bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory and Nutritional Quality of Split Peas (Pisum Sativum) Stored up to 34 Y in Residential Storage
Authors: Chapman J.S. , Jefferies L.K. , Pike O.A.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  The sensory and nutritional quality of split peas stored up to 34 y was determined. Nine samples of split peas representing 5 retail brands packaged in Nr 10 cans and stored at room temperature were obtained from donors. Duplicate cans of a fresh sample of split peas were purchased as controls. Can head space oxygen ranged from 0.255% to 20.1%. Water activity of the raw split peas ranged from 0.41 to 0.56. The green color of the raw split peas decreased over time as shown by increasing CIE a* values. Flavor, appearance, texture, and overall liking hedonic scores (9‐point scale) of split‐pea soup made from each sample ranged from 3.7 to 6.7 and decreased over time. Hedonic scores for appearance were correlated with the decrease in raw product green color (r2= 0.65). Hedonic scores for soup texture declined over time, which corresponded with increasing hardness of the cooked peas as measured by a TA.XT2 texture analyzer. All samples were judged to be acceptable in an emergency situation by over 75% of sensory panelists. Available thiamin was significantly lower in older samples while riboflavin remained unchanged. The results indicate that split pea quality declines over time, but the product maintains sufficient sensory acceptance to be considered for potential use in emergency storage and other applications where minimal stock rotation is a common practice.
Anti‐inflammatory Effects of Limonene from Yuzu (Citrus junos Tanaka) Essential Oil on Eosinophils
Authors: Hirota Ryoji , Roger Ngatu Nlandu , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Song Hee‐Sun , Sawamura Masayoshi , Suganuma Narufumi
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  Yuzu (Citrus junos Tanaka) has been used as a traditional medicine in Japan. We investigated in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects of limonene from yuzu peel on human eosinophilic leukemia HL‐60 clone 15 cells. To examine anti‐inflammatory effects of limonene on the cells, we measured the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), nuclear factor (NF) kappa B, and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). We found that low concentration of limonene (7.34 mmol/L) inhibited the production of ROS for eotaxin‐stimulated HL‐60 clone 15 cells. 14.68 mmol/L concentration of limonene diminished MCP‐1 production via NF‐kappa B activation comparable to the addition of the proteasomal inhibitor MG132. In addition, it inhibited cell chemotaxis in a p38 MAPK dependent manner similar to the adding of SB203580. These results suggest that limonene may have potential anti‐inflammatory efficacy for the treatment of bronchial asthma by inhibiting cytokines, ROS production, and inactivating eosinophil migration.
Effect of Piperine, a Major Component of Black Pepper, on the Intestinal Absorption of Fexofenadine and Its Implication on Food–Drug Interaction
Authors: Jin Ming‐Ji , Han Hyo‐Kyung
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of piperine, a major component of black pepper, on the oral exposure of fexofenadine in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of fexofenadine were determined in rats following an oral (10 mg/kg) or intravenous (5 mg/kg) administration of fexofenadine in the presence and absence of piperine (10 or 20 mg/kg, given orally). Compared to the control group given fexofenadine alone, the combined use of piperine increased the oral exposure (AUC) of fexofenadine by 180% to 190% while there was no significant change in Cmaxand T1/2of fexofenadine in rats. The bioavailability of fexofenadine was increased by approximately 2‐folds via the concomitant use of piperine. Furthermore, Tmaxtends to be increased which might be attributed to the delayed gastric emptying in the presence of piperine. In contrast, piperine did not alter the intravenous pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine, implying that piperine may increase mainly the gastrointestinal absorption of fexofenadine rather than reducing hepatic extraction. In conclusion, piperine significantly enhanced the oral exposure of fexofenadine in rats likely by the inhibition of P‐glycoprotein‐mediated cellular efflux during the intestinal absorption, suggesting that the combined use of piperine or piperine‐containing diet with fexofenadine may require close monitoring for potential drug–diet interactions.
In Vitro Potential of Ascophyllum nodosum Phenolic Antioxidant‐Mediated α‐Glucosidase and α‐Amylase Inhibition
Authors: Apostolidis E. , Lee C.M.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  Ascophyllum nodosum is a brown seaweed that grows abundantly in the Northeast coastal region. In this study, the potential of A. nodosum for type 2 diabetes management through antioxidant‐mediated α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibition was investigated. After the initial screening of 4 locally harvested seaweeds, A. nodosum was chosen for its highest phenolic content and was subjected to water extraction. Among extraction ratios of 50 g to 100 to 1000 mL at room temperature, 50 g/400 mL yielded the highest phenolic content of 4.5 mg/g wet weight. For evaluation of extraction temperature ranging from 20 to 80 °C, 50 g/400 mL was chosen as a minimum amount of extractant. Among temperatures studied, extraction at 80 °C resulted in the highest total phenolic contents (4.2 mg/g wet weight). All extracts had similar levels of antioxidant activity in the range of 60% to 70% in terms of 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. The 80 °C extract had the highest α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 of 0.24 and 1.34 μg phenolics, respectively, compared to the IC50 of acarbose, reference inhibitor, being 0.37 and 0.68 μg. The results show that fresh A. nodosum has strong α‐glucosidase and mild α‐amylase inhibitory activities that correlated with phenolic contents. This study suggests a nutraceutical potential of A. nodosum based on phytochemical antioxidant and antihyperglycemia activities.
Cultural Sociology and Other Disciplines: Interdisciplinarity in the Cultural Sciences
Authors: Crane Diana
Published: March 2010

