Showing papers on "Animal mortality published in 2015"

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 functions as the cellular receptor for Clostridium difficile toxin B

Abstract: As a gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobic bacillus, Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is responsible for severe and fatal pseudomembranous colitis, and poses the most urgent antibiotic resistance threat worldwide. Epidemic C. difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea globally, especially diarrhoea due to the emergence of hypervirulent strains associated with high mortality and morbidity. TcdB, one of the key virulence factors secreted by this bacterium, enters host cells through a poorly understood mechanism to elicit its pathogenic effect. Here we report the first identification of the TcdB cellular receptor, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4). CSPG4 was initially isolated from a whole-genome human shRNAmir library screening, and its role was confirmed by both TALEN- and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout in human cells. CSPG4 is critical for TcdB binding to the cell surface, inducing cytoskeleton disruption and cell death. A direct interaction between the N-terminus of CSPG4 and the C-terminus of TcdB was confirmed, and the soluble peptide of the toxin-binding domain of CSPG4 could protect cells from the action of TcdB. Notably, the complete loss of CSPG4/NG2 decreased TcdB-triggered interleukin-8 induction in mice without significantly affecting animal mortality. Based on both the in vitro and in vivo studies, we propose a dual-receptor model for TcdB endocytosis. The discovery of the first TcdB receptor reveals a previously unsuspected role for CSPG4 and provides a new therapeutic target for the treatment of C. difficile infection.

Spatiotemporal variation in human-wildlife conflicts along highway BR-262 in the Brazilian Pantanal

Abstract: The Pantanal of Brazil, the world’s largest freshwater wetland, supports a large diversity of species and is under continually increasing pressure from human development, including vehicle collisions with wild animals. We examined decadal, annual, and spatial variation in wildlife-vehicle collisions along highway BR-262 in the southern Pantanal, and specifically: (1) what is the rate of roadkill along BR-262, and did it increased over the previous decade, (2) which species are frequently victims of collisions and does this vary annually along the highway’s length, and (3) what anthropogenic or environmental factors may influence this variation and how can the context of collisions inform mitigation? We sampled the highway monthly, between April 2011 and June 2012, stopping when roadkill was observed to identify species and collect GPS coordinates and a photographic record. Data was analyzed temporally and in relation to traffic volume and precipitation, and imported into a GIS and analyzed spatially and in relation to elevation. We recorded 518 carcasses from 40 species over the 15 sampling periods. The rate of roadkill incidents was 1 every 6.2 km, a tenfold increase since 2002, and is now one of the highest in Brazil. IUCN Red List species were observed, including lowland tapir, giant anteater, and marsh deer. At the lowest elevations, during seasonal wetland inundation the causeway embankment is sought for refuge, increasing collision probability. Mitigation measures tied to seasonal flood pulse variation along the causeway may reduce the high rate of wild animal mortality and loss of biodiversity.

The increase in animal mortality risk following exposure to sparsely ionizing radiation is not linear quadratic with dose

Abstract: Introduction The US government regulates allowable radiation exposures relying, in large part, on the seventh report from the committee to estimate the Biological Effect of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VII), which estimated that most contemporary exposures- protracted or low-dose, carry 1.5 fold less risk of carcinogenesis and mortality per Gy than acute exposures of atomic bomb survivors. This correction is known as the dose and dose rate effectiveness factor for the life span study of atomic bomb survivors (DDREFLSS). It was calculated by applying a linear-quadratic dose response model to data from Japanese atomic bomb survivors and a limited number of animal studies. Methods and Results We argue that the linear-quadratic model does not provide appropriate support to estimate the risk of contemporary exposures. In this work, we re-estimated DDREFLSS using 15 animal studies that were not included in BEIR VII’s original analysis. Acute exposure data led to a DDREFLSS estimate from 0.9 to 3.0. By contrast, data that included both acute and protracted exposures led to a DDREFLSS estimate from 4.8 to infinity. These two estimates are significantly different, violating the assumptions of the linear-quadratic model, which predicts that DDREFLSS values calculated in either way should be the same. Conclusions Therefore, we propose that future estimates of the risk of protracted exposures should be based on direct comparisons of data from acute and protracted exposures, rather than from extrapolations from a linear-quadratic model. The risk of low dose exposures may be extrapolated from these protracted estimates, though we encourage ongoing debate as to whether this is the most valid approach. We also encourage efforts to enlarge the datasets used to estimate the risk of protracted exposures by including both human and animal data, carcinogenesis outcomes, a wider range of exposures, and by making more radiobiology data publicly accessible. We believe that these steps will contribute to better estimates of the risks of contemporary radiation exposures.

