Molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of Marek's disease virus in Turkish layer chickens

1. There is no current data about the genotypes of Marek's disease virus (MDV) in Turkish poultry flocks; hence, this study was performed to analyse CVI988/Rispens, turkey herpesvirus (HVT) vaccine viruses and MDV field viruses as well as to perform phylogenetic analysis of MDV in Turkish layer chickens. 2. In 2017 and 2018, a total of 602 spleen samples from 49 layer flocks were collected from the Marmara, West Black Sea and Aegean regions. DNA was extracted from the spleen samples and the samples were analysed by real-time PCR probe assay to detect CVI988/Rispens and HVT vaccine viruses and MDV field strains. Samples found positive for MDV by real-time PCR were subjected to PCR using the Meq gene primers for phylogenetic analysis. 3. Amongst 49 flocks, virulent MDV was detected in nine flocks. CVI988/Rispens and HVT vaccine strains were detected in 47 flocks and HVT in all 49 flocks. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and tumours in the oviduct were observed in chickens of affected flocks. Virulent MDV was detected in 120 out of 602 spleen samples. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses showed that MDVs detected in this study were closely related to MDV strains from Italy, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, India and China but showed diversity with MDV strains from Egypt and Hungary. Multiple sequence analysis of the Meq protein revealed several point mutations in deduced amino acid sequences. Interestingly, CVI988/Rispens vaccine virus from China (AF493555) showed mutations at position 66 (G66R) and 71 (S66A) along with two other vaccine strains from China (GU354326.1) and Russia (EU032468.1), in comparison with the other vaccine strain CVI988/Rispens (DQ534538). The molecular analyses of the Meq gene suggested that Turkish field strains of MDV are in the class of virulent or very virulent pathotypes. 4. The results have shown that MDV still affects poultry health, and the phylogenetic and amino acid variation data obtained will help in vaccination and control strategies.

Phylogeny and evolution of infectious bursal disease virus circulating in Turkish broiler flocks

The emergence of new infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) variants can threaten poultry health and production all over the world causing significant economic losses. Therefore, this study was performed to determine IBDV molecular epidemilogy, VP2 gene variation, and corresponding pathological lesions in IBDV infected chickens in Turkey. For this, 1855 bursa of Fabricius samples were collected from 371 vaccinated broiler flocks. Atrophia and haemorrhages were seen in the bursa Fabricius of very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) infected chickens. Partial VP2 gene was sequenced and phylogenetic, recombination, and evolutionary analyses were performed. 1548 (83.5%) out of 1855 of bursa of Fabricius samples were IBDV positive and 1525 of those could be sequenced. The recombination analysis did not detect occurrence of any recombination event among the Turkish strains. Among 1525 sequenced samples, 1380 of them were found to be classical strains. Among 1380 classical strains, 1317 were similar to IBDV 2512, 11 to Faragher 52/70, 40 to 228 E, and 12 to Lukert strain. Out of 1525 reverse transcriptase ploymerase chain reaction positive samples, 144 of them were found to be similar to vvIBDV-VP2 gene reported to GenBank previously. The phylogenetic tree performed on a broad sequence dataset demonstrated grouping of vvIBDV Turkish strains in three different clusters, including sequences collected also from Iraq and Kuwait (Cluster 1), Indian (Cluster 2), and a distinct Turkish-only cluster (Cluster 3). The evolutionary rate estimation on branches/clades including Turkish strain mirrored the expected one for RNA viruses and no significant differences were found among different considered branches. In conclusion, results of this study indicate that vvIBDV strains similar to those circulating in various countries in the Middle East are present and undergoing evolution in chickens from Turkish broiler flocks. This point needs to be taken into account in planning adequate control strategies.

