A Blinded Comparison of the Efficacy of Daily and Twice Daily Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazine and Daily Sulfadimethoxine-Ormetoprim Therapy in the Treatment of Canine Pyoderma

Abstract— In a blinded trial to determine the efficacy of potentiated sulfa drugs in the treatment of canine pyoderma, 50 dogs with superficial pyoderma were randomly assigned to receive either once or twice daily trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (30mg.kg^-1) or once daily sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim (55mg.kg^-1 on the first day, then 27.5 mg.kg^-1 thereafter). Dogs were evaluated prior to antibiotic therapy. Clinical efficacy of the antibiotic was assessed after 3 weeks of antibiotic therapy and, if needed, after 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Forty-five dogs completed the study; 43 dogs were used in the statistical analysis. The percentage of dogs that were cured of their pyoderma with once daily trimethoprim-sulfadiazine was 38.5% by 3 weeks and 75.9% by 6 weeks. With twice daily trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, 57.1 and 78.6% of dogs were cured by 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. With once daily sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim, 75.0 and 100% of dogs were cured by 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant, possibly due to the low sample size. Few adverse effects were noted. Résumé— Dans une étude en double aveugle pour apprécier l'efficacité des sulfamides potentialisés dans le traitement des pyodermites canines, cinquante chiens présentant une pyodermite superficielle ont reçu, au hasard, soit deux fois ou une fois par jour du triméthoprime-sulfadiazine (30 mg.kg^-1) ou une fois par jour du sulfadiméthoxine-ormétoprime (55mg.kg^-1 le premier jour, puis 27.5 mg.kg^-1). Les chiens ont étéévalués avant le traitement. L'efficacité clinique de l'antibiotique a été appréciée après 3 semaines de traitement et, si besion est, après 6 semaines. Le pourcentage de chiens guéris avec une prise quotidienne de triméthoprime-sulfadiazine était de 33.5%à 3 semaines et 75.9%à 6 semaines. Avec des prises biquotidiennes de triméthoprime-sulfadiazine 57.1% et 78.6% des chiens étaint guéris à 3 et 6 semaines. Avec une prise quotidienne de sulfadiméthoxine-ormétoprime, 75.0% et 100.0% des chiens étaient guéris à 3 et 6 semaines. Cette différence n'était pais statistiquement significative, probablement à cause de la taille trop faible de l'échantilon. Très peu d'effects secondaires ont été notés. Zusammenfassung— Für eine Blindstudie zur Bestimmung der Wirksamkeit von potenzierten Sulfonamidpräparaten bei der Behandlung kaniner Pyrodermie wurden 50 Hunde mit oberflächlicher Pyodermie zufällig ausgewählt, um entweder einmal oder zweimal täglich Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazin (30mg/kg) oder einmal täglich Sulfadimethoxin-Ormetoprim zu erhalten (55 mg/kg am ersten Tag, danach 27,5 mg/kg). Die Hunde wurden vor der antibotischen Therapie untersucht. Die klinische Wirksamkeit der Antibiose wurde nach 3 Wochen antibiotischer Therapie und, wenn nötig, nach 6 Wochen antibiotischer Therapie ausgewertet. 45 Hunde durchliefen die Studie vollständig; 43 Hunde fanden in die statistische Analyse Eingang. Der Prozentsatz der Hunde, deren Pyrodermie durch einmal tägliches Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazin geheilt wurde, lag bei 38,5% nach 3 Wochen und bei 75,9% nach 6 Wochen. Bei zweimaliger Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazin-Verabreichung wurden 57,1% und 78,6% der Hunde nach 3 bzw. 6 Wochen geheilt. Mit einer einmal täglichen Verabreichung von. Sulfadimethoxin-Ormetoprim wurden 75,0% und 100% der Hunde nach 3 bzw. 6 Wochen geheilt. Dieser Unterschied war statistisch nicht signifikant, möglicherweise aufgrund der geringen Fallzahlen. Es wurden nur wenige Nebenwirkungen festgestellt. Resumen A cincuenta perros que presentaban pioderma superficial se les evaluó para la eficacia de antibioticos potenciados de tipo sulfamídico en el tratamiento del pioderma canino, por medio de la administración de una a dos veces diarias de trimetoprim-sulfadiazina (30 mg/kg), o sulfadimetoxinaormetoprim una vez al día (55 mg/kg en al primer día, y 27.5 mg/kg después de la primera dosis). Los animales se examinaron antes del tratamiento con antibióticos. La eficacia clínica del tratamiento se evaluó a las tres o seis semanas en los casos necesarios. Cuarenta y cinco de los perros completaron el estudio; 43 se utilizaron en analisis estadísticos. El porcentaje de perros curados con el tratamiento diario a base de trimetoprim-sulfadiazina fué del 38.5% a las 3 semanas, y 75.9% a las 6 semanas. De los animales tratados dos veces al día con trimetoprim-sulfadiazina, el porcentaje de cura fue del 57.1% y 78.6%, a las 3 y 6 semanas respectivamente. Con el tratamiento a base de sulfadimetoxina-ormetoprim una vez al día, 75.0% y 100% de los perros fueron curados a las tres y seis semanas. La diferencia no se encontró estadísticamente significativa, posiblemente debido al reducido número de perros evaluados. Se observaron posas reacciones adversas a la medicación.     

