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PubMed1993

[Biotechnology and animal health].

The development of the first vaccines for use in animals, by Louis Pasteur at the end of the 19th Century, was an initial step in applying biotechnology to animal health. However, it is only much more recently that decisive progress has been made in finding applications for biotechnology, in both detecting and preventing infectious and parasitic diseases. This progress has shown the way to developing a range of procedures, the application of which will benefit the health of domestic and wild animals, enhance the well-being of companion animals, develop the performance of sporting animals and improve the productivity of farm animals, while also serving to protect human health. Such progress results from the increasingly rapid application of knowledge gained in the material and life sciences, all of which contribute to the multidisciplinary nature of biotechnology. Similarly, reagents and diagnostic techniques have been made more specific, sensitive, reproducible, rapid and robust by updating them through recent discoveries in immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology (monoclonal antibodies, nucleic probes, deoxyribonucleic acid amplification and many more). The development of new vaccines which combine efficacy, duration of protection, innocuity, stability, multivalence and ease of use (subunit vaccines, recombinant vaccines, synthetic vaccines and anti-idiotype vaccines) has resulted from recent progress in immunology, immunochemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry. Finally, the availability of new anti-infective, anti-parasitic agents and immunomodulatory therapeutic agents (capable of stimulating the specific and non-specific defence mechanisms of the body) demonstrates that biotechnology is continuing to find new applications in the field of animal health. New diagnostic techniques, vaccines and therapeutic substances are the most immediate applications of knowledge which may, in the future, extend to the development of transgenic animals of revised genetic potential, which will be more resistant to diseases and more productive. The ultimate aim of biotechnology applied to animal health and animal production is to protect human health, preserve the environment and ensure the health and well-being of animals.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Polycythemia vera: scientific advances and current practice.

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a clonal disorder of unknown etiology involving a multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cell that is characterized by the accumulation of phenotypically normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the absence of a definable cause; extramedullary hematopoiesis, marrow fibrosis, and, in a few patients, transformation to acute leukemia can also occur. First described in 1892, the cause of the disease remains unknown and no potentially curative therapy other than bone marrow transplantation is currently available. It is commonly held that PV is a rare disorder, when in fact with a minimum incidence of 2.6 per 100,000 it is more common than chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and is particularly prevalent in persons of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. However, the incidence of PV is not as high as that of erythrocytosis from other causes collectively, which poses a problem in differential diagnosis when PV presents as isolated erythrocytosis. Characteristic features of PV are erythropoietin (Epo)-independent in vitro erythroid colony formation, as well as hypersensitivity to many other hematopoietic growth factors. Recently, a remarkable association between PV and a somatic point mutation of the JAK2 tyrosine kinase (JAK2 V617F) was described. Functional assays have revealed that JAK2 V617F is capable of inducing constitutive STAT5-mediated signaling in vitro, as well as erythrocytosis in vivo in mice. These data suggest that the JAK2 V617F mutation participates in the pathogenesis of PV. In current clinical practice, two different clinical approaches have been used to diagnose PV. One approach requires establishing the presence of absolute erythrocytosis by directly determining the red cell mass (RCM). A second approach utilizes a RCM-independent diagnostic algorithm based on the serum Epo level and bone marrow histology. Screening for JAK2 V617F can now be added to both diagnostic algorithms. However, it is very clear that some patients with classical PV lack the JAK2 V617F mutation, while some patients with other chronic myeloproliferative disorders such as idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) and essential thrombocytosis (ET) also express the JAK2 V617F mutation. Therefore, by necessity, any discussion of PV must take into consideration these companion myeloproliferative disorders, and since erythrocytosis is the single clinical feature that sets PV apart from IMF and ET, it is clear that the presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation cannot by itself establish a diagnosis of PV. Phlebotomy remains the mainstay of therapy for PV. In addition, both aspirin and cytoreductive therapy have been employed to control thrombocytosis and in the case of the latter, leukocytosis and extramedullary hematopoiesis as well. Despite recent progress in the field, several important issues remain controversial. In this review, we will present the areas of agreement, but also point out where the authors' personal viewpoints differ.

Erythroid Precursor Cells↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Monte Carlo simulation of the scattered radiation distribution in diagnostic radiology.

