bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY: DETERMINANTS OF HOME OWNERSHIP AMONG GHANAIAN IMMIGRANTS IN TORONTO
Authors: OWUSU THOMAS Y.
Published: March 2008

Using information collected in a questionnaire survey, this study investigates the factors influencing the housing tenure of Ghanaian immigrants in Toronto. The study finds that Ghanaian immigrants have a low home‐ownership rate compared to the Canadian‐born population and other immigrant groups. This is partly attributable to the recency of their migration, their relatively low incomes, and their small household sizes. Analysis also shows that social and personal factors, notably the initial motives of the immigrants, their back‐home ties, their desire for home ownership back home, and their intention to return there permanently, are critical in shaping their decisions with respect to home ownership in Canada.

Dans cette étude, nous examinons, à l'aide d'un sondage, les facteurs portant sur les modes de logement des immigrants ghanéens à Toronto. Nous démontrons que les Ghanéens sont propriétaires de leurs logements moins souvent que ne le sont les personnes nées au Canada ou les membres d'autres groupes d'immigrants. Le sondage révèle que la taille inférieure des ménages, les faibles revenus, et les dates d'immigration récentes des immigrants ghanéens sont parmi les causes principales de ce phénomène. L'analyse démontre aussi que des éléments sociaux ou personnels, tels les raisons initiales de l'immigration, les liaisons avec le lieu d'origine, le désir d'être propriétaire dans le lieu d'origine et l'intention ou non des immigrants de retourner au Ghana, sont d'une importance fondamentale lorsque les immigrants ghanéens prennent une décision à l'égard de l'achat d'un logement.
CHARACTERISTICS AND MIGRATION EXPERIENCE OF AFRICANS IN CANADA WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO GHANAIANS IN GREATER TORONTO
Authors: KONADU‐AGYEMANG KWADWO
Published: March 2008

While the migration of Africans is an age‐old phenomenon, the most documented aspect has been rural‐urban migration. Better life chances in the urban areas, compared with the rural areas compel the young and energetic rural people to migrate to the cities even if their chances of finding decent jobs are slim. In recent times, however, deteriorating national socio‐economic and political conditions have made living conditions in African towns and cities as precarious as is in the countryside, and consequently the migrants' dream of better lives in the cities most often proves to be a mirage. These conditions and the increasing desire to make better lives for themselves have precipitated international migration among Africans. This paper argues that the unprecedented international migration among Africans should be seen as an extension of the rural‐urban migration in quest for better opportunities. A sample of 149 Ghanaian immigrants in the Greater Toronto area was surveyed through a questionnaire. It appears that for most of them, their arrival in Canada has completed a series of step‐wise moves which may have started from their home towns via the regional cities to the national capital and across the borders to a number of countries before arriving in Canada. The paper demonstrates, among other things, that stepwise migration characterizes the Ghanaian migration experience at both local and international levels.

Bien que la migration des Africains soit un phénomène ancien, l'aspect le plus documenté a été la migration rurale‐urbaine. Les meilleures chances de vie dans les régions urbaines, comparées avec régions rurales incitent les jeunes personnes énergiques des milieux ruraux à migrer aux villes, même s'il y a peu de chances que ces personnes trouvent des emplois de qualité. Ces dernières années, cependant, la dégradation des conditions socio‐économiques et politiques nationales ont rendu les conditions de vie de villages et des grandes villes africaines aussi précaires qu'à la campagne, et par conséquent, le rêve d'une meilleure vie s'avére, la plupart du temps, un mirage. Ces condiitions et le désir grandissant d'une vie meilleure ont accéléré la migration internationale chez les Africains. Cet article soutient que la migration internationale sans précédent chez les Africains devrait être vue comme un prolongement de la migration rurale‐urbaine en quête des meilleures chances. On a fait une enquête d'un échantillon de 149 immigrés Ghanéens dans la région de Toronto par questionnaire. II semble que, pour la plupart d'entre eux, leur arrivée au Canada ait terminé une série de mouvements graduels: de leurs villes natales via les villes régionales à la capitale nationale et, à travers les frontières, à beaucoup d'autres pays avant d'arriver au Canada. L'article démontre, entre autres choses, que la migration graduelle caractérise l'expérience au niveaux local et international.
Aboriginal people and Canadian geography: a review of the recent literature
Authors: PETERS EVELYN J.
Published: March 2008

A review of recent literature by Canadian geographers on Aboriginal people in this country suggests an increased focus on this important topic. This paper is organized by two main sections: the dispossession of Aboriginal peoples from their land and rights, and current attempts to contest and to redefine Aboriginal people's places in contemporary Canadian society. In both sections, I address representational strategies which transformed Aboriginal peoples and their lands conceptually, and the material transformations which accompanied them. I highlight evidence of Aboriginal people's responses wherever this material is available. Some remaining challenges to Canadian geographers are: integrating the research of people working as researchers for Aboriginal organizations, and institutions working with Aboriginal people into the academic milieu; including the voices of Aboriginal peoples in our research; and addressing under‐represented topics including urban Aboriginal peoples, reserve geographies, Métis peoples and Aboriginal women.

