Pharmacokinetics of amikacin after intravenous, intra-articular, and combined intravenous and intra-articular administration in healthy neonatal foals

BACKGROUND

Pharmacokinetics of amikacin administered IV to neonatal foals are described, but little data are available regarding the plasma concentrations contributed by concurrent intra-articular (IA) administration.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

Compare the pharmacokinetics of amikacin when the total dose is administered IV compared to being divided between IV and IA routes of administration in neonatal foals and predict the plasma concentrations from various combined IV and IA dosing regimens.

ANIMALS

Eight healthy neonatal foals.

METHODS

Foals received 3 amikacin treatment protocols: (1) IV-only (25 mg/kg q24h IV), (2) concurrent IV and IA (16.7 mg/kg q24h IV and 8.3 mg/kg q24h into 1 tarsocrural joint), and (3) IA-only (8.3 mg/kg q24h into 1 tarsocrural joint). Protocols were administered for 3 days beginning at 7, 14, and 21 days of age. Plasma concentrations ≥53 μg/mL at 30 minutes were considered therapeutic for isolates with intermediate susceptibility.

RESULTS

Foal age was a significant variable. The IV-only protocol met or exceeded the 30-minute plasma concentrations considered therapeutic (mean μg/mL [95% confidence interval, CI]) in 7- to 9-day-old (54.0 [52.2-56.9]), 14- to 16-day-old (58.1 [55.2-61.0]), and 21- to 23-day-old (66.6 [63.7-69.6]) foals. Concurrent IV and IA protocol did not reach the 30-minute concentration considered therapeutic in 7- to 9-day-old foals (46.5 [43.6-49.4]) but did in 14- to 16-day-old (62.9 [60.0-65.8]) and 21-to 23-day-old (62.6 [59.7-65.6]) foals.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Concurrent IV and IA administration of amikacin produces 30-minute plasma concentrations considered therapeutic in foals 14 to 23 days old, but concentrations observed in younger foals might be below those considered therapeutic for isolates with intermediate susceptibility to amikacin.

Navicular bone fracture and severe deep digital flexor tendinopathy after palmar digital neurectomy in two horses

Background

Navicular syndrome is a common cause of forelimb lameness in horses. Beyond changes to the navicular bone itself, horses with a clinical diagnosis of navicular syndrome often have pathology associated with other components of the navicular apparatus, including the navicular bursa, deep digital flexor (DDF) tendon, collateral sesamoidean ligaments, and impar ligament. Palmar digital neurectomy (PDN) is often used as a salvage procedure for horses diagnosed with navicular syndrome that become unresponsive to medical management. There are many potential complications associated with PDN, some of which are debilitating.

Case Description

This report describes two cases of navicular bone fracture with severe DDF tendinopathy and distal interphalangeal joint subluxation/hyperextension that occurred 12 and 19 weeks after bilateral forelimb PDN.

Conclusion

These two cases highlight the importance of proper patient selection before PDN due to the high incidence of undiagnosed soft tissue pathology in conjunction with radiographic evidence of navicular syndrome. Advanced imaging of the digit is recommended to identify and characterize any soft tissue pathology associated with the navicular apparatus before pursuing PDN to avoid disease progression and catastrophic injury.

Partial ceratohyoidectomy as surgical treatment for horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy: 10 cases (2010-2021)

OBJECTIVE

To describe outcomes of horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) treated with partial ceratohyoidectomy.

ANIMALS

10 client-owned horses.

PROCEDURES

Medical records from 2 institutions were examined for records of horses with THO treated with partial ceratohyoidectomy between 2010 and 2021. History, signalment, clinical signs, diagnostics, medications, and surgery-related details were recorded. Horses with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were recruited for neurologic and imaging examinations in the hospital or field where radiography of the basihyoid-ceratohyoid articulation were performed along with CT, when available.

RESULTS

10 horses with THO were included (9 unilateral; 1 bilateral). Nine planned partial ceratohyoidectomies were performed in 8 horses, whereas 2 horses had preoperatively planned complete ceratohyoidectomies transitioned to partial ceratohyoidectomies during surgery due to intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications occurred mostly in transitioned surgeries (obstructed airway, tongue mobility issues, and incisional hemorrhage), whereas only 1 horse with a planned ceratohyoidectomy had postoperative complication of rhabdomyolysis. All complications resolved before hospital discharge. Neurologic signs improved in all 10 horses, with 2 showing complete resolution. Nine horses were available for radiographic follow-up, 6 of which also had head CT scans. A space between the ceratohyoid and basihyoid bones was measurable on radiography in all 9 horses, and was confirmed on CT. Three horses demonstrated proliferation of either ceratohyoid or basihyoid bones. The 9 horses with unilateral disease returned to previous work, and the horse with bilateral disease was retired.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Partial ceratohyoidectomy is a surgical option for treatment of THO that provides similar clinical outcomes to published reports on ceratohyoidectomy.

