bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attributes of the ceratopsian dinosaurTorosaurus, and new material from the Javelina Formation (Maastrichtian) of Texas
Authors: Hunt Rebecca K. , Lehman Thomas M.
Published: November 2008

A bone bed in the middle part of the Javelina Formation (Maastrichtian) in Texas yielded parts of about 37 identifiable ceratopsid dinosaur bones, mostly appendicular and limb girdle elements belonging to one juvenile and two adult individuals ofTorosauruscf.utahensis.The bone bed is a lag assemblage comprising large immobile parts of the skeletons accumulated in an abandoned stream channel. In general form and proportions the postcranial bones are similar to those inPentaceratops sternbergiand are not as robust as those inTorosaurus latusorTriceratops horridus.A few cranial elements are preserved, including parts of a parietal, squamosal, maxilla, and two dentaries. The form of the parietal fragment is comparable to that of a more nearly complete specimen ofTorosauruscf.utahensiscollected nearby at about the same stratigraphic level. The bone bed material provides a basis for the first skeletal reconstruction of this enigmatic horned dinosaur. Most characters used in diagnoses ofT. utahensisandT. latusare inadequate. Only the raised bar along the squamosal/parietal suture, present inT. latus;and the midline epiparietal, absent inT. latus, may discriminate the two species.
Late Middle Frasnian to Early Famennian (Late Devonian) strophomenid, orthotetid, and athyridid brachiopods from southern Belgium
Authors: Mottequin Bernard
Published: November 2008

Brachiopods of the orders Strophomenida, Orthotetida, and Athyridida from the late middle Frasnian–early Famennian interval(hassitotriangularisconodont zones) in the Namur-Dinant Basin (southeastern margin of Laurussia; southern Belgium) are described. Nine genera and subgenera represented by 12 species are recognized here. One new genus,Retrorstrophia, and one new species,Douvillina area, are erected.Crinisarina stainbrookiis proposed to solve the homonymy betweenC. reticulata(Gosselet, 1877) andCleiothyridina reticulataStainbrook, 1947, the type species ofCrinisarinaCooper and Dutro, 1982. A lectotype is selected and illustrated forC. reticulata.A new name is also proposed forAthyris reticulataChen and Xu, 2000, which is assigned here toCrinisarina: C. shashishanensisnom. nov. In southern Belgium, the last representatives of the families Douvillinidae and Leptostrophiidae (Strophomenida) are from the UpperrhenanaZone (late Frasnian). Athyridid brachiopods, especially the representatives of the subfamily Cleiothyridininae constituted a significant part of the early Famennian recovery faunas with spiriferids and rhynchonellids, just after the late Frasnian mass extinction.
New megapodagrionid damselflies (Odonata: Zygoptera) from the Paleogene of
Europe
Authors: Petrulevičius Julián F. , Wappler Torsten , Wedmann Sonja , Rust Jes , Nel Andre
Published: November 2008

Three fossil taxa of megapodagrionid damselflies are described and figured
from the Paleogene localities in Europe on the basis of isolated wings.
Eckfeldia superstes (Wappler, 2003) gen. nov. is
described from the laminated mudstones of middle Eocene age from Eckfeld Maar,
Germany. Furagrion jutlandicus (Henriksen, 1922) gen.
nov. is recorded from the laminated claystones of lowermost Eocene age from the
Ølst and Fur-Formation, Denmark, and an undetermined megapodagrionid damselfly is
recognized from middle Eocene strata. Taphonomy and color preservation in the
fossils are briefly considered. Characters used for phylogenetic analyses in
extant and fossil Megapodagrionidae are discussed. The biogeographic and
paleoecological implications of the new European fossils are briefly
discussed.
Fasciculate rugose corals from Gzhelian and Lower Permian strata, Pequop
Mountains, northeast Nevada
Authors: Stevens Calvin H.
Published: November 2008

Upper Carboniferous and Lower Permian shallow marine rocks in the Pequop
Mountains of northeastern Nevada contain an abundance of fossils, especially
fusulinids and fasciculate corals. As the composite stratigraphic section in this
area represents the most nearly complete sequence of this type of corals anywhere
in the Cordilleran miogeocline, this study was undertaken to document their
occurrence sequentially. This information should be useful for comparison with
other sections in the miogeocline containing similar corals.

Only one species of Durhamina is present in the
Gzhelian rocks. Durhamina, Heintzella, and
Paraheritschioides occur in the Asselian rocks, and
all of these genera plus Wilsonastraea are present in
the Sakmarian part of the section. Corals in the Artinskian and Kungurian are
represented by an advanced species of Durhamina and the
very advanced durhaminid, Sandolasma.

Newly described species are: Durhamina primitiva, D. snyderi,
Sandolasma perplexa, Heintzella davydovi, Paraheritschioides
nevadaensis, and Wilsonastraea
fraseri.
Biostratigraphy of crinoids from the Wymps Gap member of the Greenbrier
Formation (Mississippian, Chesterian) in northern West Virginia
Authors: Kammer Thomas W. , Springer Gregory S.
Published: November 2008

Crowns of four crinoid species, Talarocrinus
planus Weller, 1920, Phacelocrinus
longidactylus (McChesney, 1860), Ampelocrinus
mundus? Kirk, 1942, and Phanocrinus
maniformis (Yandell and Shumard, 1847) are reported from the
limestones of the Wymps Gap Member of the Greenbrier Formation in northern West
Virginia. Collectively these species indicate an early Chesterian age for the
Wymps Gap Member, with the occurrence of T. planus
indicating correlation with the Ridenhower (Paint Creek) Formation of the Illinois
Basin. A review of the 17 species currently placed in
Talarocrinus suggests that the
Talarocrinus zone ranges no higher than the
Ridenhower Formation in the Upper Gnathodus bilineatus
conodont zone of the late Visean. The new occurrence of A.
mundus extends its range upwards from the Genevievian substage of
the Chesterian.

