bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of 10 highly‐polymorphic microsatellite markers in the vulnerable Galápagos land iguanas (genus Conolophus)
Authors: ROSA SABRINA F. P. , MONTEYNE DANIEL , MILINKOVITCH MICHEL C.
Published: January 2009

The two species of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus and C. pallidus) are listed as ‘vulnerable’ species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List; http://www.iucnredlist.org). Here, we report on the isolation and characterization of 10 microsatellite markers using 562 individuals sampled on all Galápagos islands where Conolophus species occur today. We show that these 10 loci are highly polymorphic and display diagnostic alleles for five out of the six island populations. These markers will be useful for Conolophus population genetic analyses as well as for guiding ongoing captive breeding programmes.
Development and characterization of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers in the Chilean kelp Lessonia nigrescens
Authors: FAUGERON SYLVAIN , VELIZ DAVID , PERALTA GIOCONDA , TAPIA JAVIER , TELLIER FLORENCE , BILLOT CLAIRE , MARTINEZ ENRIQUE
Published: January 2009

A total of nine microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in the Chilean kelp Lessonia nigrescens Bory. Using two different enriched libraries, we observed 1–14 alleles per locus in two samples of 21 kelp individuals each. The observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.05 to 0.80 and all loci are in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for one or both samples. Seventeen samples collected from different sites showed high allele diversity along the species distribution. The variation detected at these markers is currently being used for the study of populations of Lessonia nigrescens at different geographical scales.
Identification and characterization of 18 novel polymorphic microsatellite makers derived from expressed sequence tags in the Pacific oysterCrassostrea gigas
Authors: SAUVAGE C. , BOUDRY P. , LAPÈGUE S.
Published: January 2009

We report the development of 18 new polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers derived fromCrassostrea gigasexpressed sequences tags. Genotyping of 48 wild adult oysters sampled from Marennes‐Oléron bay (France) revealed 12 to 48 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosity levels ranged from 0.64 to 1 and from 0.77 to 0.97, respectively. The development of these new markers creates a useful complementary tool for population genetics studies, parentage analysis and mapping in Pacific oyster, a species of major aquacultural and ecological importance.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the chestnut‐crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps)
Authors: HOLLELEY C. E , RUSSELL A. F , GRIFFITH S. C
Published: January 2009

We describe 18 microsatellite markers isolated in the cooperatively breeding chestnut‐crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps). The number of alleles ranged from seven to 16 per locus (mean Na = 10.4 ± 0.54 SE) and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.732 to 0.889 (mean HE = 0.836 ± 0.01 SE). Three of the 18 loci exhibited significant heterozygote deficiency, but the remaining 15 will be used to analyse population genetic structure and the mating system of this highly social species.
SPAms: A user‐friendly software to simulate population genetics data under complex demographic models
Authors: PARREIRA B. , TRUSSART M. , SOUSA V. , HUDSON R. , CHIKHI L.
Published: January 2009

Patterns of genetic diversity can be used to reconstruct populations demographic history. Thus, it is crucial to understand the statistical properties of data sets generated under different scenarios. SPAms is a graphical application that allows the simulation of data under a set of demographic models of increasing complexity: (i) population size change (ii) admixture and (iii) population structure (n‐island or stepping stone model). SPAms generates data under the infinite site and the stepwise mutation models and computes a set of commonly used statistics. It should thus be a useful tool for both research and teaching purposes.
Social Network as a Subjective Construct: A New Application for an Old Idea*
Authors: Stebbins Robert A.
Published: January 2009

Bott a défini le reseau social comme etant un ensemble de relations sociales qui ne possèdent pas de frontieres communes. Par ailleurs personne ne s'est préoccupée d'explorer les réepercussions qu'engendrent cette connexion entre ces deux concepts. En se basant sur la définition Wéberienne d'une relation sociale ou interper‐sonnelle (m), il devient évident qu'essentiellement c'est une orientation mutuelle entre deux individus; c'est une pérception subjective ou une predisposition. Les conséquences logiques de cette observation par rapport au réseau social sont examinées. On arrive à la conclusion que les réseaux sont aussi des modeles sub‐jectifs et, par voie de consequence, ils possedent le pouvoir de guider la conduite dans une situation sociale.

Bott has defined social network as a set of social relationships for which there is no common boundary. Yet, no one has ever bothered to explore the implications of this connection between these two concepts. By examining Weber's definition of social or interpersonal relationship (ir), it becomes evident that it is basically a “mutual orientation” between two persons; it is a subjective construct or predisposition. The logical consequences of this observation for the social network are considered, and it is concluded that networks are also subjective constructs and therefore have the potential to guide behaviour in the social situation.
Psycho‐Social Roles of Mennonite Children in a Changing Society*
Authors: Kurokawa Minako
Published: January 2009

Les enfants mennonites, évés dans un monde isolé qui est en voie de transformations constantes pour relever les defis de la societe globale, doivent assumer des roles qui sont psychologiquement et sociologiquement complexes.

Des observations effectuees sur des enfants appartenant a trois groupes mennonites differents ‐ traditionnel, transitoire, progressif ‐ indiquent clairement que l'mfluence sur les enfants varie en fonction de la grandeur des differences qui existent entre chaque groupe mennonite et la societe plus large.

L'impact d'un conflit culturel est le plus nettement visible dans le groupe en transition. Les parents dans ce groupe etaient plus susceptibles d'utiliser des me‐thodes autoritaires vis‐a‐vis leurs enfants et de manquer de continuite dans 1'exer‐cice de la discipline. En retour, leurs enfants avaient tendance a manifester une inconsistance dans les valeurs, un sentiment d'insuffisance, et des symptomes implicites de mesadaptation.

