Comparison of Lipoprotein Analysis Using Gel-Permeation High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and a Biochemistry Analyzer in Normolipidemic and Dyslipidemic Quaker Parrots (Myiopsitta monachus).

Lipid accumulation disorders are common in psittacine birds and can be associated with changes in plasma lipoproteins, most notably low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). However, lipoprotein analysis by standard laboratory analyzers or an indirect method, such as the Friedewald formula, has not been validated in parrots. A research colony of 12 Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) were used to compare plasma values from the Roche Cobas c501 biochemistry analyzer for total cholesterol, total triglycerides, LDL, and HDL to gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography (GP-HPLC). To increase sample size and broaden the analytical range to include dyslipidemic samples, 2 cross-over studies were performed on a 0.3% cholesterol diet and a 20% fat diet. Agreement between methods was assessed by linear mixed models and Bland and Altman plots. The LDL concentrations calculated by the Friedewald formula and alternative formulas, and the effects of triglycerides on the biases, were also evaluated. Forty-five plasma samples were used. The cholesterol diet induced a marked increase in cholesterol and all lipoproteins, whereas the fat diet did not lead to dyslipidemia. Direct and indirect LDL measurements obtained with the clinical analyzer were not in clinical agreement with GP-HPLC, whereas HDL had acceptable agreement for normotriglyceridemic samples. Hypertriglyceridemic plasma samples were found to interfere with lipoprotein measurements. This study found LDL measured by the Roche Cobas c501 biochemistry analyzer and indirect estimations cannot be recommended in the Quaker parrot, and non-HDL cholesterol should be used instead. Lipoprotein panels obtained from hypertriglyceridemic samples should be interpreted with care.

The Impacts of Temporal Variation and Individual Differences in Driver Cognitive Workload on ECG-Based Detection.

OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed to investigate the robustness of driver cognitive workload detection based on electrocardiogram (ECG) when considering temporal variation and individual differences in cognitive workload. BACKGROUND: Cognitive workload is a critical component to be monitored for error prevention in human-machine systems. It may fluctuate instantaneously over time even in the same tasks and differ across individuals. METHOD: A driving simulation study was conducted to classify driver cognitive workload underlying four experimental conditions (baseline, N-back, texting, and N-back + texting distraction) in two repeated 1-hr blocks. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were compared among the experimental conditions and between the blocks. Random forests were built on HR and HRV to classify cognitive workload in different blocks and for different individuals. RESULTS: HR and HRV were significantly different between repeated blocks in the study, demonstrating the time-induced variation in cognitive workload. The performance of cognitive workload classification across blocks and across individuals was significantly improved after normalizing HR and HRV in each block by the corresponding baseline. CONCLUSION: The temporal variation and individual differences in cognitive workload affects ECG-based cognitive workload detection. But normalization approaches relying on the choice of appropriate baselines help compensate for the effects of temporal variation and individual differences. APPLICATION: The findings provide insight into the value and limitations of ECG-based driver cognitive workload monitoring during prolonged driving for individual drivers.

Comparison of serum cytokine levels between dogs with multicentric lymphoma and healthy dogs.