Effects of fungicides on powdery mildew, tree growth and cropping of apple

In a 6-year orchard experiment, seven fungicide programmes were assessed for control of powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha) and for long-term effects on growth and cropping of the apple cultivar Cox's Orange Pippin. Programmes based on binapacryl, bupirimate, fenarimol, nitrothal-isopropyl and triadimefon gave better control than dinocap or triforine. The heaviest cumulative yields of marketable fruit were obtained with the non-systemic fungicides binapacryl and nitrothal-isopropyl, the former significantly outyielding triadimefon and triforine over 6 years. Tree vigour, as assessed by extension shoot length and internode length, was found to be better after 4-5 years of programmes based on binapacryl than on triadimefon or fenarimol. A relation was demonstrated between cumulative marketable yield and mean annual mid-season incidence of secondary mildew on extension shoot leaves.     

SUBTRACTION PORTAL VENOGRAPHY

Photographic subtraction was made of 38 canine portal venograms to remove the images of the overlying abdominal structures and enhance the radiographic contrast of portal veins. The improved visual quality of the subtracted portogram aided in the detection of portosystemic shunts and intrahepatic portal veins. The subtraction studies revealed portosystemic shunts not detected on the initial portal venogram.     

THREE-DIMENSIONAL HELICAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY OF THE LIVER IN FIVE DOGS

The objective of this study was to develop a simple, safe, minimally invasive protocol to evaluate the hepatic vasculature. Five purpose-bred Beagle dogs underwent noncontrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan of the entire abdomen. A dynamic, nonincremental computed tomography scan at the level of T11 was then performed using a test bolus of contrast medium to determine time to peak opacification and to aid in the calculation of scan delay. The time to peak arterial enhancement ranged from 2.0 to 7.0 s, with a median of 2.0 s. The time to peak portal venous enhancement ranged from 23.0 to 46.0 s, with a median of 32.0 s. Scan delay for arterial opacification ranged from 0 to 5.0 s, with a median of 0 s. Scan delay for the portal phase of opacification ranged from 6.0 to 21.0 s, with a median of 17.0 s. Using this information, two separate computed tomographic studies were used to image the arterial and portal venous phases of circulatory opacification, respectively. The dogs were hyperventilated to prevent breathing motion during the scan, each of which required approximately 20 s. A power injector was used to inject diatrizoate meglumine (128 mg I/kg) through an 18-gauge cephalic vein catheter at a rate of 5 ml/s. Scanning was initiated after the appropriate scan delay to optimize the specific phase of vascular filling. Maximum intensity projections allowed clear delineation of the hepatic arteries and the portal venous system, while eliminating overlying structures that might interfere with image analysis. Time/density curves were generated, and the time needed for each study was recorded. Hepatic arteries and portal veins were clearly visualized in all dogs. Parenchymal opacification was also observed.     

