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Objectives: To develop a competency-based educational tool for cardiac point-of-care ultrasound image interpretation using the design-based research approach., Design: In accordance with design-based research, multiple methods were used to determine that learners would benefit from achieving competency in cardiac point-of-care ultrasound image interpretation before they attempted it at the bedside. A competency-based educational tool was designed and underwent a rapid prototyping process with experts. Evaluative data was used to redesign and reevaluate the educational tool with a new group of learners to improve its effectiveness., Setting: Large, university-based children's hospital., Subjects: Pediatric critical care attending physicians, fellow physicians and advanced practice providers, and pediatric resident physicians., Interventions: Integrating mastery learning and deliberate practice as theoretical frameworks, the authors designed an online "Image Library" composed of 90 questions of cardiac point-of-care ultrasound image clips with varying degrees of pathology that were organized into three levels of difficulty. Learners answered a set of 10 questions, learned from feedback, and repeated an additional set in the same difficulty until achieving a predefined level of mastery., Measurements and Main Results: Two learning cycles were implemented with a total of 41 learners. Forty learners (98%) were able to demonstrate mastery on the Image Library and required a range of 30 to 210 questions to do so. On a 10-question final assessment, learners scored an average of 72%, while experts and novices scored 83% and 17%, respectively. On a 5-point scale, learners rated the quality of the Image Library for facilitation of learning (median 5), enjoyment of learning (5), and useful knowledge and skills to improve clinical practice (5)., Conclusions: An effective and innovative tool for teaching cardiac point-of-care ultrasound image interpretation was developed using the design-based research approach. Our results demonstrate the importance of individualized learning timelines for ultrasound image interpretation.

Background: We describe survival in patients with Down syndrome (DS) with single-ventricle anatomy and palliation and characterize risk factors associated with mortality., Methods: All patients with DS and single-ventricle anatomy documented in the electronic medical record at our institution from January 1, 1992, to May 1, 2014, were compared with patients with unbalanced atrioventricular septal defects and single-ventricle anatomy, without DS or heterotaxy, during the same period. Survival analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with mortality, including the presence of DS., Results: There were 28 patients with DS and 30 patients without DS. One-year survival with DS was 75% (95% CI: 55% to 87%); 5-year survival was 61% (95% CI: 40% to 76%). All DS deaths except one occurred before 2 years of age. One-year non-DS survival was 93% (95% CI: 76% to 98%); 5-year survival was 85% (95% CI: 64% to 94%). Factors associated with death by univariable analysis included DS (p = 0.04), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of at least 3 Wood units × meter(2) (WUm(2)) in the first year of life (p = 0.03), and moderate-to-severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation (p = 0.1). In combined analysis, when accounting for PVR of at least 3 WUm(2) (hazard ratio [HR] 9.8, 95% CI: 1.1 to 83.5, p = 0.04), DS was not associated with increased mortality (HR 1.5, 95% CI: 0.3 to 7.8, p = 0.66). No patient with DS with PVR less than 3 WUm(2) died., Conclusions: Children with DS and single-ventricle anatomy have excellent survival when PVR is less than 3 WUm(2) in the first year of life, with minimal mortality beyond 2 years of age. When accounting for PVR, DS alone is not associated with increased mortality in patients with single-ventricle anatomy., (Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

While exercise stress testing (EST) is an important tool, little is known about its use for determining ischemia in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and Fontan palliation. We sought to determine the frequency of ST segment changes during EST in HLHS patients after Fontan and examine results of further testing performed in response to ST changes. A single-center chart review of HLHS patients post-Fontan from January 1995 to December 2012 was performed. Data collected included demographics, indications for EST, resting electrocardiogram findings, EST and echocardiogram results and outcomes. ESTs were evaluated for ST segment changes concerning for ischemia. Results of additional testing performed based on concerning EST findings were collected. Twenty-seven patients underwent 64 ESTs (mean 2.4 ESTs/patient). Median age at first EST was 9.6 years (range 6.2-16.4). EST was concerning for ischemia in 13 patients (48 %) on 25 (39 %) ESTs. Based on EST results, two patients had stress sestamibi testing, two underwent coronary angiography, and one had both. No reversible perfusion defects or coronary artery obstructions were demonstrated. No patient who underwent EST has died. ST segment depression was not associated with ventricular dysfunction prior to EST or at the end of follow-up (p > 0.05). In patients with HLHS post-Fontan palliation, ST segment depression on EST is common. In patients who underwent further testing, no evidence of ischemia or coronary abnormalities was found. Additional testing may not be necessary in all patients.

Background: Children with decompensated heart failure are at high risk for arrhythmias, and ventricular assist device placement is becoming a more common treatment strategy. The impact of ventricular assist devices on arrhythmias and how arrhythmias affect the clinical course of this population are not well described., Methods and Results: A single-centre retrospective analysis of children receiving a ventricular assist device between 1998 and 2011 was performed. In all, 45 patients received 56 ventricular assist devices. The median age at initial placement was 13 years (interquartile range 6-15). The median duration of support was 10 days (range 2-260). The aetiology of heart failure included cardiomyopathy, transplant rejection, myocarditis, and congenital heart disease. In all, 32 patients (71%) had an arrhythmia; 19 patients (42%) had an arrhythmia before ventricular assist device and eight patients (18%) developed new arrhythmias on ventricular assist device. Ventricular tachycardia was most common (25/32, 78%). There was no correlation between arrhythmia and risk of death or transplantation (p=0.14). Of the 15 patients who weaned from ventricular assist device, post-ventricular assist device arrhythmias occurred in nine (60%), with five (33%) having their first arrhythmia after weaning. Patients with ventricular dysfunction after ventricular assist device were more likely to have arrhythmias (p<0.02)., Conclusions: Arrhythmias, especially ventricular, are common in children requiring ventricular assist device. They frequently persist for those able to wean from ventricular assist device.