In humans, multiple cytokines have been linked to the development of lymphoma, and are relevant biomarkers for response to chemotherapy and prognosis. In contrast, only a few circulating cytokines have been studied in dogs with lymphoma. We prospectively enrolled thirty-one dogs newly diagnosed with multicentric lymphoma. Immunophenotype was determined by flow cytometry in all dogs, separating them into 2 subgroups: B cell lymphoma (n=21) and T cell lymphoma (n=10). Nineteen healthy dogs were enrolled in the control group. Circulating cytokine concentrations were measured using a commercial canine multiplex magnetic bead-based assay which included Interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interferon γ (IFN-γ), IFN-γ induced Protein-10 (IP-10), Keratinocyte Chemoattractant-like (KC-like), and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1). The serum levels of each cytokine were first compared between the lymphoma and control groups, and then between the B cell lymphoma, T cell lymphoma, and control groups. There was no significant difference between the lymphoma and healthy control groups regarding sex, age and weight. MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly higher in dogs with lymphoma compared to healthy dogs (p<0.01, p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). MCP-1 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the B cell lymphoma group than in the healthy group (p=0.01, p=0.01, respectively). MCP-1 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the T cell lymphoma group than in the healthy group (p=0.02, p<0.01, respectively). IL-6 was significantly higher in the T cell lymphoma group than in the B cell lymphoma group (p=0.03). Significant differences among the groups were found for IL-15 and KC-like, but they were affected by age and/or sex. There were no significant differences in serum IL-2, IL-7, IL-8, IL-18, GM-CSF, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IP-10 between any of the groups. Significant differences in red blood cell, white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts were also found between the different groups of dogs. Our data showed different serum cytokine and peripheral blood cell profiles between dogs with lymphoma and healthy dogs, and between dogs with B cell and T cell lymphoma. Further study is necessary to investigate the role of these cytokines in lymphoma pathogenesis, response to treatment, and prognosis, and the influence of age, sex and blood cell counts on their expression.

Acute myeloid leukemia with basophilic differentiation in a 3-year-old Standardbred gelding.

A 3-year-old Standardbred gelding with a history of pyrexia, persistent hemorrhage from the oral cavity, and a large, soft swelling at the junction of the caudal aspect of the mandibular rami and proximal neck was evaluated. The horse had neutropenia and anemia, with atypical granulated cells in a blood smear. Additional tests confirmed acute myeloid leukemia with basophilic differentiation, which has been reported in humans, cats, dogs, and cattle but not horses.

Leucémie myéloïde aiguë avec différenciation basophile chez un hongre Standardbred âgé de 3 ans. Nous avons évalué un hongre Standardbred âgé de 3 ans avec une anamnèse de pyrexie, d'hémorragie persistante de la cavité orale et d'une grosse enflure molle à la jonction de l'aspect caudal des rameaux mandibulaires et du cou proximal. Le cheval souffrait de neutropénie et d'anémie avec des cellules granulées au frottis sanguin. Des tests additionnels ont confirmé une leucémie myéloïde avec différenciation basophile, qui avait déjà été signalée chez les humains, les chats, les chiens et le bétail, mais pas chez les chevaux.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Intra-articular implantation of gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge causes joint inflammation and impaired renal function in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge (GICS) can be used to treat intra-articular surgical site infections. High local concentrations of gentamicin can be reached for short periods; however the collagen vehicle may persist for much longer periods. We wished to determine the effect of sponge implantation on joint inflammation and renal function. METHODS: Eighteen medium sized mixed breed research dogs of hound type were randomized to two groups; arthroscopic implantation of GICS at gentamicin dose = 6 mg/kg (n = 9) or sham operation (n = 9). Endpoints consisted of joint inflammation measured by synovial fluid cell counts and cytokine concentrations; lameness measured by force plate asymmetry indices; and renal function measured by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) study. The prevalence of lesions associated with aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity was assessed by renal biopsy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge implantation caused joint inflammation (p <0.01), lameness (p = 0.04), and decreased GFR (p = 0.04). No difference was observed in the prevalence of renal lesions on biopsy between the treatment and control groups (p = 0.49). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge implantation causes joint inflammation and lameness as well as GFR reductions at the dose assessed. Gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge are not recommended for intra-articular implantation in dogs.

