bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal-dependent variations in metabolic status of spermatozoa and antioxidant enzyme activity in the reproductive tract fluids of wild boar/domestic pig hybrids
Authors: Dziekońska A. , Fraser L. , Koziorowska-Gilun M. , Strzeżek J. , Koziorowski M. , Kordan W.
Published: February 2015

This study investigated seasonal changes in the metabolic performance of spermatozoa and activity of the antioxidant enzymes in the seminal plasma of three wild boar/domestic pigs (aged 1.5 to 2.5 years) and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in fluids of the cauda epididymidis and vesicular glands from 16 wild boar/domestic pig hybrids (aged 1 to 3 years). Parameters of the sperm metabolic activity, such as total motility, mitochondrial functions, and measurements of oxygen uptake, ATP content and L-lactate production, were analyzed during the spring-summer and autumn-winter periods. Besides these sperm metabolic parameters, the sperm membrane integrity was also assessed. Total protein content and activity of the antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were measured in the reproductive tract fluids. There were no marked significant differences (P > 0.05) between the seasonal periods in terms of sperm motility, mitochondrial function and oxygen uptake; however, spermatozoa collected during the autumn-winter period exhibited higher (P < 0.05) ATP content and L-lactate production than those harvested during the spring-summer period. It was found that the vesicular gland fluid exhibited a higher level of SOD activity during the spring-summer period compared with the autumn-winter period. Furthermore, CAT activity in the seminal plasma and vesicular gland fluid was greater during the autumn-winter. Total protein content was significantly higher in the vesicular gland fluid, whereas the cauda epididymidal fluid exhibited greater SOD and GPx activities, irrespective of the seasonal period. The findings of this study confirmed seasonal-related differences in the metabolic performance of spermatozoa and activity of antioxidant enzymes of the reproductive tract of the boar/domestic pig hybrids
Bioserotypes and virulence markers of Y. enterocolitica strains isolated from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Bancerz-Kisiel A. , Szczerba-Turek A. , Platt-Samoraj A. , Socha P. , Szweda W.
Published: February 2015

Free-living animals are an important environmental reservoir of pathogens dangerous for other animal species and humans. One of those is Yersinia (Y.) enterocolitica, the causative agent of yersiniosis - foodborne, enzootic disease, significant for public health. The purpose of the study was to identify bioserotypes and virulence markers of Y. enterocolitica strains isolated from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) obtained during the 2010/2011 hunting season in north-eastern Poland. From among 48 rectal swabs obtained from 24 roe deer, two strains of Y. enterocolitica from one animal were isolated. Although both belonged to biotype 1A they were identified as different serotypes. The strain obtained from cold culture (PSB) belonged to serotype O:5, while the strain isolated from warm culture (ITC) was regarded as nonidentified (NI), what may suggest mixed infection in that animal. The presence of ystB gene, coding for YstB enterotoxin, directly related to Y. enterocolitica pathogenicity was detected in both strains using triplex PCR. The effect of the examination of 32 swabs obtained from 16 red deer was the isolation of two Y. enterocolitica strains from two different animals. Both belonged to biotype 1A with NI serotype, but were originated from different types of culture. They gave positive results in case of products of a size corresponding to the ystB gene. No amplicons corresponding to ail and ystA genes were found. Roe deer and red deer may carry and shed Y. enterocolitica, what seems to be important in aspect of an environmental reservoir of this pathogen. The Y. enterocolitica strains isolated from wild ruminants had the amplicons of the ystB gene, what suggest they can be potential source of Y. enterocolitica infection for humans
Clinical observations on the course of oxytocinor prostaglandin E2/oxytocin-induced parturition in mares
Authors: Witkowski M. , Pawłowski K.
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to compare the course of parturitions induced with sole oxytocin with those induced with the combination of intracervical prostaglandin E2 jelly and oxytocin. For this purpose 13 mares in advanced pregnancy were allocated to the groups pretreated with either intracervical PGE2 (experimental group) or saline (control group) two hours before intravenous oxytocin (5 IU) administration. The mares were compared with respect to cervical dilation diameter (CDD) 20 min. after oxytocin injection. Time intervals from the first oxytocin dose to: the first external signs of parturition, the chorioallantois rupture, the delivery of a foal and time interval from the delivery of a foal to the placenta separation were measured.

Cervical dilatation diameter as well as proportion of mares with cervical dilatation > 20 cm were significantly higher in the group of PGE2 treated mares comparing with control group (p = 0.0115 and p = 0.0490, respectively). All time intervals measured were statistically insignificant for both groups of mares, however time intervals from the first oxytocin dose to the first external signs of parturition, to the allantochorion rupture and to the delivery of a foal, were very close to the significance level (α = 0.05).

