bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fish Passage Effectiveness of Recently Constructed Road Crossing Culverts in the Puget Sound Region of Washington State
Authors: Price David M. , Quinn Timothy , Barnard Robert J.
Published: November 2010

Fish passage barriers at road–stream crossings are widely recognized as salmon Oncorhynchus spp. habitat restoration priorities in Washington State and throughout the Pacific Northwest of the USA. More than 3,500 fish passage barriers (mostly culverts) have been repaired in Washington streams since 1999, costing more than US$139 million. We evaluated fish passage at 77 randomly selected culverts (new and repaired) that were issued permits during three time periods (1998, 2003, and 2007). This sample represents approximately 85% of the fish passage culverts permitted in the Puget Sound region of Washington State during the last 10 years. All study culverts were permitted for fish passage under the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) hydraulic project approval (HPA) permitting process and evaluated using physical criteria in the WDFW's fish passage barrier standard. Our results indicate that 30% of culverts (23 of 77) permitted under the HPA process for fish passage were, in fact, barriers. Culverts permitted as no-slope (one of the most common design types) or as an unknown design type were barriers in 45% of cases. Most culvert failures were due to noncompliance with permit provisions, particularly culvert slope, and a lack of critical evaluation of proposed plans in the context of site conditions by permitting biologists. We found no relationship between barrier status and permit date, experience of permitting biologists, quality of permit, or project sponsor type (private, public, or restoration entity). These results indicate the need for mechanisms to ensure better compliance from project sponsors and an improved process to critically evaluate the adequacy of proposed plans in the context of project site conditions.
Gravel Addition as a Habitat Restoration Technique for Tailwaters
Authors: McManamay Ryan A. , Orth D. J. , Dolloff Charles A. , Cantrell Mark A.
Published: November 2010

We assessed the efficacy of passive gravel addition at forming catostomid spawning habitat under various flow regimes in the Cheoah River, a high-gradient tailwater river in North Carolina. The purpose was to provide a case study that included recommendations for future applications. A total of 76.3 m3 (162 tons) of washed gravel (10–50 mm) was passively dumped down the streambank and into the channel in four locations. Gravel sites differed in terms of average reach slope, bank slope, and the initial volume of gravel added, which could have influenced gravel entrainment. Maps of gravel movement under various flows suggested that large-magnitude discharges (≥113 m3/s) caused extensive migration; however, less obvious, smaller discharges (∼28 m3/s) still caused substantial shifting, which may influence the stability of catostomid spawning substrates. Following gravel addition, the proportion of gravel in the streambed was significantly higher at all gravel sites. However, comparisons of sites to reference stream reaches suggested that sand, gravel, and cobble were still extremely deficient. Additionally, the volume of gravel was inadequate to create gravel depths that provided suitable habitat for catostomid spawning. Although periodic, passive gravel additions may take years to provide suitable spawning habitat for some fish species, we found that river chub Nocomis micropogon utilized the newly added gravel for spawning.
Mixed-Stock Analysis of Yukon River Chum Salmon: Application and Validation in a Complex Fishery
Authors: Flannery Blair G. , Beacham Terry D. , Candy John R. , Holder Russell R. , Maschmann Gerald F. , Kretschmer Eric J. , Wenburg John K.
Published: November 2010

Yukon River chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta are managed under the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST), which requires conservation and equitable sharing of this fishery resource by the USA and Canada. Fall chum salmon are of special concern because they spawn in both the United States and Canada, and the focus of the PST is on Canadian-origin salmon. Yukon River chum salmon were assayed for genetic variation at 22 microsatellite loci to establish a baseline for mixed-stock analysis (MSA) applications to assist in addressing conservation and allocation issues. The baseline has been applied yearly to estimate the stock composition of Yukon River fall chum salmon from samples collected in the Pilot Station test fishery. Accuracies in MSA simulations for 12 of 14 management regions exceeded 90%, with a range of 80–98%, for the 12 most informative loci. Stock composition estimates were within 10% of the actual proportions in a known-origin mixture analysis. Stock-specific abundance estimates, which were derived from combining the estimates of genetic stock composition of Pilot Station test fishery harvests with sonar abundance estimates, were concordant with upriver escapement data. The combination of genetic MSA using the baseline developed in this study and sonar abundance provides a viable tool for assessing stock strength and assisting managers in regulating fisheries to maintain the productivity and evolutionary potential of Yukon River chum salmon.
Sex Ratio, Fecundity, and Models Predicting Length at Sexual Maturity of Redband Trout in Idaho Desert Streams
Authors: Schill Daniel J. , LaBar George W. , Mamer Elizabeth R. J. M. , Meyer Kevin A.
Published: November 2010

