bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When quantum mechanics becomes less weird
Authors: FIDALI EL
Published: March 2023

For about a century, physicists have been debating over the behavior of particles on a microscopic scale. Although the principle of the wave-particle duality is accepted in the scientific community, many experiments with puzzling results are still challenging quantum mechanics until now, such as the double slit experiment, entanglement, interferences of a single electron, or delayed choice quantum eraser. In this article, we shall bring forth explanations for some of these experiments. Unlike standard quantum mechanics (SQM) built by Schr¨odinger1 and P.Dirac2 which considers that the wave function is an abstract mathematical tool, our model takes up the concept of the pilot wave once initiated by physicists De Broglie and D.Bohm,3 who suggested that the wave associated to a quantum object has a real existence and that it is not simply a wave of probability. We shall discuss how this old-new conception of reality renders quantum mechanics ultimately less mysterious than it seems.
Gasdermin D associates with cellular regions bordering NETosis enrichment in human TB granulomas
Authors: Fisher Kimone , Nargan Kievershen , Moodley Denelle , Kerishka  , Mpotje Thabo , Steyn Adrie , Ndung'u Thumbi , Marakalala Mohlopheni J
Published: March 2023

Programmed cell death is an important part of maintaining homeostasis. However, other forms of cell death can also be the cause of tissue damage and be manipulated during infection to benefit the invading pathogen. A granuloma is a pathological hallmark of tuberculosis (TB), the disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). NETosis is a cell death mediated by neutrophils and has been associated with granulomas in humans and mice. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) has recently been reported to be vital driver of NETosis. Using immunohistochemistry, ELISA and in-vitro infection models, we assessed the presence and abundance of GSDMD in lungs of TB patients and whether targeting this pathway reduced NETosis. We show that GSDMD is present within cellular regions surrounding necrotic caseum and that GSDMD is detectable in the plasma of individuals with TB. In addition, we show that plasma GSDMD correlated with IL-1b in individuals with LTBI or TB. Targeting GSDMD with a pharmaceutical inhibitor significantly reduced NETosis induced by Mtb H37Rv infection. Here, we show that GSDMD is associated with TB pathology and may be explored as a target for HDT aimed to reduce lung tissue damage mediated by NETosis.
Economic evaluation in implementation science: A reconciled approach evaluating programmes to increase the uptake of magnesium sulphate in pre-term births
Authors: Sillero-Rejon Carlos , Hollingworth William , McLeod Hugh , Opmeer Brent C. , Luyt Karen
Published: March 2023

Background
Methods for the economic evaluation of implementation initiatives to increase the uptake of cost-effective healthcare interventions are not standardised. Value of implementation and policy cost-effectiveness are two proposed approaches. This research aims to compare these two methods and propose a standardised approach. To illustrate this, we evaluated two implementation programmes to increase magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) uptake in preterm labour to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy: i) the National PReCePT Programme (NPP) which provided regional support and funded clinical time in maternity units in England, and ii) an enhanced support programme (ESP) with additional unit-level coaching and extra funded time, which was nested within NPP and subject to a cluster RCT.
Methods
After summarising value of implementation and policy cost-effectiveness methods, we explored the extent to which the two methods can be viewed as mathematically equivalent for the purpose of evaluating the NPP (versus pre-existing trends) and the ESP (versus the NPP) calculating their incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, net monetary benefits, and their probability of being cost-effective.
Results
We demonstrate that value of implementation and policy cost-effectiveness methods can be expressed in mathematically equivalent terms and propose a standardised stepwise approach. Both methods depend on the change in the uptake of the healthcare technology, cost of the implementation activity, size of the eligible population affected over time, and the cost-effectiveness of the healthcare technology. We illustrated our standardised approach in two economic evaluations: the NPP generated a societal lifetime net monetary benefit of £30,247 per maternity unit over 12 months, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000; the probability of being cost-effective was 98%. In contrast, the ESP generated a net monetary benefit of -£28,682 per maternity unit in comparison to the NPP; the probability of being cost-effective was 22%.
Conclusions
Policy cost-effectiveness and value of implementation approaches can be represented by a standardised stepwise method for the economic evaluation of implementation initiatives. Our illustrative examples show how the value of different quality improvement interventions for the same cost-effective treatment can be evaluated and compared. Our standardised method may facilitate a more systematic assessment of the value for money of implementation initiatives, which should be viewed as an important component of implementation research.
In silico Identification of Novel Therapeutic Targets and Epitopes among the Essential Hypothetical Protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Novel Approach for Antivirulence Therapy
Authors: Atron Bydaa , Yousif Zobidah
Published: March 2023

