bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Humoral Immune Responses in the Horse after Intrathecal Challenge with Ovalbumin
Authors: Furr Martin 
Published: March 2010

Background: Diagnosis of neuro‐inflammatory conditions in the horse can be challenging. Current methods include evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for inflammation and determination of specific antibody status. The antibody index (AI) and Goldman‐Witmer coefficient (C‐value) can be used to aid in the interpretation. Hypothesis: The null hypothesis to be tested was that the AI and C‐values do not change in horses with neuro‐inflammation. Animals: Twelve horses of various ages (3–17 years) and breeds (Thoroughbred, Thoroughbred cross, draft, and Arabian) were included in the study. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective randomized study. All horses were immunized with ovalbumin in adjuvant, twice. Horses of Group 1 then were challenged by intrathecal (IT) injection of ovalbumin, whereas horses of Group 2 were challenged IM. The AI and C‐values for ovalbumin and equine herpesvirus were calculated. Results: The AI for ovalbumin increased up to 5.92 in horses after intrathecal challenge, and remained normal (<1) in horses challenged IM. The C‐value for ovalbumin reached a peak of 7.48, whereas for equine herpesvirus it achieved a value of 2.69. The changes in ovalbumin C‐value and AI were significantly different between days 20 and 30 in horses after intrathecal challenge at day 20 (P= .002 and .0005, respectively). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The results confirm the value of the AI and C‐value in the evaluation of neuro‐inflammation in the horse.
Use of Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for the Diagnosis of Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity and Measurement of Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Horses
Authors: Riley Christopher B. , McClure J.T. , Low‐Ying Sarah , Shaw R. Anthony 
Published: March 2010

Background: The economic, accurate, and rapid screening of foals for failure of transfer of passive immunity (FPT) is essential to ensure timely intervention.Hypothesis: Infrared (IR) spectroscopy of foal sera and pattern recognition may be used to diagnose FPT and quantify serum IgG.Samples: Sera from 194 foals (24–72 hours) with serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations determined previously by radial immunodiffusion assay (RID) were used.Methods: IR spectra were recorded for the serum samples, and the data were randomly divided into training and independent test sets, each containing both FPT‐positive (IgG <400 mg/dL) and non‐FPT samples. A genetic optimal region selection algorithm and linear discriminant analysis were used to partition the training spectra, and the resulting classifier was then validated by comparing the IR‐predicted FPT status for each of the test samples to that provided by the RID IgG assay. A quantitative IR‐based assay for IgG was developed using partial least squares (PLS) and validated by testing its ability to predict IgG concentrations.Results: Specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy for the combined data were 92.5, 96.8, and 95.9%, respectively. Corresponding positive (88.1%) and negative predictive (98.0%) values determined a success rate of 95–97% as compared to RID‐based IgG concentrations. The IR‐based quantitative assay yielded correlation coefficients for IR spectroscopy versus RID‐based IgG concentrations of 0.90 and 0.86 for the training and test sets, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The overall performance of the IR‐based test was similar to that of the colorimetric assay and was superior and more economic than other available tests.
Liver Abscesses in Holstein Dairy Cattle: 18 Cases (1992–2003)
Authors: Doré Elizabeth , Fecteau Gilles , Hélie Pierre , Francoz David 
Published: March 2010

Background: The characteristic clinical manifestations, clinicopathologic findings, treatment, and outcome of dairy cattle with liver abscess are poorly defined.Animals: The study included 18 Holstein cows with liver abscesses.Methods: A retrospective study of medical records was performed. Cattle with liver abscess were identified by ultrasound examination or exploratory laparotomy.Results: The most common reason for examination was anorexia (14/18). Five cows had fever, 5 were bradycardic, and 5 were tachycardic. Peritonitis (n = 6) and vagal indigestion (n = 4) were the most frequently associated diseases. Neutrophilia (n = 14), hyperfibrinogenemia (n = 11), and high serum globulin concentration (n = 10) were characteristic of chronic inflammation. Evidence of liver disease on serum biochemistry profile was uncommon. The most common bacterium isolated from the abscess wasArcanobacterium pyogenes(n = 4). Anaerobic bacteria were isolated frequently (n = 7). There were 6 polymicrobial isolates, with both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, out of 8 positive samples. Medical treatment was successful in 5 of 7 cattle. Five cows were euthanized and postmortem examination revealed 2 cattle with thrombosis of caudal vena cava.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Holstein dairy cattle affected by liver abscess exhibit no pathognomonic clinical signs. Clinicopathologic findings were often consistent with a chronic active inflammation. Liver abscesses should be included in the differential diagnosis in cattle with a chronic inflammatory process, cranial peritonitis, or vagal indigestion. Prolonged treatment with antimicrobials might be successful.
Serum Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I Concentration in Cats with Diabetes Mellitus and Acromegaly
Authors: Berg Rebecca I.M. , Nelson Richard W. , Feldman Edward C. , Kass Philip H. , Pollard Rachel , Refsal Kent R. 
Published: March 2010