To conclude, PGE/oxytocin combination has positive influence on the preparation of the uterine cervix to parturition. Moreover, it seems that PGE2 pretreatment reduced total oxytocin dose for successful parturition induction and shortened time elapsing between the first oxytocin dose and the delivery of a foal what is crucial for foal’s safety
Trueperella pyogenes infections in swine: clinical course and pathology
Authors: Jarosz Ł.S. , Grądzki Z. , Kalinowski M.
Published: February 2015

Trueperella pyogenes is an opportunistic pathogen causing purulent infections in pigs and other animal species. T. pyogenes infections in pigs are local and/or generalized depending on the immune status of the animals, their individual susceptibility and environmental factors. The occurrence of these infections on pig farms causes substantial economic losses in breeding and rearing. In sows from the breeding herd, the disease leads to infertility, embryonic death, abortion, and disorders of the menstrual cycle and lactation. Mastitis is the major cause of losses in piglets. Disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including inflammatory polyarthritis, fractures and degenerative joint disease results in the culling of animals with high breeding value. In other technological groups, multi-organ inflammations and movement disorders dominate, leading to a reduction of the slaughter value and elimination of pigs from breeding. Understanding of the clinical and pathological aspects of T. pyogenes infections in pigs will enable the development of effective methods of combating this disease on pig farms
Use of biochemical markers to evaluate the quality of fresh and cryopreserved semen from the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Authors: Stasiak K. , Glogowski J. , Demianowicz W. , Kowalski R. , Nowak-Tkaczyk A. , Janicki B.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to use biochemical markers to evaluate the quality of fresh and cryopreserved semen from the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). Twenty-three manually collected ejaculates were analysed for the main indicators of semen quality (sperm concentration and ejaculate volume). Sperm motility and percentage of morphologically normal and abnormal spermatozoa were determined according to the stage of cryopreservation (fresh - measurement A; equilibrated - measurement B; frozen/thawed - measurement C). Furthermore, the seminal plasma and supernatants were analysed after equilibration and freeze/thawing for the activity of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (AcP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), and for the activity of acrosin inhibitors (AP). The mean concentration of sperm was 625.1 million/cm3, and ejaculate volume averaged 1.6 cm3. Seminal plasma was characterized by the highest activity of alkaline phosphatase (3.43×103 U/l) and lowest activity of acrosin inhibitors (4.55×103 U/l). After equilibration, the supernatants showed the highest activity of acid phosphatase (94.9 U/l) and after freeze-thawing, they showed a high activity of lactate dehydrogenase (535.8 U/l) and aspartate aminotransferase (577.1 U/l), which indicates that these proteins had leaked from spermatozoa into the extracellular medium during the biotechnique of semen cryopreservation. In addition, several significant relationships were found between some indicators of semen quality and plasma and/or supernatant enzyme activity.
Comparison of flunixin meglumine and meloxicam influence on postoperative and oxidative stress in ovariohysterectomized bitches
Authors: Yilmaz O. , Korkmaz M. , Jaroszewski J. J. , Yazici E. , Ulutas E. , Saritas Z. K.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of flunixin meglumine (FM) and meloxicam (M) on postoperative and oxidative stress in ovariohysterectomized bitches. Twenty four bitches were divided into three groups (n=8 in each) and treated during premedication as follows: FM (2.2 mg/kg, iv, Fluvil, Vilsan, Turkey), M (0.2 mg/kg, sc, Maxicam, Sanovel, Turkey) or 0.9% saline (1 ml, iv, IE, Turkey) - control (C) group. The concentrations of serum cortisol, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant potential (AOP) and glutation (GSH) were measured in blood samples collected during incision (0 h), closure of incision line (0.5 h) and 1, 2.5, 12 and 24 hours after incision. It was observed that cortisol level was higher at 0.5, 1 and 2.5 h in group C (p < 0.05), 0.5 h in group FM (p < 0.001), and 1 and 2.5 h in group M (p < 0.01), as compared to that determine at 0 h. Group C showed higher cortisol level during 0.5 h (p < 0.05) than that found in the other groups. Group FM displayed lower levels during 1 h (p < 0.01) and 2.5 h (p < 0.05) as compared to those observed in other groups. Concentrations of MDA, AOP and GSH between all the groups did not show any significant differences. MDA level was higher at 0.5 and 1 h in groupM (p < 0.05) than that found in group C and it was the lowest at 2.5 h in group C (p < 0.05). AOP was higher at 2.5 h in group FM and M (p < 0.05) than that observed in group C, and at 12 and 24 h in group M than that found in group C and FM. GSH did not show any significant differences between the groups. NO level in group FM after 12 h was higher (p < 0.05) than that at 0.5, 1 and 24 h. Moreover, NO level was lower at 0.5 (p < 0.01), 1 (p < 0.05) and 24 h (p < 0.05) in group FM than that observed in group C and M. In conclusion, flunixin meglumine decreases cortisol and NO levels more efficiently than meloxicam. Therefore, it is suggested that postoperative stress following ovariohysterectomy may be prevented by flunixin meglumine in bitches.
Commercial metal-based nanocolloids – lack of virucidal activity against ECBO virus
Authors: Małaczewska J. , Siwicki A. K.
Published: February 2015

