Base Of Tail Research Articles

Celastrol attenuates collagen-induced arthritis via inhibiting oxidative stress in rats

The present work aimed to investigate the anti-rheumatism effect and the mechanism of celastrol in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. The CIA model was established in male Wistar rats by intradermal injection of bovine collagen-II in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) at the base of tail. The rats received oral administration of celastrol for 28 days. A variety of indicators, including paw swelling and arthritis scores, were measured for anti-rheumatism effect. Celastrol treatment attenuated paw swelling and arthritis scores in CIA rats. Celastrol improved the spleen and thymus indexes in CIA rats. The increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ, were abolished by celastrol treatment. In addition, the weakened superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide anions, and enhanced NADPH oxidase (Nox) activity were all reversed by celastrol treatment. Nox4 overexpression reversed the attenuating effects of celastrol on paw swelling and arthritis scores in CIA rats. The celastrol-induced improvement in spleen and thymus indexes in CIA rats was inhibited by Nox4 overexpression. Nox4 overexpression reversed the abolishing effects of celastrol on the increases of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ levels in the serum of CIA rats. These results demonstrated that celastrol improved rheumatism in arthritis via inhibiting oxidative stress.

The diversity and distribution of chigger mites associated with rodents in the South African savanna.

Chigger mites (Trombiculidae) are temporary habitat-specific ectoparasites that often occur on rodents. Little ecological data are available on chiggers associated with rodents in South Africa. The study aims were to (1) record the chigger species associated with rodents in the savanna, (2) assess if chigger species display parasitope preference on the rodent body and (3) compare the distribution of chigger species in natural, agricultural and urban habitats. Rodents (n = 314) belonging to eight genera were trapped in the savanna biome during 2014 and 2015. Twelve chigger species, of which five are recently described species, were recorded from 161 rodent hosts. The data include three new country locality records. Microtrombicula mastomyia was the most prevalent species across sampling seasons and habitat types. Significant parasitope preference was recorded for two species, with the ear, face and tail base some of the preferred attachment sites. Sampling season and habitat type had a significant effect on chigger communities with summer and agricultural habitats recording the highest species richness, while the highest species diversity was recorded in natural habitats. The study contributes to our current knowledge regarding rodent-associated chigger diversity and distribution in South Africa and further highlights the importance of environmental characteristics in shaping chigger communities.

Skin Temperature of Slaughter Pigs With Tail Lesions.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of tail lesion severity on skin temperature of slaughter pigs measured at the base of the tail and the ear by infrared thermography camera and to evaluate the association between the temperature measurements. Pigs were randomly selected in the lairage, containing ~200 pigs/pen. Tail lesions were scored according to severity, using a 0-4 scale. Tail lesion scores 0 and 1 were summed as it was difficult to distinguish healed lesions from mild lesions due to animal dirtiness. In total, 269 study pigs were imaged at the two locations. The effect of tail lesion score and sex of the pig on the highest temperature of the infrared image areas were analyzed using linear mixed models. Association between the tail base and ear base temperatures was evaluated using Pearson correlation. Skin temperature measured at the base of the tail was significantly lower for tails scored 0–1 than for all other tail lesion scores (P < 0.05). Pigs with tail lesion scored 2 had significantly lower skin temperatures at the base of the tail than pigs with tail lesion scored 3 or 4 (P < 0.05) while there was no difference in skin temperature at the base of the tail between pigs with tail lesion scored 3 and 4 (P > 0.05). Skin temperature measured at the ear base was significantly lower for pigs with tail lesion scored 0–1 than pigs of all other tail lesion scores (P < 0.05) with no difference between the other scores (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was an association between the two measurements (r = 0.50; P < 0.001). The findings suggest that even pigs with moderate tail lesions (score 2) may have general inflammation and infection, evidenced by the elevated systemic temperature compared to pigs with none or mild tail lesion (score 0–1).