Background. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a critical pathogen that represents a challenge in healthcare due to its virulence and antibiotic resistance capabilities. The development of new medications and vaccinations is critical. Antivirulence treatment, which exploits virulence factors as pharmacological targets, will emerge as a preferred therapeutic option. P. aeruginosa genome constitutes 335 essential genes, which are vital for pathogens' survival. The functions of 89 proteins encoded by P. aeruginosa essential genes were uncharacterized and thus referred to as essential hypothetical proteins (EHPs). They could eventuate as potential drug and vaccine targets since their deletion or inactivation results in the organism's death. The objective of this work is to use bioinformatics applications and databases to perform functional characterization for the EHPs.
Methods. After retrieving the corresponding sequences, the pseudogenes were excluded, and the characterization of 56 hypothetical proteins was performed through the determination of their physiochemical properties, subcellular localization, functional annotation, domain analysis, and structure. Evaluation of the performance of the various tools was conducted using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and a high average accuracy was obtained.
Results. 35 virulence factors were predicted and those with no homology to both human and gut microbiota proteome were considered potential targets and tested for druggability. All the targets were found to be non-druggable with exception of one. They were further classified as vaccine or drug targets according to their location. The identified vaccine targets were tested for antigenicity. Subsequently. From the 5 vaccine targets, the researchers discovered highly conserved and exposed epitope sequences. The vaccine targets' three-dimensional structures were elucidated and validated for quality. Our comprehensive analysis will help to gain a greater understanding of the development of many novel potential therapeutic interventions to defeat Pseudomonas infections
Achieving Maximum Speedup in Multi-level Acceleration for Massive Coronavirus Testing
Authors: Li Keqin , Yang Bo
Published: March 2023

Note: Please see pdf for full abstract with equations.
It is well and widely known that sample pooling could provide an effective and efficient way for fast coronavirus testing among massive asymptomatic individuals. The method of multi-level acceleration for asymptomatic COVID-19 screening has been introduced, and for one and two levels, the optimal group sizes have been obtained. However, there are still multiple challenges. First, it is not clear how to find the optimal group sizes for three or more levels. Second, there is lack of closed-form expressions for the optimal group sizes for two or more levels. Third, it is not clear how to determine the optimal number of levels. And last, it is not known what the maximum achievable speedup is. The motivation of this paper is to address all the above challenges. The optimization of a hierarchical pooling strategy includes its number of levels and the group size of each level. In this paper, based on multi-variable optimization and Taylor approximation, we are able to derive closed-form expressions for the optimal number of levels d* = ln(1/ln(1/q0)) − 1, the optimal group sizes m1* = ed* = 1/(ep0), m2* = ed*−1 = 1/(e2p0), ..., md** = e = 1/(ed*p0), and the maximum possible speedup of a hierarchical pooling strategy of 1/(ep0ln(1/p0)), where p0 is the fraction of infected people. The above speedup is nearly a linear function of the reciprocal of p0, in the sense that it is asymptotically greater than any sub-linear function (1/p0)1−ε of the reciprocal of p0 for any small ε > 0. Using the results in this paper, we can quickly and easily predict the performance of an optimal hierarchical pooling strategy. For instance, if the fraction of infected people is 0.0001, an 8-level hierarchical pooling strategy can achieve speedup of nearly 400.
Colony inhibition and abundance of Oecophylla smaragdina in Krishnagiri districts of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Selvam K. , Nalini T.
Published: March 2023

Colony inhibition and abundance of Oecophylla smaragdina nest were identified and reported in the krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu by all out search method. Twenty seven under seventeen families were recorded for the presence of Oecophylla smaragdina. Colony inhibition of Oecophylla smaragdina occurred in 20 plant hosts for all the six months. In Pongamia pinnata, Oecophylla smaragdina occupied only for the lowest number of period as two months. Numbers of nests were more in Mangifera indica (42.67), Citrus limon (29.17), Azadirachta indica (23.50) and less number of nests were found in Pongamia pinnata (15.50), Manilkara zapota (15.33), Hibiscus rosa sinensis (12.83) and Morinda citrifolia(8.00).
An alternative simple method of assessment of clinical agreement of two methods of measuring blood glucose level without Bland–Altman limits
Authors: Indrayan Abhaya
Published: March 2023

New methods of measuring blood glucose levels are generally accepted when they show sufficient agreement with the existing established method. Such agreement is almost always assessed by Bland-Altman (B-A) method. This method of assessing agreement has several limitations such as this does not assess the degree of agreement and it requires uniform clinical tolerance limits. We describe a simple and robust method of assessing the agreement between two methods of measuring blood glucose levels that directly uses the clinical tolerance limits and assesses the degree of agreement without calculating the B-A limits. This alternative is more flexible also as the clinical tolerance limits can be varyingly set to provide more accuracy at critical values of the blood glucose level and relaxed at not-so-critical
Dietary fibre supplementation enhances radiotherapy tumour control and alleviates intestinal radiation toxicity
Authors: Then Chee Kin , Paillas Salome , Moomin Aliu , Misheva Mariya , Moir Rachel , Hay Susan , Bremner David , Nellany Kristine , Smith Ellen , Heidari Zynab , Sescu Daniel , Wang Xuedan , Suarez-Bonnet Alejandro , Hay Nadine , Murdoch Sarah , Saito Ryoichi , Collie-Duguid Elaina , Richardson Shirley , Priestnall Simon , Wilson Joan , Gurumurthy Mahalakshmi , Royle Justine , Samuel Leslie , Ramsay George , Vallis Katherine , Foster Kevin , McCullagh James , Kiltie Anne
Published: March 2023