Mechanistic relationships between hepatic genotoxicity and carcinogenicity in male B6C3F1 mice treated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures

Abstract: The genotoxicity of a complex mixture [neutral fraction (NF)] from a wood preserving waste and reconstituted mixture (RM) mimicking the NF with seven major polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) was investigated by determining DNA adducts and tumor incidence in male B6C3F1 mice exposed to three different doses of the chemical mixtures. The peak values of DNA adducts were observed after 24 h, and the highest levels of PAH–DNA adducts were exhibited in mice administered NF + BaP, and the highest tumor incidence and mortality were also observed in this group. DNA adduct levels after 1, 7, or 21 days were significantly correlated with animal mortality and incidence of total tumors including liver, lung, and forestomach. However, only hepatic DNA adducts after 7 days significantly correlated with liver tumor incidence. Most proteins involved in DNA repair including ATM, pATR, Chk1, pChk1, DNA PKcs, XRCC1, FANCD2, Ku80, Mre11, and Brca2 were significantly lower in liver tumor tissue compared to non-tumor tissue. Expressions of proteins involved in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation were also significantly different in tumor versus non-tumor tissues, and it is possible that PAH-induced changes in these gene products are important for tumor development and growth.

Surgical method for virally mediated gene delivery to the mouse inner ear through the round window membrane.

Abstract: Gene therapy, used to achieve functional recovery from sensorineural deafness, promises to grant better understanding of the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms that contribute to hearing loss. Introduction of vectors into the inner ear must be done in a way that widely distributes the agent throughout the cochlea while minimizing injury to the existing structures. This manuscript describes a post-auricular surgical approach that can be used for mouse cochlear therapy using molecular, pharmacologic, and viral delivery to mice postnatal day 10 and older via the round window membrane (RWM). This surgical approach enables rapid and direct delivery into the scala tympani while minimizing blood loss and avoiding animal mortality. This technique involves negligible or no damage to essential structures of the inner and middle ear as well as neck muscles while wholly preserving hearing. To demonstrate the efficacy of this surgical technique, the vesicular glutamate transporter 3 knockout (VGLUT3 KO) mice will be used as an example of a mouse model of congenital deafness that recovers hearing after delivery of VGLUT3 to the inner ear using an adeno-associated virus (AAV-1).

Praziquantel in a Clay Nanoformulation Shows More Bioavailability and Higher Efficacy against Murine Schistosoma mansoni Infection

Abstract: Consideration of existing compounds always simplifies and shortens the long and difficult process of discovering new drugs specifically for diseases of developing countries, an approach that may add to the significant potential cost savings. This study focused on improving the biological characteristics of the already-existing antischistosomal praziquantel (PZQ) by incorporating it into montmorillonite (MMT) clay as a delivery carrier to overcome its known bioavailability drawbacks. The oral bioavailability of a PZQ-MMT clay nanoformulation and its in vivo efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni were investigated. The PZQ-MMT clay nanoformulation provided a preparation with a controlled release rate, a decrease in crystallinity, and an appreciable reduction in particle size. Uninfected and infected mice treated with PZQ-MMT clay showed 3.61- and 1.96-fold and 2.16- and 1.94-fold increases, respectively, in area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 8 h (AUC0-8) and maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax), with a decrease in elimination rate constant (kel) by 2.84- and 1.35-fold and increases in the absorption rate constant (ka) and half-life (t1/2e) by 2.11- and 1.51-fold and 2.86- and 1.34-fold, respectively, versus the corresponding conventional PZQ-treated groups. This improved bioavailability has been expressed in higher efficacy of the drug, where the dose necessary to kill 50% of the worms was reduced by >3-fold (PZQ 50% effective dose [ED50] was 20.25 mg/kg of body weight for PZQ-MMT clay compared to 74.07 mg/kg for conventional PZQ), with significant reduction in total tissue egg load and increase in total immature, mature, and dead eggs in most of the drug-treated groups. This formulation showed better bioavailability, enhanced antischistosomal efficacy, and a safer profile despite the longer period of residence in the systemic circulation. Although the conventional drug's toxicity was not examined, animal mortality rates were not different between groups receiving the test PZQ-clay nanoformulation and conventional PZQ.

