The effects of hypohydration on central venous pressure and splenic volume in adult horses

Background: Central venous pressure (CVP) is used in many species to monitor right‐sided intravascular volume status, especially in critical care medicine. Hypothesis: That hypohydration in adult horses is associated with a proportional reduction in CVP. Animals: Ten healthy adult horses from the university teaching herd. Methods: In this experimental study, horses underwent central venous catheter placement and CVP readings were obtained by water manometry. The horses were then deprived of water and administered furosemide (1 mg/kg IV q6h) for up to 36 hours. Weight, CVP, vital signs, PCV, total protein (TP), and serum lactate were monitored at baseline and every 6 hours until a target of 5% decrease in body weight loss was achieved. The spleen volume was estimated sonographically at baseline and peak volume depletion. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association of CVP and other clinical parameters with degree of body weight loss over time. Results: There was a significant association between CVP and decline in body weight (P < .001), with a decrease in CVP of 2.2 cmH₂O for every percentage point decrease in body weight. Other significant associations between volume depletion and parameters measured included increased TP (P= .007), increased serum lactate concentration (P= .048), and decreased splenic volume (P= .046). There was no significant association between CVP and vital signs or PCV. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These findings suggest that CVP monitoring might be a useful addition to the clinical evaluation of hydration status in adult horses.     

In vitro evaluation of flavonoids from Eriodictyon californicum for antagonist activity against the bitterness receptor hTAS2R31

The leaves of the native North American plant, Eriodictyon californicum, were once used to mask the bitter taste of pharmaceuticals, an application currently of importance. Ten flavonoids (1-10) were isolated from the leaves of E. californicum, of which the structure and absolute configuration of 6-methoxyhesperetin (8) were assigned for the first time. In addition, the absolute configurations at C-2 were established for 4'-isobutyrylhomoeriodictyol (3) and 6-methoxyhomoeriodictyol (7). Using a cell-based assay, it was determined that the 7-methoxylated flavanones, sakuranetin (2) and 6-methoxysakuranetin (9), and the flavone, jaceosidin (10), are antagonists of hTAS2R31.     

Computer-based interviewing system dealing with nonverbal behavior as well as keyboard responses

A digital computer has been programmed to conduct a medical interview while simultaneously monitoring the heart rate and keyboard response latency of the respondent for each question frame. The program can branch to new frames contingent upon the heart rate and response latency values, as well as the keyboard responses, and thus alter the course of the interview on the basis of this nonverbal information. The program is presented as a technique for studying the use of nonverbal respondent behavior in automated, clinical interviews.     

Allegany: a late season golden nematode resistant variety

Allegany is a golden nematode resistant variety with potential for both tablestock and chipping. It is late in vine maturity and when allowed to grow full season, has very high yield potential. In the Northeast, the specific gravity and chip color of tubers soon after harvest and after 10°C storage are comparable to Norchip. The tubers have exceptionally long dormancy Allegany is resistant to early blight, Verticillium wilt, and scab as well as the golden nematode.     

Third‐Degree Atrioventricular Block and Collapse Associated with Eosinophilic Myocarditis in a Horse

Third‐degree atrioventricular block (AVB) and primary inflammatory myocarditis are uncommon findings in horses. The horse of this report presented for collapse at rest and was found to have multiple cardiac arrhythmias, most notably 3rd‐degree AVB. The horse was subsequently diagnosed with eosinophilic myocarditis on necropsy, a rare form of myocarditis not previously reported in horses. Despite extensive testing, an etiologic agent could not be identified, illustrating the difficulty in identifying a specific cause of myocarditis in horses.     

Management of pneumothorax in cattle by continuous-flow evacuation

Pneumothorax in cattle can develop subsequent to acute or chronic pulmonary disease, and if unresolved may lead to respiratory distress and death due to hypoxia and compression and collapse of cardiac and thoracic great vessels. Therapeutic evacuation of free air within the pleural space can provide acute relief and improve chances of survival. This article descibes the adaptation and use of a continuous flow evacuation device to resolve pneumothorax in 3 cattle with pneumothorax associated with infectious lower airway disease.