Factors affecting length at maturity and other important reproductive characteristics have not been investigated for Idaho redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri residing in desert streams. Prespawning redband trout were collected from nine streams, and estimates of length at sexual maturity, median age at maturity, sex ratio, and fecundity were developed along with models predicting length at maturity from physical stream conditions. Males first matured 1–2 years prior to females in seven of nine streams, while in the remaining two populations a few fish of both sexes first matured at the same age. Total length (TL) was strongly related (P < 0.0004; n = 49) to fecundity (F) via the curvilinear function F = 0.0002TL2.5989. Redband trout residing in Idaho desert streams appeared to be less fecund than several other stream‐dwelling populations of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. The best estimate of sex ratio for all fish, including immature fish, was 1:1. The best two‐variable logit model for predicting length at maturity in males included stream order and conductivity, whereas the best model for females included drainage area above the sample site and stream gradient. These models can be used by fishery managers to estimate the total number of mature redband trout present in Idaho streams and, in combination with other data, can be used to approximate effective population sizes across southwestern Idaho desert stocks.
Length Reduction of Larval Yellow Perch and Freshwater Amphipods in RNAlater Solution
Authors: Foley Carolyn J. , Ryan Daniel J. , Höök Tomas O.
Published: November 2010

Use of RNAlater (Ambion, Inc.) solution to preserve whole organisms for nucleic acid analysis is gaining popularity, in part because it effectively preserves both RNA and DNA without the need for freezing the organism. Similar preservatives have been shown to cause short-term changes in animal length, and such changes must be accounted for as analyses progress. We examined the rates and degrees of shrinkage for freshwater amphipods Diporeia spp. and larval yellow perch Perca flavescens after preservation in RNAlater solution in comparison with more common preservatives. We found that after 2 months of preservation, Diporeia shrank by 3% in RNAlater versus gaining length by 5% in diluted ethanol and by 1% in diluted formaldehyde. After 5.5 months of preservation, larval yellow perch lengths decreased by 23% in RNAlater, 10% in diluted ethanol, 12% in diluted formaldehyde, and 19% when frozen in water. Overall length reduction for Diporeia and larval yellow perch was significantly greater in RNAlater than in ethanol or formalin. Since accurate measures of length are necessary for many nucleic acid analyses, researchers utilizing RNAlater solution should attempt to measure organisms while they are alive or should develop preservation-specific correction functions to overcome biases associated with shrinkage.
Development of Standard Weight Equations for Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Amphidromous Fishes
Authors: Cooney Patrick B. , Kwak Thomas J.
Published: November 2010

We collected and compiled length and weight information from four countries and one commonwealth to develop standard weight (Ws) equations for three amphidromous fish species native to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico regions: mountain mullet Agonostomus monticola (N = 9,768 individuals, 52 populations), river goby Awaous banana (N = 1,847 individuals, 62 populations), and bigmouth sleeper Gobiomorus dormitor (N = 2,983 individuals, 53 populations). Linear and quadratic Ws equations for three quartiles (25%, median, 75%) are presented for these three species. The length–weight relationship from eight lentic bigmouth sleeper populations was significantly different from that of lotic populations, reflecting higher weights of juvenile fish (<70 mm total length) in lentic environments. Thus, independent Ws equations were developed for lotic populations of bigmouth sleepers. Ws equations were not developed from lentic bigmouth sleeper populations alone due to the low number of applicable populations caused by life history constraints; the equation from combined lentic and lotic populations is suggested for application to lentic bigmouth sleeper populations. These morphometric relationships for amphidromous fishes may improve the ability to assess existing and potential sport fisheries and allow ecological assessment based on fish condition.
Brook Trout Removal as a Conservation Tool to Restore Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout
Authors: Carmona-Catot Gerard , Moyle Peter B. , Aparicio Enric , Crain Patrick K. , Thompson Lisa C. , García-Berthou Emili
Published: November 2010

Nonnative brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis are abundant in Pine Creek and its main tributary, Bogard Spring Creek, California. These creeks historically provided the most spawning and rearing habitat for endemic Eagle Lake rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum. Three-pass electrofishing removal was conducted in 2007–2009 over the entire 2.8-km length of Bogard Spring Creek to determine whether brook trout removal was a feasible restoration tool and to document the life history characteristics of brook trout in a California meadow stream. After the first 2 years of removal, brook trout density and biomass were severely reduced from 15,803 to 1,192 fish/ha and from 277 to 31 kg/ha, respectively. Average removal efficiency was 92–97%, and most of the remaining fish were removed in the third year. The lack of a decrease in age-0 brook trout abundance between 2007 and 2008 after the removal of more than 4,000 adults in 2007 suggests compensatory reproduction of mature fish that survived and higher survival of age-0 fish. However, recruitment was greatly reduced after 2 years of removal and is likely to be even more depressed after the third year of removal assuming that immigration of fish from outside the creek continues to be minimal. Brook trout condition, growth, and fecundity indicated a stunted population at the start of the study, but all three features increased significantly every year, demonstrating compensatory effects. Although highly labor intensive, the use of electrofishing to eradicate brook trout may be feasible in Bogard Spring Creek and similar small streams if removal and monitoring are continued annually and if other control measures (e.g., construction of barriers) are implemented. Our evidence shows that if brook trout control measures continue and if only Eagle Lake rainbow trout are allowed access to the creek, then a self-sustaining population of Eagle Lake rainbow trout can become reestablished.
Distinguishing Wild from Hatchery-Produced Juvenile Red Snapper with Otolith Chemical Signatures
Authors: Gibson Suzanne M. , Patterson William F. , Phelps Ronald P. , Patterson William P. , Chen Zhongxing
Published: November 2010

