bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of COX‐2 Expression in Canine Prostate Carcinoma: Increased COX‐2 Expression is Not Related to Inflammation
Authors: L'Eplattenier Henry F. , Lai Chen Li , van den Ham René , Mol Jan , van Sluijs Frederick , Teske Erik
Published: March 2010

Background: Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression has been documented in human and canine prostate carcinoma (PCA). Canine PCA is a histologically heterogeneous tumor, sometimes including inflammatory infiltrates. However, it is unknown whether COX‐2 expression in canine PCA is related to the histologic type of tumor, to the presence of inflammation, or to both. Moreover, little is known about the mechanisms regulating COX‐2 expression in neoplastic tissue.

Hypothesis: COX‐2 expression is related to the presence of inflammation in canine PCA and correlates with the degree of tumor differentiation.

Methods: The expression of COX‐2 was examined in 28 cases of canine PCA by immunohistochemistry. In addition, a neoplastic and a nonneoplastic canine prostatic cell line were used to investigate the effects of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐ç (TNF‐ç), phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), epithelial growth factor (EGF), and specific signal transduction pathway inhibitors on COX‐2 expression.

Results: Twenty‐four of the 28 prostate tumors showed COX‐2 expression. The presence of inflammatory infiltrates in tumor tissue was associated with lower COX‐2 expression scores. In vitro, TNF‐ç, IL‐6, and EGF increased COX‐2 expression in nonneoplastic cells but not in PCA cells, where baseline expression was high. COX‐2 expression in PCA cells could be suppressed by means of specific phosphatidyl inositol‐3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C (PKC), or inhibitor of extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK/MAPK) inhibitors.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: COX‐2 is expressed in canine PCA; however, expression is not related to the presence of inflammatory infiltrates. This conclusion is further supported by the finding that the cytokines TNF‐ç and IL‐6 and their involved signaling pathways do not stimulate COX‐2 expression in malignant canine prostate cells.
Serum Opsonization Capacity, Phagocytosis, and Oxidative Burst Activity in Neonatal Foals in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Gardner Rachel B. , Nydam Daryl V. , Luna Jennifer A. , Bicalho Marcela L.S. , Matychak Mary Beth , Flaminio M. Julia B.F.
Published: March 2010

Background: Phagocytic activity of neonatal foals has been reported to be similar to that of adult horses, but serum opsonization capacity develops with age and may be further altered when opsonins are consumed during infection.

Hypothesis: Phagocytosis, oxidative burst activity, and serum opsonization capacity in neonatal foals admitted to an intensive care unit are reduced in comparison with control foals.

Animals: Blood samples were collected from hospitalized neonatal foals and from control foals. Hospitalized foals were characterized as sick or septic on the basis of a sepsis score and received intravenous plasma transfusion.

Methods: Phagocytosis, oxidative burst activity, and serum opsonization capacity were tested with flow cytometric analysis. Serum immunoglobulin and complement component 3 concentrations were determined with radial immunodiffusion. Serum amyloid A concentration was assayed with a commercially available solid‐phase Sandwich ELISA Kit. Data were analyzed with nonparametric and regression methods. Alpha was set atP= .05.

Results: Phagocytic functions of septic and sick foals were lower than control foals in the initial phase of the study (P= .01). Opsonization capacity was significantly higher when bacteria were opsonized with serum from septic (P= .029) and sick (P= .006) foals than from control foals on day 1. Opsonization capacity in septic foals was comparable with control foals on days 2 and 5. This effect was not accompanied by an increase in serum complement C3 or immunoglobulin G concentrations independently.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Our results suggest that phagocytic function could be decreased in hospitalized foals. The synergistic effect of opsonic elements provided by plasma transfusion may sustain opsonization capacity during sepsis.
Confirmed and Presumptive Cervical Vertebral Compressive Myelopathy in Older Horses: A Retrospective Study (1992–2004)
Authors: Levine Jonathan M. , Adam Emma , MacKay Robert J. , Walker Michael A. , Frederick Jeremy D. , Cohen Noah D.
Published: March 2010

Background: Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) is a common cause of myelopathy in horses aged 6 months to 4 years. Little information is available regarding the types of lesions, treatment, and outcomes in horses with CVCM that are ≥4 years old.

Animals: Twenty‐two affected horses (10 with a confirmed diagnosis of CVCM and 12 presumptive cases) and 210 contemporaneous control horses.

Methods: Horses ≤4 years old that were diagnosed with CVCM between January 1992 and January 2004 were identified from medical records at Texas A&M University and the University of Florida. Data analyzed included history, signalment, neurologic examination findings, lesion location, treatment, and outcome. Signalment was also recorded in a population of contemporaneous controls.

