Revealing Molecular-Scale Structural Changes in Polymer Nanocomposites during Thermo-Oxidative Degradation Using Evolved Gas Analysis with High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Combined with Principal Component Analysis and Kendrick Mass Defect Analysis.

This study introduces a novel method that utilizes evolved gas analysis with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (EGA-TOFMS) coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) and Kendrick mass defect (KMD) analysis, called EGA-PCA-KMD, to analyze complex structural changes in polymer materials during thermo-oxidative degradation. While EGA-TOFMS captures exact mass data related to the degradation components in the temperature-dependent mass spectra of the evolved products, numerous high-resolution mass spectra with large amounts of ion signals and varying intensities provide challenges for interpretation. To address this, we employed mathematical decomposition through PCA to selectively extract information about the ion series specific to the products that evolved from the degradation components. Additionally, KMD analysis was applied to the attribution of the exact mass signals extracted from the PCA, which categorizes and visualizes depending on the molecular compositions in a two-dimensional plot. The complex structural changes of the triblock copolymer thermoplastic elastomer and its nanocomposites containing nanodiamonds during thermo-oxidative degradation were elucidated using EGA-PCA-KMD to demonstrate the effectiveness of this characterization technique for polymer degradation. Furthermore, it is revealed that the formation of rigid matrix-filler interfacial interaction via the π-π stacking and chemical bonds in the nanocomposites contributes to improvement in the stability toward thermo-oxidative degradation. Our results highlight the benefits of EGA-PCA-KMD and provide valuable insights into polymer degradation.

Nacre-Inspired Nanocomposites from Natural Polypeptide ε-Poly-l-Lysine and Natural Clay Montmorillonite: Remarkable Reinforcing Effect at Low Polymer Content and Its Mechanism.

Nanocomposites composed of the cationic polypeptide ε-poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) and natural sodium montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared and evaluated. These MMT/ε-PL composites formed highly ordered nanostructures resembling natural nacreous layers by a simple process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed that a small amount of ε-PL remarkably enhanced the MMT orientation in the composites. This MMT orientation-enhancing effect of ε-PL was more pronounced than that of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), which is one of the most popular ingredients of MMT-based composites. The orientation enhancement provided by ε-PL was primarily driven by ionic interactions and responsible for high mechanical properties at low polymer content. This remarkable reinforcing effect of ε-PL on MMT at a low polymer content will help to develop high-performance and sustainable nacreous composites. In addition, it improves our understanding of the reinforcing mechanism of natural nacre, which exhibits excellent mechanical properties even with relatively small amounts of organic component.

Socioeconomic status and incident depressive symptoms among older adults: A 3-year longitudinal study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study.

OBJECTIVES: The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and the onset of depressive symptoms has attracted considerable attention. However, few studies have simultaneously examined the association of multiple SES indicators, including "assets," with the onset of depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study examined the association of four SES indicators in old age ('years of education' 'equivalent income,' 'equivalent assets,' and 'the longest-held job') with new-onset depressive symptoms in a large Japanese dataset. METHODS: This longitudinal study used panel data of cognitively and physically independent older adults from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) conducted in 2013 and 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of each SES indicator with new-onset depressive symptoms, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: We analyzed the data of 40,257 older adults, with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 72.9 (±5.5) years. In the follow-up survey, 4292 older adults had new-onset depression symptoms (10.7%). 39.3% had 10-12 years of education. 36.9% had an equivalent income of up to JPY 1.99 million. 24.4% had equivalent assets of JPY 4-17.99 million. Most had a clerical job for the long time. Furthermore, fewer years of education (males: OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.22-1.64, p-value <0.001/females: 1.26, [1.09-1.47], p = 0.002), lower income (males: 1.64, [1.34-2.01], p < 0.001/females: 1.82, [1.49-2.22], p < 0.001), and fewer assets (males: 1.40, [1.16-1.68], p < 0.001/females: 1.21, [1.02-1.42], p = 0.025) resulted in higher odds of having new-onset depressive symptoms, even when other SES indicators were entered simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: All four SES indicators have an independent association with the development of new-onset depressive symptoms among older adults, reflecting different aspects of SES. The association between the "longest-held job" and new-onset depressive symptoms can be largely explained by other SES indicators. A multifaceted and lifetime approach is required to prevent the onset of depressive symptoms in old age.

[Seven-week trial introduction of green slow-mobility services in a new town].