Mennonite children, reared in an isolated world which constantly changes to meet challenges from the outside society, must assume roles which are extremely complex psychologically and sociologically.

Observations of children belonging to three different Mennonite groups ‐ traditional, transitional, and progressive ‐ show that the consequences for children varied according to the breadth of difference existing between each Mennonite group and the outside society.

The effect of cultural conflict was most clearly seen in the transitional group. Parents of this group were likely to be authoritarian to their children and inconsistent in disciplining. Their children, in turn, tended to show value inconsistency, a sense of inadequacy, and covert symptoms of maladjustment.
The Ambiguity of Negative Social‐Emotional Behaviour as an Index of Group Cohesion
Authors: Samuels Frederick , O'Rourke John F.
Published: January 2009

Les resultats d'une experience sur un petit groupe mettent en lumiere l'ambiguite du comportement tension‐retraite en tant qu'indicateur de la cohesion de groupe. Les donnees revelent une forte incidence de tension et “d'isoles anticipant leur isolement” dans un sous‐groupe a haut niveau de cohesion. L'analyse et l'inter‐pretation decelerent un pattern causal entrainant une definition de la situation par les membres de ce sous‐groupe particulier. Des sentiments d'obligation et d'inap‐titude, lies a la situation de distribution de recompense, ont apparemment suscite une forte tension et des sentiments de rejet. La situation particuliere avait a la fois engendre dans le meme groupe une grande cohesion et une forte tension.

The results of a small group experiment indicated the ambiguity of tension‐withdrawal behaviour as an index of group cohesion. Data revealed a high incidence of tension and of “self‐expected isolates” in a highly cohesive group‐type. Analysis and interpretation indicated a causal pattern involving the definition of the situation by members of this particular group‐type. Feelings of obligation and of inadequacy due to the reward‐distribution situation apparently resulted in great tension and feelings of rejection. The particular situation had generated both high cohesion and high tension in the same group.
Belief Systems and Evolution: A Distinction between Magic and Religion and its Implications for Socio‐Cultural Change*
Authors: Bolt Joseph W. De
Published: January 2009

La controverse au sujet des definitions de la magie et de la religion est dtudiee. Afin de reduire I'ambiguite, on elabore une typologie des systemes de croyance qui differencie tout aussi bien magie et religion que science et ideologic Les consequences de ce schema, pour comprendre 1'evaluation socio‐culturelle, sont examinees. II y est suggere qu'au fur et a mesure que des systemesisociaux mieux adaptes se sont developpes, ils ont eu tendance a mettre l'accent sur la science et l'ideologie plutot que sur la magie et la religion.

The controversy over the definitions of magic and religion is surveyed. As a solution, a typology of belief systems is constructed which not only differentiates magic and religion, but science and ideology as well. This scheme's implications for socio‐cultural evolution are explored. It is suggested that, as increasingly adaptive social systems have evolved, they have tended to emphasize science and ideology rather than magic and religion.
Systematic Bias in Measuring Self‐Reported Delinquency*
Authors: Hackler James C. , Lautt Melanie
Published: January 2009

Les auteurs suggerent que la relation entre 1'evaluation personnelle de la delinquance et d'autres indicateurs de la delinquance est affaiblie par la tendance qu'a le petit contingent des plus delinquants a rapporter moins d'actes delinquants qu'ils en ont commis. Au sujet de cette tendance a I'omission volontaire, on a enonce les hypotheses qu'elle serait plus accentuee (1) chez les adolescents noirs que chez les Blancs, (2) chez les adolescents les plus ages (etudiants de neuvieme annee) par rapport aux plus jeunes (etudiants de septieme annee). Les resultats rejettent le deuxieme hypothese tandis qu'ils appuient la premiere en partie. Seulement les jeunes adolescents noirs possedant des dossiers importants de delinquance a la cour ou a l'ecole ont eu tendance a rapporter moins de delits qu'ils en avaient commis.

Bien que ces omissions volontaires puissent survenir d'une maniere systema‐tique dans certains groupes, cette etude ne demontre pas que c'est un pratique courante.

The authors suggest that the relationship between self‐report and other measures of delinquency is weakened by under‐reporting on the part of that small segment which is very delinquent. It was specifically hypothesized that under‐reporting will be more pronounced for (1) Negro boys as compared with white boys, and (2) older boys (ninth graders) as compared with younger boys (seventh graders). The findings reject the second hypothesis and only partially support the first. Only younger Negro boys with serious delinquency records in court or school showed evidence of under‐reporting.

While under‐reporting may occur systematically in certain groupings, this study does not provide evidence that it is widespread.
Female Delinquency: Goal Obstruction and Anomie
Authors: Sandhu Harjit S. , Allen Donald E.
Published: January 2009

S'inspirant de Cohen et de Merton, les auteurs enoncent l'hypothese que la delin‐quence feminine pourrait etre la consequence de l'ensemble des difficultes que percoivent les jeunes filles dans la poursuite et la realisation de leur desir de se marier. Un groupe experimental d'adolescentes delinquentes et un groupe‐con‐trole de filles frequentant deux ecoles superieures furent utilisees. Elles durent remplir un questionnaire comportant un index de difficultes et trois echelles distinctes de delinquence, d'angoisse et d'anomie. Les resultats demontrent le fait suivant: bien que les delinquentes pergoivent moins d'obstacles que les autres par rapport a un mariage eventuel, elles manifestent tout de meme plus d'angoisse et plus d'anomie. On essaie d'expliquer ce resultat inattendu.

