Serum Gamma Globulin Concentration Research Articles

Postoperative monitoring of ovariohysterectomy carried out with two types of surgical sutures in shelter cats and differences in selected blood parameters between shelter and pet cats

BackgroundReduction of inflammation and early detection of complications after surgical procedures are important objectives for proper veterinary practice. This study aimed to evaluate the differences between shelter and pet female cats in selected acute-phase parameters scheduled to ovariohysterectomy. Postoperative monitoring after ovariohysterectomy with the same laboratory parameters was performed in shelter cats, in which two different types of surgical sutures were used for the entire procedure. The experimental group comprised 40 female cats from animal shelters (‘shelter cats,’ n = 40). These cats were divided into two subgroups: group A (n = 20) operated on with absorbable sutures and group NA (n = 20) operated on with non-absorbable sutures. In addition, the same parameters were evaluated in pet female cats (n = 19). Blood was collected from shelter cats immediately before surgery (term 0), at 24 and 72 h (terms 1 and 3, respectively), and at 7 and 14 days (terms 7 and 14, respectively) after ovariohysterectomy. Blood samples from the pet cat group were collected only once.ResultThe mean haptoglobin concentration before ovariohysterectomy in pet cats was significantly lower than that in shelter cats. Fibrinogen concentration was significantly lower in pet cats than in cats from group A. Serum albumin, beta-1, beta-2, and gamma-globulin concentrations were significantly higher in the shelter cats than in the pet cats. Subcutaneous tissue thickening at the site of the postoperative wound was observed in five patients cats (25%) in group A, and two (10%) cats in the NA group.ConclusionThese results indicate that ovariohysterectomy leads to local and general inflammatory responses. The majority of cats from animal shelters suffered from subclinical inflammation.

Associations between serum gamma-globulin concentration, enzyme activities, growth and survival in preweaning Alpine goat kids

Colostral immunity is crucial for young ruminants, but the individual factors that may affect passive transfer status and its effects on preweaning growth performance have not been widely investigated in goats. The methods to quantify immunoglobulins G can be expensive. Colostrum enzymes, though, pass the intestinal barrier and might be suitable as markers of passive transfer status, as demonstrated in other ruminant species. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sex, litter size, dam parity, and birth body weight on passive transfer status and the relationship between gamma-globulin concentration (GG) and pre-weaning growth performance in Alpine goat kids. The association between serum GG, serum total protein concentration and serum activity of colostrum enzymes including γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was examined for their use as predictors of passive transfer status in neonatal goat kids. Sixty-six Alpine goat kids (39 males, 27 females), born to 28 does at one dairy goat farm during two delivery seasons, were enrolled. Kids nursed their dams in group housing until weaned at 50 days of age. Blood samples were collected 24 h after birth. Body weights (BW) were taken at birth and weaning. Serum enzyme activities and total protein concentration were measured using a clinical biochemical analyser. Serum GG was determined by gel electrophoresis. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism (v. 8.2.1). No significant differences in serum GG between males and females, singlets and twins, multiparous’ and primiparous’ kids were found. No association was detected between birth BW and GG. Serum GG was strongly and significantly associated with TP (R2 =0.85; p 0.0001) and moderately associated with GGT (R2 =0.47; p 0.0001). No correlation was found with ALP, AST, and LDH. Although partial failure of passive transfer (FPT) was diagnosed in 23% of kids, no effects on morbidity (3%), mortality (0%) and pre-weaning growth performance were observed. Our results confirm that serum total proteins can be used to indirectly estimate immunoglobulin concentration. Contrarily, passive transfer status can be predicted with little success by measuring the activity of serum GGT. It is not advisable to use ALP, AST and LDH as indicators of passive transfer status. Finally, FTP is not necessarily associated with the health and preweaning growth performance of Alpine goat kids reared in non-intensive breeding systems that follow good farming practices.