Une revue des travaux des géographes canadiens au sujet des Aborigènes de ce pays révèle que ce sujet d'étude important reçoit de plus en plus d'attention. Cet article est composé de deux sections principales: la thématique de la dépossession des terres et de la privation des droits des Aborigènes, et les tentatives actuelles de contestation et redéfinition de leur place dans la société canadienne contemporaine. Dans les deux sections, j'aborde les stratégies de représentation qui ont transformé les Aborigènes et leurs terres du point de vue conceptuel, ainsi que les transformations matérielles qui les ont accompagnées. j'attire l'attention sur la réaction des Aborigènes à chaque fois que cette information peut être vérifiée. Certains défis sont encore à relever par les géographes canadiens: intégrer, d'une part la recherche effectuée pour le compte d'organisations aborigènes et d'autre part les institutions oeuvrant de concert avec ces peuples, dans le milieu universitaire; inclure le point de vue des Aborigènes dans notre recherche; et s'attaquer à des sujets encore trop négligés, notamment les Aborigènes en milieu urbain, la géographie des réserves, les Métis et les femmes aborigènes.
Foreign direct investment: facts and perceptions about Canada
Authors: BURGESS BILL
Published: March 2008

Recently improved data on foreign direct economic control and foreign direct investment (FDI) are used to evaluate common perceptions of the degree of Canadian dependency. Including financial corporations in measures of foreign control yields rates of foreign control that are lower than those traditionally cited. Foreign and U.S. control in Canada declined in recent decades and only minor changes are evident since ‘free’ trade went into effect. Contrary to what is often assumed, Canada's rate of inward FDI is lower than in some advanced capitalist countries and its outward rate of FDI is higher than most G7 countries. The concentration of Canadian direct investment in the U.S. is similar to that many West European countries in the rest of Western Europe. The findings indicate that Canada is a ‘core’, not ‘dependent’ capitalist country.

De récemment données améliorées sur le contrôle direct des avoirs économiques et sur les investissements directs étrangers sont utilisées pour évaluer les perceptions du contrôle économique et le degré de la dépendance économique canadienne. Sont aussi analysées, les institutions financières en termes de leur contrôle domestique et étranger. II appert que le contrôle étranger est moins important que l'on croit. Les contrôles étrangers et états‐unien de l'économie canadienne sont en déclin aux cours des dernières années. L'influence du libre échange ne semble pas être significatif. Certes, le taux interne d'investissements directs étrangers est moindre que pour d'autres économies capitalistes avancées, mais le taux externe d'investissements directs étrangers est plus important que pour la plupart des économies du Groupe des Sept. La concentration des investissements directs canadiens aux États‐Unis est similaire aux concentrations de plusieurs économies de l'Europe de l'ouest au sein de l'Europe. Les analyses tendent à indiquer que le Canada est une économic capitaliste ‘centrale’ et non ‘périphérique’.
A diamond in the rough?: an examination of the issues surrounding the development of the Northwest Territories
Authors: DiFRANCESCO RICHARD J.
Published: March 2008

Over a period of approximately five decades, the federal government of Canada has transformed the predominantly nomadic hunting and gathering society of the Northwest Territories (NWT) to one which is based largely on wage and/or transfer income, and life in permanent communities. Several decades of planning for regional development and the expenditure of large sums of public monies have failed to give rise to a viable economic system in the region. This paper argues that the inefficacy of these past policy approaches stems at least partly from a failure to recognize explicitly the interrelationship between the economy of the region, its constitutional status and that of its Native population.

Au cours d'une période d'approximativement cinq décennies, le gouvernement fédéral du Canada a transformé la société principalement nomade de chasseurs et cueilleurs des Territoires du Nord ouest en une société d'une part basée sur le revenu salarié et/ou de transfert et d'autre part composée de communautées établies de façon permanente. Plusieurs décennies de planification en vue d'un développement régional ainsi que des dépenses importantes des deniers public n'ont pas réussi à mettre en place un système économique viable dans la région. Le présent article défend la thèse que l'inefficacité de ces anciennes politiques provient en partie à l'incapacitéà reconnaître explicitement les interrelations entre l'économie de la région, son statut constitutionel et sa population autochtone.
Urban impoverishment and multiple modes of livelihood in Ghana
Authors: OWUSU FRANCIS
Published: March 2008

Many African countries experienced economic crisis in the 1970s and are currently restructuring their economies under the tutelage of the World Bank and the IMF. The restructuring process has had pervasive effects on the livelihood strategies of many people, as their established means of income generation have been disrupted. While survival of the urban poor has been studied, little is known of strategies of other social groups. Using Ghana as a case study, I argue that although urban poverty predates the implementation of structural adjustment program (SAP), the policies have created a favorable environment for the intensification of multiple livelihood strategies among of salaried employees. The paper finds that multiple livelihood strategies are practiced by a large number of salaried employees, but their involvement depends on many factors, including individual, family and household characteristics; access to capital and resources; opportunities offered by the urban economy; and the nature of formal employment.
The creative destruction of Niagara‐on‐the‐Lake
Authors: MITCHELL CLARE J. A. , ATKINSON R. GREG , CLARK ANDREW
Published: March 2008

