Georgeewing4171

We found that the superiority of the Gabor fits over DoG fits was slightly more decisive for simple cells than for DO cells. The implications of these results on biological image processing and visual perception are discussed.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Double-opponent cells in macaque area V1 respond to spatial chromatic contrast in visual scenes. What information they carry is debated because their receptive field organization has not been characterized thoroughly. Using white noise analysis and statistical model comparisons, De and Horwitz show that many double-opponent receptive fields can be captured by either a Gabor model or a center-with-an-asymmetric-surround model but not by a difference of Gaussians model.A rapid, sensitive and species preservative analytical method for the simultaneous determination of six selenium (Se) species has been developed. Enzymatic probe sonication (EPS) was investigated as a novel and alternative technology for the extraction of Se species from feed matrices and the results were compared with the conventional hot water extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis and sequential extraction. The critical parameters of EPS such as enzyme types, extraction time, temperature, ultrasonic power and sample/enzyme ratio were varied with control. The Se species were separated and quantitatively determined by ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IC-ICP-MS). Under current optimised conditions, six inorganic and organic Se species were completely separated within 15 min in a single chromatographic run. The spectral interferences from the argon plasma 40Ar2, 40Ar37Cl or 1H79Br were effectively removed by employing the kinetic energy discrimination (KED) mode. Quantitative extraction for total Se (>94.8%) and more than 89.0% for the sum of different Se chemical forms without species transformation were obtained in only 60 s by applying the EPS treatment using aqueous protease XIV. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) for Se species were in the ranges of 0.21-0.56 µg kg-1 and 0.69-1.87 µg kg-1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the speciation of Se in several reference materials and feed samples collected from the markets and local farms.

TQ-A3334, a selective, oral toll-like receptor (TLR)-7 agonist, is being developed to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Disufenton Sodium This study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of TQ-A3334 in healthy participants.

The effects of a single-ascending dose of TQ-A3334 (0.2-1.8 mg) combined with food (1.2 mg) were evaluated in 48 healthy participants.

No serious adverse events or discontinuations occurred in the study. The most common adverse reactions were lymphocyte count decreased and headache, which were generally consistent with IFN-α exposure and the mechanism of action of a TLR7 agonist. TQ-A3334 was rapidly absorbed, with a time to maximum plasma concentration of 0.42-0.5 h. Systemic exposure (C

and AUC) to TQ-A3334 increased with a slight saturation proportion to dose. Food reduced the exposure of TQ-A3334. The concentrations of MCP-1,

, and

were observed to be slightly dose-dependent, ranging from 1.0 to 1.8 mg TQ-A3334.

Oral doses of 0.2-1.8 mg appeared to be safe and tolerated. PD activity was seen at doses ranging from 1.0 to 1.8 mg, indicating its possible future use to treat CHB.

The trial is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial website (http//www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html # CTR20182248).

The trial is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial website (http//www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html # CTR20182248).

To investigate the prevalence of pulmonary nodules suggestive of metastasis at the time of initial presentation in dogs with cutaneous or subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) and no previous related thoracic diagnostic imaging.

146 client-owned dogs with a cutaneous or subcutaneous STS.

Medical records were retrospectively searched to identify dogs with STSs that underwent initial thoracic diagnostic imaging when presented for referral examination between September 2014 and March 2018. Data collected included patient and tumor characteristics. Results were evaluated for dogs grouped on the basis of variables of interest (eg, STS grade, duration, or history).

Initial thoracic imaging was performed with CT (131/146 [89.7%]) or radiography (15 [10.3%]). Although the presence or absence of pulmonary nodules suggestive of metastasis on thoracic imaging was uncertain in 9 dogs, it was certain in the remaining 137 dogs, with nodules present in 16 (11.7%) dogs (5/77 [6%] with grade 1 STSs, 2/36 [6%] with grade 2 STSs, and 9/24 [38%] with grade 3 STSs). The odds of such pulmonary nodules being present on initial examination were higher (OR, 10.8 and 3.14, respectively) for dogs with grade 3 STSs (vs grade 1 or 2 STSs) and for dogs with an STS duration > 3 months (versus ≤ 3 months).

Results indicated that pulmonary staging was a low-yield diagnostic procedure for dogs with grade 1 or 2 cutaneous or subcutaneous STSs, especially when tumors had been present for ≤ 3 months.

Results indicated that pulmonary staging was a low-yield diagnostic procedure for dogs with grade 1 or 2 cutaneous or subcutaneous STSs, especially when tumors had been present for ≤ 3 months.

To determine the effectiveness of a digital interactive multimedia tutorial (DIMT) for preparing veterinary students to perform ultrasonography in horses.

42 third-year veterinary students.