FSD-C10: A more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for treatment of CNS autoimmunity.

Abstract: Rho-Rho kinase (Rho-ROCK) triggers an intracellular signalling cascade that regulates cell survival, death, adhesion, migration, neurite outgrowth and retraction and influences the generation and development of several neurological disorders. Although Fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, effectively suppressed encephalomyelitis (EAE), certain side effects may limit its clinical use. A novel and efficient ROCK inhibitor, FSD-C10, has been explored. In the present study, we present chemical synthesis and structure of FSD-C10, as well as the relationship between compound concentration and ROCK inhibition. We compared the inhibitory efficiency of ROCKI and ROCK II, the cell cytotoxicity, neurite outgrowth and dendritic formation, neurotrophic factors and vasodilation between Fasudil and FSD-C10. The results demonstrated that FSD-C10, like Fasudil, induced neurite outgrowth of neurons and dendritic formation of BV-2 microglia and enhanced the production of neurotrophic factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). However, the cell cytotoxicity and vasodilation of FSD-C10 were relatively small compared with Fasudil. Although Fasudil inhibited both ROCK I and ROCK II, FSD-C10 more selectively suppressed ROCK II, but not ROCK I, which may be related to vasodilation insensitivity and animal mortality. Thus, FSD-C10 may be a safer and more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for the treatment of several neurological disorders.

Insurance Premium Calculation Using Credibility Analysis: An Example From Livestock Mortality Insurance

Abstract: A major problem facing livestock producers is animal mortality risk. Livestock mortality insurance is still at the initial stages, and premium computation approaches are still relatively new and will require more research. This study seeks to provide a first step for developing a better understanding of livestock insurance as a solution to mortality risk, as it explores improved methods for livestock mortality insurance modeling procedures, and premium computation, using credibility analysis. The purpose of this study is to develop improved estimates for livestock mortality insurance premiums for Canada under a credibility framework. We illustrate our approach through one example using livestock data from 1999 to 2007.

Does stewardship program participation influence Canadian farmer engagement in biodiversity-friendly farming practices?

Abstract: Biodiversity and farming are inextricably linked. Naturally occurring biodiversity supports the ecosystem services that are indispensable for agricultural production. Although the intensification of farming during the twentieth century has resulted in increased yields, this has often been at the expense of biodiversity. At present, farm biodiversity conservation efforts are largely confined to voluntary programs. This research project examined the relationship between pro-biodiversity attitudes, participation in a voluntary stewardship program, and engagement in biodiversity-friendly farming activities among farmers in Nova Scotia, Canada. This investigation was completed through a quantitative survey measuring respondents’ attitudes toward, knowledge of, and management of biodiversity. Significant links were found between program participation and increased engagement in two out of six biodiversity-friendly activities the program promotes: (1) modified harvest, such as changes to mowing equipment, timing, pattern or height to reduce animal mortality; and (2) riparian management, such as buffers and fencing. Engagement in other practices could not be traced to program participation. Pro-biodiversity attitudes, however, were linked to some of these other activities, but not linked to the increased uptake of riparian management or modified harvest. The instruction given to participants about riparian and harvest activities was much more detailed and site-specific than instructions for the activities that were linked to pro-biodiversity attitude, however. This suggests that the quantity and quality of instruction provided to stewardship program participants may have an impact on their uptake of conservation activities.

