Blocking serine protease activity prevents semenogelin degradation leading to hyperviscous semen in humans.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a prostate-specific serine protease enzyme that hydrolyzes gel-forming proteins (semenogelins) and changes the semen from gel-like to watery viscosity, a process called semen liquefaction. Highly viscous semen and abnormal liquefaction reduce sperm motility and contribute to infertility. Previously, we showed that nonspecific serine protease inhibitor (AEBSF) prevented proteolytic degradation of semenogelin in mice.

PREVALENCE OF THE 1-1Δ GENE IN NONDOMESTIC SPECIES OF THE FAMILY.

The 1 gene is responsible for encoding the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter that prevents accumulation of exogenous substances in the body by utilizing ATP hydrolysis to transport these substances against their concentration gradient. In dogs, homozygous or heterozygous mutations for the previously described 1-1Δ mutation lead to ineffective P-gp efflux transport function and puts the animal at risk for potentially devastating adverse drug effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 1-1Δ gene mutation status in species belonging to the family, including each of the following: maned wolf (), gray wolf (), red wolf (), coyote (), dingo (), New Guinea singing dog (), arctic fox (), and fennec fox ().

Rapid extirpation of a North American frog coincides with an increase in fungal pathogen prevalence: Historical analysis and implications for reintroduction.

As extinctions continue across the globe, conservation biologists are turning to species reintroduction programs as one optimistic tool for addressing the biodiversity crisis. For repatriation to become a viable strategy, fundamental prerequisites include determining the causes of declines and assessing whether the causes persist in the environment. Invasive species-especially pathogens-are an increasingly significant factor contributing to biodiversity loss.

Development and validation of an endoscopic activity score for canine inflammatory bowel disease.

The aim of this study was to develop and prospectively validate a simple endoscopic score of disease activity for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Archived endoscopic still images and video recordings of gastric, duodenal, and colonic endoscopic examinations were displayed to novice and experienced endoscopists for assessment of inflammatory activity using established descriptions. The mucosal appearances evaluated were normal tissue, erosions, friability, increased granularity, lymphangiectasia (duodenum), and mass (colon).

Magnetic resonance imaging is superior to radiography in evaluating spinal cord trauma in three bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

Three bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) found along highways and unable to fly were presented for evaluation. All eagles exhibited sternal recumbency, as well as flaccid hind limb and tail paralysis. Vertebral column and spinal cord trauma were suspected as the cause.

Changes in arterial, mixed venous and intraerythrocytic concentrations of ions in supramaximally exercising horses.

Reasons For Performing Study: Horses experience major perturbations in acid-base balance during supramaximal exercise. Ion movement in and out of erythrocytes (RBCs) is believed to be important in maintaining acid-base balance but it is unclear as to the extent to which this happens, nor how it affects single measurements of ion concentrations in arterial and venous blood.

Objectives: To clarify the role RBCs play in mitigating perturbations in acid-base balance during high speed exercise in horses, and to describe associated differences in arterial (a) and mixed venous (v) concentrations of key ions.

Mice deficient in the interferon type I receptor have reduced REM sleep and altered hypothalamic hypocretin, prolactin and 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase expression.

We report that mice with a targeted null mutation in the interferon type I receptor (IFN-RI), which cannot respond to such IFNs as IFNalpha and IFNbeta, have a 30% reduction in time spent in spontaneous rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) as a consequence of a reduced number of REMS episodes. Time spent in nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) was essentially unaltered in IFN-RI knockouts (KOs) compared to 129 SvEv controls. Body temperature and locomotor activity were similar in both strains of mice.

Mechanisms and therapy for retained fetal membranes and uterine infections of cows: A review.

Literature pertaining to retained fetal membranes and postpartum uterine infections of cows was reviewed. Many therapeutic failures are explained by the effects of the uterine environment on antibacterials, the effects of therapy on the uterine defense mechanism, bacterial resistance patterns and the failure to recognize normal physiological processes in the postpartum period. Prostaglandin F(2)alpha and its analogues provide effective alternatives to antibiotic and antibacterial therapy for most postpartum disorders.

Serum testosterone levels in young normal horses.

Serum testosterone levels were measured in normal young male horses (29 to 34 weeks old). No differences were found between gelded and intact males. The values for all the horses were low.

Detection of early pregnancy factor in swine: A need for dialogue.

The rosette inhibition test, which has been used to detect early pregnancy factor (EPF) and other immunosuppressive factors in the serum of pregnant mice, women, and sheep, was adapted for use in swine. Since the initial methods described for use of the assay were cumbersome and time consuming, our first efforts were to simplify the technique. Substitution of microtiter plates for test tubes and treatment of sheep erythrocytes with AET to increase numbers and stability of the rosettes were successful.

Continuous collection and analysis of bovine oviduct fluid: preliminary results.

Oviduct fluid was collected by cannulating the oviducts of nine cows. The fluid was analyzed for sodium (Na), potassium (K), chlorine (Cl), calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (Pi), magnesium (Mg) concentration and osmolarity (Osm). The mean concentrations +/- the standard error of the means of the constituents were: Na (140.