Occurrence of autoantibodies to cilia in lambs with a 'coughing syndrome'

A respiratory disease of lambs that has been termed the 'coughing syndrome' has been observed in the mid-western region of the United States of America. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovipneumoniae) and Mycoplasma arginini (M. arginini) were routinely isolated from the respiratory tract of lambs with this disease. A high level of antibodies reactive with ovine cilia of the upper respiratory tract was detected in the sera from many of the lambs in affected flocks but not in sera of lambs from unaffected flocks. The reactivity of these antibodies with cilia was demonstrated by ELISA and confirmed by indirect immunofluorescent staining and western immunoblotting. These antibodies were predominantly of the IgG isotype. They were distinct from cold or warm agglutinins and could be absorbed from the sera with cilia but not with antigens of common bacterial pathogens of the sheep respiratory tract including M. ovipneumoniae, M. arginini, Pasteurella haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida or Neisseria ovis. In addition, their occurrence appeared to be independent of the specific antibodies to M. ovipneumoniae and M. arginini. Western immunoblotting indicated that the antibodies were directed primarily against an antigen with apparent molecular weight of 50 kDa. In one flock from which serial serum samples were collected from the same lambs over a 10-month period, antibodies to ovine cilia developed before the onset of the clinical disease and persisted for a period of several months until most of the lambs had apparently recovered. However, colonization of the respiratory tract of the lambs by M. ovipneumoniae preceded the production of these antibodies. Sequential serum samples taken from another flock, with no known history of this coughing, showed no such antibodies throughout the sampling period. It is suggested that an immunopathologic mechanism involving production of autoantibodies directed against a ciliary antigen of the lambs could be a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of this clinical disease.

Demonstration of a capsule on Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae

OBJECTIVE

To examine Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae for presence of a capsule and its potential role in adherence.

SAMPLE POPULATION

17 isolates of M ovipneumoniae and 2 isolates of M arginini, recovered from sheep with respiratory tract disease.

PROCEDURE

Mycoplasmas were cultured in modified Fills broth medium, ovine fetal lung cells, or ovine tracheal ring explants. Pelleted mycoplasmas or ring cultures infected with mycoplasmas were treated with ruthenium red or polycationic ferritin and visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Reactivity of several lectins with the mycoplasmas was studied by use of a microtitration plate agglutination test.

RESULTS

Electron microscopy revealed a large number of M ovipneumoniae cells covered with an electron dense-stained amorphous material suggesting that it was a capsule. Multiple passages of the microorganisms in modified Friis broth medium decreased thickness of the capsule, but not percentage of cells encapsulated. Marked differences were observed when M ovipeumoniae isolates grown in modified Friis broth medium or co-cultured with ovine fetal lung cells were compared for capsular thickness or percentage of encapsulation. In thin sections of ruthenium red-stained tracheal ring cultures, the mycoplasmas appeared to be in close contact with cilia through their capsule. All isolates of M ovipneumoniae reacted strongly with wheat germ agglutinin lectin.

CONCLUSIONS

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae produces a polysaccharide capsule with variable thickness that is dependent on culture conditions and strain. Morphologic observations suggest that this capsule facilitates adherence of the organism to ciliated epithelium.

AANA Journal course: update for nurse anesthetists--a comprehensive review of remifentanil: the next generation opioid

Over the last two decades, profound changes have taken place in the way elective surgery is practiced with the majority of surgical patients now admitted and discharged through ambulatory surgical facilities. After initial hesitation on the part of the surgeons, anesthesia care providers, and patients and their families, this practice is now clearly accepted. A variety of surgical advances (e.g., new endoscopic procedures, laser technology, and extracorporeal shock wave procedures) have allowed surgeons to simplify and abbreviate surgical procedures. Anesthesia care providers now, more than ever, need rapid acting agents to keep apace with these surgical technological advances; the pressure to produce rapid room turnover and rapid recovery from anesthesia is unprecedented. Ideally, the anesthetic care plan and drug selection should precisely match the need of the individual patient and the surgical procedure. Remifentanil, a new member of the fentanyl family, is the first ultra-short-acting opioid that can be rapidly titrated and individualized for various levels of surgical stimuli. Relatively large doses can be administered, permitting rapid extubation and awakening at the end of the procedure. Remifentanil differs from all other opioids, possessing an ester linkage that allows predictable pharmacokinetics. Remifentanil may have potential for clinical exploitation where rapid onset and offset of opioid effects are desirable.