Clinical and Hematological Follow-Up of Long-Term Oral Therapy with Type-I Interferon in Cats Naturally Infected with Feline Leukemia Virus or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

Simple SummaryThe viruses which produce feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency (FIV) attack cells involved in the immune response. As specific drugs are either nonexistent, produce secondary effects, or are expensive, a therapeutic possibility is using nonspecific immunostimulants, such as human interferon alpha. We used this drug to treat 27 cats infected by FeLV and 31 infected by FIV. All cats were naturally infected and treatment was administered orally by their owners for four months. Participating cats were evaluated in our clinics at mid-treatment (M2), end of treatment (M4), and 4–8 months after the end of treatment (M10). We observed that treatment was well tolerated by the cats (as it did not affect the liver or the kidney functions), and improved most of the parameters analyzed (clinic, anemia, white cell counts, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio) as long as it was administered. However, 4–8 months after it was discontinued, though most animals remained clinically healthy, many of these parameters had rebounded to initial values or values even worse than the initial values. Thus, more studies should be conducted with longer administration of this drug to evaluate tolerability and sustained improvement of diseases produced by these two viruses which may lead to death.Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), two of the most important pathogens of cats, produce chronic systemic diseases with progressive death of cells involved in the immune response, ultimately leading to death. Immunostimulants is one of the few alternatives to the symptomatic treatment. In this study, 27 naturally FeLV-infected (FeLV+) and 31 naturally FIV-infected (FIV+) cats were administered orally by their owners 60 IU/day of recombinant human interferon alpha (rHuIFN-α) for four months in alternate weeks. Clinical status was evaluated and blood samples collected at four different visits or months (M): pretreatment (M0), mid-treatment (M2), end of treatment (M4), and 4–8 months after end of treatment (M10). Most cats ostensibly improved their clinical status, and many became asymptomatic. rHuIFN-α treatment improved the anemic processes observed at M0 (at least in cats with mild or moderate anemia) and leukocyte counts, including a more favorable CD4+/CD8+ ratio. An increase in the serum gammaglobulin concentration was seen in 80% of the cats. Despite observing an obvious favorable progress in the clinical, biopathological, and CD4+/CD8+ values during treatment, almost invariably all the parameters analyzed worsened after treatment discontinuation (M10), which suggests that the interferon-α protocol should be either extended or include additional cycles for a long-lasting benefit in FeLV+ and FIV+ cats.

Incidence and Management of Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Interference in Monoclonal Gammopathy Monitoring.

The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has been revolutionized by the introduction of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (tmAbs). Daratumumab, a human IgG1/κ tmAb against CD38 on plasma cells, has improved overall survival in refractory MM and was recently approved as a frontline therapy for MM. Work on tmAb interference with serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) during MM monitoring has failed to provide information for laboratories on incidence of interference and effective methods of managing the interference at a practicable level. We aimed to evaluate daratumumab and elotuzumab interference in a large academic hospital setting and implement immediate solutions. We identified and chart reviewed all cases of possible daratumumab interference by electrophoretic pattern (120 of 1317 total cases over 3 months). We retrospectively reviewed SPE cases in our laboratory to assess clinical implications of tmAb interference before the laboratory was aware of tmAb treatment. We supplemented samples with daratumumab and elotuzumab to determine the limits of detection and run free light chain analysis. Approximately 9% (120 of 1317) of tested cases have an SPE and/or immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) pattern consistent with daratumumab, but only approximately 47% (56) of these cases were associated with daratumumab therapy. Presence of daratumumab led to physician misinterpretation of SPE/IFE results. Limits of daratumumab detection varied with total serum gammaglobulin concentrations, but serum free light chain analysis was unaffected. Clinical laboratories currently rely on interference identification by electrophoretic pattern, which may be insufficient and is inefficient. Critical tools in preventing misinterpretation efficiently include physician education, pharmacy notifications, separate order codes, and interpretive comments.

Factors Associated with Colostrum Quality and Effects on Serum Gamma Globulin Concentrations of Calves in Swiss Dairy Herds

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown a high prevalence of failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) in Swiss dairy calves.ObjectivesTo investigate risk factors associated with poor colostrum quality and FPT on Swiss dairy farms.AnimalsColostrum and serum samples from 373 dam‐calf pairs at 141 farms.MethodsThe gamma globulin (Gg) concentrations of the dams’ colostrum and the calves’ serum samples were determined by electrophoresis. Potential risk factors were assessed by logistic regression of questionnaire data.ResultsPrevalence values of 15.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.0–19.6%) for low‐quality colostrum (<50 g Gg/L) in cows and 43.5% (95% CI, 38.4–48.8%) for FPT (serum Gg < 10 g/L) in calves were estimated. The main factors associated with low colostrum quality included colostrum leakage before or during parturition and a time lag > 6 hours between parturition and first milking. The results confirm that the occurrence of FPT in calves primarily was influenced by the quality of colostrum, the amount of ingested colostrum, and the time between birth and first feeding.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese results confirm a large potential for improvement in colostrum harvesting and colostrum feeding procedures in the study herds. Control for colostrum leaking intra‐partum, early colostrum milking, and ensuring that the calves ingest a sufficient volume of colostrum within the first hours of life are measures that can be readily implemented by farmers to decrease the incidence of FPT without additional workload.

