Mapping quantitative trait Loci for left-sided displacement of the abomasum in German Holstein dairy cows

A whole-genome scan using an affected paternal half-sib design was utilized to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for left-sided displaced abomasum (LDA) in German Holsteins. A total of 360 animals from 14 paternal half-sib families were genotyped, for a total of 306 polymorphic microsatellites. For a whole-genome scan, 221 markers were equally distributed over all 29 bovine autosomes, with an average distance of 13.7 cM. For fine-mapping, a total of 85 additional microsatellites were used. We identified genome-wide significant QTL on Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 1 (54.6 to 58.3 cM) and on BTA3 (5.9 cM). Furthermore, 3 chromosome-wide significant QTL were located on bovine chromosomes 21, 23, and 24. In addition, we found 11 QTL that cosegregated in grandsire families but that were not significant in the across-family analysis. These QTL were located on BTA5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 23, and 26. This study is the first report on QTL for LDA and is a first step toward identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms for LDA-QTL.

Evidence for itineracy in the anticipated Kondo insulator FeSi: a quantitative determination of the band renormalization

A comparison of high-resolution, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) data with ab initio band-structure calculations by density functional theory for the anticipated Kondo insulator FeSi shows that the experimental dispersions can quantitatively be described by an itinerant behavior provided that an appropriate self-energy correction is included, whose real part describes the band renormalization due to interactions of the Fe 3d electrons. The imaginary part of the self-energy, on the other hand, determines the linewidth of the quasiparticle peaks in the ARPES data. We use a model self-energy which consistently describes both the renormalized single-particle dispersion and the energy-dependent linewidth of the Fe 3d bands. These results are clear evidence that FeSi is an itinerant semiconductor whose properties can be explained without a local Kondo-like interaction.

Tetanus bei einer Färse

Gegenstand und Ziel: Beschrieben werden die klinische Symptomatik, die Therapie und der Krankheitsverlauf bei einem an Tetanus erkrankten Rind. Material und Methoden: Eine 19 Monate alte Färse der Rasse Deutsche Holsteins“ wurde wegen verminderter Futteraufnahme und Pansentympanie in die Klinik eingeliefert. Die Befunde der Eingangsuntersuchung sprachen für Tetanus: steifer Gang, leicht abduzierte Gliedmaßen, steif gestellte Ohren, Vorfall des dritten Augenlids, Strabismus divergens, Pansentympanie, harte Bauchdecke. Auffälligster Laborbefund war eine metabolische Alkalose (BE +12,0 mmol/l) mit leichter Hypokaliämie (K+ 2,9 mmol/l). Eine mögliche Eintrittspforte für die Erreger war nicht erkennbar. Ergebnisse: Zur Beseitigung der Pansentympanie und zur Eingabe von Flüssigkeit und Nährstoffen wurde eine temporäre Pansenfistel angelegt. Das Tier wurde 7 Tage lang mit Procain- Penicillin behandelt (einmal täglich 50000 IE/kg KM s. c.) und erhielt zur Verminderung der Muskelspasmen Xylazin (in den ersten 10 Tagen alle 4 Stunden, danach bis zum 24. Tag alle 6 Stunden jeweils 0,11 mg/kg KM s. c.). Am 30. Tag nach Behandlungsbeginn konnte die Färse geheilt entlassen werden. Schlussfolgerung: Pansentympanie stellt bei Rindern mit Tetanus ein häufiges Symptom dar. Insofern ist diese Erkrankung differenzialdiagnostisch als Ursache einer solchen Störung mit in Betracht zu ziehen. Klinische Relevanz: Selbst bei mäßig ausgeprägter Tetanussymptomatik und erfolgreichem Ansprechen auf die Therapie muss mit einer Krankheitsdauer von etwa 4 Wochen gerechnet werden. In Anbetracht des hohen Behandlungsaufwandes kommt daher ein Therapieversuch im Wesentlichen nur bei wertvolleren Rindern infrage.

Glucose tolerance test during abomaso-duodenal electromyography in three cows operated for left displaced abomasum

The objective of the study was to analyze glucose metabolism and abomasal myoelectrical activity during an intravenous glucose tolerance test in cows operated for LDA. Three dairy cows, at the onset of lactation, suffering from left displaced abomasum were selected from the animals presented at the clinic. During surgical therapy, one pair of electrodes was placed in the smooth muscle of the abomasal body, the pars pylorica and the duodenum respectively. The animals were subjected to electromyography on five occasions during hospital admittance (Days 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 post-operative); their insulin, glucagon, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate and NEFA levels were then measured. Two days after surgery, the animals were subjected to an intravenous glucose load (300 g glucose in 30 min) during abomaso-duodenal electromyography. The findings indicate that the three animals had glucose metabolism disorders during hospitalization. The abomaso-duodenal myoelectric activity of Cows 1 and 3 was lower than in Cow 2. During the glucose load, the analysis of hormones and metabolites showed that there were different degrees of reactivity and that myoelectric activity differed in the 3 cows. The results of the study suggest that despite the surgical reposition of the abomasum, disorders of abomasal motility persist in different degrees in cows operated for LDA and could be influenced by glucose administrations.