Synergistic effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oil with glucantime against cutaneous Leishmaniasis in vitro and in vivo

BackgroundLeishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by several species of Leishmania in humans, carnivores and rodents. Cutaneous leishmaniasis has been reported from various areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of herbal, peppercorn, almond powder and castor oil on Leishmania species and cutaneous lesion in vitro and its effect on lesion formation in mice. MethodsE. camaldulensis essential oil (EO) was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. Promastigotes were cultured in Schneider and PRMI-1640 medium. Using MTT assay, biological activity and toxicity levels of EO was disclosed compared to glucantime.Mice were infected with promastigotes (5 × 104/ml) and after two weeks, 10 μl of EO (group1), EO + glucantime (group2), glucantime (group3) and control (group4) were assessed. ResultsIC50 of EO against cultured promastigotes at time intervals 24, 48 and 72 h included 690, 270 and 140 μg/ml, respectively and for glucantime included 27, 12 and 8 μg/ml, respectively. IC50 was decreased in exposure of EO+ glucantime. A significant effect of EO+ glucantime against the process of wound progress and cutaneous nodule in the tail base of treated mice compared to the control group was observed. ConclusionWe observed that using combination therapy with E. camaldulensis EO and glucantime will exert a higher efficient effect on the growth of the parasite in vitro and in vivo wound healing. Further research regarding other pharmacological aspects of this herbal compounds and cellular circuits seem necessary.

Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Bone‐Targeted Angiotensin Peptide in Rats

IntroductionThe precise etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) remains uncertain; however, it has been shown that inflammation is responsible for activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) which has been implicated in the pathogenesis and complications of RA. The main effectors of the RAS are Ang II and Ang 1‐7 which produced by Ang converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2, respectively. Ang II is implicated in the up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines through AT1R and contributed to the pathogenesis of RA. On the other hand, Ang 1‐7, counteract the inflammatory effects of Ang II by binding to Mas receptor and exerting anti‐inflammatory effects in experimental models of arthritis in rodent. Biological activity of Ang 1‐7 is hampered by its short half‐life due to rapid degradation by peptidases. We developed a novel bone‐seeking Ang 1‐7 conjugate (Ang Conj) and hypothesized that this novel approach will prolong half‐life and provide sustained plasma level to impose anti‐inflammatory activity. Since joint bone is the most common tissue impacted by RA, the rationale of this proposal was that, targeting of the bone with Ang Conj., as an anti‐inflammatory agent, could effectively control the signs and symptoms of arthritis.MethodsOn day one, for induction of adjuvant arthritis (AA), male Sprague Dawley rats were injected at the tail base with 0.2 mL of 50 mg/mL Mycobacterium butyricum. Arthritic animals were divided into 4 groups and treated with saline, Ang II, Ang 1‐7 and Ang Conj. A group of healthy rats received vehicle as control group. Preventive and treatment groups subcutaneously received 200 μg/kg equitant dose daily from day one for 3 weeks or after emergence of arthritis for 1 week, respectively. Animals were monitored daily for their body weight, paw and joint diameters. Animals were then euthanized, plasma/tissues were harvested and analyzed for plasma nitric oxide (NO), and the RAS components.ResultsOur results were in concert with previous reports concerning effects of inflammation on the RAS. AA presented itself by significant reduction in percent body weight gain, increased in paws, joints swelling and NO level, and reduced ACE2/ACE ratio. Administration of Ang 1‐7 or Ang Conj restored body weight gain, diminished the swelling of paws and joints and reduce plasma NO level in both treatment and preventive regimen. Consequently, the reduced ACE2/ACE balance was also restored by Ang 1‐7 and Ang Conj treatment.ConclusionThis result indicates that the prolongation of biological half‐life of Ang 1‐7 through injection of Ang Conj. exerts its anti‐inflammatory action by restoration of ACE2/ACE ratio which can augment the RAS major anti‐inflammatory component i.e. Ang 1‐7. This approach offers an effective strategy and an alternative option for management of RA patients and suggests a cardioprotective potential for this conjugate in management of inflammatory disease conditions such as RA.Support or Funding InformationStartup fund from College of Pharmacy, Idaho State UniversityPlasma nitric oxide levels in control and arthritic rats treated with Ang1‐7 or Ang1‐7 Conj.Figure 1Cardiac ACE2/ACE ratio and Mas receptor expression after treatment of control and arthritic rats with Ang 1‐7 or Ang Conj.Figure 2

