Evaluation of the intervertebral disk, vertebral body, and spinal cord for changes secondary to percutaneous laser disk ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intervertebral disk, vertebral endplates, and spinal cord for perioperative changes secondary to percutaneous laser disk ablation (PLDA) and correlate findings to clinical outcomes in dogs receiving thoracolumbar PLDA. STUDY DESIGN: Blinded study. ANIMALS: Thirty dogs. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before PLDA (control/Group C), immediately following PLDA (Group I), and 3 months later (perioperative/Group P). Dogs were followed 3 years. Groups and dogs were randomized for evaluation. Two radiologists were blinded to each MRI study and dog. Each radiologist evaluated the disk, vertebral body, and spinal cord at each disk space receiving PLDA. RESULTS: Mean disk degeneration was increased in Group P at L1-2 (p < .0001) and L2-3 (p = .0081). Both radiologists identified mild diskitis (1%-15%) in Group P (radiologist 1, p < .0001; radiologist 2, p = .0012). Cranial endplate lesions were identified in Group P at T11-12 (p = .0353), T13-L1 (p = .0026), and L4-5 (p = .0210). Lesions were identified in the caudal endplates of all eight disk spaces in Group P: T10-11 (p = .0004), T11-12 (p < .0001), T12-13 (p < .0001), T13-L1 (p < .0001), L1-2 (p < .0001), L2-3 (p < .0001), L3-4 (p < .0001), and L4-5 (p < .0001). There was no disk extrusion or spinal cord lesions identified. CONCLUSION: This study evaluated effects that may occur secondary to PLDA, using MRI. Although vertebral body changes were identified, they did not correlate with clinical complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: PLDA appears to be a safe, effective procedure performed on thoracolumbar disks to reduce recurrence of intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) in dogs that previously experienced IVDH, despite the appearance of visible vertebral endplate lesions and mild diskitis on MRI.

Differential responses of sorghum genotypes to sugarcane aphid feeding.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that known resistant sorghum genotypes compensate for feeding pressure of sugarcane aphid by maintaining/increasing photosynthetic capacity and/or have higher chlorophyll content than susceptible genotypes. Knowledge of the physiological response of sorghum, (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), to sugarcane aphid (SCA), Melanaphis sacchari (Zehnter) feeding will provide baseline information on defense responses and resistance mechanisms. This study documented the impact of SCA feeding on seven sorghum genotypes by measuring chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and carbon assimilation for a 14-d post-infestation evaluation. Carbon assimilation (A/Ci) curves were recorded at 3, 6, 9, and 15 d after aphid infestation to describe the pattern of physiological response of resistant and susceptible sorghums over time. Chlorophyll loss from resistant genotypes was significantly lower (≤ 10% loss) than from susceptible cultivars. Most resistant genotypes compensated for aphid feeding by either increasing or maintaining photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance. Carbon assimilation curves over time showed that infested resistant plants had delayed photosynthetic decreases, whereas susceptible plants rapidly lost photosynthetic capacity. This research also investigated the influence of aphid density (0, 50, 100, and 200 nymphs/plant) on the photosynthetic rates of 28-d-old resistant and susceptible sorghums measured at 72-h post-infestation. Although there were no visual symptoms in susceptible sorghums, photosynthetic rates were impaired when infested with ≥ 100 SCA. In contrast, resistant plants were able to compensate for SCA feeding. Differences in the physiological responses of susceptible versus resistant sorghums indicate that resistant sorghum plants can tolerate some physiological impacts of SCA feeding and maintain photosynthetic integrity.

Placental growth factor levels in quadriceps muscle are reduced by a Western diet in association with advanced glycation end products.