First Molecular Characterization of Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) in Turkish Broiler Flocks

Viral respiratory diseases, including avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), have a significant economic impact on poultry industries. The frequency and genotype diversity of aMPV in Turkish broiler flocks is not known at present. The aim of this study was to report the first molecular identification and phylogeny of aMPV, which is circulating in Turkish broiler flocks. Trachea tissue samples and tracheal swabs were collected from 110 broiler flocks distributed in different geographical regions in Turkey between March 2017 and March 2018. Detection of aMPV was confirmed with the use of universal reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR, and eight (7.2%) broiler farms were positive for aMPV. Sequence analysis of the G gene revealed the exclusive presence of subtype B viruses. Three field isolates clustered closely with a 2002 Israel isolate, indicating a potential transmission route between these two countries and through the Middle East. The remaining five field isolates were closely related to a vaccine strain, even though broiler flocks in Turkey are not routinely vaccinated against aMPV. Therefore, we speculate these five isolates could have originated from nearby vaccinated turkey farms. Additionally, the presence of some nucleotide substitutions compared to the reference vaccine sequence suggests prolonged circulation and evolution of the original vaccine virus or a vaccine subpopulation was selected under field conditions. This evidence emphasizes the need for further detailed and more systemic approaches to evaluate aMPV spread and evolution in order to design effective control strategies.

Association between attitudes towards Internet usage and health practices in high-school students in 2 schools in Turkey: a cross-sectional study

Excessive usage of the Internet can negatively affect health and health practices especially among youth. To examine the issue among Turkish students, this study determined the association between high-school students' attitudes towards Internet usage and their health behaviour. The sample (n = 2043) was randomly drawn from all students at two high schools in Turkey: one in Anatolia and one (a vocational school) in Istanbul. Data were collected using the Structured Questionnaire, Attitude Scale towards Internet Usage (ASTIU) and Adolescent Lifestyle Profile (ALP). The mean age of the students was 16.3 years, 77.7% were male and 96.9% used the Internet; mean duration of Internet use was 18.8 h/week. Female students had more positive attitudes towards Internet usage. Mean scores for ASTIU and ALP were 72.58 (SD 17.64) and 111.34 (SD 16.61) respectively, which were average levels. There was a statistically significant but weak overall negative correlation between adolescents' attitudes towards Internet usage and their health behaviour. Our results concur with studies in different cultures which suggest some negative effects, of heavy Internet use.

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

Effects of Sevoflurane, Isoflurane and Propofol Infusions on Post-Operative Recovery Criteria in Geriatric Patients

We compared the effects of sevoflurane, isoflurane and propofol infusions on postoperative recovery criteria in geriatric patients. Sixty patients aged > 65 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) group 1 or 2 and undergoing gynaecological or urological procedures were randomized equally into three groups. Group 1 received 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) sevoflurane in a 50% O2/N2O mixture and group 2 received 1 MAC isoflurane in a 50% O2/N2O mixture. Group 3 received a 50% O2/N2O mixture plus propofol total intravenous anaesthesia (8 mg/kg for the first 30 min, followed by 6 mg/kg for maintenance). Recovery criteria comprising the times to spontaneous eye opening, extubation, response to verbal stimuli and orientation were recorded following the discontinuation of anaesthesia. Recovery times were significantly shorter in groups 1 and 3 compared with group 2. We conclude that sevoflurane and propofol had similar effects on recovery criteria and were associated with a faster recovery than isoflurane.

A retrospective clinical and epidemiological study on feline coronavirus (FCoV) in cats in Istanbul, Turkey

The presence of antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), together with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen was investigated in 169 ill household and stray cats attending a veterinary surgery in Istanbul in 2009-14. The estimated FCoV and FIV seroprevalence (95% confidence intervals) were 37% (30-45%) and 11% (6-16%), respectively and FeLV prevalence was 1% (0-3%). FCoV seroprevalence increased until 2 years of age, was highest in 2014 and among household cats living with other cats and with outdoor access, and was lower in FIV seropositive compared to seronegative cats. Symptoms typically associated with wet feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) including ascites, abdominal distention or pleural effusion, coupled in many cases with non-antibiotic responsive fever, were observed in 19% (32/169) of cats, and 75% (24/32) of these cats were FCoV seropositive. FCoV seropositivity was also associated with a high white blood cell count, high plasma globulin, low plasma albumin and low blood urea nitrogen. The percentage of FCoV seropositive and seronegative cats that died in spite of supportive veterinary treatment was 33% (21/63) and 12% (13/106), respectively. These results indicate that FCoV is widespread and has a severe clinical impact in cats from Istanbul. Moreover, the incidence of FCoV infections could be rising, and in the absence of effective vaccination cat owners need to be made aware of ways to minimize the spread of this virus.