Toxicological Evaluation of Tetrameles nudiflora Methanolic Extract

Abstract: Exploration of Mekongga national park resulted in novel finding of anticancer property from Tetrameles nudiflora. The investigation of toxic features of T. nudiflora is vital for further studies of its pharmacological activities. Acute toxicity test was done on methanolic extracts of T. nudiflora in DDY mice. Animals were divided into 5 groups: Group 1 was given 1 ml solution of 2.5% Tween 80 in a single oral dose; Group 2, 3, 4 and 5 were orally administrated a single dose of 1, 2, 4 and 8 g/kg body weight T. nudiflora, respectively. Toxic effects of the extract were evaluated on the basis of behavioral observations in the form of locomotor activity; curiosity; defecation; urination and also animal mortality. Observations were carried out for 14 days. No significant changes on body weight, and behavioural activities were recorded. Mortality was recorded up to 22% of the male group, and 11% within the female group. The T.nudiflora extracts tested for toxicity against brine shrimp had 50% lethal concentration (LC50) values of 46.67 μg/ml. It can be concluded that methanol extracts of T. nudiflora are potential to be explored as anticancer (LC50=46.67 μg/ml). The extract is slightly toxic in male mice with Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) 12.6 g/kg body weight, and practically non toxic for female (LD50>15 g/kg body weight). Key words : Tetrameles nudiflora , brine shrimp lethality test, acute oral toxicity, LD 50.

Bacillus subtilis DCU and use thereof

Abstract: The invention provides bacillus subtilis DCU The bacillus subtilis DCU has a preservation number of CCTCC NO 2014118, has good pathogenic microorganism resistance activity, can well inhibit pathogenic bacterium growth and breeding, can improve human immunity, has a wide application prospect, can be used in a probiotics preparation, can also be processed to form bacterial powder and can also be used as a feed additive for inhibiting pathogenic bacterium growth in animals and reducing animal mortality

A Retrospective evaluation of animal mortality in US feedlots

Abstract: Feedlot closeout records from January 2005 through September 2014 were summarized. A total of 484,193 lots involving 73,067,534 cattle were used to illustrate mortality. Mortality rate and average days-on-feed at death by placement weight, sex, and cause of death (respiratory, digestive, and acute interstitial pneumonia) were calculated from these records. Mortality averaged 1.56 and 1.43% in heifers and steers, respectively. Mortality trends were seasonal; respiratory mortality was highest in late fall and early winter, digestive mortality was highest in late spring, and AIP mortality was greatest during summer months. Mortality during the first 30 days of the feeding period averaged 0.40% and 0.35% for heifers and steers, respectively. Mortality in the mid-portion of the feeding period, the last 31 to 60 days, and the last 30 days of feed averaged 0.70%, 0.20%, and 0.26% for heifers and 0.70%, 0.18%, and 0.21% for steers, respectively. These data suggest animal mortality is not isolated to the receiving period and occurs at comparable rates thereafter.

Effect of Sodium Nitrite and L-NNA on the Outcome of Experimental Ischemic Stroke

Abstract: We studied the effect of sodium nitrite in doses of 5 and 50 mg/kg and NO synthase inhibitor L-NNA in a dose of 20 mg/kg on the course of experimental ischemic stroke caused by occlusion of both carotid arteries. Sodium nitrite and NO synthase inhibitor were administered 1 h prior to occlusion of еру carotid arteries and 5 sec after brain ischemia. Sodium nitrite in a dose of 5 mg/kg had a protective effect on the time course of neurological disorders and reduced animal mortality. NO synthase inhibitor L-NNA aggravated the neurological symptoms.

Determining Animal Mortality Compost Maturity and Suitability for Road ProjectApplications for the Virginia Department of Transportation

Abstract: A series of studies on the effectiveness, feasibility, and costs of composting as a means of managing animal mortality removed from roadways has been conducted at the Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research (VCTIR). In these studies, three composting methods were evaluated for use by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and found to be effective: static compost windrows, a forced aeration system, and a rotary drum. Successful pilot studies at VDOT maintenance facilities have led to a growing interest in adopting this method of mortality management. As plans for additional composting vessels are underway, final tests are needed in order to develop guidance on composting procedures that generate mature, or finished, compost that is suitable for road project applications. The purpose of this study was to determine the time and treatment conditions necessary for VDOT compost vessels to generate mature compost and to evaluate the suitability of this compost for potential VDOT applications. Four methods were used to assess compost maturity: temperature monitoring, the Solvita compost maturity test, plant germination and growth tests, and qualitative observations. Tests were conducted on compost generated from the rotary drum and forced aeration system and on compost subsequently transferred to curing areas. The suitability of compost for road project applications was determined by testing compost for a suite of biological, physical, and chemical properties and conducting a demonstration project at a VDOT facility. Of the compost maturity tests, temperature decline was the most conservative indicator of finished compost. As determined primarily by temperature monitoring and supported by the other maturity tests, compost generated from the forced aeration system and rotary drum should be transferred to curing areas to cure for approximately 8 to 9 weeks. Mature compost generated from these vessels met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s compost specifications for transportation applications. It is recommended that VCTIR and VDOT incorporate the findings of this study into a guidance document for VDOT animal mortality composting.

