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Comparison of arterial and venous blood gas and acide-base values in prematurely born vital calves and calves with respiratory distress syndrome The arterial and venous blood gas and acid-base values of 44 calves delivered by caesarean section before term were examined during the first seven days of life. The newborns were divided into two groups based on clinical observations during the first hour of life, the blood pH and the base deficit: Group 1: 30 calves without respiratory distress syndrome (vital, non-asphyxial); they did not develop any diseases in the course of the experiment. Group 2: 14 calves with respiratory distress syndrome (asphyxiai); 9 of these animals died in the course of the experiment. The blood gas and acid-base parameters (blood pH, base deficit, pCO2, pO2) measured in venous blood of the calves without respiratory distress syndrome (group 1) were similar to those cited in the literature for calves delivered at term. Among the calves that had survived respiratory distress syndrome, significantly decreased blood pH and increased base deficit values were found in both venous and arterial blood even on the third day after birth. Differences in pCO2 and pO2 were, however, no longer statistically significant between the two groups after 24 hours of life. For blood pH, base deficit, and pCO2 significant correlations were consistently found between the values in venous blood and the corresponding values in arterial blood in vital (non-asphyxial) calves. Due to the considerably smaller number of animals significant correlations between these parameters were less frequent in asphyxiai calves, although some of the correlation coefficients were higher than in the vital calves. Experimentally induced influences and animal variation made the corresponding pO2-values of venous and arterial blood in both test groups less unequivocal. The analysis of arterial blood gas and acid-base parameters was not more conclusive than the analysis of venous blood regarding diagnosis and prognosis of respiratory distress syndrome. The blood pH and base deficit seemed to be the most suitable parameters to evaluate the severeness of the disease. Zusammenfassung Bei 44 vor dem eigentlichen Geburtstermin durch Schnittentbindung entwickelten Kälbern (Gestationsalter 260 bis 270 Tage) wurden die arteriellen und venösen Blutgas- und Säurebasenwerte im Verlauf der ersten 7 Lebenstage untersucht. In Abhängigkeit von den im Verlauf der ersten Lebensstunde ermittelten klinischen Befunden und der pH- und Basendefizitwerte wurden die Neugeborenen in 2 Gruppen eingeteilt: Gruppe 1: 30 Kälber ohne Spätasphyxie; sie durften im Versuchszeitraum keine Erkrankungen aufweisen. Gruppe 2: 14 Kälber mit Spätasphyxie; davon verendeten im Versuchszeitraum 9 Tiere. Die bei den Kälbern ohne Spätasphyxie (Gruppe 1) im venösen Blut ermittelten Blutgas- und Säurebasenparameter (pH, Basendefizit, pCO2, pO2) stimmten weitgehend mit den für termingerecht geborene lebensfrische Kälber in der Literatur angegebenen Daten überein. Bei den eine Spätasphyxie überlebenden Kälbern waren selbst am 3. Tag nach der Geburt noch deutlich schlechtere pH- und Basendefizitwerte sowohl im venösen als auch im arteriellen Blut feststellbar. Dagegen ergaben sich bei den Parametern 'pCO2' und 'pO2' ab der 24. Lebensstunde keine signifikanten Unterschiede mehr zwischen beiden Kälbergruppen. Für die Parameter 'pH', 'Basendefizit' und 'pCO2' wurden bei den lebensfrischen Kälbern zu allen Meßzeitpunkten signifikante Korrelationen zwischen den im venösen Blut und den entsprechenden im arteriellen Blut gemessenen Werten festgestellt. Bedingt durch die erhebliche kleinere Tierzahl wurden bei den asphyktischen Kälbern bezüglich dieser Parameter seltener signifikante Beziehungen festgestellt, obgleich die Korrelationskoeffizienten zahlenmäßig zum Teil über denen der lebensfrischen Kälber lagen. Bedingt durch individuelle und versuchsabhängige Einflüsse stellten sich die Beziehungen zwischen den pO2-Werten des venösen Blutes und den entsprechenden Werten des arteriellen Blutes in beiden Versuchsgruppen weniger deutlich dar. In bezug auf die Diagnose und Prognose der Spätasphyxie erwies sich somit die Bestimmung der arteriellen Blutgas- und Säurebasenparameter nicht aufschlußreicher als die Untersuchung des einfacher und risikoärmer zu gewinnenden venösen Blutes. Die Blutparameter pH- und Basendefizit scheinen dabei am besten geeignet, den Grad und das Ausmaß der Erkrankung einzuschätzen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creatinine, urea and electrolytes in prematurely born healthy calves and calves with respiratory distress syndrome: The physical condition of 44 calves delivered by caesarean section before term was monitored by clinical and repeated laboratory examinations (analysis of creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and inorganic phosphorus) during the first seven days of life. The newborns were divided into two groups based on the clinical observations during the first hour of life, the blood pH and the base deficit: Group 1: 30 calves without respiratory distress syndrome (vital, non asphyxial); they did not develop any diseases in the course of the experiment. Group 2: 14 calves with respiratory distress syndrome (asphyxial); 9 of these animals died in the course of the experiment. The analysis of the parameters creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and inorganic phosphorus did not reveal any disturbance in kidney function in vital or in asphyxial prematurely born calves. All findings corresponded to those in calves born at term. So these parameters are not very meaningful in relation to metabolic disorders in respiratory distress syndrome. Zusammenfassung Bei 44 vor dem eigentlichen Geburtstermin durch Schnittentbindung entwickelten Kälbern (Gestationsalter 260 bis 270 Tage) wurde der Gesundheitszustand bis zum 7. Lebenstag klinisch sowie durch wiederholte Laboratoriumsuntersuchungen überwacht (Messung von Kreatinin, Harnstoff, Natrium, Kalium, Chlorid und anorganischem Phosphat). Anhand der im Verlauf der ersten Lebensstunde ermittelten klinischen Befunde und der pH- und Basendefizitwerte wurden die Neugeborenen in 2 Gruppen eingeteilt: Gruppe 1: 30 Kälber ohne Spätasphyxie; sie durften im Versuchszeitraum keine Erkrankung aufweisen. Gruppe 2: 14 Kälber mit Spätasphyxie; davon verendeten im Versuchszeitraum 9 Tiere. Die Bestimmung der Parameter 'Kreatinin', 'Harnstoff', 'Natrium', 'Kalium', 'Chlorid' und 'anorganisches Phosphat' erwies sich als wenig aussagekräftig für die Erfassung der im Rahmen der Spätasphyxie ablaufenden Stoffwechselveränderungen. Weder bei den gesunden noch bei den asphyktischen Frühgeborenen war eine Beeinträchtigung der Nierenfunktion zu erkennen. Alle Werte entsprachen denen termingerecht geborener Kälber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of an experimental ischemia lasting for 45 minutes and a subsequent period of reperfusion of equal length on the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) and microsomal NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (NADPH-CR) were investigated in the small intestinal mucosa of male neonatal calves of the breed German 'Schwarzbunte'. The activity of the NADPH-CR was determined by chemiluminescence. The activity of XO decreased during ischemia, but rose to values above the control level following reperfusion. 5 mg of Cu2(succinate)2 (CuSu) administered either intraarterially or intraluminally during reperfusion prevented the rise in XO. Formation of malondialdehyde decreased in the presence of CuSu. The NADPH-CR likewise showed subnormal activity values during ischemia, but also remained at a low level during reperfusion. The activity of this enzyme was further lowered by local intraarterial or intraluminal administration of 5 mg of CuSu and by 120 mg of CuSu administered intravenously during the reperfusion. These results are discussed with regard to the superoxide anion radical induced tissue lesions observed during reperfusion. Zusammenfassung Untersuchungen über den Einfluß von Kupfersuccinat auf die Produktion von Superoxidanion-Radikalen durch bovine Dünndarmmukosazellen An Dünndarmmukosazellen neugeborener männlicher schwarzbunter Kälber wurde der Einfluß einer 45minütigen experimentellen Ischämie und einer nachfolgenden gleich langen Reperfusionsphase auf die Aktivität der Xanthinoxidase (XO) und der mikrosomalen NADPH-Cytochrom P450 Reduktase (NADPH-CR) untersucht. Die Aktivität der mikrosomalen NADPH-CR wurde mit Hilfe eines Chemilumineszenzverfahrens bestimmt. Die Aktivität der XO verminderte sich während der Ischämie, stieg jedoch als Folge der Reperfusion auf über dem Kontrollniveau liegende Werte an. Eine während der Reperfusion lokal intraarteriell oder lokal intraluminal vorgenommene Applikation von 5 mg Cu2(Succinat)2 (CuSu) verhinderte den Anstieg der XO-Aktivität. Die Bildung von Malondialdehyd war in Gegenwart von CuSu vermindert. Auch die NADPH-CR wies während der Ischämiephase subnormale Werte auf. Im Gegensatz zur XO verblieb die Aktivität der NADPH-CR auch während der Reperfusion auf niedrigem Niveau. Die Verabreichung von 5 mg CuSu lokal intraarteriell oder lokal intraluminal bzw. von 120 mg CuSu intravenös während der Reperfusion senkte die Aktivität der NADPH-CR noch weiter ab. Diese Ergebnisse werden im Hinblick auf Gewebsläsionen diskutiert, deren Ausbildung mit endogen entstehenden Superoxidanionradikalen in Zusammenhang gebracht wird. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AST, GLDH, γ-GT, total bilirubin und CPK during the first week of life in prematurely born vital calves and calves with respiratory distress syndrome: The physical condition of 44 calves delivered by caesarean section before term was monitored by clinical and repeated laboratory examinations (analysis of AST, GLDH, γ-GT, CPK, total bilirubin) during the first seven days of life. The newborns were divided into two groups based on the clinical observations during the first hour of life, the blood pH and the base deficit: Group 1: 30 calves without respiratory distress syndrome (vital, non asphyxial); they did not develop any diseases in the course of the experiment. Group 2: 14 calves with respiratory distress syndrome (asphyxial); 9 of these animals died in the course of the experiment. No significant differences between the vital and asphyxial calves were found in respect to the enzymes AST, GLDH, γ-GT, CK as well as total bilirubin values measured during the first week of life. These blood parameters were within the