Erratum: Phylogeography of the Tyrrhenian red deer (Cervus elaphus corsicanus) resolved using ancient DNA of radiocarbon-dated subfossils.

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Phylogeography of the Tyrrhenian red deer (Cervus elaphus corsicanus) resolved using ancient DNA of radiocarbon-dated subfossils.

We present ancient mitochondrial DNA analyses of 31 complete cytochrome b gene sequences from subfossil red deer remains from the Tyrrhenian islands (Corsica and Sardinia) and mainland Italy in a European-wide phylogeographic framework. Tyrrhenian and North African red deer, both going back to human introductions, were previously the only red deer to harbour the mitochondrial B lineage whose origin, however, remained unknown. Our ancient Italian samples from the central part of the peninsula that were radiocarbon-dated to an age of ca. 6300 to 15 600 cal BP all showed B haplotypes, closely related or even identical to those found on Sardinia. Genetic diversity in the mainland population was considerably higher than on the islands. Together with palaeontological evidence our genetic results identify the Italian Peninsula as the ultimate origin of the B lineage and thus the Tyrrhenian and North African red deer. This is in line with previous biogeographic findings that uncovered distinct intraspecific phylogeographic lineages in Italian mammals, underlining Italy's status as a hotspot of European mammalian diversity.

Primary bronchotomy for removal of an intrabronchial foreign body in a dog.

An 8-year-old, spayed female toy poodle presented with wounds sustained from a dog fight. The multiple orthopedic injuries present were managed surgically. Months later, a chronic cough developed secondary to an aspirated canine tooth in the mainstem bronchus of the right cranial lung that was nonresponsive to medical management. A thoracotomy and primary bronchotomy were performed to remove the aspirated tooth, resulting in complete resolution of clinical signs. Bronchial foreign bodies are rarely diagnosed in companion animals. Primary bronchotomy is an alternative to bronchoscopy or lung lobectomy in cases that do not respond to medical management.

Luxation of the superficial digital flexor tendon in a cat.

Superficial digital flexor luxation has been described in dogs, horses, and cattle. To the authors' knowledge, it has not been reported in cats. In the case of this report, monofilament nonabsorbable suture material was used to repair a laterally luxating superficial digital flexor tendon in a cat. The repair was similar to that which has been described in dogs. Whereas many etiologies of superficial tendon luxation have been proposed in dogs, trauma was believed to have contributed to the tendon luxation in this cat.

Potential central nervous system complications of von Willebrand's disease.

Three Doberman pinschers were presented on emergency referral for progressive neurological deficits. All three dogs had a similar onset of clinical signs associated with an apparently minor traumatic event. Each dog progressed to significant neurological dysfunction including paraplegia, tetraplegia, and/or loss of deep pain sensation. None of the animals was apparently affected by cervical vertebral instability ("Wobbler's Syndrome"). All were confirmed to have von Willebrand's disease. In all cases, significant epidural hemorrhage was identified. The etiology of each hemorrhage, however, was different for each animal. The cases presented here demonstrate a potential relationship between neurological deficits and the patient's ability to effectively coagulate blood. Hemostatic abnormalities, such as von Willebrand's disease, should be included as possible differential diagnoses or contributing factors in animals demonstrating neurological deficits. These abnormalities should especially be considered following trauma, intervertebral disk extrusion, or spinal surgery.

Clinical features of trigeminal nerve-sheath tumor in 10 dogs.

Nerve-sheath tumor was diagnosed in 10 dogs with clinical signs of unilateral trigeminal nerve dysfunction. Unilateral temporalis and masseter muscle atrophy were present in all cases. An enlarged foramen and distorted rostral petrous temporal bone were seen with computed tomography imaging in one case. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to identify the lesion accurately in seven cases. Surgery was performed for biopsy and lesion removal in three cases. Cases not treated had a progressive course eventually resulting in euthanasia or death. Of the cases treated surgically, one case is alive without disease progression 27 months after surgery. Survival times of the nontreated cases ranged from five to 21 months.