Adaptive Synthesis of a Rough Lipopolysaccharide in Geobacter sulfurreducens for Metal Reduction and Detoxification

The ability of some metal-reducing bacteria to produce a rough (no O-antigen) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could facilitate surface interactions with minerals and metal reduction. Consistent with this, the laboratory model metal reducer Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA produced two rough LPS isoforms (with or without a terminal methyl-quinovosamine sugar) when growing with the soluble electron acceptor fumarate but expressed only the shorter and more hydrophilic variant when reducing iron oxides. We reconstructed from genomic data conserved pathways for the synthesis of the rough LPS and generated heptosyltransferase mutants with partial (ΔrfaQ) or complete (ΔrfaC) truncations in the core oligosaccharide. The stepwise removal of the LPS core sugars reduced the hydrophilicity of the cell and increased outer membrane vesiculation. These changes in surface charge and remodeling did not substantially impact planktonic growth but disrupted the developmental stages and structure of electroactive biofilms. Furthermore, the mutants assembled conductive pili for extracellular mineralization of the toxic uranyl cation but were unable to prevent permeation and mineralization of the radionuclide in the cell envelope. Hence, not only does the rough LPS promote cell-cell and cell-mineral interactions critical to biofilm formation and metal respiration but it also functions as a permeability barrier to toxic metal cations. In doing so, the rough LPS maximizes the extracellular reduction of soluble and insoluble metals and preserves cell envelope functions critical to the environmental survival of Geobacter bacteria in metal-rich environments and their performance in bioremediation and bioenergy applications. IMPORTANCE Some metal-reducing bacteria produce an LPS without the repeating sugars (O-antigen) that decorate the surface of most Gram-negative bacteria, but the biological significance of this adaptive feature was not previously investigated. Using the model representative Geobacter sulfurreducens strain PCA and mutants carrying stepwise truncations in the LPS core sugars, we demonstrate the importance of the rough LPS in the control of cell surface chemistry during the respiration of iron minerals and the formation of electroactive biofilms. Importantly, we describe hitherto overlooked roles for the rough LPS in metal sequestration and outer membrane vesiculation that are critical for the extracellular reduction and detoxification of toxic metals and radionuclides. These results are of interest for the optimization of bioremediation schemes and electricity-harvesting platforms using these bacteria.

Freshwater diatom persistence on clothing II: Further analysis of species assemblage dynamics over investigative timescales

Diatoms are a useful form of environmental trace evidence, yielding a circumstantial link between persons and scenes of forensic interest. A developing empirical research base has sought to understand those factors affecting the transfer and persistence of freshwater diatoms on clothing and footwear surfaces. Although an initial study has demonstrated that diatoms can persist on clothing following weeks of wear, no previous research has explored the temporal dynamics of a persistent species assemblage over timescales pertinent to forensic investigations. This study therefore aimed to determine if: (1) valve morphology (size and shape) influences diatom persistence, (2) the relative abundance of taxa within an assemblage affects retention, and (3) a persistent diatom assemblage retrieved from clothing after one month can reliably be compared to the site of initial transfer. To build on previous research findings which highlighted the impact of substrate and environmental seasonality on diatom transfer and persistence, here, nine clothing materials were tested in spring before a seasonal comparison in the winter. Fabric swatches were immersed in a freshwater river, worn attached to clothing, and subsamples retrieved at regular intervals (hours, days, weeks) up to one month post-immersion. Diatoms were extracted using a H2O2 technique and analysed via microscopy. The results indicated that smaller diatoms (< 10 µm) are retained in significantly greater abundance, with no statistically significant difference between centric and pennate diatom loss over time. Although a persistent species assemblage was relatively stable over the one month of wear, significant differences were identified between clothing substrate in the spring and between the seasonal samples. The most abundant environmental taxa were consistently identified in the forensic samples, with greater variability attributed to the retention of relatively less common species. The findings suggest that, despite a loss in the abundance and species-richness of diatoms retrieved from clothing over time, a persistent assemblage may provide a useful circumstantial link to the site of initial transfer. The complex relationships between clothing type, environmental seasonality, and time since wear on retention, emphasise the need for diatom trace evidence to be carefully interpreted within an exclusionary framework, and the significance of any casework findings to be determined with reference to empirical evidence bases.

Massively parallel sequencing is unlocking the potential of environmental trace evidence

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has revolutionised the field of genomics enabling substantial advances in human DNA profiling. Further, the advent of MPS now allows biological signatures to be obtained from complex DNA mixtures and trace amounts of low biomass samples. Environmental samples serve as ideal forms of contact trace evidence as detection at a scene can establish a link between a suspect, location and victim. Many studies have applied MPS technology to characterise the biodiversity within high biomass environmental samples (such as soil and water) to address questions related to ecology, conservation, climate change and human health. However, translation of these tools to forensic science remains in its infancy, due in part to the merging of traditional forensic ecology practices with unfamiliar DNA technologies and complex datasets. In addition, people and objects also carry low biomass environmental signals which have recently been shown to reflect a specific individual or location. The sensitivity, and reducing cost, of MPS is now unlocking the power of both high and low biomass environmental DNA (eDNA) samples as useful sources of genetic information in forensic science. This paper discusses the potential of eDNA to forensic science by reviewing the most explored applications that are leading the integration of this technology into the field. We introduce novel areas of forensic ecology that could also benefit from these tools with a focus on linking a suspect to a scene or establishing provenance of an unknown sample and discuss the current limitations and validation recommendations to achieve translation of eDNA into casework.

