined in 73 normotensive adults (aged 18 to 56) who were randomly assigned to receive 50 mg/day of HCTZ (n = 24), 5 mg twice daily of amiloride (n = 24) or placebo (n = 25) for 8 weeks. Two and three week placebo periods preceded and followed active treatment, respectively. Relative to baseline, significant increases in sodium excretion (intake) of 31%, 53% and 30% were observed in subjects receiving HCTZ after 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, respectively. An identical follow-up study with 16 subjects replicated the sodium excretion (intake) findings, but failed to reveal the source of the extra dietary sodium. Doubling the dose of amiloride in 11 additional subjects led to higher aldosterone excretion relative to thiazide-treated subjects, but did not increase salt excretion (intake) over a four week period. Only amiloride-treated subjects displayed significant increases in salt taste sensitivity. The increased sodium intake in HCTZ-treated patients may partially offset the desired effects of therapy and exacerbate potassium wasting.

Management of intraoperative femur fractures associated with revision hip arthroplasty

Femoral fractures sustained during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) are a serious complication. The incidence of intraoperative femur fractures in the period from 1982 to 1986 was ten in 159 (6.3%) THA revisions. The patients were treated primarily by surgical stabilization with compression plates and screws. All of the fractures healed, but of the ten, only six patients ultimately regained satisfactory THA function.

Reapproximation of femoral anatomy in a young hip arthroplasty patient. A case report

A 33-year-old white man with a total hip arthroplasty presented with a malunion deformity of his femur following a fracture. Careful reapproximation of normal anatomy was achieved through a corrective angled osteotomy procedure. An attempt was made to reduce anticipated risks associated with future revision arthroplasty, and the patient's difficulties in ambulation were alleviated.

Bacterial agglutinin activity in the saliva of human identical and fraternal twins

The major factor in human saliva responsible for the specific aggregation of oral streptococci is a high molecular-weight glycoprotein (agglutinin). To determine if the level of this glycoprotein in whole and parotid saliva was genetically determined, agglutinin activity for Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans in saliva obtained from identical and fraternal twins was compared. Evidence for the heritability of agglutinin activity and also parotid flow rate and total protein was obtained. There was no evidence for a significant genetic contribution to salivary sodium concentration.

Salivary changes in solution pH: a source of individual differences in sour taste perception

The role of saliva in sour taste perception was investigated in a series of 4 experiments. In one pair of experiments, solution pH was measured before and after acetic, citric or hydrochloric acid solutions were mixed with saliva either normally in the oral cavity or after saliva was directly added to solutions. The results showed that large increases in solution pH occurred over a wide range of acid concentrations and that the changes in pH were related to individual salivary flow rates; greater increases in solution pH occurred among those individuals with higher flow rates. The other pair of experiments measured taste threshold and suprathreshold responses to different volumes of acids. The results demonstrated that individuals with high salivary flow rates were less sensitive to the taste of acids and that large volumes of acid were more easily perceived. The pattern of findings suggest that saliva-induced changes in solution pH are important in sour taste perception.

The influence of moderate reduction in dietary sodium on human salivary sodium concentration

Twenty-four healthy subjects were placed for 12-13 weeks on diets that reduced average sodium intake from 145 to 74 m-equiv. Na+/day as determined by multiple 24-h urine collections before and during the diet. Whole-mouth resting and stimulated saliva was collected and analysed for flow rate and sodium concentration several times before and during the low-sodium period. Sodium restriction did not influence salivary flow rates but salivary sodium levels fell 25 per cent for resting and 17 per cent for stimulated saliva. Thus moderate reductions in sodium intake are accompanied by significantly lower salivary sodium levels.

Preference of rats for food flavors and texture in nutritionally controlled semi-purified diets

Preference for nutritionally controlled, semi-purified diets modified by the addition of potent food flavors was determined for Sprague Dawley rats using two-choice diet preference tests. Intake of each food cup was monitored after 1 hr and for each 24 hr period thereafter up to 5 days. Preference was also determined for the flavored diets prepared in three forms differing in texture: powdered, and pellets of two sizes. Rats easily detected minor amounts of the food flavors, and the tests provided a catalog of 12 preferred flavors. Exposure time to the diets altered preference for a minority of flavors; diets initially avoided in the first hour test were likely to become less aversive upon continued exposure. Whether or not a specific flavored diet was preferred, total food intake was not affected during the 5 day period monitored. Rats displayed strong preference for diets of a pelleted texture compared to the same diets in a powdered form.

Effect of color on judgments of food aroma and flavour intensity in young and elderly adults

The hypothesis was tested that subjects' judgments of food aroma and flavour strength will be increasingly influenced by food color as the chemosensory differences between foods become less apparent. Elderly (n = 24) and young (n = 22) adults were presented with pairs of food samples and instructed to indicate which sample had the more intense aroma or flavor. The chemosensory discriminations varied in difficulty, and the color of the food pairs was also manipulated so that either they were similarly colored, or the color strength differed so that it was either positively or inversely correlated with flavour strength. Overall, the results failed to support the hypothesis that color alters the perceived intensity of the food aroma or flavor. There was a weak trend toward a greater number of errors among sample pairs that varied in color, especially when color strength was inversely related to flavor strength. Elderly and young adult groups did not differ in chemosensory ability or in their responses to food color differences, although the elderly adults were significantly more certain of the accuracy of their chemosensory judgments.

Anticipatory salivary flow to the sight of different foods

Anticipatory salivary flow was measured to the sight of seven foods that varied in texture, composition and palatability. In one experiment, subjects consumed the test foods that were viewed. This group was tested both during conditions of hunger and satiation. In a second experiment, subjects were instructed that they would not consume the foods that were viewed. Salivary responses were not related to the anticipated palability of the test foods but rather appeared to be related to the physical and chemical properties of the foods. Pizza, chocolate cake and gelatin were rated as highly palatable, but significant salivary increases occurred only with pizza. Of all the test foods, the greatest salivary flow increases were observed to the sight of lemon slices and pizza, and both foods contain sour or pungent ingredients. Hunger state and the expectation of consuming the test foods did not systematically affect the pattern or magnitude of salivary responses.

Effects of pharmacologic reductions in salivary flow on taste thresholds in man

The effects of short-term salivary flow reductions on human taste thresholds were measured. Recognition and detection thresholds were obtained from 65 subjects during periods of both normal and reduced salivary flow. Decreased salivary flow was achieved by oral administration of either Elavil, Benadryl or atropine. Thresholds were measured for NaCl, citric acid, quinine sulphate and sucrose with a traditional series of aqueous solutions as well as with a series of dry taste stimuli using a filter-paper base. Whole mouth resting flow and stimulated salivary flow were measured before and after taste testing. The pharmacologic agents produced depressions in salivary flow ranging between 30 and 75 per cent of normal levels. The large decreases in flow produced no measurable changes in taste thresholds with the exception that an increased sensitivity to aqueous and dry citric acid stimuli consistently was observed following atropine administration. Changes in salivary bicarbonate levels, produced by atropine, may have mediated the observed shifts in oral sensitivity to citric acid.