Results: Horses identified had a median age of 8.4 years, and there was a greater percentage of male horses among the cases than among the controls. The most common breeds represented were warmblood (n = 6) and quarter horse (n = 5) types; warmbloods were significantly (P< .05) overrepresented relative to control horses. The caudal cervical vertebral column was the most common site of CVCM lesions, and the C5‐C6 (4/9) and C6‐C7 (3/9) articulations were most often identified as abnormal via myelography. The most common lesions seen with radiography and myelography were articular process osteophytes. Of the 22 affected horses, 8 were euthanized and a diagnosis of CVCM was confirmed by necropsy for all; 5 of 8 of these horses had spinal cord compression caused, entirely or in part, by articular process osteophytes. Medical management was the therapy chosen in all horses, and administration of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs resulted in improvement in the greatest number of horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: CVCM should be a differential diagnosis in older horses with cervical myelopathy. Articular process osteophytes are the most frequently identified cause of spinal cord compression in this group. Male horses and horses of warmblood or Tennessee Walking Horse breeds may be predisposed to this condition.
Echocardiographic Evidence of Left Atrial Mechanical Dysfunction after Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation to Sinus Rhythm in 5 Horses
Authors: Schwarzwald Colin C. , Schober Karsten E. , Bonagura John D.
Published: March 2010

Background: Atrial contractile dysfunction occurs in some species after conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) but has not been reported in horses with naturally occurring AF.

Hypothesis: Transthoracic echocardiography allows detection of left atrial (LA) mechanical dysfunction in horses after conversion of AF to NSR.

Animals: Five Standardbreds with AF and 6 healthy Standardbreds of similar age, weight, and athletic condition were included in this study.

Methods: Four horses were treated pharmacologically (quinidine), and 1 horse was treated by means of transvenous electrical cardioversion. Echocardiographic examinations were performed in normal horses (once) and in AF horses (24 hours and 72 hours after conversion to NSR) by means of 2‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE), transmitral flow Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) techniques. Echocardiographic indices of LA mechanical function were compared between normal horses and AF horses.

Results: Two‐dimensional echocardiography and TDI indices of LA mechanical function revealed significant decreases in LA contractile function and LA reservoir function 24 hours after cardioversion. This decrease was no longer statistically significant 72 hours after cardioversion, but changes in echocardiographic variables between 24 and 72 hours varied among horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: LA contractile dysfunction can be evaluated in horses by use of 2DE, transmitral Doppler flow velocity profiles, and analyses of LA wall motion by TDI. The results of this study are consistent with AF‐induced atrial remodeling, although residual treatment effects or influence of underlying primary myopathy cannot be excluded.
Clinicopathologic Evaluation of Hepatic Lipidosis in Periparturient Dairy Cattle
Authors: Kalaitzakis Emmanouil , Roubies Nikolaos , Panousis Nikolaos , Pourliotis Konstantinos , Kaldrymidou Eleni , Karatzias Harilaos
Published: March 2010

Background: Fatty change of the liver (FCL) is very common in dairy cattle periparturiently. Many laboratory methods have been implicated in order to assist the diagnosis.

Hypothesis: To investigate whether FCL in dairy cattle could be evaluated by assessment of ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT) by means of an assay modified for bovine serum, other enzyme activity, serum bile acids (SBA) concentration, or other biochemical constituents.

Animals: A total of 187 dairy cattle were included: 106 were suspected to have liver dysfunction and were examined after referral by veterinarians; 70 were clinically healthy with mild FCL; and 11 were clinically healthy without FCL.

Methods: Blood and liver biopsy samples were obtained after clinical examination. Histologic examination by light microscopy and classification of samples according to the severity of FCL was done, and total lipid and triglyceride concentration was measured. In serum, OCT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ‐glutamyltransferase (γ‐GT) activity as well as SBA, glucose, ketones, total bilirubin (tBIL), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration were measured.

Results: OCT and AST activity and tBIL concentration correlate well with the degree of FCL. SBA concentration does not contribute well to FCL diagnosis. The majority of FCL cases appeared within the first 21 days‐in‐milk (DIM). The majority of moderate‐to‐severe and severe FCL cases arose in the first 7 DIM.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Except for OCT, AST, and tBIL, none of the biochemical tests used, including SBA, had sufficient discriminatory power to differentiate reliably between mild and severe FCL because of poor sensitivity. A weak correlation between clinical signs and the extent of FCL was evident.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis in 9 South American Camelids
Authors: Nolen‐Walston Rose , Bedenice Daniela , Rodriguez Carlos , Rushton Steven , Bright Amy , Fecteau Marie‐Eve , Short Diana , Majdalany Ron , Tewari Deepanker , Pedersen Douglas , Kiupel Matti , Maes Roger , Del Piero Fabio
Published: March 2010

Background: Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus is a mosquito‐borne togavirus (alphavirus) that causes severe (often fatal) encephalitis in many mammalian species, but it has not been reported previously in South American camelids.

Hypothesis: South American camelids can become naturally infected with EEE virus and show encephalitic signs similar to those observed in other affected species.

Animals: Nine cases (8 alpacas and 1 llama, aged 3.5 weeks to 12 years) were identified; 4 of 9 were ≤10 weeks old. All cases were from the East Coast of the United States and presented in late summer and fall.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed to include confirmed cases of EEE in camelids in North America before 2006.

