Anterior Vena Cava Research Articles

New technique of En bloc vertebral resection in the thoracolumbar region assisted by retroperitoneal laparoscopy in a single prone position: first results.

To describe the technique and review the oncological and surgical results of the En Bloc resection assisted by retroperitoneal laparoscopy in a single prone position for tumors in the thoracolumbar region. Monocentric retrospective case study. Procedure was performed in a single prone position by a dual team of spine and thoracovascular surgeons. An endoscopic balloon was inflated in the right retroperitoneal cavity. A plan was developed between the anterior spine and vena cava as well as abdominal aorta with segmental vessels ligation. Structures at risk were safely protected under endoscopy during horizontal or sagittal osteotomies. From 2021, seven patients aged a median 52years old (range, 34-67) were included. Involved spinal segments went from T11 to L3. Surgery was aborted in one case due to massive bleeding and ventilating difficulties. There were two partial and four total vertebral resections. Median operating duration and estimated blood loss were 405min (range, 360-540) and 2.1 L (range, 1.2-19), respectively. Postoperative complications consisted of 1 urinary infection; 1 transient urinary retention; 1 posterior wound infection; 1 pneumothorax; 1 persistent partial motor deficit; 1 transient confusion; 1 pulmonary embolism; 1 CSF leak; 1 subdural hematoma; 1 retroperitoneal lymphocele. All margins were uncontaminated. All patients were alive and ambulatory at last follow-up. Early results suggest En Bloc resection assisted by retroperitoneal videoscopy in tumors from T11 to L3/4 disk space is feasible, less invasive and safe. Careful surgical planning and experience in endoscopic vascular surgery are mandatory.

Noninvasive ECG imaging of the intrinsic atrial pacemaker and atrial activation in surgically repaired or palliated congenital heart disease.

Sinus node location, function, and atrial activation are often abnormal in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD),due to anatomical, surgical, and acquired factors. We aimed to perform noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI)of the intrinsic atrial pacemaker and atrial activation in patients with surgically repaired or palliated CHD, compared with control patients with structurally normal hearts. Atrial ECGI was performed in eightCHD patients with prespecified diagnoses (Fontan circulation, dextro transposition of the great arteries post Mustard/Senning, tetralogy of Fallot), and three controls. Activation and propagation maps were constructed in presenting rhythm. Wavefront propagation was analyzed to identify (1) intrinsic atrial pacemaker breakout site, (2) morphological right atrial (RA) activation pattern, (3) morphological left atrial (LA) breakout sites (i.e., interatrial connections), (4) LA activation pattern, and (5) putative lines of block. Physiologically appropriate atrial activation and propagation maps were able to be constructed. In the majority of patients, atrial breakouts were in keeping with the sinus node, observed in a crescent-shaped distribution from the anterior superior vena cava to the posterior RA. Ectopic atrial pacemaker sites were demonstrated in the atriopulmonary (AP) Fontan patient (very diffuse posterolateral RA) and Mustard patient (very posterior RA competing with a low RA focus). RA propagation was laminar in controls, but suggested either a line of block or conduction slowing consistent with an atriotomy scar in the tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients. Putative lines of block were more complex and RA propagation more abnormal in the atrial switch and AP Fontan patients, compared with the TOF patients. RA activation in the extracardiac Fontan patients was relatively laminar. Earliest LA breakout was most commonly observed in the region of Bachmann's Bundle in both controls and CHD patients, except for posterior LA breakouts in two patients. LA activation was typically more homogeneous than RA activation in CHD patients. ECGI can be utilized to create a noninvasive mapping model of atrial activation in postsurgical CHD, demonstrating atrial pacemaker location, putative lines of block and interatrial connections. Once validated invasively, this may have clinical implications in predicting risk of sinus node dysfunction and atrial arrhythmias, or in guiding catheter ablation.

