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The present work investigates the possibility of adopting a new kinematics at the industrial polishing lines of porcelain stoneware tile. An alternative motion of the transverse oscillation of the polishing heads is proposed, in which no radical changes in the industries facilities are required. The basic idea is to replace the purely sinus motion of the polishing heads by a rather trapezoid wavelike motion. In theory this could be achieved simply by adopting regular delays at the transverse oscillation motion. Consequences of this alternative kinematics were quantitatively analyzed considering the spatial homogeneity of polishing expected for tiles. Such homogeneity was represented by the coefficient of variation of the distribution of polishing time over the surface, which was in turn determined by means of computational simulations, taking into account the effect of multiple polishing heads.El presente trabajo investiga la posibilidad de adoptar una nueva cinemática en las líneas de pulido industrial de baldosas de gres porcelánico. Se propone una propuesta alternativa de la oscilación transversal de los cabezales pulidores, en el que no hay cambios radicales en las instalaciones de las industrias son necesarias. La idea básica consiste en sustituir el movimiento totalmente del seno de los cabezales pulidores por un movimiento ondulatorio trapezoide. En teoría, esto podría lograrse sólo mediante la adopción de los habituales retrasos en el movimiento de oscilación transversal. las consecuencias de esta cinemática fueron analizados cuantitativamente, teniendo en cuenta la homogeneidad espacial de pulido. Tal homogeneidad fora representada por el coeficiente de variación de la distribución de lo tiempo de pulido en la superficie, determinada por medio de simulaciones computacionales, teniendo también en cuenta el efecto de pulido de las cabezas múltiples.

Establishing artificial cryptorchids by partial scrotal resection without removing the testicles is a technique for castration of bull calves that recently has gained new interest. In contrast to orchidectomy and Burdizzo castration, the stress response of calves to shortening of the scrotum is unknown. In this study, partial scrotal resection in bull calves was compared with orchidectomy, Burdizzo castration, and controls without intervention (n = 10 per group, ages 56 ± 3 d). Procedures were performed under xylazine sedation and local anesthesia. We hypothesized that partial scrotal resection is least stressful. Salivary cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability, behavior, and locomotion were analyzed. Cortisol concentration peaked 60 min after start of the procedures. Cortisol release was at least in part xylazine induced and none of the experimental procedures released additional cortisol. Heart rate increased in calves of all groups with initial handling, but immediately after xylazine sedation decreased to 30% below initial values and was not modified by surgical procedures. The heart rate variability variables standard deviation of beat-to-beat interval and root mean square of successive beat-to-beat differences increased when calves were placed on the surgery table but effects were similar in calves submitted to surgeries and control calves. Locomotion increased, whereas lying time decreased in response to all surgeries. Locomotion increase was most pronounced after orchidectomy. Plasma fibrinogen concentrations increased after orchidectomy only. With adequate pain medication, orchidectomy, Burdizzo castration, and partial scrotal resection do not differ with regard to acute stress and, by inference, pain. Partial scrotal resection when carried out under xylazine sedation and local anesthesia thus is an acceptable castration technique in bull calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human monkeypox is a viral zoonosis that has recently emerged worldwide. Clinical cutaneous features include papules, vesicles, and pustules. However, atypical manifestations mimicking other infectious diseases are being reported more frequently. We present a 41-year-old man patient with untreated HIV with generalized rupioid crusted ulcerated plaques with perineal ulceration that were found to represent monkeypox and cytomegalovirus infections.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the histopathological findings in the uteri and ovaries from clinically healthy queens presented for elective spaying., Methods: Ovaries and distal uterine horns or complete uteri from 106 female cats were evaluated for pathological alterations., Results: Pathological alterations of the uterus and/or ovaries were evident in 29 cats; of these, corpora lutea were present on the ovaries of 15 cats. Ovarian cysts were found in 15 cats and were classified as cysts of the Wolffian or Muellerian ducts (n = 4), follicular cysts (n = 4), luteal cysts (n = 1), cystic rete ovarii (n = 2), combinations of different cysts (n = 2) and non-classifiable cysts (n = 2). In 21/106 cats, cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) was present. The incidence of CEH increased with the age of the cat. Six cats had purulent endometritis with or without distension of the uterine lumen. Hyperplastic lesions of the endometrium were detected in two cats. In one cat, a uterine horn malformation with duplication of one uterine horn lumen was diagnosed., Conclusions and Relevance: Whereas the majority of ovarian cysts and slight-to-moderate CEH are unlikely to interfere with an animal's wellbeing, endometritis must be considered a serious health problem that requires veterinary attention.