ZASP is a cytoskeletal PDZ-LIM protein predominantly expressed in striated muscle. It forms multiprotein complexes and plays a pivotal role in the structural integrity of sarcomeres. Mutations in the ZASP protein are associated with myofibrillar myopathy, left ventricular non-compaction and dilated cardiomyopathy. The ablation of its murine homologue Cypher results in neonatal lethality. ZASP has several alternatively spliced isoforms, in this paper we clarify the nomenclature of its human isoforms as well as their dynamics and expression pattern in striated muscle. Interaction is demonstrated between ZASP and two new binding partners both of which have roles in signalling, regulation of gene expression and muscle differentiation; the mechanosensing protein Ankrd2 and the tumour suppressor protein p53. These proteins and ZASP form a triple complex that appears to facilitate poly-SUMOylation of p53. We also show the importance of two of its functional domains, the ZM-motif and the PDZ domain. The PDZ domain can bind directly to both Ankrd2 and p53 indicating that there is no competition between it and p53 for the same binding site on Ankrd2. However there is competition for this binding site between p53 and a region of the ZASP protein lacking the PDZ domain, but containing the ZM-motif. ZASP is negative regulator of p53 in transactivation experiments with the p53-responsive promoters, MDM2 and BAX. Mutations in the ZASP ZM-motif induce modification in protein turnover. In fact, two mutants, A165V and A171T, were not able to bind Ankrd2 and bound only poorly to alpha-actinin2. This is important since the A165V mutation is responsible for zaspopathy, a well characterized autosomal dominant distal myopathy. Although the mechanism by which this mutant causes disease is still unknown, this is the first indication of how a ZASP disease associated mutant protein differs from that of the wild type ZASP protein.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are commonly used for pediatric cardiology patients. However, studies examining their safety for neonates with cardiac disease are scarce. The current study aimed to test the hypothesis that ACEi-mediated nephrotoxicity occurs in neonates and may be underappreciated in this population. A retrospective review of 243 neonates with cardiac disease between 2007 and 2010 was performed. Demographic data, weight, length, captopril and enalapril dosing, serum [K⁺], serum creatinine, and concomitant medications during ACEi therapy were recorded and analyzed. Body surface area (BSA), creatinine clearance (CrCl), and change in [K⁺] were calculated. The age range of neonates at ACEi initiation was 15.9-18.1 days. The inclusion criteria was met by 206 neonates: 168 term (82%) and 38 preterm (18%) newborns. Of these neonates, 42% were female, and all the patients had a BSA smaller than 0.33 m² (a group known to have relative renal insufficiency). The mean dose of enalapril was 0.08 ± 0.007 mg/kg for the preterm neonates and 0.08 ± 0.003 mg/kg for the term neonates. The mean dose of captopril was 0.07 ± 0.009 mg/kg for the preterm neonates and 0.13 ± 0.019 mg/kg for the term neonates. A significant decrease in CrCl occurred for both the preterm (p < 0.01) and term (p < 0.001) neonates while they were receiving ACEi. However, the two groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.183). Nearly 42% of all the patients showed renal risk, with approximately 30% demonstrating renal failure by modified pRIFLE (pediatric risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage renal disease) criteria. Despite the lack of significantly different CrCl, the premature neonates were more likely to experience ACEi-related renal failure by pRIFLE (55%) than their term counterparts (23%; p < 0.001). Despite its common use for term neonates with cardiac disease, ACEi should be used cautiously and only when indications are clear. These results also raise the question whether ACEi should be used at all for preterm neonates.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex condition with a broad range of etiologies that result in a common outcome--elevated pulmonary arterial pressure. For the pediatric cardiologist, this entity provides a manifest demonstration of the interrelationship of cardiac and pulmonary physiology. A thoughtful approach must be applied to each patient with PH in order to achieve a thorough understanding of the nature of disease and to proceed with individualized therapy in an appropriate and timely manner. This article aims to provide a clinically relevant, practical review of current literature related to PH in patients with congenital heart disease, including the causes, diagnostic considerations, and an overview of management., (© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Defects of cytoarchitectural proteins can cause left ventricular noncompaction, which is often associated with conduction system diseases. We have previously identified a p.D117N mutation in the LIM domain-binding protein 3-encoding Z-band alternatively spliced PDZ motif gene (ZASP) in a patient with left ventricular noncompaction and conduction disturbances. We sought to investigate the role of p.D117N mutation in the LBD3 NM&#95;001080114.1 isoform (ZASP1-D117N) for the regulation of cardiac sodium channel (Na(v)1.5) that plays an important role in the cardiac conduction system., Methods and Results: Effects of ZASP1-wild-type and ZASP1-D117N on Na(v)1.5 were studied in human embryonic kidney-293 cells and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Patch-clamp study demonstrated that ZASP1-D117N significantly attenuated I(Na) by 27% in human embryonic kidney-293 cells and by 32% in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. In addition, ZASP1-D117N rightward shifted the voltage-dependent activation and inactivation in both systems. In silico simulation using Luo-Rudy phase 1 model demonstrated that altered Na(v)1.5 function can reduce cardiac conduction velocity by 28% compared with control. Pull-down assays showed that both wild-type and ZASP1-D117N can complex with Na(v)1.5 and telethonin/T-Cap, which required intact PDZ domains. Immunohistochemical staining in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes demonstrates that ZASP1-D117N did not significantly disturb the Z-line structure. Disruption of cytoskeletal networks with 5-iodonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl homopiperazine and cytochalasin D abolished the effects of ZASP1-D117N on Na(v)1.5., Conclusions: ZASP1 can form protein complex with telethonin/T-Cap and Na(v)1.5. The left ventricular noncompaction-specific ZASP1 mutation can cause loss of function of Na(v)1.5, without significant alteration of the cytoskeletal protein complex. Our study suggests that electric remodeling can occur in left ventricular noncompaction subject because of a direct effect of mutant ZASP on Na(v)1.5.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the utility of the exercise stress test (EST) in pediatric patients without previously diagnosed heart disease who present with chest pain and to correlate EST results with echocardiographic findings., Design: Retrospective chart review over a 14-month period., Setting: Cardiology clinic at an academic children's hospital., Patients: Two hundred three pediatric patients who presented to a pediatric cardiologist and had an EST for chest pain., Outcome Measures: Correlate EST results with echocardiographic findings and the patient's ultimate diagnosis., Methods: Retrospective review of patients who presented to cardiology clinic for chest pain, analysis of medical records, EST, echocardiograms, and other downstream testing., Results: Of 433 patients who presented to a pediatric cardiologist for chest pain, 203 (47%) had an EST performed. One hundred seventy-six (87%) patients did not have a prior diagnosis of congenital heart disease and made up our study population. Mean age was 13.2 ± 3 years. Of the patients who had an EST, 139 (79%) had chest pain with exercise. Echocardiography was performed in 124 (70%) of the patients who had an EST. Of patients undergoing echocardiography, 17/124 (14%) had abnormalities, but none of the abnormalities found were thought to contribute to the patients' chest pain. There were only four (2%) abnormal EST, and none were thought to be diagnostic for the patients' symptoms of chest pain. The most common diagnoses were musculoskeletal chest pain in 34 patients (19%) and reactive airway disease in 27 patients (15%)., Conclusion: In children referred to pediatric cardiology clinic for chest pain, EST has a low yield in identifying cardiac abnormalities., (© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Feed amended with autoclaved culture material (CM) of Fusarium proliferatum containing fumonisin B1 (FB1) (61-546 ppm), fumonisin B2 (FB2) (14-98 ppm) and moniliformin (66-367 ppm) was given to 228 male chicks in three separate feeding trials. In a fourth feeding trial, purified FB1 (125 and 274 ppm) and moniliformin (27 and 154 ppm) were given separately and in combination (137 and 77 ppm, respectively). Chicks that died during the trial periods, survivors and controls were subjected to postmortem examination. Specimens (liver, kidney, pancreas, lung, brain, intestine, testis, bursa of Fabricius, heart and skeletal muscle) were examined grossly and preserved for subsequent histopathologic and ultrastructural examination. Prominent gross lesions in affected birds fed diets amended with CM or purified FB1 and moniliformin included ascites, hydropericardium, hepatopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, pneumonitis, gizzard ulceration, and enlarged bursa of Fabricius filled with caseous material. The various concentrations of FB1 and moniliformin in the amended rations produced well-defined dose-response lesions in all groups in all four trials. Histopathologic changes included hemorrhage, leucocytic infiltration, fatty change or infiltration, individual cell necrosis and fibrosis in liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines, gizzard, bursa of Fabricius and pancreas. Edema and hemorrhage were prominent in brains of treated birds. Ultrastructural changes included cytoplasmic and nuclear enlargement of cells in affected liver, lungs, kidneys, heart and pancreas. There were thickened membranes of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum with loss of ribosomes and vacuolated or deformed mitochondria.