Central Pericystectomy for Hydatid Cyst Treatment

BackgroundCompared to open resection for hepatic hydatid cysts, a laparoscopic approach may combine the benefit of reduced morbidity with complete cyst removal. Nonetheless, intraoperative cyst rupture during a laparoscopic approach due to reduced tactile feedback is a valid concern.1-3 Today, the laparoscopic experience remains limited even in high incidence regions.4 Here, a structured approach to laparoscopic pericystectomy is demonstrated. PatientA 37-year-old male from Uruguay presents with worsening abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. A 4-phase liver CT shows a large complex liver cyst (8.8 × 8.2 × 11.3 cm), encompassing the left hepatic lobe while abutting right hepatic vein (RHV), anterior fissure vein (AFV) and inferior vena cava (IVC). Further, the cyst causes mass effect on the hepatic vein vasculature. CT appearance is consistent with a large hydatid cyst with distorted hepatic anatomy resulting in compensatory hypertrophy of segments II, VI and VII. Appropriate institutional review board (IRB) and inform consent was obtained. TechniqueFollowing neoadjuvant albendazole for 4 weeks to minimize any effects in case of inadvertent cyst spillage, the patient tested negative for echinococcal antibody. For surgical planning, the patient’s anatomy was modeled to optimize the understanding of the complex spatial relationship between cyst, portal pedicle and hepatic veins. Further, port sites were preoperatively modelled to optimize port placement in the context of the altered anatomy from compensatory hepatic hypertrophy. During surgery, with the patient in a modified French position, the liver was completely mobilized. Then, a parenchymal transection plane was developed guided by RHV, AFV and IVC, while biliary radicals entering directly into the cyst were controlled individually. The complex transection plane resulted in preservation of the unaffected liver segments I, II, VI and VII. ConclusionThe multimodal approach demonstrated here included pretreatment with albendazole followed by safe laparoscopic pericystectomy. In the preoperative setting, albendazole can reduce the risk of recurrence if spillage occurs during surgery. In inoperable patients, it has been previously shown to be an effective monotherapy for small (< 5 cm) CE1 and CE3a cysts.5 For preoperative planning, an automated image reconstruction software (Fujifilm Synapse 3D) is used. The software creates a 3D model of the liver segmentation and vessels from contrast-enhanced CT and MR images. In addition to modelling the liver, port placement in relation to the liver is being simulated prior to surgery to optimize port placement at the time of surgery. During the case, the parenchymal transection is guided by RHV, AFV and IVC. The common postoperative complication of persistent biliary leakage was avoided by controlling each biliary radicals entering the cyst from the liver parenchyma. Biliary leaks are a common complication and have been positively correlated with the cyst diameter (~ 79% of cysts with diameter of 7.5 cm or greater have cysto-biliary fistula).6 In this context, indocyanine green may help to identify relevant biliary radicals entering the cyst or aid in recognizing bile leaks. If the stepwise approach described here is followed, minimally invasive pericystectomy represents a safe alternative to open surgery, harnessing the advantages of minimal risk of recurrence due to complete cyst removal and low morbidity.

Optimized protocol for double vaccine immunization against classical swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome

BackgroundClassical swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome have seriously affected the development of the swine breeding industry in China. Vaccine immunization remains the main way to prevent these infections. The aim of this study was to establish an optimized protocol for vaccine immunization against classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).MethodsBlood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava of pigs after immunization, and blood indices, secreted levels of specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies associated with humoral immunity, the proliferation capacity of T lymphocytes as a measure of cellular immunity, and secreted levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α were determined.ResultsThe results showed that simultaneous immunization against CSFV and PRRSV infections induced strong and specific humoral and T-cellular immune responses, high levels of cytokine IFN-γ secretion and delayed secretion of cytokine TNF-α. Moreover, significantly higher lymphocyte percentages and red blood cell and leukocyte counts were found in the group simultaneously immunized against CSFV and PRRSV. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in hemoglobin values, neutrophil counts, and median cell percentages among the S + PRRS, PRRS-S, and S-PRRS groups.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that simultaneous immunization against CSFV and PRRSV had the advantages of inducing a rapid, enhanced, and long-lasting immune response. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the establishment of a reasonable and optimized vaccine immunization protocol against CSFV and PRRSV in combination with a variety of other vaccine inoculations.

UPLC-MS-based plasma metabolomics for identifying energy metabolism biomarkers of maintenance in growing pigs.