Results: Eight of nine (89%) camelids died or were euthanized in extremis, with the mean time to death of 2 days. Clinical signs were consistent with encephalitis and included fever, lethargy, ataxia, seizures, recumbency, torticollis, opisthotonus, and vestibular signs. No consistent hematologic abnormalities were identified, and cerebrospinal fluid contained an increased protein concentration in the single camelid analyzed. No successful therapy was identified. EEE was confirmed by alphavirus detection by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the central nervous system (CNS) and by serology. Findings included polioencephalitis with lymphocytic perivascular cuffing; neutrophil infiltration; gliosis; neuron satellitosis; necrosis; and edema, with intracytoplasmic alphavirus within neurons and glial cells. No virus was detected in extraneural tissues.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In endemic areas, EEE should be considered a differential diagnosis for young and adult camelids with CNS disease. Brain histopathology with indirect IHC or PCR is diagnostic.
Feline Acromegaly: An Underdiagnosed Endocrinopathy?
Authors: Niessen S.J.M. , Petrie G. , Gaudiano F. , Khalid M. , Smyth J.B.A. , Mahoney P. , Church D.B.
Published: March 2010

Background: Feline acromegaly has been reported infrequently in the veterinary literature and current knowledge of this endocrinopathy is based on limited numbers of animals with relatively advanced clinical signs.

Hypothesis: This study was undertaken to screen diabetic cats for the presence of acromegaly.

Animals: Diabetic cats with variable control examined by general practitioners in the United Kingdom.

Methods: Blood samples were screened for the possible presence of acromegaly with basal serum concentrations of insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and, when available, feline growth hormone (fGH). In patients with markedly increased IGF‐1 concentrations intracranial computed tomography (CT) was offered, and in selected cats additional imaging was performed.

Results: IGF‐1 was determined in 184 variably controlled diabetic cats; 59 cats had markedly increased IGF‐1 concentrations (.1,000 ng/mL; reference interval, 208–443 ng/mL). Eighteen cats subsequently were examined, and acromegaly was confirmed in 17 cats. Notable findings included absence of a detectable pituitary mass lesion in some affected cats regardless of whether CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used. Hypertension was not found to be a complication in the evaluated cats and respiratory stridor was more prevalent than previously reported.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Measurement of IGF‐1, growth hormone (GH), or both is useful in the diagnosis of acromegaly in cats.
Prognostic Factors in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: King Jonathan N. , Tasker Séverine , Gunn‐Moore Danielle A. , Strehlau Günther
Published: March 2010

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in cats.

Hypothesis: Some baseline variables are associated with shorter survival times in cats with CKD.

Animals: Client‐owned cats.

Methods: Cats with CKD with initial plasma creatinine concentration ≤2.0 mg/dL and urine specific gravity (USG) ≤1.025 were recruited into a prospective clinical trial that compared benazepril with a placebo. We describe baseline variables in 190 cats and their influence on renal survival time in the placebo group (95 cats), which was followed for up to 1,097 days. Renal survival time was defined as the time from initiation of therapy to the need for parenteral fluid therapy, euthanasia, or death related to renal failure.

Results: Of the 95 cats treated with a placebo, 58 were censored and 37 reached the renal survival end point (died, n = 0; euthanized, n = 17; parenteral fluids, n = 12; parenteral fluids followed by euthanasia, n = 8). Increased plasma creatinine concentration, increased urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC), and increased blood leukocyte count were significantly (P< .01) associated with a shorter renal survival time and were independent risk factors. Increased concentrations of plasma phosphate or urea, and lower blood hemoglobin concentration or hematocrit were significantly (P< .01) associated with a shorter renal survival time and were dependent risk factors, because they also were significantly (P< .01) correlated with plasma creatinine concentration at baseline.

Clinical Importance: Several variables were significantly associated with a shorter renal survival time in cats with CKD.
Efficacy of Famotidine for the Prevention of Exercise‐Induced Gastritis in Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs
Authors: Williamson Katherine K. , Willard Michael D. , McKenzie Erica C. , Royer Christopher M. , Payton Mark E. , Davis Michael S.
Published: March 2010

Background: Omeprazole reduces the severity of exercise‐induced gastritis but not the prevalence of gastric lesions in sled dogs. The frequent feeding of sled dogs during competition likely results in decreased absorption of omeprazole and, thereby, decreased efficacy.

Hypothesis: Famotidine, a histamine‐2 blocker with good bioavailability in the presence of food, would reduce the incidence and severity of exercise‐induced gastric disease in sled dogs.

Animals: Sixteen fit Alaskan sled dogs (4 female, 12 male, all intact, age 2–6 years).

Methods: Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment (22 mg famotidine PO q24h) or control groups (n = 8 per group). Famotidine was administered with a meal to the treatment group once daily for 7 days before a challenge and once during exercise. Control dogs were fed an identical diet as the principal group. The 16 dog team completed a 100‐mile exercise challenge in 18 hours. A gastroscopy was performed 24 hours after the challenge. The appearance of the mucosa was scored by an individual by using a scoring system.

Results: Treatment with famotidine significantly reduced the severity score compared with control (P= .0004). No adverse effects of treatment were reported.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Famotidine is effective in reducing the severity of exercise‐induced gastric disease in racing Alaskan sled dogs, with minimal to no adverse effects, and may be recommended for prophylactic use in short distance races.
Evaluation of Biological Variance of Cystatin C in Comparison With Other Endogenous Markers of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Pagitz Maximilian , Frommlet Florian , Schwendenwein Ilse
Published: March 2010

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate and compare components of variance of endogenous markers of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in healthy dogs and impact on the interpretation of results.