The ASPCA National Animal Poison Center managed 29 cases of ingestion of commercially available macadamia nuts in dogs during a 5-y period. Clinical signs included, from most to least, weakness, depression, vomiting, ataxia, tremor, hyperthermia, abdominal pain, lameness, stiffness, recumbency, and pale mucous membranes. The onset of clinical signs was reported as < 12 h in 79% of the cases. The duration of clinical signs for the majority of cases was < 24 h. The amount of macadamia nuts ingested was estimated in 72% of the calls with a mean of 11.7 g/kg bw. In an attempt to reproduce the syndrome, 4 dogs were gavaged with 20 g macadamia nuts/kg bw in a water slurry. The experimentally dosed dogs developed weakness, manifested by the inability to rise 12 h after dosing, mild central nervous system depression, vomiting, and hyperthermia, with rectal temperatures up to 40.5 C. Mild elevations in serum triglycerides and serum alkaline phosphatase were detected. Lipase values peaked sharply at 24 h and returned to normal by 48 h after dosing. Other serum biochemical and electrolyte determinations were unremarkable. Serum lipoprotein electrophoresis determinations were unchanged from baseline. The mechanism of the syndrome is unknown. All field and experimental dogs recovered uneventfully within 1 to 2 d whether treated by a veterinarian or not.

