Serum vitamin D3 (25-OH vit D3) concentrations and hemogram changes in calves with enzootic pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Enzootic pneumonia is an important disease complex associated with insufficient colostrum intake after birth, adverse environmental conditions, and stress. Vitamin D deficiency may be an important predisposing factor for this disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate in calves with enzootic pneumonia.

METHODS

A total of 30 calves, aged 3-5 months, under the same care and feeding conditions were used. Groups were formed according to Clinical Respiratory Scoring as the group with mild/moderate enzootic pneumonia (n = 10), the group with severe enzootic pneumonia (n = 10), and the healthy control group (n = 10) without any disease. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of animals in all groups on Day 0; a complete blood count was performed, and serum vitamin D levels were measured using the Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method.

RESULTS

Although no statistical differences were observed in total leukocyte, lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophil, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels between groups, statistically significant differences in blood neutrophil, monocyte, and erythrocyte counts were found between the groups. Monocyte counts were statistically decreased in the mild/moderate group compared with the control group. Neutrophil counts were significantly higher in the mild/moderate and severe groups than in the control group. Erythrocyte counts were increased in the mild/moderate and severe groups compared with the control group. Vitamin D concentrations were statistically lower in the mild/moderate and severe groups than in the control group. However, no statistical differences in Vitamin D concentrations were observed between the mild/moderate and severe groups. There was a negative and significant correlation between erythrocyte counts and vitamin D concentrations (r = -0.64, P < .0001). While erythrocyte counts increased in the severe group compared with the mild/moderate group, vitamin D concentrations decreased. Also, a negative and significant correlation was observed between platelet counts and vitamin D concentrations (r = -0.74, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study determined that serum vitamin D concentrations in calves with pneumonia were lower than those in healthy calves. Detailed studies on the etiologic and prognostic importance of low vitamin D levels in calves with enzootic pneumonia may provide valuable data for prevention and treatment.

Evaluation of glutaraldehyde coagulation test and colostrum BRIX refractometer compared with SNAP foal IgG test in neonatal foals

BACKGROUND

Prompt diagnosis of passive transfer failure in the neonatal period is important for early treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the diagnostic performance of serum glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GCT) and colostrum BRIX% for failure to transfer passive immunity (FTPI) diagnosis with the results of SNAP foal test and to evaluate the results of serum GCT and colostrum BRIX% measurements in foals with diarrhoea in the 0-1 month period.

STUDY DESIGN

In vitro experiments.

METHODS

Excess serum and colostrum (n: 298) from samples collected from newborn foals and their dams for clinical purposes were used. Foals were classified as FTPI positive (IgG < 8 g/L) or negative (IgG ≥ 8 g/L) using the SNAP foal test. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of serum GCT and colostrum BRIX % for diagnosing FTPI in all foals and in the sub-group of foals which developed diarrhoea within the first month of life was noted. The relationships between the results of the serum GCT and colostrum BRIX% and diarrhoea in foals with and without FTPI were evaluated.

RESULTS

Serum GCT and colostrum BRIX % were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) between the foals without FTPI and with FTPI classified according to the SNAP test. Using a cut-off value for serum GCT of >10, sensitivity was 100% (95% CI 92.9%-100%) and specificity 100% (98.3%-100%) while with a cut-off value of ≤24, with colostrum BRIX% of ≤24 sensitivity was 92% (80.9%-97.8%), and specificity was 98% (95.3-99.3). In the sub-group of foals without FTPI using a colostrum BRIX% cut-off value of ≤26 the sensitivity for prediction of diarrhoea in the 0-1 month period was only 72.4% (52.8-87.3, p < 0.001) with specificity 54.3% (47.6-61.1) but the test performance was not robust (ROC AUC 0.61).

MAIN LIMITATIONS

The number of repeated measurements in the evaluation of serum GCT, and colostrum BRIX% was low. More clinical problems could be examined.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum GCT, and colostrum BRIX%, both economical and practical to use in the field, gave results comparable with the SNAP foal IgG test. The ability to accurately predict diarrhoea in the first month of life with these tests was limited.

