bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pull-off adhesion testing for concrete repairs
Authors: Cleland D. J. , Basheer L.
Published: November 2007

Where one material is bonded to another, the only appropriate test method to measure bond or adhesion is often a peel or pull-off test. For cement-based materials (mortar or concrete) the pull-off test is preferred partly because it is relatively easy to carry out; however, one limitation lies in the difficulties of interpreting the results. This difficulty lies in the fact that not all failures occur at the interface and there is then a question of whether those that fail at the interface only are an accurate reflection of the interface adhesion strength. The current paper seeks to address this issue through a study of the probability of interface adhesion plotted against concrete cohesion failure. It recommends a method for estimating the error between the measured adhesion failures and the theoretical adhesion strength.
Landfill stability and integrity: the UK design approach
Authors: Fowmes G. , Dixon N. , Jones D. R. V.
Published: November 2007

This paper highlights the design considerations, in terms of stability and integrity, for EC Landfill Directive compliant sites. The paper details a design chart based on research and development reports produced for the Environment Agency (England and Wales) intended to guide designers and highlight areas for consideration in each of six aspects of landfill construction: subgrade, basal lining system, shallow-slope lining system, steep-slope lining system, waste slopes and capping lining systems. The paper is not intended to offer design methodologies in terms of which calculation methods should be adopted, but to provide designers with a framework in which to apply engineering skill and judgement and to highlight challenges.
ModelingThree‐Dimensional Microstructure in Heterogeneous Media
Authors: Blair J. M. , Falconer R. E. , Milne A. C. , Young I.M. , Crawford J. W.
Published: November 2007

While it is now possible to image the three‐dimensional structure of soil using high‐resolution tomography, none of the techniques can simultaneously image the distribution of the resident soil microbes. This means that it is not possible to visualize soil microbes in their habitat. Consequently, the impact of soil structure on microbially mediated processes cannot be reliably modeled. Biological thin sections offer the opportunity to simultaneously image microbes in structure but are necessarily restricted to two dimensions. Therefore a methodology is required to simulate three‐dimensional structures from two‐dimensional thin sections of soil that is extendable to simulate the spatial distribution of a range of soil components. We developed a model that is capable of using data gathered from two‐dimensional sections to predict the three‐dimensional structure of soil. An object‐oriented approach to modeling was used to allow the individual representation of each structure voxel. This allows the model to encapsulate both data, presented here, and the subsequent addition of components such as microbial distribution and related diffusion–respiration processes together in a three‐dimensional lattice of voxels. The model was validated using data derived from three‐dimensional x‐ray tomography images of soil structure, and using two‐dimensional sections through that data set to predict three‐dimensional structure. A range of metrics was used to compare the modeled and imaged three‐dimensional structures. The comparison shows that the metrics for the modeled structures agree with those derived from the three‐dimensional images for higher porosities, but that systematic differences occur for the lowest porosity soils (<11%). This is due to problems relating to the prediction of rare events such as the presence of large connected pores in low‐porosity samples.
Pore Occlusion by Sugars and Lipids as a Possible Mechanism of Aggregate Stability in Amended Soils
Authors: Hafida Zaher , Caron Jean , Angers Denis A.
Published: November 2007

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of structural stability and the contribution of specific organic fractions to such mechanisms is critical in designing new soil and water conservation strategies relying on organic amendments. The objective of this work was to study the role of neutral and uronic sugars and lipids in affecting key mechanisms (swelling rate, pressure evolution) involved in the stabilization of individual aggregates. A 48‐wk incubation study was performed on a clay loam and a silty clay loam amended with either deinking–secondary sludges, primary–secondary sludges, or composted deinking sludges at rates ranging from 8 to 24 Mg dry matter ha−1Different structural stability indices were measured during the incubation, along with CO2evolved, neutral and uronic sugar, and lipid contents. Significant increases in all stability indices were measured for both soil types. These improvements were linked to a very intense phase of C mineralization and highly correlated with neutral and uronic sugars as well as lipid contents. Paper sludge amendments also resulted in significant decreases in maximum internal pressure of aggregates and aggregate swelling following immersion in water, two mechanisms affecting structural stability. Overall, the results suggest that reduction in maximum internal pressure induced by organic amendments probably resulted from increases in pore surface roughness and pore occlusion rather than an increase in surface wetting angles. This study also supports the view of a nonspecific action of the lipids and neutral and uronic sugars on aggregate stability to rapid wetting.
Mobility of Nitrogen‐15‐Labeled Nitrate and Sulfur‐34‐Labeled Sulfate during Snowmelt
Authors: Campbell John L. , Mitchell Myron J. , Mayer Bernhard , Groffman Peter M. , Christenson Lynn M.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the winter dynamics of SO42−and NO3−in a forested soil to better understand controls on these acidifying anions during snowmelt. In February 2004, a stable isotopic tracer solution with 93 atom%34S as H234SO4and 99 atom%15N as NH415NO3was applied to the snowpack at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. The chemical and isotopic compositions of throughfall, snow, snowmelt, and forest floor leachates were monitored for 10 mo following the addition of the tracers. The34SO42−and15NO3−tracer amounts in forest floor leachates were highest in the first fractions of meltwater and declined exponentially until returning to ambient levels in mid‐May. Isotopic mass balances indicated that SO42−and NO3−were conservative in the snowpack, with tracer recoveries near 100%. In contrast, only 54 to 62% of the34SO42−and 49 to 58% of the15NO3−were recovered in forest floor leachates, suggesting that much of the SO42−and NO3−that infiltrated the forest floor during snowmelt was retained or transformed. Microbial biomass δ15N values in the forest floor remained low during snowmelt and the natural abundance values of δ18O–NO3−in forest floor leachates were indicative of an atmospheric rather than a microbial source. These results suggest that, in this study, microbial immobilization and subsequent mineralization and nitrification of snowpack NO3−was insignificant in the forest floor during snowmelt.
Mineral and Organic Matter Controls on the Sorption of Macronutrient Anions in Variable‐Charge Soils
Authors: Strahm Brian D. , Harrison Robert B.
Published: November 2007

