Models of practice and training in psychotherapy: cross-national perspectives from Italy and Canada.

Internationally, there is ongoing concern about accessibility to mental health care and training. The goal of this study was to explore commonalities and differences within models of clinical psychology and psychotherapy in Ontario, Canada, and Lombardia, Italy, respectively, to inform improvements to the accessibility of mental health care and training. Using key informant sampling, we recruited ten students and professionals in Italy and Canada who study or work in psychology for semi-structured interviews. We analyzed the interview content using an inductive approach for thematic analysis within countries and meta-theme analysis across countries. The findings indicated three cross-national meta-themes: the need to integrate evidence with practice, the limited accessibility of training for students and treatment for patients, and the importance of the quality of training programs. Despite some differences regarding the amount of scientific training, personal therapy for trainees, and the prominence of cultural diversity training, Canadian and Italian psychology professionals and students shared experiences of psychotherapy practice and clinical psychology training. The three cross-national meta-themes indicate which issues in training and practice may be relevant worldwide and where to focus resources. The findings can inform international collaborations regarding training model structures that may increase access to psychology training and may increase consensus on professional recognition standards to improve mobility for professionals. These changes could reduce barriers to mental healthcare services for patients.

Fragmentomic analysis of circulating tumor DNA-targeted cancer panels.

BACKGROUND: The isolation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from the bloodstream can be used to detect and analyze somatic alterations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and multiple cfDNA-targeted sequencing panels are now commercially available for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biomarker indications to guide treatment. More recently, cfDNA fragmentation patterns have emerged as a tool to infer epigenomic and transcriptomic information. However, most of these analyses used whole-genome sequencing, which is insufficient to identify FDA-approved biomarker indications in a cost-effective manner. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used machine learning models of fragmentation patterns at the first coding exon in standard targeted cancer gene cfDNA sequencing panels to distinguish between cancer and non-cancer patients, as well as the specific tumor type and subtype. We assessed this approach in two independent cohorts: a published cohort from GRAIL (breast, lung, and prostate cancers, non-cancer, n = 198) and an institutional cohort from the University of Wisconsin (UW; breast, lung, prostate, bladder cancers, n = 320). Each cohort was split 70%/30% into training and validation sets. RESULTS: In the UW cohort, training cross-validated accuracy was 82.1%, and accuracy in the independent validation cohort was 86.6% despite a median ctDNA fraction of only 0.06. In the GRAIL cohort, to assess how this approach performs in very low ctDNA fractions, training and independent validation were split based on ctDNA fraction. Training cross-validated accuracy was 80.6%, and accuracy in the independent validation cohort was 76.3%. In the validation cohort where the ctDNA fractions were all <0.05 and as low as 0.0003, the cancer versus non-cancer area under the curve was 0.99. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that sequencing from targeted cfDNA panels can be utilized to analyze fragmentation patterns to classify cancer types, dramatically expanding the potential capabilities of existing clinically used panels at minimal additional cost.

Self-regulated non-reciprocal motions in single-material microstructures.

Living cilia stir, sweep and steer via swirling strokes of complex bending and twisting, paired with distinct reverse arcs1,2. Efforts to mimic such dynamics synthetically rely on multimaterial designs but face limits to programming arbitrary motions or diverse behaviours in one structure3-8. Here we show how diverse, complex, non-reciprocal, stroke-like trajectories emerge in a single-material system through self-regulation. When a micropost composed of photoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer with mesogens aligned oblique to the structure axis is exposed to a static light source, dynamic dances evolve as light initiates a travelling order-to-disorder transition front, transiently turning the structure into a complex evolving bimorph that twists and bends via multilevel opto-chemo-mechanical feedback. As captured by our theoretical model, the travelling front continuously reorients the molecular, geometric and illumination axes relative to each other, yielding pathways composed from series of twisting, bending, photophobic and phototropic motions. Guided by the model, here we choreograph a wide range of trajectories by tailoring parameters, including illumination angle, light intensity, molecular anisotropy, microstructure geometry, temperature and irradiation intervals and duration. We further show how this opto-chemo-mechanical self-regulation serves as a foundation for creating self-organizing deformation patterns in closely spaced microstructure arrays via light-mediated interpost communication, as well as complex motions of jointed microstructures, with broad implications for autonomous multimodal actuators in areas such as soft robotics7,9,10, biomedical devices11,12 and energy transduction materials13, and for fundamental understanding of self-regulated systems14,15.

