Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio and their relationships with inflammatory and antioxidant status in dogs with different stages of heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease.

We aimed to evaluate the red blood cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RDW/PLT) with other complete blood cell count (CBC) indices and their correlations with serum proinflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins (APPs), and antioxidant biomarkers in dogs at different stages of heart failure (HF). A total of 29 dogs were divided into four groups according to the ACVIM Consensus Statement: stage-A (healthy/controls, n = 8), stage-B2 (n = 6), stage-C (n = 10), and stage-D (n = 5). Seventeen CBC indices were calculated and correlated with the measurements of inflammatory, APPs, and antioxidant biomarkers, as well as selected echocardiographic variables in all dogs. At stage-C, CBC indices were evaluated 14 days after the treatment. Statistically significant changes were observed only for RDW/PLT and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) between groups. NLR increased, but RDW/PLT deceased in dogs with HF, compared to controls (P < 0.05). There were no statistically differences between pre- and post-treatment CBC indices. There were significantly positive and negative correlations between the CBC indices, serum parameters and selected echocardiographic variables in dogs with HF(P < 0.05). ROC analysis showed the best sensitivity (57% and 68%) and specificity (100% and 57%) for NLR > 5.8 and RDW/PLT ≤ 0.057 for predicting the severity of HF, respectively. Results showed that NLR and RDW/PLT may have potential for monitoring severity of the disease and the effect of treatment in dogs with HF. Imbalances between indices of circulating blood cells can contribute to immunoinflammatory and antioxidant responses in pathogenesis of canine HF, which may provide us alternative targets to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in veterinary medicine.

Choline or CDP-choline restores hypotension and improves myocardial and respiratory functions in dogs with experimentally - Induced endotoxic shock.

Endotoxin shock is associated with severe impairments in cardiovascular and respiratory functions. We showed previously that choline or cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) provides beneficial effects in experimental endotoxin shock in dogs. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of choline or CDP-choline on endotoxin-induced cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunctions. Dogs were treated intravenously (i.v.) with saline or endotoxin (LPS, 0.1 mg/kg) 5 min before i.v. infusion of saline, choline (20 mg/kg) or CDP-choline (70 mg/kg). Blood pressure, cardiac rate, myocardial and left ventricular functions, respiratory rate, blood gases, serum electrolytes and cardiac injury markers were determined before and at 0.5-48 h after endotoxin. Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), catecholamine and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured 2 h and 24 h after the treatments. Endotoxin caused immediate and sustained reductions in blood pressure, cardiac output, pO2 and pH; changes in left ventricular functions, structure and volume parameters; and elevations in heart rate, respiratory rate, pCO2 and serum electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, Ca and P). Endotoxin also resulted in elevations in blood levels of cardiac injury markers, TNF-α, HMGB1, catecholamine and NO. In choline- or CDP-choline-treated dogs, all endotoxin effects were much smaller in magnitude and shorter in duration than observed values in controls. These data show that treatment with choline or CDP-choline improves functions of cardiovascular and respiratory systems in experimental endotoxemia and suggest that they may be useful in treatment of endotoxin shock in clinical setting.

The Utility of Intraventricular Pressure Gradient for Early Detection of Chemotherapy-Induced Subclinical Cardiac Dysfunction in Dogs.

Early detection of doxorubicin (DXR)-induced cardiomyopathy (DXR-ICM) is crucial to improve cancer patient outcomes and survival. In recent years, the intraventricular pressure gradient (IVPG) has been a breakthrough as a sensitive index to assess cardiac function. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of IVPG for the early detection of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction. For this purpose, six dogs underwent conventional, speckle tracking, and color M-mode echocardiography concomitantly with pressure-and-volume analysis by conductance catheter. The cardiac function measurements were assessed before DXR administration (baseline, Pre), at the end of treatment protocol (Post), and at 1.5 years follow-up (Post2). The result showed a significant reduction in the left ventricular end-systolic pressure-volume (Emax: 4.4 ± 0.7, 6.1 ± 1.6 vs. 8.4 ± 0.8 mmHg/mL), total-IVPG (0.59 ± 0.12, 0.62 ± 0.15 vs. 0.86 ± 0.12 mmHg), and mid-IVPG (0.28 ± 0.12, 0.31 ± 0.11 vs. 0.48 ± 0.08 mmHg), respectively in Post2 and Post compared with the baseline (p < 0.05). Mid-to-apical IVPG was also reduced in Post2 compared with the baseline (0.29 ± 0.13 vs. 0.51 ± 0.11). Meanwhile, the fraction shortening, ejection fraction, and longitudinal strain revealed no change between groups. Total and mid-IVPG were significantly correlated with Emax (R = 0.49; p < 0.05, both) but only mid-IVPG was a predictor for Emax (R2 = 0.238, p = 0.040). In conclusion, this study revealed that impairment of contractility was the initial changes observed with DXR-ICM in dogs and only IVPG could noninvasively detect subclinical alterations in cardiac function. Color M-mode echocardiography-derived IVPG could be a potential marker for the early detection of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy.

