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.

In vitro effect of hydroxyethyl starch on coagulation in dogs as assessed by dynamic viscoelastic coagulometry

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 670/0.75 and 6% HES 130/0.4 dilution of canine whole blood on coagulation using dynamic viscoelastic coagulometry (DVC).

ANIMALS

56 healthy adult dogs.

PROCEDURES

2 blood samples were obtained from each dog and randomized to 1 of 7 groups-undiluted or 2 dilutions (1:3 or 1:10) of 3 different fluids: saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, 6% HES 670/0.75, or 6% HES 130/0.4. Dilutions were calculated to simulate approximately a 10- or 30-mL/kg body weight IV bolus of each fluid. DVC was performed on each sample. Coagulation parameters compared between groups included clot rate (CR), platelet function (PF), and activated clotting time.

RESULTS

Dilution with saline solution did not significantly affect coagulation, while dilution with HES 670/0.75 and HES 130/0.4 caused a dose-dependent significant decrease in CR (1:3 HES 670/0.75, P = 0.007; 1:10 HES 670/0.75, P = 0.002; 1:3 HES130/0.4, P < 0.0001; and 1:10 HES 130/0.4, P = 0.0003) and PF (1:3 HES 670/0.75, P < 0.0001; 1:10 HES 670/0.75, P < 0.0001; 1:3 HES130/0.4, P < 0.0001; and 1:10 HES 130/0.4, P = 0.0015).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Dilution of canine blood with HES 670/0.75 and HES 130/0.4, at clinically relevant doses (10 and 30 mL/kg), led to significant hypocoagulability beyond dilutional effect. This was, in part, due to impaired PF, which was significantly greater with HES 670/0.75. Further research using DVC to assess the effects of HES on coagulation in dogs, ideally with clinical conditions warranting HES administration, is needed.

Effect of Bidirectional Insertion of External Skeletal Fixation Pins on Axial Pullout Strength in Canine Cadaveric Bone

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bidirectional insertion on axial pullout strength of tapered run out (TRO), traditional negative profile (TNP) and positive profile (PP) pins.

STUDY DESIGN

 Cadaveric adult canine tibiae were harvested. Tapered run out pins (Group 1) were inserted unidirectionally to the desired position; bidirectionally past the desired position, then withdrawn to the desired position (Group 2); and bidirectionally as described for Group 2, repeated twice (Group 3). Traditional negative profile pins (Group 4-6) and PP pins (Group 9-11) were placed in the same manner. Tapered run out (Group 7), TNP (Group 8) and PP pins (Group 12) were driven unidirectionally such that the shaft of the pin violated the cis-cortex. A servohydraulic testing machine extracted the pins and measured axial peak pullout strength.

RESULTS

 Positive profile pins had significantly greater pullout strength than TRO and TNP pins placed unidirectionally to the desired position. Method of insertion had no effect on peak pullout strength of TNP pins. TRO and PP pins inserted unidirectionally to the desired position had significantly greater peak pullout strengths than insertion bidirectionally or if the shaft of the pin violated the cis-cortex.

CONCLUSION

 The authors recommend that pins used for external skeletal fixation should be placed unidirectionally to the desired position with fluoroscopic guidance, intra-operative depth gauge measurements or measurements from preoperative radiographs. Repositioning pins results in loss of peak pullout strength with TRO and PP pins.

Isolate Virulence and Cultivar Response in the Winter Wheat: Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Tan Spot) Pathosystem in Oklahoma

Prevalence of tan spot of wheat caused by the fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis has become more prevalent in Oklahoma as no-till cultivation in wheat has increased. Hence, developing wheat varieties resistant to tan spot has been emphasized, and selecting pathogen isolates to screen for resistance to this disease is critical. Twelve isolates of P. tritici-repentis were used to inoculate 11 wheat cultivars in a greenhouse study in splitplot experiments. Virulence of isolates and cultivar resistance were measured in percent leaf area infection for all possible isolate x cultivar interactions. Isolates differed significantly (P < 0.01) in virulence on wheat cultivars, and cultivars differed significantly in disease reaction to isolates. Increased virulence of isolates detected increased variability in cultivar response (percent leaf area infection) (r = 0.56, P < 0.05) while increased susceptibility in cultivars detected increased variance in virulence of the isolates (r = 0.76, P < 0.01). A significant isolate × cultivar interaction indicated specificity between isolates and cultivars, however, cluster analysis indicated low to moderate physiological specialization. Similarity in wheat cultivars in response to pathogen isolates also was determined by cluster analysis. The use of diverse isolates of the fungus would facilitate evaluation of resistance in wheat cultivars to tan spot.

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.

Safety and efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma for the sterilization of a Pasteurella multocida-contaminated subcutaneously implanted foreign body in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a stainless steel implant sterilized with a novel cold atmospheric plasma sterilization (CAPS) device adversely affects local tissues in rabbits and whether CAPS was as effective as steam sterilization with an autoclave to inactivate Pasteurella multocida.

ANIMALS

31 healthy New Zealand White rabbits.

PROCEDURES

Steam-autoclaved stainless steel implants inoculated with P multocida underwent a second steam autoclave sterilization (AIA) or CAPS (AICAPS). One AIA implant and 3 AICAPS implants were randomly placed subcutaneously at 4 sites in 21 rabbits (84 implants). These rabbits were monitored daily for 5 days for evidence of systemic illness and local tissue reactions at the implantation sites and then euthanized. Samples were taken from each implant site for bacterial culture and histologic examination.

RESULTS

Cultures of samples obtained from all sites were negative for bacterial growth. No significant difference was observed in mean skin thickness or erythema between AIA and AICAPS implant sites on any observed day. Also, individual histologic grades for the epidermis, dermis, subcutis, and muscle and total histologic grade were not significantly different between AIA and AICAPS implant sites.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Cold atmospheric plasma sterilization was noninferior to steam sterilization of P multocida-contaminated stainless steel implants in the rabbits in the present study. However, studies of the efficacy of CAPS for inactivation of other important bacteria are needed.

Effects of Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Consumption on Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Greater than one-third of adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of risk factors highly associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. Premature vascular dysfunction in MetS may lead to accelerated age-related atherogenesis and arterial stiffening, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk. Montmorency tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) are rich in bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, known to exert cardiovascular protective effects. Previous research suggests that tart cherry juice consumption may improve cardiovascular health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily consumption of tart cherry juice on hemodynamics, arterial stiffness, and blood biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health in men and women with MetS. In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm pilot clinical trial, 19 men and women 20 to 60 years of age with MetS consumed 240 mL of tart cherry juice (Tart Cherry; n = 5 males, 4 females) or an isocaloric placebo-control drink (Control; n = 5 males, 5 females) twice daily for 12 weeks. Arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), brachial and aortic blood pressures, wave reflection (augmentation index), and blood biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were significantly lower (P = .047 and P = .036, respectively) in Tart Cherry than Control at 12 weeks, but were not significantly lower than baseline values. There was a trend for total cholesterol to be lower (P = .08) in Tart Cherry than Control at 12 weeks. No significant changes were observed in hemodynamics, arterial stiffness, or other blood biomarkers assessed. These results suggest that daily tart cherry consumption may attenuate processes involved in accelerated atherogenesis without affecting hemodynamics or arterial stiffness parameters in this population. The pilot nature of this study warrants interpreting these findings with caution, and future clinical trials with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings.

