bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Decline of Behavioral Research? Examining Language and Communication Journals
Authors: Patterson Miles L. , Giles Howard , Teske Margaret
Published: May 2011

In recent years, the decline of behavioral research in personality and social psychology has attracted renewed attention. The decreased incidence of behavioral research over the past few decades has been documented in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin .This article examined whether this trend was also characteristic of two interdisciplinary language and communication journals ( Human Communication Research and the Journal of Language and Social Psychology) that publish experimental research on interpersonal processes. In contrast to the two personality—social psychology journals, the language and communication journals showed no decrease in behavioral studies over the past two decades. Possible reasons for the contrasting trends in the two types of journals are discussed, including the pattern of increasing numbers of studies per article over time in the personality— social psychology journals, but not in the language and communication journals. Finally, the implications of these differences for research strategies are considered.
Methodological challenges in researching psychological distress and psychiatric morbidity among patients with advanced cancer: What does the literature (not) tell us?
Authors: Ryan Dermot , Gallagher Pamela , Wright Shelagh , Cassidy Eugene
Published: May 2011

Patients with advanced cancer experience multiple demands and losses that place them at risk for experiencing psychological distress. Researchers can face challenges in conducting research among this population because of their poor levels of physical and cognitive functioning. This paper aims to develop our understanding of these challenges. A systematic literature review was conducted of papers describing surveys in which a stated aim was to measure rates of psychological distress or psychiatric morbidity among patients with advanced cancer. We also included papers that focused on the development of assessment tools. Studies were identified through computerized (MEDLINE and PsycINFO) and manual searches for the years 1995–2009. Twenty-eight papers met the inclusion criteria. They describe findings in relation to a total of 3942 patients. The sample sizes ranged from 25 to 422 (median = 87). The main methodological challenge identified is the recruitment of large and representative samples. Significant portions of the advanced cancer population are excluded from distress studies or are refusing to take part. In conclusion, researchers can enhance the methodological knowledge base by presenting more detailed accounts of the participant recruitment and data collection processes. Future researchers should strive to develop more flexible methods of assessing distress among patients with advanced disease.
Is patient autonomy a critical determinant of quality of life in Korea? End-of-life decision making from the perspective of the patient
Authors: Mo Ha Na , Shin Dong Wook , Woo Jae Ha , Choi Jin Young , Kang Jina , Baik Young Ji , Huh Yu Rae , Won Joo Hee , Park Myung Hee , Cho Sang Hee
Published: May 2011

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the current practice of the involvement in decision making from the perspectives of terminal cancer patients, and to explore its possible associations with quality of life and quality of death in Korea.

Methods: A multi-center, cross-sectional survey was performed on 93 terminal cancer patients. The questionnaire solicited their opinions regarding participation in treatment decision making, as well as quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for Palliative Care) and quality of death (Good Death Inventory-Patient Version).

Results: A total of 78.5% of the patients had awareness of their terminal status, while 21.5% did not; 42.4% stated that they knew their condition and shared the decision-making responsibility with the medical staff and their family, while 21.7% made decisions on their own, and 35.9% left the decision-making responsibility to others. Patients who were aware of their illness and who actively participated in the decision making did not score higher than others on outcome measures of quality of life and quality of death. Moreover, the former even showed lower scores in some domains, including the ‘physical and psychological comfort’ (4.99 versus 5.61, p = 0.03), ‘environmental comfort’ (5.51 versus 6.04, p = 0.08), and ‘emotional functioning’ (55.70 versus 71.01, p = 0.06).

Conclusion: in Korea, patient autonomy is not a universally accepted value from the perspectives of terminal cancer patients, nor is patient involvement in decision making always conducive to high quality of life or quality of death. The level of information and the pace at which it is provided should be tailored to each individual’s ability, preference, need, and culture.
The Employment Effects of New Business Formation: A Regional Perspective
Authors: Huaqun Li  , Shaoming Cheng  , Haynes Kingsley E.
Published: May 2011

This article seeks to examine spatially varying relationships between new firm formation and employment growth across U.S. counties. The existing empirical evidence does not provide consistent conclusions of the effect of new business formation on employment growth. The regional effects of new firm formation on employment growth are examined and emphasized in this article. It is hypothesized and tested that there are different relationships between new firm formation and employment growth across metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties. Geographically weighted regression model is calibrated with county-level data to identify the spatially varying relationships across metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties.
Boards of Directors in Family Firms: An Exploratory Study of Structure and Group Process
Authors: Bettinelli Cristina
Published: May 2011

Offering an integrated approach, this study examines the relationship between board composition and board processes in Italian family businesses. The potential beneficial effects of outside board members on board processes such as effort norms, cohesiveness, and use of knowledge and skills are highlighted. Using a sample of 90 family business directors, it was found that boards with outside directors are perceived as more committed to the board’s tasks (i.e., higher effort norms) and more cohesive. Boards of older companies with outside directors are percevied as more capable of using knowledge and skills.
Estimation of wear rate on diamond beads during cutting with diamond wire by using multiple linear regression techniques
Authors: Ozcelik Y
Published: May 2011