Partitioning ions between the solid and solution phase is one of the most important processes controlling nutrient mobility and bioavailability. Despite this, less research has focused on the interactions of nutrient anions at soil interfaces, although variable‐charge components are present to some extent in nearly all soils. The objective of this study was to develop equations using commonly measured soil properties (particle size analysis, organic matter content, and extractable Fe and Al fractions) to predict sorption isotherms for NO3−, SO42−, and H2PO4− Six subsurface soils, ranging spatially and temporally from heavily weathered Oxisols of the tropics to a recently glaciated Entisol from the U.S. Pacific Northwest, were used to generate sorption isot herms of the three macronutrient anions using initial solution concentrations from 0.1 to 5 mmol L−1 Before batch sorption experiments, soils were saturated with KCl, rinsed free of excess salts, and adjusted to pH = 4.0 ± 0.1 to eliminate the confounding effects of competing ions or differing pH regimes. Almost all soils from temperate latitudes had a greater capacity to sorb anions than the Oxisols included in this study for comparison. This was particularly true for the soils with volcanic parent materials from the U.S. Pacific Northwest. For any given soil, the capacity to sorb the macronutrient anions was in the order H2PO4− > SO42− > NO3− Multiple regression analyses generally suggest that the electrostatic sorption of NO3− and SO42− is positively related to the presence of active Al fractions and negatively correlated with organic C content.
Simultaneous Analysis of Soil Macronutrients Using Ion‐Selective Electrodes
Authors: Kim Hak-Jin , Hummel John W. , Sudduth Kenneth A. , Motavalli Peter P.
Published: November 2007

Automated sensing of soil macronutrients would be useful in mapping soil nutrient variability for variable‐rate nutrient management. Ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) are a promising approach because of their small size, rapid response, and ability to directly measure the analyte. This study reports on the laboratory evaluation of a sensor array including three different ISEs, based on TDDA–NPOE and valinomycin–DOS membranes, and Co rod, for the simultaneous determination of NO3–N, available K, and available P in soil extracts. Thirty‐seven Illinois and Missouri soils were extracted using the Kelowna soil extractant (0.25 mol L−1 CH3COOH + 0.015 mol L−1 NH4F). The response of each electrode type in mixed solutions of NO3, K, and P ions was modeled based on the Nikolskii–Eisenman equation with all coefficients of determination (r2) ≥0.95 (P < 0.001). In soil extracts, the NO3 ISEs provided concentrations similar to those obtained with standard laboratory methods (r2 = 0.89, P < 0.001). Concentrations obtained with the K ISEs were about 50% lower than those obtained with standard methods due to lower K extraction by the Kelowna solution (r2 = 0.85, P < 0.001). The P ISEs provided concentrations about 64% lower than those obtained with standard methods due to a combination of decreased P estimates in soil extracts and lower P extraction by the Kelowna solution; however, there was a strong linear relationship (r2 = 0.81, P < 0.001). Although P and K concentrations were low in comparison to standard laboratory procedures, a calibration factor could address this issue. These results show that ISE technology can be implemented successfully for NO3–N, available K, and available P measurement with the Kelowna extractant.
Estimating Plant‐Available Water Capacity for Claypan Landscapes Using Apparent Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Jiang Pingping , Anderson Stephen H. , Kitchen Newell R. , Sudduth Kenneth A. , Sadler E. John
Published: November 2007

Information on plant‐available water (PAW) capacity (PAWc) variation within a field is useful for site‐specific management. For claypan soils, established relationships between soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and topsoil thickness suggested the hypothesis that profile PAWc could be estimated by assuming a two‐layer soil composition, a silt loam topsoil layer and a silty clay sublayer, with known PAW fraction values for each layer. Objectives were (i) to investigate the direct relationships between ECa and the upper and lower limits of PAWc, and (ii) to test the previously stated hypothesis. Nineteen and 18 soil profile samples were taken from two Missouri claypan fields in October 2005. The lower limit of PAWc was determined at −1500 kPa soil water pressure. Samples were taken again from the same locations in March 2006 to determine the upper limit of PAWc Calculations were on a 1.2‐m basis. The direct relationship between ECa−1 and profile PAW (PAW1.2) was significant, with regression r2 values of 0.67 and 0.87 and RMSEs of 30 and 20 mm for Fields 1 and 2, respectively. The RMSEs for two‐layer‐estimated PAW1.2 were 14 and 16 mm for Fields 1 and 2, respectively, or 7.6 and 8.6% of the respective mean measured PAW1.2 With the two‐layer approach, some underestimates of PAW1.2 resulted from underestimation of topsoil thickness, whereas overestimates were attributed to soil horizons being short of field capacity at sampling due to slow recharge. The resulting field‐scale PAWc information is useful in site‐specific decision making for soil and water management.
The Importance of “Deep” Organic Carbon in Permafrost‐Affected Soils of Arctic Alaska
Authors: Bockheim J. G. , Hinkel K. M.
Published: November 2007