Toxicosis to 3 commonly available analgesics--ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen--occurs in dogs and cats after acute ingestion or repetitive administration of therapeutic or excessive doses. Whereas in acute exposure, where the clinical course of an overdose to all 3 drugs is predictable in relation to the amount ingested, in chronic exposure to therapeutic doses of aspirin and ibuprofen, the development of gastric ulcers and analgesic nephropathy is unpredictable. Ibuprofen is not recommended for prolonged treatment in dogs and cats due to the likelihood of ulcer formation. Although gastric mucosal adaptation usually occurs with repeated therapeutic doses of aspirin, some individuals nevertheless develop gastric ulcers; simultaneous administration of the prostaglandin analogue misoprostol can reduce the risk. Following acute ingestion of aspirin or ibuprofen, treatment is essentially symptomatic and supportive following early decontamination procedures. Gastrointestinal protectants and i.v. fluids with sodium bicarbonate are generally recommended. Acetaminophen toxicosis is usually associated with single acute ingestion, and the primary target organs affected are the liver and the red blood cells in dogs and cats respectively. Because signs can progress rapidly with acute acetaminophen overdose, administration of N-acetylcysteine is always recommended, even when the history is unclear. This report summarizes the common clinical presentations of dogs and cats exposed to therapeutic or excessive doses of ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen, and describes the treatment procedures advised by the ASPCA-National Animal Poison Control Center.

Five dogs, 4 of which were Greyhounds, suffered adverse effects secondary to the ingestion of spent hops. Mean time to onset of clinical signs was 3 hours, and clinical signs included marked hyperthermia, restlessness, panting, vomiting, signs of abdominal pain, and seizures. Four of the 5 dogs died despite aggressive therapeutic measures, and there was rapid onset of rigor mortis in 3. The overrepresentation of Greyhounds, coupled with the clinical signs, was suggestive of a malignant hyperthermia-like response to the ingestion of hops. It also is possible that hops contain an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation.

We investigated the validity of dogs and cats as sentinels of environmental lead exposure to humans. This paper reports findings from a study conducted in Granite City, IL, during the summer of 1991. At this site, a former secondary lead smelter had been in activity for more than 80 years. The smelter was shut down in 1982. The surrounding area was found to be contaminated with lead, with soil lead concentrations above 5000 ppm in some places. The Illinois Department of Public Health conducted a survey in the community to determine the effects of lead on the local population. We sampled dogs and cats owned by these people. Our results suggest that living near a closed lead smelter, with heavy soil contamination, was not associated with high blood lead concentrations in pets, or their owners. There was a significant relationship between BLC (blood lead concentrations), in indoor pets and younger children, which was consistent with our hypothesis that pets could be used to monitor childhood lead exposure. We also found that, when there was one pet with a high BLC in a house, the likelihood of finding one person with a BLC above 10 micrograms/dl was significantly increased.

The National Animal Poison Control Center received 28 calls of isoniazid (INH) exposures in dogs and cats between 1987 and 1993. The ingestion of a single 300 mg INH tablet was the most common complaint. Isoniazid has a low therapeutic margin and produces life threatening signs in dogs ingesting single 300 mg human tablets. The LD50 of INH in dogs is estimated at 50 mg/kg bw, which is probably similar to that for humans. However, rodents are among the species most resistant to INH and thus are not good animal models for toxic dose extrapolation. The more consistent clinical signs reported were recurrent clonic-tonic seizures followed by a stuporous state with poor response to stimulus. Ideal treatment combines vitamin B6 given as a single i.v. bolus at an equivalent dose to the amount of INH ingested and anticonvulsants such as 1 mg diazepam/kg bw. This combination acts synergistically to improve GABAergic transmission in the CNS and has proved effective in protecting animals from further convulsions and death, even after several seizure episodes, as often encountered in clinical situations.

Two hundred twenty-eight male broiler chicks (Columbia x New Hampshire) were given feed amended with autoclaved culture material of Fusarium proliferatum containing fumonisin B1 (FB1) at 61, 193, and 546 ppm, fumonisin B2 (FB2) at 14, 38, and 98 ppm, and moniliformin at 66, 193, and 367 ppm in 3 separate feeding trials (amounts of toxin in each trial, respectively). Birds were started on amended rations at days 1, 7, and 21 and continuing for 14 days. Of serum chemistry parameters, only glucose was significantly decreased. Significant increases were noted in serum cholesterol, sodium, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Of the hematologic parameters, significant decreases were noted in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and white blood cell counts. Immunologic changes included impaired anti-Newcastle disease antibody hemagglutination inhibition titers associated with relative decreases in total serum globulins and increases in albumin/globulin ratios. The changes were noted in all treatment groups when compared to controls.

This paper reports the results of a study conducted in Granite City, Illinois during the months of August through October 1991. The study involved a subpopulation of 77 households having 106 dogs and cats which was a corollary to a major study conducted in humans by the Illinois Department of Public Health to evaluate lead exposure. A secondary lead smelter had been in operation in this town for almost 80 years and was shut down in 1982. Important soil contamination with lead was reported and this paper presents data regarding levels of soil and dust lead and associated blood lead concentrations in animals and their owners in a total of 77 households. Overall, blood lead concentrations (BLC) were low (0-13 micrograms/dl in the animal owners; 0-28 micrograms/dl in pets). There was no significant relationship between soil or dust lead and BLC in humans; however, the relationship was significant in animals. Odds ratios were computed to determine whether 500 or 1000 ppm lead in environmental samples was associated with increased risk of having a high BLC. We could not find any increased risk in humans, while the risk did increase in animals. It is concluded that animals are more at risk than their owners of having a high BLC when exposed to the same contaminated environment and can be used to monitor the bioavailability of lead.

