bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite markers for the grapevine pathogen, Eutypa lata
Authors: BAUMGARTNER K. , BERGEMANN S. E. , FUJIYOSHI P. , ROLSHAUSEN P. E. , GUBLER W. D.
Published: January 2009

We isolated and characterized nine polymorphic microsatellite markers for Eutypa lata, a fungal pathogen responsible for Eutypa dieback of grapevine, in populations from two California vineyards (24 isolates per vineyard). Allele frequency ranged from two to 11 alleles per locus and haploid gene diversity ranged from 0.33 to 0.83. All samples comprised unique haplotypes. Our results suggest that there is sufficient allelic polymorphism to estimate fine‐scale spatial structure, and to identify possible sources of inoculum from habitats outside of vineyards.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in two primary parasitoids of the noctuid Spodoptera frugiperda: Chelonus insularis and Campoletis sonorensis (Hymenoptera)
Authors: JOURDIE VIOLAINE , ALVAREZ NADIR , TURLINGS TED C. J. , FRANCK PIERRE
Published: January 2009

Fifteen and 13 microsatellite loci were isolated, respectively, from Campoletis sonorensis Cameron and from Chelonus insularis Cresson. These two parasitic Hymenoptera are primary parasitoids of Lepidoptera in North, Central and South America, including the important agricultural pest Spodoptera frugiperda. Allelic diversity and heterozygosity were quantified in samples from Mexico. Each locus was polymorphic, with the number of alleles ranging from two to 16 in C. sonorensis and from four to 18 in C. insularis. Heterozygosity ranged from 0.088 to 0.403 in C. sonorensis and from 0.106 to 0.458 in C. insularis.
Isolation and characterization of expressed sequence tag‐linked microsatellite loci for the European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: PUJOLAR J. M. , MAES G. E. , VAN HOUDT J. K. J. , ZANE L.
Published: January 2009

A European eel (Anguilla anguilla) expressed sequence tag database consisting of 795 contigs and 4008 singletons was screened for microsatellites sequences. Primers were designed to amplify 96 repeats, of which 86 gave good quality amplification products. Twenty‐eight microsatellites were selected for further microsatellite genotyping. Only two loci were found to be monomorphic; out of the 26 polymorphic loci, number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 14, while the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.05 to 0.93, and from 0.05 to 0.95, respectively. All 28 primer sets tested revealed positive amplification in American eel (Anguilla rostrata).
Characterization of 31 EST‐derived microsatellite markers for the pearl oyster Pinctada martensii (Dunker)
Authors: SHI YAOHUA , WANG YAN , HONG KUI , HOU ZHANHUI , WANG AIMIN , GUO XIMING
Published: January 2009

We developed and characterized 31 microsatellite markers from expressed sequence tags of Pinctada martensii (Dunker). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 18 as determined in 44 individuals from a wild population. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.4121 to 0.9436, while the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.4054 to 0.7273. Most of the loci are in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These markers should be useful for population genetics studies, parentage and genome mapping in this species.
Characterization of 32 novel microsatellite loci for population and mating system studies using Campostoma anomalum (central stoneroller)
Authors: LANDIS J. B. , HUDMAN S. P. , GROSE M. J. , SKALSKI G. T. , WILEY E. O.
Published: January 2009

The central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum) is an abundant, widespread and sexually dimorphic stream minnow that is a useful model for mating system studies as well as a sentinel species for understanding population‐level processes for fishes in headwater communities. We developed one genomic library enriched for dinucleotide repeats and isolated 48 putative, novel microsatellite loci. Of those, we present 32 polymorphic and independent microsatellite markers with 3 to 16 alleles per locus and heterozygosity ranging from 0.23 to 0.95. Hence, these markers will be useful for future behavioural, ecological and evolutionary studies using C. anomalum.
Twelve nuclear microsatellite loci for rice stem borer (Chilo suppressalis W.)
Authors: LIU YU‐DI , HOU MAO‐LIN , HAO LI‐XIA
Published: January 2009

We developed 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the rice stem borer Chilo suppressalis (Walker). These loci were screened for 96 individuals from eight populations across China. The total number of alleles ranged from 3 to 33 and the expected heterozygosity at these loci ranged from 0.131 to 0.671. These molecular markers will be useful for fully investigating the population structure and host preference of C. suppressalis at fine spatial scales.
Development of 10 microsatellite loci in the pulmonate snail Biomphalaria kuhniana (Mollusca, Gastropoda)
Authors: DUPUY VIRGINIE , NICOT ANTOINE , JARNE PHILIPPE , DAVID PATRICE
Published: January 2009

We characterized 10 variable microsatellite loci in the freshwater snail Biomphalaria kuhniana, as well as conditions for multiplexing and co‐loading sets of loci. Two to five alleles were detected per locus over the two studied populations in Venezuela. High inbreeding coefficients suggest high selfing rates. Cross‐species amplification provided some variability at eight and three loci in the other species belonging to the Biomphalaria straminea complex (B. straminea and B. intermedia), but was unsuccessful in more divergent species.
Isolation and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci from Argyrosomus japonicus (mulloway), a new aquaculture species in Australia
Authors: ARCHANGI B. , CHAND V. , MATHER P. B.
Published: January 2009

Fifteen microsatellite loci were isolated for population genetic studies of mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus), a commercial/recreational fish species in Southern Australia. A genomic library was screened randomly for di‐ tri‐ and tetranucleotide repeats. Fifteen microsatellite marker loci were developed that were highly polymorphic (allele number ranged from four to 18).

Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.17 to 1 and from 0.27 to 0.91, respectively. These markers have proven useful for estimating genetic variation and for evaluating population structure across the species’ natural distribution. They also provide powerful tools for optimizing hatchery practices to conserve genetic diversity.
Influence of DNA isolation from historical otoliths on nuclear–mitochondrial marker amplification and age determination in an overexploited fish, the common sole (Solea solea L.)
Authors: CUVELIERS E. L. , BOLLE L. J. , VOLCKAERT F. A. M. , MAES G. E.
Published: January 2009

Historical otolith collections are crucial in assessing the evolutionary consequences of natural and anthropogenic changes on the demography and connectivity of commercially important fish species. Hence, it is important to define optimal protocols for purifying DNA from such valuable information sources while avoiding any damage to the physical structure of the otolith. Before being able to conclude on the harmlessness of a method, it is important to validate protocols on different kinds of otoliths by testing purification methodologies under standardized conditions. Here we compare the effect of two DNA extraction methods on the success in identifying the age in an overexploited marine fish, the common sole (Solea solea L.). To ensure optimal future population genetic and demographic analyses, we assessed DNA quantity and tested the DNA quality by investigating the amplification success of a mitochondrial and nuclear marker. Our results show that the choice of the DNA extraction method had a significant effect on the success of using these otoliths in age and growth analyses. Standard commercial and published protocols resulted in a severe damaging of the otolith structure, hampering accurate preparation and analyses of the morphological structures of the otoliths. Shortening the lysis time and lowering the EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) and SDS (sodium dodecylsulphate) concentration turned out to be beneficial for the stability of otolith structure, while maintaining an overall high DNA quality measured through polymerase chain reaction amplification success. We therefore recommend that care should be taken when choosing the extraction method for a molecular study on archived samples, in order to enable the maximal use of information embedded in historical material.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) and their variability in two other species (Lepisosteus oculatus and L. osseus) of Lepisosteidae
Authors: MOYER GREGORY R. , SLOSS BRIAN L. , KREISER BRIAN R. , FELDHEIM KEVIN A.
Published: January 2009

We report on the isolation of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci from alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula), a large‐bodied species that has experienced population declines across much of its range. These loci possessed 2–19 alleles and observed heterozygosities of 0–0.974. All loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations, and none exhibited linkage disequilibrium. Nine and eight of these loci were found to be polymorphic in the related species Lepisosteus oculatus and L. osseus, respectively. These microsatellite loci should prove useful in conservation efforts of A. spatula through the study of population structure and hatchery broodstock management.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the western pearlshell mussel, Margaritifera falcata (Gould)
Authors: CHONG JER PIN , BOX JAYNE BRIM , NEZ DONNA A. , MOCK KAREN E.
Published: January 2009

Ten microsatellite loci were isolated from the western pearlshell, Margaritifera falcata (Gould, 1850) and characterized in populations from Washington and Montana, USA. We also assessed eight microsatellite loci developed in M. margaritifera, two of which showed utility. Both of our test populations showed significant heterozygote deficiencies at most loci, consistent with a hermaphroditic life history. Populations differed markedly with respect to allelic richness, allele frequencies and numbers of identical multilocus genotypes. This panel of loci should prove useful in describing gene flow and genetic diversity patterns among M. falcata populations, information that should aid future conservation efforts.
The Ecological and Spatial Structure of the Socio‐Economic Characteristics of Winnipeg,1961
Authors: Nicholson T. G. , Yeates Maurice H.
Published: January 2009

L'application de l'analyse des composantes principales aux donnees socio‐economiques de 1961 pour Winnipeg nous permet d'extraire les dimensions sous‐jacentes de la structure socio‐economique de la population de la ville. On y fait la demonstration que les dimensions derivees correspondent dans une large mesure aux dimensions obtenues par l'analyse de l'aire sociale. II est de plus souligne que l'analyse des composantes principales constitue un instrument utile dans l'analyse des donnees urbaines multivariees; elle est egalement tres utile‐a Pinterieur de certaines limites‐dans les etudes empiriques portant sur la structure ecologique de la ville.

The application of principal components analysis to 1961 socio‐economic data for Winnipeg derives the underlying dimensions of the socio‐economic structure of the city's population. It is generally shown that the derived dimensions are quite similar to “social area analysis” dimensions. It is further indicated that principal components analysis provides a useful tool in the analysis of multivariate urban data and, subject to certain limitations, is extremely useful in empirical studies of the ecological structure of cities.
Multidrug‐Resistant E. coli and Enterobacter Extraintestinal Infection in 37 Dogs
Authors: Gibson J.S. , Morton J.M. , Cobbold R.N. , Sidjabat H.E. , Filippich L.J. , Trott D.J.
Published: January 2009

Background: Extraintestinal infections caused by multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli and Enterobacter are becoming more common in veterinary medicine.

Objective: To generate hypotheses for risk factors for dogs acquiring extraintestinal infection caused by MDR E. coli and Enterobacter, describe antimicrobial resistance profiles and analyze treatment and clinical outcomes.

Animals: Thirty‐seven dogs diagnosed with extraintestinal infection caused by MDR E. coli and Enterobacter spp. between October 1999 and June 2006.

Methods: Retrospective case series assembled from hospital records data, including clinical history before 1st MDR isolation and treatment outcome. Identity and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were confirmed by standard microbiological techniques for 57 isolates.