Previous studies have used sequence stratigraphy to correlate the Wymps Gap
Member with the lower part of the Union Limestone Formation of the Greenbrier
Group in southern West Virginia, which in turn has been correlated with the
Ridenhower Formation. The occurrence of T. planus in
the Wymps Gap Member provides independent confirmation of the correlations based
on sequence stratigraphy between the Appalachian and Illinois basins. Correlation
of the overlying Reynolds Member of the Mauch Chunk Formation with the Glen Dean
Formation of the Illinois Basin suggests a significant unconformity between the
Greenbrier Formation and Mauch Chunk Formation in northern West Virginia.
Augerinoichnus Helicoidalis, a new helical trace fossil from the
nonmarine Permian of New Mexico
Authors: Minter Nicholas J. , Lucas Spencer G. , Lerner Allan J. , Braddy Simon J.
Published: November 2008

New Mexico contains a significant record of trace fossil assemblages, in
terms of both abundance and ichnodiversity, from Lower Permian nonmarine
depositional settings. Most notable amongst these are the trace fossil assemblages
in the Robledo Mountains Formation of the Robledo Mountains in Doña Ana County,
southern New Mexico, as recognized by the recent proposal to designate this area
as a national monument. These trace fossil assemblages formed on a tidal flat
under largely non-marine conditions (Mack and James, 1986; Hunt et al., 1993;
Lucas et al., 1995a, 1998) and are dominated by the trackways of tetrapods and
arthropods, yielding important information on the paleoecology, diversity and
behavior of late Paleozoic arthropods (Braddy and Briggs, 2002; Minter and Braddy,
2006a), as well as evidence of specialized foraging strategies (Minter et al.,
2006). Additional Lower Permian trace fossil assemblages occur at a number of
localities in New Mexico and represent a variety of nonmarine depositional
settings.
Vetupraecan. gen. andMucopraecan. gen. (Cryptodonta, Bivalvia): A reappraisal of Late Devonian bivalves from the Hercynian Facies
Authors: Nagel-Myers Judith , Amler Michael R. W. , Becker R. Thomas
Published: November 2008

Bivalves from the Late Devonian pelagic or Hercynian Facies of classical regions such as eastern North America and Europe have not been investigated for almost a century.

A group of small, radially ribbed bivalves frequently occurs in association with ammonoids and conodonts in pelagic cephalopod limestones and shales of the latest Frasnian and early Famennian. These bivalves have traditionally been assigned to the Late Silurian genusPraecardiumBarrande, 1881. Re-studying the types of the Late Devonian taxa,Cardium?vetustumHall, 1843,Cardiola duplicataMünster, 1840,Praecardium clymeniaeBeushausen, 1895,Praecardium melletesClarke, 1904, andPraecardium multicostatumClarke, 1904 shows that they differ significantly fromPraecardium.

As a result, two new genera,Vetupraecan. gen. andMucopraecan. gen, are established. Furthermore, neotypes are designated forCardiola nehdensis, Kayser, 1873 andVetupraeca clymeniae(Beushausen, 1895), and lectotypes are chosen forMucopraeca multicostata(Clarke, 1904) andVetupraeca duplicata(Münster, 1840). These bivalve taxa were widely distributed in the subtropical to tropical, latest Frasnian/early Famennian outer shelf habitats of Laurussia and Gondwana.
Reinterpretation of Climactichnites Logan 1860 to include subsurface
burrows, and erection of Musculopodus for resting traces of the
trailmaker
Authors: Getty Patrick Ryan , Hagadorn James Whitey
Published: November 2008

Based on a thorough examination of field and museum
Climactichnites specimens, two species of this trace
are recognized, each representing a unique behavioral variant produced by a
soft-bodied animal in Late Cambrian intertidal environments. C.
wilsoni represents surface-produced trails, whereas
C. youngi is re-erected for burrows produced below
the surface. Burrowing behavior is supported by: 1) the presence of
C. youngi within, rather than on, the surface of
beds; 2) the orientation of some burrows inclined to bedding; and 3) the
occasional presence of distinct burrow fills. Burrows can also be distinguished
morphologically from surface traces by the absence of lateral ridges and the
presence of fine, mm-scale striations or grooves superimposed on the transverse
bars and furrows. Burrowing behavior for the
Climactichnites trailmaker was previously unknown
and thus represents a new, although not entirely unexpected, behavior for this
mollusk or mollusk-like animal. The body impression of the sedentary animal is
removed to Musculopodus sedentarius n. igen. and isp.
In the future, Musculopodus may be expanded to include
the resting traces of other soft-bodied animals known from the fossil record.
Currently, Climactichnites is known only from very
shallow to emergent strata of North America; reports of this fossil in other parts
of the world are misidentified trails produced by other animals.
Generic concepts in the Amphoracrinidae Bather, 1899 (Class Crinoidea) and
evaluation of generic assignments of North American species
Authors: Ausich William I. , Kammer Thomas W.
Published: November 2008