Background
Non-toxic approaches to enhance radiotherapy outcomes are beneficial, particularly in ageing populations. We investigated the efficacy of high-fibre diets combined with irradiation in C57BL/6 mice bearing bladder cancer flank allografts.
Result
Psyllium plus inulin significantly decreased tumour size and delayed tumour growth following irradiation compared to 0.2% cellulose and raised intratumoural CD8+ cells. Post-irradiation, tumour control positively correlated with Lachnospiraceae family abundance. Psyllium plus resistant starch radiosensitised the tumours, positively correlating with Bacteroides genus abundance. Although local immunity was suppressed, psyllium plus resistant starch increased caecal isoferulic acid levels, associated with a favourable response. Both diets mitigated the acute radiation injury caused by 14 Gy. All high fibre diets increased caecal short-chain fatty acid levels. Similar gut microbiota profiles in cancer patients and low-fibre diet mice indicates scope for testing dietary fibre supplements in human intervention studies.
Conclusion
These supplements may be useful in combinations with radiotherapy in patients with pelvic malignancy.
Gender, Culture and Language in School Administration: Another Glass Ceiling for Hispanic Females
Authors: Marcano Rosita
Published: March 2023

Women in administration face many challenges in their careers. When the additional characteristics of racial and ethnic differences are included, the challenges increase. The struggle to achieve fair representation and adequate advancement opportunities within school districts is a problem that disturbs minority women.
The Juxtaposition of Career and Family: A Dilemma for Professional Women
Authors: Watkins Regina , Harrin Margie , McDonald Lonnie
Published: March 2023

Many subtle restrictions exist that prevent women from acquiring promotions, tenure, and other forms of advancement.
Unmasking the Sociocultural Constraints to Career Growth of Married Women in Ghanaian Organizations
Authors: Sanda Dr. Mohammed-Aminu , Sackey Jocelyn
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the question of how culture and activity can be explored towards understanding the professional career development of married women and the relative constraints associated with such development in the Ghanaian environment. Guided by the cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) framework, data was collected from a sample of 141 married Ghanaian women professionals engaged in white collar jobs in the public and private institutions located in Accra. It is established that the acceptance by the Ghanaian traditional society of the married professional woman as a capable person who can equally perform in an organization and thus need to be trusted, supported and recognized is of relevance to her career development. This observation provides learning on the impact of the inflow of socio-cultural dynamics into a gender-oriented organizational life and the complexities that it generates in understanding the constraints to the professional career development of married women.
Leading by Leaning In and Leaning Out
Authors: Stock Karen , Szendrey Julie
Published: March 2023

Women in business are often confronted by work environments which influence career/leadership choices and family decisions, as noted in the recent New York Times article, "More Than Their Mothers, Young Women Plan Career Pauses" (Miller, 2015). Those in the millennial generation, born between the years 1981-1997, are learning by example from previous generations what career options they would like to pursue and not pursue. Although individuals in this generation may think differently than their predecessors, they may also fail to understand and take action on career, leadership, and family opportunities available to them. This research focuses on developing leadership skills and career awareness amongst students at a small liberal arts institution after business faculty noted a higher percentage of students intending to pursue careers as homemakers versus businesspeople. The program, focused on getting the conversation started at the college level to prepare students for the business world, was based upon the research presented in the book Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg (2013) as well as the resources provided on the leanin.org website. The program exposed students, university faculty, and staff to female leaders at various stages in their careers through interactive, discussion-based sessions. Program developers also conducted empirical quantitative research on the student participants to identify changes in attitudes and behaviors as a result of participating in the program and found significant changes in student's ability to network and level of self-efficacy — issues addressed within the sessions. Significant differences were also noted between those choosing to participate in the program and a control group of non-participants. In addition, what initially began as a programming initiative to gain awareness around leaning in, or taking a more active leadership role, has since evolved to become a student-led effort that involves leaning out, such as working with others as mentors through collaboration with outside organizations. Keywords: leadership development, gender, women in business, mentoring.
1991 24th Annual Convention. Orlando, Florida, September 18-21
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: March 2023

Description of the 24th Convention of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, 1991.
1974 7th Annual Convention. Columbus, Ohio, December 8-11.
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: March 2023

Description of the 7th Annual Convention of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, 1974.
1980 13th Annual AABP Convention. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, November 19-22
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: March 2023

Description of the 13th Convention of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, 1980.
1984 17th Annual Convention. Des Moines, Iowa, November 27-30
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: March 2023