Transoesophageal echocardiography-guided hybrid balloon valvuloplasty for severe pulmonic stenosis in small dogs.

Pulmonic stenosis (PS) is the most common congenital heart disease in dogs and is commonly seen in small breeds, such as Chihuahuas. Conventional treatments have limitations specific to small dogs, including the invasive nature of open-heart surgery and size limitations in percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. Here, transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided balloon valvuloplasty via thoracotomy was performed for three small dogs with PS. The procedure was feasible in all cases, including those for which percutaneous treatment was not an option. Although the procedure is invasive, because of the need for thoracotomy, it is one of the treatment options that may be effective for PS, especially in small dogs, as it allows visualisation of the pulmonary artery lesion without relying on the experience of the surgeon.

Platelet proteome changes in dogs with congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Platelets play a central role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and changes in their proteins are involved in the pathophysiology of heart diseases in humans. There is lack of knowledge about the possible role of platelets in congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the changes in global platelet proteomes in dogs with CHF, to clarify the possible role of platelets in the physiopathology of this disease. Healthy-dogs (n = 10) and dogs with acute CHF due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD, n = 10) were used. Acute CHF was defined based on the clinical (increased respiratory rate or difficulty breathing) and radiographic findings of pulmonary edema. Dogs Blood samples were collected into tubes with acid-citrate-dextrose, and platelet-pellets were obtained by centrifuge and washing steps. Platelet-proteomes were identified using LC-MS based label-free differential proteome expression analysis method and matched according to protein database for Canis lupus familiaris. RESULTS: Totally 104 different proteins were identified in the platelets of the dogs being 4 out of them were significantly up-regulated and 6 down-regulated in acute CHF dogs. Guanine-nucleotide-binding protein, apolipoproteins (A-II and C-III) and clusterin levels increased, but CXC-motif-chemokine-10, cytochrome-C-oxidase-subunit-2, cathepsin-D, serine/threonine-protein-phosphatase-PP1-gamma-catalytic-subunit, creatine-kinase-B-type and myotrophin levels decreased in acute CHF dogs. These proteins are associated with several molecular functions, biological processes, signaling systems and immune-inflammatory responses. CONCLUSION: This study describes by first time the changes in the protein composition in platelets of dogs with acute CHF due to MMVD. Our findings provide a resource for increase the knowledge about the proteome of canine platelets and their roles in CHF caused by MMVD and could be a tool for further investigations about the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Changes of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in dogs with different stages of heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is associated with changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the changes of a panel of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in dogs with different stages of HF and its relation with the severity of the disease and echocardiographic changes. A total of 29 dogs with HF as a result of myxomatous mitral valve degeneration or dilated cardiomyopathy were included and classified as stage-A (healthy), B (asymptomatic dogs), C (symptomatic dogs) and D (dogs with end-stage HF) according to the ACVIM staging system. In these dogs an ecnhocardiographic examination was performed and cytokines, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were evaluated in serum. RESULTS: KC-like was significantly increased in dogs of stage-C (P < 0.01) and -D (P < 0.05) compared with stage-A and -B. Stage-D dogs showed significantly higher serum CRP and Hp (P < 0.05) but lower serum antioxidant capacity (PON1, TEAC, CUPRAC, and thiol) compared to stage-A and -B (P < 0.05). After the treatment, serum levels of CRP, Hp and KC-like decreased and serum antioxidant levels increased compared to their pre-treatment values. Left ventricular dimension and LA/Ao ratio correlated positively with CRP, MCP-1, and KC-like but negatively with PON1, GM-CSF, IL-7 and antioxidant biomarkers (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that dogs with advanced HF show increases in positive acute-phase proteins and selected inflammatory cytokines such as KC-like, and decreases in antioxidant biomarkers, indicating that inflammation and oxidative stress act as collaborative partners in the pathogenesis of HF. Some of these biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress could have the potential to be biomarkers to monitor the severity of the disease and the effect of treatment.