Proteinuria reduction after treatment with miltefosine and allopurinol in dogs naturally infected with leishmaniasis.

Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in proteinuria in dogs naturally infected with visceral leishmaniasis, following treatment with miltefosine (MLF) and allopurinol.Materials and Methods:Medical records of 40 dogs with leishmaniasis, treated with 2 mg/kg MLF every 24 h PO and 10 mg/kg allopurinol every 12 h for 28 days were reviewed. 20 dogs were included in the study, and clinical staging was performed following guidelines of the Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) Working Group, and dogs were categorized for proteinuria according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) staging system. Clinical score, indirect fluorescent antibody test titer, serum total protein, gamma globulin (IgG), serum creatinine and urea concentration, and urine protein creatinine ratio (UP/C) were recorded at the time of diagnosis before the start of therapy (D0) and at the end of 28 days of therapy (D28).Results:Following the CanL Working Group staging, all 20 dogs were classified as the clinical Stage C (Clinical disease) before and after the cycle of treatment. Before the cycle of therapy, dogs were categorized according to the IRIS staging system, as: 9/20 non-proteinuric (NP), 7/20 borderline proteinuric (BP), and 4/20 proteinuric (P). After treatment, 12/20 dogs were NP, 7/20 were BP, and 1/20 was P. There was a significant change in UP/C values before and after one cycle of treatment with MLF. In detail, after 28 days of therapy, 2 of 9 NP dogs became BP, 3 of the 7 BP dogs became NP, and 2 of the 4 P dogs became NP.Conclusion:This study showed a significant decrease in UP/C values occurred after one cycle of treatment with MLF and allopurinol in dogs naturally affected with CanL. This suggests that MLF does not increase proteinuria, and the use of MLF could be considered for the management of dogs with leishmaniasis, particularly in those with impaired renal function at the time of diagnosis.

Effects of different levels of sanguinarine on antioxidant indices, immunological responses, ileal microbial counts and jejunal morphology of laying hens fed diets with different levels of crude protein.

This study was carried out to assess the effects of different levels of sanguinarine on antioxidant indices, immunological responses, serum biochemical parameters, ileal microbial counts and jejunal morphology of laying hens fed on diets with different levels of crude protein (CP). A total of 180 laying hens were subjected into nine dietary treatments with four cages of five birds each. Experimental treatments consisted of three levels of CP (85.0, 92.5 and 100% of Hy-Line W36 manual recommendation) and three levels of sanguinarine (0.00, 3.75 and 7.50mg/kg) as a 3×3 factorial arrangement of laying hens which fed during a 70-day feeding trial. The invitro study showed that sanguinarine exhibited sevenfold and threefold decreased antioxidant activities to inhibit 2-2-diphenyl-1-picric hydrazyl free radical as well as ferric ion reducing rather than butylated hydroxyl toluene. Although using the decremental levels of CP caused the increase in heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p<0.01), dietary administration of sanguinarine could suppress the serum cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentrations as well as heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p<0.05). Additionally, decreasing CP content resulted in the decreased percentage of albumin (p<0.05); however, it had no negative effects on humoral immunity. Nonetheless, feeding of at least 3.75mg/kg sanguinarine led to the remarkable increases in serum gamma globulin concentration (p<0.01) and secondary (p<0.05) antibody titres against sheep red blood cells. Moreover, a decline in dietary CP content led to higher villi height and crypt depth (p<0.05; p<0.001) and consequently decreased villi height-to-crypt depth ratio (p<0.001) than the optimum level (100% CP). In spite of the effects of sanguinarine on the suppression of Escherichia coli and Salmonella counts (p<0.05), it markedly enhanced villi height-to-crypt depth ratio as well as lamina propria lymphatic follicles extent, simultaneously (p<0.001). Therefore, in spite of the detrimental effects of feeding low-CP diets on lymphocytes and serum albumin percentages, and villi height-to-crypt depth ratio, the administration of incremental levels of sanguinarine could improve cellular and humoral immunity, decrease ileal microbial counts and in turn improve the intestinal health indices in laying hens.

