North Carolina State University College Research Articles

Scientists fish for chemical structure of Pfiesteria toxins

Scientists are trying to determine the chemical structure of toxins associated with Pfiesteria piscicida , a dinoflagellate believed to have caused major fish kills and human health problems along the U.S. East Coast. With structural data in hand, researchers will be in a better position to develop effective monitoring tests and study the toxins' mechanism of action. Lab tests and medical reports have indicated that contact with Pfiesteria -contaminated water or aerosols containing Pfiesteria toxin may cause human health effects that include disorientation, skin lesions, respiratory difficulties, cramps, diarrhea, and memory loss. As a result, some waterways have been closed in Maryland, and a hearing was held last week on Capitol Hill to discuss the Pfiesteria problem. Pfiesteria was discovered in 1988 by professor of aquatic medicine Edward J. Noga and a coworker at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, and was named in honor of the late Lois Pfiester, an expert on din...

Thrombocytosis in 24 horses (1989-1994).

The records of horses presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine between January 1, 1989 and April 30, 1994 were evaluated to determine risk factors associated with thrombocytosis. Of the 2,346 horses for which a CBC was performed, 24 (1.0%) had a platelet count > 400,000/microL. Demographic, diagnostic, physical examination, and clinicopathologic variables from these cases were compared with a reference population consisting of 189 horses with a normal platelet count presenting during the same period. Infectious/ inflammatory disorders were observed more commonly in horses with high platelet counts than in horses with normal platelet counts. Initial independent evaluation of demographic variables revealed that horses more than 3 years of age, females, and geldings were less likely to have thrombocytosis than were younger horses or stallions. Independent analysis of clinicopathologic variables revealed that horses with thrombocytosis were more likely to have hyperfibrinogenemia, leukocytosis, hypoproteinemia, and anemia than were horses with normal platelet counts. Physical examination parameters associated with thrombocytosis included tachycardia and pyrexia. In the final multivariable model, the variables with the strongest association with thrombocytosis included leukocytosis, anemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. Thrombocytosis rarely causes clinical problems in horses and is not likely to require specific antiplatelet therapy. The strong association of thrombocytosis with infectious/inflammatory disorders, however, should lead clinicians to suspect these types of conditions in horses with high platelet counts.

Thrombocytopenia in horses: 35 cases (1989-1994).

The records of 3,952 equine patients presenting to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine were evaluated to determine risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia. Of 2,346 horses from which a CBC was obtained, 35 (1.49%) were thrombocytopenic (platelet count < 75,000/microL). A reference population of 189 horses with normal platelet counts (75,000 to 300,000/microL) was also studied. Standardbred horses were at increased risk for thrombocytopenia, but age and gender were not identified as significant risk factors. Horses with infectious or inflammatory diseases were at increased risk for thrombocytopenia. The potential association of clinical and clinicopathologic factors with thrombocytopenia were assessed by reviewing a series of multiple logistic regression models. Clinical and clinicopathologic variables significantly associated with thrombocytopenia in the final model included increased PCV, increased band neutrophil count, increased total WBC, and decreased plasma protein concentration. Increased mature neutrophil count was associated with normal platelet counts. Thrombocytopenic horses were significantly more likely to die to be euthanized than were horses with normal platelet counts.