bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monthly, daily, and circadian variations of measurements of pulmonary mechanics in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Jean Daniel , Vrins André , Lavoie Jean-Pierre 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To determine temporal variations of pulmonary function in horses without respiratory tract disease (controls) and horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and determine whether reversibility of airway obstruction after environmental control can be predicted by response to atropine administration.

Animals
7 COPD-affected and 5 control horses.

Procedures
Pulmonary function testing was performed monthly during 3 consecutive months, daily for 5 consecutive days, and at 6-hour intervals for 24 hours before and after administration of atropine (0.02 mg/kg of body weight, IV) and after 5 consecutive months at pasture. Respiratory rate, tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (VE), maximal change in transpulmonary pressure (ΔPL), pulmonary resistance (RL), and pulmonary elastance (EL) were calculated.

Results
COPD-affected horses had a significantly higher expiratory to inspiratory time ratio (TE/TI) and ΔPL, EL, and RL than horses without respiratory tract diseases during all periods and higher VE during monthly and daily evaluations. Daily variation in VT and monthly and circadian variation in EL were significant in COPD-affected horses. In control horses, significant changes were apparent only in TE/TI during daily recordings. In COPD-affected horses, reduction in ΔPL, RL, and EL was significant after atropine administration and after maintenance on pasture.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Despite variations in measurements of respiratory mechanics in both groups of horses, values remained significantly different between groups over time. Despite individual variation, measurements were repeatable during short and long periods. Response to administration of atropine to COPD-affected horses underestimated improvement in respiratory tract function that resulted from maintenance on pasture. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:1341–1346)
Effects of chromium supplementation on glucose tolerance in obese and nonobese cats
Authors: Cohn Leah A. , Dodam John R. , McCaw Dudley L. , Tate Debbie J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine effects of dietary supplementation with chromium (Cr) picolinate on health and response to IV glucose tolerance testing (IVGTT) in obese and nonobese cats.

Animals
7 obese and 12 nonobese cats.

Procedure
6 nonobese cats were untreated controls, whereas 6 different nonobese cats and 7 obese cats received oral administration of 100 μg Cr/d for 6 weeks. All cats were evaluated before and immediately after the treatment period by use of physical examination, CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and IVGTT. Calculated values included glucose half-life, coefficient of glucose disappearance, insulin peak response, insulinogenic index, and insulin secretion rate determined at various times after start of IVGTT.

Results
Adverse effects on cats’ health were not observed during or after treatment, and significant changes in body weight, hematologic values, or most serum biochemical values were not detected. Serum potassium concentration decreased significantly after treatment in obese cats but was within reference range. Compared with nonobese cats, obese cats had significantly higher insulin peak response, insulinogenic index, and insulin secretion rate before and after treatment. Chromium supplementation did not alter responses to IVGTT in either treatment group.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Dietary supplementation with 100 μg of Cr/d for 6 weeks is safe but does not affect glucose tolerance in obese or nonobese cats. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:1360–1363)
Use of a polymerase chain reaction method to detect the leukotoxin gene IktA in biogroup and biovariant isolates of Pasteurella haemolytica and P trehalosi
Authors: Fisher Mark A. , Weiser Glen C. , Hunter David L. , Ward Alton C. S. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether Pasteurella haemolytica and P trehalosi isolates possess the structural gene for Pasteurella leukotoxin IktA and whether β-hemolytic activity of these isolates correlated with detection of the IktA gene.

Sample Population
147 P haemolytica isolates from 21 biovariant groups and 101 P trehalosi isolates from 7 biovariant groups. In addition, P multocida and organisms from 7 other genera were tested to establish specificity of the procedure.

Procedure
Isolates were observed for β-hemolysis. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure was used to amplify the RTX domain of the Pasteurella IktA gene.