Differential responses of sorghum genotypes to sugarcane aphid feeding

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.

Retrospective survey of endoparasitism identified in feces of client-owned dogs in North America from 2007 through 2018

Our main study objective was to determine the prevalence and trend of parasitic infection in client-owned dogs examined at the veterinary parasitology diagnostic laboratory of Oklahoma State University over the past 12 years. All results of centrifugal flotation, saline direct smear, sedimentation, Baermann, acid-fast staining for Cryptosporidium detection, and Giardia antigen examinations on fecal samples from client-owned dogs submitted to the Boren Veterinary Medical Hospital and Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma State University from 2007 through 2018 were included. The impact of sex, age, and seasonality on the prevalence of parasitic infection was also statistically evaluated. A total of 7,409 cases were included for this study. Majority of cases (79.58%; 5,896/7,409) did not include any parasites, eggs, larva, oocysts, or cysts. Approximately 15.41% (1,142/7,409) of client-owned dogs were infected by at least one parasite, and 5.01% (371/7,409) of dogs were infected by multiple parasites. The most common parasite stage observed was Ancylostoma eggs (8.23%; 610/7,409), followed by Cystoisospora oocysts (5.02%; 372/7,409), Giardia cysts/antigen (4.06%; 301/7,409), Trichuris vulpis eggs (2.74%; 203/7,409), Toxocara canis eggs (2.54%; 188/7,409), Dipylidium caninum proglottids/egg packets (0.84%; 62/7,409), taeniid proglottids/eggs (0.47%; 35/7,409), Sarcocystis sporocysts (0.38%; 28/7,409), Cryptosporidium oocysts (0.30%; 22/7,409), Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (0.20%; 15/7,409), Alaria eggs (0.19%; 14/7,409), Toxascaris leonina eggs (0.18%; 13/7,409), Capillaria eggs (0.16%; 12/7,409), Hammondia-like small coccidian oocysts (0.16%; 12/7,409), Uncinaria stenocephala eggs (0.13%; 10/7,409), Spirometra eggs (0.09%; 7/7,409), Physaloptera eggs (0.09%; 7/7,409), Heterobilharzia americana eggs (0.08%; 6/7,409), Nanophyetus salmincola eggs (0.08%; 6/7,409), trichomonads (0.08%; 6/7,409), Mesocestoides proglottids/eggs (0.05%; 4/7,409), Baylisascaris eggs (0.01%; 1/7,409), Macracanthorhynchus eggs (0.01%; 1/7,409), and Paragonimus kellicotti eggs (0.01%; 1/7,409). In addition to endoparasites, some ectoparasites, such as Demodex mites (0.22%; 16/7,409), Otodectes cynotis mites (0.01%; 1/7,409), Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (0.01%; 1/7,409), and Sarcoptes scabiei mites (0.01%; 1/7,409), were detected by fecal examinations. Pseudo/spurious parasites were identified in approximately 4.35% of cases (322/7,409). There was no statistically significant difference for parasite prevalence between sexes (p = 0.3231). However, statistically significant differences were observed with certain parasites when compared by age groups, and generally, prevalence of parasitism decreased as age of client-owned dogs increased (p < 0.0001). Statistical analyses also revealed significant differences by months (p = 0.0013). Overall, the prevalence of parasitic infection in client-owned dogs decreased over the past 12 years (p < 0.0001).

Freeze-Dried Watermelon Supplementation Has Modest Effects on Bone and Lipid Parameters of Ovariectomized Mice

This study investigated the effects of two doses of freeze-dried watermelon (WM) on bone and lipid parameters in ovariectomized (OVX) mice, a model of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Three-month-old C57BL/6 female mice (n=46) were sham-operated (SHAM) or OVX and randomly assigned to the control or WM diets for 12 weeks: SHAM-control, OVX-control, OVX+1%, or 10% (wt/wt) freeze-dried WM. All diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous, and had the same calcium and phosphorus concentrations. Freeze-dried WM supplementation was not able to prevent the decrease in whole body, tibial, and lumbar bone mineral density due to estrogen deficiency. Micro-computed tomography analyses showed that WM was also not able to modulate changes in tibial trabecular and cortical bone microarchitecture due to ovariectomy. However, the lumbar trabecular micro-architecture analyses revealed that the WM-10% group had a similar connectivity density, trabecular number, trabecular separation, and structure model index as the SHAM group. Supplementation with 10% WM reduced plasma cholesterol and total liver lipids to the level of the SHAM group but was still similar to that of the OVX-control group. Supplementation with 10% WM increased liver catalase (CAT) mRNA levels but had no effects on mRNA levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6. There were no differences in plasma activity of the antioxidant enzymes GPX and CAT between all treatment groups. Our findings demonstrate some positive effects of watermelon for modulating lipids and attenuating lumbar vertebral bone loss arising from ovarian hormone deficiency.

Olfactory responses of Amblyomma maculatum to rumen fluid and other odourants that attract blood-seeking arthropods

Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Ixodida: Ixodidae) has emerged as a significant vector of human and companion animal diseases in the U.S.A. When expanding in range, A. maculatum can be difficult to collect in the field and control on livestock. A novel method is needed to improve the field collection of A. maculatum, as well as to control their effects as ectoparasites of livestock and companion animals. The present study aimed to test the effects of known volatiles on the activation and selection choices of A. maculatum in a laboratory-based Y-tube assay and field-based assays. Although the majority of adult A. maculatum were activated to move by five of the seven semiochemicals tested, only rumen fluid significantly attracted ticks to make a selection in the Y-tube apparatus. Rumen fluid attracted the most A. maculatum in the laboratory, with 56% (84/150) making it to the rumen Y-tube arm, although the results were not replicated in semi-field experiments. These studies highlight the need for continued work to identify attractants for tick vectors that will assist field collections. These attractants could also be incorporated into management strategies that lead to prevention technologies to reduce tick burdens on cattle or in risk areas of humans.