Monte Carlo techniques were employed to evaluate the point spread function (PSF) of scattered radiation in diagnostic radiology. The Monte Carlo procedure is described and shown to compare well with Monte Carlo scatter analysis of other authors. The intensity and distribution of the PSF are described independently. The effects of object thickness, air gap, and beam spectra are examined. An analytic derivation of the scatter PSF is presented in a companion article, and the Monte Carlo results discussed herein are used for comparison.

Biophysical Phenomena↗
PubMed2002

[Chlamydial diseases of domestic animals--zoonotic potential of the agents and diagnostic issues].

The role of chlamydiae as agents of a number of important animal and human diseases is still the subject of intensive research. Recently, a proposal for taxonomic reclassification of this group of obligate intracellular bacteria was published, which was based on a large amount of new data on genetic relatedness. According to this proposal, the family Chlamydiaceae now comprises two genera (Chlamydia and Chlamydophila) with 9 largely host-related species. The previously accepted classification scheme had distinguished 4 species within the genus Chlamydia. The most important animal chlamydiosis with zoonotic character is psittacosis, a systemic disease in psittacine birds of acute, protracted, chronic or subclinical manifestation. The analogous infection in domestic and wild fowl is known as ornithosis. Avian strains of C. psittaci (new classification: Chlamydophila psittaci) can also infect humans, the symptoms being mainly unspecific and influenza-like, but severe pneumonia, endocarditis and encephalitis are also known. The main group of persons facing an elevated risk of infection includes those having frequent contact with domestic and companion birds at work or in their spare time. In Germany, the annual average of notified cases is approximately 100. Cases of transmission to humans were repeatedly reported in connection with enzootic abortion in sheep (causative agent: C. psittaci or Chlamydophila abortus, respectively). Various chlamydial species occur as pathogens and commensals as well in cattle, pigs, horses, and cats. The assessment of the actual epidemiological importance is, however, often difficult because of their almost ubiquitous spread. Likewise, those strains of C. pneumoniae (new classification: Chlamydophila pneumoniae) found in several animal species can not yet be assessed for pathogenic properties. The possibilities for diagnostic detection of chlamydiae have considerably improved following the introduction of molecular methods, particularly the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which permits direct identification from clinical specimens and differentiation of species.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Ehrlichiosis and related infections.

Ehrlichiosis is a term that has been used to describe infection with any of a number of related intracellular, vector-borne pathogens. A recent reclassification has resulted in the transfer of several species previously known as Ehrlichia to the genus Anaplasma or Neorickettsia. Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are transmitted largely through the bite of infected ticks, while vectors for Neorickettsia include trematodes and the intermediate hosts (i.e., fish, snails, and insects) involved in the trematode life cycle. Dogs (and cats) are susceptible to infection with several of these pathogens, and veterinarians should be aware of the similarities and differences between E canis and related infections. Pets with suggestive clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities may be started on doxycycline pending specific diagnostic testing. The veterinarian practicing in endemic areas must understand the implications and limitations of serologic and molecular testing to confirm a diagnosis. For animals in endemic areas, prevention of exposure to vectors can lessen the risk of disease for pets and might lessen the potential for animals to become carriers of disease for their human companions.

Anaplasma↗
PubMed2003

The nutritional management of gastrointestinal tract disorders in companion animals.

Dietary protein, carbohydrates, fats and fibre have marked influences on gastrointestinal tract function and dysfunction. This article reviews the nutritional management of common gastrointestinal disorders in companion animals and introduces some of the current areas of research including probiotics, prebiotics, protein-hydrolysate diets, immunonutrition and dietary fibre. Nutritional management of oesophageal disease revolves around varying the consistency of the diet and feeding the animal from an elevated container. Provision of bowel rest remains the mainstay of the management of acute gastroenteritis but food-based oral rehydration solutions are a useful adjunct. The recommended diet for chronic small bowel diarrhoea is a highly digestible, hypoallergenic, gluten-free, low-lactose and low-fat diet with modest amounts of fermentable fibre. The use of probiotics in the management of diarrhoea in companion animals has not yet been shown to be beneficial. It is likely that prebiotics will prove more effective than probiotics in the prevention of enteropathogenic infections. Approximately 50% of cats in New Zealand that suffer from chronic idiopathic vomiting or diarrhoea will respond to a novel-protein-elimination diet and approximately 30% meet the diagnostic criteria for food sensitivity. Growing evidence supports the use of protein-hydrolysate diets in the management of inflammatory bowel disease and further advances in immunonutrition are expected. The dietary management of colitis should include a hypoallergenic diet with a fermentable fibre source. Manipulation of the diet provides clinicians a powerful therapeutic strategy to be used alone or concurrently with drug therapy in the management of gastrointestinal disorders.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

The speech disorders classification system (SDCS): extensions and lifespan reference data.

