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Biomedical subjects

S Laverty

Publications and source records attributed to S Laverty.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Use of transabdominal ultrasonography to determine the location of cryptorchid testes in the horse.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Transrectal ultrasonography is a reliable technique to identify intra-abdominal testes, but can be hazardous or impractical in fractious, juvenile or small equids. The transabdominal approach therefore requires validation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of transabdominal ultrasonography to localise cryptorchid testes. METHODS: Thirty-eight horses admitted for cryptorchidism underwent transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes. Location of the testes was confirmed during surgery (n = 37) or necropsy (n = 1). RESULTS: Horses weighed 175-760 kg. Twenty-two testes were located within the abdomen, 19 in the inguinal space and 3 in a subcutaneous location. In 2 horses, a thick winter coat prevented adequate contact between the probe and the skin, and visualisation of their inguinal testis and one abdominal testis was missed during transabdominal ultrasonography. Excluding the 2 horses with excessive hair, the sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes was 97.6% (93.2% when all horses were included), and its specificity 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Transabdominal ultrasonography is a reliable, safe and immediate technique to diagnose cryptorchidism precisely in horses of all ages, sizes and temperaments. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Transabdominal ultrasonography provides an immediate definitive diagnosis of adominal cryptorchidism and should enhance selection of an appropriate surgical approach for their removal.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Syphilis clusters in Walsall: case profiles and public health implications.

Between the beginning of December 2002 and the end of March 2003, eight cases of infectious syphilis were diagnosed in Walsall. Two unrelated clusters were identified. The first consisted of three cases, two heterosexual patients and a baby with congenital syphilis. The infant had no congenital stigmata of syphilis, which is consistent with recent infection. The second cluster consisted of five cases in men who have sex with men (MSM) who attended a local sauna that attracts men from the Midlands and north west England. One infection was detected in an outreach screening initiative of 60 MSM. Both clusters illustrate the problems of case ascertainment and the need for continued vigilance to the potential of syphilis infection in high risk groups. Vigorous public health efforts are required to promote safer sex and awareness to infection with syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus, reinforced by targeted case finding in clinic and community settings.

Cluster Analysis↗
PubMed2003

Thoracic trauma in foals: post mortem findings.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Thoracic trauma occurs in newborn foals and may cause associated clinical signs; this condition remains poorly documented. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe the pathological features of thoracic trauma in newborn foals presented for necropsy examination between 1990 and 2000. METHODS: Necropsy reports of foals with thoracic trauma from 1990-2000 were reviewed. Subject details, clinical signs, thoracic and abdominal lesions were noted and analysed statistically. RESULTS: Sixty-seven (9%) of 760 necropsied foals had thoracic trauma. In 19 foals, fractured ribs were considered to be the cause of death (Group A). The remaining foals had fractured ribs (Group B, n = 20) or rib contusions (Group C, n = 28) that were incidental findings. Ribs 3 to 8 accounted for 86% of the traumatised bones. The most common site of injury was the costochondral junction and an area immediately above it (94%). In Group A, all but 2 foals died within the first 8 days postpartum. Haemothorax and subsequent pulmonary collapse was cited most commonly as the cause of death (53%). Diaphragmatic rupture and hernia (n = 2) also occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The focal site, consistent location and presence of lesions during the first week post partum, all suggest that thoracic trauma in newborn foals probably occurs during parturition. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The description of lesions and site of occurrence of thoracic trauma in foals will increase awareness and improve the diagnosis and treatment of this life threatening condition.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Excessive degradation of type II collagen in articular cartilage in equine osteochondrosis.