Objectives　The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is promoting the introduction of green slow mobility (GSM) vehicles (can drive up to 20 km/h on public roads) for mobility assistance and potential long-term care prevention. We identified four key factors to pinpoint the challenges and enhance opportunities for introducing GSM; GSM's operational achievements, a comparison of the characteristics of GSM users and non-users, purpose for using GSM, and observation of GSM's contribution to long-term care prevention among older adults.Methods　A pilot GSM study was conducted in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, from October to December 2022. The service included three routes, operating six times daily on a fixed schedule, and was provided by 10 volunteer drivers. Passengers signaled for boarding, and service details were provided through leaflets. A self-administered mail survey was conducted before and after the demonstration test with 674 respondents to the post-questionnaire, and 502 respondents were asked at both time points about issues related to the service, user characteristics, and care prevention. To assess care prevention, we examined the percentage of favorable changes triggered by GSM based on "opportunities to go out," "personal and behavioral aspects," "social relations," and "psychological aspects." Additionally, we examined whether the health indices in the post-hoc survey were better among GSM users than non-users.Results　Of the 223 scheduled GSM services, 214 (96.0%) were operated by 10 volunteers driving an average of 3.1 (SD 2.4) times weekly (0-11 times), indicating an uneven distribution of driving responsibilities. Among the users, 65 (9.6%) were more engaged in community activities and emotional support than non-users. The main purposes for using GSM services were shopping and medical visits, with approximately 70% of users finding it easier to go out owing to these services. The percentage of favorable changes were noted in 3.1-26.2% and 0.2-1.5% of users and non-users, respectively. In the post-test survey, users showed higher independence on the instrumental self-maintenance subscale than non-users.Conclusion　GSM facilitates outings among older adults and may reduce the need for potential long-term care. However, a system is required to ensure that the service burden does not decrease even for a few driving volunteers. Additionally, GSM users are often socially active. Thus, strategies to increase service awareness among less active individuals should be developed.

Nerve stimulator-guided mandibular block in an alpaca undergoing dental extraction.

General anesthesia of a 2-year-old castrated male alpaca undergoing mandibular tooth extraction was successfully managed via a mandibular nerve block with bupivacaine, using nerve stimulation to confirm correct needle placement. The local block was effective, with no cardiovascular or respiratory responses to surgical stimulation observed. Key clinical message: Use of a locoregional technique in dentistry confers anesthetic stability, blocks nociceptive responses to surgery, and promotes a smooth recovery and comfortable postoperative period.

Bloc du nerf mandibulaire confirmé en utilisant la stimulation nerveuse chez un alpaga subissant une extraction dentaire. L'anesthésie générale d'un alpaga mâle castré de 2 ans subissant une extraction de dent mandibulaire a été gérée avec succès par un bloc du nerf mandibulaire avec de la bupivacaïne en utilisant la stimulation nerveuse. Aucune réaction contre la stimulation chirurgicale, y compris une augmentation de la fréquence cardiaque et de la pression artérielle, n'a été observée pendant l'opération.Message clinique clé :L'utilisation d'une technique locorégionale en dentisterie confère une stabilité anesthésique, bloque les réactions nociceptives à la chirurgie et favorise un rétablissement en douceur et une période postopératoire confortable.(Traduit par les auteurs).

A Novel Ex Vivo Bone Culture Model for Regulation of Collagen/Apatite Preferential Orientation by Mechanical Loading.

The anisotropic microstructure of bone, composed of collagen fibers and biological apatite crystallites, is an important determinant of its mechanical properties. Recent studies have revealed that the preferential orientation of collagen/apatite composites is closely related to the direction and magnitude of in vivo principal stress. However, the mechanism of alteration in the collagen/apatite microstructure to adapt to the mechanical environment remains unclear. In this study, we established a novel ex vivo bone culture system using embryonic mouse femurs, which enabled artificial control of the mechanical environment. The mineralized femur length significantly increased following cultivation; uniaxial mechanical loading promoted chondrocyte hypertrophy in the growth plates of embryonic mouse femurs. Compressive mechanical loading using the ex vivo bone culture system induced a higher anisotropic microstructure than that observed in the unloaded femur. Osteocytes in the anisotropic bone microstructure were elongated and aligned along the long axis of the femur, which corresponded to the principal loading direction. The ex vivo uniaxial mechanical loading successfully induced the formation of an oriented collagen/apatite microstructure via osteocyte mechano-sensation in a manner quite similar to the in vivo environment.