Metallic nanoparticles, mainly silver ones, have been widely used as antibacterial agents, and some studies shown they also exert direct antiviral activity against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The objective of this study has been to evaluate the virucidal activity of commercial silver, gold, copper and platinum nanocolloids, recommended by the manufacturer as antimicrobials, against the ECBO virus, according to Polish Standard PN-EN 14675:2006. The highest experimentally observed decrease in the viral load was 0.875 log, which - when contrasted with the reduction in virus titre of at least 4 log expected from disinfectants - indicates that none of the analyzed nanocolloids had a disinfectant power towards the ECBO virus under the conditions defined by the standard.
Prostaglandin E2 inhibits IL-10 production by bovine CD4+ T cells
Authors: Zuśka-Prot M. , Maślanka T. , Jasiecka A. , Jaroszewski J. J.
Published: February 2015

Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a pro-inflammatory mediator, it also produces some effect which is anti-inflammatory in character. It is suggested that one of the mechanisms responsible for the latter effect is the increased synthesis of IL-10. The aim of this study has been to determine the influence of PGE2 on IL-10 production by bovine CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and NK cells. With this aim, peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from 12-month-old heifers (n = 10) were treated without or with PGE2 (10-6 M). Flow cytometric analysis showed that PGE2 caused a reduction in the percentage of IL-10 producing CD4+ T cells (P < 0.001), while leaving the secretion of this cytokine by CD8+ T cells and NK cells unaffected. This seems to indicate that PGE2 in cattle does not produce an anti-inflammatory effect by increasing the synthesis of IL-10; contrary to this, it may aggravate an inflammatory response by inhibiting the secretion of this cytokine by CD4+ T cells.
Prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria repens Railliet et Henry, 1911 in dogs in Poland
Authors: Demiaszkiewicz A. W. , Polańczyk G. , Osińska B. , Pyziel A. M. , Kuligowska I. , Lachowicz J. , Sikorski A.
Published: February 2015

In 2011-2013 1588 samples of dogs’ blood were examined for dirofilariosis using Knott method, as well as the Kingston and Morton method. The species of microfilariae was determined on the basis of morphometric characteristics. Samples were also examined using the Canine Heartworm Antigen Test. Positive samples were examined using a multiplex PCR assay for species confirmation. Microfilariae belonging to the species D. repens were found in the blood samples of dogs from all the provinces of Poland. The mean prevalence of this species observed in Poland was 11.7%. The range of intensity of infection was counted using the number of microfilariae found in 60 μl of blood amounted to between 1 and 158, and the mean intensity was 18 microfilariae. Microfilariae and antigens of D. immitis were not found in any examined blood samples.
Single nucleotide polymorphism within arylsulfatase D gene (ARSD) is associated with selected kinematic parameters of sperm motility in Holstein-Friesian bulls
Authors: Hering D. , Lecewicz M. , Kordan W. , Kaminski S.
Published: February 2015

The aim of the study was to find out whether the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within arylsulfatase D (ARSD) gene is associated with kinematic parameters of sperm motility in Holstein- Friesian bulls. 367 Holstein-Friesian bulls kept in one AI center were included in the study. Point mutation C/T at position 139037255 on chromosome X (rs42207167) was identified by PCR-RFLP method (Pflm I). Significant associations were found between ARSD genotypes and CASA-derived sperm motility parameters: average TM (Total Motility), average VSL (Straight Velocity), average VCL (Curvilinear Velocity) and for fraction of sperms showing progressive motility (a) of sperms (VSLa, VCLa and BCFa -Beat Cross Frequency). Most significant differences were observed between alternative homozygotes (CC vs TT). Our results suggest new role of arylsulfatase D gene as being involved in sperm motility.
Motility, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content of rabbit spermatozoa stored in extender supplemented with GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LH-RH ethylamide
Authors: Gogol P. , Trzcińska M. , Bryła M.
Published: February 2015

The present study was aimed to determine the effect of GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LH-RH ethylamide on the quality of rabbit spermatozoa stored at 17°C for 3 days. Semen from 5 bucks (13 ejaculates) was used in the experiment. Ejaculates were divided and diluted at a 1:10 ratio with rabbit semen extender Galap (IMV, France) (Control) or with Galap extender supplemented with GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LH-RH ethylamide (50 μg/ml) and stored for 3 days. Sperm motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP content were assessed on each day of the experiment. Motility analysis was performed using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The following sperm motility parameters were recorded: total motile spermatozoa, progressively motile spermatozoa, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, linearity, straightness and amplitude of lateral head displacement. MMP was evaluated using JC-1 fluorescent dye. ATP content was assessed using a bioluminescence method. The addition of GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LH-RH ethylamide to Galap extender did not affect any of the quality parameters studied. However, in both groups (Control and GnRH), significant changes in motility parameters (except straight-line velocity) and proportion of spermatozoa showing high MMP and ATP content were observed throughout 3 days of storage.
Molecular studies on pig cryptosporidiosis in Poland
Authors: Rzeżutka A. , Kaupke A. , Kozyra I. , Pejsak Z.
Published: February 2015