The effects of mechanical, textural, and compositional properties of rocks on the bead wear during the cutting operation of marble blocks were evaluated in depth by multivariate statistical methods in this study. Moreover, the concept of texture coefficient (TC), which is a result of textural rock properties, was investigated and the effect of the textural coefficient on the marble and limestone cutting with diamond wire was examined. During the investigation, using statistical software called SPSS 10.0, stepwise multiple linear regression models of the wear rate for limestone and marble were developed based on the data obtained from field and laboratory studies. The results showed that wear on diamond beads increases as the cutting rate decreases. Wear rate increases as the quartz and opaque mineral content and TC increases while the average grain size decreases in limestone. Moreover, a weak correlation was detected between the cutting rate and TC, whereas no statistically significant relationship was found between the TC and wear rate in marble. As a result of this study, estimated values from the model equation are closely correlated with the values measured in the field; because of this, developed models could be used for determining the wear rate before starting the cutting operations of marble and limestone.
Collision outcome of a water drop on the surface of a deep diesel fuel pool
Authors: Chen R H , Lai C-M
Published: May 2011

This study investigated the collision of water drops with diesel fuel. The target liquid was selected not only because this interaction is commonly observed in many fires but also because diesel fuel exhibits similar viscosity to heavy oils on fire. Investigated collision phenomena include water drop disintegration, cavity development, droplet ejection from the underside of the cavity, droplet ejection from the liquid (diesel fuel) crown rim, and formation of water-in-diesel compound drops. Results suggest that the number of water droplets from the disintegrated water drop increases non-linearly with increased Weber number. At a Weber number of 700, the number of water droplets reached a maximum while their size was minimized.
One to Four, and Nothing More
Authors: Gallivan Jason P. , Chapman Craig S. , Wood Daniel K. , Milne Jennifer L. , Ansari Daniel , Culham Jody C. , Goodale Melvyn A.
Published: May 2011

Much of the current understanding about the capacity limits on the number of objects that can be simultaneously processed comes from studies of visual short-term memory, attention, and numerical cognition. Consistent reports suggest that, despite large variability in the perceptual tasks administered (e.g., object tracking, counting), a limit of three to four visual items can be independently processed in parallel. In the research reported here, we asked whether this limit also extends to the domain of action planning. Using a unique rapid visuomotor task and a novel analysis of reach trajectories, we demonstrated an upper limit to the number of targets that can be simultaneously encoded for action, a capacity limit that also turns out to be no more than three to four. Our findings suggest that conscious perceptual processing and nonconscious movement planning are constrained by a common underlying mechanism limited by the number of items that can be simultaneously represented.
Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Is histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis in SLE associated with skin lesions?
Authors: Kim SK , Kang MS , Yoon BY , Kim DY , Cho SK , Bae SC , Her MY
Published: May 2011

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), or Kikuchi’s disease, is a benign and self-limiting lymphadenopathy that typically affects young Asian females. It presents with lymphadenopathy, usually cervical, accompanied by fever, chills and leukopenia. Although the association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and HNL is rare, the number of reports of HNL in SLE patients is increasing. We present nine cases of HNL in patients with SLE. Among the seven patients with diverse skin manifestations, three had skin manifestations that were histologically compatible with SLE. A review of previous reports in the literature showed that cutaneous involvement was commonly found in HNL in association with SLE. In the patients who had simultaneous onset of both diseases, lupus flare-ups were commonly observed. We suggest that HNL in SLE patients is associated with cutaneous manifestations. This report contributes to our understanding of the relationship between these diseases.
Coping with health-stressors and defence styles associated with health-related quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hyphantis T , Palieraki K , Voulgari PV , Tsifetaki N , Drosos AA
Published: May 2011

This study aimed to assess the association of coping with health-stressors and defence styles with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In 56 SLE patients we assessed disease activity (SLEDAI), functional limitations (HAQ), psychological distress (SCL-90-R), defence styles (Defence Style Questionnaire), hostility (HDHQ), coping with health-stressors (Sense of Coherence scale) and HRQOL (WHOQOL-BREF). Two hundred and eight rheumatologic patients (168 with rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and 40 with primary Sjögren’s syndrome [SS]) served as disease controls. SLE patients’ HRQOL was similar to that of patients with RA and primary SS after adjusting for demographic and disease variables. Psychological distress was significantly associated with most aspects of HRQOL, but sense of coherence mediated the relationship of psychological distress with Physical HRQOL; this mediation effect was unique to SLE, as mediation analyses showed. Maladaptive action defence style was also significantly associated with Environment HRQOL independently of psychological distress ( p < 0.024). These findings indicate that, apart from the early assessment and treatment of psychological distress, clinicians and consultation–liaison psychiatrists should bear in mind the SLE patients’ psychological resources and coping capacities to deal with the stress of the disease, since such traits, although usually underestimated, are strongly independently associated with HRQOL.
Improvement of Western Blot Test Specificity for Detecting Equine Serum Antibodies to Sarcocystis Neurona
Authors: Rossano M. G. , Mansfield L. S. , Kaneene J. B. , Murphy A. J. , Brown C. M. , Schott H. C. , Fox J. C.
Published: May 2011