Hypothesis: Cystatin C (cysC) in the dog is superior to creatinine (crea) and urea in detecting decreased renal function because of a high index of individuality (IoI).

Animals and Method: Variance components of cysC, crea (2 methods: creaE, creaJ), urea, and inorganic phosphate (Pi) in plasma were determined in a longitudinal study over 6 months in 24 healthy dogs (6 German Shorthair Pointers, 18 Beagles). IoI and critical differences (CD) were calculated, as well as the numbers of measurements necessary to determine the individual's homeostatic set point.

Results: Mean concentrations of cysC, creaJ, creaE, urea, and Pi (mean ± SD) were 0.93 ± 0.19 mg/L, 0.94 ± 0.17 mg/dL, 0.76 ± 0.18 mg/dL, 35.34 ± 9.08 mg/dL, and 3.74 ± 0.68 mg/dL, respectively. The IoI for cysC, creaJ, creaE, urea, and Pi were 0.96, 0.89, 0.80, 0.90, and 1.16, respectively. The CD for cysC, creaJ, creaE, urea, and Pi were 0.37 mg/L, 0.26 mg/dL, 0.27 mg/dL, 16.94 mg/dL, and 1.45 mg/dL, respectively.

Conclusion: In dogs, components of biological variance of cysC and crea are in the same range. Analytical precision requirements were fulfilled by creaboth, urea, and Pi. All parameters had an intermediate IoI, which allowed the application of population‐based reference limits. The application of the CD for crea or cysC might be useful in detecting a decrease of GFR, when sequential measurements in an individual reveal an increase exceeding the CD but not the upper reference limit.
Azotemia and Glomerular Filtration Rate in Dogs with Chronic Valvular Disease
Authors: Nicolle Audrey P. , Chetboul Valérie , Allerheiligen Till , Pouchelon Jean‐Louis , Gouni Vassiliki , Tessier‐Vetzel Dominique , Sampedrano Carolina Carlos , Lefebvre Hervé P.
Published: March 2010

Background: Little information is available about the prevalence of renal dysfunction in dogs with chronic valvular heart disease (CVD).

Hypothesis: Azotemia and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are more severe with increased severity of CVD.

Animals: 124 (study No. 1) and 24 (study No. 2) client‐owned dogs with CVD.

Methods: A retrospective study (study No. 1) was performed to assess the prevalence of azotemia in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes of heart failure in dogs with CVD. A prospective study (study No. 2) was then designed to determine GFR in dogs with different degrees of CVD severity. Complete physical examination, electrocardiography, blood pressure measurement, thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, and plasma and urine analyses were also performed.

Results: In study No. 1, 50% of the dogs were azotemic and the percentage of azotemic dogs increased with functional class (up to 70% in NYHA class IV patients). In study No. 2, 8/24 dogs were azotemic. Plasma urea and creatinine were higher in NYHA class III‐IV dogs compared with class I‐II dogs. The GFR was lower (P, ≤.001) in NYHA class III‐IV dogs (1.7 ± 0.7 mL/min/kg) than in class I to II dogs (3.1 ± 0.8 mL/min/kg). Only 1 dog in class I‐II had a GFR below 2 mL/min/kg and only 2/9 class III‐IV dogs had a GFR above 2 mL/min/kg.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Azotemia and renal impairment increase with the severity of congestive heart failure and are frequent findings in dogs with CVD. It remains to be shown if deterioration of renal function is a direct result of progression of the heart disease.
Incidence and Clinical Relevance of Hyperglycemia in Critically Ill Dogs
Authors: Torre Danna M. , DeLaforcade Armelle M. , Chan Daniel L.
Published: March 2010

Background: Hyperglycemia associated with critical illness in nondiabetic human patients is a common occurrence in the intensive care unit (ICU), with a reported incidence as high as 71%.

Hypothesis: Hyperglycemia in critically ill dogs increases the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Animals: Two hundred forty‐five dogs hospitalized in the ICU over a 2‐month period were evaluated.

Methods: Prospective observational study was conducted over a 2‐month period. All dogs in the ICU had their highest daily blood glucose concentration recorded. All dogs with diabetes were excluded from the study. Hyperglycemia was defined as a blood glucose concentration >120 mg/dL. Dogs with hyperglycemia were monitored for persistence and resolution of hyperglycemia.

Results: During the study period, 245 dogs were evaluated, of which 38 (16%) were hyperglycemic. Twenty‐six percent (10/ 38) developed hyperglycemia during hospitalization, whereas 74% (28/38) were hyperglycemic at presentation. Length of hospitalization (LOH) was shorter in dogs that presented with hyperglycemia compared with those that developed hyperglycemia during hospitalization (P= .001). Seventy‐one percent (27/38) of dogs were discharged from the hospital, whereas the remaining 29% (11/38) died or were euthanatized. Nonsurvivors had significantly higher median glucose concentration (median, 176 mg/dL; range 122–310 mg/dL) than did survivors (median, 139 mg/dL; 121–191 mg/dL; P= .021).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The incidence of hyperglycemia in this population of dogs was 16%. Dogs that developed hyperglycemia had longer LOH and nonsurvivors had more pronounced hyperglycemia than did survivors.
Clinical Efficacy and Palatability of Pradofloxacin 2.5% Oral Suspension for the Treatment of Bacterial Lower Urinary Tract Infections in Cats
Authors: Litster Annette , Moss Susan , Honnery Mary , Rees Bob , Edingloh Markus , Trott Darren
Published: March 2010

Background: Pradofloxacin is a 3rd generation veterinary fluoroquinolone designed to restrict the emergence of antimicrobial resistance during therapy.

