Genome Size Variation in Maize Populations Selected for Cold Tolerance

Previous studies have indicated a relationship between genome size and cold tolerance in plants. Many species adapted to growth in cool environments have large genome sizes. These studies are based on interspecific DNA content variation. In this study, the nuclear DNA content of eight maize populations was determined. These populations were obtained from the University of Nebraska and represent populations selected for cold tolerance and their respective unselected original populations. Intraspecific DNA content variation was observed between the selected and unselected populations. Upon assessing the data based solely on cold tolerance, no clear relationship between genome size and cold tolerance was apparent. When both freeze tolerance and cold tolerance were considered, populations which were cold tolerant and exhibited a certain degree of freeze tolerance were observed to have significantly larger genomes relative to the unselected populations. Thus, it appears that the relationship between intraspecific genome size variation and cold tolerance is similar to the relationship between interspecific genome size variation and growth at cooler temperatures in plants.     

Effect of morphine on the bispectral index during isoflurane anesthesia in dogs

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of morphine on the bispectral index (BIS) in dogs during isoflurane anesthesia maintained at a constant end–tidal concentration.Study designProspective, randomized, experimental trial.AnimalsEight adult Beagle dogs, weighing between 7.1 and 9.8 kg.MethodsAnesthesia was induced with isoflurane via a face mask. Dog's tracheas were intubated and anesthesia maintained with isoflurane at a constant end–tidal concentration (e′Iso) of 1.81% for a 30–minute equilibration period. Pulmonary ventilation was controlled to normocapnia. After equilibration, baseline values were recorded prior to intravenous administration of morphine sulfate (0.5 mg kg^?1) (MT) or an equal volume of saline (CT). Measurements for heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP) were recorded at 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 minutes after treatment. Bispectral index was recorded every 10 seconds for 3 minutes for each time measurement. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60 and 120 minutes for determination of morphine serum concentrations. Anesthesia was discontinued after the last measurement and dogs were allowed to recover.ResultsBaseline BIS for MT and CT at 1.81%e′Iso were 63 ± 10 and 58 ± 9, respectively. Bispectral index in MT was 4–8% lower at 20, 75, 90 and 105 minutes compared with CT. There were no differences in BIS between baseline and any subsequent measurement within either MT or CT. Heart rate, SAP, MAP, and DAP decreased after morphine administration.Conclusion and clinical relevanceIntravenous administration of 0.5 mg kg^?1 morphine sulfate did not cause clinically significant changes in the BIS of unstimulated dogs during isoflurane anesthesia at an e′Iso of 1.81%.     

INADVERTENT INTRATHECAL ADMINISTRATION OF DIATRIZOATE MEGLUMINE AND DIATRIZOATE SODIUM DURING MYELOGRAPHY IN A DOG

A dog undergoing diagnostic myelography inadvertently received 0.5 ml diatrizoate meglumine (66%) and (10%) diatrizoate sodium via intrathecal injection. This resulted in post-operative seizures requiring extended sedation of the patient. The clinical course and management of this patient are presented. Complications associated with the inappropriate administration of a hyperosmolar contrast agent into the subarachnoid space and the results of similar accidents in humans are also discussed. The dog in the report recovered with no evidence of long trem neurological dam     

Alleviation of postanesthetic hypoxemia in the horse

This study was designed to investigate the effect of the nasotracheal insufflation of oxygen at a flow rate of 15 L/min on the arterial partial pressure of oxygen during the recovery period following inhalation anesthesia in the horse. It has been stated that this is a suitable flow rate to prevent postoperative hypoxemia but without any experimental evidence to support those statements. Horses being used for the study of healing of cartilage were anesthetized on two separate occasions. Following one period of anesthesia they were allowed to recover breathing room air, and following the other period of anesthesia oxygen was insufflated into the trachea at 15 L/min throughout the recovery period. This permitted each horse to act as its own control and allowed statistical analysis using Student's t-test for paired samples.

The insufflated horses had a higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen during the recovery period than did the noninsufflated horses (p < 0.05).

     

Accuracy of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor during phenylephrine-induced hypertension in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To examine the agreement between direct arterial blood pressure measurements obtained from 2 arteries and indirect blood pressure measurements obtained with an oscillometric blood pressure monitor (OBPM) during normotension and phenylephrine-induced hypertension in dogs. ANIMALS: 16 male Beagles. PROCEDURES: In anesthetized dogs, arterial catheters were placed in the lingual and dorsal pedal arteries for measurement of arterial blood pressure. A blood pressure cuff was placed on either the dog's fore- or hind limb and connected to an OBPM. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures (SAP, DAP, and MAP, respectively) were recorded from both arteries and the OBPM every 5 minutes for 30 minutes (baseline), during a 30-minute period in which dogs received a phenylephrine infusion IV to induce hypertension, and for 30 minutes after discontinuation of the infusion. Mean differences in blood pressure values and confidence intervals were calculated to compare the indirect and direct measurement techniques. RESULTS: In dogs, oscillometry underestimated SAP during normotension, and the difference between oscillometric and direct measurements increased during hypertension. Oscillometry underestimated DAP, but the difference between oscillometric and direct measurements decreased during hypertension. There was close agreement among techniques for MAP determinations. Biases between direct measurements and OPBM blood pressure values measured from dogs' forelimbs or hind limbs were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In normotensive dogs, oscillometric measurements of MAP and SAP agreed more closely with direct arterial pressure measurements than oscillometric estimates of DAP. Oscillometric measurement of MAP was accurate during both normotension and hypertension in dogs.