bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial fluid balance in dogs with naturally acquired heartworm infection
Authors: Stewart Randolph H. , Uray Karen , Cox Charles S. , Laine Glen A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To determine the effect of naturally acquired heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection on myocardial fluid balance as indicated by myocardial water content and the dynamics of transepicardial fluid flow.
Animals—7 dogs infected with adult heartworms and 8 dogs free of heartworm infection.
Procedures—Infected dogs had heartworms in the right ventricle, pulmonary artery, or both but no evidence of cardiovascular disease on physical examination. A hemispheric capsule was attached to the epicardial surface of all dogs for determination of transepicardial fluid dynamics and permeability of the epicardium to water and protein. Myocardial water content and hydroxyproline content were assessed at necropsy.
Results—Myocardial water content was significantly lower in heartworm-infected dogs. No differences in myocardial hydroxyproline content, transepicardial fluid flow, or epicardial water or protein permeability were detected.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Heartworm infection significantly altered myocardial fluid balance in dogs, possibly because of a change in the myocardial interstitial pressure-volume relationship. These changes may be associated with increased vulnerability to cardiovascular stressors in heartworm-infected dogs.
Identification of hyperendemic foci of horses with West Nile virus disease in Texas
Authors: Wittich Courtney A. , Ward Michael P. , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Srinivasan Raghavan 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether West Nile virus (WNV) disease hyperendemic foci (hot spots) exist within the horse population in Texas and, if detected, to identify the locations.
Sample Population—Reports of 1,907 horses with WNV disease in Texas from 2002 to 2004.
Procedures—Case data with spatial information from WNV epidemics occurring in 2002 (1,377 horses), 2003 (396 horses), and 2004 (134 horses) were analyzed by use of the spatial scan statistic (Poisson model) and kriging of empirical Bayes smoothed county attack rates to determine locations of horses with WNV disease in which affected horses were consistently (in each of the 3 study years) clustered (hyperendemic foci, or hot spots).
Results—2 WNV hot spots in Texas, an area in northwestern Texas and an area in eastern Texas, were identified with the scan statistic. Risk maps of the WNV epidemics were qualitatively consistent with the hot spots identified.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—WNV hot spots existed within the horse population in Texas (2002 to 2004). Knowledge of disease hot spots allows disease control and prevention programs to be made more efficient through targeted surveillance and education.
Association of soil concentrations of Rhodococcus equi and incidence of pneumonia attributable to Rhodococcus equi in foals on farms in central Kentucky
Authors: Cohen Noah D. , Carter Craig N. , Scott H. Morgan , Chaffin M. Keith , Smith Jacqueline L. , Grimm Michael B. , Kuskie Kyle R. , Takai Shinji , Martens Ronald J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether soil concentrations of total or virulent Rhodococcus equi differed among breeding farms with and without foals with pneumonia caused by R equi.
Sample Population—37 farms in central Kentucky.
Procedures—During January, March, and July 2006, the total concentration of R equi and concentration of virulent R equi were determined by use of quantitative bacteriologic culture and a colony immunoblot technique, respectively, in soil specimens obtained from farms. Differences in concentrations and proportion of virulent isolates within and among time points were compared among farms.
Results—Soil concentrations of total or virulent R equi did not vary among farms at any time point. Virulent R equi were identified in soil samples from all farms. Greater density of mares and foals was significantly associated with farms having foals with pneumonia attributable to R equi. Among farms with affected foals, there was a significant association of increased incidence of pneumonia attributable to R equi with an increase in the proportion of virulent bacteria between samples collected in March and July.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that virulent R equi were commonly recovered from soil of horse breeding farms in central Kentucky, regardless of the status of foals with pneumonia attributable to R equi on each farm. The incidence of foals with pneumonia attributable to R equi can be expected to be higher at farms with a greater density of mares and foals.
Intraocular pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered marbofloxacin in rabbits with experimentally induced acute endophthalmitis
Authors: Regnier Alain , Schneider Marc , Concordet Didier , Toutain Pierre-Louis 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To compare penetration of IV administered marbofloxacin in intraocular fluids of healthy and inflamed eyes in rabbits with endotoxin-induced endophthalmitis.
Animals—35 pigmented rabbits.
Procedures—Endophthalmitis was induced in the right eye via intravitreal administration of Escherichia coli endotoxin. The left eye was a control eye. After 24 hours, a single dose of marbofloxacin (4 mg/kg, IV) was administered. Groups of rabbits (n = 5/group) were euthanized 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 18 hours later, and blood and ocular fluids were collected. Marbofloxacin concentrations were determined via reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and pharmacokinetic analysis of the data was performed with a mono-compartmental model.