The affect of personality traits and decision-making style on postoperative quality of life and distress in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration

AIM

Our aim was to identify whether personality traits and decision-making styles affect quality of life (QoL) outcomes and levels of psychological distress following pelvic exenteration (PE).

METHOD

Patients undergoing PE between 2008 and 2015 were identified from a prospectively maintained database at a single quaternary referral centre. Patients were invited to complete two validated questionnaires, with the Big Five inventory being used to assess personality traits and the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire to determine decision-making style. Data on QoL outcomes and distress from the prospectively established database were utilized. QoL with respect to both physical and mental health components was measured using Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Colorectal (FACT-C). Distress was measured using the Distress Thermometer. Postoperative pain scores were also measured using SF-36v2.

RESULTS

Of the 93 patients eligible for participation, 42 returned the study questionnaire. On multivariate analysis, neuroticism was the most significant predictor of poorer QoL and increased levels of distress, consistent across all of the measures utilized and at the different time points used. Other personality traits showed an isolated statistically significant impact upon QoL. There were no significant findings with respect to decision-making style. Apart from neuroticism, the most significant predictor of QoL was the number of major complications for the patient.

CONCLUSION

Patients demonstrating neurotic personality traits show poorer QoL outcomes and higher levels of distress following PE. Identification of these patients would allow targeted pre- and postoperative intervention to improve outcomes following PE.

The effects of flunixin meglumine and hoof trimming on lying behavior, locomotion, and milk production in lame and nonlame lactating dairy cows

Hoof trimming is used to prevent and treat lameness in dairy cows; however, hoof trimming itself increases daily time spent lying down, possibly due to discomfort. We hypothesized that treatment of lame and nonlame cows with an anti-inflammatory analgesic drug at the time of hoof trimming would mitigate discomfort, thereby improving locomotion scores and reducing post-trimming increases in lying time. We further hypothesized that drug treatment would improve post-trimming milk production. Our objective was to determine the effects of treatment with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg of BW) at the time of hoof trimming on locomotion, lying times, and milk production in lame and nonlame lactating dairy cows. All cows were filmed for locomotion scoring 1 d before and 1, 8, and 28 d after hoof trimming. Daily time spent standing and lying was recorded for 4 d before and 4 wk after hoof trimming, and daily milk production was recorded for 1 wk before and 8 wk after trimming. Thirty minutes before hoof trimming, an intravenous injection of flunixin meglumine (n = 34) or isotonic sterile saline solution (n = 34) was administered to each cow. Then, all cows had their hooves trimmed using the Dutch method. The same treatment was repeated 24 h after hoof trimming. Cows were categorized using baseline locomotion scores as lame (score ≥3/5) or nonlame (score <3/5). Drug treatment did not affect post-trimming changes in locomotion scores, daily lying times, or milk production. In both treatment groups, most cows had the same lameness status (lame or nonlame) at baseline and after treatment, and there was no difference between groups in the number of cows that changed lameness status over time. Lame cows (n = 21) had no significant changes in lying times over the course of the study, whereas nonlame cows (n = 47) had mean daily lying times that were significantly higher than baseline all 4 wk after trimming. Hoof trimming in nonlame cows should be scheduled for a time when increased lying behavior after trimming can be accommodated.

Efficacy of orally administered gabapentin in horses with chronic thoracic limb lameness

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the analgesic effects of orally administered gabapentin on horses with chronic thoracic limb lameness.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized, crossover design.

ANIMALS

A total of 14 adult horses with chronic thoracic limb lameness.

METHODS

Following baseline measurement of lameness, horses were administered each of four treatments orally in grain: treatment G, gabapentin (20 mg kg^-1) twice daily for 13 doses; treatment F, firocoxib (171 mg once, then 57 mg once daily for six doses); treatment GF, gabapentin and firocoxib at previously stated doses and frequencies; or treatment C, grain only as a control. Treatments were administered in a randomized, crossover design, separated by 2 weeks. Subjective lameness score (SLS), inertial sensor vector sum (VS) calculations, peak vertical ground reaction force (PVGRF) measurements and vertical impulse (VI) calculations were determined immediately prior to each initial treatment dose and 2-4 hours after the final treatment dose for each treatment. Mean change in SLS, VS, PVGRF and VI for each treatment were compared among treatments.