Description of the 17th Convention of teh American Association of Bovine Practitioners, 1984.
Embryo transfer as a general practice activity
Authors: Nordlund Ken
Published: March 2023

It is with some reluctance that I begin to write a paper about embryo transfer. Every three months, I receive the International Embryo Transfer Society Newsletter with a bibliography of new embryo transfer articles that usually runs for 30 or more pages. One wonders if anyone can benefit from yet another article. Yet my assignment is to comment on embryo transfer as part of a general practice activity and there may be a useful purpose served here. My perspective is that of a dairy practitioner in a mixed animal practice. My concerns are that embryo transfer services contribute to my practice life and economics, and that embryo transfer services contribute to my client’s dairy herd reproduction programs.
Update on the downer cow syndrome
Authors: Cox V. S. , Onapito J.S.
Published: March 2023

Originally, the downer cow condition was often thought of as a separate entity, but more recently it is commonly considered to be a complication of parturient hypocalcemia (“milk fever”). Minnesota research indicates that it would be more accurate to think of it as a complication of primary recumbencies due to a variety of causes. The most common cause of primary recumbency, however, is hypocalcemia, and therefore, this view is really a detailed refinement of the generally held notion. While there appear to be a variety of conditions responsible for primary recumbency, all recumbent animals are susceptible to pressure damage. Pressure damage, then, is the common factor uniting all forms of primary recumbency and a common complication of all forms of recumbency.
Outbreak of sarcocytosis in dairy cattle
Authors: Carrigan M. J.
Published: March 2023

Sixteen of 32 Friesian calves, 8 to 10 weeks old, died over 4 weeks. The calves were housed in pens previously used by dogs. Clinical signs included anorexia, pale mucous membranes, rapid weight loss, coughing and palpably enlarged superficial lymph nodes. At necropsy, calves were emaciated and had generalised enlargement of lymph nodes, pale mottling of skeletal muscles, excess peritoneal, thoracic and pericardial fluid and subpleural and subepicardial haemorrhages. Histologically there was a lymphadenitis, myositis, myocarditis, glomerulonephritis, interstitial pneumonia and encephalitis. Schizonts of a sporozoan parasite, presumably Sarcocystis cruzi were found in the endothelial cells of blood vessels in many organs.
Economic look at feeding replacement beef heifers
Authors: Prince D. Kirk , Mickelsen W. D. , Prince E. G.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the costs to feed replacement beef heifers through the winter. A comparison between heifers fed in a commercial feedlot (Group A) and heifers raised by the owners (Group B) will be made. The effects of the feeding programs on pregnancy rate will then be evaluated. The feeding study was performed by Deseret Ranches, Ltd. of Alberta, Canada, and their computerized results were used for this project. All heifers were examined rectally for pregnancy determination by E.G. Prince, D.V.M.

The two major goals of reproductive management are: increase the number of females cycling early in the breeding season, and improve conception rates. It is the first of these goals that is most affected by heifer replacement management programs. The remainder of the discussion, therefore, will center on the ability of the two feeding programs to increase the number of replacement heifers cycling early in the breeding season. The conception rate is assumed to be equal in the two groups since all bulls servicing the two groups successfully passed breeding soundness evaluations and were then randomly distributed between the two groups. The bull:heifer ratio was the same for the two groups (1:30), as were the environmental and management conditions. Both groups were maintained on the same ranch except during the winter when Group A was moved to the feedlot located approximately 20 miles from the ranch. With all other factors being equal, the success of the two feeding programs to increase the number of heifers cycling early in the breeding season, while minimizing cost, is demonstrated by the pregnancy rate.

In order to discuss the results of these feeding trials, a description of the two programs must be given. This will be followed by a summary of the performance of each group during the feeding trial and during the breeding season. The cost of the respective programs will then be discussed and the determined pregnancy rates presented.
Hypophysiary involvement and immuno/growth depression in rabies. II.
Authors: Torres-Anjel M. J. , Wolff W. , Volz D. , Turk M. , Stafford M. , Kintner L. , Martz F. A. , Riordan M. , Wilson M.
Published: March 2023

A monoclonal antibody characterized bovine paralytic rabies (BPR) virus isolate, ATC vr-985, was inoculated intrathecally (i.t.) or intralingually (i.l.) into 13 Holstein calves (5 controls) weighing 66±15 kg. Infected calves with the highest dose stopped growing earlier, later with the lowest dose: collapse (loss in body weight) was at a steady negative daily rate. Growth rates, collapse rates and chronology were predictable and reproducible, and the kinetics verified in a rabbit model. The BPR virus was found in large numbers in lower and upper spinal cord, cerebellum and hypothalamus. The best diagnostic specimen was the trigeminus nerve, followed by the cerebellum. Immunoperoxidase-PAP staining made Negri bodies very apparent particularly in the hypothalamus. The marked presence of BPR virus in the cerebellum coincided with obvious motor and equilibrium changes. A chronogram of clinical manifestations in 3 calves injected i.t. is presented. Effects on growth, and the linear regression analysis of the different titrations applied to the wasting syndrome phenomenon, are among the aspects tabulated or shown graphically. There are several microphotographs. It is concluded that experimental BPR was clinically indistinguishable from the field disease. It is postulated that BPR acts upon the hypothalamic/hypophysiary/thymic axis by its tendency to infect the hypothalamus and the (adeno-) hypophysis, impairing the production of somatotropic (growth) hormone.
Prophylaxis
Authors: Amstutz Harold E.
Published: March 2023