Ab Initio Investigation of Structure and Cohesive Energy of Crystalline Urea

The structure and cohesive energy of crystalline urea have been investigated at the ab initio level of calculation. The performance of different Hamiltonians in dealing with a hydrogen-bonded molecular crystal as crystalline urea is assessed. Detailed calculations carried out by adopting both HF and some of the most popular DFT methods in solid-state chemistry are reported. Local, gradient-corrected, and hybrid functionals have been adopted: SVWN, PW91, PBE, B3LYP, and PBE0. First, a 6-31G(d,p) basis set has been adopted, and then the basis set dependence of computed results has been investigated at the B3LYP level. All calculations were carried out by using a development version of the periodic ab initio code CRYSTAL06, which allows full optimization of lattice parameters and atomic coordinates. With the 6-31G(d,p) basis set, structural features are well reproduced by hybrid methods and GGA. LDA gives lattice parameters and hydrogen-bond distances that are too small relative to experiment, while at the HF level the opposite trend is observed. Results show that hybrid methods are more accurate than HF and both LDA and GGA functionals, with a trend in the computed properties similar to that of hydrogen-bonded molecular complexes. When BSSE and ZPE are taken into account, all methods, except LDA, give computed cohesive energies that are underestimated with respect to the experimental sublimation enthalpy. Dispersion energy, not properly taken into account by DFT methods, plays a crucial role. Such a deficiency also affects dramatically the computed crystalline structure, especially when large basis sets are adopted. We show that this is an artifact due to the BSSE. Indeed, with small basis sets the BSSE gives an extra-binding that compensates for the missing dispersion forces, thus yielding structures in fortuitous agreement with experiment.

[Pathophysiological significance of steatorrhea as well as of hydroxystearic acids in the feces of calves with diarrhea]

The objective of this study was to determine the digestibility of milk lipids in calves with diarrhoea, the pathophysiological effects of fat intake on the course of the disease and the conversion of malabsorbed longchain fatty acids to secretory effective hydroxy fatty acids by the intestinal flora.

ANIMALS

32 male calves of the breed "Deutsches Fleckvieh" with spontaneous occurring diarrhoea, age 3-14 days. Reference group: 6 clinically healthy calves of the same age group. Feed: whole milk, daily ration corresponding to 10% of the BM, divided into 3 meals; supplementary oral rehydration solution as required.

METHODS

Quantitative collection of the faeces excreted over a period of at least 72 hours, determination of fatty acids and glycerides, identification and quantification of hydroxystearic acids in the faeces by gas chromatography; calculation of the apparent digestibility of the milk lipids.

RESULTS

The apparent digestibility of the milk lipids was in part considerably reduced in direct relation (r = 0.8) to the severity of the diarrhoea. In the case of daily fecal outputs of over 50 g/kg BM (watery diarrhoea), the apparent fat digestibility was reduced below 50%. Even so, the apparent digestibility correlated positively with the milk intake (r = 0.5). The fat excretion in the patients showed an average of 1.4 g/kg BM/24 h and was thus nearly nine times higher in comparison to the reference group (0.16 g/kg BM/24 h). In the case of severe diarrhoea, fat excretion rates of over 2 (up to max. 5.8) g/kg BM in 24 hours were recorded. However, in the main (approx. 70%) it was not glycerides but nonesterified fatty acids. A part of the longchain fatty acids were converted to hydroxy fatty acids by the intestinal flora. It was possible to quantify alpha-, 10(9)- and 12-hydroxystearic acids individually in the faeces of both healthy calves and those with diarrhoea. However, the total concentration of hydroxystearic acids in the faces of 26 out of 32 patients was considerably under the secretory effective concentration of 2 mmol/kg (mean = 1.5 mmol/kg), the other six lay between 2.9 and 11.6 mmol/kg. Only a weakly positive correlation (r = 0.23 or 0.24) existed between the amount of milk intake and the fecal concentration resp. excretion of hydroxystearic acids.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no evidence that the consumption of milk lipids influenced the diarrhoea negatively. In individual cases, it could not be completely excluded that fluid and electrolyte absorption was affected by hydroxystearic acids produced in the intestine, but the quantitative effects of this process are of minor significance in comparison to other diarrhoea inducing factors.