normal range for calves delivered at term. The results do not indicate any disorder in liver and muscle functions in prematurely born calves with or without respiratory distress syndrome. Zusammenfassung Bei 44 vor dem eigentlichen Geburtstermin durch Schnittentbindung entwickelten Kälbern (Gestationsalter 260 bis 270 Tage) wurde der Gesundheitszustand bis zum 7. Lebenstag klinisch sowie durch wiederholte Laboratoriumsuntersuchungen überwacht (Messung von AST, GLDH, γ-GT, CK und Gesamtbiiirubin). Anhand der im Verlauf der ersten Lebensstunde ermittelten klinischen Befunde und der pH-und Basendefizitwerte wurden die Neugeborenen in 2 Gruppen eingeteilt: Gruppe 1: 30 Kälber ohne Spätasphyxie; sie durften im Versuchszeitraum keine Erkrankungen aufweisen. Gruppe 2: 14 Kälber mit Spätasphyxie; davon verendeten im Versuchszeitraum 9 Tiere. Bezüglich der im Blutserum während der ersten Lebenswoche bestimmten Enzym- (AST, GLDH, γ-GT, CK) und Gesamtbilirubinwerte waren keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen lebensfrischen und asphyktischen Kälbern nachweisbar. Diese Blutinhaltsstoffe bewegten sich im Bereich der für termingerecht geborene Kälber angegebenen Normalwerte. Somit ergaben sich bei den frühgeborenen Kälbern mit oder ohne Spätasphyxie aufgrund dieser Blutparameter keine Hinweise auf eine Störung der Leber- oder Muskelfunktion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the genus Malassezia has been reclassified based on molecular data. In addition to M. furfur, M. pachydermatis and M. sympodialis, four new species. M. globosa, M. ohtusa, M. reatricta and M. slooffiiae, have been described. However, apart from their lipid dependence, little is known about the metabolism and nutritional requirements of all the seven species. Further to recent studies. 10 hydrophilic emulsifiers (HLB < 10) were examined in an agar diffusion test to determine their growth-promoting effect on reference strains of the different Malassezia species. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 7 glyceryl monoaicanoate (Cetiol HE), PEG-glyceryi stearate (Tagat S2) and macrogol-50 stearate (Myrj 53) were metabolized by all strains, while PEG-35 castor oil (Cremophor EL) was metabolized only by M. furfur. The latter observation is due to a different metabolism of castor oil and its main component, ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxy oleic acid), which may also give an insight into the pathogenesis of diseases that are associated with Malassezia spp. As hydroxy fatty acids are important in maintaining the epidermal structure and function, their metabolism specifically by M. furfur might clarify some clinical aspects of pityriasis versicolor. Apart from this speculation, use of Cremophor EL, with splitting of esculin as an additional key character, improves the distinction of the species M. furfur, M. slooffiae and M. sympodialis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: The US Department of Agriculture recently issued an interim final rule governing the sale of foods and beverages sold outside of the school meal programs ("competitive foods and beverages" [CF&Bs])., Objective: To examine the potential influence that the federal rule may have based on peer-reviewed published studies examining the relationship between state laws and/or school district policies and student body mass index (BMI) and weight outcomes, consumption, and availability of CF&Bs., Evidence Review: Keyword searches of peer-reviewed literature published between January 2005 and March 2013 were conducted using multiple databases. Titles and abstracts for 1160 nonduplicate articles were reviewed, with a full review conducted on 64 of those articles to determine their relevancy. Qualitative studies, studies of self-reported policies, or studies examining broad policies without a specific CF&B element were excluded., Findings: Twenty-four studies were selected for inclusion. Studies focused on state laws (n = 14), district policies (n = 8), or both (n = 2), with the majority of studies (n = 18) examining foods and beverages (as opposed to food-only or beverage-only policies). Sixteen studies examined prepolicy/postpolicy changes, and 8 studies examined postpolicy changes. Study designs were cross-sectional (n = 20), longitudinal (n = 3), or a combination (n = 1). Outcomes examined included change in BMI, weight, probability of overweight or obesity (n = 4), consumption (n = 10), and availability (n = 13); 3 studies examined more than 1 outcome. The majority of studies primarily reported results in the expected direction (n = 15), with the remaining studies (n = 9) reporting primarily mixed or nonsignificant results., Conclusions and Relevance: In most cases, CF&B policies are associated with changes in consumption and/or availability in the expected direction; however, caution should be exercised, given that nearly all were cross-sectional. The influence of such policies on overall student consumption and BMI and weight outcomes was mixed. The findings hold promise for the likely influence of federal CF&B regulations on changes in student in-school consumption and in-school competitive food availability. Further research is needed to truly understand the association between these policies and overall consumption and weight outcomes.

