bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DISCRIMINATED TIMEOUT AVOIDANCE IN PIGEONS: THE ROLES OF ADDED STIMULI
Authors: Defulio Anthony , Hackenberg Timothy D.
Published: February 2008

Two experiments examined pigeons' postponement of a signaled extinction period, or timeout (TO), from an ongoing schedule of response‐dependent food delivery. A concurrent‐operant procedure was used in which responses on one (food) key produced food according to a variable‐interval schedule and responses on a second (postponement) key delayed the next scheduled TO according to a response‐TO (R‐TO) interval. A series of response‐independent stimulus changes on the food key temporally partitioned the R‐TO into three equal segments (S1, S2, and S3). Postponement responses, in addition to postponing TO, also reinstated S1, the stimulus correlated with the greatest temporal distance from TO. In Experiment 1, the R‐TO interval was manipulated systematically across blocks of sessions (conditions) at a given ratio of R‐TO:TO duration. This R‐TO:TO ratio was manipulated across blocks of conditions (phases). Postponement response rates varied inversely with R‐TO interval in each phase. Changes in the R‐TO:TO ratio did not produce consistent differences except at the 1:10 ratio for some pigeons, where it disrupted postponement responding in some conditions. Most of the postponement responses occurred in the presence of S2 and S3, the stimuli most proximal to TO, whereas most of the food‐key responses occurred in S1. In Experiment 2, the R‐TO contingencies were systematically manipulated in the presence of the time‐correlated stimuli. In one set of conditions, the R‐TO contingencies were made either ineffective or less effective in the presence of one or more stimuli. Postponement responses typically shifted to stimuli in the presence of which responses were relatively more effective. Postponement responses decreased markedly when the added stimuli were removed, and then recovered when the stimuli were reinstated. Results from both experiments indicate that the added stimuli in a discriminated TO‐avoidance procedure serve predominately discriminative functions, delineating periods during which behavior is maximally effective. The results parallel those obtained in shock‐avoidance procedures, providing further evidence that TO functions as an aversive stimulus.
AUTOSHAPING AND AUTOMAINTENANCE: A NEURAL‐NETWORK APPROACH
Authors: Burgos José E.
Published: February 2008

This article presents an interpretation of autoshaping, and positive and negative automaintenance, based on a neural‐network model. The model makes no distinction between operant and respondent learning mechanisms, and takes into account knowledge of hippocampal and dopaminergic systems. Four simulations were run, each one using an A‐B‐A design and four instances of feedfoward architectures. In A, networks received a positive contingency between inputs that simulated a conditioned stimulus (CS) and an input that simulated an unconditioned stimulus (US). Responding was simulated as an output activation that was neither elicited by nor required for the US. B was an omission‐training procedure. Response directedness was defined as sensory feedback from responding, simulated as a dependence of other inputs on responding. In Simulation 1, the phenomena were simulated with a fully connected architecture and maximally intense response feedback. The other simulations used a partially connected architecture without competition between CS and response feedback. In Simulation 2, a maximally intense feedback resulted in substantial autoshaping and automaintenance. In Simulation 3, eliminating response feedback interfered substantially with autoshaping and automaintenance. In Simulation 4, intermediate autoshaping and automaintenance resulted from an intermediate response feedback. Implications for the operant‐respondent distinction and the behavior‐neuroscience relation are discussed.
Legionnaires' disease: evaluation of a quantitative microbial risk assessment model
Authors: Armstrong Thomas W. , Haas Charles N.
Published: February 2008

Background: The quantities of Legionella vary considerably from natural waters to water in contaminated domestic hot water supplies, whirlpool spas and cooling towers, with the risk for LD rising as the Legionella counts grow. We currently report the results from our Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) model evaluation. We developed the LD QMRA model to better understand Legionella exposure risks.

Methods: Using an animal data derived model for LD, we calculated risks from estimated exposures for a whirlpool spa outbreak, two hot spring spa outbreaks and compared the results to the reported LD risks.

Results: The QMRA model shows agreement (generally less than an order of magnitude discrepancy) with the reported Legionnaires' disease sub-clinical severity infection, clinical severity infection, and mortality risks.

Conclusions: The LD QMRA model may lead to risk based limits to supplement the current guidance on Legionella control in cooling towers, whirlpool spas and other potential exposure sources. The verification of QMRA for LD also suggests the techniques, given suitable animal model data, may be useful in quantifying human response to other airborne pathogens.
Nitrate and bacterial contamination in well waters in Vinh Phuc province, Vietnam
Authors: Cam Phung Dac , Lan Nguyen Thi Phong , Smith Geoffrey D. , Verma Naresh
Published: February 2008

Measurements were made of the nitrate concentration and bacterial contamination of groundwater samples taken from both dug wells and bores in the commune of Hop Thinh', in the administrative district of Vinh Phuc, Vietnam. A significant number (18%) of samples had nitrate concentrations in excess of the WHO Guideline value for drinking water of 50 mg L−1, with a higher proportion in the dug wells (29%) than the bores (3.8%). High concentrations of thermotolerant coliforms were found in many of the dug wells and even in the deeper drilled bores. At the time of the study no Shigella or other infectious organisms were found. There was no correlation between nitrate concentration and bacterial content and it is concluded that nitrate concentration is not a good indicator for bacterial contamination.
Cercarial dermatitis in the Netherlands caused by Trichobilharzia spp.
Authors: Schets F. M. , Lodder W. J. , van Duynhoven Y. T. H. P. , de Roda Husman A. M.
Published: February 2008

