PRRSV-Eradikation in einem geschlossenen Herdbuchzuchtbetrieb ohne Unterbrechung der Produktion mit Einsatz einer Lebendvirus-(MLV-)Vakzine und Schließung der Herde

Gegenstand und Ziel: Bisher beschriebene PRRSV-Eradikationskonzepte brachten in vielen Fällen Erfolg, doch waren sie mit hohen Kosten und Produktionsausfällen verbunden. Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Erstellung eines Eradikationskonzeptes für einen geschlossenen Zuchtbetrieb mit arbeitsteiligem Produktionssystem an zwei Standorten ohne Unterbrechung der Produktion. Material und Methode: Die wesentlichen Elemente waren die zweimalige Vakzination aller Tiere (160 Zuchtsauen und 1180 Jungsauen) und die anschließende Vakzination aller im weiteren Verlauf geborenen Ferkel mit einer MLV-Vakzine (Porcilis® PRRS, Intervet), die Stabilisierung der Zuchtherde in einer Schließungsphase von 120 Tagen, das konsequente Absetzen aller Ferkel mit 21 Tagen, die Planung und Modifizierung der Tierbewegungen innerhalb des Betriebes sowie die Dokumentation der PRRSV-Eradikation durch intensive Diagnostik. Ergebnisse: Die Produktion PRRSV-Antikörper-(Ak-)negativer Jungsauen aus einer PRRSV-positiven Population und die Integration der PRRSV-Ak-negativen Zuchttiere in die PRRSV-positive Herde ohne Provokation eines neuen Infektionsausbruches (Koexistenz von PRRSV-positiven und -negativen Tieren) konnte über einen Zeitraum von zumindest 10 Monaten dokumentiert werden. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Durch gezielte Managementmaßnahmen und Verwendung einer MLV-Vakzine (Porcilis® PRRS, Intervet) ließ sich eine PRRSV-Eradikation erreichen. Allerdings bedarf die Anwendung einer MLV-Vakzine bei Ferkeln intensiver labordiagnostischer Untersuchungen, da neutralisierende maternale Antikörper den Impferfolg mindern können.

FLUTE: a versatile linac-based THz source

A new compact versatile linear accelerator named FLUTE is currently being designed at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. This paper presents the status of this 42 MeV machine. It will be used to generate strong (several 100 MV/m) ultra-short (~1 ps) THz pulses (up to ~4-25 THz) for photon science experiments, as well as to conduct a variety of accelerator studies. The latter range from comparing different coherent THz radiation generation schemes to compressing electron bunches and studying the electron beam stability. The bunch charge will cover a wide range (~100 pC-3 nC). Later we plan to also produce ultra-short x-ray pulses from the electron bunches, which, for example, could then be combined for THz pump-x-ray probe experiments.

Accuracy and precision of a novel non-invasive core thermometer

BACKGROUND

Accurate measurement of core temperature is a standard component of perioperative and intensive care patient management. However, core temperature measurements are difficult to obtain in awake patients. A new non-invasive thermometer has been developed, combining two sensors separated by a known thermal resistance ('double-sensor' thermometer). We thus evaluated the accuracy of the double-sensor thermometer compared with a distal oesophageal thermometer to determine if the double-sensor thermometer is a suitable substitute.

METHODS

In perioperative and intensive care patient populations (n=68 total), double-sensor measurements were compared with measurements from a distal oesophageal thermometer using Bland-Altman analysis and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).

RESULTS

Overall, 1287 measurement pairs were obtained at 5 min intervals. Ninety-eight per cent of all double-sensor values were within +/-0.5 degrees C of oesophageal temperature. The mean bias between the methods was -0.08 degrees C; the limits of agreement were -0.66 degrees C to 0.50 degrees C. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of fever were 0.86 and 0.97, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of hypothermia were 0.77 and 0.93, respectively. Lin's CCC was 0.93.

CONCLUSIONS

The new double-sensor thermometer is sufficiently accurate to be considered an alternative to distal oesophageal core temperature measurement, and may be particularly useful in patients undergoing regional anaesthesia.