Exchange splitting and dynamics of image-potential states in front of a 3 monolayer iron film on Cu(100) have been studied with time-, energy-, and spin-resolved bichromatic two-photon photoemission. For the first image-potential state n=1 we observe an exchange splitting of 56 +/- 10 meV and spin-dependent lifetimes of 16 +/- 2 fs for majority-spin and of 11 +/- 2 fs for minority-spin electrons, respectively. The time-resolved studies of both the population and the linewidth of image-potential states manifest that at the magnetic surface not only inelastic but also quasielastic scattering processes are spin dependent.

The papillomavirus minor capsid protein, L2, has been shown to exhibit immunogenicity, whereby a variety of B-cell epitopes, predominantly in the amino terminus of L2, have been deduced. However, immunity to L2 in vivo has not been examined extensively. Notably, a common neutralization epitope for human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 16 was mapped to amino acids (aa) 108 to 120. The objectives of this study were to derive antisera from rabbits using the corresponding sequences from rabbit viruses and to assess the ability of these peptides to protect against infection. Synthetic peptides consisting of two overlapping sequences each in the region of aa 94 to 122 of the rabbit oral (ROPV) and cottontail rabbit (CRPV) papillomaviruses were used to immunize rabbits. Rabbits were then infected with both ROPV and CRPV and monitored for the development of oral and cutaneous papillomas, respectively. Serum derived from rabbits immunized with either of the two peptides was shown to (i) react to purified L2 from the cognate virus, (ii) specifically recognize L2 within virus-infected cells, and (iii) neutralize virus in vitro. Following viral challenge, cutaneous papilloma growth was completely absent in rabbits immunized with either CRPV peptide. Likewise, ROPV peptide-immunized rabbits were protected from oral papillomatosis. Challenge of CRPV peptide-immune rabbits with the viral genome resulted in efficient papilloma growth, suggesting a neutralizing antibody-mediated mechanism of protection. These results afford in vivo evidence for the immunogenicity provided by a distinct region of L2 and further support previous evidence for the ability of this region to elicit antiviral immunity.

