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Background: Sparganosis is a rare zoonotic disease caused by plerocercoid larvae of the genera Spirometra or Sparganum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae). The larvae of Spirometra generally do not undergo asexual reproduction, whereas those of Sparganum can induce proliferative lesions in infected tissues. This paper presents an unusual case of proliferative sparganosis due to infection with Spirometra mansoni in a cat, normally considered a definitive host of the species. Case presentation: A 9-year-old male domestic cat was presented with a mass on the right side of the face that underwent progressive enlargement for 1 month. The morphological and histopathological examinations revealed multiple asexual proliferative cestode larvae in the lesions, suggestive of proliferative sparganosis. Next-generation sequencing analysis of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of surgically excised tissue indicated that the worm was Spirometra mansoni. Conclusion: Although S. mansoni a common tapeworm species found in the small intestine of domestic cats and dogs in Japan, proliferative sparganosis is extremely rare. This is the first confirmed case of proliferative sparganosis due to infection with S. mansoni in cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that fidaxomicin, a macrocyclic lactone antibiotic used to treat recurrent Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, also displays potent in vitro bactericidal activity against Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from humans. However, to date, there is no data on the susceptibility to fidaxomicin of C. perfringens strains of animal origin. On the other hand, although combination therapy has become popular in human and veterinary medicine, limited data are available on the effects of antibiotic combinations on C. perfringens. We studied the in vitro response of 21 C. perfringens strains obtained from dogs and cats to fidaxomicin and combinations of fidaxomicin with six other antibiotics. Results: When tested by an agar dilution method, fidaxomicin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged between 0.004 and 0.032 µg/ml. Moreover, the results of Etest-based combination assays revealed that the incorporation of fidaxomicin into the test medium at a concentration equivalent to half the MIC significantly increased the susceptibility of isolates to metronidazole and erythromycin in 71.4% and 61.9% of the strains, respectively, and the susceptibility to clindamycin, imipenem, levofloxacin, and vancomycin in 42.9–52.4% of the strains. In contrast, ¼ × MIC concentrations of fidaxomicin did not have any effect on levofloxacin and vancomycin MICs and only enhanced the effects of clindamycin, erythromycin, imipenem, and metronidazole in ≤ 23.8% of the tested strains. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that fidaxomicin is highly effective against C. perfringens strains of canine and feline origin. Although fidaxomicin is currently considered a critically important antimicrobial that has not yet been licensed for veterinary use, we consider that the results reported in this paper provide useful baseline data to track the possible emergence of fidaxomicin resistant strains of C. perfringens in the veterinary setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcoptic mange is a common, pruritic parasitic skin disease of dogs. Due to its highly contagious character, it represents a potential veterinary and public health risk. Because of clinical similarity with other diseases, cross-antigenicity, and low sensitivity of available diagnostic methods, therapeutical trial is frequently used to confirm the disease. Considering the variety of available acaricidal molecules as well as the need to use the most effective treatment, the present paper reviews evidence comparing different types of systemic treatment of canine scabies. Results: Analysis of the results showed that afoxolaner, fluralaner and sarolaner as well as several macrocyclic lactones such as selamectin, moxidectin and milbemycin oxime can lead to parasitological and clinical cure. Conclusion: The similarity in the clinical and parasitological efficacy of these substances enhances the need for comparative studies, which could allow the identification of the most efficacious product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabies (RABV) is an enzootic disease in Tunisia, with dogs being the primary reservoir. Vaccinating dogs is the key to eradicate rabies. Regional Veterinary Services conduct nationwide immunisation campaigns on an annual basis. Evaluation of the immune response is still important to make sure that the vaccination is effective in the conditions of the Tunisian field. In this paper, the FAVN technique was used to test rabies antibody dynamics in dogs from three distinct Tunisian areas observed for one year following a mass vaccination campaign. Results: On day 30 after vaccination, 75% of all dogs vaccinated during the campaign were sero-positive (titres greater than or equal to 0.5 transformed IU/ml). On day 180, 48% of all dogs were sero-positive. Only 25.6% of primary-vaccinated dogs remained sero-positive on day 180 and 7% on day 365, whereas 91% of previously sero-positive dogs remained sero-positive on day 365. Conclusions: Although a single rabies vaccine is successful at stimulating an immunological response, it is recommended that primary-vaccinated dogs have a second booster between one and three months after the initial vaccination to maintain seropositivity. To achieve the rabies eradication objective, all dogs should receive an annual booster to maintain effective immunological protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm described in humans, dogs, and cats. A hallmark of diagnosis for GISTs is