[Correlates of walking time by exercise stage of change in older adults in Japan: The 2019 JAGES cross-sectional study].

Objectives　Some older adults less interested in exercise may still meet the walking time of 30 minutes or more per day that is required to maintain and improve their health. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of those who walk for 30 minutes or more per day stratified by the exercise stage of change.Methods　This cross-sectional study used a self-administered mail survey conducted by the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) in 2019. There were 45,939 participants, aged 65 years or above, who were not certified as requiring long-term care and who resided in 62 municipalities in 24 prefectures. The measures included daily walking time, stage of change for exercise (20 minutes or more once a week), and factors related to physical activities (eight demographic and biological; three psychological, cognitive, and emotional; eight behavioral; 40 social and cultural; and three environmental factors). The analysis was stratified into three groups according to the transformation stages: 1) pre-contemplation, 2) contemplation/preparation, and 3) action/maintenance. Poisson regression analysis was conducted with the dependent variable as walking time, the independent variables as physical activity factors, and the covariates as all eight demographic and biological factors.Results　Of the 24,146 survey respondents (52.6% response rate), 18,464 were included in the analysis. Surveys with missing items that were important for the analysis and patients who needed care and assistance were excluded. The factors that were significantly associated with walking 30 minutes or more per day only in the pre-contemplation stage, or only in the precontemplation and the contemplation/preparation stages, were three demographic and biological (married; age 80 years or above and non-independence of instrumental activities of daily living were negatively associated), two behavioral (going out at least once a week and watching sports on TV or the Internet), and six social and cultural factors (provision of instrumental support, frequency of meeting with friends more than once a week, participation in the neighborhood association, high reciprocity, reading habits; playing Go was negatively associated).Conclusions　Among the demographic and biological factors, and the behavioral, social, and cultural factors, 11 items were found to be associated with walking 30 minutes or more per day only in the pre-contemplation stage, or only in the precontemplation and contemplation/preparation stages. To promote walking even in the lower stages of change, it may be useful to promote exchanges with others, rather than focusing predominantly on physical activities.

Changes in stroke volume induced by lung recruitment maneuver can predict fluid responsiveness during intraoperative lung-protective ventilation in prone position.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability of hemodynamic changes induced by lung recruitment maneuver (LRM) in predicting stroke volume (SV) increase after fluid loading (FL) in prone position. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing spine surgery in prone position were enrolled. Lung-protective ventilation (tidal volume, 6-7 mL/kg; positive end-expiratory pressure, 5 cmH2O) was provided to all patients. LRM (30 cmH2O for 30 s) was performed. Hemodynamic variables including mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, SV, SV variation (SVV), and pulse pressure variation (PPV) were simultaneously recorded before, during, and at 5 min after LRM and after FL (250 mL in 10 min). Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to evaluate the predictability of SVV, PPV, and SV decrease by LRM (ΔSVLRM) for SV responders (SV increase after FL > 10%). The gray zone approach was applied for ΔSVLRM. RESULTS: Areas under the curve (AUCs) for ΔSVLRM, SVV, and PPV to predict SV responders were 0.778 (95% confidence interval: 0.590-0.909), 0.563 (0.371-0.743), and 0.502 (0.315-0.689), respectively. The optimal threshold for ΔSVLRM was 30% (sensitivity, 92.3%; specificity, 70.6%). With the gray zone approach, the inconclusive values ranged 25 to 75% for ΔSVLRM (including 50% of enrolled patients). CONCLUSION: In prone position, LRM-induced SV decrease predicted SV increase after FL with higher reliability than traditional dynamic indices. On the other hand, considering the relatively large gray zone in this study, future research is needed to further improve the clinical significance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trial Registry UMIN000027966 . Registered 28th June 2017.

Molecular-Scale Deformation of Polypropylene/Silica Composites Probed by Rheo-Optical Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Imaging Analysis Combined with Disrelation Mapping.