The dynamics of image-potential states on Cu(119) have been studied with two-photon photoemission. Direction-dependent quasielastic scattering processes with large momentum transfer are attributed to the finite terrace-width distribution on the stepped surface. This effectively couples image-potential states via interband scattering and leads to an asymmetry of the decay rate. Electrons in the first image-potential state live apparently longer when running upstairs.

We used the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) New Zealand White rabbit model to test a combination treatment of large established papillomas with intralesional cidofovir and DNA vaccination to cure sites and reduce recurrences. Intralesional 1% (wt/vol) (0.036 M) cidofovir treatment of rabbit papillomas led to elimination, or "cure," of the papillomas over a 6- to 8-week treatment period (N. D. Christenson, M. D. Pickel, L. R. Budgeon, and J. W. Kreider, Antivir. Res. 48:131-142, 2000). However, recurrences at periods from 1 to 8 weeks after treatment cessation were observed at approximately 50% of cured sites. DNA vaccinations with CRPV E1, E2, E6, and E7 were initiated either after or at the time of intralesional treatments, and the recurrence rates were observed. When DNA vaccinations were started after intralesional cures, recurrence rates were similar to those of vector-vaccinated rabbits. A small proportion of recurrent sites subsequently regressed (4 out of 10, or 40%) in the vaccinated group versus no regression of recurrences in the vector-immunized group (0 out of 19, or 0%), indicating partial effectiveness. In contrast, when DNA vaccinations were conducted during intralesional treatments, a significant reduction of recurrences (from 10 out of 19, or 53%, of sites in vector-immunized rabbits to 3 out of 20, or 15%, of sites in viral-DNA-immunized rabbits) was observed. DNA vaccination without intralesional treatments had a minimal effect on preexisting papillomas. These data indicated that treatment with a combination of antiviral compounds and specific immune stimulation may lead to long-term cures of lesions without the ensuing problem of papilloma recurrence.

Malignant progression is a life-threatening consequence of human papillomavirus-associated lesions. In this study, we tested the efficacy of papillomavirus early-gene-based vaccines for prevention of carcinoma development of papillomavirus-induced skin papillomas on rabbits. Rabbit skin papillomas were initiated by infection with cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). The papillomas were allowed to grow for 3 months without any treatment intervention. Rabbits were then immunized by gene gun-mediated intracutaneous administration of four DNA plasmids encoding CRPV E1, E2, E6, and E7 genes, respectively. All eight control rabbits receiving vector alone developed invasive carcinoma within 8 to 13 months. In contrast, only two of eight vaccinated rabbits developed carcinoma at 12 and 15 months, respectively. Papilloma growth was suppressed in the majority of vaccinated rabbits but not completely eradicated. These results indicate that gene gun-mediated immunization with papillomavirus early genes may be a promising strategy for prevention of malignant progression of human papillomavirus-associated lesions in humans.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that spontaneous regression of Shope papillomas involves tumor necrosis factor-alpha and apoptotic cell death of the papilloma cells. In situ hybridization using RNA probes of rabbit tumor necrosis factor-alpha revealed tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA in most of the numerous mononuclear cells infiltrating the upper dermis of regressing papillomas and at the dermoepidermal junction. Such cells in progressing papillomas were much fewer in number and were located in the deeper dermis. In situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay demonstrated DNA strand breaks in many scattered epidermal keratinocytes of regressing papillomas but in only a few thin layers just beneath the horny layer in progressing papillomas. Electron microscopy demonstrated that regressing papillomas contained many apoptotic bodies and keratinocytes showing apoptotic changes such as chromatin condensation, degradation of condensed nuclei, surface protuberances, and a filamentous degeneration, as well as infiltrating lymphocytes and macrophages. We propose that tumor necrosis factor-alpha produced by infiltrating mononuclear cells probably plays a role in the papilloma regression.