Reporting characteristics for the upper 100 cm of the pedon is common for Gelisols and soil C budgets. The amount of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestered at a depth of 100 to 200 cm was determined for 29 permafrost‐affected soils from northern Alaska. An average of 29 kg C m−3 was present within the 100‐ to 200‐cm depth interval, which is contained in the upper permafrost. For a 200‐cm‐deep profile, about 36% of the SOC pool occurs below 100 cm. From limited data, there were no significant differences in “deep” SOC levels among Histels, Turbels, and Orthels, the three suborders of Gelisols. Based on a previous survey of the Barrow Peninsula, permafrost‐affected soils contain 66.5 Tg of SOC in the upper 100 cm, and another 36 Tg in the 100‐ to 200‐cm zone. This C pool is vulnerable to mobilization following warming and increased summer thaw depth in the arctic.
Sorption of Trichloroethylene in Humic Acid Studied by Experimental Investigations and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Shih Yang-hsin
Published: November 2007

Gas transport of volatile organic compounds through soils is important for understanding the fate of these organic compounds. Soil organic matter plays a key role in the transport of organic compounds in soils; however, studies have not been performed at the molecular level. A gravimetric experimental method and a computer simulation method were used to study the sorption–desorption of organic contaminants in humic substances. The average apparent diffusivities of trichloroethylene (TCE) in soil humic acid are 1.1 × 10−8 cm2/s for sorption and 3.0 × 10−9 cm2/s for desorption. The activation energies are 29.3 and 59.5 kJ/mol for sorption and desorption, respectively. The molecular simulation results of the kinetics and the activated energy of TCE sorption in humic acid are in good agreement with the experimental data. Both results indicate that the sorption rate of TCE to humic acid increases with the environmental temperature. The sorption of TCE into humic acid is mainly diffusion controlled. Molecular dynamics of chlorinated volatile organic compounds in natural humic substances does yield meaningful results, which can help with understanding the sorption mechanism of organic chemicals in soils at the molecular level.
Impaired Insulin-Stimulated Phosphorylation of Akt and AS160 in Skeletal Muscle of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Reversed by Pioglitazone Treatment
Authors: Højlund Kurt , Glintborg Dorte , Andersen Nicoline R. , Birk Jesper B. , Treebak Jonas T. , Frøsig Christian , Beck-Nielsen Henning , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F.P.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE— Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle insulin resistance and the insulin-sensitizing effect of thiazolidinediones in PCOS in vivo are less well characterized.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We determined molecular mediators of insulin signaling to glucose transport in skeletal muscle biopsies of 24 PCOS patients and 14 matched control subjects metabolically characterized by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps and indirect calorimetry, and we examined the effect of 16 weeks of treatment with pioglitazone in PCOS patients.

RESULTS— Impaired insulin-mediated total (Rd) oxidative and nonoxidative glucose disposal (NOGD) was paralleled by reduced insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and Thr308 and AS160 phosphorylation in muscle of PCOS patients. Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and Thr308 correlated positively with Rd and NOGD in the insulin-stimulated state. Serum free testosterone was inversely related to insulin-stimulated Rd and NOGD in PCOS. Importantly, the pioglitazone-mediated improvement in insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism, which did not fully reach normal levels, was accompanied by normalization of insulin-mediated Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and Thr308 and AS160 phosphorylation. AMPK activity and phosphorylation were similar in the two groups and did not respond to pioglitazone in PCOS patients.

CONCLUSIONS— Impaired insulin signaling through Akt and AS160 in part explains insulin resistance at the molecular level in skeletal muscle in PCOS, and the ability of pioglitazone to enhance insulin sensitivity involves improved signaling through Akt and AS160. Moreover, our data provide correlative evidence that hyperandrogenism in PCOS may contribute to insulin resistance.
Association Analysis Indicates That a Variant GATA-Binding Site in the PIK3CB Promoter Is a Cis-Acting Expression Quantitative Trait Locus for This Gene and Attenuates Insulin Resistance in Obese Children
Authors: Le Stunff Catherine , Dechartres Agnès , Mariot Virginie , Lotton Chantal , Trainor Cecelia , Miraglia Del Giudice Emanuele , Meyre David , Bieche Ivan , Laurendeau Ingrid , Froguel Philippe , Zelenika Diana , Fallin Dani , Lathrop Mark , Roméo Paul-Henri , Bougnères Pierre
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE—In search of functional polymorphisms associated with the genetics of insulin resistance, we studied a variant in the promoter of PIK3CB, the gene coding for the catalytic p110β subunit of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase, a major effector of insulin action.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The rs361072 C/T variant was selected among single nucleotide polymorphisms of the PIK3CB region because we suspected that its common C allele (allelic frequency ∼50% in Europeans) could create a GATA-binding motif and was genotyped in five cohorts of obese (n = 1,876) and two cohorts of nonobese (n = 1,490) European children. To estimate insulin resistance in these children, the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was measured in strict nutritional conditions. GATA-binding and functional effects of rs361072 were explored in transfected cell lines and in lymphocytes from obese children.

