bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GROWTH KINETICS OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN SOYMILK OF VARYING INITIAL pH AND SUGAR CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: ARIAHU CHARLES C. , IGYOR MICHEAL A. , UMEH EBELE U.
Published: October 2010

The ability of Listeria monocytogenes to grow at 5–30C in soymilk of varying initial pH (6.0–6.8) and sugar concentration (0.5–10%, w/w) was challenged using a cocktail of three hemolysin positive strains of the microbe. Growth was determined using trypticase soy agar plus yeast extract and the data were analyzed using Gompertz equation to generate lag phase duration (LPD), exponential growth rate (EGR), generation time and maximum population density values. The result indicated that soymilk is a favorable medium for the growth of L. monocytogenes. The growth kinetics was dependent on interactions of temperature, pH and sugar concentration. Increase in temperature, initial sugar level and pH significantly reduced LPD and increased EGR. Since the microbe is a highly heat‐resistant vegetative pathogen, there is the need for effective control of the processing and handling of soymilk especially at household level to prevent possible incidence of listeriosis through the product.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Listeria monocytogenes growth data could provide vital information for risk assessment of the pathogen in soymilk. Such data are necessary for establishment of guidelines for the product safety and inspection purposes.
THE EFFECT OF PASTEURIZATION ON THE QUALITY OF FROZEN ARAZÁ (EUGENIA STIPITATA MC VAUGH) PULP
Authors: GARCÍA‐REYES RAFAEL‐H. , NARVÁEZ‐CUENCA CARLOS‐E.
Published: October 2010

The effects of pasteurization on the quality of frozen arazá pulp were investigated. Arazá pulp was pasteurized at 65, 73, and 80C before being placed in frozen storage at −20C for a period of 60 days. After pasteurization (day 0 of frozen storage), no changes in color, aroma, or texture were observed; nevertheless, taste, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity (AA) were negatively affected. After 60 days of frozen storage, a decrease in the AA and a decrease in both vitamin C and phenolic levels were observed, with the exception of the unpasteurized pulp, for which there were no differences in the AA‐ferric reducing antioxidant power and phenolics before and after the 60 days of frozen storage. No correlation was found between phenolics and AA, which could be due to differential changes in the phenolics composition that were not measured in this work. The decimal reduction time in days of vitamin C was 92, 89, 112, and 176 for the control and the pasteurized pulps (at 65, 73, and 80C), respectively. Pasteurization at 80C before freezing at −20C could be a successful technique to extend the shelf life of arazá pulp.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This research was developed to study the effect of pasteurization on the quality of arazá pulp during frozen storage. The pasteurization of pulp at 80C with a holding time of 1 min before frozen storage at −20C controls vitamin C and the sensory characteristics of degradation. These traditional techniques can help food industries dealing with arazá pulp storage obtain a more stable product for at least two months.
Transmission of influenza A viruses between pigs and people, Iowa, 2002–2004
Authors: Terebuh Pauline , Olsen Christopher W. , Wright Jennifer , Klimov Alexander , Karasin Alexander , Todd Karla , Zhou Hong , Hall Henrietta , Xu Xiyan , Kniffen Tim , Madsen David , Garten Rebecca , Bridges Carolyn B.
Published: October 2010

Please cite this paper as: Terebuh et al. (2010) Transmission of influenza A viruses between pigs and people, Iowa, 2002–2004. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(6), 387–396.

Background  Triple‐reassortant (tr) viruses of human, avian, and swine origin, including H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 subtypes, emerged in North American swine herds in 1998 and have become predominant. While sporadic human infections with classical influenza A (H1N1) and with tr‐swine influenza viruses have been reported, relatively few have been documented in occupationally exposed swine workers (SW).

Methods  We conducted a 2‐year (2002–2004) prospective cohort study of transmission of influenza viruses between pigs and SW from a single pork production company in Iowa. Respiratory samples were collected and tested for influenza viruses from SW and from pigs under their care through surveillance for influenza‐like illnesses (ILI). Serial blood samples from study participants were tested by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) for antibody seroconversion against human and swine influenza viruses (SIV), and antibody seroprevalence was compared to age‐matched urban Iowa blood donors.

