Isolation of Quartz Grains for Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Dating of Quaternary Sediments for Paleoenvironmental Research.

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating quantifies the time since mineral grains were deposited and shielded from additional light or heat exposure, which effectively resets the luminescence clock. The systematics of OSL dating is based on the dosimetric properties of common minerals, like quartz and feldspar. The acquired luminescence with exposure to natural ionizing radiation after burial provides a depositional age for many Quaternary sedimentary systems, spanning the past 0.5 Ma. This contribution details the procedures for separating pure quartz grains of a known range of particle sizes to facilitate luminescence analysis with small or single grain aliquots. Specifically, protocols are given for the needed data and interpretations for effective OSL dating of terrestrial sediment cores or sample tubes from exposures. These cores, 5-20 m long in 1.2 m sections, are split lengthwise and crown-cut leaving 80% of core volume undisturbed, which facilitates sampling of light-protected sediment for OSL dating deep within the core. Sediment samples are then subjected to a series of physical separations to obtain a certain grain-size interval (e.g., 150-250 µm). Magnetic minerals are removed in wet and dry states using magnets. A series of chemical digestions starts with soaking in H2O2 to remove organic matter, followed by HCl exposure to remove carbonate minerals, followed by density separation. Subsequently, grains are soaked in HF for 80 min and after in HCl to render solely quartz grains. The mineralogic purity (>99%) of the quartz extract is quantified with grain petrographic assessment and Raman spectroscopy. Repeating this quartz isolation procedure may be necessary with sediment that contains <15% quartz grains. Excitation of the purified quartz grains by LED-derived blue and IR light allows calculations of the fast and IR depletion ratios, which are metrics to assess the dominance of luminescence emissions from quartz.

Co-gasification and co-combustion of industrial solid waste mixtures and their implications on environmental emissions, as an alternative management.

The primary sludge produced by the wastewater treatment plant of a pulp and paper mill has high physicochemical heterogeneity, which limits the efficiency of thermochemical methodologies for the final disposal of this residue. As a solution, co-pelletization of the Primary Sludge (PS) with two other principal Industrial Solid Residues (ISRs) of the plant, Coal Boiler Ashes (CBA) and Wood Waste chips (WW), was proposed as a way to valorize the PS for energy use, while reducing dewatering costs. The energy potential was evaluated through a series of thermal co-processing tests of disaggregated and pelletized mixtures. Due to their differing fixed-carbon-to-volatile-material ratios, combining the ISRs resulted in a reduction of up to 45% of the mass of the ISR generated, improving the disposal conditions and achieving a minimum thermal power of 5.0 MJ/Nm3 through gasification. Finally, the environmental implications of the thermal co-processing of the wastes were assessed, finding very low impacts due to pollutant emissions, in accordance with the legal environmental regulations in force in Colombia.

Effect of ascorbic acid on storage of Greyhound erythrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in biochemical and biophysical properties of canine RBCs during cold (1° to 6°C) storage in a licensed RBC additive solution (the RBC preservation solution designated AS-1) supplemented with ascorbic acid. SAMPLE: Blood samples from 7 neutered male Greyhounds; all dogs had negative results when tested for dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1. PROCEDURES: Blood was collected into citrate-phosphate-dextrose and stored in AS-1. Stored RBCs were supplemented with 7.1mM ascorbic acid or with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control samples). Several biochemical and biophysical properties of RBCs were measured, including percentage hemolysis, oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium, and the kinetic rate constants for O2 dissociation, carbon monoxide association, and nitric oxide dioxygenation. RESULTS: Greyhound RBCs stored in AS-1 supplemented with ascorbic acid did not have significantly decreased hemolysis, compared with results for the control samples, during the storage period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, ascorbic acid did not reduce hemolysis during storage. Several changes in stored canine RBCs were identified as part of the hypothermic storage lesion.

Plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration in healthy retired racing Greyhounds.

BACKGROUND: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a cardiac biomarker whose plasma concentration is high in some dogs with cardiopulmonary disease. NT-proBNP is a diagnostic tool that can be used to help determine if a patient has congestive heart failure. Greyhounds have functional heart murmurs, relative cardiomegaly, and high serum cTnI concentration. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of NT-proBNP in healthy Greyhounds and compare it to non-Greyhound dogs. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated healthy client-owned dogs including retired racing Greyhounds and non-Greyhounds. Plasma was obtained and transferred into tubes containing a protease inhibitor and submitted for a specific NT-proBNP ELISA assay. RESULTS: The plasma NT-proBNP concentration in Greyhounds was significantly higher than in non-Greyhound control dogs (946 vs 632 pmol/L; P < .005); 46% of Greyhounds had NT-proBNP > 1000 pmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma NT-proBNP concentration in Greyhounds is high and should be interpreted with caution.