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential plasma metabolism biomarkers reflecting the maintenance status of growing pigs. The repeated measurement design was used in this experiment, and six barrows (28.6 ± 0.5 kg BW) were selected and kept in metabolism crates. The feeding level in growing pigs close to ad libitum was 2400 kJ ME/kg BW0.6 ·day-1 during Day 1 to Day 7, while a feeding level of 782 kJ ME/kg BW0.6 ·day-1 was provided as energy requirement for maintenance during Day 8 to Day 14. Plasma samples of each pig were collected from the anterior vena cava on the morning of Day 8 and Day 15. The metabolites of plasma were determined by high-resolution mass spectrometry using a metabolomics approach. Results showed that metabolomics analysis between ad libitum-fed state and maintained status revealed differences in 16 compounds. Identified compounds were enriched in metabolic pathways related to linoleic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism. In conclusion, linoleic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamic acid metabolism pathways played a major regulatory role in the maintenance status of growing pigs. The potential metabolism biomarkers of maintenance in growing pigs were linoleic acid, glutamine and tyrosine.

The heart of a flying mammal

The ability of true flight and the great diversity of the order Chiroptera might raise questions about the morphology and functionality of the bats’ heart. Here we aimed to describe anatomical aspects of the heart of the great fruit-eating bat, Artibeus lituratus (Phyllostomidae, Stenodermatinae) and its functional features. Twenty-five individuals had their hearts dissected and described. We found that the A. lituratus heart shares general characteristics of the mammalian and Chiropteran heart, such as the bilateral anterior vena cava, the bulky pulmonary conus, the developed venae cavae sinus, the valve in the posterior vena cava and the papillary muscles attached to the right ventricle septal wall. Some features seem species-specific, like the anomalous membranous structures found in the right ventricle of some individuals, never seen before in other mammals, and also the presence of the Thebesian valve. Some of the features found might be related to flight adaptations as a highly developed set of pericardial ligaments. This complex set of ligaments has never been described before for another mammal, which probably acts by keeping the heart in position while the bat rests upside down. The pericardial ligaments have infiltrations of white fat, which, together with the deposits present on the surface of the heart, possibly act as energy reserves for the heart muscle. In this work, we suggest the presence of two anterior venae cavae has the function of optimizing the blood flow that returns to the heart.

The distribution of sinoatrial nodal cells and their innervation in the pig.

The sinoatrial node (SAN) has been the object of interest of various studies. In experimental neurocardiology, the real challenge is the choice of the most appropriate animal model. Pig is routinely used animal due to its size and physiological features. Despite this, the anatomy and innervation of the pig SAN are not completely examined. This study analyses the distribution of SAN cells and their innervation in whole-mount preparations and the cross-sections of the pig right atrium. Our findings revealed the differences in the distribution of the SAN cells and their innervation pattern between pigs and other animals. The pig SAN myocytes were distributed around the root of the anterior vena cava. A meshwork of nerve fibers (NFs) in this area was four-fold denser compared to other right atrial areas and contained the adrenergic (positive for TH), cholinergic (positive for ChAT), nitrergic (positive for nNOS), and potentially sensory (positive for SP) NFs. The SAN area contained 98 ± 10 ganglia that involved 21 ± 2 neuronal somata per ganglion. The determined chemical phenotypes of ganglionic cells demonstrate their diversity in the pig SAN area as there were identified neuronal somata positive for ChAT, nNOS, TH, and simultaneously for ChAT/nNOS and ChAT/TH. Small intensively fluorescent cells were also abundant. The broad distribution of SAN cells, the chemical diversity, and the high density of neural components in the SAN area are comparable to the human one and, therefore, the pig may be considered as the appropriate animal model for experimental cardiology.

Construction of a rabbit model with vinorelbine administration via peripherally inserted central catheter and dynamic monitoring of changes in phlebitis and thrombosis.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are used for the administration of chemotherapy drugs, including vinorelbine. The present study aimed to construct a rabbit model with vinorelbine administration via PICC, and to dynamically monitor the formation of phlebitis and thrombosis. PICC was inserted into 48 rabbits following specific clinical procedures. The rabbits were randomly divided (n=6 per group) into the following eight groups: i) Control (PICC in place for 1 day); ii) 2nd day of PICC placement (received the first cycle of vinorelbine administration); iii) 3rd day of PICC placement; iv) 7th day of PICC placement; v) 14th day of PICC placement; vi) 21st day of PICC placement; vii) 23rd day of PICC placement (received the second cycle of vinorelbine administration); and viii) 24th day of PICC placement. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on catheter, ear vein and anterior vena specimens. Prothrombin time was measured using an automatic coagulation analyzer, followed by routine blood tests. Serum levels of inflammation- and thrombosis-related factors, including C-reactive protein, D-dimer, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, P-selectin and E-selectin, were measured using ELISAs. X-ray examination confirmed that the rabbit model with vinorelbine administration via PICC was successfully constructed. On the 1st and 23rd day of PICC placement, thrombosis was observed in the catheter. Furthermore, on the 1st day of PICC placement, thrombosis was clearly observed in the ear vein and anterior vena samples. After vinorelbine administration, phlebitis occurred in the ear vein and anterior vena cava samples. With increasing time after vinorelbine administration via PICC, thrombosis and phlebitis were notably ameliorated. Moreover, on the day of vinorelbine administration, prothrombin time was significantly decreased and the serum levels of inflammation- and thrombosis-related factors were significantly increased compared with previous days. Collectively, the present study observed the formation and specific evolution of phlebitis and venous thrombosis after vinorelbine administration, providing a reference for the early prediction, timely prevention and treatment of PICC-related chemotherapy complications.