The Amphoracrinidae Bather, 1899 is redefined, and all genera of this family
are diagnosed with objective characters. Dilatocrinus
Webster and Lane, 1987 and Pimlicocrinus Wright, 1943
are transferred into the Amphoracrinidae. Type specimens that define
Displodocrinus Webster and Lane, 1987 and
Dilatocrinus Webster and Lane, 1987 are clarified.
The emphasis here is on genus definition, and comprehensive species-level
systematics is not attempted. However, Amphoracrinus
blairi Miller and Gurley, 1896a and Amphoracrinus
jessieae Miller and Gurley, 1896b are designated
nomina dubia; Sampsonocrinus sp. Webster and Lane,
1987 is reassigned to Amphoracrinus rupinus Webster and
Lane, 1987; Amphoracrinus divergens var.
multiramosus (Meek and Worthen, 1866) is reassigned
to Dilatocrinus multiramosus (Meek and Worthen, 1866);
and Sunwaptacrinus nevadensis Webster and Lane, 1987 is
reassigned to Displodocrinus nevadensis (Webster and
Lane, 1987).
Bicarinellata a new name for Bicarinella Rode, Lieberman, and
Rowell, 2003 (Arthopoda, Bradoriida) preoccupied by Bicarinella Waterhouse,
1966 (Mollusca, Gastropoda) and Bicarinella Akopyan, 1976 (Mollusca,
Gastropoda)
Authors: Stigall Alycia L.
Published: November 2008

The genus Bicarinella Rode et al., 2003 was
erected for a new hipponicharionid bradoriid species described from the early
Cambrian of East Antarctica, characterized by a subtriangular carapace with
prominent anterior and posterior lobes developed as two distinctive, sharp ridges
(bi = two, carina =
ridges). Unfortunately, the name Bicarinella is
preoccupied by two different gastropod genera:
Bicarinella Waterhouse 1966, a Permian gastropod
from New Zealand and Australia, and Bicarinella Akopyan
1976, a gastropod from Late Cretaceous strata of Armenia, Serbia, Romania,
Tajikistan, and Egypt (Mennessier, 1994; Banjac, 1998; Pana, 1998). Mennessier
(1994) transferred Bicarinella Akopyan, 1976 from its
original status as an independent taxon to a subgenus of
Pseudomesalia Douvillé 1916, but subsequent workers
have continued to consider Bicarinella a valid genus
(Pena, 1998; Banjac, 1998). Due to the preoccupation, the bradoriid genus is
herein renamed in accordance with the requirement of the International Code of
Zoological Nomenclature (1999, article 60). It is also noted here that the one of
the two distinct gastropod genera should be renamed. The name
Bicarinellata (bi = two,
carina = ridges) is proposed as a replacement name
for Bicarinella Rode et al., 2003. This name retains
the original prefixes to preserve taxonomic stability as much as possible. The
type species of Bicarinellata is B.
evansi by original designation (Rode et al., 2003).
First record of Megaramphoprion (Annelida; Polychaeta) in
Laurentia
Authors: Eriksson Mats E. , Dattilo Benjamin F.
Published: November 2008

The Huntington cluster (USNM 536849; Fig. 1) measures 4.1 mm in total length
and is comprised of five elements of the maxillary apparatus; the first and second
pair of maxillae (right and left MI and MII) and the basal plate (Bp) fitted into
the bight of the right MI (for descriptive terminology for ramphoprionids, see
Kielan-Jaworowska, 1966; Eriksson, 2001; Fig. 2). Both the MI are broken and lack
approximately a third of the anterior end. The right MI also lacks part of its
posterior denticulated ridge; the posteriormost tip (p in Fig. 1.2) is, however,
still preserved and partly embedded in the slab. Most of the right MII is missing
and only a thin rim is exposed, showing the outline of the element. The left MII
is almost complete, lacking only a fifth of the anterodorsal end. The basal plate
is well preserved and can be seen in full detail, except for a part of the
antero-dextral flange, which is broken off (Fig. 1.3). Adjacent to the maxillary
apparatus are other fragments that might be the carriers (Fig. 1.4), i.e., the
posteriormost, supporting elements of the apparatus. Except for these possible
carriers, all elements are more or less in natural position.
Identification of hydroxyl copper toxicity to barley (Hordeum vulgare) root elongation in solution culture
Authors: Wang Xuedong , Ma Yibing , Hua Luo , McLaughlin Mike J.
Published: November 2008

The effect of pH on the acute toxicity of Cu to barley (Hordeum vulgare) root elongation was investigated in solution culture. The results showed that the median effective concentrations (EC50s; i.e., the concentration that reduced root elongation by 50% based on free Cu2+ activity) were not significantly different in the low-pH range from 4.5 to 6.5, but in the high-pH range from 7.0 to 8.0, a significant effect of pH on EC50s was found. The nonlinear relationship between EC50 and H+ activity in the present study indicated that the increased toxicity with increasing pH in solution may not be caused by decreasing H+ competition. When we take account of CuOH+ activities, a good linear relationship (r2 > 0.97) between the ratio of CuOH+ activity to free Cu2+ activity and acute Cu toxicity to barley root elongation was achieved, which indicated that the observed toxicity in the high-pH range may be caused by CuOH+ plus free Cu2+ in solution. Linear-regression analysis suggested CuOH+ had a greater binding affinity than Cu2+ at the biotic ligand sites. The logistic dose–response curve showed that expressing the Cu dose as Cu2+ + 2.92·CuOH+ improved the data fit significantly compared to consideration of the free Cu2+ activity only. Thus, our results suggest CuOH+ was highly toxic to barley root elongation. The enhanced toxicity of CuOH+ therefore needs to be considered when modeling the effect of pH on Cu toxicity to barley for exposures having pH greater than 6.5.
Application of ridge regression to quantify marginal effects of collinear soil properties on phytoaccumulation of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc
Authors: Anderson Richard H. , Basta Nicholas T.
Published: November 2008

