Evaluation of transcendental meditation as a method of reducing stress.

Transcendental meditation is said to induce in its practitioners an altered state of consciousness resulting in relief of stress, an increased sense of awareness, and a sense of well-being. Release of catecholamines has been associated widely with stress and lends itself to quantitation. Plasma epinephrine and norephinephrine, as well as lactate, were measured in 12 volunteers before, during, and after meditation. Values were compared with those obtained from controls matched for sex and age who rested instead of meditating. Essentially the same results were obtained for the two groups, which suggests that meditation does not induce a unique metabolic state but is seen biochemically as a resting state.

Plant enemy-derived elicitors increase the foliar tannin concentration of Onobrychis viciifolia without a trade-off to growth.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Molecular experiments suggest that the regulation of the biosynthesis of condensed tannin (CT) is sensitive to the presence of plant enemies. The enemy-specific response of CT concentrations to simulated attacks by pathogenic fungi, bacteria or herbivores was studied in Onobrychis viciifolia grown at four levels of nutrient availability. It was hypothesized that CT concentrations increase in response to an attack, and that constitutive and induced levels of CT are higher at low than at high nutrient availability. Investment in CT was also predicted to be negatively related to plant growth. METHODS: Recently discovered substances by which plants recognize their opponents (i.e. elicitors) were used to simulate attacks to Onobrychis viciifolia grown at 0.0027, 0.075, 0.67 or 2 mm phosphorus in the nutrient solution. KEY RESULTS: Relative growth rate and final biomass (P < 0.001) were highest at 0.67 mm of phosphorus. CT concentrations decreased with increasing phosphorus availability, from 94.9 to 69.0 mg g(-1) leaf dry weight (P < 0.001). Compared with unscathed plants, sterile mere mechanical wounding reduced tannin concentrations from 83.8 to 69.3 mg g(-1) leaf dry weight (P < 0.01). Local CT concentrations were higher when wounded leaves were additionally treated with fungal (+15.9 %), bacterial (+19.6 %) or insect (+31.0 %) elicitors (each elicitor; P < 0.05); however, only the insect elicitor (saliva of the lepidopteron Spodoptera littoralis) induced CT concentrations higher than those of unscathed leaves. CONCLUSIONS: CT concentrations were inducible in the vicinity of the wound but the level of induction was unrelated to the nutrient status of the plant. There was no evidence of a growth-defence trade-off. The inverse relationship between CT concentrations and nutrient availability appears to reflect passive growth dilution at high nutrient availability, rather than surplus CT production at low nutrient availability.

Mydriatic drugs for diabetic patients.

A comparative study in healthy subjects and diabetic patients of the mydriatic response to topical tropicamide 0.5% with and without added phenylephrine 10% is reported. The findings indicate that diabetic pupils respond relatively poorly to tropicamide alone but adequately and completely to the drug combination. The pupils of diabetic patients whose eyes had previously received laser treatment dilated less than those from untreated eyes by a small but significant extent. This combination of drugs is recommended for all diabetic patients to provide an adequate mydriasis with a minimum of postclinic accommodative paralysis.

A trial of surgery for trichiasis of the upper lid from trachoma.

Three surgeons operated on upper eye lids of northern Omani villagers for trichiasis due to trachoma using a standardised protocol. The lids were graded as minor trichiasis, five or fewer lashes; major trichiasis, six or more lashes; and lid closure defect. Operative success was defined as no lash/eyeball contact and complete gentle lid closure. One hundred and sixty five lids with major trichiasis were allocated by random number tables to one of five operations: bilamellar tarsal rotation (Ballen), tarsal advance and rotation (modified Trabut), eversion splinting (grey line), tarsal advance (lid split), and tarsal grooving (Streatfield-Snellen) operations. Bilamellar tarsal rotation was significantly more successful than eversion splinting (chi 2 = 7.0, p less than 0.01); tarsal advance (chi 2 = 12.4, p less than 0.001), and tarsal grooving (chi 2 = 23.7, p less than 0.001), but not significantly more successful than tarsal advance and rotation (chi 2 = 2.9, p greater than 0.05). Two of 32 (6%) lids with lid closure defect were successfully treated with tarsal advance; trichiasis was relieved in nine and lid closure defect in 10. It is suggested that bilamellar tarsal rotation and tarsal advance and rotation are effective operations for major trichiasis, but tarsal advance is ineffective where trichiasis and lid closure defect coexist.