Heritage shopping villages are becoming increasingly commonplace in rural North America. Their creation reflects the demands of post‐modern consumers to purchase symbolic capital in the form of unique products and experiences reflecting a bygone era. Entrepreneurs have responded to this by commodifying heritage and tradition; a process that leads to the creation of new landscapes and a perceived destruction of the old. This transformation has been described in the model of creative destruction (Mitchell 1998). In this paper the model is applied to Old Niagara‐on‐the‐Lake, a heritage shopping village located in southern Ontario, Canada. Data on functional change, visitor numbers and residents' attitudes are analysed for the period 1950–1998. It is concluded that historic Niagara‐on‐the‐Lake is in the early stages of ‘advanced destruction’; one characterized by major investment, large numbers of visitors and partial destruction of the rural idyll. Results of this analysis confirm that while the basic premise of the model is sound, modifications are required to accommodate some of the study's findings.
Canadian foreign direct investment in the United States by type: mergers and acquisitions, greenfield, real estate, joint ventures and investment increases
Authors: MEYER STEPHEN P.
Published: March 2008

This paper provides an overview of Canadian foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States by type. Mergers and acquisitions (M&As), greenfield investments, joint ventures, real estate purchases and increases to existing investments are compared spatially, through time (using a data set that consists of transactions from 1977 to 1994) and by industrial classification. Over this study's time‐frame, direct investors from Canada were most likely to perform a real estate or M&A transaction in the United States (and least likely to be involved in a joint venture). The most consequential years for real estate purchases were the 1970s and early 1980s; whereas M&A and greenfield transactions have gained in proportionate importance through time. M&As, greenfield and investment increases were most often enumerated as manufacturing transactions, but mining and consumer and business services were also very common. A series of bivariate regression models established that growing state economies significantly increased M&A, real estate, greenfield and investment increase activity from Canada. Relative regional specializations (as given by location quotients) provided additional spatial information. M&As formed a pattern of specialization that emphasized the Great Lakes region and also the central portion of the US (roughly following the Mississippi River). Greenfield and investment increase transactions favoured states along the east coast and those adjacent to the Canada‐US border. Real estate investors were most attracted to the US south and extreme west.
Native ‘land claims’, Russian style
Authors: FONDAHL GAIL , LAZEBNIK OLGA , POELZER GREG , ROBBEK VASILY
Published: March 2008

In Russia, as in Canada, Native peoples are attempting to gain greater control over their homelands. In the last decade, legislation at both the federal and sub‐federal (provincial, republican, etc.) level has sanctioned the transfer of land to Native ‘possession’, though not ownership, for the pursuit of traditional activities. This paper surveys the legislative basis that authorizes the creation of Native ‘communes’ (obshchinas) and their territorialization. After examining how the process works in theory, it examines the paths taken, and obstacles met, in establishing obshchinas in three Native communities in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia).
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia mimicking small round cell tumor with novel t(1;5)(q21;p13). Case report
Authors: BOZKURT SUHEYLA UYAR , BERRAK SU GULSUN , TUGTEPE HALIL , CANPOLAT CENGIZ , PALANDUZ SUKRU , TECIMER TULAY
Published: March 2008

Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia is a relatively rare form of acute leukemia that has heterogeneous blast morphology and karyotypic abnormalities. An 8‐month‐old boy with a retroperitoneal mass was diagnosed as having acute megakaryoblastic leukemia that initially presented as small round cell tumor of childhood. Bone marrow aspiration showed syncytial groups of atypical medium sized cells with scant cytoplasm and fine nuclear chromatin. Retroperitoneal mass biopsy showed several lymph nodes with cohesive clusters of neoplastic cells that demonstrated expression of Factor VIII. Flow cytometric analysis of the second bone marrow aspiration showed CD 61 positivity. Karyotypic analysis of bone marrow cells showed a novel translocation, (1;5)(q21;p13).
Hypoechoic thyroid nodules on ultrasound 4 years after prenatal exposure to radioiodine: resolution with thyroxine therapy
Authors: Perry Rebecca J , Ainine Ahmad , Butler Sandra , Donaldson Malcolm DC
Published: March 2008

We describe an infant inadvertently exposed to radioiodine at 17 weeks gestation. His mother had received 400 MBq of 131I for hyperthyroidism (total T4 178 nmol/L, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) <0.1 mU/L, 4‐h 131I uptake 16%). Following cordocentesis at 27 weeks (free T4 12.7 pmol/L, TSH 35.4 mU/L) intra‐amniotic thyroxine was withheld and a male infant was born at 39 weeks gestation, birthweight 3520 g. Cord TSH was low (0.1 mU/L), total T4 151 nmol/L on day 4, the mother having received no medication during pregnancy. Postnatal follow‐up showed mild TSH elevation (11.0–19.4 mU/L) but normal free T4 (9–12.7 pmol/L) during the first 2 years of life following which the child was discharged still untreated. On recall at 4.3 years, TSH elevation persisted (15.4 mU/L) and ultrasound showed several hypoechoic thyroid nodules within the left lobe that disappeared after thyroxine treatment.

Conclusion: In the event of inadvertent exposure to radioiodine in utero, the infant should receive thyroxine therapy from birth in order to protect the thyroid gland from TSH over‐stimulation, however mild.
Translating Best Practices in Assessing Capillary Refill
Authors: Dufault Marlene , Davis Barbara , Garman Dorothy , Hehl Rose , Henry Jeanne , Lavin Mary , Barnes‐Mullaney JoAnn , Stout Patricia
Published: March 2008

Purpose: A research roundtable was held in an urban community hospital in the United States to determine the strength, usefulness, and feasibility of empirical and clinical evidence evaluated in a systematic review assessing capillary refill.

Approach: The roundtable was undertaken to provide an additional dimension for the development of a best‐practice guideline. Current practices and policies in this acute care hospital were examined concerning the strength of the evidence.

