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Biomedical subjects

W L Berry

Publications and source records attributed to W L Berry.

29 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

A porous stainless steel membrane system for extraterrestrial crop production.

A system was developed in which nutrient flow to plant roots is controlled by a thin (0.98 or 1.18 mm) porous (0.2 or 0.5 microns) stainless steel sheet membrane. The flow of nutrient solution through the membrane is controlled by adjusting the relative negative pressure on the nutrient solution side of the membrane. Thus, the nutrient solution is contained by the membrane and cannot escape from the compartment even under microgravity conditions if the appropriate pressure gradient across the membrane is maintained. Plant roots grow directly on the top surface of the membrane and pull the nutrient solution through this membrane interface. The volume of nutrient solution required by this system for plant growth is relatively small, since the plenum, which contains the nutrient solution in contact with the membrane, needs only to be of sufficient size to provide for uniform flow to all parts of the membrane. Solution not passing through the membrane to the root zone is recirculated through a reservoir where pH and nutrient levels are controlled. The size of the solution reservoir depends on the sophistication of the replenishment system. The roots on the surface of the membrane are covered with a polyethylene film (white on top, black on bottom) to maintain a high relative humidity and also limit light to prevent algal growth. Seeds are sown directly on the stainless steel membrane under the holes in the polyethylene film that allow a pathway for the shoots.

Hydroponics↗
PubMed1990

Systemic cryptococcosis in a cat.

A three-year-old, castrated, male, domestic cat presented with an antibiotic-resistant rhinitis, generalised lymphadenopathy, and skin nodules distributed over the neck, thorax and abdomen. Cryptococcus neoformans was identified on cytology and histopathology specimens, and cultured from all the specimens submitted. The cat died without antimicrobial therapy being instituted. Systemic cryptococcosis was confirmed on necropsy. Lesions were found in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, skin, subcutis, skeletal musculature, lymph nodes, kidney, eye and brain. This report details a case of systemic cryptococcosis in a cat and gives a review of feline cryptococcosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Nursing care of the small animal neurological patient.

Nursing care of long-term recumbent small animals, with emphasis on the neurological patient, is described. Principles of general nursing care, particularly nutritional support and the prevention and treatment of urinary complications, are of major concern in any weak or recumbent patient. The estimation of nutritional requirements and adjustments, information on South African commercial liquid diets and practical rehabilitation are described.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1989

Susceptibility of dogs to West Nile virus: a survey and pathogenicity trial.

A serological survey of dogs from the highveld region of South Africa showed that 37 per cent (138 of 377) had neutralizing antibodies to West Nile (WN) virus and only 2.7 per cent (10 of 377) had antibodies to Sindbis virus. WN virus was isolated from one of the WN-antibody negative sera. Because these results suggested that dogs may play an important part in the epidemiology of WN virus, a pathogenicity trial was carried out. Two of three dogs infected with WN virus had a mild recurrent myopathy, but no other abnormalities were detected in the biochemical or haematological tests performed on any of the dogs. All three dogs developed antibodies but a low titre-viraemia was detected in only one dog. It was concluded that dogs do not play an important part in the epidemiology of WN virus but they may play a small part in the maintenance of the virus.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Serum digoxin concentrations in canine congestive heart failure.

Digoxin was administered to dogs (n = 10) in congestive heart failure, at an oral dosage rate of 0.01 mg kg-1 lean body mass twice daily. Lean body mass was determined by reducing gross mass by the estimated degree of ascites and body fat. The dose was further adjusted for factors such as renal and hepatic function, the bioavailability of different formulations, and the size of the patient. Trough and peak serum digoxin concentrations were determined after 10 days of digitalisation, or when signs of toxicity became apparent. Serum digoxin concentrations in 6 of the 10 dogs were found to be partially or completely in the toxic or subtherapeutic range. This indicates that an oral digoxin dosage rate of 0.01 mg kg-1 lean body mass administered twice daily, even when adjusted appropriately for factors that affect digoxin pharmacokinetics, provides no more than a rough approximation of the precise dose required to provide serum digoxin concentrations within the therapeutic range. The observations also lend support to a recent recommendation that the digoxin dosage rate should be based on body surface area, although even when administered on this basis, serum digoxin concentrations outside of the therapeutic range could be anticipated.