We have developed a novel rheo-optical Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) imaging technique that can probe the molecular-scale deformation behavior of a polymer matrix in composite materials. This rheo-optical FTIR imaging is based on in situ-polarized FTIR imaging of a polymer sample while it is being deformed by mechanical force. This imaging technique readily captures the orientation of the polymer molecules resulting from the applied strain. Analysis of the resulting FTIR imaging data by disrelation mapping makes it possible to further elucidate subtle but pertinent spectral variations arising from changes in the state of molecules within the spectroscopic images. In this study, the rheo-optical FTIR imaging is applied to analysis of the deformation behaviors of a composite composed of polypropylene containing hydroxyl groups (PPOH) and silica spheres (SS) to investigate matrix-filler adhesion of the composite. Our rheo-optical FTIR imaging analysis revealed selective inhibition of PPOH orientation at the matrix-filler interface during tensile deformation due to high matrix-filler adhesion via hydrogen bonding. The strong link between the PPOH matrix and SS filler efficiently restricts mobility of the matrix, resulting in the reinforcement of PPOH by addition of SS. Rheo-optical FTIR imaging is an effective tool for probing localized deformation behavior at the matrix-filler interface as well as achieving a better understanding of the correlation between matrix-filler adhesion and the effective reinforcement of composites.

Impact of intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy on major morbidity and mortality after transthoracic oesophagectomy: a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic oesophagectomy is associated with major morbidity and mortality, which may be reduced by goal-directed therapy (GDT). The aim of this multicentre, RCT was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative GDT on major morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing transthoracic oesophagectomy. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing transthoracic oesophagectomy were randomised to receive either minimally invasive intraoperative GDT (stroke volume variation <8%, plus systolic BP maintained >90 mm Hg by pressors as necessary) or haemodynamic management left to the discretion of attending senior anaesthetists (control group; systolic BP >90 mm Hg alone). The primary outcome was the incidence of death or major complications (reoperation for bleeding, anastomotic leakage, pneumonia, reintubation, >48 h ventilation). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine whether the effects of GDT on morbidity and mortality were independent of other potential confounders. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients (80.6% male; age range: 36-83 yr) were randomised to either GDT (n=115) or to the control group (n=117). After surgery, major morbidity and mortality were less frequent in 22/115 (19.1%) subjects randomised to GDT, compared with 41/117 (35.0%) subjects assigned to the control group {absolute risk reduction: 15.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.7-27.2%); P=0.006}. GDT was also associated with fewer episodes of atrial fibrillation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.18 [95% CI: 0.05-0.65]), respiratory failure (OR: 0.27 [95% CI: 0.09-0.83]), use of mini-tracheotomy (OR: 0.29 [95% CI: 0.10-0.81]), and readmission to ICU (OR: 0.09 [95% CI: 0.01-0.67]). GDT was independently associated with morbidity and mortality (hazard ratio: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.30-0.87]; P=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative GDT may reduce major morbidity and mortality, and shorten hospital stay, after transthoracic oesophagectomy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000018705.

Pain behaviors before and after treatment of oral disease in cats using video assessment: a prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Specific behaviors associated with pain in cats with oral disease have not been consistently studied. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify pain-induced behaviors in cats before and after treatment of oral disease using video assessment. Twenty-four cats (6 ± 3.3 years old; 4.9 ± 1.7 kg) were included in a prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial. Cats were equally divided into minimal (G1: minimal dental treatment) or severe (G2: multiple dental extractions) oral disease groups. After acclimation at day 0, they underwent oral examination, radiographs, scaling, and dental extractions under general anesthesia (anesthetic protocol: acepromazine, hydromorphone, propofol, isoflurane, meloxicam, and local anesthetic blocks; day 1), and were discharged at day 6. Cats were filmed remotely for 10 min using a wide-angle glass lens camera before surgery (baseline) and throughout the study at different time points (36 h of video recording). The videos consisted of four parts namely general, playing, feeding and post-feeding behaviors. A board-certified behaviorist evaluated the duration/frequency of different behaviors based on an ethogram, which were analyzed using linear mixed models and a generalized linear model, respectively (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In comparison with baseline, duration of "not pawing the face" was significantly shorter at day 3 in G2. These cats spent significantly longer time "standing" and "laying" at days 3 and 6, respectively; G1 spent significantly less time "walking" and "standing" at days 3 and 4, respectively and significantly longer time "immobile" at day 3. Duration of "no/slow tail movement" was significantly longer in G2 than G1 at day 5. Duration of "pawing the ribbon" (playing) was significantly shorter in G2 than G1 at day 1. Feeding and post-feeding behaviors with soft food were not significantly different between groups or over time. Frequency of "difficulty grasping dry food" was significantly higher in G2 than G1 up to day 6. Frequency of post-feeding "head shaking" was significantly higher in both groups at day 6 when compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified pain-induced behaviors in cats undergoing treatment of oral disease. These behaviors may be used to differentiate painful versus pain-free cats in clinical practice.

