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Background: Delays between blood collection and analysis are inevitable, and samples are always stored in the refrigerator. The current study aimed to evaluate the stability of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), total protein (TP), albumin and urea (URA) in horses and oxen after storage at −20°C. Methods: Sera from apparently healthy 20 male horses and 20 oxen were obtained and aliquots of serum were divided into 3 portions. The first tube was used for baseline (T0) measurement of analyte values, whereas the other two tubes, T1 and T2, were stored at −20°C for 1 and 2 months, respectively, and analyte measurement was done. Results: Results showed that the stability of TP (g/dL), URA (mg/dL) and TC (mg/dL) in oxen was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In horses, the stability of URA (mg/dL), TP (g/dL) and TG (mg/dL) were also statistically significant (p < 0.05). Additionally, URA and TC in oxen exceed TEa following measurement at T2 and TG in horses following measurement at T1 and T2. Conclusion: Laboratories should consider the storage temperature and time for specific analytes among animals. Therefore, stability studies at various storage temperatures and times are recommended to fully validate the stability of the analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the October and November 2013 animal disease surveillance report issued by the SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services (SACCVS). Topics discussed include the diagnosis of lungworm in a Simmental-cross heifer, the isolation of Salmonella Mbandaka from a scouring dairy calf, and the identification of acute interstitial pneumonia associated with fog fever from a yearling bullock.

The stratification of reticulorumen (RR) contents has been described in domestic ruminants, but suspected to be absent in certain wild ruminant species. To investigate how such stratification could be quantified, we tested variables indicating stratification in three oxen with rumen cannulae, fed once daily for 3 h, one of three different forages (fresh grass FG, grass hay GH, lucerne hay LH). Ingesta samples from dorsal rumen (DR), ventral rumen (VR) and reticulum (RET) were taken at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after the last meal and analyzed for dry matter (DM) concentration, mean particle size and proportion of floating/sedimenting particles. Viscosity was measured in centrifuged RR fluid. There was no relevant variation in rumen fluid viscosity over time or with feeding regime. Dry matter content in DR was always higher than in VR or RET and increased after feeding. When LH and FG were fed, DR always contained larger particles than VR, except at 6 and 12 h of feeding GH. The proportion of floating particles was higher in DR than VR except at GH 6 h and GR between 6 and 12 h. The floating particle fraction mostly contained larger particles, except for GH 3 h in both DR and VR and for FG 3–12 h in DR. Changes in the distribution of particle size and proportion of floating particles over time comply with the theoretical course of fermentative digestion for different forages, but make these variables unreliable indicators of stratification in less controlled settings, such as investigations in wild ruminants. In contrast, viscosity of rumen fluids appears constant over time and feeding regime and might be used as a species-specific variable. The difference in DM content in DR and VR is a reliable indicator for RR contents stratification characterized by an oversaturation of the contents with fluid, leading to lower VR DM contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the association of the ox in different literary works of Milton. It notes that the oxen in Milton's pieces represents a working chattel that can be eaten, and it was even associated with disobedience in God. It discusses that the culture of the Medieval period was established comprising the ox as the main animal used for working.