Cryptosporidium intestinal parasites have been detected in farmed pigs worldwide. Infections are usually asymptomatic with a low number of oocysts shed in pig feces. This makes the recognition of infection difficult or unsuccessful when microscopic methods are used. The aim of this study was molecular identification of Cryptosporidium species in pig herds raised in Poland with regard to the occurrence of zoonotic species. In total, 166 pig fecal samples were tested. The examined pigs were aged 1 to 20 weeks. Overall, 39 pig farms were monitored for parasite presence. The detection and identification of Cryptosporidium DNA was performed on the basis of PCR-RFLP and nucleotide sequence analysis of the amplified 18 SSU rRNA and COWP gene fragments. Infected animals were housed in 21 (53.8%) of the pig farms monitored. The presence of Cryptosporidum was confirmed in 46 (27.7%) samples of pig feces. Among positive fecal samples, 34 (29.3%) were collected from healthy animals, and 12 (24%) from diarrheic pigs. Most infected animals (42.1%) were 2 to 3 months old. The following parasite species were detected: C. scrofarum, C. suis and C. parvum. Indeed, asymptomatic infections caused by C. scrofarum were observed in the majority of the herds. Mixed infections caused by C. suis and C. scrofarum were not common; however, they were observed in 8.6% of the positive animals. C. parvum DNA was found only in one sample collected from a diarrheic pig. The application of molecular diagnostic tools allowed for detection and identification of Cryptosporidium species in pigs. The sporadic findings of C. parvum are subsequent evidence for the contribution of pigs in the transmission of cryptosporidiosis from animals to humans.
The effects of subcutaneous and intraocular administration of class B ODN CpG in chicken on the expression of TLR21, IFN-γ and IL-1β
Authors: Chrząstek K. , Wieliczko A.
Published: February 2015

The synthetic unmethylated oligodeoxynucleotides with CpG motifs (CpG ODN) were shown to activate Toll-like receptor 21 (TLR21) and stimulate the innate and adaptive immune system. In this study we tested the expression of TLR21, interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA in the blood after subcutaneous and intraocular application of the class B CpG ODN in chicken. The relative expression of mRNA of TLR21, IFN-γ and IL-1β were quantified at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 72 h post-stimulation. The study revealed that IFN-γ mRNA expression was significantly upregulated 12 h after subcutaneous stimulation with a high and low dose of ODN CpG, whereas the IL-1β mRNA expression levels were significantly upregulated 3 and 72 h after subcutaneous administration. After intraocular administration, the IL-1β mRNA levels were the highest at 24 h post-application, albeit not specifically. This data indicates that class B CpG ODN has the ability to induce TLR21 response in blood when administered parenterally in chicken. In contrast, intraocular administration of CpG ODN was not able to produce a significant increase in cytokine mRNA expression in blood. The data suggest that additional stimulus, e.g. the antigen, may be needed on the site of mucosal administration to activate systemic immune response.
Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in the blood of wild bison from Białowieza Primeval Forest in eastern Poland
Authors: Adaszek Ł. , Dzięgiel B. , Krzysiak M. , Skrzypczak M. , Adaszek M. , Staniec M. , Wyłupek D. , Winiarczyk S.
Published: February 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in a group of 120 wild bison (Bison bonasus) from the Bialowieza Primeval Forest in eastern Poland. The PCR technique revealed the presence of 16S RNA of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the blood of 16 out of 120 examined animals. DNA amplification by means of primers SC1 and SC2 gave a product with a size of 300-bp. The sequences of the PCR products obtained showed 100% homology with each other and 100% homology with B. burgdorferi s.l. 16S RNA gene DQ111061. Results of this study suggest that wild bison are important in maintaining agents of Lyme borreliosis, and that studies of reservoir competence of this species are indicated.
Post-discharge surveillance (PDS) for surgical site infections: a good method is more important than a long duration
Authors: Koek M B , Wille J C , Isken M R , Voss A , van Benthem B H
Published: February 2015

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Mitigation effectiveness for improving nesting success of greater sage‐grouse influenced by energy development
Authors: Kirol Christopher P. , Sutphin Andrew L. , Bond Laura , Fuller Mark R. , Maechtle Thomas L.
Published: February 2015

