Draft Genome Sequences of Two Strains of Enterococcus lactis Showing High Potential as Cattle Probiotic Supplements

Probiotic supplements are currently widely used in cattle feeding practices. However, knowledge regarding the genomic landscape of cattle probiotic microorganisms is relatively scarce and is based on analogies with human probiotics. Here, we report on the draft genome sequences of two Enterococcus lactis strains, VKPM B-4989 and VKPM B-4992, which were isolated from the rumen of a healthy calf and utilized as a probiotic additive.

Aptamers based sensing of pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) of bovine for early pregnancy detection

Tosyl activated magnetic beads were used for aptamer selection against PAG- 7 and 18 proteins of bovine origin. PAG proteins were immobilized on beads with further addition of biotin tagged aptamer library. The recognition of aptamers with PAG was identified by ST-HRP based approach which was colorimetric in nature. The selected aptamers were sequenced and at the same time several new aptamers were identified. Later M-fold structure and G-quadruplex score of aptamers were analyzed for their selection. Those aptamers having high G value and complex structure were chosen. In dot blot assay, aptamers recognized PAG protein in an animal after 42 days of artificial insemination which later given birth to a healthy calf. Further the cross reactivity with serum of 0th day animal (post AI) or with non pregnant animal serum was minimal. Aptamers have also shown interaction with PAG protein of buffalo origin. These selected aptamers have commercial application especially in development of biosensors for early detection of pregnancy in bovine.

Validation of MRC Centre MRI calf muscle fat fraction protocol as an outcome measure in CMT1A

ObjectiveTo translate the quantitative MRC Centre MRI protocol in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) to a second site; validate its responsiveness in an independent cohort; and test the benefit of participant stratification to increase outcome measure responsiveness.MethodsThree healthy volunteers were scanned for intersite standardization. For the longitudinal patient study, 11 patients with CMT1A were recruited with 10 patients rescanned at a 12-month interval. Three-point Dixon MRI of leg muscles was performed to generate fat fraction (FF) maps, transferred to a central site for quality control and analysis. Clinical data collected included CMT Neuropathy Score.ResultsTest-retest reliability of FF within individual healthy calf muscles at the remote site was excellent: intraclass correlation coefficient 0.79, limits of agreement −0.67 to +0.85 %FF. In patients, mean calf muscle FF was 21.0% and correlated strongly with disease severity and age. Calf muscle FF significantly increased over 12 months (+1.8 ± 1.7 %FF, p = 0.009). Patients with baseline FF >10% showed a 12-month FF increase of 2.9% ± 1.3% (standardized response mean = 2.19).ConclusionsWe have validated calf muscle FF as an outcome measure in an independent cohort of patients with CMT1A. Responsiveness is significantly improved by enrolling a stratified patient cohort with baseline calf FF >10%.

ВМІСТ МІКРОЕЛЕМЕНТІВ В СИРОВАТЦІ КРОВІ ТІЛЬНИХ КОРІВ РІЗНИХ БІОГЕОХІМІЧНИХ ПРОВІНЦІЙ

The article presents data on the content of certain trace elements in the blood serum of healthy and signs of micronutrient malnutrition calf cows from different biogeochemical provinces. The content of certain trace elements in the blood serum of healthy calf cows from different biogeochemical provinces varies significantly, however, is in the physiological range. In terms of biogeochemical province Ternopil region set reduction iodine and zinc in serum of cows at 2 – 23% to reflect the animal’s south–eastern provinces of Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Nikolaev and Donetsk regions. Serum animal’s biogeochemical province Sumy Oblast lowest content of copper, manganese and cobalt. Soils northeastern provinces biogeochemical obviously richer data micronutrients, resulting from the higher their content in blood serum of cows, however, the data is also not homogeneous. Serum cow’s biogeochemical province Dnipropetrovsk region below iodine, copper and cobalt at higher zinc and manganese compared to the figures of animal’s biogeochemical provinces Mykolayiv and Donetsk region. Even in clinically healthy cows of the experimental farms zinc in serum rather low (14.8 – 17.4 mmol/l). In animals with signs of disease on the lack of trace elements zinc in serum is lower at 17 – 29% (r ≤ 0.05 – 0.01) from healthy animals. Moreover, lowest zinc in the blood serum of animal’s biogeochemical province Ternopil region.In clinically healthy animals with biogeochemical province Dnipropetrovsk region manganese content in serum is the highest (4.10 ± 0.15 mmol/l), and even in animals with clinical signs of the disease was not significantly changed, whereas in animals from other provinces manganese content within 1.96 – 2.32 mmol/l, respectively 25 – 41% (r ≤ 0.01 – 0.001) below that of the clinically healthy animals in respective farms. The authentic reduction iodine, copper, manganese, cobalt and zinc in serum of animals with signs lack micronutrients different biogeochemical provinces. Thus, the iodine content in the blood serum of animals with signs lack micronutrients was at 16 – 24% Zinc at 17–29, on 22.6 – 41.1% copper, cobalt to manganese and 2.4 – 51% to 25 – 41% below that of the clinically healthy animals.

Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joints of a hindlimb in a heifer

SummaryA two-year-old Braunvieh heifer was presented with a traumatic luxation of the second phalanx of the medial digit and concurrent subluxation of the second phalanx of the lateral digit of the right hindlimb. Closed reduction of both luxations was possible. Surgical arthrodesis was achieved using one narrow 4.5 mm three-hole equine locking compression plate for each joint. Placement of the bone plates resulted in stable arthrodesis of both proximal interphalangeal joints of the right hindlimb but there was persistent residual lameness. The heifer delivered a healthy calf but was slaughtered eight months after surgery because of varus deformity of the contralateral limb. Radio-graphs taken post-mortem revealed pronounced periosteal reactions involving both proximal interphalangeal joints and only partial bony bridging of the joint spaces.