We tested the hypothesis that infiltrating leukocytes might contribute to papilloma destruction following podofilox treatment. New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were inoculated with cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) onto abraded areas of the dorsal skin. At 21 d after viral inoculation, 5.0% podofilox solution was applied to some papillomas, whereas others were used as controls. Three rabbits were sacrificed at each of three different periods after treatment initiation (1, 4, and 7 d). Four monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), RG-16 (for B cells), L11/135 (specific for T cells), 2C4 (specific for class II antigen), and Ki67 (specific for proliferating cells), were used in an immunohistochemical study. All positive cells and total cells in the field were counted with an ocular grid. After 1 d of treatment, proliferation of papilloma cells was strongly suppressed in treated papillomas, but leukocytic infiltration was not altered. At 4 d and 7 d of treatment, there were substantial increases (about two to three times) in the numbers of B and T cells and class II-expressing leukocytes. The upper layers of the papillomas were highly necrotic and cell proliferation was absent in all layers. These data support the view that podofilox has a direct toxic effect on papilloma tissue. Leukocyte infiltration is not strongly associated with papilloma tissue and may not contribute to papilloma destruction.

We investigated the timing of podofilox delivery to see how it correlated with papilloma size. We looked at times ranging from once per week (morning and afternoon) to five times per week (morning and afternoon). We also looked at delivery systems that might enhance the effectiveness of the drug by increasing penetration of the overlying cutaneous horn. These included soaking prior to drug administration, the use of a grooved needle subsequent to drug administration, and the various possible combinations of these techniques. We found that the timing of treatments had relatively little effect on the size of the papillomas. For example, at the end of ten weeks, the geometric mean diameter (GMD) (mm) of the papillomas treated five times per week and induced by a 10(-1) dilution of the virus (group B) was 18. Likewise the GMD (mm) of papillomas treated once per week was 18 (group D). On the other hand, we found that soaking plus the use of a grooved needle plus podofilox resulted in the curing of all lesions induced by a 10(-2) virus dilution and of most induced by the 10(-1) dilution, whereas soak plus podofilox or podofilox alone were not as effective in curing the lesions. Podofilox plus needle approached the soak plus podofilox plus needle in effectiveness. Treatment schedule was not a critical determinant of podofilox effectiveness. Therapeutic benefits were enhanced by hydration of the overlying cutaneous horn and penetration with a grooved needle.

The objective of the present study was to assess the utility of Shope rabbit papillomas as an animal model system for studying topical podofilox treatment and to evaluate dose-response relations and influence of duration of papilloma growth prior to treatment. New Zealand White rabbits received inoculations of cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) virions of two dilutions at four sites total on the dorsum. Two papillomas on the left side were treated with podofilox (Oclassen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Rafael, CA). The drug was given topically twice each day, 5 d per week, for 21 d. We evaluated the effects of drug dose and the duration of papilloma growth prior to treatment. Results indicated that treatment beginning on day 28 with both 0.5 and 2.5% (w/v) podofilox inhibited papilloma growth, but 5.0% was more effective. In a separate experiment, papillomas were treated at 7, 21, or 60 d after virus inoculation. At 7 d, the untreated lesions were latent (not visible). At 21 d after infection, they were about 2.5 mm in diameter. At 60 d, papillomas were about 25 mm. Treatment with 5.0% podofilox beginning on any of those days strongly inhibited papilloma growth. Neither Southern blots nor PCR detected CRPV DNA in cured sites of previous virus infection. Antibody production to CRPV virion was not affected by drug treatment. 5.0% podofilox irritated normal skin adjacent to papillomas as evidenced by inflammation, induration, and superficial erosion. However, healing was satisfactory and no scarring resulted. We concluded that the Shope papilloma was a good model system for studying podofilox treatment because the lesions responded to drug across a broad range of drug concentrations and papilloma sizes.

In this case report a perforation of the uterus in a German Black Pied cow after correction of the uterine torsion in the 5th month of gestation is described. Because of the hopeless prognosis, the cow was slaughtered. An additional finding was a metaplastic keratinization of the chorionic epithelium in the form of a plaque. The reason and pathogenic meaning of this metaplasia is not known. In the discussion, therapy of the uterine torsion in such an early state of gestation is critically considered.