A companion paper includes rationale for the use of 10 metrics of articulation competence in conversational speech (Shriberg, Austin Lewis, McSweeny, & Wilson, 1997). The present paper reports lifespan reference data for these measures using records from a total of 836 3- to 40(+)-year-old speakers with normal and disordered speech. The reference data are subdivided by diagnostic classification based on extensions to an instrument titled the Speech Disorders Classification System (SDCS; Shriberg, 1993). Appendices provide procedural information on the SDCS and statistical rationale for the reference data.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

The serratus anterior muscle on chest radiographs.

The radiographic appearance of the serratus anterior muscle shadow is analyzed. In frontal and near-frontal views, it produces a "bowling-pin" silhouette. When the muscle is well developed, the medial edge of this silhouette may be superimposed upon the air shadow of the lung in a variety of ways. When it overlies the apex of the lung, it gives rise to the companion shadow; when overlying the midlateral lung edge and costophrenic angle it may mimic pleural and/or extrapleural disease. Recognition of the various possible patterns is important to prevent overdiagnosis of disease, particularly asbestosis.

Asbestosis↗
PubMed1993

[George Nicholas Papanicolaou].

G. N. Papanicolaou was born on May the 13, 1883 in the city of Kymi on the Greek island of Euboea. He received his MD degree from the University of Athens in 1904 and a PhD from the University of Munich in 1910. After service as a medical officer in the Balkan War of 1912-1913, he came to New York with Mary (for over 50 years Dr Pap's life companion). George's violin playing at restaurants and coffee-shops supplied them with a few extra cents. Papanicolaou was appointed assistant in the Pathology Laboratory at the New York Hospital. In 1928 he presented his work "New Cancer Diagnosis" to the third race betterment conference (Battle Creek, Michigan). But the work was met with scepticism. The now famous monograph "The Diagnostic Value of Vaginal Smears in Carcinoma of the Uterus" was published in 1941 in the Am J Obst Gyn. During this time, he developed his method of preservation of these cells by wet fixation and precise staining. Papanicolaou persisted with his ideas, and finally cytologic examination of the cervix was accepted. The power of Papanicolaou screening for uterine cancer was remarkable. The first National Cytology Congress, held in 1948, hailed this new diagnostic tool for carcinoma of the cervix as unique because it could detect cancer before it was visible. He described the importance of a distinct cellular pattern corresponding to cervical intraepithelial neoplastic lesions. The value of this pattern, expressing evolutionary steps in the development of cancer at individual cell levels, was not appreciated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cyprus↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Possible causal association of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease with thrombocytopenia in the dog.

Extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are commonly observed in humans but are poorly documented in companion animals. Thrombocytopenia is an uncommon but well-documented extraintestinal hematological abnormality in humans; however, there are no previous reports of IBD and concurrent thrombocytopenia in the veterinary literature. Seven dogs having idiopathic IBD and concurrent thrombocytopenia were identified and evaluated retrospectively (this represents an incidence of 2.5% in the authors' IBD population). Obvious known causes for thrombocytopenia were eliminated by diagnostic testing as deemed appropriate by the clinician of record. Thrombocytopenia resolved with treatment for the IBD in some but not all patients. This is similar to reports in humans. Thrombocytopenia typically appears to be subclinical, and the severity does not correlate with the degree of intestinal inflammation defined histopathologically. However, quantitative platelet counts should be monitored during IBD therapy, as additional immunosuppression may be required to treat thrombocytopenia, despite resolution of gastrointestinal signs. It is speculated that thrombocytopenia may be causally associated with canine IBD, possibly secondary to immune stimulation from lumenal bacterial antigens, altered immunological regulation, or both.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The role of companion animals in the emergence of parasitic zoonoses.