New Dromaeosaurid Dinosaur (Theropoda, Dromaeosauridae) from New Mexico and Biodiversity of Dromaeosaurids at the end of the Cretaceous

Dromaeosaurids (Theropoda: Dromaeosauridae), a group of dynamic, swift predators, have a sparse fossil record, particularly at the time of their extinction near the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Here we report on a new dromaeosaurid, Dineobellator notohesperus, gen. and sp. nov., consisting of a partial skeleton from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of New Mexico, the first diagnostic dromaeosaurid to be recovered from the latest Cretaceous of the southern United States (southern Laramidia). The holotype includes elements of the skull, axial, and appendicular skeleton. The specimen reveals a host of morphologies that shed light on new behavioral attributes for these feathered dinosaurs. Unique features on its forelimbs suggest greater strength capabilities in flexion than the normal dromaeosaurid condition, in conjunction with a relatively tighter grip strength in the manual claws. Aspects of the caudal vertebrae suggest greater movement near the tail base, aiding in agility and predation. Phylogenetic analysis places Dineobellator within Velociraptorinae. Its phylogenetic position, along with that of other Maastrichtian taxa (Acheroraptor and Dakotaraptor), suggests dromaeosaurids were still diversifying at the end of the Cretaceous. Furthermore, its recovery as a second North American Maastrichtian velociraptorine suggests vicariance of North American velociraptorines after a dispersal event during the Campanian-Maastrichtian from Asia. Features of Dineobellator also imply that dromaeosaurids were active predators that occupied discrete ecological niches while living in the shadow of Tyrannosaurus rex, until the end of the dinosaurs’ reign.

Higher immune response induced by vaccination in Houhai acupoint relates to the lymphatic drainage of the injection site

Houhai acupoint (HA) is a site for acupuncture stimulation, located in the fossa between the anus and tail base in animals. To evaluate HA as a potential immunization site, the immune responses were compared when HA and the conventional site nape were vaccinated in rats. The results showed that injection of a porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) vaccine in HA induced significantly higher IgG, IgG1, IgG2, splenocyte proliferation and mRNA expression of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ than in the nape. To search for the underlying mechanisms, the draining lymph nodes for HA and the nape were investigated. When rats were injected in HA with Indian ink, 11 lymph nodes including caudal mesenteric lymph node and bilateral gluteal lymph nodes, posterior inguinal lymph nodes, lumbar lymph nodes, internal iliac lymph nodes and popliteal lymph nodes were visibly stained with the ink and injection of a model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) in HA resulted in detection of OVA by western blotting while in the same lymph nodes only a pair of lymph nodes (central brachial lymph nodes) were observed when Indian ink or OVA was injected in the nape. IL-2 mRNA expression was detected in all the lymph nodes when PEDV vaccine was injected. Therefore, the enhanced immune response elicited by vaccination in HA may be attributed to more lymphocytes activated.

Pathology of cutaneous blastomycosis in a cat

Cats are common as pet animals in Indonesia and live in close vicinity of human neighborhood, which make them potential for transmitting diseases to human. Blastomycosis is infectious disease caused by Blastomyces spp yeast. Here we describe morphopathology of blastomycosis found in skin of a Persian Cat. Grossly, the lesion were characterized by ulcerated wounds and multiple subcutaneous small nodules (2-5 mm in diameter) in the base of tail. Skin biopsy was made and further processed for histopathology. Microscopically, the lesion consist of epidermal necrosis, dermatitis, with coalescing dermal granulomatous inflammation, characterized by epitheloid and foreign type giant cells infiltrates. Numerous spherical-shaped structures and pseudohyphae which are Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS)-positive consistent with yeast morphology were found within the granulomas; morphology is also consistent with Blastomyces spp yeasts. Conclusively, multiple granulomatous dermatitis with evidence of Blastomyces yeasts is a hallmark of cutaneous blastomycosis. Exposure to Blastomyces spp yeast may possess infection threat to pet owners.

On the taxonomy and distribution of Varanus salvator andamanensis Deraniyagala, 1944 (Reptilia: Varanidae), including a redescription of the type specimens and a discussion about its allopatric co-occurrence with V. s. macromaculatus on the Nicobar Islands.