Effects of erythropoietin on bacterial translocation in a rat model of experimental colitis.

OBJECTIVES: In this experimental study, it was aimed to assess the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on bacterial translocation in a rat model of colitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rats were randomly assigned into control, colitis and EPO-treated groups (n= 8 in each group). Saline solution (NS) was administered to control rats via rectal route. A trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and ethanol mixture (TNBS-E) was used to induce colitis in the experiment groups. No treatment was administered to colitis group after induction. Starting at one day after induction of colitis with TNBS-E, EPO (1000 IU/kg) was administered subcutaneously for three days to the rats in the EPO-treated group. Colonic inflammation was assessed by gross and microscopic examination on day five. Blood samples were obtained to evaluate bacterial translocation while hepatic, mesenteric tissue samples and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) samples were collected for tissue culture. Tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) and endotoxin levels in the sera were studied. RESULTS: Significant gross and microscopic differences were found in the comparison between colitis and EPO-treated groups (p <0.05). MPO level was significantly lower when compared to the colitis group (p <0.05). Serum TNF-α and plasma endotoxin levels were significantly lower in the EPO-treated group than the colitis group (p <0.05). Bacterial translocation was lower in the liver, spleen, MLNs and systemic blood in the EPO-treated group when compared to the colitis group (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: In TNBS-E-induced rat model of colitis, EPO significantly decreased inflammation and bacterial translocation based on histopathological, biochemical and microbiological parameters.

Identification of novel biomarkers for treatment monitoring in canine leishmaniosis by high-resolution quantitative proteomic analysis.

The objective of this study was to use the Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) isobaric label-based proteomic approach, in order to identify new potential biomarkers for the treatment monitoring of canine leishmaniosis that could not be identified by the use of gel-based techniques. For this purpose serum samples were obtained from 5 clinically diseased dogs before and one month after the treatment of canine leishmaniosis. The non-depleted serum samples were subjected to reduction, alkylation and trypsin digestion, and the resulting peptides were labeled using 6-plex TMT reagents. To obtain information about protein identities and relative quantification, liquid chromatography-MS analysis of multiplexed TMT-labeled peptides was employed. This gel-free, label-based quantitative proteomic approach enabled identification of 117 canine proteins. Among these, 23 showed significant difference (p<0.05) in expression (two downregulated and 21 upregulated ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 fold change). Comparison of gel-free TMT-based quantification and a gel-based approach previously applied to the same samples resulted in the identification of some common markers (Apo-A1, vitamin D binding protein and RBP4). However, 20 additional differentially represented proteins were highlighted by the gel-free approach, 13 of which have not been previously reported in canine leishmaniosis. In conclusion, the TMT-based proteomic approach allowed identification of new serum proteins that significantly change in concentration after canine leishmaniosis treatment. These proteins are involved in various physiopathological processes such as inflammatory, coagulation or defense mechanisms, and could potentially be suitable biomarkers for treatment monitoring of this parasitic disease.

Serum apolipoprotein-A1 as a possible biomarker for monitoring treatment of canine leishmaniosis.

The aims of this study were: the identification of proteins differentially represented in the serum proteome of dogs with leishmaniosis after treatment and the verification of one selected protein as a possible biomarker for treatment monitoring. Serum samples from five dogs with leishmaniosis, before and after treatment were pooled into two groups and analysed using 2-dimensional electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry analysis (MS). The MS analysis allowed the identification of 8 proteins differently expressed. APO-A1 was selected and an immunoturbidimetric assay was validated for its measurement in dogs. Significantly decreased concentrations of APO-A1 in dogs with leishmaniosis and a significant increase after a good response to the treatment were observed, suggesting that APO-A1 could be a potential biomarker of treatment monitoring with the advantages of an automated measurement.

Medicinal plant extract (Ankaferd Blood Stopper) application in deep tissue injuries in rats: histopathological investigation of the effect on regional and systemic tissues.

BACKGROUND: This study was planned to evaluate both the histopathological changes under light microscope as well as the systemic organ effects following application of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) (a mixture of five plant extracts) in an animal model of deep tissue hemorrhage. METHODS: A total of 50 Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups of 10 rats each. The rats underwent femoral vein puncture and were treated with ABS tampon, ABS spray, or Surgicel, and one group was left untreated. After two weeks, each group underwent partial tissue excision from the same femoral region as well as from the brain, heart, kidney, and liver. RESULTS: The specimens from all groups were obtained from the femoral region after two weeks and evaluated under light microscope. The light microscope revealed no histopathological changes in neurovascular structures or in deep connective tissues in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: ABS provided hemostasis and was observed to stop bleeding. There were no histopathological changes at the tissue level and no pathological effects in other organs tissues under light microscope, and the remote organ tissue remained clear.