The subject of this article is the relationship between cultural sociology and approaches to culture in other social science disciplines. What are the characteristics of the theoretical environment, in which cultural sociology is operating? The article begins by reviewing the literature on interdisciplinarity. Many authors argue that interdisciplinarity is increasing or should be increasing, but the general consensus is that disciplinary isolation is the norm. From this perspective, the relationships between disciplines can be understood in terms of trading zones, in which fields in different disciplines have little in common, theoretically, or empirically. Interdisciplinary communication in ‘trading zones’ requires that participants laboriously construct a set of terms that permits them to exchange ideas. Alternatively, I propose that clusters of fields in different disciplines are linked by free‐floating paradigms. Participants in disciplines that share ‘free‐floating paradigms’ are able to communicate with one another more readily. The article presents evidence for the second interpretation, drawn from survey articles in disciplinary handbooks. Disciplines and fields in which the study of culture draws from the same pool of paradigms and models and shares a set of lines of inquiry with cultural sociology include traditional disciplines, such as anthropology, communication, geography, history and psychology, and interdisciplinary fields, such as cultural studies, communication, feminist theory, material culture, science studies, and visual culture. Interdisciplinary fields – particularly cultural studies – perform an important role in diffusing paradigms across disciplinary boundaries. Free‐floating paradigms are associated with the work of major theorists, such as Lévi‐Strauss, Barthes, Foucault, Bourdieu, Lyotard, Baudrillard, Clifford Geertz, Bruno Latour, Adorno, Gramsci, and Habermas.
Visualization approaches for communicating real‐time flood forecasting level and inundation information
Authors: Leedal D. , Neal J. , Beven K. , Young P. , Bates P.
Published: March 2010

The January 2005 flood event in the Eden catchment (UK) has focused considerable research effort towards strengthening and extending operational flood forecasting in the region. The Eden catchment has become a key study site within the remit of phase two of the Flood Risk Management Research Consortium. This paper presents a synthesis of results incorporating model uncertainty analysis, computationally efficient real‐time data assimilation/forecasting algorithms, two‐dimensional (2D) inundation modelling, and data visualization for decision support. The emphasis here is on methods of presenting information from a new generation of probabilistic flood forecasting models. Using Environment Agency rain and river‐level gauge data, a data‐based mechanistic model is identified and incorporated into a modified Kalman Filter (KF) data assimilation algorithm designed for real‐time flood forecasting applications. The KF process generates forecasts within a probabilistic framework. A simulation of the 6‐h ahead forecast for river levels at Sheepmount (Carlisle) covering the January 2005 flood event is presented together with methods of visualizing the associated uncertainty. These methods are then coupled to the 2D hydrodynamic LISFLOOD‐FP model to produce real‐time flood inundation maps. The value of incorporating probabilistic information is emphasized.
Making conservation physiology relevant to policy makers and conservation practitioners
Authors: Cooke Steven J. , O’Connor Constance M.
Published: March 2010

The recognition that physiological tools and knowledge have the potential to inform conservation policy has led to the definition of the nascent discipline of “conservation physiology.” Indeed, conservation physiology has much to offer policy makers because of the rigorous experimental approach and the focus on elucidating cause‐and‐effect relationships. However, there remain a number of challenges that might retard the adoption of this approach. Here, we identify these challenges and suggest a path for both physiologists and conservation practitioners to integrate their respective fields. One issue is that threat assessments and conservation actions tend to focus on populations or species, whereas physiology tends to focus on individuals, cells, or molecules. Physiologists must determine if and how the physiology of individual organisms can influence population‐level processes. It is also necessary to validate more tools in the “conservation physiology toolbox,” and ensure a thorough understanding of the physiological biomarkers applied to conservation efforts. Research on imperiled taxa will be more useful to those making management decisions, rather than research focused on model species. We also recommend changes in the education of physiologists such that physiologists understand the process of policy making, and the needs of conservation practitioners.
The biodiversity bank cannot be a lending bank
Authors: Bekessy Sarah A. , Wintle Brendan A. , Lindenmayer David B. , Mccarthy Michael A. , Colyvan Mark , Burgman Mark A. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: March 2010

“Offsetting” habitat destruction has widespread appeal as an instrument for balancing economic growth with biodiversity conservation. Requiring proponents to pay the nontrivial costs of habitat loss encourages sensitive planning approaches. Offsetting, biobanking, and biodiverse carbon sequestration schemes will play an important role in conserving biodiversity under increasing human pressures. However, untenable assumptions in existing schemes are undermining their benefits. Policies that allow habitat destruction to be offset by the protection of existing habitat are guaranteed to result in further loss of biodiversity. Similarly, schemes that allow trading the immediate loss of existing habitat for restoration projects that promise future habitat will, at best, result in time lags in the availability of habitat that increases extinction risks, or at worst, fail to achieve the offset at all. We detail concerns about existing approaches and describe how offsetting and trading policies can be improved to provide genuine benefits for biodiversity. Due to uncertainties about the way in which restored vegetation matures, we propose that the biodiversity bank should be a savings bank. Accrued biodiversity values should be demonstrated before they can be used to offset biodiversity losses. We provide recommendations about how this could be achieved in practice.
Ehrlichia equi Infection of Horses from Minnesota and Wisconsin: Detection of Seroconversion and Acute Disease Investigation
Authors: Bullock Patricia M. , Ames Trevor R. , Robinson Robert A. , Greig Barbara , Mellencamp Martha A. , Dumler J. Steven
Published: March 2010

Equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (EGE) is caused by infection withEhrlichia equi. EGE has been reported primarily in northern California, whereE equiis transmitted by the tickIxodes pacificus. Reports of EGE and the emergence of human granulocytic ehrlichia in Minnesota prompted a seroprevalence study ofE equiin horses of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Tick (Ixodes scapularis) endemic areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin were compared to nonendemic regions of Minnesota. Indirect fluorescent antibody was used to detect the presence of serum antibodies toE equi. Serum samples from healthy horses, 375 samples fromI scapularisendemic counties, and 366 samples from nonendemic counties were screened at a 1:40 dilution. Results demonstrated a seroprevalence of 17.6% in endemic areas versus 3.8% in nonendemic areas. Ehrlichial DNA from 2 samples was successfully amplified by polymerase chain reaction and 919 base pairs were sequenced. The DNA sequence of 1 Minnesota/Wisconsin strain differed from the GenBank strain (M73223) ofE equiat positions 84 and 886 and from the MRK strain ofE equiat position 84, and was identical to the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) agent. The 2nd Minnesota/Wisconsin strain was identical to the 1st with the exception of a substitution of “A” at position 453 that is not present inE phagocytophila, E equi, or HGE agent strain sequences. Based on the results of this study, we concluded thatE equiis present and causes infection in horses in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The occurrence of infection is higher in tick endemic regions.
Chronic Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases of the Horse
Authors: Schumacher John , Edwards John F. , Cohen Noah D.
Published: March 2010

A review of reported cases of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) of horses for which no etiology was identified included cases of granulomatous enteritis (GE), multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease (MEED), lymphocytic‐plasmacytic enterocolitis (LPE), and idiopathic eosinophilic enterocolitis (EC). The terms EC and MEED were both used to describe a disease in horses characterized by infiltration of intestine and extraintestinal tissues with eosinophils. We use EC to describe IBD characterized by only intestinal infiltration by eosinophils. Horses with GE, MEED, or LPE are usually examined because of weight loss and depression, but horses with EC are usually examined because of signs of abdominal pain. Typically, horses with IBD have low concentrations of serumal proteins, especially albumin, and fail to adequately absorb glucose or xylose. Antemortem diagnosis of IBD can only be made by histologic examination of affected intestine. In some cases, antemortem diagnosis is made from histologic examination of rectal mucosa obtained by biopsy. Suspected causes of IBD in the horse include abnormal immune response to bacterial, viral, parasitic, or dietary antigens. Most horses with IBD do not survive, but horses with EC are more likely than those with LPE, MEED, or GE to respond to treatment. Successful treatments of horses with IBD include resection of grossly affected intestine and administration of corticosteroids.
Effect of Spaying and Timing of Spaying on Survival of Dogs with Mammary Carcinoma
Authors: Sorenmo Karin U. , Shofer Frances S. , Goldschmidt Michael H.
Published: March 2010

The risk of developing mammary gland tumors in dogs is significantly decreased by ovariohysterectomy at an early age. However, previous studies have not found a benefit to ovariohysterectomy concurrent with tumor removal in dogs with established mammary gland tumors, suggesting that the progression of these tumors is independent of continued estrogen stimulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of spaying and of the timing of spaying on survival in dogs with mammary gland carcinoma. Signalment, spay status and spay age, tumor characteristics, treatment, survival, and cause of death of 137 dogs with mammary gland carcinoma were analyzed. The dogs were classified into 3 groups according to spay status and spay time: intact dogs, dogs spayed less than 2 years before tumor surgery (SPAY 1), and dogs spayed more than 2 years before their tumor surgery (SPAY 2). Dogs in the SPAY 1 group lived significantly longer than dogs in SPAY 2 and intact dogs (median survival of 755 days, versus 301 and 286 days, respectively,P= .02 and .03). After adjusting for differences between the spay groups with regard to age, histologic differentiation, and vascular invasion, SPAY 1 dogs survived 45% longer compared to dogs that were either intact or in the SPAY 2 group (RR = .55; 95% CI .32–93;P= .03). This study reveals ovariohysterectomy to be an effective adjunct to tumor removal in dogs with mammary gland carcinoma and that the timing of ovariohysterectomy is important in influencing survival.
Thyroid Function and Serum Hepatic Enzyme Activity in Dogs after Phenobarbital Administration
Authors: Gieger Tracy L. , Hosgood Giselle , Taboada Joseph , Wolfsheimer Karen J. , Mueller Peter B.
Published: March 2010