Results: Most dogs had an underlying disease condition (97%), received prior antimicrobial treatment (87%), were hospitalized for ≥3 days (82%), and had a surgical intervention (57%). The urinary tract was the most common infection site (62%), and urinary catheterization, bladder stasis, or both were common among dogs (24%). Some dogs were treated with high doses of co‐amoxyclavulanate (n = 14) and subsequently recovered even though the isolates showed in vitro resistance to this antimicrobial. Other dogs were successfully treated with chloramphenicol (n = 11) and imipenem (n = 2).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Predisposing disease condition, any prior antimicrobial use rather than a specific class of antimicrobial, duration of hospitalization, and type of surgical procedure might be risk factors for acquiring MDR extraintestinal infections. Whereas culture and sensitivity results can indicate use of last‐resort antimicrobials such as imipenem for MDR infections, some affected dogs can recover after administration of high doses of co‐amoxyclavulanate.
Antigen and Antibody Testing for the Diagnosis of Blastomycosis in Dogs
Authors: Spector D. , Legendre A.M. , Wheat J. , Bemis D. , Rohrbach B. , Taboada J. , Durkin M.
Published: January 2009

Background:Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with an improved prognosis in blastomycosis. The diagnosis of blastomycosis may be missed by cytology, histopathology, culture, or serology. An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for detection ofBlastomyces dermatitidisgalactomannan antigen in body fluids has been used for rapid diagnosis of blastomycosis in humans.

Hypothesis:Measurement ofBlastomycesantigen in urine or serum by the MVistaBlastomycesantigen EIA is more sensitive than measurement of anti‐Blastomycesantibodies for diagnosis of blastomycosis in dogs.

Methods:Serum and urine samples from 46 dogs with confirmed blastomycosis were tested forBlastomycesantigen and serum was tested for anti‐Blastomycesantibodies.

Results:The sensitivity for the detection of antigen in urine was 93.5% and it was 87.0% in serum. The sensitivity of antibody detection by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) was 17.4% and it was 76.1% by EIA. Antigen and antibody decreased during itraconazole treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Antigen detection is a more sensitive test for diagnosis of blastomycosis than antibody testing by AGID, the only commercially available method. Antigen concentrations decreased with treatment.
Anti‐Erythrocyte Antibodies and Disease Associations in Anemic and Nonanemic Dogs
Authors: Morley P. , Mathes M. , Guth A. , Dow S.
Published: January 2009

Background: Flow cytometry has been used to detect anti‐red blood cell (RBC) antibodies in dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), but the prevalence of anti‐RBC antibodies in anemic and nonanemic dogs with a variety of different diseases has not been assessed previously.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that anti‐RBC antibodies would be more common in anemic dogs and in dogs with immune‐mediated disorders and cancer.

Animals: Blood samples from 292 dogs were analyzed prospectively by flow cytometry for anti‐RBC antibodies.

Methods: Blood samples from 147 anemic and 145 nonanemic dogs were evaluated by flow cytometry to detect surface‐bound immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies on RBC. Disease associations with RBC antibodies were determined, as was the correlation between disease status and the percentage of Ig+ RBC. The specificity and sensitivity of flow cytometry and clinical variables for the diagnosis of IMHA were compared by Bayesian analysis.

Results: Anemic dogs were significantly more likely to be positive for anti‐RBC antibodies (IgG, IgM, or both) than nonanemic dogs. Anemic dogs also had significantly higher percentages of Ig+ RBC than nonanemic dogs, whereas dogs with IMHA had significantly higher percentages of Ig+ RBC than dogs with all other diseases. Dogs with IMHA, infectious diseases, and immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia were significantly more likely to have anti‐RBC antibodies than dogs with other medical or surgical diseases.

Conclusions: Anemic dogs with immune‐mediated diseases and infectious diseases were at the highest risk for the development of anti‐RBC antibodies, and flow cytometry for the detection of IgG on RBC was highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of IMHA.
Comparison of Postprandial and Ceruletide Serum Bile Acid Stimulation in Dogs
Authors: Bridger N. , Glanemann B. , Neiger R.
Published: January 2009

Background:Postprandial (PP) serum bile acid (SBA) stimulation is an important test for detecting hepatic dysfunction in dogs. However, this test is influenced by numerous variables, and a standardized approach using an injectable cholecystokinin analog (ceruletide) may be advantageous.

Hypothesis:Ceruletide SBA stimulation test is more sensitive than PP SBA stimulation in dogs.

Animals:Animals with portosystemic shunt (PSS) (n = 11) and dogs with upper respiratory disease (URD) (n = 9) were investigated. Healthy dogs (n = 13) and dogs with other diseases (n = 17) served as controls.

Methods:All dogs underwent SBA stimulation with food and ceruletide. Stimulation blood samples were drawn at 60/120 minutes and 20/30/40 minutes, respectively. Results were compared statistically, and the sensitivity and specificity were determined with receiver‐operating characteristic curves.