Pregnancy maintenance following sequential induced prostaglandin pulses in beef cows.

The relationship between the maternal endocrine environment and late embryonic mortality (> 28 d of gestation) in cattle is poorly defined. A definitive rise and alterations in secretion patterns of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) concentration without luteal regression is a trademark of this period. The objective was to evaluate whether consecutively induced PGF2α pulses would alter steroid hormone production and luteal blood perfusion potentially influencing pregnancy success. Pregnant beef cows (n = 12) were selected to receive either an oxytocin injection (OT, n = 8) or saline injection (CON, n = 4) on d 30 and 31 of gestation to stimulate sequential prostaglandin releases 24 h apart. Blood samples were collected every 30 min for 1 h before and continuing for 4 h post oxytocin administration. Luteal blood perfusion was measured via Doppler ultrasound at the beginning and end of the OT challenge. Concentrations of prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM) were quantified to show effectiveness of the treatment while concentrations of progesterone, estradiol and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) were measured to examine the effect of PGF2α release. Control animals exhibited no changes in any quantified hormone and an expected numerical increase in circulating PAG concentrations. Peak concentrations of PGFM in OT cows were observed 2 h post OT administration and concentrations returned to basal levels by the end of the sampling period. Peak concentrations of PGFM were decreased on d 31 compared to d 30. Following OT administration, progesterone and estradiol concentrations did not change in response to PGF2α release but were decreased on d 31 compared to d 30. There were no changes in luteal blood perfusion in response to PGF release on d 30 or d 31. Repeated PGF2α release may alter steroid hormone production; however, it does not negatively affect pregnancy status during the transition between early and late embryonic development.

A macroscopic approach for stress-driven anisotropic growth in bioengineered soft tissues.

The simulation of growth processes within soft biological tissues is of utmost importance for many applications in the medical sector. Within this contribution, we propose a new macroscopic approach for modelling stress-driven volumetric growth occurring in soft tissues. Instead of using the standard approach of a-priori defining the structure of the growth tensor, we postulate the existence of a general growth potential. Such a potential describes all eligible homeostatic stress states that can ultimately be reached as a result of the growth process. Making use of well-established methods from visco-plasticity, the evolution of the growth-related right Cauchy-Green tensor is subsequently defined as a time-dependent associative evolution law with respect to the introduced potential. This approach naturally leads to a formulation that is able to cover both, isotropic and anisotropic growth-related changes in geometry. It furthermore allows the model to flexibly adapt to changing boundary and loading conditions. Besides the theoretical development, we also describe the algorithmic implementation and furthermore compare the newly derived model with a standard formulation of isotropic growth.

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentration as a diagnostic tool to identify testicular tissue in canine disorders of sexual development.

Disorders of sexual development (DSD) may have their origin in alterations of the chromosomal, gonadal or phenotypic sex. Affected animals are usually presented because of ambiguous external genitalia, seldom because of reproductive disorders. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is secreted in the gonads with higher amounts in males than in females and can be used to identify gonadal tissue in sexually normally developed dogs. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic potential of serum AMH to identify testicular tissue in 11 dogs with DSD. The diagnostic procedures applied were: determination of the phenotypic sex (n = 11), genital ultrasound (n = 9), determination of the SRY gene (n = 11), karyogram (n = 6), gonadectomy (n = 11), pathohistology of the gonads (n = 10), serum AMH measurement (n = 11). 39 female dogs described in a previous study and 19 male dogs with a normal spermiogram served as controls for the AMH serum concentrations in sexually intact dogs. The 11 dogs with DSD were classified as 7 XY DSD and 4 XX DSD. Presumptive testes were obtained in 10 dogs and 1 dog had an ovotestis combined with a testis. Mean serum AMH values of the dogs with DSD were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in male and female controls. The upper limit of the AMH test (≥ 23ng/ml) was reached in 6 dogs. High AMH concentrations have been described previously in cryptorchid dogs. 1 dog with a male phenotype and 2 with a female phenotype had AMH values within the range of the male controls, although all of them had cryptorchid testes. A Poodle, in which epididymis were identified but no definitive gonads, had an AMH concentration of the lower limit of the test (≤ 0.01 ng/ml), comparable to previously described castrated dogs. This study indicates that serum AMH levels are a useful diagnostic tool to identify testicular tissue in dogs with DSD and suggests the possible use of AMH to diagnose testicular dysgenesis.