Can radiation-induced chronic oxidative stress in kidney and liver be prevented by dimethylsulfoxide? Biochemical determination by serum and tissue markers

PURPOSE

To investigate the protective effects of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on chronic oxidative stress in the liver, kidney and serum with biochemical parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP), catalase, glutathione (GSH), and free-thiols (F-SH).

METHODS

Thirty Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: group I (control, n=10), group II (irradiation-alone group, n=10) and group III (DMSO and irradiation group, n=10). Rats in groups II and III were irradiated with a single dose of 6 Gy to the entire liver and right kidney. Group III received DMSO 4.5 g/kg by intraperitoneal injection 30 min before irradiation. At the end of the 24th week, the rats were sacrificed and their trunk blood, kidney and liver tissues were collected.

RESULTS

Group II rats showed increased levels of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, with decreased GSH, FSH and catalase levels in all specimens when compared with group I. Serum and kidney MDA and AOPP levels were significantly lower in group III when compared with group II. However, serum and kidney GSH and F-SH levels were significantly higher in group III when compared with group II. The additive effect on catalase was seen only in the serum.

CONCLUSION

DMSO is a protective agent on chronic oxidative stress in the serum and kidney tissue. No oxidant or antioxidant effect of DMSO in the liver was seen.

Wide-ranging genomic effects of plasticisers and related compounds

The effects of four compounds, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (BEHP); diisodecylphthalate (DIP); 4-n-octylphenol (OP); 4-chloro-3-methylphenol (CMP), on gene expression (steady-state mRNA levels) across the whole human genome were studied in human TE671 cells. Effects were studied using the Affymetrics GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0, HG-U133 Plus 2.0 arrays, The array analyses the expression of 47,000 transcripts and variants, including approximately 38,500 well characterised. All four compounds exerted statistically significant actions, affecting between 4 and 6.5% of all genes. Each compound had its own expression signature. In most instances where there was an effect, steady-state mRNA levels were decreased, although not always. CMP treatment caused most increases in mRNA levels. A mixture of DIP and CMP caused fewer changes in mRNA levels than either of the individual compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

These plasticisers affected the steady-state mRNA levels of many human genes. Exposure to these compounds over many years has the potential to influence human health.

Comparison of the Laryngeal Mask (LMA™) and Laryngeal Tube (LT®) with the Perilaryngeal Airway (CobraPLA®) in Brief Paediatric Surgical Procedures

We compared the laryngeal mask airway (LMA™) and the laryngeal tube (LT®) with the perilaryngeal airway (CobraPLA®, PLA) in anaesthetised, paralysed children having brief surgical procedures.

After obtaining informed consent, 90 paediatric ASA Status 1 and 2 patients awaiting short surgical procedures were randomised to have their airways managed with an LMA, LT or PLA. Anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane (2.5 to 4%) and muscle paralysis with mivacurium (0.2 mg/kg intravenously). The number of insertion attempts, time taken to insert the device, haemodynamic responses to insertion (mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, pulse oximetry and end-tidal CO 2 ), clinical performance and occurrence of postoperative sore throat were recorded.

When the airway device was removed, it was examined for visible blood. Patients and parents were asked about the occurrence of sore throat, dysphonia and dysphagia 24 hours postoperatively.

Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, pulse oximetry and end tidal CO 2 did not differ among the groups. Insertion times for the devices were similar (LMA: 19 ± 11 seconds, LT: 21 ± 12 seconds, PLA: 18 ± 12 seconds), as were the rates of successful insertion at first attempt (LMA 66.7%; LT 70.0%; PLA 73.3%). The number and type of airway interventions to achieve an effective airway were comparable. When the airways were removed, positive blood traces were noted on 20% of the LMAs, 20% of the PLAs and 10% of the LTs.

Haemodynamic, ventilation and oxygenation variables throughout the surgery were similar with LMA, LT and PLA and there were no significant differences in insertion time or signs or symptoms of mucosal trauma when these devices were used in paralysed children.

The use of esmolol and magnesium to prevent haemodynamic responses to extubation after coronary artery grafting

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The haemodynamic responses during extubation can cause complications after open-heart surgery. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of esmolol and magnesium before extubation on these haemodynamic responses.

METHODS

Following the approval of local Ethics Committee, 120 patients having coronary artery bypass grafting with extubation in the intensive care unit were included in the study. Patients were allocated to receive esmolol 1 mg kg-1 (group I, n = 40), magnesium 30 mg kg-1 (Group II, n = 40) or normal saline (Group III, n = 40). Study medication was administered as a 20-min infusion in a volume of 20 mL. Patients were extubated just after termination of the infusion. Heart rate, blood pressure and central venous pressure were recorded prior to drug administration, before extubation, during extubation and 1 min after extubation.

RESULTS

Heart rate was lower in Group I than in Groups II (P < 0.05) and III (P < 0.001) and lower in Group II than in Group III (P < 0.05) during extubation. It was also lower in Group I than in Group III (P < 0.05) after extubation. Systolic blood pressure was lower in Group I than in Groups II and III (P < 0.001) during extubation. Diastolic blood pressure was higher in Group III than in Groups I and II during extubation (P < 0.001) and after extubation (P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure was lower in Group I than in Groups II and III (P < 0.001) during extubation, lower in Group II than in Group III (P < 0.05) during extubation and lower in Group I than in Group III (P < 0.05) after extubation.

CONCLUSION

We found that using esmolol before extubation following coronary artery bypass graft surgery prevents undesirable haemodynamic responses while magnesium reduces undesirable haemodynamic responses but does not prevent them.

An abattoir survey on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Turkey

The aim of this study was to investigate Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in Turkish cattle in the Marmara region which borders the European Union (EU). For this, cattle brought to abattoirs in Istanbul were analysed. The high risk group were selected and therefore 384 cattle above 2 years old were included in the study. They were primarily examined for the presence of any clinical signs of nervous system and also other clinical disorders. The whole brains were taken and analysed for the presence of vacuolar degeneration and prion protein by PLATELIA BSE test kit. Only 5 cattle were found to be nervous and showed aggressive behaviour. There were no cattle showing incoordination or other neurological disorders. Cysts were observed in 3 brains. Histopathologically, no vacuolar degeneration indicative of BSE was found in any cattle examined. However, in 8 brains, few vacuoles were observed in neurons in sections taken from the brain, cerebellum, medulla oblongata and medulla spinalis. Slight mononuclear cell infiltration in 9 brain, intensed mononuclear cell infiltration in 1 brain, haemorrhages in 5 brains and gliosis in 11 brains were also found. No infective prion was detected by ELISA in samples taken from 384 cattle brain.