Field isolates of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae exhibit distinct cytopathic effects in ovine tracheal organ cultures

Ovine tracheal ring explants were infected with four different Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and one M. arginini field isolate and their ability to induce cytopathic effects was tested by measuring ciliary activity and intracellular calmodulin release. Infected tracheal rings showed significantly decreased ciliary activity as compared to the non-infected control rings. There were, however, marked differences between isolates in the onset and severity of the effects which correlated with their ability to produce hydrogen peroxide. Infected tracheal rings released more calmodulin than the non-infected controls. The amount of calmodulin released also varied between isolates, and somewhat reflected the degree of loss of ciliary activity in the corresponding rings induced by the different isolates. Light and electron microscopic examinations of infected tracheal rings revealed disorganisation and sloughing of the epithelium, and association of mycoplasmas only with the cilia. Following repeated in vitro passages, the organisms had reduced ability to inhibit ciliary activity which correlated with decreased hydrogen peroxide production. Addition of catalase to the organ cultures delayed loss of ciliary activity. These results suggest that M. ovipneumoniae induced ciliostasis in ovine tracheal ring explants which correlated with hydrogen peroxide production. Furthermore, these M. ovipneumoniae-induced injuries to respiratory epithelial cells could contribute to the role that this organism may play in sheep respiratory disease.

Application of multiplex polymerase chain reaction for rapid identification of Campylobacter jejuni and C coli associated with reproductive failure

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to distinguish Campylobacter jejuni from C coli as causes of reproductive failure.

PROCEDURE

Review of clinical cases of reproductive failure attributed to C jejuni or C coli.

RESULTS

A case of swine abortion was attributable to infection with C coli. The porcine abortion isolates were verified as C coli by restriction fragment length polymorphism and multiplex PCR. Cases of endometritis in a fox and in mink caused by C jejuni were reviewed, and isolates were confirmed as C jejuni by results of the multiplex PCR.

CONCLUSION

Multiplex PCR was useful in identifying C coli and C jejuni recovered from atypical cases of reproductive failure. Multiplex PCR in conjunction with conventional assays may be useful for verifying other unusual instances of campylobacteriosis.

Interaction of Haemophilus parasuis with nasal and tracheal mucosa following intranasal inoculation of cesarean derived colostrum deprived (CDCD) swine

Twenty-three cesarean derived, colostrum deprived pigs were obtained at 5 wk of age and inoculated intranasally with either 1.4 x 10(8) colony forming units of Haemophilus parasuis or sterile phosphate buffered saline. Pigs were euthanized at 4, 8, 12, 18, 26, or 36 h post-inoculation and tissues from the oropharynx and respiratory tract were obtained for qualitative bacterial culture, immunohistochemistry for H. parasuis antigens, and light and transmission electron microscopy. Haemophilus parasuis was consistently isolated from the nasal cavity (17/17, 100%) and trachea (13/17, 76%) and rarely isolated from the lung (3/17, 18%) and blood stream (1/17, 6%) of infected pigs. Antigens of H. parasuis were sporadically detected on the nasal mucosa (6/17, 35%) and trachea (8/17, 47%). Light microscopic lesions included submucosal and intraepithelial infiltrates of neutrophils and infrequent, patchy loss of cilia. Ultrastructural changes in nasal mucosal epithelial cells included cell protrusion, loss of cilia, and dilation of the cytocavitary network. Bacteria were infrequently identified and were either within an amorphous material at the apical surface of the cilia or were between individual cilia. These results suggest H. parasuis associates with the nasal mucosa and can induce a suppurative rhinitis with nasal mucosal epithelial cell degeneration. This process may represent an initial event in the pathogenesis of H. parasuis infection of swine.

Sevoflurane use in Veterans Affairs medical centers: utility, safety, and cost-effectiveness

It has long been realized that the Veterans Affairs (VA) patient has a high incidence of multiorgan system diseases, especially diseases of the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. The typical Birmingham VA Medical Center patient presenting for surgery is male, with a national mean age of 60 years. More than one half of these patients have a significant history of current or prior tobacco abuse, and many have cardiovascular impairments. When sevoflurane became available, a careful review of the characteristics of the drug, as well as cost comparisons of inhaled agents, was done by our department of anesthesia. Sevoflurane appears to be an ideal inhaled anesthetic for the veteran patient population. If used appropriately, sevoflurane can be administered safely at a cost comparable to desflurane.

