Escape from the garden: spreading, effects and traits of a new risky invasive ornamental plant (Gaillardia aristata Pursh)

Ornamental plants constitute a major source of invasive species.Gaillardia aristata(great blanketflower) is planted worldwide and its escape has been reported in several European countries without ecological impact assessment on the invasive potential. As there is a markedly spreading population with invasive behaviour in Hungary, we aimed to reveal the distribution, impacts and traits ofG. aristata. We gathered occurrence data outside the gardens in Hungary, based on literature, unpublished observations by experts and our own records. We investigated the impacts of an extended population, where the species invaded sandy old-fields within a 25 km2area. Here, we compared the species richness, diversity, community composition and height of invaded and uninvaded vegetation. Furthermore, we evaluated the traits potentially associated with the invasiveness ofG. aristatain comparison with other herbaceous invasive species in the region. We found thatG. aristataoccurred mostly by casual escapes, but naturalised and invasive populations were also detected in considerable numbers.G. aristatausually appeared close to gardens and ruderal habitats, but also in semi-natural and natural grasslands and tended to spread better in sandy soils. We found lower plant species richness and Shannon diversity in the invaded sites and the invasion ofG. aristatasignificantly influenced the composition of the plant community. The trait analyses revealed that the invasive potential ofG. aristatais backed by a wide germination niche breadth, extremely long flowering period, small shoot-root ratio (large absorption and gripping surface), large seeds (longer persistence) and dispersal by epizoochory of grazing livestock (mostly by sheep), probably helping the species’ survival and spreading in the disturbed, species-poor, sandy, open habitats. These functional traits, as well as the ornamental utilisation, may act together with the aridisation of the climate and the changing land-use practices (e.g. abandoned, disturbed sites) in the success ofG. aristata. We raise awareness of the rapid transition ofG. aristatafrom ornamental plant to casual alien and then to invasive species in certain environmental conditions (i.e. sandy soils, species-poor communities, human disturbances), although it seems to be not a strong ecosystem transformer so far. Nonetheless, banning it from seed mixtures, developing eradication strategy and long-term monitoring of this species would be important to halt its spreading in time.

Evaluation of reference genes for RT-qPCR gene expression analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to elevated temperatures

Increases in environmental temperature are directly linked to the issue of climate change and are known to significantly disrupt plant growth and development. Studies of gene expression in plants commonly include RT-qPCR but the reliability of the method depends on the use of suitable reference genes for data normalization. Despite this, no reference genes have been validated specifically for experiments in Arabidopsis thaliana employing treatments with elevated temperature. Here, ten genes were selected for expression stability analysis based on the screening of available literature and microarray data from temperature-treated A. thaliana. Expression levels of candidate reference genes were measured in 12-day-old seedlings, rosette leaves and flower buds of 5-week-old A. thaliana plants exposed to five different temperatures (22°C, 27°C, 32°C, 37°C and 42°C) and their expression stabilities were assessed using four statistical algorithms (BestKeeper, geNorm, NormFinder and comparative ΔC_q method). This study provides reliable reference genes for use in A. thaliana RT-qPCR expression analyses employing elevated temperature treatments, namely OGIO and PUX7 in seedlings, UBC21 and PUX7 in leaves, TIP41 and UBC21 in buds, and TIP41 and UBC21 in all three tissues combined. Orthologues of these genes can be of potential use in less studied plants, especially agricultural species heavily affected by climate change.

Ecological Predictors of Human Malaria Risk During Different Phases of the Elimination: An Analysis of Historical Data

To understand the evolutionary ecology of disease dynamics, it is crucial to identify the environmental factors that mediate the spread and abundance of parasites and their vectors. However, human-mediated changes in the biotic and abiotic environment and intervention programs are intensifying in the past 30-40 years at a rate that masks the causal effect of the original ecological predictors. In this study, we used archived epidemiological data spanning over 100 years on malaria risk in Hungary to demonstrate that different associations exist between infection risk and environmental predictors during different phases of the elimination program. In the early 20th century, when malaria was quite common in the country and no defense program was operating, as predicted, there was a positive relationship between the area of flooded habitats and the intensity of malaria infection. In contrast, this relationship was absent during middle of the century, when an effective elimination program was already in effect. Furthermore, malaria morbidity in a given year was predicted by the degree of stagnant water cover of the previous year when considering the period before the launch of a drastic mosquito control program by dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), whereas such relationship could not be revealed for a latter period. Our results highlight that human-induced alterations of the socioecological environment considerably reorganizes the ecological landscape of pathogens and their vectors.

Electronic Diabetes Management System Replaces Paper Insulin Chart: Improved Quality in Diabetes Inpatient Care Processes Due to Digitalization

BACKGROUND

GlucoTab, an electronic diabetes management system (eDMS), supports healthcare professionals (HCPs) in inpatient blood glucose (BG) management at point-of-care and was implemented for the first time under routine conditions in a regional hospital to replace the paper insulin chart.

METHOD

To investigate quality of the eDMS for inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus a monocentric retrospective before-after evaluation was conducted. We compared documentation possibilities by assessing a blank paper chart vs the eDMS user interface. Further quality aspects were compared by assessing filled-in paper charts (n = 106) vs filled-in eDMS documentation (n = 241). HCPs (n = 59) were interviewed regarding eDMS satisfaction.