Outbreaks of cercarialdermatitis which occurred in recreational lakes in the Netherlands were studied and a method for direct rapid detection of the parasite Trichobilharzia in water samples was developed. A standardized questionnaire with questions on health complaints and exposure was distributed to individuals who developed symptoms of cercarialdermatitis after visiting fresh water lakes. Snails from the suspected lakes were examined for the presence of Trichobilharzia by microscopy and PCR. Water samples were concentrated by filtration and examined by PCR. Water quality was tested according to European Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEG. Trichobilharzia was detected in snails and water samples from lakes which met European bathing water standards. Despite a response of 25.5%, epidemiological data suggested that longer and more frequent exposure to the water resulted in increased reporting of symptoms of cercarialdermatitis and confirmed the importance of exposure as a risk factor. A novel method for direct detection of Trichobilharzia, which includes concentration of water samples by filtration and detection of the parasite by PCR proved to be a valuable and simple tool for confirmation of presumptive outbreaks, particularly when snails could not be found in the suspected water and public health protecting measures were necessary.
Drinking water public right-to-know requirements in the United States
Authors: Blette Veronica
Published: February 2008

The United States Environmental Protection Agency implements a national drinking-water program under the authority of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Amendments to the Act in 1996 added new provisions to enhance consumer understanding of drinking-water issues. Notification requirements associated with annual consumer confidence reports, source water assessments and state compliance reports are intended to enhance the public's knowledge of the quality of their drinking water. Water utilities are also subject to public notification requirements to provide more timely information to consumers in response to violations of health standards. These right-to-know requirements are intended to build the public's confidence, but communicating with consumers can be challenging for both utility managers and government leaders. This paper discusses the need for timely communication, the challenge of providing information when there is uncertainty in the science and the importance of preparing to respond to critical incidents. Because surveys have shown that other members of the community may have better access to consumers or are more trusted, it is important for water utilities to establish relationships with the media and the local public health community.
Communicating with healthcare providers
Authors: Guidotti Tee L. , Ragain Lisa
Published: February 2008

Studies of risk communication have identified healthcare providers, especially physicians, as the source of information most trusted by the public on issues of environmental health. Nothing in medical, nursing or most healthcare provider training actually prepares practitioners to play this role and healthcare providers are generally more oriented toward treatment and medical care than prevention and public health. Healthcare providers require education in order to play this role but rarely seek it. Gaps in the knowledge of professional on the issue of Cryptosporidium illustrate the problem. For members of the professional water community, communicating with healthcare providers is best done when messages are delivered in familiar settings, such as hospital Grand Rounds (a universal format for teaching conferences) and provided in a narrative (case-based) form but gaining access is difficult if the topic is not obviously clinical in nature. In addition to being a critically important target group itself, public health professionals are easier to reach and may mediate good working relationships with medical practitioners. We suggest a strategy for water utilities based on partnerships with academic public health and providing education through well-recognized formats in continuing medical and nursing education.
The microbiological quality of potable water on board ships docking in the UK and the Channel Islands: an association of Port Health Authorities and Health Protection Agency Study
Authors: Grenfell P. , Little C. L. , Surman-Lee S. , Greenwood M. , Averns J. , Westacott S. , Lane C. , Nichols G.
Published: February 2008

Providing safe potable water onboard vessels presents particular challenges and contamination can occur directly from source waters as well as during loading, storage and distribution. Between May and October 2005, 950 potable water samples were collected from 342 ships docking at ports. Comparison with Guidelines found 9% of samples contained coliforms, Escherichia coli or enterococci and 2.8% had faecal indicators (E. coli or enterococci). Action levels of aerobic colony count (ACC) bacteria were detected in 20% (22°C) and 21.5% (37°C) of samples. ACC results from one-off sampling are not informative as this does not enable port health authorities to monitor ACC trends. They should be removed as a routine criterion for remedial action and vessels should adopt the WHO Water Safety Plan approach, whilst continuing to monitor water quality with public health-based indicators (e.g. chlorine residual, coliforms, E. coli and enterococci). Logistic regression analyses identified practices associated with water quality. Practices protective against coliforms, E. coli or enterococci in potable supplies were: good hose hygiene, processing water onboard, maintaining free chlorine residual at ≥0.2 mg/L. This emphasizes the importance of good hygiene during potable water loading and maintaining adequate disinfection of supplies onboard.
Dewatering and disinfection of aerobic and anaerobic sludge using an electrokinetic (EK) system
Authors: Huang J. , Elektorowicz M. , Oleszkiewicz J. A.
Published: February 2008