RESULTS—The rs361072 C/T variant was associated with HOMA-IR in the obese children cohorts (1.7 × 10−12 < P < 2 × 10−4 for C/C vs. T/T using regression analysis). HOMA-IR averaged 3.3 ± 0.1 in C/C and 4.5 ± 0.2 in T/T obese children (P = 4.5 × 10−6 by ANOVA). C/T patients had intermediate values. As shown by the interaction between BMI and genotype (P = 2.1 × 10−9), the association of rs361072 with HOMA-IR depended on BMI and was only marginal in nonobese children (P = 0.04). At the molecular level, the C allele of rs361072 was found to create a GATA-binding site able to increase transcription of PIK3CB.

CONCLUSIONS—We postulate that the C allele of rs361072 is a causal variant capable of attenuating insulin resistance in obese children through increased expression of p110β.
Antimicrobial activity of bovine bactericidal permeability–increasing protein–derived peptides against gram-negative bacteria isolated from the milk of cows with clinical mastitis
Authors: Chockalingam Annapoorani , Zarlenga Dante S. , Bannerman Douglas D.
Published: November 2007

Objective—To evaluate antimicrobial activity of bovine bactericidal permeability–increasing protein (bBPI)–derived synthetic peptides against mastitis-causing gram-negative bacteria.

Sample Population—Bacterial isolates from the milk of cows with clinical mastitis.

Procedures—3 peptides were synthesized with sequences corresponding to amino acids 65 to 99 (bBPI65–99) or 142 to 169 (bBPI142–169) or the combination of amino acids 90 to 99 and 148 to 161 (bBPI90–99,148–161) of bBPI. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these peptides against bacterial isolates from cows with mastitis were determined by use of a standardized broth microdilution assay. The ability of these peptides to retain their antimicrobial activity in serum and milk was also evaluated. Finally, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-neutralizing activity of these peptides was assayed with the Limulus amebocyte lysate test.

Results—Of the 3 peptides tested, bBPI90–99,148–161 had the widest spectrum of antimicrobial activity, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 16 to 64 Mg/mL against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter spp and from 64 to 128 Mg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. None of the peptides had any growth-inhibitory effect on Serratia marcescens. The antimicrobial activity of bBPI90–99,148–161 was inhibited in milk, but preserved in serum. Finally, bBPI142–169 and bBPI90–99,148–161 completely neutralized LPS.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—bBPI90–99,148–161 is a potent neutralizer of the highly proinflammatory molecule bacterial LPS and has antimicrobial activity against a variety of gram-negative bacteria. The ability of bBPI90–99,148–161 to retain antimicrobial activity in serum suggests a potential therapeutic application for this peptide in the management of gram-negative septicemia.
Determination and use of mechanical nociceptive thresholds of the thoracic limb to assess pain associated with induced osteoarthritis of the middle carpal joint in horses
Authors: Haussler Kevin K. , Hill Ashley E. , Frisbie David D. , McIlwraith C. Wayne
Published: November 2007

Objectives—To establish reference mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) values of the equine thoracic limb and to assess the use of MNT values to detect pain associated with induced osteoarthritis in the middle carpal joint.

Animals—24 adult horses.

Procedures—MNT values were evoked by a pressure algometer at 17 sites within each thoracic limb during 2 baseline sessions conducted an average of 5 days apart. Effects of age, sex, weight, and wither height on MNT values were assessed separately for each site. Tolerance of horses to the procedure was graded subjectively and correlated with MNT values. Synovitis and osteoarthritis were induced arthroscopically in the middle carpal joint of 1 randomly selected thoracic limb. The opposite limb served as a sham-operated control limb. Mechanical nociceptive threshold values were recorded weekly and correlated with clinical, radiographic, and necropsy scores measured over 10 weeks. Lower MNT values corresponded with increased pain, whereas higher MNT values indicated reduced pain.

Results—A gradual increase in MNT values was detected from proximal-to-distal sites of the thoracic limbs. High MNT values were recorded for geldings and tall horses. In general, tolerance to procedure scores was positively correlated with overall pooled MNT values within each thoracic limb. From 2 to 6 weeks after surgery, the osteoarthritic limb had significantly reduced MNT values within the carpal region. The osteoarthritic limb also had significant changes in clinical examination, radiographic, and necropsy scores, which were poorly correlated with MNT values.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Pressure algometry provided objective assessment of nociception of the thoracic limb; however, MNT values were poorly correlated with clinical variables used to assess osteoarthritis.
Comparison of the myocardial performance index derived by use of pulsed Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging in dogs with volume overload
Authors: Hori Yasutomo , Kunihiro Shoh-ichi , Hoshi Fumio , Higuchi Sei-ichi
Published: November 2007

Objective—To investigate the relationship between the myocardial performance index (MPI) determined by use of pulsed Doppler (PD) echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in the response to volume overload–related changes in left ventricle (LV) performance.