Effect of surgical removal of endometrial cups on concentrations of chorionic gonadotrophin and subsequent fertility in the mare.

Seven pregnant mares underwent general anaesthesia, laparotomy, hysterotomy and removal of a 50-day conceptus. Eversion of the uterine horn through the hysterotomy site allowed direct visualisation and electrosurgical removal of endometrial cup tissue from 5 randomly selected mares (Nos 1-5), while cup tissue in 2 mares (Nos 6 and 7) was left intact. Two pregnant mares served as unoperated controls (Nos 8 and 9). Efforts to re-establish pregnancy were initiated 20 days after surgery. Serum samples collected before surgery and during the post-operative period were analysed for concentration of horse chorionic gonadotrophin (CG) by radioimmunoassay. Mean (+/- sd) weight and area of removed tissue was 9.91 +/- 4.6 g and 22.4 +/- 5.9 cm2, respectively. Concentrations of CG ranging from 3440 to 21,220 ng/ml were highest at the time of cup removal (50 days) and declined thereafter. Peak concentrations of CG at the time of surgery were not linearly correlated (r = -0.59) with mass of excised cup tissue. Individual CG half-life values for Mares 1-5 ranged from 5.4 to 8.8 days (mean 7.1 +/- 1.2 days). Peak CG concentrations occurred 68 days after conception with a rate of disappearance (half-time) of 13.4 +/- 0.4 days in Mares 6 and 7 and at 74 and 78 days after conception with a half-time of 14.0 +/- 5.7 days in Mares 8 and 9. Mares 1-5 exhibited behavioural oestrus and ovulation 30-44 days after surgery. Pregnancy occurred in 3 mares within 41 days after surgery and was associated with concentrations of CG below 200 ng/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for protein conformational epitopes present in prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a 750-amino acid glycoprotein highly expressed in malignant prostate tissues. PSMA reacts with the murine monoclonal antibody 7E11.C5, whose binding epitope has been mapped to the N-terminal of the protein distributed on the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane. We have developed murine monoclonal antibodies specific for extracellular epitopes of PSMA. Three of these antibodies--1G9, 3C6, and 4D4--display distinct binding properties consistent with their recognition of conformational epitopes within native PSMA. Results indicate this panel of antibodies binds to native full-length PSMA, but not to fusion proteins containing portions of the linear sequence of the protein. Antibody binding is greatly reduced upon heat denaturation of native PSMA, and these antibodies do not detect PSMA by Western blot. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate the ability of each to bind to full-length PSMA as well as PSM', a form of the protein missing the first 57 amino acids. These results indicate each antibody is specific for an epitope within the extracellular domain, a region spanning residues 44-750. Flow cytometric experiments indicate strong specific binding to live LNCaP cells. Antibody inhibition studies demonstrate that these antibodies recognize at least two distinct epitopes. Taken together, the results demonstrate that these antibodies are specific for native protein conformational epitopes within the extracellular domain. Their properties, in particular strong binding to live cancer cells, make them ideal candidates that are clearly superior to linear sequence epitope specific antibodies for in vivo applications.

Evaluation of Janeway gastrostomy in llamas.