Phenobarbital is the drug of choice for control of canine epilepsy. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzyme activity, can be hepatotoxic, and decreases serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations in some dogs. The duration of liver enzyme induction and T4concentration decreases after discontinuation of phenobarbital is unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize the changes in serum total T4(TT4), free T4(FT4), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), cholesterol and albumin concentrations, and activities in serum of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) after discontinuation of long‐term phenobarbital administration in normal dogs. Twelve normal dogs were administered phenobarbital at a dosage of approximately 4.4–6.6 mg/kg PO ql2h for 27 weeks. Blood was collected for analysis before and after 27 weeks of phenobarbital administration and then weekly for 10 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. The dogs were clinically normal throughout the study period. Serum ALT and ALP activity and TSH and cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher than baseline at week 27. Serum T4and FT4were significantly lower. Serum albumin and GGT were not changed from baseline at week 27. Changes in estimate of thyroid function (TT4, FT4, TSH) persisted for 1–4 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital, whereas changes in hepatic enzyme activity (ALT, ALP) and cholesterol concentration resolved in 3–5 weeks. To avoid false positive results, it is recommended that thyroid testing be performed at least 4 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital administration. Elevated serum activity of hepatic enzymes 6–8 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital may indicate hepatic disease.
Proteins Invoked by Vitamin K Absence and Clotting Times in Clinically Ill Cats
Authors: Center S.A. , Warner K. , Corbett J. , Randolph J.F. , Erb H.N.
Published: March 2010

The clinical utility of the Thrombotest, a method for determining the prothrombin time that is uniquely sensitive to the presence of proteins invoked by vitamin K absence (PIVKA), was prospectively evaluated and compared to routine coagulation tests in cats with clinically suspected bleeding tendencies. Abnormal PIVKA clotting values were determined by comparison to results of a concurrently evaluated pooled feline plasma sample and by use of an absolute cutoff value of 25.2 seconds. To be recognized as abnormal, PIVKA clotting values had to be >20% of the pooled feline plasma PIVKA clotting time (the “20% rule”) or ≥25.2 seconds (mean + 2 standard deviations of 150 different pooled feline plasma samples). Among the disorders in the population examined were 74 cats with liver disease and 19 cats with severe inflammatory bowel disease. Overall, a prolonged PIVKA clotting time based on the 25.2‐second cutoff was found in 39.3% of cats, and based on the 20% rule in 40.7% of cats. An abnormal prothrombin time (PT) developed in 5.8% of cats, an abnormal APTT in 14% of cats, subnormal fibrinogen in 8.8% of cats, and thrombocytopenia in 3.3% of cats. Bleeding tendencies were confirmed in 22 cats, of which abnormal PIVKA clotting times were recognized in 95.5%, abnormal PT in 21%, abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time in 25%, hypofibrinogenemia in 16.7%, and thrombocytopenia in 4.5%. Response to treatment with vitamin K was demonstrated in 21 of 24 cats with an abnormal PIVKA clotting time. In these cats, an abnormal PIVKA clotting time normalized within 3 to 5 days of parenteral vitamin K administration. Cats responding to vitamin K administration had hepatic lipidosis (n = 7), severe inflammatory bowel disease (n = 4), severe inflammatory bowel disease associated with cholangiohepatitis (n = 5), and miscellaneous disorders (n = 5). Using either endpoint, the PIVKA clotting time is more sensitive for the detection of cats with coagulopathies than routinely used coagulation assessments in our hospital. Our findings confirm that cats with hepatic lipidosis, severe cholangiohepatitis, and severe inflammatory bowel disease develop coagulopathies responsive to vitamin K administration.
Intestinal Crypt Lesions Associated with Protein‐Losing Enteropathy in the Dog
Authors: Willard M.D. , Helman G. , Fradkin J.M. , Becker T. , Brown R.M. , Lewis B.C. , Weeks B.R.
Published: March 2010