positive immunohistochemical labelling with c-Kit (CD117). The differentiation of GIST from other mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract is pivotal to allow for initiation of appropriate treatment. In humans, cystic GIST has been described, though this has not been reported in dogs. In humans, the cystic form of GIST has been associated with a favorable prognosis. In the present paper, we report a case of multilocular cystic GIST in a dog, which has not previously been described in this species. Case presentation: A ten-year-old, male-entire Maltese terrier mix breed dog presented with a large cystic mural mass of the duoedenum and orad jejunum. Histopathology and positive immunohistochemical staining with CD117 confirmed a diagnosis of GIST. No evidence of metastasis was detected on routine staging with abdominal sonography and thoracic radiography at the time of diagnosis. Surgical resection was performed and toceranib therapy was initiated post-operatively. Metastasis was documented 251 days after surgery on computed tomography. Due to clinical deterioration, the patient was humanely euthanised 370 days after surgical excision. Conclusions: There are few differential diagnoses for large multilocular cystic intra-abdominal masses in dogs. This case presents a previously undescribed presentation of gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the dog as a predominantly multilocular cystic mass. It remains unclear if the cystic form of GIST may represent a favorable prognosis in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been proposed that childhood vaccines in high-mortality populations may have substantial impacts on mortality rates that are not explained by the prevention of targeted diseases, nor conversely by typical expected adverse reactions to the vaccines, and that these non-specific effects (NSEs) are generally more pronounced in females. The existence of these effects, and any implications for the development of vaccines and the design of vaccination programs to enhance safety, remain controversial. One area of controversy is the reported association of non-live vaccines with increased female mortality. In a previous randomized controlled trial (RCT), we observed that non-live alum-adjuvanted animal rabies vaccine (ARV) was associated with increased female but not male mortality in young, free-roaming dogs. Conversely, non-live non-adjuvanted human rabies vaccine (NRV) has been associated with beneficial non-specific effects in children. Alum adjuvant has been shown to suppress Th1 responses to pathogens, leading us to hypothesize that alum-adjuvanted rabies vaccine in young dogs has a detrimental effect on female survival by modulating the immune response to infectious and/or parasitic diseases. In this paper, we present the protocol of a 3-arm RCT comparing the effect of alum-adjuvanted rabies vaccine, non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine and placebo on all-cause mortality in an owned, free-roaming dog population, with causal mediation analysis of the RCT and a nested case–control study to test this hypothesis. Methods: Randomised controlled trial with a nested case–control study. Discussion: We expect that, among the placebo group, males will have higher mortality caused by higher pathogen loads and more severe disease, as determined by haematological parameters and inflammatory biomarkers. Among females, we expect that there will be no difference in mortality between the NRV and placebo groups, but that the ARV group will have higher mortality, again mediated by higher pathogen loads and more severe disease. We anticipate that these changes are preceded by shifts in key serum cytokine concentrations towards an anti-inflammatory immune response in females. If confirmed, these results will provide a rational basis for mitigation of detrimental NSEs of non-live vaccines in high-mortality populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Angiostrongylus vasorum (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea) is a vascular nematode that resides in the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a wide variety of carnivores, with an indirect life cycle using coprophagic gastropods as intermediate hosts. For domestic dogs, the infection with A. vasorum can be asymptomatic, but more frequently, it is associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations like cardio-respiratory signs, bleedings, neurological signs, and ocular problems which can lead to death when not treated accordingly. Angiostrongylosis was confirmed for the first time in Romania in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in 2017 and two years later a seroepidemiologic study was conducted among domestic dogs. However, to this date, no clinical canine angiostrongylosis cases were published in Romania. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the knowledge about canine angiostrongylosis among veterinarians in Romania and to update the distribution of this disease using a national wide anonymous questionnaire. Results: Overall, 147 unique responses were submitted, from 31 out of 42 counties. Twelve veterinarians (8%) from 8 counties (26%) acknowledged diagnosing a case of angiostrongylosis including 5 from the Bucharest and 1 from each of the remaining seven counties. All affected dogs had respiratory distress, 75% suffered cardiopathy, 16% coagulopathies and 8% neurological signs. Case diagnosis was based mostly on larval detection by coprology (67%) and serological antigen detection test (42%). Conclusions: Romanian veterinarians are aware of canine angiostrongylosis and a significant number have clinical experience with the disease. Epidemiological studies are now needed to assess its distribution in the country, and further efforts are required to improve understanding of the disease, its diagnostic