A new rodent model of cerebral hyperperfusion.

Abstract: Background: Most studies of hyperperfusion and hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting are based on clinical observation or meta-analyses in patients, whereas there is little corresponding fundamental research since proper animal model that can reproduce phenotype stably is not available. Therefore, we developed a rat model in which the pathophysiologic process of hyperperfusion can be mimicked. Methods: Global ischemia was induced by occluding bilateral common carotid arteries (BCAO) for 2 weeks. After that, the ligature was loosened to allow reperfusion. Phenylephrine was administered at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, and 120 μg/mL for rapidly elevating blood pressure. Relative cerebral blood flow in relation to mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured with Laser Doppler techniques. Sham animals underwent the same surgical operation but without artery-occlusion and received the same concentrations of phenylephrine. Results: Mild hypertension rapidly increased cerebral blood flow. Phenylephrine at different concentrations produced different effects on blood pressure. Hyperperfusion can be induced by phenylephrine at around 30 μg/mL, whereas phenylephrine at 80 μg/ml or higher induced arrhythmia and further cardiac dysfunction thus failed to induce hyperperfusion. Conclusions: Our data suggest that 30-50 μg/mL phenylephrine mildly elevated MAP and cerebral blood flow to the level exceeding 100% of baseline. This hyperperfusion model possesses several advantages including high phenotype reproducibility, low experimental failure rate and low animal mortality rate. It can be applied to study carotid stenosis or ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Rat transplantable lung cancer model establishing method

Abstract: The invention relates to a rat transplantable lung cancer model establishing method including the following steps: Walker-256 cell ascitic fluid is prepared; Walker-256 cell is inoculated into SD rat (Sprague-Dawley rat) lung; after anesthesia of a SD rat, left part of thoracic cavity of the SD rat is disinfected by use of povidone-iodine, Walker-256 cell suspension and Matrigel in same volume are mixed evenly on the ice to obtain a mixed solution, the mixed solution is slowly injected between 5th rib and 6th rib at left lung into the left lung by use of an injector, the puncture depth is 0.6-0.8 cm, after the injection, a needle is stopped for 10 s, and then is pulled out slowly, and after the rat is grown for 14 days, a transplantable lung cancer model is established. According to the method, the damage to the rat is small, the Walker-256 cell can be directly transplanted into the left lung only by use of a generally anaesthetized rat, formation of tumor lesion part is clear, the tumor lesion is single and controllable in size, and the method also has the advantages of simple preparation, high tumor formation rate, low animal mortality and the like.

An Evaluation of the Economics and Logistics of Animal Mortality Composting forthe Virginia Department of Transportation

Abstract: Many maintenance facilities of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) face a decreasing availability of the conventional methods of animal mortality disposal (i.e., landfills and burial of individual mortalities) and have a need for a viable alternative. Others are interested in an alternative means of managing mortality that will save time and labor. Recent studies found that static windrow composting and in-vessel forced aeration composting systems are useful and effective means of managing animal mortality for VDOT, but more information is needed with regard to their cost and feasibility. The purpose of this study was to determine the economic value of implementing a composting program for VDOT. A survey was used to gather general information on animal mortality management from VDOT’s area headquarters (AHQs). Weekly diaries were also collected from eight AHQs and two VDOT residencies over an 8-month period to gather more detailed information regarding their means of mortality management. With the use of these maintenance areas as case studies, cost models were developed that determined the costs or savings incurred from replacing the maintenance area’s current means of disposal with one of three composting methods: static windrows, a rotary drum, or a forced aeration composting system. The study found that even the most expensive composting option currently available to VDOT, the forced air system, is cost-effective when there is sufficient mortality volume. Under the assumptions of the cost models, with regard to the AHQs evaluated, purchasing and operating the current forced air system and rotary drum can save VDOT up to $54,000 and $36,500, respectively, within the lifetime of the vessels. Static windrows are always cost-effective when a free carbon source (i.e., woodchips from vegetative debris removal) is available. As a general rule with regard to the cost-effectiveness of composting, the start-up costs of the current forced aeration composting system should not exceed 22 times the operational savings from composting in the first year and the start-up costs of rotary drum composting should not exceed 14 times the operational savings from composting in the first year. To maximize the cost-effectiveness of composting, maintenance area superintendents who plan to use composting for animal mortality management should try to identify a no-cost carbon source; use finished compost for transportation project applications in place of purchasing comparable material; seek other maintenance areas with which to share composting facilities; and consider using static windrows whenever possible, including to supplement vessel composting during periods of high mortality. In addition, the Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research should pursue the design of a forced air system with a smaller capacity and lower construction costs than the one presently in use. This would increase the cost-effectiveness of composting for AHQs that do not have a readily available no-cost carbon source; that have smaller mortality volumes; and/or for which pooling of mortality with other AHQs is infeasible. VDOT can save costs by replacing current mortality management methods with a composting alternative and adopting supportive business practices.