Six dogs were diagnosed with protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE). There was no evidence of inappropriate inflammatory infiltrates or lymphangiectasia in multiple mucosal biopsies of the small intestine of 4 of the dogs. The 5th and 6th dogs had obvious lymphangiectasia and a moderate infiltrate of inflammatory cells in the intestinal mucosa. All 6 dogs had a large number of dilated intestinal crypts that were filled with mucus, sloughed epithelial cells, and/or inflammatory cells. Whether PLE occurs in these dogs because of protein lost from the dilated crypts into the intestinal lumen or whether the dilated crypts are a mucosal reaction due to another undetermined lesion that is responsible for alimentary tract protein loss is unknown. However, when large numbers of dilated intestinal crypts are present, they appear to be associated with PLE even if there are no other remarkable lesions in the intestinal mucosa.
Evaluation of a High‐Dose Chemotherapy Protocol with No Maintenance Therapy for Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Chun Ruthanne , Garrett Laura D. , Vail David M.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of an intensified dose protocol with no maintenance phase for the treatment of canine lymphoma. Forty‐nine dogs all weighing more than 15 kg were entered. Dogs were staged and treated with a modified version of the University of Wisconsin (UW)‐Madison protocol for lymphoma. Modifications included increased dosages of cyclophosphamide (250 mg/m2compared to 200 mg/m2) and doxorubicin (37.5 mg/m2compared to 30 mg/m2), with no crossover to chlorambucil or methotrexate. After 25 weeks on protocol (17 treatments), therapy was discontinued and dogs were monitored for relapse on a monthly basis. Disease‐free interval (DFI) and overall survival were compared to 55 historical controls treated with the UW‐Madison protocol. The 2 groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, breed, stage, presence of hypercalcemia, and CD3 status; a trend toward more substage b dogs was present in the high‐dose group (P= .076). When comparing response rate, DFI, death due to disease, and death due to treatment‐related toxicity, more dogs were dead due to toxicity (P< .001; odds ratio = 8.8) in the high‐dose group. Overall survival between the high‐dose and control groups did not differ significantly (P= .55) at 270 and 318 days, respectively. The intensified dose protocol is an option for owners who are willing to risk higher toxicity for a shorter protocol with no statistical difference in survival from the UW‐Madison protocol.
Frequency of Pulmonary Mineralization and Hypoxemia in 21 Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Berry Clifford R. , Hawkins Eleanor C. , Hurley Karyl J. , Monce Kevin
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of hypoxemia and pulmonary mineralization using99mTc‐methylene diphosphonate (99mTc‐MDP) in dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). Twenty‐one dogs with PDH were pro‐spectively evaluated using thoracic radiography, arterial blood gas analysis, and bone phase and pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy (using99mTc‐macro‐aggregated albumin [99mTc‐MAA]). The radiographs and bone and perfusion studies were evaluated subjectively. An averaged quantitative count density ratio was calculated between the thorax and cranial thoraco‐lumbar vertebrae from lateral thoracic99mTc‐MDP images. Thoracic: vertebral ratios were calculated using99mTc‐MDP studies from 21 control dogs. The thoracic: vertebral ratios were compared between the 2 groups (PDH and control). The mean age (±SD) of the 21 PDH dogs was 10.2 (±3) years, whereas the mean age of the control group was 9.8 (±3) years. Seven of the 21 dogs with PDH were hypoxemic (denned as an arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2] <80 mm Hg) with an average PaO2(±SD) of 62 (±15) mm Hg. Of the 7 hypoxemic dogs, 2 were found to have pulmonary mineralization based on bone scintigraphic images. Pulmonary perfusion abnormalities were not identified using99mTc‐MAA in any of the 21 PDH dogs. Six PDH dogs had an abnormal interstitial pulmonary pattern and 5 of these dogs were hypoxemic. The average quantitative thoracic: vertebral ratio was not significantly different between the PDH and control dogs (0.5 ± 0.4 versus 0.4 ± 0.1,P= .16). Causes of hypoxemia other than pulmonary thromboembolism should be considered in dogs with PDH. Pulmonary mineralization may contribute to hypoxemia in dogs with PDH.
Effects of Long‐Term Phenobarbital Treatment on the Thyroid and Adrenal Axis and Adrenal Function Tests in Dogs
Authors: Müller Peter B. , Wolfsheimer Karen J. , Taboada Joseph , Hosgood Giselle , Partington Beth P. , Gaschen Freadéric P.
Published: March 2010

Phenobarbital can interfere with the thyroid axis in human beings and rats by accelerating hepatic thyroxine metabolism because of enzyme induction. In human beings, it also can interfere with the low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) used to assess adrenal function by accelerating dexamethasone metabolism. This effect can cause a lack of suppression of pituitary ACTH and subsequent adrenal cortisol release after dexamethasone administration. The effects of phenobarbital on the thyroid axis, the adrenal axis, and adrenal function tests were prospectively investigated in 12 normal, adult dogs. Phenobarbital was administered at 5 mg per kilogram of body weight (range, 4.8–6.6 mg/kg) PO q12h for 29 weeks, resulting in therapeutic serum concentrations (20–40 μg/mL). Serum total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4) by equilibrium dialysis, total triiodothyronine (TT3), thyrotropin (TSH), and cholesterol were determined before and during phenobarbital treatment. LDDST, ACTH stimulation tests, and ultra‐sonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands were performed before and during treatment. TT4 and FT4 decreased significantly (P≤ .05), TT3 had minimal fluctuation, TSH had only a delayed compensatory increase, and cholesterol increased during phenobarbital treatment. The delayed increase in TSH, despite persistent hypothyroxinemia, suggests that accelerated hepatic thyroxine elimination may not be the only effect of phenobarbital on the thyroid axis. There was no significant effect of phenobarbital on either of the adrenal function tests. With the methods employed, we did not find any effects of the drug on the hormonal equilibrium of the adrenal axis.
Effects of Long‐Term Phenobarbital Treatment on the Liver in Dogs
Authors: Müller Peter B. , Taboada Joseph , Hosgood Giselle , Partington Beth P. , VanSteenhouse Jan L. , Taylor H. Wayne , Wolfsheimer Karen J.
Published: March 2010

Long‐term administration of phenobarbital has been reported to cause hepatic injury in dogs. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes, and it may be difficult to distinguish the effect of enzyme induction on serum liver enzyme activities from actual hepatic damage. The hepatotoxicity of phenobarbital and the impact of enzyme induction on serum liver enzyme activity were investigated prospectively in 12 normal dogs. Phenobarbital was administered for 29 weeks at 5 mg per kilogram of body weight (range, 4.8— 6.6 mg/kg) PO q12h, resulting in therapeutic serum phenobarbital concentrations (20–40 μg/mL). Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), fasted bile acids (fBA), total bilirubin, and albumin were determined before and during treatment. Lateral abdominal radiographs, abdominal ultrasounds, and histopathologic examinations of liver tissue obtained by ultrasound‐guided biopsy were performed before and during treatment. Radiographs revealed a moderate increase in liver size in most dogs. Ultrasonographic examination revealed no change in liver echogenicity or architecture. No evidence of morphologic liver damage was observed histopathologically. ALP and ALT increased significantly (P< .05), GGT increased transiently, and albumin decreased transiently during the study. There were no significant changes in AST, bilirubin, and fBA. These results suggest that increases in serum ALP, ALT, and GGT may reflect enzyme induction rather than hepatic injury during phenobarbital treatment in dogs. Serum AST, fBA, and bilirubin, and ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver are not affected by the enzyme‐inducing effect of phenobarbital and can therefore be helpful to assess liver disease in dogs treated with the drug.
Population Dynamics of Inherited Copper Toxicosis in Dutch Bedlington Terriers (1977–1997)
Authors: Ubbink Geert J. , Van den Ingh Ted S.G.A.M. , Yuzbasiyan‐Gurkan Vilma , Teske Erik , Van de Broek Jan , Rothuizen Jan
Published: March 2010

