Challenges of thermal nociceptive threshold testing in the donkey

ObjectiveTo evaluate a thermal nociceptive threshold (TNT) testing device in the donkey, and the influence of potential confounding factors on TNTs.AnimalsTwo groups (Group 1 and Group 2) of eight castrated male donkeys aged 4–9 years, weighing 105–170 kg.MethodsTNTs were measured by heating a thermal probe on skin until an end-point behaviour (threshold temperature) or a cut-out temperature (51 °C) was reached. The withers and the dorsal aspect of the distal limb were used as sites for TNT testing. The effects on TNT of different confounding factors: the limb tested; rate of heating; and ambient temperature were evaluated. Data were analyzed using general linear models, and Mann-Whitney tests, p < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsEnd-point behaviours (skin twitch or donkey looking at test device) when the thermal probe heated the withers were observed in approximately half of tests. TNT was (mean ± SD) 46.8 ± 2.85 °C. Subsequently the limb was evaluated as the test site in Group 1 followed by Group 2 donkeys; end-point behaviour being a foot-lift. In Group 1, 72% of tests ended in an end-point behaviour but the response rate was lower in Group 2 (20%), although TNTs were similar [(47.6 ± 3.3) and (47.3 ± 3.0) °C respectively] for responding animals. Rate of heating, ambient temperature and laterality (right or left) did not affect thresholds, but mean TNT was significantly higher in the forelimb (48.5 ± 2.8 °C) than the hind limb (47.4 ± 2.8 °C) (p = 0.012).ConclusionsWhen a thermal probe cut-out temperature of 51 °C was used in TNT testing in the donkey a high proportion of tests did not produce an identifiable end point behaviour. Higher cut-out temperatures damaged the skin. Under these conditions, thermal nociceptive threshold testing appears not be an appropriate analgesiometry technique in the donkey.Clinical relevanceTNT testing under these conditions is not suitable form of analgesiometry for donkeys.     

Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma with visceral metastases in a White Carneau pigeon and literature review

Cutaneous leiomyosarcomas are malignant mesenchymal tumors of smooth muscle origin and are reported occasionally in avian species. A 14-y-old male laboratory White Carneau pigeon (Columba livia) was presented for surgical excision of a cervical soft tissue mass. Ultrasonography with color flow Doppler imaging revealed multiple cavitations of mixed echogenicity within the mass and vascularization. Histologically, the dermis and subcutis were expanded by a densely cellular multinodular mass comprised of fusiform cells forming haphazardly arranged broad streams and short interwoven bundles, often surrounding blood vessels and variably sized cavitations. Neoplastic cells were strongly immunopositive for desmin and α–smooth muscle actin, and negative for pancytokeratin, S100, and von Willebrand factor. Based on histopathology and IHC findings, the cutaneous mass was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma (LMS). The pigeon died 312 d post-operatively. Postmortem examination revealed masses infiltrating the left and right pulmonary airways and one hepatic nodule, but no regrowth at the surgical site. Histologic and IHC evaluation of the pulmonary and hepatic masses were consistent with LMS, representing metastatic foci from the primary cutaneous LMS. Our case highlights the malignant behavior and histomorphologic features of cutaneous LMS in an avian species.     

A novel extracellular peroxidase and nucleases from a milky sap of Chelidonium majus

Using affinity chromatography, SDS-PAGE, peroxidase activity assay and mass spectrometry data, a new extracellular peroxidase (CMP) from Chelidonium majus milky sap was isolated and characterized. The protein has a molecular weight of about 40 kDa and belongs to secretory class III plant peroxidases. The peroxidase activity is also accompanied by DN-ase activities. A novel CMP combined with other proteins is probably involved in development and differentiation of the plant and defence against different pathogens. It suggests that the biological activity of C. majus whole plants and extracts may depend not only on its alkaloidal content but also on the presence of biologically active proteins.     

Thermally initiated solvent-free radical modification of beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood

A procedure for rapidly modifying beech wood using a thermally initiated solvent-free grafting system was examined. In the modification, butyl acrylate and butyl methacrylate were used as vinyl monomers. Free radicals were generated from 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) or benzoyl peroxide at 103 and 180 °C by contact heating of the modified material. Chemical changes in the material were investigated by FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The modification resulted in decreased surface wetting of the material manifested by increased water contact angles. The hardness of the resultant material decreased, while its color changed by the effect of temperature. It was shown that the approach allowed for efficient thermal-initiated modification of wood with rapid contact heating.     