Minimizing minimally invasive surgery: Current status of the single-port robotic surgery in Urology.

BACKGROUND: The novel da Vinci Single-Port (SP) robotic platform received the US FDA approval in 2018. The device, specifically conceived for single-site approach, is pushing through the limits of minimally invasive surgery. We sought to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of the clinical experiences accomplished by the da Vinci SP in urology, and to discuss future perspectives. METHODS: A non-systematic literature review was performed focusing on single port articles in urological surgery using Medline/PubMed and Embase search electronic engines. The authors analyzed findings and a brief report of the clinical experience for surgical procedures completed by the SP platform was described. RESULTS: The current data available from single-port robotic established the safety and feasibility of urologic procedures using this novel platform. However, the results come from single-center case series, small cohorts and retrospective studies that need to be cautiously interpreted. Additional evidence is required to determine the asset of the SP platform in the urological community. CONCLUSIONS: The SP robotic system opens new frontiers on the surgical scenery facilitating the completion of urological surgeries through a single incision. Further comparative studies will be required to assess perioperative and long-term oncological and functional outcomes among SP, multi-arm robotic and open approaches.

Minimizando la cirugía mínimamente invasiva: estado actual de la cirugía robótica de puerto único en Urología / Minimizing minimally invasive surgery: Current status of the single-port robotic surgery in Urology

Antecedentes: La novedosa plataforma robótica da Vinci Single-Port (single port [SP]=puerto único [PU]) recibió la aprobación de la FDA en 2018. El equipo, concebido específicamente para el acceso por un solo puerto, está superando los límites de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Buscamos proporcionar una visión global del estado actual de las experiencias clínicas logradas por el PU da Vinci en Urología y discutir las perspectivas futuras.MétodosSe realizó una revisión bibliográfica no sistemática centrada en artículos de cirugía urológica de puerto único utilizando los motores de búsqueda Medline/PubMed y Embase. Los autores analizaron los hallazgos y se describió un breve informe de la experiencia clínica de los procedimientos quirúrgicos llevados a cabo mediante la plataforma PU.ResultadosLos datos actuales disponibles de la cirugía robótica de puerto único han establecido la seguridad y la viabilidad de los procedimientos urológicos que utilizan esta novedosa plataforma. Sin embargo, los resultados provienen de series de casos de un solo centro, cohortes pequeñas y estudios retrospectivos que deben ser interpretados con cautela. Se necesitan estudios adicionales para determinar el valor de la plataforma de PU en la comunidad urológica.ConclusionesEl sistema robótico de PU abre nuevas fronteras en el escenario quirúrgico facilitando la realización de cirugías urológicas a través de una única incisión. Se necesitarán más estudios comparativos para evaluar los resultados oncológicos y funcionales perioperatorios y a largo plazo entre los abordajes de PU, robótico multibrazo y abierto. (AU)

Background: The novel da Vinci Single-Port (SP) robotic platform received the US FDA approval in 2018. The device, specifically conceived for single-site approach, is pushing through the limits of minimally invasive surgery. We sought to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of the clinical experiences accomplished by the da Vinci SP in urology, and to discuss future perspectives.MethodsA non-systematic literature review was performed focusing on single port articles in urological surgery using Medline/PubMed and Embase search electronic engines. The authors analyzed findings and a brief report of the clinical experience for surgical procedures completed by the SP platform was described.ResultsThe current data available from single-port robotic established the safety and feasibility of urologic procedures using this novel platform. However, the results come from single-center case series, small cohorts and retrospective studies that need to be cautiously interpreted. Additional evidence is required to determine the asset of the SP platform in the urological community.ConclusionsThe SP robotic system opens new frontiers on the surgical scenery facilitating the completion of urological surgeries through a single incision. Further comparative studies will be required to assess perioperative and long-term oncological and functional outcomes among SP, multi-arm robotic and open approaches. (AU)

Liquid-induced topological transformations of cellular microstructures.