To provide long-term gastric fistulas for collection of third-compartment gastric contents, Janeway mucosal tube gastrostomy was performed, using a gastrointestinal stapling instrument, in 6 castrated adult male llamas. Mean operative time (+/- SEM) was 65 +/- 4.16 minutes. All llamas survived the 6-week study period. Of the 6 llamas, 5 did not have signs of abdominal pain and returned to preoperative food consumption amounts within 36 hours. One llama had mild intermittent signs of abdominal pain daily for 7 days before returning to preoperative amount of food consumption. All gastrostomies leaked small amounts of gastric contents around indwelling 6- to 8-mm cannulas at the skin surface. Gastric contents did not leak when cannulas were dislodged from gastrostomy stomas. Replacement of cannulas was rapid and easy. Gravity-flow sample collection was best accomplished through 8-mm cannulas. Mean (+/- SEM) weight loss was detected in all llamas (15 +/- 3 kg) and was associated with frequent nonfeeding and stress of sample collection. Gross necropsy findings were unremarkable in 5 of 6 llamas. All mucosal tube gastrostomies were patent, and there was no evidence of peritonitis. One llama had a single fibrous adhesion connecting the operative site with the ascending colon. Histologically, small (2.5- to 15-mm diameter) partial-thickness mucosal erosions identified at the tube gastrostomy-gastric wall junctions may have been associated with indwelling gastric cannulas. The Janeway gastrostomy was generally well tolerated in the llamas and should be considered as a useful long-term fistulation technique.

Fate and effect of autogenous osteochondral fragments implanted in the middle carpal joint of horses.

Four autogenous osteochondral fragments removed from the lateral trochlear ridge of the talus were arthroscopically placed as loose bodies in a randomly selected middle carpal joint in each of 10 horses. The contralateral middle carpal joint, subjected to a sham procedure, served as control. Postoperative treatment was consistent with that for clinical arthroscopic patients. Lameness evaluation, radiographic examination, carpal circumference measurement, and synovial fluid analysis were performed before and at scheduled intervals after surgery. After a 2-month confinement, horses were subjected to an increasing level of exercise. Horses were euthanatized at intervals through 6 months. Gross and microscopic evaluations were performed on remaining fragments, articular cartilage, and synovial membrane of each middle carpal joint. Increased joint circumference, effusion, lameness, and degenerative joint disease distinguished implanted from control joints over the 6-month period. Implanted joints were characterized by grooved, excoriated cartilage surfaces, and synovium that was thick, erythematous, and irregular. At 4 weeks, implants were found to have adhered to synovium at their subchondral bone surface. The bone within fragments was undergoing necrosis, while cartilage was preserved. At 8 weeks, fragments were radiographically inapparent, grossly evident as pale plaques on the synovial surface, and composed of dense fibrous connective tissue. Synovial membrane specimens from implanted joints had inflammatory change characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration 2 months after implantation. Physical damage was apparent within articular cartilage of implanted joints at 2 months, and was significant (P less than 0.05) at 6 months after surgery. Chondrocyte degenerative change was significant (P less than 0.05) at 6 months after surgery. Focal reduction in safranin-O uptake was observed in cartilage layers adjacent to physical defects. Osteochondral loose bodies of the size implanted in the middle carpal joint of horses in this study were resorbed by the synovium within 2 months. Synovitis and significant articular cartilage damage were associated with the implanted fragments. Regardless of origin, free osteochondral fragments within the middle carpal joint should be removed, and methods to prevent residual postoperative debris should be implemented to reduce potential for articular pathologic change.

Repair of a mid-diaphyseal femoral fracture in a boar.

A simple, oblique fracture of the middle portion of the diaphysis of the right femur was successfully repaired in a 10-month-old 150-kg Berkshire boar, using a 4.5-mm 9-hole broad dynamic compression plate applied to the lateral surface of the bone. A lateral surgical approach provided excellent access to the fragment ends. Intravenous administration of atracurium besylate facilitated traction along the long axis of the bone and fracture reduction. The plate was luted with 5% gentamicin sulfate-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate. Lack of a third trochanter in the porcine species facilitated retraction of the superficial gluteal muscle and provided a smooth plating surface. Full breeding activity by the boar resumed 190 days after surgery without complications. Massive soft tissue in the area over the femur, extensive production of callus, and cautious behavior by the boar contributed to successful fracture repair, indicating that domestic swine may be good surgical candidates for femoral fracture repair.