Retrospective survey of parasitism identified in feces of client-owned cats in North America from 2007 through 2018

Ownership of domestic cats in North America has been on the increase; however, there are only a few surveys conducted on the prevalence of parasitism in client-owned cats over years. Our study objective was to evaluate parasite prevalence through statistical analysis of fecal examination results for client-owned cats on samples submitted to the veterinary parasitology diagnostic laboratory of Oklahoma State University over a 12-year period. All results of centrifugal flotation, saline direct smear, sedimentation, and Baermann examinations on fecal samples submitted to the Boren Veterinary Medical Hospital and Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma State University from 2007 through 2018 were included. The impacts of sex, age, and seasonality on the prevalence of infection were also analyzed. A total of 2586 client-owned cat cases were included for this study. Parasites, eggs, oocysts, larvae, or cysts were not detected in the majority of cases (75.5%; 1,953/2586). Approximately 18.8% (485/2586) of client-owned cats were infected by one parasite, and 5.7% (148/2586) of cats were infected by multiple parasites. The most common parasite stage observed was Cystoisospora oocysts (9.4%; 243/2586), followed by Toxocara cati eggs (7.8%; 202/2586), Giardia cysts (4.0%; 104/2586), Alaria eggs (3.5%; 91/2586), Ancylostoma eggs (1.2%; 32/2586), taeniid proglottids/eggs (1.2%; 30/2586), Dipylidium caninum proglottids/egg packets (1.1 %; 29/2586), and Eucoleus aerophilus eggs (0.7%; 18/2586). Less commonly, Physalopetra eggs (0.19%; 5/2586), Toxascaris leonina eggs (0.19%; 5/2586), Tritrichomonas blagburni trophozoites (0.15%; 4/2586), Ollulanus tricuspis larvae/adults (0.12%; 3/2586), Platynosomum fastosum eggs (0.12%; 3/2586), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae (0.08%; 2/2323), Sarcocystis sporocysts (0.08%; 2/2586), Spirometra eggs (0.08%; 2/2586), Mesocestoides proglottids/eggs (0.08%; 2/2586), Trichuris felis eggs (0.08%; 2/2586), Cryptosporidium oocysts (0.04%; 1/2586), and Toxoplasma-like small coccidian oocysts (0.04%; 1/2586) were detected. Additionally, fecal examinations revealed some ectoparasites: Demodex mites (0.9%; 24/2586), Cheyletiella mites (0.15%; 4/2586), and Otodectes cynotis mites (0.04%; 1/2586). There was no statistical significance between different sex groups (p = 0.3316). Age affected the prevalence of Cystoisospora, T. cati, Giardia, and Alaria infections with prevalence decreasing as age increased (p < 0.0001). Statistical analyses also revealed significant differences by months; the higher prevalence of infection occurred from summer through fall (p = 0.0004). Overall, as the number of submittals increased, the prevalence of infection increased over the last 12 years (p < 0.0001). This study supports continuing the current practice of routine broad-spectrum anthelmintic and ectoparasitic treatments for client-owned cats as well as annual/biannual fecal examination.

Interlaboratory Validation of the Mehlich 3 Method for Extraction of Plant-Available Phosphorus

The Mehlich 3 (M3) method is widely used for extraction of plant-available phosphorus (P) from soil over a wide range of pH values. The method is also used by many laboratories to determine multiple plant-available nutrients simultaneously. However, this method has not been statistically validated within and among laboratories. The objective of this study was to determine the repeatability (within-laboratory performance) and reproducibility (among-laboratories performance) of the M3 method by using a wide variety of soils. An in-house homogeneity test was conducted for 10 soils. Three replicates of each of the 10 soils were sent to 26 domestic and international laboratories primarily for P analysis. Samples were scooped, weighed, or both scooped and weighed for extraction. The P in extracts was quantified by the participating laboratories by using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) or colorimetrically. For the scooped samples analyzed colorimetrically, the repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) ranged from 2.07 to 12.1; the RSDr ranged from 2.2 to 21.4 for the scooped samples analyzed by ICP-AES. For the weighed samples analyzed colormetrically, the RSDr values were 1.099.34, and for the weighed samples analyzed by ICP-AES, they were 1.705.76. For the reproducibility data, the RSDR values ranged from 6.85 to 50.8 for the scooped-colorimetry category, from 6.95 to 73.9 for the scooped-ICP-AES category, from 7.19 to 42.6 for the weighed-colorimetry category, and from 5.29 to 35.9 for the weighed-ICP-AES category. The greatest RSD values were associated with the Susitna soil, which had the smallest concentration of extractable P. Because of the relatively small concentration of P in this soil, the laboratories were attempting to measure solution concentrations that were close to the detection limits. The Horwitz ratios (HorRat) were also used to evaluate the repeatability, HorRat(r), and reproducibility, HorRat(R). Overall, the M3 P method appears to be both repeatable and reproducible across the 4 categories, and the vast majority of the HorRat values for both repeatability and reproducibility were within the acceptable range. The results of this study indicate that the M3 P method for the determination of plant-available P in soil is both accurate and precise when standardized procedures are used. The method has been shown to be suitable for use as a reference method for testing soil materials for extractable P.

Interlaboratory Validation of the Mehlich 3 Method as a Universal Extractant for Plant Nutrients

The Mehlich 3 (M3) method is widely used to extract plant-available phosphorus from soil over a wide range of pH values. The method is also used by many laboratories to determine multiple plant-available nutrients simultaneously. However, except for P, this method has not been statistically validated within and among laboratories. The objective of this study was to determine the repeatability (within-laboratory performance) and reproducibility (among-laboratories performance) of the M3 method for several different nutrients by using a wide variety of soils. An in-house homogeneity test was conducted for 11 soils. Three replicates of each of the 11 soils were sent to 23 domestic and international laboratories for analyses primarily for K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu. Samples were scooped, weighed, or both scooped and weighed for extraction. The various nutrients in the extracts were quantified by the participating laboratories by using inductively coupled plasmaatomic emission spectrometry. Ranges (in parentheses) of the repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) values for the scooped samples were K (3.886.14), Ca (2.1910.6), Mg (2.275.73), Zn (4.1142.7), Mn (3.158.53), Fe (2.327.74), and Cu (3.6511.2). For the weighed samples, the ranges (in parentheses) of the RSDr values were K (1.654.65), Ca (1.4316.9), Mg (1.379.83), Zn (2.6033.0), Mn (1.614.90), Fe (1.564.47), and Cu (2.9517.9). Ranges (in parentheses) of the reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) values for the scooped samples were K (7.4420.0), Ca (7.1033.5), Mg (7.6326.4), Zn (11.648.7), Mn (10.519.7), Fe (12.422.0), and Cu (8.8645.3). Ranges (in parentheses) of the RSDR values for the weighed samples were K (3.4712.7), Ca (7.6134.6), Mg (7.5329.0), Zn (10.649.2), Mn (6.5420.7), Fe (11.021.5), and Cu (9.7343.0). The Horwitz ratios (HorRat) were also used to evaluate the repeatability, HorRatr, and the reproducibility, HorRatR. Overall, the M3 method appears to be both repeatable and reproducible across the two categories for K, Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu, and the vast majority of the HorRat values for both repeatability and reproducibility were within the acceptable range. However, a large number of soils in both the weighed and scooped categories displayed unacceptable HorRat values for the reproducibility of Ca and Fe, indicating that the M3 is not suitable for the extraction and quantitation of Ca and Fe in soils. The results of this study indicate that the M3 method for the determination of K, Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu in soils is both accurate and precise when standardized procedures are used. The method has been proven to be suitable for use as a reference method for testing soil materials for extractable P, K, Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu. Further study may be needed to confirm the suitability of the M3 method for Ca and Fe.