RESULTS

The eDMS represented an improvement of documentation possibilities by offering a more structured and comprehensive user interface compared to the blank paper chart. The number of good diabetes days averaged to a median value of four days in both groups (paper chart: 4.38 [0-7] vs eDMS: 4.38 [0-7] days). Median daily BG was 170 (117-297) mg/dL vs 168 (86-286) mg/dL and median fasting BG was 152 (95-285) mg/dL vs 145 (69-333) mg/dL, and 0.1% vs 0.4% BG values <54 mg/dL were documented. Diabetes documentation quality improved when using eDMS, for example, documentation of ordered BG measurement frequency (1% vs 100%) and ordered BG targets (0% vs 100%). HCPs stated that by using eDMS errors could be prevented (74%), and digital support of work processes was completed (77%). Time saving was noted by 8 out of 11 HCPs and estimated at 10-15 minutes per patient day by two HCPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The eDMS completely replaced the paper chart, showed comparable glycemic control, was positively accepted by HCPs, and is suitable for inpatient diabetes management.

Scalable Production of Equine Platelet Lysate for Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Culture

Translation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies is advancing in human and veterinary medicine. One critical issue is the in vitro culture of MSC before clinical use. Using fetal bovine serum (FBS) as supplement to the basal medium is still the gold standard for cultivation of many cell types including equine MSC. Alternatives are being explored, with substantial success using platelet lysate-supplemented media for human MSC. However, progress lags behind in the veterinary field. The aim of this study was to establish a scalable protocol for equine platelet lysate (ePL) production and to test the ePL in equine MSC culture. Whole blood was harvested into blood collection bags from 20 healthy horses. After checking sample materials for pathogen contamination, samples from 19 animals were included. Platelet concentrates were prepared using a buffy coat method. Platelets, platelet-derived growth factor BB, and transforming growth factor β1 concentrations were increased in the concentrates compared with whole blood or serum (p < 0.05), while white blood cells were reduced (p < 0.05). The concentrates were lysed using freeze/thaw cycles, which eliminated the cells while growth factor concentrations were maintained. Donor age negatively correlated with platelet and growth factor concentrations after processing (p < 0.05). Finally, all lysates were pooled and the ePL was evaluated as culture medium supplement in comparison with FBS, using adipose-derived MSC from four unrelated donor horses. MSC proliferated well in 10% FBS as well as in 10% ePL. However, using 5 or 2.5% ePL entailed highly inconsistent proliferation or loss of proliferation, with significant differences in generation times and confluencies (p < 0.05). MSC expressed the surface antigens CD90, CD44, and CD29, but CD73 and CD105 detection was low in all culture media. Adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation led to similar results in MSC from different culture media. The buffy coat method is useful to produce equine platelet concentrate with increased platelet and reduced white blood cell content in large scales. The ePL obtained supports MSC expansion similar as FBS when used at the same concentration (10%). Further investigations into equine MSC functionality in culture with ePL should follow.

Isavuconazole Treatment in a Mixed Patient Cohort with Invasive Fungal Infections: Outcome, Tolerability and Clinical Implications of Isavuconazole Plasma Concentrations

Isavuconazole (ISA) is a triazole antifungal agent recommended for treatment of invasive aspergillosis or mucormycosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate ISA levels in a real world setting in a mixed patient cohort including patients with non-malignant diseases and extracorporeal treatments, and to correlate findings with efficacy and safety outcomes. We investigated 33 ISA treatment courses in 32 adult patients with hematological and other underlying diseases and assessed the clinical response, side effects and ISA trough plasma concentrations. ISA treatment led to complete and partial response in 87% of patients and was well tolerated. The median ISA plasma concentration was 3.05 µg/mL (range 1.38–9.1, IQR 1.93–4.35) in patients without renal replacement therapy (RRT) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and significantly lower in patients with RRT including cases with additional ECMO or Cytosorb^® adsorber therapy (0.88 µg/mL, range 0.57–2.44, IQR 0.71–1.21). After exclusion of values obtained from four patients with ECMO or Cytosorb^® adsorber the median concentration was 0.91 µg/mL (range 0.75–2.44, IQR 0.90–1.36) in the RRT group. In addition to previous recommendations we propose to monitor ISA trough plasma concentrations in certain circumstances including RRT, other extracorporeal treatments and obesity.

[A retrospective study about the influence of an emergency information form on the place of death of palliative care patients]

In palliative medicine planning in advance is important for critical care situations. It is highly significant to make useful and by the patient and his relatives desired decisions. These concern transport in a situation of crisis and the venue of death (either death at home or transfer to a hospital).In this study the effect of a new Emergency Information Form about the place of death was examined. The used Emergency Information Form enabled the patient to express a wish on transfer in the case of crisis in advance and communicate this wish to the Emergency system.A total of 858 patients, taken care of by the mobile palliative-team Hartberg/Weiz/Vorau in the period from 2010 to 2015, were included in the study. The Intervention group-the patients for whom an Emergency Information Form was established-counted 38 patients. Data analysis was retrospective, pseudo anonymized and external.The 4 most important results were:1) The Emergency Information Form increased the probability for the intervention group to die at home (intervention group: 72.2%, controll group 1: 53.0%, controll group 2: 56.6%).2) Important in this change was, that the opinion of the patients was considered. The decision made in the Emergency Information Form correlated with a high significance (p = 0.01) with the actual place of death.3) Furthermore, it came clear that the Emergency Information Form was a useful tool to handle the utilization of special facilities. Within the intervention group young patients (with a lot of symptoms) died in a special facility more often than old patients. These, rather geriatric people, were mostly brought to a general hospital.4) There was no significant relation between the duration of care and the probability that an Emergency Information Form was established (p = 0.63). However, there was a high significance between the number of home visits and the probability that an Emergency Information Form was written (p = 0.02).Due to the fact that there was a small intervention group restricted to only one palliative team further studies could help to make clear advises for palliative teams regarding scope, duration and frequency of home-visits. Thus the term "care continuity" could be concretized in the guidelines.The study brought forward that numerous (and short) contacts with the patient were more convenient than less but long home-visits in order to fulfil the patients wish concerning his place of death.