Results  During the first year, 15 of 88 SW had ILI and were sampled; all were culture‐negative for influenza. During the second year, 11 of 76 SW had ILI and were sampled; one was culture‐positive for a human seasonal H3N2 virus. Among 20 swine herd ILI outbreaks sampled, influenza A virus was detected by rRT‐PCR from 17 with 11 trH1N1 and five trH3N2 virus isolates cultured. During both years, HI geometric mean titers were significantly higher among SW compared to blood donor controls for three SIV: classical swine Sw/WI/238/97 (H1N1), tr Sw/IN/9K035/99 (H1N2), and trSw/IA/H02NJ56371/02 (H1N1)] (P < 0·0001).

Conclusions  SW had serologic evidence for infection with both swine and human influenza viruses and were exposed to diverse influenza virus strains circulating in pigs. Influenza virus surveillance among pigs and SW should be encouraged to better understand cross‐species transmission and diversity of influenza viruses at the human–swine interface.
Zooming In on Microscopic Flow by Remotely Detected MRI
Authors: Bajaj Vikram S. , Paulsen Jeffrey , Harel Elad , Pines Alexander
Published: October 2010

Finely Tracking Flow

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is in principle well-suited for tracking flow dynamics in microfluidic channels. However, multiple channels tend to be arrayed on much larger substrates, and MRI coils large enough to enclose the whole assembly do not have the sensitivity required to resolve an intimate picture of any one channel.

Bajaj
et al.

(p.
1078
, published online 7 October; see the Perspective by

Utz and Landers

) present an imaging protocol in which the spins of the fluid molecules in a microfluidic chip are first tagged by a conventionally sized coil and then analyzed downstream using a more sensitive and smaller coil through which the fluid flows incrementally after leaving the microfluidic device.
Beliefs about the relative harm of “light” and “low tar” cigarettes: findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) China Survey
Authors: Elton-Marshall T , Fong G T , Zanna M P , Jiang Y , Hammond D , O’Connor R J , Yong H-H , Li L , King B , Li Q , Borland R , Cummings K M , Driezen P
Published: October 2010

Background

Many smokers in Western countries perceive “light” or “low tar” cigarettes as less harmful and less addictive than “regular” or “full flavoured” cigarettes. However, there is little research on whether similar perceptions exist among smokers in low and middle incomes, including China.

Objective

To characterise beliefs about “light” and “low tar” cigarettes among adult urban smokers in China.

Methods

We analysed data from Wave 1 of the ITC China Survey, a face-to-face household survey of 4732 adult Chinese smokers randomly selected from six cities in China in 2006. Households were sampled using a stratified multistage design.

Findings

Half (50.0%) of smokers in our sample reported having ever tried a cigarette described as “light,” “mild” or “low tar”. The majority of smokers in our sample (71%) believed that “light” and/or “low tar” cigarettes are less harmful compared to “full flavoured” cigarettes. By far the strongest predictor of the belief that “light” and/or “low tar” cigarettes are less harmful was the belief that “light” and/or “low tar” cigarettes feel smoother on the respiratory system (p<0.001, OR=53.87, 95% CI 41.28 to 70.31).

Conclusion

Misperceptions about “light” and/or “low tar” cigarettes were strongly related to the belief that these cigarettes are smoother on the respiratory system. Future tobacco control policies should go beyond eliminating labelling and marketing that promotes “light” and “low tar” cigarettes by regulation of product characteristics (for example, additives, filter vents) that reinforce perceptions that “light” and “low tar” cigarettes are smoother on the respiratory system and therefore less harmful.
Quitting smoking in China: findings from the ITC China Survey
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Elton-Marshall Tara , Fong Geoffrey T , Li Qiang
Published: October 2010

Background

Few studies have examined interest in quitting smoking and factors associated with quitting in mainland China.

Objective

To characterise interest in quitting, quitting behaviour, the use of cessation methods and reasons for thinking about quitting among adult urban smokers in six cities in China.

Methods

Data is from Wave 1 of the ITC China Survey, a face-to-face household survey of 4732 adult smokers randomly selected from six cities in China in 2006. Households were sampled using a stratified multistage design.