and treatment methods among veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are reactive compounds derived from oxygen. In biological systems, an excessive amount of ROS can cause oxidative damage to biological macromolecules being involved in different diseases. Several assays have been developed in the last 30 years for ROS evaluation. The objective of this article will be to provide an update about the spectrophotometric methods currently used in the assessment of ROS in serum. The chemical basis of four different techniques will be reviewed, and examples of their possible applications will be provided. A particular emphasis about the practical applications of these assays in the dog will be made, but selected information about their use in humans will also be presented for comparative purposes, following a One-Health approach. The information about the spectrophotometric assays presented in this paper should be interpreted with caution once limited information about them is available yet, and further studies should be performed to clarify what they measure and their clinical application. Ideally, when applied to evaluate a sample's oxidative status, they should be incorporated in a panel of analytes where other oxidants, antioxidants, and biomarkers of inflammation were also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mandrake (Mandragora spp.) is one of the most famous medicinal plant in western cultures since Biblical times and throughout written history. In many cultures, mandrake is related to magic and witchcraft, which is said to have a psychosomatic effect (especially when mandrake contains narcotic compounds) in addition to the pharmacological influence, as occurs with other narcotic magical plants. Due to its unique properties and related myths, it is not surprising that this plant has many names in many languages. Methods: This paper presents an attempt to reconstruct the historical, ethnobotanical, and folkloristic roots of 292 vernacular names of Mandragora spp. in forty-one languages. We used the plant's morphological data, philology, myths and legends, medicinal properties and uses, as well as historical evidence and folkloric data, to explain meaning, origin, migration, and history of the plant's names. Results: The names were classified into the following main categories: Derivatives of mandragora (19 languages), alraun (7) and of yabroukh (5). The salient groups of the plant's vernacular names are related to: Anthropomorphism (33 names in 13 languages); Similarity to other plants (28/9); Supernatural agents (28/9); Narcotic effects (21/8); Leaves, fruits, and seeds (21/8); Aphrodisiac properties (17/10); Use of a dog (15/9); Gallows (14/5); Black magic, sorcery, witchcraft (13/8), and Medicinal use (11/7). Conclusions: This frequency distribution of the mandrake's vernacular names reflects its widespread reputation as related to the doctrine of signatures, beliefs in its supernatural, natural, and mythic powers, and to a lesser extent, its uses in magic and medicine. A spatiotemporal analysis of the mandrake's names supports the old idea that the pulling ceremonies for this plant originated in the Near East and that various other myths related to this plant may have originated in different places and periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchial fistula is a severe complication of pneumonectomy with a high mortality rate. We previously reported a technique for bronchial closure to prevent bronchial fistula in a canine model. We described that mucosal ablation could result in primary wound healing and involve mucosal tight adhesions histologically. In this paper, the pathologic findings of one patient, who underwent autopsy 4 years after surgery, were reviewed.Case Presentation: A 70-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma and underwent right extra-pleural pneumonectomy. The right main bronchus was cut using a scalpel. When closing the bronchial stump, the bronchial mucosa was ablated by electric cautery and sutured manually using 3-0 absorbable sutures. The bronchial fistula was not found after pneumonectomy. Four years after surgery, the patient died of recurrent malignant pleural mesothelioma and underwent autopsy. Macroscopic evaluation showed tight adhesions and white scars on the bronchial stump. Microscopic findings showed few inflammatory cells and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cells.Conclusions: The results from this case suggested that bronchial mucosal ablation leads to robust agglutination of bronchial stump over years. This technique is not only simple but also reliable to prevent bronchial fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite extensive research, many questions remain unanswered about common problems that impact dog welfare, particularly where there are multiple contributing factors that can occur months or years before the problem becomes apparent. The Generation Pup study is the first longitudinal study of dogs that recruits pure- and mixed-breed puppies, aiming to investigate the relative influence of environmental and genetic factors on a range of health and behaviour outcomes, (including separation related behaviour, aggression to familiar/unfamiliar people or dogs and obesity). This paper describes the study protocol in detail. Methods: Prior to commencing recruitment of puppies, the study infrastructure was developed, and subject specialists were consulted to inform data collection methodology. Questionnaire content and timepoint(s) for data collection for outcomes and potential predictors were chosen with the aim of providing the best opportunity of achieving the aims of the study, subject to time and funding constraints. Recruitment of puppies (< 16 weeks, or < 21 weeks of age if entering the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland through quarantine) is underway. By 23 January 2020, 3726 puppies had been registered, with registration continuing until 10,000 puppies are recruited. Data collection encompasses owner-completed questionnaires issued at set timepoints throughout the dog's life, covering aspects such as training, diet, exercise, canine behaviour, preventative health care, clinical signs and veterinary intervention. Owners can elect to submit additional data (health cards completed by veterinary professionals, canine biological samples) and/or provide consent for access to veterinary clinical notes. Incidence and breed associations will be calculated for conditions for which there is currently limited information (e.g. separation related behaviour). Multivariable statistical analysis will be conducted on a range of outcomes that occur throughout different life stages, with the aim of identifying modifiable risk factors that can be used to improve canine health and welfare. Discussion: The Generation Pup project is designed to identify associations between early-life environment, genotypic make-up and outcomes at different life stages. Modifiable risk factors can be used to improve canine health and welfare. Research collaboration with subject specialists is welcomed and already underway within the fields of orthopaedic research, epilepsy, epigenetics and canine impulsivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although preventable by vaccines, approximately 60′000 humans die due to canine transmitted rabies annually, mostly in Africa and Asia. The aim of this paper is to advocate for including animal health aspects into considerations of human health and human rights, and for equitable access to rabies vaccination for both animals and humans. An infringement of human - in particular of children's - right to health will be illustrated with the case of rabies and poor dog management in Uganda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ability to make objective measurements of physical activity in dogs has both clinical and research applications. Accelerometers offer a non-intrusive and convenient solution. Of the commercialy available sensors, measurements are commonly given in manufacturer bespoke units and calculated with closed source approaches. Furthermore, the validation studies that exist for such devices are mounting location dependant, not transferable between brands or not suitable for handling modern raw accelerometry type data. Methods: This paper describes a validation study of n = 5 where 4 sensors were placed on each dog; 2 on a harness and 2 on a collar. Each position held two sensors from different manufacturers; Actigraph (which has previously been validated for use on the collar) and VetSens (which provides un-filtered accelerometry data). The aims of the study was to firstly evaluate the performance of an open-design method of converting raw accelerometry data into units that have previously been validated. Secondly, comparison was made between sensors mounted at each location for determining physical activity state. Results: Once the raw actigraphy data had been processed with the open-design method, results from a 7 day measurement revealed no significant difference in physical activity estimates via a cutpoint approach between the sensor manufacturers. A second finding was a low inter-site variability between the ventral collar and dorsal harness locations (Pearsons r2 = 0.96). Conclusions: Using the open-design methodology, raw, un-filtered data from the VetSens sensors can be compared or pooled with data gathered from Actigraph sensors. The results also provide strong evidence that ventral collar and dorsal harness sites may be used interchangeably. This enables studies to be designed with a larger inclusion criteria (encompassing dogs that are not well suited for wearing an instrumented collar) and ensures high levels of welfare while maintaining measurement validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rabies is one of the viral diseases with the highest case fatality rate in humans. The main transmission route to humans is through bites, especially of infected dogs. Decisions on the allocation of resources to control and reduce the socio-economic impacts of rabies require reliable data. Several national, regional and international organizations have been gathering rabies data for more than a decade. The objective of this paper was to examine the consistencies in the number of dog rabies cases reported to different multinational organizations by Southern and Eastern African countries and to explore the presence of any time trend among the reported rabies data. Results: Data was systematically extracted from the databases of the Southern and Eastern African Rabies Group-- SEARG and the World Organization for Animal Health/World animal health information--OIE/WAHID. Despite differences in entities by which data have been reported to the two organisations, reported numbers were significantly correlated (Spearman's rho = 0.52, P < 0.001). The reported data did not indicate the presence of any trend in the number of reported dog rabies outbreaks. Inconsistencies in the reported numbers were observed between the databases, possibly due to the fact that human and animal health authorities report separately to the organisations involved in addition to the use of indefinite definitions of report categories set by report receiving organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dogs in the United States are hosts to a diverse range of vector-borne pathogens, several of which are important zoonoses. This paper describes factors deemed to be significantly related to the prevalence of antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. in domestic dogs, including climatic conditions, geographical factors, and societal factors. These factors are used in concert