Soil properties that mitigate hazardous effects of environmental contaminants through soil chemical sequestration should be considered when evaluating ecological risk from terrestrial contamination. The objective of this research was to identify predominant soil chemical/physical properties that modify phytoaccumulation of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn to the non-hyperaccumulating higher plants: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and Japanese millet (Echinochloa crusgalli L.). Transmission coefficients were estimated from a dose–response experiment with the use of aboveground tissue contaminant concentrations and correlated with selected soil property measurements to develop statistical prediction models for soil-specific adjustments to ecological risk assessments. Significant correlations between soil properties and transmission coefficients were observed for all four contaminants. Intercorrelation was also observed among soil properties, including cation exchange capacity (CEC) and soil pH (p = 0.035), CEC and total clay (p = 0.030), organic carbon (OC) and total clay content (p = 0.085), reactive iron oxides (FeOX) and OC (p = 0.078), and reactive Mn oxide (MnOX) and total clay content (p < 0.001). Ridge regression, a technique that suppresses the effects of multicollinearity and enables prediction, was used to assess the marginal contributions of soil properties found to mitigate phytoaccumulation. Prediction models were developed for all four contaminants. Significant variables were FeOX for As or pH, OC, CEC, clay content, or a combination of factors for cationic metal models. Ridge regression provides a powerful alternative to conventional multiple regression techniques for ecotoxicological studies when intercorrelated predictors are experimentally unavoidable, as with soil properties.
Improved scales for metal ion softness and toxicity
Authors: Kinraide Thomas B.
Published: November 2008

Ten scales relating to chemical hardness or softness of metal ions were compiled. These included eight published scales such as those of Pearson, Ahrland, Klopman, and Misono. Another scale consisted of the logs of the solubility products of metal sulfides, and yet another was a consensus scale constructed from —log K values for metal ion binding to seven soft ligands. These 10 scales were normalized and averaged. The resulting consensus scale for softness (σCon) appeared to be superior to any of the 10 scales used in its construction based on correlations among the scales. Other possible indicators of softness were examined, including the standard electrode potential (E0) and the bulk metal density (ρMetal), both of which were also superior to most of the 10 scales just mentioned. Vales for σCon may be computed from E0, ρMetal, and the first ionization potential (IP), R2 = 0.867, for the equation σCon = aE0IP + bρMetal. A consensus scale for toxicity (TCon) derived from studies with many different taxa correlated well (R2 = 0.807) with σCon computed from the preceding equation, but incorporation of ion charge (Z) into the following equation, TCon = aσCon + bσConZ + cZ, increased R2 to 0.923. Substitution of other softness scales for σCon into equations to predict TCon reduced the value of R2. Thus, σCon appears to be a superior scale for metal ion softness and toxicity, the latter being an interactive function of both softness and charge.
Characterization of the structural and functional diversity of indigenous soil microbial communities in smelter-impacted and nonimpacted soils
Authors: Anderson Jennifer A. H. , Hooper Michael J. , Zak John C. , Cox Stephen B.
Published: November 2008

A century of mining and smelting activity at the Anaconda Smelter site in Anaconda, Montana, USA, has contaminated the surrounding soils and groundwater with metals. Soil microbial communities from six smelter-impacted sites and a nonimpacted site were compared to determine the long-term effects of a gradient of metal concentrations on microbial activity, biomass, functional diversity (Biolog microtiter plates), and structural diversity (denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S ribosomal DNA). Microbial activity and biomass were decreased in the smelter-impacted soils. Likewise, the functional and structural diversity of the microbial communities native to the smelter-impacted soils were shifted, relative to the microbial community, from the non-impacted site. These shifts were significantly correlated with soil metal concentration and several soil physicochemical properties (pH, organic matter, NO3, NH4, etc.), which provides evidence of the importance of many environmental variables on microbial community dynamics in soils. Preliminary evidence of functional redundancy was observed within microbial communities native to the smelter-impacted sites, based on overlapping carbon substrate utilization patterns. However, due to culture-based selection bias, redundancy pertains only to a subset of the community and may not be ecologically relevant. Nevertheless, the effects of metal contamination on microbial communities in the present study are pronounced and results provide preliminary insight into the complex relationship between soil microbial community structure and function in anthropogenically disturbed soils.
Periodontal Status of Patients With Metabolic Syndrome Compared to Those Without Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Khader Yousef , Khassawneh Basheer , Obeidat Basel , Hammad Mohammad , El‐Salem Khalid , Bawadi Hiba , Al‐akour Nemeh
Published: November 2008

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is common among Arab populations in Mediterranean countries. This study was conducted to assess the distribution of periodontal parameters among patients with MeS and subjects without MeS in northern Jordan.