Hypothesis: Pradofloxacin 2.5% oral suspension is a safe, efficacious, and palatable treatment for bacterial urinary tract infections (UTI) in cats.

Animals: Seventy‐eight cats presented with lower urinary tract signs and were positive on bacterial culture of urine.

Methods: Cats were allocated into 3 treatment groups depending on bacterial susceptibility results: pradofloxacin (n = 27), doxycycline (n = 23), or amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid (n = 28). All antimicrobials were presented in palatable liquid form. Posttreatment urine specimens were collected after completion of the course of treatment and submitted for bacterial culture and sensitivity. Owners were questioned before and after treatment about their experiences with administering oral medication to their cats.

Results: Posttreatment urine culture was negative in all cats in the pradofloxacin group, but there were 3 treatment failures in each of the other groups. Owners' perceptions of the difficulty of administering oral medication to their cats was more positive posttreatment than pretreatment (P =.001;P <.001). There was no difference in palatability among the treatment groups (P >.05).

Conclusions and clinical importance: We conclude that pradofloxacin 2.5% oral suspension is a highly effective and safe antimicrobial treatment for bacterial lower urinary tract infection in cats, and that the palatable formulation optimizes owner compliance. These findings make pradofloxacin a useful addition to the veterinary formulary.
Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of Quadrigeminal Cysts in Dogs
Authors: Matiasek Lara A. , Platt Simon R. , Shaw Steve , Dennis Ruth
Published: March 2010

Background: Quadrigeminal cysts (QC) are the most common intracranial intra‐arachnoid cysts in dogs, primarily affecting small breeds. Clinical significance is controversial.

Hypothesis: Male, brachycephalic, small breed dogs are predisposed to QC, and objective measurement of parenchymal compression can distinguish clinically relevant QC from incidental findings.

Animals: A total of 4,100 client‐owned dogs.

Methods: A retrospective study that recorded signalment, history, clinical signs, and magnetic resonance imaging features. The degree of brain compression was evaluated in the presence of relevant clinical signs. The percentage compression of cerebellum and forebrain was calculated by comparing the expected to the actual diameter and longitudinal dimension, respectively.

Results: QC were diagnosed in 28 dogs, of which 21 (75%) were small breed dogs. Fifteen dogs (54%) were brachycephalic. Eighteen dogs were male, and 10 were female. Cerebellar, occipital lobe, or compression in both areas occurred in 86% (24/28 dogs). Clinical signs included focal and generalized seizures in 5 dogs and cerebellar signs in 6 dogs. Mean occipital lobe compression was 17% (SD = 4) in clinically affected and 10% (SD = 3) in normal dogs (P = .006). Occipital lobe compression >14% was always associated with clinical signs. The mean cerebellar compression was 18%, but there was no association between compression and clinical signs. The animals were more likely to develop clinical signs if both areas were compressed (P = .04).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Parenchymal compression by QC can be incidental, and other central nervous system diseases must be excluded when assessing the clinical significance of QC. However, occipital lobe compression over 14% is likely to cause clinical signs.
Stage Migration in Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Flory Andrea B. , Rassnick Kenneth M. , Stokol Tracy , Scrivani Peter V. , Erb Hollis N.
Published: March 2010

Background: Various diagnostic tests have been used to assign a clinical stage to dogs with lymphoma. As more sensitive staging methods are introduced, dogs are reclassified as having a higher disease stage, thereby affecting comparisons of dogs across differently staged clinical trials, and possibly, prognosis.

Hypothesis: The addition of more sensitive staging tests causes stage migration in dogs with lymphoma.

Animals: Fifty‐nine client‐owned dogs with previously untreated cytologically or histologically confirmed lymphoma

Methods: For every dog, the World Health Organization stage classification (I‐V) was based on 5 groupings of various diagnostic tests: A (physical examination [PE] and quantitative blood count [QBC]), B (PE, QBC, thoracic and abdominal radiographs), C (PE, complete blood count with blood‐smear evaluation [CBC], thoracic and abdominal radiographs), D (PE, CBC, thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound), and E (PE, CBC, thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, and bone‐marrow cytology). Dogs were treated with doxorubicin‐based protocols.

Results: There was migration between all of the staging methods except D to E. However, the stage was not a predictor of remission rate, remission duration, or survival, regardless of staging method used.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These data emphasized the need for standardized methods to determine the clinical stage in dogs with lymphoma.
Lung Function and Airway Cytologic Profiles in Horses with Recurrent Airway Obstruction Maintained in Low‐Dust Environments
Authors: Miskovic M. , Couëtil L.L. , Thompson C.A.
Published: March 2010

Background: The effects of long‐term environmental management on airway obstruction and inflammation in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) are unknown.

Hypothesis: Horses with RAO maintained in low‐dust environments have persistent airway obstruction and neutrophilic inflammation.