Inspired by Cohen and Merton the authors hypothesize that female delinquency may be the result of difficulties perceived by girls in the fulfillment of their marital goal. A test group of delinquent girls and a control group of high school girls were administered a questionnaire with an obstacle index, and three separate scales on delinquency, anxiety, and anomie. The findings revealed that although delinquent girls perceived fewer obstacles to their marital goal, they showed higher delinquency, greater anxiety, and higher anomie. The possible explanations are discussed.
Effect of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition by Imatinib Mesylate on Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Authors: Isotani M. , Ishida N. , Tominaga M. , Tamura K. , Yagihara H. , Ochi S. , Kato R. , Kobayashi T. , Fujita M. , Fujino Y. , Setoguchi A. , Ono K. , Washizu T. , Bonkobara M.
Published: January 2009

Background: Imatinib mesylate is a small molecule targeted at dysregulated protein‐tyrosine kinase. Mutation of c‐kit exon 11, which induces constitutive phosphorylation of KIT, is one of the mechanisms for the development or progression of mast cell tumor (MCT) in dogs. The purpose of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of imatinib mesylate in canine MCT.

Hypothesis: Imatinib mesylate has activity against MCT in dogs, and response to treatment can be correlated to presence of mutation within exon 11 of c‐kit.

Animals: Twenty‐one dogs with MCT with gross tumor burden and median tumor size of 7.2 cm (range, 1.0–25.3 cm) before treatment.

Methods: Tumors were analyzed for mutation of c‐kit exon 11. Imatinib mesylate was administered PO to the dogs at a dose of 10 mg/kg daily for 1–9 weeks.

Results: Ten of 21 dogs (48%) had some beneficial response to imatinib mesylate treatment within 14 days of treatment initiation. All 5 dogs with a demonstrable c‐kit mutation in exon 11 responded to the drug (1 complete remission, 4 partial remission).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Imatinib mesylate has clinical activity against MCT in dogs. Response could not be predicted based on presence of absence of a mutation in exon 11 of c‐kit.
Use of a Low‐Dose ACTH Stimulation Test for Diagnosis of Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs
Authors: Lathan P. , Moore G.E. , Zambon S. , Scott‐Moncrieff J.C.
Published: January 2009

Background:Although definitive diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism usually is made by an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test using 250 μg/dog of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin/tetracosactrin), increased costs have prompted a search for less‐expensive diagnostic methods.

Hypothesis:A low‐dose ACTH stimulation test (5 μg/kg) will distinguish between dogs with nonadrenal illness and hypoadrenocorticism. Additionally, administration of cosyntropin will not affect the results of another ACTH stimulation test performed 24 hours later.

Animals:Eight healthy adult dogs and 29 hospitalized dogs with suspected hypoadrenocorticism.

Methods:In this prospective study, each healthy dog received 4 ACTH stimulation tests. Dogs received either 5 μg/kg or 250 μg/dog of cosyntropin on day 1 and the alternate dose on day 2. The opposite dosing sequence was used after a 2‐week washout period (days 15 and 16). Dogs with suspected Addison's disease received 2 ACTH stimulation tests, 24 hours apart, using either a dose of 5 μg/kg cosyntropin or 250 μg/dog on the 1st day and the alternate dose on the 2nd day.

Results:In healthy dogs, poststimulation cortisol concentrations on days 2 and 16 and days 1 and 15 were equivalent (90% confidence interval [CI]: 86.7–101.2%). In dogs with suspected Addison's disease, mean (±SD) cortisol responses to ACTH in the 5 μg/kg dose (16.2±7.7 μg/dL) and 250 μg/dog dose (15.9±6.3 μg/dL) were statistically equivalent (90% CI: 91.2–105.4%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Low‐dose ACTH stimulation testing distinguishes between dogs with nonadrenal illness and hypoadrenocorticism. Additionally, the administration of 2 ACTH stimulation tests on consecutive days does not affect results of the second test.
Lumbar Cerebrospinal Fluid in Dogs with Type I Intervertebral Disc Herniation
Authors: Windsor R.C. , Vernau K.M. , Sturges B.K. , Kass P.H. , Vernau W.
Published: January 2009

Background:Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in dogs with Hansen type I intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is classically described as normal or mildly inflammatory with a predominance of large mononuclear cells or neutrophils in severe acute herniations. However, we have observed a moderate to marked pleocytosis with a predominance of lymphocytes in some dogs with IVDH.

Hypothesis:Moderate to marked CSF pleocytosis occurs more commonly in dogs with type I IVDH than is reported in the literature. Lymphocytic predominance is more common than nonlymphocytic pleocytosis in dogs with chronic IVDH.

Animals:Four hundred twenty‐three client‐owned dogs with type I IVDH.

Methods:Retrospective study. Lumbar CSF of dogs with surgically confirmed type I IVDH was evaluated cytologically. Information obtained from medical records included signalment, prior clinical history, time from onset of signs to presentation, neurologic status, and intraoperative findings. Dogs with prior history and/or intraoperative evidence consistent with chronic IVDH before an acute herniation were termed acute‐on‐chronic (AOC).