Otolith chemical signatures were evaluated as natural tags to distinguish wild from hatchery-produced juvenile red snapper Lutjanus campechanus. Otoliths were sampled from 59 hatchery-reared fish and 146 wild fish collected over the continental shelf from northwest Florida to Texas. One sagitta from each fish was cleaned, dissolved in ultrapure nitric acid, and analyzed with sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to test for differences in otolith element:Ca ratios (Ba:Ca, Li:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, and Sr:Ca) between wild and hatchery fish. The second sagitta was cleaned, ground to a fine powder, and analyzed with stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry to test for differences in delta (δ) values of the stable isotopes 13C and 18O. Significant differences existed in otolith chemical signatures between hatchery and wild juveniles (multivariate analysis of variance, Pillai's trace: P < 0.001). Jackknifed classification accuracies from linear discriminant function analysis indicated that hatchery fish could be distinguished from wild fish with 100% accuracy based on otolith chemical signatures. The most important otolith chemistry feature in distinguishing hatchery from wild fish was δ13C, with the mean difference in δ13C between hatchery and wild fish (−2.6‰) being similar to the mean difference in δ13C between hatchery feeds and the predominant food of wild juveniles (−2.8‰). Overall, results suggest that otolith chemical signatures may be employed as effective natural tags for mass marking of future stockings of red snapper or other marine fishes to estimate the hatchery contribution to wild populations.
Fistula Incidence and Predictors of Fistula Occurrence after Cleft Palate Repair: Two-Stage Closure versus One-Stage Closure
Authors: Landheer J.A. , Breugem C.C. , Van Der Molen A.B. Mink
Published: November 2010

Objective

To review the clinical outcomes of our cleft palate team in terms of fistula rate and to determine whether gender, syndrome, cleft type, age at repair, operating surgeon, type of cleft repair, and cleft width influence the risk of fistula occurrence. Cleft palate repair was done in one- or two-stages.

Design

A retrospective analysis was performed of medical records of 275 patients who underwent palate repair and who were born between 1988 and 1997. All consecutive cleft (lip and) palate patients (including syndromes) were incorporated. Multivariate analysis was performed to look for predictors of the formation of fistulas.

Results

One hundred fifty-four and 121 patients underwent two-stage and one-stage repair, respectively. The median duration of follow-up was 9 years. The overall incidence of the formation of a fistula was 21%, with a recurrence rate of 9% after fistula repair. Three independent predictors of fistulization were found: palate repair in two stages, younger age at the second stage of a two-stage repair (≤3.0 years), and greater cleft width (≥13 mm). A fistula occurred in 27% of two-stage repairs versus 14% of one-stage repairs.

Conclusions

This study found a relatively high incidence of fistula formation after cleft palate repair. Although the study populations were not randomized, this study suggests that a two-stage closure has a higher rate of fistula formation when compared with a one-stage closure. This study demonstrates that cleft width at the time of cleft palate repair plays a crucial role in the development of fistulas.
Orthodontic Space Closure versus Prosthetic Replacement of Missing Upper Lateral Incisors in Patients with Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Oosterkamp Barbara Cm. , Dijkstra Pieter U. , Remmelink Hendrik J. , Van Oort Robert P. , Sandham Andrew
Published: November 2010

Objective

To compare dental aesthetics and function of orthodontic space closure versus prosthetic replacement of upper lateral incisors in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate. The predominant mode of prosthetic replacement was resin-bonded bridges.

Patients and Methods

The retrospective study group consisted of 17 patients treated with orthodontic space closure (13 men, four women; median age, 27.1 years; interquartile range, 20.6 to 33.3 years) and 10 patients treated with prosthetic replacement (five men, five women; median age, 27.7 years; interquartile range, 20.9 to 39.7 years). Dental aesthetics were evaluated by the patients and by a professional panel. Mandibular function was evaluated by means of the mandibular function impairment questionnaire. The level of mandibular impairment was calculated using the Function Impairment Rating Scale.

Results

With respect to dental aesthetics, no significant differences between patients treated with orthodontic space closure and prosthetic replacement were found. With respect to function, the level of mandibular impairment was significantly higher in patients treated with prosthetic replacement compared with patients treated with orthodontic space closure, as indicated by high scores on specific masticatory functions.

Conclusion

Orthodontic space closure and prosthetic replacement in bilateral cleft lip and palate patients produce similar results in terms of aesthetics. In terms of function, prosthetic replacement results in significantly more impairment of specific masticatory functions.
Ethnic Heterogeneity of IRF6 AP-2a Binding Site Promoter SNP Association with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Blanton Susan H. , Burt Amber , Garcia Elizabeth , Mulliken John B. , Stal Samuel , Hecht Jacqueline T.
Published: November 2010

Objective

The goal of this study was to confirm the reported association between a noncoding SNP (rs642961) in IRF6 and nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Two SNPs in IRF6 (rs2235371 and rs64296) were genotyped in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white multiplex (122) and simplex (308) nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate families. Linkage and family-based association analyses were performed on the individual SNPs as well as the 2-SNP haplotype.