Cases of melaleuca oil toxicosis have been reported by veterinarians to the National Animal Poison Control Center when the oil was applied dermally to dogs and cats. In most cases, the oil was used to treat dermatologic conditions at inappropriate high doses. The typical signs observed were depression, weakness, incoordination and muscle tremors. The active ingredients of commercial melaleuca oil are predominantly cyclic terpenes. Treatment of clinical signs and supportive care has been sufficient to achieve recovery without sequelae within 2-3 d.

A former secondary lead smelter was in operation in Granite City, Ill, until the early 1980s. As a result, the surrounding area is heavily contaminated with lead. Soil concentrations as high as 5,000 ppm have been measured in prior studies. Because of growing concerns about health defects associated with low levels of lead exposure in human beings, a major study has been conducted on people living in the area. The study reported here was a corollary to the human exposure study. Lead concentration was determined in 84 dogs and 26 cats in the town and ranged between < 5 and 28 micrograms/dl. None of the dogs had clinical signs of lead poisoning. The CBC and serum biochemical values did not indicate many significant differences between dogs with a high (> or = 10 micrograms/dl) or low blood lead concentration (BLC). Hemoglobin concentrations were lower, and WBC counts were higher in dogs and cats with higher BLC, but they were still within reference ranges. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentration was determined. Normal values appeared to be similar for dogs and cats. Only animals with BLC > or = 20 micrograms/dl were found to have somewhat increased concentration of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin. delta-Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity was measured and found to be negatively correlated with BLC. The relation was strong, even at low BLC (5 to 10 micrograms/dl) in both species. Age or sex difference was not observed. Therefore, biological changes associated with low BLC were limited to BLC in the 10- to 30-micrograms/dl range.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from broiler chicks that had ingested feed amended with autoclaved Fusarium proliferatum culture material containing fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2) and moniliformin. Lymphocyte viability was determined for birds that were placed on amended rations at day 1 or day 7 of age at three different levels of mycotoxins, ranging from 61-546 ppm FB1, 14-94 ppm FB2 and 66-367 ppm moniliformin. Reduction of the tetrazolium salt, MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide], to yield MTT formazan, based on mitochondrial metabolic activity, was used to assess cell viability. Lymphocyte cytotoxic effects were observed in all treatment groups on day 21; chicks that started on amended feed at day 1 of age were affected more than those that started at day 7. Abnormal erythrocytes resembling early stages of erythroblasts were observed in peripheral blood from test chicks. Abnormally shaped red cells (poikilocytes) having a spindle-shape with one or both ends pointed were present. Some red cells appeared to be undergoing mitosis. Both reduced lymphocyte viability and abnormal erythrogenesis occurred in chicks given feed amended with F. proliferatum culture material containing FB1, FB2 and moniliformin.

Two hundred twenty-eight male chicks (Columbia x New Hampshire) were given feed amended with autoclaved culture material (CM) of Fusarium proliferatum Containing fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2) and moniliformin in 3 separate feeding trials. Purified FB1 and moniliformin were given separately and in combination in a fourth feeding trial. Birds were given amended rations at day 1 (Trial 1 and 4), day 7 (Trial 2), and day 21 (Trial 3) and their respective ration was given for 28 days (Trial 1), 21 days (Trial 2), 7 days (Trial 3), and 14 days (Trial 4). FB1 concentrations were 546, 193, and 61 ppm; FB2 were 98, 38 and 14 ppm; and moniliformin were 367, 193, and 66 ppm in the first 3 feeding trial regimens. Chicks in Trial 4 were given dietary concentrations of purified FB1 at 274 and 125 ppm, and moniliformin at 154 and 27 ppm. FB1 and moniliformin, both alone and in combination, produced dose-responsive clinical signs, reduced weight gains and mortality in chicks. Age of birds given amended feeds had little difference in the clinical response; however, those given the rations from days 7 or 21 were slightly less susceptible than those given rations beginning at 1 day of age. Additive effects were noted when the toxins were given in combination. When toxins were given separately, adverse effects took longer to occur. A system to monitor pattern and rate of defecation (RD) was developed for assessing the chicks' approach to feed, water and heat source as illness progressed. Our results indicate that chicks fed corn heavily infected with F. proliferatum under field conditions could suffer acute death similar to that described for 'spiking mortality syndrome' during the first 3 weeks of age.

One hundred eight fertile eggs (Columbia x New Hampshire) were assigned to 10 groups of 10 eggs each (2 control groups had 14 eggs each). Five groups of eggs were inoculated on day 1 of incubation, while the other 5 groups were inoculated on day 10. The inoculum of the 4 treatment groups on both day 1 and 10 consisted of 1,10, or 100 microM purified fumonisin B1 (FB1) or a culture material extract (CME) of Fusarium proliferatum, having known amounts of FB1, FB2 and moniliformin (FB1 20 microM; FB2 4 microM and moniliformin 7 microM). Inoculum consisted of the respective toxin(s) dissolved in 100 microliters double distilled, autoclaved water (diluent). Control eggs were inoculated with diluent only. Mortality was both dose- and time-responsive in all treatments. Eggs inoculated on day 1 with 1 microM FB1 had 50% mortality; 10 microM FB1 had 70% mortality; 100 microM FB1 had 100% mortality; and CME had 100% mortality. Eggs inoculated on day 10 with 1,10 or 100 microM FB1 or CME had 30, 60, 90 and 80% mortality, respectively. Normal chicks were hatched from all control eggs. The median death times (MDT50) were inversely dose-responsive in all treatments, ranging from 3.0 to 7.4 days in embryos exposed on day 1 and from 3.2 to 9.0 days in those exposed on day 10. Early embryonic changes in exposed embryos included hydrocephalus, enlarged beaks and elongated necks. Pathologic changes were noted in liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, musculoskeletal system, intestines, testes and brain toxin-exposed embryos.