Comparison of tests for detecting leaks in the low-pressure system of anesthesia gas machines

Small leaks in the low-pressure system (LPS) of the anesthesia gas machine can cause hypoxia or patient awareness. We sought to determine the relative sensitivities of the various tests recommended for detecting LPS leaks before anesthesia. Special adapters were fashioned to create leaks of six different sizes in the LPS that were equivalent to the following: a single 25-, 22-, 20-, or 15-gauge needle, two 15-gauge needles, or a 2.5-mm endotracheal tube connector. With each leak condition, five different leak tests were performed on three each of the following machines: Ohmeda Modulus I, Ohmeda Modulus II-Plus, and North American Dräger Narkomed (2A, 3 and 4), for a total of 54 leaks to be detected for each leak test (3 x 3 x 6). The number of leaks detected with each test was compared by Fisher's exact test, P < 0.05 being considered significant. Only the negative pressure leak test detected all 54 leaks, a significant difference from the positive pressure test, which detected the least number of leaks, 28 (P < 0.05). Some leak tests are more suitable for specific anesthesia machines. Adoption of the negative pressure test as a universal LPS leak test may prevent the risks associated with using the wrong test for the particular anesthesia machine: hypoxic gas or patient awareness.

Comparison of the antigen distribution of two US porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolates with that of the Lelystad virus

One hundred 4-week-old cesarean-derived colostrum-deprived pigs were inoculated with one of two different US porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolates (VR2385, VR2431) or the European Lelystad virus to detect and compare the location and amount of virus antigen. Interstitial pneumonia, myocarditis, lymphadenopathy, and encephalitis were consistently seen in all three groups; however, disease and lesions were more severe in the VR2385 group. Immunohistochemical evaluation of formalin-fixed tissues revealed virus antigen in alveolar macrophages in lungs of 22/25, 14/25, 14/25, and 0/25 of the VR2385, VR2431, Lelystad, and control pigs, respectively. Follicular macrophages and dendritic cells in the lymph nodes of 14/25, 10/25, 10/25, and 0/25 pigs from the VR2385, VR2431, Lelystad, and control groups, respectively, stained positive for virus antigen. Similar cells in the tonsils from 25/25, 21/25, 23/25, and 0/25 pigs from the VR2385, VR2431, Lelystad, and control groups, respectively, stained positive for virus antigen. Other tissues and cells in which virus antigen was detected included macrophages and endothelial cells in the heart, macrophages, and interdigitating cells in the thymus, macrophages and dendritic cells in the spleen and Peyer's patches, and macrophages in hepatic sinusoids, renal medullary interstitium, and adrenal gland. PRRSV persisted in macrophages in the lung, tonsil, lymph node, and spleen for at least 28 days. Significantly more PRRSV antigen was detected in the lung (P < 0.01), lymph nodes (P < or = 0.05), and tonsils (P < 0.05) of the VR2385 pigs than was detected in the same tissues of the VR2431 and Lelystad pigs. The cell types in which PRRSV antigen was detected and the distribution of PRRSV antigen-positive cells within particular tissues and organs were generally similar for the different virus inoculation groups despite differences in virulence of the isolates.

Comparative pathogenicity of nine US porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolates in a five-week-old cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived pig model

One hundred forty-six 5-week- old cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived (CDCD) pigs were inoculated intranasally with 1 of 9 US porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolates. Differences were found in severity of clinical respiratory disease, rectal temperatures (P < or = 0.001), gross lung lesions (P < or = 0.001), and microscopic lung lesions (P < or = 0.05). Gross lung lesions were generally most severe 10 days postinoculation and were distributed primarily in the cranial, middle, and accessory lobes and ventromedial portion of the caudal lung lobes. Mean gross lung lesion scores estimating the percentage of lung affected by pneumonia at 10 days postinoculation ranged from 16.7% +/- 2.8% (mean +/- SEM, n = 10) for isolate ISU-51 to 62.4% +/- 5.7% (n = 10) for isolate ISU-28. Microscopic lung lesions were characterized by hyperplastic and hypertrophied type 2 pneumocytes, septal infiltration by mononuclear cells, and accumulation of necrotic alveolar exudate. Lymph node follicular hyperplasia and focal necrosis was seen with all 9 isolates. This CDCD pig model was useful for demonstration of significant differences in pathogenicity among US PRRSV isolates. This difference in pathogenicity may help explain the variation of severity of clinical disease observed in field outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome and should provide for meaningful comparison of PRRSV genotypes.