Results:Pleocytosis (> 5 cells/uL) was present in 51% of dogs, including 23% with cervical IVDH and 61% with thoracolumbar IVDH. Moderate or marked inflammation (≥ 20 cells/uL) was identified in the CSF of 51% of dogs with thoracolumbar IVDH and pleocytosis. A predominance of lymphocytes was significantly more common in dogs examined > 7 days from onset of signs (P= .032) and in dogs with AOC IVDH (P= .0013).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Moderate to marked CSF pleocytosis in dogs with type I IVDH is more common than previously reported. Lymphocytic pleocytosis is most common in dogs with chronic progression or AOC IVDH. Lymphocytic inflammation in the CSF of some dogs might suggest an immune‐mediated response to chronically herniated disc material.
Effect of Pimobendan or Benazepril Hydrochloride on Survival Times in Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure Caused by Naturally Occurring Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease: The QUEST Study
Authors: Häggström J. , Boswood A. , O'Grady M. , Jöns O. , Smith S. , Swift S. , Borgarelli M. , Gavaghan B. , Kresken J.‐G. , Patteson M. , Åblad B. , Bussadori C.M. , Glaus T. , Kovačević A. , Rapp M. , Santilli R.A. , Tidholm A. , Eriksson A. , Belanger M.C. , Deinert M. , Little C.J.L. , Kvart C. , French A. , Rønn‐Landbo M. , Wess G. , Eggertsdottir A.V. , O'Sullivan M.L. , Schneider M. , Lombard C.W. , Dukes‐McEwan J. , Willis R. , Louvet A. , DiFruscia R.
Published: January 2009

Background:Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in geriatric dogs despite conventional therapy.

Hypothesis:Pimobendan in addition to conventional therapy will extend time to sudden cardiac death, euthanasia for cardiac reasons, or treatment failure when compared with conventional therapy plus benazepril in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) attributable to MMVD.

Animals:Two hundred and sixty client‐owned dogs in CHF caused by MMVD were recruited from 28 centers in Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Methods:A prospective single‐blinded study with dogs randomized to PO receive pimobendan (0.4–0.6 mg/kg/d) or benazepril hydrochloride (0.25–1.0 mg/kg/d). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, euthanized for heart failure, or treatment failure.

Results:Eight dogs were excluded from analysis. One hundred and twenty‐four dogs were randomized to pimobendan and 128 to benazepril. One hundred and ninety dogs reached the primary endpoint; the median time was 188 days (267 days for pimobendan, 140 days for benazepril hazard ratio = 0.688, 95% confidence limits [CL] = 0.516–0.916,P= .0099). The benefit of pimobendan persisted after adjusting for all baseline variables. A longer time to reach the endpoint was also associated with being a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, requiring a lower furosemide dose, and having a higher creatinine concentration. Increases in several indicators of cardiac enlargement (left atrial to aortic root ratio, vertebral heart scale, and percentage increase in left ventricular internal diameter in systole) were associated with a shorter time to endpoint, as was a worse tolerance for exercise.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Pimobendan plus conventional therapy prolongs time to sudden death, euthanasia for cardiac reasons, or treatment failure in dogs with CHF caused by MMVD compared with benazepril plus conventional therapy.
Bacteremia in Equine Neonatal Diarrhea: A Retrospective Study (1990–2007)
Authors: Hollis A.R. , Wilkins P.A. , Palmer J.E. , Boston R.C.
Published: January 2009

Background:Bacteremia in sick foals is associated with survival, but the association of bacteremia and diarrhea is not reported.

Hypothesis:Neonatal foals with diarrhea will commonly be bacteremic.

Animals:One hundred and thirty‐three neonatal foals.

Methods:Records of all foals <30 days of age presenting with diarrhea between January 1990 and September 2007 were reviewed.

Results:Sixty‐six of 133 foals (50%) were bacteremic at admission, with 75 isolates from the 66 samples. The blood culture from a further 18 foals (13.5%) grew coryneform bacteria. Nine foals (6.8%) had 2 or more organisms grown on blood culture. One foal had 5 different organisms, interpreted as contamination. Forty‐eight foals (36%) had no growth on admission blood cultures. No cultures isolated fungal organisms. Excluding coryneform bacteria, 43 isolates (57%) were Gram‐negative organisms and 32 isolates (43%) were Gram‐positive organisms. The most common isolate wasEnterococcusspp. (22 isolates, 29%), followed byPantoea agglomerans(13 isolates, 17%). IgG concentration at admission was not associated with blood culture status. Blood culture status was not associated with survival to hospital discharge.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Bacteremia is common in neonatal foals with diarrhea. Decisions regarding antimicrobial selection should be made with these differences in mind.
Contrast Harmonic Imaging Characterization of Canine Splenic Lesions
Authors: Ohlerth S. , Dennler M. , Rüefli E. , Hauser B. , Poirier V. , Siebeck N. , Roos M. , Kaser‐Hotz B.
Published: January 2009

Background: Although B‐mode ultrasound is very sensitive for the detection of splenic lesions, its specificity is low. Contrast harmonic imaging is used successfully to differentiate benign from malignant liver lesions in humans and dogs.

Hypothesis: Contrast harmonic imaging could be useful to differentiate benign and malignant splenic lesions in dogs.

Animals: Sixty dogs (clinical patients) with splenic abnormalities detected during abdominal ultrasonography.

Methods: A prospective study was performed with a Philips ATL 5000 unit for contrast pulse inversion harmonic imaging (mechanical index: 0.08, contrast medium: SonoVue). Perfusion was assessed subjectively and quantitatively.