The disposition of the estrogenic mycotoxin, zearalenone (ZEN) in female, 10- to 14-week-old Yorkshire pigs was investigated. Pigs were administered [3H]ZEN intravenously (IV; n = 4; 5 mg/kg; 15 microCi/kg), orally (n = 4; 10 mg/kg; 30 microCi/kg), or intravenously with bile removal (IVB; n = 2; 5 mg/kg; 15 microCi/kg). Plasma, urine, feces, and bile (IVB pigs only) were serially collected and analyzed for radioactivity. Metabolite profiles were determined in plasma and bile by HPLC. The biological half-life of total plasma radioactivity in IV and orally dosed pigs (86.6 hr) was much larger than that of IVB animals (3.34 hr). Metabolite profiles of plasma concentration vs time demonstrated secondary peaks in concentration during the terminal elimination phase in IV and orally dosed pigs. In IVB pigs these peaks were absent, relative metabolite profiles were altered, and ZEN and metabolites were no longer detectable after 16 hr post-dosing. Biliary recovery of radioactivity, principally as glucuronide conjugates, was extensive (45.61 +/- 4.7%) in IVB pigs and significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that of fecal recovery of radioactivity in IV (6.56 +/- 0.78) or orally dosed (21.74 +/- 1.56%) pigs. Intraduodenal administration of bile containing [3H]ZEN and metabolites resulted in recovery of 64.56 +/- 4.89% of the dose in bile, 20.78 +/- 3.94% in urine, and the presence of glucuronide conjugates of ZEN and alpha-zearalenol (ZEL) in portal and jugular plasma. Differences in metabolite profiles between administered bile and sampled plasma suggest that the intestinal mucosa was active in reducing ZEN to ZEL and conjugating these metabolites with glucuronic acid. These studies provide evidence for extensive biliary secretion and enterohepatic cycling of ZEN and metabolites in pigs.

Ten random source male domestic shorthair cats, 2 to 6 years old and 3.0-4.4 kg body weight, were each given a single oral dose (1.5 mg/kg) of bromethalin (cat Nos. 1-5) or bait vehicle carrier (cat Nos. 6-10). Bromethalin-dosed cats developed a toxic syndrome characterized by ataxia, focal motor seizures, vocalization, decerebrate posture, decreased conscious proprioception, recumbency, depression, and semicoma. Bromethalin-dosed cats were euthanatized if seizure activity or hindlimb paralysis developed. Survival times were 48 hours (cat No. 1), 89 hours (cat No. 2), 90 hours (cat No. 3), and 97 hours (cat No. 4). Control cats (cat Nos. 6-10) and one bromethalin-dosed cat (cat No. 5) were euthanatized on day 20 after dosing. Spongy change (edema--characterized by the formation of vacuoles in extracellular spaces and myelin lamellae), hypertrophied fibrous astrocytes, and hypertrophied oligodendrocytes were observed in the white matter of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, spinal cord, and optic nerve of all bromethalin-dosed cats. Spongy change occasionally extended into contiguous cerebellar Purkinje cell layer and cerebral cortical gray matter. The severity of lesions varied among cats but was most pronounced in cat No. 5 (480 hours after dosing). A leukocytic inflammatory response, gitter cell (macrophage) response, or axonal degeneration was not observed in the vacuolated areas. Ultrastructural findings included separation of myelin lamellae at the interperiod lines with the formation of intramyelinic vacuoles (intramyelinic edema), rupture and coalescence of intramyelinic vacuoles into larger extracellular spaces (spongy change), and pronounced cytosolic edema of astrocytes and oligodendroglial cells.

This paper presents case reports of lead toxicoses from 2 major animal poison control centers in Europe and North America, gathered from 1985 through 1989. All results examined here involved cases assessed as "toxicosis" or "suspected toxicosis" by the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) or the Centre National d'Informations Toxicologiques Veterinaries (CNITV). 537 cases were reported to the NAPCC, most of them concerning dogs (59%). In France, most of the 362 cases involved cattle (57.2%). There was an increased number of cases reported during late summer and early fall, and a decreased number of cases in November and December, in both centers. Dogs intoxicated were predominantly young animals (60% were less than 2 years old). No sex difference was noted. Pure bred dogs appeared more often involved than mixed-breed ones, but the breed distribution closely resembles dog breed distribution in the US. The source of lead was usually unknown and, when information was available, paint seemed to be the most common cause of poisoning. Clinical signs reported to the animal poison control centers involved the CNS and GI tract. Results from the French and the American database showed similar trends. They are compared to data from veterinary clinics and veterinary colleges in the US and Australia. In each case, data are very similar to what was reported to the CNITV and the NAPCC. It is concluded that animal poison control centers databases can provide a useful tool for better knowledge of animal poisoning. They can also help identify unexpected toxicologic problems related to drug administration or pesticide use.