The objectives of the study were to upgrade sewage sludge to Class A Exceptional Quality biosolids (as defined by US EPA) using an electrokinetics dewatering system. The pathogens monitored were Salmonella spp, and fecal coliforms (FC). Ten bench-scale electrokinetic cells were set up for the disinfection of the following sludges: primary, secondary (attached growth culture and suspended culture), and anaerobically digested sludge. A conditioning liquid was also added to five cells. Blower system to aid in dewatering and drying was used in in four EK cells. Sludge characteristics such as water content, volatile solids content, sulfate and chloride ions concentrations, FC and Salmonella spp. before and after the tests were monitored. The highest total solids content (98% TS) was achieved in the cell with the low voltage gradient, in the presence of the conditioner and with the blower system. An average reduction by 50% of volatile solids was observed. The highest, 11 log-reduction of Salmonella spp. was observed in a cell with anaerobically digested sludge. No fecal coliforms were observed in any of the cells after EK treatment.
Laboratory pilot scale study for H2S removal from biogas in an anoxic biotrickling filter
Authors: Soreanu G. , Béland M. , Falletta P. , Edmonson K. , Seto P.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this laboratory pilot scale study at the Wastewater Technology Centre (WTC), Environment Canada, Burlington, ON was to investigate the anaerobic biological removal of H2S from biogas under real-time operating conditions. Biogas produced in a 538 litre pilot anaerobic digester was continuously fed into a 12 litre biotrickling filter containing plastic fibres as packing bed media. The process was monitored for several months. The biogas flowrate and H2S concentration ranged between 10 to 70 L/h and 1,000 to 4,000 ppmv respectively over the course of the test period. Nitrate-rich wastewater from a pilot scale sequencing batch reactor effluent was used as the nutritive solution for the biotrickling filter. The paper presents the influence of several operational parameters such as biogas flowrate, hydrogen sulphide concentration and composition of nutrient solution on process performance. To date, our results show H2S removal rates up to 100% without adverse effects on the methane concentration of the biogas. No system deterioration was observed over long term operation. This non-conventional technology is very promising and could be considered for full scale applications.
Design and start-up of a high rate anaerobic membrane bioreactor for the treatment of a low pH, high strength, dissolved organic waste water
Authors: Van Zyl P. J. , Wentzel M. C. , Ekama G. A. , Riedel K. J.
Published: February 2008

A Submerged Membrane Anaerobic Reactor (SMAR) is being developed for the treatment of waste water originating in Sasol's coal to fuel synthesis process. The laboratory-scale SMAR uses A4-size submerged flat panel ultrafiltration membranes to induce a 100% solids-liquid separation. Biogas gets extracted from the headspace above the anaerobic mixed liquor and reintroduced through a coarse bubble diffuser below the membranes. This induces a gas scour on the membranes that avoids biomass immobilization and membrane fouling. The substrate is a high strength (18 gCOD/ℓ) petrochemical effluent consisting mostly of C2 to C6 short chain fatty acids with a low pH. Because of this, the pH of the reactor has to be controlled to a pH of 7.1. Organic Loading Rates of up to 25 kgCOD/m3reactor volume/d has been observed with effluent COD normally <500 mgCOD/ℓ and FSA <50 mgN/ℓ with no particulates >0.45 μm at hydraulic retention times of 17 hours. 98% of the COD is converted to methane and the remainder to biomass. Mixed Liquor (MLSS) concentrations >30 gTSS/ℓ can be maintained without deterioration of membrane fluxes, even though the Diluted Sludge Volume Index (DSVI) indicates that the sludge cannot be settled. No noteworthy deterioration in membrane performance has been observed over the 320 day operational period.
Health risks of micropollutants - the need for a new approach
Authors: Fawell J. K.
Published: February 2008

Micropollutants in water provide a challenge to both science and society. The final consideration is to understand whether they are harmful to human health or to aquatic life and to determine what actions should be taken. The numbers of substances that are being identified requires a new approach to risk assessment and to solving the problem based on proper prioritisation of the needs for more targeted and multidisciplinary research delivering high quality data. The concept of threshold of toxicological concern has been applied to food and could usefully be applied to water. However, this approach also needs to be combined with practical and pragmatic assessments of the behaviour of substances in water and their removal by drinking water treatment. Such an approach provides a bridge from problem identification to problem solving.
Are we about to upgrade wastewater treatment for removing organic micropollutants?
Authors: Joss A. , Siegrist H. , Ternes T. A.
Published: February 2008

Activated sludge treatment allows only for a partial removal of micropollutants, mainly via sorption and biological degradation. Ozonation and activated carbon filtration are processes bearing the potential to drastically reduce the micropollutant load discharged to the environment after (centralized) biological treatment. The estimated total costs between 0.05 and 0.20€ per m3 treated water (depending on plant size and effluent DOC content) represent only a small fraction of the total costs for urban wastewater management and are therefore considered feasible. Full scale testing is currently planned or under way with the aim to a) confirm this cost estimation and b) to demonstrate the benefit by quantification of the effect of removal and by documenting the impact on the ecology of receiving waters. Ozonation would have the additional advantage of achieving partial disinfection. Another issue currently being intensively studied is the byproducts formed during ozonation and their toxicity. Evidence is needed that the formed ozonation byproducts are either harmless or easily degradable. Since a 5% to 20% loss of sewage is occurring due to sewer leakage and combined sewer overflow an improved reduction of micropollutant input to the aquatic environment requires that advanced centralized treatment is complemented with measures taken before discharge into the sewer. Options hereto may be waste design, labeling of compounds according to environmental friendliness or separate treatment of quantitatively significant point sources (e.g. hospital wastewater, nursery homes, industrial wastewater).
A Unique Case of Adolescent CD56-Negative Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type
Authors: Chang Bill H. , Stork Linda , Fan Guang
Published: February 2008

