Retrospective evaluation of the prevalence and risk factors associated with red blood cell transfusions in cats with urethral obstruction (2009-2019): 575 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and factors associated with the need for transfusion in cases of feline urethral obstruction (FUO). Secondarily, to compare survival to discharge in cats receiving an RBC transfusion versus those that did not. DESIGN: Retrospective, multi-institutional study from 2009 to 2019. SETTING: Four university teaching hospitals. ANIMALS: Six hundred twenty-two total occurrences of FUO in 575 cats. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for pertinent information. The overall prevalence of severe anemia (PCV < 0.20 L/L [<20%]) at presentation was 1.0% (6/622). The prevalence of RBC transfusions during hospitalization was 2.1% (13/622). Cats that received an RBC transfusion weighed significantly less than those that did not (4.9 vs 5.8 kg; P = 0.034) and had a lower PCV at presentation (0.30 L/L [30%] vs 0.41 L/L [41%]; P < 0.001). Hospitalization time (240 vs 72 h) and indwelling urinary catheter time (168 vs 48 h) were significantly longer in cats receiving a transfusion compared with those that did not (P < 0.001). Creatinine concentrations were not significantly associated with transfusion administration, while BUN was higher in cats receiving a transfusion (15.35 mmol/L [43 mg/dL] vs. 11.78 mmol/L [33 mg/dL]; P = 0.043). Transfusion rates were significantly higher in cats undergoing perineal urethrostomy (5.5%) compared with those that did not undergo surgery (0.97%; P < 0.001). The overall survival to discharge rate was 96%. Cats not receiving an RBC transfusion were significantly more likely to survive to discharge than those that did (odds ratio: 14.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.8-37; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FUO is rarely associated with severe anemia and the need for RBC transfusions. In this study, cats receiving an RBC transfusion were less likely to survive to discharge; therefore, requiring a blood transfusion may be associated with a worse prognosis. In addition, the need for surgical intervention was associated with a higher prevalence of RBC transfusions.

Exposure to individual polycyclic aromatic compounds impairs the cardiac performance of American lobster (Homarus americanus) larvae.

The potential for oil spills poses a threat to marine organisms, the toxicity of which has been attributed primarily to polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). Predictive tools such as the target lipid model (TLM) have been developed to forecast and assess these risks. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cardiotoxicity of 10 structurally diverse PACs in American lobster (Homarus americanus) larvae by assessing heart rate following a 48 h exposure in a passive dosing system, and subsequently use the TLM framework to calculate a critical target lipid body burden (CTLBB) for bradycardia. Exposure to 8 of the 10 PACs resulted in concentration-dependent bradycardia, with phenanthrene causing the greatest effect. The TLM was able to effectively characterize bradycardia in American lobsters, and the cardiotoxic CTLBB value determined in this study is among the most sensitive endpoints included in the CTLBB database. This study is one of the first to apply the TLM to a cardiac endpoint and will improve predictive models for assessing sublethal impacts of oil spills on American lobster populations.

Improving the design and conduct of aquatic toxicity studies with oils based on 20 years of CROSERF experience.

Laboratory toxicity testing is a key tool used in oil spill science, spill effects assessment, and mitigation strategy decisions to minimize environmental impacts. A major consideration in oil toxicity testing is how to replicate real-world spill conditions, oil types, weathering states, receptor organisms, and modifying environmental factors under laboratory conditions. Oils and petroleum-derived products are comprised of thousands of compounds with different physicochemical and toxicological properties, and this leads to challenges in conducting and interpreting oil toxicity studies. Experimental methods used to mix oils with aqueous test media have been shown to influence the aqueous-phase hydrocarbon composition and concentrations, hydrocarbon phase distribution (i.e., dissolved phase versus in oil droplets), and the stability of oil:water solutions which, in turn, influence the bioavailability and toxicity of the oil containing media. Studies have shown that differences in experimental methods can lead to divergent test results. Therefore, it is imperative to standardize the methods used to prepare oil:water solutions in order to improve the realism and comparability of laboratory tests. The CROSERF methodology, originally published in 2005, was developed as a standardized method to prepare oil:water solutions for testing and evaluating dispersants and dispersed oil. However, it was found equally applicable for use in testing oil-derived petroleum substances. The goals of the current effort were to: (1) build upon two decades of experience to update existing CROSERF guidance for conducting aquatic toxicity tests and (2) to improve the design of laboratory toxicity studies for use in hazard evaluation and development of quantitative effects models that can then be applied in spill assessment. Key experimental design considerations discussed include species selection (standard vs field collected), test substance (single compound vs whole oil), exposure regime (static vs flow-through) and duration, exposure metrics, toxicity endpoints, and quality assurance and control.