The Economical Feasibility of Large Animal Composting

Abstract: This study examines the economic feasibility of 4 alternative large animal mortality composting systems that a producer-owned entity could potentially operate The 4 systems evaluated are a vertical mechanical composter (Dutch Composter), a horizontal mechanical composter (BIOvator TM ), an open static pile yard and a roofed or covered static pile yard This study includes a 5-year pro forma financial analysis and suggests recommendations regarding the most economically viable and environmentally appropriate alternatives Based on the financial analysis and the current regulatory environment, the recommended compost system for a regional animal mortality facility is static piles under roof However, alternative technologies may be feasible in other scenarios

Effectiveness of Composting as a Means of Emergency Disposal: A Literature Review

Abstract: There has been a multitude of research conducted on different aspects of passively aerated windrow systems (PAWS) composting of mortality in the past several years. Early on, the research was concentrated on whether or not (PAWS) composting could actually dispose of animal tissue. Once that was determined, researchers began looking at optimization of the process (bulking material, type of system, etc.), destruction of pathogens and disease control, environmental impacts, and economics. Evaluation of the effectiveness of static pile composting to inactivate disease causing organisms in carcasses requires identification of those organisms and analysis of their sensitivity to inactivation by heating or composting's athermic properties. Pathogen and disease control are essential during emergency disposal, but it is impossible to test for all pathogens/diseases that may occur. This literature review discusses composting process, feedstocks pathogens/diseases and environmental effects that have been studied. Research indicates that the use of composting as one means of disposal during emergencies is not only effective in deactivating pathogens, but also limits the risk of groundwater and air pollution contamination. On-farm composting also reduces the potential for farm-to farm-disease transmission and decreases transportation costs and tipping fees associated with off-site disposal. There is also the added benefit of producing a usable product.

CORR Insights(®): development of a mouse model of ischemic osteonecrosis.

Abstract: O steonecrosis is a persistent and confounding orthopaedic pathology that can arise in any bone; common causes include compromised vasculature, exposure to radiation therapy, treatment with corticosteroids, or bisphosphonates treatment [2, 5, 6]. In the appendicular skeleton, osteonecrosis is managed surgically using total joint implants (among other approaches) while osteonecrosis of the jaw is treated with prophylactic antibiotic rinses followed by surgical resection when disease progression leads to substantial pain [1, 3]. Researchers have developed animal models that correspond to the different clinical presentations of osteonecrosis [2]. These models include trauma-induced osteonecrosis, which was modeled through surgical ligation of local blood vessels or femoral dislocation, while corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis has been modeled through the administration of high doses of methylprednisone or dexamethasone. Other models have tried to replicate the condition by treating animals with ethanol directly injected into the bone marrow, intravenous injections of lipopolysaccharides, or through the injection of horse serum to stimulate a severe immune reaction. Physical methods have also been employed to induce osteonecrosis, including cryogenic or thermal insult. Most of these experimental models result in a high rate of animal mortality, which limits their utility [2]. Additionally, the variability in cell death and the time course of recovery vary across these animal models [1], further complicating our ability to interpret them in the context of the human disease they seek to replicate. In the current study, Kamiya and colleagues cauterized four blood vessels (the popliteal and three genicular vessels) around the distal femur, creating a model of avascular osteonecrosis, and, importantly, doing so without resulting in the premature death of the animals.