Articular osteochondrosis (OCD) occurs in both man and animals. The etiology remains to be determined. Studies of OCD lesions in animals may provide clues as to its pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to determine whether there was evidence for increased degradation namely proteoglycan (PG) release and type II collagen cleavage in articular cartilage harvested from OCD lesions. We examined ex vivo explants at post-mortem from equine OCD lesions and macroscopically normal site and age matched cartilage. These were cultured over a 10 day period in serum-free medium. Type II collagen cleavage was measured in articular cartilage and media using an Elisa assay to detect the COL2-3/4C(short) epitope, which is generated on cleavage of the triple helix of type II collagen by collagenases. PG release was measured by a dye-binding assay. Cumulative release of PG and COL2-3/4C(short) and their contents in cartilage at the end of the culture period were determined. In OCD lesions there was a significant increase in type II collagen cleavage by collagenase but no evidence for increase of PG degradation. These findings point to a selective increase in type II collagen cleavage by collagenases, in OCD lesions of the kind observed in osteoarthritis. Further work is needed to determine whether changes represent primary or secondary events in the pathogenesis of OCD.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Early degradation of type IX and type II collagen with the onset of experimental inflammatory arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether following the onset of intraarticular inflammation, there is early damage to articular cartilage, specifically to types II and IX collagen, and the proteoglycan (PG) aggrecan, and whether measurement of the degradation products of these molecules in synovial fluid (SF) and serum may permit the detection of cartilage damage. METHODS: A rabbit model of rheumatoid arthritis, antigen (ovalbumin)-induced arthritis, was studied. Articular cartilage samples were analyzed by immunoassays for total type II collagen content, its denaturation and cleavage by collagenases, and for type IX collagen content. PG content was determined by colorimetric assay. In serum and SF, total PG content and collagenase-generated peptides of type II collagen were measured. RESULTS: After 6 days, both the PG content and the NC4 domain of type IX collagen were reduced in femoral and tibial cartilage, concomitant with the onset of arthritis. In only the tibial cartilage did this reduction in PG persist up to day 20. However, denatured type II collagen was increased in all cartilage samples, but only on day 20. In SF, the PG content was significantly reduced on day 20, and products of type II collagen cleavage by collagenase were significantly increased on both day 6 and day 20. CONCLUSION: This study, which is the first of its kind examining changes in both types II and IX collagen and PG content, reveals early damage to both types of collagen as well as to PG in articular cartilage samples following induction of joint inflammation. SF analyses reveal this early damage and may be of value in the study and treatment of inflammatory arthritic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Use of synovial fluid markers of cartilage synthesis and turnover to study effects of repeated intra-articular administration of methylprednisolone acetate on articular cartilage in vivo.

In vivo the effects of intra-articular (IA) corticosteroids on articular cartilage remain controversial. This study was designed to examine this issue using synovial fluid (SF) markers of cartilage metabolism. Paired radiocarpal joints, without clinical or radiographic signs of joint disease, were studied in 10 adult horses. Aseptic arthrocentesis was performed weekly for 13 weeks. IA injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) into the treatment joint and the vehicle into the control joint were performed at weeks 3, 5 and 7. We used radioimmunoassays on SF samples which measure a keratan sulfate epitope (KS) and the 846 epitope on cartilage aggrecan (PG) and the C-propeptide (CPII) of cartilage type II procollagen which is released following synthesis of this molecule. Gel chromatography was performed on selected SF samples to evaluate the sizes of SF PG molecules. The total joint KS and the 846 epitopes were both present on a heterogeneous population of mainly molecules which, from chromotographic analysis, appeared to be mainly fragments of the articular cartilage aggrecan. They were significantly elevated in MPA joints whereas CPII was significantly reduced compared to the control during the treatment period. These results indicate that the repeated use of IA MPA leads to a potentially harmful inhibition of procollagen II synthesis and an increased release of degradation products of the PG aggrecan from articular cartilage.

Aggrecans↗
PubMed2001

Composition and structure of articular cartilage: a template for tissue repair.