Results

Only modest evidence was found for an association with rs642961 and the 2-SNP haplotype. In contrast, strong evidence was found for the association with rs2235371; this was most evident in the non-Hispanic white simplex families.

Conclusions

Although it is confirmed that variation in IRF6 is associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate, the results do not support the reported association with SNP rs64296. Importantly, the association varies between ethnic groups. This finding underscores the need for evaluating additional variations in IRF6 across multiple populations to better determine its role in nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate.
Altering turbine speed reduces bat mortality at wind‐energy facilities
Authors: Arnett Edward B , Huso Manuela MP , Schirmacher Michael R , Hayes John P
Published: November 2010

Wind‐turbine operations are associated with bat mortality worldwide; minimizing these fatalities is critically important to both bat conservation and public acceptance of wind‐energy development. We tested the effectiveness of raising wind‐turbine cut‐in speed – defined as the lowest wind speed at which turbines generate power to the utility system, thereby reducing turbine operation during periods of low wind speeds – to decrease bat mortality at the Casselman Wind Project in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, over a 2‐year period. Observed bat mortality at fully operational turbines was, on average, 5.4 and 3.6 times greater than mortality associated with curtailed (ie non‐operating) turbines in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Relatively small changes to wind‐turbine operation resulted in nightly reductions in bat mortality, ranging from 44% to 93%, with marginal annual power loss (≤ 1% of total annual output). Our findings suggest that increasing turbine cut‐in speeds at wind facilities in areas of conservation concern during times when active bats may be at particular risk from turbines could mitigate this detrimental aspect of wind‐energy generation.
Experimental Study of Silica Nano-Powder Synthesis Using a Diffusion Flame Reactor
Authors: Mishra D.P. , Upadhaya Anish , Panda S.S.
Published: November 2010

A chemical reactor is designed and developed to synthesize silica nano-powders by oxidation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using a three-port diffusion flame burner. Nano-silica powders were successfully synthesized. The particle size of the silica powders were confirmed by AFM and TEM techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that as-synthesized silica powders are in agglomerated condition. Phase analysis using XRD shows that the nano-silica in as-prepared condition is in amorphous form. However, during subsequent heat-treatment, it becomes crystalline.
Modeling of Fluid Catalytic Cracking Riser Reactor: A Review
Authors: Gupta Raj Kumar , Kumar Vineet , Srivastava V.K.
Published: November 2010

This work aims at compiling the important works on the modeling of a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) riser reactor. The modeling of a riser reactor is very complex due to complex hydrodynamics and unknown multiple reactions, coupled with mass transfer resistance, heat transfer resistance and deactivation kinetics. A complete model of the riser reactor should include all the important physical phenomena and detailed reaction kinetics. As the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is emerging as a powerful tool for modeling the FCC riser, various works on riser modeling using CFD are also included in the paper.
Obtaining of the antioxidants by supercritical fluid extraction
Authors: Babovic Nada , Petrovic Slobodan
Published: November 2010

One of the important trends in the food industry today is demand for natural
antioxidants from plant material. Synthetic antioxidants such as butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are now being
replaced by the natural antioxidants because of theirs possible toxicity and
as they may act as promoters of carcinogens. The natural antioxidants may
show equivalent or higher antioxidant activity than the endogenous or the
synthetic antioxidants. Thus, great effort is being devoted to the search for
alternative and cheap sources of natural antioxidants, as well as to the
development of efficient and selective extraction techniques. The
supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with carbon dioxide is considered to be
the most suitable method for producing natural antioxidants for the use in
food industry. The supercritical extract does not contain residual organic
solvents as in conventional extraction processes, which makes these products
suitable for use in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The recovery
of antioxidants from plant sources involves many problematic aspects: choice
of an adequate source (in terms of availability, cost, difference in phenolic
content with variety and season); selection of the optimal recovery procedure
(in terms of yield, simplicity, industrial application, cost); chemical
analysis of extracts (for optimization purposes a fast colorimetric method is
more preferable than a chromatographic one); evaluation of the antioxidant
power (preferably by the different assay methods). The paper presents
information about different operational methods for SFE of bioactive
compounds from natural sources. It also includes the various reports on the
antioxidant activity of the supercritical extracts from Lamiaceae herbs, in
comparison with the activity of the synthetic antioxidants and the extracts
from Lamiaceae herbs obtained by the conventional methods.
Determination of the limit of quantification of the calorimeter using a mixture of benzoic acid and silicon dioxide
Authors: Krstic Vesna , Blagojevic Branko , Gomidzelovic Lidija , Pozega Emina , Petrovic Jelena , Stankovic Suzana
Published: November 2010