Prevention of ruminant digital disease is the modern approach to this increasingly recognized economically significant problem. Successful cattle breeders and feeders are no longer satisfied with successful treatment of a lame animal. They demand to know why the animal became lame and how to prevent further lamenesses in their herds. They are aware that when an animal becomes lame a financial loss has already occurred and treatment only limits the amount of loss. Only a small profit is realized per healthy animal under ideal conditions and a herd lameness problem very quickly leads to economic disaster. When treating a lame animal it is, of course, essential that treatment be successful but the prophylactic advice offered is often of far greater economic benefit to the cattle owner. In order to give sound advice we must be knowledgeable not only in cattle diseases but also many facets of cattle husbandry; such as breeding, feeding, housing, and hoof trimming.
Endophyte-free tall fescue improves cattle production
Authors: Miksch Duane , Lacefield Garry
Published: March 2023

A fungal endophyte was discovered infecting over 95% of tall fescue swards in the U.S. and also in European swards. This asymptomatic intercellular parasite appears to be transmitted only vertically, through infected seed. The fungus is associated with decreased animal performance. Specific toxin(s) produced by the fungus or by the fescue plant in response to the fungus has not been identified. Signs of toxicosis in cattle include increased body temperature, harsh hair coat, reduced serum prolactin, impaired reproduction, decreased rate of gain and/or milk production. Upon removal of cattle from toxic fescue to feedlots, performance is impaired 6 weeks or more. Replacement of infected fescue swards with new endophyte-free varieties greatly improves animal performance.
Maintaining or improving performance of cattle during hot weather
Authors: Wagner Donald G.
Published: March 2023

Maintaining adequate intake and performance during hot weather can be a constant challenge in some areas. Problems are more likely to be incurred with confinement than with pasture cattle because higher levels of performance (i.e. daily gain) are expected and because of other constraints. Therefore, most of the discussion herein will be directed toward feedlot or confinement cattle although some pertinent items would also apply to cattle in pasture environments.

Problems with reduced performance become especially critical when cattle are heat stressed. Health disorders with bloat and acidosis in feedlot cattle can increase as well during hot weather because of drastic changes in eating pattern. In some locations, such as the High Plains, even though temperatures may be rather high during certain months, cattle may still do quite well especially where the humidity is low, and there is considerable wind. Higher elevations usually facilitate a better environment. However, not all cattle feeding areas in the U.S. or in the world are blessed with good conditions during hot months. Even locations with a generally favorable environment may at times incur miserable conditions, compromising performance.
Catalase, Cu/Zn- superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase
Authors: Coffey Robert T.
Published: March 2023

There is a definite inter-relationship between cellular physiology and the incidence of subclinical and clinical disease. Alterations in normal cellular functions can predispose animals to a wide variety of infectious and noninfectious situations. An understanding of the inherent protective mechanisms of the individual cell and how these alterations manifest themselves in various physical symptoms, the influence of environment, and the physiological impact of adequate nutrition, aids in the development of sound preventative medicine programs. Catalase, Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase are three red blood cell enzymes that have a protective role in the animal and serve as a biological monitor of the physiological and nutritional state of the animal.
Persistent infections and immunological aspects of BVD virus in beef cattle
Authors: Grotelueschen Dale M. , Mortimer Robert G.
Published: March 2023

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) was first described in 1946 in New York dairy cattle. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a common infection of cattle with serum neutralizing antibody present in 50 to 90 percent of the world population.

BVD has manifested itself in a wide variety of clinical entities. This variability has perplexed producers, veterinary practitioners and researchers for years. Recent findings associated with persistent infections have further demonstrated the complexity of the disease. An understanding of these findings is important in assessing the effects of clinical BVD. This paper summarizes for the practitioner, the current information about persistent infections and other immunological aspects of BVD.
Probiotics
Authors: Lyons T. P.
Published: March 2023

While much research still remains to be done on probiotics, the eminent possibility of a ban on antibiotics makes their use in feed no longer a topic to be ignored. Too many solid field results are accumulating when a stable microencapsulated bacteria is used. In times of stress when the correct numbers of bacteria are added, positive results are assured.