Comparison of the pathogenicity of two US porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolates with that of the Lelystad virus

The Lelystad virus or one of two US isolates (VR2385, VR2431) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus were given intranasally to 25 4-week-old cesarian-derived colostrum-deprived pigs. Pigs from these groups were necropsied at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 21, or 28 days postinoculation. The Lelystad virus and VR2431 induced mild transient pyrexia, dyspnea, and tachypnea. VR2385 induced labored and rapid abdominal respiration, pyrexia, lethargy, anorexia, and patchy dermal cyanosis. All three isolates induced multifocal tan-mottled consolidation involving 6.8% (n = 9; SEM = 3.4) of the lung for Lelystad, 9.7% (n = 9, SEM = 2.7) of the lung for VR2431, and 54.2% (n = 9, SEM = 4.4) of the lung for VR2385 at 10 days postinoculation. Characteristic microscopic lung lesions consisted of type 2 pneumocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, necrotic debris and increased mixed inflammatory cells in alveolar spaces, and alveolar septal infiltration with mononuclear cells. Lymphadenopathy with follicular hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and necrosis was consistently seen. Similar follicular lesions were also seen in Peyer's patches and tonsils. Lymphohistiocytic myocarditis and encephalitis were reproduced with all three isolates. Clinical respiratory disease and gross and microscopic lung lesion scores were considerably and significantly more severe in the VR2385-inoculated pigs. All three viruses were readily isolated from sera, lungs, and tonsils throughout the 28 days of the study. The lymphoid and respiratory systems have the most remarkable lesions and appear to be the major site of replication of these viruses. This work demonstrated a marked difference in pathogenicity of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome isolates.

Experimental reproduction of Haemophilus parasuis infection in swine: clinical, bacteriological, and morphologic findings

Haemophilus parasuis is a common cause of polyserositis and polyarthritis in swine. Little is known about the mucosal and systemic sites of replication and lesions which follow an aerosol exposure to H. parasuis. In this experiment 5-week-old cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived (CDCD) pigs were inoculated intranasally with an inoculum containing 2 x 10(9) colony-forming units of H. parasuis. Two principals and one control pig were necropsied at 12, 36, 84, and 108 hours postinoculation (PI) and samples obtained for bacteriologic culture and microscopic examination. Inoculated pigs developed clinical signs of inappetence, reluctance to move, lameness, and a serous nasal discharge. Macroscopic findings included a fibrinous polyserositis and polyarthritis 36 hours PI which became progressively more severe at 84 and 108 hours PI. No lung lesions were grossly visible. Microscopic lesions included a mild purulent rhinitis at each post inoculation interval and fibrinous to fibrinopurulent synovitis and serositis at 36, 84, and 108 hours PI. A focal suppurative bronchopneumonia was observed in one pig examined at 36 hours PI. The nasal cavity and trachea were the only mucosal sites from which H. parasuis was reisolated. Haemophilus parasuis was isolated from the blood and systemic sites at 36, 84, and 108 hours PI. Findings presented indicated that intranasal inoculation of 5-week-old CDCD pigs with H. parasuis results in clinical signs and lesions of polyserositis and polyarthritis typical of field cases and is a useful model for the study of H. parasuis pathogenesis. The results also suggest that H. parasuis initially colonizes the nasal mucosa.

Immunohistochemical identification of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antigen in the heart and lymphoid system of three-week-old colostrum-deprived pigs

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antigens were detected by a streptavidin-biotin complex technique in tissues of 3-week-old colostrum-deprived pigs that had been inoculated intranasally with PRRSV and had developed moderate respiratory disease. Moderate, multifocal, tan-colored consolidation of the lungs and severe enlargement of the lymph nodes were noted at necropsy. Severe interstitial pneumonia characterized by type 2 pneumocyte proliferation, septal infiltration with mononuclear cells, and accumulation of macrophages and necrotic cells in alveolar spaces was observed at 4 and 9 days postinoculation. Moderate multifocal perivascular lymphohistiocytic myocarditis was observed at 9 days postinoculation. Marked lymphoid follicular hyperplasia and follicular necrosis in the tonsil, spleen, and lymph nodes was observed. A monoclonal antibody that recognizes a conserved epitope of PRRSV nucleocapsid protein was used as primary antibody for immunohistochemistry. Antigen was readily detected in alveolar macrophages in the lung and in endothelial cells and macrophages in the heart. Macrophages and cells resembling dendritic cells in tonsil, lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen also stained intensely positive for viral antigen. PRRSV appears to replicate primarily within macrophages in the respiratory and lymphoid systems of the pig.