Results: Cytology or histology identified 27 benign (hyperplasia, extramedullary hematopoiesis, hematoma) and 29 malignant (hemangiosarcoma, malignant lymphoma, malignant histiocytosis, mesenchymal tumors without classification, mast cell tumors, and others) lesions and 4 normal spleens. Except for 1 benign nodule, extensive to moderate hypoechogenicity was only seen in malignant lesions during wash‐in, at peak enhancement, and during wash‐out (P= .0001, odds ratios: 37.9 [95% CI 4.5–316.5], 66.4 [95% CI 8.0–551.1], and 36.9 [95% CI 4.4–308.4]). Although all but 1 benign lesion enhanced well and were mildly hypo‐, iso‐, or hyperechoic in comparison with the normal spleen during all blood pool phases, marked enhancement occurred both in benign as well as in malignant splenic lesions. Quantitative perfusion values did not differ significantly between benign and malignant lesions.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Moderate to extensive hypoechogenicity clearly identifies canine splenic malignant lesions. In nodules with marked enhancement, contrast harmonic ultrasound is of limited value and histology is needed.
Brainstem Auditory‐Evoked Responses in Horses with Temporohyoid Osteoarthropathy
Authors: Aleman M. , Puchalski S.M. , Williams D.C. , Kass P.H. , Holliday T.A.
Published: January 2009

Background:Facial and vestibulocochlear nerve dysfunction occurs commonly in horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO); however, auditory dysfunction has not been thoroughly assessed.

Objective:To determine if auditory abnormalities occur in horses with THO.

Animals:Eleven diseased and 8 control horses.

Methods:This is a prospective study in which brainstem auditory‐evoked responses (BAER) were recorded in 11 horses diagnosed with THO through neurologic, endoscopic, radiographic, or computed tomographic examinations. BAER findings were compared with those recorded from 8 adult control horses.

Results:All horses with THO were found to have BAER abnormalities that included complete unilateral BAER loss (82%, n = 9/11), partial unilateral BAER loss (18%, n = 2/11) on the most affected side, and contralateral partial BAER loss (46%, n = 5/11). Nine horses had bilateral THO based on diagnostic imaging findings; of these, 5 (56%) horses also had bilateral BAER abnormalities. The complete absence of BAER in affected horses was most consistent with peripheral sensorineural hearing loss. There was a significant association between complete BAER loss and neurologic and diagnostic abnormalities.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Auditory abnormalities such as complete or partial BAER loss are common in horses with THO. The BAER test is an objective diagnostic tool that can aid along with other diagnostic modalities in the assessment, management, and follow‐up of horses with THO. Furthermore, BAER studies may help to elucidate the pathophysiology of THO in horses.
Concentrations of Acute‐Phase Proteins in Dogs with Steroid Responsive Meningitis‐Arteritis
Authors: Bathen‐Noethen A. , Carlson R. , Menzel D. , Mischke R. , Tipold A.
Published: January 2009

Background:Measurement of concentrations of acute‐phase proteins (APPs) is used as an aid in the diagnosis of a variety of diseases in animals.

Objective:To determine the concentration of APPs in dogs with steroid responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA) and other neurologic diseases.

Animals:One hundred and thirty‐three dogs with neurologic diseases, 6 dogs with sepsis, and 8 healthy dogs were included in the study. Thirty‐six dogs had SRMA (31 of which had monitoring), 14 dogs had other meningoencephalitides (ME), 32 had disk disease (IVDD/DLSS), 26 had tumors affecting the central nervous system (TCNS), and 25 had idiopathic epilepsy (IE).

Methods:Prospective, observational study: C‐reactive protein (CRP), α2‐macroglobulin (AMG), and albumin concentrations were determined in the serum or plasma. CRP was also measured in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Results:Serum CRP was significantly higher in dogs with SRMA (= 142 μg/mL ± 75) and sepsis (= 114 μg/mL ± 67) in comparison with dogs with other neurologic diseases (= 2.3–21 μg/mL;P< .001). There was no significant difference detected in AMG between groups. Serum albumin concentration was significantly lower (P< .01) in dogs with SRMA (= 3.2 g/dL ± 0.41) than in other groups (= 3.6–3.9 g/dL). Serum CRP concentration of SRMA dogs correlated with alkaline phosphatase levels (r= 0.515,P= .003).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:CRP concentrations in serum are useful in diagnosis of dogs with SRMA. Serum CRP could be used as a monitoring parameter in treatment management of these dogs.
Laparoscopic Diagnosis of Pancreatic Disease in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Webb C.B. , Trott C.
Published: January 2009

Background: Histopathology is the gold standard for the diagnosis of pancreatic disease. Laparoscopy offers a minimally invasive route by which to obtain pancreatic biopsies.

Hypothesis: Laparoscopy is a safe and effective technique for evaluating the pancreas in small animal patients.

Animals: Medical records of 18 dogs and 13 cats examined between 1999 and 2007 that underwent laparoscopy during which observation or biopsy of the pancreas was recorded.

Methods: The database for the Laparoscopy Laboratory at Colorado State University was searched for records that contained “pancreatitis,”“pancreas,” or “pancreatic.” The presenting complaints, imaging studies, and histopathologic findings of animals were recorded. All hospital admissions were searched for animals with the same presenting complaints and of those it was determined which animals had exploratory surgery and their pancreas biopsied.