Inherited copper toxicosis in Bedlington terriers was 1st reported in 1975 and the entire Dutch population was examined from 1976 until the present for presence of the disease. To examine the effect on the prevalence of the disease of excluding affected dogs from breeding we have compared 2 time cohorts, the 1st consisting of dogs born from January 1, 1976, to January 1, 1986 (n = 155), and the 2nd of dogs born from January 1, 1990, to January 1, 1997 (n = 195). The diagnosis was made in the 1st cohort by evaluating liver biopsies, and in the 2nd cohort with a DNA marker. The population was also resolved into clusters of related dogs to analyze the familial distribution of the disease in the population and to search for ancient founders of the disease among the ancestors of sick dogs. Forty‐six percent of dogs examined between 1976 and 1986 had copper toxicosis. Eleven percent of dogs examined in the 2nd cohort had evidence of disease. This reduction was achieved while maintaining the already limited genetic heterogeneity of the population: the number of clusters and the mean relatedness between the clusters were similar in both time cohorts. The disease was evenly distributed over the clusters of related dogs in both cohorts. All ancestors had contributed to the distribution of copper toxicosis and no specific founders could be identified. This indicates that when the breed was established in The Netherlands, the disease was already highly prevalent in the founding dogs.
The Role of Acinetobacter baumannii as a Nosocomial Pathogen for Dogs and Cats in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Francey Thierry , Gaschen Frédéric , Nicolet Jacques , Burnens Andre P.
Published: March 2010

Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial pathogen associated with high morbidity and mortality in humans. Whereas infections with strains of Acinetobacter species have been reported in various situations, the importance of A baumannii as a nosocomial pathogen in veterinary hospitals has not been studied so far. In this retrospective case series, we describe 17 dogs and 2 cats from which A baumannii had been isolated during a 21/2‐year period. In 7 dogs, A baumannii induced systemic signs of illness, whereas 12 animals showed signs of local infection. In all animals with systemic infection, and in 2 with localized infection, A baumannii contributed to the death of the animal or contributed to euthanasia; the remaining 8 dogs and both cats recovered. Molecular typing of the isolates with restriction polymorphisms of ribosomal DNA provided evidence of nosocomial spread of this pathogen and for the presence of several strains of A baumannii in the hospital environment.
Isotype‐Specific Antibodies in Horses and Dogs with Immune‐Mediated Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Wilkerson Melinda J. , Davis Elizabeth , Shuman Wilma , Harkin Kenneth , Cox Judy , Rush Bonnie
Published: March 2010

Classes of antibody bound to erythrocytes were determined using direct immunofluorescence (DIF) flow cytometry in 3 horses and 12 dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Background levels of antibody binding were determined in samples from 12 horses and 12 dogs that were free of clinical disease. The range of nonspecific binding of a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐conjugated goat anti‐equine immunoglobulin G (IgG) was 19.9–36.7%, but was eliminated by the use of the F(ab)2fragment of FITC‐conjugated goat anti‐equine IgG. Background binding by other class‐specific antibodies to equine and canine erythrocytes was negligible. The DIF results were compared to the direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test in 5 horses and 20 dogs with anemia. The former assay was more sensitive in dogs with IMHA than was the Coombs' test (100% versus 58%). In contrast, the Coombs' test had better specificity than the DIF assay (100% versus 87.5%, respectively). Using clinical parameters or response to therapy as the comparison, the positive and negative predictive values for the DIF test were 92% and 100% compared to the values of the Coombs' test of 100% and 62%. The DIF assay detected low levels of cells bound with antibody (<30%) in 5 dogs that were Coombs' test‐negative. For both species, performance of the DIF test was independent of the prozone effect. Five dogs with IMHA had IgG and IgM on erythrocytes, 5 had IgG, and 2 had IgM. Three horses had surface‐bound IgG, including a horse with suspected penicillin‐induced IMHA, a foal with neonatal isoerythrolysis, and a foal with clostridial septicemia. The DIF method was valuable in monitoring the response to therapy in the foal with neonatal isoerythrolysis.
The Blood‐Brain Barrier and Its Role in Inflammation
Authors: Webb Aubrey A. , Muir Gillian D.
Published: March 2010

The unique microenvironment within the central nervous system (CNS) relies upon the integrity of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). This selectively permeable barrier comprises interendothelial tight junctions located at the capillaries and postcapillary venules. Cells and structures in the local environment are required to maintain normal BBB function. When inflammation is present, the BBB itself plays an integral role in the inflammatory response by either producing or expressing a variety of cytokines, adhesion molecules, metalloproteinases, serine proteases, products of arachidonic acid metabolism, and nitric oxide. Understanding the role of the BBB during inflammation is essential when creating and employing a therapeutic regime for animals with CNS disease. This review focusses on recent discoveries about the BBB and its role in inflammation, and applies this knowledge to our current understanding of inflammatory CNS disease in dogs and cats.
Use of a Prestorage Leukoreduction Filter Effectively Removes Leukocytes from Canine Whole Blood While Preserving Red Blood Cell Viability
Authors: Brownlee Lisa , Wardrop K. Jane , Sellon Ranee K. , Meyers Kenneth M.
Published: March 2010