SagebrushArtemisiaspp. habitats being developed for oil and gas reserves are inhabited by sagebrush obligate species — including the greater sage‐grouseCentrocercus urophasianus(sage‐grouse) that is currently being considered for protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Numerous studies suggest increasing oil and gas development may exacerbate species extinction risks. Therefore, there is a great need for effective on‐site mitigation to reduce impacts to co‐occurring wildlife such as sage‐grouse. Nesting success is a primary factor in avian productivity and declines in nesting success are also thought to be an important contributor to population declines in sage‐grouse. From 2008 to 2011 we monitored 296 nests of radio‐marked female sage‐grouse in a natural gas (NG) field in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, USA, and compared nest survival in mitigated and non‐mitigated development areas and relatively unaltered areas to determine if specific mitigation practices were enhancing nest survival. Nest survival was highest in relatively unaltered habitats followed by mitigated, and then non‐mitigated NG areas. Reservoirs used for holding NG discharge water had the greatest support as having a direct relationship to nest survival. Within a 5‐km2area surrounding a nest, the probability of nest failure increased by about 15% for every 1.5 km increase in reservoir water edge. Reducing reservoirs was a mitigation focus and sage‐grouse nesting in mitigated areas were exposed to almost half of the amount of water edge compared to those in non‐mitigated areas. Further, we found that an increase in sagebrush cover was positively related to nest survival. Consequently, mitigation efforts focused on reducing reservoir construction and reducing surface disturbance, especially when the surface disturbance results in sagebrush removal, are important to enhancing sage‐grouse nesting success.
Erdheim-Chester disease mimicking an intracranial trigeminal schwannoma: case report
Authors: Alimohamadi Maysam , Hartmann Christian , Paterno Vincenzo , Samii Madjid
Published: February 2015

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is non-Langerhans histiocytosis that can affect multiple organ systems. It usually affects middle-aged patients, and only a few reports of ECD in children appear in the literature. Central nervous system involvement is a common feature that usually occurs as infiltration of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, cerebellum, and/or brainstem. Meningeal involvement occurs less commonly. In this article, the authors discuss a rare pediatric case of ECD presenting as an infiltrative mass of the trigeminal nerve and resembling the clinical and imaging features of a trigeminal schwannoma.
Minimally invasive percutaneous screw fixation of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis
Authors: Buchholz Avery Lee , Morgan Steven L. , Robinson Leslie C. , Frankel Bruce M.
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

Most cases of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis (hangman's fracture) can be treated nonoperatively with reduction and subsequent immobilization in a rigid cervical collar or halo. However, in some instances, operative management is necessary and can be accomplished by using either anterior or posterior fusion techniques. Because open posterior procedures can result in significant blood loss, pain, and limited cervical range of motion, other less invasive options for posterior fixation are needed. The authors describe a minimally invasive, navigation-guided technique for surgical treatment of Levine-Edwards (L-E) Type II hangman's fractures.

METHODS

For 5 patients with L-E Type II hangman's fracture requiring operative reduction and internal fixation, percutaneous screw fixation directed through the fracture site was performed. This technique was facilitated by use of intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy and neuronavigation.

RESULTS

Of the 5 patients, 2 were women, 3 were men, and age range was 46–67 years. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. All patients wore a rigid cervical collar, and flexion-extension radiographs were obtained at 6 months. For all patients, dynamic imaging demonstrated a stable construct.

CONCLUSIONS

L-E type II hangman's fractures can be safely repaired by using percutaneous minimally invasive surgical techniques. This technique may be appropriate, depending on circumstances, for all L-E Type I and II hangman's fractures; however, the degree of associated ligament injury and disc disruption must be accounted for. Percutaneous fixation is not appropriate for L-E Type III fractures because of significant displacement and ligament and disc disruption. This report is meant to serve as a feasibility study and is not meant to show superiority of this procedure over other surgical options.
Fast dynamic imaging technique to identify obstructive lesions in the CSF space: report of 2 cases
Authors: Wang Doris D. , Martin Kenneth W. , Auguste Kurtis I. , Sun Peter P.
Published: February 2015

Disorders of CSF dynamics such as syringomyelia and obstructive hydrocephalus can be caused by thin mobile obstructive lesions not visible on traditional MRI sequences. New imaging techniques with balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) and dynamic imaging with bSSFP cine allow visualization of these pulsatile structures within the CSF space. The authors present 2 cases involving pediatric patients—one who developed presumed idiopathic syringomyelia and one with presumed communicating hydrocephalus in association with Pfeiffer syndrome—who harbored thin dynamic obstructive lesions seen on bSSFP cine studies using 1.5-T MRI.

In combination with traditional CSF cine studies and bSSFP, bSSFP cine sequence was able to detect dynamic membranous adhesions not seen on traditional MRI sequences. These previously undetectable lesions on traditional MRI sequences were the etiology of CSF obstruction, and tailored surgical approaches were performed to avoid shunting in both patients. These reports demonstrate the clinical utility for using these novel imaging tools for the detection of thin adhesions and dynamic lesions in the central nervous system. Balanced SSFP cine sequences can supplement conventional MR modalities to identify these otherwise poorly visualized lesions responsible for presumed communicating hydrocephalus or idiopathic syringomyelia.
Analysis of neurosurgical reoperations: use of a surgical checklist and reduction of infection-related and preventable complication-related reoperations
Authors: Lepänluoma Marjut , Rahi Melissa , Takala Riikka , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Ikonen Tuija S.
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

Use of the WHO surgical checklist has been proven to reduce surgical morbidity and mortality, but its effect on surgical complications requiring reoperation has not been previously studied. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of the WHO surgical checklist would have an impact on the number and causes of neurosurgical complications leading to a reoperation.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively gathered information on all neurosurgical reoperations using hospital discharge data as well as the operations and procedures registry, and tracked all primary neurosurgical operations (n = 175) preceding a complication-related reoperation from 2007 to 2011. There were a total of 5418 neurosurgical operations during the study period. For further analysis of electronic patient records, the primary operations were divided into 2 groups based on the time of the WHO surgical checklist implementation in the authors' unit: 103 operations before and 72 after the introduction of the checklist. Observed adverse events and reoperations were categorized as preventable or unpreventable, and the actual use of the checklist during each operation was recorded.