Reticulocytosis in non-anaemic cats and dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the proportion of blood samples diagnosed with reticulocytosis without anaemia in cats and dogs and report the aetiology and mortality rate of affected animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective multicentre study including haematological examination of 3956 cats and 11,087 dogs admitted to seven German veterinary clinics (2012 to 2014). The proportion of blood samples with reticulocytosis without anaemia was calculated, and after exclusion of multiple measurements of the same animal, clinical data were evaluated. Animals with reticulocytosis without anaemia were classified as healthy or diseased, and diseased patients were assigned to 12 disease groups. Pretreatment (i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, dipyrone) was recorded.

RESULTS

The proportion of blood samples with reticulocytosis without anaemia was 3·1% (124/3956) in cats and 4·4% (492/11,087) in dogs. Overall, 1·8% (2/111) of cats and 1·5% (7/458) of dogs with reticulocytosis without anaemia were healthy. Blood loss/anaemia, cardiac/respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory disorders as well as cancer were the most frequent underlying diseases. Pretreatment was noted in 39·5% (43/111) of cats and 42·4% (194/458) of dogs. The mortality rate was 37·8% (42/111) in cats and 29·7% (136/458) in dogs with reticulocytosis without anaemia; the median survival time in non-survivors was 1 day (range: 0 to 376 days in cats, 0 to 444 days in dogs).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In both species, reticulocytosis without anaemia was observed in a low proportion of blood samples (dogs>cat). Though a bias towards sick animals is possible in our sample, reticulocytosis without anaemia was mainly seen in diseased animals and associated with a mortality rate of approximately one-third of patients.

Evaluation of the Cardiac reader® as a point-of-care instrument for measurement of fibrin D-dimers in dogs

Objective: The aim of this study was the evaluationof the automated point-of-care analyzer Cardiac reader® for quantitative fibrin D-dimer measurement compared to the Liatest™ D-Di™ run on the bench top analyzer STA Compact (all Roche). Material and methods: 41 fresh canine blood specimens submitted from the Clinic for Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen were included. Measurement of fibrin D-dimers with the Liatest™ D-Di™ immunoturbidimetric assay was performed in citrated blood plasma stored at –80 °C until analysis. Using the Cardiac reader, D-dimer plasma concentrations were measured with an immunological assay in heparinized fresh (< 1 hour) whole blood specimens. Results: Mean intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 6.13% (range: 2.2–10.0%) for the Liatest™ D-Di and 19.8% (range: 20.1–19.6%) for the Cardiac reader. Fibrin D-dimers detected with the STA Compact exceeded the upper limit of the reference interval (0.4 μg/ml; n = 62 healthy dogs) in 20/41 samples. There was a fair correlation between D-dimer measurements with the Cardiac reader and the comparison method (r = 0.78). Generally, results were underestimated with a mean proportional bias (0.45 μg/ml). The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.895 regarding the detection of increased fibrin D-dimers with the Cardiac reader. At a cut-off value of > 0.2 μg/ml, sensitivity/specificity were 85%/91% and positive/negative likelihood ratios were 8.93/0.17. At a lower cut-off value of 0.15 μg/ml sensitivity and specificity were 90% and 66%, respectively. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The Cardiac reader can be used for quantitative measurement of canine D-dimers, however, due to the odds of false negative results and the high imprecision the comparison method should be preferred.

Bakterienisolate aus dem unteren Respirationstrakt von erkrankten Hunden und deren aktuelle Resistenzsituation

Gegenstand: Retrospektive Untersuchung der mittels bronchoalveolärer Lavage (BAL) gewonnenen Keimflora der tiefen Atemwege erkrankter Hunde auf ihre Antibiotikaempfindlichkeit über 5 Jahre.

Material und Methoden: Auswertung der Ergebnisse der Agardiffusionstests von Bakterienisolaten, die in den Jahren 2004–2009 von 84 Hunden isoliert wurden, und Vergleich mit den Resultaten einer gleichartigen Analyse der Jahre 1999/2000.