RESULTS

The rank change in SLS of treatment GF was significantly greater than that of treatments C (p = 0.01) and G (p = 0.01) but not of treatment F (p = 0.08). No differences in VS (p = 0.4), PVGRF (p = 0.4) or VI (p = 0.1) were observed among treatments.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Gabapentin, as administered here, did not improve subjective or objective measures of lameness in horses with chronic thoracic limb musculoskeletal pain. Although subjective evaluation identified an improvement in lameness with treatment GF, it was not different from that observed with treatment F. Higher oral dosing and longer treatment regimens of gabapentin may be indicated for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain in horses.

Pushing the boundaries of pelvic exenteration by maintaining survival at the cost of morbidity

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenteration (PE) provides a potentially curative option for advanced or recurrent malignancy confined to the pelvis. A clear (R0) resection margin is the strongest prognostic factor predicting long-term survival, driving most technical advances in PE surgery. The aim of this cohort study was to describe changing trends in extent of resection, postoperative complications, mortality and overall survival after PE surgery.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent PE for advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancy at a single institution in Sydney, Australia, were identified. The cohort was divided into three groups based on time periods reflecting annual surgical volume: 1994-2006 (20 or fewer procedures per year), 2007-2013 (21-50 procedures per year) and 2014-2017 (over 50 procedures per year). Primary outcomes were extent of resection, postoperative complications, 60-day mortality and 3-year overall survival. Secondary outcomes were patient characteristics, receipt of neoadjuvant therapy and duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

There were increases over time in rates of lateral and posterior compartment resections (P < 0·001), and bony pelvis (P = 0·002) and neurovascular (P < 0·001) excision. For patients undergoing reconstruction, the proportion receiving vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flaps increased significantly (P = 0·005). Rates of wound infection, dehiscence, and abdominal and pelvic collections increased over the study interval. Short-term mortality decreased, and 1- and 3-year survival rates improved.

CONCLUSION

Technical and surgical advancements have led to more complex PE resections, with R0 and mortality rates improving with higher annual volume. There were associated increases in intraoperative blood loss and postoperative morbidity.

Subtourniquet pressures generated by application of wide-rubber tourniquets in standing, sedated horses

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of location and movement on subtourniquet pressure (STP) generated by application of a wide-rubber tourniquet (WRT) on equine limbs.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized experimental cross-over design.

ANIMALS

Six standing, sedated horses.

METHODS

Horses were sedated with detomidine hydrochloride (0.2 μg/kg IV), and 4 investigators applied WRTs to the antebrachium (AB), gaskin (GK), and midmetacarpus (MC) of each horse in a predetermined, randomized order. Subtourniquet pressure was consequently measured at 10-minute intervals (T0, T10, T20, T30) for 30 minutes. Indirect systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured presedation, postsedation, and throughout the tourniquet application period. Target STP was established as SBP + 100 mm Hg. Limb movements at each location were classified as none, low, moderate, or high, on the basis of counts and magnitude.

RESULTS

Mean STP did not change with time (P = .93) and exceeded SBP by 163 mm Hg (95% CI 122-205), 185 mm Hg (95% CI 156-214), and 402 mm Hg (95% CI 351-454) at the AB, GK, and MC, respectively. Mean STP at each location exceeded the target STP in 59 of 70 (81%) of the trials. Limb movements affected STP generated by tourniquets at the AB (P = .04) and MC (P < .0001) but not at the GK (P = .67).

CONCLUSION

Wide-rubber tourniquets applied at the AB, GK, and MC generated STP >100 mm Hg above SBP for 30 minutes in standing, sedated horses.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Wide-rubber tourniquets as applied in this study can achieve and maintain the current recommended STP (SBP + 100 mm Hg) for equine IV regional limb perfusion. Number and magnitude of limb movement can decrease STP over time, potentially reducing the efficacy of a WRT.

Gum chewing aids bowel function return and analgesic requirements after bowel surgery: a randomized controlled trial

AIM

The aim was to compare the effectiveness of chewing sugar-free gum after bowel resection on bowel function and length of stay.

METHOD

This was a randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing elective open or laparoscopic bowel surgery, who were allocated into two groups: a chewing gum group (CG); or a nonchewing gum group (NG). Primary outcomes were time to discharge (length of hospital stay [LOS]), time to first flatus (TFF) and time to first bowel motion (TBM). Secondary outcomes were complication rates, pain and total morphine equivalent (TMEq) medication for 7 days after the procedure.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2013, 162 patients were randomized; four were excluded, leaving 158 in the study (82 in the CG and 76 in the NG). There was no difference in LOS between the CG (5.8 days) and the NG (6.1 days) (P = 0.403) or in the median TFF between the CG (42.0 h) and the NG (58.0 h) (P = 0.076). The median TBM was lower in the CG (40.0 h) than in the NG (90.0 h) (P = 0.002). There was no difference in intra-operative complications between the CG (9%) and the NG (9%) (P = 0.901) or in early postoperative complications (44% for CG and 55% for NG) (P = 0.131). There was no difference in TMEq at 24 h postprocedure, but the CG had reduced TMEq from days 2 to 7 post procedure and for the 7-day total. Pain was higher among patients in the NG on day 3.