Results:Stimulated SBA were significantly higher in both study groups than in controls. For dogs with PSS, the sensitivity and specificity (>35 μmol/L) were 100% postprandially (120 minutes) and 91 and 100%, respectively, postceruletide (30 minutes). The difference between these values was not statistically significant. For dogs with URD, the sensitivity and specificity (>22 μmol/L) were 44 and 88% postprandially (120 minutes) and 100 and 88% postceruletide (30 minutes).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Ceruletide SBA stimulation circumvents exogenous and endogenous influences associated with PP SBA stimulation. The results indicate that ceruletide SBA stimulation performs as well as PP SBA stimulation in dogs with PSS and is more sensitive for the detection of hepatic dysfunction in dogs with URD.
Electrochemotherapy in Veterinary Oncology
Authors: Cemazar M. , Tamzali Y. , Sersa G. , Tozon N. , Mir L.M. , Miklavcic D. , Lowe R. , Teissie J.
Published: January 2009

Electropermeabilization is a method that uses electric field pulses to induce an electrically mediated reorganization of the plasma membrane of cells. Electrochemotherapy combines local or systemic administration of chemotherapeutic drugs such as bleomycin or cisplatin that have poor membrane permeability with electropermeabilization by direct application of electric pulses to the tumors. Preclinical studies have demonstrated excellent antitumor effectiveness of electrochemotherapy on different animal models and various tumor types, minimal toxicity, and safety of the procedure. Based on results of preclinical studies, clinical studies were conducted in human patients, which demonstrated pronounced antitumor effectiveness of electrochemotherapy with 80–85% objective responses of the treated cutaneous and SC tumors. Clinical studies in veterinary oncology have demonstrated that electrochemotherapy is very effective in the treatment of cutaneous and SC tumors of different histologic types in cats, dogs, and horses. The results of these studies have also demonstrated approximately 80% long‐lasting objective responses of tumors treated by electrochemotherapy. Primary tumors of different histologic types were treated. Electrochemotherapy in veterinary oncology has future promise to be highly effective, and could be used to treat primary or recurrent solitary or multiple cutaneous and SC tumors of different histology or as an adjuvant treatment to surgery.
Factors Associated with the Occurrence of Epistaxis in Natural Canine Leishmaniasis (Leishmania infantum)
Authors: Petanides T.A. , Koutinas A.F. , Mylonakis M.E. , Day M.J. , Saridomichelakis M.N. , Leontides L.S. , Mischke R. , Diniz P. , Breitschwerdt E.B. , Kritsepi M. , Garipidou V.A. , Koutinas C.K. , Lekkas S.
Published: January 2009

Background: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a common cause of epistaxis in dogs residing in endemic areas. The pathogenesis of CanL‐associated epistaxis has not been fully explored because of the limited number of cases reported so far.

Hypothesis: Epistaxis in CanL could be attributed to more than 1 pathomechanism such as hemostatic dysfunction, biochemical abnormalities, chronic rhinitis, and coinfections occurring in various combinations.

Animals: Fifty‐one dogs with natural CanL.

Methods: The allocation of 51 dogs in this cross‐sectional study was based on the presence (n = 24) or absence (n = 27) of epistaxis. The potential associations among epistaxis and concurrent infections (Ehrlichia canis, Bartonella spp., and Aspergillus spp.), biochemical and hemostatic abnormalities, and nasal histopathology were investigated.

Results: Hypergammaglobulinemia (P= .044), increased serum viscosity (P= .038), decreased platelet aggregation response to collagen (P= .042), and nasal mucosa ulceration (P= .039) were more common in the dogs with epistaxis than in those without epistaxis. The other significant differences between the 2 groups involved total serum protein (P= .029) and γ‐globulin (P= .013) concentrations, which were higher, and the percentage platelet aggregation to collagen, which was lower (P= .012) in the epistaxis dogs.

Clinical Importance: CanL‐associated epistaxis appears to be the result of multiple and variable pathogenetic factors such as thrombocytopathy, hyperglobulinemia‐induced serum hyperviscosity, and nasal mucosa ulceration.
Search forBorrelia burgdorferiin Kidneys of Dogs with Suspected “Lyme Nephritis”
Authors: Hutton T.A. , Goldstein R.E. , Njaa B.L. , Atwater D.Z. , Chang Y.‐F. , Simpson K.W.
Published: January 2009

Background:“Lyme nephritis” is a poorly characterized condition associated with proteinuria and often fatal renal failure in dogs with serological evidence of infection withBorrelia burgdorferi.

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine if intactB. burgdorferiorganisms were present in the kidneys of serologically Lyme‐positive dogs with histopathologic features of Lyme nephritis.

Animals:Twenty‐six affected and 10 control dogs were identified over an 8‐year period (1996–2004) in databases at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Case inclusion required serologic evidence of natural exposure toB. burgdorferiand availability of renal tissue (frozen or paraffin embedded) exhibiting pathology consistent with Lyme nephritis.

Methods:Renal tissue samples were assessed using modified Steiner (silver) (MS) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 4 primer sets (eubacterial,B. burgdorferi,Bartonella, and canine genomic DNA), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a 5′‐cy3‐eubacterial probe for 16S rRNA.

Results:MS stain was positive in 1 case; IHC was negative in all cases. None of theB. burgdorferiorBartonellaPCR reactions was positive. Two of theB. burgdorferiFISH analyses were positive.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Minimal evidence of the presence of intactB. burgdorferior any other bacterial organism was found in the renal tissue of dogs with suspected Lyme nephritis. Direct renal invasion byB. burgdorferiorganisms does not appear to be responsible for this syndrome.
Epidemiology of Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis in Pug Dogs
Authors: Levine J.M. , Fosgate G.T. , Porter B. , Schatzberg S.J. , Greer K.
Published: January 2009

Background: Although the histopathologic features of necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) have been described previously, little information is available concerning the signalment, geographic distribution, seasonal onset, treatment, and survival of affected dogs.

Animals: Sixty Pugs with NME and 14 contemporaneous control Pugs with other intracranial diseases (non‐NME group).