Pharmacokinetics and analgesic effects of intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous buprenorphine in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy: a randomized, prospective, masked, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Buprenorphine is used for canine postoperative pain management. This study aimed to describe the pharmacokinetics and evaluate the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine (Simbadol, 1.8 mg/mL) administered by different routes in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-four dogs were included in a randomized, prospective, masked, clinical trial. Buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg) was administered intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SC) (n = 8/group) 0.5 h before general anesthesia with propofol-isoflurane. Carprofen (4.4 mg/kg SC) was administered after anesthetic induction and before ovariohysterectomy. Pain was scored using the short-form Glasgow composite pain scale for dogs (SF-GCPS). Dogs were administered morphine (0.25 mg/kg IV) when SF-GCPS scores were ≥ 5/20. Blood sampling was performed up to 720 min after drug administration. Plasma buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine concentrations were analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine was described using a non-compartmental model (PK Solver 2.0). Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed models and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Pain scores were significantly higher than baseline after IV (0.5-2 h), IM (0.5-3 h) and SC (0.5-4 h) but not among groups. Prevalence of rescue analgesia was significantly higher in SC (7/8 dogs) than IV (2/8) but not different between IV and IM (3/8) or IM and SC. The frequency of rescue analgesia was not significantly different among groups (IV = 2, IM = 5 and SC = 9). Norbuprenorphine was not detected. For IV, IM and SC administration, clearance was 1.29, 1.65 and 1.40 L/hour/kg, volume of distribution was 6.8, 14.2 and 40.1 L/kg, the elimination half-life was 3.7, 5.7, 22 h, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curved extrapolated to infinity was 15.7, 12.4 and 16.4 ng/mL/hour, respectively. Bioavailability for IM and SC was 62.6 and 40%, respectively. Maximum plasma concentrations of buprenorphine were 6.2 and 1.3 ng/mL at 0.14 and 0.33 h after IM and SC administration, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The route of administration influences the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine in dogs. SC administration of buprenorphine failed to provide clinical analgesia due to erratic drug absorption. At the doses administered, the IV and IM routes are preferred for postoperative analgesia.

Specific types of sports and exercise group participation and socio-psychological health in older people.

Older people who engage in sports and exercise in a group render greater benefits for socio-psychological aspects compared to exercising alone. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of specific types of sports and exercise groups and the association with self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and frequency of laughter among community-dwelling older people. We used cross-sectional data from the 2016 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study and analysed 63,465 males and 68,497 females aged ≥65 years. The top three most popular types among males were golf (11.3%), walking (8.4%), and ground golf (6.3%). Among females, the top three were fitness exercises (13.8%), walking (8.3%), and weight exercises (6.2%). After adjusting for potential confounders, engaging in golf with a group was significantly related with excellent self-rated health (prevalence ratio, PR, 1.31 in male and 1.78 in female), low depressive symptoms (PR, 0.70 and 0.71), and a high frequency of laughter (PR, 1.12 and 1.13). Among females, walking displayed a significant relationship with all three characteristics (PR, 1.23, 0.79, and 1.06, respectively). Golf in older males and walking in older females might be the first choice for an effective programme to spread sports and exercise groups within the older Japanese community.

Anesthetic and analgesic effects of an opioid-free, injectable protocol in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy: A prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial.

This study evaluated the effects of ketamine-dexmedetomidine-midazolam as part of an opioid-free, multimodal protocol in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. In a prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial, cats received either 1 of 2 doses of ketamine [5 mg/kg body weight (BW), n = 10, K5 or 7 mg/kg BW, n = 13, K7] with midazolam (0.25 mg/kg BW) and dexmedetomidine (40 µg/kg BW) intramuscularly, intraperitoneal bupivacaine (2 mg/kg BW) and subcutaneous meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg BW) after surgery. Buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg BW, intravenously) was administered if pain scores exceeded intervention scores with 2 pain scoring systems. Similar prevalence of rescue analgesia was observed (K5 = 6/10; K7 = 7/13) with significantly lower requirements in kittens (2/8) than adults (11/15). Tachypnea (K5 = 7/10 and K7 = 9/13) and desaturation (K5 = 3/10 and K7 = 4/13) were the 2 most common complications. Age influenced the prevalence of rescue analgesia. Most adult cats required opioids for postoperative pain relief.