The effects of administration of a commercially available extract of Gingko biloba (EGB) on bromethalin-induced brain lipid peroxidation and cerebral edema in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats was determined. Gingko biloba extract was given (100 mg/kg) by gavage immediately after bromethalin (1.0 mg/kg) administration. Rats were euthanatized at 24 hours after dosing. Brain lipid peroxidation was determined by measurement of brain malonaldehyde-thiobarbituric acid chromophore (MDA-TBA) concentration, brain sodium concentration, and brain water content. Treatment of bromethalin-dosed rats (10/group) with EGB was associated with a statistically significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in clinical sign severity, compared with bromethalin-dosed saline solution-treated rats. All rats given bromethalin and saline solution developed clinical signs of toxicosis including CNS depression, hind limb weakness, ataxia, paralysis, and coma. Some rats given bromethalin and EGB developed clinical signs, however, none developed hind limb paralysis. The brain MDA-TBA concentration (2.4 +/- 0.5 delta MDA-TBA concentration/mg of protein), percentage of water in brain tissue (80.3 +/- 0.30%), and brain sodium concentration (6.68 +/- 0.21 mg/g of dry weight) were significantly increased in rats given bromethalin and saline solution, compared with control rats given saline solution (1.0 +/- 0.1 delta MDA-TBA concentration/mg of protein; 78.1 +/- 0.33% water in brain tissue; 4.83 +/- 0.30 mg of brain Na+/g of dry weight) and rats given bromethalin and EGB (1.6 +/- 0.2 delta MDA-TBA concentration/mg of protein; 79.3 +/- 0.31% water in brain tissue; 5.37 +/- 0.34 mg of brain Na+/g of dry weight).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Three groups of swine (6/group) were used to assess alterations in regional brain blood flow induced by T-2 toxin. One group served as vehicle (70% ethanol) control, and groups were dosed intravascularly with T-2 toxin at 0.6 or 2.4 mg/kg body weight. Cerebral, cerebellar, and brain stem blood flows were evaluated at 0 h (predosing) and at 90-min intervals for 6 h postdosing. Fifteen-micron diameter radionuclide labeled microspheres were used to determine blood flow. Hemodynamic variables were determined at the same time points. The infusion of T-2 toxin resulted in dose-dependent reductions in both cardiac index and mean arterial pressure, accompanied by significant increases in heart rate. In animals given the lower dose of T-2 toxin, significant reductions in blood flow were evident in the cerebrums and cerebellum but not in the brain stem. Reductions in blood flow to all regions of the brain were evident in those animals given 2.4 mg T-2 toxin/kg. Brain blood flow was less severely compromised than was cardiac output, suggesting intact local autoregulation.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were obtained before and during the clinical syndrome induced by a bromethalin rodenticide given to dogs. Nine dogs given 6.25 mg bromethalin/kg po developed clinical signs and EEG abnormalities 15 to 58 h postdosing. Predominant abnormal EEG changes included spike and spike-and-wave EEG patterns (66%), high voltage slow wave (HVSA, 50-150 microV, 1-6 Hz) activity (44%) photoconvulsive or photoparoxysmal irritative responses (44%), and marked voltage depression (dominant activity less than 10 microV) in all leads (33%).

Dogs given a single oral dose of bromethalin at 6.25 mg/kg developed a toxic syndrome characterized by hyperexcitability, tremors, seizures, depression, and death within 15-63 hours after bromethalin administration. Gross lesions included mild cerebral edema (2/5) and mild pulmonary congestion (2/5). Histologic lesions included diffuse white matter spongiosis (5/5), mild microgliosis (3/5), optic nerve vacuolization (3/5), mild thickening of Bowman's capsule (2/5), and occasional splenic megakaryocytes (2/5). Ultramicroscopic examination of midbrain stem revealed occasional swollen axons, intramyelinic vacuolization, and myelin splitting at the intraperiod line. Bromethalin was detected in kidney, liver, fat, and brain tissues, using gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Photodegradation of extracted bromethalin may limit accurate quantification of tissue residues.

Toxicosis attributable to fenvalerate and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (Deet) exposure was suspected in 2 cats. Clinical signs of toxicosis developed within 4 to 6 hours of dermal application of the pesticide. Clinical signs of toxicosis seen in both cats included hypersalivation, ataxia, and depression. In addition, seizures were seen in 1 cat. Both cats died. Analysis of skin, kidney/urine, liver, and brain tissues confirmed the presence of fenvalerate and Deet. The pyrethroid fenvalerate and the insect repellent Deet are used for the control of fleas and ticks on cats. Suspected fenvalerate/Deet toxicosis in cats is associated with tremors, hypersalivation, ataxia, vomiting, depression, and seizures.

The efficacy of a highly activated charcoal in preventing the morphologic effects of T-2 toxin was examined in female rats. T-2 toxin at 25 mg/kg (6 x LD50) was given orally to all rats. Half the rats also received the charcoal, at a dose of 9 ml/kg and a concentration of 104 mg/ml, while the other half received water. A charcoal-treated rat (T-2 toxin + charcoal) was killed at the time of death of each positive control animal (T-2 toxin alone). Severe necrosis was seen in the spleen, thymus, stomach, small intestine, liver and adrenal glands of the positive controls (T-2 toxin alone). Lesions were absent or minimal in the paired charcoal-treated rats (T-2 toxin + charcoal).