In recent years quality control has received a great attention in laboratory
work. Implementation of the international standard ISO/IEC 17025 is necessary
for any laboratory that wishes to establish quality control in its work. One
of the important factors for meeting the requirements of this standard is the
usage of the certified reference materials (CRM) in laboratory work. In order
to determine the performance of the calorimeter, benzoic acid as CRM, from
AlliedSignal Riedelda Haen, Ref.: 33045 and SiO2, Pro analyze, in various
mass ratios was used. The results showed that benzoic acid can be
successfully utilized for the control of the entire technical and
instrumental measuring range and resolve the problem of determination of the
limit of detection and quantification of the calorimeter.
A proposed new classification for the renal collecting system of cattle
Authors: A. Pereira-Sampaio Marco , J. S. Bagetti Filho Helio , S. Carvalho Francismar , J. B. Sampaio Francisco , W. Henry Robert
Published: November 2010

Objective—To evaluate the intrarenal anatomy of kidneys obtained from cattle and to propose a new classification for the renal collecting system of cattle.

Sample Population—37 kidneys from 20 adult male mixed-breed cattle.

Procedures—Intrarenal anatomy was evaluated by the use of 3-D endocasts made of the kidneys. The number of renal lobes and minor renal calyces in each kidney and each renal region (cranial pole, caudal pole, and hilus) was quantified.

Results—The renal pelvis was evident in all casts and was classified into 2 types (nondilated [28/37 {75.7%}] or dilated [9/37 {24.3%}]). All casts had a major renal calyx associated with the cranial pole and the caudal pole. The number of minor renal calices per kidney ranged from 13 to 64 (mean, 22.7). There was a significant correlation between the number of renal lobes and the number of minor renal calices for the entire kidney, the cranial pole region, and the hilus region; however, there was not a similar significant correlation for the caudal pole region. Major and minor renal calices were extremely narrow, compared with major and minor renal calices in pigs and humans.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The renal collecting system of cattle, with a renal pelvis and 2 major renal calices connected to several minor renal calices by an infundibulum, differed substantially from the renal collecting system of pigs and humans. From a morphological standpoint, the kidneys of cattle were not suitable for use as a model in endourologic research and training. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1264–1269)
Effects of perzinfotel, butorphanol tartrate, and a butorphanol-perzinfotel combination on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in cats
Authors: J. Zwijnenberg Raphael , L. del Rio Carlos , A. Pollet Robert , W. Muir William
Published: November 2010

Objective—To determine the effects of perzinfotel, butorphanol, and their combination on the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in cats.

Animals—7 healthy sexually intact cats (4 males and 3 females), aged 12 to 17 months and weighing 2.8 to 4.6 kg.

Procedures—In a crossover design, saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, perzinfotel (2.5 to 15 mg/kg; IV, IM, and SC), butorphanol tartrate (0.2 mg/kg, IM), or a combination of 5 mg of perzinfotel/kg and 2 mg of butorphanol tartrate/kg (both IM) was administered to 6 cats before 7 separate episodes of anesthesia with isoflurane in oxygen. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, bispectral index (BIS), and inspiration and expiration concentrations of isoflurane were continuously monitored. The isoflurane MAC was determined twice during anesthesia.

Results—IV, IM, and SC administration of perzinfotel at 2.5 to 15 mg/kg resulted in a significant decrease in mean isoflurane MAC by 43.3% to 68.0%. The BIS significantly increased after perzinfotel administration via the same routes at 2.5 to 15 mg/kg and after perzinfotelbutorphanol administration IM. Blood pressure was significantly higher after perzinfotel was administered at 5 mg/kg, IM; 10 mg/kg, IV; and 10 mg/kg, SC than after saline solution administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Perzinfotel administration decreased the isoflurane MAC and increased several BIS and blood pressure values in anesthetized cats. Administration of perzinfotel prior to isoflurane anesthesia may improve anesthetic safety by reducing inhalant anesthetic requirements and improving cardiovascular function during anesthesia. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1270–1276)
Determination of the prevalence and severity of metacarpophalangeal joint osteoarthritis in Thoroughbred racehorses via quantitative macroscopic evaluation
Authors: H. Neundorf Richelle , B. Lowerison Mark , M. Cruz Antonio , J. Thomason Jeff , J. McEwen Beverley , B. Hurtig Mark
Published: November 2010

Objective—To determine the prevalence and severity of osteoarthritis in the metacarpophalangeal joints of Thoroughbred racehorses via development and validation of a quantitative macroscopic evaluation system.

Sample Population—Metacarpophalangeal joints from 50 Thoroughbred racehorses.

Procedures—Joints were collected from horses that died or were euthanized within 60 days of racing. Metacarpophalangeal joints were assessed for osteoarthritic degeneration by use of macroscopic and histologic scoring systems, polarized light microscopy, and cartilage biochemical analysis. The global macroscopic score for the entire metacarpophalangeal joint was based on factors that reflected the size and severity of lesions as well as the involvement of weight-bearing surfaces.