Methods: Pugs that were euthanized or died because of intracranial disease were prospectively obtained. All dogs had necropsy, histopathology, and testing for various infectious diseases and were subsequently divided into NME and non‐NME groups. Signalment, geographic distribution, seasonal onset, treatment, and survival were compared between groups.

Results: In Pugs with NME, median age at onset of clinical signs was 18 months (range, 4–113 months). A greater proportion of female dogs were present in the NME group (40/60) compared with the control group (6/14). Pugs with NME had a significantly lower mean weight (7.81 kg) than control Pugs (9.79 kg) (P= .012). Mean survival in Pugs with NME was 93 days (range, 1–680 days), with dogs receiving any form of treatment living significantly longer than those that were not treated (P= .003). Anticonvulsive drugs were the only treatment significantly associated with longer survival (P= .003).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: NME appears to be a common cause of intracranial signs in Pugs, based on the high proportion of NME dogs reported in this population. Pugs with NME are most commonly young adult female dogs. Although further investigation is needed to determine the optimal treatment of NME, anticonvulsive drugs appear to beneficially affect duration of survival.
Comparative Analysis of Survivin Expression in Untreated and Relapsed Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Rebhun R.B. , Lana S.E. , Ehrhart E.J. , Charles J.B. , Thamm D.H.
Published: January 2009

Background:Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, has a dual role in tumor cell proliferative and antiapoptotic pathways. Survivin expression has been shown to be a negative prognostic factor in several cancers of humans, including B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Hypotheses:High survivin expression will be a negative prognostic factor in dogs with lymphoma (LSA) treated with chemotherapy. In addition, survivin expression will be upregulated in relapsed canine LSA when compared with patient‐matched, pretreatment biopsies.

Animals:Thirty‐one client‐owned dogs with stage IIIa or IVa LSA.

Methods:Retrospective evaluation of survivin immunoreactivity was performed on pretreatment lymph node biopsies and patient‐matched samples obtained from dogs at relapse after being treated with an abbreviated CHOP‐based protocol.

Results:In this population of dogs presenting with stage IIIa or IVa B‐cell LSA, those dogs that had high survivin immunoreactivity scores had a significantly (P< .01, hazard ratio = 0.30) shorter median disease‐free interval than did dogs with low survivin immunoreactivity scores (171 days versus 321 days, respectively). Survivin immunoreactivity was not significantly different in relapsed canine LSA when compared with patient‐matched, pretreatment biopsies.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Survivin expression is a negative prognostic factor that can predict early treatment failure of dogs that present with stage IIIa or IVa, B‐cell LSA when treated with a CHOP‐based protocol.
Correlation between the Histopathological Diagnosis by AgNOR Count and AgNOR Area in Canine Mammary Tumors
Authors: Bundgaard‐Andersen K. , Flagstad A. , Jensen A.L. , Hellmén E. , Trerè D.
Published: January 2009

Background:Mammary tumors are the most common type of tumor in female dogs. The histopathological diagnosis is usually made by a hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining of the tumor, which then requires a pathologist's judgment for assessment of malignancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate an alternative silver staining of some argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) for improving the diagnostic accuracy with mammary tumors.

Hypothesis:There is a correlation between the histopathological diagnosis by AgNOR count and AgNOR area in canine mammary tumors.

Animals:Seventy‐three canine mammary tumors from 33 female dogs.

Materials and Methods:The AgNOR staining was evaluated retrospectively in 73 canine mammary tumors with a parallel HE staining as a “Gold Standard.” Both a quantitative manual counting method and a qualitative computerized morphometric method were tested.

Result:The result from both methods indicated a clinically relevant difference in the mean values of the AgNOR in the following 4 categories: malignant, benign, hyperplastic, and normal mammary tissue. The counting method was superior, with 89% of the cases given a correct diagnosis of a malignant or a nonmalignant canine mammary tumor. The 2 methods were then compared to test their ability to classify the tumors correctly. Again, the counting method was the most reliable method, with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 76% when the upper 50% of the AgNOR counts were presumed malignant.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance:The results indicated that an AgNOR test could be an aid to pathologists as a prognostic indicator or to assist them in deciding between a benign or a malignant diagnosis in questionable cases.
Comparison of the Accu‐Chek Aviva Point‐of‐Care Glucometer with Blood Gas and Laboratory Methods of Analysis of Glucose Measurement in Equine Emergency Patients
Authors: Hollis A.R. , Dallap Schaer B.L. , Boston R.C. , Wilkins P.A.
Published: January 2009

Background: More information is needed regarding accuracy of commonly used methods of glucose measurement in the critically ill horse.

Hypothesis: Glucometry will have good agreement with a laboratory standard. Glucometry with plasma will have better agreement than when performed with whole blood.

Animals: Fifty sequentially admitted equine emergency patients, aged >1year.

Methods: Venous blood was collected at admission and immediately analyzed by point‐of‐care glucometry on both whole blood (POC/WB) and plasma (POC/PL), a multielectrode blood gas analyzer with whole blood (BLG), and a standard laboratory method with plasma (CHEM). Paired data were compared using Lin's concordance correlation, Pearson's correlation, and robust regression. Bias and limits of agreement were tested by the Bland‐Altman technique. Bivariate regression analysis was used to explore confounding factors.