Care must be taken however to insure the product being used is indeed a stable microorganism. Only then can valid conclusions be drawn.
Effects of cold stress on cattle performance and management factors to reduce cold stress and improve performance
Authors: Wagner Donald G.
Published: March 2023

In this article, a few thoughts are presented which may be helpful in either improving or, more realistically, maintaining good feed intake and performance during cold weather. In many instances, it may be difficult to greatly increase feed intake, so perhaps the focus should be on maintaining and/or acquiring top energy/feed intakes during such times. During severe stress, intake will drop, perhaps greatly, compromising performance.
Implementation of production medicine programs
Authors: Kearley William P.
Published: March 2023

Production Medicine is a new and exciting field of veterinary medicine. We are only now starting to define what this field is and how to go about offering it as a service. The challenge is for those interested to get involved with forming this art into a proven, economically sound program for the livestock industry and the veterinary profession.
Mineral nutrition and early embryonic mortality in the bovine animal
Authors: Manspeaker J. E. , Robl M. G. , Edwards G. H.
Published: March 2023

Amino acid chelated minerals reduced embryonic mortality in first-calf Holstein heifers. Each treated heifer received Metalosates® (chelated minerals formed with 2 or more amino acids and a metal producing a heterocyclic compound) 31.103 g daily for 30 days prepartum and 62.206 g daily postpartum until pregnancy was confirmed. Each heifer was examined rectally every 10-14 days postpartum for ovarian activity and uterine condition. Between 35 and 55 days confirmed embryonic mortalities (EM) were found in 20% of the control group, while none were found in the treated heifers. Diagnosis of confirmed EM was determined by oestrous cycle lengths and embryonic depressions in the uterine horns. Suspected cases of EM were seen in 30% of the treated heifers and 55% of the control group. Extended oestrous cycle lengths were the criteria in these suspected cases.
Deviation chart for evaluating heifer growth
Authors: Ehrlich Jim , Heinrichs A. J.
Published: March 2023

Optimal growth rate for dairy heifers has been defined as the rate that will allow heifers to develop to their lactation potential at the desired age and with minimum expense. Animals that follow a normal growth curve are likely to be more healthy, and grown at lower cost, than animals whose growth deviated from the normal curve. This paper describes a computer program, (readily available to veterinarians as shareware) that can be used to compare animals in a herd to growth standards. The program plots the deviation of each animals measured height and weight from standards for an animal of the same bred and age. A representative sample (25% or more) of heifers from a farm should be measured and charted. The chart produced is an efficient screen for problems in youngstock management. Frequently problems in youngstock management. Frequently particular husbandry problems will be suggested by characteristic patterns of abnormal growth. Heifer growth charts have been used in various ways for many years. Computerization saves a great deal of time and effort in plotting points on paper as well as greatly decreasing the chances for errors in plotting points. The deviation chart format emphasizes problems while minimizing clutter. The program will run on IBM-compatible microcomputers running MS-DOS or PC-DOS without additional software and is configurable to use either Metric English units.
Liver function in dairy cows in late pregnancy and early lactation
Authors: West Hilary J.
Published: March 2023

During early lactation, the dairy cow has to contend with a variety of factors which can lead to impairment of hepatic function. Studies have shown that since the overall energy requirement is greatly increased, rates of metabolic processes within the liver have to be increased in proportion. Priority appears to be given to the nutrient requirements of the foetus during gestation and to the lactating mammary gland in early lactation. The cow may be in a state of negative energy balance as peak milk yields are reached 3 to 7 weeks after calving whereas peak voluntary food intake is not reached until 8 to 10 weeks after calving. Hormone production is such as to encourage lipid mobilization. As a result of this energy deficit, cows mobilize their tissue reserves for milk production and may lose appreciable amounts of body weight and muscle. Similar factors may also pertain in late pregnancy.

One of the possible consequences of mobilization of body reserves is the development of a fatty liver. It was estimated that up to a third of high yielding dairy cows in the U.K. were affected by consequence of fatty liver. Substantial mortality may occur as a consequence of fatty liver in dairy cows and complications such as chronic ketosis, parturient paresis, displaced abomasum, retained placenta, endometritis, an impaired immune response and an adverse effect on fertility have been reported.

The purpose of this investigation was to establish any changes that may occur in liver function in periparturient dairy cows, when compared with non-lactating cows, in order to aid identification of the cows which are likely to develop fatty liver.
Clinical response of feeder calves under direct IBR and BVD virus challenge
Authors: Cravens Ronald L. , Bechtol David
Published: March 2023