Radiographic, densitometric, and biomechanical effects of recombinant canine somatotropin in an unstable ostectomy gap model of bone healing in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of recombinant canine somatotropin (STH) on radiographic, densitometric, and biomechanical aspects of bone healing using an unstable ostectomy gap model. STUDY DESIGN: After an ostectomy of the midshaft radius, bone healing was evaluated over an 8-week period in control dogs (n = 4) and dogs receiving recombinant canine STH (n = 4). ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Eight sexually intact female Beagle dogs, 4 to 5 years old. METHODS: Bone healing was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative evaluation of serial radiographs every 2 weeks. Terminal dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and three-point bending biomechanical testing were also performed. RESULTS: Dogs receiving STH had more advanced radiographic healing of ostectomy sites. Bone area, bone mineral content, and bone density were two to five times greater at the ostectomy sites of treated dogs. Ultimate load at failure and stiffness were three and five times greater in dogs receiving STH. CONCLUSIONS: Using the ostectomy gap model, recombinant canine STH enhanced the radiographic, densitometric, and biomechanical aspects of bone healing in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs at risk for delayed healing of fractures may benefit from treatment with recombinant canine STH.

Effusive-constrictive pericardial disease secondary to osseous metaplasia of the pericardium in a dog.

Osseous metaplasia of the pericardium causing effusive-constrictive pericardial disease has not, to our knowledge, been reported in dogs. Clinical signs of right-sided congestive heart failure prompted examination of the dog of this report. Documented causes of constrictive pericardial disease in dogs include trauma and actinomycotic, mycobacterial, and fungal infections. These causes were ruled out in this dog. Immune-mediated disorders, as have been reported in people, also were considered unlikely on the basis of test results. It was concluded that this dog had idiopathic osseous metaplasia of the pericardium and pleura. Signs of right-sided congestive heart failure resolved after subtotal pericardiectomy was performed.

Metabolic and histologic effects of recombinant canine somatotropin on bone healing in dogs, using an unstable ostectomy gap model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of recombinant canine somatotropin (STH) on the metabolic and histologic aspects of bone healing in dogs, using an unstable ostectomy gap model. ANIMALS: 8 mature dogs. PROCEDURE: A 3-mm ostectomy of the mid portion of the radius was performed in all dogs. Implants designed to release STH at a rate of 4 mg/d were placed SC in 4 dogs (treated group [STHG]), and another 4 dogs received no implants (control group [CG]). Serum concentrations of STH, insulin-like growth factor I, and osteocalcin were determined before surgery, and weekly for 8 weeks. Scintigraphic evaluation of the ostectomy sites was performed before surgery, and at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 after surgery. Histologic evaluation ofthe ostectomy sites was performed at the conclusion of the study at week 8. RESULTS: Significant (P < 0.05) increases in serum STH, insulin-like growth factor I, and osteocalcin concentrations were observed in dogs of the STHG during the 8-week study period. Scintigraphic activity of the ostectomy sites was increased in dogs of both groups, but dogs of the STHG had significantly (P < 0.05) greater activity, compared with dogs of the CG. Coalescence of nuclear activity across the ostectomy site was observed in dogs of the STHG, whereas dogs of the CG maintained 2 distinct areas of metabolic activity. Histologically, dogs of the STHG had bridging calluses with areas of endochondral ossification and ongoing osteogenic activity, whereas dogs of the CG had nonossified fibrocartilage typical of nonunion fractures. CONCLUSION: Using the ostectomy gap model, recombinant canine STH enhanced the metabolic and histologic aspects of bone healing in dogs.

Elevated urinary leukotriene E4 in chronic lung disease of extreme prematurity.

We determined if pulmonary peptidoleukotrienes contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic lung disease of extreme prematurity (CLD) by measuring urinary leukotriene E4 (uLTE4). Study patients had a birth weight < 1000 g and were about 28 d old when they were classified as normal control subjects (n = 8) or as having CLD (n = 26, abnormal chest X-ray, supplemental O2 requirement +/- ventilator). Urinary LTE4 levels were significantly elevated in CLD compared with the control group (288 +/- 92 versus 35 +/- 10 pg/mg creatinine, mean +/- SE, p < 0.05). Ventilator-dependent CLD patients, who required dexamethasone and had demonstrated uLTE4 levels above the normal range, needed significantly higher peak inspiratory pressures (20 +/- 1 cm H2O versus 15 +/- 1 cm H2O) than similar patients with uLTE4 in the normal range, and the former group had a significant reduction in uLTE4 in the first 5 d of dexamethasone therapy (626 +/- 198 to 451 +/- 176 pg/mg Cr) as ventilatory support was reduced. We conclude that peptidoleukotriene production is activated in patients with CLD (and no other detectable organ dysfunction) to pathophysiologic levels described in adults with acute asthma. Prospective studies focused on infants dependent on high levels of ventilatory support may provide insights into the role of leukotriene synthesis inhibitors or receptor antagonists in the treatment of CLD.