Pre-operative Hemostatic Status in Dogs Undergoing Splenectomy for Splenic Masses.

Portal system thrombosis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of splenectomy in dogs. The mechanism behind development of post-operative portal system thrombosis is unclear but may include alterations of portal blood flow following surgery, acquired hypercoagulability and endothelial dysfunction. The aim of the study was to evaluate hemostatic biomarkers in hemodynamically stable (heart rate <130 beats/min, blood lactate < 2.5 mMol/L) and non-anemic (hematocrit >35%) dogs prior to splenectomy for splenic masses. Our hypothesis was that this population of stable dogs would have pre-existing laboratory evidence of hypercoagulability unrelated to shock, bleeding, anemia, or other pre-operative comorbidities. Pre-operatively, abdominal ultrasonography was performed and blood was collected for platelet enumeration, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), kaolin-activated thromboelastography (TEG), fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor activity (vWF:Ag), antithrombin and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT). Histopathological diagnosis and 30-day survival were recorded. None of the 15 enrolled dogs had pre-operative sonographic evidence of portal system thrombosis. Three of fifteen dogs were thrombocytopenic, three had thrombocytosis, three were hyperfibrinogenemic, one had low vWF:Ag, three had mild prolongations of PT and none had abnormal aPTT. Based on the TEG G value, 13/15 dogs were hypercoagulable (mean ± SD 13.5 ± 5.4 kd/s). Antithrombin deficiency was identified in 9/15 dogs (mean ± SD 68.7 ± 22.7%) with 5/9 having concurrently elevated TAT suggesting active thrombin generation. No dogs developed portal system thrombosis and all achieved 30-day survival. Pre-operative hypercoagulability was recognized commonly but its association with post-operative thrombosis remains undetermined.

Sleep patterns, fatigue, and working hours among veterinary house officers: a cross-sectional survey study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sleep patterns, working hours, and perceptions of fatigue among veterinary house officers and to identify potential areas for targeted intervention to improve well-being. SAMPLE: 303 house officers. PROCEDURES: A 62-item questionnaire was generated by use of an online platform and sent to veterinary house officers at participating institutions via email. Responses were analyzed for trends and associations between variables of interest. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 30 ± 3.7 years. Participants included 239 residents and 64 interns. House officers slept significantly less during times when they had clinical responsibilities compared to off-clinic time (6.0 hours vs 7.5 hours, respectively; P < 0.01). The majority of house officers reported working 11 to 13 hours on a typical weekday (58% [174/302]), and 32% reported clinical responsibilities 7 d/wk. Working hours were negatively related to sleep quantity (Pearson correlation coefficient, -0.54; P < 0.01), and perceived sleep quality was worse when on call (P < 0.01). The majority of house officers felt that fatigue negatively interfered with their technical skills, clinical judgment, and ability to empathize to some extent in the previous 4 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most house officers fail to obtain sufficient sleep for optimal cognitive function and physical and mental health. Working hours and on call may be important factors contributing to the sleep patterns of veterinary house officers, and training program structure should be critically evaluated to promote protected time for sleep.

Veterinary house officer perceptions of dimensions of well-being during postgraduate training.

OBJECTIVE: To describe veterinary house officers' perceptions of dimensions of well-being during postgraduate training and to identify potential areas for targeted intervention. SAMPLE: 303 house officers. PROCEDURES: A 62-item questionnaire was generated by use of an online platform and sent to house officers at participating institutions in October 2020. Responses were analyzed for trends and associations between selected variables. RESULTS: 239 residents, 45 rotating interns, and 19 specialty interns responded to the survey. The majority of house officers felt that their training program negatively interfered with their exercise habits, diet, and social engagement. House officers reported engaging in exercise significantly less during times of clinical responsibility, averaging 1.6 exercise sessions/wk (SD ± 0.8) on clinical duty and 2.4 exercise sessions/wk (SD ± 0.9) when not on clinical duty (P < 0.001). Ninety-four percent of respondents reported experiencing some degree of anxiety regarding their physical health, and 95% of house officers reported feeling some degree of anxiety regarding their current financial situation. Overall, 47% reported that their work-life balance was unsustainable for > 1 year; there was no association between specialty and sustainability of work-life balance. Most house officers were satisfied with their current training program, level of clinical responsibility, and mentorship. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Veterinary house officers demonstrated a poor balance between the demands of postgraduate training and maintenance of personal health. Thoughtful interventions are needed to support the well-being of veterinary house officers.