Ergebnisse: Bei den 99 geprüften Bakterienisolaten handelte es sich um Pasteurella spp. (27,3%), Bordetella bronchiseptica (20,2%), Staphylococcus spp. (18,2%), Escherichia coli (15,2%), Klebsiella spp. (8,1%), Pseudomonas spp. (7,0%) und Streptococcus spp. (4,0%). Bei acht Hunden lagen Mischkulturen vor. Die Mehrzahl der Bordetella-(B.-)bronchiseptica-Isolate erwies sich als sensibel gegenüber den Fluorchinolonen sowie Tetracyclin, Doxycyclin und Polymyxin B. Im Vergleich zu 1999/2000 zeigte sich ein höherer Anteil der gegenüber Amoxicillin/Clavulansäure und Chloramphenicol empfindlichen B.-bronchiseptica-Isolate, wobei die Zunahme bezüglich Chloramphenicol statistisch signifikant war. Die überwiegende Anzahl der Staphylococcus-Isolate erwies sich gegenüber Enrofloxacin, Marbofloxacin, Amoxicillin/Clavulansäure, Chloramphenicol, Cephalexin, Doxycyclin und Polymyxin B sensibel. Im Vergleich zu 1999/2000 ergab sich ein erhöhter Anteil an Chloramphenicolund Tetracyclin-sensiblen Staphylococcus-Isolaten. Der Anteil Enrofloxacin-sensibler KlebsiellenIsolate betrug 62,5%, während er 1999/2000 bei 100% lag. Eine Sensibilität aller getesteten Klebsiellen-Isolate ließ sich noch gegenüber Polymyxin B nachweisen. Kein Antibiotikum zeigte eine Wirksamkeit gegenüber allen E.-coli-Isolaten. Statistisch signifikant war die Abnahme der gegenüber Amoxicillin/Clavulansäure-sensiblen Isolate.

Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Die Studie unterstreicht den Nutzen der BAL für eine ätiologische Diagnostik und den anschließenden fundierten Einsatz von Antibiotika. Die Mehrzahl der Bakterienisolate erwies sich als empfindlich gegenüber den Fluorchinolonen.

Myeloperoxidase deficiency in dogs observed with the ADVIA®120

Objective: In contrast to humans, neutrophil myeloperoxidase deficiency (MPOD) has been rarely investigated in dogs. The hematology analyzer ADVIA®120 differentiates leukocytes based on the cellular volume and their myeloperoxidase concentration. The aim of this study was the characterization of myeloperoxidase deficiency in dogs and the evaluation of the diagnostic use of the ADVIA®120 Myeloperoxidase Index (MPXI). Material and methods: ADVIA® peroxidase scatter plots indicative of MPOD were reviewed. Severity of MPOD was classified semiquantitatively in three groups (MPOD grade 1–3): MPOD grade 1 (MPOD-1): neutrophils showing an abnormal shift of the population, < 25% extending in the monocyte cluster and therefore misclassified, MPOD-2: ~25–50% of neutrophils misclassified, MPOD-3: 50–100% of the neutrophils misclassified due to their location in the monocyte cluster. Sex, age, and breed of the dogs as well as diagnosis, and MPXI were recorded. Results: 29 dogs (nine females and 20 males belonging to 23 breeds) with 38 analyses consistent with MPOD were found. Diseases were characterized by severe leukocyte consumption and included mainly parvovirosis (8/29), DIC/sepsis (3/29), pyometra, pyothorax, pneumonia, pancreatic abscess, and cystitis. A significantly lower mean MPXI in MPOD-3 was present in comparison to the mean MPXI of MPOD-1 (p < 0.05), however, there was a great overlap between the groups. Conclusion: Diseases associated with neutrophil consumption may show an acquired MPOD in dogs. High standard deviation limits the diagnostic use of the MPXI for detection of MPOD. Clinical relevance: The ADVIA®120 cytograms are a good screening tool for detection of MPOD in dogs, but the use of the MPXI is impaired in this species.

Koagulopathien bei Hund und Katze

Der Gerinnungsprozess findet in drei Phasen statt, der primären und sekundären (plasmatischen) Hämostase sowie der Gerinnungsinhibition/Fibrinolyse. Nach der neueren Definition von Koagulopathien werden diese in „Minus-Koagulopathien“ (= verminderte sekundäre Hämostase) und „Plus-Koagulopathien“ (= Thrombophilie, d. h. Thromboseneigung) unterteilt. Minus-Koagulopathien können angeboren oder erworben sein. Die wichtigsten angeborenen Koagulopathien beim Hund umfassen Faktor-VIIIund FaktorIX-Mangel (Hämophilie A/B). Bei Katzen ist ein Faktor-XII-Mangel bekannt, der jedoch nicht mit ausgeprägten klinischen Symptomen einhergeht. Die häufigste erworbene Minus-Koagulopathie ist die disseminierte intravasale Gerinnung (DIC), gefolgt von Kumarinvergiftung, hochgradigem Leberversagen oder einer Heparintherapie. Die Ätiologie von Plus-Koagulopathien umfasst renalen Proteinverlust, Neoplasien, immunvermittelte Anämie und Vaskulitis. Patienten mit Minus-Koagulopathien zeigen klinisch Hämatome, Epistaxis und Blutungen in Körperhöhlen. Dagegen sind Erkrankungen der primären Hämostase durch Petechien/Ekchymosen charakterisiert. Die Symptome von Störungen der Gerinnungsinhibition sind vielfältig und von der Lokalisation der Thrombusbildung abhängig. Die Patienten können Lahmheit (bei Aortenthrombose) oder Dyspnoe im Fall einer Lungenembolie zeigen. Die wichtigsten diagnostischen Tests bei Patienten mit Blutungsneigung sind die Bestimmung der Thrombozytenzahl sowie eine Messung der Thromboplastinzeit (PT) und aktivierten partiellen Thromboplastinzeit (aPTT). Bei Hunden mit Verdacht auf DIC sollten zusätzlich D-Dimere und Fibrinogen bestimmt werden. Ein erhöhter D-Dimer-Wert ist Anzeichen einer Lyse quervernetzter Fibringerinnsel und kann auch bei Hunden mit Thromboembolien, vorangegangenen chirurgischen Eingriffen oder Blutungen in Körperhöhlen auftreten. Die Therapie von Koagulopathien ist variabel und abhängig von der Ätiologie der Erkrankung.