CONCLUSION

Chewing sugar-free gum resulted in an earlier return to bowel function and decreased analgesic requirements. There was no decrease in overall LOS or postoperative complications.

Effect of lower-energy, higher-fiber diets on pigs divergently selected for residual feed intake when fed higher-energy, lower-fiber diets

Residual feed intake (RFI) is the difference between observed and predicted feed intake of an animal, based on growth and maintenance requirements. In Yorkshire pigs, divergent selection for increased (Low RFI) and decreased (High RFI) RFI was carried out over 10 generations (G) while feeding a corn- and soybean-meal-based, higher-energy, lower-fiber (HELF) diet. In G8 to G10, representing 4 replicates, barrows and gilts (n = 649) of the RFI lines were fed the HELF diet and a diet incorporating coproducts that were lower in energy and higher in dietary fiber (LEHF). The diets differed in ME, 3.32 vs. 2.87 Mcal/kg, and in neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 9.4% vs. 25.9%, respectively. The impact of the LEHF diet on 1) performance and growth, 2) diet digestibility, 3) genetic parameter estimates, and 4) responses to selection for RFI, when fed the HELF, was assessed. In general, the LEHF diet reduced the performance of both lines. When fed the HELF diet, the Low RFI pigs had lower (P < 0.05) ADFI (-12%), energy intake (-12%), ADG (-6%), and backfat depth (-12%); similar (P > 0.05) loin muscle area (LMA; +5%); and greater (P < 0.05) feed efficiency (i.e., 8% higher G:F and 7% lower RFI) than the High RFI line. These patterns of line differences were still present under the LEHF diet but differences for ADFI (-11%), energy intake (-10%), G:F (+2%), and RFI (-6%) were reduced compared to the HELF diet. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of the HELF and LEHF diets was assessed using 116 barrows and gilts from G8. When fed the HELF diet, ATTD of DM, GE, N, and NDF were similar between lines (P ≥ 0.27), but when fed the LEHF diet, the Low RFI pigs had greater digestibility (7%, 7%, 10%, and 32%) than the High RFI line (P ≤ 0.04). To measure responses to selection for RFI and estimate genetic parameters, data from all 10 generations were used (HELF; n = 2,310; LEHF, n = 317). Heritability estimates of performance traits ranged from 0.19 to 0.63, and genetic correlations of traits between diets were high and positive, ranging from 0.87 (RFI) to 0.99 (LMA). By G10, RFI in the Low RFI line was 3.86 and 1.50 genetic SD lower than in the High RFI line when fed the HELF and LEHF diets, respectively. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that responses to selection for RFI when fed a HELF diet are not fully realized when pigs are fed an extremely LEHF diet. Thus, feeding diets that differ from those used for selection may not maximize genetic potential for feed efficiency.

A randomized controlled trial of four different regimes of biofeedback programme in the treatment of faecal incontinence

AIM

Biofeedback is an established, effective and non-invasive treatment for faecal incontinence (FI). The aim was to compare the effectiveness of four different biofeedback treatment regimes.

METHOD

This was a randomized control trial of patients with FI, stratified into two groups (metropolitan and rural) and then randomized into two subgroups (groups 1 and 2 within metropolitan, groups 3 and 4 within rural) with varying face-to-face and telephone biofeedback components. All patients received standardized counselling and education, dietary modification and the use of anti-diarrhoeal medications. Group 1 received four monthly face-to-face biofeedback treatments, groups 2 and 3 received one face-to-face biofeedback followed by telephone biofeedback and group 4 received a one-off face-to-face biofeedback treatment. Primary outcomes were patient-assessed severity of FI and quality of life as assessed by the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and direct questioning of objectives. Secondary outcomes included St Mark's incontinence score, anxiety, depression and anorectal physiology measures (resting, squeeze pressures; isotonic, isometric fatigue times).

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2012, 351 patients were recruited. One patient died leaving 350 for analysis. 332 (95%) were women. Mean age was 60 (SD = 14). All groups had significant improvements in FI, quality of life, incontinence score and mental status (P < 0.001 each). There were no differences in improvements in FI between groups although patient satisfaction was less with reduced face-to-face contact. There were modest improvements in isotonic and isometric fatigue times suggesting improved sphincter endurance (both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Biofeedback is effective for FI. Although face-to-face and telephone biofeedback is not necessary to improve FI, it is important for patient satisfaction.

