The use of haematological techniques to assess fish health is generally accepted. The aim of the current study was to determine selected haematological changes that occur in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). infected with trypanosomes. Blood films were prepared according to standard techniques to confirm trypanosome infections and whole blood was collected, the serum and plasma separated, and prepared for albumin and total protein concentration analysis. Plasma albumin levels were significantly higher in infected wild caught fish than in uninfected wild caught fish and uninfected breeding stock. Serum albumin levels were significantly lower in infected wild caught fish when compared to uninfected breeding stock. The total plasma and serum protein levels were within the normal range for C. gariepinus, that is, 3 g – 6 g/100 mL. The total plasma protein levels varied significantly between the three groups. However, the total serum protein levels were only significantly different between uninfected breeding stock and uninfected wild caught fish, as well as uninfected breeding stock and infected wild caught fish. The total protein levels were significantly higher in infected wild caught fish than in the other groups, a possible indication of an infection or inflammatory host response.

The use of haematological techniques to assess fish health is generally accepted. The aim of the current study was to determine selected haematological changes that occur in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). infected with trypanosomes. Blood films were prepared according to standard techniques to confirm trypanosome infections and whole blood was collected, the serum and plasma separated, and prepared for albumin and total protein concentration analysis. Plasma albumin levels were significantly higher in infected wild caught fish than in uninfected wild caught fish and uninfected breeding stock. Serum albumin levels were significantly lower in infected wild caught fish when compared to uninfected breeding stock. The total plasma and serum protein levels were within the normal range for C. gariepinus, that is, 3 g – 6 g/100 mL. The total plasma protein levels varied significantly between the three groups. However, the total serum protein levels were only significantly different between uninfected breeding stock and uninfected wild caught fish, as well as uninfected breeding stock and infected wild caught fish. The total protein levels were significantly higher in infected wild caught fish than in the other groups, a possible indication of an infection or inflammatory host response.

In this review, the main gastrointestinal nematodes infecting cattle in Zimbabwe and the epidemiological factors influencing their occurrence are reviewed and discussed. Nineteen gastrointestinal nematode species that belong to seven families have been found to occur in cattle in Zimbabwe. The main genera reported to date are Cooperia, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomumand the dominant species are Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia punctata, Haemonchus placei and Trichostrongylus axei. The mixed infection by several species from the genera is the cause of parasitic gastroenteritis in cattle in Zimbabwe. Production and husbandry practices, season, host age and environment are considered to be the main factors that influence gastrointestinal nematode infection in cattle. The geographical distribution of the gastrointestinal nematodes is also reviewed in relation to the climatic conditions of the country. Various control options are discussed and how they are applicable to the Zimbabwean situation. Based on reports and existing data on the epidemiological features of the gastrointestinal nematode infection in cattle, practical control measures are critically reviewed and recommendations are made for a national control programme.

In this review, the main gastrointestinal nematodes infecting cattle in Zimbabwe and the epidemiological factors influencing their occurrence are reviewed and discussed. Nineteen gastrointestinal nematode species that belong to seven families have been found to occur in cattle in Zimbabwe. The main genera reported to date are Cooperia, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomumand the dominant species are Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia punctata, Haemonchus placei and Trichostrongylus axei. The mixed infection by several species from the genera is the cause of parasitic gastroenteritis in cattle in Zimbabwe. Production and husbandry practices, season, host age and environment are considered to be the main factors that influence gastrointestinal nematode infection in cattle. The geographical distribution of the gastrointestinal nematodes is also reviewed in relation to the climatic conditions of the country. Various control options are discussed and how they are applicable to the Zimbabwean situation. Based on reports and existing data on the epidemiological features of the gastrointestinal nematode infection in cattle, practical control measures are critically reviewed and recommendations are made for a national control programme.

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the oestrous cycle phase on neutrophil secretory activity and to extrapolate it to susceptibility to uterine infections. The obtained results indicate that the highest enzyme release seen in the late follicular phase (elastase release was 42.18 ±3.11% of maximal release, myeloperoxidase was 45.0 ±5.12%, and alkaline phosphatase was 44.75 ±9.0%) was related to the level of 17β-oestradiol in plasma. Similarly, a free radical generation was also the most enhanced during this phase. Significantly lower values were obtained from sows during the luteal phase in regard to both enzyme release (36.62 ±3.58% for elastase, 27.87 ±8.7% for myeloperoxidase, and 22.12 ±2.4% for alkaline phosphatase), and that of free radicals (2.28 1.6 μM/106 cells for nitric oxide and 2.47 0.6 nM/106 cells for superoxide).