Continuity and Change in an Old Industrial Region

Analysts have debated the extent to which recent economic changes represent a continuation of earlier patterns or a fundamental shift to a new industrial order. We trace and extend the spatial implications of this debate for a mature industrial region, the Ohio River Valley, part of the American Manufacturing Belt, for the 1980-90 period. The paper builds on recent research arguing that such regions had a diverse, rather than homogeneous, space-economy. Empirical findings clearly demonstrate diversity of economic structures, sectorally and spatially, emphasizing both continuity and change in an old industrial region, and the totality of economic activity rather than specific sectors identified with the rise or transformation of industrial capitalism. In terms of change, aggregate trends follow national ones, but do not wash evenly over the Ohio River Valley. Nor do they mirror, when considered at a sub-regional scale, patterns indicated by de-industrialization and post-Fordist transition frameworks. Findings provide implications for elaborating or augmenting these perspectives, and types of research needed to accomplish the task.     

RADIOGRAPHICALLY VISUALIZED SKELETAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSIS VI IN CATS

The radiographic skeletal form and structure of all cats with mucopolysaccharidosis VI is described. Common manifestations included epiphyseal dysplasia, generalized osteoporosis, abnormal nasal turbinate development, his subluxation, impaired development of skeletal growth, pectus excavatum, hyoid hypoplasia, aplasia, hypoplasia and fragmentation or abnormal ossification of the dens, and aplasia or hypoplasia of frontal and sphenoid sinuses. The skeletal measurements of two affected cats were compared with those of normal, sex-matched littermates, and the measurements of two affected female cats were compared with those of a normal male littermate.     

Poverty and Local Governments: Economic Development and Community Service Provision in an Era of Decentralization

Social scientists have given substantial attention to poverty across U.S. localities. However, most work views localities through the lens of population aggregates, not as units of government. Few poverty researchers question whether governments of poorer localities have the capacity to engage in economic development and service activities that might improve community well‐being. This issue is increasingly important as responsibilities for growth and redistribution are decentralized to local governments that vary dramatically in resources. Do poorer communities have less activist local governments? Are they more likely to be engaged in a race to the bottom, focusing on business attraction activities but neglecting services for families and working people? We bring together two distinct literatures, critical research on decentralization and research on local development efforts, that provide contrasting views about the penalty of poverty. Data are from a unique, national survey of county governments measuring activity across two time points. The most consistent determinants of activity are local government capacity, devolutionary pressures, and inertia or past use of strategies. Net of these factors, levels and changes in poverty do not significantly impact government activity. There is no evidence the nations' poorest counties are racing to the bottom. Findings challenge views that poverty is a systematic structural barrier to pursuing innovative economic development policies and suggest that even poorer communities can take steps to build local capacity, resources, and networks that expand programs for local businesses and low‐wage people.     

INFLUENCE OF PEATLANDS ON THE ACIDITY OF LAKES IN NORTHEASTERN ALBERTA,CANADA

About a third of the lakes surveyed in the Birch Mountains Upland of northeastern Alberta, Canada, have pH below 7.0; 25% have alkalinities below 10 mg/L identifying them as acid-sensitive following criteria established by the National Research Council of Canada (1981). Lakes in this region vary greatly as to surface area and depth. Watersheds also vary in area and in amount of peatland cover. Peatlands in the form of peat plateaus and collapse scars, continental bogs, treed and open fens, and shallow organic deposits cover over 50% of some watersheds. Surface water chemistries of these peatlands form three distinct classes: bogs, poor fens and shallow organic deposits. The acidity of certain lakes in this northern area is best explained by effects from high cover ofSphagnum-dominated peatlands in surrounding watersheds. Due to greater flow-through, poor fens appear to be more important than bogs in affecting the acidity of associated lakes.