Acute Freeze-Dried Mango Consumption With a High-Fat Meal has Minimal Effects on Postprandial Metabolism, Inflammation and Antioxidant Enzymes

Objective

Postprandial fluxes in oxidative stress, inflammation, glucose, and lipids, particularly after a high-fat meal (HFM), have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study is to determine whether acute freeze-dried mango consumption modulates the postprandial response to an HFM. We hypothesized that the addition of mango, which is a rich source of many bioactive components, to an HFM would lower postprandial triglycerides, glucose, and inflammation, and increase antioxidant enzymes, compared to a standard HFM alone.

Methods

In a randomized cross-over study, 24 healthy adult males (18-25 years old) consumed a typical American breakfast (670 kcal; 58% fat) with or without the freeze-dried mango pulp (50 g). Lipids, glucose, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory markers were assessed at baseline/fasting and 1, 2, and 4 hours after the HFM.

Results

Addition of mango resulted in lower glucose (95.8 ± 4.4 mg/dL; P = .002) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 58.4 ± 2.7 mg/dL; P = .01) 1 hour post-HFM compared to control (glucose: 104.8 ± 5.4 mg/dL; HDL-C: 55.2 ± 2.3 mg/dL), although no differences were observed in triglycerides (P = .88 for interaction). No significant meal × time interactions were detected in markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, P = .17; interleukin-6, P = .30) or antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, P = .77; glutathione peroxidase, P = .36; catalase, P = .32) in the postprandial period.

Conclusions

When added to an HFM, acute mango consumption had modest beneficial effects on postprandial glucose and HDL-C responses, but did not alter triglyceride, inflammatory, or antioxidant enzymes.

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.

Categories of Resistance to Sugarcane Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Among Sorghum Genotypes

The sugarcane aphid Melanaphis sacchari (Zehnter) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) has emerged as a potential threat to sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) production in the United States. Since the late summer of 2013, finding and advancing M. sacchari-resistant germplasm has been a priority for all stakeholders involved. We evaluated 23 sorghum genotypes for resistance to the sugarcane aphid by testing for tolerance, and antixenosis. In addition, nine sorghum germplasm were evaluated for the expression of antibiosis. Free-choice and no-choice tests were conducted to explore the functional categories of resistance. Levels of resistance to M. sacchari were compared with the known resistant 'TX 2783' and the susceptible 'KS 585'. Sorghum entries AG1201, AG1301, W844-E, and DKS 37-07 were identified as expressing tolerance, antibiosis, and antixenosis, while H13073 expressed antibiosis and GW1489 expressed both tolerance and antibiosis. These resistant sorghums identified during this study will have a significant impact on reducing economic damage from the sugarcane aphid infestations.

Dynamic viscoelastic coagulometry of blood obtained from healthy chickens

OBJECTIVE

To assess feasibility of the use of a dynamic viscoelastic coagulometer on chicken blood and compare coagulation variables for fresh whole blood and sodium citrate-preserved whole blood as well as effects of 3 coagulation activators on blood from chickens.

SAMPLE

Blood samples from 30 hens.

PROCEDURES

Chickens were allowed to rest undisturbed for 1 hour. A blood sample was collected from an ulnar vein; 1.4 mL was analyzed immediately, and 1.8 mL was mixed with sodium citrate and subsequently recalcified and analyzed. A separate coagulation activator (glass beads, kaolin clay, or tissue factor) was in each of the 2 channels of the analyzer. Chickens were allowed a 1-hour rest period, and another blood sample was collected from the contralateral ulnar vein; it was processed in the same manner as for the first sample, except both channels of the analyzer contained the same coagulation activator.

RESULTS

Compared with fresh samples, citrated samples had higher values for activated clotting time and platelet function and lower clotting rates. Intra-assay coefficients of variation of coagulation profiles for citrated samples were markedly greater than the limit of 10%, whereas values for fresh samples were close to or < 10%.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggested that use of a dynamic viscoelastic coagulometer on chicken blood was feasible and that analysis of fresh whole blood from healthy chickens provided results with less variability than did analysis of citrated blood. Samples preserved with sodium citrate were associated with significant relative hypocoagulability, compared with results for fresh blood.

Clinical signs, treatment, and prognostic factors for dogs with histoplasmosis

OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical manifestations of histoplasmosis in a large sample of dogs, compare outcomes achieved with fluconazole versus itraconazole, and identify variables available at the time of diagnosis with prognostic value. DESIGN Retrospective case series with nested cohort study. ANIMALS 79 dogs with confirmed histoplasmosis evaluated at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals from 1999 through 2015. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed and data extracted regarding clinical signs at evaluation, physical examination findings, clinical laboratory values, other diagnostic test results, treatments, and outcomes. Data were compared between antifungal agents used (fluconazole or itraconazole) and between other variables. RESULTS Various breeds were represented. Working and herding breeds had mostly disseminated histoplasmosis, and toy breeds had mostly the gastrointestinal form. The diagnosis was often achieved with noninvasive techniques, such as cytologic evaluation of rectal scrape samples (n = 24) or blood films (15). Clinical remission was achieved in 16 of 25 (64%) dogs receiving fluconazole and 17 of 24 (71%) dogs receiving itraconazole. No differences were identified between antifungal agents in survival, clinical remission, or disease relapse rates. Identified negative prognostic factors included Great Pyrenees breed, dyspnea, need for oxygen supplementation, icterus, palpable abdominal organomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypercalcemia, high serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and hyperbilirubinemia, whereas diarrhea was a positive prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that histoplasmosis should be considered in a sick dog of any breed in an endemic area. Clinical signs may be nonspecific. Diagnosis may often be possible with noninvasive and inexpensive tests. Either fluconazole or itraconazole may be an effective treatment option.

A monoclonal antibody-based urine Histoplasma antigen enzyme immunoassay (IMMY®) for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in cats

BACKGROUND

An in-house Histoplasma urine antigen test for cats might be desirable in certain situations.

OBJECTIVE

To validate and compare the diagnostic performance of a monoclonal antibody-based IMMY urine Histoplasma antigen enzyme immunoassay (IMMY EIA) to the commercially available urine Histoplasma antigen enzyme immunoassay (MiraVista Diagnostics, MV EIA).

ANIMALS

One hundred ninety-three urine samples from 105 client-owned and purpose-bred research cats.