Clinic Congenital Neosporosis in a Calf

Neosporosis is an infectious disease which is caused by a protozoan called Neospora caninum and characterized by endemic and epidemic abortions in adult cattle and congenital encephalomyelitis in calves. Our case was a female calf from the Holstein breed which was born in a farm with abortion and infertility problems and was unable to stand up after birth.. It was stated that it was the third pregnancy of the mother cow and that the previous pregnancy was aborted in the fifth month. In clinical examination, sucking reflex of the calf was present and there was spastic paralysis starting from pelvic muscle in rear limbs. Blood (EDTA and spare tube) sample was taken from the cow and from the calf before sucking first colostrum and cerebrospinal fluid was collected from the calf.. Based on the clinical and serological findings, a diagnosis of congenital neosporosis was made. As a result, neosporosis must be considered in the clinical diagnosis of calves with neurological symptoms during the neonatal period.

Iodine Intoxication in Beef Cattle in Turkey - Clinical, Hematological and Biochemical Evaluation

Iodine is an essential trace element for humans and animals. The incidence of iodine poisoning in cattle is low. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical findings, serum glucose and cholesterol, thyroid hormone and urine iodine levels in cattle exposed to excess iodine. All of the clinical data were determined following the addition of potassium iodide to the drinking water. Inappetence, cough, and hyperthermia were notable clinical findings. We detected a very high iodine level (470 μg /L) in an analysis of the drinking water samples. A biochemical analysis revealed that the serum cholesterol levels in the affected cattle were significantly lower (p<0.05) than in healthy cattle. However, the serum glucose in the affected cattle was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to healthy cattle. The iodine concentration in the urine of the affected animals was also significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the healthy animals. Importantly, a hematological analysis indicated leukocytosis with neutrophilia. Several clinical signs, including hyperthermia, tachycardia, alopecia, and a naso-oral discharge, based on suspected history can suggest iodine intoxication. In addition, biochemical parameters, such as urine iodine, serum glucose and cholesterol levels, were observed to be different between healthy and affected cattle. The thyroid function in affected cattle should also be studied.

Clinical, haematological and biochemical findings in Saanen goat kids with naturally occurring heat stroke

Objective: Description of clinical, biochemical and haematological changes in Saanen goat kids post-exposure to a naturally occurring heat stroke. Material and methods: The experimental group consisted of goats of different age (1–4 months) and sex (8 males, 12 females) with an average weight of 7.2 ± 3.1 kg. Twenty clinically healthy, three to four months old, Saanen goat kids (sex-ratio 1:1) were used as a control. The average body weight in this group was 9.4 ± 2.6 kg. Case history, clinical signs, and results of haematology and blood biochemistry were documented in all goat kids. Results: Most common findings were hyperthermia, ataxia, muscle tremor and depression. Increased serum urea, creatinine, potassium and plasma lactate concentrations as well as an increase in aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activity were observed in goats post-exposure to heat stroke when compared to the control group. Two goat kids died despite supportive treatment. Physical and biochemical blood parameters improved following treatment. Conclusion: This is the first study on heat stroke in Saanen goat kids. Heatstroke may be fatal in Saanen goat kids, despite appropriate treatment, and may lead to secondary complications. Plasma lactate concentration seems to be a reliable indicator for the prognosis of heat stroke in goat kids.

Changes in circulating adiponectin and tumour necrosis factor-α and their relationship with insulin resistance in periparturient dairy cows

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the serum levels of adiponectin and TNF-α, as well as insulin sensitivity, and to elucidate the possible relationship among the parameters and negative energy balance during the periparturient period of dairy cows.

Material and Methods: Thirty primiparous Holstein dairy cows were selected for the study. Blood samples were collected from each cow seven days before the expected calving date, on the calving day, and 7, 14, and 21 days after calving. Blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and TNF- α levels were measured. Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (rQUICKI) was calculated using data on NEFA, insulin, and glucose concentrations.

Results: When compared to prepartum levels, serum concentration of adiponectin significantly increased on day 21 postpartum. The rQUICKI increased and NEFA levels decreased on day 7 after parturition. Insulin and glucose levels decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum when compared with prepartum levels. BHBA levels decreased on day 21 and TNF- α concentration also decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. Adiponectin levels positively correlated with NEFA during the preparturient period. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin and rQUICKI on calving day and on 14th day after parturition. TNF- α concentration positively correlated with glucose levels on day 7 prepartum and on 21st day postpartum and with rQUICKI on 21st day postpartum. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin level and insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, we concluded that adiponectin could possibly increase insulin sensitivity when blood NEFA concentrations are elevated.