Pets offer individuals and the community significant benefits, however cognisance must be taken of the potential for transmission of infectious agents from these animals to humans. The prevalence of many parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, has increased over the past few decades while others, such as Toxocara and Ancylostoma, have decreased. These changes could be real, associated with the ready availability of efficacious anthelmintic products or could be artificial due to the type of surveys conducted, the animals surveyed and the diagnostic tests used. Immunocompromised people, in particular, must be aware of the potential risk of acquiring parasitic infections from their pets. However, with the adoption of good hygiene and a thorough knowledge of the transmission of these parasites, immunocompromised people should be able to continue to enjoy the significant benefits of pet ownership. As many owners are not aware of the zoonotic parasites that could be carried by their pets or their mode of transmission, it is concluded that veterinarians need to play a greater role in the education of their clients.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Cardioverter-defibrillators after MADIT-II: the balance between weight of evidence and treatment costs.

The possibility of using implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention of sudden death in selected high-risk patients has prompted a series of prospective controlled studies. Recently, the MADIT II study highlighted the possibility of effective primary prevention of sudden death in patients with coronary artery disease selected by straightforward clinical data and without expensive screening (electrophysiological study). For patients with previous myocardial infarction and low left ventricular ejection fraction (</=30%), ICD implantation may reduce mortality risk by approximately 31% in the following 2 years. Implementation of this therapeutic strategy threatens to impact on public health-care spending. Possible cost-limiting mechanisms include price cuts because of increasing usage (market forces); identification of subgroups at higher risk of sudden death and use of cheaper devices with limited diagnostic and therapeutic options. Further long-term evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of ICDs should identify subgroups of patients for whom implantation is affordable despite current economic constraints. For heart failure patients, randomized controlled trials are currently evaluating the effects on overall survival of both conventional ICDs and devices with biventricular pacing capabilities. In this perspective, data from the COMPANION trial are expected to stimulate the use of devices with defibrillation back-up in candidates for biventricular pacing.

Cardiac Pacing, Artificial↗
PubMed1994

Active management of labour: current knowledge and research issues.

OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence that the package of labour interventions collectively called "active management"--namely, strict diagnostic criteria for labour, early amniotomy, early use of oxytocin, and continuous professional support--reduce rates of caesarean sections and operative vaginal delivery in first labours. DESIGN: Review of observational data, supplemented by evidence from four separate overviews of relevant randomised trials previously published as part of the Cochrane Collaboration pregnancy and childbirth database. RESULTS: Observational data do not permit a clear conclusion. There have been no randomised trials of the total package of active management or of the use of strict diagnostic criteria alone, but trials of early amniotomy, early oxytocin, and these interventions combined do not suggest that these interventions are effective in reducing rates of caesarean sections or operative vaginal deliveries. In contrast, the provision of continuous professional support in labour seems to reduce both types of operative delivery, although the effect on caesarean sections is confined to those settings where non-professional companions are not normally present in labour. CONCLUSIONS: Delivery units should endeavour to provide continuous professional support in labour, but routine use of amniotomy and early oxytocin is not recommended.

Amnion↗
PubMed2001

Controlled clinical comparison of BACTEC plus anaerobic/F to standard anaerobic/F as the anaerobic companion bottle to plus aerobic/F medium for culturing blood from adults.

To determine the optimal anaerobic companion bottle to pair with BACTEC Plus Aerobic/F medium for recovery of pathogenic microorganisms from adult patients with bacteremia and fungemia, we compared Plus Anaerobic/F bottles with Standard Anaerobic/F bottles, each of which was filled with 4 to 6 ml of blood. The two bottles were paired with a Plus Aerobic/F bottle filled with 8 to 12 ml of blood. A total of 14,011 blood culture sets were obtained. Of these, 11,583 sets were received with all three bottles filled adequately and 12,257 were received with both anaerobic bottles filled adequately. Of 818 clinically important isolates detected in one or both adequately filled anaerobic bottles, significantly more staphylococci (P < 0.001), streptococci (P < 0.005), Escherichia coli isolates (P < 0.02), Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates (P < 0.005), and all microorganisms combined (P < 0.001) were detected in Plus Anaerobic/F bottles. In contrast, significantly more anaerobic gram-negative bacilli were detected in Standard Anaerobic/F bottles (P < 0.05). Of 397 unimicrobial episodes of septicemia, 354 were detected with both pairs, 30 were detected with Plus Aerobic/F-Plus Anaerobic/F pairs only, and 13 were detected with Plus Aerobic/F-Standard Anaerobic/F pairs only (P < 0.05). Significantly more episodes of bacteremia caused by members of the family Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0.05) and aerobic and facultative gram-positive bacteria (P < 0.025) were detected with Plus Anaerobic/F bottles only. In a paired-bottle analysis, 810 of 950 isolates were recovered from both pairs, 90 were recovered from Plus Aerobic/F-Plus Anaerobic/F pairs only, and 50 were recovered from Plus Aerobic/F-Standard Anaerobic/F pairs only (P < 0.001). Paired Plus Aerobic/F-Plus Anaerobic/F bottles yielded significantly more staphylococci (P < 0.001), streptococci (P < 0.05), and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae (P <0.001). We conclude that Plus Anaerobic/F bottles detect more microorganisms and episodes of bacteremia and fungemia than Standard Anaerobic/F bottles as companion bottles to Plus Aerobic/F bottles in the BACTEC 9240 blood culture system.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Controlled clinical comparison of VersaTREK and BacT/ALERT blood culture systems.