Conclusions and Recommendations: Isolated performance of capillary refill assessment is of limited value and no nursing interventions rely solely on this measure. Future research should be directed toward evaluation and comparative analyses of alternate methods of evaluating peripheral perfusion.
Erectile Dysfunction and Dyslipidemia: Relevance and Role of Phosphodiesterase Type-5 Inhibitors and Statins
Authors: Miner Martin , Billups Kevin L.
Published: March 2008

Introduction

There is a close link between hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia and erectile dysfunction (ED), with endothelial dysfunction as a common mechanism. Both ED and hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia are rising in prevalence with mounting evidence that these conditions are harbingers of cardiovascular disease.

Aim

This review was conducted to provide an update on the epidemiology and oral therapy of both dyslipidemia and ED, the connection between these two conditions, and clinical outcomes relating to the use of statins and phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in men with ED who have associated dyslipidemia.

Methods

A systematic search was performed of MEDLINE and EMBASE research databases to obtain articles pertaining to the epidemiology, mechanism, and clinical outcomes of statins and PDE5 inhibitors in men with ED and associated dyslipidemia.

Main Outcome Measures

The clinical and preclinical studies related to ED and dyslipidemia are analyzed and their findings are assessed and summarized.

Results

Hyperlipidemia/Dyslipidemia constitute a vascular risk factor having a considerable impact on erectile function. Furthermore, the role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of both ED and dyslipidemia is paramount suggesting the importance of comanaging these conditions. Therefore, hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia when present in patients with ED should prompt management with diet/exercise as well as appropriate pharmacotherapy. With ED being often associated with comorbidities, the use of concomitant pharmacotherapies enhances opportunities for managing the overall global cardiometabolic risk. Newer studies assessing the effect of PDE5 inhibitors in men with dyslipidemia will shed more light on the clinical profile of these agents when used in this patient population.

Conclusions

While dyslipidemia and ED are important concerns for clinicians, there exists a gap that needs to be closed between the number of individuals who have either or both conditions and those who are receiving appropriate therapy based on evidence and patient-driven goals regarding clinical outcomes.
An Exemplar of the Use of NNN Language in Developing Evidence‐Based Practice Guidelines
Authors: Kautz Donald D. , Van Horn Elizabeth R.
Published: March 2008

PURPOSE.  To explore the use of standardized language, NNN, in the development of evidence‐based practice (EBP).

DATA SOURCES.  Published research and texts on family interventions, nursing diagnoses (NANDA‐I), nursing interventions (NIC), and nursing outcomes (NOC).

DATA ANALYSIS.  Research literature was summarized and synthesized to determine levels of evidence for the NIC intervention Family Integrity Promotion.

CONCLUSIONS.  The authors advocate that a “standards of practice” category of levels of evidence be adopted for interventions not amenable to randomized controlled trials or for which a body of research has not been developed. Priorities for nursing family intervention research are identified.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.  The use of NANDA‐I nursing diagnoses, NIC interventions, and NOC outcomes (NNN language) as research frameworks will facilitate the development of EBP guidelines and the use of appropriate outcome measures.
The ‘DODO’ survey — I. Limits on ultra-cool substellar and planetary-mass companions to van Maanen's star (vMa 2)
Authors: Burleigh M. R. , Clarke F. J. , Hogan E. , Brinkworth C. S. , Bergeron P. , Dufour P. , Dobbie P. D. , Levan A. J. , Hodgkin S. T. , Hoard D. W. , Wachter S.
Published: March 2008

We report limits in the planetary-mass regime for companions around the nearest single white dwarf to the Sun, van Maanen's star (vMa 2), from deep J-band imaging with Gemini North and Spitzer Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) mid-IR photometry. We find no resolved common proper motion companions to vMa 2 at separations from 3 to 45 arcsec, at a limiting magnitude of J≈ 23. Assuming a total age for the system of 4.1 ± 1 Gyr, and utilizing the latest evolutionary models for substellar objects, this limit is equivalent to companion masses >7 ± 1 MJup(Teff≈ 300 K). Taking into account the likely orbital evolution of very low mass companions in the post-main-sequence phase, these J-band observations effectively survey orbits around the white dwarf progenitor from 3 to 50 au. There is no flux excess detected in any of the complimentary Spitzer IRAC mid-IR filters. We fit a white dwarf model atmosphere to the optical BVRI, JHK and IRAC photometry. The best solution gives Teff= 6030 ± 240 K, log g= 8.10 ± 0.04 and, hence, M= 0.633 ± 0.022 M⊙. We then place a 3σ upper limit of 10 ± 2 MJup on the mass of any unresolved companion in the 4.5 μm band.
Construction of Exact Simultaneous Confidence Bands for a Simple Linear Regression Model
Authors: Liu Wei , Lin Shan , Piegorsch Walter W.
Published: March 2008

A simultaneous confidence band provides a variety of inferences on the unknown components of a regression model. There are several recent papers using confidence bands for various inferential purposes; see for example, Sun et al. (1999), Spurrier (1999), Al‐Saidy et al. (2003), Liu et al. (2004), Bhargava & Spurrier (2004), Piegorsch et al. (2005) and Liu et al. (2007). Construction of simultaneous confidence bands for a simple linear regression model has a rich history, going back to the work of Working & Hotelling (1929). The purpose of this article is to consolidate the disparate modern literature on simultaneous confidence bands in linear regression, and to provide expressions for the construction of exact 1 −α level simultaneous confidence bands for a simple linear regression model of either one‐sided or two‐sided form. We center attention on the three most recognized shapes: hyperbolic, two‐segment, and three‐segment (which is also referred to as a trapezoidal shape and includes a constant‐width band as a special case). Some of these expressions have already appeared in the statistics literature, and some are newly derived in this article. The derivations typically involve a standard bivariate t random vector and its polar coordinate transformation.
Administrative law reform: legal versus political controls on administrative discretion
Authors: Thomas Paul G.
Published: March 2008