The effects of carrier gas composition on the performance of the Tec 6 desflurane vaporizer

The new Tec 6 desflurane vaporizer is an electrically heated, pressurized, electromechanically coupled dual-circuit blender. We hypothesized that carrier gas viscosity should affect the electromechanical coupling of the fresh gas and vapor circuits, and that desflurane output should vary with different carrier gases. In the first portion of the study, the performance of eight vaporizers was evaluated using a constant dial setting of 10% desflurane with four different carrier gases and three different fresh gas flow rates. In the second portion of the study, the carrier gas flow rate was maintained at 1, 5, or 10 L/min, and vaporizer output was analyzed at all integer dial settings from 1% to 18%. Vaporizer output was highest when oxygen was the carrier gas and lowest when nitrous oxide was the carrier gas. This effect was accentuated at low fresh gas flow rates and correlated with carrier gas viscosity. At a flow rate of 1.0 L/min with a constant dial setting of 10%, the averaged output from vaporizers was 10.3 +/- 0.66, 9.4 +/- 0.58, 8.7 +/- 0.52, and 8.1 +/- 0.44 vol% for 100% oxygen, air, 30% oxygen plus 70% nitrous oxide, and 100% nitrous oxide, respectively. With 100% nitrous oxide as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 1.0 L/min, the vaporizer delivered 2 vol% less than the dial setting at dial settings in excess of 12%. Differences between the analyzed concentration and the dial setting were most pronounced with high concentrations of nitrous oxide at low fresh gas flow rates.

An indirect microimmunofluorescence test for detection of chlamydial antibodies in ovine fetal fluids

The objective of this study was to evaluate an indirect microimmunofluorescence test (IMIF) for detection of chlamydial antibodies in serum and/or thoracic fluids of aborted ovine fetuses. One hundred eighty-two ovine fetuses, including 64 fetuses from 40 ewes that were experimentally infected with an ovine abortion strain of Chlamydia psittaci at gestation days 90-100, 10 fetuses from 6 normal ewes, and 108 fetuses selected from those received at the Iowa Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, were evaluated in this study. Fetuses from experimentally infected ewes were examined 4-60 days after inoculation. The IMIF findings were compared with the results of complement fixation serology for chlamydiae and concentrations of immunoglobulin (IgG). Chlamydiae-specific antibodies were detected by IMIF in 28 of 38 fetuses infected with C. psittaci. Elevated levels of IgG and IMIF titers > or = 1:8 were consistent findings in ovine fetuses infected with chlamydiae for more than 24 days. IgG levels and titers of chlamydial antibodies increased with maturity of the fetus and duration of chlamydial infection. Chlamydial antibodies were not detected with the complement fixation test. Fluids from ovine fetuses aborted as a result of other causes also were examined, and IMIF results were negative. The results of this study indicate that the IMIF is a useful and relatively rapid test for identification of chlamydial antibodies in ovine fetuses.

The new Tec6 desflurane vaporizer

The Tec 6 vaporizer is an electrically heated, thermostatically controlled, constant temperature, pressurized, electromechanically coupled dual circuit, gas/vapor blender. The pressure in the vapor circuit is electronically regulated to equal the pressure in the fresh gas circuit. At a constant fresh gas flowrate, the operator regulates vapor flow with a conventional concentration control dial. When the fresh gas flowrate increases, the working pressure increases proportionally. At a specific dial setting at different fresh gas flowrates, vaporizer output is constant because the amount of flow through each circuit is proportional. Independent confirmation of vaporizer performance and design characteristics awaits vaporizer availability.

Experimental reproduction of pneumonia in gnotobiotic pigs with porcine respiratory coronavirus isolate AR310

The pathogenicity of porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) isolate AR310 was determined for gnotobiotic pigs. PRCV-AR310 was isolated from the intestines of a nursery pig from a herd with endemic transmissible gastroenteritis. The AR310 isolate was plaque purified and cell culture propagated, passed once in a gnotobiotic pig, then used as inoculum for a gnotobiotic pig pathogenicity study. Eight pigs were inoculated oronasally with 2 x 10(6) plaque-forming units of PRCV-AR310. Eight pigs served as controls and received cell culture medium. Two pigs from each group were necropsied at 3, 5, 10, and 15 days postinoculation (DPI). There was moderate multifocal to coalescing reddish tan consolidation of 60% of the lung by 10 DPI. Microscopic examination revealed a necrotizing and proliferative bronchointerstitial pneumonia characterized by necrosis, squamous metaplasia, dysplasia, proliferation of airway epithelium, mononuclear cell infiltration of alveolar septa, mild type II pneumocyte proliferation, and lymphohistiocytic alveolar exudation. The microscopic lesions were mild by 3 DPI, moderate by 5 DPI, severe by 10 DPI, and mostly resolved by 15 DPI. No lesions were observed in the intestines of these pigs. There was no clinical respiratory disease. Control pigs remained normal and had no lesions. PRCV was isolated from the lungs but not from the intestines of inoculated pigs. PRCV was not isolated from the lungs or intestines of control pigs. PRCV was also isolated from the nasal and rectal swabs of inoculated but not of control pigs.