In peripheral artery disease (PAD), atherosclerotic occlusion chronically impairs limb blood flow. Arteriogenesis (collateral artery remodeling) is a vital adaptive response to PAD that protects tissue from ischemia. People with type II diabetes have a high risk of developing PAD and would benefit from arteriogenesis. However, arteriogenesis is suppressed in people with diabetes by a multifaceted mechanism which remains incompletely defined. Upregulation of placental growth factor (PLGF) is a key early step in arteriogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that metabolic dysfunction would impair PLGF expression in skeletal muscle. We tested this hypothesis in C57BL/6J and ApoE-/- mice of both sexes fed a Western diet (WD) for 24 wk. We first assessed baseline levels of PLGF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), and VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) protein in hindlimb skeletal muscle. Only PLGF was consistently decreased by the WD. We next investigated the effect of 24 wk of the WD on the response of PLGF, VEGF-A, VEGFR1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) to the physiological stimulus of vascular occlusion. Hindlimb ischemia was induced in mice by gradual femoral artery occlusion using an ameroid constrictor. Growth factor levels were measured 3-28 days postsurgery. In C57BL/6J mice, the WD decreased and delayed upregulation of PLGF and abolished upregulation of VEGF-A and VEGFR1 but had no effect on MCP-1. In ApoE-/- mice fed either diet, all factors tested failed to respond to occlusion. Metabolic phenotyping of mice and in vitro studies suggest that an advanced glycation end product/TNFα-mediated mechanism could contribute to the effects observed in vivo.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we tested the effect of a Western diet on expression of the arteriogenic growth factor placental growth factor (PLGF) in mouse skeletal muscle. We provide the first demonstration that a Western diet interferes with both baseline expression and hindlimb ischemia-induced upregulation of PLGF. We further identify a potential role for advanced glycation end product/TNFα signaling as a negative regulator of PLGF. These studies provide insight into one possible mechanism by which type II diabetes may limit collateral growth.

Comparison of methohexital and propofol as induction agents for evaluation of laryngeal function in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of propofol or methohexital, with and without doxapram, on the examination of laryngeal function in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Forty healthy dogs randomly assigned to 4 groups: propofol with saline (n = 10), propofol with doxapram (n = 10), methohexital with saline (n = 10), or methohexital with doxapram (n = 10). METHODS: Propofol and methohexital were administered to effect. Investigators examined laryngeal function (initial) simultaneously with video laryngoscopy. Doxapram or saline was administered, and laryngeal function was reevaluated (second). Laryngeal motion, quality of laryngeal exposure, and the degree of swallowing, laryngospasm, and jaw tone were scored at each evaluation. Adverse events were recorded. Initial and second videos were evaluated by a masked observer, and still images obtained from both evaluations were evaluated for change in rima glottidis size by 2 masked observers. RESULTS: Administration of doxapram and saline was delayed with propofol (P = .001). Laryngeal function did not differ between dogs receiving propofol or methohexital, irrespective of doxapram administration. Doxapram improved breathing scores in both groups (P < .001). Jaw tone increased with propofol during the second evaluation (P = .049). Swallowing was more prevalent at initial examination (P = .020). Methohexital resulted in an increased heart rate (P < .001) compared with propofol. Twenty-five percent of dogs receiving methohexital developed seizure-like activity (n = 5/20). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of laryngeal function did not differ between healthy dogs anesthetized with propofol or methohexital. Methohexital provided shorter examination times with less jaw tone but was associated with adverse events. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides evidence to recommend propofol over methohexital as an induction agent for laryngeal function examination.

Effects of tourniquet number and exsanguination on amikacin concentrations in the radiocarpal and distal interphalangeal joints after low volume intravenous regional limb perfusion in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of a dual tourniquet technique and limb exsanguination on amikacin concentrations in the synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) after low volume, cephalic intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized cross-over design. ANIMALS: Six healthy adult horses. METHODS: One gram of amikacin in 6 mL of 0.9% NaCl was infused via cephalic IVRLP in 6 standing, sedated horses using 4 techniques: proximal pneumatic tourniquet (P), proximal pneumatic tourniquet with exsanguination (PE), proximal pneumatic and distal Esmarch tourniquet (PD), and proximal pneumatic with distal Esmarch tourniquet and exsanguination (PDE). Amikacin concentrations were measured in RCJ and DIPJ synovial fluid samples, collected just before perfusion (time 0), and at 15 and 30 minutes (before tourniquet release) after perfusion. RESULTS: Synovial fluid amikacin concentrations achieved in the RCJ were higher with techniques PD and PDE than those achieved with techniques P and PE 15 and 30 minutes after perfusion (P < .0001). Synovial fluid amikacin concentrations in the DIPJ were higher with techniques P and PE than those achieved with techniques PD and PDE at 15 minutes (P = .0002) and were higher than technique PDE at 30 minutes after perfusion (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Low volume (10 mL) cephalic IVRLP should be combined with the placement of 2 tourniquets (proximal and distal to the carpus) to achieve therapeutic amikacin concentrations in the RCJ. Exsanguination prior to low volume IVRLP does not alter synovial fluid amikacin concentrations.