Results: Thirteen cats and 18 dogs underwent laparoscopy for presumptive pancreatic disease or had the appearance of the pancreas described, pancreatic biopsies obtained, or both. In 14 animals a laparoscopic biopsy of the pancreas resulted in a histopathologic diagnosis when the sonographic findings or the gross assessment failed to do so. In 35% of the animals a biopsy of the pancreas was not obtained despite findings consistent with pancreatic disease. Those animals examined for vomiting or anorexia were significantly more likely to have a biopsy of the pancreas obtained through laparoscopy versus surgery (P < .0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Laparoscopy and pancreatic biopsy is useful for evaluation of pancreatic disease.
Fibrin Deposits and Organ Failure in Newborn Foals with Severe Septicemia
Authors: Cotovio M. , Monreal L. , Armengou L. , Prada J. , Almeida J.M. , Segura D.
Published: January 2009

Background:Septicemia in human neonates frequently is complicated by activation of the coagulation system, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and multiple organ failure syndrome, which may contribute to high mortality. In adult horses with DIC, the lung has been the organ most frequently affected by fibrin deposits. In addition, in vivo studies suggest that hemostatic mechanisms may be immature in foals <1‐day old.

Hypothesis:Newborn foals with severe septicemia have fibrin deposits in their tissues independently of their age, and these fibrin deposits are associated with organ failure.

Animals:Thirty‐two septic and 4 nonseptic newborn foals euthanized for poor prognosis.

Methods:Tissue samples (kidney, lung, and liver) collected on postmortem examination were stained with phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin (PTAH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for blind histologic examination. A fibrin score (grades 0–4) was established for each tissue sample and for each foal. Medical records were reviewed for assessing clinical evidence of organ failure during hospitalization.

Results:Fibrin deposits were found in most septic foals (28/32 when using IHC and 21/32 when using PTAH), independently of the age of the foal. The lung was the most affected tissue (97% of the septic foals). Additionally, organ failure was diagnosed in 18/32 septic foals (8 with respiratory failure, 14 with renal failure), although a statistical association with severe fibrin deposition was not identified.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Nonsurviving septic foals have fibrin deposits in their tissues, a finding consistent with capillary microthrombosis and DIC.
Androgen Receptor CAG Repeat Polymorphisms in Canine Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lai C.‐L. , L'Eplattenier H. , Van Den Ham R. , Verseijden F. , Jagtenberg A. , Mol J.A. , Teske E.
Published: January 2009

Background: Relatively shorter lengths of the polymorphic polyglutamine repeat‐1 of the androgen receptor (AR) have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (PC) in humans. In the dog, there are 2 polymorphic CAG repeat (CAGr) regions.

Objective: To investigate the relationship of CAGr length of the canine AR‐gene and the development of PC.

Animals: Thirty‐two dogs with PC and 172 control dogs were used.

Methods: DNA was extracted from blood. Both CAG repeats were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR products were sequenced.

Results: In dogs with PC, CAG‐1 repeat length was shorter (P= .001) by an increased proportion of 10 repeats (P= .011) and no 12 repeats (P= .0017) than in the control dogs. No significant changes were found in CAG‐3 length distribution. CAG‐1 and CAG‐3 polymorphisms proved not to be in linkage disequilibrium.

Breed difference in allelic distribution was found in the control group. Of the prostate‐disease sensitive breeds, a high percentage (64.5%) of the shortest haplotype 10/11 was found in the Doberman, whereas Beagles and German Pointers had higher haplotype 12/11 (47.1 and 50%). Bernese Mountain dogs and Bouvier dogs both shared a high percentage of 11 CAG‐1 repeats and 13 CAG‐3 repeats. Differences in (combined) allelic distributions among breeds were not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In this preliminary study, short CAG‐1 repeats in the AR‐gene were associated with an increased risk of developing canine PC. Although breed‐specific differences in allelic distribution of CAG‐1 and CAG‐3 repeats were found, these could not be related to PC risk.
Masitinib is Safe and Effective for the Treatment of Canine Mast Cell Tumors
Authors: Hahn K.A. , Oglivie G. , Rusk T. , Devauchelle P. , Leblanc A. , Legendre A. , Powers B. , Leventhal P.S. , Kinet J.‐P. , Palmerini F. , Dubreuil P. , Moussy A. , Hermine O.
Published: January 2009

Background: Activation of the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase is associated with the development of canine mast cell tumors (MCT).

Hypothesis/Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of masitinib, a potent and selective inhibitor of KIT, in the treatment of canine MCT.

Animals: Two hundred and two client‐owned dogs with nonmetastatic recurrent or nonresectable grade II or III MCT.

Methods: Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled phase III clinical trial. Dogs were administered masitinib (12.5 mg/kg/d PO) or a placebo. Time‐to‐tumor progression (TTP), overall survival, objective response at 6 months, and toxicity were assessed.

Resulsts: Masitinib increased overall TTP compared with placebo from 75 to 118 days (P= .038). This effect was more pronounced when masitinib was used as first‐line therapy, with an increase in the median TTP from 75 to 253 days (P= .001) and regardless of whether the tumors expressed mutant (83 versus not reached [P= .009]) or wild‐type KIT (66 versus 253 [P= .008]). Masitinib was generally well tolerated, with mild (grade I) or moderate (grade II) diarrhea or vomiting as the most common adverse events.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Masitinib is safe and effective at delaying tumor progression in dogs presenting with recurrent or nonresectable grade II or III nonmetastatic MCT.
Anti‐Insulin Antibodies in Diabetic Dogs Before and After Treatment with Different Insulin Preparations
Authors: Davison L.J. , Walding B. , Herrtage M.E. , Catchpole B.
Published: January 2009

Background:Anti‐insulin antibodies (AIA) occur in diabetic dogs after insulin therapy, although their clinical significance is unclear.

Hypothesis:Treatment of diabetic dogs with heterologous insulin is more likely to stimulate production of AIA than is treatment with homologous insulin.