The effect of plasticisers on "sulphate supply" enzymes

Sulphation is important in xenobiotic detoxification and in steroid and thyroid hormones synthesis, transport and metabolism. Potential endocrine disrupting actions of plasticisers were assessed by studying effects on cell viability, cell proliferation and expression of enzymes (cysteine dioxygenase, sulphite oxidase, PAPS synthase I and II) involved in the synthesis of the cofactor, PAPS, for steroid sulphotransferases. TE 671 cells were used to study the effects of exposure to alkylphenols and alkylphenolethoxylates, bisphenol A, bisphenol A methacrylate, alkyladipates, dialkyl phthalates and resorcinol. The lactate dehydrogenase assay and CellTiter 96) AQ(ueous) One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay were used to measure cytotoxicity and cell proliferation, respectively. Steady-state mRNA was assessed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and real time RT-PCR. None of the compounds tested was cytotoxic in TE 671 cells, however, cell proliferation was significantly increased with 0.005-0.5 microM dioctyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate (DIP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (P<0.05, n = 4). Real time RT-PCR showed dose-dependent decreases in steady-state mRNA levels of all the enzymes studied (P<0.05, n = 4) with 0.005-0.5 microM octylphenol, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and DIP treatment. Endocrine disrupting effects of some plasticisers may be a consequence of modulation of expression of enzymes supplying PAPS for hormone sulphation.

Intraarticular analgesia after arthroscopic knee surgery: comparison of neostigmine, clonidine, tenoxicam, morphine and bupivacaine

We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blinded study to compare the analgesic effects of intraarticular neostigmine, morphine, tenoxicam, clonidine and bupivacaine in 150 patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. General anaesthesia protocol was same in all patients. At the end of the surgical procedure, patients were randomized into six intraarticular groups equally. Group N received 500 mug neostigmine, Group M received 2 mg morphine, Group T received 20 mg tenoxicam, Group C received 1 microg kg(-1) clonidine, Group B received 100 mg bupivacaine and Group S received saline 20 ml. Visual analog scale scores 0, 30 and 60 min and 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, time to first analgesic need, analgesic consumption at 48 h and 72 h and side effects were noted. Demographic and operational parameters were similar in six groups. All study groups provided analgesia when compared with saline group (P<0.05). Duration of analgesia in Group N and C was longer than other groups (P<0.001). Analgesic consumptions of Group N, C and T were lower than other groups (P<0.01). Pain scores during 2 h postoperatively were lower in all study groups than the control group (P<0.001). In Group B, median pain scores were higher than Groups N and C at 0 min and 30 min postoperatively (P<0.001). Side effects were not significantly different among the six groups. We conclude that the most effective drugs that are administered intraarticularly are neostigmine and clonidine among the five drugs we studied. Tenoxicam provided longer analgesia when compared with morphine and bupivacaine, postoperatively.

Evaluation of right and left ventricular function using pulsed-wave tissue Doppler echocardiography in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

Previous studies showed that subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) was associated with cardiovascular disorders, such as endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and myocardial dysfunction. Only one study investigated left ventricular (LV) function using pulsed tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) in patients with SH. However, no study has used this technique in the identification of right ventricular (RV) function in these patients. We aimed to investigate the effect of SH on RV and LV function using TDE technique. The present study included 36 newly diagnosed SH patients and 28 healthy controls. For each subjects, serum free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), total T3 (TT3), total T4 (TT4), TSH, peroxidase antibody (TPOab) and thyroglobulin antibody (TGab) levels were measured, and standard echocardiography and TDE were performed. In patients with SH, TSH levels were significantly higher, and TPOab and TGab levels were significantly higher when compared to healthy controls. TDE showed that the patients had significantly lower early diastolic mitral and tricuspid annular velocity (Ea) and early/late (Ea/Aa) diastolic mitral and tricuspid annular velocity ratio (p<0.05, p<0.05 and p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively), and significantly longer isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) of left and right ventricles (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). However, Aa, Sa, and isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) and ET (ejection time) of left and right ventricle did not significantly differ (p=ns for all). In addition, a negative correlation between TSH and TD-derived tricuspid Ea velocity and Ea/Aa ratio, and a positive correlation between TSH and IRT of right ventricle were observed. Our findings demonstrated that SH is associated with impaired RV diastolic function in addition to impaired LV diastolic function.