Abscess on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus as a cause of lameness in a horse.

An 18-month-old 450-kg [990-lb] sexually intact male Holsteiner was evaluated for lameness of the left forelimb of 3-months' duration. We were unable to localize the site of lameness, using intra-articular and perineural anesthesia, and radiography of the shoulder and cubital joint (elbow) did not reveal radiographic abnormalities. Nuclear scintigraphy was performed. An increase in radio-isotope uptake was evident at the lateral epicondyle of the left humerus. Radiographs of the region 3 weeks later revealed a 1.5-cm focal lucency surrounded by a 1.0-cm rim of necrotic bone. The lesion was consistent with an encapsulated osteomyelitis or bone abscess. Surgical correction was performed, using general anesthesia, and involved a lateral approach to the epicondyle of he humerus. Cyst contents were removed with curettage, and the cavity was packed with cancellous bone harvested from the tuber coxae. A coagulase-negative Staphylococcus organism was cultured from the abscess. The horse was sound 3 weeks after surgery, and radiography 10 months later revealed complete ossification and adjacent sclerosis at the surgical site. Solitary cystic lesions of long bones may represent bone abscesses capable of causing lameness in horses. Nuclear scintigraphy can provide early diagnostic capability. Curettage and cancellous bone grafting are indicated for treatment of bone abscesses.

Evaluation of lidocaine, xylazine, and a combination of lidocaine and xylazine for epidural analgesia in llamas.

Epidural analgesia was achieved at weekly intervals in 6 adults llamas by injection of 2% lidocaine, 10% xylazine, and a combination of 2% lidocaine/10% xylazine at the sacrococcygeal junction. Analgesia was determined by lack of response to pin prick or hemostat pressure in the perineal area. Ataxia could not be accurately evaluated because of the llamas' tendency to assume sternal recumbency when restrained. Time to onset of analgesia was not different between lidocaine (3.16 +/- 0.31 minutes) and lidocaine/xylazine (3.50 +/- 0.56 minutes), but results for both groups were different than those for xylazine (20.67 +/- 3.37 minutes). Duration of analgesia was different among all groups (lidocaine, 71.0 +/- 6.15 minutes; xylazine, 186.83 +/- 14.86 minutes; lidocaine/xylazine, 325.83 +/- 29.39 minutes). Mild sedation developed in 4 llamas given xylazine alone. Lidocaine/xylazine caused mild sedation in 2 llamas and moderate sedation in 1 llama. Significant changes in pulse or respiratory rates were not observed among drugs, but changes were observed over time with all drugs. As has been reported in other species, lidocaine/xylazine provided rapid onset and prolonged duration of analgesia.

Comparison of autogenous cancellous bone grafts obtained from the sternum and proximal portion of the tibia of llamas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomy of the sternum in llamas, define the surgical approach to the sternum for collection of cancellous bone graft tissue, and compare the histologic appearance of graft tissue obtained from the sternum with that obtained from the proximal portion of the tibia. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 12 llamas, 3 to 19 years old, that had been submitted for necropsy. PROCEDURE: Radiographs were taken of the sternum and left tibia of the llamas. Measurements of the sternum were determined from the radiographs and adjusted for magnification. Sternebrae volumes were estimated from these measurements. Anatomic dissections to the center of the fourth sternebra and the proximal portion of the tibia were made, and a surgical approach to the sternum was developed. Cancellous graft tissue was obtained from each site and submitted for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: Sternebrae 3, 4, and 5 were significantly larger in volume than the other sternebrae. The ventral aspect of the fourth sternebra was readily accessed for removal of graft tissue by making a 6-cm-long ventral midline incision centered 17 cm craniad to the xipnoid. Mean soft tissue thickness overlying the ventral aspect of the fourth sternebra was 3.1 cm. More tissue was obtained from the sternal (mean, 9.11 g) than from the tibial (mean, 5.16 g) sites. Sternal graft tissue consisted of trabecular bone spicules with predominantly hematopoietic marrow, whereas tibial tissue consisted of trabecular bone spicules with only fatty marrow. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The fourth sternebra in llamas is readily accessible for obtaining autogenous cancellous bone graft tissue that consists of predominantly hematopoietic marrow.