Mango Supplementation Modulates Gut Microbial Dysbiosis and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production Independent of Body Weight Reduction in C57BL/6 Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

BACKGROUND: High-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity is associated with changes in the gut microbiota. Fiber and other bioactive compounds in plant-based foods are suggested to prevent gut dysbiosis brought on by HF feeding. Mango is high in fiber and has been reported to have anti-obesogenic, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory properties. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of freeze-dried mango pulp combined with an HF diet on the cecal microbial population and its relation to body composition, lipids, glucose parameters, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and gut inflammatory markers in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. METHODS: Six-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatment groups: control (AIN-93M, 10% fat kcal), HF (60% fat kcal), and HF + 1% or 10% mango (HF+1%M or HF+10%M, wt:wt) for 12 wk. The cecal microbial population was assessed by use of 16S rDNA sequencing. Body composition, plasma glucose and lipids, cecal and fecal SCFAs, and mRNA abundance of inflammatory markers in the ileum and colonic lamina propria were assessed. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, HF feeding significantly reduced (P < 0.05) 1 operational taxonomic unit (OTU) of the genus Bifidobacteria (64-fold) and 5 OTUs of the genus Akkermansia (≥16-fold). This reduction was prevented in the HF+10%M group, members of which had 10% higher final body weight compared with the HF group (P = 0.01) and similar fasting blood glucose concentrations (P = 0.24). The HF+10%M group had 135% (P = 0.004) and 133% (P < 0.0001) greater fecal acetic and n-butyric acids concentrations than the HF group, suggesting greater microbial fermentation. Furthermore, a 59% greater colonic interleukin 10 (Il10) gene expression was observed in the HF+10%M group than in the HF group (P = 0.048), indicating modulation of gut inflammation. The HF+1%M group generally did not differ from the HF group. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of mango to an HF diet modulated the gut microbiota and production of SCFAs in C57BL/6 mice; these changes may improve gut tolerance to the insult of an HF diet.

The Discovery of Resistant Sources of Spring Barley, Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum, and Unique Greenbug Biotypes.

The genetic sources for host-plant resistance to the greenbug (Schizaphis graminum Rondani) in barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) are limited in that only two single dominant genes Rsg1 and Rsg2 are available for the complex of greenbug biotypes. We evaluated four new barley lines from the Wild Barley Diversity Collection (WBDC) that previously showed potential for greenbug resistance. Three of those entries, WBDC 53, WBDC 117, WBDC 336, exhibited very dominant sources of resistance to older known biotypes B, C, E, F, H, I, and TX1, which also add to the host-plant differentials used to separate these greenbug biotypes. We also re-evaluated the earlier known set of greenbug biotypes that have been in culture for several years against the known host-plant differentials, and included seven newer greenbug isolates collected from Wyoming to the full complement of small grain differentials. This resulted in the discovery of five new greenbug biotypes, WY10 MC, WY81, WY10 B, WY12 MC, and WY86. Wyoming isolates WY4 A and WY4 B were identical in their phenotypic profile, and should be combined as a single unique greenbug biotype. These barley trials resulted in finding new sources of host-plant resistance, although more research needs to be conducted on what type of resistance was found, and how it can be used. We also document that the Wheatland, Wyoming area serves as a very conducive environment for the development of new greenbug biotypes.

Effectiveness of Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation for the Control of Phosphine-Resistant Grain Insects Infesting Stored Wheat.

A field experiment was conducted in eight 13.6-MT steel bins containing 6.8 MT each of wheat to assess efficacy of sulfuryl fluoride or SF fumigant to control phosphine-resistant and susceptible Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Approximately 400 adults of each type of beetle were added to each bin. Additionally, muslin bags containing immature stages and adults, with their respective diets, were also placed in bins. Four bins were fumigated with SF and others were untreated control bins. The SF dosages in treated bins ranged from 1,196­1,467 mg-h/liter. Mortality of adults in each bag was assessed 5 d postfumigation; diet minus adults was incubated in a jar, and number of adults counted after 8 wk. No significant change occurred in number of insect-damaged kernels in SF-treated bins. In trier samples from SF-treated bins, R. dominica numbers declined from 24 prefumigation to 0 at 3- and 6-wk postfumigation; T. castaneum numbers were unchanged. In WBII traps from SF-treated bins, numbers R. dominica and T. castaneum declined from 25 and 33, respectively, prefumigation to 0 or near 0 at 3- and 6-wk postfumigation. Mortalities of resistant and susceptible adult R. dominica, and adult and large larvae of T. castaneum in SF-treated bags was 100%. For all four types of beetles, adult numbers in jars associated with SF-treated bins were 0 or near 0. Results show SF is effective against all life stages of phosphine-resistant R. dominica and T. castaneum, and can be used for phosphine resistance management.