We provide a detailed redescription of the two original type specimens of the little-known, endemic Andaman water monitor, Varanus salvator andamanensis Deraniyagala, 1944. Examination of further voucher specimens allows for an expanded morphological diagnosis of this island taxon and comparison with other currently recognized subspecies of the wide-spread Southeast Asian water monitor. Based on the specimens examined, V. s andamanensis is characterized by a homogenous black dorsal background colour, with five to seven, more or less distinctive transverse rows of small spots or ocelli, light yellowish dots arranged sporadically between transverse spot/ocelli rows on the body, light yellowish coloured spots distributed sporadically throughout both forelimbs and hind limbs; 17-18 prominent rows of light spots continuing from base of tail to its tip dorsally with sporadically arranged dots on lateral sides of tail; and higher scale counts in transverse dorsal scale rows. Based on photographic evidence and examination of museum specimens, V. s. andamanensis inhabits both the Andaman and southern Nicobar Islands, which politically belong to the Republic ofIndia. In addition, we confirm the presence of V. s. macromaculatus in the northern and central Nicobar Islands, thus providing evidence for the allopatric co-occurrence of two different water monitor subspecies in these remote archipelagos.

Evaluation of prognostic factors for return of urinary and defecatory function in cats with sacrocaudal luxation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes and prognostic factors for cats with sacrocaudal luxation. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed for cats with sacrocaudal luxation. Information obtained from the clinical records included signalment, clinical presentation, concurrent traumatic injuries, treatment details, outcome and survival time. Severity of neurological signs was graded from 1 to 5, based on previous grading systems for cats with sacrocaudal luxation. Degree of vertebral displacement was calculated on survey radiographs. Outcomes were collected from serial neurological examinations and telephone interviews. Cats had to be given a minimum of 30 days to regain urinary function to be included in the study. Seventy cats were included. Fifty-five of 61 cats (90%) regained voluntary urinary function. A higher neurological grade was associated with a decreased likelihood (P = 0.01) and longer duration (P = 0.0003) of regaining urinary function. No significant associations were found between urinary outcome and age, sex, anal tone, perineal sensation, tail base sensation, degree of craniocaudal or dorsoventral sacrocaudal displacement, concurrent orthopaedic injury, tail amputation, defecatory function at diagnosis and survival. Cats that regained defecatory function had longer survival times than those that did not recover defecatory function (P = 0.03). Defecatory outcome was not significantly associated with any other variables. In agreement with previous studies, neurological grade is the most important prognostic indicator for cats with sacrocaudal luxation. Determination of the severity of neurological signs can also aid in advising owners the time frame in which urinary function is expected to return. Faecal incontinence may be a more important prognostic factor than previously suspected.

Microvenous anastomosis: The rat tail model alternative

Background: The rat femoral vein and dorsal penile vein have been have been well described as microvenous models. We report the use of the rat tail lateral vein as model for microvenous anastomosis training. Methods: Careful anatomic dissections were made of the rat tail noting the basic gross anatomy in 3 rats. 20 albino rats were anaesthesized via intraperitoneal ketamine injection, lateral vein of the tail is then transected about 5 cm distal to the tail base. Immediate repair was carried out by standard interrupted microanastomosis suture technique with 10/0 nylon suture. Patency was assessed at 30 minutes and 1 week. Results: 40 consecutive anastomosis of the lateral tail vein was done in 20 rats . The mean diameter of the rat tail lateral vein in the study rats was 0.8mm SD± 0.02mm.The mean anastomosis time was 22.6 minutes SD±4.3 minutes from clamp application to removal. There was a 90% patency rate at 30 minutes and 81 % at 1 week. Conclusion: The rat lateral tail vein appears to be a viable alternate model for microvenous anastomosis. The study identifies the ease of access, duality, potentially long length and the absence of accompanying artery as some of the unique features of this microvenous anastomosis practice model.

