[Pain caused by breeding: definition, judgment, pathogenesis]

Special terms of the "German Animal Protection Law (section 11b)"and the "European Agreement for Protection of Domestic Animals" particularly "torture-breeding, genetic characteristics, well-being, soundness, pains, injuries and specific use" are commented. Examples of torture-breedings are discussed: Dog (Merle-faktor, brachycephalie, atrichosis), cat (Mans-factor, W-gene, folded-ears), birds (tuffs, ear-drops, tailesness, hypertrophy of bill-warts, abnormal position of tarsal-joints, hypertrophy of imposing behavior).

[Comparison of different methods for the diagnosis of freemartinism--blood group serology, cytology and polymerase chain reaction]

The percentage of freemartins among blood samples tested by chromosome analysis amounted to 83.9%, by blood group serologie 71.4%. 126 blood samples have been tested by blood group serology and PCR. Employing blood group serology, 71.3% and using PCR with BOV97M primers 85.8% of the animals proved to be freemartins. 40 blood samples were additionally analysed using PCR with zinc-finger-gene primers. 36 animals (90%) were identified as being freemartins by means of BOV97M and 34 animals (85%) by means of the zinc-finger-gene primer. The PCR method proved to be a rapid and very sensitive method for the diagnosis of freemartins and also suitable for routine testing. The BOV97M primer showed to have a higher Y chromosome specificity than the zinc-finger-gene primer.

Brain (A) symmetry in monozygotic twins

Origin and ontogenesis of human brain laterality are unknown. Using in vivo magnetic resonance morphometry we measured cerebral hemispheric asymmetry of the planum temporale, a structural substrate of functional laterality, in pairs of monozygotic twins concordant or discordant for handedness. In both groups, intraclass (i.e., within twin pair) correlations were low. The right-handers showed leftward asymmetry whereas the left-handers lacked asymmetry. The discordance for lateralized brain anatomy can be accounted for by ontogenetic models assuming twinning of an asymmetrical germ or differential action of nongenetic factors within twin pairs in utero. The findings confirm a coupling of lateralized structure and function of the human brain. At least in monozygotic twins, early epigenetic factors must play a role in anatomofunctional laterality development.

Surveying donor families: a comparison of two organ procurement organizations

The primary purpose of this study was to identify variables that affect cadaveric donor family satisfaction with the donation process and coping with grief. A secondary purpose was to describe the variation of respondents from two different donor populations to establish whether donor families in one geographic region differ from donor families in another. A survey was mailed to 233 families over a 16-month period. Data analysis of returned surveys was based on frequency distributions, measures of association and factor analysis. Identical items in the Regional Organ Bank of Illinois (ROBI) Survey and the Hartford Transplant Center (HOPO) Survey were compared and tested for significance. Eighty-nine percent of the donor families understood what "brain death" meant, and 85% felt that the donation request was appropriate when it was made less than 6 hours after a diagnosis of brain death. Family members provided the most helpful information about donation to other family members 65% of the time. The two most important reasons for donation were "to make something positive come out of the death" and "family member's belief in helping others". These responses also ranked highest in the HOPO survey. The support of family, friends and religion were the most frequent coping mechanisms for grief. In comparing responses from ROBI and HOPO, significant differences were found on two items relating to agency procedure, but no significant differences were found when family responses were compared. Factors were identified which predicted the desire to donate, the likelihood of increased stress and a "sharing" factor that related to the wishes of the family member and further participation with the organ procurement organization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vitro phosphorylation of the 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor by casein kinase II. Structural requirements for efficient phosphorylation