Association between subjective risk perception and objective risk estimation in patients with atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is state-of-the-art therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia worldwide. However, little is known about the perception of patients with AF and how it correlates with risk scores used by their physicians. Therefore, we correlated patients' estimates of their own stroke and bleeding risk with the objectively predicted individual risk using CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional prevalence study using convenience sampling and telephone follow-up.

SETTINGS

Eight hospital departments and one general practitioner in Austria. Patients' perception of stroke and bleeding risk was opposed to commonly used risk scoring.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with newly diagnosed AF and indication for anticoagulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Comparison of subjective risk perception with CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores showing possible discrepancies between subjective and objective risk estimation. Patients' judgement of their own knowledge on AF and education were also correlated with accuracy of subjective risk appraisal.

RESULTS

Ninety-one patients (age 73±11 years, 45% female) were included in this study. Subjective stroke and bleeding risk estimation did not correlate with risk scores (ρ=0.08 and ρ=0.17). The majority of patients (57%) underestimated the individual stroke risk. Patients feared stroke more than bleeding (67% vs 10%). There was no relationship between accurate perception of stroke and bleeding risks and education level. However, we found a correlation between the patients' judgement of their own knowledge of AF and correct assessment of individual stroke risk (ρ=0.24, p=0.02). During follow-up, patients experienced the following events: death (n=5), stroke (n=2), bleeding (n=1). OAC discontinuation rate despite indication was 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cross-sectional analysis of OAC-naive patients with AF, we found major differences between patients' perceptions and physicians' assessments of risks and benefits of OAC. To ensure shared decision-making and informed consent, more attention should be given to evidence-based and useful communication strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03061123.

A higher-level classification of the Pannonian and western Pontic steppe grasslands (Central and Eastern Europe)

QUESTIONS

What are the main floristic patterns in the Pannonian and western Pontic steppe grasslands? What are the diagnostic species of the major subdivisions of the class Festuco-Brometea (temperate Euro-Siberian dry and semi-dry grasslands)?

LOCATION

Carpathian Basin (E Austria, SE Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, N Croatia and N Serbia), Ukraine, S Poland and the Bryansk region of W Russia.

METHODS

We applied a geographically stratified resampling to a large set of relevés containing at least one indicator species of steppe grasslands. The resulting data set of 17 993 relevés was classified using the TWINSPAN algorithm. We identified groups of clusters that corresponded to the class Festuco-Brometea. After excluding relevés not belonging to our target class, we applied a consensus of three fidelity measures, also taking into account external knowledge, to establish the diagnostic species of the orders of the class. The original TWINSPAN divisions were revised on the basis of these diagnostic species.

RESULTS

The TWINSPAN classification revealed soil moisture as the most important environmental factor. Eight out of 16 TWINSPAN groups corresponded to Festuco-Brometea. A total of 80, 32 and 58 species were accepted as diagnostic for the orders Brometalia erecti, Festucetalia valesiacae and Stipo-Festucetalia pallentis, respectively. In the further subdivision of the orders, soil conditions, geographic distribution and altitude could be identified as factors driving the major floristic patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose the following classification of the Festuco-Brometea in our study area: (1) Brometalia erecti (semi-dry grasslands) with Scabioso ochroleucae-Poion angustifoliae (steppe meadows of the forest zone of E Europe) and Cirsio-Brachypodion pinnati (meadow steppes on deep soils in the forest-steppe zone of E Central and E Europe); (2) Festucetalia valesiacae (grass steppes) with Festucion valesiacae (grass steppes on less developed soils in the forest-steppe zone of E Central and E Europe) and Stipion lessingianae (grass steppes in the steppe zone); (3) Stipo-Festucetalia pallentis (rocky steppes) with Asplenio septentrionalis-Festucion pallentis (rocky steppes on siliceous and intermediate soils), Bromo-Festucion pallentis (thermophilous rocky steppes on calcareous soils), Diantho-Seslerion (dealpine Sesleria caerulea grasslands of the Western Carpathians) and Seslerion rigidae (dealpine Sesleria rigida grasslands of the Romanian Carpathians).

Hemostatic variables, plasma lactate concentration, and inflammatory biomarkers in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus

OBJECTIVE

Prospective characterization of hemostastatic variables, plasma lactate concentration, and inflammatory biomarkers in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Coagulation variables (platelets, prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], fibrinogen, antithrombin [AT], protein C [PC], protein S [PS], D-dimers), plasma lactate concentration and inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, white blood cell [WBC] count, lymphocyte and neutrophil numbers) were assessed in 20 dogs with GDV presented between 2011 and 2012. Blood was taken preoperatively and at days 1 and 3 postoperatively. The prognostic value of these variables before and after surgery was evaluated as well as the behavior of variables during the study.