Independent Administrative Agencies. Law Refonn Commission of Canada, Working Paper No. 25. Ottawa, 1980.
Inducible nitric oxide mediates systemic microvascular leak following acid aspiration and mechanical ventilation
Authors: Choi Won‐Il , Quinn Deborah A , Kwon Kun Young , Park Kwon Moo , Seo Jeong Wook , Syrkina Olga , Ochoa Cristhiaan D , Bonventre Joseph V , Hales Charles A
Published: March 2008

Background and aims: The systemic effects associated with mechanical ventilation of lungs injured by hydrochloric acid (HCl) aspiration are unexplored. We hypothesize that low dose acid aspiration will predispose the lung and the kidney to damage from large tidal volumes through activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Materials and methods: Hydrochloric acid (HCl; pH 1.25, 1 mL/kg), or an equal amount of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), were inserted into the trachea of rats immediately prior to mechanical ventilation. Rats were then ventilated with room air at 85 breaths per minute for 2 hours, either with a tidal volume (VT) of 7 mL/kg or 14 mL/kg (VT7, VT14) and zero end expiratory pressure. Kidney microvascular leak, which was assessed by measuring urine protein over 24 hours and by Evans blue dye (EBD) technique, was used as an indicator of systemic microvascular leak. Results: A significant microvascular leak occurred in both lung and kidney exposed to VT14 with HCl compared to those exposed to either VT7 with HCl or the NaCl control group. iNOS activity was significantly increased in the lung and the kidney tissue in VT14 with acid aspiration. The relatively selective iNOS inhibitor, l‐N6‐(1‐iminoethyl)lysine (l‐NIL), attenuated the EBD microvascular leak in lung and kidney and the proteinuria in the VT14 with acid aspiration group. Conclusion: iNOS may have mediated the systemic microvascular leak in the present model.
Idiopathic Localized Eosinophilic Synovitis in a Cat
Authors: Silverstein Deborah C. , Almy Frederick S. , Zinkl Joseph G. , Christopher Mary M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: A 4‐year‐old male castrated Seal Point Himalayan cat was presented for evaluation of right thoracic limb lameness of 6 weeks duration. Synovial fluid analysis of the swollen right carpal joint revealed a mixed cell synovitis, with a total nucleated cell count of 13,200/μL and 34% eosinophils. A diagnosis of idiopathic localized eosinophilic arthritis was made. Additional clinical and diagnostic findings included mild lym‐phadenopathy with lymphoid hyperplasia and an antinuclear antibody titer of 1:320. Lack of multisystem involvement made systemic lupus erythematosis unlikely. Immunosuppressive therapy with oral prednisone alleviated the lameness. Eosinophilic synovitis has not previously been reported in cats. An immune‐mediated mechanism was likely in this case; however, the exact etiology remains unknown.
Plasma Biochemistry Reference Values of Wild Bonnethead Sharks, Sphyrna tiburo
Authors: Harms Craig , Ross Trisha , Segars Al
Published: March 2008

Background — Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) are of commercial, sport, research, and exhibit importance, however, blood chemistry reference values have been determined for few of these species.

Objectives — The purpose of this study was to establish plasma biochemistry and PCV reference values for wild bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo).

Methods — Heparinized blood samples were collected from 24 bonnethead sharks at the time of capture in trawl nets off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. Weight, length, PCV, total solids (TS, by refractometry), and plasma biochemical analyses were done using standard techniques. Wilcoxon rank‐sum and Kendall tau b tests were used to compare values by animal size, boat and sex; 1–way ANOVA was used to compare TS and total protein (TP) concentrations.

Results — Median (quartiles; minimum‐maximum) values were as follows: PCV 22% (22%, 26%; 17–28%), TS 6.3 (6.0, 6.8; 5.8–7.5) g/dL, total protein 2.9 (2.7,3.4; 2.2–4.3) g/dL, albumin 0.4 (0.4,0.4; 0.3–0.5) g/dL, globulins 2.6 (2.3,3.0; 1.9–3.8) g/dL, sodium 282 (279, 285; 273–292) mmol/L, potassium 7.3 (6.4, 7.9; 5.7–9.2) mmol/L, chloride 290 (285, 296; 277–304) mmol/L, total CO2 3 (2, 4; 0–5) mmol/L, calcium 16.8 (16.2,17.4; 15.8–18.2) mg/dL, phosphorus 8.8 (7.5,10.0; 5.9–12.7) mg/dL, urea nitrogen 1004 (986, 1028; 944–1068) mg/dL, creatinine <0.1 mg/dL, glucose 184 (165, 191; 155–218) mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase 42 (33, 66; 15–132) U/L, lactate dehydrogenase <5 U/L, creatine kinase 82 (47, 233; 18–725) U/L, and osmolality 1094 (1078,1111; 1056–1139) mOsm/kg. No differences based on sex were detected. TS and total TP values were related by the fitted line TS = (1.006 × TP) + 3.318.