The authors review the structure and composition of articular cartilage. This tissue is composed of an extensive extracellular matrix synthesized by chondrocytes. It contains different zones with respect to depth from the articular surface and has a regional organization around the chondrocytes. Its composition varies regionally and zonally in its collagen and proteoglycan contents and those of other matrix molecules. There is a macrofibrillar collagen network and a microfilamentous network about which other noncollagenous molecules are organized. Its structure and composition are reflective of its special mechanical properties that primarily reflect its tensile strength (collagens) and compressive stiffness (proteoglycan aggrecan) and cell-matrix interactions (noncollagenous proteins).

Cartilage, Articular↗
PubMed2000

Alterations in cartilage type-II procollagen and aggrecan contents in synovial fluid in equine osteochondrosis.

The etiology and pathophysiology of osteochondrosis remain poorly understood because it is difficult to obtain material from lesions in the early stage of this disease and because there is no satisfactory experimental animal model. We wished to determine whether there are changes in articular cartilage turnover in equine osteochondrosis, which closely resembles the human disease, by assaying cartilage matrix molecules in synovial fluids. We used immunoassays that measure a keratan sulfate epitope and the epitope 846 on the cartilage proteoglycan aggrecan and the C-propeptide of cartilage type-II procollagen, which is released following the synthesis of this molecule, to analyse synovial fluids from equine tarsocrural joints with and without osteochondrosis. In young horses with osteochondrosis, there was a significant increase of C-propeptide of type-II procollagen accompanied by a decrease in the 846 and keratan sulfate epitopes. The results identify differential alterations in aggrecan and type-II collagen turnover in the cartilage matrix in young animals with osteochondrosis that may contribute to the pathological degeneration of articular cartilage in this disease.

Aggrecans↗
PubMed1999

Thoracic trauma in newborn foals.

In a report describing life ending fractures (255 horses) from the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, Kentucky (1993 and 1994), 32 foals had rib fractures. The purpose of our study was to examine the incidence of rib fractures in newborn foals on a Thoroughbred studfarm by physical and radiographic examination, to determine factors which may contribute to the problem and to document any clinical consequences. All foals (263) included were examined within 3 days of birth. The thoracic cage was palpated externally for abnormalities and all foals were placed in dorsal recumbency to evaluate thoracic cage symmetry. Radiographs were used to diagnose foals with thoracic cage asymmetry (TCA) and rib fracture (RF). A diagnosis of costochondral dislocation (CD) was made when no radiographic evidence of fracture was present but there was severe TCA. Fifty-five foals (20.1%) had TCA (9 RF). One to 5 ribs were fractured on 9 of 40 radiographic studies. No consequences of the thoracic trauma was detected clinically, radiographically or ultrasonographically in this group of foals or at a 2- and 4-week follow-up examination. The percentage of foals with a history of abnormal parturition was higher in the TCA foals (15%) compared to the normal foals (6.8%). There were more primiparous dams in the TCA group than in the normal foal group. Fillies (56.6%) had a higher incidence of birth trauma than colts (43.4%). This study demonstrates that thoracic trauma is often present in newborn foals and may not always be of clinical significance. Dystocia foals and foals from primiparous mares should be considered high risk for thoracic trauma.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Evidence for altered synthesis of type II collagen in patients with osteoarthritis.

There is evidence to suggest that the synthesis of type II collagen is increased in osteoarthritis (OA). Using an immunoassay, we show that the content of the C-propeptide of type II procollagen (CPII), released extracellularly from the newly synthesized molecule, is directly related to the synthesis of this molecule in healthy and osteoarthritic articular cartilages. In OA cartilage, CPII content is often markedly elevated (mean 7.6-fold), particularly in the mid and deep zones, reaching 29.6% of the content in newborn. Synthesis is also directly related to total collagen II content in OA, suggesting its importance in maintaining collagen content and cartilage structure. The release of CPII from cartilage is correlated directly with cartilage content. However, the increase in CPII in OA cartilage is not reflected in serum, where a significant reduction is observed. Together these studies provide evidence for alterations in procollagen II synthesis in vivo in patients with OA.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Use of laparoscopic equipment to divide abdominal adhesions in a filly.