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the oestrous cycle phase on neutrophil secretory activity and to extrapolate it to susceptibility to uterine infections. The obtained results indicate that the highest enzyme release seen in the late follicular phase (elastase release was 42.18 ±3.11% of maximal release, myeloperoxidase was 45.0 ±5.12%, and alkaline phosphatase was 44.75 ±9.0%) was related to the level of 17β-oestradiol in plasma. Similarly, a free radical generation was also the most enhanced during this phase. Significantly lower values were obtained from sows during the luteal phase in regard to both enzyme release (36.62 ±3.58% for elastase, 27.87 ±8.7% for myeloperoxidase, and 22.12 ±2.4% for alkaline phosphatase), and that of free radicals (2.28 1.6 μM/106 cells for nitric oxide and 2.47 0.6 nM/106 cells for superoxide).

A total of 319 Pasteurella multocida (Pm) strains isolated from pigs in Poland were examined. Phenotypic characterisation included: biochemical tests (to determine species, subspecies, and biovar), capsular typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Genotypic characterisation included detection of the toxA gene by PCR. All tested Pm strains were classified as Pm subsp. multocida: 87.2% biovar 3, 10.7%-2 and 0.9%-12. One strain was classified as biovar 1. Three strains of Pm did not suit any of the biovars. Using capsular typing methods, 77% of Pm strains isolated from nasal swabs belonged to type D and 33% to type A. Among Pm strains isolated from internal organs, 59.5% belonged to type A and 40.5% to type D. All the isolates showed a high susceptibility to β-lactams: ampicillin and amoxicilin with clavulonic acid (97.8%), penicillin (86.7%), doxicilline (100%), oxytetracycline (97.8%), and tetracycline (93.2%). It was found that all strains were susceptible to norfloxacin, 97.8% to enrofloxacin, and 95.6% to SxT. 24.4% and 15.6% of the strains were resistant to linco-spectin and tiamulin, respectively. The presence of toxA gene was confirmed by PCR in 20.8% of the strains isolated from nasal swabs and 29.1% of isolates from internal organs.

A total of 319 Pasteurella multocida (Pm) strains isolated from pigs in Poland were examined. Phenotypic characterisation included: biochemical tests (to determine species, subspecies, and biovar), capsular typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Genotypic characterisation included detection of the toxA gene by PCR. All tested Pm strains were classified as Pm subsp. multocida: 87.2% biovar 3, 10.7%-2 and 0.9%-12. One strain was classified as biovar 1. Three strains of Pm did not suit any of the biovars. Using capsular typing methods, 77% of Pm strains isolated from nasal swabs belonged to type D and 33% to type A. Among Pm strains isolated from internal organs, 59.5% belonged to type A and 40.5% to type D. All the isolates showed a high susceptibility to β-lactams: ampicillin and amoxicilin with clavulonic acid (97.8%), penicillin (86.7%), doxicilline (100%), oxytetracycline (97.8%), and tetracycline (93.2%). It was found that all strains were susceptible to norfloxacin, 97.8% to enrofloxacin, and 95.6% to SxT. 24.4% and 15.6% of the strains were resistant to linco-spectin and tiamulin, respectively. The presence of toxA gene was confirmed by PCR in 20.8% of the strains isolated from nasal swabs and 29.1% of isolates from internal organs.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of β-endorphin on oxygen activity of polimorphonuclear neutrophils and to investigate the total antioxidant status of blood serum in rats subjected to chronic treatment with methimazole. The study was carried out on 15 male Wistar rats weighing 270-290 g, divided into two groups. The animals from experimental group were administered a 0.05% drinking water solution of methimazole. The oxygen activity of peripheral blood neutrophils was examined using a modified RBA test. The extra-receptor effect of β-endorphin on the respiratory burst of neutrophils was evaluated. The incubation of neutrophils in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in the control group caused a nearly threefold increase in the oxygen activity of the cells compared to the control. Slightly higher values were obtained after addition of β-endorphin at the concentration of 10-6. Lower concentrations of this opioid (10-8 and 10-10) also stimulated oxygen activity but at a lower level than PMA. Naloxone did not affect the oxygen activity only when using β-endorphin in the concentration of 10-6. Naloxone and β-endorphin in the concentrations of 10-8 and 10-10 evoked a linear decrease in the oxygen activity of neutrophils, below the values obtained for PMA. The obtained results suggest that methimazole significantly modulates the generation of reactive oxygen species under the influence of β-endorphin, which stimulates the respiratory burst via the receptor pathway and inhibits it via the extra-cellular pathway. Methimazole also stimulates the anti-free radical defence.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of β-endorphin on oxygen activity of polimorphonuclear neutrophils and to investigate the total antioxidant status of blood serum in rats subjected to chronic treatment with methimazole. The study was carried out on 15 male Wistar rats weighing 270-290 g, divided into two groups. The animals from experimental group were administered a 0.05% drinking water solution of methimazole. The oxygen activity of peripheral blood neutrophils was examined using a modified RBA test. The extra-receptor effect of β-endorphin on the respiratory burst of neutrophils was evaluated. The incubation of neutrophils in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in the control group caused a nearly threefold increase in the oxygen activity of the cells compared to the control. Slightly higher values were obtained after addition of β-endorphin at the concentration of 10-6. Lower concentrations of this opioid (10-8 and 10-10) also stimulated oxygen activity but at a lower level than PMA. Naloxone did not affect the oxygen activity only when using β-endorphin in the concentration of 10-6. Naloxone and β-endorphin in the concentrations of 10-8 and 10-10 evoked a linear decrease in the oxygen activity of neutrophils, below the values obtained for PMA. The obtained results suggest that methimazole significantly modulates the generation of reactive oxygen species under the influence of β-endorphin, which stimulates the respiratory burst via the receptor pathway and inhibits it via the extra-cellular pathway. Methimazole also stimulates the anti-free radical defence.