Mature T-cell neoplasms are unusual in the pediatric population. The majority of these neoplasms in the United States are anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) characterized by CD30 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 expression. Extranodal natural killer/T (NK/T)-cell lymphomas, nasal type, are extremely rare. Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas often express CD56, are associated with Epstein-Barr virus, and are negative for CD30. Clinically, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas are much more aggressive than ALCL, and require different treatment strategies. The authors present an adolescent male with a CD56 negative extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type. The lymphoma was partially positive for CD30, diffusely positive for EBV by in situ hybridization, and clonal for T-cell receptor gene rearrangement and cytogenetic abnormalities. The patient was aggressively treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. More than 2 years from completion of the therapy, the patient remains disease free. This case highlights the importance and difficulty of accurate identification of this type of rare tumor. We further present the literature review and discuss the diagnostic criteria for extranodal NK/T lymphoma using morphologic, immunologic, molecular, and cytogenetic information.
Pathological Findings in the Complete Trisomy 9 Syndrome: Three Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ferreres Joan C. , Planas Sílvia , Martínez-Sáez Elena A. , Vendrell Teresa , Peg Vicente , Salcedo M. Teresa , Cajal Santiago Ramón Y , Torán Núria
Published: February 2008

The term “complete trisomy 9” is used to indicate trisomy of the entire chromosome 9 without evidence of mosaicisms. It is a relatively rare chromosomal abnormality because the vast majority of affected pregnancies result in 1st trimester spontaneous abortions. The purpose of this paper is to delineate the complete trisomy 9 syndrome, based on autopsy findings. We performed an exhaustive review of the literature of complete forms of this trisomy with autopsy examination and added 3 new cases from our center with new findings not previously described.
Less Invasive Autopsy: Benefits and Limitations of the Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Perinatal Postmortem
Authors: Cohen Marta C. , Paley Martyn N. , Griffiths Paul D. , Whitby Elspeth H.
Published: February 2008

The decline in the postmortem (PM) autopsy rate in the United Kingdom paralleled the change in public perception of this procedure after the organ retention crisis in 2000. The introduction of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the fetal, perinatal, and pediatric autopsy led some investigators to propose that MRI could replace the conventional PM. We assessed the role of MRI in fetal autopsy as an addition or a potential replacement method to the conventional PM and to evaluate the benefits and limitations of each technique. We retrospectively reviewed the PM and MRI examination of 100 fetuses. The MRI was limited to the brain or brain and spinal cord. Forty-six cases involved termination of pregnancy; 30 were intrauterine fetal deaths/stillbirths; 16 were premature deliveries followed by neonatal death; and 8 were miscarriages. The mean gestational age of all cases was 25.54 weeks (range: 13–41 weeks). In 54 of the 90 full PMs, there was a complete agreement between the MRI and autopsy findings on the morphology of the brain and spine. Despite this agreement, the information gained at the PM was relevant to find the cause or mechanism of death in 20 of 54 cases (37%). In 24 autopsies the MRI added valuable information to the autopsy. However, if MRI had been the only investigation, essential information would have been lost in 17 of 24 cases (71%). In 12 cases the PM was clearly superior to the MRI. The integrated result obtained from the traditional autopsy remains crucial in determining the cause or mechanism of the malformation or of the fetal/perinatal death and accordingly is important for the counseling offered to parents regarding the recurrence risk for future pregnancies.
Abdominal Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm in a Male Child
Authors: Luo Jean J. , Baksh Fabien K. , Pfeifer John D. , Eastman James T. , Beyer Frederick C. , Dehner Louis P.
Published: February 2008

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) make up a morphologic family of similar appearing tumors arising in the ovary and various extraovarian sites, including the pancreas, hepatobiliary tract, paratesticular soft tissues, and mesentery. Other than the uncommon mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary presenting in adolescence, MCNs are rarely seen by the pediatric pathologist. The present case is a 5-year-old boy with an abdominal mass appearing to arise in the mesentery of the small intestine. Because of its unresect-ability, a generous biopsy was performed and disclosed a MCN with focal complex papillary architecture in the absence of appreciable cytologic atypia or invasion into the wall. Like other MCNs, this tumor had an inhibin-positive, ovarian-like stroma that was nonreactive for estrogen and progesterone receptors. Only 1 other case of a mesenteric MCN has been reported to date in a child and none in a male. The MCN of the mesentery joins other, somewhat more common cystic lesions of the omentum and mesentery presenting in childhood.
Clinical and Microscopic Hair Features of Griscelli Syndrome Associated with Asymmetric Crying Facies in an Infant
Authors: Akcakus Mustafa , Koklu Esad , Narin Nazmi , Kose Mehmet
Published: February 2008