Digital radiography (DR) and imaging analysis for evaluating the penetration and distribution of organic substances used in wood conservation

Consolidation treatments are commonly employed in museum conservation studios for treating biologically deteriorated wooden cultural heritage objects. Impregnation using either a solvent/resin or a polymerizing system is an example of such an intervention, which is often difficult to describe in terms of its behavior within the object’s structure. A new simple method has been devised to evaluate the effectiveness of these impregnation treatments in terms of spatial distribution of consolidant solution. A combination of digital radiography and imaging analysis has permitted to evaluate the degree of penetration of a consolidant and to determine its location within the artifact by studying the X-ray images taken before, during, and after treatment. The adequacy of polymer solutions or their effectiveness as wood consolidants is properties which are often difficult to investigate due to limited visual access to the interior of the object. The proposed method provides an alternative way of studying these parameters through analysis of X-ray attenuation recorded on two images: taken before and after the conservation treatment. The resulting image is then converted into a two-dimensional map of consolidation agent within the object using a straightforward calibration procedure.     

Effects of thermal-time artificial scarification on the germination dynamics of black locust (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Robinia pseudoacacia</Emphasis> L.) seeds

The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of methods for the artificial scarification of black locust seeds based on the influence of the air and liquid nitrogen temperatures. Three populations were selected for the analyses: a managed tree stand, a selected seed stand and a seed orchard. Samples of 200 seeds (4 × 50) were randomly selected. Before scarification, the seeds were stored at ?70 °C for 24 h. Nine different scarification treatments were evaluated. To calculate the germination capacity and the dynamics of germination, observations were made on days 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 after treatment. For statistical analyses, we used repeated measures analysis of variance. The obtained results indicated that the highest scarification efficiency for black locust seeds occurred in the treatment in liquid nitrogen and in an air temperature range of 85–90 °C. The provenance of seeds had a significant effect on the dynamics of germination. Thermal methods and the use of liquid nitrogen can be alternatives to the labour intensive methods of cutting the seeds or using measures that require specialised equipment.     

Metal Concentrations in Organs of the Clam Amiantis umbonella and Their Use in Monitoring Metal Contamination of Coastal Sediments

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of metal concentrations in clam organs to monitor metal contamination in coastal sediments. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were measured in the kidneys, gonads, mantles, gills, digestive gland, and hearts of the infaunal clam Amiantis umbonella collected from a contaminated site near desalination and power plant discharges, and a reference site in Kuwait Bay. Metal concentrations in sediment and sediment pore water were also measured at the collection sites of individual clams at the contaminated site. The concentrations of all metals in all organs (except Zn in the digestive gland) were significantly higher in clams from the contaminated site than from the reference site. Metal concentrations in several organs in A. umbonella from the contaminated site were correlated with those in the sediments and pore waters to which they were exposed. However, fresh weights of gonads, gills, and mantles were significantly lower in clams from the contaminated site compared to the reference site, indicating that the observed elevated concentrations of metals in the organs of clams from the contaminated site largely reflect lower organ weights, rather than higher metal loads, and that these organs in A. umbonella and perhaps other clams are not appropriate for use as biomonitors of metal contamination. Metal concentrations in clam kidneys showed a wide dynamic range with respect to environmental contamination and kidney weight was not variable. Therefore, metal concentrations in clam kidneys provide a reliable biomonitor of contaminant metals in coastal marine sediments.     

Preliminary assessment of serum clusterin as a potential biomarker for canine lymphoma

Clusterin (CLU), also known as apolipoprotein J, is a widely expressed, heterodimeric, glycoprotein, important in tumourigenesis, apoptosis and immunoregulation. In humans, CLU expression has been associated with anaplastic large cell and Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this study, serum CLU levels in dogs with multicentric lymphoma (MLSA) were compared with healthy control dogs, using both western blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot confirmed the presence of CLU in dog sera at the predicted molecular weight and the relative levels detected correlated with the levels detected by ELISA. CLU level analysis by ELISA found treatment naïve dogs with MLSA had a significantly (P < .001) lower serum CLU level compared with healthy controls. However, there was no significant difference between MLSA dogs prior to treatment and in complete remission. The wide variation in serum CLU levels may limit its potential as a single candidate biomarker for MLSA, although any prognostic predictive value of serum CLU concentrations has yet to be assessed.