Results
The IktA gene was detected in 108 (44%) isolates, including 15 associated with respiratory tract disease. All but 2 (98%) of the isolates that had the IktA gene were β-hemolytic when grown on sheep blood agar. The remaining 140 isolates were negative for the IktA gene and hemolytic activity.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Hemolytic activity of P haemolytica and P trehalosi isolates correlated with detection of the IktA gene for all but 2 isolates. However, 56% of isolates tested were negative for the IktA gene and β-hemolytic activity. Leukotoxin production and secretion is a major virulence factor when other conditions are favorable for disease development. Therefore, identification of strains that possess the IktA gene may aid in the evaluation of the pathogenic potential of Pasteurella strains carried by wild and domestic animals. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:1402–1406)
Isolation and characterization of the eighth component of the bovine complement system
Authors: Menger Marilyn , Sowery Richard D. , Aston W. Peter 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
To isolate and characterize the eighth component of the complement system (C8) in cattle.

Sample Population
Fresh plasma obtained from beef cattle.

Procedures
Plasma samples were fractionated, using sequential precipitation and ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography, to yield C8. The protein was identified throughout the procedure on the basis of its hemolytic function. Electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels was used to determine molecular weight and composition of polypeptide chains. Reconstitution of classical and alternative complement pathways was used to characterize the hemolytic function of bovine C8.

Results
The bovine C8 protein consisted of a disulfide-bonded α-γ heterodimer that was noncovalently associated with a β chain. Apparent molecular weight of the α, β, and γ chains under reducing conditions were 66, 61, and 23 kd, respectively. In the classical pathway of activation, bovine C8 and the ninth component of the complement system (C9) had species incompatibility with human C8 and C9 on sheep erythrocyte target cells.

Conclusions
A simple 4-step fractionation procedure provided good yield of bovine C8 from plasma. The isolated protein was structurally comparable to C8 from other species. Purified bovine C8 may be useful in functional hemolytic assays to investigate the roles of complement-mediated lysis in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and the killing of susceptible microorganisms. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:1474–1477)
Direct and reconstructed multiplanar computed tomography of the orbits of healthy dogs
Authors: Boroffka Susanne A. E. B. , Voorhout George 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
To describe anatomy of the orbits as revealed by computed tomography (CT) in different scan planes, determine the most useful scan plane for imaging the eye, optic nerve, and extraocular muscles, and compare image quality of direct CT images with reconstructed images obtained from 2-mm-thick and 5-mm-thick transverse images.

Animals
9 dogs with no ocular abnormalities.

Procedure
In 3 dogs, CT was combined with cisternography to facilitate imaging of the optic nerve and determine the scan plane that allowed optimum imaging of the optic nerve in a single image. In 6 dogs, CT images were made in transverse, dorsal oblique, and sagittal oblique scan directions. Dorsal and sagittal reconstructions were made from transverse images.

Results
In all dogs, scanning in different planes enabled identification of ocular structures, optic nerves, and orbital adnexa, as well as identification of the confines of the orbit. Imaging of optic nerve and extraocular muscles was optimal on dorsal oblique scans at an angle of 43 to 45° to the skull base and on sagittal oblique images at an angle of 59 to 61° to the midline of the skull.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
All scan directions provided detailed images of orbital structures. Transverse images were convenient for survey examination, and dorsal oblique and sagittal oblique images were superior for imaging optic nerves and extraocular muscles. Image quality of reconstructed images obtained from the 2-mm-thick transverse images was superior to that obtained from the 5-mm-thick images. Optimum quality was achieved with direct multiplanar imaging. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:1500–1507)
In vitro effects of glucosamine and acetylsalicylate on canine chondrocytes in three-dimensional culture
Authors: Anderson C. Collins , Cook James L. , Kreeger John M. , Tomlinson James L. , Wagner-Mann Colette C. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine effects of glucosamine and acetylsalicylate on canine chondrocytes in 3-dimensional culture.

Sample Population
Chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage of 2 adult female dogs recently euthanatized for reasons unrelated to orthopedic abnormalities.