Animals↗
PubMed1969

LOCALIZATION AND SECRETION OF SALT BY THE SALT GLANDS OF Tamarix aphylla.

Analysis of salt secreted by the salt glands of Tamarix aphylla shows that the composition of the secreted salt is dependent on the salt composition of the root environment. Rubidium ion, if added to culture solutions in which the plants were growing, is also taken up by the plants and subsequently secreted by the glands. Electron micrographs of glands from the ribidium-secreting plants show accumulations of electron-dense material in the microvacuoles of the secretory cells. It is concluded that rubidium is accumulated in the microvacuoles and subsequently secreted by their fusion with the plasmalemma.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Magnetic resonance imaging features of multilobular osteochondrosarcoma in 3 dogs.

Three dogs with multilobular osteochondrosarcoma of the skull were evaluated using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Spin echo T1, T2, proton weighted and post contrast T1W images were obtained with a 1.5 Tesla magnet. The MR imaging findings were similar in all three dogs with mixed signal intensities in the T1W, T2W and proton weighted images and fairly large areas of contrast enhancement in the post contrast T1W images. The extent of brain and soft tissue involvement were well delineated and provided useful information concerning surgical planning. MR imaging provided a useful method of evaluating dogs with skull tumors.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Magnetic resonance imaging features of cervical stenotic myelopathy in 21 dogs.

The cervical spine of 21 dogs with clinical signs of cervical stenotic myelopathy was evaluated using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Spin echo T1, T2 and gradient echo T2 weighted images were obtained with a 1.5 Tesla magnet in 12 dogs and a 1.0 Tesla magnet in 9 dogs. Sagittal or parasagittal T1W and T2W images were helpful in determining the presence of spinal cord compression or degenerative disease of the articular processes. Transverse T1W and T2W images were the most useful for the identification of dorsolateral spinal cord compression secondary to soft tissue and ligament hypertrophy, as well as synovial cysts, associated with the articular processes. The MR imaging findings were consistent with the surgical findings in all 14 dogs that underwent surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging provided a safe, non-invasive method of evaluating the cervical spine in dogs suspected of having cervical stenotic myelopathy. Veterinary

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Spirocerca lupi esophageal granulomas in 7 dogs: resolution after treatment with doramectin.

Seven dogs with Spirocerca lupi esophageal granulomas were identified based on the site of involvement (ie, distal esophagus) and characteristic endoscopic appearance. Six dogs presented with signs of esophageal disease and 1 dog was asymptomatic. Ova were only identified in the feces of 2 dogs. On thoracic radiographs, 4 dogs had evidence of a caudodorsal mediastinal mass, and 2 of these dogs had spondylitis of midthoracic vertebrae. On endoscopy, single esophageal nodules were observed in 5 dogs, 1 dog had 3 nodules, and 1 dog had 6 nodules. All 7 dogs were treated with doramectin at a dosage of 200 microg/kg SC at 14-day intervals for 3 treatments. Dogs had physical and endoscopic examinations at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after treatment. By 6 weeks, clinical signs had resolved in 6 dogs (1 dog was asymptomatic), and the esophageal nodules had completely resolved in 4 dogs, and incompletely resolved in 3 dogs. Two dogs with incomplete resolution were treated again with doramectin at 500 microg/kg PO daily for an additional 6 weeks. Complete resolution of the esophageal nodules was confirmed by endoscopy in all dogs. Nodules had resolved in 4 dogs by 6 weeks, in 2 dogs by 12 weeks (after 6 weeks additional daily oral therapy), and in 1 dog 22 months after the initial 200 microg/kg treatment regimen. No dog experienced adverse effects to the drug, and all symptomatic dogs have been free of disease for periods ranging from 3 to 4 years.

Animals↗