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease of horses and ponies caused by the apicomplexan protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona. The purposes of this study were to develop the most stringent criteria possible for a positive test result, to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the EPM Western blot antibody test, and to assess the ability of bovine antibodies to Sarcocystis cruzi to act as a blocking agent to minimize false-positive results in the western blot test for S. neurona. Sarcocystis neurona merozoites harvested from equine dermal cell culture were heat denatured, and the proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in a 12–20% linear gradient gel. Separated proteins were electrophoretically transferred to polyvinylidene fluoride membranes and blocked in 1% bovine serum albumin and 0.5% Tween-Tris-buffered saline. Serum samples from 6 horses with S. neurona infections (confirmed by culture from neural tissue) and 57 horses without infections (horses from the Eastern Hemisphere, where S. neurona does not exist) were tested by Western blot. Horses from both groups had reactivity to the 62–, 30–, 16–, 13–, 11–, 10.5–, and 10-kD bands. Testing was repeated with another step. Blots were treated with bovine S. cruzi antibodies prior to loading the equine samples. After this modification of the Western blot test, positive infection status was significantly associated with reactivity to the 30-and 16-kD bands ( P < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). The S. cruzi antibody-blocked Western blot had a sample sensitivity of 100% and sample specificity of 98%. It is concluded that the specificity of the Western blot test is improved by blocking proteins not specific to S. neurona and using reactivity to the 30- and 16-kD bands as the criterion for a positive test.
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Cytopathic and Noncytopathic Biotypes and Type 1 and 2 Genotypes in Diagnostic Laboratory Accessions: Clinical and Necropsy Samples from Cattle
Authors: Fulton Robert W. , Saliki J. T. , Confer A. W. , Burge Lurinda J. , D'Offay J. M. , Helman R. G. , Bolin S. R. , Ridpath J. F. , Payton Mark E.
Published: May 2011

One hundred three bovine samples submitted to the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (OADDL) that were positive for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) were typed by a nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for BVDV genotypes. These BVDV samples included supernatants from virus isolation (79), serums (17), and buffy coats (7). The biotype, cytopathic (CP) or noncytopathic (NCP), was determined by cell culture virus isolation. Twenty-eight of 103 samples were submitted for herd screening for BVDV, 32 from OADDL necropsy cases, and 43 from live cattle with varied clinical conditions. Two samples contained 2 bands indicating presence of both BVDV types 1 and 2. Of the 105 BVDV samples, 26 were type 1 CP strains (24.8%), 38 were type 1 NCP strains (36.2%), 10 were type 2 CP strains (9.5%), and 31 were type 2 NCP strains (29.5%). From the 105 BVDV isolates, NCP biotypes were isolated more frequently (69, 65.7%) than CP biotypes (36, 34.3%), and type 1 genotypes were more frequently isolated (64, 61.00%) than type 2 genotypes (41, 39.0%). The NCP strains were more common than CP in herd screening samples. Cattle with respiratory disease history at time of sampling had more NCP than CP biotypes and more type 1 than type 2 genotypes. Of the necropsy cases, more were type 1 than type 2 genotypes for the respiratory cases with fibrinous pneumonia, more were type 1 than type 2 genotypes in cattle with enteritis/colitis without systemic lesions, and more were CP than NCP biotypes in cattle with enteritis/colitis with systemic lesions. No CP biotype was isolated from serum samples.
Common Variable Immunodeficiency in Miniature Dachshunds Affected with Pneumonocystis Carinii Pneumonia
Authors: Lobetti Remo
Published: May 2011

Seven miniature dachshunds, all under the age of 1 year, were presented with polypnea, tachypnea, and exercise intolerance as a result of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, which was diagnosed on transtracheal aspirate cytology. In all of the dogs, historical and clinical signs were suggestive of immune incompetence. Immunological studies undertaken were leukogram parameters, serum immunoglobulin fraction quantification, lymphocyte transformation assay. CD3 and CD79a lymphocyte markers on lymphoid tissue, and anti-canine immunoglobulin G immunoperoxidase staining. The immunological studies showed hypogammaglobulinemia, deficiency of serum immunoglobulins A, G, and M, decreased lymphocyte transformation response to phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogens and absence of B lymphocytes with presence of T lymphocytes in the lymphoid tissue stained with CD3 and CD79a lymphocyte markers. The preceding findings suggest that P. carinii pneumonia occurring in the miniature dachshund is a result of both a T- and B-cell deficiency. This presentation is not the classic primary severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome but rather combined variable immunodeficiency, which has been well documented in humans but never in the dog.
Procedurally Similar Competitive Immunoassay Systems for the Serodiagnosis of Babesia Equi, Babesia Caballi, Trypanosoma Equiperdum, and Burkholderia Mallei Infection in Horses
Authors: Katz Jonathan , Dewald Richard , Nicholson Judy
Published: May 2011