Leukoreduction of blood products is a technique used to prevent leukocyte‐induced transfusion reactions. Filters currently used for human blood products achieve at least a 99.9% reduction in leukocyte numbers per unit (450 mL) of blood. Goals of this study were to determine if a prestorage leukoreduction filter could effectively achieve leukoreduction of canine blood and to determine if viability of the leukoreduced red blood cell (RBC) product could be maintained after 35 days of storage. Blood collected from each dog was filtered through a leukoreduction filter at either room temperature or after cooling (4°C) for 4 hours. Filtration efficacy was determined by measurement of pre‐ and postfiltration leukocyte counts. In vitro viability of RBCs was determined by comparing RBC adenosine triphosphate concentration and percent hemolysis before and after the storage period. In vivo viability of stored cells was determined using a biotin‐streptavidin‐phycoerythrin labeling technique and flow cytometry. Blood filtered within 30 minutes of collection versus blood filtered after cooling had mean reductions in leukocyte numbers of 88.90 and 99.99%, respectively. The mean ATP and hemoglobin concentrations from the in vitro analysis were comparable to those obtained in previously for canine RBC adequately stored for 35 days. The mean in vivo 24‐hour survival of the stored RBC was 84.7%. The leukoreduction filter used did not adversely affect in vitro or in vivo viability of canine RBCs. The filter effectively removed leukocytes from blood, with maximal efficiency of filtration achieved with use of cooled blood.
Electrically Induced Blink Reflex and Facial Motor Nerve Stimulation in Beagles
Authors: Añor Sonia , Espadaler Josep M. , Pastor Josep , Pumarola Marti
Published: March 2010

Electrophysiologic assessment of the blink reflex test and the muscle‐evoked potentials evoked by stimulation of the facial nerve were performed in 15 healthy adult Beagles before and after supraorbital (trigeminal) and facial anesthetic nerve blocks performed by lidocaine injections. Unilateral electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve elicited 2 ipsilateral (R1and R2) and a contralateral (Rc) reflex muscle potential in orbicularis oculi muscles. Electrical stimulation of the facial nerve elicited 2 muscle potentials (a direct response [D] and a reflex faciofacial response [RF]) in the ipsilateral orbicularis oculi muscle. Anesthetic block of the left supraorbital nerve resulted in bilateral lack of responses upon left supraorbital nerve stimulation, but normal responses in right and left orbicularis oculi muscles upon right supraorbital stimulation. Right facial anesthetic block produced lack of responses in the right orbicularis oculi muscle regardless the side of supraorbital nerve stimulation. Results of this study demonstrate that the blink reflex can be electrically elicited and assessed in dogs. Reference values for the blink reflex responses and for the muscle potentials evoked by direct facial nerve stimulation in dogs are provided. The potential usefulness of the electrically elicited blink reflex test in the diagnosis of peripheral facial and trigeminal dysfunction in dogs was demonstrated.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential Wave V Latency‐Intensity Function in Normal Dalmatian and Beagle Puppies
Authors: Poncelet L. , Coppens A. , Deltenre P.
Published: March 2010

This study investigated whether Dalmatian puppies with normal hearing bilaterally had the same click‐evoked brainstem auditory potential characteristics as age‐matched dogs of another breed. Short‐latency brainstem auditory potentials evoked by condensation and rarefaction clicks were recorded in 23 1.5‐ to 2‐month‐old Dalmatian puppies with normal hearing bilaterally by a qualitative brainstem auditory evoked potential test and in 16 Beagle dogs of the same age. For each stimulus intensity, from 90 dB normal hearing level down to the wave V threshold, the sum of the potentials evoked by the 2 kinds of stimuli were added, giving an equivalent to the alternate click polarity stimulation. The slope of the L segment of the wave V latency‐intensity curve was steeper in Dalmatian (—40 ± 10 μs/dB) than in Beagles (—28 ± 5 μs/dB,P< .001) puppies. The hearing threshold was lower in the Beagle puppies (P< .05). These results suggest that interbreed differences may exist at the level of cochlear function in this age class. The wave V latency and wave V‐wave I latencies differences at high stimulus intensity were different between the groups of puppies (4.3 ± 0.2 and 2.5 ± 0.2 miiliseconds, respectively, for Beagles; and 4.1 ± 0.2 and 2.3 ± 0.2 milliseconds for Dalmatians,P< .05). A different maturation speed of the neural pathways is one possible explanation of this observation.
Effects of Acute Gastric Distention and Recovery on Tendency for Ventricular Arrhythmia in Dogs
Authors: Miller Tammy L. , Schwartz Denise S. , Nakayama Tomohiro , Hamlin Robert L.
Published: March 2010