Results—Mean area under the aqueous concentration-time curve was significantly lower in control eyes (1.64 ± 0.07 μg•h/mL) than in inflamed eyes (3.31 ± 0.11 μg•h/mL). Similarly, drug penetration into aqueous humor was 33% and 65% for control eyes and inflamed eyes, respectively. Mean area under the vitreous humor concentration-time curve for control eyes(1.75 ± 0.05 μg•h/mL) was significantly less than for inflamed eyes (2.39 ± 0.16 μg•h/mL). In the vitreous humor, corresponding penetrations were 34% and 47%, respectively.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Penetration of marbofloxacin into the aqueous and vitreous humor after IV administration was significantly enhanced by intraocular inflammation, suggesting a role for this antimicrobial in the prophylaxis or treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis caused by susceptible pathogens.
Evaluation of a laparoscopic technique for collection of serial full-thickness small intestinal biopsy specimens in standing sedated horses
Authors: Bracamonte José L. , Bouré Ludovic P. , Geor Ray J. , Runciman John R. , Nykamp Stephanie G. , Cruz Antonio M. , Teeter Matthew G. , Waterfall Heather L. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To assess a technique for laparoscopic collection of serial full-thickness small intestinal biopsy specimens in horses.
Animals—13 healthy adult horses.
Procedures—In the ex vivo portion of the study, sections of duodenum and jejunum obtained from 6 horses immediately after euthanasia were divided into 3 segments. Each segment was randomly assigned to the control group, the double-layer hand-sewn closure group, or the endoscopic linear stapler (ELS) group. Bursting strength and bursting wall tension were measured and compared among groups; luminal diameter reduction at the biopsy site was compared between the biopsy groups. In the in vivo portion of the study, serial full-thickness small intestinal biopsy specimens were laparoscopically collected with an ELS from the descending duodenum and distal portion of the jejunum at monthly intervals in 7 sedated, standing horses. Biopsy specimens were evaluated for suitability for histologic examination.
Results—Mean bursting strength and bursting wall tension were significantly lower in the ELS group than in the hand-sewn and control groups in both the duodenal and jejunal segments. Use of the hand-sewn closure technique at the biopsy site reduced luminal diameter significantly more than use of the stapling technique. In the in vivo part of the study, all 52 biopsy specimens collected during 26 laparoscopic procedures were suitable for histologic examination and no clinically important perioperative complications developed.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Laparoscopic collection of serial full-thickness small intestinal biopsy specimens with a 45-mm ELS may be an effective and safe technique for use in healthy adult experimental horses.
Radiographic determination of proventricular diameter in psittacine birds
Authors: Dennison Sophie E. , Paul-Murphy Joanne R. , Adams William M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To establish an objective method of determining proventricular diameter in psittacine birds by assessment of lateral whole-body radiographic views.
Design—Retrospective case-control study.
Animals—100 parrots with no signs of gastric disease and 19 parrots with signs of gastric disease.
Procedures—Measurements were obtained for the following variables: proventricular diameter at the level of the junction between the last thoracic vertebra and synsacrum, maximum distance between the dorsal serosa of the proximal aspect of the proventriculus and dorsal border of the sternum, maximum coelomic cavity height at the level of the proximal aspect of the proventriculus, and maximum dorsoventral height of the keel of the sternum. The ratio of proventricular diameter to each of those measurements was calculated and compared among species within the group without signs of gastric disease and between the gastric and nongastric disease groups.
Results—No significant differences were seen among species of parrots without signs of gastric disease for any ratio, but there were significant differences between parrots with gastric signs and those without gastric signs for all ratios. Only the proventricular diameterto-maximum dorsoventral height of the keel of the sternum ratio had no numeric overlap between groups. Sensitivity and specificity of the ratio for detection of proventricular enlargement were both 100%. Six causes associated with proventricular enlargement were identified.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Evaluation of the proventricular diameter-to-keel height ratio is a new method for evaluating proventricular size in psittacines. Ratio values < 0.48 indicate normal proventricular diameter and the absence of proventricular disease.
Ligneous conjunctivitis secondary to a congenital plasminogen deficiency in a dog
Authors: McLean Nancy S. Johnstone , Ward Daniel A. , Hendrix Diane V. H. , Donnell Robert L. , Ilha Marcia R. S. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Case Description—A 7-month-old 16.6-kg (36.5-lb) sexually intact female Golden Retriever was evaluated because of progressive severe bilateral membranous conjunctivitis, oral lesions, nasal discharge, and cough.
Clinical Findings—Histologic examination of conjunctival biopsy specimens revealed findings consistent with ligneous conjunctivitis. Circulating plasminogen activity was repeatedly low, and congenital plasminogen deficiency was identified as the underlying cause of the ocular, oral, and respiratory lesions.