Griscelli syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by immunodeficiency and partial albinism. Asymmetric crying facies (ACF) is caused by congenital hypoplasia or agenesis of the depressor anguli oris muscle. Asymmetric crying facies may be isolated or it may be associated with various anomalies. We report a 3-month-old Turkish boy who had clinical and microscopic hair features of GS associated with ACF. To the best of our knowledge, this is the 1st case of this association to be reported in the literature.
Delayed Homicides Due to Infant Head Injury Initially Reported as Natural (Cerebral Palsy) Deaths
Authors: Gill James R. , Morotti Raffaella A. , Tranchida Vincent , Morhaime Jacquelyn , Mena Hernando
Published: February 2008

A spectrum of neuropathology occurs in infants who sustain traumatic brain injury. Because of a prolonged survival interval, there is a risk that these deaths may not be recognized as a sequel of trauma. We reviewed the records in New York City of 5 delayed fatalities due to nonaccidental infant head injury that had survival intervals from 2.5 to 17 years. The head injuries occurred at 2 to 3 months of age, and death occurred at 2.5 to 17 years of age. Initially, they were reported as natural deaths by treating physicians, families, and/or police. All 5 infants had unexplained or poorly explained remote traumatic head injury that included subdural hematomas. At autopsy, the neuropathologic exam demonstrated remote subdural hemorrhages and lesions related to chronic hypoxic-ischemic injury including atrophy, arterial infarcts, border-zone infarcts, and cystic encephalomalacia. Each child survived the initial injury but later succumbed to the delayed effects of secondary hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. These 5 deaths highlight the need to investigate independently the medical history of any child (or adult) who dies with a clinical diagnosis of “cerebral palsy.” The term cerebral palsy often is used as a catchall for any patient who has had neurologic impairment since infancy or childhood. If there is a direct link between the initial injury and the death, even if the injury occurred many years before death, then the injury is the proximate cause of death and dictates the manner of death. All 5 deaths were certified as homicides.
Hepatic Involvement in Congenital Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report with Emphasis on the Liver Pathology Findings
Authors: Lewis Michael S. , Kaicker Shipra , Strauchen James A. , Morotti Raffaella A.
Published: February 2008

We report the case of a 4-week-old infant diagnosed with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia with the t (1;22) (p13, q13) who presented with ascites caused by massive infiltration of hepatic sinusoids by leukemic cells. The bone marrow by microscopy and flow cytometry and the peripheral blood smear did not initially show the presence of blasts. Marrow fibrosis appeared after infiltrative disease in the liver and liver fibrosis. We describe the microscopic liver findings and associated clinical presentation that, in the absence of bone marrow involvement, can be difficult to diagnose as leukemia. Few cases have been reported in the medical literature with the liver as the primary site of involvement in congenital leukemia. Awareness of this unusual clinical presentation and of the characteristic liver pathology may facilitate the pathologic diagnosis.
Fetal Cor Triatriatum Dexter: A Report of Two Cases Associated with Nuchal Edema in Early Second Trimester
Authors: Maroun Lisa Leth , Graem Niels , Skibsted Lillian
Published: February 2008

Two early-2nd-trimester fetuses were aborted as a result of nuchal edema and suspected severe heart malformation. At autopsy one fetus demonstrated nuchal edema, mild hydronephrosis, and cor triatriatum dexter associated with ventricular septal defect and tubular hypoplasia of the aortic arch. The other fetus demonstrated severe nuchal edema, and cor triatriatum dexter was the only malformation. Cor triatriatum dexter is a rare cardiac malformation characterized by division of the right atrium into 2 compartments by a usually fenestrated membrane representing remnants of the right valve of the embryonic sinus venosus. This malformation has been diagnosed in adults and children by echocardiography, surgery, or autopsy but has not previously been published in fetuses.
Cardiomyopathy and Cardiomegaly in Stillborn Infants of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: Russell Noirin E. , Holloway Peter , Quinn Stephen , Foley Michael , Kelehan Peter , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: February 2008

To report the incidence of cardiomegaly in stillborn normally formed infants of mothers with diabetes mellitus. This is a retrospective study with institutional ethics approval. The presence of cardiomegaly was recorded in stillborn infants of diabetic mothers ( N = 27) and compared with that recorded in stillborn large-for–gestational age (LGA > 90th percentile, n = 18) and stillborn appropriately grown (10th to 90th percentiles, n = 107) nondiabetic infants. Blinded to the clinical details, the histology slides were reviewed to measure cardiac wall thickness and to record the presence or absence of myocardial fiber disarray. Stillborn infants of mothers with diabetes mellitus, when compared with appropriately grown stillborn nondiabetic infants and when adjusted for birth weight, had heavier hearts, thicker ventricular free wall measurements, and lighter brains. While cardiomegaly was reported in 22% of stillborn LGA infants, comparison with stillborn appropriately grown infants revealed no difference in heart weights corrected for birth weight. Comparison of LGA nondiabetic infants with stillborn diabetes mellitus infants revealed greater actual heart weight/expected for birth weight ( P < 0.05) and lighter brains (actual brain weight/expected for birth weight, P < 0.05) in the diabetes mellitus group. Cardiomegaly is a common finding in stillborn infants of mothers with diabetes mellitus and may contribute to the risk of fetal death in these pregnancies.
Effectiveness of administration of phenylbutazone alone or concurrent administration of phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine to alleviate lameness in horses
Authors: Keegan Kevin G. , Messer Nat T. , Reed Shannon K. , Wilson David A. , Kramer Joanne
Published: February 2008

