Anestrus in cycling beef heifers experimentally inoculated with Anaplasmamarginale

Normal estrous cycles were established for twenty beef heifers. Ten heifers were inoculated with blood from a known $\text{Anaplasma}$$\text{marginale}$ carrier. The inoculated heifers experienced anemia, anorexia, and positive $\text{Anaplasma}$$\text{marginale}$ complement-fixing antibody titers, and $\text{A}$. $\text{marginale}$ was observed on the erythrocytes while uninoculated control heifers remained normal. Further observation following inoculation revealed that five of ten inoculated heifers experienced anestrus while controls continued to cycle normally. Anestrus coincided with clinical signs of acute anaplasmosis. Normal estrus patterns returned following treatment and recovery. This study provides evidence that acute anaplasmosis in beef heifers may cause anestrus and therefore lead to reproductive inefficiency.     

Effect of removing the zona pellucida on development of hamster and bovine embryos invitro and invivo

Uterine stage embryos collected from the hamster (8-cell) and cow (morula, early blastocyst) were monitored for development $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ (embryo culture) and $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ (embryo transfer) following premature removal of the zona pellucida.Removal of the zona pellucida did not significantly affect $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ development to the blastocyst stage of (1) 8-cell hamster embryos (zonae removed by a combined enzymic-mechanical procedure), (2) bovine morulae (zonae removed by mechanical means only) (3) early bovine blastocysts (zonae removed by the enzymic-mechanical technique).Zona-free hamster embryos formed significantly fewer viable fetuses than did zona-intact embryos. The lower incidence of fetal development observed following transfer of zona-free 8-cell hamster embryos may have resulted in part from the formation of chimeras by fusion of these embryos $\text{in}$$\text{utero}$. Such fusion was observed to occur $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ between zona-free embryos placed in close proximity. The proportion of pregnancies resulting from transfer of bovine blastocysts cultured from zona-free morulae was similar to that of zona-intact embryos.In this study we have demonstrated that (1) enzymic and mechanical procedures used to remove zonae pellucidae from uterine-stage hamster and bovine embryos do not adversely affect subsequent development of these embryos $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ and $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ and (2) zonae pellucidae are not required for normal development of these embryos. These findings have implications for microsurgery of mammalian embryos and for embryo transfer.     

Effect of Brucellaabortus infection on spermatogenesis in three Zebu bulls (Bosindicus). A case report

This case report addresses the occurrence of Brucellosis and its effect on the cattle in developing countries. Three Zebu bulls ($\text{Bos}$$\text{indicus}$) are presented and the clinical and pathologic signs are described. Conception rates declined following an abortion storm in one herd and without prior abortions in another herd. Semen collected by electro-ejaculation was found to be azoospermic or with very few spermatozoa. $\text{B. abortus}$ was isolated from seminal vesicles, testes and epididymides. Organs affected and showing microscopic lesions were testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles. The latter were not consistently affected. None of the bulls showed impairment of libido or breeding capacity.     

Effects of experimental Trypanosomavivax on fertility of heifers

Six heifers were used in a series of experiments to study the effects of experimental $\text{Trypanosoma}$$\text{vivax}$ infection on bovine reproduction. Four three-year-old Zebu heifers were intravenously inoculated with T. vivax-strain Y58 — on days 14 and 16 of their estrous cycle and two control heifers in the same phase of estrus were not infected. All the heifers were bred in the research pens with a proven bull. The four infected heifers were bred at the first wave of parasitemia and the onset of pyrexia which characterised the infection. All the heifers were examined rectally 40 days after breeding. The four infected heifers were not pregnant but the two controls were. The infected heifers later became anestrous during the experimental period of more than five months. It is concluded that trypanosomiasis may contribute to high infertility rates in cattle kept in endemic areas.     