The fundamental topology of cellular structures-the location, number and connectivity of nodes and compartments-can profoundly affect their acoustic1-4, electrical5, chemical6,7, mechanical8-10 and optical11 properties, as well as heat1,12, fluid13,14 and particle transport15. Approaches that harness swelling16-18, electromagnetic actuation19,20 and mechanical instabilities21-23 in cellular materials have enabled a variety of interesting wall deformations and compartment shape alterations, but the resulting structures generally preserve the defining connectivity features of the initial topology. Achieving topological transformation presents a distinct challenge for existing strategies: it requires complex reorganization, repacking, and coordinated bending, stretching and folding, particularly around each node, where elastic resistance is highest owing to connectivity. Here we introduce a two-tiered dynamic strategy that achieves systematic reversible transformations of the fundamental topology of cellular microstructures, which can be applied to a wide range of materials and geometries. Our approach requires only exposing the structure to a selected liquid that is able to first infiltrate and plasticize the material at the molecular scale, and then, upon evaporation, form a network of localized capillary forces at the architectural scale that 'zip' the edges of the softened lattice into a new topological structure, which subsequently restiffens and remains kinetically trapped. Reversibility is induced by applying a mixture of liquids that act separately at the molecular and architectural scales (thus offering modular temporal control over the softening-evaporation-stiffening sequence) to restore the original topology or provide access to intermediate modes. Guided by a generalized theoretical model that connects cellular geometries, material stiffness and capillary forces, we demonstrate programmed reversible topological transformations of various lattice geometries and responsive materials that undergo fast global or localized deformations. We then harness dynamic topologies to develop active surfaces with information encryption, selective particle trapping and bubble release, as well as tunable mechanical, chemical and acoustic properties.

Induced prostaglandin release alters steroid concentrations but not pregnancy survival in cows.

Embryonic mortality (EM) is a major factor limiting reproductive efficiency in cattle, and despite negative connotations related to reproductive performance, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is capable of being released by the uterus by Day 30 of gestation. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate differences in PGF2α release after an oxytocin challenge between cows with high circulating concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) vs low PAG because of the association of increased PAG concentrations with pregnancy success. At Day 30 of gestation, pregnant cows were divided into oxytocin treatment (OT; n = 13) and control (CON; n = 12) groups. Treatment cows were further subdivided by circulating PAG concentration (high PAG, n = 7; and low PAG, n = 6). Blood samples were collected every 30 min beginning 1 h before oxytocin administration and continuing for 4 h. Prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM), progesterone, estradiol-17ß (E2), and PAG concentrations were quantified. The peak concentration of PGFM occurred 2 h after oxytocin injection in treatment animals and returned to baseline levels by 4 h. No correlations were observed between PAG and PGFM, progesterone, or E2 concentrations (P > 0.05). There was no difference in initial or final PGFM concentrations between groups (P > 0.05). Progesterone and E2 concentrations decreased in cows after treatment of oxytocin (P < 0.05); however, only progesterone returned to basal concentrations by the end of the sampling period. In summary, cows with high vs low PAG concentrations at Day 30 of gestation have a similar PGFM response to oxytocin challenge.

Bovine Sperm Sexing Alters Sperm Morphokinetics and Subsequent Early Embryonic Development.