with a spatio-temporal model to construct an annual seroprevalence forecast. The proposed method of forecasting and an assessment of its fidelity are described. Methods: Approximately twelve million serological test results for canine exposure to Ehrlichia spp. were used in the development of a Bayesian approach to forecast canine infection. Data used were collected on the county level across the contiguous United States from routine veterinary diagnostic tests between 2011-2015. Maps depicting the spatial baseline Ehrlichia spp. prevalence were constructed using Kriging and head-banging smoothing methods. Data were statistically analyzed to identify factors related to antibody prevalence via a Bayesian spatio-temporal conditional autoregressive (CAR) model. Finally, a forecast of future Ehrlichia seroprevalence was constructed based on the proposed model using county-level data on five predictive factors identified at a workshop hosted by the Companion Animal Parasite Council and published in 2014: annual temperature, percentage forest coverage, percentage surface water coverage, population density and median household income. Data were statistically analyzed to identify factors related to disease prevalence via a Bayesian spatio-temporal model. The fitted model and factor extrapolations were then used to forecast the regional seroprevalence for 2016. Results: The correlation between the observed and model-estimated county-by-county Ehrlichia seroprevalence for the five-year period 2011-2015 is 0.842, demonstrating reasonable model accuracy. The weighted correlation (acknowledging unequal sample sizes) between 2015 observed and forecasted county-by-county Ehrlichia seroprevalence is 0.970, demonstrating that Ehrlichia seroprevalence can be forecasted accurately. Conclusions: The forecast presented herein can be an a priori alert to veterinarians regarding areas expected to see expansion of Ehrlichia beyond the accepted endemic range, or in some regions a dynamic change from historical average prevalence. Moreover, this forecast could potentially serve as a surveillance tool for human health and prove useful for forecasting other vector-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacterial intercellular communication, called quorum sensing, takes place via the production and collective response to signal molecules. In Gram-negative bacteria, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, these signaling molecules are N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). P. aeruginosa is a common cause of inflammation of the ear canal (otitis externa) in dogs. It employs quorum sensing to coordinate the expression of host tissue-damaging factors, which are largely responsible for its virulence. The treatment of P. aeruginosa-associated otitis is challenging due to a high intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa to several antibiotics. Attenuation of quorum sensing signals to inhibit bacterial virulence is a novel strategy for the treatment of resistant bacterial pathogens, including P. aeruginosa. Therefore, it is important to recognize and define quorum sensing signal molecules in clinical samples. To date, there are no reports on determination of AHLs in the veterinary clinical samples. The purpose of this study was to validate an analytical procedure for determination of the concentration of AHLs in the ear rinses from dogs with P. aeruginosa-associated otitis externa. Samples were obtained with rinsing the ear canals with physiological saline solution. For validation, samples from healthy dogs were spiked with none or different known amounts of the selected AHLs. With the validated procedure, AHLs were analyzed in the samples taken in weekly intervals from two dogs, receiving a standard treatment for P. aeruginosa-associated otitis externa. Results: Validation proved that the procedure enables quantification of AHLs in non-clinical and clinical samples. In addition, a time dependent reduction of AHL concentration was detected for the treated dogs. Conclusions: Our results indicate that liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is superior in detecting AHLs compared to other chromatographic techniques. This is the first report on determination of AHLs in the clinical samples of veterinary importance. The analytical procedure described in this paper is capable of supporting novel antimicrobial strategies, which target quorum sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study continues analysis from a companion paper on over 350,000 insured Swedish dogs up to 10 years of age contributing to more than one million dog-years at risk during 1995- 2000. The age patterns for total and diagnostic mortality and for general causes of death (trauma, tumour, locomotor, heart and neurological) are presented for numerous breeds. Survival estimates at five, eight and 10 years of age are calculated. Survival to 10 years of age was 75% or more in Labrador and golden retrievers, miniature and toy poodles and miniature dachshunds and lowest in Irish wolfhounds (91% dead by 10 years). Multivariable analysis was used to estimate the relative risk for general and more specific causes of death between breeds accounting for gender and age effects, including twoway interactions. Older females had tumour as a designated cause of death more often than males in most breeds, but not in the Bernese mountain dog. Information presented in this and the companion paper inform our understanding of the population level burden of disease, and support decision-making at the population and individual level about health promotion efforts and treatment and prognosis of disease events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of the present study was to optimize and validate an automated method to assess the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in