Calbindin-D9k (CaBP9k) is a vitamin D-dependent, calcium binding protein first identified in the cytoplasm of the intestinal epithelial cell. Using biotin-streptavidin immunohistochemistry, CaBP9k was localized to the maternal caruncular epithelium, fetal chorionic epithelium, and trophoblastic binucleated cells of the bovine placenta. Within the maternal epithelium the intensity of staining increases from second trimester pregnancies to term pregnancies, indicating a higher intracellular concentration of CaBP9k in the epithelium at term. Luminal and glandular epithelium of the non-caruncular endometrium also stained positively for CaBP9k in all stages of pregnancy observed. No CaBP9k was identified within the stroma or myometrium of the pregnant cow uterus. The increased level of CaBP9k in the caruncular epithelium during the last trimester is hypothesized to be in response to the rising demand for calcium to aid in the mineralization of the fetal skeleton. CaBP9k may play a role in enhancing calcium transport across the placenta in cattle.
Vitamin D is known to reverse infertility in male and female rats. This study was an investigation of the effects of vitamin D deficiency on calbindin-D28K (CaBP28K) and testosterone levels in male chickens. Chickens were raised from 1 day of age to 8 wk of age on a normal or a vitamin D-deficient diet. A radioreceptor assay showed that serum vitamin D levels were significantly higher in chickens fed a normal diet than in those fed a vitamin D-deficient diet. The morphology of the seminiferous tubules was not different between the vitamin D-replete and vitamin D-deficient chickens. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that CaBP28K was present in spermatogonia and spermatocytes of the seminiferous tubules. A few interstitial Leydig cells were positive for CaBP28K. RIA was used to quantify the amount of CaBP28K in the testes, which was threefold higher in chickens raised on a normal diet than in chickens raised on a vitamin D-deficient diet. Testosterone concentration in serum, determined by RIA, was not different between the two groups. Neither serum calcium nor phosphorus levels were different between the two groups. This investigation represents the first demonstration of the effect of vitamin D deficiency on CaBP28K expression in chicken testes. The results indicate that the decrease in testicular CaBP28K concentration was attributable to vitamin D deficiency despite normal serum testosterone and calcium levels in 8-wk-old chickens.
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), with a class size of 162, is one of the largest in the nation. In an effort to streamline examination procedures, create a consistent assessment format among courses, replace paper exams, track test questions linked to learning objectives, and reduce exam grading time, our DVM program adopted the use of ExamSoft for core courses beginning in the autumn semester 2014. ExamSoft is an electronic assessment application, which provides a secure testing environment and robust reporting features. CVM uses it for high stakes midterm and finals. Although easily adopted into a didactic course format, its application in laboratory-based examinations proved challenging. Designing, setting up and grading exams for Anatomy and Parasitology courses with a laboratory component have always required substantial time investment, and adding a testing application to the process demanded rethinking and restructuring logistics. After two semesters of process refinement and standardization of a testing device to the iPad, faculty teaching in the Anatomy and Parasitology courses were able to implement ExamSoft in a laboratory setting to realize the same assessment and efficiency gains. Here we describe the benefits of ExamSoft testing in the written and laboratory settings and the lessons learned during the 2-year transition.
Periodontal disease has been identified in horses and donkeys through the millennia at a prevalence of up to 75% and is a leading cause of tooth loss in horses. We hypothesize that there is a correlation between tooth elongations and periodontal disease. Dental records of all client owned horses examined by a single AVDC/equine board certified practitioner in 2016-2018 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria consisted of the examination finding of tooth elongation of one of the following teeth pairs 106/107, 206/207, 310/311, or 410-411. The included cases were then examined for the finding of periodontal disease in Stages 1-4 (PD 1-4). Bayesian correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations of elongations and periodontal disease existed between PD1 and proximal tooth pairs 106-107 and 206-207, PD2 and PD4 with all four tooth pairs, and PD3 with 106-107. Clinically, early diagnosis and treatment of newly formed elongations, or prevention of their formation altogether through diligent dental prophylaxis could prove key in preservation of teeth through prevention of the associated development of periodontal disease in the horse.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.