RESULTS

The overall rate of preventable complication-related neurosurgical reoperations decreased from 3.3% (95% CI 2.7%–4.0%) to 2.0% (95% CI 1.5%–2.6%) after the checklist implementation. The reoperations were mainly due to wound infections, 46% before and 39% after the checklist. All infection-related reoperations proportioned to all neurosurgical operations (2.5% before vs 1.6% after checklist implementation) showed a significant reduction (p = 0.02) after the implementation of the checklist. In particular, there was a significant decrease (p = 0.006) in the rate of preventable infections associated with reoperations, i.e., 2.2% before versus 1.2% after checklist implementation. The overall adherence to checklist use (the “time out” phase) in neurosurgical operations was 78%, and adherence was 70% in primary operations preceding a complication-related reoperation regarded as preventable.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the WHO surgical checklist in neurosurgery was associated with a decrease in complication-related reoperations, especially those due to preventable infection complications, the majority of which were wound infections. The adherence to checklist use in individual operations after the checklist implementation did not appear to have an impact on the results.
Usefulness of the indocyanine green fluorescence endoscope in endonasal transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: Hide Takuichiro , Yano Shigetoshi , Shinojima Naoki , Kuratsu Jun-ichi
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

To avoid disorientation during endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS), the confirmation of anatomical landmarks is essential. Neuronavigation systems can be pointed at exact sites, but their spatial resolution power is too low for the detection of vessels that cannot be seen on MR images. On Doppler ultrasonography the shape of concealed arteries and veins cannot be visualized. To address these problems, the authors evaluated the clinical usefulness of the indocyanine green (ICG) endoscope.

METHODS

The authors included 38 patients with pituitary adenomas (n = 26), tuberculum sellae meningiomas (n = 4), craniopharyngiomas (n = 3), chordomas (n = 2), Rathke's cleft cyst (n = 1), dermoid cyst (n = 1), or fibrous dysplasia (n = 1). After opening the sphenoid sinus and placing the ICG endoscope, the authors injected 12.5 mg of ICG into a peripheral vein as a bolus and observed the internal carotid arteries (ICAs), cavernous sinus, intercavernous sinus, and pituitary.

RESULTS

The ICA was clearly identified by a strong fluorescence signal through the dura mater and the covering thin bone. The intercavernous and cavernous sinuses were visualized a few seconds later. In patients with tuberculum sellae meningiomas, the abnormal tumor arteries in the dura were seen and the vague outline of the attachment was identified. At the final inspection after tumor removal, perforators to the brain, optic nerves, chiasm, and pituitary stalk were visualized. ICG fluorescence signals from the hypophyseal arteries were strong enough to see and spread to the area of perfusion with the passage of time.

CONCLUSIONS

The ICA and the patent cavernous sinus were detected with the ICG endoscope in real time and at high resolution. The ICG endoscope is very useful during ETSS. The authors suggest that the real-time observation of the blood supply to the optic nerves and pituitary helps to predict the preservation of their function.
Suprachiasmatic translamina terminalis corridor used in endoscopic endonasal approach for resecting third ventricular craniopharyngioma
Authors: Gu Ye , Zhang Xiaobiao , Hu Fan , Yu Yong , Xie Tao , Sun Chongjing , Li Wensheng
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

The translamina terminalis corridor was used in the transcranial anterior route to treat third ventricular craniopharyngioma (TVC), which presents a challenge to neurosurgeons. The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has recently been used to treat craniopharyngiomas. However, there are few reports of the EEA being used to treat TVC. The authors' novel surgical approach of treating selected TVC by the endoscopic endonasal route via the suprachiasmatic translamina terminalis (STLT) corridor is described.

METHODS

In this single-center study, the EEA via the STLT corridor was used to resect TVC with great upper and anterior extension causing bulged lamina terminalis, and TVC with a residual upper compartment, after routine infrachiasmatic transmetastalk corridor resection.