Pre- and post-operative cardiac evaluation of dogs undergoing lobectomy and pneumonectomy.

This study aimed to assess the influence of lobectomy and pneumonectomy on cardiac rhythm and on the dimensions and function of the right-side of the heart. Twelve dogs undergoing lobectomy and eight dogs undergoing pneumonectomy were evaluated preoperatively and one month postoperatively with electrocardiography and Doppler echocardiography at rest. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was estimated by the tricuspid regurgitation jet (TRJ) via the pulse wave Doppler velocity method. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (SIRS) were also evaluated based on the clinical and hematological findings in response to lobectomy and pneumonectomy. Following lobectomy and pneumonectomy, we predominantly detected atrial fibrillation and varying degrees of atrioventricular block (AVB). Dogs that died within seven days of the lobectomy (n = 2) or pneumonectomy (n = 1) had complete AVB. Preoperative right atrial, right ventricular, and pulmonary artery dimensions increased gradually during the 30 days (p < 0.05) following pneumonectomy, but did not undergo significant changes during that same period after lobectomy. Mean PASP was 56.0 +/- 4.5 mmHg in dogs having significant TRJ after pneumonectomy. Pneumonectomy, but not lobectomy, could lead to increases (p < 0.01) in the SIRS score within the first day post-surgery. In brief, it is important to conduct pre- and postoperative cardiac evaluation of dogs undergoing lung resections because cardiac problems are a common postoperative complication after such surgeries. In particular, complete AVB should be considered a lifethreatening complication after pneumonectomy and lobectomy. In addition, pneumonectomy appears to increase the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension development in dogs.

Predisposing factors and surgical outcome of complicated liver hydatid cysts.

AIM: To evaluate the predisposing factors for peritoneal perforation and intrabiliary rupture and the effects of these complications on surgical outcome in liver hydatid disease. METHODS: A total of 372 patients with liver hydatid cysts who had undergone surgical treatment were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty eight patients with peritoneal perforation, 93 patients with spontaneous intrabiliary perforation, and 251 patients with noncomplicated hydatid cysts were treated in our clinics. RESULTS: When the predisposing factors for complications were evaluated, younger age, superficial position, and larger cyst dimensions (P < 0.05; range, 0.001-0.017) increased peritoneal perforation rates. It was shown that older age increased cyst dimensions, and presence of multiple and bilobar cysts increased intrabiliary rupture rates (P < 0.05; range, 0.001-0.028). Partial pericystectomy and drainage was the most frequent surgical procedure in all groups (71.6%). The incidence of post-operative complications in the peritoneal perforated group, in the intrabiliary ruptured group, and in the noncomplicated group was 25%, 16.1% and 5.5%, respectively. When compared, complication rates were significantly different (P = 0.002). When length of hospital stay was compared, there was no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). The overall recurrence rate was 3.8% (14 patients), but there was not any statistical difference among the patient groups (P = 0.13). The early postoperative mortality rate was 1.1%. CONCLUSION: In peritoneally perforated and intrabiliary ruptured cases, the most important steps are irrigation of the peritoneal cavity and clearance of the cystic material from the biliary tree.

Prevalence of feline coronavirus antibodies in cats in Bursa province, Turkey, by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Feline sera from Bursa province (Turkey) were assayed for coronavirus antibody using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study was performed on 100 sera collected from cats belonging to catteries or community shelters and to households. The serum samples were initially tested with the virus neutralisation (VN) test and the results were then compared with the ELISA. The VN yielded 79 negative and 21 positive sera but the ELISA confirmed only 74 as negative. The ELISA-negative sera were also found to be free of feline coronoviruses-specific antibodies by Western blotting. Using the VN as the gold standard test, ELISA had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93.6%, with an overall agreement of 95%. The Kappa (kappa) test indicated high association between the two tests (kappa=0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.743-0.980). The positive predictive value (PPV) was 0.8, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 0.93. The prevalence of FCoV II antibodies in the sampled population based on the gold standard was 62% (95% CI 0.44-0.77) among multi-cat environments, and 4% (95% CI 0.01-0.11) among single cat households.