Procedurally similar competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (cELISA) methods were developed for the serodiagnosis of Babesia equi and Babesia caballi (piroplasmosis), Trypanosoma equiperdum (dourine), and Burkholderia mallei (glanders) infections in horses. Apparent test specificities for the B. equi, B. caballi, T. equiperdum, and B. mallei cELISAs were 99.2%, 99.5%, 98.9%, and 98.9%, respectively. Concordances and kappa values between the complement fixation (CF) and the cELISA procedures for the serodiagnosis of B. equi, B. caballi, T. equiperdum, and B. mallei infections in experimentally exposed horses were 76% and 0.55, 89% and 0.78, 97% and 0.95, and 70% and 0.44, respectively. The cELISA method may be a technically more reproducible, objective, and convenient approach for piroplasmosis, dourine, and glanders serodiagnosis in qualifying animals for international movement and disease eradication programs than the CF systems currently in use. Use of the cELISA method also obviated the problems associated with testing hemolyzed or anticomplementary sera.
Correlation of two Nonradioactive Immunoassays to a Radioimmunoassay Technique for Thyroxine Measurement in Equine Serum
Authors: Solter Philip F. , Farner Susan
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare 2 different nonradioactive assay methods with a conventional radioimmunoassay (RIA) measuring the concentration of serum thyroxine (T4) in horses. Serum was obtained from 85 adult standardbred horses. The T4 concentration of each sample was analyzed by RIA, chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CEI), and homogeneous enzyme immunoassay (HEI). The correlation between the HEI method and RIA method was significantly greater ( r = 0.89) than the correlation between the CEI and the reference method ( r = 0.53). In addition, the precision of the HEI method was significantly greater than the CEI method; within-run percentage coefficients of variation were 4.5% and 15.9%, respectively, at mean T4 concentrations of 19–20 nmol/liter. On the basis of these findings, the HEI method was evaluated further. Both between-run precision and linearity were deemed adequate upon dilution by the HEI method. In addition, recovery of L-thyroxine added to equine serum was linear over 6 concentrations tested and averaged 79.6% with a manufacturer recommended data correction factor. An in-house correction factor was calculated by linear regression analysis of the RIA and HEI results from the original equine serum samples. Use of this correction factor improved the average recovery to 94.2% while maintaining excellent linearity ( r2 = 0.9978). Although both nonradioactive methods of T4 analysis could likely substitute for the RIA reference method, the HEI method had the highest correlation and precision. The HEI technique also yielded adequately accurate results after correction of the data with an appropriate correction factor. Individually derived in-house correction factors may improve the accuracy of the HEI method to a greater extent than manufacturer suggested correction factors.
A Perspective on Copper and Liver Disease in the Dog
Authors: Thornburg Larry P.
Published: May 2011

Copper is a ubiquitous trace metal necessary for normal function of a variety of cellular proteins. Intracellular copper metabolism is complex, and only a few of the proteins/genes involved are known. Copper deficiency does not appear to be a clinical problem in dogs. Excess copper accumulation in the liver as a cause of hepatitis and cirrhosis was first demonstrated among Bedlington terriers. Subsequently, copper accumulation in the liver has been shown to occur in several other breeds of dogs. Excess hepatic copper has been found in dogs with normal liver histology, dogs with hepatitis, and dogs with end stage cirrhosis. Evidence is accumulating that copper is a cause of liver disease in breeds of dogs other than Bedlington terriers. Moreover, as more data are accumulated, the copper storage disease appears to have characteristics that are very similar among all of the affected breeds.
A Statistical Model for Assessing Sample Size for Bacterial Colony Selection: A Case Study of Escherichia Coli and Avian Cellulitis
Authors: Singer Randall S. , Johnson Wesley O. , Jeffrey Joan S. , Chin Richard P. , Carpenter Tim E. , Atwill E. Rob , Hirsh Dwight C.
Published: May 2011

A general problem for microbiologists is determining the number of phenotypically similar colonies growing on an agar plate that must be analyzed in order to be confident of identifying all of the different strains present in the sample. If a specified number of colonies is picked from a plate on which the number of unique strains of bacteria is unknown, assigning a probability of correctly identifying all of the strains present on the plate is not a simple task. With Escherichia coli of avian cellulitis origin as a case study, a statistical model was designed that would delineate sample sizes for efficient and consistent identification of all the strains of phenotypically similar bacteria in a clinical sample. This model enables the microbiologist to calculate the probability that all of the strains contained within the sample are correctly identified and to generate probability-based sample sizes for colony identification. The probability of cellulitis lesions containing a single strain of E. coli was 95.4%. If one E. coli strain is observed out of three colonies randomly selected from a future agar plate, the probability is 98.8% that only one strain is on the plate. These results are specific for this cellulitis E. coli scenario. For systems in which the number of bacterial strains per sample is variable, this model provides a quantitative means by which sample sizes can be determined.
Canines as Sentinels for Lyme Disease in San Diego County, California
Authors: Olson Patrick E. , Kallen Alex J. , Bjorneby John M. , Creek Jean G.
Published: May 2011