Epsilon aminocaproic acid for the prevention of delayed postoperative bleeding in retired racing greyhounds undergoing gonadectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) on the prevalence of postoperative bleeding in retired racing Greyhounds (RRG), and to assess its effects on selected thrombelastography (TEG) and fibrinolysis variables. STUDY DESIGN: Double-blinded, prospective, randomized study. METHODS: 100 RRG had elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy and were administered EACA or placebo for 3 days after surgery. TEG variables were analyzed preoperatively and 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty percent (15/50) of RRG in the placebo group had delayed postoperative bleeding starting 36-48 hours after surgery compared with 10% (5/50) in the EACA group (P = .012). On the TEG variables, the slopes for R and K time were significantly different between treatment groups (P <.05); the R and K time decreased over time in the EACA group after surgery whereas they increased in the placebo group. The angle, maximal amplitude (MA), and G slopes were also significantly different between treatment groups (P = .001, .001, and .006, respectively). The angle, MA, and G increased postoperatively over time in the EACA group and decreased in the placebo group. All these changes are supportive of hypercoagulability associated with EACA administration. CONCLUSION: Postoperative administration of EACA significantly decreased the prevalence of postoperative bleeding in RRG undergoing surgery by increasing the clot strength.

Retrospective evaluation of the effectiveness of epsilon aminocaproic acid for the prevention of postamputation bleeding in retired racing Greyhounds with appendicular bone tumors: 46 cases (2003-2008).

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of delayed postoperative bleeding in retired racing Greyhounds with appendicular bone tumors undergoing limb amputations. To identify if administration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) was effective on the prevention of postoperative bleeding. DESIGN: Retrospective study from December 2003 to December 2008. SETTING: Veterinary university teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Forty-six retired racing Greyhounds (RRGs) diagnosed with primary appendicular bone tumors that underwent limb amputation were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirteen of 46 RRGs (28%) included in the study had delayed postoperative bleeding starting 48-72 h after surgery. Bleeding episodes included cutaneous, subcutaneous, and external bleeding that extended from the area of the surgical site that became widespread within hours, and that required administration of blood components. A paired t-test suggests that there was a significant decrease in PCV postoperatively for both dogs that bled and dogs that did not bleed (P < 0.0001). Forty of 46 RRGs (86%) received either fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or EACA or both, for the prevention of postoperative bleeding. A logistic regression model determined that dogs that did not receive EACA were 5.7 times more likely to bleed than dogs that did receive EACA, when controlling for whether or not they received FFP (95% CI: 1.02-32.15, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study suggests that preemptive postoperative administration of EACA appears to be efficacious in decreasing the frequency of bleeding in RRGs undergoing limb amputation; however, a prospective study is warranted to corroborate its effectiveness.

[Neutrophil extracellular traps (NET), consequence of a cellular suicide]. / Trampas extracelulares de neutrófilos (NET), consecuencia de un suicidio celular.

Recently it was discovered that neutrophils can generate extracellular fibers called NET (neutrophil extracellular traps), which are composed of a skeleton of DNA "decorated" with many cytoplasmic ­including enzymes­ and nuclear components.The NET are a physical barrier that prevent the spread of microorganisms and facilitate the cell death by promoting a high local concentration of antimicrobial molecules. On the other hand, the fibrous structure limits the damage to the tissue where they are generated by restricting the range of molecules that are released by the neutrophil. This paper describes this new form of cell death and the implications this may have on different diseases.

Blood gas analysis and cooximetry in retired racing Greyhounds.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin (Hb) in healthy retired racing Greyhounds via cooximetry, and to establish reference intervals for blood gases and cooximetry in this breed. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: University Teaching Hospital. ANIMALS: Fifty-seven Greyhounds and 30 non-Greyhound dogs. INTERVENTIONS: Venous blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and placed into heparinized tubes. The samples were analyzed within 30 minutes of collection using a blood gas analyzer equipped with a cooximeter. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Greyhounds had significantly higher pH, PO(2) , oxygen saturation, oxyhemoglobin, total Hb, oxygen content, and oxygen capacity and significantly lower deoxyhemoglobin and P(50) when compared with non-Greyhound dogs. CONCLUSION: These findings support the fact that this breed is able to carry a higher concentration of total oxygen in the blood. As reported previously, this breed also has lower P(50) and, therefore, high oxygen affinity. In light of recent findings suggesting that in certain tissues a high affinity for oxygen is beneficial, this adaptation may be of benefit during strenuous exercise.

Serological study of selected vector-borne diseases in shelter dogs in central Spain using point-of-care assays.