Animals:Diabetic dogs sampled before insulin therapy (n = 40), diabetic dogs sampled following treatment with porcine (homologous) insulin (n = 100), bovine (heterologous) lente insulin (n = 100), or bovine protamine zinc (PZI) insulin (n = 20), and nondiabetic control dogs (n = 120).

Methods:Prospective observational study. Sera were analyzed by ELISA for antibodies against porcine insulin, bovine insulin, insulin A, B, or C peptides, and control antigens; canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine thyroglobulin (TG). Canine isotype‐specific antibodies were used to determine total and anti‐insulin IgG1 : IgG2 ratios.

Results:There was no difference in CDV or TG reactivity among the groups. AIA were detected in 5 of 40 newly diagnosed (untreated) diabetic dogs. There was no significant difference in AIA (ELISA optical density reactivity) comparing control and porcine insulin‐treated diabetic dogs (P> .05). Anti‐insulin reactivity was most prevalent in bovine PZI insulin‐treated dogs (90%;P< .01), and bovine lente insulin‐treated dogs (56%;P< .01). AIA induced by treatment were enriched for the IgG1 isotype.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:This study indicates that bovine insulin is more immunogenic than porcine insulin when used for treatment of diabetic dogs.
Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in 106 Cats: Associated Structural Cardiac Disorders
Authors: Côté E. , Jaeger R.
Published: January 2009

Background:Ventricular tachyarrhythmias occur in association with cardiac and extracardiac disorders in many species of animals, but information identifying concurrent disorders in cats with such arrhythmias is scarce.

Methods:We investigated coexisting diseases by retrospectively evaluating medical records of cats with ventricular tachyarrhythmias seen during a 51‐month period at 1 institution. For comparative purposes, we evaluated records of dogs with similar arrhythmias during the same time period. All cats and dogs had premature ventricular complexes, accelerated idioventricular rhythm, ventricular tachycardia, or some combination of these arrhythmias, and all had undergone echocardiography during the same visit that led to the diagnosis of ventricular tachyarrhythmia.

Results and Conclusions:Most (102/106; 96%) cats had at least 1 echocardiographically apparent abnormality concurrent with ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias in cats were most commonly associated with myocardial disease (eg, left ventricular concentric hypertrophy [n = 66], restrictive or unclassified cardiomyopathy [n = 17], and dilated cardiomyopathy [n = 6]). When comparing dogs and cats that had ventricular tachyarrhythmias and were diagnosed on the same clinical service of the same institution, an echocardiographically apparent cardiac lesion was seen more often in cats (102/106, 96%) than in dogs (95/138, 69%) (P< .001).
Different T Cell Receptor Signals Determine CD8
+
Memory Versus Effector Development
Authors: Teixeiro Emma , Daniels Mark A. , Hamilton Sara E. , Schrum Adam G. , Bragado Rafael , Jameson Stephen C. , Palmer Ed
Published: January 2009

Following infection, naïve CD8
+
T cells bearing pathogen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) differentiate into a mixed population of short-lived effector and long-lived memory T cells to mediate an adaptive immune response. How the TCR regulates memory T cell development has remained elusive. Using a mutant TCR transgenic model, we found that point mutations in the TCR β transmembrane domain (βTMD) impair the development and function of CD8
+
memory T cells without affecting primary effector T cell responses. Mutant T cells are deficient in polarizing the TCR and in organizing the nuclear factor κB signal at the immunological synapse. Thus, effector and memory states of CD8
+
T cells are separable fates, determined by differential TCR signaling.
Language Phylogenies Reveal Expansion Pulses and Pauses in Pacific Settlement
Authors: Gray R. D. , Drummond A. J. , Greenhill S. J.
Published: January 2009

Debates about human prehistory often center on the role that population expansions play in shaping biological and cultural diversity. Hypotheses on the origin of the Austronesian settlers of the Pacific are divided between a recent “pulse-pause” expansion from Taiwan and an older “slow-boat” diffusion from Wallacea. We used lexical data and Bayesian phylogenetic methods to construct a phylogeny of 400 languages. In agreement with the pulse-pause scenario, the language trees place the Austronesian origin in Taiwan approximately 5230 years ago and reveal a series of settlement pauses and expansion pulses linked to technological and social innovations. These results are robust to assumptions about the rooting and calibration of the trees and demonstrate the combined power of linguistic scholarship, database technologies, and computational phylogenetic methods for resolving questions about human prehistory.
An Entanglement Filter
Authors: Okamoto Ryo , O'Brien Jeremy L. , Hofmann Holger F. , Nagata Tomohisa , Sasaki Keiji , Takeuchi Shigeki
Published: January 2009

The ability to filter quantum states is a key capability in quantum information science and technology, in which one-qubit filters, or polarizers, have found wide application. Filtering on the basis of entanglement requires extension to multi-qubit filters with qubit-qubit interactions. We demonstrated an optical entanglement filter that passes a pair of photons if they have the desired correlations of their polarization. Such devices have many important applications to quantum technologies.
Data Drought, Data Flood
Authors: Farmer Jared
Published: January 2009

Dead Pool
. Lake Powell, Global Warming, and the Future of Water in the West.
By James Lawrence Powell
. University of California Press, Berkeley, 2008. 298 pp. $27.50, £19.95. ISBN 9780520254770.