Findings

The majority of smokers had no plan to quit smoking (75.6%). Over half (52.7%) of respondents had ever tried to quit smoking. Few respondents thought that they could successfully quit smoking (26.5%). Smokers were aware of stop-smoking medications (73.5%) but few had used these medications (5.6%). Only 48.2% had received advice from a physician to quit smoking. The number one reason for thinking about quitting smoking in the last 6 months was concern for personal health (55.0%). Most smokers also believed that the government should do more to control smoking (75.2%).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the need to: (1) increase awareness of the dangers of smoking; (2) provide cessation support for smokers; (3) have physicians encourage smokers to quit; (4) denormalise tobacco use so that smokers feel pressured to quit; (5) implement smoke-free laws to encourage quitting; (6) develop stronger warning labels about the specific dangers of smoking and provide resources for obtaining further cessation assistance; and (7) increase taxes and raise the price of cigarettes.
Use of less expensive cigarettes in six cities in China: findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) China Survey
Authors: Li Qiang , Hyland Andrew , Fong Geoffrey T , Jiang Yuan , Elton-Marshall Tara
Published: October 2010

Objective

The existence of less expensive cigarettes in China may undermine public health. The aim of the current study is to examine the use of less expensive cigarettes in six cities in China.

Methods

Data was from the baseline wave of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) China Survey of 4815 adult urban smokers in 6 cities, conducted between April and August 2006. The percentage of smokers who reported buying less expensive cigarettes (the lowest pricing tertile within each city) at last purchase was computed. Complex sample multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with use of less expensive cigarettes. The association between the use of less expensive cigarettes and intention to quit smoking was also examined.

Results

Smokers who reported buying less expensive cigarettes at last purchase tended to be older, heavier smokers, to have lower education and income, and to think more about the money spent on smoking in the last month. Smokers who bought less expensive cigarettes at the last purchase and who were less knowledgeable about the health harm of smoking were less likely to intend to quit smoking.

Conclusions

Measures need to be taken to minimise the price differential among cigarette brands and to increase smokers' health knowledge, which may in turn increase their intentions to quit.
Perceptions of tobacco health warnings in China compared with picture and text-only health warnings from other countries: an experimental study
Authors: Fong Geoffrey T , Hammond David , Jiang Yuan , Li Qiang , Quah Anne C K , Driezen Pete , Yan Mi ,   for the ITC China Project Team
Published: October 2010

Objective

To assess the perceived effectiveness of cigarette health warnings in China, compared with picture and text-only warnings from other countries.

Method

1169 individuals (adult smokers, adult nonsmokers and youth) from four Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming and Yinchuan) viewed 10 health warnings on cigarette packages, which included (a) the current Chinese text warnings covering 30% of the front/back of the pack (introduced October 2008); (b) the former Chinese text warning located on the side of the pack; (c) four picture warnings covering 50% of the front/back of the pack from Canada (lung cancer), Singapore (mouth disease), Hong Kong (gangrene) and European Union (clogged arteries); and (d) the same four warnings without the picture. Participants rated and ranked the 10 warnings on dimensions including how effective each would be in motivating smokers to quit and in convincing youth not to start smoking.

Results

Both Chinese warnings were consistently rated as least effective, with the new Chinese warning rated only slightly higher than the old warning. The picture warnings were consistently ranked or rated as most effective, with the text-only versions in the middle. Results were consistent across subject group, city and sex.

Conclusions

(1) Picture warnings are rated as much more effective than the same warnings without pictures. (2) The revised health warnings in China, introduced in October 2008, are only marginally more effective than the previous warning and far less effective than even text warnings from other countries. These results, coupled with population-based evaluation studies, suggest that pictorial warnings would significantly increase the impact of health warnings in China.
Individual-level factors associated with intentions to quit smoking among adult smokers in six cities of China: findings from the ITC China Survey
Authors: Feng Guoze , Jiang Yuan , Li Qiang , Yong Hua-Hie , Elton-Marshall Tara , Yang Jilan , Li Lin , Sansone Natalie , Fong Geoffrey T
Published: October 2010

Background

Over 350 million smokers live in China, and this represents nearly one-third of the smoking population of the world. Smoking cessation is critically needed to help reduce the harms and burden caused by smoking-related diseases. It is therefore important to identify the determinants of quitting and of quit intentions among smokers in China. Such knowledge would have potential to guide future tobacco control policies and programs that could increase quit rates in China.

Objective

To identify the correlates of intentions to quit smoking among a representative sample of adult smokers in six cities in China.