serum of dogs using the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) methodology (TACc) with bathocuproinedisulfonic acid disodium salt as chelating agent, evaluating also possible variations due to the use of two different automated analyzers. The method is based on the reduction of Cu2+ into Cu1+ by the action of the non-enzymatic antioxidants that are present in the sample. Results: Imprecision was low in both apparatus utilized, and the results were linear across serial Trolox and canine serum samples dilutions. Lipids did not interfere with the assay; however, hemolysis increased the TACc concentrations. When TACc concentrations were determined in ten healthy (control) dogs and in twelve dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), dogs with IBD had lower TACc concentrations when compared with the healthy dogs. Conclusions: The method validated in this paper is precise, simple, and fast and can be easily adapted to automated analyzers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dominant frequency (DF) analysis of atrial electrograms has become an important method in characterizing atrial fibrillation (AF). As a classic method, Botteron's approach is widely used in the preprocessing of frequency analysis during AF. It includes three steps: (1) band-pass filtering at 40-250 Hz, (2) absolute value, and (3) low-pass filtering at 20 Hz. This paper aims to expound the necessity and adjustability of each step.Methods and Results: Unipolar epicardial mapping signals were recorded during AF from eight mongrel dogs with cholinergic AF model. Episodes of these data were randomly selected to evaluate the impact of different pass bands and the necessity of low-pass filtering with 20 Hz cutoff frequency. Each episode of AF signal is 5 s long with a sampling rate of 2 kHz. Simulated electrograms were adopted to discuss the role of taking absolute value. Furthermore, direct spectral analysis method (FFT et al.) is compared with Botteron's preprocessing approach. According to our statistical analysis, the pass band of 40-250 Hz was not the best, while 20-100 Hz presented the high accuracy rate of DF. From the comparing result of direct FFT without Botteron's approach we deduced that the rectification of absolute value was meaningful for the fundamental atrial frequency. The final step, 20 Hz low-pass filter can completely be omitted in DF analysis. In consideration of the demand for real-time distribution of DF in clinical or experimental situations, down-sampling method and the impact of ventricular artifacts on DF was also discussed.Conclusion: In the actual application of the three preprocessing steps, the pass band selection of band-pass filter can be adjusted and the rectification of taking absolute value is important. Nevertheless, the final step of 20 Hz low-pass filter is totally unnecessary. In real-time signal processing situations, taking down-sampling method and ignoring the ventricular artifacts can also have high performance in DF analysis of atrial electrograms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Capillaria plica (syn. Pearsonema plica) is a nematode that resides in the urinary bladder and rarely in ureters or in the kidney pelvis of various carnivores, especially foxes and dogs. Urine sedimentation technique is actually the only diagnostic tool that permits the identification of C. plica eggs, but its sensitivity is low and when an infection is suspected (or when it is necessary to confirm treatment efficacy) more than one examination of urine sediment should be performed. The present paper reports a clinical case of natural C. plica infection in a dog from southern Italy. In addition, two new techniques, FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC, were used for the diagnosis of C. plica in dog urine and compared with the technique of sedimentation. Results: Using FLOTAC with fresh urine and sodium chloride as flotation solution, were obtained the best results for the diagnosis of C. plica in dog urine in term of eggs counted (mean eggs per 10 ml of urine = 70.3 FLOTAC vs 40.3 Mini FLOTAC vs 32.8 sedimentation) and coefficient of variation (CV%) (6.2 FLOTAC vs 13.4 Mini-FLOTAC vs 32.9 sedimentation). Conclusions: The FLOTAC was the more sensitive method, but also the Mini-FLOTAC could be a valid alternative diagnostic method because gave better results than the classical sedimentation and can be used in place of the FLOTAC in laboratories where the centrifugation step cannot be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are a number of different methods that can be used when estimating the size of the owned cat and dog population in a region, leading to varying population estimates. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the methods that have been used for estimating the sizes of owned cat and dog populations and to assess the biases associated with those methods. A comprehensive, systematic search of seven electronic bibliographic databases and the Google search engine was carried out using a range of different search terms for cats, dogs and population. The inclusion criteria were that the studies had involved owned or pet domestic dogs and/or cats, provided an estimate of the size of the owned dog or cat population, collected raw data on dog and cat ownership, and analysed primary data. Data relating to study methodology were extracted and assessed for biases. Results: Seven papers were included in the final analysis. Collection methods used to select participants in the included studies were: mailed surveys using a commercial list of contacts, door to door surveys, random digit dialled telephone surveys, and randomised telephone surveys using a commercial list of numbers. Analytical and statistical methods used to estimate the pet population size were: mean number of dogs/cats per household multiplied