Unilateral fibroepithelial hyperplasia of the mammary gland in a goat.

A 2.5-year-old female Nubian goat was admitted because of a mass involving the right mammary gland. Ultrasonography and cytologic examination of the mass revealed a benign or hyperplastic condition. A right mastectomy was performed. Results of histologic and immunohistochemical tests indicated mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia (fibroadenomatous change), which is a condition usually found in cats. The mammary mass had not redeveloped in the goat after 1 year.

Comparison of lidocaine, xylazine, and xylazine/lidocaine for caudal epidural analgesia in horses.

Caudal epidural analgesia was achieved in 6 adult horses on 3 successive occasions at weekly intervals by injection of lidocaine, xylazine, and a combination of lidocaine/xylazine through indwelling epidural catheters. Analgesia was defined as a lack of response to pinprick and hemostat pressure in the skin of the perineal area. A significant (P < 0.05) difference was not found for time of onset of analgesia between lidocaine (4.3 +/- 0.8 minutes, mean +/- SEM) and the lidocaine/xylazine combination (5.3 +/- 1.3 minutes). Time to onset of analgesia after administration of xylazine was significantly (P < 0.05) longer (32.0 +/- 3.4 minutes) than that for either of the other 2 treatments. Duration of analgesia was significantly (P < 0.05) longer for the combination (329.8 +/- 6.2 minutes) than for either drug used alone (lidocaine, 87.2 +/- 7.5 minutes; xylazine, 204.2 +/- 12.9 minutes). Pulse and respiratory rates were not significantly altered by any of the drugs. Neurologic sequelae were not clinically apparent after administration of the drugs or after chronic epidural catheterization.

Surgical correction of congenital medial patellar luxation in a llama.

Unilateral congenital medial patellar luxation in a young llama was corrected by medial joint capsule release, tibial crest transposition, trochleoplasty, and lateral joint capsule imbrication. The techniques used were the same as described in the dog. One year after surgery, the llama was not lame, but had a valgus deformity originating at the stifle, most likely caused by lateral femoral condyle hypoplasia.

Orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation in llamas.

Orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation was performed in 304 llamas and 6 alpacas during general anesthesia for surgical and diagnostic procedures. The mouth not opening wide and the presence of a prominent torus linguae make orotracheal intubation difficult, but it can be accomplished with the aid of a laryngoscope, using a technique similar to that used in small domestic ruminants. The presence of a pharyngeal diverticulum necessitates modification of nasotracheal intubation techniques to make them applicable for use in llamas and alpacas. When nasotracheal intubation, with phenylephrine lubricant-coated tubes, is not successful, oral laryngoscopy and use of a stylet in the endotracheal tube will improve chances for success. Because llamas are obligate nasal breathers, airway obstruction can develop following removal of endotracheal tubes during recovery from anesthesia. This complication can be prevented by maintaining orotracheal tubes until the animal is able to protect its airway or by using nasotracheal tubes, which allow the llama to stand before the tube has to be removed.

Fracture repair with transfixation pins and fiberglass cast in llamas and small ruminants.

Transfixation pinning with fiberglass casting is an effective and adaptable method of longbone fracture fixation in llamas and small ruminants. Treatment of fractures in 7 limbs of 4 llamas and 2 small ruminants with this technique are described. Steinmann pins are placed transcortically proximal, and if necessary, distal to the fracture. The pin ends and limb are encased in fiberglass cast material. The cast is strong enough in animals of this size to eliminate the need for external frames or connecting bars. Severely comminuted fractures and fractures near joints are especially suited to fixation with this technique. Complications encountered in these cases included loosening of pins and one delayed union. All fractures healed to permit full use of the limb.