Objective—To determine the effectiveness of administering multiple doses of phenylbutazone alone or a combination of phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine to alleviate lameness in horses.

Animals—29 adult horses with naturally occurring forelimb and hind limb lameness.

Procedures—Lameness evaluations were performed by use of kinematic evaluation while horses were trotting on a treadmill. Lameness evaluations were performed before and 12 hours after administration of 2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment regimens. Phenylbutazone paste was administered at approximately 2.2 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours for 5 days, or phenylbutazone paste was administered at approximately 2.2 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours for 5 days in combination with flunixin meglumine administered at 1.1 mg/kg, IV, every 12 hours for 5 days.

Results—Alleviation of lameness was greater after administration of the combination of NSAIDs than after oral administration of phenylbutazone alone. Improvement in horses after a combination of NSAIDs did not completely mask lameness. Five horses did not improve after either NSAID treatment regimen. All posttreatment plasma concentrations of NSAIDs were less than those currently allowed by the United States Equestrian Federation Inc for a single NSAID. One horse administered the combination NSAID regimen died of acute necrotizing colitis during the study.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of a combination of NSAIDs at the dosages and intervals used in the study reported here alleviated the lameness condition more effectively than did oral administration of phenylbutazone alone. This may attract use of combinations of NSAIDs to increase performance despite potential toxic adverse effects.
Effects of acepromazine and butorphanol on tiletamine-zolazepam anesthesia in llamas
Authors: Prado Tulio M. , Doherty Tom J. , Boggan Elizabeth B. , Airasmaa Hanna M. , Martin-Jimenez Tomas , Rohrbach Barton W.
Published: February 2008

Objective—To evaluate sedative, antinociceptive, and physiologic effects of acepromazine and butorphanol during tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) anesthesia in llamas.

Animals—5 young adult llamas.

Procedures—Llamas received each of 5 treatments IM (1-week intervals): A (acepromazine, 0.05 mg/kg), B1 (butorphanol, 0.1 mg/kg), AB (acepromazine, 0.05 mg/kg, and butorphanol, 0.1 mg/kg), B2 (butorphanol, 0.2 mg/kg), or C (saline [0.9% NaCl] solution). Sedation was evaluated during a 30-minute period prior to anesthesia with TZ (2 mg/kg, IM). Anesthesia and recovery characteristics and selected cardiorespiratory variables were recorded at intervals. Antinociception was assessed via a toe-clamp technique.

Results—Sedation was not evident following any treatment. Times to sternal and lateral recumbency did not differ among treatments. Duration of lateral recumbency was significantly longer for treatment AB than for treatment C. Duration of antinociception was significantly longer for treatments A and AB, compared with treatment C, and longer for treatment AB, compared with treatment B2. Treatment B1 resulted in a significant decrease in respiratory rate, compared with treatment C. Compared with treatment C, diastolic and mean blood pressures were lower after treatment A. Heart rate was increased with treatment A, compared with treatment B1 or treatment C. Although severe hypoxemia developed in llamas anesthetized with TZ alone and with each treatment-TZ combination, hemoglobin saturation remained high and the hypoxemia was not considered clinically important.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Sedation or changes in heart and respiratory rates were not detected with any treatment before administration of TZ. Acepromazine alone and acepromazine with butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg) prolonged the duration of antinociception in TZ-treated llamas.
Plasma fatty acid concentrations in Boxers and Doberman Pinschers
Authors: Smith Caren E. , Freeman Lisa M. , Meurs Kathryn M. , Rush John E. , Lamb Allison
Published: February 2008

Objective—To compare plasma fatty acid concentrations and the relationships of fatty acids to arrhythmias in Boxers versus Doberman Pinschers.

Animals—38 Boxers and 13 Doberman Pinschers.

Procedures—Boxers and Doberman Pinschers evaluated via Holter recording and for which a blood sample was available were included. Echocardiograms were performed in 49 of 51 dogs. The number of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs)/24 h was counted and fatty acids analyzed. Plasma fatty acid concentrations and VPCs/24 h, as well as correlations between the 2 variables, were compared between the 2 breeds.