Prevalence of Lyme borreliosis in canine sentinels has been shown to correlate with infection in humans. One thousand canine sera (917 dogs, 83 coyotes) obtained from animal control authorities and area veterinarians were screened by ELISA for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. Results were validated by Western blot and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) tests at referee laboratories. Criterion for a positive Western blot was presence of 5 of 10 of the most common antigen IgG bands; for IF A, >1:128 or the equivalent when correcting for interlaboratory variability. Twenty-two of 1,000 canines were confirmed serologically positive (21 dogs and 1 coyote; seroprevalence 2.3% and 1.2%, respectively). Lifestyle, breed size, gender, and age were not statistically predictive of seropositive status. No regional clustering of seropositive animals was detected. The low prevalence of seropositivity in sentinel canines suggests the Lyme borreliosis hazard in San Diego County is minimal.
Evaluation of Solid-Phase Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and Latex Agglutination Tests for Screening Toxoplasma IgG in Samples Obtained from Cats and Pigs
Authors: Singh Ashok K.
Published: May 2011

Serum samples from cats and pigs were analyzed by the solid-phase chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (SPCEI), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and indirect latex agglutination (ILA) methods. The SPCEI and ILA methods accurately analyzed Toxoplasma IgG (T-IgG) in both clinical and spiked samples from pigs and cats. The ELISA method accurately analyzed T-IgG in spiked samples from cats and pigs or clinical samples from pigs, but it did not accurately analyze T-IgG in clinical samples from cats. The antibody used in the ELISA kit did not cross-react with cat T-IgG. The SPCEI method that uses a stand-alone automated analyzer provided quantitative analysis, whereas the ELISA and ILA methods provided qualitative or, at best, semiquantitative analysis of T-IgG. The SPCEI and ELISA methods were rapid (60–90 minutes for 30 samples), whereas the ILA method required 13–15 hours for 30 samples. Although the three methods accurately distinguished positive from negative samples, the ILA method yielded many weakly positive results that were not confirmed by either the ELISA or SPCEI method. Thus, the indirect agglutination tests may give nonspecific responses at lower T-IgG concentrations.
Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of Antibody to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease of Deer Virus
Authors: Mecham James O. , Jochim Michael M.
Published: May 2011

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been developed to detect antibodies to epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer virus (EHDV). The assay incorporates a monoclonal antibody to EHDV serotype 2 (EHDV-2) that demonstrates specificity for the viral structural protein, VP7. The assay was evaluated with sequential sera collected from cattle experimentally infected with EHDV serotype 1 (EHDV-1) and EHDV-2, as well as the four serotypes of bluetongue virus (BTV), BTV-10, BTV-11, BTV-13, and BTV-17, that currently circulate in the US. A competitive and a blocking format as well as the use of antigen produced from both EHDV-1-and EHDV-2-infected cells were evaluated. The assay was able to detect specific antibody as early as 7 days after infection and could differentiate animals experimentally infected with EHDV from those experimentally infected with BTV. The diagnostic potential of this assay was demonstrated with field-collected serum samples from cattle, deer, and buffalo.
Diagnosis of Sporotrichosis in a Donkey Using Direct Fluorescein-Labeled Antibody Testing
Authors: Irizarry-Rovira Armando R. , Kaufman Leo , Christian John A. , Reberg Stephanie R. , Adams Stephen B. , DeNicola Dennis B. , Rivers William , Hawkins Jan F.
Published: May 2011

A 4-year-old female donkey residing in an open field in Indiana was admitted for evaluation of facial lesions of 2 years duration. Cytologic and histologic examination of exudate and tissue from the lesions revealed a pyogranulomatous inflammatory reaction with numerous yeasts. Sporothrix schenckii was suspected to be the infectious agent; however, multiple culture attempts did not provide positive identification of the organism. Serologic examination supported infection with S. schenckii. A specific direct immunofluorescent antibody test performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections confirmed the organism as S. schenckii. Clinical signs resolved after appropriate iodide therapy.
In Vitro Activity of Difloxacin against Canine Bacterial Isolates
Authors: van den Hoven R. , Wagenaar J. A. , Walker R. D.
Published: May 2011

