Prognostic value of pretreatment plasma D‐dimer level in dogs with intermediate to high‐grade non‐Hodgkin lymphoma

Pretreatment D‐dimer levels have been reported to predict survival in several types of malignancies in human patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of pretreatment D‐dimer level in dogs with intermediate to high‐grade non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In a prospective, randomized, double‐blind study of F14512 vs etoposide phosphate, we assessed the prognostic value of pretreatment plasma D‐dimer level in 48 client‐owned dogs diagnosed with intermediate to high‐grade NHL. The correlation between pretreatment plasma D‐dimer level and various clinical features, progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was analysed. The median value of pretreatment plasma D‐dimer level was 0.4 μg/mL (range: 0.1‐14.3 μg/mL). High pretreatment plasma D‐dimer level (>0.5 μg/mL) was detected in 44% (21/48) of dogs. High D‐dimer levels were not correlated with naive vs relapsed lymphoma, clinical stage, substage, immunophenotype or treatment group. D‐dimer levels >0.5 μg/mL were significantly associated with inferior median PFS (54 vs 104 days, P = .011) and OS (93 vs 169 days, P = .003). In the multivariate analysis, high D‐dimer levels remained an independent predictor for worse PFS (HR: 3.21, 95% CI: 1.57‐6.56, P = .001) and OS (HR: 3.87, 95% CI: 1.88‐7.98; P < .001). This study suggests that pretreatment plasma D‐dimer level can serve as a predictor of prognosis in dogs with intermediate to high‐grade NHL. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.     

Generation of roasted notes based on 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline and its precursor, 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole, by combined bio and thermal approaches

Roasted notes contribute to the flavor of thermally processed foods such as meat and bread. 2-Acetyl-2-thiazoline is one of the key volatile compounds responsible for the roasted and popcorn-like aroma character. We report here on the biogeneration of flavoring preparations with intense roasted notes, which are characterized by a high content of 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline. These flavoring preparations were obtained by fermentation of cysteamine, ethyl-L-lactate, and D-glucose with baker's yeast. The precursor of 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline, 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole, was prepared under mild conditions by microbial reduction of the carbonyl group of 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline using baker's yeast as biocatalyst. The addition of 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole as aroma precursor to pizza dough resulted in an increase of the roasted note.     

Forest fragment size and microhabitat effects on palm seed predation

The establishment of plant species depends crucially on where the seeds are deposited. However, since most studies have been conducted in continuous forests, not much is known about the effects of forest fragmentation on the maintenance of abiotic and biotic characteristics in microhabitats and their effects on seed survival. In this study, we evaluated the effects of forest fragmentation on the predation upon the seeds of the palm Syagrus romanzoffiana in three microhabitats (interior forest, forest edge and gaps) in eight fragments of semi-deciduous Atlantic forest ranging in size from 9.5 ha to 33,845 ha in southeastern Brazil. Specifically, we examined the influence of the microhabitat structure, fauna and fragment size on the pattern of seed predation. Fragments <100 ha showed similar abiotic and biotic characteristics to those of the forest edge, with no seed predation in these areas. Forest fragments 230-380 ha in size did not present “safe sites” for S. romanzoffiana seed survival and showed high seed predation intensity in all microhabitats evaluated. In fragments larger than 1000 ha, the seed predation was lower, with abiotic and biotic differences among gaps, interior forests and forest edges. In these fragments, the survival of S. romanzoffiana seeds was related to squirrel abundance and interior forest maintenance. Based on these results, we concluded that there are no safe sites for S. romanzoffiana seed establishment in medium- and small-sized fragments as result of the biotic and abiotic pressure, respectively. We suggest that on these forest fragments, management plans are needed for the establishment of S. romanzoffiana, such as interior forest improvement and development in small-sized sites in order to minimize the edge effects, and on medium-sized fragments, we suggest post-dispersal seed protection in order to avoid seed predation by vertebrates. Our findings also stress the importance of assessing the influence of forest fragmentation on angiosperm reproductive biology as part of the effective planning for the management of fragmented areas.     