Conclusions — Values reported here will be useful for evaluating the health status of bonnetheads in wild and captive research conditions and in exhibits.
Paratracheal Cervical Mass in a Dog
Authors: Bertazzolo Walter , Giudice Chiara , Dell'Orco Marta , Caniatti Mario
Published: March 2008

A 14‐year‐old female Welsh Terrier was presented for evaluation of multiple skin masses. Two of them were diagnosed as a follicular (epidermal) cyst and a sebaceous epithelioma by cytology and histopathology. The third mass was located in the subcutis adjacent to the cervical trachea. Clinical findings, thoracic radiography, and laboratory results were otherwise unremarkable. Cytologically, the cervical mass was characterized by the presence of round to polygonal cells with distinct cell borders, mild to moderate anisocytosis, round to oval eccentric nuclei with prominent nucleoli, and a variable amount of finely granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm. Differential diagnoses included endocrine/neuroendocrine tumors such as thyroid adenocarcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, carotid body chemodectoma, and parathyroid carcinoma. The mass was removed surgically and submitted for histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination. Histologically, the mass was composed of rows and nests of densely packed cells separated by thin fibrovascular stroma. Neoplastic cells had moderate to large amounts of pale eosinophilic dusty or finely vacuolated cytoplasm and round to oval nuclei with finely dispersed chromatin and 1 or 2 small nucleoli. On immunohistochemistry, neoplastic cells were positive for chromogranin A, calcitonin, and neuron‐specific enolase, and were negative for cytokeratin and thyroglobulin. The final diagnosis was medullary thyroid carcinoma, an uncommon endocrine tumor of dogs that has cytologic and histopathologic features similar to other endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors. Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry should be performed to differentiate medullary thyroid carcinoma from other endocrine/neuroendocrine tumors of dogs.
Dermal Mass Aspirate from a Persian Cat
Authors: Zimmerman Kurt , Feldman Bernard , Robertson John , Herring Erin S. , Manning Thomas
Published: March 2008

A 1‐year‐old spayed female Persian cat with alopecia and weight loss had numerous variably ulcerated dermal nodules. Cytologic examination of an aspirate of one of the nodules revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation along with septate hyphae and basophilic round bodies, 0.5–1.0 μm in diameter, surrounded by a thin clear halo (arthrospores). The cytologic diagnosis was dermatophytic pseudomycetoma. Histologically, there were dermal granulomas containing poorly staining, septate hyphae with bulbous spores embedded within abundant amorphous eosinophilic material (Splendore‐Hoeppli reaction), and the histologic diagnosis was pseudomycetoma‐associated chronic multifocal severe granulomatous dermatitis with lymphocytic perifolliculitis and furunculosis.Microsporum caniswas cultured from the lesion. Pseudomycetomas are distinguished from fungal mycetomas, or eumycotic mycetomas, by the findings of multiple lesions, lack of a history of skin trauma, an association with dermatophytes, most commonlyMicrosporum canis, and, histologically, lack of true cement material and a more abundant Splendore‐Hoeppli reaction in pseudomycetomas. Additionally, pseudomycetomas differ from dermatophytosis, in which lesions are restricted to epidermal structures. Persian cats have a high incidence of pseudomycetoma formation, suggesting a heritable predisposition. The prognosis is fair with systemic antifungal therapy. When examining cytologic specimens from Persian cats with single or multiple dermal nodules, especially if pyogranulomatous inflammation is present, a diagnosis of pseudomycetoma should be suspected and is warranted if arthrospores and refractile septate hyphae are present.
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia with erythrophagocytosis and thrombosis in a dog
Authors: Ledieu David , Palazzi Xavier , Marchal Thierry , Fournel‐Fleury Corinne
Published: March 2008

AbstractA 7‐year‐old, intact male Dachshund was presented to the Lyon veterinary school for lethargy and anorexia of several weeks duration. The main clinical signs were pale and icteric mucous membranes, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Results of a CBC and plasma biochemistry tests revealed severe nonregenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, and increased alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities. Blood smear evaluation and cytologic examination of lymph node and bone marrow aspirate specimens revealed a large population of poorly differentiated blast cells with morphologic features suggesting megakaryocytic lineage. A low number of well‐differentiated but dysplastic megakaryocytes also were observed in lymph node and bone marrow smears. A few blast cells were erythrophagocytic. Blast cells were positive for glycoprotein IIIa, factor VIII‐related antigen, and factor XIII using immunocytochemistry. The dog was euthanized and necropsied. Histologic findings consisted of diffuse, massive infiltration of lymph nodes, liver, and spleen by megakaryoblasts and atypical megakaryocytes, with widespread thrombosis. This case confirms the usefulness of immunochemistry, including for factor XIII, in the diagnosis of megakaryoblastic leukemia, and demonstrates the unique features of tumor cell erythrophagocytosis and marked fibrinous thrombosis, which have not been reported previously in dogs.
Usefulness of Ki‐67 proliferation marker in the cytologic identification of liver tumors in dogs
Authors: Neumann, Stephan , Kaup Franz‐Josef
Published: March 2008