Animals—7 male Beagles.

Procedures—Dogs were anesthetized and intubated. A 6-F fluid-filled catheter was placed in the LV to measure LV peak systolic (LVPs) and LV end-diastolic (LVED) pressures. Preload was increased by IV infusion of lactated Ringer's solution (rate of 200 mL/kg/h for 60 minutes) into a cephalic vein. Transmitral flow velocities and aortic outflow were measured, and TDI velocities were obtained from the 4-chamber view.

Results—Acute volume overload induced a significant increase in heart rate, LVPs pressure, and LVED pressure, compared with baseline values. A significant decrease in the PD-MPI and TDI-MPI values and a significant correlation (r = 0.70) between PD-MPI and TDI-MPI were detected. The PD-derived A-wave velocity, ejection time, and isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) and the TDI-derived IRT, MPI, and ratio of the velocity of the E wave to the velocity of the ventricular portion of the E wave during early diastole had equal ability to predict LVED pressure (r2 = 0.63).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The TDI-MPI was closely correlated with LV filling pressure and may be helpful in evaluating global cardiac function in dogs.
Evaluation of detailed training data to identify risk factors for retirement because of tendon injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Lam Kenneth K. H. , Parkin Tim D. H. , Riggs Christopher M. , Morgan Kenton L.
Published: November 2007

Objective—To identify the risk factors for premature retirement because of tendon injury in a Thoroughbred racehorse population.

Animals—175 Thoroughbred racehorses (cases) at the Hong Kong Jockey Club that were retired from racing because of tendon injury between 1997 and 2004 and for which the last preretirement exercise was at a fast pace were each matched with 3 control horses that were randomly selected from all uninjured horses that had galloped on the same date as that last exercise episode.

Procedures—Training data for all horses were examined. Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for retirement from racing attributable to tendon injury. Two multivariable conditional logistic regression models were created; each contained 8 explanatory variables.

Results—Compared with control horses, case horses were older at the time of import, accumulated more race distance soon after import, were more likely to have had previous official veterinary or ultrasonographic examinations, raced fewer times during their career, and were in training for a longer period and had exercised at a reduced intensity during the 180-day period preceding the last fast-paced work date.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In addition to identification of risk factors for tendon injury among racing Thoroughbreds, results have suggested that resources focused on obtaining accurate training data may be misdirected in the absence of internationally agreed criteria for incident tendon injury among racehorses. Nevertheless, changes in training intensity and findings of previous clinical examinations could be used to identify horses at risk of tendon injury–associated retirement.
Determination of proviral load in bovine leukemia virus–infected cattle with and without lymphocytosis
Authors: Juliarena Marcela A. , Gutierrez Silvina E. , Ceriani Carolina
Published: November 2007

Objective—To determine proviral load in bovine leukemia virus (BLV)–infected cattle with and without persistent lymphocytosis to assess the potential of transmitting the virus.

Animals—Cattle in 6 dairy herds.

Procedures—Blood samples from infected cows were evaluated 3 times at 6-month intervals for determination of proviral load via PCR assay, serologic results via ELISA, and hematologic status via differential cell counts.

Results—Infected cattle were classified into lymphocytotic and nonlymphocytotic groups. Lymphocytotic cattle consistently had > 100,000 copies of integrated provirus/μg of DNA (ie, high proviral load) in peripheral blood leukocytes. Titers of antibodies against BLVgp51 and BLVp24 indicated a strong immune response. Nonlymphocytotic cattle comprised 2 subgroups: a group with high proviral load and strong immune response, and a group with a weaker immune response, mostly against BLVp24, and a proviral load of < 100 copies/μg of DNA (ie, low proviral load).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results emphasized the importance of characterizing nonlymphocytotic BLV-infected cattle during eradication programs. The risk of transmitting BLV infection from nonlymphocytotic cattle may differ depending on the proviral load. Nonlymphocytotic cattle with high proviral load could be efficient transmitters (as efficient as lymphocytotic cattle), whereas nonlymphocytotic cattle with low proviral load could be inefficient transmitters under standard husbandry conditions. Because most cattle with low proviral load do not develop anti-BLVp24 antibodies, it appears that lack of an anti-BLVp24 antibody response may be a good marker of this condition.
Effect of show jumping training on the development of locomotory muscle in young horses
Authors: Rietbroek Nancy J. , Dingboom Elizabeth G. , Joosten Brian J. L. J. , Eizema Karin , Everts Maria E.
Published: November 2007

Objective—To investigate whether training for show jumping that is commenced early after birth affects the characteristics of equine locomotory muscle.

Animals—19 Dutch Warmblood horses.

Procedures—Horses were assigned to a trained or not trained (control) group. After weaning, training (free jumping [2 d/wk] that was alternated with a 20-minute period of exercise in a mechanical rotating walker [3 d/wk]) was started and continued until horses were 3 years old. Fiber type composition (determined from myosin heavy chain [MyHC] content), fiber area, diffusion index (area supplied by 1 capillary), citrate synthase activity, and Na+,K+-ATPase content were assessed in gluteus medius muscle specimens collected at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 years.