Methods

Data from wave 1 (2006) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Project China Survey, a face-to-face survey of adult Chinese smokers in six cities: Beijing, Shenyang, Shanghai, Changsha, Guangzhou and Yinchuan, was analysed. Households were sampled using a stratified multistage design. About 800 smokers were surveyed in each selected city (total n=4815).

Results

Past quit attempts, duration of past attempts, Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI), outcome expectancy of quitting, worry about future health and overall opinion of smoking were found to be independently associated with intentions to quit smoking, but demographic characteristics were not.

Conclusions

The determinants of quit intentions among smokers in China are fairly similar to those found among smokers in Western countries, despite the fact that interest in quitting is considerably lower among Chinese smokers. Identifying the determinants of quit intentions provides possibilities for shaping effective policies and programs for increasing quitting among smokers in China.
Veterinary education and students' attitudes towards animal welfare
Authors: Paul E. S. , Podberscek A. L.
Published: October 2010

Veterinary students at two British universities in their first preclinical, first clinical and final years of study, completed questionnaires designed to assess their attitudes towards the welfare of animals. These attitudes were divided into their two constituent components: emotional (emotional empathy with animals) and cognitive (belief in the sentience of animals). Analyses of variance revealed that the year of study was significantly related to the perceived sentience of dogs, cats and cows, with students in their later years of study rating them as having lower levels of sentience. The female students rated themselves as having significantly higher levels of emotional empathy with animals than did the male students. There was also a significant interaction between sex and year of study, the female students maintaining relatively high levels of empathy throughout the three years, whereas the male students showed lower levels of empathy in their later years.
Causes of mortality and culling in adult pheasants
Authors: Pennycott T. W.
Published: October 2010

The causes of the deaths or culling of 155 adult pheasants in breeding pens on one site between 1995 and 1997 were investigated. Approximately half the deaths were the result of problems associated with the reproductive tract or trauma, including injuries acquired during fighting or mating. Sinusitis was the commonest infectious cause of mortality or culling, despite medication of the flocks for mycoplasmosis. Marble spleen disease and pheasant coronavirus‐associated nephritis, two viral conditions capable of causing high mortality, were diagnosed in a few birds in 1996 and 1997. Histomoniasis (blackhead) contributed to the mortality in 1996. A lymphomatous condition of uncertain aetiology was detected in a small number of birds.
Tearing of the dura mater in three dogs
Authors: Hay C. W. , Muir P.
Published: October 2010

Tearing of the thoracolumbar dura mater was diagnosed after myelography in three large breed dogs. All three dogs lost the ability to walk suddenly, after a period of vigorous running or struggling. Radiographic changes suggested that the tearing of the dura was associated with intervertebral disc injury in two dogs. These dogs regained the ability to walk after medical treatment. Postmortem findings suggested that the tearing of the dura mater in the third dog was associated with nerve root injury and spinal cord haemorrhage after an episode of violent struggling.
Detection of polymorphisms in the prion protein gene in a population of Irish Suffolk sheep
Authors: O'Doherty E. , Aherne M. , Ennis S. , Roche J. F. , Sweeney T. , Weavers E. , Hunter N.
Published: October 2010

Natural scrapie is associated with polymorphisms in the prion protein (PrP) gene. In Suffolks, codon 171 is the codon at which most variation is found; RR171 is thought to be associated with resistance to developing the clinical signs of the disease and QQ171 is associated with susceptibility to the disease. The objectives of this study were first to determine the PrP genotypes of Suffolk stock rams in Ireland, and secondly to compare the genotype profiles of ram lambs from flocks where a breeding programme based on the genotype AA136 RR154 RR171 had been initiated and from flocks where there was no breeding programme based on PrP genotype. Approximately 13 per cent of the stock rams genotyped in the Irish population were genetically susceptible to showing the clinical signs of the disease. However, lambs from farms that had initiated a selective breeding strategy for RR171 over the past year had a larger proportion of RR171 and a smaller proportion of QQ171 than the stock rams or ram lambs from farms not applying a breeding strategy.
Immunohistochemical detection of p53 and p21 proteins in canine testicular tumours
Authors: Inoue M. , Wada N.
Published: October 2010