The arterial and venous blood gas and acid-base values of 44 calves delivered by caesarean section before term were examined during the first seven days of life. The newborns were divided into two groups based on clinical observations during the first hour of life, the blood pH and the base deficit: Group 1: 30 calves without respiratory distress syndrome (vital, non-asphyxial); they did not develop any diseases in the course of the experiment. Group 2: 14 calves with respiratory distress syndrome (asphyxial); 9 of these animals died in the course of the experiment. The blood gas and acid-base parameters (blood pH, base deficit, pCO2, pO2) measured in venous blood of the calves without respiratory distress syndrome (group 1) were similar to those cited in the literature for calves delivered at term. Among the calves that had survived respiratory distress syndrome, significantly decreased blood pH and increased base deficit values were found in both venous and arterial blood even on the third day after birth. Differences in pCO2 and pO2 were, however, no longer statistically significant between the two groups after 24 hours of life. For blood pH, base deficit, and pCO2 significant correlations were consistently found between the values in venous blood and the corresponding values in arterial blood in vital (non-asphyxial) calves. Due to the considerably smaller number of animals significant correlations between these parameters were less frequent in asphyxial calves, although some of the correlation coefficients were higher than in the vital calves. Experimentally induced influences and animal variation made the corresponding pO2-values of venous and arterial blood in both test groups less unequivocal. The analysis of arterial blood gas and acid-base parameters was not more conclusive than the analysis of venous blood regarding diagnosis and prognosis of respiratory distress syndrome. The blood pH and base deficit seemed to be the most suitable parameters to evaluate the severeness of the disease.

The effect of an experimental ischemia lasting for 45 minutes and a subsequent period of reperfusion of equal length on the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) and microsomal NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (NADPH-CR) were investigated in the small intestinal mucosa of male neonatal calves of the breed German "Schwarzbunte". The activity of the NADPH-CR was determined by chemiluminescence. The activity of XO decreased during ischemia, but rose to values above the control level following reperfusion. 5 mg of Cu2(succinate)2 (CuSu) administered either intraarterially or intraluminally during reperfusion prevented the rise in XO. Formation of malondialdehyde decreased in the presence of CuSu. The NADPH-CR likewise showed subnormal activity values during ischemia, but also remained at a low level during reperfusion. The activity of this enzyme was further lowered by local intraarterial or intraluminal administration of 5 mg of CuSu and by 120 mg of CuSu administered intravenously during the reperfusion. These results are discussed with regard to the superoxide anion radical induced tissue lesions observed during reperfusion.

The physical condition of 44 calves delivered by caesarean section before term was monitored by clinical and repeated laboratory examinations (analysis of creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and inorganic phosphorus) during the first seven days of life. The newborns were divided into two groups based on the clinical observations during the first hour of life, the blood pH and the base deficit: Group 1: 30 calves without respiratory distress syndrome (vital, non asphyxial); they did not develop any diseases in the course of the experiment. Group 2: 14 calves with respiratory distress syndrome (asphyxial); 9 of these animals died in the course of the experiment. The analysis of the parameters creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and inorganic phosphorus did not reveal any disturbance in kidney function in vital or in asphyxial prematurely born calves. All findings corresponded to those in calves born at term. So these parameters are not very meaningful in relation to metabolic disorders in respiratory distress syndrome.

The physical condition of 44 calves delivered by caesarean section before term was monitored by clinical and repeated laboratory examinations (analysis of AST, GLDH, gamma-GT, CPK, total bilirubin) during the first seven days of life. The newborns were divided into two groups based on the clinical observations during the first hour of life, the blood pH and the base deficit: Group 1: 30 calves without respiratory distress syndrome (vital, non asphyxial); they did not develop any diseases in the course of the experiment. Group 2: 14 calves with respiratory distress syndrome (asphyxial; 9 of these animals died in the course of the experiment. No significant differences between the vital and asphyxial calves were found in respect to the enzymes AST, GLDH, gamma-GT, CK as well as total bilirubin values measured during the first week of life. These blood parameters were within the normal range for calves delivered at term. The results do not indicate any disorder in liver and muscle functions in prematurely born calves with or without respiratory distress syndrome.