There is an increasing interest in the manipulation of ovarian follicular populations in large domestic animals because this could prove beneficial for assisted reproductive techniques such as ovum pick-up (OPU). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of deslorelin slow-release implants (SRI) on the interovulatory interval, antral follicle count (AFC), number of follicles of different size ranges and plasma anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH) concentration in mares. To synchronize their estrous cycles, Haflinger mares ( n = 12) were treated twice with a PGF 2 α analogue. One day after the second injection (day 0), mares received a 9.4 mg deslorelin SRI (group DES, n = 6) or 1.25 mg deslorelin in a short-acting formulation (CON; n = 6), respectively. Regular transrectal ultrasonography of the genital tract was performed and blood samples were collected for the analysis of progesterone, AMH and gonadotrophins. The interval from implant insertion to the first spontaneous ovulation was 23.8 ± 10.5 days in group DES compared to 17.0 ± 3.9 days in group CON ( p < 0.05). For the concentrations of LH, FSH and AMH, interactions between time and treatment were detected ( p < 0.05). The AFC and the mean number of follicles with 5 to 10, 10 to 15 and 15 to 20 mm in diameter changed over time ( p < 0.05). A time x treatment interaction was demonstrated for follicles of 10 to 15 mm in diameter ( p < 0.05). The changes in this follicular subpopulation were reflected by increased plasma AMH concentration in group DES. In conclusion, 9.4 mg deslorelin implants show minor effects with regard to estrus suppression in mares, whereas the changes in the subpopulation of small ovarian follicles could be a promising tool for preparation of mares for OPU.

Spontaneous prolongation of the luteal phase has been described in horses, but the underlying causes are still unclear. The present study investigated details of gonadotrophin and progestogen secretion in pregnant mares (n = 11) with or without experimentally reduced early postovulatory luteal function. From days 0 to 3 after ovulation, they were treated with the prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) analogue cloprostenol or left untreated. After conceptus collection on day 34, they were assigned to the opposite treatment. Mares were affiliated to the group primary corpus luteum (n = 6) or diestrous corpus luteum (n = 5) depending on diestrous corpus luteum (CL) detection in the PGF pregnancy. For statistical comparisons, a p -value < 0.05 was significant. There was an effect of treatment ( p < 0.01), but not of group on progestogen concentration. The concentration of LH was higher in PGF-treated than in untreated pregnancies ( p < 0.05), but did not differ between groups. The FSH concentration did not differ between groups nor treatments. The total luteal tissue area was greater in mares with a diestrous ovulation during the PGF treatment pregnancy. Low progestogen concentration in the early postovulatory phase diminish the negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in early pregnancy and, thus, stimulate a luteal tissue response. Detection of secondary CL at the time of pregnancy examination in mares may reflect that early post-ovulatory progestogen concentrations were low.

This study aimed to characterize the response of transport-naïve dogs to one and two-hour road transports based on cortisol in saliva and blood plasma, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio and behavior. Two persons familiar to the dogs were present during transports and control experiments. We hypothesized that transport elicits a stress response, which decreases with repeated transports. Beagle dogs were allocated to three groups ( n = 6 each). Group 1 served as control in the stable in week 1 and was transported for one hour in weeks 2, 3 and 4. Groups 2 and 3 served as controls in a non-moving vehicle and in the stable, respectively, in week 2. All three groups were transported for two hours in week 6. Cortisol concentration increased during transports ( p < 0.001), and this increase remained constant with repeated transports. Cortisol release during two-hour transports was not affected by transport experience. Cortisol concentration increased twofold in plasma and eightfold in saliva, indicating an increase in free cortisol. The N/L ratio increased during transport ( p < 0.05). Heart rate increased at the beginning of transport while HRV decreased ( p < 0.001). Heart rate and HRV neither differed among weeks nor between animals with different transport experience. During transports, but also in the stationary vehicle, dogs were mostly sitting, and time spent standing decreased during experiments ( p < 0.001). Licking the mouth was the most frequent behavior during transports but not in the stationary vehicle ( p < 0.01). In conclusion, a transport-induced stress response was evident in dogs. There was no habituation with repeated transports, and transported dogs may suffer from motion sickness.