In artificial insemination the use of sex-sorted bovine sperm results in reduced conception, the causes of which are only partly understood. Therefore, we set out to investigate the effects of sexing on bovine sperm function and early embryonic development. Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) of sperm of the same bulls (n = 5), before and after sexing, demonstrated significantly reduced fast (A) and slow (B) progressively motile sperm (p < 0.05) after sexing. Sexed-sperm also revealed significantly less hyperactivated sperm (p < 0.05). As shown by time-lapse videomicroscopy of in vitro produced embryos (n = 360), embryos derived from sexed-sperm displayed significantly increased incidences of arrest at the 4-cell stage (p < 0.05). The relative risk for shrinkage/fusion of blastomeres with subsequent lysis was 1.71 times higher in the embryos derived from sexed-sperm as compared to conventional embryos (p < 0.05) resulting in significantly reduced blastocyst rates (p < 0.001). The relative risk for cleavage was 2.36 times lower in the embryos derived from sex-sorted sperm (p < 0.001). Additionally, sexed-sperm-derived embryos showed reduced survival times (hazard ratio HR = 1.54, p < 0.001) which were bull dependent (p < 0.001). However, the percentage of apoptotic cells was similar to conventional embryos. Furthermore, embryos derived from sexed-sperm were found to reach developmental stages at similar timings as conventional embryos. Our results suggest that reduced conception rates after sexing are due to altered sperm morphokinetics, decreasing the chance of sperm to reach and fertilise the oocyte, and aberrant early embryonic development.

Using pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) for pregnancy detection at day 24 of gestation in beef cattle.

The objective of this experiment was to determine if circulating concentrations of pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) on day 24 of gestation can be utilized to diagnose pregnancy and embryo viability in beef cattle. Postpartum beef cows (n = 677) and heifers (n = 127) were exposed to a 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR estrus synchronization protocol followed by fixed-time AI (FTAI) on day 0. Blood samples were collected at day 24 after TAI to assess circulating concentrations of PAG utilizing an in-house ELISA. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 and 100 days after FTAI via transrectal ultrasonography. Mean circulating PAG concentration at day 24 differed (P < 0.001) between animals diagnosed pregnant and non-pregnant at day 30 (1.69 ±â€¯0.10 ng/mL vs 0.30 ng/mL ±â€¯0.07 ng/mL; mean ±â€¯SEM; respectively). Pregnant heifers had increased PAG concentration at day 24 compared with pregnant cows (P < 0.01; 3.29 ±â€¯0.36 ng/mL vs 1.39 ±â€¯0.10 ng/mL, respectively). Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, serum concentration of PAG at day 24 ≥ 0.33 ng/mL in cows and ≥0.54 ng/mL in heifers was 95% accurate at determining pregnancy status at day 30. Heifers that experienced late embryonic mortality between day 30 and 100 of gestation had decreased circulating concentrations of PAG on day 24 (2.02 ng/mL ±â€¯0.73) compared with heifers that maintained an embryo until day 100 (3.69 ng/mL ±â€¯0.39; P = 0.02). However, there was no difference in day 24 PAG concentration (P = 0.39) between cows that maintained or lost a pregnancy (1.31 ng/mL ±â€¯0.25 vs 0.92 ng/ml ±â€¯0.50). In summary, circulating PAG concentration on day 24 of gestation may be a useful marker for early pregnancy detection in beef cattle, and might be a potential marker for predicting embryonic loss.

First case of a dog infected with Aspergillus (Phialosimplex) caninus in Australasia.

Case history: A 2-year-old Rottweiler dog from Perth (WA, Australia) was referred for assessment of a chronic productive cough and weight loss.Clinical findings: Severely enlarged bilateral superficial cervical lymph nodes and severely enlarged abdominal organs were present. The body condition score was poor and there was moderate muscle wasting. Thoracic and abdominal computed tomography images revealed severe diffuse enlargement of thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes, hepatomegaly and diffuse splenomegaly. A diffuse bronchial pattern with severe multifocal saccular bronchiectasis was identified in the lungs.Diagnostic findings: Fungal organisms were seen within macrophages on cytological preparations and on histopathological sections of biopsies of the superficial cervical lymph node. Macrophages contained intracytoplasmic, non-filamentous round-to-ovoid organisms, which varied in size from 5-30 µm in diameter with variable morphology. Budding was not observed, and no hyphae were present. Fungal culture of lymph node tissue resulted in growth of Aspergillus (Phialosimplex) caninus which was confirmed by amplification and sequencing of a segment of the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer. Concurrent bacterial bronchitis was diagnosed on culture of broncho-alveolar fluid.Diagnosis: Disseminated aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus caninus.Clinical relevance: This is believed to be the first report of infection caused by A. caninus in a dog in Australasia. The dog was treated with itraconazole for 7 months and was still alive 7 months after the start of treatment.