Treatment and Outcome—Topical and subconjunctival administrations of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), topical administration of cyclosporine, and oral administration of azathioprine had no effect on the conjunctival membranes. Excision of the membranes followed by intensive treatment with topical applications of heparin, tissue plasminogen activator, corticosteroid, and FFP and IV administration of FFP prevented membrane regrowth. Intravenous administration of FFP increased plasma plasminogen activity to within reference limits, improved respiratory and oral lesions, and resulted in weight gain; discontinuation of this treatment resulted in weight loss, signs of depression, and worsening of lesions. After euthanasia because of disease progression, necropsy findings included mild hydrocephalus; multifocal intestinal hemorrhages; and fibrinous plaques in the oral cavity, nasopharynx, trachea, esophagus, and pericardium. Microscopically, the plaques were composed of fibrin and poorly organized granulation tissue. Fibrin thrombi were present within vessels in the lungs, oral cavity, and trachea.
Clinical Relevance—In dogs, congenital plasminogen deficiency can occur and may be the underlying cause of ligneous conjunctivitis. A combination of surgical and medical treatments may improve conjunctival membranes, and administration of FFP IV appears to be effective in treating nonocular signs of plasminogen deficiency.
Acute intrinsic renal failure in cats: 32 cases (1997–2004)
Authors: Worwag Stefanie , Langston Cathy E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To determine patient demographics, clinicopathologic findings, and outcome associated with naturally acquired acute intrinsic renal failure (ARF) in cats.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—32 cats with ARF.
Procedures—Cats were considered to have ARF if they had acute onset of clinical signs (< 7 days), serum creatinine concentration > 2.5 mg/dL (reference range, 0.8 to 2.3 mg/dL) and BUN > 35 mg/dL (reference range, 15 to 34 mg/dL) in conjunction with urine specific gravity < 1.025 or with anuria or increasing serum creatinine concentration despite fluid therapy and normal hydration status, and no signs of chronic renal disease. Cases were excluded if cats had renal calculi or renal neoplasia.
Results—Causes of ARF included nephrotoxins (n = 18 cats), ischemia (4), and other causes (10). Eighteen cats were oliguric. For each unit (mEq/L) increase in initial potassium concentration, there was a 57% decrease in chance of survival. Low serum albumin or bicarbonate concentration at initial diagnosis was a negative prognostic indicator for survival. Initial concentrations of BUN, serum creatinine, and other variables were not prognostic. Seventeen (53%) cats survived, of which 8 cats had resolution of azotemia and 9 cats were discharged from the hospital with persistent azotemia.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that survival rates of cats with ARF were similar to survival rates in dogs and that residual renal damage persisted in approximately half of cats surviving the initial hospitalization.
Comparison of methods to detect gastrointestinal parasites in llamas and alpacas
Authors: Cebra Christopher K. , Stang Bernadette V. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To compare relative sensitivity and overall yields of various methods of fecal examination for gastrointestinal parasites in llamas and alpacas.
Design—Prospective study.
Sample Population—Fecal samples from 42 alpacas and 62 llamas.
Procedures—Fecal samples were analyzed via direct smear, a modified McMaster technique with sucrose solution or saturated saline (approx 36% NaCl) solution, and a centrifugation-flotation procedure. McMaster flotation chambers were examined 15 and 60 minutes after loading. Centrifugation-flotation samples were examined after 10 and 60 minutes of flotation. The proportions of samples with positive results and concentrations of parasites were compared among methods.
Results—The centrifugation-flotation technique yielded more positive results than other methods for all parasites except small coccidia. Longer flotation time increased the proportion of positive results and parasite concentrations for all parasites except Nematodirus spp. Longer time in the McMaster chamber made little difference. By use of the modified McMaster technique, sucrose solution yielded more positive results for Trichuris spp, Eimeria macusaniensis, and strongyles, whereas saline solution yielded more positive results for Nematodirus spp and small coccidia. The saline solution McMaster test yielded more positive results for small coccidia than did most other methods, and the sucrose McMaster technique yielded more positive results for Trichuris spp.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The centrifugation-flotation technique appeared to offer clear advantages in detecting infection with E macusaniensis, Trichuris spp, Nematodirus spp, and capillarids. The saline McMaster technique appeared to offer an advantage in detecting small coccidia.
Infection with Aleutian disease virus-like virus in a captive striped skunk
Authors: Allender Matthew C. , Schumacher Juergen , Thomas Kathy V. , McCain Stephanie L. , Ramsay Edward C. , James Evan W. , Wise Annabel G. , Maes Roger K. , Reel Danielle 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Case Description—A 5-month-old captive female striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) was evaluated because of lethargy, signs of depression, azotemia, and erythema of the skin around the eyes.