Procedure
Chondrocytes were cultured in a 3-dimensional agarose-based medium alone (control), with glucosamine (100 μg/ml; GL), or with acetylsalicylate (18 µg/ml; AS). Supernatant and agarose plugs from 4 wells/group/d were collected on days 3, 6, and 12 of culture. Agarose plugs were evaluated for percentage of viable cells, percentage of cells producing pericellular or territorial matrix, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration, and type-II collagen production. Prostaglandin E2 concentration in supernatants was determined.

Results
Chondrocytes in all groups had characteristics indicative of viability and differentiation; however, on day 12, a lower percentage of viable cells was detected in the AS group, compared with the other 2 groups. On day 6, GAG concentration in the AS group was significantly greater than concentrations in the other 2 groups. On day 12, GAG concentrations in the GL and AS groups were significantly less than in the control group. Within the GL and AS groups, cell viability was significantly less on day 12, compared with day 3. Significant differences in PGE2 concentration among or within groups and evidence of type II collagen production were not detected.

Conclusions
3-dimensional culture of canine chondrocytes allows for production of hyaline cartilage matrix constituents and growth of cells with morphologic characteristics similar to those of articular cartilage. Acetylsalicylate and glucosamine, at the single concentration evaluated, had detrimental effects on chondrocyte viability, GAG production, or both. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:1546–1551)
Assessment of isoflurane-induced anesthesia in ferrets and rats
Authors: Imai Ayako , Steffey Eugene P. , Farver Thomas B. , Ilkiw Jan E. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
To characterize isoflurane (ISO)-induced anesthesia in ferrets and rats.

Animals
8 ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) and 8 Sprague-Dawley rats.

Procedure
Ferrets and rats were anesthetized in a similar manner, using ISO in oxygen. Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) was determined, using the tail-clamp method. Immediately thereafter, assessments were recorded for 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 MAC (order randomized) of ISO.

Results
MAC of ISO was (mean ± SEM) 1.74 ± 0.03 and 1.58 ± 0.05% for ferrets and rats, respectively. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was 75.0 ± 4.3 and 107.9 ± 2.7 mm Hg at 0.8 MAC for ferrets and rats, respectively, and decreased in a parallel dose-dependent manner. Respiratory frequency decreased in rats as ISO dose increased; however, respiratory frequency increased in ferrets as ISO dose increased from 0.8 to 1.5 MAC but then decreased at 2.0 MAC. At 0.8 MAC, hypoventilation was much greater in ferrets (Paco2 = 71.4 ± 3.5 mm Hg), compared with rats (Paco2 = 57.7 ± 1.9 mm Hg). In both species, Paco2 progressively increased as anesthetic dose increased. Eyelid aperture of ferrets increased in a dose-dependent manner. Pupil diameter in ferrets and rats increased as ISO dose increased.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
The MAP and Paco2 in ferrets and rats and eyelid aperture in ferrets consistently and predictably changed in response to changes in anesthetic dose of ISO. Magnitude of respiratory depression was greater in ferrets than rats. Changes in MAP and Paco2 in ferrets and rats and eyelid aperture in ferrets are consistent guides to changes in depth of ISO-induced anesthesia. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:1577–1583)
Xanthogranulomatous keratitis in a mixed-breed dog
Authors: Bergen Alexandra , Herrmann James , Reilly Christopher M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical and histopathological features of a case of xanthogranulomatous keratitis in a mixed-breed dog.