Pharmacokinetics of chelerythrine and its metabolite after oral and intramuscular administrations in pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of chelerythrine (CHE) and its metabolite, dihydrochelerythrine (DHCHE), after oral and IM administrations in pigs. Six crossbreed (Landrace × Large White) female pigs (7–8 weeks old; 24.1 ± 2.6 kg bw) administered oral and IM CHE at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg orally and intramuscularly in a cross-over design. Multiple oral administration was performed at 0.1 mg/kg a time, three times a day at 8-h intervals for three consecutive days. Blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava and placed into heparinized centrifuge tubes before dosing (time 0 h) and at different times after oral and IM administrations. Pre-treatment plasma was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. After IM administration, CHE and DHCHE rapidly reached peak concentrations (Cmax , 69.79 ± 15.41 and 3.47 ± 1.23 ng/mL) at 0.42 ± 0.13 and 0.33 ± 0.13 h, respectively. After single oral administration, CHE and DHCHE rapidly increased to reach Cmax of 5.04 ± 1.00 and 1.21 ± 0.35 ng/mL at 1.83 ± 0.26 and 1.67 ± 0.26 h, respectively. The half-life (T 1/2) was 2.03 ± 0.26 and 2.56 ± 1.00 h for CHE and DHCHE, respectively. After multiple oral administration, the average steady-state concentrations (Css ) of CHE and DHCHE were 2.51 ± 0.40 and 0.6 ± 0.06 ng/mL, respectively. CHE is metabolized rapidly after a single oral administration, multiple daily doses and long-term use of CHE are recommended.

479 Penetrating Chest Trauma Causing A Superior Mesenteric Artery-Inferior Vena Cava Fistula and Pancreatic Injury: A Case Report

Abstract Penetrating traumatic injuries can present a challenging scenario due to the potential for multisystem involvement requiring swift collaboration between surgical specialities. We present the case of a 66-year-old female who was stabbed in the right posterior chest. CT revealed a diaphragmatic injury, liver laceration involving segments 6/7 with active bleeding, and a posterior superior mesenteric artery (SMA) to anterior inferior vena cava (IVC) fistula. Due to the proximity of the SMA injury to a replaced right hepatic artery origin, the fistulous connection with the suprarenal IVC, and suspected pancreatic and duodenal injuries, a hybrid rather than a purely endovascular approach was taken. A large compliant occlusion balloon was placed percutaneously in the hepatic IVC. Subsequent trauma laparotomy and right medial visceral rotation identified SMA and SMV injuries, which were repaired with temporary supracoeliac aortic clamping. Further kocherisation of the duodenum revealed a 10 cm longitudinal IVC laceration causing sudden large volume venous haemorrhage. This was repaired after control was gained with supracoeliac aortic clamping, infrarenal IVC vessel loop and balloon inflation. An abdominal VAC dressing was applied. Before transfer to ICU, however, 1L of blood was noted in the VAC cannister and a relook laparotomy demonstrated more than 1L of intrabdominal fresh blood. Bleeding vessels around the uncinate process were ligated. After 48 hours, a relook laparotomy revealed no significant bleeding, and the abdomen was closed. A post-operative MRCP demonstrated pancreatic divisum and likely laceration of the aberrant ventral duct. A subsequent peripancreatic collection was managed conservatively.