Effect of Dermatophiluscongolensis infection on reproductive performance of dairy cattle

The effect of $\text{Dermatophilus}$$\text{congolensis}$ on reproductive performance and milk production of dairy cattle was investigated using a prospective cohort study design. The following results were obtained: the calving to conception interval was 122 vs 104 days (P<0.05) for cows with lesions (cases) and those without lesions (non-cases), respectively; the 180-day pregnancy rate was 70.3% vs 84.3% (P<0.02) for cases and non-cases, respectively; the interval to first service was 69 days for cases and 64 days for non-cases (P<0.05) and the interval from first to second service was 32.7 days for cases and 49.4 days (P<0.01) for non-cases. The prevalence of cows with lesions was 33% ($\text{66}\text{200}$). Lesions were most commonly found on the skin covering the coccygeal and sacral vertebrae and the gluteal muscles. White skin had a greater prevalence of lesions than did black skin (P<0.05).     

OKY-1581: A selective inhibitor of thromboxane synthesis invivo and invitro

OKY-1581 is an effective inhibitor of thromboxane synthesis $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ and $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$. The generation of thromboxane B₂ (TxB₂), prostaglandin E (PGE) and prostaglandin F (PGF) was measured following clotting and during platelet aggregation induced by collagen. The presence of OKY 1581 either $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ or $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ caused a reduction in TxB₂ generation during clotting and platelet aggregation with a concomitant increase in PGE and PGF. The effect could be observed two hours after oral or subcutaneous administration of 5 to 100 mg per rabbit and lasted for 24 to 48 hours. The reduction in TxB₂ was not accompanied by an inhibition of clotting or platelet aggregation. OKY-1581 appears to be a suitable agent for studying the role of TxB₂ in atherosclerosis.     

The argECBH-bearing EcoRI segment of the Escherichia coli chromosome

The transducing phage λd$\text{arg}\text{14}$, carrying a portion of the $\text{E. coli}$ chromosome including $\text{argECBH}$, is derived from the heat-inducible, lysis-defective strain λy199, which has the $\text{b}\text{519}$ and $\text{b}\text{515}$ deletions. Cleavage of λy199 DNA by $\text{Eco}$RI endonuclease, followed by agarose slab gel electrophoresis, results in bands corresponding to the known C, D, E, and F segments of λ, and a segment A′ (A plus B minus $\text{b}\text{519}$ minus $\text{b}\text{515}$, the cleavage site between A and B being eliminated). Cleavage of λd$\text{arg}\text{14}$ DNA by $\text{Eco}$RI yields the expected D, E, and F segments of λ and four other segments, termed 14-1 through 14-4, whose length is 17.5, 6.2, 3.0, and 2.0 kilobases, respectively, as determined by electron microscopy and corroborated by electrophoretic mobility. Heteroduplex analysis shows that the $\text{E. coli argECBH}$ cluster is on the 14-1 segment.     

Investigations into the potential for embryo transfer from Brucellaabortus infected cows without transmission of infection

Thirty-six attempts were made to isolate $\text{Brucella}$$\text{abortus}$ from the uterine flushings of culture positive and serologic reactor cows. Sixteen of these attempts were made after cows had been programmed for superovulation and a simultaneous attempt was made to recover eggs. Udder secretion samples for culture and blood for serology were collected at the time of the flushing procedure. In addition, a field isolate of $\text{Brucella}$$\text{abortus}$ suspended in three different solutions (one commonly used for nonsurgical embryo retrieval) was quantitated at various intervals up to 24 hours.Brucellae were not cultured from any of the uterine flushings although it was demonstrated that the organisms would remain viable in the media used for up to 24 hours. Udder secretions contained brucella at the time of flushing in 17 of the 36 attempts. Results indicated that transfer from infected donors might be achieved without transfer of infection. It is cautioned that final evidence of success would have to come after recipients had undergone serologic and cultural surveillance through their gestation period.     

Regulation of argF mRNA synthesis,performed in vitro

The specific synthesis of $\text{arg}$F mRNA directed by the $\text{arg}$F gene carried on the specialized transducing bacteriophage $\text{λh80C}{}_1\text{857darg}$F, performed $\text{in vitro}$, is described with the use of an S180 extract from a strain carrying $\text{arg}$R^?. Synthesis of $\text{arg}$F mRNA is biphasic at approximately 7 minutes. The regulation of $\text{arg}$F mRNA synthesis by the specific arginine holorepressor present in an S180 extract prepared from a strain carrying the $\text{arg}$R⁺ allele is described.     