METHODS

Cats were classified as Histoplasma positive or negative based on diagnostic investigation. The IMMY EIA and MV EIA were performed on all urine samples. Correlation and agreement between the assays were determined. Diagnostic performance was determined and compared between assays.

RESULTS

The IMMY EIA, with a 0.25 ng/mL diagnostic cutoff, provided a diagnostic sensitivity (DSe), diagnostic specificity (DSp), and diagnostic accuracy (DAc) of 89% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 73%-97%), 80% (67%-89%), and 83% (74%-90%), respectively. The IMMY EIA, with a 1.1 ng/mL diagnostic cutoff, provided a DSe, DSp, and DAc of 77% (95% CI 60%-90%), 97% (88%-100%), and 89% (81%-95%), respectively. The MV EIA provided a DSe, DSp, and DAc of 94% (95% CI 81%-99%), 97% (89%-100%), and 96% (90%-99%), respectively. Moderate overall agreement was found between MV EIA and IMMY EIA using the 0.25 ng/mL cut-off (к = 0.44; 95% CI 0.31-0.57) and the 1.1 ng/mL cut-off (к = 0.43, 95% CI, 0.31-0.56).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The IMMY EIA might be useful as a diagnostic test for histoplasmosis in cats. Further modifications of the IMMY EIA are required to achieve the diagnostic performance of the MV EIA.

Behavioral and Ovipositional Response of Diaeretiella rapae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to Rhopalosiphum padi and Brevicoryne brassicae in Winter Wheat and Winter Canola

Winter canola Brassica napus L. (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) was introduced to U.S. Southern Great Plains (Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas) growers to manage some difficult-to-control grassy weeds in winter wheat Triticum aestivum L. (Poales: Poaceae). Two braconid parasitoids, Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) and Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are active in this cropping landscape. Both wasps move between crops but D. rapae has a limited ability to develop in the main wheat aphid hosts, so L. testaceipes could influence D. rapae's ability to maintain itself when canola is absent in the landscape. We compared behavioral responses of naturally emerged D. rapae and wasps that were excised before emergence to odor volatiles of host plant, aphid host and aphid-infested plants using two plant/aphid combinations (wheat/Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and canola/Brevocoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae). We also compared parasitism rates of D. rapae that were naturally emerged and excised from R. padi or B. brassicae on subsequent parasitism rates of R. padi or B. brassicae hosts. Naturally emerged wasps responded more strongly to host plant and host plant + aphid odors compared to excised wasps regardless of the host origin. Neither wasp group responded to odors from aphids alone. Both wasp groups were most attracted to odors from aphid-infested host plants, regardless of the combination. D. rapae parasitism rates on canola-reared aphids were higher than on wheat-reared aphids. D. rapae parasitism rates were lower when switched from its original host to the alternate host. Results suggest that D. rapae faces challenges to maintain significant populations in the wheat/canola landscape of the Southern Great Plains, especially in years when canola is not locally present.

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.

Fecal survey of parasites in free-roaming cats in northcentral Oklahoma, United States

Cats can be infected by various intestinal parasites, some that are zoonotic. Although surveys of parasite prevalence in owned and shelter cats have been published, none addressed free-roaming, wild-trapped, domestic cat (Felis catus) populations. An opportunity to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in wild-trapped, free-roaming cats in northcentral Oklahoma, United States occurred through a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program conducted at Oklahoma State University, Boren Veterinary Medical Hospital, between February 2015 and April 2016. Approximately 1 g to 5 g of feces was collected from 846 free-roaming cats either from cage traps, when available, or rectally using disposable fecal loops and examined by centrifugal fecal flotation tests with 33% zinc sulfate solution. Parasite infections were confirmed by microscopic detection of eggs, cysts, or oocysts and visual detection of proglottids. Approximately 63.9% (541/846) of free-roaming cats were infected by at least one parasite, and 24.9% (211/846) of cats were infected by multiple parasites. The most common intestinal parasite infections detected were: Toxocara cati (44.6%; 377/846), followed by Alaria (13.4%; 113/846), Ancylostoma (11.2%; 95/846), Cystoisospora (9.7%; 82/846), taeniids (7.7%; 65/846), Dipylidium caninum (4.5%; 38/846), Physaloptera (2.2%; 19/846), Eucoleus aerophilus (1.4%; 12/846), Giardia (1.2%; 10/846), and a small (10-12 μm in diameter) Toxoplasma-like oocyst (0.1%; 1/846). A few ectoparasites, Demodex gatoi (0.5%; 4/846) and Cheyletiella (0.1%; 1/846), were also detected by fecal flotation. Our findings indicate that a higher prevalence of parasite infections occurs in free-roaming cats in Oklahoma than in owned cats, and these free-roaming cats contribute to contamination of the environment with several zoonotic parasites. Regional data on the prevalence of parasites in free-roaming cats can aid in the justification for parasite control programs in owned cats since both can share the same environment and supports the current practice of routine broad-spectrum anthelmintic and ectoparasite treatments for owned cats.

Abstract 4214: Characteristics of carcinoembryonic antigen-producing colorectal cancers: A population based study

Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker often found to be elevated in colorectal cancer patients. Elevated CEA has been strongly associated with poor prognosis. However, not all colon cancer tumors produce CEA, and little is known about the patient and tumor characteristics between CEA-producing and non-CEA-producing tumors. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients (n=120,571) diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma from 2010 to 2014 in the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. All patients were designated as either positive/elevated (C1) or negative/normal (C0) based on the pretreatment serum CEA level. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify variables associated with CEA-producing tumors. Of the 68,856 (57.1%) with available CEA information, 33,426 (48.5%) were C1. Median age was 65 years and 36,479 (53.0%) were male. Compared to C0 cancers, C1 cancers were significantly more likely (P&lt;0.001) to be female (49.3%% vs. 47.9%), black (58.4%), separated or never married (55.0% and 54.8%, respectively), higher grade (39.0%, 46.2%, 51.1% and 52.3% of well, moderately, poorly, and undifferentiated cancers, respectively), and of signet ring cell histology (61.1%). Multivariate analysis showed age, sex, race, marital status, and TNM stage to be independent prognostic factors associated with the diagnosis of CEA-producing tumors. This is the first report to describe differences in patient and tumor characteristics between CEA-producing and non-CEA-producing tumors in a large American population. About half of all colorectal adenocarcinomas are associated with elevated pre-treatment serum CEA levels. CEA-producing tumors are associated with female gender, non-Caucasian race, separated or never married marital status at diagnosis, and more extensive local, regional and metastatic disease.

Citation Format: Sarah Groover, Pragatheeshwar Thirunavukarasu, Mark E. Payton, Asha Karippot, Rashmi Kaul. Characteristics of carcinoembryonic antigen-producing colorectal cancers: A population based study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4214.

Candidate prognostic indicators in cats with histoplasmosis treated with antifungal therapy

Objectives

The aim of this study was to retrospectively identify candidate prognostic indicators in cats with histoplasmosis treated with antifungal therapy.