Dietary effects of drone larves homogenate on the homeostatic constants and the reproductive capacity of Large White gilts

Background: With modern requirements for housing agricultural animals particularly pigs, the manifestation of normal physiological functions significantly changes, especially reproductive one, which is manifested in an insufficiently expressed sexual cycle, reduced resistance due to technological stress. There is a need to develop effective reproductive biotechnologies in pig using organic stimulants of entomological origin, among which a significant place is given to the homogenate of drone larvae (HDL).The aim of the study was to determine the dietary effects of HDL on the formation of prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis in Large White (LW) gilts,as well as to optimize reproductive function during experimental feedingof HDL.Methods: In the study, gilts representing Large White breed were investigated. A total of 20 gilts representing two groups. The first feeding group (n=10) of LW gilts was fed with the control normal diet, and the second feeding group (n=10) of LW gilts wasfed with the supplement diet i.e., the biological additive of homogenate drone larvae in quantity of 0.5g daily. To assess prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis in pigs, blood samples were taken from the anterior vena cava into the diestrus phase i.e., 11 days from the beginning of the second cycle after the determination of the immobility reflex and the estrus phase i.e., 24 days after the start of estrus after the determination of the immobility reflex. Intracervical artificial insemination of gilts was performed during 24 and 36 hours after the determination of the immobility reflex, and depending on the manifestation of signs of estrus.Results:Study found an intensification of peroxidation processes during the period of puberty in LW gilts , which wasmanifested in an increase in the content of diene conjugates on the 180th and 210th days of development by 63.6% and 44.1%, respectively.This is confirmed by a significant increase in the number of secondary products of peroxidation - TBA-active complexes in these periods of their development. Studyrevealed that during puberty of gilts the antioxidant defense system wasthe most labile from 6 to 8 months of age, where the variability of PAG components wassignificant in terms of increased activity of superoxide dismutase (p &lt;0.01) and catalase (p &lt;0.05), as well as the amount of reduced glutathione. Moreover, additional feeding of HDLcontributedto the probable slowing down of peroxidation processes in blood, which was confirmed by the lower content of diene conjugates (p &lt;0.05-0.01) and TBA-active complexes (p &lt;0.01-0.001).Conclusions: Study concluded that experimental supplementary feeding ofHDLdiet to LWgiltsstimulatedthe reproductive function during their puberty by reducing the time to the first estrous cycle for artificial insemination, thus improved the fertility in LW gilts.

Effects of zearalenone on genital organ development, serum immunoglobulin, antioxidant capacity, sex hormones and liver function of prepubertal gilts

The study aimed to examine the effects of zearalenone on genital organ development, serum immunoglobulin, antioxidant capacity, sex hormones and liver function of prepubertal gilts. Forty-eight prepubertal gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly divided into three treatment (T1, T2 and T3) groups and a control group (12 replicates per group, 1 gilt per replicate). Prepubertal gilts in the control group were fed with basal diet, and those in T1, T2 and T3 groups were fed with basal diets supplemented with 200 μg/kg, 800 μg/kg and 1600 μg/kg zearalenone during the experiment period, which lasted for 14 d. Feed intake was counted and vulvar area was measured. The blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava of 6 prepubertal gilts in each group, and immunoglobulins, antioxidant indexes, inflammatory cytokines, genital hormones, and biochemical indexes were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that the average daily feed intake of prepubertal gilts in each group had no significant change (p > 0.05). On 14 d, compared with the control group, the vulva area of prepubertal gilts in each treatment group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum immunoglobulin G content in the T3 group was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The activities of total antioxidant capacity and the superoxide dismutase of serum in the T3 group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum interleukin-4 content in each test group were extremely significantly increased (p < 0.01). The serum contents of luteinizing hormone in the T2 and T3 groups and estradiol in the T3 group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) than that of control group. Compared with the control group, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase in T3 group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, zearalenone has no significantly effect on the feed intake of prepubertal gilts, but it can reduce its serum immunoglobulin contents and antioxidant properties, disrupt the secretion of sex hormones, increase the vulva area, produce reproductive toxicity and cause liver damage. Therefore, in pig production, the use of antimould reagent together with products of immunity-boosting, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective may enhance protection.

The Maternal Diet with Fish Oil Might Decrease the Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Sows, but Increase the Susceptibility to Inflammatory Stimulation in their Offspring.