162 Detection of ovulation disorders and normal ovulation using wireless sensors of ventral tail surface temperature and neck acceleration data in Japanese Black cows

The present study aimed to clarify the possibility of detection of ovulation disorders and normal ovulation in Japanese Black cows using wearable wireless sensors based on continuous measurements of body surface temperature (ST) and neck acceleration data. For cows with normal ovulation (n=19, 8.5 years old, 476.2kg), controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone were administered on arbitrary days of the oestrous cycle (Day −10), and oestrus was induced by CIDR removal and prostaglandin F2α administration (Day −3). Ovulation (Day 0) was induced by gonadotrophin-releasing hormone administration on estimated oestrus day (Day −1) and was detected based on the disappearance of ≥8mm follicles using ultrasonography at 1- to 2-h intervals. For cows with spontaneous ovarian cysts (n=11, 8.6 years old, 471.2kg), oestrus and the next day were defined as Days −1 and 0, respectively. Plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4) and oestradiol-17β (E2) were measured on Days −9, −6, −2, −1, 0, 1, 5, and 8. The body ST sensor was attached to the ventral tail base (Day −16), and ST was measured every 10min for 24 days. For analysis of ST, after extracting hourly maximum ST values, the values were expressed as residual ST (RST; ST − mean ST for the same hour on the previous 3 days) for removal of circadian rhythm (Miura et al. 2017 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 180, 50-57; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.03). The acceleration sensor (Farmnote Color, Farmnote Inc.) was attached to the neck (Day −16). Hourly oestrus level (amount of oestrus activity) was obtained from the amount of activity; the difference between the residual oestrus level (REL; same calculation as RST) and measured values of each day was used. To identify RST and REL of cows with normal ovulation and cows with ovarian cysts, the mean values and standard deviations for the same hours for 3-7 days before oestrus were calculated. Mean RST and REL for 3-7 days before oestrus were assumed according to the normal distribution. The 95% confidence range was determined using×1 standard deviation of all hours. Values over the 95% confidence range for ≥5h were considered to be different from the mean 4 days and the 5% level. For RST, no difference was found in both groups due to the large influence of environment, particularly low temperature. However, for REL, a difference was indicated for oestrus in all cows (P&amp;lt;0.05). A large peak of REL appeared once on oestrus (&amp;gt;14.4 REL for 20h) in normal cows, and three peaks occurred in &amp;lt;21 days (&amp;gt;16.2 REL for 21, 15, and 15h) in cows with ovulation disorders (P&amp;lt;0.05). The REL rapidly increased following peaking E2 and decreasing P4 to oestrus (Day −1) in normal cows. In cows with an ovulation disorder, REL increased on oestrus; however, E2 and P4 remained high and low stable to oestrus, respectively. In conclusion, oestrus activity and the characteristics of normal cows and those with an ovulation disorder can be detected by the neck acceleration sensor using the correction value. This research was supported by The Research Project for the Future Agriculture Production Utilising Artificial Intelligence.

Nanopore native RNA sequencing of a human poly(A) transcriptome.

High throughput cDNA sequencing technologies have advanced our understanding of transcriptome complexity and regulation. However, these methods lose information contained in biological RNA because the copied reads are often short and because modifications are not retained. We address these limitations using a native poly(A) RNA sequencing strategy developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). Our study generated 9.9 million aligned sequence reads for the human cell line GM12878, using thirty MinION flow cells at six institutions. These native RNA reads had a median length of 771 bases, and a maximum aligned length of over 21,000 bases. Mitochondrial poly(A) reads provided an internal measure of read length quality. We combined these long nanopore reads with higher accuracy short-reads and annotated GM12878 promoter regions, to identify 33,984 plausible RNA isoforms. We describe strategies for assessing 3′ poly(A) tail length, base modifications, and transcript haplotypes.