Pregnancy loss in beef cattle: A meta-analysis.

Pregnancy loss in beef cattle causes both management and economic challenges to a producer. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify reproductive failures that occur during fertilization, early embryonic development, and late embryonic/early fetal development periods of gestation in beef cattle. The meta-analysis included more than 56,000 diagnostic records in 159 studies from 48 papers with 12 studies included in fertilization and pre- blastocyst loss analysis (FERT; days 1-7 of gestation), 107 in early embryo (EEM; days 7-32), and 40 in late embryo/early fetal period (LEF; days 32-100) analysis. Although fertilization rates are reportedly high in beef cattle, significant developmental failure occurs within the first 7 days of gestation. Approximately 28.4 % of embryos will not develop past day 7 of gestation with most embryonic losses occurring before day 4. By the conclusion of the first month of gestation, 47.9 % of cows submitted to a single insemination at day 0 will not be pregnant. Overall, LEF between days 32-60 and 100 was 5.8 %. Bos indicus animals had greater (P = 0.001) EEM compared to Bos taurus, but there was no difference (P = 0.39) for the LEF period between subspecies. Primiparous cows had greater EEM (P = 0.002) compared to nulliparous heifers and multiparous cows; and nulliparous heifers had a greater LEF compared to primiparous and multiparous cows (P = 0.048). Collectively, these cumulative findings provide a baseline assessment of pregnancy loss specific to beef cattle.

Influence of storage on the quality of conventional CT and µCT-imaging for the middle and inner cat ear.

The aim of this study was to analyze whether different fixation methods such as freezing or formaldehyde storage for different periods of time have an influence on the recognition of anatomical relevant structures in the middle and inner ear of the cat with conventional computed tomography (cCT) and micro-computed tomography (µCT). Besides, effects of freeze-thaw cycles on determined structures of the ear were investigated by means of histological slices. Three veterinarians with different radiologic expertise evaluated the scans of 30 dissected cat ears anonymously and scored predefined structures in a five-point scale with reference to visually sharp reproducibility and perfect image quality. The total scores of the different fixation groups as well as the ears within a group were compared with each other. Furthermore, an intra-reader examination including an evaluation of the identifiability of specified structures was performed for both imaging methods. cCT as well as µCT-scans have a very low variation coefficient of 1.6% and 2.3%, respectively. The results for the alterations between the different fixation methods show that the changes for cCT-scans are negligible, as the percentage alteration compared to fresh samples ranges in a very small interval with values from 1.0% better to 1.2% worse. µCT-scans are more influenced by the fixation method with a range from 1.3% better to 6.9% worse values. The scans mostly deteriorated after two freeze-thaw cycles (1.8% worse) and after storing the samples for 1 (2.4% worse), respectively, and 3 weeks in formaldehyde (6.9% worse).

In vitro evaluation of the decontamination effect of cold atmospheric argon plasma on selected bacteria frequently encountered in small animal bite injuries.