The effects of 2 virus vaccines on morbidity and mortality in autumn weaned feeder calves was evaluated. Treatment I cattle received a multivalent vaccine consisting of chemically altered IBR and PI3, viruses, a modified live BRSV, an inactivated BVDV, and a bacterin containing 5 Leptospira interrogans serovars (canicola, grippotyphosa, hardjo, icterohaemorrhagiae, and pomona (Cattle Master 4 + L5TM)). Treatment II cattle received an all killed virus IBTBFD-PI3-BRSV and a bacterin containing 5 L. interrogans serovars. Treatment III cattle were not vaccinated. All animals were subjected to direct aerosol challenge with virulent IBR and BVD virus 30 days after booster vaccination. The non-vaccinated group was included to provide a measure of the severity of challenge, and to serve as a basis of comparison for the vaccinated groups. All cattle were sero-negative for IBR and BVD prior to initiation of the study. The 2 vaccinated groups (Treatment I and II) received primary and booster inoculations prior to virus challenge. The control group (Treatment III) remained sero-negative to IBR and BVD until challenge. Treatment I calves experienced a morbidity rate of 8% and no mortality. Treatment II calves experienced a morbidity and mortality of 13%. Morbidity and mortality in Treatment III calves were 100% and 58% respectively. A statistically significant reduction in morbidity and mortality was demonstrated in vaccinated calves versus non-vaccinated calves. A significant reduction in morbidity and mortality was also demonstrated in the calves that received the chemically altered virus, MLV, and killed virus combination vaccine as compared to the calves that received the all killed virus vaccine. The authors conclude this study supports the use of combination virus vaccines for the control of IBR and BVD induced respiratory disease in autumn weaned calves.
Prevention of parturient paresis in a Jersey Herd by feeding anionic salts during the prepartum period
Authors: Oetzel Garrett R. , Goodger William J. , Nordlund Kenneth V.
Published: March 2023

A 30-cow Jersey dairy herd in Wisconsin, USA, was found to have a 75% incidence of parturient paresis (milk fever). It was decided to supplement the diet of the non-lactating cows with an anionic salt mixture, formulated to provide 53 g ammonium chloride, 66 g ammonium sulphate, 123 g magnesium sulphate and 212 g dried distillers' grains (as a carrier) per cow per day. The anionic salts mixture was given to 9 non-lactating cows in their 4th or later lactation. Of these only 1 cow developed parturient paresis, 1 of 2 that did not consume sufficient of the anionic salt mixture. A dose of between 1.5 and 3.0 m-equiv. of supplementary anions per cow per day, dependent on the existing anion-cation balance of the base diet, was believed to be required.
Sintel
Authors: Leroy I. , Jactel B. , Ennuyer M. , Lecri F.
Published: March 2023

SINTEL is a veterinary dairy herd management program. It rests on a whole farm approach and it aims at improving the health status and increasing productivity and profitability of farms. It helps the veterinarian and the farmer to make annual strategic decisions, in order to correct the weak points underlined in the farm, and tactic decisions, at the time of regular veterinary visits, in order to quickly correct any error of herd management going against the laid down annual objectives. SINTEL can be considered as a decision-making aid. A whole list of parameters makes it possible to obtain a synthetic vision of the farm and to measure the evolution of the results of production and reproduction, of health status and economic results between two veterinary visits. The program is conceived in the form of unrolling menus and functions on all compatible computer IBM. SINTEL allows to develop the role of the veterinarian to advise in farm management.
Evaluation of animal health in beef production in relation to housing and feeding systems
Authors: Tornquist M.
Published: March 2023

The effects of 2 different housing systems and 2 different feeding regimes on animal health was evaluated during a 3 year period. An insulated building with boxes with slatted floor was compared with an uninsulated building with boxes with straw bedding. Two different feeding regimes were used in both barns: concentrates ad lib and 0.5 kg roughage/calf and hay or grass-silage ad lib and 1 kg concentrates/100 kg live weight daily. There was no significant difference in disease incidence in the 2 housing systems except a higher incidence of interdigital phlegmon in bulls from the uninsulated building with straw bedding. The number of treatments against pneumonia and interdigital phlegmon was lower in the groups of bulls fed silage ad lib. Pneumonic lesions, liver abscesses and reactions in the rumen were more frequent in the groups fed concentrates ad lib in contrast to the silage-fed bulls. It was concluded that the present investigation thus indicates an increased susceptibility to infections of the bulls fed concentrates ad lib.
Relationship of fat metabolism to health and performance in dairy cattle
Authors: Herdt T. H.
Published: March 2023

Rapid mobilization of adipose fat accompanied by hyperketonemia and fatty liver (FL) is extremely common in peripartum dairy cows. Previous reports indicate an inverse relationship between liver fat concentration and disease resistance. Such a relationship could be mediated through a hyperketonemic suppression of cellular immunity, altered serum lipoprotein concentrations or other effects associated with negative energy balance. Appetite reduction may be associated with fat mobilization and this could be due to FL and the direct effects of the liver on food-intake centers of the brain. Reproductive efficiency is reduced in association with FL; such an association could be due to FL-associated hypolipoproteinemia and the need for serum lipoproteins to support maximal progesterone synthesis by the ovary.
Ethical Marketing of Veterinary Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Upham G. L.
Published: March 2023