Eignung des Tiergesundheitsdienstprogramms zur Überwachung und Bekämpfung der progressiven Rhinitis atrophicans

Gegenstand und Ziel: Im Zeitraum von 1999 bis 2005 erfolgte eine Statuserhebung über das Vorkommen der progressiven Rhinitis atrophicans (PAR) in 17 oberösterreichischen Schweinevermehrerbetrieben, um in weiterer Folge eine PAR-Freiheit und Zertifizierung zu erreichen und somit die Eignung des Tiergesundheitsdienstprogramms für diesen Zweck zu überprüfen. Material und Methoden: Entsprechend dem Tiergesundheitsdienstprogramm wurden 11 045 Nasen- und Tonsillartupferproben entnommen und mittels PCR auf Pasteurella-multocida- Toxin (PMT) untersucht. Ein Jahr nach Einstellung der ART-(Atrophic- rhinitis-toxoid-)Vakzinierung wurden 2004 und 2005 zusätzlich 179 Blutproben mittels ELISA auf Antikörper gegen PMT untersucht. Ergebnisse: 84 (0,76%) der Nasen- und Tonsillartupferproben waren PMT-positiv. Bei 43 (24,02%) Seren ergab sich ein positiver serologischer Befund, es lagen jedoch keine klinischen Symptome einer PAR vor. Bereits im Jahr 2003 war in 14 Betrieben PMT in Nasen- und Tonsillartupferproben nicht mehr nachweisbar. In 16 Betrieben gelang bis dato die Eradikation des Erregers, lediglich ein Betrieb musste aufgrund der Nichteinhaltung der Vorschriften auf den Status PAR-frei“ verzichten. Schlussfolgerung: Die Studie belegt, dass sich das empfohlene Programm, das auf einem Test-and-Removal-“(T&R-)Prinzip basiert, zur stufenweisen Bekämpfung der PAR ohne komplette Bestandsmerzung eignet. Klinische Relevanz: Das Tiergesundheitsdienstprogramm zur Überwachung und Bekämpfung der progressiven Rhinitis atrophicans konnte im Laufe dieser Studie etabliert werden und wird mittlerweile österreichweit durchgeführt.

Mammary Gland Secretory Concretions Contain Non-Collagenous Bone Matrix Proteins

Secretory concretions in mammary gland alveoli are commonly of microscopical size. However, some concretions reach clinically palpable dimensions and may occlude teat canals and obstruct milk flow. We studied secretory concretions in sheep, goat and cow mammary glands, using routine histological staining methods, conventional histochemistry and electron microscopy. As concretions frequently mineralize, immunostaining for keratan sulphate and calcium-binding non-collagenous bone matrix proteins (bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, osteonectin and osteopontin) was performed. Concretions consisted of organic matrix (condensed secretions) with calcium precipitates. Mineralized deposits mostly show concentric organization, bound haematoxylin, and were readily identified in H&E-stained sections. Mineral components of concretions reacted for calcium carbonate and phosphate, organic matrix was found to contain sialoglycan material. Immunohistochemistry revealed bone sialoprotein, osteonectin and keratan sulphate in cow and goat concretions. Osteocalcin was detected in sheep, cow and goat concretions, whilst osteopontin was not identified in any of the specimens studied. Our results indicate the presence of non-collagenous bone matrix proteins (except osteopontin) in mammary gland concretions. These glycoproteins are commonly thought to govern mineralization of organic matrix and are assumed also to promote mineral deposition in mammary gland secretory concretions. Besides caseins, these particular glycoproteins have to be considered as calcium-binding milk proteins.

Comparison of scratching behaviour of growing pigs with sarcoptic mange before and after treatment, employing two distinct approaches