[Clinical picture and differential diagnosis of foot and mouth disease in cattle]

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle is characterized by the formation of vesicles and erosions in the mouth, teats and feet. Despite extremely high morbidity, mortality in adults is usually very low, however up to 50% of calves dies due to cardiac involvement or secondary infections. This paper describes the signs of FMD in cattle as well as those of other diseases which causes similar lesions in this species.

Risk factors for congenital umbilical hernia in German Fleckvieh

Risk factors for congenital umbilical hernias were investigated in German Fleckvieh calves up for sale at livestock markets. Data from 53,105 calves were collected from 77 livestock auctions in 1996 and 1997. The overall incidence of congenital umbilical hernia was 1.8%. A significant influence on incidence was exerted by the sex of the calf, the occurrence of multiple births, the market place/market date, the sire and the sire line. The proportion of Red Holstein blood in the calf, the dam's lactation number, gestation length, 305 day milk performance and the herd milk level were not significant factors. Herdmate averages for calves differed significantly in their incidence. Heritability estimates on the liability scale for congenital umbilical hernia were about 0.4 and progeny groups of sires at risk for congenital umbilical hernia were in the range 0.1% to 14.2%. The segregation pattern could not be explained either by an autosomal recessive or by an autosomal dominant monogenic model. It seems likely that more than one gene locus is involved in the underlying genetic mechanism. Breeders should be aware of the genetic implications of congenital umbilical hernias.

[Occurrence and economic importance of congenital hernia in German Fleckvich calves]

The frequency of congenital hernia was investigated in German Fleckvieh calves being driven up for sale on livestock markets for breeding and fattening calves in Miesbach and Traunstein. Data were collected on 77 livestock auctions in the years 1996 and 1997. Altogether 53,105 calves were examined and 1.8% of these calves showed a congenital umbilical hernia. The incidence of umbilical hernia was significantly influenced by the sex of the calf, the occurrence of multiple births, the market place/market date, the sire and the sire line. Red Holstein blood proportion, lactation number, duration of pregnancy and 305 day milk performance were not of significant importance. Herd milk level did not influence the incidence of congenital umbilical hernia, however, herdmate averages for calves differed significantly in their incidence. The average difference of the market price between male calves affected by congenital umbilical hernia and not affected male calves amounted to 75 DM, in female calves, however, only to 38 DM. The risk, that a congenital umbilical hernia is not closing within an age of 15 months, depends on the width of the hernial opening in the newborn calf. An opening of 4 cm and more has only a healing chance of 50% and less. However, negative effects on fattening and carcass traits could be not found. The genetic influence on congenital umbilical hernia was obvious. The analyses indicated that the incidence of congenital umbilical hernia observed could not be explained by one autosomal recessive gene locus, but it seemed much more likely that more than one gene locus is involved or a mixed multifactorial monogenic mode of inheritance may be the underlying genetic mechanism. Breeders should be aware of the implications of congenital hernias and thus, congenital hernia should get more attention in the selection process of young sires.

[Bile acid concentrations in serum, bile and feces of healthy calves and calves with diarrhea]

On 32 calves (age 3 to 14 days) with spontaneously occurring diarrhoea, the following investigations were carried out: Regular examination of serum bile acid concentrations, collection of the entire faeces with determination of bile acid concentrations, as well as microbiological examinations. Six clinically healthy calves served as control group. In addition, bile acids in bile were determined in 16 other calves of the same age group and in 6 beef bulls. There was no significant influence of daytime or feed intake on serum bile acid concentration in diarrhoeic or healthy calves. Possibly due to the low concentrations of bile acids in the bile of young calves (4.8 +/- 3.7 mmol/l, compared to 57 +/- 13 mmol/l in the bulls), the concentrations in faeces were also rather low (control group 623 +/- 92, calves with diarrhoea 318 +/- 277, after diarrhoea. 794 +/- 935 mumol/kg). Most of it was cholic acid, whereas only traces of desoxycholic acid were found. In spite of the comparatively low concentrations of fecal bile acids, the diarrhoeic calves excreted larger amounts of bile acids than the healthy calves (12.7 +/- 13.5 vs. 1.4 +/- 0.8 mumol/kg), but this was independent of the type of enteropathogen or pathogen combinations which were detected. There were no indications for a direct influence of the diarrhoea by bile acids. However, through enteral bile acid losses, profuse diarrhoea lasting several days can cause a reduction in the total bile acid pool.

[Cecal intussusception in calves]

Among the patients admitted to the II. Medical Animal Clinic of the University of Munich from 1986 through 1994, there were 51 calves at an age of up to three months with intussusceptions in the caecal region. The following forms were observed: caecocaecal (n = 12), caecocolic (n = 22), ileocaecocolic (n = 6), ileocaecal (n = 8), and jejunoileocolic (n = 3). In 40 cases, the intussusception occurred in the course of diarrheal disease. The most important signs were scant faeces, that often contained blood and/or mucus, and the finding of a hard viscus upon abdominal palpation. Colic was observed in 27% of patients. In 18 cases, surgical intervention was not attempted because of the advanced stage of the disease or severe accompanying disease. From the remaining 33 calves, eight were cured. The others were either destroyed or died because of extensive peritonitis or other diseases. This report is to draw attention to the fact that (caecal) intussusception should be considered in diarrheal calves when faecal output decreases suddenly, and the general state deteriorates.