Live black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) for turkey poults

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL;Hermetia illucens) are a suitable protein source for poultry. However the effect of live BSFL supplementation on growth performance and behaviour has never been demonstrated and quantified in turkeys. Wild turkeys eat insects during the first two weeks of life which is in contrast with commercially fed crumbs or pellets. Damaging pecking behaviour is a severe problem in turkeys. More lively diets may improve natural behaviour and decrease damaging pecking behaviour. The aim of the experiment was to stimulate natural behaviour of young non-beak treated turkeys by supply of live BSFL to avoid damaging pecking behaviour. Two treatments with seven replicates were studied in 14 floor pens (1.5 m2/pen and 20 turkeys per pen) from 0 to 35 days of age. Control groups were fed commercial diets and BSFL groups received live BSFL. The daily BSFL intake was calculated to be 10% of the expected daily feed intake (based on fresh weight) and dietary nutrient composition was adjusted in a way that control and BSFL groups were fed iso-nutritious. Daily feed intake and body weight gain of BSFL groups were significantly higher compared to control groups resulting in a significantly higher body weight at five weeks of age (2,190 vs 2,015 g;P=0.003) and a significantly lower feed conversion ratio. In the first week there was a tendency for more foraging related behaviour for the BSFL groups, but in the third and fifth week BSFL groups showed less foraging related behaviour compared to control groups. Provision of BSFL reduced aggressive pecking directed at the back and tail base at 5 weeks of age. Although the incidence of feather and skin damage was low, this type of damage tended to be lower in the BSFL groups.

Differences between fast and slow explorers in short-term tail temperature responses to handling in a rodent of wild origin

Animals of different behavioral types typically show associated differences in their physiological stress response, including differential reactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Infrared thermography offers the possibility to explore this link in a non-invasive way via the quantification of fine-scale changes in peripheral body temperature due to changes in cutaneous blood flow. We used this technique to investigate the association between exploration tendency, a behavioral trait frequently used to phenotype mammals and birds, and short-term thermal responses to challenge in a small rodent of wild origin, the mound-building mouse (Mus spicilegus). We applied a brief handling procedure consisting in the transfer of subjects into a small arena. This procedure led to a significant increase in subjects’ maximum peripheral body temperature (mainly reflecting the temperature of the eyes) and to significant decreases in maximum temperatures at different positions on the tail. Maximum peripheral body and tail temperatures showed significant individual-level consistencies in response to repeated applications of the handling procedure, suggesting stable individual differences in the animals’ sympathetic activity. We then compared the thermal responses to handling between ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ explorers, who were phenotyped through repeated open field and novel object tests. Fast explorers showed significantly lower tail temperatures than slow explorers shortly after handling, suggesting a stronger sympathetic reactivity in the former. Comparisons within sibling groups kept in different cages showed that the differences between explorer types were particularly pronounced during the first minute after handling, and increased in magnitude along the first millimeters distal to the tail base.

Chemical Composition of Bawei Longzuan Granule and Its Anti-Arthritic Activity on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats by Inhibiting Inflammatory Responses.

Bawei Longzuan granule (BLG) is a representative Zhuang medicine preparation. The present work aims to characterize the chemical constituents of BLG and evaluate its anti-arthritic activity. The major chemical constituents of BLG were tentatively identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS), which revealed the presence of some alkaloids (e. g., magnoflorine, sinomenine and nitidine) and flavonoids (e. g., hesperidin, diosmin and sinensetin) that may be partly responsible for the anti-arthritic effect of BLG. In addition, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in rats was induced by intradermal injection of bovine collagen-II in complete Freund's adjuvant at the base of tail. The CIA rats received oral administration of BLG (1.25, 2.5 and 5 g/kg) for 30 days. Then, various indicators were determined to evaluate its anti-arthritic activity, including paw swelling, arthritic score, body weight, knee joint pathology, thymus index and spleen index. Additionally, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured to determine the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that BLG efficiently ameliorated the severity of arthritis in CIA rats by decreasing paw swelling and arthritis score and improving the histological lesions of knee joint. Moreover, the serum levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (i. e., IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ) were downregulated, whereas two anti-inflammatory factors (i. e., IL-4 and IL-10) were upregulated after BLG administration. These results indicated that BLG possessed promising therapeutic effect on collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting inflammatory responses. BLG can be used as a complementary or alternative traditional medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Disseminated Sporotrichosis in a Bilby (Macrotis lagotis)

