Analysis of gene expression of prostaglandin EP4 receptor in canine osteosarcoma

In many human cancers, the expression of the prostaglandin receptor EP4 (EP4R) is associated with the development of malignancy and a poor prognosis. The expression of EP4R has not yet been evaluated in canine tumors. The objective of this study was to characterize the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of EP4R in canine osteosarcoma (OSA). Gene expression of EP4R was evaluated using RNA in-situ hybridization (RNAscope). In all canine OSA samples evaluated, strong universal positive expression of EP4R was identified. Gene expression was significantly higher in OSA tissue samples than in normal nasal turbinate bone, possibly implicating EP4R in the pathogenesis of canine OSA.     

葶苈子药材生态适宜性区划研究

对全国葶苈子药材的生态适宜性开展评价,为优质葶苈子药材的栽培与选育提供理论依据。通过网络资料查阅和实地采集,收集了葶苈子药材共839个样点信息,其中播娘蒿430个样点,独行菜409个样点,综合55个生态因子,应用GIS和Maxent模型分析葶苈子药材在全国的生态适宜性分布。建立的Maxent模型预测效果良好(训练集和验证集特征曲线下面积均大于0.9),影响全国葶苈子药材生态适宜性的主要环境因子是降雨、温度、海拔、酸碱度、植被类型、土壤亚类等;全国内中药葶苈子最适宜生境主要集中在河北、河南、山西、山东、陕西、宁夏、甘肃南部、四川西部等地。对葶苈子分布区进行了生长等级划分,为葶苈子药材资源的调查研究、人工种植、划分优质产地、资源调查提供理论依据。     

In-hospital development of an aorto-cardiac fistula in a Warmblood gelding with chronic renal disease

A 20-year-old Warmblood gelding presented for evaluation and treatment of ventral oedema and azotaemia of unknown aetiology. On presentation, a diastolic heart murmur was appreciated and echocardiography revealed moderate aortic insufficiency due to chronic degenerative valve disease. The horse was hospitalised and failed to respond to oral and i.v. fluids and diuretics. Following discontinuation of all fluid and diuretic therapy, the horse became acutely agitated and developed monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. The ventricular tachycardia spontaneously converted to normal sinus rhythm, however the heart murmur changed in timing to a right basilar continuous murmur and bounding jugular pulses were noted. Repeat echocardiogram revealed an aorto-cardiac fistula with dissection into the basilar interventricular septum and left-sided chamber volume overload that was not previously present. Attempts at stabilisation were unsuccessful and euthanasia was elected. Post-mortem examination confirmed chronic renal disease of unknown aetiology in addition to an aorto-cardiac fistula originating from the right sinus of Valsalva with subsequent dissection into the basilar interventricular septum.     

Revisiting the use of hydroxyethyl starch solutions in equine fluid therapy

The last decade has led to major shifts in opinions on the use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions in fluid therapy, specifically in human patients with sepsis. The majority of evidence documenting adverse effects of HES solutions on coagulation and renal health come from studies in people. However, these findings have led to investigation into the safety of HES solutions in veterinary species. While there are now studies investigating the effects of HES solutions on coagulation and renal health in dogs, cats and horses, information regarding long-term follow-up, clinical significance of these changes and use of these solutions in critically ill animals is still lacking. The information presented here serves to review the physiology of oncotic pressure and the rationale behind colloid use, specifically HES solutions. Additionally, the foundation of arguments against the use of HES and the available literature regarding HES use in animals will be summarised.