Background: Serum insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) has been used in place of serum growth hormone quantification for identifying acromegaly in diabetic cats. The utility of IGF‐I as a screening test for acromegaly has not been critically evaluated. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of serum IGF‐I concentration for identifying acromegaly.Hypothesis: Serum IGF‐I is a useful screening test for acromegaly in diabetic cats.Animals: A review was made of the medical records of 74 diabetic cats that had serum IGF‐I quantified. The diabetes was classified as well controlled (15 cats), poorly controlled because of problems with the insulin treatment regimen, concurrent disease, or both (40), or poorly controlled with clinical findings consistent with acromegaly (19).Methods: A review of medical records was made.Results: Serum IGF‐I concentration was significantly (P< .0001) increased in acromegalic diabetic cats, compared with well‐controlled and poorly controlled diabetic cats. Sensitivity and specificity for serum IGF‐I concentration were 84% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 60.4–96.6%) and 92% (95% CI = 81.3–97.2%), respectively. There was no significant correlation between serum IGF‐I concentration and duration of insulin treatment (r = 0.23,P= .089), insulin dosage (r = 0.14,P= .30), age (r = 0.16,P= .12), and pituitary volume (r = 0.40,P= .11), but a modest correlation was found between serum IGF‐I concentration and body weight (r = 0.48,P< .0001).Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Results support the use of serum IGF‐I concentration as a screening test for acromegaly in diabetic cats that have clinical findings supportive of the disease.
Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizing Regions and Ki67 Equally Reflect Proliferation in Fine Needle Aspirates of Normal, Hyperplastic, Inflamed, and Neoplastic Canine Lymph Nodes (n = 101)
Authors: Bauer Natali B. , Zervos Daniela , Moritz Andreas 
Published: March 2010

Background: The count of argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR) has been considered a useful variable that reflects cellular proliferation in canine lymph nodes, but it has not been compared with other markers of proliferation. Hypothesis: Ki67 and AgNORs are equally useful as markers of tissue proliferation in fine needle aspirates of canine lymph nodes. Animals: A total of 101 dogs.Material and Methods: Prospective, observational study of a convenience sample of dogs. Two smears were prepared for a May‐Gruenwald‐Giemsa stain and a Ki67/AgNOR double stain. In addition, CD3/CD79a immunostaining was performed when cytologic examination revealed a lymphoma. The dogs were grouped as normal (n = 26), reactive hyperplasia (n = 25), lymphadenitis (n = 31), and lymphoma (n = 19), based on the physical examination and the cytologic findings. The AgNOR count/cell, AgNOR area/cell and the percentage of cells staining positive for Ki67 were evaluated in 100–167 cells (median, 113 cells) by using automatic image analysis. Results: Mean (SD) AgNOR counts/cell were 1.36 6 0.19 in normal dogs, 1.55 ± 0.26 in lymphadenitis, 1.65 ± 0.32 in reactive hyperplasia, and 3.67 ± 1.08 in lymphoma. The percentage of Ki67 positive cells was 2.67 ± 0.99% in normal lymph nodes, 5.04 ± 3.34% in lymphadenitis, 5.36 ± 2.14% in reactive hyperplasia, and 30.2 ± 10.8% in lymphoma. All variables were significantly higher in dogs with lymphoma compared with the other groups (P < .0001). The sensitivity and the specificity of the AgNOR count for diagnosing lymphoma were 95 and 96% at a cutoff value of .2.04 AgNORs/cell. The cutoff value for the Ki67 positive cells was .10.40% (sensitivity, 95%; specificity, 98%).Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The results indicated that both AgNOR and Ki67 counts were good diagnostic tools for assessment of proliferation in aspirates of canine lymph nodes.
Comparison and Reproducibility of Plasma Clearance of Exogenous Creatinine, Exo‐iohexol, Endo‐iohexol, and51Cr‐EDTA in Young Adult and Aged Healthy Cats
Authors: van Hoek I. , Vandermeulen E. , Duchateau L. , Lefebvre H.P. , Croubels S. , Peremans K. , Polis I. , Daminet S. 
Published: March 2010