In a closed pig breeding and finishing herd suffering from sarcoptic mange, two selected groups of pigs were filmed during a period of 10 days before and after treatment. The observation always commenced each hour and lasted for 15 min. Before treatment, observations was done round the clock, after treatment from 8:00 to 22:15. Before treatment the pens were stocked with 11 (pen A) and 10 (pen B) growing pigs (Large WhitexLandrace sows; 5 months old) with an average weight of approximately 70 kg examined for sarcoptic mange by skin scrapings and ELISA. The animals had never been treated with an acaricide or endectocide before. After 10 days, the pigs were treated twice (18 days interval) with Dectomax 1% solution for pigs (Pfizer, Austria) at a dose of 0.3 mg Doramectin i.m./kg body weight. After treatment, seven pigs were observed in both pens. Most scratching actions both before (83.1%) and after (94.5%) treatment were of one to 10 s. After treatment, the 10 s-scratching episodes decreased by 67.3% (from 21.2 to 6.9 mean SRE/pig), and the scratching actions of longer than 10 s by 91.7% (from 4.3 to 0.4 mean SRE/pig), such that the latter could be observed only occasionally after treatment. A distinct increase in scratching activity both before and after treatment could be observed primarily between 10:00 and 15:00. Significant differences of scratching and rubbing activity between before and after treatment could also be seen at midday. The interpretation of the scratching index values before and after the treatment were carried out according to Cargill et al. [Cargill, C., Davies, P., Carmichael, I., Hooke, F., Moore, M., 1994. Treatment of pigs with doramectin to control sarcoptic mange. Proceedings of the 13th IPVS Congress, Bangkok, Thailand, p. 238] with the maximum and minimal limiting values specified in the literature, and compared with calculations using the method described by Hollanders et al. [Hollanders, W., Harbers, A.H.M., Huige, J.C.M., Monster, P., Rambags, P.G.M., Hendrikx, W.M.L., 1995. Control of Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis with ivermectin: influence on scratching behaviour of fattening pigs and occurence of dermatitis at slaughter. Vet. Parasitol. 58, 117-127]. Depending on the methods used and the limiting values set, 6.7-34.6% of the observations before and 2.0-17.3% of the observations after treatment revealed a "strong evidence of mange" or a "suspicion of mange". All other observations indicated that the pigs were free from mange.

Analysis of theFusarium toxins Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone in Austrian feeds of the crop years 2002 and 2003

164 feed samples were collected in Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Styria and Carynthia in the crop years 2002 and 2003 and were analysed by means of the RIDASCREEN(®) ELISA-assay for theFusarium toxins Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Zearalenone (ZON). The collected samples consisted of swine feeds, cereals and silages. DON concentrations were found up to the range of mg/kg (ppm), in contrast ZON results remained significantly lower.

Clinical and pathological features of the Porcine Ulcerative Dermatitis Syndrome (PUDS)

The nomenclature of ulcerative dermatitis as used in literature is somehow confusing because on the one hand this skin disorder is associated with bacterial growth and on the other hand it is a synonym for a chronic sporadic disease of adult sows with unknown aetiology. Thus, we propose the terminus 'Porcine Ulcerative Dermatitis Syndrome (PUDS)' for the latter to distinguish between these two disease complexes. This syndrome could be identified by clinical and pathological examinations in six sows, that were submitted to the clinic. Epidermal ulcers could be found nearly all over the body, but teats were always spared. Haematological examination showed a slight anaemia but physiological leucocyte counts. However, lymphopenia (x = 44.8%), granulocytosis (x = 42.0%) and an increased number of monocytes (x = 13.1%) could be found. Histologically, a lymphoplasmacytic and granulohistiocytic infiltration in the corium was most prominent. In some cases, a moderate leucocytoclastic vasculitis and perivasculitis could be seen at the dermo-epidermal border. Additionally, a multifocal interstitial nephritis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration was a prominent feature in all animals. Participation of an immune complex associated disorder can be assumed when regarding histological findings as skin lesions in combination with glomerulonephritis are a common feature of such diseases. Also, IgG levels were elevated two- to fourfold in all affected sows when compared with healthy control pigs. This supports the hypothesis that not only T cells, as shown previously, but also the humoral branch of the immune system is involved in the aetiology of PUDS.