Seronegative autoimmune hepatitis in children: Spectrum of disorders

BackgroundA few children with acute or chronic liver disease display histological features compatible with autoimmune hepatitis, but lack specific serological markers. AimTo describe features, management and outcome of childhood seronegative autoimmune hepatitis. MethodsFrom 1988 to 2010, 38 children were included under the following criteria: negative virological studies, no serum autoantibodies, exclusion of other causes of liver diseases, and liver histology compatible with autoimmune hepatitis. ResultsFour groups were identified: (1) 12 with increased serum gamma globulin concentrations; (2) 10 with normal or low serum gamma globulins and no combined blood disease; (3) 10 with combined aplastic anemia; and (4) 6 with peripheral thrombocytopenia with/without neutropenia. Immunosuppressive treatment was associated with aminotransferases normalization in all but one child who required liver transplantation. Relapses occurred in 10 children. Lymphocytopenia was found at the time of the diagnosis of hepatitis in 13 children, 12 in groups 3 or 4. All 38 children are alive after 4–17 years, 18 still under immunosuppression. ConclusionsChildhood seronegative autoimmune hepatitis includes a spectrum of disorders. Early liver histology is recommended and, if compatible with autoimmune hepatitis, immunosuppressive treatment should be started. Initial lymphocytopenia may indicate future hematological complication.

Relationship between Leishmania IFAT titer and clinicopathological manifestations (clinical score) in dogs.

During canine leishmaniasis (CanL) due to Leishmania infantum, high levels of antibodies production are associated with the presence of various clinical signs, because of the deposition of soluble immune complexes in organs and tissues. The immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) is one of the most commonly used techniques for detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies. The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is a correlation between clinical signs and IFAT titers in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania. A retrospective study was performed on medical records of 49 dogs diagnosed with CanL. Information extracted from the medical records of each dog with CanL was clinical score, IFAT titer, serum total protein (TP), gamma globulin (IgG) and creatinine concentration, and protein creatinine ratio in urine sample (UP/UC) at each follow-up examination. Results show that dogs with highest IFAT titers recorded had higher mean clinical scores indicating a positive relationship (P < 0.0001) between anti-Leishmania antibodies (IgG) and clinical manifestations, which becomes more evident in severe clinical forms of canine leishmaniasis. Higher TP and IgG serum concentrations were recorded in dogs with higher clinical scores. Significant association was observed between UP/UC and the IFAT titer (P = 0.004).

Variação de proteínas séricas em bezerros das raças nelore e holandesa do nascimento até os seis meses de vida

Previous studies showed that Nelore calves’ active production of immunoglobulins is delayed compared to Canchim and Limousin calves, characterizing a possible physiologic difference between taurine and Zebu calves. In this study we compared serum proteins of Nelore and Holstein calves from birth to six months old. Blood samples were taken from 50 healthy calves (30 Nelore and 20 Holstein) in the following ages: 24 to 36 hours of life, and 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days. Serum total protein concentrations were measured by colorimetry; albumin, alfa, beta and gammaglobulin concentrations were measured by agarose gel electrophoresis; and IgG concentrations were estimated by the zinc sulphate turbidity test. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to test age effect. The passive transfer of immunity was successful in both breeds and the variation of serum proteins followed the normal pattern throughout the first six months of life. There were breed differences in serum gammaglobulin concentrations. The levels of gammaglobulin were higher at the end of the first day of life, and decreased to the lowest levels at 60 days in Nelore calves and 30 days in Holstein calves. The increase due to the active production of antibodies was precocious in Holstein calves (beginning at 60 days) and slower in Nelore calves (beginning at 90 days), demonstrating that Zebu calves can, in fact, develop active immunity capability later than taurine calves.