Effect of Regional Intravenous Limb Perfusate Volume on Synovial Fluid Concentration of Amikacin and Local Venous Blood Pressure in the Horse.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of volume of amikacin perfusate for intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) via the cephalic vein in standing, sedated horses on (1) amikacin concentrations in the synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and, (2) amikacin concentration in the systemic circulation, and (3) regional intravenous pressure. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized cross-over design. ANIMALS: Six adult horses. METHODS: Each horse received IVRLP using 4 perfusate volumes (10, 30, 60 & 120 ml) in random order, after a minimum of 1 week washout. After application of a pneumatic tourniquet, IVRLP with 1 g of amikacin in 0.9% NaCl was performed. Synovial fluid from the RCJ and DIPJ, and systemic and regional venous blood were sampled, and regional blood pressure was measured, immediately before perfusion (time 0), and 15 and 30 minutes after perfusion but before tourniquet release. RESULTS: No difference was observed in the mean amikacin concentration of synovial fluid for the 4 perfusate volumes (P>.09). For all volumes, mean amikacin concentration for DIPJ synovial fluid was higher than for RCJ (P<.0001). The mean amikacin concentration in DIPJ synovial fluid was therapeutic for resistant pathogens using the 10, 60, and 120 mL volumes but the mean amikacin concentration for RCJ synovial fluid was not therapeutic for resistant pathogens with any perfusate volume. All volumes resulted in an immediate increase in mean regional intravascular pressure after perfusion (P<.0001) but was not different across the 4 perfusate volumes. CONCLUSION: Cephalic IVRLP of 1 g of amikacin diluted to a volume of 10-120 mL with 0.9% NaCl will achieve amikacin concentrations therapeutic for resistant pathogens in the synovial fluid from the DIPJ. Concentrations below therapeutic levels for resistant pathogens are reached in the synovial fluid from the RCJ.

Sylvatic Infestation of Oklahoma Reptiles with Immature Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae).

Reptiles were collected in nine counties in Oklahoma from September 2002 to May 2004 and examined for Ixodes scapularis (Say) larvae and nymphs to determine seasonal incidence and prevalence of these ticks. In total, 209 reptile specimens consisting of nine species of lizards and seven species of snakes were collected. Plestiodon fasciatus (L.) was the most numerous species collected (55%) followed by Sceloporus undulatus (Latreille) (17%) and Scincella lateralis (Say) (11%). Less than 10 individuals were collected for all remaining reptile species. The infestation prevalence of I. scapularis on all reptile specimens collected was 14% for larvae and 25% for nymphs. Larvae were found on lizards from April until September and peaked in May, while nymphs were found from March until September and peaked in April. I. scapularis larvae (84%) and nymphs (73%) preferentially attached to the axillae/front leg of P. fasciatus. Two chigger species, Eutrombicula splendens (Ewing) and Eutrombicula cinnabaris (Ewing), were found on 2% of the reptiles collected. No ectoparasites, including ticks, were obtained from the seven species of snakes collected.