ANIMAL
Mixed-breed dog.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES
An 11-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog was presented for mild blepharospasm, corneal cloudiness, and increasing conjunctival hyperemia OD. Ophthalmic examination revealed multifocal pink and cream-colored consolidated corneal infiltrative lesions and generalized neovascularization with suspected diagnosis of stromal abscessation. There was no improvement after 1 month of medical management, so a keratectomy was performed, and corneal tissue was sent for histopathological evaluation.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
The nonulcerative keratitis was refractive to medical management including topical and systemic antibiotics, topical antifungal, and systemic anti-inflammatory, so keratectomy was performed. Histopathologic diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous keratitis was made 1 week postoperatively. The patient was prescribed 0.05% difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion and 0.2% tacrolimus ophthalmic ointment (initially q 8 h, OD). The difluprednate was tapered and discontinued after 2 months, but the tacrolimus was continued (q 12 h, OD). No lesion recurrence had been documented 1 year postoperatively.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
There has been little published on canine xanthogranulomas, especially in veterinary ophthalmology. Ocular xanthogranulomas have been reportedly found intraocularly and at the ocular surface. Histologically, they are characterized by well-delineated nodules that contain histiocytes and abundant lipid-laden macrophages. The treatment in this clinical case was surgical excision followed with topical immunosuppression/anti-inflammatory therapy with no recurrence 1 year postoperatively. Xanthogranulomatous keratitis should be an added differential diagnosis when nonulcerative keratitis is found on examination, specifically with consolidated, corneal infiltrate and minimal pain.
Chemical, nutritional and sensory characteristics of milk and cheeses obtained from autochthonous, cosmopolitan, and crossbred goats
Authors: Kawęcka Aldona , Pasternak Marta 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the milk parameters and the chemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of cheeses made from the milk of three groups of goats: native Carpathian goat, Anglonubian and crossbred goats (Saanen × Alpine). For this study, milk was collected three times during the grazing season and was processed into rennet semi-hard cheeses according to a traditional recipe in a pre-farm cheese dairy. Samples of the milk were subjected to physicochemical analyses. The chemical composition, vitamin, macronutrient content, and fatty acid profile of the cheeses were determined. The cheeses were also subjected to organoleptic evaluation. The results showed that the factors studied, such as breed and month of milking, had a significant effect on the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of goat milk. The month of milking affected all the milk characteristics studied, with September having the highest values of acidity, dry matter, fat and protein content. The month did not affect the level of basic components in the cheeses, but it influenced the content of vitamins and macronutrients; the cheeses produced in September had significantly higher levels of Mg, K, and vitamin E. The month of milking had, as did the breed of goat, a significant effect on the profile of most fatty acids in the cheeses. As for the breed factor, it affected both the chemical composition and sensory value of the cheeses. Cheeses made from the milk of the native Carpathian goat had the best health-promoting properties: a more favourable fatty acid profile, the lowest PUFA-6/3 ratio, and the lowest atherogenic index. According to the panellists, cheese from the milk of Carpathian goats also had the most distinctive aroma, typical for goat cheese. The research shows that the cheeses made from the milk of the native Carpathian goat had the best health-promoting properties, which confirms the need for further popularisation of the breed and can be the basis for marketing more products.
Effect of Rearing Technology on Production Performance, Selected and Blood Parameters and Welfare Levels of Broiler Chickens During the Summer Production Cycle
Authors: Skomorucha Iwona , Sosnówka-Czajka Ewa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of rearing technology (rearing system and dietary supplementation with a mixed herbal extract) on the production results, selected physiological and blood parameters, and welfare of broiler chickens during the summer production cycle. In the CON and HE groups, broiler chickens were kept on litter without access to free range; additionally, in the HE group, birds from 22 to 42 days of rearing received a mixed herbal extract (50% Melissa officinalis L. and 50% Urtica dioica L.) in the amount of 2 ml/l of water to drinkers with water. In the AP group, birds were reared on litter with access to pasture. During the experiment, production performance and body temperature of the birds were monitored. Blood was also taken from birds in each group and the H:L ratio, levels of corticosterone, glucose and thyroid hormones were determined. The application of 2 ml/l of mixed herbal extract to the drinking water did not improve the production results, nor did it affect the physiological indices