by the number of households in an area, human density multiplied by number of dogs per human, and calculations using predictors of pet ownership. Conclusion: The main biases of the studies included selection bias, non-response bias, measurement bias and biases associated with length of sampling time. Careful design and planning of studies is a necessity before executing a study to estimate pet populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Canine mammary sarcomas (CMSs) are rarely diagnosed in female dogs, which explains the scarcity of immunohistochemical findings concerning those tumors. This paper presents the results of a retrospective study into CMSs and discusses the clinical features of the analyzed tumors, the expression of intermediate filaments CK, Vim, Des and α-SMA, and the expression of p63, Ki67, ERα, PR and p53 protein. Results Four percent of all canine mammary tumors (CMTs) were classified as CMSs, and they represented 5.1% of malignant CMTs. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.1 ± 2.8 years. Large breed dogs were more frequently affected (38.7%). The majority of observed CMSs were fibrosarcomas (2.1%). All CMSs expressed vimentin, and higher levels of vimentin expression were noted in fibrosarcomas and osteosarcomas. Ki67 expression was significantly correlated with the grade of CMS. Conclusions Our results revealed that CMSs form a heterogeneous group, therefore, immunohistochemical examinations could support differential and final diagnosis. Although this study analyzed a limited number of samples, the reported results can expand our knowledge about CMSs. Further work is required in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is considerable international research regarding the link between human demographics and pet ownership. In several international studies, pet ownership was associated with household demographics including: the presence of children in the household, urban/rural location, level of education and age/family structure. What is lacking across all these studies, however, is an understanding of how these pets are spatially distributed throughout the regions under study. This paper describes the spatial distribution of pet dog and pet cat owning households on the island of Ireland. Results: In 2006, there were an estimated 640,620 pet dog owning households and 215,542 pet cat owning households in Ireland. These estimates are derived from logistic regression modelling, based on household composition to determine pet dog ownership and the type of house to determine pet cat ownership. Results are presented using chloropleth maps. There is a higher density of pet dog owning households in the east of Ireland and in the cities than the west of Ireland and rural areas. However, in urban districts there are a lower proportion of households owning pet dogs than in rural districts. There are more households with cats in the urban areas, but the proportion of households with cats is greater in rural areas. Conclusions: The difference in spatial distribution of dog ownership is a reflection of a generally higher density of households in the east of Ireland and in major cities. The higher proportion of ownership in the west is understandable given the higher proportion of farmers and rural dwellings in this area. Spatial representation allows us to visualise the impact of human household distribution on the density of both pet dogs and pet cats on the island of Ireland. This information can be used when analysing risk of disease spread, for market research and for instigating veterinary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbofuran is a widely used broad-spectrum pesticide that, despite strict regulation and being banned for more than a decade, is still encountered in cases of intentional poisoning in dogs and wildlife. The objective of the study was to provide a complete and detailed description of the pathological, histological and toxicological findings of 7 cases of intentional carbofuran poisoning in dogs. Results: In this retrospective study, 7 cases of carbofuran intoxication recorded from July 2015 to June 2017 were analyzed. Following complete history recording, all cases were examined by complete necropsy and histopathology. Carbofuran intoxication was confirmed in all cases by gas chromatography. The postmortem examination revealed extensive hemorrhaging and congestion located mainly within the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems, accompanied by degeneration and necrosis within the lungs, heart, and kidneys. Conclusions: Although carbamates have been banned in the European Union, carbamate poisoning is still frequently encountered, especially in wild animals. This paper will contribute to a better understanding of the occurrence and pathogenesis of acute carbofuran exposure in dogs and contribute some peculiar pathological features of this type of poisoning to the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since most prostatic diseases are associated with the organ's enlargement, evaluation of prostatic size is a main criterion in the diagnosis of prostatic state of health. While enlargement is a non-uniform process, volumetric measurements are believed to be advantageous to any single dimensional parameter for the diagnosis of prostatomegaly. In a previous study, volume was analysed with a slice addition technique (SAT), which was validated as highly accurate. Irrespective of high accuracy, SAT represents a complex and time-consuming procedure, which limits its clinical use. Thus, demand exists for more practical volume assessment methods. In this study, the prostatic volume of 95 canine patients (58 intact males, 37 neutered males) were analysed retrospectively by using the ellipsoid formula (Formula) and an imaging "wrap" function tool (Wrap) to help assess accuracy and