Results—Developmental changes included an increase in MyHC fiber type IIa and a decrease in type IIad; increases in fiber area, diffusion index, and citrate synthase activity; and a decrease in Na+,K+-ATPase content. The MyHC fiber type I and type IId were detected in high and low proportions, respectively. Training increased Na+,K+-ATPase content, but did not affect other variables.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In horses, show jumping training at an early age resulted in increased Na+,K+-ATPase content of the deep portions of the gluteus medius muscle. The lack of training effects on the other muscle characteristics can partly be explained by the fact that an appropriate (aerobic) fiber type composition was already established at training commencement. These data also suggested that the developmental changes in equine muscle represent sufficient adaptation to meet the demands of this specific training.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in tumors and plasma from dogs with primary intracranial neoplasms
Authors: Rossmeisl John H. , Duncan Robert B. , Huckle William R. , Troy Gregory C.
Published: November 2007

Objective—To quantitatively evaluate expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in intracranial tumors in dogs and determine whether relationships exist between circulating and intratumoral VEGF concentrations and tumor type and grade.

Animals—27 dogs with primary intracranial neoplasms and 4 unaffected control dogs.

Procedures—Plasma and brain tumor samples were obtained from each dog, and plasma and intratumoral concentrations of VEGF were measured by use of an ELISA.

Results—Dogs with meningiomas (n = 11) were significantly older than dogs with oligodendrogliomas (7) or astrocytomas (9). Measurable VEGF was detected in all tumors, and a significant negative correlation between age and intratumoral VEGF concentration was detected. Age-adjusted comparisons identified significant differences in intratumoral VEGF concentrations among all tumor types; the highest VEGF concentrations were associated with astrocytomas. Within each tumor type, increasing tumor grade was significantly associated with increasing VEGF expression. Plasma VEGF concentrations were detectable in 9 of 27 dogs; the proportion of dogs with astrocytomas and a detectable circulating VEGF concentration (7/9 dogs) was significantly higher than the proportion of dogs with meningiomas (1/11 dogs) or oligodendrogliomas (1/7 dogs) with a detectable circulating VEGF concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Overexpression of VEGF appears common in canine astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and meningiomas. In the neoplasms examined, intratumoral VEGF concentrations correlated well with tumor malignancy. The VEGF expression patterns paralleled those of analogous human tumors, providing evidence that dogs are a suitable species in which to study angiogenesis and intracranial neoplasia for human application.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of penciclovir following oral administration of famciclovir to cats
Authors: Thomasy Sara M. , Maggs David J. , Moulin Nicole K. , Stanley Scott D.
Published: November 2007

Objective—To investigate penciclovir pharmacokinetics following single and multiple oral administrations of famciclovir to cats.

Animals—8 adult cats.

Procedures—A balanced crossover design was used. Phase I consisted of a single administration (62.5 mg, PO) of famciclovir. Phase II consisted of multiple doses of famciclovir (62.5 mg, PO) given every 8 or 12 hours for 3 days. Plasma penciclovir concentrations were assayed via liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry at fixed time points after famciclovir administration.

Results—Following a single dose of famciclovir, the dose-normalized (15 mg/kg) maximum concentration (Cmax) of penciclovir (350 ± 180 ng/mL) occurred at 4.6 ± 1.8 hours and mean ± SD apparent elimination half-life was 3.1 ± 0.9 hours. However, the dose-normalized area under the plasma penciclovir concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0→∞) during phase I decreased with increasing dose, suggesting either nonlinear pharmacokinetics or interindividual variability among cats. Accumulation occurred following multiple doses of famciclovir administered every 8 hours as indicated by a significantly increased dose-normalized AUC, compared with AUC0→∞ from phase 1. Dose-normalized penciclovir Cmaxfollowing administration of famciclovir every 12 or 8 hours (290 ± 150 ng/mL or 780 ± 250 ng/mL, respectively) was notably less than the in vitro concentration (3,500 ng/mL) required for activity against feline herpesvirus-1.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Penciclovir pharmacokinetics following oral famciclovir administration in cats appeared complex within the dosage range studied. Famciclovir dosages of 15 mg/kg administered every 8 hours to cats are unlikely to result in plasma penciclovir concentrations with activity against feline herpesvirus-1.
Effects of cyproheptadine and cetirizine on eosinophilic airway inflammation in cats with experimentally induced asthma
Authors: Schooley Elizabeth K. , McGee Turner Joseph B. , JiJi Renee D. , Spinka Christine M. , Reinero Carol R.
Published: November 2007

Objective—To determine whether oral administration of cyproheptadine or cetirizine blocks the action of serotonin and histamine, respectively, and results in diminished eosinophilic airway inflammation in cats with experimentally induced asthma.

Animals—9 cats in which asthma was experimentally induced through exposure to Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) during a 3-month period.

Procedures—Cats were randomized to receive monotherapy with each of 3 treatments for 1 week: placebo (flour in a gelatin capsule, PO, q 12 h), cyproheptadine (8 mg, PO, q 12 h), or cetirizine (5 mg, PO, q 12 h). A 1-week washout period was allowed to elapse between treatments. Prior to and following each 1-week treatment period, blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected. The percentage of eosinophils in BALF was evaluated to determine treatment efficacy. Serum and BALF BGA-specific immunoglobulin contents and plasma and BALF histamine concentrations were determined via ELISAs. Plasma and BALF serotonin concentrations were measured by use of a fluorometric method.