Evaluation of autonomic activity in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

It has been shown that impaired cardiac autonomic activity is closely related with lethal arhythmias. Heart rate variability (HRV), analysis of beat-to-beat variations, is an important and widely used non-invasive method to assess autonomic function. Impaired cardiac autonomic activity and altered sympathovagal balance were previously documented in patients with hypothyroidism. However, the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) on autonomic function has not been studied yet. We aimed to investigate the effect of SH on sympathovagal balance using the HRV method. The study included 31 patients with SH and 28 healthy volunteer controls. Patients with cardiac, metabolic, neurological disease or any other systemic disease that could affect autonomic activity were excluded from the study. HRV time domain and frequency domain parameters were determined over a period of 24 h. All time and frequency domain measures of HRV in patients with SH were not significantly different compared to those of healthy control group (p > 0.05). Additionally, we compared SH subgroups (TSH level > or =10 and TSH level <10 mU/l) with each other and the controls. A statistically significant difference was observed only in time domain parameters of SD of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and SD of all 5-min mean normal NN intervals (SDANN) between subgroup with TSH level > or =10 and controls (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). In correlation analysis with TSH, there was positive relationship between TSH and the root mean square of successive differences between adjacent R-R intervals (rMSSD). These findings indicate that SH may affect cardiac autonomic activity in correlation with TSH levels.

Analgesic effects of rofecoxib in ear-nose-throat surgery

In this study we evaluated the analgesic efficacy and the opioid-sparing effect of rofecoxib in ear-nose-throat surgery patients. Patients undergoing nasal septal or sinus surgery were randomized to receive either oral placebo or rofecoxib 50 mg 1 h before surgery. All patients received propofol 0.8 mg/kg, fentanyl 1 microg/kg, and local anesthesia at the operative site. Sedation was maintained by a continuous infusion of propofol adjusted to maintain sedation at a 2-3 level on the Ramsey scale. Additional fentanyl 0.5-1 microg/kg was administered at the patient's request or if the verbal rating scale score was >4. Patient sedation and pain scores were obtained at 5, 15, 30 45, and 60 min during surgery and 30 min and 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after completion of the procedure. During the postoperative period, diclofenac 75 mg IM was administered for analgesia at the patient's request or if the visual analog scale (VAS) rating for pain was more than 4. VAS pain scores, intraoperative fentanyl, and postoperative diclofenac requirements were significantly smaller in the rofecoxib group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The times to first analgesic request were also significantly less in the rofecoxib group. We conclude that the preoperative administration of oral rofecoxib provided a significant analgesic benefit and decreased the need for opioids in patients undergoing nasal septal and nasal sinus surgery.

IMPLICATIONS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and opioid-sparing effect of rofecoxib, a new selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor drug, in ear-nose-throat surgery patients. Preoperative administration of oral rofecoxib provided a significant analgesic benefit and decreased the need for opioids in patients undergoing nasal septal and nasal sinus surgery.

Effect of preoperative oral use of erythromycin and nizatidine on gastric pH and volume

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of preoperative oral erythromycin or nizatidine on gastric pH and volume. Sixty patients, ASA 1 and 2 status scheduled for elective surgery were studied. All subjects received oral study medication with 10 ml of water 60 minutes prior to surgery. Patients in Group 1 (n=20) were given erythromycin 200 mg, in Group 2 (n=20) nizatidine 300 mg, and in Group 3 (n=20) placebo capsule. A nasogastric tube was inserted immediately after anaesthesia induction. Gastric content was aspirated, and volume and pH recorded. pH values determined in Group 1 were 5.6+/-1.87; in Group 2, 5.65+/-1.92 and in Group 3, 3.5+/-1.93. There was no statistical difference between Groups 1 and 2, but there was a statistically significant difference between Group 3 and Groups 1 and 2 (P<0.001). The volume of gastric content was 10.25+/-6.65 ml in Group 1, 10.3+/-6.29 ml in Group 2 and 20.25+/-16.72 ml in Group 3. Again, there was no statistical difference between Groups 1 and 2, but there was a statistically significant difference between Group 3 and Groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). The proportion of patients considered "at risk" of significant lung injury should aspiration occur was 10% of Group 1, 5% of Group 2 and 20% of Group 3 (not statistically different). We conclude that oral erythromycin and nizatidine given one hour prior to surgery are effective in reducing gastric pH and volume.