Results: Concordance was significant for all comparisons, and was strongest for CHEM‐POC/PL (0.977) and weakest for POC/WB‐POC/PL (0.668). Pearson's correlation was excellent for all comparisons except those with POC/WB. All comparisons had excellent robust regression coefficients except those with POC/WB.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: POC glucometry with plasma had excellent agreement with a laboratory standard, as did blood gas analysis. POC glucometry with whole blood correlated poorly with a laboratory standard. These differences may be clinically important, and could affect decisions based on glucose concentrations.
Effect of Sample Quality on the Sensitivity of Endoscopic Biopsy for Detecting Gastric and Duodenal Lesions in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Willard M.D. , Mansell J. , Fosgate G.T. , Gualtieri M. , Olivero D. , Lecoindre P. , Twedt D.C. , Collett M.G. , Day M.J. , Hall E.J. , Jergens A.E. , Simpson J.W. , Else R.W. , Washabau R.J.
Published: January 2009

Background: The quality of histopathology slides of endoscopic biopsies from different laboratories varies, but the effect of biopsy quality on outcome is unknown.

Hypothesis: The ability to demonstrate a histologic lesion in the stomach or duodenum of a dog or cat is affected by the quality of endoscopic biopsy samples submitted. More endoscopic samples are needed to find a lesion in poor‐quality tissue specimens.

Animals: Tissues from 99 dogs and 51 cats were examined as clinical cases at 8 veterinary institutions or practices in 5 countries.

Methods: Histopathology slides from sequential cases that underwent endoscopic biopsy were submitted by participating institutions. Quality of the histologic section of tissue (inadequate, marginal, adequate), type of lesion (lymphangiectasia, crypt lesion, villus blunting, cellular infiltrate), and severity of lesion (normal, mild, moderate, severe) were determined. Sensitivity of different quality tissue samples for finding different lesions was determined.

Results: Fewer samples were required from dogs for diagnosis as the quality of the sample improved from inadequate to marginal to adequate. Duodenal lesions in cats displayed the same trend except for moderate duodenal infiltrates for which quality of tissue sample made no difference. Gastric lesions in dogs and mild gastric lesions in cats had the same trend, whereas the number of tissue samples needed to diagnose moderately severe gastric lesions in cats was not affected by the quality of tissue sample.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The quality of endoscopically obtained tissue samples has a profound effect on their sensitivity for identifying certain lesions, and there are differences between biopsies of canine and feline tissues.
Choroid Plexus Tumors in 56 Dogs (1985–2007)
Authors: Westworth D.R. , Dickinson P.J. , Vernau W. , Johnson E.G. , Bollen A.W. , Kass P.H. , Sturges B.K. , Vernau K.M. , LeCouteur R.A. , Higgins R.J.
Published: January 2009

Background:Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) comprise approximately 10% of all primary brain tumors in dogs. The clinical utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, or both in the presumptive diagnosis of CPTs has not been determined.

Objectives:To report MRI and CSF findings in dogs with CPT and determine if there are distinguishing features that allow clinical discrimination between the tumor grades.

Animals:Fifty‐six client‐owned dogs with naturally occurring CPT.

Methods:Retrospective case series. The inclusion criterion was histologically confirmed CPT. Blinded review of cranial MRI and cisternal CSF analysis was performed.

Results:Thirty‐six of 56 dogs had a choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) and 20 had a choroid plexus papilloma (CPP). Golden Retrievers were overrepresented compared with the hospital population (frequency 3.7 times that expected, confidence interval 95%= 2.0–6.7,P< .0002). Median CSF protein concentration in CPCs (108 mg/dL, range 27–380 mg/dL) was significantly higher than in CPPs (34 mg/dL, range 32–80 mg/dL) (P= .002). Only dogs with CPCs had a CSF protein concentration >80 mg/dL. Cytological evidence of malignancy in CSF was seen in 7 of 15 CPCs. Only CPCs had evidence of intraventricular or subarachnoid metastases on MRI.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:MRI, CSF analysis or both can help to differentiate between CPPs and CPCs, and may provide valuable prognostic and pretreatment information.
Detection of Equine Herpesvirus‐1 in Nasal Swabs of Horses by Quantitative Real‐Time PCR
Authors: Perkins G.A. , Goodman L.B. , Dubovi E.J. , Kim S.G. , Osterrieder N.
Published: January 2009

Background: Early identification of inhalation‐transmitted equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV‐1) infections has been facilitated by the availability of a number of real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) tests. A direct comparison between nasal swab qPCR and traditional virus isolation (VI) requires a method for normalizing the qPCR samples and controlling for PCR inhibitors present in some clinical samples.

Objectives: To quantify EHV‐1 shedding in viral swabs using an internal control and to compare fast qPCR to VI for the detection of EHV‐1 in nasal swabs from horses.

Animals: Fifteen horses experimentally infected with EHV‐1.

Methods: Experimental study: Nasal swab samples were collected daily after experimental infection for up to 21 days. VI was performed by conventional methods. The DNA was prepared for qPCR with the addition of a known quantity DNA of Marek's disease virus as an internal control. qPCR was performed.

Results: The qPCR method detected virus up to day 21 after challenge, whereas VI detected virus only to day 5. The median Kaplan‐Meier estimates for EHV‐1 detection were 12 days for qPCR and 2 days for VI (P < .0001). When compared with VI, the sensitivity and specificity of qPCR were 97 (95% CI: 86–100) and 27% (95% CI: 20–35).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: We conclude that fast qPCR of nasal swab samples should be chosen for diagnosis and monitoring of herpesvirus‐induced disease in horses. Recommended reference ranges of CT values are provided as well as justification of a minimum 10‐day quarantine period.
Metronomic Therapy with Cyclophosphamide and Piroxicam Effectively Delays Tumor Recurrence in Dogs with Incompletely Resected Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Elmslie R.E. , Glawe P. , Dow S.W.
Published: January 2009

Background:Continuous administration of low doses of cyclophosphamide and standard doses of cyclooxygenase‐inhibiting drugs has been shown to suppress tumor angiogenesis, reverse immunosuppression, and deplete regulatory T cells in cancer models.