The gastric distention‐volvulus (GDV) syndrome occurs commonly in large‐breed dogs and may prove fatal in 15–68% of cases. Approximately 43% of cases with gastric distention (GD) or volvulus develop cardiac arrhythmias that can contribute to mortality. Most of these arrhythmias are ventricular in origin and ventricular fibrillation (VF) may be the cause of death. This study used an iatrogenic model of acute GD to investigate the prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias during acute GD and its recovery, if programmed electrical stimulation (PES) may uncover tendency to VF, if the Q‐T interval corrected for heart rate (Q‐Tc) of the electrocardiogram (ECG) predicts tendency to VF, and if hemodynamic changes predate VF. Eleven beagles, anesthetized with morphine and alpha‐chloralose, and instrumented so that vascular pressures, cardiac output, and PES could be recorded, were used. Five were unperturbed, whereas acute GD to a pressure of 30 mm Hg for 1.5 hours was produced in 6 others. The results were as follows. No dogs with GD developed spontaneously occurring arrhythmias. VF was produced in no dogs by conventional PES, but occurred in all dogs (P< .05) with GD and none of the controls, using accelerated ventricular pacing. The Q‐Tc interval of the ECG prolonged minimally in dogs with GD, and shortened (P< .05) in controls. Some hemodynamic changes did predate VF. In conclusion, dogs with acute GD have a tendency for VF, which may be uncovered by accelerated PES. The mechanism for the vulnerability to arrhythmia with GD is unknown.
Cardiovascular Effects of Intravenous Diltiazem in Dogs with Iatrogenic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Miyamoto Mutsumi , Nishijima Yoshinori , Nakayama Tomohiro , Hamlin Robert L.
Published: March 2010

Atrial fibrillation (AF) was induced in anesthetized Beagle hounds to determine the dose of diltiazem (D) that resulted in hemo‐dynamic function similar to that observed during sinus rhythm (SR). Dogs were instrumented to record hemodynamic and elec‐trophysiological parameters. Six dogs were given D, IV at cumulative doses of 0.063, 0.188, 0.438, 0.938, and 1.938 mg/kg, whereas 6 other dogs received vehicle in equivalent volumes. Plasma concentrations (PC) of D were measured. A cumulative dose of D between 0.438 and 0.938 mg/kg produced PC of 67.8 to 117.4 ng/mL and resulted in a heart rate (HR) closest to that observed during SR. At doses up to 0.938 mg/kg, no parameter of systolic function fell below that obtained during SR. At a dose of 0.938 mg/kg, the left ventricular end‐diastolic and right atrial pressures exceeded those during SR. The rate‐pressure product did not differ from that during SR at a dose of 0.938 mg/kg and fell below that during SR at the dose of 1.938 mg/kg. Left ventricular efficiency decreased from SR to AF, returned to values not different from those during SR at a dose of 0.938 mg/kg, and increased to values above those observed during SR at a dose of 1.938 mg/kg. In AF, slowing the HR with 0.438–0.938 mg/kg of D with resultant PC of 67.8–117.4 ng/mL results in cardiovascular function not different from that observed during SR.
Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Using Occluding Spring Coils
Authors: Stokhof A. A. , Sreeram N. , Wolvekamp W Th. C.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study is to report our initial experience with the use of spring coils to close the patent ductus arteriosus in the dog. There are few large‐patient series reported in the veterinary literature. Coil closure was attempted in 15 dogs (median weight, 6.5 kg; range, 1.2 to 38.7 kg) presenting with a patent ductus arteriosus between May 1997 and May 1999. Arterial catheterization followed by angiography was used to decide if coil placement was adequate. A 5‐ or 8‐mm embolization coil, depending on the angiographic diameter of the ductus, was delivered, with 1 loop in the pulmonary arterial side and the remainder of the coil in the aortic side of the duct. Additional coils were used if a residual shunt was present, and closure was confirmed by aortography. Patients were discharged the day after the procedure. Successful coil closure, without residual shunt on angiography, was achieved in 11 of 13 dogs in which coils were released. In 6 dogs, a coil embolized to the pulmonary artery. Four of these dogs had successful closure with multiple coils, and 2 others had surgery. None of these dogs experienced adverse effects. In 2 dogs with conical patent ductus arteriosus >5 mm in minimal diameter, coil closure was not done. We conclude that the patent ductus arteriosus size and anatomical shape are crucial in deciding whether coil closure is the method of choice. In selected cases, coil closure represents an elegant alternative to surgical ligation. Although pulmonary embolism occurred commonly, it did not cause any obvious clinical problem.
Prognostic Factors in Dogs with Urinary Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Rocha Timothy A. , Mauldin G. Neal , Patnaik Amiya K. , Bergman Philip J.
Published: March 2010

Medical records and biopsy specimens were retrospectively reviewed from 25 dogs diagnosed with unresectable urinary bladder carcinoma and treated with chemotherapy. Our intention was to identify clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical indicators of prognosis. Immunohistochemical stains for P‐glycoprotein, glutathione‐S‐transferase π, and factor VIII‐related antigen were applied to archived tissue. There were more spayed female dogs than castrated male dogs (76% versus 24%). Transitional cell carcinoma was the most common tumor (88%, n = 22), followed by undifferentiated carcinoma (8%, n = 2) and squamous cell carcinoma (4%, n = 1). Overall median survival was 251 days. Histologic diagnosis and immunohistochemical characteristics did not correlate with prognosis. Spayed females survived significantly longer than castrated males (358 days versus 145 days,P= .042). Dogs that received either doxorubicin or mitoxantrone in addition to a platinum‐based chemotherapeutic (either cisplatin or carboplatin) lived significantly longer than those that received only a platinum compound (358 days versus 132 days,P= .042).