Comparison of isoflurane and propofol for maintenance of anesthesia in dogs with intracranial disease undergoing magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To compare isoflurane and propofol for maintenance of anesthesia and quality of recovery in client-owned dogs with intracranial disease undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, clinical trial. ANIMALS: Twenty-five client-owned dogs with intracranial pathology, 13 females and 12 males, ages 11 months to 13 years, weighing between 3.0 and 48.0 kg. METHODS: Each dog was randomly assigned to receive propofol or isoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia. All dogs were not premedicated, were administered propofol intravenously to effect for induction, intubated and mechanically ventilated to maintain an end-tidal carbon dioxide tension 30-35 mmHg (4.0-4.7 kPa). Temperature and cardiac output were measured pre- and post-MRI. Scores for mentation, neurological status, ease of maintenance, and recovery were obtained pre- and post-anesthesia. Pulse oximetry, end-tidal gases, arterial blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and requirements for dopamine administration to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) >60 mmHg were recorded throughout anesthesia. RESULTS: End-tidal isoflurane concentration was 0.73 ± 0.35% and propofol infusion rate was 292 ± 119 µg kg(-1)  minute(-1) . Cardiac index was higher, while HR was lower, with propofol than isoflurane in dogs younger than 5 years, but not in older dogs. Dogs maintained with isoflurane were 14.7 times more likely to require dopamine than propofol dogs. Mentation and maintenance scores and temperature were not different. MAP and diastolic arterial pressure were higher in the propofol group. Recovery scores were better with propofol, although times to extubation were similar. Change in neurological score from pre- to post-anesthesia was not different between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs maintained with propofol during MRI had higher arterial pressures, decreased requirements for dopamine, and better recovery scores, compared to dogs maintained with isoflurane. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Propofol anesthesia offered cardiovascular and recovery advantages over isoflurane during MRI in dogs with intracranial disease in this study.

Systematic evaluation of evidence on veterinary viscoelastic testing part 4: Definitions and data reporting.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically examine evidence surrounding definitions and reporting of data for viscoelastic testing in veterinary medicine. DESIGN: Standardized, systematic evaluation of the literature, categorization of relevant articles according to level of evidence and quality, and development of consensus on conclusions for application of the concepts to clinical practice. SETTING: Academic and referral veterinary medical centers. RESULTS: Databases searched included Medline, CAB abstracts, and Google Scholar. CONCLUSIONS: All 4 standard thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) variables should be universally reported, and the reporting of shear elastic modulus in addition to maximum amplitude (MA) is encouraged. There is insufficient evidence to support universal usage of the coagulation index at this time. The K value and clot formation time are the most variable of the 4 parameters, with alpha angle, MA, and maximum clot firmness generally the least variable. Individual studies should report sufficient data on patients and institutional controls to enable definitions of hypo- and hypercoagulability to be evaluated post-hoc, and it is recommended that all studies specifically report how these conditions were defined. In reporting data relating to fibrinolysis, the TEG variables LY30, LY60, CL30, CL60, and the ROTEM variables LI30, LI60, ML, LOT, and LT should be documented. Studies should report sufficient data on patients and controls to enable definitions of hyper- and hypofibrinolysis to be evaluated post-hoc, and we suggest that standard TEG/ROTEM assays may be unable to detect hypofibrinolysis in companion animals. We recommend that every center establish reference intervals, which are specific to either TEG or ROTEM. These reference intervals should be established using veterinary clinical pathology guidelines, standardized protocols, and a minimum of 40 healthy animals. There are currently insufficient data in companion animals to suggest a utility for Vcurve variables beyond that of standard TEG variables.

Evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid lactate and plasma lactate concentrations in anesthetized dogs with and without intracranial disease.

The objectives of this study were to establish a reference interval for canine cerebrospinal fluid lactate (CSFL) and to compare CSFL and plasma lactate (PL) concentrations in anesthetized dogs with and without intracranial disease. Using a prospective study, canine blood and cerebrospinal fluid were collected for lactate analysis in 11 dogs with intracranial disease after undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Group ID-MRI), in 10 healthy dogs post-MRI (Group H-MRI), and in 39 healthy dogs after induction of anesthesia (Group H-Sx). Dogs were anesthetized for the procedures using different anesthetic protocols. Neurological scores (NS) and sedation scores (SS) were assessed pre-anesthesia in ID-MRI dogs. The CSFL reference interval [90% confidence interval (CI) for lower and upper limits] was 1.1 (1.0 to 1.2) to 2.0 (2.0 to 2.1) mmol/L. Mean ± SD CSFL concentrations were: ID-MRI, 2.1 ± 0.8; H-MRI, 1.6 ± 0.4; and H-Sx, 1.6 ± 0.2 mmol/L. There was a tendency for higher CSFL in dogs in the ID-MRI group than in those in the H-MRI or H-Sx groups (P = 0.12). There was agreement between CSFL and PL in ID-MRI dogs (P = 0.007), but not in dogs in H-MRI (P = 0.5) or H-Sx (P = 0.2). Of the ID-MRI dogs, those with worse NS had higher CSFL (r (2) = 0.44). The correlation between CSFL and PL in dogs with intracranial disease and between worse NS and higher CSFL warrants further investigation into the use of CSFL and PL for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.