Background: Important characteristics determining the usefulness of a method for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement are convenience, availability, and reproducibility.Hypothesis: The use of different plasma clearance methods could lead to different results and differences in reproducibility.Animals: Twelve healthy cats: 6 young adult cats (age 7–12 months), and 6 aged cats (age 9–12 years) were included in this study.Methods: A cross‐over design was used to compare the plasma clearance of exogenous creatinine (PECCT), exo‐iohexol (PexICT), endo‐iohexol (PenICT), and chromium‐51 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (51Cr‐EDTA), and to investigate reproducibility of these methods. Cats of different ages were included to determine if differences in GFR in young adult versus aged cats would be detected with these methods. The PECCT, PexICT, and PenICT were performed in a combined manner. Plasma data were subjected to noncompartmental (creatinine, exo‐iohexol, and endo‐iohexol) or bicompartmental (51Cr‐EDTA) analysis with a statistical moment approach. Area under the concentration‐time curve was calculated using the trapezoidal rule with extrapolation to infinity. Statistical analyses were carried out using a random effects model.Results: Globally, the 4 methods differed significantly (P<.0001) in GFR assessment. Clearance of exo‐iohexol and chromium‐51 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (51Cr ‐EDTA) showed the highest and lowest reproducibility, respectively. Only plasma clearance of creatinine differed significantly between young adult and aged cats.Conclusion and Clinical Importance: We found considerable differences in reproducibility of different GFR measurements. These findings should be taken into account not only in practice but also in future studies involving GFR measurement.
Comparison of Direct Immunofluorescence, Immunoassays, and Fecal Flotation for Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in Naturally Exposed Cats in 4 Northern California Animal Shelters
Authors: Mekaru Sumiko R. , Marks Stanley L. , Felley Allison J. , Chouicha Nadira , Kass Philip H. 
Published: March 2010

Background: Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are common intestinal protozoan parasites in domestic cats. Few studies have critically evaluated the performance characteristics of commercially available immunoassays for detection of these organisms in the cat. Hypothesis: Human‐based immunoassays are suboptimal for the detection of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in cats. Animals: Three‐hundred‐and‐forty‐four cats with diarrheic and nondiarrheic fecal specimens at 4 northern California animal shelters. Methods: A fecal specimen was collected from each cat in a case‐controlled fashion. Fecal specimens were tested for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. by using centrifugation flotation and 5 commercially available immunoassays (SNAP Giardia, ProSpecT Giardia Microplate Assay, ProSpecT Cryptosporidium Microplate Assay, ImmunoCard STAT!Cryptosporidium/Giardia Rapid Assay, and Xpect Giardia/Cryptosporidium). Results were compared with a reference standard, the MeriFluor direct immunofluorescence assay. Results: Overall prevalences of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were 9.8 and 4.7%, respectively. The ProSpecT Microplate Assay had the highest sensitivities and specificities for Giardia spp. (91.2 and 99.4%) and Cryptosporidum spp. (71.4 and 96.7%), respectively. The SNAP Giardia antigen assay was easier to use and equally sensitive (85.3%) and specific (100%) to fecal flotation. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Caution should be exercised when using human‐based immunoassays for the diagnosis of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. in cats. Fecal flotation remains a useful method for detection of Giardia spp., can be used to detect other parasites, and has a sensitivity of 97.8% for detection of Giardia spp. when combined with the SNAP Giardia immunoassay.
Determination of the In Vitro Susceptibility of Feline Tritrichomonas foetus to 5 Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Kather Elizabeth J. , Marks Stanley L. , Kass Philip H. 
Published: March 2010