Methods

Medical records of cats diagnosed with histoplasmosis were reviewed. Candidate prognostic indicators were assessed for an association with survival to hospital discharge and survival to 1 and 6 months after diagnosis. Potential indicators included easily obtained data at the time of the initial hospital visit derived from cat signalment, historical information, physical examination, laboratory data, form of disease and initial treatment.

Results

Approximately 88% of cats survived to discharge, with 77% and 67% surviving to 1 and 6 months, respectively. Clinical variables significantly associated with death at more than one outcome time point included the presence of dyspnea, adventitial lung sounds, fungemia, neurologic disease, neutropenia, lymphopenia, multiple cytopenias (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), hyperbilirubinemia and increased creatinine kinase activity. Cats that did not survive were more likely to have received corticosteroids, oxygen supplementation and required hospitalization. In addition, cats that did not survive required significantly longer hospitalization. There was no significant difference between initial antifungal drug and survival.

Conclusions and relevance

Potential prognostic indicators were associated with more severe respiratory, hepatic, hematologic or neurologic disease. Prospective investigation concerning clinical indicators of disease severity of these body systems is indicated.

Comparative evaluation of commercially available point-of-care heartworm antigen tests using well-characterized canine plasma samples

Background

Dirofilaria immitis is a worldwide parasite that is endemic in many parts of the United States. There are many commercial assays available for the detection of D. immitis antigen, one of which was modified and has reentered the market. Our objective was to compare the recently reintroduced Witness® Heartworm (HW) Antigen test Kit (Zoetis, Florham Park, NJ) and the SNAP® Heartworm RT (IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME) to the well-based ELISA DiroChek® Heartworm Antigen Test Kit (Zoetis, Florham Park, NJ).

Methods

Canine plasma samples were either received at the Auburn Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory from veterinarians submitting samples for additional heartworm testing (n = 100) from 2008 to 2016 or purchased from purpose-bred beagles (n = 50, presumed negative) in 2016. Samples were categorized as “positive,” “borderline” or “negative” using our established spectrophotometric cutoff value with the DiroChek® assay when a sample was initially received and processed. Three commercially available heartworm antigen tests (DiroChek®, Witness® HW, and SNAP® RT) were utilized for simultaneous testing of the 150 samples in random order as per their package insert with the addition of spectrophotometric optical density (OD) readings of the DiroChek® assay. Any samples yielding discordant test results between assays were further evaluated by heat treatment of plasma and retesting. Chi-square tests for the equality of proportions were utilized for statistical analyses.

Results

Concordant results occurred in 140/150 (93.3%) samples. Discrepant results occurred in 10/150 samples tested (6.6%): 9/10 occurring in the borderline heartworm (HW) category and 1/10 occurring in the negative HW category.

The sensitivity and specificity of each test compared to the DiroChek® read by spectrophotometer was similar to what has been reported previously (Witness®: sensitivity 97.0% [94.1–99.4%], specificity 96.4% [95.5–100.0%]; SNAP® RT: sensitivity 90.9% [78.0–100.0%], specificity 98.8% [96.0–100.0%]). There were significant differences detected when comparing the sensitivities of the SNAP® RT and the Witness® HW to the DiroChek® among the 150 total samples (p = 0.003) and the 50 “borderline” samples (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

In this study, the sensitivity of the Witness® HW was higher than the sensitivity of the SNAP® RT when compared with the DiroChek® test results prior to heat treatment of samples.

Estrogen receptor expression in chronic hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis

AIM

To investigate gender-specific liver estrogen receptor (ER) expression in normal subjects and patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Liver tissues from normal donors and patients diagnosed with HCV-related cirrhosis and HCV-related HCC were obtained from the NIH Liver Tissue and Cell Distribution System. The expression of ER subtypes, ERα and ERβ, were evaluated by Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR. The subcellular distribution of ERα and ERβ was further determined in nuclear and cytoplasmic tissue lysates along with the expression of inflammatory [activated NF-κB and IκB-kinase (IKK)] and oncogenic (cyclin D1) markers by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The expression of ERα and ERβ was correlated with the expression of activated NF-κB, activated IKK and cyclin D1 by Spearman’s correlation.

RESULTS

Both ER subtypes were expressed in normal livers but male livers showed significantly higher expression of ERα than females (P < 0.05). We observed significantly higher mRNA expression of ERα in HCV-related HCC liver tissues as compared to normals (P < 0.05) and ERβ in livers of HCV-related cirrhosis and HCV-related HCC subjects (P < 0.05). At the protein level, there was a significantly higher expression of nuclear ERα in livers of HCV-related HCC patients and nuclear ERβ in HCV-related cirrhosis patients as compared to normals (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we observed a significantly higher expression of phosphorylated NF-κB and cyclin D1 in diseased livers (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the expression of nuclear ER subtypes and nuclear cyclin D1 and a negative correlation between cytoplasmic ER subtypes and cytoplasmic phosphorylated IKK in HCV-related HCC livers. These findings suggest that dysregulated expression of ER subtypes following chronic HCV-infection may contribute to the progression of HCV-related cirrhosis to HCV-related HCC.

CONCLUSION

Gender differences were observed in ERα expression in normal livers. Alterations in ER subtype expression observed in diseased livers may influence gender-related disparity in HCV-related pathogenesis.

Companion planting with white yarrow or with feverfew for squash bug, Anasa tristis (Hemiptera: Coreidae), management on summer squash

BACKGROUND

The squash bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer), is a major insect pest of cucurbits. Control of squash bugs with insecticidal chemicals is difficult to achieve. We investigated the potential of companion planting with white yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) or feverfew [Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch. Bip.] for squash bug management in field plantings of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.).

RESULTS

Companion planting with white yarrow had few effects. Companion planting with feverfew tended to reduce squash bug populations, but results often were not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05). Early-season ventilated row covers (without herbs) neither reduced squash bug populations nor increased squash yields. Herbs reduced marketable squash yields compared with the control only once out of seven experiments.

CONCLUSION

The tested companion planting strategies inconsistently affected squash bug populations on summer squash. Therefore, these strategies are not recommended to commercial producers. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Genomic and antigenic characterization of bovine parainfluenza-3 viruses in the United States including modified live virus vaccine (MLV) strains and field strains from cattle

This study investigated the genetic and antigenic characterization of parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3V) of cattle. Using molecular tests including real time PCR and viral genome sequencing, PI3V strains could be separated into PI3V types, including PI3V A, PI3V B, and PI3V C. Isolates from cattle with bovine respiratory disease clinical signs and commercial vaccines in the U.S. with MLV PI3V were typed using these molecular tests. All the MLV vaccine strains tested were PI3V A. In most cases PI3V field strains from calves receiving MLV vaccines were types heterologous to the vaccine type A. Also antigenic differences were noted as PI3V C strains had lower antibody levels than PI3V A in serums from cattle receiving MLV PI3V A vaccines. This study further demonstrates there is genetic variability of U.S. PI3V strains and also antigenic variability. In addition, isolates from cattle with BRD signs and receiving MLV vaccines may have heterologous types to the vaccines, and molecular tests should be performed to differentiate field from vaccine strains. Potentially the efficacy of current PI3V A vaccines should be evaluated with other types such a PI3V B and PI3V C.