The in vitro activity of difloxacin against canine bacterial isolates from clinical cases was studied in the United States and The Netherlands. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC), the postantibiotic effect, the effect of pH on antimicrobial activity, and the bacterial killing rate tests were determined according to standard techniques. The MICs of American and Dutch isolates agreed in general. The MICs of the American gram-negative isolates ranged from 0.06 to 2.0 μg/ml, and the MICs of the Dutch gram-negative isolates ranged from 0.016 to 8.0 μg/ml. A few European strains of Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae had relatively high MICs. Bordetella bronchiseptica also was less susceptible to difloxacin. The MICs of the American gram-positive cocci ranged from 0.125 to 4.0 μg/ml, and the MICs of Dutch isolates ranged from 0.125 to 2.0 μg/ml. Difloxacin induced a concentration-dependent postantibiotic effect that lasted 0.2–3 hours in cultures with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus intermedius, Streptococcus canis, Proteus spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae. There was no postantibiotic effect observed against canine Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Decreasing the pH of the medium increased the MIC of Proteus mirabilis for difloxacin. The MICs of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were lowest at neutral pH and were slightly increased in acid or alkaline media. At a neutral pH, most tested bacterial species were killed at a difloxacin concentration of 4 times the MIC. Similar results were obtained when these same bacteria were tested against enrofloxacin. A Klebsiella pneumoniae strain in an acidic environment was readily killed at difloxacin or enrofloxacin MIC, but at neutral pH the drug concentration had to be raised to 4 times the MIC for a bactericidal effect. After 24 hours of incubation at pH 7.1, difloxacin and enrofloxacin had similar bactericidal activity for all bacteria tested except Staphylococcus intermedius. Against S. intermedius, difloxacin was more bactericidal than enrofloxacin.
Intestinal Lesions Caused by a Strain of Chlamydia Suis in Weanling Pigs Infected at 21 Days of Age
Authors: Rogers Douglas G. , Andersen Arthur A.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to determine whether a strain of Chlamydia suis shown previously to be an intestinal pathogen in gnotobiotic piglets could cause diarrhea and intestinal lesions in young weanling pigs. Pigs from 2 sows were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Group 1 included 13 pigs that were weaned at 24 hours of age and then housed in isolator units and fed milk replacer and unmedicated starter ration. Group 2 included 8 pigs that nursed their respective sows, consumed unmedicated starter ration, and were weaned at 21 days of age. Ten pigs in group 1 and 6 pigs in group 2 were inoculated orally with 4 × 108 inclusion-forming units of C. suis strain R27 at 21 days of age. Control pigs were inoculated with sham inoculum. The pigs were necropsied 5–14 days postinoculation (DPI). None of the Chlamydia-infected pigs developed diarrhea. Villus atrophy was seen histologically in sections of ileum from Chlamydia-infected pigs in both groups 5 and 7 days DPI. Lymphangitis and multiple lymphohistiocytic and neutrophilic aggregates were seen in the submucosa, tunica muscularis, and serosa of the distal jejunum, ileum, and colon from Chlamydia-infected pigs in both groups 5–14 DPI. Immunostaining of sections of distal jejunum, ileum, and colon from infected pigs revealed chlamydial antigen in intestinal epithelium and in foci of lymphangitis/inflammation. The results indicated that C. suis strain R27 can cause intestinal lesions in young weanling pigs, and the lesions are similar to those seen in gnotobiotic piglets. The results also indicated that strain R27 causes asymptomatic intestinal infections in young weanling pigs, at least under the conditions of this study.
Comparison of a Clinic-Based ELISA Test Kit with the Immunofluorescence Test for the Assay of Ehrlichia Canis Antibodies in Dogs
Authors: Waner Trevor , Strenger Carmella , Keysary Avi
Published: May 2011

The “gold standard” for the detection of antibodies to Ehrlichia canis, the cause of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), is the indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test. The IFA test however is generally available only in selected laboratories and requires extensive equipment and trained personnel. A double-blind study was conducted to compare the ability of an in-clinic standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit to measure E. canis IgG antibodies in dogs compared with the standard IFA technique. A good correlation was found between the 2 techniques ( r2 = 0.8793; P < 0.0001). Evidence for the sensitivity of the ELISA technique for the early detection of E. canis IgG antibodies was demonstrated by comparing the appearance of E. canis antibody titers by the IFA and ELISA techniques after artificial infection of 2 sets of dogs. In both experimental infections, both tests were equally sensitive for the early detection of IgG antibodies against E. canis, and the results correlated well with the appearance of fever and clinical signs. Proposed application of the in-clinic ELISA test is to aid in the diagnosis of CME.
Suspected Citrus Pulp Toxicosis in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Saunders Geoffrey K. , Blodgett Dennis J. , Hutchins Tony A. , Prater Renee M. , Robertson John L. , Friday Philippa A. , Scarratt William K.
Published: May 2011

Thirteen lactating dairy cows from a herd of 650 died over a 6-week period. Most animals were down in milk production at 1 milking and were found dead at the next milking. Two cows had elevated heart rate and enlarged mandibular lymph nodes. Two others had azotemia, elevated heart rate, hyperglycemia, and weight loss. Necropsy of 10 cows revealed hemorrhages on the intestinal serosa and epicardium, lymphadenopathy, interstitial nephritis, small intestinal hemorrhage, and interstitial pneumonia. Histopathology showed lymphocytic to lymphogranulomatous inflammation in the heart, spleen, kidney, lymph nodes, liver, lung, pancreas, and adrenal gland. Phlebitis was present in 2 livers. The lesions resembled those of hairy vetch toxicosis, but no vetch was being fed. Similar lesions have been reported with the feeding of citrus pulp. Citrus pulp was being fed to the lactating cows and had been added to the diet 6 weeks before the first death. The syndrome resolved with elimination of citrus pulp from the diet.
Acute Pit Gas (Hydrogen Sulfide) Poisoning in Confinement Cattle
Authors: Hooser Stephen B. , van Alstine William , Kiupel Matti , Sojka Janice
Published: May 2011