Background: Performing a biopsy is currently the best method of diagnosing liver disease. To reduce possible risk factors resulting from a biopsy, liver cytology can provide an alternative technique. The diagnostic accuracy of cytology for identifying liver tumors is, however, limited. The results of cytology might be improved by using immunochemistry for Ki‐67, a proliferation marker, on liver cytology specimens. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of Ki‐67 immunochemistry on liver cytologic specimens from dogs for identifying neoplastic diseases of the liver, by comparing the results to histologic findings. Methods: Liver biopsy and cytology samples were obtained from 30 dogs with hepatic disease. All samples were evaluated by an anatomic pathologist and a cytopathologist. Parallel Ki‐67 immunochemistry of histologic and cytologic samples was performed. The gradation of Ki‐67 expression in histologic and cytologic samples was assessed. Results: Cytologic specimens of liver tumors (n = 9) showed >50% Ki‐67–positive cells. Twenty of 21 cases of non‐neoplastic liver disease had no or few single Ki‐67–positive cells. Using Ki‐67, the diagnostic accuracy of cytologic evaluation was increased from 78% to 100% for malignant neoplasia. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the cytologic evaluation of liver together with Ki‐67 immunochemistry can improve the diagnostic accuracy of cytology for liver neoplasia.
Conjunctival swab cytology from a guinea pig: it's elementary!
Authors: Strik, Nicole I. , Alleman, A. Rick , Wellehan James F. X.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Three 3‐month‐old guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) were evaluated for purulent ocular discharge. Conjunctival swabs were obtained for cytologic evaluation of Wright's‐Giemsa–stained preparations. The specimen from the most severely affected guinea pig consisted primarily of karyolytic neutrophils and small lymphocytes. Epithelial cells occasionally were observed that contained intracytoplasmic coccoid basophilic organisms, 0.5–1.5 μm in diameter. The intraepithelial inclusions were most consistent with Chlamydia sp elementary and reticulate bodies. Specimens from the other 2 guinea pigs had a similar inflammatory response, but organisms were not observed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of a conjunctival swab from the most severely affected guinea pig was positive for C psittaci, which also is referred to as Chlamydophila caviae, immunotype 8, formerly known as the guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis strain of C psittaci. Chlamydial conjunctivitis is a common problem in guinea pig populations, with C caviae being specific for this species. Cytologic identification of elementary or reticulate bodies within epithelial cells is diagnostic for the organism in Giemsa‐stained preparations. However, PCR is an important complementary tool when organisms are not observed and for accurate classification of the Chlamydia species.
Thyroid follicular adenocarcinoma in a ferret
Authors: Wills Tamara B. , Bohn Andrea A. , Finch Nickol P. , Harris Seth P. , Caplazi Patrick
Published: March 2008

AbstractA 5‐year‐old male castrated ferret was presented to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine for evaluation of progressive hair loss and a large, rapidly growing ventral neck mass. The patient had been diagnosed previously with an insulinoma, which was managed medically. Fine‐needle aspirates of the neck mass were performed. The cytologic results were most consistent with epithelial neoplasia, likely a carcinoma; thyroid origin was considered likely based on tumor location and cell morphology. The tumor grew rapidly, and the owners elected euthanasia 1 week after examination. At necropsy, a circumscribed, ovoid mass disrupted the right cervical musculature next to the right lobe of the thyroid gland. Histopathologic evaluation revealed an infiltrative mass consisting of cuboidal cells arranged in solid sheets and irregular follicles enclosing colloid. The cells were large, with prominent nucleoli, and had a high mitotic rate. The histopathologic diagnosis was consistent with thyroid follicular adenocarcinoma. Immunochemical findings confirmed thyroglobulin production by neoplastic cells, but to a lesser extent than in normal ferret thyroid tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first case of thyroid follicular adenocarcinoma to be reported in a ferret, with only 1 other case of thyroid carcinoma, a C‐cell carcinoma, described previously.
Identification of acute myeloid leukemia in dogs using flow cytometry with myeloperoxidase, MAC387, and a canine neutrophil‐specific antibody
Authors: Villiers Elizabeth , Baines Stephen , Law Anne‐Marie , Mallows Victoria
Published: March 2008