Results—One-third of all 2- and 3-year-old horses had partial-or full-thickness cartilage lesions and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis severity increased until age 6 in this population. Significant correlations were found between macroscopic grade and age, cause of death, glycosaminoglycan depletion, and loss of superficial cartilage zone polarized light intensity.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The macroscopic system devised for this study had good correlations with quantitative methods. Two-and 3-year-old horses had full-thickness cartilage lesions that may have been career limiting. Year-to-year attrition and a small population of older horses may have led to underestimation of the prevalence of osteoarthritis in older horses. The macroscopic scoring system was reliable when used by nonexpert and expert users. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1284–1293)
Quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic analysis of perfusion in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, small intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes in healthy cats
Authors: R. Leinonen Merja , R. Raekallio Marja , M. Vainio Outi , O. Ruohoniemi Mirja , S. Biller David , T. O'Brien Robert
Published: November 2010

Objective—To evaluate perfusion of abdominal organs in healthy cats by use of contrastenhanced ultrasonography.

Animals—10 young healthy anesthetized cats.

Procedures—Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the liver, left kidney, pancreas, small intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes was performed on anesthetized cats.

Results—Typical perfusion patterns were found for each of the studied organs. Differences in perfusion among organs were associated with specific physiologic features. The liver was enhanced gradually and had a more heterogeneous perfusion pattern because of its dual blood supply and close proximity to the diaphragm, compared with other organs. An obvious and significant difference in perfusion was detected between the renal cortex and medulla. No significant differences in perfusion were detected among the pancreas, small intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can be used in cats to estimate organ perfusion as in other species. Observed differences in perfusion variables can be mostly explained by physiologic differences in vascularity. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1305–1311)
Cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression in equine nonglandular and glandular gastric mucosal biopsy specimens obtained before and after induction of gastric ulceration via intermittent feed deprivation
Authors: K. Morrissey Niamh , R. Bellenger Christopher , T. Ryan Marion , W. Baird Alan
Published: November 2010

Objective—To measure the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA in gastric biopsy specimens serially obtained from horses before, during, and after an 8-day intermittent feed-deprivation trial and to investigate the mucosal location of COX-2.

Animals—9 mixed-breed horses for retrieval of gastric biopsy specimens and 16 additional horses for immunohistochemical analysis.

Procedures—Gastric biopsy specimens were obtained from 6 horses; 3 of these horses and 3 more participated in an intermittent feed-deprivation trial 9 weeks later. A quantitative PCR assay was used to determine the amount of COX-2 mRNA in biopsy specimens from nonulcerated and ulcerated gastric mucosa. Immunohistochemical staining of specimens by use of a polyclonal anti–COX-2 antibody was performed on full-thickness postmortem gastric biopsy specimens.

Results—COX-2 mRNA was expressed in all glandular gastric mucosal specimens but was only detectable in nonglandular mucosal specimens when ulceration was present or during ulcer healing. Positive staining for COX-2 was present in 12 of 14 nonulcerated glandular mucosal sections. Although such staining was weak or absent in nonulcerated nonglandular sections, stronger staining was evident in regenerating epithelium at the rims of erosions and ulcers.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—COX-2 was constitutively present in equine glandular gastric mucosa, although its contribution to mucosal protection remains unclear. Our finding of COX-2 mRNA expression in ulcer margins during healing may support a role for the products of this enzyme in mucosal repair. The potential roles of COX-2 should be considered when COX-2–selective inhibitors are prescribed for horses with gastric ulcers. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1312–1320)
Use of geospatial neighborhood control locations for epidemiological analysis of community-level pet adoption patterns
Authors: J. Patronek Gary
Published: November 2010

Objective—To explore the joint effect of distance and neighborhood-level demographics on pet adoptions from an animal shelter by means of client segmentation, geospatial tools, and epidemiological techniques.

Sample Population—Geocoded locations of 1,563 adoptions from an animal shelter in eastern Massachusetts and 4,700 geospatial control locations.

Procedures—Pet adoptions were geocoded to addresses by use of spatial analysis software for area-based analysis. A population of neighborhood control locations (proportional to human population at the level of the block group) was randomly generated. Adoption and control locations were spatially joined to census data and to defined lifestyle segments. The association of geodemographic variables with adoption was assessed by use of multivariate logistic regression.

Results—The shelter service area was not well described by individual geopolitical boundaries such as county. Locations that were < 9.7 km (6 miles) from the shelter, had higher block group median income, or had a greater proportion of households that were composed of married couples with children in the block group were associated with increased odds of being an adoption location. Neighborhood lifestyle characteristics affected the association between affluence and adoption. Controlling for distance of a location to the shelter markedly affected the strength of association with adoption.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that distance as well as neighborhood lifestyle characteristics profoundly influences shelter adoption patterns. Client segmentation and geodemographic analysis can reveal communities with increased likelihood of pet adoption from a shelter and help clarify adoption patterns. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1321–1330)
Effects of rosiglitazone, an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, on intestinal damage induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in weaned pigs
Authors: Fan Wei , Liu Yulan , Wu Zhifeng , Hong Yu , Zhu Huiling , Hou Yongqing , Yin Yulong , Han Jie
Published: November 2010

Objective—To determine whether rosiglitazone, an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, could alleviate intestinal damage induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in weaned pigs.