Modified lipoproteins have been suggested to modulate endothelial expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). As oxidized high-density lipoprotein (Ox-HDL) has been found in atheromatous plaques and receptors for modified HDL are present on endothelial cells, we investigated the role of Ox-HDL3 on the expression of PAI-1. Ox-HDL3 but not native HDL3, increased PAI-1 mRNA expression in endothelial cells. Furthermore, PAI-1 antigen expression and activity increased in the supernatant of cells incubated with Ox-HDL3. The intracellular pathways involved in this effect were investigated. Ox-HDL3 activated both extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Moreover, incubation with specific inhibitors of these kinases showed that p38MAPK was mainly involved in the Ox-HDL3-dependent PAI-1 induction. Transient transfection experiments suggested that none of the response elements in the proximal promoter (−804 to 17) were involved in Ox-HDL3-mediated PAI-1 expression, mRNA stability experiments showed that Ox-HDL3 increased the PAI-1 mRNA half-life. In summary, Ox-HDL3 induced PAI-1 mRNA expression and antigen release through a molecular mechanism involving MAPK activation and mRNA stabilization. Thus, oxidative modification converts HDL to a prothrombotic lipoprotein species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitivity of yield and quality parameters to carbon dioxide concentration [CO2] was determined for individual lines of hard-red spring wheat released in 1903, 1921, 1965 and 1996. All cultivars were evaluated with respect to growth and vegetative characteristics, grain yield and nutritional quality in response to [CO2] increases that corresponded roughly to the CO2 concentrations at the beginning of the 20th century, the current [CO2], and the future projected [CO2] for the end of the 21st century, respectively. Leaf area ratio (cm2 g−1) declined and net assimilation rate (g m2 day−1) increased in response to increasing [CO2] for all cultivars during early vegetative growth. By maturity, vegetative growth of all cultivars significantly increased with the increase in [CO2]. Seed yield increased significantly as [CO2] increased, with yield sensitivity to rising [CO2] inversely proportional to the year of cultivar release. Greater [CO2] yield sensitivity in older cultivars was associated with whole-plant characteristics such as increased tillering and panicle formation. Grain and flour protein, however, declined significantly with increasing [CO2] and with year of release for all cultivars, although absolute values were higher for the older cultivars. Overall, these data indicate that yield response at the whole-plant level to recent and projected increases in [CO2] has declined with the release of newer cultivars, as has protein content of grain and flour. However, if agronomic practice can be adapted to maximize individual plant performance, [CO2] responsive characteristics of older cultivars could, potentially, be incorporated as factors in future wheat selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the lectin binding patterns in hyperplastic and metaplastic bullock prostate tissues after diethylstilbestrol administration. Use of molecular markers for the detection of illegal estrogen administration during fattening period; Optical density and staining of lectinhistochemistry; Chromogen deposit.