Serum leptin and ghrelin levels in response to methylprednisolone injection in healthy dogs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of methylprednisolone treatment on serum leptin and ghrelin levels in healthy dogs (n=40). After 14 h of fasting, the dogs were injected intramuscularly with saline (control group) or methylprednisolone (1, 5 or 10mg/kg). Blood samples were collected prior to (baseline) and 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24h subsequent to the treatments. Serum leptin and ghrelin were measured by radioimmunoassay. The mean baseline serum leptin and ghrelin were 2.5+/-0.1 ng/mL (n=40) and 35.0+/-2.1 pg/mL (n=40), respectively. In the control dogs, serum leptin, but not ghrelin levels showed a significant fluctuation during the 24h observation period. Serum leptin increased significantly (p<0.05-0.01) between 2 and 12h after 1mg/kg of methylprednisolone. Serum leptin levels showed biphasic response to 5mg/kg of methylprednisolone: its level decreased to 1.9+/-0.1 ng/mL (p<0.01) at 2h and increased at 12h (2.6+/-0.1 ng/mL) (p<0.01). In response to 10mg/kg of methylprednisolone, serum leptin levels decreased significantly (p<0.01) for 24h. Serum ghrelin levels decreased to 19+/-5 pg/mL at 2-3h (p<0.01) or increased to 87+/-18 pg/mL at 3-8h (p<0.05-0.01) after 1mg/kg of methylprednisolone or 10mg/kg of methylprednisolone, respectively. Serum ghrelin levels did not change at any time point during 24h observation period after 5mg/kg of methylprednisolone. There was a significant (p<0.001) inverse correlation (r=-0.635) between serum leptin and ghrelin levels. In conclusion, we found that methylprednisolone increases or decreases serum leptin and ghrelin levels depending upon its dose and there is a negative correlation between serum leptin and ghrelin levels after methylprednisolone administration.

Endotoxin alters serum-free choline and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations, and choline administration attenuates endotoxin-induced organ injury in dogs.

This study in dogs was performed to assess circulating choline status during endotoxemia and to determine whether choline administration can protect dogs from endotoxin-induced tissue injuries. Baseline serum-free and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations were 19.2 +/- 0.6 micromol/L and 3700 +/- 70 micromol/L, respectively. After intravenous endotoxin infusion, serum-free choline concentrations decreased by 14% to 49% (P < 0.05-0.001) at 2 to 6 h after 0.02 mg/kg endotoxin, and increased by 23% to 98% (P < 0.05-0.001) at 1 to 48 h after 1 mg/kg endotoxin. Serum phospholipid-bound choline concentrations increased by 19% to 27% (P < 0.05) at 12 to 24 h or by 18% to 53% (P < 0.05-0.001) at 1 to 48 h after 0.02 or 1 mg/kg endotoxin, respectively. The changes in serum-free and -bound choline levels in response to endotoxin were accompanied by dose- and time-related elevations in serum cortisol and biochemical markers for tissue injury and/or organ dysfunction. Intravenous administration of choline (20 mg/kg) 5 min before, and 4 and 8 h after endotoxin (1 mg/kg) attenuated endotoxin-induced elevations in serum alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05-0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.05-0.001), gamma-glutamyl transferase (P < 0.05-0.001), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05-0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05-0.001), myocardial creatine kinase (P < 0.001), urea (P < 0.05-0.01), creatinine (P < 0.05), uric acid (P < 0.01-0.001), and tissue necrosis factor-alpha (P < 0.001). Choline also attenuated alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05-0.01), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05-0.01), lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05-0.01), creatine kinase (P < 0.05-0.001), myocardial creatine kinase (P < 0.05-0.001), and uric acid (P < 0.05-0.01), but failed to alter the serum urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase responses to 0.02 mg/kg endotoxin. These data show that choline status is altered during endotoxemia and that choline administration diminishes endotoxin-induced tissue injury.

Investigation of diagnostic importance of platelet closure times measured by Platelet Function Analyzer--PFA 100 in dogs with endotoxemia.