RESULTS

Overall, 7/20 (35%) dogs did not survive; two dogs (29%) were euthanized during surgery due to severe gastric necrosis and 5 (71%) dogs after surgery due to sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Prior to surgery, median plasma lactate concentration was significantly (p = 0.01) lower in survivors (6.2 mmol/l, range 1.9-9.7 mmol/l) when compared to non-survivors (11.8 mmol/l, range 7.5-16.2 mmol/l). In dogs dying after surgery, significantly higher plasma lactate concentration, coagulation times and D-dimer concentration were present as well as lower fibrinogen concentration and activity of PC and AT compared to survivors. At discharge, activity of AT, PC and PS were markedly below the reference interval in 6/13 (46%), 11/13 (85%), and 8/13 (62%) dogs, respectively.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Only lactate plasma concentration was of preoperative prognostic value. After surgery, severe abnormalities of coagulation variables, especially the endogenous anticoagulants were present in most of the dogs. The severity of the abnormalities was associated with survival.

[Extreme neutrophilia in cats - aetiology and prognosis]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the aetiology and prognostic factors of extreme neutrophilia in cats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patient data over a 5-year period (January 2008  -  December 2013) were reviewed. Cats with a neutrophil count > 40 x 10⁹/l were included. They were further assigned to four groups: "inflammation", "neoplasia", "immune-mediated diseases", "unknown aetiology". Clinical signs, rectal temperature, hospitalisation, duration of hospitalisation, survival, left-shift and toxicity of neutrophils were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 28/5185 cats (0.5%) displayed extreme neutrophilia with a mean neutrophil count of 48.5 x 10⁹/l (40.0-76.0 x 10⁹/l). The most common aetiology was a severe inflammation, as seen in 16/28 cats (57%), whereby peritonitis (5/15 cats, 31%) predominated. In cats with neoplastic diseases (9/28 cats, 32%), intestinal neoplasia with subsequent peritonitis was the most common diagnosis (4/9 cats, 44%). Diseases of unknown aetiology (2/28 cats, 7%) and immune-mediated diseases (1/28, 3.6%) were rare. The most common clinical indications included lethargy, anorexia, fever, and gastrointestinal signs. Rectal temperature ranged between 33.9  °C and 40.2   °C, whereby in 2/24 cats (8%) hyperthermia (> 39.3°C) and in 5/24 cats (21%) hypothermia (< 38.0°C) was observed. Hospitalisation occurred in 21/28 cats (75%) with a median duration of 5.5 days (1-30 days). In 24/28 cats, a manual differential count was performed. A left-shift and toxicity of neutrophils were seen in 23/24 cats (96%) and 21/24 cats (88%), respectively. The overall median survival rate was 50%, whereby the survival rate was significantly lower in cats with neoplasia than in those with inflammatory diseases (22% vs. 56%, p < 0.0001).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

An extreme neutrophilia is rare. It is commonly caused by peritonitis due to foreign bodies or ruptured intestinal tumours (in particular, intestinal lymphomas) and is characterised by a high mortality.

Complexation of Cm(iii) with the recombinant N-lobe of human serum transferrin studied by time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS)

The complexation of Cm(iii) with the recombinant N-lobe of human serum transferrin hTf/2N is investigated using TRLFS. The results reveal significant differences in the complexation properties of transferrin and the half molecule.

A retrospective study of 1,098 blood samples with anemia from adult cats: frequency, classification, and association with serum creatinine concentration

BACKGROUND

Frequency and classification of anemia in terms of regeneration status and erythrocyte indices are not well described in cats.

OBJECTIVE

To determine frequency and regenerative status of anemia in samples from adult cats, to assess the sensitivity and specificity of macrocytosis and hypochromasia for detecting regenerative anemia (RA), and to evaluate the association of anemia with increased serum creatinine concentration (SC).

STUDY POPULATION

Laboratory records from 30,503 blood samples from cats (2003-2011).

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data reviewed retrospectively. Anemia defined as hematocrit (Ht) ≤27%, red blood cell count (RBC) ≤5.5 × 10(6)/μL and hemoglobin (Hb) ≤9.0 g/dL. RA defined by manual absolute reticulocyte count >50 × 10(3)/μL. Macrocytosis was defined as mean corpuscular volume (MCV) >55 fL and hypochromasia as mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) <31 g/dL. Cutoff for increased serum creatinine concentration was 1.6 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,098 of 30,503 blood samples (3.6%) from cats fulfilled criteria for anemia, 633 of 1,098 (57.7%) classified as nonregenerative (NRA) and 465 of 1,098 (42.3%) as regenerative. RBC, Ht, and Hb were significantly lower in the RA compared to NRA group (P < .05). Sensitivity and specificity of the combined high MCV and low MCHC to detect samples with RA were 19.5 and 90.7%. SC was increased in 572 of the 1,098 anemic samples (52.1%) and in 11,121 of 29,405 of nonanemic samples (37.8%).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Majority of anemic samples were classified as NRA. Anemia was more severe in cats with RA. Erythrocyte indices were not sensitive indicators of RA.

[Radio-induced breast morphoea: an unrecognized complication]

Morphoea is a localized scleroderma. Since the 1990s, it is described as a complication after irradiation for breast cancer. This complication is unrecognized and underdiagnosed. Irradiation seems to be a factor inducing an autoimmune process. Clinicians should be aware in case of an erythema in a treated area, appearing on average one year after the end of the irradiation. Histology alone can prove the diagnosis and rule out differential diagnoses: principally mastitis (carcinomatous, infectious), chronic radiodermatitis or radiation recall. Treatment of this rare complication is not consensual; it is most often topical steroids. The evolution is marked by a gradual decrease from the initial inflammation. Sclerosis persists, more or less substantially.