Marketing is the total activities by which the transfer of goods from seller to buyer is affected. Veterinarians have a wide range of feeling about marketing of veterinary pharmaceuticals as it relates to food animal practice. Some veterinarians embrace pharmaceutical sales as part of their practice and routinely dispense both legend and over-the-counter (OTC) products to their clients. Others attempt to distance themselves from any phase of the marketing process, but if a veterinarian is involved in food animal practice and authorizes the use of legend drugs, they are involved and assume the liability associated with their use. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act mandates this involvement by requiring legend veterinary drugs be dispensed only by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian in the course of their professional practice.
Abstracts and Reviews
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: March 2023

Selected abstracts from veterinary journals.  Books reviews.
Dairy Reproduction Beyond Palpation
Authors: Ferry John W.
Published: March 2023

Bovine practitioners serving dairy clients traditionally demonstrate sincere concern for the financial well-being of their producers. Recognizing poor reproductiveperformance as a leading cause of financial loss for dairies, most veterinarians offer reproductive herd health services to rectal palpation of cows after calving,before breeding, and for pregnancy diagnosis.
Comparison of two dosages of prostaglandin F2α for the treatment of functional anestrus in dairy cattle
Authors: Callahan C. J. , Horstman L. A.
Published: March 2023

Two dosages (25 and 50 mg) of prostaglandin F2a (Lutalyse) were compared for the treatment of functional anestrus in two herds of Holstein cattle. Response was measured by percent in estrus within five days after treatment, percent pregnant of those bred, and percent pregnant of total treated. Doubling the recommended dosage (25 mg) had no effect on response in either herd. Nor were there any differences in response between lightweight and heavyweight cows. Heifers were significantly more responsive than cows. Of those exhibiting estrus after treatment 81% were observed on days three and four, and 6.2% developed ovarian cysts by the first examination after an unresponsive treatment. In one herd there were significantly less animals observed in estrus in the summer when compared to the other three seasons.
Production management series moves veterinarians to new role in beef cattle operations
Authors: Walber Katie
Published: March 2023

Twenty veterinarians from nine states recently became the first certified graduates of the Beef Cattle Production Management Series conducted facility, near Clay Center, NE. Certification is the final step in a yearlong program that brought these livestock professionals to the forefront of the movement to expand Integrated Resource Management ORM) into cow-calf and feedlot operations across the nation. The goal is to extend their skills beyond traditional veterinary technical service to working as part of a team effort toward the success of beef cattle programs.

Rather than a review of veterinary skills, the program provides intensive training in 11 key areas: record keeping, nutrition, range management, communication, breeding animal selection, accounting and finances, time management, feedlot and packing house procedures, marketing and risk management, media issues and the computer skills necessary to maintain all of these operations. The result is a united effort for producer profitability.
Diagnostic ultrasound examination in bovine lameness
Authors: Kofler J.
Published: March 2023

Besides the classical orthopedic examination, radiography and centesis of diseased synovial or other cavities, the obvious advantages of sonography in the diagnosis of soft tissue disorders were used in 10 clinical cases to improve the diagnosis of orthopedic diseases in cattle. These cattle showed various swellings of the carpus, antebrachium, tarsus, stifle, digital and pelvic region and arthritis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, abscesses and hematomas were observed. The clinical and radio- graphic findings as well as the results of centesis were compared with the sonographic ones. For the ultrasonic examination of bovine limbs, a 7.5 MHz linear-scan or a 5 MHz sector-scan were used. The examination technique and the most significant criteria for ultrasonic diagnostic are described. The ultrasonic findings have produced more information than the radiographic ones when only soft tissues and joint-recesses are affected. As a complimentary tool to the classical examination of locomotory system disorders in cattle, sonography provides accurate preoperative details of the extent and character of fluid accumulations and soft tissue swellings (edema, hemorrhage, synovial fluid, purulent exudation, coagulated fibrin masses); it helps to differentiate rapidly and on a noninvasive basis between affected structures and any subtile defects in neighboring tissues, it enables a more accurate centesis of evident fluid filled areas of synovial cavities or other swellings and reveals much more information than often insufficiently depicted by radiographs.
Genetic programs to improve carcass quality
Authors: Woodward Brent
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present information that veterinarians and others attending this conference can use to influence cow/calf producers and feedlot operators to be concerned with improving carcass quality at every stage of the production cycle, realizing that genetics play but one role in determining the final product. The paper is organized into four main areas, 1) issues of primary importance, 2) assessing carcass/beef quality in a herd, 3) targets for carcass/beef quality and yield, and 4) methods for improvement.
Twenty-Eighth Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners
Authors: American Association of Bovine Practitioners
Published: March 2023

Description of the the Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (28th : 1995), officers, district news, events, awards, and other news.
Practical approach to the treatment of foot problems
Authors: Blowey Roger
Published: March 2023

Because approximately 25% of dairy cows in the UK are examined for lameness each year, treatment is obviously important. This paper describes some of the treatments currently used in general practice.