Effets anesthésiants et analgésiques d'un protocole injectable sans opioïde chez des chats soumis à une ovario-hystérectomie : essai clinique prospectif, randomisé, à l'aveugle. Lors de la présente étude nous avons évalué les effets de la combinaison kétamine-dexmedetomidine-midazolam comme élément d'un protocole multimodal sans opioïde chez des chats soumis à une ovario-hystérectomie. Dans un essai clinique prospectif, randomisé, à l'aveugle, des chats reçurent une des deux doses de kétamine [5 mg/kg poids corporel (BW), n = 10, K5 ou 7 mg/kg BW, n = 13, K7] avec du midazolam (0,25 mg/kg BW) et du dexmedetomidine (40 µg/kg BW) par voie intramusculaire, de la bupivacaine par voie intrapéritonéale (2 mg/kg BW) et du meloxicam sous-cutané (0,2 mg/kg BW) après la chirurgie. De la buprenorphine (0,02 mg/kg BW, par voie intraveineuse) fut administrée si les pointages de douleur excédaient les pointages d'intervention avec deux systèmes de pointage de la douleur. Une prévalence similaire d'analgésie de secours fut observée (K5 = 6/10; K7 = 7/13) avec des demandes significativement moindres chez les chatons (2/8) que chez les adultes (11/15). De la tachypnée (K5 = 7/10 et K7 = 9/13) et de la désaturation (K5 = 3/10 et K7 = 4/13) étaient les deux complications les plus fréquentes. L'âge influençait la prévalence de l'analgésie de secours. La plupart des chats adultes ont requis des opioïdes pour soulager la douleur post-opératoire.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

YIPF1, YIPF2, and YIPF6 are medial-/trans-Golgi and trans-Golgi network-localized Yip domain family proteins, which play a role in the Golgi reassembly and glycan synthesis.

In this study, we attempted to explore the function of three uncharacterized mammalian homologs of yeast Yip domain family proteins-YIPF6, a homolog of Yip1p, and YIPF1 and YIPF2, which are homologs of Yif1p. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that YIPF1, YIPF2, and YIPF6 mainly localize in the medial-/trans-Golgi and also partially in the trans-Golgi network (TGN). On treatment with brefeldin A (BFA), the homologs co-migrated partly with medial-/trans-Golgi markers and also with a TGN marker in earlier time point, but finally redistributed within cytoplasmic punctate structures that were distinct from medial-/trans-Golgi and the TGN markers. YIPF6 formed a stable complex separately with YIPF1 and YIPF2, and knockdown of YIPF6 reduced YIPF1 and YIPF2 levels. These results suggest that YIPF6 forms complexes with YIPF1 and YIPF2 for their stable expression and localization within the Golgi apparatus. Knockdown experiments showed that YIPF1 and YIPF2, by contrast, are not necessary for the expression and localization of YIPF6. The structure of the Golgi apparatus and its disassembly after BFA treatment were not significantly affected by the knockdown of YIPF1, YIPF2, or YIPF6. However, reassembly of the Golgi apparatus after the removal of BFA was markedly delayed by the knockdown of YIPF1 and YIPF2, but not by that of YIPF6. These results strongly suggest that free YIPF6 after disassociating with YIPF1 and YIPF2 interferes with the reassembly of the Golgi apparatus. Knockdown of YIPF1 and YIPF2, but not that of YIPF6, also reduced intracellular glycans in HT-29 cells. Thus, we confirmed that YIPF1, YIPF2, and YIPF6 play a significant role in supporting normal glycan synthesis.