Equine fetomaternal monitoring is based on endocrine and cardiac parameters which may differ among small, medium-size, and full-size horses. Therefore, Shetland ( n = 6), Haflinger ( n = 8), and Warmblood pregnancies ( n = 9) were studied during late gestation and at foaling. Weight of mares, foals and placenta, plasma progestin and cortisol concentration, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined. Foal weight always approximated 10% of mare weight but relative placenta weight was highest in full-size mares ( p < 0.05). Progestin ( p < 0.001) and cortisol ( p < 0.05) concentration was highest in full-size mares. Progestin concentration decreased towards parturition ( p < 0.001) while cortisol concentration increased ( p < 0.01). Maternal heart rate increased before foaling with the most pronounced increase in small mares ( p < 0.001). The HRV increased during foaling and decreased when delivery was completed ( p < 0.001). Changes were most pronounced in full-size mares ( p < 0.001). Atrio-ventricular blocks regularly occurred in parturient full-size mares but only occasionally in medium-size and small mares (time p < 0.05, time × group p < 0.05). This may reflect breed differences in cardiovascular efficiency. Fetal heart rate decreased towards birth ( p < 0.001) with the most pronounced decrease in full-size horses ( p < 0.01). Fetal HRV showed no consistent changes before birth but increased when the foal was born ( p < 0.001), this increase being most pronounced in full-size foals ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates both similarities and differences in peripartum endocrine and cardiac changes in horses of different size.

Differences in the cryotolerance of spermatozoa exist among stallions, but it remains to be determined to what extent such differences are affected by breed. In this study, post-thaw semen quality in stallions presented for semen cryopreservation was analysed retrospectively (1012 ejaculates from 134 stallions of 5 breeds). The percentage of frozen-thawed ejaculates acceptable for artificial insemination (AI) and the number of insemination doses per cryopreserved ejaculate was calculated. Logistic regression analysis revealed sperm motility in raw semen as the most important explanatory variable for the percentage of cryopreserved ejaculates with a post-thaw quality acceptable for AI. Of the other variables included into the model, stallion age was the most important parameter with more acceptable ejaculates in younger than in older stallions. Logistic regression also showed more acceptable frozen-thawed ejaculates in Arab stallions versus Warmbloods, Quarter Horses and Icelandic horses. The analysis thus demonstrates differences in the percentage of acceptable cryopreserved ejaculates among horse breeds. Season was a less relevant explanatory variable for percentage of acceptable cryopreserved ejaculates. Logistic regression revealed total sperm count as the most important variable determining the number of cryopreserved semen doses obtained per acceptable ejaculate. In conclusion, logistic regression analysis revealed stallion age and breed as explanatory variables for the percentage of cryopreserved ejaculates acceptable for AI.

Microorganisms growing in biofilms might be possible biocatalysts for future biotechnological production processes. Attached to a surface and embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix, they create their preferred environment and form robust cultures for continuous systems. With the objective of implementing highly efficient processes, productive biofilms need to be understood comprehensively. In this study, the influence of microstructured metallic surfaces on biofilm productivity was researched. To conduct this study, titanium and stainless steel sheets were polished, micromilled, as well as coated with particles. Subsequently, the metal sheets were exposed to the lactic acid producing Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis under laminar and homogeneous flow conditions in a custom-built flow cell. A proof-of-concept showed that biofilm formation in the system only occurred on the designated substratum. Following a 24-h batch cultivation for primary biofilm development, the culture was continuously provided with glucose containing medium. As different experimental series have indicated, the process resulted to be stable for up to eleven days. Primary metabolite productivity averaged around 6-7 g/(L h). Interestingly, the productivity was shown to be affected neither by the type of metal, nor by the applied microstructures. Nevertheless, a higher dry biomass weight determined on micro-milled substratum indicates a complementary differentiation of biofilm components in future experiments., (© 2017 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Objective: To evaluate changes of glycoconjugate in uterine glands of endometrial tissues obtained from mares., Animals: adult mares., Procedure: Uterine biopsy samples were collected during the breeding season and analyzed histologically for signs of chronic endometrial degeneration. Stage of the estrous cycle was established, using clinical examination and determination of hormonal status. Uterine tissue samples were analyzed, using lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques (estrogen and progesterone receptors). Connective tissues were stained to determine alterations of ground substance in periglandular fibrosis., Results: Of 50 mares, 30 (60%) were classified as normal or having modest alterations, and 20 (40%) were classified as having moderate or severe endometrial degeneration. In normal equine endometrium, several lectins (Helix pomatia agglutinin, Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin, Ricinus communis I agglutinin, Ulex europaeus agglutinin, and wheat germ agglutinin) bound to glycoconjugates of the luminal epithelium and openings of uterine glands. Lectin binding patterns of cystic dilated glands or fibrotic glands in endometrial samples were remarkably strong, whereas normal surrounding cells remained unstained. Lotus tetragonolobus lectin was not suitable for detecting endometrial alterations. Connective tissues stained with Alcian blue and results of Hale colloidal-iron binding revealed acidic ground substance in periglandular fibrosis. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were evenly distributed in healthy and affected endometrial samples., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Glycoconjugate patterns of uterine glands were altered in mares with chronic endometrial degeneration. Therefore, uterine secretions are likely to be altered. These changes are not induced by changes in content of estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometrial tissues.