Disaggregation of elongation factor 1 by extracts of Artemiasalina

Extracts of 40 hr $\text{Artemia}$$\text{salina}$ nauplii can convert a heavy form of elongation factor 1 (EF-1_H) to a light species (EF-1_L). The data indicate that a protease in the extracts is responsible for this reaction, and these findings may explain the observation that extracts from $\text{Artemia}$$\text{salina}$ nauplii have only EF-1_L whereas before hatching of the $\text{Artemia}$$\text{salina}$ embryos EF-1_H is the predominant species (Slobin and M?ller [1975] Nature 258, 452–454).     

An endodextranase inhibitor from batch cultures of Streptococcus,mutans

An inhibitor of $\text{Streptococcus}$,$\text{mutans}$ endodextranase was detected in proteins prepared from batch cultures of $\text{S.}$,$\text{mutans}$ strains representing serotypes $\text{a}$ through $\text{g}$. Affinity chromatography of strain 6715-49 proteins, which apparently were free of endodextranase activity, yielded an active endodextranase and, in a separate peak, the endodextranase inhibitor. The presence of the inhibitor in culture fluids accounts for the absence of endodextranase activity in batch-grown cultures of $\text{S.}$,$\text{mutans}$ known to produce this enzyme.     

Syntheses of E- and Z-pseudodiethylstilbestrol and Z-1-hydroxypseudodiethylstilbestrol

The synthesis and characterization of $\text{E}$- and $\text{Z}$-3,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-hexene ($\text{E}$- and $\text{Z}$-pseudo-DES) and of $\text{Z}$-3,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-hexen-1-ol ($\text{Z}$-1-hydroxypseudo-DES) are described. These compounds are useful as probes in the study of hormone action.     

The synthesis of 13-cis-dl-erythro-15, 16-dihydroxyprostaglandins

Both pairs of $\text{dl}$-ll-desoxy- and $\text{dl}$-13-$\text{cis}$-$\text{erythro}$-15, 16-dihydroxyprostaglandins have been synthesized via 1,4-conjugate additions of an appropriately functionalized $\text{cis}$-vinyl cuprate to the requisite cyclopentenone. These prostaglandin analogs are considerably less potent than PGE₂ as gastric secretion inhibitors or as bronchodilators.     

Prostaglandin synthesis in rat embryo tissue: The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in vivo and ex vivo

Aspirin and salicylate are well-known but poorly understood teratogens in laboratory animals. Because aspirin inhibits PG synthesis, we systematically examined PG synthesis in rat embryo homogenates, the inhibition of PG synthesis $\text{in vivo}$ and $\text{ex vivo}$ by various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and tested the hypothesis that the inhibition of PG synthesis is responsible for aspirin-induced limb defects in rats. We report that embryonic rat homogenates synthesis 6-keto-PGF_1α, PGE, and PGF in large amounts from endogenous substrate, that aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit PG synthesis $\text{in vitro}$ but not necessarily $\text{in vivo}$, and that contrary to our original hypothesis, the inhibition of PG synthesis is likely not responsible for aspirin-induced limb defects in rats.     

A new test of peripheral insulin sensitivity invivo using artificial beta cell

A new $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ test of insulin sensitivity is described. It utilizes closed-loop insulin delivery device (GCIIS, Biostator^®) capable of infusing glucose and insulin according to preselected algorithms. In euglycemic patients, insulin was infused by GCIIS to maintain euglycemia in the face of challenges with gradually increasing doses of intravenously administered glucose. Under the described experimental conditions, the endogenous insulin release was minimized as evidenced by serum C-peptide levels of less than 2 ng/ml, and thus the peripheral disposal of glucose should have depended entirely on the exogenous insulin. The amount of the insulin infused was considered to be a measure of peripheral insulin sensitivity. The test was applied to normal and non diabetic obese individuals, and to diabetics, both insulin dependent and independent. Significant insulin resistance was demonstrated in the obese and diabetic patients. In two obese females, the test was repeated after a prolonged period of starvation, and showed marked increase in insulin sensitivity. In two poorly controlled insulin dependent diabetics, marked increase in insulin sensitivity was also observed, here following a prolonged period of euglycemia (48 hours). It is concluded that the GCIIS controlled insulin sensitivity test is a simple, reliable test of peripheral insulin sensitivity, most convenient for clinical and experimental studies $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$     