Experimental transmission of an apparent viral pneumonia in conventional and gnotobiotic pigs

Endemic pneumonia in five- to eight-week-old pigs induced microscopic lesions of proliferative interstitial pneumonia which were compatible with a viral aetiology. The disease was transmitted experimentally to conventional and gnotobiotic pigs by means of a lung homogenate filtered through a 0.22 micron filter. No common viral respiratory pathogens of pigs were isolated. Two types of virus particles were observed in cell culture by electron microscopy; one was about 70 nm in diameter and had an envelope and short surface spicules, the other also had an envelope, was elongated, pleomorphic, measured 80 x 320 nm and was coated by antibodies.

Consequences of misfilling contemporary vaporizers with desflurane

Desflurane is a volatile anaesthetic that combines low blood gas solubility (blood/gas partition coefficient = 0.42 at 37 degrees C), moderate potency (MAC = 6-7%), and high volatility (vapour pressure = 681 mmHg at 20 degrees C, boiling point = 23.5 degrees C). The volatility and potency of desflurane prevent its safe use in vaporizers of traditional design. We present a mathematical model which demonstrates the potential for desflurane overdose if contemporary vaporizers are misfilled with desflurane. The most hazardous filling error occurs if an enflurane vaporizer is misfilled with desflurane. The calculated desflurane output of a misfilled enflurane vaporizer at a dial setting of 1% and a temperature of 22 degrees C is 57.8%, or 9.6 MAC. For misfilled enflurane, isoflurane, and halothane vaporizers at dial settings equivalent to one MAC at 22 degrees C, the calculated desflurane output is 14.0, 10.2, and 7.8 MAC, respectively. We conclude that the safe delivery of desflurane will require engineering safeguards, additional monitoring, and education of the anesthesia community.

Infrared laser sclerostomies

Four solid-state lasers with three fiberoptic delivery systems were used to perform laser sclerostomies in an acute-injury rabbit model and in fresh human globes. The lasers used were continuous-wave neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG, 1.06 microns) and pulsed holmium:yttrium scandium galliam garnet (YSGG) (2.10 microns), erbium:YSGG (2.79 microns), and erbium:YAG (2.94 microns). Thermal damage to tissue and total laser energy required to produce sclerostomies decreased with increasing wavelength. In human tissue using a 600-microns fused silica fiberoptic, maximum thermal damage (greater than or equal to 100 microns) was noted at 1.06 microns with a total energy of 21 J at a power density of 2.5 kW/cm2. In addition, focal damage to the iris and ciliary body was noted at this wavelength. The least amount of thermal damage (15-20 microns) and lowest total energies needed were found at 2.94 microns. A 250-microseconds pulse length and pulse radiant exposures of 3.6 J/cm2 and 14.3 J/cm2 were used for the low hydroxyl-fused silica (500 microns) and zirconium fluoride (250 microns) fiberoptics, respectively. Although zirconium fluoride fibers have high through-put efficiencies that facilitate study of laser tissue interactions at 2.94 microns, problems encountered with fragility and solubility of the bare tip in aqueous media limit its usefulness. A high attenuation rate with the low hydroxyl-fused silica fiber limited its usable length to 35 cm at 2.94 microns. Tissue damage during sclerostomy formation was minimized at 2.94 microns, reaching a maximum at 1.06 microns. Minimizing tissue damage theoretically could decrease subconjunctival scarring and filtration failure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of recombinant bovine interferon gamma and dexamethasone on pneumonia attributable to Haemophilus somnus in calves

The influence of recombinant bovine interferon gamma (rBoIFN-gamma) treatment on resistance of clinically normal and dexamethasone-treated calves to Haemophilus somnus infection was evaluated. Four groups of 6 calves each were treated with saline solution (controls), dexamethasone (0.04 mg/kg of body weight/for 3 days), rBoIFN-gamma (2 micrograms/kg for 2 days), or dexamethasone and rBoIFN-gamma (aforementioned dosages). All treatments were started 24 hours before intrabronchial challenge exposure with 5 x 10(9) colony-forming units of H somnus. Rectal temperature and WBC count were monitored daily. Two of the dexamethasone-treated calves died of pneumonia 4 days after challenge exposure and were necropsied. All other calves were euthanatized and necropsied 7 days after challenge exposure. All calves had pneumonia of variable intensity. Dexamethasone-treated calves had increased volume of pneumonic lung (P less than 0.05) and increased severity of pneumonia, compared with control calves. Recombinant bovine interferon gamma treatment resulted in reduction in pneumonic lung volume and severity of pneumonia in dexamethasone-treated calves (P less than 0.05), although it did not influence severity of pneumonia in nondexamethasone-treated calves.