Les objectifs de la présente étude étaient d'établir un intervalle de référence pour la valeur du lactate du liquide céphalo-rachidien (CSFL) chez le chien et de comparer les concentrations du lactate plasmatique (PL) chez des chiens anesthésiés avec et sans maladie intracrânienne. Lors d'une étude prospective du sang et du liquide céphalo-rachidien ont été prélevés pour analyse du lactate chez 11 chiens avec maladie intracrânienne après un examen d'imagerie par résonnance magnétique (MRI) (Groupe ID-MRI), chez 10 chiens en santé post-MRI (Groupe H-MRI), et chez 39 chiens après induction de l'anesthésie (Groupe H-Sx). Les chiens ont été anesthésiés pour les procédures en utilisant différents protocoles d'anesthésie. Les scores neurologiques (NS) et les scores de sédation (SS) furent évalués pré-anesthésie chez les chiens ID-MRI. L'intervalle de référence pour le CSFL [intervalle de confiance 90 % (CI) pour les limites inférieure et supérieure] était 1,1 (1,0 à 1,2) à 2,0 (2,0 à 2,1) mmol/L. Les concentrations moyennes ± écart-type du CSFL étaient : ID-MRI, 2,1 ± 0,8; H-MRI, 1,6 ± 0,4; et H-Sx 1,6 ± 0,2 mmol/L. Il y avait tendance à observer des valeurs de CSFL plus élevées chez les chiens du groupe ID-MRI que chez les chiens des groupes H-MRI ou H-Sx (P = 0,12). Il y avait concordance entre le CSFL et le PL chez les chiens ID-MRI (P = 0,007), mais pas chez les chiens H-MRI (P = 0,5) ou H-Sx (P = 0,2). Parmi les chiens ID-MRI, ceux avec les pires NS avaient un CSFL élevé (r2 = 0,44). La corrélation entre le CSFL et le PL chez les chiens avec une maladie intracrânienne et entre le pire NS et un CSFL élevé mérite une investigation plus poussée sur l'utilisation du CSFL et du PL pour fin de diagnostic et de pronostic.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Potentially antigenic RBC membrane proteins in dogs with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

BACKGROUND: Primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. The mechanisms underlying autoimmune reactivity remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify membrane proteins of RBCs that could be antigenic in dogs with primary IMHA. METHODS: Antibodies were eluted with xylene from RBCs of 12 dogs with IMHA, 4 dogs with anemia due to causes other than IMHA, and 2 healthy dogs. Pooled RBC membrane proteins were prepared from blood of 17 healthy dogs. The eluted antibodies were then analyzed by immunoblotting for interactions with the pooled membrane proteins and autologous plasma. Bands present in the 12 dogs with IMHA but not in the 6 other dogs were considered potential autoantigens and were identified by liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: RBC eluates from all 18 dogs had reactivity against band 3 protein. Antibodies to 6 additional proteins were uniquely identified in dogs with IMHA. Reactivity to calpain, complement component 3, and peroxiredoxin 2 was identified in 8, 8, and 4 of the 12 samples, respectively, from dogs with IMHA, but in none of the samples from the 6 dogs without IMHA. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of universal immune reactivity against band 3 protein probably indicates recognition of senescent RBC. Proteins uniquely recognized by antibodies in dogs with IMHA are involved in oxidative stress and apoptosis (calpain), inflammation (complement), and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (peroxiredoxin 2). It remains to be determined if these proteins are important in initiating autoimmunity or if immunoglobulins targeting these proteins develop during IMHA.