Effects of cephalothin, cefazolin, and cefmetazole on the hemostatic mechanism in normal dogs: implications for the surgical patient.

Twenty-six female beagles were used to evaluate the effects of intravenous and long-term subcutaneous administration of cephalothin, cefazolin, and cefmetazole on platelet function and the coagulation cascade. Platelet aggregation in response to an adenosine diphosphate (ADP) agonist, bleeding time, platelet count, platelet size, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTT) were evaluated before and 90 minutes after two intravenous doses (22 mg/kg) of cephalothin, cefazolin, and cefmetazole given at 90-minute intervals. Dogs given saline injections were used as controls. Platelet count, platelet size, PT, and aPTT were evaluated after 7 days of subcutaneous administration of saline, cefazolin, and cefmetazole (22 mg/kg every 8 hours). A significant decrease in platelet aggregation in response to ADP was detected 90 minutes after intravenous administration of cephalothin. Bleeding time was increased significantly 90 minutes after intravenous administration of cefmetazole. Platelet size was decreased significantly 24 hours after onset of the study in all animals, including controls. No significant changes in platelet count, platelet size, PT, or aPTT were detected after 7 days of subcutaneous administration. Cefazolin had no adverse effects on platelet aggregation in response to ADP, bleeding time, platelet count, platelet size, PT, or aPTT. Therefore, cefazolin should be considered as a perioperative antibiotic in dogs with conditions predisposing to hemostatic complications.

Epitaxial cuprate superconductor/ferroelectric heterostructures.

Thin-film heterostructures of Bi(4)Ti(3)O(12)Bi(2)Sr(2)CuO(6+x), have been grown on single crystals of SrTiO(3), LaAlO(3), and MgAl(2)O(4) by pulsed laser deposition. X-ray diffraction studies show the presence of c-axis orientation only; Rutherford backscattering experiments show the composition to be close to the nominal stoichiometry. The films are ferroelectric and exhibit a symmetric hysteresis loop. The remanent polarization was 1.0 microcoulomb per square centimeter, and the coercive field was 2.0 x 10(5) volts per centimeter. Similar results were obtained with YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-x) and Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8+x), and single-crystal Bi(2)Sr(2)CuO(6+x)as the bottom electrodes. These films look promising for use as novel, lattice-matched, epitaxial ferroelectric film/electrode heterostructures in nonvolatile memory applications.

A-Axis--Oriented YBa2Cu3O7/PrBa2Cu3O7 Superlattices.

A modulated structure has been fabricated from high transition temperature superconductors where the individual CuO(2) planes are composed of alternating superconducting and insulating strips. This structure is made by growing a-axis-oriented YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7)/PrBa(2)Cu(3)O(7) superlattices by 90 degrees off-axis sputtering on (100)SrTiO(3) and (100)LaAlO(3) substrates. Superlattice modulation is observed to a modulation wavelength of 24 angstroms (12 angstroms-YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7)/12 angstroms-PrBa(2)Cu(3)O(7)), both by x-ray diffraction and by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy indicates a high degree of crystalline perfection with a channeling minimum yield of 3 percent. Quasi-one-dimensional conductivity should be obtainable in these structures.

All-optical data switching in an optical-fiber link using a GaAs optical bistable device.

We demonstrate the potential for all-optical processing of data transmitted over single-mode fibers using a bistable optical device (BOD). A stream of clock/bias pulses transmitted over a 1-km-long single-mode fiber (SMF) is processed by a pseudorandom data sequence of picosecond pulses transmitted over another 1-km SMF with the help of an optical bistable device. The processed signal from the BOD is transmitted over another kilometer of SMF and detected. The bistable device is an ~3-microm-thick molecular-beam epitaxially grown multiple-quantum-well structure of GaAs and GaAlAs. The clock pulses (at wavelength lambda = 870.0 nm) are just below the threshold for switching on the device, and the switching is accomplished by a pseudorandom data sequence of picosecond pulses (at lambda = 835.0 nm). The pulse width of the data transposed onto the clock stream by the BOD can be controlled by varying the phase of the switching data with respect to the clock, which may be of importance in interle aving data for time-division multiplexing. The experiment also demonstrates the potential of a BOD's capability of switching information from one wavelength to another. With optimized devices regeneration should be possible with reasonable gain.