We evaluated the prevalence of selected vector-borne diseases in 131 dogs in an animal shelter in central Spain using point-of-care assays (SNAP 4DX and SNAP Leishmania; IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME). The SNAP 4DX detects Dirofilaria immitis (Di) antigen and antibodies against Ehrlichia canis (Ec), Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), and Anaplasma phagocytophylum (Aph); the SNAP Leishmania kit detects antibodies against Leishmania infantum (Li). Dogs were classified as healthy or sick based on physical examination, complete blood counts, and serum chemistry profiles. The prevalence of positive test results was as follows: Ec, 5.3% (n = 7); Aph, 19.0% (n = 25); Bb, 0%; Di, 0%; and Li, 5.3% (n = 7). Four dogs (3%) were coexposed to Ec and Aph, and three dogs (2.3%) were coexposed to Aph and Li. There was no statistically significant correlation between positive serology and clinical status (sick vs. healthy) or hematologic/biochemical abnormalities. The prevalence of Aph was the highest and is in agreement with a recent report in a dog shelter in northwestern Spain. These point-of-care assays may be more valuable as epidemiologic than as clinical tools.

Serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM in retired racing Greyhound dogs.

BACKGROUND: Greyhound dogs have significant physiologic, hematologic, and biochemical differences when compared with other breeds, including significantly lower serum globulin concentration owing to decreases in the α- and ß-globulin fractions. The specific proteins that account for differences in globulin concentrations are not known, but IgA and IgM, both ß-globulins, are potential candidates. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to measure serum IgG, IgA, and IgM in clinically healthy retired racing Greyhounds and compare the results with those of age- and sex-matched non-Greyhound dogs. METHODS: Study animals included 25 Greyhound and 20 non-Greyhound dogs. Total protein, albumin, and total globulin concentrations were determined. IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations were measured using a commercially available radial immunodiffusion kit. The Student t-test assuming equal variances was used to compare concentrations of immunoglobulins between groups. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of IgA and IgM in Greyhounds (IgA=49±20 mg/dL; IgM=132±47 mg/dL) were significantly lower than concentrations in non-Greyound dogs (IgA=70±39 mg/dL; Ig M=212±78 mg/dL). Concentrations of IgG did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Mean serum IgA and IgM concentrations in Greyhounds were lower than those in non-Greyhound dogs. This may contribute to low serum concentrations of ß-globulins in Greyhounds. Specific reference intervals are recommended for Greyhounds to avoid possible misdiagnosis of IgA or IgM deficiency.

Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigens in retired racing Greyhounds.

BACKGROUND: Blood groups in dogs are designated as dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and Dal. There is limited information about the frequency of different antigens in Greyhound dogs, despite their frequent use as blood donors. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the frequencies of DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 in Greyhounds, to compare the frequencies with those of non-Greyhound dogs, and to evaluate the presence of naturally occurring anti-DEA antibodies. METHODS: Blood was collected from 206 Greyhound and 66 non-Greyhound dogs being screened as potential blood donors. Blood-typing was performed at Animal Blood Resources International by tube agglutination utilizing polyclonal anti-DEA antibodies. RESULTS: Of the Greyhound dogs, 27/206 (13.1%) were positive for DEA 1.1, and this frequency was significantly lower (P<.0001) than for non-Greyhound dogs of which 40/66 (60.6%) were DEA 1.1-positive. The frequency of positivity for both DEA 1.1 and 1.2 was also lower in Greyhounds (P<.0001). There were no significant differences between Greyhounds and non-Greyhounds for DEA 1.2, 3, 4, 5, or 7. All 137 dogs (113 Greyhounds and 24 non-Greyhounds) that were evaluated for naturally occurring anti-DEA antibodies in serum were negative. A higher percentage of Greyhound dogs (57.3%, 118/206) were considered "universal donors" (negative for all DEAs except DEA 4) compared with non-Greyhound dogs (28%, 13/46). CONCLUSION: The frequency of positivity for DEA 1.1 in our population of Greyhounds was significantly lower than previously reported for dogs. Furthermore, a large majority of Greyhounds met the criteria for universal donors.

Vertebral heart size in retired racing Greyhounds.

The vertebral heart size (VHS) is used to objectively assess cardiac dimensions on thoracic radiographs. A high VHS suggest the presence of cardiac pathology, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, degenerative atrioventricular valvular disease, pericardial effusion, pericardioperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia, tricuspid dysplasia, ventricular septal defect, or patent ductus arteriosus, among others. However, breed or body conformation can influence the VHS. Because Greyhounds have a high prevalence of physiologic systolic murmurs associated with high aortic velocity, and large cardiac dimensions when compared with dogs of similar size, they are frequently suspected of having heart disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the VHS in normal Greyhounds with those in Rottweilers, and a group of dogs from various other breeds using both analog and digital radiology. The VHS was significantly higher in Greyhounds (P< 0.0001), when compared with Rottweilers and to other dog breeds. The mean VHS on lateral radiographs for Greyhounds was 10.5 +/- 0.1, for Rottweilers it was 9.8 +/- 0.1, and for mixed breed dogs it was 10.1 +/- 0.2. This study confirms that the relative cardiomegaly reported in necropsy and echocardiographic studies in Greyhounds is easily detected using plain radiography and the VHS.