Short communication: Behavioral evaluation of the analgesic effect of flunixin meglumine in lame dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of flunixin meglumine treatment on lameness pain in dairy cows. Twenty-four lactating Holstein cows were enrolled in the study based on visual observation of abnormal locomotion. The primary measurement endpoint was weight-shifting between the rear limbs. Weight-shifting was calculated as the standard deviation of the weight borne on the rear limbs over a 15 min period; this value correlates directly with lameness pain in dairy cows. After collecting baseline weight-bearing data, we randomly assigned cows to 1 of 2 treatment groups: 2.2 mg/kg body weight flunixin meglumine (2 mL/45 kg) or an equivalent volume of isotonic sterile saline solution. Weight-bearing data were collected from each cow at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after a single intravenous drug treatment. Mean locomotion scores over the 2 d before treatment were 2.38/5 in the flunixin-treated group and 2.43/5 in the saline-treated control group; these values were not significantly different. Weight-shifting values were also not significantly different on either pretreatment day. Cows treated with flunixin meglumine showed significantly less weight-shifting between the rear limbs at 6, 12, and 24 h after treatment compared with saline-treated controls, providing evidence that flunixin meglumine alleviates lameness-associated pain.

Genomewide association analysis of sow lactation performance traits in lines of Yorkshire pigs divergently selected for residual feed intake during grow-finish phase

Lactation is an economically and biologically important phase in the life cycle of sows. Short generation intervals in nucleus herds and low heritability of traits associated with lactation along with challenges associated with collecting accurate lactation performance phenotypes emphasize the importance of using genomic tools to examine the underlying genetics of these traits. We report the first genomewide association study (GWAS) on traits associated with lactation and efficiency in 2 lines of Yorkshire pigs that were divergently selected for residual feed intake during grow-finish phase. A total of 862 farrowing records from 2 parities were analyzed using a Bayesian whole genome variable selection model (Bayes B) to locate 1-Mb regions that were most strongly associated with each trait. The GWAS was conducted separately for parity 1 and 2 records. Marker-based heritabilities ranged from 0.03 to 0.39 for parity 1 traits and from 0.06 to 0.40 for parity 2 traits. For all traits studied, around 90% of genetic variance came from a large number of genomic regions with small effects, whereas genomic regions with large effects were found to be different for the same trait measured in parity 1 and 2. The highest percentage of genetic variance explained by a 1-Mb window for each trait ranged from 0.4% for feed intake during lactation to 4.2% for back fat measured at farrowing in parity 1 sows and from 0.2% for lactation feed intake to 5.4% for protein mass loss during lactation in parity 2 sows. A total of thirteen 1-Mb nonoverlapping windows were found to explain more than 1.5% of genetic variance for either a single trait or across multiple traits. These 1-Mb windows were on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, and 18. The major positional candidate genes within 1 Mb upstream and downstream of these windows were , (SSC2), (SSC6) (SSC7), (SSC8), (SSC11), (SSC14), (SSC17). Further validation studies on larger populations are required to validate these findings and to improve our understanding of the biology and complex genetic architecture of traits associated with sow lactation performance.

Effect of selection for residual feed intake during the grow/finish phase of production on sow reproductive performance and lactation efficiency

As feed costs continue to rise and efficiency during finishing is emphasized, the impact of selecting for more efficient grow/finish pigs on reproductive performance and feed efficiency of sows must be evaluated. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate correlated responses for sow reproductive performance and lactation feed efficiency to selection for residual feed intake (RFI) during the grow/finish phase of production (RFI) in 2 selection lines of pigs developed at Iowa State University (Ames, IA) and to estimate heritabilities of these traits. One line was selected over 7 generations for decreased RFIG/F (low RFI [LRFI] line) and the other line was randomly selected for 5 generations and then selected for increased RFIG/F (high RFI [HRFI] line). After 7 generations of selection, LRFI sows had 1.0 more piglets farrowed ( = 0.11) compared with HRFI sows, 1.3 more pigs born alive ( < 0.05), similar farrowing survival, 0.4 fewer mummies ( < 0.01), and more piglets weaned, both by litter (1.6 more; < 0.01) and by sow (1.1 more; < 0.01). Low RFI sows consumed 25 kg less feed and lost 9.8 kg more BW, 7.0 kg more fat mass, and 3.1 mm more backfat than HRFI sows ( < 0.001) during lactation. Although LRFI sows had a greater negative energy balance (-19.8 vs. -8.0 MJ ME/d; < 0.001), they had better RFI during lactation (-28.6 vs. 8.2 kg; < 0.0001), and the trend was for LRFI sows to have better lactation efficiency (61.3 vs. 57.8%; = 0.47) than HRFI sows. Heritabilities for sow weights, sow body composition, sow maintenance requirements (estimated from BW), and piglet birth weight were high ( > 0.4, SE < 0.07). Traits pertaining to piglet growth during lactation and mobilization of body tissue of the sow were moderately heritable (0.2 < < 0.4, SE < 0.07). In conclusion, selection for decreased RFI has favorably affected piglet performance and lactation efficiency but has unfavorably affected sow body condition loss and energy balance during lactation. These results indicate that pigs selected for increased efficiency during grow-finish are better able to direct resources where needed during other life history phases, that is, reproduction and lactation.

Cost-effectiveness of pelvic exenteration for locally advanced malignancy

Background

The rising cost of healthcare is well documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of pelvic exenteration (PE).