Animals: Study horses were treated for RAO and then maintained in low‐dust environments with no medical management. Horses were classified into 3 groups by years after diagnosis: 1 year (time 1, n = 9), 2–3 years (time 2, n = 7), and 5–6 years (time 3, n = 8). The comparison groups were age‐matched healthy horses.

Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, a clinical examination was performed, and the clinical score was calculated. Standard lung function, forced expiratory maneuvers, and the cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were evaluated.

Results: The clinical scores of the RAO horses were higher than those of the non‐RAO horses at time 2 (P= .018). Standard lung function data were not different between the groups at any time point. The forced expiratory flow between 75–95% of exhaled vital capacity was lower in RAO horses than in non‐RAO horses at all time points (P< .02), indicating persistent peripheral airway obstruction. Cytologic evaluation of BALF revealed no difference in total nucleated cell numbers or differential cell counts between RAO and non‐RAO horses at any time point.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The peripheral airway obstruction detected in horses with RAO maintained in low‐dust environments likely is due to irreversible airway remodeling but is not associated with cytologic evidence of airway inflammation.
Mean Platelet Component as an Indicator of Platelet Activation in Foals and Adult Horses
Authors: Segura Dídac , Monreal Luis , Armengou Lara , Tarancón Icíar , Brugués Rosa , Escolar Ginés
Published: March 2010

Background: Mean platelet component (MPC) is a new platelet variable, measured by modern commercial complete blood count analyzers, that is reduced during platelet activation in humans and small animals.

Hypothesis: MPC decreases in horses with clinical conditions that cause platelet activation and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Animals: We obtained 418 CBCs from 100 sick and 20 healthy neonates and 178 sick and 45 sound adult horses. Sick neonates were classified into septic and nonseptic, and DIC and non‐DIC groups. Adults were grouped by diagnoses (systemic inflammatory disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and thrombocytopenia).

Methods: MPC together with platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and platelet component distribution width were measured with a commercial analyzer and compared between the different disease and control groups in neonates and in adults.

Results: MPC values were significantly lower in the septic and nonseptic neonates (24.0 ± 3.5 g/dL and 26.6 ± 2.6 g/dL, respectively) than in the control group (28.1 ± 1.7 g/dL). Neonates with DIC had the lowest MPC values (23.8 ± 6.3 g/dL). MPC values in adult horses were significantly lower in the inflammatory (23.5 ± 4.7 g/dL), gastrointestinal obstruction (23.0 ± 5.0 g/dL), enteritis (23.6 ± 4.6 g/dL), ischemic (23.9 ± 5.1 g/dL), and thrombocytopenia (20.2 ± 5.7 g/dL) groups when compared with control horses (26.2 ± 3.5 g/dL). Other platelet variables were not different between the control and the disease groups.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: MPC might be a useful variable for quickly and easily detecting platelet activation in sick neonates and adult horses.
Detection of Fibrin Deposits in Horse Tissues by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Cotovio Mario , Monreal Luis , Navarro Marga , Segura Dídac , Prada Justina , Alves Anabela
Published: March 2010

Background: Histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques have been used to detect fibrin deposits in different tissues in humans and experimental animal models with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Fibrin deposits also have been observed in horses with severe ischemic and inflammatory disorders by histochemical stainings (phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin [PTAH]).

Hypothesis: Immunohistochemical (IHC) methods can be used to accurately detect fibrin deposits in horses at risk of DIC.

Animals: Tissue‐organ samples collected on postmortem examination from 87 horses with severe inflammatory and ischemic gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, tissue samples from 13 horses with colic and colonic obstructions or displacements and from 13 slaughter horses were used as controls.

Methods: Tissue samples (kidney, lung, and liver) were stained with PTAH and IHC for blinded histologic examination and comparison. A fibrin score (grades 0 to 4) was established for each tissue sample and for each horse for both techniques.

Results: When the IHC method was used, fibrin deposition was observed in 47.1% of the horses with colic with a poor prognosis, compared with 41.4% with PTAH. An agreement of 70% was achieved when both methods were compared, and the lung was confirmed as the most affected organ. Almost none of the colic and slaughter control horses had fibrin deposits in their tissues.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: IHC technique for fibrin antigens was very effective in the detection and identification of fibrin deposits in equine tissues and may be a reliable technique for the postmortem diagnosis of DIC.
Decreased Periparturient Transmission of Bovine Leukosis Virus in Colostrum‐Fed Calves
Authors: Nagy Dusty W. , Tyler Jeff W. , Kleiboeker Steven B.
Published: March 2010

Background: The relation between calf bovine leukosis virus (BLV) infection status and colostrum ingestion is unclear. Two conclusions have been drawn from previous studies. One suggests that colostrum ingestion transmits BLV to neonatal calves. The second suggests that colostral antibodies are protective.

Hypothesis: Colostrum from BLV‐positive cattle is protective in naturally exposed calves.

Animals: Twelve colostrum‐deprived Holstein calves and 20 colostrum‐fed Holstein calves born to BLV‐infected cows.

Methods: Prospective study. Colostrum‐deprived calves were tested weekly by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for BLV antibody and provirus for 12 weeks or until the animal became positive for BLV infection. Colostrum‐fed calves were fed colostrum derived from BLV‐positive cows. Thereafter, ELISA and PCR tests for BLV antibody and provirus were performed every other week until 2 consecutive negative ELISA tests or 1 positive PCR test was achieved. The proportion of calves that converted to BLV‐positive status was calculated for each group and compared between groups by using the Fisher exact test.