Some steps in the receptor-mediated transport of newly synthesized mannose 6-phosphate-containing lysosomal enzymes are assumed to be accompanied by changes in the phosphorylation state of receptors. In vitro, the metabolically phosphorylated 46-kDa mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR 46) was dephosphorylated by protein phosphatase 2A. The synthetic cytoplasmic domain of MPR 46 was phosphorylated in vitro by casein kinase II. Tryptic phosphopeptide mapping showed that casein kinase II phosphorylates MPR 46 in vitro at the same site that is phosphorylated in vivo. Inhibition studies using synthetic peptides corresponding to different amino acid sequences of the cytoplasmic tail of MPR 46 revealed that the sequence 26-32 (ADGCDFV) contribute to efficient phosphorylation of serine 56. Baby hamster kidney cells were transfected with wild type human MPR 46 cDNA or cDNAs containing mutations in the cytoplasmic tail and assayed for their phosphorylation state in vivo. The phosphorylation of mutant receptors with deleted residues 23-28 (NLVADG) was strongly reduced. These data indicate that residues on the N-terminal side of the phosphorylatable serine 56 may influence the efficiency with which a casein-kinase II-like kinase phosphorylates MPR 46.

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of 3-methylindole (skatole) and indole in adipose tissue of pigs

A rapid method for the determination of skatole (3-methylindole) and indole in adipose tissue of pigs by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography has been developed. Tissue samples were melted in a microwave oven, and 100 microliters of the liquid fat were dissolved in 1 ml of n-hexane and extracted with acetonitrile-water (75:25, v/v). Portions of 100 microliters of the solution were used for chromatographic analysis. Elution was performed on a reversed-phase column with a mobile phase composed of acetic acid and isopropanol (70:30, v/v). A fluorescence detector was used for quantification. The detection limit was 4 ng/g fat. The mean recoveries of added amounts of skatole and indole were 98.9 and 93.8%, respectively. The mean coefficients of variation were: inter-assay, 6.6% (skatole) and 8.8% (indole); intra-assay, 4.2% (skatole) and 2.9% (indole). Mean skatole concentrations in fat samples from boars (40 ng/g; n = 349) were not significantly higher than those from barrows (24 ng/g; n = 98).

[The reproductive performance of sows with different malignant hyperthermia syndrome status]

Based on 200 litters descending from 50 sows relations between MHS-genotype and reproductivity were investigated. Breeds used were "Deutsches Edelschwein", German Landrace and a crossbred line. Evaluation of MHS-status was done by Polymerase Chain Reaction. Reproductivity traits were piglet numbers at different ages and litter growth. The sows were not preselected in regard to the halothane gene. MHS-negative sows showed increased reproductivity towards MHS-positives and within the negatives, the homozygote sows were superior to the heterozygotes.

Chromosome polymorphism in Ateles geoffroyi (Cebidae; Primates; Mammalia)

The karyotype of Ateles geoffroyi (Cebidae; Primates; Mammalia) was studied using G- and C-banding techniques, and standardized idiograms are proposed. A polymorphism of chromosome 3 due to a pericentric inversion has been identified for the first time. Genetic analysis of this polymorphism showed Mendelian inheritance.

Long-term radiation complications following conservative surgery (CS) and radiation therapy (RT) in patients with early stage breast cancer

The frequency of brachial plexopathy, rib fracture, tissue necrosis, pericarditis, and second non-breast malignancies occurring in the treatment field among 1624 patients with early stage breast cancer treated with conservative surgery and radiation therapy at the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy between 1968 and 1985 is reported. The median follow-up time for survivors was 79 months (range 5-233 months). Brachial plexopathy was related to the use of a third field, the use of chemotherapy and the total dose to the axilla. Brachial plexopathy developed in 20 of 1117 women (1.8%) who received supraclavicular irradiation with or without axillary irradiation. The median time to its occurrence was 10.5 months (range 1.5-77 mo), and the majority (80%) of cases completely resolved. Among patients treated with a three-field technique, the incidence of brachial plexopathy was 1.3% (13/991) in patients treated with a dose to the axilla of less than or equal to 50 Gy, compared with 5.6% (7/126) in women treated with an axillary dose of greater than 50 Gy. The incidence of brachial plexopathy was 4.5% (15/330) among patients receiving chemotherapy, compared with 0.6% (5/787) when chemotherapy was not used (p less than 0.0001). Rib fracture was seen in 29 patients (1.8%), at a median time of 12 months following treatment (range 1-57). In all cases, the rib fracture healed without intervention. The incidence of rib fracture was 2.2% (28/1300) among patients treated on a 4 MV linear accelerator, compared with 0.4% (1/276) for patients treated on a 6 or 8 MV machine (p = 0.05). Of patients treated on a 4 MV machine, 0.4% (1/279) developed a rib fracture when a whole breast dose of 45 Gy or less was given, 1.4% (10/725) after receiving between 45 and 50 Gy, and 5.7% (17/296) following 50 Gy or higher. Tissue necrosis requiring surgical correction developed in three patients (0.18%) 22, 25, and 114 months after treatment. Presumed pericarditis (requiring hospitalization) was seen in 0.4% of women (3/831) who received radiation therapy to the left breast 2, 2, and 11 months after the start of treatment. Three women (0.18%) developed sarcomas in the treatments field at 72, 107, and 110 months, for a 10-year actuarial rate of 0.8%. Two of these sarcomas developed in areas of probable match-line overlap. One patient (0.06%) developed an in-field basal cell carcinoma at 42 months. In conclusion, the risk of significant complications following conservative surgery and radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer is low.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Transferrin polymorphism and genetic differentiation in Cervus elaphus L. (European red deer) populations