Background: The nitroimidazole, ronidazole, has been demonstrated to have in vitro and in vivo activity against the protozoanTritrichomonas foetusin cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of feline Tfoetusisolates obtained from naturally infected cats to 5 antimicrobial agents and to compare the in vitro time kill of ronidazole and metronidazole.Hypothesis: We hypothesized that nitroimidazoles have in vitro activity againstT foetus, whereas furazolidone, omeprazole, and paromomycin do not.Animals: Fecal specimens were cultured from 4 naturally infected Bengal cats with a history ofT foetus‐associated diarrhea.Methods: A 24‐hour susceptibility assay was performed on all 4 isolates for the 5 antimicrobial agents. A time‐kill microdilution method was performed on 2 isolates for metronidazole and ronidazole.Results: Paromomycin and omeprazole showed no in vitro effect at concentrations ±80 μg/mL. There was no significant difference in 24‐hour susceptibilities among metronidazole, ronidazole, and furazolidone. In addition, only the results of the highest concentration tested (80 μg/mL) and concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 μg/mL revealed significant differences in the rate of trophozoite killing, with ronidazole having a faster reduction in trophozoite survival.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Time‐kill assays demonstrated ronidazole had a higher lethal activity compared with metronidazole. These findings contrast with a previously published report and may reflect strain variation, different methodologies, or both. The lack of clinical response seen with metronidazole administration to treat feline trichomoniasis may not reflect inherent resistance but rather in vivo events involving drug distribution and pharmacokinetics.
Neutrophil Function in Septic Dogs
Authors: Webb Craig , McCord Kelly , Dow Steven 
Published: March 2010

Background: Leukocytes appear to enter a hypo‐inflammatory state in human patients with a severe bacterial infection, whereas, in swine, intra‐abdominal sepsis produces an initial increase and subsequent decrease in neutrophil Fc receptor‐mediated phagocytosis.Hypothesis: Impaired neutrophil function (hypo‐inflammatory state) develops in dogs with sepsis.Animals: Thirteen adult client‐owned dogs that developed clinical signs consistent with sepsis were assessed for evidence of neutrophil dysfunction. These results were compared with those of 12 healthy dogs.Methods: Flow cytometry combined with the appropriate fluorescent markers allowed for quantification of the phagolysosomal oxidative burst after Fc receptor‐mediated phagocytosis of immune complexes, neutrophil phagocytosis of opsonizedEscherichia coli, and the intracellular concentration of reduced glutathione as a measure of oxidative stress.Results: The phagolysosomal oxidative burst after Fc receptor‐mediated phagocytosis was significantly lower in neutrophils from septic dogs (mean fluorescence intensity ± standard deviation; 118 ± 13 and 165 ± 27 for septic and control dogs, respectively, p = 0.001), although the phagocytosis of opsonizedE coliwas significantly increased (155 ± 74 and 77 ± 44 for septic and control dogs, respectively, p = 0.004). Intracellular reduced glutathione was not significantly different in neutrophils from septic and healthy control dogs.Conclusions: An important component of neutrophil function is decreased in septic dogs. The diminished oxidative burst after Fc receptor‐mediated phagocytosis in neutrophils from septic dogs could hinder the ability of the innate immune system to clear bacterial infections or it might help protect these patients from the systemic consequences of infection.
Effects of Carvedilol Treatment in Dogs with Chronic Mitral Valvular Disease
Authors: Marcondes‐Santos Mario , Tarasoutchi Flavio , Mansur Antonio P. , Strunz Célia M.C. 
Published: March 2010

