A Subset of Equine Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinomas Is Associated With Equus Caballus Papillomavirus-2 Infection.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common neoplasm of the equine stomach. However, the mechanisms underlying malignant transformation are unknown. As papillomavirus-2 (EcPV-2) is a likely cause of some genital SCCs, we hypothesized that EcPV-2 is associated with a subset of equine gastric SCCs.

Scleromyxoedema in a dog.

Background: In humans, scleromyxoedema is a chronic progressive skin condition traditionally characterized by deposits of mucin, increased number of fibroblasts and fibrosis in the skin, and by systemic disease. Thyroid disease is typically absent. A monoclonal gammopathy is usually present, as are other comorbidities.

Near Infrared Light Scattering Changes Following Acute Brain Injury.

Acute brain injury (ABI) is associated with changes in near infrared light absorption reflecting haemodynamic and metabolic status via changes in cerebral oxygenation (haemoglobin oxygenation and cytochrome-c-oxidase oxidation). Light scattering has not been comprehensively investigated following ABI and may be an important confounding factor in the assessment of chromophore concentration changes, and/or a novel non-invasive optical marker of brain tissue morphology, cytostructure, hence metabolic status. The aim of this study is to characterize light scattering following adult ABI.

Preliminary evaluation of a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for mental health professionals.

Objectives: Mental health professionals are particularly susceptible to occupational stress; however, there are limited formal programmes to address the problem. This paper discusses the preliminary results of a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme for practising professionals in a public hospital mental health unit.

Method: A mixed-group of nine mental health professionals participated in eight weeks of daily 15-minute MBSR training interspersed with three 30-minute education sessions developed by the authors (AD and AT).

Protozoal nodular dermatitis and panniculitis in a Rottweiler puppy caused by Caryospora bigenetica.

Background: Caryospora bigenetica is an intracellular protozoan parasite in snakes and raptors (primary hosts) and rodents (secondary host). Experimental infection has been documented in mice, pigs and goats; natural infection in dogs is rare.

Objectives: To describe the clinical presentation, histological features, treatment and outcome of a case of protozoal nodular dermatitis and panniculitis in a Rottweiler puppy caused by C.

Evaluating nursing handover: the REED model.

This article describes the REED (record, evidence, enquire, discuss) model of handover. The authors reflect on the history of nursing handover, and discuss the different types of handover and the need for standardisation. The article provides a step-by-step approach to the implementation of a new model of nursing handover on an acute ward.

Improved record-keeping with reading handovers.

Nursing handover has traditionally been performed orally and apart from patients. Results of an audit undertaken at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, suggest that record-keeping standards there were poor. To improve these standards, a method of 'reading handover', in which the main method of communication between nurses on different shifts is written rather than oral, was introduced on one ward.

Oligodendroglioma in an african lion (Panthera leo).

A 10-yr-old female lion (Panthera leo) presented for acute onset ataxia and weakness with a history of two seizure episodes 6 mo prior to presentation and a persistent head tilt for at least 6 mo. Gross necropsy findings included a gelatinous mass in the right cerebral hemisphere extending from the frontal to the occipital lobes. Histologically, the mass was composed of polygonal cells surrounding lakes of mucinous material.

Outbreak of rash in children associated with recreational mud exposure.

We conducted an investigation of a rash outbreak in children who attended the "Mud Mania Festival." The mean incubation period of illness was 26 hours, and mean duration was 4.3 days.

The enhancement of T cell proliferation by L-dopa is mediated peripherally and does not involve interleukin-2.

Although several recent studies suggest that dopamine may have a significant role in the regulation of immune cell function, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. We undertook this study to clarify the actions of dopamine in vivo on lymphocyte proliferation and to determine whether such effects are mediated by alterations in interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and/or IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression. Administration of the dopamine precursor, L-dopa, for 5 days to BALB/c mice significantly increased Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced proliferation of lymphocytes.

In vivo administration of L-dopa or dopamine decreases the number of splenic IFN gamma-producing cells.

Although dopamine receptors are present on peripheral immune system cells, relatively little is known about the functional role that dopamine may play in immune responses. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of chronic treatment with L-dopa and dopamine on murine lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production/release. In vivo treatment with L-dopa resulted in an increase in the proliferative response of splenic lymphocytes to ConA.