Effect of aminophylline on recovery from sevoflurane anaesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In this randomized, double-blind study, we aimed to investigate the effect of aminophylline on recovery from sevoflurane.

METHODS

One-hundred ASA I-II patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly divided into two groups receiving either NaCl 0.9% (Group 1, n = 50) or aminophylline 5mg kg(-1) (Group 2, n = 50). All patients were premedicated with atropine 0.01 mgkg(-1) and midazolam 0.06mgkg(-1) intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2mg kg(-1) for muscle relaxation, and atracurium 0.5 mg kg(-1) was maintained with sevoflurane 2% in 50% oxygen and nitrous oxide. Further atracurium (0.1 mgkg(-1) was given when needed. Aminophylline or saline was given after sevoflurane was discontinued. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, the duration of anaesthesia and recovery times (eye opening, verbal response, extubation and successful performance of arithmetical calculations) were recorded.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation and anaesthesia time between the two groups. Heart rate increased significantly (P < 0.05) after aminophylline and was also higher than in the placebo group. Recovery times were significantly shorter (P < 0.001) in the patients receiving aminophylline.

CONCLUSIONS

Aminophylline speeded recovery after sevoflurane anaesthesia and it may have some advantage in anaesthesia practice for patients.

Detection of antibodies to Borna disease virus (BDV) in Turkish horse sera using recombinant p40. Brief report

The nucleoprotein of Borna disease virus (BDV-p40) was produced in a Baculovirus expression system using sf9 cells. The purity and specificity of the recombinant p40 was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. The recombinant p40 was used in an ELISA to screen horse sera in Turkey. For this, 323 horses from selected cities in the Marmara region of Turkey were examined clinically and serum was collected from each. All horses were clinically healthy except for a few with wounds on the skin. Antibodies to BDV were detected in the sera of 82 (25%) of 323 horse sera. Six sera were selected that had low, medium or high OD values by ELISA and were analysed by Western blotting. All reacted specifically with p40 at a dilution of 1 in 1000. This is the first report of the detection of Borna disease in Turkey and needs further molecular biological investigations to compare the Turkish strains with those strains detected in Europe.

Investigation of the presence of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in chickens in Turkey and determination of the seroprevalance of the infection using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

In this study, the presence of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale infection in the avian population in the Marmara and the Western Black Sea region was investigated. Trachea samples were randomly obtained from 96 chickens sent to slaughterhouses. The seroprevalance of the infection was determined in 384 blood sera. Ninety-six of these 384 samples belonged to animals from which trachea samples were obtained. Eleven (11.46%) O. rhinotracheale were isolated in 96 trachea samples taken from 10 different flocks brought to the slaughterhouse. Serotype A was the predominant serotype among the 11 isolates of O. rhinotracheale. One isolate could not be serotyped. O. rhinotracheale antibodies were detected in 251 (64.4%) of the 384 sera, while 55 (14.3%) and 78 (20.3%) were suspected and negative, respectively.

Detection of antibodies to Borna disease virus in Turkish cats by using recombinant p40

Recombinant p40 produced by baculovirus was used in an ELISA to screen samples of serum taken from 80 cats in Istanbul. The sera were also analysed for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Antibodies to Borna disease virus- (BDV) p40 were detected in 34 (42-5 per cent) of the 80 cats. Seventy-three per cent of the sera which were positive for FIV and 26 per cent of the sera which were negative for FIV had antibodies to BDV. There was no difference in the percentage of sera which were positive for BDV between the cats that were positive or negative for FeLV. Three of the cats had neurological disease and two of these had antibodies to BDV. Six sera with low, medium or high optical densities (ODS) by ELISA were analysed by Western blotting. Only the sera with medium and high ODS reacted specifically with p40 at a dilution of 1 in 1,000.