Photodeactivation of ethyl violet: a potential hazard of Sodasorb

Breathing circuit cannisters containing functional CO2 absorbent are critical to prevent rebreathing CO2 during general anesthesia using closed or semiclosed breathing systems. Ethyl violet is the indicator dye added to Sodasorb to indicate impending exhaustion of the absorbent. A case of CO2 rebreathing due to failure of ethyl violet indicator in exhausted Sodasorb was encountered. Laboratory investigation demonstrated that dye failure could result from photodeactivation caused by fluorescent lights. Using a fixed intensity fluorescent light source and quantitative spectrophotometric analysis, a highly significant dose-response relationship was demonstrated between duration of light exposure and the decrease in ethyl violet concentration. After 24 h of fluorescent light exposure with a received flux density of 46 nwatts/cm2 at 254 nm, the concentration of functional ethyl violet remaining in pulverized Sodasorb was 16% of the baseline value. Furthermore, using multiple light sources of various intensities, the greater the intensity of light, the more rapid the rate of decline of the ethyl violet concentration. It is recommended to minimize the problem by using ultraviolet filters and incorporating additional ethyl violet in Sodasorb. Finally, ethyl violet undergoes temporal deactivation after a Sodasorb container is opened, even if it is stored in the dark.

Laser assisted fixation of ear prostheses after stapedectomy

Three different lasers (erbium:YAG, holmium:YAG, alexandrite) were used to drill a hole at the end of the long process of the incus in order to fix an ear prosthesis after stapedectomy or small fenestra stapedectomy. The energy was coupled into a 250-microns core diameter zirconium-fluoride fiber. The operations were carried out on human temporal bone models from cadavers. The fiber was guided to the incus under the stereoscopic surgical microscope. The tissue response was examined under the scanning electron microscope, and after decalcification, histologically. These studies suggest the feasibility of using the erbium:YAG laser to improve the anchorage of the prosthesis on the incus and to increase the stability in ossicular chain reconstruction.

Use of a laser-induced optical force trap to study chromosome movement on the mitotic spindle

A laser-induced optical force trap was used to alter the movement of chromosomes in mitotic cells in vitro. The trap was produced by using a 1.06-microns neodymium YAG (yttrium/aluminum garnet) laser focused through a phase-contrast microscope. The trap was applied to one side of centrophilic chromosomes off the mitotic spindle and to late-moving chromosomes on the mitotic spindle. In both situations, chromosome movement was initiated in the direction opposite to that of the applied force. When the force was applied, chromosomes moved at velocities 10-20 times normal. These studies verify and extend the feasibility of using this new technique to study factors that influence organelle motility.

An acute light and electron microscopic study of ultraviolet 193-nm excimer laser corneal incisions

The 193-nm ultraviolet beam from an argon fluoride excimer laser was focused on the corneas of rabbits to produce incisions of the type necessary for radial keratotomy. The energy densities used were in two ranges, 1.0 to 2.1 J/cm2 per pulse and 200 to 700 mJ/cm2 per pulse. The eyes were enucleated and fixed for histologic and electron microscopic examination immediately after exposure. Structural analysis of the higher energy density exposures showed ridging on the surface of the cornea, micro-pitting on the stromal surface inside the cut, and denudation of the endothelium under the ablation zone. The lower energy density incisions did not exhibit significant surface ridging or endothelial cell loss but did exhibit significant stromal swelling during the laser exposure thus making it difficult to produce incisions of a precisely controlled depth. Beam profile measurements and infrared thermal measurements of the cornea surface during laser exposure were made.

Isolation of two new serotypes of porcine rotavirus from pigs with diarrhea

Two group A rotaviruses (ISU-64 and ISU-65) with subgroup I antigen were isolated from pigs with diarrhea and were shown by two-way neutralization tests to be two new serotypes of porcine rotavirus.