Rapid deaths in confinement cattle caused by exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas from manure pits has not been reported in the USA. In 1997, 158 cattle in 2 confinement pens were exposed to H2S gas as the manure in the pits under a slatted floor was agitated prior to pumping. Approximately 35 of the cattle were lying on the floor when the upper agitator was turned on. Within 5 minutes, many these cattle were down on their sides and paddling. Of these, 26 died within a few minutes. The survivors were treated and sent to slaughter. Cattle that did not show immediate signs of toxicosis remained clinically unaffected. Two steers that were near death were brought to the Purdue Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for clinical evaluation, euthanasia, and necropsy. They were recumbent and unresponsive to visual and auditory stimuli. Necropsy examination yielded no significant gross lesions. No evidence of viral or bacterial infection was found. Ocular fluid nitrate concentrations were within normal limits, and no lead was detected in either animal. Microscopic examination revealed lesions consistent with H2S-induced central nervous system anoxia. Histologically, sections of brain demonstrated massive, diffuse cerebral cortical laminar necrosis and edema. Portions of the outer lamina contained hypereosinophilic and shrunken neurons. The subcortical white matter was vacuolated in some areas. The history, clinical signs, and histologic lesion of cerebral laminar necrosis led to a diagnosis of H2S toxicosis in these cattle.
Myxobolus Cerebralis Infection in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) and Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta) Exposed Under Natural Stream Conditions
Authors: Baldwin Thomas J. , Vincent E. Richard , Silflow Ronald M. , Stanek Danielle
Published: May 2011

From early April into mid-June 1977, sequential groups of juvenile rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout ( Salmo trutta) were each exposed for 10 days to the parasite Myxobolus cerebralis by immersion in a stream inhabited by infected wild trout. Following incubation in a M. cerebralis-free facility, trout were subsequently killed, and heads and gill arches were examined by routine histologic methods. A grading scale to quantify lesion severity was developed and applied. Percentage infected, lesion severity scores, effects of water temperature and flow rates on percentage infected and lesion severity scores, and resulting pathology were determined for each species at each exposure period. The percentage of rainbow trout infected with M. cerebralis was significantly higher than the percentage of brown trout infected for each exposure period. The percentages of rainbow trout infected in exposure periods later in the calendar year were significantly higher than those in earlier periods. The percentages of brown trout infected were not significantly different among exposure periods. Overall average lesion severity scores were significantly higher in rainbow than in brown trout. Lesion severity scores in rainbow trout increased over time (a positive correlation with exposure period). Lesion severity scores were not significantly different for brown trout among exposure periods. A significant correlation existed between water temperature and percentage of rainbow trout infected; a significant correlation also existed between water temperature and lesion severity scores in rainbow trout. Similar correlations did not exist for percentage of brown trout infected or accompanying lesion severity scores. In rainbow trout, ventral calvarium was the most common site of M. cerebralis replication, followed by gill arches. In brown trout, lesions were virtually confined to gill arches. Early lesions consisted of foci of cartilage necrosis with small numbers of M. cerebralis developmental stages. More advanced lesions consisted of multifocal areas of cartilage necrosis with numerous M. cerebralis developmental stages and/or mature myxospores bordered and/or infiltrated by mono- and multinuclear leukocytes. Lesions in brown trout were smaller and had fewer associated leukocytes and M. cerebralis developmental stages and/or mature myxospores. Higher infection rates, lesion severity scores, and differences in lesion location in rainbow versus brown trout explain in part why numbers of rainbow but not brown trout have fallen in western rivers inhabited with M. cerebralis-infected trout.
Serodiagnosis of Haemonchosis with a Somatic Antigen (Hc26) in Several Breeds of Sheep
Authors: Gómez-Muñoz M. T. , Domínguez I. A. , Gómez-Iglesias L. A. , Fernández-Pérez F. J. , Méndez S. , de la Fuente C. , Alunda J. M. , Cuquerella M.
Published: May 2011

Sera from 53 sheep belonging to Castellano, Churro, Manchego, and Merino breeds were analyzed to test the diagnostic value of a 26-kD antigen from adult Haemonchus contortus at prepatency and early and late patency of experimental haemonchosis. Animals that received zero, 1, or 2 infections with the parasite were tested. In addition, sera from 20 experimentally infected and 10 noninfected Texel sheep were used to test the antigen. Sera from 37 infected animals at prepatency as well as at patency in primary and secondary infection were found positive with the 26-kD antigen. However, sera from 10 animals with the lowest worm burdens (second infection) did not recognize the antigen during early patency (day 28 postinfection). IgG1 was the only isotype implicated in antigen recognition because IgG2, IgA, and IgM, in the same sera, showed no reactivity with the peptide. Antigen specificity was confirmed because hyperimmune sera against infective larvae and adult stages of the most common gastrointestinal nematodes found in natural infections in sheep ( Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta) did not recognize this peptide. The antigen was recognized only by anti-adult H. contortus hyperimmune sera and appeared to be absent in the L3 parasite stage. In addition, the partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of the diagnostic peptide is reported.
Fibroleiomyomas of the Tubular Genitalia in Female Beluga Whales
Authors: Mikaelian Igor , Labelle Philippe , Doré Monique , Martineau Daniel
Published: May 2011