Kinematic Motion Patterns of the Cranial and Caudal Canine Cervical Spine

Objective: To define the kinematic motion patterns of the canine cervical spine, with a particular emphasis on identifying differences between the cranial (C₂–C₄) and caudal (C₅–C₇) segments, and to determine the significance of coupled motions (CM) in the canine cervical spine. Study Design: Cadaveric biomechanical study. Sample Population: Cervical spines of 8 Foxhounds. Methods: Spinal specimens were considered free of pathology based on radiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. All musculature was removed without damaging ligaments or joint capsules. Spines were mounted in a customized pure‐moment spine testing jig, and data were collected using an optoelectronic motion capture system. Range of motion, neutral zone and CM in flexion/extension, left/right lateral bending and left/right axial rotation were established. Data were analyzed using mixed‐effects maximum likelihood regression models. Results: Total flexion/extension did not change across the 4 levels. There was no difference between flexion and extension, and no CM was identified. Lateral bending was not different across levels, but tended to be greater in the cranial spine. Axial rotation was ～2.6 times greater in the caudal segments. Lateral bending and axial rotation were coupled. Conclusions: Kinematics of the cranial and caudal cervical spine differed markedly with greater mobility in the caudal cervical spine.     

Anaesthesia with ketamine/medetomidine in the rabbit: influence of route of administration and the effect of combination with butorphanol

Objective To compare the characteristics of anaesthesia induced with ketamine/medetomidine administered by the subcutaneous and intramuscular routes and to assess the effects of the addition of butorphanol to this combination. Study design Prospective randomised study. Animals Six female New Zealand White rabbits. Methods Rabbits were given one of four combinations of ketamine and medetomidine (K/M) either subcutaneously (SC) or intramuscularly (IM) on four successive occasions with a 7‐day interval between treatments. The dose combinations were; 15/0.25 mg kg^?1 SC; 15/0.25 mg kg^?1 IM; 15/0.5 mg kg^?1 SC, and 15/0.25 mg kg^?1 together with 0.4 mg kg^?1 butorphanol (K/M/B) SC. The effects of anaesthesia on arterial blood gas values and cardiovascular variables were recorded at predetermined time points. Toe and ear pinch reflexes were judged to determine the duration of surgical anaesthesia. Loss of the righting reflex was used to measure the duration of sleep time. Analyses used repeated measures analysis of variance. Results All groups lost the righting reflex and ear pinch response. Three animals in the groups that received K/M alone lost their toe pinch reflex, whereas four lost this reflex when given K/M/B. Time of onset of loss of the righting, toe and ear pinch reflexes did not differ significantly among the groups. The higher dose combination of medetomidine with ketamine and the combination of K/M/B produced a greater duration of loss of the ear pinch response than the lower dose of K/M administered by either route. No significant differences were found among the groups in the duration of loss of the toe pinch reflex. All animals developed a moderate bradycardia (mean heart rate <166 beats minute^?1) and moderate hypoxaemia (mean P_aO₂ < 6.0 kPa). Animals given butorphanol showed the greatest reduction in respiratory rate (31 ± 13 breaths minute^?1, p < 0.05) but this was not reflected in any significant differences in arterial PCO₂, PO₂ or pH among the groups. Conclusions Administration of K/M by the SC route produced equivalent effects in comparison to intramuscular administration. The addition of butorphanol increased the duration of anaesthesia, but produced a slight increase in the degree of respiratory depression. All dose rates resulted in hypoxaemia so oxygen should be administered when these combinations are used in rabbits. Clinical relevance Subcutaneous administration is both technically simpler and may cause less discomfort to the animal than IM injection, and so is preferred. The combination of K/M with butorphanol has relatively minor effects on the depth and duration of anaesthesia, so offers little advantage to the use of K/M alone.