Differentiation of Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. divergens and B. major by Western blotting?first report of B. bovis in Austrian cattle

To establish an assay for the serological differentiation of bovine Babesia species ( B. bigemina, B. bovis, B. divergens and B. major), antigens from experimentally infected cattle were Western blotted and probed with homologous and heterologous sera. Varying antigen patterns for each species allowed the determination of species-specific diagnostic antigens. Blood samples from 36 naturally infected cattle from the province of Styria were tested by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) against B. divergens, as well as by Western blotting against B. bigemina, B. bovis, B. divergens and B. major, 3 weeks after clinical babesiosis was diagnosed by blood smears. All 36 cattle were B. divergens-positive when tested by IFAT. In four cases (11%), an infection with both B. bovis and B. divergens and in two cases a single infection with B. bovis were diagnosed when tested by Western blot. B. bigemina and B. major infections were not detected. These are the first serologically confirmed cases of B. bovis in Austrian cattle.

Untersuchungen zur Wirkung von Galakturoniden als Futtermittelzusatz im Vergleich zum Leistungsförderer Flavophospholipol und einer Kontrollgruppe bei Absetzferkeln

Gegenstand und Fragestellung: Untersuchungen zur Wirkung von Galakturoniden als Futtermittelzusatz im Vergleich zum Leistungsförderer Flavophospholipol und einer Kontrollgruppe bei Absetzferkeln. Material und Methoden: In einer Fütterungsstudie wurden Galakturonide als Futterzusatz im Vergleich zu Flavophospholipol in der Ferkelaufzucht getestet (Galakturonide: 10 g bzw. 5 g/kg Futter, Flavophospholipol: 10 mg/kg Futter). Die Ferkel erhielten drei Tage vor bis 27 Tage nach dem Absetzen die verschiedenen Futterzusätze oder keinerlei Futterzusatz. Den Futterrationen der Gruppe 1 (n = 42) wurden Galakturonide, der Gruppe 3 (n = 42) Flavophospholipol und der Gruppe 2 (n = 40) kein derartiger Futterzusatz beigefügt. Von allen Ferkeln wurden rektale Kottupferproben in drei- bis siebentägigen Intervallen genommen und einer mikrobiologischen Untersuchung unterzogen. Ergebnisse: Bezüglich bakteriologischer Untersuchungsergebnisse (Inzidenz von hämolysierenden pathogenen E. coli, Serotypen, Antibiogramme), der Lebendmassezunahme und des Futteraufwandes ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den verschiedenen Gruppen. Ein- bis mehrfach resistente hämolysierende E. coli wurden von Absetzferkeln aller Gruppen ausgeschieden. Schlussfolgerung: Die weitere Untersuchung von aus Pflanzen gewonnenen Futterzusätzen ist sinnvoll.

Diagnostik der porzinen proliferativen Enteropathien: Vergleich unterschiedlicher Nachweismethoden zur Erfassung von Lawsonia intracellularis

Unterschiedliche Nachweisverfahren zur Erfassung der Lawsonia-intracellularis-Infektionen des Schweines wurden miteinander verglichen. Zum direkten Erregernachweis dienten eine modifizierte Ziehl-Neelsen-Färbung, die In-situ-Hybridisierung sowie die PCR. Der serologische Nachweis L.-intracellularis-spezifischer Antikörper erfolgte mittels indirekter Immunfluoreszenz (IFAT). Bei 65 Schweinen mit Durchfallproblematik erzielte im direkten Erregernachweis die PCR mit 31% positiver Proben die höchste Sensitivität, gefolgt von der In-situ-Hybridisierung (23% positive Proben) und der modifizierten Ziehl-Neelsen-Färbung (17% positive Proben). Bei 46% der Tiere konnten überdies Antikörper gegen L. intracellularis nachgewiesen werden.

Bei 580 Tieren aus 47 L.-intracellularis-positiven Betrieben wurden vergleichend Kotproben mittels PCR und Serumproben mittels IFAT untersucht. Bei 18,6% der Schweine konnten eine Erregerausscheidung und bei 51,4% der Tiere Antikörper nachgewiesen werden.

Der IFAT kann als Verfahren zum Herdenscreening eingesetzt werden, zur weiteren Abklärung bzw. Interpretation der Ergebnisse ist ein direkter Erregernachweis anzuschließen.