Study was made of the pharmacokinetics and toxicopathy of deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) given IV to swine. In the 24 hours after swine were given DON, clinical signs of vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness, tremors, and twilight coma were similar to those observed with other 12,13-epoxytrichothecenes. Hypoglycemia and pancreatic islet cell lesions were observed which indicated that DON-induced changes in intermediary metabolism may be an insidious aspect of DON intoxication. Histopathologic examination of all organ systems revealed pancreatic acinar and islet cell necrosis and mild lympholysis of the mesenteric lymph nodes. The renal excretion of DON was altered by IV infusion of saline solution. Pharmacokinetic findings may indicate that DON was both secreted and reabsorbed by the renal tubules. The half-life of DON ranged from 2.08 to 3.65 hours. Residues of DON were not found in skeletal muscle of swine at 24 hours after dosing.

Skeletal malformations were induced in newborn pigs from gilts fed Conium maculatum seed or plant during gestation days 43 through 53 and 51 through 61. The teratogenic effects in groups dosed during gestation days 43 through 53 were more severe than those in groups dosed during the later period, with many newborn pigs showing arthrogryposis and twisted and malaligned bones in the limbs and with 1 pig showing scoliosis and deformity of the thoracic cage. The pigs born to gilts given C maculatum during gestation days 51 through 61 had excessive flexure primarily in the carpal joints, without scoliosis or bone malalignment in the limbs. The teratogenicity of poison hemlock depends on the alkaloid concentration and content. Based on the data presented, we speculate that gamma-coniceine is the teratogenic alkaloid in the poison hemlock fed to the gilts.

Cottonseed meal (CSM) that contained a high concentration of free gossypol was inadvertently used as a protein supplement, without appropriate iron supplementation, for a swine herd in Illinois. Fifty percent of 300 grower and finishing swine died, and an additional 20% became ill during a 4- to 6-week period. Clinical signs included respiratory distress and abdominal distention. At necropsy, the hearts were diffusely pale, flaccid, and rounded because of dilatation of all 4 chambers, the livers were large and congested, and hydropericardium, hydrothorax, and ascites were evident. Histologic changes consisted of diffuse myocardial fiber atropy with perinuclear vacuolation, and multifocal myocardial and skeletal muscle necrosis. Changes in the liver included marked centrilobular congestion, loss of hepatocytes, and fatty degeneration. Differential diagnoses included monensin, selenium, and gossypol toxicoses, and vitamin E/selenium deficiency. Analyzed feed samples did not contain monensin. Feed selenium concentrations ranged from 428 to 1,513 micrograms/kg, and iron concentrations from 160 to 180 mg/kg. Cottonseed meal (3 to 10%) was detected by feed microscopy. A sample of the 40% protein supplement contained 19% CSM and 1,300 mg of free gossypol/kg, whereas feed samples contained 200 to 400 mg of free gossypol/kg. The history, clinical signs, pathologic findings, and feed analyses were compatible with a diagnosis of gossypol toxicosis. Cottonseed meal, a high-protein supplement used widely in southern United States, may contain gossypol (a polyphenolic binaphthalene pigment), which in its free form is especially toxic to simple-stomached animals. If CSM is used, supplementation with ferrous sulfate is recommended at a 1:1 weight ratio with free gossypol, up to 400 mg of FeSO4/kg.

Myocardial and pancreatic lesions induced by sublethal doses of T-2 toxin in swine were characterized by light and electron microscopy. Toxin was given intravenously to six 17- to 18-week-old pigs. Pigs were killed 24 or 48 hours after treatment. Grossly, subendocardial hemorrhages, multifocal pinpoint white foci in myocardium, and pancreatic edema occurred in one treated pig. Histologic changes in myocardium of treated pigs consisted of multifocal edema, mononuclear cell infiltration, myofiber hyalinization, vacuolation, and contraction bands with nuclear pyknosis. Ultrastructurally, there were areas of edema, myofibrillar disorganization, dilation of sarcoplasmic reticulum, and formation of hypercontraction bands. Myocardial mineralization was seen in the pig with gross lesions. Pancreatic changes in treated pigs consisted of multifocal acinar degeneration and necrosis. Ultrastructural changes included irregular dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and abnormal zymogen granules. Thus, in addition to radiomimetic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and lymphoid organs, heart and pancreas are target organs of T-2 toxin in swine.

Thirty pigs, weighing 17 to 24 kg, were exposed to lead or sodium acetate orally or intraperitoneally (IP) 6 days each week for 13 weeks. These pigs were extremely tolerant of lead. Only mild clinical signs of lead toxicosis were observed in orally lead-exposed pigs despite blood lead concentrations of up to 290 micrograms/dl. Four IP lead-exposed pigs died, but eight other IP lead-exposed pigs survived the exposure period despite blood lead concentrations up to 14,300 micrograms/dl. Lead exposure caused marked decreases in blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activities of all pigs and moderate decreases of blood hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit percentages, mean corpuscular volumes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations, and mean corpuscular hemoglobins in IP lead-exposed, but not in orally lead-exposed pigs. Basophilic stippling was observed in erythrocytes of lead-exposed pigs, but not in those of control pigs.

Pigs (n = 19) were given 0, 0.1, 0.5, or 1 mg of diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS)/kg of body weight, and heifers (n = 7) were given 0 or 0.5 mg of DAS/kg. Animals were anesthetized and exsanguinated 8 hours after administration of DAS, and liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, mesenteric lymph node, and spleen were analyzed for DAS. Diacetoxyscirpenol was not detected in tissues from animals not given DAS. All tissues from pigs and calves given DAS contained at least traces (less than or equal to 10 ng/g of tissue) of DAS.