Methods: A list of all subjects aged ≥25 years who participated in a previous study that aimed to estimate the prevalence of MeS in northern Jordan was obtained. A simple random sample of 78 patients who had MeS and another simple random sample of 78 persons who did not have MeS were selected and invited for dental examination. The oral hygiene of six selected teeth and the periodontal status of all teeth, excluding third molars, were assessed using the plaque index of Silness and Löe, the gingival index of Löe and Silness, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Data were analyzed using the general linear model multivariate procedure with average PD, average CAL, percentage of sites with CAL ≥3 mm, and percentage of sites with PD ≥3 mm as outcome variables and MeS and its individual components as predictors.

Results: In the multivariate analysis, the severity of periodontal disease, as measured by average PD and average CAL, and the extent of periodontal disease, as measured by the percentage of sites with CAL ≥3 mm and the percentage of sites with PD ≥3 mm, were significantly greater among patients with MeS compared to those without MeS.

Conclusions: Patients with MeS displayed more severe and extensive periodontal disease compared to subjects without MeS. Additional large‐scale longitudinal epidemiologic and interventional studies are needed to establish whether periodontal disease is a contributing factor to or a result of MeS.
The Short‐Term Effectiveness of Non‐Surgical Treatment in Reducing Levels of Interleukin‐1β and Proteases in Gingival Crevicular Fluid From Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Correa Fernanda O.B. , Gonçalves Daniela , Figueredo Carlos M.S. , Gustafsson Anders , Orrico Silvana R.P.
Published: November 2008

Background: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of non‐surgical periodontal treatment in improving periodontal status and reducing gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18, elastase activity, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐‐8 and ‐‐9 in periodontitis patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Twenty‐three patients with T2DM (diabetes group) and 26 systemically healthy subjects (control group) with chronic periodontitis participated in this study. The clinical examination included visible plaque index, gingival bleeding index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing. GCF samples were collected from five or six deep sites to evaluate the levels of IL‐1β and −18, elastase, and MMP‐8 and −9. Shallow sites were analyzed for IL‐1β and elastase. The glycemic control was analyzed by the concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The subjects received non‐surgical periodontal treatment and were reexamined 90 days later.

Results: All clinical parameters showed a significant improvement after treatment, which was accompanied by a significant reduction in IL‐1β, elastase activity, and MMP‐8 and −9 levels in deep sites. The shallow sites also showed significant reductions in IL‐1β and elastase activity levels. Treatment did not significantly reduce HbA1c concentrations in patients with T2DM.

Conclusions: Non‐surgical periodontal treatment was effective in reducing the levels of IL‐1β, elastase activity, and MMP‐8 and −9 in GCF from diabetes and control groups. Patients with T2DM showed less reduction only in elastase activity in shallow sites compared to controls. This reduction was associated with improvement of the clinical periodontal status.
Exploring the Beliefs Underlying Attitudes to Active Voluntary Euthanasia in a Sample of Australian Medical Practitioners and Nurses: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: White Katherine M. , Wise Susi E. , Young Ross McD. , Hyde Melissa K.
Published: November 2008

A qualitative study explored beliefs about active voluntary euthanasia (AVE) in a sample ( N = 18) of medical practitioners and nurses from Australia, where AVE is not currently legal. Four behaviors relating to AVE emerged during the interviews: requesting euthanasia for oneself, legalizing AVE, administering AVE to patients if it were legalized, and discussing AVE with patients if they request it. Using thematic analysis, interviews were analyzed for beliefs related to advantages and disadvantages of performing these AVE behaviors. Medical practitioners and nurses identified a number of similar benefits for performing the AVE-related behaviors, both for themselves personally and as health professionals. Benefits also included a consideration of the positive impact for patients, their families, and the health care system. Disadvantages across behaviors focused on the potential conflict between those parties involved in the decision making process, as well as conflict between one's own personal and professional values.
Eosinophilic Meningoencephalitis: Psychiatric Presentation and Treatment
Authors: Hong David S. , Bernstein Marc , Smith Candice , Gans Hayley , Shaw Richard J.
Published: November 2008

Eosinophilic meningoencephalitis (EM) is usually a self-limited neurological illness commonly accompanied by a variety of neurological symptoms. The presence of acute psychotic symptoms in EM, however, has not previously been reported, and there is no literature to guide its treatment and management. In this case report, the onset of psychotic symptoms in a hypoactive delirium and their significant improvement following the administration of atypical antipsychotics are described in a boy with EM. This case report demonstrates the efficacy and safety of antipsychotic agents during the acute phase of meningoencephalitis.
Optimization of sample handling and processing for the carbon 13-labeled aminopyrine demethylation blood test and determination of a reference range for test results in healthy dogs
Authors: DeBiasio John V. , Steiner Jörg M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Read Sarah A.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To determine the optimal sample handling and processing conditions for the carbon 13 (13C)-labeled aminopyrine demethylation blood test (ADBT; phase 1) and determine the reference range for test results (phase 2) in apparently healthy dogs.

Animals—44 apparently healthy dogs (phase 1, 19 dogs; phase 2, 44 dogs).

Procedures—In phase 1, a blood sample from each dog was collected before and 45 minutes after (day 0) IV administration of 13C-labeled aminopyrine (2 mg/kg); aliquots were immediately transferred into tubes containing sodium heparin and hydrochloric acid (samples A and B), sodium heparin alone (samples C, D, and E), or sodium fluoride (sample F). Hydrochloric acid was added to samples C through F at days 7, 14, 21, and 21, respectively. The baseline and 45-minute samples' absolute 13C:12C ratios were determined via fractional mass spectrometry on day 0 (control sample A) or 21 (samples B through F) and used to calculate the percentage dose of 13C recovered in CO2 extracted from samples (PCD). In phase 2, blood samples from each dog were collected into tubes containing sodium fluoride and processed within 3 weeks.