Clinical Findings—Antemortem diagnostic tests revealed renal disease but failed to identify an etiologic agent. A diagnosis of severe nonsuppurative interstitial nephritis was made on the basis of results of histologic examination of renal biopsy specimens.
Treatment and Outcome—The skunk was administered isotonic fluids SC daily and later every other day because of the handling-related stress. Because of the skunk's deteriorating condition, it was euthanized after 24 days of supportive care. Aleutian disease was diagnosed on the basis of positive results of a PCR assay that targeted the DNA from Aleutian disease virus (ADV); positive results for ADV were also obtained by use of plasma counterimmunoelectrophoresis and an ELISA. Genetic sequencing of the 365-base pair PCR product revealed 90% sequence identity with mink ADV.
Clinical Relevance—In the skunk of this report, infection with a skunk-specific parvovirus resulted in clinical signs and pathologic changes similar to those associated with ADV infection in mink. For skunks with signs of renal failure, differential diagnoses should include parvovirus infection. In confirmed cases of infection with this ADV-like virus, appropriate quarantine and biosecurity measures should be in place to prevent spread to other susceptible animals within a zoological collection.
Use of cytology as a diagnostic method in veterinary practice and assessment of communication between veterinary practitioners and veterinary clinical pathologists
Authors: Christopher Mary M. , Hotz Christine S. , Shelly Sonjia M. , Pion Paul D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To determine the extent of use of cytology as a diagnostic method in veterinary practice and assess how veterinarians in practice communicate with veterinary clinical pathologists.
Design—Online survey.
Study Population—870 veterinarians.
Procedures—An online survey was made available to members of the Veterinary Information Network from October 1, 2004, through December 1, 2004.
Results—Respondents reported obtaining a median of 7 cytology samples weekly (range, 0 to 100). On average, respondents reported that 48.1% of the samples they collected were evaluated in-house, 29.5% were submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, and 21.6% were evaluated in-house and then submitted to a diagnostic laboratory. Most respondents (89.2%) reported using cytologic assessments to guide additional testing, and most (80.3%) indicated that they found the comments section of the cytology report to be the most important section. When asked to indicate the importance of various factors in their decision to use cytology as a diagnostic method, respondents overwhelmingly indicated that accuracy was very important. The most common reasons for consulting with a clinical pathologist were to discuss a discrepancy between clinical and cytologic findings, to clarify a diagnosis, and to ascertain the pathologist's confidence in a diagnosis. Respondents expressed more confidence in results when board-certified clinical pathologists were examining cytology samples than when others were.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that improving communication between veterinary practitioners and veterinary clinical pathologists could enhance the diagnostic value of cytologic examinations and improve clinical decision-making.
Surface and bulk properties of glycidyl methacrylate modified polypropylene: Experimental and molecular modeling studies
Authors: Verenich S. , Paul S. , Pourdeyhimi B. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractModifications of polypropylene (PP) are often carried out to either functionalize them or meet specific property demands. This study considered the process of PP grafting with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as an intermediate step to achieve improvements in surface properties of this polymer. Abundant literature is available on this grafting process but little is known about the surface properties of the grafted PP. Present work considered both experimental and computational approaches to attain this goal. Experimentally, it was established that the melting temperature of modified PP changed with the addition of GMA, and at higher concentrations of GMA in the PP matrix, heterogeneous nucleation took place. Experimental results revealed a decrease in the surface energy (SE) as well. To discern the underlying reasons behind these changes, molecular dynamics simulations were undertaken. The computational results revealed that the changes in SE could be associated with the location of the functional group. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effects of the composition and nematic–isotropic phase transition on the electro‐optical responses of unaligned polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals. I. Composites of poly(methyl methacrylate) and E8
Authors: Deshmukh R. R. , Malik M. K. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractComposite films composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and the nematic‐type liquid crystal (LC) E8 were prepared by solution casting in chloroform. The electro‐optical performance characteristics were studied for a wide range of PMMA/E8 compositions (10–80 wt % E8). At two specific levels of LC (70 and 80 wt %), the effects of temperature, voltage, and frequency of the applied electric field on the optical transmittance of films were extensively measured with a He–Ne laser (λ = 632.8 nm) as a light source. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed the formation of large E8 droplets in PMMA due to phase separation, and the homogeneous distribution increased with increasing E8 content. The results were interpreted in terms of aggregation structure, interfacial interaction, LC loading, and the solubility of LC in the polymer matrix. The results obtained indicate that under the experimental conditions imposed, the output could be continuously controlled to the desired level by the selection of a suitable loading of LC to prepare polymer‐dispersed LC electro‐optical active composite films with response times on the order of only a few milliseconds. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008