Results—Compared with the Doberman Pinschers, Boxers had significantly higher plasma concentrations of γ-linolenic acid but lower concentrations of arachidonic acid. Total n-6 fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations were higher in Doberman Pinschers. There were significant, but weak, positive correlations between VPCs and oleic acid, total n-3 fatty acids, and total n-9 fatty acids in Boxers but not in Doberman Pinschers.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data suggested that plasma fatty acid concentrations may differ between Boxers and Doberman Pinschers and that the relationship between fatty acid concentrations and VPCs may be different between these 2 breeds.
Roles of thromboxane A2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine in endotoxin-induced digital vasoconstriction in horses
Authors: Menzies-Gow Nicola J. , Sepulveda M. Fernanda , Bailey Simon R. , Cunningham Fiona M. , Elliott Jonathan
Published: February 2008

Objective—To evaluate the roles of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), thromboxane A2 (T×A2), and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in endotoxin-induced digital hypoperfusion in horses.

Animals—6 healthy adult Thoroughbreds.

Procedures—Horses were treated with IV administration of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control treatment) or the 5-HT1B/D selective antagonist, GR55562 (0.3 mg/kg), prior to tryptamine infusion (1.6 μg/kg/min for 30 minutes) to establish an effective GR55562 dose. In a crossover study, horses were treated with IV administration of saline solution (control treatment), aspirin (4 mg/kg, 2 hours or 4 days before lipopolysaccharide [LPS] infusion), GR55562 (0.3 mg/kg), the PAF antagonist WEB2086 (3 mg/kg), or aspirin plus GR55562 prior to LPS infusion (30 ng/kg for 30 minutes). Digital blood flow was measured by use of Doppler ultrasonography. Concomitant measurements of hoof wall and coronary band surface temperatures were made. Serial blood samples were collected and plasma 5-HT and T×A2 concentrations determined.

Results—GR55562 abolished tryptamine-induced digital hypoperfusion. Neither WEB2086 nor GR55562 affected LPS-induced alterations in digital perfusion or plasma mediator concentrations. Aspirin given 2 hours before LPS administration abolished the increase in plasma T×A2 concentration and significantly attenuated LPS-induced digital hypoperfusion. Aspirin given 4 days before LPS significantly attenuated the increase in plasma T×A2 concentration and digital hypothermia. Aspirin plus GR55562 had a greater effect on LPS-induced digital hypothermia than aspirin alone.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Thromboxane A2 and 5-HT played a role in mediating LPS-induced digital hypoperfusion in horses. Platelet-activating factor appeared unimportant in mediating LPS-induced 5-HT or T×A2 release or digital hypoperfusion.
Adsorptive effects of di-tri-octahedral smectite on Clostridium perfringens alpha, beta, and beta-2 exotoxins and equine colostral antibodies
Authors: Lawler Jacquelin Boggs , Hassel Diana M. , Magnuson Roberta J. , Hill Ashley E. , McCue Patrick M. , Traub-Dargatz Josie L.
Published: February 2008

Objective—To determine the adsorptive capability of di-tri-octahedral smectite (DTOS) on Clostridium perfringens alpha, beta, and beta-2 exotoxins and equine colostral antibodies.

Sample Population—3 C perfringens exotoxins and 9 colostral samples.

Procedures—Alpha, beta, and beta-2 exotoxins were individually co-incubated with serial dilutions of DTOS or bismuth subsalicylate, and the amount of toxin remaining after incubation was determined via toxin-specific ELISAs. Colostral samples from healthy mares were individually co-incubated with serial dilutions of DTOS, and colostral IgG concentrations were determined via single radial immunodiffusion assay.

Results—Di-tri-octahedral smectite decreased the amount of each C perfringens exotoxin in co-incubated samples in a dose-dependent manner and was more effective than bismuth subsalicylate at reducing exotoxins in vitro. Decreases in the concentration of IgG were detected in samples of colostrum that were combined with DTOS at 1:4 through 1:16 dilutions, whereas no significant decrease was evident with DTOS at the 1:32 dilution.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Di-tri-octahedral smectite effectively adsorbed C perfringens exotoxins in vitro and had a dose-dependent effect on the availability of equine colostral antibodies. Results suggested that DTOS may be an appropriate adjunctive treatment in the management of neonatal clostridiosis in horses. In vivo studies are necessary to fully assess the clinical efficacy of DTOS treatment.
F-wave conduction velocity, persistence, and amplitude for the tibial nerve in clinically normal cats
Authors: Okuno Seiichi , Kobayashi Takayuki , Orito Kensuke
Published: February 2008

Objective—To establish a method of F-wave evaluation and to determine normative values of F-wave parameters, including F-wave conduction velocity, persistence, and amplitude for the tibial nerve in cats.

Animals—30 clinically normal cats.

Procedures—F-waves elicited in the interosseous muscles by stimulation of the tibial nerve were recorded, and linear regression analyses of the shortest latency versus the length of the tibial nerve and the limb length were performed. F-wave persistence was calculated by dividing the number of recorded F-waves by the number of stimuli.