Evaluation of intravenous administration of alfaxalone, propofol, and ketamine-diazepam for anesthesia in alpacas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of induction of anesthesia with alfaxalone in alpacas. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, crossover design. ANIMALS: Five healthy alpacas (96.7 ± 19.9 kg, 9.6 ± 3.1 years old). METHODS: The alpacas were anesthetized on three occasions with alfaxalone, propofol, or ketamine-diazepam by intravenous injection. Quality of induction and intubation was assessed using a simple descriptive scale, and quality of recovery was scored: 1 (very poor)-5 (excellent). The auricular artery was catheterized for measurement of systolic (SAP), mean (MAP), and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures and collection of blood. Variables measured were hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), respiratory rate, and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (Pe'CO2 ), and ECG. Repeated measures anova was used to assess effects of drug and time. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean dose of alfaxalone sufficient to allow intubation was 2.1 mg kg(-1) . Induction was excellent with all protocols. Heart rate (HR), SAP and MAP were significantly higher following alfaxalone compared to ketamine-diazepam. Blood lactate concentration when standing following alfaxalone was higher compared to minutes 1 and 6, and to propofol (p < 0.05). All alpacas required oxygen supplementation and mechanical ventilation to treat SpO2  < 90% or Pe'CO2  > 60 mmHg. Time from induction to standing was longer with alfaxalone (34.1 ± 3.2 minutes) than propofol (19.0 ±4.3 minutes) or ketamine-diazepam (24.9 ±1.7 minutes). Recovery quality median scores were clinically and statistically different: 2 (alfaxalone), 4 (ketamine-diazepam), and 5 (propofol). Tremors, paddling, rolling, seizure-like activity and thrashing characterized recovery from alfaxalone. CONCLUSION: Recovery quality was worst with alfaxalone. HR, SAP, MAP were increased at minute 1 in all protocols. Transient hypercapnia and hypoxia was observed with all protocols. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: All protocols were adequate for induction of anesthesia. Alfaxalone alone in unpremedicated alpacas is not recommended.

The detectability half-life in arthropod predator-prey research: what it is, why we need it, how to measure it, and how to use it.

Molecular gut-content analysis enables detection of arthropod predation with minimal disruption of ecosystem processes. Most assays produce only qualitative results, with each predator testing either positive or negative for target prey remains. Nevertheless, they have yielded important insights into community processes. For example, they have confirmed the long-hypothesized role of generalist predators in retarding early-season build-up of pest populations prior to the arrival of more specialized predators and parasitoids and documented the ubiquity of secondary and intraguild predation. However, raw qualitative gut-content data cannot be used to assess the relative impact of different predator taxa on prey population dynamics: they must first be weighted by the relative detectability periods for molecular prey remains for each predator-prey combination. If this is not carried out, interpretations of predator impact will be biased towards those with the longest detectabilities. We review the challenges in determining detectability half-lives, including unstated assumptions that have often been ignored in the performance of feeding trials. We also show how detectability half-lives can be used to properly weight assay data to rank predators by their importance in prey population suppression, and how sets of half-lives can be used to test hypotheses concerning predator ecology and physiology. We use data from 32 publications, comprising 97 half-lives, to generate and test hypotheses on taxonomic differences in detectability half-lives and discuss the possible role of the detectability half-life in interpreting qPCR and next-generation sequencing data.

Stability of 1% voriconazole solution in a constant-rate infusion pump for topical ocular delivery to horses.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the effect of storage in a constant-rate infusion (CRI) pump on the sterility and stability of voriconazole 1% solution. PROCEDURE: Nine vials of voriconazole (Vfend(®) I.V.) 1% solution were prepared. Approximately half of each solution was used to prime a commercially available CRI pump with attached subpalpebral lavage system (CRI/SPL unit) with the remaining solution stored in the commercial glass vial. Three CRI/SPL units and their three corresponding vials were stored at one of three temperatures: 23 °C, 33 °C, and 40 °C. The CRI pumps ran for 7 days, and the vials were stored for 30 days. Fungal and aerobic bacterial cultures were performed on the first and last day of the storage period for each vessel. Samples were obtained at regular intervals for determination of voriconazole concentration using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: No bacterial or fungal contamination was identified in any solution at any time point. All solutions stored in the commercial glass vial remained stable throughout the study period. Multiple CRI/SPL units became blocked with crystallized voriconazole. There was a significant increase in voriconazole concentration after passage through the CRI/SPL units. CONCLUSIONS: Voriconazole 1% solution is not compatible for use in a CRI/SPL unit at temperatures between 23 and 40 °C. Voriconazole 1% solution is stable in the commercial glass vial when stored at controlled temperatures as high as 40 °C for up to 30 days.

Intraocular pressure in free-ranging anuran species in Oklahoma.

Ocular disease appears to be a common issue in anurans. Intraocular pressures were measured for six species of free-ranging anurans in central Oklahoma. No significant differences were identified between left or right eyes. There was a significant negative relationship between the weight of the anuran and intraocular pressure. The intraocular pressure range for the six species was 3-10 mm Hg. Tonometry values in anurans are, to the authors' knowledge, previously unreported and this study provides initial information on intraocular pressure measurement in anurans.

Potential for hypobaric storage as a phytosanitary treatment: mortality of Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae) in apples and effects on fruit quality.