Results—Compared with the control sample value, PCDs for samples C through E differed significantly, whereas PCD in sample F did not. The 13C-ADBT–derived PCD reference range (central 95th percentile) for apparently healthy dogs was 0.08% to 0.2%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Glycolytic CO2 production in canine blood samples collected during 13C-ADBTs was sufficiently inhibited by sodium fluoride to allow delayed sample analysis and avoid transportation of hydrochloric acid–treated samples.
Comparison of the anesthetic efficacy and cardiopulmonary effects of continuous rate infusions of alfaxalone-2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and propofol in dogs
Authors: Ambros Barbara , Duke-Novakovski Tanya , Pasloske Kirby S.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To compare the cardiopulmonary effects of continuous rate infusions (CRIs) of alfaxalone-2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) and propofol in healthy dogs.

Animals—6 young adult medium-sized healthy crossbred dogs.

Procedures—A crossover design was used with a washout period of 6 days between anesthetic treatments. Each dog was sedated with acepromazine (0.02 mg/kg, IV) and hydromorphone (0.05 mg/kg, IV). Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 mg/kg) or alfaxalone-HPCD (2 mg/kg). After endotracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with the same agent (propofol, 0.25 mg/kg/min; alfaxalone-HPCD, 0.07 mg/kg/min) for 120 minutes. Dogs spontaneously breathed 100% oxygen. Measurements included end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide, heart and respiratory rates, mean arterial blood pressure, thermodilution-derived cardiac output, and body temperature. Paired arterial and mixed venous blood samples were collected for determination of blood pH, PaCO2, and PaO2. Data were recorded prior to induction; 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after induction of anesthesia; and 20 minutes after stopping the CRI, when feasible. Stroke volume and systemic vascular resistance were calculated. Quality of anesthetic induction and recovery and interval to recovery were recorded.

Results—Both propofol and alfaxalone-HPCD produced excellent induction of anesthesia, maintenance, and recovery. Respiratory depression was evident with both anesthetics. Clinically acceptable, mild hemodynamic changes were similar for both anesthetics.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Alfaxalone-HPCD produced clinically acceptable anesthetic quality and hemodynamic values ideal for use as a CRI. Ventilation may need to be supported if hydromorphone is used at these propofol and alfaxalone-HPCD infusion rates.
Pharmacokinetics of firocoxib after administration of multiple consecutive daily doses to horses
Authors: Letendre Laura T. , Tessman Ronald K. , McClure Scott R. , Kvaternick Valerie J. , Fischer James B. , Hanson Peter D.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To determine pharmacokinetic parameters and variables, firocoxib concentrations in urine and plasma, urine-to-plasma ratios, and the urine depletion profile of firocoxib and to evaluate whether the pharmacokinetic behavior of firocoxib was governed by linear processes after multiple doses of firocoxib were administered IV and orally.

Animals—6 healthy female horses (5 Paint horses and 1 Quarter Horse) in experiment 1 and 12 healthy male and female horses in experiment 2.

Procedures—In experiment 1, 6 horses were orally administered firocoxib paste once daily for 12 consecutive days, and plasma and urine samples were obtained and analyzed. In a second experiment, 12 horses received IV injections of firocoxib solution once daily for 9 consecutive days, and plasma was obtained and analyzed.

Results—Mean ± SD clearance and steady-state volume of distribution of firocoxib were 40.5 ± 14.7 mL/h/kg and 2.3 ± 0.7 L/kg, respectively. Mean half-life was 44.2 ± 21.6 hours and 36.5 ± 9.5 hours for IV and oral administration, respectively. The urine concentration– time curve decreased in parallel with the plasma concentration-verus-time curve. Renal clearance (0.26 ± 0.09 mL/kg/h) was low, compared with total body clearance, which indicated that the main route of elimination was hepatic clearance.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The pharmacokinetics of firocoxib during prolonged use were determined. Use of plasma or urine to ascertain drug concentrations in horses is scientifically valid because the plasma-to-urine ratio was consistent over time and among horses.
Evaluation of atrial fibrillation induced during anesthesia with fentanyl and pentobarbital in German Shepherd Dogs with inherited arrhythmias
Authors: Pariaut Romain , Moïse N. Sydney , Koetje Bethany D. , Flanders James A. , Hemsley Shari A. , Farver Thomas B. , Gilmour Robert F. , Gelzer Anna R. M. , Kraus Marc S. , Otani Niels F.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To determine the type of atrial fibrillation induced by use of 2 pacing protocols during fentanyl and pentobarbital anesthesia before and after administration of atropine and to determine the organization of electrical activity in the left and right atria during atrial fibrillation in German Shepherd Dogs.

Animals—7 German Shepherd Dogs.

Procedures—Extrastimulus and pacedown protocols were performed before and after atropine administration. Monophasic action potential spectral entropy and mean dominant frequency were calculated during atrial fibrillation.