Simple SummaryFish oil is rich in long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), which play an important role in the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In the present study, increasing n-3 LC-PUFA in the maternal diet with fish oil from the 84th day of gestation until the 16th day of lactation decreased the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in sows and enhanced the parameters related to the antioxidative capacity. However, the inflammatory response of suckling piglet increased pre-/post-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. We concluded that the maternal diet with fish oil might decrease the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in sows, and enhance the antioxidative ability but increase the susceptibility to inflammatory stimulation in their progenies.The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the maternal diet with fish oil on the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in sows, and the protective effect on the piglets suckling the sows fed the diet with fish oil in the context of inflammatory stimulation. Twelve sows were divided into two groups. Sows were fed soybean oil diet (SD) or soybean oil + fish oil diet (FD) from gestation to lactation period. The blood samples of sows were collected from the auricular vein at the 16th day of lactation. One piglet was selected from each litter on the 14th day after birth. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected into the neck muscle after pre-treatment blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava of piglets. The blood samples of piglets were collected at 5 h and 48 h post-LPS injection from the front cavity vein. Liver samples were collected at 48 h post-LPS injection. The FD diet significantly increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the plasma of lactating sow, decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase(AKP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) in the plasma of lactating sows, and increased the level of immunoglobulin G(IgG) in the colostrum and interleukin-10(IL-10) in the milk (p < 0.05). In the FD group, the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) significantly increased in the plasma of piglets at 48 h post-LPS injection (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the relative expression of GSH-Px mRNA was decreased in the FD group (p < 0.05). However, the levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the plasma of piglets were significantly higher in the FD group pre- and post-LPS injection (p < 0.05). The ratio of the phosphonated extracellular regulated protein kinases to the extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK/ERK) protein in the livers of piglets was decreased (p < 0.05), but the expression of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA and the ratio of the phosphonated inhibitor of NF-κB to the inhibitor of NF-κB (p-IκB-α/IκB-α) protein was increased in the livers of piglets (p < 0.05). These results indicate that a maternal diet with fish oil might decrease the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in sows, and enhance the antioxidative ability but increase the susceptibility to inflammatory stimulation in their progenies.

BLOOD LEAD AND ZINC LEVELS AND THEIR IMPACT ON HEALTH OF FREE-LIVING SMALL CARNIVORES IN TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Lead and zinc are recognized as the most widespread trace metals in nature and can, at high levels, compromise the health of wildlife and their habitat. Because of their position in a higher trophic level, wild carnivores can be valuable biological indicator species of trace-metal contamination in the environment. We assessed blood lead and zinc concentrations of four small carnivore species native to Taiwan, the small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), the masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), the ferret badger (Melogale moschata), and the crab-eating mongoose (Herpestes urva), from urban and rural areas (Yangmingshan National Park, Xiuguluan River bank, and Da-an River bank). Blood samples were acquired from the anterior vena cava under general anesthesia, and lead and zinc concentrations, hematology, and serum biochemistry results were then obtained. Blood lead levels were significantly higher in ferret badgers in the Yangmingshan area. Although lead concentrations were comparable with those in humans and cats with lead toxicosis, there was no hematological or biochemical evidence that animal health was compromised. Blood zinc levels were within an acceptable range in all four species tested. Overall, we found significant differences in blood lead and zinc levels among four species of carnivores living in areas with different levels of land development in Taiwan. Anthropogenic pollution, mining history, and volcanic activities in Yangmingshan National Park may contribute to significantly high blood lead levels in ferret badgers in this area. Our results provided information about the potential impact of land development on wildlife and may be beneficial to wildlife conservation, public health, and environmental health in Taiwan.

Pharmacokinetics of Arctigenin and Fructus Arctii Powder in Piglets.