The efficacy of low-oxygen atmospheres using low pressure, referred to as hypobaric conditions, to kill egg and third-instar Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) in apples was investigated. Infested apples were exposed to 3.33 and 6.67 kPa in glass jars at 25 and 30 degrees C for times ranging from 3 to 120 h. Probit analyses and lethal dose ratio tests were performed to determine differences in lethal time values. Eggs were more tolerant of low pressure compared with third-instar R. pomonella. Mortality of eggs and larvae increased with increase in time of exposure to low pressure and temperature. Lower pressures increased percent mortality of eggs, but these values were not significantly different at the pressures tested in this investigation. The LT99 for R. pomonella eggs at 3.33 kPa was 105.98 and 51.46 h, respectively, at 25 and 30 degrees C, which was a significant effect of the higher temperature on egg mortality. Investigation into consumer acceptance of low-pressure-treated apples was done with 'Red Delicious' and 'Golden Delicious'. Apples exposed to 3.33 kPa at 25 and 30 degrees C for 3 and 5 d were stored at 1 degrees C for 2 wk and presented to a sensory panel for evaluation. The panelists rated treated apples with untreated controls for external and internal appearance and taste. Golden Delicious apples were unaffected for all three sensory factors across both temperatures and exposure times. Although taste was unaffected for Red Delicious, the internal and external appearances deteriorated. Use of low pressure for disinfestation and preservation of apples is a potential nonchemical alternative to chemical fumigants such as methyl bromide and phosphine.

Evaluation of two novel self-anchoring barbed sutures in a prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy compared with intracorporeal tied knots.

OBJECTIVE: To compare laparoscopic gastropexy using 2 self-anchoring barbed sutures to gastropexy using laparoscopically tied intracorporeal knots. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled, clinical trial. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 30) weighing >16 kg. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 laparoscopic gastropexy groups: group 1 (controls), intracorporeal 2-0 polydioxanone sutures (PDSII, Ethicon); group 2, barbed suture (0 Quill™ PDO; Angiotech); and group 3, barbed suture (2-0 V-Loc™ 180; Covidien). Gastropexy suturing time (GST) and total surgery time (TST) were recorded for each dog. Complications were recorded. Each dog was examined by ultrasound (1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively) to ensure persistence of the gastropexy. One dog each in group 2 and group 3 had 2nd look laparoscopy to evaluate the gastropexy. RESULTS: All gastropexies were intact at 6 months. Mean GST was significantly longer for group 1 (36 minutes; range, 25-46 minutes) than for groups 2 (20 minutes; range, 16-37 minutes) and 3 (19 minutes; range, 15-30 minutes; P < .05), which were not significantly different from each other. Likewise TSTs for groups 2 and 3 were significantly shorter than for group 1 (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Barbed sutures (Quill™ and V-Loc™) allowed for effective intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing of an incisional gastropexy without tying intracorporeal knots.

Effects of ampicillin/sulbactam and enrofloxacin on the blood pressure of isoflurane anesthetized dogs.

A blinded, prospective, randomized crossover study was performed to determine the effects of ampicillin Na/sulbactam Na and enrofloxacin on the blood pressure (BP) of healthy anesthetized dogs. Eight dogs were anesthetized three different times. They randomly received enrofloxacin, ampicillin Na/sulbactam Na, and saline. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BPs (SAP, DAP, and MAP, respectively), heart rate (HR), O2 saturation of hemoglobin, end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) concentration, inspired isoflurane concentration, end-tidal isoflurane (ETiso) concentration, respiratory rate, electrocardiogram, and body temperature were measured for 20 min prior to administration of treatment, during administration over 30 min, and for 30 min after administration. There was no significant difference in the SAP or ETiso. There was no significant change in the arterial pressure values over time in the enrofloxacin and ampicillin Na/sulbactam Na groups. The control group's MAP increased over time and was increased compared with the enrofloxacin group at times 25, 35, 45, and 55. The statistical difference between the enrofloxacin and the control groups was due to an increase in the MAP in the control group, not a decrease in the enrofloxacin group's BP. Neither enrofloxacin nor ampicillin Na/sulbactam Na caused hypotension in healthy dogs anesthetized with isoflurane and fentanyl.