Results—The mean ± SD percentage of eosinophils in BALF did not differ significantly among treatment groups (placebo, 40 ± 22%; cyproheptadine, 27 ± 16%; and cetirizine, 31 ± 20%). Among the treatment groups, BGA-specific immunoglobulin content and histamine and serotonin concentrations were not significantly different.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In cats with experimentally induced asthma, cyproheptadine and cetirizine were not effective in decreasing airway eosinophilic inflammation or in altering several other measured immunologic variables. Neither cyproheptadine nor cetirizine can be advocated as monotherapy for cats with allergen-induced asthma.
Clinical assessment of repeated propofol-associated anesthesia in cats
Authors: Bley Carla Rohrer , Roos Malgorzata , Price Jill , Ruess-Melzer Katja , Buchholz Julia , Poirier Valerie , Kaser-Hotz Barbara
Published: November 2007

Objective—To assess the effects of repeated episodes of propofol-associated anesthesia on quality of recovery from anesthesia, clinical status, and erythrocyte physiology in cats.

Design—Original study.

Animals—37 cats undergoing short-duration anesthesia for radiotherapy.

Procedures—Twice daily on 5 consecutive days, 13 cats with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum (group 1) underwent anesthesia: first via administration of propofol or a midazolam (0.2 mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb])-propofol combination and then via administration of ketamine and midazolam each day (latter data were not analyzed). During a 19-day period, 24 cats with vaccineassociated sarcoma (group 2) were anesthetized 12 times with propofol or a midazolam-propofol combination. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol in both groups. Hematologic analysis was performed before, during, and on completion of radiotherapy; changes in Hct and hemoglobin concentration between groups were compared.

Results—Mean duration of anesthesia was 8.1 minutes (range, 5 to 20 minutes); no adverse events were detected during recovery. Total dose of propofol administered did not differ between groups 1 (6.34 mg/kg [2.88 mg/lb]) and 2 (4.71 mg/kg [2.14 mg/lb]). Midazolam administration decreased the propofol dose by 26%. Overall decreases from baseline in Hct and hemoglobin concentration were not significantly different between the 2 groups, nor clinically important; however, compared with baseline, values in group 2 were significantly lower after 6 and 12 anesthetic episodes for both protocols. Heinz bodies were identified in low numbers in both groups during radiotherapy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that repeated propofol-associated short-duration anesthesia does not lead to clinically relevant hematologic changes in cats undergoing short-duration radiotherapy.
Cluster of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in a small animal intensive care unit
Authors: Weese J. Scott , Faires Meredith , Rousseau Joyce , Bersenas Alexa M. E. , Mathews Karol A.
Published: November 2007

Case Description—Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from the tracheostomy tube of an 18-month-old castrated male Golden Retriever in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Ontario Veterinary College. This prompted an investigation of MRSA colonization in other animals in the ICU.

Clinical Findings—On day 1 of the investigation, MRSA was isolated from nasal swabs obtained from 2 of 10 animals (2/7 dogs and 0/3 cats), including the index case. Subsequently, MRSA was isolated from 3 of 12 animals on day 9; 3 of 9 animals on day 13; and none of 14, 5, and 6 animals on day 20, 27, and 78, respectively. Overall, MRSA was isolated from 6 of 26 (23%) animals during the outbreak period (4/22 dogs and 2/4 cats). The apparent incidence of MRSA acquisition in the ICU from days 1 through 13 was 20% (5/25 animals). No clinical signs of MRSA infections developed. All isolates were indistinguishable from one another.

Treatment and Outcome—Infection-control measures including active surveillance of all animals in the ICU, barrier precautions, and hand hygiene were used to control the apparent outbreak.

Clinical Relevance—Methicillin-resistant S aureus is an emerging problem in veterinary medicine. Intensive care units may be at particular risk for periodic outbreaks of colonization and disease. The outbreak of this report highlights the potential for clinically inapparent transmission of MRSA within a facility; infection-control measures that might facilitate MRSA eradication should be considered in ICU settings.
Effect of dietary fructans and dexamethasone administration on the insulin response of ponies predisposed to laminitis
Authors: Bailey Simon R. , Menzies-Gow Nicola J. , Harris Patricia A. , Habershon-Butcher Jocelyn L. , Crawford Carol , Berhane Yoel , Boston Raymond C. , Elliott Jonathan
Published: November 2007

Objective—To determine whether pasture, and specifically the addition of fructan carbohydrate to the diet, induces exaggerated changes in serum insulin concentration in laminitispredisposed (LP) ponies, compared with ponies with no history of the condition, and also to determine insulin responses to the dexamethasone suppression test.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—10 LP and 11 control adult nonobese mixed-breed ponies.

Procedures—Insulin-modified IV glucose tolerance tests were performed (5 ponies/group). In diet studies, ponies were kept on pasture and then changed to a hay diet (10 ponies/group). Second, ponies were maintained on a basal hay diet (4 weeks) before being fed a hay diet supplemented with inulin (3 g/kg/d [1.4 g/lb/d]). Serum insulin and plasma glucose concentrations were analyzed before and after dietary changes. Serum cortisol and insulin concentrations were also measured in a standard dexamethasone suppression test.