Metabolites of mating pheromone,rhodotorucine A, by a cells of Rhodosporidiumtoruloides

Rhodotorucine $\text{A}$ which induces mating tube formation of $\text{a}$ cells in $\text{Rhodosporidium}\text{toruloides}$ is metabolized rapidly by $\text{a}$ cells. By use of labeled rhodotorucine $\text{A}$, the degradation was found to be proteolytic. Two peptide fragments Tyr-Pro-Glu-Ile-Ser-Trp-Thr-Arg and Asn-Gly-Cys(S-farnesyl) were identified as the metabolites. Proteolysis of the pheromone mainly occurred on the cell surface. Culture filtrate of $\text{a}$ cells at log phase did not metabolize rhodotorucine $\text{A}$.     

A soybean lectin having 4-O-Methyl-D-Glucuronic acid specificity

Evidence is presented for the presence of a new lectin activity in soybean seeds [$\text{Glycine}\text{max}$ (L.) Merrill] that has specificity towards the 4-O-methyl-$\text{D}$-glucurono-$\text{L}$-rhamnan exopolysaccharide produced by certain strains of $\text{Rhizobium}\text{japonicum}$. Bacterial agglutination and precipitin reactions revealed the lectin activity in phosphate-buffered saline extracts of seeds of all cultivars tested, including the “lectinless” varieties. Reaction of such extracts with carbohydrate haptens demonstrated that the specificity of the binding was towards 4-$\text{O}$-methyl-$\text{D}$-glucuronic acid, $\text{D}$-glucuronic acid and their methyl glycosides.     

Suppression of reproductive maturation in male-stimulated virgin female microtus by a female urinary chemosignal

Urine from female $\text{Microtus ochrogaster}$ possesses a chemosignal that suppresses reproductive maturation in other females. Uterine enlargement in virgin females stimulated by a male was suppressed by subsequent association with another female or by application of female urine on the nose. Females so suppressed are not able to achieve estrus. Urine from virgin sibling and non-sibling females and from pregnant females possesses the suppressing effect.     

Cloning and expression in Streptomyces lividans of a paromomycin phosphotransferase from Streptomyces rimosusforma paromomycinus

The paromomycin producing organism $\text{Streptomyces}$$\text{rimosus}$$\text{forma paromomycinus}$ is resistant to this antibiotic and contains a phosphotransferase which inactivates paromomycin. The gene encoding this enzyme has been inserted in the $\text{Streptomyces}$ vector pIJ702 and then cloned in $\text{Streptomyces}$$\text{lividans}$, selecting for paromomycin-resistance. Three plasmids have been isolated and one of them, pMJ1, contains a 2.2 kb insert with a single HindIII restriction site. Insertion of foreign DNA in this site blocks the expression of the phosphotransferase enzyme indicating that it is within the cloned gene. These findings provide a new dominant selective marker for $\text{Streptomyces}$ cloning vectors with the versatility of insertional inactivation.     

Identification and quantification of juvenile hormones from different developmental stages of the cockroach Nauphoetacinerea

By the combined use of high-pressure liquid chromatography, $\text{Galleria}$ bioassay and gas chromatography/ chemical ionization/mass spectrometry we were able to isolate and identify the three known natural juvenile hormones (JHs) from haemolymph extracts of larval and adult females of the cockroach $\text{Nauphoeta}$$\text{cinerea}$. This is the first demonstration of the simultaneous occurrence of the three JHs in the same insect and the first time JH I and II have been identified in a hemimetabolous insect. Quantitative investigations show that the composition of the three JHs is different at different developmental stages. The haemolymph of larvae contains a high percentage of JH I and II, whereas the haemolymph of adult females in the oocyte maturation stage contains mostly JH III. This suggests more juvenilizing functions for JH I and II and more gonadotropic functions for JH III.