The analgesic effects of buprenorphine (Vetergesic or Simbadol) in combination with carprofen in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy: a randomized, blinded, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Buprenorphine is a potent lipophilic opioid analgesic that is largely used in the multimodal treatment of acute pain. Simbadol (buprenorphine hydrochloride) is the first and only FDA-approved high-concentration formulation of buprenorphine for use in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of carprofen in combination with one of two commercial formulations of buprenorphine (Simbadol and Vetergesic, 1.8 mg/mL and 0.3 mg/mL, respectively) in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-four dogs were included in a randomized, prospective, controlled, clinical trial. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups as follows. Dogs were premedicated with acepromazine (0.02 mg/kg) and either 0.02 mg/kg of Vetergesic or Simbadol intramuscularly (Vetergesic group - VG; Simbadol group - SG, respectively; n = 12/group). General anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Carprofen (4.4 mg/kg SC) was administered after induction of anesthesia. Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, pain scores using the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale Short Form (CMPS-SF), sedation scores using a dynamic interactive visual analogue scale and adverse events were evaluated before and after ovariohysterectomy by an observer who was unaware of treatment administration. If CMPS-SF scores were ≥ 5/20, dogs were administered rescue analgesia (morphine 0.5 mg/kg IM). Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed models and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Pain and sedation scores and physiological parameters were not significantly different between treatments. Three dogs in VG (25%) and none in SG (0%) required rescue analgesia (p = 0.109). Adverse effects (i.e. vomiting and melena) were observed in two dogs in SG and were thought to be related to stress and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of buprenorphine with carprofen preoperatively provided adequate postoperative analgesia for the majority of dogs undergoing OVH without serious adverse events. Prevalence of rescue analgesia was not significantly different between groups; however, it could be clinically relevant and explained by a type II error (i.e. small sample size). Future studies are necessary to determine if analgesic efficacy after Simbadol and Vetergesic is related to individual variability or pharmacokinetic differences.

Efficiency of medetomidine for epidural analgesia: Effects on isoflurane requirement and mean systemic arterial blood pressure in dogs.

Five healthy beagle dogs anesthetized with isoflurane were administered medetomidine (α-2 adrenoceptor agonist) by the epidural route. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and end-tidal concentration of isoflurane (ISO) were measured 1, 2.5, and 4 h after administration. Epidural administration of medetomidine reduced the isoflurane dose required to prevent changes in vital parameters following mechanical stimulation and maintained the MAP at a higher level compared to the control.

Efficacité de la médétomidine pour l'analgésie épidurale : effets sur le besoin d'isoflurane et la tension artérielle systémique moyenne chez les chiens. De la médétomidine a été administrée à cinq chiens Beagle en santé anesthésiés à l'aide de l'isoflurane (agoniste adrénocepteur α-2) par voie épidurale. La tension artérielle moyenne (TAM) et la concentration de fin d'expiration de l'isoflurane (ISO) ont été mesurées 1 heure, 2,5 heures et 4 heures après l'administration. L'administration de médétomidine par épidurale a réduit la dose d'isoflurane requise pour prévenir des changements aux paramètres vitaux après la stimulation mécanique et a maintenu la TAM à un niveau supérieur comparativement au groupe témoin.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Legislative Differences Governing Exotic Animal Practice.

Laws regulating exotic animal ownership vary throughout the world. While some differences regarding the legal status and use of exotic companion animals are associated with cultural differences and public perception, some differences may result in different outcome, which could be of interest for other parts of the world. This article provides a general overview of relevant laws pertaining to exotic companion animals in certain developed countries.

Evaluation of three doses of oral trazodone and their impact on handling, activity, and physiological parameters in rabbits: a prospective, blinded, randomized cross-over study.

No study has determined the minimal effective dose of trazodone required to induce behavioral changes and its safety profile in rabbits. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the minimal effective dose of trazodone to improve compliance to handling, and to evaluate associated changes in motor activity, physiological and arterial blood gas parameters. Eight intact female New Zealand White rabbits (2-month-old; 1.66 ± 0.12 kg) were included in this prospective, blinded, randomized cross-over study. After a 10-day acclimation, rabbits randomly received placebo or trazodone 10, 20 or 30 mg/kg orally (PLAC, TRAZ10, TRAZ20, TRAZ30) with a 1-week wash-out period. Compliance scoring (dynamic interactive visual analog scale; DIVAS), activity levels measured with accelerometry (T0-T600), physiological parameters (temperature, heart, and respiratory rates), and arterial blood gas parameters (up to T240) were evaluated. Compliance scores, accelerometry, physiological and arterial blood gas parameters and hypoxemia prevalence (PaO2 <60 mmHg) were analyzed using linear mixed models and Chi-squared tests, respectively (P<0.05). When compared with PLAC, DIVAS scores were significantly higher at T80-120, T40-120 and T120-200 in TRAZ10, TRAZ20 and TRAZ30 post-administration, respectively. When compared with baseline, DIVAS scores were significantly higher from T80-160, T40-240 and T80-200 in TRAZ10, TRAZ20 and TRAZ30, respectively. All other parameters were not significantly different. In TRAZ30, hypoxemia was observed in 2/8 rabbits (P=0.104). In conclusion, oral trazodone improved rabbit compliance at all studied dosages, especially 20 mg/kg improved rabbit compliance without decreasing motor activity or causing hypoxemia.