Results—The LP ponies were insulin resistant (median insulin sensitivity of 0.27 × 104 L•min−1•mU−1 in LP ponies, compared with 0.64 × 104 L•min−1•mU−1 in control ponies). Median insulin concentration in LP ponies was significantly greater than that in control ponies at pasture, decreased in response to feeding hay, and was markedly increased (5.5fold) following the feeding of inulin with hay. The LP ponies had a greater increase in serum insulin concentration at 19 hours after dexamethasone administration (median, 222.9 mU/L), compared with control ponies (45.6 mU/L).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Nonobese ponies predisposed to develop laminitis had compensated insulin resistance, and this phenotype was revealed by feeding plant fructan carbohydrate or by dexamethasone administration.
Efficacy of bovine herpesvirus-1 inactivated vaccine against abortion and stillbirth in pregnant heifers
Authors: Zimmerman Alicia D. , Buterbaugh Robin E. , Herbert John M. , Hass Jamie M. , Frank Nicole E. , Luempert III Louis G. , Chase Christopher C. L.
Published: November 2007

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of an inactivated bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) vaccine to protect against BHV-1 challenge-induced abortion and stillbirth.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—35 beef heifers.

Procedures—Before breeding, heifers were vaccinated with a commercially available BHV-1 inactivated vaccine SC or IM. The estrous cycle was then synchronized, and heifers were artificially inseminated 30 to 60 days after vaccination. Heifers (n = 21) were challenge inoculated IV at approximately 180 days of gestation with virulent BHV-1. Fourteen control heifers were not vaccinated. Clinical signs of BHV-1 infection were monitored for 10 days following challenge; serologic status and occurrence of abortion or stillbirth were evaluated until time of calving.

Results—18 of 21 (85.7%) heifers that received vaccine were protected from abortion following challenge, whereas all 14 control heifers aborted.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that an inactivated BHV-1 vaccine can protect against abortion resulting from a substantial challenge infection, with efficacy similar to that of modified-live BHV-1 vaccines.
Biologische Bekämpfung des Kastanienrindenkrebses auf der Alpennordseite der Schweiz|Biological control of chestnut blight north of the Swiss Alps
Authors: Heiniger Ursula
Published: November 2007

Since 1986 several isolated stands of chestnut (Castanea sativa) located north of the Swiss Alps have been infected with the chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica). At all sites (1–3), the diversity of the vegetative compatibility types was low. To control the disease, the hypovirus CHV1 was introduced at seventeen sites in five cantons. In total, 571 cankers were treated with local C. parasitica isolates containing CHV1. Re-inspection of the cankers one to two years after treatment demonstrated that the percentage of active cankers was significantly reduced in three cantons. Re-isolations of C. parasitica showed that the hypovirus persisted in 33% to 75% of the treated cankers and was disseminated to new cankers at a low rate. The difficulties and the potential of hypovirus treatment of small chestnut stands are discussed.
Sitting Time Reduction and Blood Pressure in Older Adults
Authors: Rosenberg Dori E. , Zhu Weiwei , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Cook Andrea J. , Florez Acevedo Stefani , McClure Jennifer B. , Arterburn David E. , Cooper Julie , Owen Neville , Dunstan David , Perry Stephen R. , Yarborough Laura , Mettert Kayne D. , Green Beverly B.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Practical health promotion strategies for improving cardiometabolic health in older adults are needed.

Objective

To examine the efficacy of a sedentary behavior reduction intervention for reducing sitting time and improving blood pressure in older adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted in adults aged 60 to 89 years with high sitting time and body mass index of 30 to 50 from January 1, 2019, to November 31, 2022, at a health care system in Washington State.

Intervention

Participants were randomized 1:1 to the sitting reduction intervention or a healthy living attention control condition for 6 months. Intervention participants received 10 health coaching contacts, sitting reduction goals, and a standing desk and fitness tracker to prompt sitting breaks. The attention control group received 10 health coaching contacts to set general healthy living goals, excluding physical activity or sedentary behavior.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome, measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, was sitting time assessed using accelerometers worn for 7 days at each time point. Coprimary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured at baseline and 6 months.

Results

A total of 283 participants (140 intervention and 143 control) were randomized (baseline mean [SD] age, 68.8 [6.2] years; 186 [65.7%] female; mean [SD] body mass index, 34.9 [4.7]). At baseline, 147 (51.9%) had a hypertension diagnosis and 97 (69.3%) took at least 1 antihypertensive medication. Sitting time was reduced, favoring the intervention arm, with a difference in the mean change of −31.44 min/d at 3 months (95% CI, −48.69 to −14.19 min/d; P < .001) and −31.85 min/d at 6 months (95% CI, −52.91 to −10.79 min/d; P = .003). Systolic blood pressure change was lower by 3.48 mm Hg, favoring the intervention arm at 6 months (95% CI, −6.68 to −0.28 mm Hg; P = .03). There were 6 serious adverse events in each arm and none were study related.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of a 6-month sitting reduction intervention, older adults in the intervention reduced sedentary time by more than 30 min/d and reduced systolic blood pressure. Sitting reduction could be a promising approach to improve health in older adults.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03739762