Results: Four of 12 colostrum‐deprived calves (33%) became BLV positive, whereas 0 of 20 colostrum‐fed calves (0%) became BLV positive. The proportion of calves that became infected was significantly higher in the colostrum‐deprived group (P= .014).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Calves born to BLV‐positive cows are exposed during parturition, and a proportion of these calves will become infected with BLV. Administration of colostrum from BLV‐positive cows greatly decreases the risk of infection.
Serum T3 and T4 Concentrations in Lambs with Nutritional Myodegeneration
Authors: Kozat Süleyman
Published: March 2010

Background: Selenium (Se) deficiency is an important etiological factor in Nutritional Myodegeneration Disease (NMD) of lambs, and Se is required for synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Hypothesis: That serum T4 and T3 concentrations in lambs with NMD will be abnormal.

Animals: Ten healthy lambs and 15 lambs with NMD were included in the study.

Methods: Serum thyroid hormone concentrations were measured by chemiluminescence assay in samples collected from control and NMD lambs before and after treatment with a preparation containing sodium selenite, vitamin E, and vitamin Bi, which was administered subcutaneously to lambs with NMD twice, with a 2‐week interval.

Results: Before treatment, serum concentrations of fT3 and TT3 in lambs with NMD were lower than those of control group (P < .001), while serum concentrations of fT4 and TT4 in lambs with NMD were significantly higher than those of control group (P < .001, P < .01, respectively). Similarly, serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values in lambs with NMD were significantly higher compared with those of control (P < .001, P < .001, P < .001, P < .01, and P < .05, respectively) before treatment. However, serum concentrations of Se and α‐tocopherol in lambs with NMD were significantly lower compared with those of control (P < .001). After treatment (at day 30), none of the variables were significantly different between control and NMD lambs (P > .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Nutritional myodegeneration in lambs is associated with abnormalities in serum thyroid concentrations. Abnormalities in serum thyroid concentrations can result from selenium deficiency in NMD lambs. Serum thyroid concentrations together with serum CK, LDH, AST, ALT, and ALP values can be considered additional tools in diagnosis and prognosis of NMD in lambs.
Glass Science and Glassmaking: A Personal Perspective
Authors: Roy Rustum
Published: March 2010

This paper demonstrates how glass has provided one of the earliest, and still rare, examples of controlled use of science at the nanolevel in a well‐established gigatechnology. The glass community—from the Venetian glass makers (and the science of luminaries such as Michael Faraday and Isaac Newton) down through major industrial successes such as glass–ceramics—are examples of excellent nanoengineers practicing clever applications of manipulation of matter at the nano and subnano scale. This paper describes the evolution of the understanding of nanoheterogeneity of the structure (and composition of virtually all useful glasses) that has been the key evolutionary “invention” in this process. It then makes the case that glass (and polymer) technology has an enormous advantage over all of the nanomaterial technologies that are confronted with the enormous barrier of assembling large numbers of very small particles into useful products on a large scale, as recognized by the recently anointed patron saint of the present nanofever, Richard Feynman, in his only paper in the field. Finally, this paper introduces glass scientists to a radically new opportunity via a totally new way to convert crystalline matter into glasses (noncrystalline solids)—for all scientists interested in the glassy state.
Glasses for Photonic Applications
Authors: Richardson Kathleen , Krol Denise , Hirao Kazuyuki
Published: March 2010

Recent advances in the application of glassy materials in planar and fiber‐based photonic structures have led to novel devices and components that go beyond the original thinking of the use of glass in the 1960s, when glass fibers were developed for low‐loss, optical communication applications. Exploitation of the material's compositional flexibility, combined with the ability to tailor all aspects of its size, shape, and physical properties as well as its behavior when exposed to all forms of electromagnetic radiation, has led to numerous breakthroughs. Thus, for the purposes of this review, we have divided the discussion to highlight issues of material composition and form and how both impact device function, focusing on the advances made within the past decades.
Glass Substrates for Liquid Crystal Displays
Authors: Ellison Adam , Cornejo Iván A.
Published: March 2010

We present a brief history of substrate glasses developed by Corning Incorporated (Corning) for use in Active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) displays. The most basic attributes required of AMLCD substrates include thermal and mechanical stability, precise geometry control, a surface that is basically perfectly smooth, and no inclusions large enough to block a pixel in the final display. In addition, the glasses used as substrate materials must be essentially alkali‐free so that they do not interact chemically or electronically with thin‐film transistors (TFT). Thin, precision sheet was first made at Corning via the slot‐draw process, but was eventually moved to the fusion‐draw process; neither process was originally intended for this application. Alkali‐free glasses were originally developed for electronic applications and lamp envelopes, and considerable research was required to invent compositions that were compatible with the high‐viscosity fusion‐draw process. Examples of the technical challenges presented by the evolving industry requirements are provided, including eliminating arsenic from the substrate glass and reducing the dimensional change during high‐temperature processing of polysilicon‐based TFT.
Surface loss rates of H and Cl radicals in an inductively coupled plasma etcher derived from time-resolved electron density and optical emission measurements
Authors: Curley G. A. , Gatilova L. , Guilet S. , Bouchoule S. , Gogna G. S. , Sirse N. , Karkari S. , Booth J. P.
Published: March 2010