RESULTS

The STLT corridor was used in 3 patients. Gross-total resection was achieved in all cases. One patient achieved visual improvement, and the other 2 patients showed partial visual improvement. Leakage of CSF occurred in 1 patient. Postoperative hormone replacement therapy was required in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The STLT corridor is a complementary minimally invasive corridor used in the EEA for treating selected TVC. The STLT alone or combined with infrachiasmatic transmetastalk corridors should be selected depending on the size of suprachiasmatic and infrachiasmatic space.
Assessment of Aspergillus spp. in a Modern Broiler Breeder Structure
Authors: Moreira F. A. , Cardoso L. , Coelho A. C.
Published: February 2015

Members of the genus Aspergillus are ubiquitous opportunistic saprophytic fungi regarded as major respiratory pathogens in birds, which can cause significant economic losses in chickens, with mortality, decreased weight gain and slaughter condemnations. Initial contamination of broiler poultry farms often occurs through use of contaminated litter or introduction of day-old birds that have received Aspergillus spp. conidia from hatchery facilities. This study evaluated different conditions at the broiler breeder level and tried to ascertain different risk factors connected to this contamination that can thrive in the hatchery. In most modern broiler breeder reproduction farms in Portugal, birds are kept on the ground and eggs are collected by means of an egg belt system. A total of 210 samples were collected from 30 flocks (one sample per variable and per flock). In each flock, the following samples were taken: 30 samples from egg surfaces (10 cm2) of randomly collected eggs from the floor (dirty eggs); 30 samples from eggs from the egg belt system (clean eggs); 30 samples from the egg belt system (10 cm2 of the egg belt surface) (egg belt system). Samples were tested using a swab soaked in distilled water and seeded on Rose Bengal (RB) medium for initial cultivation. The other sample from the egg belt system was performed putting the open RB plate on the running egg belt system for 5 min. Aspergillus spp. were detected in 46.2% of the samples (97/210), namely in 50% of clean eggs and 40% of dirty eggs. In the egg belt system, 56.7% of the samples were positive. Regarding feed and litter samples, 43.3% and 33.3% accordingly were positive. Samples directly collected from birds were 23.3% positive. Specific broiler breeder conditions, feed stuffs and animals are potential sources of fungi contamination in hatcheries and to the chick quality in broiler farms.
Trophic Niche and Feeding Strategy of the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) during different Phases of the Breeding Season
Authors: Chenchouni Haroun , Bachir Abdelkrim Si , AlRashidi Monif
Published: February 2015

Assessing feeding conditions and variations of diet composition over the breeding season is of great help in the understanding of the ecological niche of species. In meeting this aim, the White Stork's ( Ciconia ciconia) diet was studied based on the analysis of 87 regurgitation pellets collected from Batna (Northeast Algeria). A set of 2138 prey-items were identified and classified into 61 different prey-species belonging to seven classes, 13 orders, 29 families and 51 genera. The White Stork has a diverse diet (food niche breadth, FNB = 14.5, Shannon index H’ = 4.4 bits), mainly composed of arthropods, of which 94% of prey-items are insects that represent 8% of total prey biomass. The White Stork constantly fed on the remains of chicken foraged from rubbish dumps (biomass = 68.74%) and small mammals (biomass = 14.41%) as these prey categories constitute a source of high energy, particularly during the period of chick rearing. GLMs applied for diet characteristics revealed a significant variation in numbers of prey individuals between breeding phenological stages. While variations of other diet parameters (biomass, species richness, FNB, H’, H'max and evenness) were not statistically influenced by breeding phenology. All diet characteristics were significantly correlated with the period of chick development, which is the key period for breeding success; suggesting an increase in parental investment and feeding effort. Our findings suggest that the White Stork performs a balance in order to satisfy its food requirements by compensating reciprocally between intake of prey numbers and their biomass regardless of the phenological stage of reproduction.
Effect of Diluent and Storage Time on Sperm Characteristics of Rooster Insemination Doses
Authors: Vasicek J. , Kuzelova L. , Kulikova B. , Chrenek P.
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different diluent type and storage time on the quality of rooster insemination doses in terms of the spermatozoa motility and apoptosis (in vitro) and spermatozoa fertility potential (in vivo). The motility parameters were significantly ( P < 0.001) higher in the spermatozoa diluted in saline solution than those diluted in avian diluent at each storage time (0.5, 1 and 2 hours). The proportion of apoptotic spermatozoa was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in the semen samples diluted in the avian diluent in comparison to the semen samples diluted in the saline solution after 1 hour of storage. The proportion of dead spermatozoa was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in avian diluent in comparison to the semen samples diluted in the saline solution after 2 hours of storage. The fertility of spermatozoa diluted in the avian diluent significantly ( P < 0.01) decreased 1 hour after the ejaculate collection. In conclusion, saline solution maintained better quality of rooster spermatozoa in terms of their motility values and the proportion of apoptotic and dead cells ( in vitro) than the commercial avian diluent when stored at 4 °C for 2 hours. According to in vivo results, the saline solution seems to be suitable for semen dilution at low temperature, since similar fertility results were obtained over the whole storage time. Thus the commercial avian diluent could be replaced by the saline solution under certain conditions. Furthermore, the saline solution is cheaper and more accessible for practical use than the commercial avian diluent.
Assessing Effectiveness of Innovative Waterfowl Hunting Decoys
Authors: Eaton Muir D. , Campillo Luke C. , Anliker Scott K. , Benites Pilar
Published: February 2015