The link between inflammation and coagulation: influence on the interpretation of diagnostic laboratory tests.

This article provides an overview of the complex relationship between inflammation and coagulation and a review of routinely available laboratory and point-of-care tests for the detection of inflammation and coagulopathies. In the management of cases requiring ongoing laboratory and clinical evaluation, examination of these two major pathologic processes may assist with diagnosis and improve outcome. Early identification of a pathologic inflammatory process may allow prevention of its progression to syndromes carrying a poorer prognosis, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Reference limits for biochemical and hematological analytes of dairy cows one week before and one week after parturition.

Since dairy cows during the transition period have multiple endocrine and metabolic changes, it is necessary to determine the reference limits of laboratory analytes in normal transition cows. Reference limits for the weeks before and after calving were determined in dairy cows. Animals that had adverse clinical outcomes after calving and cows that were culled or had mastitis within the first 7 days after calving were excluded. All biochemical analytes (beta-hydroxybutyrate, fatty acids, glucose, cholesterol, urea, calcium, and phosphorus) were statistically different between precalving and postcalving groups. The hematological analytes were not significantly different except for eosinophils. The data from precalving and postcalving cows were significantly different from reference limits in a university-associated laboratory derived from early- and mid-lactation cows. Different reference limits for precalving and postcalving dairy cows should be determined for biochemical analytes to ensure appropriate interpretation of results.

Evaluation of prepartum serum cholesterol and fatty acids concentrations as predictors of postpartum retention of the placenta in dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: To identify serum biochemical and hematologic variables, as measured in the week before parturition, that predict postpartum retention of the placenta (RP) in dairy cows. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 1,038 cows in 20 commercial dairy herds. PROCEDURES: Serum concentrations of fatty acids (FAs), beta-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, glucose, urea, and calcium and blood leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts were determined. These variables were evaluated for an association with development of RP by use of a multivariate logistic regression model. Parity, season of parturition, existence of twins or dystocia, body condition score, and vitamin E treatment were included in the model as covariates. RESULTS: High serum concentrations of cholesterol and FAs were associated with an increased odds of RP. There was a 5% relative increase in the odds of RP for each 0.1 mmol/L increase in cholesterol or FAs concentration in the week before parturition. Season of parturition and twinning were also identified as risk factors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These associations indicated that prepartum energy metabolism contributes to the development of RP. Serum concentrations of cholesterol and FAs may be useful to identify cows with a metabolic abnormality or energy imbalance that might predispose them to RP and should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical risk factors such as twinning, dystocia, or parturient paresis.

Validation of a von Willebrand factor antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and newly developed collagen-binding assay.

No single test is comprehensive enough to detect all of the variants of von Willebrand Disease (VWD), making determination of both concentration and function of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) important for an accurate diagnosis. The objective of the study was to validate a newly developed VWF collagen binding assay (VWF:CB) and VWF antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC VWF:Ag). Linearity, sensitivity, and coefficients of variation were determined. The Asserachrom VWF:Ag ELISA was used as the reference assay for this study. Concordance correlation and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate agreement between both VWF:Ag assays. The VWF:CB accuracy was assessed by degree of association with the VWF:Ag assays, and the VWF:Ag to VWF:CB ratio. All assays were assessed for their ability to distinguish between VWD negative and VWD positive patients. Linearity, intra-assay coefficients of variation, and inter-assay coefficients of variation were acceptable for both the newly developed VWF:CB (R2 = 0.97, average CV = 4.4, and 15, respectively) and OVC VWF:Ag assays (R2 = 0.96, average CV = 7.9, and 5.9, respectively). Agreement between the OVC VWF:Ag assay and reference assay was excellent (rho(c) = 0.89), and although differences between assay results precluded interchangeable use of the assays, both successfully distinguished VWD positive and VWD negative dogs (P < 0.0001). The VWF:CB showed a strong association with both VWF:Ag assays (R2 = 0.86, 0.82) and VWF:Ag to VWF:CB ratios (< or = 1) were as expected. The excellent performance of both assays in this validation study confirm their reliability and potential for clinical application.