A study is undertaken of the loss kinetics of H and Cl atoms in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactor used for the etching of III-V semiconductor materials. A time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy technique, also referred to as pulsed induced fluorescence (PIF), has been combined with time-resolved microwave hairpin probe measurements of the electron density in a pulsed Cl2/H2-based discharge for this purpose. The surface loss rate of H, kwH, was measured in H2 plasma and was found to lie in the 125–500 s−1 range (γH surface recombination coefficient of ∼0.006–0.023), depending on the reactor walls conditioning. The PIF technique was then evaluated for the derivation of kwCl, and γCl in Cl2-based plasmas. In contrast to H2 plasma, significant variations in the electron density may occur over the millisecond time scale corresponding to Cl2 dissociation at the rising edge of the plasma pulse. By comparing the temporal evolution of the electron density and the Ar-line intensity curves with 10% of Ar added in the discharge, the authors show that a time-resolved actinometry procedure using Ar as an actinometer is valid at low to moderate ICP powers to estimate the Cl loss rate. They measured a Cl loss rate of ∼125–200 s−1 (0.03≤γCl≤0.06) at 150 W ICP power for a reactor state close to etching conditions. The Cl surface loss rate was also estimated for high ICP power (800 W) following the same procedure, giving a value of ∼130–150 s−1 (γCl∼0.04), which is close to that measured at 150 W ICP power.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of polyimide thin films with Ar cluster ion depth profiling
Authors: Miyayama T. , Sanada N. , Suzuki M. , Hammond J. S. , Si S.-Q. D. , Takahara A.
Published: March 2010

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling of polyimide thin films on silicon substrates using an Ar cluster ion beam results in an extremely low degradation of the polyimide chemistry. In the range from 2.5 to 20 kV, a lower cluster ion energy produces a lower sputter induced damage to the polymer and results in an improved polyimide to silicon interface width. The sputtering rates of the polyimide are found to increase exponentially with an increase in the Ar cluster ion energy.
Abraham–Lorentz versus Landau–Lifshitz
Authors: Griffiths David J. , Proctor Thomas C. , Schroeter Darrell F.
Published: March 2010

The classical Abraham–Lorentz formula for the radiation reaction on a point charge suffers from two notorious defects: runaways and preacceleration. Recently, several authors have advocated as an alternative the Landau–Lifshitz formula, which has neither fault. The latter formula is often presented as an approximation to Abraham–Lorentz, raising the delicate question of how an approximation can be considered more accurate than the original. For a spherical shell of finite size, the equation for the radiation reaction is noncontroversial. We begin there, obtain the Abraham–Lorentz and Landau–Lifshitz expressions as limiting cases, and undertake some numerical studies to determine which is superior.
Modification of Coulomb’s law in closed spaces
Authors: Pedram Pouria
Published: March 2010

We obtain a modified version of Coulomb’s law in two- and three-dimensional closed spaces. We demonstrate that in a closed space the total electric charge must be zero. We also discuss the relation between total charge neutrality of an isotropic and homogeneous universe to whether or not its spatial sector is closed.
Numerical approach to the Schrödinger equation in momentum space
Authors: Karr William A. , Jamell Christopher R. , Joglekar Yogesh N.
Published: March 2010

The treatment of the time-independent Schrödinger equation in real space is an indispensable part of introductory quantum mechanics. In contrast, the Schrödinger equation in momentum space is an integral equation that is not readily amenable to an analytical solution and is rarely taught. We present a numerical approach to the Schrödinger equation in momentum space. After a suitable discretization process, we obtain the Hamiltonian matrix and diagonalize it numerically. By considering a few examples, we show that this approach is ideal for exploring bound states in a localized potential and complements the traditional (analytical or numerical) treatment of the Schrödinger equation in real space.
The equivalence principle, uniformly accelerated reference frames, and the uniform gravitational field
Authors: Muñoz Gerardo , Jones Preston
Published: March 2010

The relation between uniformly accelerated reference frames in flat spacetime and the uniform gravitational field is examined in a relativistic context. It is shown that contrary to previous statements, equivalence does not break down in this context. No restrictions to Newtonian approximations or small enclosures are necessary.
On the classical analysis of spin-orbit coupling in hydrogenlike atoms
Authors: Kholmetskii A. L. , Missevitch O. V. , Yarman T.
Published: March 2010

We reanalyze the usual classical derivation of spin-orbit coupling in hydrogenlike atoms. We point out the presence of an additional force exerted on a spinning electron due to the appearance of its electric dipole moment in the rest frame of the nucleus. This force has been ignored, although its inclusion in the electron’s equation of motion influences the energy level of an orbiting electron on an equal footing with other effects in the usual analysis of spin-orbit coupling. A fortuitous cancellation between two terms leaves the overall energy level unaffected, which explains in part why this effect has been overlooked. An account of this effect in the Bohr model produces the usual expression for the spin-orbit coupling but with different radii of the electron’s orbit for different spatial orientations of the electron’s spin. This result is in qualitative agreement with the solution of the Dirac–Coulomb equation for hydrogenlike atoms.