Hypothesis:We hypothesized that continuous treatment with low‐dose cyclophosphamide and full‐dose piroxicam would delay tumor recurrence in dogs with soft tissue sarcomas (STS).

Animals:Eighty‐five dogs with incompletely resected STS, 30 treated dogs, and 55 contemporary control dogs.

Methods:Treatment outcomes in 85 dogs with incompletely resected STS were evaluated in a retrospective study. Dogs in the treatment group received continuously administered low‐dose cyclophosphamide (10 mg/m2) and standard dose piroxicam (0.3 mg/kg) therapy. Time to local tumor recurrence (disease‐free interval; DFI) was compared between the 30 treated dogs and 55 untreated control dogs matched for age and tumor site and grade.

Results:DFI was significantly (P< .0001) prolonged for STS of all sites (trunk and extremity) in treated dogs compared with untreated control dogs. The DFI also was significantly longer in treated dogs when tumor site (trunk and extremity) was compared. Twelve treated dogs (40%) experienced mild toxicity (grade 1 and 2) at some point during treatment and 1 dog developed grade 4 cystitis. Every other day dosing was tolerated better than daily dosing.

Conclusions:Metronomic therapy with cyclophosphamide and piroxicam was very effective in preventing tumor recurrence in dogs with incompletely resected STS. These findings suggest that further evaluation of this approach is warranted as adjuvant therapy in dogs with highly metastatic tumors such as osteosarcoma and melanoma.
Photodynamic Therapy of Superficial Nasal Planum Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Cats: 55 Cases
Authors: Bexfield N.H. , Stell A.J. , Gear R.N. , Dobson J.M.
Published: January 2009

Background:Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common skin tumors in cats. We investigated photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the photosensitizing agent 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (5‐ALA) topically and a high‐intensity red light source.

Hypothesis:PDT is a safe and effective treatment for feline SCCs.

Animals:Fifty‐five client‐owned cats with superficial nasal planum SCCs.

Methods:Prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial. PDT was performed using topical 5‐ALA and light of peak wavelength 635 nm. Adverse effects, response, and tumor control were evaluated.

Results:53/55 (96%) cats responded to therapy, and there was a complete response in 47/55 (85%). Six cats (11%) had a partial response. Of the 47 cats with complete response to a single treatment, 24 recurred (51%), with a median time to recurrence of 157 days (95% confidence interval, 109–205 days). Repeat PDT was performed in 22 cats, and at a median follow‐up of 1,146 days, 23 (45%) cats were alive and disease free, 17 (33%) had to be euthanized due to tumor recurrence, and 11 (22%) were euthanized for other reasons.

Only transient mild local adverse effects were observed after treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:PDT using 5‐ALA and a red light source was safe, well tolerated, and effective in the treatment of superficial nasal planum SCCs of cats and offers an alternative to conventional therapy. Although initial response rates were high, this treatment did not lead to a durable remission or cure in all cases.
Recombinant Human Thyrotropin Administration Enhances Thyroid Uptake of Radioactive Iodine in Hyperthyroid Cats
Authors: Van Hoek I. , Daminet S. , Vandermeulen E. , Dobbeleir A. , Duchateau L. , Peremans K.
Published: January 2009

Background:Hyperthyroidism is the most diagnosed endocrine disorder in cats and radioiodine (131I) is the treatment of choice. The dose emission rate and radioactivity in urine, saliva, and on hair and paws are determined by the dose of administered131I. A dose reduction of therapeutic131I could possibly be achieved after recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) administration as in humans with nodular goiter.

Hypothesis:rhTSH will increase radioiodine uptake in hyperthyroid cats.

Animals:Five hyperthyroid cats.

Methods:Twenty‐five micrograms rhTSH (day 1) or 2 mL 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) (day 9) was injected IV. One hour later, 11.4 ± 4.1 (mean ± SD) MBq123I was injected IV. Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) was measured 6, 12, and 24 hours after rhTSH (RAIU‐rhTSH) or NaCl (RAIU‐blanco) injection. Blood samples for measurement of TT4 were taken before injection of rhTSH or NaCl (TT40) and at the time of imaging.

Results:Percentages of RAIU‐rhTSH (and RAIU‐blanco) at 6, 12, and 24 hours after administration of rhTSH were 34 ± 18 (31 ± 21), 46 ± 20 (38 ± 18), and 47 ± 15 (36 ± 14). There was a statistically significant effect of rhTSH administration on RAIU (P= .043) but not on serum TT4 concentration. Baseline serum TT40concentration influenced RAIU‐rhTSH significantly at 6 hours (P= .037).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance:The increased RAIU observed after rhTSH administration in hyperthyroid cats could lead to a lower therapeutic dose of131I after rhTSH administration in hyperthyroid cats and decreased risk of environmental and owner contamination during and after hospitalization.
Vegetative Endocarditis in Equids (1994–2006)
Authors: Porter S.R. , Saegerman C. , Van Galen G. , Sandersen C. , Delguste C. , Guyot H. , Amory H.
Published: January 2009

Background:Endocarditis is a rare heart condition with variable clinical expressions in equids. Risk factors for this disease are incompletely understood.