Beneficial effects of cold atmospheric argon plasma (CAAP) on wound healing and its capacity for bacterial decontamination has recently been documented. First, in vivo studies in small animals did not prove any decontamination effect in canine bite wounds. The present study evaluated the overall decontamination effect of CAAP for different bacteria frequently encountered in canine bite wounds with respect to growth phase, initial bacteria concentration and treatment duration. Standard strains of Escherichia (E.) coli, Staphylococcus (S.) pseudintermedius, S. aureus, Streptococcus (S.) canis, Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa and Pasteurella multocida were investigated. To evaluate the influence of the bacterial growth phase, each bacterium was incubated for three and eight hours, before CAAP treatment. Three different bacterial concentrations were created per bacterium and growth phase, and were exposed to CAAP for 30 s, 1 min and 2 min. CAAP treatment resulted in acceptable decontamination rates (range 98.9-99.9%) in all bacteria species in vitro; however, differences in susceptibility were detected. Decontamination rate was mainly influenced by initial bacterial concentration and treatment time. Growth phase only influenced decontamination in S. pseudintermedius. Treatment time significantly (P < .05) correlated with the decontamination rate in E. coli, S. canis and S. aureus, with an exposure time of 2 min being most effective. Initial bacterial concentration significantly (P < .05) influenced decontamination in Pasteurella multocida and P. aeruginosa, in which treatment time was not as important. CAAP exerts effective antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria strains in vitro, with species specific effects of treatment time, growth phase and concentration.

Irish wolfhounds with subclinical atrial fibrillation: progression of disease and causes of death.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the frequency of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and cardiac death (CD) in Irish wolfhounds (IW) with subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) and to compare cardiac and all-cause mortality to those of a contemporaneous control group of apparently healthy IW with sinus rhythm. ANIMALS: Fifty-two IW with AF, but without echocardiographic evidence of DCM or other cardiac disease, and an age- and gender-matched control cohort of 52 apparently healthy IW. METHODS: Data from 1552 IW were retrospectively evaluated. Fifty-two dogs with subclinical AF were compared with 52 IW controls. Time from initial diagnosis to development of DCM was recorded, and survival data were analyzed using cumulative incidence functions. RESULTS: 26/52 AF dogs developed DCM. At study end, in the AF and control group each, 49/52 AF dogs had died, three remained alive. Death in the AF cohort was attributed to CD in 22/49 dogs (12 congestive heart failure [CHF], 10 sudden cardiac deaths [SCD]), while 27 dogs died from non-CD. In the control group, significantly fewer dogs developed DCM (11/52 dogs, p=0.004), even fewer died from CD (5/49; three CHF, two SCD; p=0.001). The odd ratios (95% confidence interval) for dogs with AF vs. controls to develop DCM was 3.7 (1.6-8.8) and to die from CD was 7.2 (2.4-21.2). Median all-cause survival for AF IWs (CD, 36.3 months; non-CD, 33.2 months) did not differ significantly from the control group (CD, 28.6 months, p=0.377; non-CD, 45.3 months, p=0.631). CONCLUSION: IW with subclinical AF commonly develop DCM and die from cardiac death.

Evaluation of arterial digital blood flow in dairy cows with claw horn disruption lesions using Doppler ultrasonography.

Vascular changes play an important role in the pathogenesis of claw horn disruption lesions in cattle. The aim of the study was to measure arterial blood flow in the hind limbs of German Holstein cows with claw horn disruption lesions. A 10-MHz linear transducer was used to assess blood flow in the interdigital artery in the dorsal pastern region in the hind limbs of 11 non-lame and 33 lame German Holstein cows in which lameness was scored clinically. Qualitative and quantitative blood flow parameters were compared in affected limbs and unaffected contralateral hind limbs in lame cows and in the hind limbs of lame cows and non-lame cows. A pulsed-wave Doppler signal suitable for analysis was obtained in 78 of 88 limbs (33 affected and contralateral limbs, 22 limbs of control cows). Blood flow curve types 1 and 2 were predominant in the hind limbs of lame cows. Vessel diameter, end-diastolic velocity, and blood flow rate were significantly greater in lame cows than in non-lame cows and were numerically greater in moderately lame cows than in mildly lame cows. The differences in the qualitative and quantitative parameters between lame and non-lame cows were most likely caused by inflammation of the pododerm. The role of weight distribution between the paired hind limbs and the existence of claw horn disruption appeared to have an effect on the differences in local circulation in the affected and unaffected contralateral hind limbs in lame cows.

Pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and pregnancy loss in high vs sub fertility heifers.