Methods

Consecutive patients referred for consideration of PE between 2008 and 2011 were recruited into a prospective non-randomized study that compared quality of life (QoL) between patients who did or did not undergo PE. Information on QoL and cost (in Australian dollars, AUD) was collected at baseline, during admission and up to 24 months after discharge. QoL data were converted into a utility-based measure. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated. Bottom-up costing was performed. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated per life-year saved and per QALY.

Results

There were 174 patients with sufficient data for analysis. Of these, 139 underwent PE. R0 was achieved in 78·4 per cent of patients. The survival rate at 24 months after PE was 74·8 per cent compared with 43 per cent in those without exenteration (P = 0·001). Treatment costs were significantly higher for patients who had PE compared with those who did not (mean AUD 137 407 versus 79 174; P &lt; 0·001). The ICER was AUD 124 147 (95 per cent c.i. 71 585 to 261 876) per life-year saved and AUD 227 330 (109 974 to 1 100 449) per QALY. Curative PE (R0) was found to be more cost-effective than non-curative PE (R1/R2), with an ICER of AUD 101 518 (60 105 to 200 428) versus 390 712 (74 368 to 82 256 739) per life-year saved.

Conclusion

Treatment of advanced pelvic cancers is expensive regardless of the treatment intent. For a cost difference of only AUD 58 000 (€38 264), PE offers a chance of cure, and improves survival and QoL.

Assessing peripheral blood cell profile of Yorkshire pigs divergently selected for residual feed intake

The cost of feed is a serious issue in the pork industry, contributing about 65 to 75% of the total production cost. To prevent economic losses and decreased productivity of the herd, it is important to select for animals that eat less for the same lean gain, or more efficient animals. Residual feed intake (RFI) is the difference between observed feed intake and expected feed intake based on estimated maintenance and production requirements. Selection for decreased RFI, or more efficient animals, is a potential solution to higher feed costs in pig production. However, animals that are highly selected for decreased RFI may have reduced energy input to the immune system and fail to withstand diseases and stressors after infection that negatively impact profitability. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in circulating blood cell profiles at a young age between 2 lines of Yorkshire pigs that were divergently selected for RFI as well as the heritability of these traits, to investigate effects of selection for RFI on immune system parameters, and to identify potential biomarkers for feed efficiency. Previous work has shown that the 2 lines had diverged for IGF-1 in serum in young pigs and, therefore, this stage was investigated for other potential physiological differences. Blood samples were drawn for a complete blood count (CBC) analysis from 517 gilts and barrows, ages 35 to 42 d, across the 2 lines. In general, the low-RFI line had lower numbers of specific types of white blood cells but higher hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell volume compared to the high-RFI line. No significant correlations were found between CBC traits and RFI across and within the lines (0.05 < < 0.1). Of the 15 CBC traits that were measured, 3 were highly heritable (0.56 < < 0.62), 9 were moderately heritable (0.12 < < 0.47), and 3 were lowly heritable ( < 0.12), suggesting a substantial genetic component for CBC traits and that selection for CBC traits could be effective. Our results also show that selection for RFI has significantly impacted the number of circulating blood cells. In this experiment, we studied only healthy animals that were not under known pathogen challenge; therefore, our results cannot be directly applied to a disease challenge situation. Future work will be to challenge the animals and determine the effect of challenge on CBC levels.

Composition and quality characteristics of carcasses from pigs divergently selected for residual feed intake on high- or low-energy diets

The objective was to determine the extent to which feeding low-energy, high-fiber (LEHF) and high-energy, low-fiber (HELF) diets impacts meat quality and carcass composition of pigs divergently selected for residual feed intake (RFI). Two experiments were conducted in the divergently selected Iowa State University RFI lines: Exp. 1 evaluated carcasses of generation (G) 8 pigs fed on commercial feeders; Exp. 2 evaluated composition, pork quality, sensory, and postmortem proteolysis of pigs fed on electronic single-space feeders in G 8 and 9. Pigs (N = 177) in Exp. 1 were randomly assigned a pen (mixed sex and line; N = 8). Groups (n = 3) of pigs were slaughtered at a mean BW of 121.5 kg. Pigs in Exp. 2 (G8: n = 158; G9: n = 157) were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 pens of each diet per G. Pigs from G8 were slaughtered at a mean BW of 122.5 kg and G9 at a mean of 128.4 kg. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS. Fixed effects were line, diet, sex, and all appropriate interactions. Random effects were group, pen, litter, and sire and covariate of off-test BW. For Exp. 2, G was added as a fixed effect and sensory day was added as a random effect when applicable. In Exp. 1, carcasses from low RFI (LRFI) pigs were leaner and had less fat depth (P < 0.01). Carcasses from pigs fed the LEHF diet had a lighter HCW and greater estimated percent lean than pigs fed HELF diet (P < 0.01). In Exp. 2, LRFI pigs on the HELF diet had the greatest loin depth (P < 0.01). Chops from HRFI pigs had greater drip loss, color scores, lean tissue a*, and percent lipid and lesser percent moisture than LRFI ( P< 0.05). Chops from pigs on the LEHF diet had lesser muscle L* values and greater percent moisture than chops from pigs fed the HELF diet (P < 0.05). Chops from LRFI pigs were juicer than those from HRFI pigs (P < 0.05). Protein extracted at d 2 postmortem from LRFI pigs on the LEHF diet had a greater 38 kDa desmin degradation product than protein from LRFI pigs fed the HELF diet (P < 0.05). Day 5 postmortem extracted protein from HRFI pigs had greater 38 kDa desmin degradation product than LRFI (P = 0.05). Pigs fed LEHF (P < 0.01) had adipose with a greater iodine value than adipose from HELF fed pigs. Pork sensory quality from pigs differentially selected for residual feed intake was not influenced by energy content of the diet the pigs were fed.