[Occurrence of the fusariotoxins deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in Austrian feedstuff in the period from 1995 to 1999]

3970 feed samples were analysed for the fusariumtoxins deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. 979 (24.6%) of the submitted feed samples from farms with case history (swine herds: decreased feed intake and daily weight gain, vomiting, cannibalism, impaired fertility, small litter size, weakness of newborn piglets, prolonged oestrus of sows; cattle: persistence of follicular ovarian cysts, enteritis, decreased slaughter weight, feed refusal). 74% of the samples contained cereal and corn ingredients respectively or were complete diet samples from swine herds. Based on economic losses the fusariumtoxin deoxynivalenol is most important in Austrian husbandry and particularly found in maize, cornsilage, wheat and oat.

[Effect of mycotoxin contaminated feed on production parameters of dairy cows]

Based on a feeding trial using 27 lactating "Simmental-cows" the effect of naturally contaminated feed with deoxynivalenol (DON) as well as zearalenone (ZON) regarding production parameters was examined. 3 groups of cows according to lactation number, milk yield (kg ECM) and body mass were used. The average daily intake of DON in group K was 12.4 mg, in group T 14.1 mg and in group M 14.3 mg and ZON in group K was 12.4 mg, in group T 0.67 mg and in group M 0.68 mg respectively. The feed of animals of group M was supplemented with "Mycofix Plus" as mycotoxin inactivator. The red and white blood picture including the thrombocytes were in all groups within the normal range. Concerning enzymes (GGT, AP) and metabolites (GLUC, TBIL, UREA, CREA) the mean values of the 3 groups were in the normal range. Slightly increased were the mean values of all groups in respect to the AST- and GLDH-activities. Volatile fatty acids of the rumen content were significantly highest in group M, also the number of dead rumen infusoria was significantly decreased, but the counts of small sized infusoria increased. The study has shown that "Mycofix Plus" might be able to enhance the activity of rumen flora concerning detoxification of mycotoxins in feed of dairy cows.

Improved disease resistance after Babesia divergens vaccination

The efficacy of a new inactivated vaccine against Babesia divergens was evaluated by means of inoculation tests. The infection was initiated by i.v. injection of blood containing 2 x 10(9) living parasites into splenectomized and non-splenectomized calves. Clinical status and hematological parameters were determined. Serology examinations for antibodies against B. divergens were carried out by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Non-vaccinated and splenectomized animals exhibited experimental infections. In vaccinated and splenectomized animals, clinical symptoms and prolonged incubation periods were observed.

[Clinical and microbiological investigations of atrophic rhinitis of Upper Austrian swine herds]

The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of the progressive and non-progressive atrophic rhinitis of Upper Austrian swine herds. Further on the resistance pattern of the pathogens involved to chemotherapeutics was tested. In the period of May 1993 to June 1996 a total of 56 Upper Austrian swine herds were examined and on the occasion of the animal herd health management 997 nasal swab-samples of young pigs taken. The area of this investigation included 14 Upper Austrian districts and the herds examined were divided into 3 types. Type 1 were swine herds of the swine breeding association (SZV), type 2 piglet producing farms (FP) and type 3 closed swine herds (GB). Sucking- and weaning piglets aged from 4 to 10 weeks were selected for these examinations. On the average 10 nasal swab-samples (2 swabs per animal) per herd were taken, microbiologically examined and the toxin by means of ELISA-tests determined. In terms of resistance testing (antibiogram) 20 different chemotherapeutics, which consisted of 11 different groups of drugs, were used. As a result of 997 nasal swab-samples examined, 304 (30.5%) P. m., 111 (11.1%) tox. P. m. and 35 (3.5%) B. b. were isolated. 50% of the Upper Austrian swine herds showed PAR by means of microbiological examination and ELISA-tests as well. The resistance pattern of P. m. and B. b. exhibited significant differences. Penicillin and lincospectin were highly resistant concerning isolates of B. b., but were highly sensitive for P. m. Enrofloxacin turned out as the most effective drug to the P. m.-toxin-negative- and B. b.-strains tested, because no resistance was observed. Finally efficient PAR control programmes of swine herds belonging to the Upper Austrian swine herd health service are described.