[Effect of various factors on the results of lung function tests using multifrequent impulse oscillometry in calves and young cattle]

The applicability of impulse oscillometry (IOS) under clinical and field conditions was tested on 31 calves and 27 young bulls over a period from 3 to 5 months, respectively. Based on the obtained 492 test results (the average of four measurements), lung function criteria resistance and reactance, measured at frequencies of 5 to 15 Hz, showed to be diagnostically relevant. In healthy calves aged 4 to 12 weeks, resistance values lay between 0.22 to 0.36 kPa/(l/s) irrespective of frequency. Reactance values were in the range of -0.014 to 0.055 kPa/(l/s) at 5 Hz, but increased with growing frequency. Within the investigated groups no correlation could be established between factors age or body mass of the animals and resistance. Increasing age, however, led to a considerable increase in reactance. Alterations of the upper airway system were coupled with an increase in resistance values while reactance remained constant. Diagnostic evaluation of individual results relating to this category was hampered by the high interindividual test value variance of 25 to 31% between healthy animals. Diseases of the peripheral respiratory system, however, were clearly characterised by a significant decrease in reactance, as well as a negative frequency dependence of resistance. It is concluded that this method at lung function testing provides a sensitive tool for detecting and recording lung function disorders in young cattle.

[Abomasal ulcers in calves: clinical investigations and experiences]

Observations and experiences as well as results of clinical investigations in 364 calves with clinically apparent abomasal ulcers (bleeding 28, deep 37, perforating 299) are communicated. The anamnestic data, evaluated systematically, allow to conclude, that influences of the feeding regime, in particular faults during the early weaning period, play an important role in the multifactorial etiology. Furthermore, symptoms, diagnosis and differential diagnosis as well as treatment and prevention are described. The various localizations (and ways) of perforating abomasal ulcers are demonstrated by schematic representations and by the respective findings at operation or at necropsy.

Congenital myopathy in Braunvieh x Brown Swiss calves

A hitherto unknown skeletal muscle disorder is described in six Braunvieh x Brown Swiss calves. The animals showed rapidly progressing muscular weakness and became recumbent within 2 weeks of birth. Histological examination of skeletal muscle revealed a marked variation in muscle fibre size, internally placed nuclei, segmental loss of cross-striation with disorganization of myofibrils, and accumulation of nemaline rods. The most distinctive histological finding was intracytoplasmic, homogeneous, mostly crescent-shaped areas at the periphery of numerous muscle fibres. Electron microscopically, accumulations of tightly packed, parallel filamentous structures, about 20 nm in diameter, were detected in these areas. Enzyme histochemistry showed that all muscle fibre types were affected. Vimentin and dystrophin immunohistochemistry revealed normal antigen distribution within connective tissue components and at the periphery of each muscle fibre, respectively. The lesions could be readily distinguished from other neurological and neuromuscular disorders previously described in Braunvieh x Brown Swiss or American Brown Swiss Cattle. The disease appears to be a novel congenital myopathy in this breed, and a hereditary aetiology is suspected.

Bendamustine hydrochloride activity against doxorubicin-resistant human breast carcinoma cell lines

The cytotoxic activity of bendamustine hydrochloride was evaluated against human ovarian and breast carcinoma cell lines including cell lines resistant to cisplatin and doxorubicin in vitro. The relative degree of resistance to bendamustine hydrochloride was lower in all cell lines compared with cyclophosphamide, melphalan and BCNU, suggesting only incomplete cross-resistance. Furthermore lower levels of resistance were also observed in all breast cancer cell lines when bendamustine hydrochloride was compared with cisplatin. Bendamustine hydrochloride also presents good activity in cell line MCF 7 AD, which is approximately 80-fold resistant to doxorubicin compared with MCF 7. Basic glutathione levels and activity of glutathione-S-transferase showed no correlation to the IC50 values for bendamustine hydrochloride in the cell lines. When given at equitoxic concentrations, bendamustine hydrochloride consistently induced more DNA double-strand breaks than melphalan, cyclophosphamide or BCNU. In addition, removal of DNA double-strand breaks induced by bendamustine hydrochloride was relatively slow with the majority of DNA double-strand breaks still being detectable after 24 h. These findings indicate differences in the interaction between bendamustine hydrochloride and DNA, and may explain the lack of complete cross-resistance between bendamustine hydrochloride and the other alkylating agents.