Abstract 10378: Characterization of Changes in Cardiac Structure and Function in Mice Treated With Anthracyclines Using Serial Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract: Introduction: Anthracyclines are a standard chemotherapeutic agent. However, the anthracyclines are associated with a late reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart failure. Pathologically, anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) is characterized by the development of cardiac edema and fibrosis and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold-standard imaging technique for edema and fibrosis. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that a) cardiac edema and fibrosis would be detected by CMR after anthracyclines and b) edema and fibrosis would provide prognostic information. Methods: We performed a longitudinal CMR and histological study of 45 wild-type mice randomized to doxorubicin (DOX, n=30, 5 mg/kg/week for 5 weeks) or placebo (n=15). Measurements were performed at baseline, 5, 10, and 20 weeks after DOX or placebo. Measures of interest were LVEF, myocardial edema and fibrosis. Edema was assessed by T2 mapping, fibrosis by calculating the extracellular volume (ECV) from pre- and post-contrast T1 measurements. Results: In DOX-treated mice vs. placebo, myocardial edema at 5 weeks was increased (T2 values of 32±4 vs. 21±3 ms, P Conclusions: Our data suggest that, in mice, CMR can detect the early increase in edema and sub-acute increase in fibrosis after anthracyclines, that an increase in edema precedes a reduction in LVEF, that the increase in edema and fibrosis are linked and both are predictive of late animal mortality.

Non-connection model building method for hypertrophy bone connected with femoral shaft gristle of big mouse

Abstract: The invention provides a non-connection model building method for a hypertrophy bone connected with femoral shaft gristle of a big mouse. The method comprises: fixing a support outside the femora of the big mouse; fixing a catagmatic femoral shaft of the big mouse, and obtaining the non-connection model for the hypertrophy bone connected with the femoral shaft gristle of the big mouse. The non-connection model building method for the hypertrophy bone connected with the femoral shaft gristle of the big mouse has the advantages of being simple in operation, small in damage, low in animal mortality, fitting in non-connection clinical characters of the clinical hypertrophy bone, easy in operation, and scientific and reasonable. The non-connection model building method for the hypertrophy bone connected with the femoral shaft gristle of the big mouse has the great significance for the intensive study of the reason of the non-connection development of the hypertrophy bone, and the therapeutic method.

Dose related histological changes in mouse kidney after administration of Manuka honey.

Abstract: .- Honey has been used for both nutritional purposes as well as medicinal purposes. The present study describes dose related histological effects of Manuka honey on mouse kidney. Another important purpose is to evaluate the dose tolerance of this natural product for its future exploitation as a therapeutic agent. Forty eight BALB/c mice were divided into six groups each of eight mice. Manuka honey was given orally at a dose of 5, 10, 15, 25 and 35 mL/kg body weight to five groups for two weeks, whereas the sith was kept as the control group. All the animals were sacrificed on day 15, their kidneys were dissected out and processed for histological analysis. No animal mortality occurred at any of the honey doses. Focal tubular epithelial degeneration, tubular epithelial coagulative necrosis, interstitial inflammation of chronic type comprising lymphocytes and plasma cells and glomerulus mesangial proliferation was observed in a dose dependent manner. Manuka honey given orally in different doses was well tolerated by the experimental mice and no abnormal clinical signs and symptoms were recorded. The higher doses, however, brought some significant histological changes in mice kidney.

Technology assessment of waste disposal technologies for Tillamook county

Abstract: We propose a two-level filter system to evaluate the potential for alternative waste management practices by conversion of locally-generated waste products such as animal mortality, manure, and wood waste into beneficial products such as energy in Tillamook county of Oregon. At the first level - coarse grained filter, three basic factors, technical readiness level (TRL), scaling capacity, and feedstock, are used to initially filter out the scanned technologies which can be potentially used in waste management. At the secondary level filter - fine grained filter, a numeric scoring model is created to evaluate technologies from the output of the first level filter. Since many factors will impact the selection of a technology, HDM (Hierarchical decision model) is used to score technologies. From technical, economic, social, and environmental perspectives, hierarchical multi-criteria factor structure is created, and constant-sum and pair-wise comparison are used to subjectively create the priority probability list about technologies. Composting technology, rendering technology, and hydrolysis are analyzed in detail. This developed alternative strategy will help to mitigate local liabilities, promote green jobs, develop clean energy, and reduce the carbon footprint in Tillamook County.