Bullocks are an important resource in Indian agriculture where they are used as draft animals. Previous research suggests that farmers who do not own bullocks, or own bullocks in insufficient numbers relative to their land holdings, adjust bullock-land ratios through transactions in the land market, rather than by hiring bullock services. The reasons given for this behaviour are that there are 'inhibited' or 'missing' village markets for bullock services. Results from a survey of the activities and transactions of six bullock contractors during an entire cropping period show that village markets for bullock services exist continuously and are far from being inhibited. Close monitoring of the bullock contractors' transactions supplied rich evidence of the manifold contractual arrangements used in this village market for bullock services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Two mitochondrial forms of acetoacetyl-CoA thiolases designated as enzyme A and enzyme B were crystallized from ox liver. They could be shown to be homogenous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 2. In direction of acetoacetyl-CoA cleavage enzyme A shows a double competitive substrate inhibition when acetoacetyl-CoA is varied at different fixed CoA concentrations. With enzyme B a parallel kinetic pattern is obtained when acetoacetyl-CoA is varied at different fixed CoA concentrations. In direction of acetoacetyl-CoA synthesis both enzymes show linear reciprocal plots of initial velocities against acetyl-CoA concentrations in absence of CoA. These initial velocity kinetics in the forward and in the reverse direction are in accordance with a ping-pong mechanism of reaction for both enzymes involving an acetyl-S-enzyme as intermediate. 3. Under saturating concentrations of substrate, the ratios of acetoacetyl-CoA synthesis/aceto-acetyl-CoA cleavage is 0.31 for enzyme A and 0.08 for enzyme B. The maximum velocity in direction of acetoacetyl-CoA synthesis of enzymes A and B are 0.43 μmol × min-1 × unit thiolase-1 and 0.10 μmol × min-1 × unit thiolase-1, respectively. 4. Both enzymes show nearly the same affinity for acetyl-CoA. The Km values are 91 μM (enzyme A) and 80 μM (enzyme B). 5. Coenzyme A and acetoacetyl-CoA both act as inhibitors in direction of acetoacetyl-CoA synthesis: coenzyme A is a nonlinear competitive inhibitor of both enzymes. Acetoacetyl-CoA exerts a negative cooperativity on enzyme A (nH = 0.63) and is a competitive inhibitor for enzyme B (Ki = 1.6 μM). 6. The catalytic and regulatory properties of the acetoacetyl-CoA thiolases A and B are discussed in terms of their proposed role in regulating ketogenesis. Intracellular fluctuations of acetoacetyl-CoA/3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA ratios, resulting in a suspension of inhibition of both enzymes at high NADH/NAD ratios, are postulated as a control mechanism of ketogenesis in addition to mechanisms already known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Using sedimentation equilibrium studies, the molecular weight, of pig liver esterase was found to be 163000. Sedimentation velocity experiments yielded a sedimentation coefficient s20,w0 of 7.9 S; the diffusion coefficient was found to be 40.7 µm² · s-1 by ultracentrifugation and 40.3 µm² · s-1 by analytical gel filtration. From these data a molecular weight of 181000 was calculated. By analytical disc electrophoresis a molecular weight of 183000 was estimated. 2. Disc electrophoresis of ox liver esterase revealed three enzymatically active bands. The molecular weight of two of them was 54500 and that of the third 1,87000. Extrapolation of the sedimentation coefficients measured at very low enzyme concentrations to infinite dilution yielded a minimum value of 20,w0 = 4.0 S. Based on gel filtration results a diffusion coefficient of 66.0 µm² · s-1 was calculated. From these data a molecular weight, of 57300 was obtained. Sedimentation equilibrium experiments of the ox enzyme showed a non-linear plot of ln absorbance versus r² indicating heterogeneity with respect to molecular weight. The smallest species present had a molecular weight of 59000. 3. By sedimentation equilibrium experiments in the presence of 6 M guanidine-HCl and 0.1 M 2-mercaptoethanol, the subunit weight of pig liver esterase was found to be 58000. For the maleylated enzyme, values of 52500 (sedimentation equilibrium) and 56500 (from s20,w and D20,w) were obtained. 4. By covalent cross linking of the subunits with dimethyl suberimidate and subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate, three bands of molecular weights 60000, 120000 and 180000 were found. All these results give strong evidence for a three subunit structure of pig liver carboxylesterase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports that lipoic acid is the site of substrate-dependent acetylation of component X in ox heart pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex. Characterization of Mr-50000 polypeptide associated with mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase complex; Incorporation of N-ethylmaleimide; Resolution of radioactive products on an amino acid analyzer; Preincubation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.

Examines the effect of ligands on the irreversible inhibition of the NAD+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase from ox brain. Protection against denaturation by isocitrate; Inhibition by iodoacetate; Reduction of the affinity of the enzyme; Enhancement of protection by adenosine diphosphate.

Two independent methods were used to assess the dependence of the activity of ox brain NAD+dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase on the concentration of magnesium ions. The results indicated the complex between magnesium and isocitrate to be the true substrate for the enzyme. Free isocitrate is neither a substrate nor an inhibitor of the enzyme but free magnesium ions inhibit competitively with respect to the magnesium-isocitrate complex. The inhibition of the enzyme by ATP and citrate appears to be largely explicable in terms of their effects on the concentration of the complex between Mg2+ and isocitrate. The dependence of the activation of the enzyme by ADP on the concentration of magnesium ions suggests that free ADP, rather than its complex with Mg2+, is the activator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on kinetic studies on the oxidative reaction of glutathione to hydrogen peroxide using soluble and membrane-bound ox erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase of various types. Effects of organic and inorganic selenium on the glutathione peroxidase activity; Kinetic behavior of the enzyme; Crosslinking on a nylon support using various alkylating agents and bifunctional molecules.