Exploratory laparoscopy of the right dorsal portion of the abdominal cavity was performed on a Standardbred filly because of signs of mild abdominal pain of 7 days' duration. On the basis of clinical examination, diagnosis was suppurative peritonitis, abdominal adhesions in the area of the right ovary, and right displacement and impaction of the pelvic flexure of the ascending colon. During laparoscopy, an abdominal adhesion between the right uterine horn, the cecum, and the pelvic flexure was identified. The abdominal adhesions were either stretched with laparoscopic forceps used as a probe or dissected bluntly with the tips of a pair of 10-mm laparoscopic Kelly forceps. Antibiotics were administered for 21 days after surgery. The horse fully recovered and raced 11 months after the surgery.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1998

Designing an incentive compensation program that works.

To encourage innovation and improve departmental and organizational bottom lines, Winchester Hospital, Winchester, Massachusetts, developed and implemented a middle management and staff incentive compensation plan. Middle managers and staff who participate in projects that provide savings to the hospital are paid a share of the savings. The plan allows staff the option of designing "horizontal" projects, in which a project leader carries out a project individually or with peers, or "vertical" projects, in which a project leader directs a team of key individuals. Increasing numbers of vertical projects have been proposed since the plan's inception in 1994. In addition to increasing the hospital's operating income, the program provides cost-effective, variable compensation, which especially appeals to motivated, high-performing employees; motivates employees to overcome roadblocks; facilitates a team approach that bridges traditional departmental boundaries; and encourages a beneficial and collegial competitiveness among managers.

Cost Savings↗
PubMed1994

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma with pulmonary metastasis in a horse.

A 6-year-old Thoroughbred mare had a 7-cm ulcerated mass on the cranial aspect of the left cervical area. Ultrasonography revealed the mass to be < 1 cm thick and composed of small lobules that were filled by material hypoechoic to the surrounding muscle tissues. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass yielded blood, and cytologic examination revealed a few epithelial cells with neoplastic changes. Thoracic radiography revealed an interstitial pattern with several disseminated nodules. A diagnosis of cutaneous hemangiosarcoma with pulmonary metastases was made. The diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Review of 40 cases of lung abscesses in foals and adult horses.

A retrospective study of 40 horses with primary lung abscesses without pleuropneumonia showed that lung abscesses occurred predominantly in young horses, usually in foals aged < or = 6 months. Hyperfibrinogenaemia was present in all but 2 horses, and other common clinical and haematological findings were hyperthermia, tachycardia, polypnoea, and neutrophilic leucocytosis. The most common bacterial species isolated from transtracheal aspirates were Streptococcus zooepidemicus (20/34) and Rhodococcus equi (13/34). Most horses (23/27) discharged from the hospital were long term survivors. Of the 19 horses for which a follow up was available, 12 raced or performed the task for which they were intended. None of the indicators evaluated in this study could reliably predict the bacterial species involved or the outcome.

Actinomycetales Infections↗
PubMed1993

Hemorrhagic myelomalacia following general anesthesia in a horse.

An 18-month-old male Belgian horse was anesthetized and placed in dorsal recumbency for cryptorchidectomy. Xylazine was used for sedation and guaifenesin with thiamylal for induction of anesthesia. A surgical plane of anesthesia was maintained with halothane. During anesthesia, second-degree atrio-ventricular blocks, hypoventilation and a 1-minute duration rise of mean arterial pressure (80 to 130 mm Hg) occurred. Total anesthesia time was 1 hour. On recovery from anesthesia, the horse exhibited flaccid paralysis of the hind limbs and was only able to elevate himself to a dog sitting position. The horse was humanely euthanized 22 hours postoperatively due to a lack of improvement in clinical signs. Hemorrhagic poliomyelomalacic lesions of the spinal cord were observed on histopathological examination of the spinal cord.

Anesthesia, General↗