Animals—18 weaned pigs (mean ± SD age, 28 ± 3 days).

Procedures—Pigs were allocated to 3 treatments (6 pigs/treatment). Control pigs were injected IP with dimethyl sulfoxide and then injected 30 minutes later with sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, LPS-treated pigs were injected IP with dimethyl sulfoxide and then injected 30 minutes later with LPS (100 μg/kg, IP), and rosiglitazone plus LPS-treated pigs were injected with rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg, IP) and then injected 30 minutes later with LPS (100 μg/kg, IP). Pigs were euthanized 3 hours after challenge exposure, and samples of the small intestines were collected for histologic, biochemical, and immunohistochemical examination.

Results—Rosiglitazone alleviated LPS-induced intestinal damage, which was manifested as a lower crypt depth in the duodenum and a higher villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Rosiglitazone also mitigated inhibition of crypt cell proliferation in the jejunum and ileum induced by LPS injection. Pretreatment with rosiglitazone significantly increased the number of cells that stained for PPARγ and significantly decreased the number of cells that stained for inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Rosiglitazone alleviated intestinal damage induced by LPS injection in weaned pigs. The protective effects of rosiglitazone on the intestines may be associated with inhibition of intestinal proinflammatory mediators, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1331–1338)
Longitudinal prevalence and molecular typing of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by use of multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in fecal samples collected from a range-based herd of beef cattle in California
Authors: Kondo Sonoko , R. Hoar Bruce , Villanueva Veronica , E. Mandrell Robert , R. Atwill Edward
Published: November 2010

Objective—To evaluate seasonal patterns and risk factors for Escherichia coli O157:H7 in feces in a beef cattle herd and determine strain diversity and transition in E coli over time by use of multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Sample Population—456 samples of freshly passed feces collected over a 1-year period from cattle in a range-based cow-calf operation located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.

Procedures—E coli O157:H7 was recovered from feces by use of immunomagnetic separation and 2 selective media. Virulence factors were detected via reverse transcriptase-PCR assay. Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolates were subtyped with MLVA and PFGE. Prevalence estimates were calculated and significant risk factors determined. A dendrogram was constructed on the basis of results of MLVA typing.

Results—Overall prevalence estimate for E coli O157:H7 was 10.5%, with the prevalence lowest during the winter. Mean temperature during the 30 days before collection of samples was significantly associated with prevalence of E coli O157:H7 in feces. Nineteen MLVA and 12 PFGE types were identified.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A seasonal pattern was detected for prevalence of E coli O157:H7 in feces collected from beef cattle in California. Subtyping via MLVA and PFGE revealed a diversity of E coli O157:H7 strains in a cow-calf operation and noteworthy turnover of predominant types. Given the importance of accurately determining sources of contamination in investigations of disease outbreaks in humans, MLVA combined with PFGE should be powerful tools for epidemiologists. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1339–1347)
Evaluation of the effect of pelvic tilt in the coronal plane on the Norberg angle measured in ventrodorsal radiographic views of a canine hip joint bone model
Authors: Bausman Jerrold A. , Wendelburg Kirk L.
Published: November 2010

Objective—To determine the effect of pelvic tilt on the Norberg angle (NA) measured in ventrodorsal radiographic views of a hip joint in a canine femoral-pelvic bone model.

Sample Population—Radiographic views of a femoral-pelvic bone model with 1 articulated hip joint (without evident laxity).

Procedures—The bone model was placed on a radiography table. With the joint fully extended, the pelvic coronal plane was tilted from 0— in 5— increments caudally and cranially to a maximum of 30— in each direction (femoral frontal plane was maintained parallel with the radiograph cassette); a digital ventrodorsal radiographic view was obtained at each tilt position. In each image, the NA was measured 3 times by 2 observers (operators). The effect of pelvic tilt on the NA was evaluated by use of a repeated-measures analysis; within-and between-operator variances were also assessed.

Results—Within-operator repeatability was excellent for assessments of hip joint NAs in radiographic views obtained when cranial or caudal tilt was applied to the femoral-pelvic model; replicate measurement variation was < 2.5% (coefficient of variation < 5%). Mean NA values determined by the 2 operators in cranial or caudal tilt views did not differ. Mean between-operator difference in caudal tilt measurements was —0.55— (95% confidence interval, —1.69— to 0.59—) and in cranial tilt measurements was —0.13— (95% confidence interval, —1.33— to 1.06—). Cranial or caudal pelvic tilt did not affect measurement of the NA.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Model-derived results indicated that pelvic tilt during acquisition of ventrodorsal radiographic views of the hip joints of a dog should not affect measurement of the NA.
Evaluation of 12- and 24-month survival rates after treatment with masitinib in dogs with nonresectable mast cell tumors
Authors: Hahn Kevin A. , Legendre Alfred M. , Shaw Neil G. , Phillips Brenda , Ogilvie Gregory K. , Prescott Deborah M. , Atwater Stephen W. , Carreras Janet K. , Lana Susan E. , Ladue Tracy , Rusk Anthony , Kinet Jean Pierre , Dubreuil Patrice , Moussy Alain , Hermine Olivier
Published: November 2010

Objective—To evaluate the effectiveness of masitinib for the treatment of nonresectable mast cell tumors (MCTs) in dogs at 12 and 24 months after onset of treatment.