Background: Flow cytometry may be used to determine immunophenotype or lineage of leukemic cells, but few antibodies are available that are specific for cells of monocytic and granulocytic lineage. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flow cytometric staining patterns of 3 commercial monoclonal antibodies for monocytes and granulocytes in clinically healthy dogs and in dogs with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods: Mouse antihuman macrophage antibody (MAC387), mouse anti‐human myeloperoxidase (MPO), and a canine neutrophil–specific antibody (NSA) were evaluated using flow cytometry on blood from 6 clinically healthy control dogs, and on blood (n = 7) and/or bone marrow (n = 2) from 8 dogs with AML. A diagnosis of acute leukemia was confirmed by >30% blasts in bone marrow or >30% blasts in peripheral blood, together with bi‐ or pancytopenia, circulating CD34‐positive blast cells, and clinical signs of disease. Leukemic samples also were evaluated using a wide panel of monoclonal antibodies. Results: MAC387 stained neutrophils and monocytes from control dogs, although the staining profiles for the 2 cell types differed. MPO and NSA resulted in strong positive staining of neutrophils; MPO also stained monocytes weakly. Lymphocytes did not stain with any of the antibodies. One case was classified as AML of granulocytic lineage (AML‐M1), 6 cases were classified as acute monocytic leukemia (AML‐M5), and 1 case was classified as acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AML‐M4). Neoplastic myeloblasts in the dog with granulocytic AML were positive for MPO, NSA, MAC387, and CD4. All monoblasts from the dogs with AML‐M5 were positive for CD14, 5 of 6 were positive for MAC387, and 2 were positive for MPO. NSA staining was negative in the 2 dogs with AML‐M5 in which it was evaluated. In the dog with AML‐M4 variable percentages of blast cells were positive for CD14, MPO, MAC387, CD4, and NSA. Conclusions: Antigens identified by antibodies to MAC387, MPO, and NSA were expressed not just by normal mature neutrophils and monocytes, but also by neoplastic myeloblasts and monoblasts. These 3 antibodies may be useful as part of a wider panel for immunophenotyping AML in dogs.
Cytochemical detection of calcium in a case of calcinosis circumscripta in a dog
Authors: Marcos, R. , Santos, M. , Oliveira, J. , Vieira, M. J. , Vieira, A. L. , Rocha E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract A 9‐month‐old intact female Serra‐da‐Estrela dog (giant Portuguese breed) was presented with a 2‐month history of lingual lesions. Two hard, nodular, nonpainful lesions were observed on the lateral border of the tongue. Fine‐needle aspiration yielded a chalky white material. Hemacolor–stained smears showed an amorphous granular basophilic background with crystal‐like structures and granulomatous inflammation consisting of foamy macrophages and giant cells. Cytochemical staining with von Kossa and Alizarin red S confirmed the calcareous nature of the material. The cytologic diagnosis was lingual calcinosis circumscripta; this was later confirmed by histopathologic examination. To our knowledge, this case is the first to document the use of von Kossa and Alizarin red S on cytologic smears to obtain a definitive diagnosis of lingual calcinosis circumscripta.
Intra‐abdominal mass aspirate from an alopecic dog
Authors: Brazzell, Jennifer L. , Borjesson Dori L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract An 11‐year‐old female Yorkshire terrier was presented to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center for evaluation of a palpable intra‐abdominal mass and alopecia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large, complex, cavitary mass in the left caudal region of the abdomen. A fine needle aspirate of the mass was collected. A population of markedly pleomorphic, large, round to polygonal cells were found singly and in small noncohesive aggregates. The cells contained scant, clear to blue‐gray cytoplasm, large, round to oval nuclei, and distinctly stippled to reticular chromatin. Cytologic findings were consistent with a tumor of ovarian origin, with a primary differential diagnosis of germ cell tumor. Hormonal analysis of serum revealed a marked increase in 14‐OH‐progesterone concentration (2.71 ng/mL, reference interval 0.05–0.69 ng/mL). Ovariohysterectomy was performed, and the mass was found to be in the area of the left ovary. Histologic evaluation of the reproductive tract confirmed a diagnosis of left ovarian dysgerminoma. Based on immunohistochemical stains, the tumor was negative for c‐kit (CD117c) and single cells were positive for neuron‐specific enolase. A right ovarian cyst and squamous metaplasia of the right uterine horn also were diagnosed. The cyst was presumed to be the source of 14‐OH‐progesterone, which likely resulted in the squamous metaplasia and dermatopathy. Three months after surgery, the progesterone concentration had returned to normal and the alopecia had nearly resolved. Dysgerminomas in dogs are reported rarely, but have a distinctive, recognizable, cytologic appearance and should be included in the differential diagnosis of an intra‐abdominal mass in a reproductively intact female dog.
Cytologic diagnosis of generalized cutaneous sporotrichosis in a hunting hound
Authors: Bernstein Joseph A. , Cook Heather E. , Gill Amy F. , Ryan Kirk A. , Sirninger Jeffrey
Published: March 2008

Abstract A 1‐year old male Foxhound/Walker Hound mix was presented to the small animal internal medicine service at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine with a 6‐week history of progressive, multifocal, ulcerative and draining, well‐circumscribed lesions in a generalized distribution. Prior to referral, a presumptive diagnosis was made of sterile pyogranulomatous disease; immunosuppressive therapy was instituted but resulted in clinical deterioration. At presentation, the dog had marked neutropenia (1100 neutrophils/μL), and a mild toxic left shift (400 bands/μL). Cytologic findings in the exudate from a draining skin lesion included high numbers of markedly degenerate neutrophils (about 95% of nucleated cells) as well as low numbers of macrophages, small mature lymphocytes, and eosinophils (Figure 2). Low numbers of intracellular (within neutrophils and macrophages) and extracellular, pleomorphic, cigar‐to‐ovoid shaped organisms (∼3 × 9 μm) consistent with Sporothrix were observed. Histopathologic examination of a skin biopsy showed marked, chronic, active, ulcerative, pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis, with intralesional yeast consistent with Sporothrix sp. The etiologic agent was confirmed as Sporothrix schenckii by macerated tissue fungal culture. The patient was treated with itraconazole, enrofloxacin, and clindamycin, with clinical resolution occurring over a 3–month period. This case is a rare example of the cytologic diagnosis of Sporothrix schenckii in a canine patient. Diagnosis of canine sporotrichosis is often challenging and usually requires tissue culture, as infected dogs typically harbor very few organisms. The patient's prior immunosuppressive therapy likely contributed to higher numbers of organisms in exudates from the cutaneous lesions, facilitating cytologic diagnosis.

Figure 2. Cytologic preparation of draining exudate from a cutaneous lesion, with marked pyogranulomatous inflammation, Sporothrix organisms, and bacterial cocci. Wright's.

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