The objective of this study was to detect by immunohistochemical means nuclear accumulations of p53 and p21 proteins in testicular tumours of dogs. Intense p53 protein nuclear labelling was shown by each of seven seminomas and one intermediate collision tumour. Moderate or intense immunoreactivity was shown by three Sertoli cell tumours. All the tumours also showed p21 nuclear reactivity in parallel with the p53 reactivity. In contrast, four Leydig cell tumours showed no detectable immunoreactivity. The results suggested that high levels of p53 accumulation were associated with the expression of wild‐type p53, which was able to activate the transcription of the p21 gene. In addition, weak p53‐ and p21‐nuclear reactivities were detectable in primary spermatocytes within normal seminiferous tubules.
Repeated oestrus synchronisation of beef cows with progesterone implants and the effects of a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist at implant insertion
Authors: Penny C. D. , Scott P. R. , Lowman B. G. , Scott N. A.
Published: October 2010

A group of 97 spring‐calving beef cows were initially oestrus synchronised with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) intravaginal progesterone implants inserted for nine days and a prostaglandin injection on day 7. Approximately half the cows were given 10 μg buserelin when the implants were inserted, and they all received a single fixed‐time artificial insemination (Al) 56 hours after the withdrawal of the implants. The overall pregnancy rate to the first synchronised Al was 55 per cent, the buserelin‐treated cows having a pregnancy rate of 63 per cent compared with 47 per cent in the untreated cows (P>0.05). Sixteen days after the first synchronised Al all the cows were re‐implanted with used CIDR implants which were removed five days later, and the cows received a second synchronised Al on days 23 to 24. Cows which received the second Al were implanted with new CIDR devices 16 days later and these were removed after five days and the non‐pregnant cows received a third synchronised Al. The pregnancy rates to the second and third synchronised services were 74 per cent and 75 per cent, respectively.
Immunohistochemical study of hormonal receptors and cell proliferation in normal canine mammary glands and spontaneous mammary tumours
Authors: Geraldes M. , Gärtner F. , Schmitt F.
Published: October 2010

The expression of hormone receptors and their relationship_to cell proliferation in six samples of normal canine mammary tissue, and 11 benign and 10 malignant mammary neoplasms from female dogs were assessed by immunohistochemistry in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples, by using monoclonal antibodies against progesterone and oestrogen receptors, and nuclear antigen Ki‐67 (MIB‐1). Malignant tumours negative for progesterone receptors proliferated at higher rates than progesterone receptorpositive tumours, suggesting that the progression towards malignancy in spontaneous mammary tumours is accompanied by a decrease in hormonal steroid dependency. Only one malignant tumour was positive for oestrogen receptors.
Descriptive epidemiology of scrapie in Great Britain: results of a postal survey
Authors: Hoinville L. J. , Hoek A. , Gravenor M. B. , McLean A. R.
Published: October 2010

In 1998, a questionnaire was sent to 11,554 British sheep farmers to determine how many believed that scrapie cases had occurred in their flock; 61.4 per cent of them responded anonymously. The results indicated that 14.9 per cent of farmers with more than 30 breeding ewes thought that they had ever experienced scrapie in their flock and 2.7 per cent thought that they had had cases in the past 12 months. A comparison of these results with the number of farmers reporting suspect scrapie cases to MAFF, in accordance with the statutory requirement, suggests that only 13 per cent of farmers who suspect that they may have cases of scrapie are currently reporting them. Scrapie occurred in all regions of the country but there was an apparent regional variation. Larger farms and those with purebred sheep appeared to be at greater risk of having cases. Other differences between affected and unaffected farms included lambing practices and sheep purchasing policy. On the majority of farms the first case occurred in a purchased animal. The survey also revealed a need for the provision of further information about scrapie to farmers.
Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous lung biopsy in sheep
Authors: Braun U. , Estermann U. , Flückiger M. , Sydler T. , Pospischil A.
Published: October 2010