Results—Atrial fibrillation occurred spontaneously in 6 of 7 dogs. All 7 dogs had atrial fibrillation induced. Sustained atrial fibrillation occurred in 13 of 25 (52%) episodes induced by the extrastimulus protocol and in 2 of 12 episodes of atrial fibrillation induced by pacedown. After atropine administration, sustained atrial fibrillation did not occur, and the duration of the nonsustained atrial fibrillation (6 episodes in 2 dogs of 1 to 26 seconds) was significantly shorter than before atropine administration (25 episodes in 7 dogs of 1 to 474 seconds). The left atrium (3.67 ± 0.08) had lower spectral entropy than the right atrium (3.81 ± 0.03), indicating more electrical organization in the left atrium. The mean dominant frequency was higher in the left atrium in 3 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Atrial fibrillation developed spontaneously and was induced in German Shepherd Dogs under fentanyl and pentobarbital anesthesia. Electrical activity was more organized in the left atrium than in the right atrium as judged by use of spectral entropy.
Effects of body position and clinical signs on L7-S1 intervertebral foraminal area and lumbosacral angle in dogs with lumbosacral disease as measured via computed tomography
Authors: Jones Jeryl C. , Davies Sarah E. , Werre Stephen R. , Shackelford Kristen L.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To measure effects of dog position on L7-S1 intervertebral foraminal area and lumbosacral (LS) angle by means of computed tomography (CT) and determine whether changes in values between positions are associated with clinical signs in dogs with LS disease.

Animals—86 dogs examined via a positional CT protocol that included flexion and extension scans of L7-S1.

Procedures—Archived CT images and medical records were reviewed. Included dogs had good-quality flexion and extension CT scans of L7-S1 and no evidence of fractures, neoplasia, or previous LS surgery. One person who was unaware of CT findings recorded clinical status with regard to 3 signs of LS disease (right or left hind limb lameness and LS pain) at the time of CT evaluation. One person who was unaware of clinical findings measured L7-S1 foraminal areas and LS angles, with the aid of an image-analysis workstation and reformatted parasagittal planar CT images.

Results—Intraobserver variation for measurements of L7-S1 foraminal area ranged from 6.4% to 6.6%. Mean foraminal area and LS angle were significantly smaller when vertebral columns were extended versus flexed. Percentage positional change in L7-S1 foraminal area or LS angle was not significantly different among dogs with versus without each clinical sign. There was a significant correlation between percentage positional change in L7-S1 foraminal area and LS angle in dogs with versus without ipsilateral hind limb lameness and LS pain.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Positional CT is a feasible technique for quantifying dynamic changes in L7-S1 intervertebral foraminal morphology in dogs with LS disease.
In vitro susceptibility of Pythium insidiosum and a Lagenidium sp to itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, terbinafine, caspofungin, and mefenoxam
Authors: Brown Tina A. , Grooters Amy M. , Hosgood Giselle L.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To evaluate the radial growth assay for use in in vitro susceptibility testing of Pythium insidiosum and a Lagenidium sp and to assess susceptibility of representative isolates to itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, terbinafine, caspofungin, and mefenoxam.

Sample Population—6 isolates each of P insidiosum and Lagenidium sp.

Procedures—Isolates were plated in triplicate onto agar supplemented with antifungal compounds at concentrations of 0.025 to 8 μg/mL. Isolates on dimethyl sulfoxide– and water-supplemented agar served as control samples. Effect of antifungal concentration on colony diameter was assessed with a mixed linear model. Assay variability was assessed with the coefficient of variation.

Results—Colony growth was uniform (mean intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation were < 5%). Minimal inhibition was evident with voriconazole and posaconazole at 8 μg/mL. Terbinafine at 8 μg/mL significantly reduced growth of P insidiosum and at ≥ 1 μg/mL significantly reduced growth of the Lagenidium sp. Caspofungin and mefenoxam (concentrations ≥ 1 μg/mL and ≥ 0.025 μg/mL, respectively) significantly reduced growth of both pathogens. Mefenoxam at 0.1 μg/mL caused > 50% growth inhibition in 11 of 12 isolates and at 1 μg/mL caused > 90% inhibition in all isolates.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the radial growth assay was a simple, reproducible technique for susceptibility testing of P insidiosum and a Lagenidium sp. Azoles had limited activity, whereas terbinafine and caspofungin caused significant but minimal to moderate inhibition. Only mefenoxam had a profound effect on both pathogens at concentrations likely to be achievable in tissues.
Plasma acylcarnitine and fatty acid profiles during exercise and training in Standardbreds
Authors: Westermann Cornélie M. , Dorland Bert , de Sain-van der Velden Monique G. , Wijnberg Inge D. , van Breda Eric , de Graaf-Roelfsema Ellen , Keizer Hans A. , van der Kolk Johannes H.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To evaluate alterations in skeletal muscle carnitine metabolism during exercise and training by measuring changes in plasma acylcarnitine concentrations in Standardbreds.

Animals—10 Standardbred geldings with a mean ± SD age of 20 ± 2 months and weight of 384 ± 42 kg.

Procedures—In a 32-week longitudinal study, training on a treadmill was divided into 4 phases as follows: phase 1, acclimatization for 4 weeks; phase 2, 18 weeks with alternating endurance and high-intensity exercise training; phase 3, increased training volume and intensity for another 6 weeks; and phase 4, deconditioning for 4 weeks. In phase 3, horses were randomly assigned to 2 groups as follows: control horses (which continued training at the same level as in phase 2) and high-intensity exercise trained horses. At the end of each phase, a standardized exercise test (SET) was performed. Plasma acylcarnitine, fatty acids, and lactic acid and serum β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentrations were assessed before and at different time points after each SET.