This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic importance of the platelet closure times measured by the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA-100) in dogs with endotoxemia. E. coli endotoxin was given intravenously once, at the dose of 0.02 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg in groups I (n=9) and II (n=8), respectively. Normal saline (0.1 ml/kg) was injected in group III (n=8). The dogs were monitored for 48 h, and venous blood samples were collected prior to (baseline) and at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h subsequent to the treatments. The white blood cell (WBC), platelet counts, and hematocrit (Hct) values were recorded. Platelet closure times were determined, using collagen/epinephrine (CEPI) and collagen/adenosine diphosphate (CADP) cartridges. Within 0.5 h after the endotoxin application baseline WBC and platelet counts (mean +/-SD) decreased significantly (p<0.001) to 2000 +/- 500 and 1850 +/- 200 cells/microl or 69.000 +/- 12.500 and 27.000 +/- 6.400 cells/microl in groups I and II, respectively. Platelet counts remained low during the first 1-48 h, but the WBC count was high at the 8th-48th h, in groups I and II, compared with baselines (p<0.001). After the application of the endotoxin, Hct values increased from baseline values of 37 +/- 3 or 39 +/- 2% to 48 +/- 2 or 51 +/- 3%, within 1 h (p<0.001), in groups I and II, respectively. Hct values in group II were notably higher (p<0.001) than those of group I, during the 2nd-48th h. Hematological parameters and closure times did not differ significantly throughout the study in group III. Baseline closure time ranged from 79 +/- 5 seconds (s) to 86 +/- 5 s for CADP and 144 +/- 13 s to 159 +/- 14 s for CEPI in all dogs (n=25). At 0.5 h after the endotoxin, the closure times of CADP as well as CEPI declined to 62 +/- 6 s and 76 +/- 8 s in group I (p<0.001) and 57 +/- 5 s and 75 +/- 6 s in group II (p<0.001). Afterwards, closure time prolonged to the levels of 280 +/- 8 s (CADP) and 294 +/- 5 s (CEPI) by 48 h (p<0.001) in group II, but returned to the baseline limit in group I. In conclusion, our results show that the shortened closure times may serve as a very early diagnostic sign of endotoxemia, prolonged closure times however may be used as an index for the severity of endotoxemia.

Laparoscopic versus open splenectomy in the management of benign and malign hematologic diseases: a ten-year single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has gained wide acceptance as a safe, effective alternative to open splenectomy (OS) in the treatment of hematologic disorders. The aim of this study was to compare two cohorts of patients with similar characteristics, who underwent LS and OS in a single university teaching center. METHODS: Records were reviewed from 30 patients who underwent LS for a hematologic disease and compared with a control group of 38 patients undergoing OS for hematologic disease. Demographics and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to accessory spleens, blood loss, or complication rates (P > 0.05). The operation time in the LS group was significantly longer than in the OS group (P < 0.01) and the length of hospital stay in the LS group was significantly shorter than in the OS group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic splenectomy is likely becoming the gold standard in the surgical treatment of hematologic diseases.

Comparison of the results of early, delayed and elective surgery in biliary pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the results of the patients who underwent surgery for biliary pancreatitis, with respect to timing of operation. METHODS: 192 Patients underwent surgery for biliary pancreatitis between January 1990 and December 1999. The patients were retrospectively separated into three groups: early surgery (within 72 hours after admission), delayed surgery (between 3 and 15 days after admission) and elective surgery (after 15 days). RESULTS: There were 98 patients in the early surgery group, 46 in the delayed surgery group and 48 in the elective surgery group. The number of Ranson's criteria present was between 3 and 5 in 58.2% of the cases in the early surgery group and in 54.3% of the cases in the delayed surgery group, whereas 62.5% of the cases in the elective surgery group had 0-2. APACHE II score was in the 6-10 range in 43.9% of the cases in the early surgery group and in 39.1% of the cases in the delayed surgery group, whereas 66.7% of the cases in the elective surgery group had between 0 and 5. The most frequent operations in the early and delayed surgery groups was cholecystectomy, common bile duct exploration, and T-tube placement (60.2% and 69.6%, respectively), whereas it were laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elective surgery group (66.7%). Pancreatitis-related complication rates in the early, delayed and elective surgery groups were 20.4%, 17.4% and 8.3%, respectively. Mortality rates were 5.1% and 4.3% in the early and delayed surgery groups, respectively. There was no deaths in the elective surgery group. CONCLUSION: In biliary pancreatitis, surgery should not be considered as a primary option until the resolution of the pancreatic inflammation and its systemic effects. It should be employed only when the clinical picture does not ameliorate in spite of conservative treatment.

Evidence of bovine immunodeficiency virus in cattle in Turkey.

A seroepidemiological study of bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) and bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infections was conducted in four different cattle herds in Turkey. A total of 300 blood samples were analyzed and 12.3% were found to be positive for anti-BIV p26 antibodies by Western blot analysis and 1.6% positive for anti-BLV gp51 antibodies by an immunodiffusion test. BIV infection was confirmed with the detection of BIV-provirus DNA using the nested polymerase chain reaction. This is the first evidence for the presence of BIV in cattle in Turkey.