The paper presents preliminary results of the implantation of calcium sulfate type Hartform HF1 developed at the Institute of Glass and Ceramics in Warsaw. The study was conducted on 10 New Zealand White rabbits, in which after tibial osteotomy the biomaterial was implanted directly into the fracture site. The animals were divided into two groups based on the method of fracture stabilisation: intramedullary pinning using Kirschner wires in one group and acrylic external fixator in the other. After 12 weeks, bone union was observed in all animals as estimated by clinical and radiological findings. Histological tests revealed resorption of the biomaterial into the bone fracture area. It was concluded that type Hartform 1 calcium sulfate can be used as a biomaterial in veterinary orthopedics. Due to the lack of observable side effects during implantation and resorption, the material can be considered as a valuable ingredient in composite biomaterials containing calcium sulfate.

The paper presents preliminary results of the implantation of calcium sulfate type Hartform HF1 developed at the Institute of Glass and Ceramics in Warsaw. The study was conducted on 10 New Zealand White rabbits, in which after tibial osteotomy the biomaterial was implanted directly into the fracture site. The animals were divided into two groups based on the method of fracture stabilisation: intramedullary pinning using Kirschner wires in one group and acrylic external fixator in the other. After 12 weeks, bone union was observed in all animals as estimated by clinical and radiological findings. Histological tests revealed resorption of the biomaterial into the bone fracture area. It was concluded that type Hartform 1 calcium sulfate can be used as a biomaterial in veterinary orthopedics. Due to the lack of observable side effects during implantation and resorption, the material can be considered as a valuable ingredient in composite biomaterials containing calcium sulfate.

The aim of the study was to determine serum free amino acid concentration in male dogs suffering from benign and malignant perianal tumours. Serum concentrations of cysteic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, aspartic acid, glycine, γ-aminobutyric acid, tryptophan, methionine, arginine, taurine, threonine, tyrosine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine were significantly changed in dogs suffering from benign and/or malignant tumours when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Serum concentration of serine, phenylalanine, lysine and histidine was not influenced in dogs with neoplastic disease (P>0.05). The evaluation of serum free amino acid concentration, has shown that threonine, glutamic acid, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glycine have the highest diagnostic and prognostic value in dogs suffering from benign and malignant perianal tumours. Highly diagnostic and prognostic value in relation to benign tumour growth was also found while evaluating branched chain and acidic groups of amino acids. Serine, phenylalanine, lysine, and histidine, as well as alkaline amino acids were proved not to have diagnostic and prognostic value in dogs with the tumours. Thus, the evaluation of free amino acid concentration may serve diagnostic purposes and help in tumour malignancy differentiation. The elaborated experimental model may be used in further studies on neoplastic disease development and monitoring of applied treatment efficiency.