The redox potential of the Rieske [2Fe-2S] cluster of the bc1complex from bovine heart mitochondria was determined by cyclic voltammetry of a water-soluble fragment of the iron/sulfur protein. At the nitric-acid-treated bare glassy-carbon electrode, the fragment gave an immediate and stable quasi- reversible response. The midpoint potential at pH 7.2, 25°C and I of 0.01 M was Em = +312 ± 3 mV. This value corresponds within 20 mV to results of an EPR-monitored dye-mediated redox titration. With increasing ionic strength, the midpoint potential decreased linearly with √I up to I = 2.5 M. From the cathodic-to-anodic peak separation, the heterogeneous rate constant, k°, was calculated to be approximately 2 × 10-3 cm/s at low ionic strength; the rate constant increased with increasing ionic strength. From the temperature dependence of the midpoint potential, the standard reaction entropy was calculated as ΔS° = - 155 J · K-1 · mol-1. The pH dependence of the midpoint potential was followed over pH 5.5–10. Above pH 7, redox-state-dependent pK changes were observed. The slope of the curve, -120 mV/pH above pH 9, indicated two deprotonations of the oxidized protein. The pKa values of the oxidized protein, obtained by curve fitting, were 7.6 and 9.2, respectively. A group with a pKa,ox of approximately 7.5 could also be observed in the optical spectrum of the oxidized protein. Redox-dependent pK values of the iron/sulfur protein are considered to be essential for semiquinone oxidation at the Qo center of the bc1 complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the extent to which villagers participated in three projects, run by non-government organizations (NGOs), in the Iringa Region of Tanzania. Particular attention is given to the factors influencing participation and to what might be done to ensure participation in village development projects in Tanzania. Data were obtained from interviews with randomly selected groups, the informal comments of study participants and observations, and experiences of one of the study authors in the study villages. There was very little involvement of the villagers in planning and other decisions related to the three projects. While village government leaders were involved by the project organizers, often they did not reflect villagers' views. Low levels of participation were found in two of the projects; agricultural extension and oxen training, with 54 and 78 per cent respectively in the 'low' category. While the 'ten cell' (local) leaders were responsible for implementing the projects, very few of them had any input into project decisions. Villagers would like to be more involved in project decisions and, based on the group meetings conducted as part of this study, are prepared to get involved in articulating their needs. Suggestions on how this might be achieved are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a reply to a comment made on a study which discussed the constraints in oxen cultivation in the Sahel region. Influence of animal traction in agricultural development in the area; Details on the financial opportunity cost derived from the use of oxen cultivation; Information on farmer income from the traction operations.

Comments on a study which discussed the nonadoption of animal traction using oxen (ATO) in the Sahel region. Information on oxen traction in farm management; Requirements for the successful use of the ATO; Influence of the opportunity cost of labor on farmer's decision regarding the adoption of ATO.

The article reports on a butcher's discovery of unusual parasites in the reticulum of a slaughtered healthy bullock. Several hundreds were present and were identified as morphologically typical of the larval stage of Paramphistomum species. The article reveals that the animals have been reared in Cambridgeshire, England.

The article reports on the postmortem examination of a 6-year-old bullock that was purportedly slaughtered following a positive tuberculin test in Camarthenshire, Wales. The bullock, which belonged to the Skanda Vale Hindu temple, was showing lesions in the bronchial tract consistent with exposure to bovine tuberculosis (TB). A Welsh Assembly spokesperson confirmed a positive TB breakdown in the herd and that the government is taking action to protect human and animal health in the community.

The article reports that the Welsh Assembly Government's appeal against the overturning of a slaughter notice issued against Shambo, a bullock belonging to a Hindu community in Wales, has been successful after a London appeal court found the slaughter notice to be justified. Shambo has been tested positive for bovine tuberculosis. According to Lord Justice Pill, the decision to eradicate the risk by slaughter and not to permit an exception to the slaughter policy was justified.

Reports on the death of bullocks due to botulism in Great Britain. Signs of flaccid paralysis in the animals; Vaccination.