Results—The correlation coefficient between F-wave latency and nerve length was 0.92, and that between F-wave latency and limb length was 0.58. Mean ± SD F-wave conduction velocity of the tibial nerve was calculated to be 97.1 ± 5.0 m/s. Linear regression analysis yielded the regression equation as follows: F-wave latency (milliseconds) = 2.60 + (0.02 × nerve length [mm]). Mean F-wave persistence and amplitude were 98.7 ± 2.3% and 1.01 ± 0.62 mV, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that nerve length should be used for nerve conduction studies of F-waves in felids. The regression equation for F-wave latency, conduction velocity, persistence, and amplitude may contribute to the diagnosis of nervous system diseases or injury in cats, such as trauma to the spinal cord or diabetic neuropathy.
Comparison of the distribution of glial fibrillary acidic protein, heat shock protein 60, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in retinas from glaucomatous and normal canine eyes
Authors: Savagian Caitlin A. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Nork T. Michael
Published: February 2008

Objective—To determine the effect of acute (clinical history of glaucoma for ≤ 2 days) and chronic (clinical history of glaucoma for 7 days) goniodysgenesis-related glaucoma on various stress-inducible proteins in canine retinas.

Sample Population—15 canine retinas (5 from control eyes, 5 from eyes with acute glaucoma, and 5 from eyes with chronic glaucoma).

Procedures—Globes were obtained from the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin. Eyes were characterized on the basis of clinical history. The distribution of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), heat shock protein (HSP) 60, and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α was determined by use of immunohistochemical analysis.

Results—Intensity of GFAP staining increased with temporal progression of glaucoma. In specimens from eyes with acute glaucoma, staining for HSP 60 was more variable among eyes, compared with that of the control eyes, whereas specimens from eyes with chronic glaucoma typically had less HSP 60 staining than was evident in the control eyes. Neither the control eyes nor specimens from the eyes with acute glaucoma had nuclear staining for HIF-1α in the retinas. Four of 5 specimens from eyes with chronic glaucoma had nuclear staining for HIF-1α in cells of the outer nuclear layer. Staining for HIF-1α was distributed segmentally in regions of more severe atrophy and disorganization.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the study reported here supported a clinically evident, rapidly progressive disease with a shift in cell regulation between acute and chronic glaucoma and also supported ischemia as a mechanism of retinal injury in this disease.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in corn snakes (Elaphe guttata)
Authors: Acierno Mark J. , Mitchell Mark A. , Zachariah Trevor T. , Roundtree Marlana K. , Kirchgessner Megan S. , Sanchez-Migallon Guzman David
Published: February 2008

Objective—To determine whether corn snakes exposed to UVB radiation have increased plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations, compared with control snakes.

Animals—12 corn snakes (Elaphe guttata).

Procedures—After an acclimation period in individual enclosures, a blood sample was collected from each snake for assessment of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration. Six snakes were provided with no supplemental lighting, and 6 snakes were exposed to light from 2 full-spectrum coil bulbs. By use of a radiometer-photometer, the UVA and UVB radiation generated by the bulbs were measured in each light-treated enclosure at 3 positions at the basking surface and at 2.54 cm (1 inch) below each bulb surface; the arithmetic mean values for the 3 positions at the basking surface and each individual bulb surface were calculated immediately after the start of the study and at weekly intervals thereafter. At the end of the study (day 28), another blood sample was collected from each snake to determine plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration.

Results—Mean ± SD plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in snakes that were provided with supplemental lighting (196 ± 16.73 nmol/L) differed significantly from the value in control snakes (57.17 ± 15.28 nmol/L). Mean exposure to UVA or UVB did not alter during the 4-week study period, although the amount of UVA recorded near the bulb surfaces did change significantly.

Clinical Relevance—These findings have provided important insight into the appropriate UV radiation requirements for corn snakes. Further investigation will be needed before exact husbandry requirements can be determined.
Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a cockatoo
Authors: Starkey Simon R. , Morrisey James K. , Stewart Jennifer E. , Buckles Elizabeth L.
Published: February 2008

Case Description—A 13-year-old female intact Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was evaluated because of coelomic distention, presumed to be secondary to an abdominal hernia. The patient also had a history of rapid weight gain and polyuria and polydipsia.

Clinical Findings—Ultrasonography was used to confirm the existence of a pseudohernia that appeared to contain the small intestines, pancreas, and reproductive tract. Results of plasma biochemical analysis revealed hyperglycemia, hypophosphatemia, and high nonfasting bile acid concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase activity. A CBC revealed a relative heterophilia with a concomitant lymphopenia and mild monocytosis. Histologic evaluation of a liver biopsy specimen indicated chronic hepatic lipidosis. Despite a strong clinical suspicion of hyperadrenocorticism, ACTH stimulation test results were equivocal.

Treatment and Outcome—The pseudohernia was strengthened with a prolene mesh. Despite ongoing medical and surgical care, the patient developed complications associated with the herniorrhaphy and was euthanatized. The clinical suspicion of hyperadrenocorticism was confirmed on the basis of histologic evaluation of the pituitary gland by use of special stains.

Clinical Relevance—To our knowledge, pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism has not been previously confirmed in Psittaciformes. The condition should be considered in birds with clinical signs consistent with those observed in mammals. For the cockatoo of this report, ACTH stimulation test results were equivocal and additional diagnostic tests should be developed for avian patients.