Serum parameters predict the severity of ultrasonographic findings in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Controversy exists about the correlation between liver ultrasonography and serum parameters for evaluating the severity of liver involvement in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was designed to determine the association between liver ultrasonography staging in NAFLD and serum parameters correlated with disease severity in previous studies; and set optimal cut-off points for those serum parameters correlated with NAFLD staging at ultrasonography, in order to differentiate ultrasonographic groups (USGs). This cross-sectional study evaluated outpatients with evidence of NAFLD in ultrasonography referred to a general hospital. Those with positive viral markers, abnormal serum ceruloplasmin or gamma-globulin concentrations were excluded. A radiologist performed the ultrasonography staging and stratified the patients into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Fasting serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride (TG), high and low density lipoprotein (HDL, LDL), and cholesterol were checked. Two hundred and forty-five patients with a mean age (+/-standard deviation) of 41.63(+/-11.46) years were included. There were no significant differences when mean laboratory concentrations were compared between moderate and severe USGs. Therefore, these groups were combined to create revised USGs ("mild" versus "moderate or severe"). There were associations between the revised USGs, and ALT, TG, HDL levels, and diabetes mellitus [odds ratios=2.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-5.76), 2.48 (95% CI: 1.29- 4.78), 0.36 (95% CI: 0.18-0.74), and 5.65 (95% CI: 2.86-11.16) respectively; all P values <0.01]. A cut-off value of 32.5 mg/dL for ALT gave a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 62%, for differentiating between the revised USGs. Serum ALT, TG, and HDL concentrations seem to be associated with the staging by liver ultrasonography in NAFLD. They might be used to predict the staging of liver ultrasonography in these patients.

An unusual cause for sicca syndrome

We present a case of a 47-year-old female who presented with sicca symptoms since three months. As per the Revised International Classification Criteria for Sjögren's syndrome, patient was diagnosed as primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Patients with SS are known to have circulating monoclonal immunoglobulins. Serum electrophoresis revealed M band with serum gamma globulin concentration of 46 g/L. Bone marrow aspiration revealed 28% plasma cells. In absence of myeloma-related organ damage, a diagnosis of smouldering myeloma (MM) was made. Patient was treated with thalidomide and dexamethasone. Sicca symptoms resolved with anti-myeloma treatment. Although MM can occur as a complication of SS, MM can also rarely present as SS. In the present case, the short duration of sicca symptoms and response of these symptoms to anti-myeloma treatment support the diagnosis of MM presenting as SS. The present case highlights the importance of serum electrophoresis in patients presenting as SS.

Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected and Feline Leukemia Virus‐Infected Cats

Hematological and biochemical values in cats naturally infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are not completely documented. Report differences in laboratory values between FIV- or FeLV-infected and noninfected and between FIV- and FeLV-infected cats. Three thousand seven hundred and eighty client-owned cats tested for FIV and FeLV. Retrospective study. Evaluation of clinicopathologic changes in cats with defined FIV and FeLV status and for which laboratory data were available. FIV-infected cats were more likely to be neutropenic (odds ratio [OR]=3.6, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.1-6.2, P < .0001) and had lower serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase than control cats; serum total protein (8.1 +/- 1.1 versus 7.6 +/- 1.3 g/dL, P < .001) and gamma-globulin concentrations (2.2 +/- 1.1 versus 1.7 +/- 1.3 g/dL, P < .001) were higher than in uninfected cats. Compared with controls, FeLV-infected cats had a higher risk of anemia (OR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.4-6.0, P < .0001), thrombocytopenia (OR = 5.0, 95% CI 3.0-8.4, P < .0001), neutropenia (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 2.1-6.1, P < .0001), lymphocytosis (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.6-4.8, P= .0002), and lower erythrocyte counts (6.13 +/- 2.95 x 10(3) versus 8.72 +/- 2.18 x 10(3)/microL, P < .001), thrombocyte counts (253.591 +/- 171.841 x 10(3) versus 333.506 +/- 156.033 x 10(3)/microL, P < .001), hematocrit (28.72 +/- 12.86 versus 37.67 +/- 8.90%, P < .001), hemoglobin and creatinine concentration. Hematologic abnormalities are common in FeLV-infected but not in FIV-infected cats. Clinicopathologic abnormalities are less frequent in FIV-infected cats and might reflect an unspecific immunologic response.