Reproductive inefficiency and infertility are major financial burdens to domestic livestock. Variables associated with these reproductive losses during early gestation include contributions from the oocyte, uterus, sperm, embryo and placenta. Bovine pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) are produced by the binucleate cells of the ruminant placenta and can be used to diagnose pregnancy. Increased circulating concentrations of PAG early in gestation have been correlated with pregnancy success and decreased concentrations are predictive of impending embryonic mortality in both beef and dairy cattle. The objectives of the current study were to determine whether: 1) heifer fertility status is associated with circulating concentrations of PAG and pregnancy loss; and 2) PAG concentrations within the same animal are repeatable across multiple pregnancies. We hypothesized maternal PAG concentrations would be increased in high fertility compared to subfertile heifers but not repeatable across subsequent pregnancies in the same heifer. Serial embryo transfer (ET; n = 4 rounds) was used to classify predominately Angus heifers (n = 92) as highly fertile (HF = 30; 100% pregnancy success) or subfertile (SF = 62; average = 33%; range = 25-75% pregnancy success) based on day 28 ultrasound diagnosis. Blood samples were collected at both day 28 and 44 for quantification of circulating PAG concentrations by an in house PAG ELISA with antibodies raised against early secreted PAGs. Pregnancy was terminated at day 44 of gestation and heifers were allowed 30 days recovery before synchronization for the next ET. Only heifers that were diagnosed pregnant by ultrasound were used in this study (HF: n = 30, SF: n = 62). Serum concentrations of PAGs were not different between HF (5.90 ±â€¯0.27 ng/mL) and SF (5.56 ±â€¯0.31 ng/mL; P = 0.16) heifers at day 28 of gestation nor was there a difference at day 44 of gestation (P = 0.32). Subfertile heifers had increased pregnancy loss between days 28 and 44 of gestation. Based on odds ratio analysis, SF heifers had a 2.41 times chance to undergo pregnancy loss between day 28-44 compared to HF heifers (P < 0.05). There was no correlation (P > 0.05) in maternal circulating concentrations of PAG between pregnancies on day 28 or 44 of gestation in samples obtained from HF heifers. In summary, circulating concentrations of PAG are not different between HF and SF heifers; however, HF classified heifers have decreased pregnancy loss between days 28 and 44 of gestation.

Dilated cardiomyopathy in 151 Irish Wolfhounds: Characteristic clinical findings, life expectancy and causes of death.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important cause of morbidity in Irish Wolfhounds (IW), a breed also predisposed to neoplastic and orthopedic diseases that shorten life expectancy. The objective of this study was to investigate survival and causes of death in IW with DCM and to characterise the clinical findings of DCM over time. Data from cardiovascular examinations performed in 1591 IW, including echocardiography and electrocardiography, were retrospectively evaluated. IW with DCM on medical therapy with long term longitudinal follow-up were included in this study (n=151; 95 males, 56 females). Based on their clinical status at initial diagnosis, IW were classified into one of three groups: preclinical DCM with sinus rhythm (PC-DCM-SR, n=35), preclinical DCM with atrial fibrillation (PC-DCM-AF, n=87), and congestive heart failure with DCM and AF (CHF-DCM-AF, n=29). Survival data were analyzed using cumulative incidence functions, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. CHF was predominantly characterized by chylous pleural and mild pericardial effusions. Causes of death were cardiac (CD) in 73/151 and non-cardiac (non-CD) in 62/151; 16 dogs remained alive at study end. The majority of deaths in both preclinical DCM groups were non-CD (PC-DCM-AF=51.9% non-CD, 48.1% CD; PC-DCM-SR, 65.5% non-CD, 34.5% CD). In the CHF-DCM-AF group most dogs (89.6%) experienced a CD. Median survival of the CHF-DCM-AF group (7.3 months) was significantly shorter than in the PC-DCM-AF group (21.9 months) or PC-DCM-SR group (29.1 months, P=0.001). CHF-DCM-AF in IW was associated with reduced life expectancy and CD, while most IW with preclinical DCM died from non-cardiac causes.