Fructus arctii, also known as great power seed, is the dried fruit of Arctium lappa of the family Compositae. It is a commonly used veterinary herbal medicine, and arctigenin is the main active ingredient. The aim of this study was to characterize the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of arctigenin and Fructus arctii powder in piglets. These data were used to provide a theoretical reference for the development and clinical use of new veterinary drugs. Sixteen healthy piglets (mean weight 30.0 ± 5.0 kg) were divided into two groups. One group was administered 2.0 mg/kg body weight (bw) arctigenin intravenously, and the other was administered 1.0 g/kg.bw Fructus arctii powder by gavage. Blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava at different time points, and the concentration of arctigenin in the plasma of the piglets was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Arctigenin conformed to a two-compartment model with no absorption, and the main pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: distribution half-life (t1/2α)−0.166 ± 0.022 h; elimination half-life (t1/2β)−3.161 ± 0.296 h; apparent volume of distribution (Vd)−0.231 ± 0.033 L/kg; clearance rate (CLb)−0.057 ± 0.003 L/(h.kg); and area under the curve (AUC)−1.189 ± 0.057 g.h/mL. The pharmacokinetic parameters of arctigenin following oral administration of the Fructus arctii powder were as follows: absorption half-life (t1/2ka)−0.274 ± 0.102 h, t1/2α−1.435 ± 0.725 h, t1/2β−63.467 ± 29.115 h, Vd−1.680 ± 0.402 L/kg, CLb−0.076 ± 0.028 L/(h kg), peak time (tmax)−0.853 ± 0.211 h, peak concentration (Cmax)−0.430 ± 0.035 g/mL, and AUC−14.672 ± 4.813 g/mL. These results indicated that intravenous arctigenin was sparingly distributed in tissues. In contrast, orally administered Fructus arctii powder was rapidly absorbed, more widely distributed, and more slowly eliminated than the intravenous arctigenin, which may indicate its sustained pharmacological effects.

Caffeine administered to pregnant sows improves piglet vitality, gas exchange and body weight gain

Intra-partum asphyxia is the most common non-infectious etiology limiting the performance of neonate piglets. Previous studies indicate caffeine (orally and subcutaneously) reverses the effects of intra-partum asphyxia in neonate piglets. In this study, there was investigation of whether use of a novel therapeutic protocol for administering caffeine subcutaneously to pregnant sows would improve the newborn piglets’ vitality, physio-metabolic profiles and body weight gain. Sows were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10 each). Caffeine or NaCl 0.9% was administered 2 days pre-farrowing. Physio-metabolic profiles were measured using blood from the anterior vena cava. The vitality of piglets was evaluated immediately after birth. Piglets (n = 180) were weighed at birth and on days 7, 14 and 21 of lactation. Caffeine positively affected the vitality of the piglets, as indicated by greater vitality scores than that for the control group (8.72 ± 0.12 compared with 7.28 ± 0.16, P < 0.001). Metabolic values were similar between groups, but pO2 values were greater in the piglets with greater vitality scores treated with caffeine (19.10 ± 0.82 compared with 14.49 ± 1.42, P < 0.01), indicating increased respiratory rates. Body weight gain at day 21 was greater in the piglets treated with caffeine that had greater vitality scores than the control piglets having greater vitality scores (6.87 ± 0.18 compared with 6.52 ± 0.25 kg, P < 0.05). Caffeine administration before birth improves the vitality and respiratory capacity of piglets, increasing their adaptation to extra-uterine environment.

Clinical examination methods and investigation into the occurrence of endoparasites, Borna disease virus and genetic variability in the garden dormouse, Eliomys quercinus

Facing the ongoing decline in garden dormice (Eliomys quercinus) in large parts of Europe, data about genetic diversity, weight, size, and parasite burden were collected from live individuals (n = 156) from Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Blood was collected under Isoflurane-oxygen-anaesthesia from the anterior vena cava or jugular vein, respectively. Sex, weight, tibiotarsal and tail length of all animals were recorded. Genetic analysis (n = 64) using hair samples, viral examinations of oral, ocular and anal swabs (n = 156) and parasitological examination of faecal samples (n = 57) were performed. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA revealed three haplotypes in the study area (WE4, WE4-3, WE5). Microsatellite analysis demonstrated a comparably high genetic diversity with 66 % overlap of alleles, a low genetic distance (DJost 5.6 %) and a low index of differentiation (FST = 0.02) between individuals from Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. All swab samples were negative for Borna disease virus. In 47 % of the faecal samples Entamoeba sp. cysts, Eimeria sp. oocysts, and eggs of trematodes, cestodes (Hymenolepis spp.) and nematodes (Capillaria spp., Strongylida) were detected. To our knowledge, this is the first report of inhalation anaesthesia, clinical examination, blood collection and assessment of Borna disease virus in living garden dormice.