Transferência de imunidade passiva em bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin e proteinograma sérico nos primeiros quatro meses de vida

Com o objetivo de investigar alguns aspectos relacionados à transferência de imunidade passiva em bovinos de corte, foram selecionados 90 bezerros aparentemente sadios, 45 da raça Nelore e 45 da raça Limousin, distribuídos em 3 grupos (com 15 bezerros cada) de acordo com o número de parições de suas mães: primeira cria; segunda cria; e terceira ou mais crias. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas de cada bezerro entre 24 e 36 horas de vida e com 15, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias. Determinaram-se as concentrações de proteína total no soro (PT) e no plasma (PPT), a atividade sérica da gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), e as concentrações séricas de albumina, alfa, beta e gamaglobulinas por eletroforese em gel de agarose e de IgG estimada por meio do método de turvação pelo sulfato de zinco. Empregou-se a análise de variância bifatorial para as variáveis mensuradas na primeira colheita. O comportamento das variáveis em função da idade foi estudado por meio da análise de variância de medidas repetidas. Correlações foram estabelecidas entre as variáveis. A transferência de imunidade passiva foi bem sucedida nos bezerros de ambas as raças e o número de parições das mães não interferiu no processo. As concentrações mais elevadas de gamaglobulinas ao término do primeiro dia de vida declinaram até valores mínimos aos 60 dias. A partir dessa idade, a elevação conseqüente à produção ativa de anticorpos foi mais precoce nos bezerros taurinos e mais lenta nos zebuínos. A gamaglobulina, ao término do primeiro dia de vida, correlacionou-se com as seguintes variáveis: IgG (r=0,859), PPT (r=0,807), PT (r=0,811) e GGT (r=0,399). O fator etário exerceu efeito sobre todas as variáveis mensuradas. As variações das proteínas séricas obedeceram a um padrão de comportamento fisiológico ao longo dos quatro primeiros meses de vida, de forma geral, não distinto em taurinos e zebuínos.

Post-operative Constrictive Pericarditis Complicated with Lymphocytopenia and Hypoglobulinemia

A 71-year-old man who had a history of open chest surgery was admitted due to anasarca and bilateral pleural effusions. Although imaging modalities could not demonstrate any pericardial abnormalities, right-sided cardiac catheterization revealed 'dip and plateau' in diastolic pressure waveform. He was admitted frequently because of the episodic right-sided congestive heart failure and hypoproteinemia due to protein-losing enteropathy. The peripheral lymphocyte count and serum gamma-globulin concentration were gradually decreased, and finally showed lymphocytopenia and hypoglobulinemia. On the last admission, the patient showed extensive cellulitis on both legs, and he developed septicemia, and finally died due to septic shock. Post-mortem examination showed that both visceral and parietal layers of the pericardium adhered tightly with mediastinal fibrosis. This case report suggested that constrictive pericarditis should be considered even if there is a lack of typical abnormal pericardial imaging findings when patients have a history of open chest surgery and recurrent right-sided congestive heart failure. In addition, we should be aware of a serious outcome due to immune compromised conditions such as lymphocytopenia and dysglobulinemia in this disorder.

Use of serum biochemistry to evaluate nutritional status and health of incubating common eiders (Somateria mollissima) in Finland.

During 1997-1999, we collected serum samples from 156 common eider (Somateria mollissima) females incubating eggs in the Finnish archipelago of the Baltic Sea. We used serum chemistry profiles to evaluate metabolic changes in eiders during incubation and to compare the health and nutritional status of birds nesting at a breeding area where the eider population has declined by over 50% during the past decade, with birds nesting at two areas with stable populations. Several changes in serum chemistries were observed during incubation, including (1) decreases in serum glucose, total protein, albumin, beta-globulin, and gamma-globulin concentrations and (2) increases in serum uric acid, creatine kinase, and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. However, these changes were not consistent throughout the 3-yr period, suggesting differences among years in the rate of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein utilization during incubation. The mean serum concentrations of free fatty acids, glycerol, and albumin were lowest and the serum alpha- and gamma-globulin levels were highest in the area where the eider population has declined, suggesting a role for nutrition and diseases in the population dynamics of Baltic eiders.

Anticentromere antibody as a risk factor for cancer in patients with systemic sclerosis.