Fibroleiomyomas of the tubular genitalia were diagnosed in 6 of 9 adult female beluga whales from the St. Lawrence estuary, Quebec, Canada. These tumors were located in the vagina (6 of 6), the cervix (2 of 6), and the uterus (1 of 6). Endogenous hormones or xeno-estrogens may be implicated in the occurrence of these tumors.
Congenital Cystic Disease of the Liver and Kidney in a Pygmy Goat
Authors: Newman Shelley J. , Leichner Teri , Crisman Mark , Ramos Jose
Published: May 2011

A 1-month-old pygmy goat was presented with abdominal distension and hematuria. Anemia, leukocytosis, and increased bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen levels suggested renal and hepatic disease. Radiographs revealed bilateral renomegaly, and ultrasound confirmed bilateral hydronephrosis. Necropsy findings determined that the renomegaly was due in part to edema and marked cystic tubular distension. Similarly, intrahepatic bile ducts were ectatic. The character and distribution of the gross and histologic lesions were consistent with a polycystic disorder, presumably congenital, affecting the liver and the kidney.
A Modified Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of Avian Pneumovirus Antibodies
Authors: Chiang Shu-Ju , Dar Arshud M. , Goyal Sagar M. , Sheikh Mohammad A. , Pedersen Jan C. , Panigrahy B. , Senne Dennis , Halvorson David A. , Nagaraja Kakambi V. , Kapur Vivek
Published: May 2011

Avian pneumovirus (APV) infection of turkeys in Minnesota was first confirmed in March 1997. Serum samples ( n = 5,194) from 539 submissions to Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory were tested by a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of these, 2,528 (48.7%) samples from 269 submissions were positive and 2,666 (51.3%) samples from 270 submissions were negative for APV antibodies. Most positive samples were from Kandiyohi, Stearns, Morrison, and Meeker counties in Minnesota. In addition, 10 samples from South Dakota were positive. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test with anti-chicken and anti-turkey conjugates were compared by testing field and experimental sera. The ELISA test with anti-turkey conjugate was more sensitive than that with anti-chicken conjugate. The ELISA tests with antigens prepared with APV strains isolated from Colorado and Minnesota were also compared. No difference was detectable. Currently, the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory uses an antigen prepared from the Colorado isolate of APV and a goat anti-turkey conjugate in the ELISA test.
Diagnosis of Persistent Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection by Immunohistochemical Staining of Formalin-Fixed Skin Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Njaa Brad L. , Clark Edward G. , Janzen Eugene , Ellis John A. , Haines Deborah M.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for diagnosis of persistent bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin biopsy specimens. Skin from 41 of 42 calves shown to be persistently infected (PI) with BVDV by repeated virus isolation more than 3 weeks apart were immunohistochemically positive for BVDV antigen. Positive IHC staining was most pronounced in the keratinocytes and in hair follicle epithelium, hair matrix cells of the hair bulb, and the dermal papilla. All of the skin sections from 10 calves experimentally infected postnatally with BVDV (105 median tissue culture infective doses [TCID50]) and biopsied on days 0, 5, 7, and 9 postinfection were negative for viral antigen. Ten calves from a second group experimentally infected with a higher dose of BVDV (108 TCID50) were biopsied when viremic between 10 and 14 days postinfection and 4 calves exhibited positive IHC staining for BVDV; however, staining in these skin biopsies was confined to small foci in the nonfollicular epidermis and follicular ostia. This staining was distinct from that observed in skin obtained from PI cattle. Skin biopsy represents an effective method for identifying animals PI with BVDV.
Development and Application of a Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of Serum Antibodies to Porcine Circovirus Type 2
Authors: Walker Ian W. , Konoby Carrie A. , Jewhurst Victoria A. , McNair Irene , McNeilly Francis , Meehan Brian M. , Cottrell Tiffany S. , Ellis John A. , Allan Gordon M.
Published: May 2011

We report the development of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) for the detection of antibodies to porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), the agent associated with the recently described postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in pigs. At present, no method has been published describing a c-ELISA for the detection of antibodies to PCV2, and currently employed tests are impractical for use in some laboratories. The assay described here uses a cell culture isolate of porcine circovirus type 2 as antigen and a PCV2-specific monoclonal antibody as the competing reagent. Evaluation of the ELISA was performed by comparison with results obtained using an indirect immunofluorescent test on 484 sera from pig herds in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and the USA and serial bleeds from pigs experimentally infected with porcine circoviruses. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA were determined as 99.58% and 97.14%, respectively, at 2 standard deviations (SD) from the mean or 95.81% and 100% at 3 SD from the mean. Using this ELISA, a serologic survey of 461 sera collected from commercial pig herds in Northern Ireland between 1973 and 1999 was undertaken. Analysis of the results of this survey demonstrated that the number of ELISA-positive sera detected in an individual year during this period ranged from 55% to 100%. This c-ELISA has applications for large-scale rapid diagnosis of PCV2 infection in pig populations worldwide and for immunoscreening of sera from other species for antibodies to PCV2.