To assess the relative yields in automated microbial detection systems of bacteria and yeasts isolated from the blood of adult patients with suspected sepsis, we compared the new VersaTREK system (VTI) (TREK Diagnostic Systems, Cleveland, OH) to the BacT/ALERT 3D system (3D) (bioMérieux, Inc., Durham, NC). Identical protocols were followed for the two systems. Paired aerobic (REDOX 1) and anaerobic (REDOX 2) VTI media were compared with standard aerobic (SA) and anaerobic (SN) 3D media; each of the four culture bottles was filled with 6 to 9 ml of blood. All bottles flagged positive by the instruments were subcultured to determine both true-positive (growth) and false-positive (no growth) cultures. Additionally, to assess false-negative bottles, terminal subcultures were done on all negative companion bottles to true-positive bottles. All isolates were identified by standard methods. All 4 bottles were adequately filled and yielded 413 clinically significant isolates in 5,389 (79%) of the 6,786 4-bottle sets obtained. Although no overall difference in yield or in time to detection was detected between the two systems, significantly more streptococci and enterococci as a group were detected by VTI. Moreover, significantly more microorganisms were detected by VTI for patients receiving antimicrobial therapy. The two systems were comparable (P, not significant) at detecting the 179 unimicrobial episodes of bacteremia seen. False-positive rates for aerobic and anaerobic bottles, respectively, were 1.6% and 0.9% for VTI and 0.7% and 0.8% for 3D. We conclude that the VTI and 3D systems are comparable for detection of bloodstream infections with bacteria or yeasts.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Muscular dystrophies and other inherited myopathies.

It is certain that more inherited neuromuscular disorders of dogs and cats will be identified as the ability of practicing veterinarians to recognize disorders of muscle, nerve, and neuromuscular junction improves and newer diagnostic tests become available. Two specific points are critical. Before DNA-based genetic tests and specific therapies can be developed, an accurate description of the problem, clinically and histopathologically, must be performed. This is particularly important for the accuracy of a pedigree analysis, because inclusion of dogs with unrelated problems would alter the interpretation. Second, animals with inherited breed-associated disease should not be bred for generation of companion animals.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Clinical experiences with cytology in the dog].

In a retrospective study (1995) cytological diagnoses of 3987 specimen of different origin in the dog were evaluated. Biopsies were performed at the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion animals at the University of Utrecht or sent in by external practitioners. Biopsies were obtained from different regions including skin/subcutis, mammary gland, lymph node, external ear canal, kidney, urinary bladder, urethra, prostatic gland, testes, bone, bone marrow, synovia, nose, oral cavity, cerebrospinal fluid, bronchial lavage, lung, spleen, liver, conjunctiva, and retrobulbar region. The majority of biopsies were obtained from skin/subcutis (n = 1815), lymph node (n = 706), and mammary gland (n = 415). A high percentage of non-diagnostic biopsies were observed with biopsies of lung, mammary gland, cerebrospinal fluid, external ear canal, and oral cavity. The frequencies of diagnoses in the different areas will be presented and the diagnostic indications of cytology are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Phonological disorders I: a diagnostic classification system.

Data are presented to support the validity and utility of a diagnostic classification system for persons with phonological disorders. Rationale for the classification system is developed from current reviews of issues and concepts in phonology and classification systems. The system proceeds from a worksheet for reduction of phonological and other assessment data, through five hierarchical levels of classification entries. The system will accommodate lower-level elaboration of etiological subgrouping, pending appropriate research. A retrospective classification study of 43 children with delayed speech is described. Procedural details relating classification procedures to two companion papers (Shriberg & Kwiatkowski, 1982a, 1982b) are provided.

Adolescent↗