Biomechanical analysis of two change-of-direction maneuvers while running

Many research efforts focus on unidirectional gait. However, few functional activities are exclusively linear: people regularly change directions to evade obstructions. Directional changes have been identified as particularly hazardous, but rarely studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the kinetics of abrupt changes of direction while running. Twelve adult volunteers performed 10 trials each for 45 degrees and 90 degrees change-of-direction conditions. Orthogonal force and moment (torque) records were obtained using a computer-interfaced force platform system. Vertical, braking, and propulsive force and applied torque variables were extracted for statistical analysis. Significant force differences (p < .01) were identified between conditions. Applied torques were highly variable and not significantly different. Functionally, these data suggest that applied forces serve as the principal impetus of directional change.

Interobserver variability in the detection of spontaneous echo contrast, left atrial thrombi, and left atrial appendage thrombi by transoesophageal echocardiography

OBJECTIVE

To assess the interobserver variability between two observers from different echocardiographic laboratories.

DESIGN

Two observers reviewed video recordings blinded to the other's diagnosis. In part I (n = 88), they determined interobserver variability for spontaneous echo contrast, left atrial thrombi, and appendage thrombi. No diagnostic criteria for thrombi were defined. In part II (n = 85), diagnostic criteria for thrombi were defined.

RESULTS

Part I: Both observers agreed in diagnosing spontaneous echo contrast in 97%, left atrial thrombi in 90%, left atrial appendage thrombi in 94%. Part II: With predefined criteria no disagreement occurred in diagnosing left atrial thrombi. In the diagnosis of left atrial appendage thrombi both observers agreed in 89%. The mean diameters of the 10 thrombi on which the observers agreed were greater than of the nine appendage thrombi on which they disagreed.

CONCLUSIONS

Interobserver variability in the diagnosis of spontaneous echo contrast is low. Defined criteria decrease interobserver variability for left atrial and appendage thrombi, although one third of the thrombi diagnosed by one observer were not confirmed by the other. Interobserver variability is high in the assessment of small structures (< 15 mm) within the left atrial appendage.

[The mineral content of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the serum and bones and the serum activity of alkaline phosphatase in slaughtered fattening pigs]

The mineral content of serum and bones in 311 fattening pigs kept in a large scale farming operation was analyzed. Serum and metacarpal (III and IV) bone samples were obtained during slaughtering. The mean values of serum parameters as determined by automated dry-chemistry (Kodak Ektachem) were: Ca 2.80 +/- 0.20 mmol/l, P 3.08 +/- 0.67 mmol/l, Mg 1.21 +/- 0.24 mmol/l and Alkaline Phosphatase 211.25 +/- 56.91 U/l. Ash in bones was on average 62.85 +/- 2.07%. Ca- und Mg-contents of bones were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the percentage found for Ca was 31.87 +/- 2.68%, and for Mg 0.64 +/- 0.05%. P in bones was determined spectrophotometrically by the vanadate-molybdate method and was 17.48 +/- 0.97%. The Ca/P-ratio in serum was 0.94 +/- 0.16, in bones 1.83 +/- 0.19, Ca/Mg in serum 2.37 +/- 0.31 and in bones 50.05 +/- 5.00. The parameters tested (Ca, P, Mg, AP) and the Ca/P- and Ca/Mg-ratios of minerals in serum and bones did not differ between sexes. Between all serum parameters positive correlations were found as well as between Ca and Mg in bones. Ca, P and Mg in bones were negatively correlated to Ca, P and Mg in serum, respectively. All results of the parameters examined were within the normal range for healthy fattening pigs, with the only exception that Ca-values in bones were lower than normal. A new method for preparing the bone samples for the analyses of minerals was established and can be recommended for further investigations.

[The pathogenesis of subclinical laminitis in dairy cattle: studies of the hoof status, rumen status and blood coagulation factors]

In 50 dairy cows of the breed "Braunvieh" (36 heifers, 14 cows) of one herd the claw score was recorded over a period of 2 months before parturition until 6 months after parturition. The claw scores were correlated with the clinical findings, the ruminal function and the blood coagulation factors calcium-thromboplastin (TPZ), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thrombin time (TZ) and antithrombin III (AT III) evaluated one day and one week after calving. The claw score increased from the first to the second examination, remaining on the same level in the postpartal period. No correlation between the claw scores and the ruminal function was evident. In comparison with a control group, TPZ and PTT were found higher one day and one week after parturition in the experimental group. Blood coagulation factors and claw scores were found uncorrelated.