A study of transferrin in 11 different European populations of Cervus elaphus as well as in one Cervus elephus x Cervus nippon hybrid population has revealed a polymorphism of this protein. Genetic analysis suggests that it is controlled by one gene locus with three codominant alleles. The allele frequencies allow a clear discrimination not only between the hybrid population and pure red deer but also between different Continental red deer populations. Comparison of the genotypic structures with the Hardy-Weinberg structure shows no significant deviation. Genetic variation within and differentiation between populations is evaluated for the transferrin gene locus using different measures. Average heterozygosities have been calculated for five populations including the results of previous studies on 14 other protein systems. Some management implications of the present results are discussed.

Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in biological samples using the polymerase chain reaction assay

Oligonucleotide primers were used in the polymerase chain reaction assay to amplify specific DNA regions of the Borrelia burgdorferi 49-kb linear plasmid. One set of primers identifies a 442-bp DNA fragment in the OspA gene and a second pair of amplimers, a 176-bp DNA piece located in the OspB gene. The last set of primers, OspBpc3/pc4, outperformed the other pair in discriminating pathogenic North American or European isolates from related bacterial species, detected down to 4 spirochaetes, and was suitable for the identification of B. burgdorferi in biological samples, such as synovial and cerebrospinal fluids.

[Two additional cases of autosomal trisomy, 61,XY,+12 and 61,XX,+12, in cattle]

Two new cases of trisomy of chromosome No. 12 in cattle are reported. The phenotypic effects of this chromosome aberration are described and discussed.

Specific identification of Mycobacterium leprae by the polymerase chain reaction

Oligonucleotide primers have been used to amplify DNA regions of the M. leprae genome by the polymerase chain reaction. A first set of primers, PLp1 and PLp2, identifies a specific 386 bp DNA fragment located in the gene coding for the 65 kDa antigen of M. leprae. A second pair of primers, targetted to the same gene, leads to the amplification of a 154 bp DNA piece conserved in mycobacteria. Primers PLp1 and PLp2 discriminate the pathogenic species from other mycobacteria, detect down to 40 bacilli, and constitute potentially useful tools for the identification of M. leprae in clinical specimens.

[The occurrence of hereditary congenital arthromyodysplasia (arthromyodysplasia congenita hereditaria) in calves of the Hessian cattle population]

The Arthromyodysplasia congenita hereditaria is marked by the flexion and fixation of the front leg joints. The statistic analysis of all available data from 536 calves showed that male calves and twins are significantly more affected. The course, duration and delivery date in the pregnancy of cows with arthromyodysplastic calves showed no peculiarity. Concomitant defects of arthromyodysplasia of the forelimbs were spine- and heart defects and neuromyodysplasia of the hind legs. Three bulls KUR, KER and ALD were ancestors of 37% of all registered calves. This frequency of arthromyodysplasia in the bloodline of these three bulls seem to be a sign for a genetic factor with a strong penetrance in male calves.