Thermal inactivation of a single strain each of serotype O26:H11, O45:H2, O103:H2, O104:H4, O111:H⁻, O121:H19, O145:NM, and O157:H7 cells of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in wafers of ground beef

For each of two trials, freshly ground beef of variable fat content (higher: 70:30 %lean:%fat; lower: 93:7 %lean:%fat) was separately inoculated with ca. 7.0 log CFU/g of a single strain of Escherichia coli serotypes O26:H11, O45:H2, O103:H2, O104:H4, O111:H⁻, O121:H19, O145:NM, and O157:H7. Next, ca. 3-g samples of inoculated beef were transferred into sterile filter bags and then flattened (ca. 1.0 mm thick) and vacuum sealed. For each temperature and sampling time, three bags of the inoculated wafers of beef were submerged in a thermostatically controlled water bath and heated to an internal temperature of 54.4°C (130°F) for up to 90 min, to 60°C (140°F) for up to 4 min, or to 65.6°C (150°F) for up to 0.26 min. In lower fat wafers, D-values ranged from 13.5 to 23.6 min, 0.6 to 1.2 min, and 0.05 to 0.08 min at 54.4, 60.0, and 65.6°C, respectively. Heating higher fat wafers to 54.4, 60.0, and 65.6°C generated D-values of 18.7 to 32.6, 0.7 to 1.1, and 0.05 to 0.2 min, respectively. In addition, we observed reductions of ca. 0.7 to 6.7 log CFU/g at 54.4°C after 90 min, ca. 1.1 to 6.1 log CFU/g at 60.0°C after 4 min, and 0.8 to 5.8 log CFU/g at 65.6°C after 0.26 min. Thus, cooking times and temperatures effective for inactivating a serotype O157:H7 strain of E. coli in ground beef were equally effective against the seven non-O157:H7 Shiga toxin-producing strains investigated herein.

[Bacterial susceptibility testings of the lower airways of diseased dogs]

OBJECTIVE

In this retrospective study over 5 years the bacterial flora of the deep airways of diseased dogs was sampled using bronchioalveolar lavage and its in-vitro susceptibility to numerous antimicrobial agents was analysed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates from 84 dogs performed from 2004 to 2009 were evaluated and compared to data collected in 1999/2000.

RESULTS

The 99 bacterial isolates comprised Pasteurella spp. (27.3%), Bordetella bronchiseptica (20.2%), Staphylococcus spp. (18.2%), Escherichia coli (15.2%), Klebsiella spp. (8.1%), Pseudomonas spp. (7.0%), and Streptococcus spp. (4.0%). Lavage samples of eight dogs revealed simultaneous occurrence of more than one species. The majority of the tested Bordetella bronchiseptica-isolates were susceptible to fluoroquinolones as well as tetracycline, doxycycline and polymyxin B. The number of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid- and chloramphenicol-resistant isolates decreased compared to 1999/2000. The increase of chloramphenicol-susceptible isolates was statistically significant. The tested Staphylococcus-isolates revealed a susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, amoxicillin, cephalexin, doxycycline, and polymyxin B. Compared to the earlier study, a major portion exhibited susceptibility to chloramphenicol and tetracycline. None of the Klebsiella spp. tested in 1999/2000 was resistant to enrofloxacin, whereas only 62.5% of the isolates examined during 2004-2009 were susceptible. A susceptibility of all tested Klebsiella -isolates was detectable with respect to polymyxin B. Regarding E.coli , none of the tested antibiotics revealed an in-vitro activity against all of the tested isolates. The increase of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-resistant isolates was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The study demonstrates the benefits of bronchioalveolar lavage as a diagnostic tool to ensure a responsible utilisation of antibiotics. Most of the tested bacterial isolates were susceptible to fluoroquinolones.

[Stereotactic radiotherapy of intracranial benign tumors]

Stereotactic radiotherapy can be delivered in one fraction or in multiple fractions schedule. It is used in benign tumours such as meningiomas, mainly localized in the base of the skull, for acoustic schwannoma and pituitary tumours. Whatever the tumour, results with the Gamma Knife(®) are the most numerous, but those obtained by linear accelerators, adapted or dedicated, are comparable. The peripheral dose is preferred to the dose delivered to the isocentre. One fraction stereotactic irradiation should be proposed in small lesions and fractionated treatment for tumours larger. Whatever the tumour, the results are satisfactory with a control rate of 90%. However, this value reflects a disparity assessment, radiological stability for meningiomas, radiological stability and preservation of useful hearing in schwannoma and radiological stability and a decrease in hormonal secretions for pituitary adenomas. Overall complication rates are low. In total, the treatment of benign lesions with stereotactic irradiation gives satisfactory results with few complications.