Factors affecting recurrence in lumpectomy without irradiation for breast cancer

Between 1980 and 1988, 122 women with operable invasive breast cancers underwent wide excision and axillary dissection without subsequent irradiation. During the follow-up period of 1 to 8 years (median, 4 years), recurrences were observed in 23 patients (19%), 22 occurring in the breast and one in the axilla. This is a significant rate of recurrence and supports the need for breast irradiation after conservative surgery. The incidence of recurrence in the breast did not appear to be related to the presence or absence of axillary nodal metastasis. No recurrences were noted in 20 patients whose primary tumors were smaller than 1 cm. The incidence of recurrence was directly correlated to the increasing size of the tumor, but it also appeared to decrease with advancing age. In 31 patients over 70 years of age, only one (3%) recurrence was observed. If these early findings are confirmed, it is likely that patients with tumors smaller than 1 cm or patients over 70 years of age may be spared breast irradiation after wide excision.

[Serologic progression studies using CF and ELISA for the detection of antibodies against Eperythrozoon suis infection of swine]

Serological studies by means of a CF-Test and Elisa were undertaken for evaluation of antibody titers against Eperythrozoon suis infection in swine. The animals were partly splenectomized and underwent artificial infection. It could be shown that the splenectomized animals showed higher and longer lasting antibody titers than the non splenectomized swine. It is stated, that the above mentioned tests can be used in diagnosis on a herd basis but not on a single animal basis.

[Verification of the protective effect of a toxoid vaccine against edema disease of weaned piglets in an infection model]

105 piglets (56 vaccinated and 49 control animals) were utilized in 6 consecutive experiments. Each used litter was divided randomly into vaccine and control animals. One week prior to weaning each of the 56 piglets of the vaccine groups received 5 mg of nonpurified toxin treated with glutaraldehyd subcutaneously whereas to the remaining 49 control animals an extract of apathogenic E. coli was administered. During the first 12 hours post weaning each of the 105 piglets was challenged perorally with 10(10) cfu of edema principle toxin producing germs of E. coli serogroup O 139. 23 animals of the control groups (46.9%) and one animal of vaccine groups (1.8%) died due to the infection between days four and five post challenge. These control animals showed classical clinical symptoms as well as pathological findings typical for edema disease. In contrast, such findings as mentioned before could not be observed in the vaccinated piglets. The remaining part of the control animals and eight of those vaccinated ones exhibited edema disease symptoms. The vaccinated animals have shed the challenge strain one to three days, while the survivals of control groups shed those germs for two to six days. The vaccinated piglets showed a better growth rate than the remaining control animals. Presented data suggest that our toxoid immunizing procedure can be used successfully against edema disease of swine.

[The significance of mycotoxin assimilation for the productivity and health of animals]

In the last decade an increasing occurrence of feed intoxications of Austrian domestic animals could be observed. According to specific cases and one experimental study using fattening pigs, the clinical symptoms laboratory findings of blood and feed samples are described. Based on the case history, the clinical symptoms of the incriminated animals and by exclusion of other diseases an etiologic correlation with the feed and the course of disease, a feed intoxication could be diagnosed. By corresponding microbiologic as well as mycotoxicologic positive results of the examined feedstuffs the diagnosis "mycotoxicosis" could be confirmed.

Photodynamic therapy for palliation of locally recurrent breast carcinoma

Fourteen women with locally recurrent breast carcinoma on the chest wall following mastectomy were given 30 courses of photodynamic therapy (PDT). All patients had been heavily pretreated with conventional modes of therapy (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, surgical resection). Twenty-two courses yielded a partial response; two courses yielded a complete response; four courses showed no response; one patient was treated as an adjunct to surgery; and one patient was lost to follow-up. Duration to response was variable, ranging from 6 weeks to 8 months. Several women had chest wall disease controlled for prolonged periods of time using repeated courses of PDT. Two women had re-epithelialization of ulcerated lesions. Complications were minimal and included pain (two patients), sunburn (two), and infection (one). These results suggest that treatment with PDT can aid in local control of chest wall recurrence following mastectomy in selected patients.