New waterfowl hunting decoy technologies warrant rigorous assessment of their effects on wildlife harvest. Recent development of several UV-reflecting paints employed on waterfowl hunting decoys are designed to appear more like real duck feather colours in an attempt to better attract waterfowl. In two concurrent field experiments over a four year period, we tested the ability of UV-painted decoys to attract waterfowl within ∼ 50 m (i.e., potential shotgun range) of a duck blind and their success when employed waterfowl hunting, compared to traditionally painted, non-UV reflecting decoys. While UV decoys did attract, on average, more ducks and flocks compared to non-UV decoys during non-hunting observational trials, these differences were not reflected in harvest of waterfowl during typical hunting situations, which were nearly identical among the two decoy types. From a resource management perspective, our results suggest that UV decoys do not have a profound impact on waterfowl harvest, although broader harvest assessment is warranted.
Should Biodiversity be Useful? Scope and Limits of Ecosystem Services as an Argument for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Deliège Glenn , Neuteleers Stijn
Published: February 2015

This article examines the argument that biodiversity is crucial for well-functioning ecosystems and that such ecosystems provide important goods and services to our human societies, in short the ecosystem services argument (ESA). While the ESA can be a powerful argument for nature preservation, we argue that its dominant functionalist interpretation is confronted with three sig-nificant problems. First, the ESA seems unable to preserve the nature it claims to preserve. Second, the ESA cannot explain why those caring about nature want to preserve it. Third, the ESA might undermine its own goal because it potentially decreases environmental motivations.
Virtues for the Anthropocene
Authors: Paola Marcello Di
Published: February 2015

The paper discusses some difficulties that life in Anthropocene poses to our ethical thinking. It describes the sort of ethical task that individuals find themselves confronting when dealing with the planetary environmental quandaries that characterise the new epoch. It then asks what, given the situation, would count as environmentally virtuous ways of looking at and going about our lives, and how relevant virtues can be developed. It is argued that the practice of gardening is distinctively conducive to that objective. Finally, some garden virtues that will be of special importance in the Anthropocene, but have so far been largely neglected by environmental ethicists, are listed and described.
Caring for livestock. Borana women's perceptions of their changing role in livestock management in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Hertkorn Marie-Luise , Roba Hassan , Kaufmann Brigitte
Published: February 2015

Livestock management in the Borana pastoral production system is performed by all family members and the functioning of the system depends on their capability to conduct these activities. However, in recent times, multi-level changes seem to have affected these activities and the related division of labour and demand for labour. In this study we used an actororiented approach to understand how Borana pastoral women in southern Ethiopia perceive and evaluate their current role and work in livestock management under the increasing influence of these changes. Based on information gained through 58 semi-structured and nine narrative interviews, women's perceptions of the activity 'fodder collection for young stock' are presented as an example, as this activity is affected by both environmental issues and government policies that have led to changes in labour needs and division of labour between Borana women and men.
'Real Bedouin Words': Orality, Moral Authority, and Bedouin Women's Poetry in Contemporary Jordan
Authors: Seeley Maria
Published: February 2015

Jordanian Bedouin women performing Arabic Nabati poetry use oral and 'masculine' poetic genres to communicate politically with a wide audience, as the poetry's distance from women's personal lives preserves their modesty and morality as Bedouin women while providing a means of challenging their exclusion from public life. By focusing on individual poets and poetesses and their works within a dispersed international community, locating content and performance in its social setting, I examine poetry as a category-constructing practice where the gendering of expression and moral authority may be contested and reconfigured.
Efficacy and Safety of Triple Drug Fixed-Dose Combination of Telmisartan, Amlodipine and Hydrochlorthiazide in the Management of Hypertension
Authors: Arif Faruqui A , Amlaselvam A , Sriram Renuka
Published: February 2015

Effective BP control is far away from reality in many patients in spite of advancements in many classes of antihypertensive drug therapy. Use of triple drug combination in the management of hypertension have already been established, however this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of triple drug fixed dose combination of Telmisartan 40 mg, Amlodipine 5 mg and Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg. 69 hypertensive patients with seating cuff systolic blood pressure e 160 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure e100 mmHg were enrolled in the study. Patients were prescribed to take triple drug fixed dose combination for 120 days. Patients were evaluated on 30th, 60th and 120th days of treatment. There was statistically significant (p<0.0001) decrease in systolic blood pressure from baseline to 30th, 60th and 120th day of treatment mean±SD (166±18.6 mmHg vs.147±16.1, 137±14.7 and 130±13.9 mmHg) respectively. Similar to SBP, decrease in DBP was highly significant (p<0.0001) from the baseline to the 30th, 60th and 120th day of treatment (104±11.5 mmHg vs. 93.7±12.3, 89±10.2 and 84.5±8.98 mmHg respectively). Moreover at the end of the study period of 120 days 85.7% and 87.8% patients of age group >60 years and <60 years respectively achieved the JNC VIII recommended goal. This triple drug fixed dose combination of Telmisartan, Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide was found to be effective and safe option for the optimal management of hypertension.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v16i1.22383 J MEDICINE 2015; 16 : 18-22