Modulation of reproductive functions is one of the multiple effects of growth hormone (GH). To investigate effects of reproductive functions on GH release in the horse, plasma GH concentrations in ovary-intact (n = 7) and ovariectomized (n = 8) mares during the anovulatory and breeding seasons and in pregnant mares (n = 6) at various stages of gestation were determined. To analyze an opioidergic regulation of GH release, repeated blood samples were taken over 3 h, and mares were injected with the opioid antagonist naloxone (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) or saline. GH was determined by RIA with an antiserum raised against porcine GH and equine GH as standard. In ovariectomized and ovary-intact, cyclic mares, GH concentrations were low and not different between the two groups in November and December. GH concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) in cyclic mares during May and June but were not affected by stage of the cycle and were low in ovariectomized mares. In pregnant mares, plasma GH concentrations remained high throughout pregnancy and did not decrease during winter but increased significantly (P < 0.05) postpartum. Naloxone induced a significant GH release in ovary-intact mares; this response was most pronounced (P < 0.05) during the breeding season. Naloxone did not affect GH in ovariectomized mares. During pregnancy, naloxone induced a significant release of GH around Day 280 (P < 0.05) but not at other times of pregnancy. In conclusion, GH release is influenced by season. The seasonal changes depend on ovarian factors, are absent in ovariectomized mares, and can be modulated by pregnancy. GH release is regulated at least in part by opioidergic pathways.

Effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone on concentrations of LH and FSH in plasma were measured in mares during different stages of the oestrous cycle. During the follicular phase of the cycle, naloxone (300 mg i.v.) had no discernible effects on basal concentrations of LH and FSH. A significant increase in plasma LH (P < 0.01) and FSH (P < 0.05) concentrations was observed after naloxone in mares during the luteal phase. This response was not different between suckled and non-suckled mares. The gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue buserelin (0.02 mg i.v.) caused a significant (P < 0.05) LH and FSH release irrespective of the stage of the oestrous cycle and a previous naloxone treatment. The results of this study indicate that endogenous opioid peptides are involved in the inhibition of LH and FSH release during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle in mares and may partially mediate the suppressive influence of progesterone on gonadotrophin secretion. The opioid-mediated suppression of LH and FSH release does not seem to be affected by suckling.

Concentrations of beta-endorphin and oxytocin were measured in plasma of cows before, during and after parturition. The effect of the PGF2 alpha analogue cloprostenol on beta-endorphin and oxytocin release was investigated. During parturition, there were marked, parallel increases in beta-endorphin and oxytocin concentrations. Both hormones were released in an episodic manner in conjunction with uterine and abdominal contractions. It is therefore likely that factors stimulating oxytocin release also enhance beta-endorphin secretion. This suggests a role of labour or labour-associated hormones in stimulating peripheral beta-endorphin release. Cloprostenol caused an immediate, pronounced increase in plasma beta-endorphin and oxytocin concentrations.

Plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin were measured, with appropriate radioimmunoassays, in cows during gestation and at parturition and in newborn calves. During pregnancy beta-endorphin immunoreactivity (IR) concentration increased, but values during the last month of gestation were not different from those at parturition. Highest met-enkephalin IR levels were obtained in cows during calving. A term Caesarean section caused an increase in plasma beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin IR concentrations, but no such increase occurred in cases of a preterm Caesarean section. In calves beta-endorphin IR values were lower before umbilical cord rupture than immediately after birth. Values decreased continuously thereafter. This was also the case for met-enkephalin IR concentrations in calves born at term. In preterm calves met-enkephalin IR values were low immediately after delivery and increased during the first hour of life. A significant correlation existed between the degree of acidosis and plasma levels of both opioid peptides in the calves. We conclude that a direct stimulation of peripheral beta-endorphin release by the pain or stress associated with calving does not seem to exist in cattle, whereas met-enkephalin seems to be more directly related to parturition. In calves the change to the extrauterine environment causes an immediate, increased release of both opioids.