Results—Plasma lactic acid, total nonesterified fatty acids, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid, and acetylcarnitine (C2-carnitine) concentrations significantly increased during SETs, whereas serum BHBA, plasma propionylcarnitine (C3-carnitine), and plasma butyryl- and isobutyrylcarnitine (C4-carnitine) concentrations decreased significantly, compared with those before SETs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Our findings indicated that the plasma acylcarnitine profile in horses likely reflects skeletal muscle carnitine metabolism following exercise, thereby providing a possible practical method to investigate potential disorders in carnitine metabolism in horses with myopathy.
Somatosensory evoked potentials and sensory nerve conduction velocities in the thoracic limb of mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Brenner Deena J. , Larsen R. Scott , Pascoe Peter J. , Wack Raymund F. , Williams D. Colette , Dickinson Peter J.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To develop a clinically applicable technique for recording cord dorsum potentials (CDPs) following stimulation of the radial and ulnar nerves and establish reference values for radial and ulnar sensory nerve conduction velocities (SNCVs) in the wings of ducks.

Animals—8 clinically normal adult female mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).

Procedures—Radial and ulnar compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) and CDPs were recorded following distal sensory nerve stimulation. The CDPs were recorded from the interarcuate space between the last cervical vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra. Surgical dissection and transection of the brachial plexus in 1 anesthetized duck were performed to identify nerve root location and confirm functional loss of nerve conduction assessed by loss of the CDP.

Results—Radial and ulnar CNAPs and CDPs were consistently recorded in all birds. Median radial SNCV was 38.3 m/s (range, 36.0 to 49.0 m/s), and ulnar SNCV was 35.3 m/s (range, 28.0 to 40.0 m/s). Surgical transection of the brachial plexus resulted in complete loss of the CDP.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Measurement of radial and ulnar SNCV or CDP is feasible in isoflurane-anesthetized mallard ducks. The CDP accurately reflects sensory nerve conduction through the brachial plexus. Assessment of brachial plexus function in mallard ducks via evaluations of SNCVs and CDPs may have application for diagnosis of traumatic injuries to the brachial plexus, evaluation of neuropathies associated with exposure to toxic chemicals, and assessment of the efficacy of interventions such as brachial plexus nerve blockade.
Application of the sodium dilution principle to calculate extracellular fluid volume changes in horses during dehydration and rehydration
Authors: Fielding C. Langdon , Magdesian K. Gary , Carlson Gary P. , Rhodes Diane M. , Ruby Rebecca E.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To apply the principle of sodium dilution to calculate the changes in the extracellular fluid (ECF) volume (ECFV) and intracellular fluid volume (ICFV) that occur during dehydration and rehydration in horses.

Animals—8 healthy horses of various breeds.

Procedures—Horses were dehydrated over 4 hours by withholding water and administering furosemide. Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution was administered IV during the next 2 hours (20 mL/kg/h; total 40 mL/kg). Horses were monitored for an additional hour following IV fluid administration. Initial ECFV was determined by use of multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, and serum sodium concentration was used to calculate total ECF sodium content. Sodium and fluid volume losses were monitored and calculated throughout the study and used to estimate changes in ECFV and ICFV during fluid balance alterations.

Results—Changes during dehydration and rehydration primarily occurred in the ECFV. The sodium dilution principle estimated an overexpansion of the ECFV beyond the volume of fluid administered, indicating a small contraction of the ICFV in response to fluid administration. Serum and urinary electrolyte changes were recorded and were consistent with those of previous reports.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The sodium dilution principle provided a simple method that can be used to estimate the changes in ECFV and ICFV that occur during fluid administration. Results suggested an overexpansion of the ECFV in response to IV saline solution administration. The sodium dilution principle requires further validation in healthy and clinically ill horses, which could provide clinical applications similar to those in other species.
Assessment of platelet growth factors in supernatants from rehydrated freeze-dried equine platelets and their effects on fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Tablin Fern , Walker Naomi J. , Hogle Sara E. , Pratt Suzanne M. , Norris Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To determine whether platelet growth factors are preserved in supernatants obtained from rehydrated trehalose-stabilized, freeze-dried (lyophilized) equine platelets and whether those growth factors stimulate fibroblast proliferation and migration and enhance fibroblast-associated contraction in a collagen gel assay.

Animals—6 clinically normal adult horses.

Procedures—Blood samples were obtained from 6 horses, and washed platelets were prepared via differential centrifugation. Washed platelets were freeze-dried in a physiologic buffer with a mixture of trehalose and polyethylene glycol 4000. Rehydrated platelet supernatants and releasates prepared from fresh washed platelets stimulated with thrombin or platelet-activating factor were evaluated for transforming growth factor β1 and platelet-derived growth factor-BB by use of ELISAs. Effects of rehydrated freeze-dried platelet supernatants on fibroblast proliferation, migration, and collagen gel contraction were compared with effects of 1%, 2.5%, or 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS).

Results—Supernatants from freeze-dried platelets contained similar amounts of growth factors as thrombin- and platelet-activating factor–stimulated platelet releasates. The supernatants significantly enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration in a scratch assay, compared with FBS-free control or low (1%) FBS conditions. Additionally, supernatants from freeze-dried platelets enhanced contraction of fibroblast-seeded collagen gels, compared with the effect of 1% FBS.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The preparation technique preserved platelet growth factors, enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration, and improved fibroblastseeded collagen gel contraction under conditions of low FBS concentration; these platelet supernatant preparations may prove useful as an aid to conventional wound management.