This study has estimated the cancer risk among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) using a population-based analysis. Using the inpatient and outpatient registries for patients at Kyushu University Hospital between 1982 and 1996, standardised incidence rates (SIRs) (ratio of observed-to-expected cancers) were calculated in 43 patients with SSc, 24 patients with polymyositis (PM) and 17 patients with dermatomyositis (DM). Risk factors predisposing to cancers were also investigated in the SSc patients. Compared with the Japanese general population, the SIR for developing cancer in SSc patients was 5.1 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7-10.8), while the SIRs for cancer in the PM and DM groups were 4.7 (95% CI, 1.5-10.3) and 61.2 (95% CI, 46.8-77.6), respectively. A statistically significant risk factor for cancers in the SSc patients was positivity for anticentromere antibody (ACA) (p<0.05), while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum lactate dehydrogenase concentration, serum gamma-globulin concentration, titre of antinuclear antibody and positivity for antitopoisomerase I antibody were not associated with cancer in SSc. Our population-based study confirms the increased risk of cancer among patients with SSc in Japan and provides new evidence that positivity for ACA should be considered as a risk factor for cancer in future monitoring of patients.

Characterization of the subclinical phase of canine ehrlichiosis in experimentally infected beagle dogs

Beagle dogs were examined during the subclinical phase of canine ehrlichiosis under controlled conditions. Emphasis was placed on gathering data before artificial inoculation with Ehrlichia canis, and comparing these data with those of the subclinical phase of the disease. In this study all dogs were clinically healthy throughout the 6 month examination period. All subclinically infected dogs had IFA antibody titers to E. canis at a dilution varying from 1:2560 to 1:20 480. The most prominent haematological finding was mild thrombocytopenia with a concomitant increase in platelet size, seen in eight of the nine dogs examined. Leukocyte counts were statistically significantly reduced in 78% of the dogs, compared with their preinfection values, with 71% of dogs having significantly reduced absolute neutrophil counts. None of the dogs were either leukopenic nor neutropenic. Six of the nine dogs had increased serum gamma-globulin concentrations. No dogs were overtly anemic, although declines in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte count were detected in an inconsistent manner among the dogs. It was concluded that, the most reliable parameters for judging possible subclinical ehrlichial infection in beagle dogs was mild thrombocytopenia, together with a persistently high antibody titer to E. canis. Hypergammaglobulinemia would increase the suspicion further. Based on the results presented, routine testing of dogs in E. canis endemic areas is recommended in order to identify and treat dogs in the subclinical phase of the disease.

Evaluation of colostrum and whey-derived gammaglobulins for prevention of cryptosporidiosis in artificially infected neonatal calves

Thirty colostrum-deprived Friesian male calves were used to study the effect of colostrum and whey-derived gammaglobulins on the clinical events and oocyst-excretion pattern following artificial infection with a fresh, field-sourced strain of Cryptosporidium parvum. The calves were raised naive and free from contact with C. parvum from birth until infection at either 10 or 17 days of age. The two age groups comprised three sub-groups that were each given a single treatment of colostrum, whey-derived gammaglobulins or whole milk (controls) at 5 hours after birth. Blood samples taken both before and 48 hours after this dosing showed the mean serum gamma globulin concentrations changed from almost zero in all calves to 462,279 and 29 mg/dl for the colostrum, whey-derived gammaglobulin and whole milk sub-groups respectively. The results showed that a majority of calves shed Cryptosporidium oocysts within 7 days of oral infection but that no diarrhoea or other clinical signs were associated with this. However, when the level of C. parvum faecal shedding was graded, the results showed a trend towards a higher level of oocyst shedding and over a longer period of time in the control calves deprived of any passive immunity than in the two groups given either colostrum or whey-derived gammaglobulins.

Physiological Correlates of Neonatal Mortality in an Overpopulated Herd of White-Tailed Deer

We examined the relationship of development, immunocompetence, and tick burdens to neonatal mortality in an overpopulated herd of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) during 1990–1992 in northeastern Oklahoma. Risk of mortality to 21 days of age was inversely related to body mass, body mass/length3, delayed hypersensitivity to phytohem-agglutinin, and serum concentrations of gamma globulin and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGTP) for young ≤3days old. Serum GGTP and gamma-globulin concentrations were the most significant predictors of mortality to 21 days of age using multivariate-logistic regression. Increased probability of mortality was associated with lower serum gamma globulin and concentrations of GGTP, which suggested that inadequate absorption of colostrum leads to a partial failure in the passive process of transferring immunity from mother to offspring, and predisposes young to mortality agents among high-density herds.