of the birds studied. The addition of 2 ml/l of mixed herbal extract to the drinking water only resulted in lower corticosterone levels in the blood of the chickens on day 35 of the experiment. The free-range housing system had a negative effect on the slaughter performance of the broiler chickens. However, housing with access to the free range resulted in lower body temperature, lower mortality, as well as lower glucose, corticosterone and a narrower H:L ratio in the blood of the chickens during the period of increasing air temperature. It can therefore be concluded that housing with access to a free range reduces stress levels and thus improves the welfare of broiler chickens during the summer production cycle compared to confined housing. Comparing the rearing technologies used in the study, it was found that the free-range housing system contributed more to improving the comfort of broiler chickens during the summer than dietary supplementation with the tested herbal mixture extract.
Associations Between Metabolic Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, and Fecal sST2 and CXCL8 Levels: Unveiling New Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Vucelj Samir , Corovic Irfan , Jovanovic Marina , Petrovic Andjela , Stanisavljevic Isidora , Stojanovic Bojan , Corovic Kemal , Andrejevic Ivana , Zdravkovic Natasa , Stojanovic Milica Dimitrijevic , Balovic Goran , Stojanovic Bojana 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Ulcerative Colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, exhibits complex interactions with metabolic disorders such as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), which can significantly impact disease progression and patient outcomes. Among the multitude of players in this intricate network, soluble ST2 (sST2) and Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8) have emerged as critical mediators of immune responses, potentially modulating the disease course in UC patients with co-existing MetS. This study aimed to investigate the association between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and immune response modulation in patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC). UC patients, stratified by the presence of MetS, underwent clinical, endoscopic, and histological evaluation, along with blood and fecal biochemical analyses. Serum and fecal concentrations of sST2 and CXCL8 were measured and compared between groups. UC patients with MetS exhibited lower white blood cell (WBC) count, higher levels of metabolic markers, and milder disease severity on clinical, endoscopic, and histological scales. Serum concentrations of sST2 and CXCL8 were similar between UC patients with and without MetS. However, fecal levels of these cytokines were significantly elevated in UC patients with MetS, suggesting a localized intensified immune response. Our findings indicate a potential dichotomy in the immune response of UC patients with MetS, characterized by a dampened systemic inflammation and heightened local immune response. The elevated fecal levels of sST2 and CXCL8 underscore a potentially unique immune modulation within the gut in the presence of MetS. These findings shed new light on the pathophysiological interplay between MetS and UC and may provide new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies.
Das Klima und eine marode Infrastruktur richten sich nicht nach der Schuldenbremse
Authors: Heine Michael , Herr Hansjörg 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The German Federal Constitutional Court has ordered a revision of public budgets following the correct interpretation of the German debt brake. The debt brake is an obstacle to necessary public investment needed for ecological transformation of areas such as housing construction and education. The debt brake should be replaced by the golden rule of fiscal policy, which allows credit financing of public investments.
Finanzierung von Staatsaufgaben: nachhaltige Finanzpolitik und Schuldenbremse
Authors: Kurz Rudi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Multiple crises and ecological transformation are driving an intense debate about government credit financing and its restriction by the constitutional debt brake. The Board of Academic Advisors at the BMWK has presented a proposal on how more flexibility would be possible without undermining the indispensable disciplining function of the debt brake. The Board recommends a selective relaxation of the debt brake linked to conditions that are virtually impossible to fulfil (net investment, independent institution, no inflationary effects). Therefore, regarding the fact that the Board has formulated a justification for the debt brake: As long as there is no practicable reform proposal, there is no reason to change the constitution.
Konsens und Dissens in der evidenzbasierten Politikberatung
Authors: Garnadt Niklas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Economic policy advice often reveals conflicting objectives. Using the example of the German Council of Economic Experts’ evidence-based policy advice, this article presents institutionalised procedures for consensus and dissent in the preparation of its annual report. While consensus is sought in the first two stages of primary data and data analysis, dissent regularly occurs in the third stage of reaching policy conclusions. Dissent is institutionalised through the possibility of authoring minority votes.