applicability. Accuracy was checked against phantom measurements and results were compared to SAT measurements of the same patient pool obtained from a previously published paper. Patients were grouped according to prostatic structure (H = homogeneous, I = inhomogeneous, C = cystic) and volume using the SAT (volume group = vg: 1, 2 and 3). Results: High correlation between the Formula or Wrap volume and the phantom volume was found, the values being higher for the Formula. Mean Formula volumes (vg 1: 2.2 cm3, vg 2: 14.5 cm3, vg 3: 109.4 cm3, respectively) were significantly underestimated, while mean Wrap volumes (vg 1: 3.8 cm3, vg 2: 19.5 cm3, vg 3: 159.2 cm3) were statistically equivalent to SAT measurements (vg 1: 3.1 cm3, vg 2: 18.6 cm3, vg 3: 157.2 cm3, respectively). Differences between Formula and SAT volumes ranged from 22.4–31.1%, while differences between Wrap and SAT volumes were highest in small prostates (vg 1: 22.1%) and fell with increasing prostatic size (vg 3: 1.3%). Conclusion: The Wrap function is highly accurate, less time-consuming and complex compared to SAT and could serve as beneficial tool for measuring prostatic volume in clinical routine after further validation in future studies. The Formula method cannot be recommended as an alternative for volumetric measurements of the prostate gland due to its underestimation of volumes compared to SAT results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reducing harms of youth substance use is a global priority, with parents identified as a key target for efforts to mitigate these harms. Much of the research informing parental responses to youth substance use are grounded in abstinence and critiqued as ineffective and unresponsive to youth contexts. Parental provision of substances, particularly alcohol, is a widely used approach, which some parents adopt in an attempt to minimize substance use harms; however, research indicates that this practice may actually increase harms. There is an absence of research exploring youth perspectives on parental approaches to substance use or the approaches youth find helpful in minimizing substance use-related harms. Methods: This paper draws on interviews with youth aged 13–18 (N = 89) conducted within the Researching Adolescent Distress and Resilience (RADAR) study in three communities in British Columbia, Canada. An ethnographic approach was used to explore youth perspectives on mental health and substance use within intersecting family, social, and community contexts. This analysis drew on interview data relating to youth perspectives on parental approaches to substance use. A multisite qualitative analysis (MSQA) was conducted to examine themes within each research site and between all three sites to understand how youth perceive and respond to parental approaches to substance use in different risk environment contexts. Results: Within each site, youths' experiences of and perspectives on substance use were shaped by their parents' approaches, which were in turn situated within local social, geographic, and economic community contexts. Youth descriptions of parental approaches varied by site, though across all sites, youth articulated that the most effective approaches were those that resonated with the realities of their lives. Zero-tolerance approaches were identified as unhelpful and unresponsive, while approaches that were aligned with harm reduction principles were viewed as relevant and supportive. Conclusions: Youth perspectives illustrate that parental approaches to substance use that are grounded in harm reduction principles resonate with young people's actual experiences and can support the minimization of harms associated with substance use. Evidence-based guidance is needed that supports parents and young people in adopting more contextually responsive harm reduction approaches to youth substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Walking among dog owners may be a means to achieve health benefits, yet almost half of owners (approximately 30% of households) are not regularly walking their dogs. Current research on the correlates of dog walking has generally considered intention as the primary determinant of behavior, yet the intention-behavior relationship is modest. The purpose of this paper was to apply a framework designed to evaluate the intention-behavior gap, known as multi-process action control (M-PAC), to understand daily walking among dog owners.Method: A community sample of adult dog owners (N = 227) in Victoria, Canada completed M-PAC measures of motivational (dog and human outcome expectations, affective judgments, perceived capability and opportunity), regulatory (planning), and reflexive (automaticity, identity) processes as well as intention to walk and behavior.Results: Three intention-behavior profiles emerged: a) non-intenders who were not active (26%; n = 59), b) unsuccessful intenders who failed to enact their positive intentions (33%; n = 75), and c) successful intenders who were active (40%; n = 91). Congruent with M-PAC, a discriminant function analysis showed that affective judgements (r = 0.33), automaticity (r = 0.38), and planning (r = 0.33) distinguished between all three intention-behavior profiles, while identity (r = 0.22) and dog breed size (r = 0.28) differentiated between successful and unsuccessful intenders.Conclusions: The majority of dog owners have positive intentions to walk, yet almost half fail to meet these intentions. Interventions focused on affective judgments (e.g., more enjoyable places to walk), behavioral regulation (e.g., setting a concrete plan), habit (e.g., making routines and cues) and identity formation (e.g., affirmations of commitment) may help overcome difficulties with translating these intentions into action, thus increasing overall levels of walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]