Background: Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system occurs during the development of heart failure in dogs with chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVD).Hypothesis: The use of beta‐blockers to modulate the activation of the sympathetic nervous system would be useful in dogs with CMVD.Animals: Group A included 13 dogs who received the conventional treatment (digoxin, benazepril, a reduced sodium diet, and codeine, and a diuretic when indicated), and group B included 12 dogs who received the protocol above plus carvedilol (0.3 mg/kg q12h).Methods: Blinded, placebo, controlled study.Results: The main echodopplercardiographic variables, heart rate, biochemical data, functional classification (FC) (New York Heart Association) and quality of life score (functional evaluation of cardiac health questionnaire) were assessed at baseline (TO) and after 3 months (T1). Only group B showed improvement in score of quality of life (13.8 ± 8.8 versus 6.0 ± 6.3;P <.001), in FC (2.4 ± 0.9 versus 1.8 ± 0.7;P =.032) and a reduction in systolic blood pressure (151.2 ± 18.3 versus 124.5 ± 23.4;P =.021). Two deaths from group A and 1 from B were related to CMVD.Conclusion: The studied dose of carvedilol in this group did not improve the sympathetic activation and echocardiographic variables over 3 months of chronic oral treatment. However, the results suggested a beneficial effect on the quality of life score, functional classification, and a reduction on systolic blood pressure.
Pericardial Effusion in Cats: A Retrospective Study of Clinical Findings and Outcome in 146 Cats
Authors: Hall Daniel J. , Shofer Frances , Meier C. Kate , Sleeper Meg M. 
Published: March 2010

Background: Pericardial effusion (PE) in dogs most often is associated with neoplasia or idiopathic pericarditis, and frequently causes cardiac tamponade. Studies of PE in the cat are limited.Hypothesis: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most common cause of PE in the cat.Animals: All cats diagnosed with PE on echocardiographic examination at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (MJR‐VHUP) from 2000 to 2005.Methods: The clinical and pathologic findings in 146 cats with PE were reviewed. Records were examined retrospectively to identify additional underlying conditions. Follow‐up status and cause of death were determined by review of the medical records or phone interviews with the owners.Results: The most common cause of PE in this study was CHF (75%). Biochemical abnormalities were uncommon, but aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity frequently was increased (85%). Follow‐up information was available on 108 cats (74%). Median survival time (MST) was 144 days for cats that were not euthanized within 24 hours (n = 85). The MST of cats with heart failure was 41 days, whereas the MST of cats without heart failure was 361 days, when those euthanized within 24 hours were excluded.Conclusions: Survival time of cats with heart failure in this study was significantly shorter than previously reported, and significantly shorter than in cats without heart failure as a cause of PE.
The Effect of Hydration Status on the Echocardiographic Measurements of Normal Cats
Authors: Campbell F.E. , Kittleson M.D. 
Published: March 2010

Background: Diagnosis of cardiomyopathy of cats is based on 2‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography. However, circulating fluid volume largely determines diastolic cardiac chamber dimensions, and reduced diastolic volume in other species results in what has been called “pseudohypertrophy of the ventricular myocardium.”Hypothesis: Altered hydration produces changes on 2D echocardiography that may confound the diagnosis or severity assessment of cardiomyopathy of cats.Animals: Ten normal colony‐sourced mixed breed cats were included.Methods: Cats were examined by echocardiography at baseline and at completion of 3 protocols (volume depletion and maintenance‐rate and anesthetic‐rate IV fluid administration) applied in randomized crossover design with a 6–7 day washout period.Results: Volume depletion increased diastolic left ventricular interventricular septal (IVSd) and free wall diameter (4.5 ± 0.4 to 5.8 ± 0.6 mm;P <.001) with wall thickness exceeding 6 mm in 4 cats. Diastolic left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDd) decreased, and reduction in systolic left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDs) produced end‐systolic cavity obliteration in 7 cats. Left‐atrial‐to‐aortic‐root ratio (LA: Ao, 1.4 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.1,P <.05) and left atrial area in diastole (LAAd) decreased with volume depletion. Maintenance‐rate IV fluid administration increased LAAd and fractional shortening (FS%). Anesthetic‐rate IV fluid administration increased LVIDd, FS%, LAAd, and LA: Ao ratios (to 1.7 ± 0.1,P <.01), producing an LA: Ao ratio above normal limits in 6 cats. A systolic heart murmur developed with administration of fluid at maintenance (n = 1) and anesthetic rates (n = 6).Conclusions: Altered hydration status produces changes in the echocardiographic examination of normal cats that may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of cardiomyopathy or mask its presence. Hydration status should be considered during echocardiographic examination in cats.