A male bilby (Macrotis lagotis) was presented to the Murdoch University Veterinary Anatomical Pathology Service following humane destruction due to severe lethargy. The bilby was emaciated with a focal ulcerated skin lesion on the dorsal tail base. Multifocal to coalescing foci of pyogranulomatous and often necrotizing inflammation was present within multiple organs, including the tail wound, adrenal glands, kidneys, lungs, brain, testes, lymph nodes, heart, liver, spleen and salivary glands. Admixed were abundant intrahistiocytic and extracellular pleomorphic yeast (round, oval and cigar-shaped) up to 6μm diameter, often with a thin clear halo and occasional narrow-based budding. The diagnosis of disseminated sporotrichosis was confirmed via culture and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the causative agent, Sporothrix schenckii sensu lato. The route of entry of infection was considered most likely to have been via cutaneous inoculation of the tail base wound. To the authors' knowledge, this report describes the first known case of sporotrichosis in a native Australian animal.

Improving the Repeatability and Efficacy of Intradermal Electroporated Self-Replicating mRNA

Local administration of naked self-replicating mRNA (sr-mRNA) in the skin or muscle using electroporation is effective but hampered by low repeatability. In this manuscript, we demonstrated that intradermal electroporation of sr-mRNA in combination with a protein-based RNase inhibitor increased the expression efficiency, success rate, and repeatability of the data. The RNase inhibitor should be added just before administration because storage of the inhibitor together with the sr-mRNA at −80°C resulted in a partial loss of the beneficial effect. Furthermore, the location of intradermal electroporation also had a major effect on the expression of the sr-mRNA, with the highest and longest expression observed at the tail base of the mice. In contrast with previous work, we did not observe a beneficial effect of calcium ions on the efficacy of naked sr-mRNA after intradermal injection. Finally, another important finding was that the traditional representation of in vivo bioluminescence data as means in logarithmic graphs can mask highly variable data. A more truthful representation can be obtained by showing the individual data points or by displaying median values in combination with interquartile ranges. In conclusion, intradermal sr-mRNA electroporation can be improved by adding an RNase inhibitor and injecting at the tail base.

Chronic lameness caused by vascular compression of the iliac artery and vein by a malignant melanoma in the pelvis of a grey Spanish gelding

SummaryAn 11‐year‐old grey Spanish gelding was presented with chronic lameness of the right hindlimb, with abduction of the limb during the swing phase. Based on a comprehensive lameness examination, the problem was localised to the pelvic region. Rectal and ultrasonographic examinations revealed a mass in the pelvic region in close association with the iliac artery and vein, and ultrasonographic indications of vascular compression. Considering the clinical presentation of a grey middle‐aged horse with multifocal melanoma‐like nodules at the level of the perineum, tail base, preputium and penis, a malignant melanoma with secondary vascular or neurological compression was suspected. Post‐mortem and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma with vascular compression of the iliac artery and vein and infiltrative growth in the iliac vein.

Monitoring of the core body temperature of cows using implantable wireless thermometers

Monitoring of cattle body temperature is useful for the detection of estrus, prediction of parturition, and maintenance of health. Recently, methods of monitoring body temperature in sites including the rumen, vagina, skin surface, and subcutis, have been studied. However, these methods are associated with limitations, such as loss of a device and the induction of stress. In addition, these studies did not consider differences among the measurement sites. In the present study, we developed implantable wireless thermometers and implanted them into a cow in 10 different anatomical locations. We then investigated the relationships among the temperatures recorded at these locations and rectal temperature (RT). The temperatures in three endoceliac and seven subcutaneous locations were monitored and compared over 6 weeks during winter. The temperatures in the abdominal cavity and inner flank wall correlated strongly with RT (r = 0.74 and 0.76, respectively). Of the subcutaneous locations, the tail-base (TB) was associated with a high reception rate for wireless transmission (97.6%) and the temperatures at this location also correlated well with RT (r = 0.62). These results indicate that the implantable wireless thermometer can continuously monitor core body temperature over a long period. Endoceliac sites and the TB are good candidates for bovine temperature monitoring. In addition, we were able to predict body temperatures that strongly correlated with the temperatures at endoceliac sites using machine learning and inputs of subcutaneous and ambient temperatures. The correlation coefficients were 0.93 when seven subcutaneous temperatures were used, and 0.77 when two were used. These results suggest that long-term monitoring of core body temperature would be possible using a wireless thermometer implanted in a subcutaneous location.