Integrative analysis of indirect calorimetry and metabolomics profiling reveals alterations in energy metabolism between fed and fasted pigs

BackgroundFasting is a simple metabolic strategy that is used to estimate the maintenance energy requirement where the energy supply for basic physiological functions is provided by the mobilization of body reserves. However, the underlying metabolic components of maintenance energy expenditure are not clear. This study investigated the differences in heat production (HP), respiratory quotient (RQ) and plasma metabolites in pigs in the fed and fasted state, using the techniques of indirect calorimetry and metabolomics.MethodsNine barrows (45.2 ± 1.7 kg BW) were fed corn-soybean based meal diets and were kept in metabolism crates for a period of 14 d. After 7 d adaptation, pigs were transferred to respiratory chambers to determine HP and RQ based on indirect calorimetry. Pigs were fed the diet at 2,400 kJ ME/(kg BW0.6·d) during d 8 to 12. The last 2 d were divided into 24 h fasting and 48 h fasting treatment, respectively. Plasma samples of each pig were collected from the anterior vena cava during the last 3 d (1 d while pigs were fed and 2 d during which they were fasted). The metabolites of plasma were determined by high-resolution mass spectrometry using a metabolomics approach.ResultsIndirect calorimetry analysis revealed that HP and RQ were no significant difference between 24 h fasting and 48 h fasting, which were lower than those of fed state (P < 0.01). The nitrogen concentration of urine tended to decrease with fasting (P = 0.054). Metabolomics analysis between the fed and fasted state revealed differences in 15 compounds, most of which were not significantly different between 24 h fasting and 48 h fasting. Identified compounds were enriched in metabolic pathways related to linoleic acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis.ConclusionThese results suggest that the decreases in HP and RQ of growing pigs under fasting conditions were associated with the alterations of linoleic acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. The integrative analysis also revealed that growing pigs under a 24-h fasting were more appropriate than a 48-h fasting to investigate the metabolic components of maintenance energy expenditure.

Small-Animal 18F-FDG PET for Research on Octopus vulgaris: Applications and Future Directions in Invertebrate Neuroscience and Tissue Regeneration.

This study aimed to develop a method of administering 18F-FDG to the common octopus in order to perform a PET biodistribution assay characterizing glucose metabolism in organs and regenerating tissues. Methods: Seven animals (two of which had a regenerating arm) were anesthetized with 3.7% MgCl2 in artificial seawater and then injected with 18-30 MBq of isosmotic 18F-FDG through either the left branchial heart or the anterior vena cava. After an uptake time of about 50 min, the animals were sacrificed and placed on the bed of a small-animal PET scanner, and 10-min static acquisitions were obtained at 3-4 bed positions to visualize the entire body. To confirm image interpretation, internal organs of interest were collected and counted with a γ-counter. Results: Administration through the anterior vena cava resulted in a good full-body distribution of 18F-FDG as seen on the PET images. Uptake was high in the mantle mass and relatively lower in the arms. In particular, the brain, optic lobes, and arms were clearly identified and were measured for their uptake (SUVmax: 6.57 ± 1.86, 7.59 ± 1.66, and 1.12 ± 0.06, respectively). Interestingly, 18F-FDG uptake was up to 3-fold higher in the highly proliferating areas of regenerating arms. Conclusion: This study represents a stepping-stone to the use of noninvasive functional techniques for addressing questions about invertebrate neuroscience and regenerative medicine.

The influence of age, farm, and physiological status on pig hematological profiles

Objectives: To evaluate influence of age, farm, and physiological status on pig hematological profiles. Materials and methods: This study was carried out on five 1-site, farrow-to-finish pig farms in Slovenia, where a total of 382 clinically normal pigs were sampled. All farms were free of Aujeszky’s disease (pseudorabies), classical swine fever, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Blood samples were taken from the anterior vena cava. Hematological analyses were performed with an automated hematological analyser. The following hematological variables were measured: red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), erythrocyte indices, and platelet count (PLT). Differential WBC counts were determined manually using stained smears. Results: The farms themselves influenced all of the investigated variables except RBC and WBC differential (ie, lymphocytes, monocytes, and band neutrophils). A trend of lower values of RBC, Hb, and Hct, higher WBC numbers, and a higher percentage of segmented granulocytes were observed in lactating sows when compared to pregnant sows. Age significantly influenced hematological values and differential WBC counts except basophils, monocytes, and band neutrophils. Values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased with age, the highest values being found in sows. Numbers of WBC and PLT decreased with age, the lowest number being observed in sows. Implications: Hematological examination may be an important diagnostic tool in the assessment of pig health status, but to interpret the results properly, it is important to consider pig age, health history, and clinical data.