Pre and post hoc analysis of electronic health record implementation on emergency department metrics

Longitudinal time-based emergency department (ED) performance measures were quantified 12 months before and 12 months after (March 2012-February 2014) implementation of a Meditech 6.0® electronic health record (EHR) at a single urban academic ED. Data assessed were length of stay from door to door, door to admission, door to bed, bed to provider, provider to disposition, and disposition to admission, as well as number of patients leaving against medical advice and number of patients leaving without being seen. Analysis of variance was used to compare levels before and after EHR implementation for each variable, with adjustments made for the number of admissions, transfers, and month. No difference was seen in monthly volume, admissions, or transfers. Implementation of an EHR resulted in a sustained increase in ED time metrics for mean length of stay and times from door to door, door to admission, door to bed, and provider to disposition. Decreased ED time metrics were seen in bed-to-provider and disposition-to-admit times. The number of patients who left against medical advice increased after implementation, but the number of patients who left without being seen was not significantly different. Thus, EHR implementation was associated with an increase in time with most performance metrics. Although general times trended back to near preimplementation baselines, most ED time metrics remained elevated beyond the study length of 12 months. Understanding the impact of EHR system implementation on the overall performance of an ED can help departments prepare for potential adverse effects of such systems on overall efficiency.

Minimum transmission time of Cytauxzoon felis by Amblyomma americanum to domestic cats in relation to duration of infestation, and investigation of ingestion of infected ticks as a potential route of transmission

Objectives

The objectives of the present study were to determine the duration of infestation by Amblyomma americanum necessary for transmission of Cytauxzoon felis to domestic cats and to determine if ingestion of C felis-infected A americanum by cats is a route of transmission.

Methods

Forty-nine cats were assigned to one of seven groups, with seven cats per group. Cats were infested with A americanum adults, acquisition fed as nymphs on a cytauxzoonosis survivor cat, for 12 h (group 1), 18 h (group 2), 24 h (group 3), 36 h (group 4), 48 h (group 5) and to repletion (group 7; control). Cats in group 6 were fed C felis-infected ticks. Thumb counts were performed at the end of the duration of infestation for groups 1–5 and at 48 h for the control group. For group 6, 50 live C felis-infected adult A americanum were mixed with food and fed to each of the cats. Transmission of C felis was determined by examining blood of cats by DNA extraction followed by PCR.

Results

Of 50 ticks placed on each cat (groups 1–5 and 7), the arithmetic mean attachment ± SEM ranged from 46.9 ± 1.9 in group 3 to 49.3 ± 0.3 in group 1. In group 6, the average number ± SEM of ticks ingested was 46.5 ± 2.3. One cat in group 5 that had been infested for 48 h became infected with C felis. None of the cats in group 6 (ingestion) became infected with C felis. Six of 7 (85.7%) cats in group 7, the control group, became infected with C felis.

Conclusions and relevance

Our results indicate that transmission of C felis to domestic cats can happen as quickly as >36 h but ⩽48 h of exposure to A americanum infected with C felis and that ingestion of C felis-infected A americanum is not a likely route of transmission.

Effect of infusion of equine plasma or 6% hydroxyethyl starch (600/0.75) solution on plasma colloid osmotic pressure in healthy horses

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of equivalent volumes of equine plasma and 6% hydroxyethyl starch (600/0.75) solution (hetastarch) administered IV on plasma colloid osmotic pressure (pCOP) and commonly monitored clinicopathologic variables in horses. ANIMALS 6 healthy mares. PROCEDURES In a randomized, crossover study, horses were administered hetastarch or plasma (both 10 mL/kg, IV) 18 months apart. The pCOP and variables of interest were measured before (baseline), immediately after, and at intervals up to 96 or 120 hours after infusion. Prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times were measured before and at 2 and 8 hours after each infusion. RESULTS Prior to hetastarch and plasma infusions, mean ± SEM pCOP was 19.4 ± 0.5 mm Hg and 19.4 ± 0.8 mm Hg, respectively. In general, hetastarch and plasma infusions comparably increased pCOP from baseline for 48 hours, with maximum increases of 2.0 and 2.3 mm Hg, respectively. Mean Hct and hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin concentrations were decreased for a period of 72, 96, or 120 hours after hetastarch infusion with maximum decrements of 8.8%, 3.2 g/dL, 1.2 g/dL, and 0.6 g/dL, respectively. Plasma infusion decreased (albeit not always significantly) hemoglobin concentration and Hct for 20 and 24 hours (maximum changes of 1.5 g/dL and 6.6%, respectively) and increased total solids concentration (maximum change of 0.6 g/dL) for 48 hours. Platelet count and coagulation times were minimally affected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Overall, the hetastarch and plasma infusions comparably increased pCOP in healthy horses for up to 48 hours. Hetastarch induced greater, more persistent perturbations in clinicopathologic variables.

Effects of daily blueberry consumption on circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and antioxidant defense in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-hypertension: a randomized controlled trial

Blueberries may attenuate accelerated age-related chronic disease development in postmenopausal women.

Quantitative assessment of two methods of tiludronate administration for the treatment of lameness caused by navicular syndrome in horses

OBJECTIVE

To determine effects of 2 tiludronate administration protocols on measures of lameness in horses with navicular syndrome (NS).

ANIMALS

12 horses with bilateral forelimb NS.

PROCEDURES

Horses were randomly assigned to receive tiludronate (1 mg/kg), diluted in 5 L of isotonic electrolyte solution and delivered through a jugular vein catheter (systemic treatment group; n = 6), or tiludronate (0.1 mg/kg), diluted with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution to a total volume of 35 mL and delivered into the lateral digital vein of each forelimb with an IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) technique (IVRLP group; 6). Mean peak vertical ground reaction force (pVGRF) measured with a stationary force plate and subjective lameness scores (SLSs) were recorded before (day -1) and at predetermined time points after tiludronate administration on day 0. Mean pVGRFs (standardized as percentage body weight of force) and mean SLSs for the most lame forelimb and for both forelimbs of horses in each group were compared with day -1 values to determine treatment effect.

RESULTS

Mean pVGRF for both forelimbs and for the most lame forelimbs of systemically treated horses were significantly increased on days 120 and 200, compared with day -1 results. No significant difference in mean pVGRF was observed for IVRLP-treated horses. The SLSs were not improved at any time point following systemic treatment and were improved only on day 120 following IVRLP.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Tiludronate (1 mg/kg, IV) as a single systemic treatment appeared to be beneficial for horses with NS, but no horses were judged as sound during the study period. Additional research on IVRLP with tiludronate is needed before this method can be recommended.