The aim of the study was to determine serum free amino acid concentration in male dogs suffering from benign and malignant perianal tumours. Serum concentrations of cysteic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, aspartic acid, glycine, γ-aminobutyric acid, tryptophan, methionine, arginine, taurine, threonine, tyrosine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine were significantly changed in dogs suffering from benign and/or malignant tumours when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Serum concentration of serine, phenylalanine, lysine and histidine was not influenced in dogs with neoplastic disease (P>0.05). The evaluation of serum free amino acid concentration, has shown that threonine, glutamic acid, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glycine have the highest diagnostic and prognostic value in dogs suffering from benign and malignant perianal tumours. Highly diagnostic and prognostic value in relation to benign tumour growth was also found while evaluating branched chain and acidic groups of amino acids. Serine, phenylalanine, lysine, and histidine, as well as alkaline amino acids were proved not to have diagnostic and prognostic value in dogs with the tumours. Thus, the evaluation of free amino acid concentration may serve diagnostic purposes and help in tumour malignancy differentiation. The elaborated experimental model may be used in further studies on neoplastic disease development and monitoring of applied treatment efficiency.

The outbreak of chlamydiosis in one of the western provinces of Poland, was diagnosed accidentally as a concurrent infection in a commercial laying hen flock during an outbreak of fowl pox. For histological examination, skin and subcutaneous tissue samples from lesions on heads of the birds were collected. Swabs from throat and trachea have been examined by nested PCR, real-time PCR, and partial ompA sequencing. Detailed electron microscopy analysis revealed fowl pox intracytoplasmic inclusions, called Bollinger bodies, and the presence of other intracytoplasmic inclusions; specific for Chlamydia sp. Results of nested PCR confirmed the presence of Chlamydiaceae sp. in two tested samples. Surprisingly, one of the two Chlamydiaceae-positive cases turned out to be infected with a non-classified strain. Results of real-time PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of a new Chlamydia species that has not been found in Poland to date. Partial sequencing and BLAST analysis of ompA gene sequence confirmed the highest homology to non-classified poultry strains of Chlamydia sp. that were previously detected in Germany and France. The zoonotic potential and the exact taxonomic status of this atypical strain have yet to be defined.

The outbreak of chlamydiosis in one of the western provinces of Poland, was diagnosed accidentally as a concurrent infection in a commercial laying hen flock during an outbreak of fowl pox. For histological examination, skin and subcutaneous tissue samples from lesions on heads of the birds were collected. Swabs from throat and trachea have been examined by nested PCR, real-time PCR, and partial ompA sequencing. Detailed electron microscopy analysis revealed fowl pox intracytoplasmic inclusions, called Bollinger bodies, and the presence of other intracytoplasmic inclusions; specific for Chlamydia sp. Results of nested PCR confirmed the presence of Chlamydiaceae sp. in two tested samples. Surprisingly, one of the two Chlamydiaceae-positive cases turned out to be infected with a non-classified strain. Results of real-time PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of a new Chlamydia species that has not been found in Poland to date. Partial sequencing and BLAST analysis of ompA gene sequence confirmed the highest homology to non-classified poultry strains of Chlamydia sp. that were previously detected in Germany and France. The zoonotic potential and the exact taxonomic status of this atypical strain have yet to be defined.

The outbreak of chlamydiosis in one of the western provinces of Poland, was diagnosed accidentally as a concurrent infection in a commercial laying hen flock during an outbreak of fowl pox. For histological examination, skin and subcutaneous tissue samples from lesions on heads of the birds were collected. Swabs from throat and trachea have been examined by nested PCR, real-time PCR, and partial ompA sequencing. Detailed electron microscopy analysis revealed fowl pox intracytoplasmic inclusions, called Bollinger bodies, and the presence of other intracytoplasmic inclusions; specific for Chlamydia sp. Results of nested PCR confirmed the presence of Chlamydiaceae sp. in two tested samples. Surprisingly, one of the two Chlamydiaceae-positive cases turned out to be infected with a non-classified strain. Results of real-time PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of a new Chlamydia species that has not been found in Poland to date. Partial sequencing and BLAST analysis of ompA gene sequence confirmed the highest homology to non-classified poultry strains of Chlamydia sp. that were previously detected in Germany and France. The zoonotic potential and the exact taxonomic status of this atypical strain have yet to be defined.