Cytokine fluctuation during acute stress is correlated to life trauma.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have demonstrated that human neurobiology and behavior are inextricably linked to the activity of our immune systems. Trauma is associated with a multitude of immune system changes; reflecting this, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often comorbid with immune-related conditions such as autoimmune disorders. To further investigate this phenomenon, we tested our hypothesis that cytokine fluctuations during and after an acute stress response correlates with experienced life trauma. METHODS: Using a prospective observational approach, this cohort study measured biomarker profiles in firefighter participants (n = 63), with 9 participants having prior PTSD diagnoses and 54 without prior PTSD diagnoses. In addition, life trauma scores were determined from all participants using the Life Events Checklist 5 (LEC-5) survey. Baseline salivary biomarker concentrations were determined, along with levels immediately before, immediately after, and 1 hour following a standardized stressful training event. Biomarkers measured using these salivary samples included 42 cytokines and 6 steroid and thyroid hormones. The concentrations of these markers were then correlated, using Pearson correlation coefficients, with the participants' LEC-5 scores. t Tests were also performed to compare cytokine values between the populations with and without prior PTSD diagnosis. RESULTS: Included in the cytokine panel were interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, IL-1B, GCSF, IL1-Ra, Groα, IFNa2, PDGFAA, and VEGF, all of which demonstrated positive correlation at various time points in individuals with increased severity of LEC-5 scores (and thus increased experienced life trauma). Concentrations of Groα, PDGFAA, IL1-Ra, IL-1a, Mip1a, IL-1a, IL-6, Mip1b, TNFα, and TGFα were also found to be significantly altered at various time points in participants with prior PTSD diagnoses, demonstrating some overlap with the LEC-5 Pearson correlations. CONCLUSION: The results support our hypothesis and demonstrate that LEC-5 scores are indeed significantly correlated to cytokine concentrations and fluctuations surrounding a stress test. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Tests or Criteria; Level IV.

Comparative mortality of diapausing and nondiapausing larvae of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) exposed to monoterpenoids and low pressure.

Monoterpenoids and low pressure have each been demonstrated to cause mortality of stored-product insect pests. The current report investigated the prospects of integrating the two methods in the management of diapausing and nondiapausing larvae of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner). In a separate experiment, the larvae were exposed to 35.5 mmHg in Erlenmeyer flasks at 19 and 28 degrees C for times ranging from 30 min to 96 h. Another set of experiments was conducted to investigate the toxicity of exposing P. interpunctella larvae to monoterpenoids including E-anethole, estragole, S-carvone, linalool, L-fenchone, geraniol, gamma-terpinene, and DL-camphor alone or in combination with low pressure (50 mmHg). Lethal times (LT) determined by subjecting time-mortality data to probit analyses were shortened to half when both diapausing and nondiapausing larvae were exposed to low pressure at 28 degrees C compared with 19 degrees C. Exposure of diapausing larvae to a monoterpenoid alone, with the exception of DL-camphor and estragole, at a concentration of 66.7 microl/1L of volume required > 30 h to generate 99% mortality at 19.0 +/- 0.8 degrees C. However, the LT99 values for diapausing and nondiapausing larvae exposed to combinations of DL-camphor or estragole and low pressure were considerably shortened. Combinations involving the rest of the monoterpenoids investigated and low pressure did not generate LT99 that were shorter than those of the control, which was low pressure only. These results suggest that integrating low pressure with DL-camphor or estragole could be a new method for the control of diapausing larvae of P. interpunctella at cooler temperatures.

Susceptibility of stored-product psocids to aerosol insecticides.

The efficacies of commercial methoprene and esfenvalerate aerosols for control of stored-product psocid pests were evaluated in simulated field studies. The efficacies of methoprene, esfenvalerate EC, the carrier Isopar-M™, and a combination of methoprene and esfenvalerate aerosols for control of Liposcelis decolor (Pearman) (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) and Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein) nymphs were assessed, and the effects of direct and indirect exposure of Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, L. decolor, and Liposcelis paeta Pearman adults to esfenvalerate EC aerosol were evaluated. The greatest nymphal mortality attained was 76%, indicating that the four aerosols tested were ineffective against L. decolor and L. entomophila nymphs. In the direct and indirect exposure studies, the greatest adult mortalities attained for the three psocid species were 62 and 32%, respectively. Based on these data, esfenvalerate aerosol is ineffective for control of L. bostrychophila, L. decolor, L. entomophila, and L. paeta psocid species. This study shows that methoprene, esfenvalerate EC, and a combination of methoprene and esfenvalerate aerosols were ineffective against the four psocid species tested when applied at rates that are usually effective against other stored-product insect pests.