Airway inflammation is associated with mucous cell metaplasia and increased intraepithelial stored mucosubstances in horses

This study was performed to determine if a peripheral sample of lung from the site where biopsy is conducted is representative of the rest of the lung and to investigate the relationship between airway inflammation and intraepithelial mucous production in the peripheral airways. Lung parenchyma samples were collected from five different regions of the lung in five control and five heaves-affected horses. Horse groups were defined by clinical response to stabling. Tissue sections were used for semi-quantitative scoring of lesions, to count the number of airways, to quantify the amount of stored mucosubstances (Vs) within the epithelium, and to count the number of epithelial cells in terminal airways. No significant differences were found between lung regions or between groups of horses. Lack of regional differences in airway structures means that a biopsy sample can be used for diagnosis and investigation of diffusely distributed diseases. Airway inflammation was correlated with mucous cell metaplasia and Vs. Therefore, in horses, mucus accumulation is partly caused by increased number of mucous cells and is associated with airway inflammation. Therapy targeted to reduce airway inflammation will help reduce the excessive mucous accumulation in horses.     

Molecular determinants of scouting behavior in honey bees

Little is known about the molecular basis of differences in behavior among individuals. Here we report consistent novelty-seeking behavior, across different contexts, among honey bees in their tendency to scout for food sources and nest sites, and we reveal some of the molecular underpinnings of this behavior relative to foragers that do not scout. Food scouts showed extensive differences in brain gene expression relative to other foragers, including differences related to catecholamine, glutamate, and γ-aminobutyric acid signaling. Octopamine and glutamate treatments increased the likelihood of scouting, whereas dopamine antagonist treatment decreased it. These findings demonstrate intriguing similarities in human and insect novelty seeking and suggest that this trait, which presumably evolved independently in these two lineages, may be subserved by conserved molecular components.     

What size is a biologically relevant landscape?

The spatial extent at which landscape structure best predicts population response, called the scale of effect, varies across species. An ability to predict the scale of effect of a landscape using species traits would make landscape study design more efficient and would enable landscape managers to plan at the appropriate scale. We used an individual based simulation model to predict how species traits influence the scale of effect. Specifically, we tested the effects of dispersal distance, reproductive rate, and informed movement behavior on the radius at which percent habitat cover best predicts population abundance in a focal area. Scale of effect for species with random movement behavior was compared to scale of effect for species with three (cumulative) levels of information use during dispersal: habitat based settlement, conspecific density based settlement, and gap-avoidance during movement. Consistent with a common belief among researchers, dispersal distance had a strong, positive influence on scale of effect. A general guideline for empiricists is to expect the radius of a landscape to be 4?C9 times the median dispersal distance or 0.3?C0.5 times the maximum dispersal distance of a species. Informed dispersal led to greater increases in population size than did increased reproductive rate. Similarly, informed dispersal led to more strongly decreased scales of effect than did reproductive rate. Most notably, gap-avoidance resulted in scales that were 0.2?C0.5 times those of non-avoidant species. This is the first study to generate testable hypotheses concerning the mechanisms underlying the scale at which populations respond to the landscape.     

The effects of yohimbine on the pharmacokinetic parameters of detomidine in the horse

ObjectiveTo describe the pharmacokinetics of detomidine and yohimbine when administered in combination.Study designRandomized crossover design.AnimalsNine healthy adult horses aged 9 ± 4 years and weighing of 561 ± 56 kg.MethodsThree dose regimens were employed in the current study. 1) 0.03 mg kg^?1 detomidine IV (D), 2) 0.2 mg kg^?1 yohimbine IV (Y) and 3) 0.03 mg kg^?1 detomidine IV followed 15 minutes later by 0.2 mg kg^?1 yohimbine IV (DY). Each horse received all three dose regimens with a minimum of 1 week in between subsequent regimens. Blood samples were obtained and plasma analyzed for detomidine and yohimbine concentrations by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed using both non-compartmental and compartmental analysis.ResultsThe maximum measured detomidine concentrations were 76.0 and 129.9 ng mL^?1 for the D and DY treatments, respectively. Systemic clearance and volume of distribution of detomidine were not significantly different for either treatment. There was a significant increase in the maximum measured yohimbine plasma concentrations from Y (173.9 ng mL^?1) to DY (289.8 ng mL^?1). Both the Cl and V_d for yohimbine were significantly less (6.8 mL minute^?1 kg^?1 (Cl) and 1.7 L kg^?1 (V_d)) for the DY as compared to the Y treatments (13.9 mL minute^?1 kg^?1 (Cl) and 2.7 L kg^?1 (V_d)). Plasma concentrations were below the limit of quantitation (0.05 and 0.5 ng mL^?1) by 18 hours for both detomidine and yohimbine.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe Cl and V_d of yohimbine were affected by prior administration of detomidine. The elimination half life of yohimbine remained unaffected when administered subsequent to detomidine. However, the increased plasma concentrations in the presence of detomidine has the potential to cause untoward effects and therefore further studies to assess the physiologic effects of this combination of drugs are warranted.     

Critical care monitoring considerations for the diabetic patient

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disease encountered in the emergency and critical care setting. The diabetic Ketoacidotic (DKA) animal represents an extreme of the DM patient with regard to hyperglycemia and acid-base and electrolyte derangements. Prompt diagnosis of DKA in a critical patient and rapid initiation of appropriate therapy are necessary for a positive outcome. The steps of treatment, in order of importance, include initiation of intravenous fluid therapy, insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement, and reversal of the metabolic acidosis. The main goals of therapy--including correction of dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities and acidosis via aggressive fluid therapy with electrolyte supplementation and correction of ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia via initiation of insulin therapy--can be achieved if these steps are followed. Because of the severity of metabolic alterations in the DKA animal, frequent and careful monitoring are paramount because they will allow the clinician to tailor treatment to each case.     

Detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi using a triplex qPCR assay

Genome sequencing data for Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and zooepidemicus were used to develop a novel diagnostic triplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting two genes specific to S. equi (eqbE and SEQ2190) and a unique 100 base pair control DNA sequence (SZIC) inserted into the SZO07770 pseudogene of S. zooepidemicus strain H70. This triplex strangles qPCR assay can provide results within 2 h of sample receipt, has an overall sensitivity of 93.9% and specificity of 96.6% relative to the eqbE singlex assay and detects S. equi at levels below the threshold of the culture assay, even in the presence of contaminating bacteria.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade hydropropulsion to relieve ureteral obstruction in a pet guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Severe hydroureter and hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral obstruction by calculus were present in a guinea pig. A palliative ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade hydropropulsion was performed under general anesthesia to relieve the ureteral obstruction and the associated clinical signs. We describe the technique and the considerations for its potential application in similar cases.