Powell discusses how drought, dams, and climate change threaten to produce a long-term water resources crisis in the American West.
Use of a Surface Plasmon Resonance Method To Investigate Antibiotic and Plasma Protein Interactions
Authors: Banères-Roquet Françoise , Gualtieri Maxime , Villain-Guillot Philippe , Pugnière Martine , Leonetti Jean-Paul
Published: January 2009

The pharmacologic effect of an antibiotic is directly related to its unbound concentration at the site of infection. Most commercial antibiotics have been selected in part for their low propensity to interact with serum proteins. These nonspecific interactions are classically evaluated by measuring the MIC in the presence of serum. As higher-throughput technologies tend to lose information, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is emerging as an informative medium-throughput technology for hit validation. Here we show that SPR is a useful automatic tool for quantification of the interaction of model antibiotics with serum proteins and that it delivers precise real-time kinetic data on this critical parameter.
Daptomycin versus Friulimicin B: In-Depth Profiling of
Bacillus subtilis
Cell Envelope Stress Responses
Authors: Wecke Tina , Zühlke Daniela , Mäder Ulrike , Jordan Sina , Voigt Birgit , Pelzer Stefan , Labischinski Harald , Homuth Georg , Hecker Michael , Mascher Thorsten
Published: January 2009

The related lipo(depsi)peptide antibiotics daptomycin and friulimicin B show great potential in the treatment of multiply resistant gram-positive pathogens. Applying genome-wide in-depth expression profiling, we compared the respective stress responses of
Bacillus subtilis
. Both antibiotics target envelope integrity, based on the strong induction of extracytoplasmic function σ factor-dependent gene expression. The cell envelope stress-sensing two-component system LiaRS is exclusively and strongly induced by daptomycin, indicative of different mechanisms of action in the two compounds.
β-Lactam and Fluoroquinolone Combination Antibiotic Therapy for Bacteremia Caused by Gram-Negative Bacilli
Authors: Al-Hasan Majdi N. , Wilson John W. , Lahr Brian D. , Thomsen Kristine M. , Eckel-Passow Jeanette E. , Vetter Emily A. , Tleyjeh Imad M. , Baddour Larry M.
Published: January 2009

The role of combination antibiotic therapy with a beta-lactam and a fluoroquinolone for bacteremia caused by gram-negative bacilli, to our knowledge, has not been previously described. Much of the previous study of combination therapy has included beta-lactams and aminoglycosides. We conducted a large retrospective cohort study to evaluate 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with monomicrobial bacteremia due to aerobic gram-negative bacilli who received either a combination of beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones or beta-lactam monotherapy. We enrolled adult patients admitted to Mayo Clinic hospitals from 1 January 2001 to 31 October 2006 in the study. After stratification of patients by Pitt bacteremia scores, we used Cox regression models to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) for 28-day all-cause mortality after adjusting for the propensity to receive combination therapy. We identified 398 and 304 unique patients with bacteremia caused by gram-negative bacilli who received single and combination antibiotic therapy, respectively. In less severely ill patients with Pitt bacteremia scores of <4, combination therapy was associated with lower 28-day mortality than single therapy (4.2% [9 of 214] versus 8.8% [28 of 319]; adjusted HR, 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20 to 0.98;
P
= 0.044). In critically ill patients with Pitt bacteremia scores of ≥4, there was no difference in 28-day mortality between combination and single therapy (25.6% [23 of 90] versus 27.8% [22 of 79]; adjusted HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.62;
P
= 0.660). These findings were consistent for 14-day all-cause mortality. In this large cohort, we found for the first time that combination therapy with beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones was associated with a reduction in 28-day all-cause mortality among less severely ill patients with bacteremia caused by gram-negative bacilli.
Two Clinical Strains of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Carrying Plasmid-Borne
bla
IMP-4
,
bla
SHV-12
, and
armA
Isolated at a Pediatric Center in Shanghai, China
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Bei , Cao Qing , Huang Weichun , Shen Lisong , Qin Xuan
Published: January 2009

Two cases of pulmonary infection due to strains of multidrug-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
were investigated. Beta-lactamase determinants, such as
bla
IMP-4
and
bla
SHV-12
, and the 16S rRNA methyltransferase-encoding gene
armA
were detected in these plasmid-bearing organisms. The integron-borne
bla
IMP-4
and
armA
contained intervening sequences highly related to those of a
Vibrio cholerae
O139 plasmid found in Hangzhou, China.
Genetic Analysis of Factors Affecting Susceptibility ofBacillus subtilisto Daptomycin
Authors: Hachmann Anna-Barbara , Angert Esther R. , Helmann John D.
Published: January 2009

Daptomycin is the first of a new class of cyclic lipopeptide antibiotics used against multidrug-resistant, gram-positive pathogens. The proposed mechanism of action involves disruption of the functional integrity of the bacterial membrane in a Ca2+-dependent manner. We have used transcriptional profiling to demonstrate that treatment ofBacillus subtiliswith daptomycin strongly induces theliaoperon including the autoregulatory LiaRS two-component system (homologous toStaphylococcus aureusVraSR). Theliaoperon protects against daptomycin, and deletion ofliaH, encoding a phage-shock protein A (PspA)-like protein, leads to threefold increased susceptibility. Since daptomycin interacts with the membrane, we tested mutants with altered membrane composition for effects on susceptibility. Deletion mutations ofmprF(lacking lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol) ordes(lipid desaturase) increased daptomycin susceptibility, whereas overexpression of MprF decreased susceptibility. Conversely, depletion of the cell for the anionic lipid phosphatidylglycerol led to increased resistance. Fluorescently labeled daptomycin localized to the septa and in a helical pattern around the cell envelope and was delocalized upon the depletion of phosphatidylglycerol. Together, these results indicate that the daptomycin-Ca2+complex interacts preferentially with regions enriched in anionic phospholipids and leads to membrane stresses that can be ameliorated by PspA family proteins.