Animals—132 dogs with nonresectable grade 2 or 3 MCTs.

Procedures—Dogs received masitinib (12.5 mg/kg/d, PO; n = 106) or a placebo (26). After 6 months, treatment was extended with tumor assessments at 3-month intervals until detection of disease progression. Endpoints were tumor response and overall survival rate and time.

Results—In dogs with nonresectable MCTs, masitinib significantly improved survival rate, compared with results for the placebo, with 59 of 95 (62.1%) and 9 of 25 (36.0%) dogs alive at 12 months and 33 of 83 (39.8%) and 3 of 20 (15.0%) dogs alive at 24 months, respectively. Median overall survival time was 617 and 322 days, respectively. Tumor control at 6 months had a high predictive value for 24-month survival, with high specificity (88%) and sensitivity (76%), whereas short-term tumor response (within 6 weeks) had a poor predictive value. Complete responses at 24 months were observed in 6 of 67 (9.0%) dogs with nonresectable MCTs treated with masitinib.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Masitinib significantly increased survival rates at 12 and 24 months in dogs with nonresectable MCTs. Control of disease at 6 months, but not best response at 6 weeks, was predictive of long-term survival in dogs treated with masitinib, which suggested that short-term response may be irrelevant for assessing clinical efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for treatment of MCTs.
Effects of lycopene on proliferation and death of canine osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Wakshlag Joseph J. , Balkman Cheryl E.
Published: November 2010

Objective—To determine the effects of lycopene with and without concurrent chemotherapeutic treatment on growth and apoptosis of canine osteosarcoma cells.

Sample Population—Cell cultures of 3 established canine osteosarcoma cell lines (D17, OS 2.4, and HMPOS).

Procedures—Growth curve kinetics and cell cytotoxicosis for various treatment combinations were assessed by use of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Additionally, cell cycle kinetics and colony-forming soft agar assays were performed to determine the influences of lycopene on the cell cycle and anchorageindependent growth. Western immunoblotting of HMPOS cells was performed to examine signaling and apoptotic pathways implicated in lycopene-induced apoptosis.

Results—Lycopene alone caused mild to pronounced attenuation of cell proliferation of all 3 cell lines as well as apoptosis in HMPOS cells but did not interfere with cell death in response to doxorubicin. Soft agar anchorage-independent growth assays revealed complete inhibition of cell proliferation in 2 of 3 osteosarcoma cell lines. Further investigation into the apoptotic response revealed activation of mitochondrial-induced apoptosis primarily through expression of truncated Bid and a decrease in protein kinase B (ie, AKT) phosphorylation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that lycopene may be beneficial during treatment of osteosarcomas. Lycopene did not negatively or positively affect survival of osteosarcoma cells during doxorubicin treatment and independently induced apoptosis in the HMPOS cell line. These findings warrant further in vitro and in vivo studies into the use of this natural compound as an adjuvant antiproliferative, proapoptotic treatment in dogs with osteosarcoma.
Pharmacokinetics of gallium maltolate after intragastric administration in adult horses
Authors: Arnold Carolyn , Chaffin M. Keith , Cohen Noah , Fajt Virginia R. , Taylor Robert J. , Bernstein Lawrence R.
Published: November 2010

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of gallium maltolate (GaM) after intragastric administration in adult horses.

Animals—6 adult horses.

Procedures—Feed was withheld for 12 hours prior to intragastric administration of GaM (20 mg/kg). A single dose of GaM was administered to each horse via a nasogastric tube (time 0). Blood samples were collected at various time points from 0 to 120 hours. Serum was used to determine gallium concentrations by use of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Noncompartmental and compartmental analyses of serum gallium concentrations were performed. Pharmacokinetic models were selected on the basis of the Akaike information criterion and visual analysis of plots of residuals.

Results—Serum concentration data for 1 horse were such that this horse was considered an outlier and excluded from noncompartmental and compartmental analyses. Noncompartmental analysis was used to determine individual pharmacokinetic parameters. A 1-compartment model with first-order input and output and lag time was selected as the best-fit model for the data and used to determine mean — SD values for maximum observed serum concentration (0.28 — 0.09 μg/mL), time of maximum concentration (3.09 — 0.43 hours), time to the first measurable concentration (0.26 — 0.11 hours), apparent elimination half-life (48.82 — 5.63 hours), area under the time-concentration curve (20.68 — 757 h—μg/mL), and apparent volume of distribution (73,493 — 18,899 mL/kg).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Further studies are necessary to determine the bioavailability of GaM after intragastric administration in adult horses.