Insulin resistance persists despite a metabolically healthy obesity phenotype.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) is often defined as the absence of metabolic syndrome in the presence of obesity. However, phenotypic features of MHO are unclear. Insulin sensitivity in MHO was cross-sectionally compared with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) and a reference group of young healthy participants without obesity. METHODS: Sedentary adults (n = 96) undergoing anthropometric, blood chemistries, maximal aerobic capacity, and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp measurements were classified by BMI (<25 and ≥30 kg/m2 ). MUO was defined as having obesity with metabolic syndrome (≥2 additional risk factors). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed models approach. RESULTS: Body weight was similar between MHO and MUO. Body fat (percentage) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were higher (p < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin were lower in MHO versus MUO (p < 0.03, all). The MHO group also had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, and insulin compared with the reference. Both the MHO and MUO groups displayed impaired insulin sensitivity compared with the reference control (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Participants with MHO had distinct clinical measures related to hypertension, lipid metabolism, and glycemic control compared with a healthy reference group. Peripheral insulin resistance in obesity independent of metabolic status portends increased risk for type 2 diabetes in the MHO patient population.

Distribution of histopathologic types of primary pulmonary neoplasia in dogs and outcome of affected dogs: 340 cases (2010-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To provide updated information on the distribution of histopathologic types of primary pulmonary neoplasia in dogs and evaluate the effect of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in dogs with pulmonary carcinoma. ANIMALS: 340 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs that underwent lung lobectomy for removal of a primary pulmonary mass were reviewed, and histopathologic type of lesions was determined. The canine lung carcinoma stage classification system was used to determine clinical stage for dogs with pulmonary carcinoma. RESULTS: Pulmonary carcinoma was the most frequently encountered tumor type (296/340 [87.1%]), followed by sarcoma (26 [7.6%]), adenoma (11 [3.2%]), and pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor (5 [1.5%]); there was also 1 plasmacytoma and 1 carcinosarcoma. Twenty (5.9%) sarcomas were classified as primary pulmonary histiocytic sarcoma. There was a significant difference in median survival time between dogs with pulmonary carcinomas (399 days), dogs with histiocytic sarcomas (300 days), and dogs with neuroendocrine tumors (498 days). When dogs with pulmonary carcinomas were grouped on the basis of clinical stage, there were no significant differences in median survival time between dogs that did and did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that pulmonary carcinoma is the most common cause of primary pulmonary neoplasia in dogs; however, nonepithelial tumors can occur. Survival times were significantly different between dogs with pulmonary carcinoma, histiocytic sarcoma, and neuroendocrine tumor, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the relative incidence of these various histologic diagnoses. The therapeutic effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in dogs with pulmonary carcinoma remains unclear and warrants further investigation.

Determination of organic matter in grinding sludges by UV spectrophotometry.

The aim of this paper is to determinate the total organic matter content of grinding sludges by a simple and fast methodology based on a solvent extraction followed by a UV spectrophotometry analysis. Several UV spectra exploitation methods are used. The multiwavelength deconvolution procedure provides quantitative results in good accordance with those obtained by a gravimetric method, possibly underestimated and enables a separate quantification of the cuttings fluids and the lubricants in the sludges. The normalisation procedure and the search of isobestic points provide important qualitative information on the evolution and on the composition of the oils used in metal processing. Therefore, this study is a first step for the development of a tool for the characterisation of organic matter in grinding sludges.

[Analysis of the inflammatory response in elderly hospitalized patients]. / Analyse de la réponse inflammatoire chez des malades âgés hospitalisés.

This report examines the clinical features, biological characteristics and future potential of 146 hospitalized elderly patients (average age: 83.9 +/- 7 years) with and without inflammation at admission. The prognostic values of CRP and orosomucoid tests were assessed. CRP and orosomucoid were measured within three days following admission, and were elevated in 58 patients (40%). Compared with patients free of inflammation, these patients had more diseases per individual (more than two diseases: 70% versus 50%, p < 0.01), lower albumin, prealbumin and cholesterol levels and, when in hospital, more frequent pulmonary infections (31 vs 12%, p < 0.05) and higher death rate (20% vs 5%, p < 0.05). CRP increased with age (R = 0.23, p < 0.01) independently of inflammation and was neither correlated to infections nor to mortality unlike the orosomucoid. An inflammatory response following admission was related to an increase of pulmonary infections and mortality in hospital. Orosomucoid had a better prognostic value, compared with CRP. These data are in agreement with the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of certain genes (NFkappaB, IL6, orosomucoid) involved in inflammation and their modification through ageing.