Origin of mountains on Io by thrust faulting and large-scale mass movements

Voyager stereoimages of Euboea Montes, Io, indicate that this mountain formed when a large crustal block was uplifted 10.5 kilometers and tilted by approximately 6 degrees. Uplift triggered a massive slope failure on the northwest flank, forming one of the largest debris aprons in the solar system. This slope failure probably involved relatively unconsolidated layers totaling approximately 2 kilometers in thickness, overlying a rigid crust (or lithosphere) at least 11 kilometers thick. Mountain formation on Io may involve localized deep-rooted thrust faulting and block rotation, due to compression at depth induced during vertical recycling of Io's crust.     

Thermal antinociceptive pharmacodynamics of 0.1 mg kg−1 hydromorphone administered intramuscularly in cats and effect of concurrent butorphanol administration

Hydromorphone (HY) has not been objectively assessed as an analgesic in cats. It has been suggested that butorphanol (B) can have a synergistic action with pure μ‐agonists. The aim of this study was to assess the antinociceptive activity of a single dose of HY, and to examine the effect of concurrent B administration on the thermal threshold (TT). Thermal thresholds were measured following IM administration of HY, B, a combination of B and HY (HY‐B), or saline (S). Six cats (four spayed females, two castrated males, 4.75–6.8 kg) were used. Each cat received HY (0.1 mg kg^?1), B (0.4 mg kg^?1), HY (0.1 mg kg^?1), and B (0.4 mg kg^?1) (HY‐B), or S (0.05 mL kg^?1) in a randomized, blinded, cross‐over study design. Each cat received each treatment, with at least 12 days interval between the treatments. All injections were IM randomized to left or right quadriceps using a 24 SWG needle. Twenty‐four hours prior to each study, the thorax of each of the cats was shaved. On the day of the study, TT was measured using a thorax‐mounted thermal threshold‐testing device specifically developed for cats. Skin temperature was recorded before each test and then the heater was activated. When the cat responded by flinching, turning, or jumping, the stimulus was terminated and the threshold temperature was recorded. Three baseline thresholds were recorded over 1 hour before IM injection of test drug. Thermal threshold cut‐off was 55.5 °C. TT was measured at 5 and 15 minutes, every 15 to 360 minutes, every 30 minutes to 8 hours, every hour to 12 hours, and at 24 hours post‐injection. Threshold data were analyzed using an anova with a repeat factor of time. Behavioral adverse effects (dysphoria) were associated with B administration, but not with HY or HY‐B administration (these produced calm euphoria). The control group was stable over time (p = 0.22) (mean threshold 40.15 °C). Overall, there was no period effect, no significant effect of administering B, but a significant effect (raised TT) of administering HY or HY‐B. If the mean value of one of the experimental groups differed from the control group (40.075 °C) by more than 2.355 °C (>42.425 °C), that mean was significantly different from control at p < 0.05 (Bonferroni's t‐tests). This occurred between 15 and 165 minutes for B, from 15 to 345 minutes for HY, and between 15 and 540 minutes for HY‐B. In this model, HY provided up to 5.75 hours of antinociception at 0.1 mg kg^?1, and concurrent administration of butorphanol (0.4 mg kg^?1) decreased the intensity of antinociception over the first 2 hours, but extended the duration of significant antinociception to about 9 hours.     

Origin of the equine middle latency auditory evoked potential

Recordings of the middle latency of the auditory evoked potential (MLAEP) were made in eight conscious ponies. These traces were compared to those made under halothane anaesthesia with and without paralysis of the skeletal muscles. Recordings were also made from percutaneous electrodes placed along the neck with the same stimulus used for the auditory evoked potentials. The results of these experiments were used to deduce the origin of latencies in the auditory evoked potential occurring between 10 and 25 ms after the stimulus. The MLAEP was found to contain two positive peaks between the latencies of 10 and 25 ms. The first of these two peaks was not abolished by halothane anaesthesia or muscle paralysis. The second of these two peaks was abolished by halothane anaesthesia in all but one animal. In this animal the second peak was abolished by muscle paralysis. No peaks of corresponding latency were recorded from the percutaneous electrodes except from one electrode position at the caudal neck in one pony. The first peak of the middle latency auditory evoked potential seen in conscious ponies appeared to be of central nervous orign. The second peak appeared to be of muscular origin, possibly from the external auditory muscles. The second peak may be analogous to the post-auricular waveform described in man.     

Pre-hospital low-volume resuscitation with hemoglobin-glutamer-200 (Hb-200) in a canine hemorrhagic shock model

The Bowen Technique is a unique hands‐on therapy developed by Tom Bowen of Australia in the 1950s–60s and adapted for use in animals by Carol Bennett in 1997. It consists of a specific sequence of gentle, precise rolling moves done with thumb and fingers over muscle and tendon edges, across the direction of tension. A short waiting period follows each set of moves. Definitive mechanism(s) of action remains to be identified; however, autonomic nervous system modulation (heart rate variability studies) has been documented in humans. The technique has also been reported effective for back, hip, neck, and shoulder pain in human studies. Five geriatric dogs (13–16 years old) of various breeds were presented in a case series at a small animal clinic for primary complaints of stiffness, poor ambulation, and difficulty lying down/getting up. Four had hindlimb proprioceptive deficits; three had arthritic changes to coxofemoral joints and/or lumbar spine; three showed active indicators of pain (chronic pacing/panting; irritability; social withdrawal). All were on NSAID and/or nutritional therapy with unsatisfactory results. One dog had acupuncture weekly for over 1 year but no longer tolerated the needles. Treatment consisted of Animal Bowen at weekly or biweekly intervals. Three dogs were pain scored [0–10; average starting score 6.7 ± 0.6 (mean ± S.D.); range 6–7] by owner before and after treatment. All five dogs showed significant positive changes in attitude, and four had notable improvement in ease of ambulation, after the first treatment. Improvement was progressive over treatment course. Average post‐treatment score was 2.3 ± 2.1 (0, 3, 4); average pain score reduction was 4.3 ± 1.5 (range 3–6) after two to six treatments for the three dogs scored. One dog had complete resolution of hindlimb lameness of 5 years duration after three sessions. Animal Bowen, used alone or in conjunction with standard analgesics and other treatments, can be an effective therapy for chronic musculoskeletal conditions in dogs.     

Haematological and biochemical reference values for the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Haematological and biochemical reference values were established from 45 clinically healthy koalas. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences for sex and season of sampling. Immature koalas had significantly higher alkaline phosphatase and inorganic phosphate values, and significantly lower total protein concentrations due to low globulins values. Enzyme reference values tended to be wide and could limit their usefulness in detecting disease. In the reference values for leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes, the inclusion of low values which were not actually seen may interfere with the detection of reduced levels due to disease.