Titanate nanotubes: preparation, characterization and application in adsorption of strontium ion from aqueous solution

The adsorptive removal potential of Sr2+ ions with titanate nanotubes (TNT) was investigated. Titanate nanotubes were synthesized via hydrothermal treatment of anatase titania powders and concentrated NaOH solution. Morphological and structural properties of titanate nanotubes were determined by XRD, BET and HRTEM. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed that uniform nanotubes with inner diameters of ≈ 4 nm and outer diameters of ≈ 12 nm were obtained. The adsorption behaviors of Sr2+ ions on the TNT were also investigated. As a result of the experimental data, it was concluded that TNT are good adsorbents for the removal of Sr2+ ions from aqueous solutions with an adsorption capacity reaching of 66.72 mg/g. The adsorption mechanisms of Sr2+ ions from aqueous solutions onto TNT were examined with aid of model analyses of the adsorption equilibrium and kinetic data of Sr2+ ions. The rate constant has been calculated for 288, 298, 308 and 318 K. Thermodynamic parameters for the sorption system have been determined.

Evaluation of serum iron and iron binding capacity in cows with paratuberculosis

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of routine haematological, serum iron and iron binding capacity analyses in cattle with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection. Material and methods: Thirty-eight cows were included in the study. An ELISA for MAP, intradermal Johnin test and microscopic examination of the animals faecal smears for acid fast organisms were performed. According to the results 19 cows (4–8 years old) were found positive and 19 cows (4–7 years old) from the same herd were negative and served as control group. In all cows routine haematological values as well as serum iron level and iron binding capacity were evaluated. Results: When compared with control animals, routine haematological values including haematocrit, haemoglobin and erythrocyte counts were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in positive cows. Also serum iron level (p < 0.01) and iron binding capacity (p < 0.01) were significantly lower in positive cows than in the control group. Conclusion: As a result, these parameters can be important for the mechanism of the pathogenesis of paratuberculosis.

Small core rib waveguides with embedded gratings in As2Se3 glass

Low-loss shallow-rib waveguides were fabricated using As2Se3 chalcogenide glass and polyamide-imide polymer. Waveguides were patterned directly in the As2Se3 layer by photodarkening followed by selective wet etching. Theory predicted a modal effective area of 3.5-4 microm2, and this was supported by near-field modal measurements. The Fabry-Perot technique was used to estimate propagation losses as low as ~0.25 dB/cm. First-order Bragg gratings near 1550 nm were holographically patterned in some waveguides. The Bragg gratings exhibited an index modulation on the order of 0.004. They were used as a means to assess the modal effective indices of the waveguides. Small core As2Se3 waveguides with embedded Bragg gratings have potential for realization of all-optical Kerr effect devices.

Photoinduced refractive index change in As2Se3 by 633nm illumination

Photodarkening of amorphous As2Se3 thin films was generated by a 633-nm HeNe laser. The refractive index and absorption coefficient of the chalcogenide glass was determined, both before and after exposure, by analyzing the material's transmission spectrum. In order to accurately determine the optical constants, the thin film's non-uniform thickness was accounted for. The increase in the refractive index and the coefficient of absorption was investigated and was found to demonstrate saturation with increased exposure time. Index changes as high as 0.05, or 2%, were obtained in As2Se3, a promising glass for all-optical switching.

Data and simulation modeling to determine the estimated number of primary care beds in Oklahoma

Growth in managed care has resulted in an increased need for studies in health care planning. The article focuses on the estimated number of primary care beds needed in the state to provide quality services to all Oklahoma residents. Based on the 1996 population estimations for Oklahoma and its distribution to the 77 counties, a space-filling approach is used to determine 46 service areas, each of which will provide primary care service to its area population. Service areas are constructed such that residents of an area are within an acceptable distance to a primary care provider in the area. A simulation model is developed to determine the number of primary care beds needed in each service area. Statistical analysis on actual hospital data is used to determine the distributions of inpatient flow and length of stay. The simulation model is validated for acute care hospitals before application to the service areas. Sensitivity analysis on model input parameter values is performed to determine their effect on primary care bed calculations. The effect of age distribution on the bed requirement is also studied. The results of this study will assist the Oklahoma Health Care Authority in the development of sound health care policy decisions.