Efficacies of hCG and GnRH with respect to follicular diameter in Cosynch protocol were investigated. Lactating cows (n=119) received injections of GnRH and PGF2 7 d apart. Norgestomet ear implant was inserted at GnRH administration and removed prior to PGF2 injections. Presence of the corpus luteum (CL) at GnRH and PGF2 injections, and diameter of preovulatory follicle [small (SPF) <8 mm or large (LPF) ≥8 mm] at PGF2 were determined with transrectal ultrasonography (USG). The animals were randomly treated with GnRH (0.01 mg; GPG, n=62) or hCG (1,500 IU; GPH, n=57) at timed artificial insemination (TAI) 56 h after injection of PGF2α. Pregnancies were diagnosed with USG 32-35 d after TAI. Pregnancies per TAI (P/TAI) were significantly (P<0.05) lower in GPH cows (28.1%; 16/57) compared to those in GPG animals (46.8%; 29/62). P/TAI with respect to follicular size did not differ between GPG and GPH cows, although P/TAI was numerically higher in LPF (30.0%; 15/50) than in SPF (14.3%; 1/7) in GPH cows. P/TAI in cows without CL at PGF2 was 2.5 (1.0-6.7) times higher (P<0.01) in GPG (20.0%; 3/15) compared to GPH (10.5%; 2/19). In conclusion, use of hCG in milieu of the second GnRH in Cosynch+progesterone insert protocol did not have any advantage in lactating cows.

Efficacies of hCG and GnRH with respect to follicular diameter in Cosynch protocol were investigated. Lactating cows (n=119) received injections of GnRH and PGF2 7 d apart. Norgestomet ear implant was inserted at GnRH administration and removed prior to PGF2 injections. Presence of the corpus luteum (CL) at GnRH and PGF2 injections, and diameter of preovulatory follicle [small (SPF) <8 mm or large (LPF) ≥8 mm] at PGF2 were determined with transrectal ultrasonography (USG). The animals were randomly treated with GnRH (0.01 mg; GPG, n=62) or hCG (1,500 IU; GPH, n=57) at timed artificial insemination (TAI) 56 h after injection of PGF2α. Pregnancies were diagnosed with USG 32-35 d after TAI. Pregnancies per TAI (P/TAI) were significantly (P<0.05) lower in GPH cows (28.1%; 16/57) compared to those in GPG animals (46.8%; 29/62). P/TAI with respect to follicular size did not differ between GPG and GPH cows, although P/TAI was numerically higher in LPF (30.0%; 15/50) than in SPF (14.3%; 1/7) in GPH cows. P/TAI in cows without CL at PGF2 was 2.5 (1.0-6.7) times higher (P<0.01) in GPG (20.0%; 3/15) compared to GPH (10.5%; 2/19). In conclusion, use of hCG in milieu of the second GnRH in Cosynch+progesterone insert protocol did not have any advantage in lactating cows.

The toxic effect of various doses of aflatoxin B1 on renal function was studied. Experiments were conducted on randomly chosen Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups. Group I received 8% alcohol intragastrically. The other groups received aflatoxin B1 in various doses. The effect of the aflatoxin on renal cells was analysed by means of determination of oxidoreductive balance and development of free radicals. The activity of antioxidative enzymes in renal tissue has decreased with an increase in the dose of aflatoxin B1. Disturbance of oxidation balance in the kidneys confirm a toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 on these organs

The toxic effect of various doses of aflatoxin B1 on renal function was studied. Experiments were conducted on randomly chosen Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups. Group I received 8% alcohol intragastrically. The other groups received aflatoxin B1 in various doses. The effect of the aflatoxin on renal cells was analysed by means of determination of oxidoreductive balance and development of free radicals. The activity of antioxidative enzymes in renal tissue has decreased with an increase in the dose of aflatoxin B1. Disturbance of oxidation balance in the kidneys confirm a toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 on these organs