Ablation of bone and methacrylate by a prototype mid-infrared erbium:YAG laser

An erbium:YAG laser was used to generate 200-microseconds pulses of mid-infrared 2.94-microns light in both the single and multimode configurations. Laser pulses were focused on the surfaces of both rabbit long bones and methacrylate blocks, and the tissue response was examined histologically. The depth of thermal injury was determined by ocular micrometry. Over all energy levels tested, the erbium:YAG laser produced ablation of bone and methacrylate with minimal thermal damage to adjacent tissue. Increasing the laser energy per pulse produced increasingly wider and deeper grooves in both bone and methacrylate. However, such increase in laser energy produced a proportionately greater increase in the zone of thermal injury in methacrylate as compared with bone. These studies suggest the feasibility of a surgical erbium:YAG laser in orthopaedics and other forms of ablative surgery.

Experimental Haemophilus somnus pneumonia in calves

Purulent bronchopneumonia was induced in 12 young calves inoculated endotracheally with a total of 2 to 8 X 10(10) viable Haemophilus somnus organisms. Calves treated before inoculation of bacteria with dexamethasone had more extensive lung changes than nontreated calves. Two of six dexamethasone-pretreated calves died while none of the non-pretreated calves died in the 12-day experimental period. Cranial-ventral gray to red lung consolidations with multifocal abscesses were present in all calves. Histologic examination revealed purulent to fibrinopurulent bronchiolitis accompanied by alveolar filling with fibrin, neutrophils, and macrophages. In addition, peribronchiolar fibrosis and bronchiolitis obliterans were common as were interlobular fibrosis and thrombosis of interlobular and pleural lymphatics. Focal to diffuse ulceration of bronchiolar epithelium was present in five of 12 lungs. Abscessation and severe alveolar filling with fibrin, red blood cells, and streaming inflammatory cells were present in dexamethasone-treated calves. H. somnus was isolated from lungs of all 12 calves. Complement fixation and microagglutination antibody titers to H. somnus antigens increased in most calves following infection with H. somnus. This model of H. somnus pneumonia closely resembles the naturally occurring disease.

A basic approach to food animal necropsy

A basic step-by-step procedure for necropsying food-producing mammals is presented. Abundant figures are utilized to help the prosector visualize the described process. In subsequent articles, alternate methods of necropsy are presented.

Diagnostic necropsy of suckling swine

A diagnosis of many problems affecting the baby pig can be made by careful necropsy of several freshly killed, acutely affected, untreated pigs and the application of one or more of the examinations outlined in this article. The selection and preservation of specimens to be forwarded to diagnostic laboratories for assistance in confirming the tentative diagnosis are of critical importance in gaining the maximum information from a necropsy examination.

Microscopic lesions associated with the isolation of Haemophilus somnus from pneumonic bovine lungs

Sixty-one of 68 sets of bovine lungs from which only Haemophilus somnus was isolated had microscopic lesions of purulent bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia. In 37 of 61 lungs, the bronchiolar exudates were markedly necrotic with accompanying necrosis of the adjacent bronchiolar epithelium. Bronchiolitis obliterans was prominent in 23 of 28 lungs affected with chronic lesions with abscesses present in seven. Alveolar filling with inflammatory cells (neutrophils with fewer macrophages) was limited to peribronchiolar alveoli in 25 of 61 lungs and was multifocal to diffuse in the other 36. Lesions in the remaining lungs (7 of 68) were classified as fibrinous pneumonia with bronchiolitis (2), fibrinous pleuritis (2), suppurative interstitial pneumonia with vasculitis (2), and diffuse congestion (1).

Ulcerative glossitis and stomatitis associated with exudative epidermitis in suckling swine

Thirty piglets 1 to 4 weeks old from five herds had epidermal, foot, conjunctival and renal lesions typical of exudative epidermitis. Ten piglets had a large central ulceration of the dorsum of the tongue. Three piglets had multiple erosions of the hard palate and one had mucoid degeneration of the urinary bladder epithelium and a thick viscous material in the renal pelvis, ureters and urinary bladder.

Evaluation of diagnostic procedures for detection of mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine

The complement-fixation test (CFT), a latex-agglutination test (LAT), and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolation procedures were compared with gross and microscopic lung evaluations for the routine diagnosis of mycoplasmal pneumonia (MP) of swine. The difficulty and variability of M hyopneumoniae isolation rendered this technique unacceptable. In market-weight swine, the finding of typical gross lesions was correlated with CFT results (P less than 0.005). The MP status of a herd could not be determined by use of these techniques in 4- to 9-week-old pigs. No technique could be used alone to establish a diagnosis. Gross and microscopic examination of all slaughter specimens, CFT, and clinical evaluation of the herd, used in combination, were the most useful means of determining the MP status of the herd.