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 effect of two doses of dried plum on bone density and bone biomarkers in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial

Daily consumption of 50 g of dried plum (equivalent to 5-6 dried plums) for 6 months may be as effective as 100 g of dried plum in preventing bone loss in older, osteopenic postmenopausal women. To some extent, these results may be attributed to the inhibition of bone resorption with the concurrent maintenance of bone formation.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of our current study was to examine the possible dose-dependent effects of dried plum in preventing bone loss in older osteopenic postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Forty-eight osteopenic women (65-79 years old) were randomly assigned into one of three treatment groups for 6 months: (1) 50 g of dried plum; (2) 100 g of dried plum; and (3) control. Total body, hip, and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated at baseline and 6 months using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood biomarkers including bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP-5b), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and sclerostin were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D were measured at baseline and 6 months.

RESULTS

Both doses of dried plum were able to prevent the loss of total body BMD compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). TRAP-5b, a marker of bone resorption, decreased at 3 months and this was sustained at 6 months in both 50 and 100 g dried plum groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.04, respectively). Although there were no significant changes in BAP for either of the dried plum groups, the BAP/TRAP-5b ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) greater at 6 months in both dried plum groups whereas there were no changes in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm the ability of dried plum to prevent the loss of total body BMD in older osteopenic postmenopausal women and suggest that a lower dose of dried plum (i.e., 50 g) may be as effective as 100 g of dried plum in preventing bone loss in older, osteopenic postmenopausal women. This may be due, in part, to the ability of dried plums to inhibit bone resorption. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02325895 .

Isolation and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Bacterial Pathogens from Bovine Pneumonia: 1994–2002

Between 1994 and 2002, a total of 390 (46.3%) Mannheimia haemolytica, 292 (34.7%) Pasteurella multocida, and 160 (19.0%) Histophilus somni were isolated at the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory from lungs from 6–18-month-old beef cattle with pneumonia. The ratio of M. haemolytica isolations to P. multocida isolations decreased from 3.1 in 1994 to 0.8 in 2000 while increasing to 1.5 in 2002. Mannheimia haemolytica isolations significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased from 62.5% in 1994 to between 30.6% and 50.4% in 1998–2002. Pasteurella multocida isolations significantly ( P < 0.05) increased from 20.0% in 1994 to between 28.6% and 47.4% in 1998–2002. Histophilus somni isolations were <19% except in 1998 (40.8%) and 1999 (23%). Antimicrobial susceptibilities for M. haemolytica significantly declined for erythromycin ( P = 0.0001), florfenicol ( P = 0.0004), spectinomycin ( P = 0.0001), and tilmicosin ( P = 0.03). For P. multocida, antimicrobial susceptibilities significantly declined for erythromycin ( P = 0.0001), florfenicol ( P = 0.004), spectinomycin ( P = 0.03), sulfachloropyridizine ( P = 0.028), tetracycline ( P = 0.017), tilmicosin ( P = 0.0001), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole ( P = 0.0003). Antimicrobial susceptibilities for H. somni were variable for spectinomycin and sulfachloropyridizine, whereas susceptibilities to other antibiotics remained consistently high.

Detection and characterization of viruses as field and vaccine strains in feedlot cattle with bovine respiratory disease

This study investigated viruses in bovine respiratory disease (BRD) cases in feedlots, including bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine coronaviruses (BoCV) and parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3V). Nasal swabs were collected from 114 cattle on initial BRD treatment. Processing included modified live virus (MLV) vaccination. Seven BRD necropsy cases were included for 121 total cases. Mean number of days on feed before first sample was 14.9 days. Swabs and tissue homogenates were tested by gel based PCR (G-PCR), quantitative-PCR (qPCR) and quantitative real time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) and viral culture. There were 87/114 (76.3%) swabs positive for at least one virus by at least one test. All necropsy cases were positive for at least one virus. Of 121 cases, positives included 18/121 (14.9%) BoHV-1; 19/121 (15.7%) BVDV; 76/121 (62.8%) BoCV; 11/121 (9.1%) BRSV; and 10/121 (8.3%) PI3V. For nasal swabs, G-PCR (5 viruses) detected 44/114 (38.6%); q-PCR and qRT-PCR (4 viruses) detected 81/114 (71.6%); and virus isolation detected 40/114 (35.1%). Most were positive for only one or two tests, but not all three tests. Necropsy cases had positives: 5/7 G-PCR, 5/7 q-PCR and qRT-PCR, and all were positive by cell culture. In some cases, G-PCR and both real time PCR were negative for BoHV-1, BVDV, and PI3V in samples positive by culture. PCR did not differentiate field from vaccines strains of BoHV-1, BVDV, and PI3V. However based on sequencing and analysis, field and vaccine strains of culture positive BoHV-1, BoCV, BVDV, and PI3V, 11/18 (61.1%) of BoHV-1 isolates, 6/17 (35.3%) BVDV isolates, and 1/10 (10.0%) PI3V identified as vaccine. BRSV was only identified by PCR testing. Interpretation of laboratory tests is appropriate as molecular based tests and virus isolation cannot separate field from vaccine strains. Additional testing using sequencing appears appropriate for identifying vaccine strains.

Systolic arterial blood pressure estimated by mitral regurgitation velocity, high definition oscillometry, and Doppler ultrasonography in dogs with naturally occurring degenerative mitral valve disease

INTRODUCTION

To determine if systolic blood pressure estimated by mitral regurgitation (MR) velocity can be used interchangeably with that estimated by high definition oscillometry (HDO) and Doppler ultrasonography (DU) in dogs with naturally occurring mitral valve disease (MVD).

ANIMALS

Forty-nine client-owned dogs with naturally occurring MVD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed and dogs with MR caused by degenerative MVD were included if systolic blood pressure was estimated from MR velocity determined by continuous wave Doppler (CW), DU and HDO at the same visit. A Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was determined for each combination of measures and tested for significance with a paired t-test. Limits of agreement between 2 measures were determined by the 95% confidence interval of the average difference of the means and illustrated by Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

Systolic pressure estimated from CW was significantly but only moderately correlated to DU (r = 0.42, p=0.0015) and HDO (r = 0.40, p=0.0021). Pressure estimated from DU was significantly but only moderately correlated to HDO (r = 0.57, p≤0.0001). Limits of agreement were wide for all measures including DU and CW (-61.9to 44.6 mmHg), HDO and CW (-65.2to 26.9 mmHg), and HDO and DU (-63.1 to 42.06 mmHg).

DISCUSSION

Systolic blood pressure estimated by CW cannot be used interchangeably with HDO or DU in dogs with naturally occurring MVD.