Evaluation of bacterial diversity in the rumen and feces of cattle fed different levels of dried distillers grains plus solubles using bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing

Dietary components and changes cause shifts in the gastrointestinal microbial ecology that can play a role in animal health and productivity. However, most information about the microbial populations in the gut of livestock species has not been quantitative. In the present study, we utilized a new molecular method, bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) that can perform diversity analyses of gastrointestinal bacterial populations. In the present study, cattle (n = 6) were fed a basal feedlot diet and were subsequently randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets (n = 2 cows per diet). In each diet, 0, 25, or 50% of the concentrate portion of the ration was replaced with dried distillers grain (DDGS). Ruminal and fecal bacterial populations were different when animals were fed DDGS compared with controls; ruminal and fecal Firmicute:Bacteroidetes ratios were smaller (P = 0.07) in the 25 and 50% DDG diets compared with controls. Ruminal pH was decreased (P < 0.05) in ruminal fluid from cattle fed diets containing 50% compared with 0% DDGS. Using bTEFAP, the normal microbiota of cattle were examined using modern molecular methods to understand how diets affect gastrointestinal ecology and the gastrointestinal contribution of the microbiome to animal health and production.

Myeloperoxidase deficiency in dogs observed with the ADVIA®120. A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

In contrast to humans, neutrophil myeloperoxidase deficiency (MPOD) has been rarely investigated in dogs. The hematology analyzer ADVIA®120 differentiates leukocytes based on the cellular volume and their myeloperoxidase concentration. The aim of this study was the characterization of myeloperoxidase deficiency in dogs and the evaluation of the diagnostic use of the ADVIA®120 Myeloperoxidase Index (MPXI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

ADVIA® peroxidase scatter plots indicative of MPOD were reviewed. Severity of MPOD was classified semiquantitatively in three groups (MPOD grade1-3): MPOD grade1 (MPOD-1): neutrophils showing an abnormal shift of the population, <25% extending in the monocyte cluster and therefore misclassified, MPOD-2: ~25-50% of neutrophils misclassified, MPOD-3: 50-100% of the neutrophils misclassified due to their location in the monocyte cluster. Sex, age, and breed of the dogs as well as diagnosis, and MPXI were recorded.

RESULTS

29 dogs (nine females and 20 males belonging to 23 breeds) with 38 analyses consistent with MPOD were found. Diseases were characterized by severe leukocyte consumption and included mainly parvovirosis (8/29), DIC/sepsis (3/29), pyometra, pyothorax, pneumonia, pancreatic abscess, and cystitis. A significantly lower mean MPXI in MPOD-3 was present in comparison to the mean MPXI of MPOD-1 (p<0.05), however, there was a great overlap between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Diseases associated with neutrophil consumption may show an acquired MPOD in dogs. High standard deviation limits the diagnostic use of the MPXI for detection of MPOD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The ADVIA®120 cytograms are a good screening tool for detection of MPOD in dogs, but the use of the MPXI is impaired in this species.

Population structure and historical biogeography of European Arabidopsis lyrata

Understanding the natural history of model organisms is important for the effective use of their genomic resources. Arabidopsis lyrata has emerged as a useful plant for studying ecological and evolutionary genetics, based on its extensive natural variation, sequenced genome and close relationship to A. thaliana. We studied genetic diversity across the entire range of European Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. petraea, in order to explore how population history has influenced population structure. We sampled multiple populations from each region, using nuclear and chloroplast genome markers, and combined population genetic and phylogeographic approaches. Within-population diversity is substantial for nuclear allozyme markers (mean P=0.610, A(e)=1.580, H(e)=0.277) and significantly partitioned among populations (F(ST)=0.271). The Northern populations have modestly increased inbreeding (F(IS)=0.163 verses F(IS)=0.093), but retain comparable diversity to central European populations. Bottlenecks are common among central and northern Europe populations, indicating recent demographic history as a dominant factor in structuring the European diversity. Although the genetic structure was detected at all geographic scales, two clear differentiated units covering northern and central European areas (F(CT) =0.155) were identified by Bayesian analysis and supported by regional pairwise F(CT) calculations. A highly similar geographic pattern was observed from the distribution of chloroplast haplotypes, with the dominant northern haplotypes absent from central Europe. We conclude A. l. petraea's cold-tolerance and preference for disturbed habitats enabled glacial survival between the alpine and Nordic glaciers in central Europe and an additional cryptic refugium. While German populations are probable peri-glacial leftovers, Eastern Austrian populations have diversity patterns possibly compatible with longer-term survival.

Curcumin inhibits constitutive STAT3 phosphorylation in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and down-regulates survivin/BIRC5 gene expression

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The anti-apoptotic gene survivin/BIRC5 plays an important role in cellular proliferation and survival of cancer cells. Regulated by constitutively activated STAT3, Survivin/BIRC5 may be a target for inhibiting cellular proliferation in pancreatic cancer cell lines. The purpose of this study was (a) to determine the effect of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) on survivin/BIRC5 expression and (b) a possible role of STAT3 activation in Survivin/BIRC5 expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines. We have incubated four pancreatic cancer cell lines with different amounts of curcumin. The expression of Survivin/BIRC5 on mRNA and protein level was measured with RT-PCR and western blot analysis. The activation of STAT3 through phosphorylation, contributing to the regulation of survivin was analyzed with western blot analysis. The incubation of the pancreatic cancer cell lines with curcumin resulted in a down-regulation of cellular proliferation in all cell lines tested but with different rates of inhibition. The expression of survivin/BIRC5 on mRNA and protein level was significantly down-regulated after treatment with 30 μM. Curcumin blocked the phosphorylation of STAT3 in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment of pancreatic cancer cell lines with curcumin resulted in an induction of apoptosis as measured with FacScan analysis. We conclude that curcumin inhibits several key factors in cancer cellular pathways and may have the potential to be investigated in pancreatic cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.