Students were randomly assigned to 3 instructional methods independent study (ie, 45 minutes to read a highlighted textbook chapter), lecture (ie, 45-minute lecture by a faculty member), or digital interactive multimedia tutorial (DIMT; ie, 45-minute narrated, interactive module). Written and practical tests were administered after each instruction session. For the practical test, each student was required to obtain a series of ultrasound images of a live horse, and images were later scored for quality by an individual unaware of the instructional method used.

Higher-quality ultrasound images were obtained by veterinary students who had reviewed the DIMT rather than the analogous information in textbook chapters. No difference in scores was identified between students in the lecture group and those in the DIMT group. Students' perceptions suggested that practical instruction facilitated by clinicians was a key component of learning how to perform ultrasonography in horses.

Results supported the use of DIMTs in preparing veterinary students to perform ultrasonography in horses.

Results supported the use of DIMTs in preparing veterinary students to perform ultrasonography in horses.

To survey cattle producers and veterinarians about the use of analgesia on US cattle operations.

1,187 members of the following database, electronic mailing lists, and social media groups FarmProgress master file, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Academy of Veterinary Consultants, National Milk Producers Federation Farm Evaluators, Dairy Moms Facebook group, and Dairy Girl Network Facebook group.

An online survey was developed to gather information about the frequency of local and systemic analgesia use for common painful procedures and diseases in cattle < 2, 2 to 12, and > 12 months old. Respondents also rated their extent of agreement with each of 10 statements related to pain management in cattle. The survey was available from June 11 to August 10, 2018. Descriptive data were generated. Logistic regression was used for comparisons among cattle age groups and respondents on the basis of their industry role.

In general, frequency of analgesia use increased as cattle age increased, regardless of the procedure or disease. The odds of analgesia use were lower for men, compared with women, and greater for veterinarians, compared with producers. Many respondents indicated they were cognizant of the benefits of analgesia use in cattle but perceived federal regulations and drug costs as impediments to the implementation of pain mitigation protocols on cattle operations.

Results provided insight into current perceptions and use of analgesia in cattle, which can be used to guide implementation of pain mitigation protocols on US beef and dairy cattle operations.

Results provided insight into current perceptions and use of analgesia in cattle, which can be used to guide implementation of pain mitigation protocols on US beef and dairy cattle operations.

As a result of vehicular trauma, a 3-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat sustained luxation of the sacrocaudal joint and a urethral tear.

Retrograde contrast urethrocystography revealed a urethral tear at the level of the ischiatic tuberosity. Conservative treatment for 7 days with a urethral catheter was unsuccessful.

An approach for a perineal urethrostomy was performed and revealed a large urethral tear (4 mm in length in a craniocaudal orientation and encompassing approx 50% of the urethral circumference) proximal to the bulbourethral glands. Urethroplasty was performed with a graft of a rectangular section of single-layer porcine small intestinal submucosa. Perineal urethrostomy was then completed routinely, and a urethral catheter was left in place for 5 days. Two days after removal of the urethral catheter, stranguria was noted. Retrograde contrast urethrocystography revealed a urethral stricture. Balloon dilation of the urethral stricture was performed, and the cat's stranguria improved. Ten weeks following balloon dilation, the cat developed hematuria, and a urinary tract infection and urethral stricture were diagnosed. Balloon dilation was repeated with instillation of triamcinolone solution at the stricture site. Eighteen months later (approx 21 months after the initial surgery), the cat was urinating normally.

The outcome for the cat of this report indicated that porcine small intestinal submucosa may be used to successfully augment urethroplasty for treatment of traumatic urethral tears in cats. Urethral balloon dilation with triamcinolone instillation may be used to treat postoperative urethral strictures.

The outcome for the cat of this report indicated that porcine small intestinal submucosa may be used to successfully augment urethroplasty for treatment of traumatic urethral tears in cats. Urethral balloon dilation with triamcinolone instillation may be used to treat postoperative urethral strictures.

A 7-year-old sexually intact female rabbit was admitted to the hospital because of a 6-month history of chronic right pelvic limb lameness.

Clinical examination revealed a prominent right pelvic limb lameness and signs of pain on manipulation of the right hip joint, with a focal, well-defined soft tissue mass palpable in the right pelvic area. Pelvic radiography revealed a lytic hip joint lesion and CT detailed an expansile lesion within the proximal portion of the femur with an appearance consistent with a soft tissue mass. Histologic evaluation of incisional biopsy samples of the soft tissue mass revealed a poorly differentiated sarcoma.

A hemipelvectomy was performed, and histologic evaluation of the soft tissue mass confirmed the diagnosis, with tumor-free margins achieved. The patient recovered well from surgery and had good mobility. The patient survived 21 months after surgery and died of a non-cancer-related disease. Anatomic dissection was described in a cadaver rabbit to aid future surgeries.

To the authors' knowledge, this was the first report of a hemipelvectomy performed in a rabbit.