Objective:Describe risk factors for endocarditis in equids.

Animals:One hundred and fifty‐three equids admitted to Liège University, 9 diagnosed with endocarditis and 144 free from endocarditis but admitted to the hospital with a differential diagnosis including this disease.

Methods:Retrospective case‐control study.

Results:Equids with endocarditis were significantly younger (mean age = 4.84 ± 5.74 years) than control equids (mean age = 10.8 ± 7.73 years) (P= .01). No sex or breed predisposition was observed. Animals with hyperthermia (odds ratio [OR] = 24.4; confidence interval [CI] = 1.40–428), synovial distension (OR = 13.4; CI = 3.00–59.8), lameness (OR = 6.52; CI = 1.63–26.1), hyperglobulinemia (OR = 26.4; CI = 3.03–229), hypoalbuminemia (OR = 11.4; CI = 1.34–96.8), hyperfibrinogenemia (OR = 9.81; CI = 1.16–82.7), or leukocytosis (OR = 7.12; CI = 1.40–36.4) presented a significantly higher risk of having endocarditis than control horses. The presence of two of the clinical signs mentioned above significantly increased the probability of a diagnosis of endocarditis (P≤ .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Age is associated with equine endocarditis. The diagnostic value of certain clinical signs and abnormalities in blood parameters in this disease are described.
Efficacy of Vinblastine for Treatment of Canine Mast Cell Tumors
Authors: Rassnick K.M. , Bailey D.B. , Flory A.B. , Balkman C.E. , Kiselow M.A. , Intile J.L. , Autio K.
Published: January 2009

Background: The optimal dosage and clinical efficacy of vinblastine (VBL) for treatment of mast cell tumors (MCTs) in dogs has not been established.

Hypothesis: Single‐agent VBL has antitumor activity against MCTs in dogs.

Animals: Fifty‐one dogs with nonresectable grade II or III cutaneous MCTs.

Methods: Prospective, open clinical trial. Dogs were systematically allocated (by hospital record number) to receive IV treatment with VBL at a dosage of 2.0 mg/m2 (weekly for 4 treatments then biweekly for 4 treatments; VBL 2.0) or treatment with VBL at a dosage of 3.5 mg/m2 (biweekly for 5 treatments; VBL 3.5). The primary outcome measure was reduction in tumor size.

Results: Twenty‐five dogs were allocated to the VBL 2.0 group and 26 were allocated to the VBL 3.5 group. In the VBL 2.0 group, 3 (12%) had a partial response (PR) for a median of 77 days (range, 48–229 days). Overall response rate in the VBL 3.5 group was 27%. One dog (4%) had a complete response for 63 days and 6 dogs (23%) had a PR for a median of 28 days (range, 28–78 days). Toxicoses were uncommon in the VBL 2.0 group. Twelve (46%) dogs in the VBL 3.5 group had <500 neutrophils/μL 7 days after treatment; 2 dogs with neutropenia developed concurrent fevers.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: VBL, when used as a single‐agent, has activity against MCTs in dogs although the response rate is lower than those reported for VBL‐containing combination protocols. Further, findings suggest VBL at a dosage of 3.5 mg/m2 should be considered for use in future phase II/III trials.
Remission of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats with Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Sieber‐Ruckstuhl N.S. , Kley S. , Tschuor F. , Zini E. , Ohlerth S. , Boretti F.S. , Reusch C.E.
Published: January 2009

Background:Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has long been considered a key clinical feature of type‐1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in humans although. An increasing number of cases of ketoacidosis have been reported in people with type‐2 DM.

Hypothesis/Objectives:Cats initially diagnosed with DKA can achieve remission from diabetes. Cats with DKA and diabetic remission are more likely to have been administered glucocorticoids before diagnosis.

Animals:Twelve cats with DKA and 7 cats with uncomplicated DM.

Methods:Retrospective case review. Medical records of cats presenting with DKA or DM were evaluated. Diabetic remission was defined as being clinically unremarkable for at least 1 month after insulin withdrawal. The cats were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) cats with DKA and diabetic remission; (2) cats with DKA without diabetic remission; and (3) cats with DM and diabetic remission.

Results:Seven cats with DKA had remission from diabetes. These cats had significantly higher concentrations of leukocytes and segmented neutrophils, and significantly lower concentrations of eosinophils in blood and had pancreatic disease more often than did cats with uncomplicated DM and diabetic remission. With regard to pretreatment, 3/7 cats in group 1, 1/5 cats in group 2, and 1/7 cats in group 3 had been treated with glucocorticoids.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Remission of DM in cats presenting with DKA is possible. Cats with DKA and remission have more components of a stress leucogram, pancreatic disease, and seemed to be treated more often with glucocorticoids than cats with uncomplicated DM and diabetic remission.
Complementary Active Sites Cause Size-Selective Reactivity of Aluminum Cluster Anions with Water
Authors: Roach Patrick J. , Woodward W. Hunter , Castleman A. W. , Reber Arthur C. , Khanna Shiv N.
Published: January 2009

The reactions of metal clusters with small molecules often depend on cluster size. The selectivity of oxygen reactions with aluminum cluster anions can be well described within an electronic shell model; however, not all reactions are subject to the same fundamental constraints. We observed the size selectivity of aluminum cluster anion reactions with water, which can be attributed to the dissociative chemisorption of water at specific surface sites. The reactivity depends on geometric rather than electronic shell structure. Identical arrangements of multiple active sites in Al
16
–
, Al
17
–
, and Al
18
–
result in the production of H
2
from water.