Results of a web-based health survey of retired racing Greyhounds.

BACKGROUND: Adoption of retired racing Greyhounds has become increasingly popular during the past decade. To date, research has focused on the physiologic and clinicopathologic peculiarities of Greyhounds but there is little published information on disease prevalence in the breed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of disease in retired racing Greyhounds. ANIMALS: In this study, 747 Greyhounds were used. METHODS: A standardized survey method was used, and survey responses were collected by an Internet survey. Owners could answer a survey for every Greyhound that they had owned since January 1, 2005. RESULTS: Of the 692 eligible participants, 441 (63.7% response rate) completed surveys for 747 Greyhounds. The mortality rate for Greyhounds within the 2-year period was 15% (113 of 747 died). The most common cause of death reported was cancer (66 dogs, 58%), and the most common type of cancer listed as the cause of death was osteosarcoma (28 dogs, 25%). The most commonly reported groups of diseases or disorders were skeletal (232 dogs, 33%), skin (197 dogs, 28%), digestive (132 dogs, 18%), cancer (94 dogs, 13%), and endocrine (85 dogs, 11.9%). Forty-five percent of Greyhounds diagnosed with cancer and 6% of the overall population had osteosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results of this study can be used by veterinary researchers to continue to investigate the most common diseases in this population. As more retired racing Greyhounds enter the pet population, the results of this study will help educate veterinarians and owners about the most prevalent diseases in the breed.

Odontología forense: identificación odontológica de cadáveres quemados. reporte de dos casos / Forensic Dentistry: dental identification of burned human remains. Two case reports

Este artículo, demuestra los aportes que hace la odontología a las ciencias forenses, en lo referente al proceso de identificación de cadáveres y restos humanos quemados o carbonizados cuyo reconocimiento, debido a la destrucción de tejidos blandos, se dificulta por otros métodos. La aplicación de la odontología en los procesos de identificación no es nueva y su importancia es extraordinaria cuando los cadáveres quedan carbonizados y cuando por acción del fuego han desaparecido elementos que permitan la certera identificación de los restos humanos disponibles, o por las propias limitaciones que presentan otros métodos. Ante la ausencia de un registro dactilar previo o si el cadáver no tiene dedos o los tiene destruidos, la identificación mediante las huellas de los dedos de las manos por reconocimiento directo o por medios accesorios no es fiable y las técnicas analíticas (salvo el ADN -ácido desoxi ribunocleico-, llamado a resolver todos los casos pero aún de alto costo en el medio colombiano) y otras complementarias son solamente indiciarias. Además, está admitido por todos los especialistas que ®no existen dos dentaduras iguales¼ y que ®aun los dientes de gemelos idénticos presentan variaciones¼ y, adicionalmente, se conoce la resistencia de los dientes a la destrucción por el fuego, lo cual demuestra su alto valor para la correcta identificación de individuos quemados o carbonizados, se basa sobre el número de dientes presentes, procesos patológicos detectables en los mismos, restauraciones, materiales odontológicosempleados y prótesis e implantes que hacen infinito el número de combinaciones posibles. Por ello es evidente que si de un cadáver no quedan dientes, difícilmente se podrá disponer de otros datos de valor en la identificación.

This article, identifies the contribution of dentistry to the forensic science during the identification processes of burned corpses and human remains, in which result difficult because soft tissue destruction. Dentistry application within identification processes is not new and carries great relevance in those cases were corpses are burned, making other identifiable elements to disappear, or by normal limitations of other methods. When there is a not previous finger print available, or the corpse is missing its fingers, identification by straight recognition or by accessories cannot be trusted as it’s often susceptible of mistakes and the analytical techniques (except DNA, capable of solving almost any case but yet expensive for Colombian use). Furthermore,its been accepted by most specialists that they are no two identical sets of teeth even in cases of identical twins, some dental variations are present. Also, due to the resistance of teeth to fire destruction, its understood the dentistry contribution importance in burned individuals, which analysis are based on number of present teeth, dental pathological processes, dental restoration works, materials employed, prothesis and implants, which increases the possible combinations. That’s why, if they are no teeth remaining in a burned corpse, hardly will be to obtain other clues for identification.