Fermentation of glycerol into ethanol in a microbial electrolysis cell driven by a customized consortium

The in situ generation of ethanol from glycerol-containing wastewater shows promise to improve the economics of the biodiesel industry. Consequently, we developed a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) driven by the synergistic metabolisms of the exoelectrogen Geobacter sulfurreducens and the bacterium Clostridium cellobioparum, which fermented glycerol into ethanol in high yields (90%) and produced fermentative byproducts that served as electron donors for G. sulfurreducens. Syntrophic cooperation stimulated glycerol consumption, ethanol production, and the conversion of fermentation byproducts into cathodic H2 in the MEC. The platform was further improved by adaptively evolving glycerol-tolerant strains with robust growth at glycerol loadings typical of biodiesel wastewater and by increasing the buffering capacity of the anode medium. This resulted in additional increases in glycerol consumption (up to 50 g/L) and ethanol production (up to 10 g/L) at rates that greatly exceeded the capacity of the anode biofilms to concomitantly remove the fermentation byproducts. As a result, 1,3-propanediol was generated as a metabolic sink for electrons not converted into electricity syntrophically. The results highlight the potential of consortia to process glycerol in MECs and provide insights into genetic engineering and system design approaches that can be implemented to further improve MEC performance to satisfy industrial needs.

Patient and clinician preferences for surgical and medical treatment options in ulcerative colitis

AIM

When treating patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), the choice between escalating medical management or surgery can be difficult. The aim of this study was to quantify the preferences of patients and clinicians for the treatment options in UC.

METHOD

Ulcerative colitis outpatients were interviewed to measure their preferences for five scenarios examining the management of acute and chronic UC, using a prospective measure of preference method that generates two utility scores: willingness and amount of expected life to trade or gamble. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to Australian and New Zealand colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients (26 medical and 29 surgical), 91 surgeons and 78 gastroenterologists were surveyed. In the acute setting, 89% of patients, 69% of gastroenterologists and 55% of surgeons were willing to trade part of their life expectancy to avoid a permanent stoma, while for chronic disease 71% of patients were prepared to trade to avoid an operation with a permanent stoma compared with 55% for an operation with a pouch (P = 0.01). Both patients and gastroenterologists were more prepared to gamble or trade to avoid any surgery than were colorectal surgeons. All groups were aligned in their decision to undergo yearly colonoscopy surveillance rather than to undergo definitive surgery that would result in a stoma.

CONCLUSION

Patient preferences for the treatment of UC were more aligned to those of gastroenterologists than those of colorectal surgeons. Despite postoperative studies revealing an equal quality of life for pouch and stoma patients, this study confirmed that a pouch is the preferred surgical option.

Quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes following exenteration for pelvic malignancy

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenteration is highly radical surgery offering the only potential cure for locally advanced pelvic cancer. This study compared quality of life and other relevant patient-reported outcomes over 12 months for patients who did and those who did not undergo pelvic exenteration.

METHODS

Consecutive patients referred for consideration of pelvic exenteration completed clinical and patient-reported outcome assessments at baseline, hospital discharge (exenteration patients only), and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Outcomes included cancer-specific quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Colorectal; FACT-C), physical and mental health status (Short Form 36 version 2), psychological distress (Distress Thermometer), and pain (study-specific composite) scores. Linear mixed modelling compared trajectories between exenteration and no-exenteration groups.

RESULTS

Among 182 patients, 148 (81.3 per cent) proceeded to exenteration. There were no baseline differences between the two groups. Among patients who had exenteration, the mean FACT-C score at baseline of 93.0 had reduced by 14·4 points at hospital discharge, but increased to 86·7 at 1 month after surgery and continued to improve, returning to baseline by 9 months. For patients in the no-exenteration group, FACT-C scores decreased between baseline and 1 month, increased slowly to 6 months and then began to decline at 9 months. There were few statistically or clinically significant differences in any patient-reported outcomes between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Quality of life and related patient-reported outcomes improve rapidly after pelvic exenteration surgery. For 9 months after surgery, these outcomes are comparable with those of similar do patients who do not have surgery; thereafter, there is a decline in patients who do not have exenteration. Pelvic exenteration can be performed with acceptable quality of life and patient-reported outcomes.