Lung biopsies were taken through the ninth intercostal space on the two sides of the thorax of 10 clinically healthy sheep, using a Tru‐Cut needle on one side and the Bard Biopty‐System on the other. Nine of the 10 sheep remained clinically healthy, but one coughed transiently and had a mild bloody discharge from the right nostril immediately after the biopsy. The sheep were slaughtered 10 days later and the lungs and pleura were examined macroscopically; there were either no lesions or only small scars visible at the sites of the biopsies. However, well‐developed subpleural nodules due to parasites were observed in some of the lungs. There were no adhesions between the costal and pulmonary pleurae. Of the 20 biopsy specimens, 18 were ideal for histological examination, and none of them was histologically normal. Mild interstitial pneumonia was diagnosed in 15 specimens, chronic bronchiolitis in nine specimens, and hyperplasia of smooth muscle or connective tissue in 17.
Diagnosis of atrophic rhinitis in a Simmental heifer by computed tomography
Authors: Frame E. M. , Henninger W. , Gufler H. , Gasteiner J.
Published: October 2010

Atrophic rhinitis was diagnosed in a 10‐month‐old heifer with the assistance of computed tomography. The aetiology of the condition in cattle is uncertain and the clinical disease may be overlooked owing to the lack of signs such as the shortening or deformity of the snout observed in pigs.
Application of the Veftest 8008 system for the biochemical analysis of vervet monkey plasma
Authors: Ngure R. M. , Gateri L. M. , Ngotho J. M. , Ndung'u J. M.
Published: October 2010

A clinical biochemistry analyser designed specifically for veterinary use was used to analyse plasma samples from 24 vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). Two millilitres of heparinised blood was collected from each of the 24 monkeys on four occasions at intervals of one week. Plasma was separated and analysed for the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, globulins, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotrasferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK). The tests were easy to perform, used small volumes of plasma, and yielded consistent results for most of the analytes. The activities of CK and AP, but not AST, appeared to be influenced by haemolysis, and there were significant individual variations in the activity of LDH.
Collateral ligament prosthesis for the repair of subluxation of the metatarsophalangeal joint in a Jersey cow
Authors: Rothlisberger J. , Kircher P. , Steiner A.
Published: October 2010

A two‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old Jersey cow had been moderately lame in its right hindlimb for one month. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed an incomplete lateral luxation of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The medial condyle of the metatarsal bone was locked in the condylar groove of the medial first phalanx. The subluxation was reduced, the joint carefully debrided and irrigated, and the torn ligament was replaced with a synthetic prosthesis which was fixed with titanium alloy staples. One year after surgery, the joint was slightly swollen but the cow was not lame.
Similarity of avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 isolates of low virulence for chickens obtained from contaminated poultry vaccines and from poultry flocks
Authors: J0rgensen P. H. , Jensen Handberg K. , Ahrens P. , Manvell R. J. , Frost K. M. , Alexander D. J.
Published: October 2010

At present Denmark has the status of a ‘non‐vaccinating’ country for Newcastle disease and its poultry population should therefore be free of antibodies to avian paramyxovirus 1 (APMV‐1). Three live avian vaccines against infectious bronchitis, avian encephalomyelitis, and chick anaemia which had been found to be contaminated with APMV‐1 viruses of low virulence for chickens were examined. The vaccines were produced by the same company and the affected batches had been used in Denmark in 1996/97.
Comparison of in vitro activity of danofloxacin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline, spectinomycin and tilmicosin against recent field isolates of Mycoplasma bovis
Authors: Ayling R. D. , Baker S. E. , Nicholas R. A. J. , Peek M. L. , Simon A. J.
Published: October 2010

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum mycoplasmacidal concentrations (MMCs) of danofloxacin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline, spectinomycin and tilmicosin against 62 recent British field isolates of Mycoplasma bovis were determined in vitro by a broth microdilution method. The isolates were most susceptible to danofloxacin with MIC90 and MMC90 values of 0.5 μg/ml and 1.0 μg/ml, respectively. They were less susceptible to florfenicol with a MIC90 of 16 μg/ml and MMC90 of 32 μg/ml. Oxytetracycline and spectinomycin had only a limited effect against the majority of isolates tested with MIC50 s of 32 μg/ml and 4 μg/ml, respectively and MIC90 s of 64 μg/ml and more than 128 μg/ml, respectively. Nearly 20 per cent of the isolates were highly resistant to spectinomycin, and tilmicosin was ineffective, with 92 per cent of the isolates having MIC values of 128 μg/ml or greater. There was no evidence of resistance by M bovis to danofloxacin.
Comparison of serological and sequencebased methods for typing feline calicivirus isolates from vaccine failures
Authors: Radford A. D. , Dawson S. , Wharmby C. , Ryvar R. , Gaskell R. M.
Published: October 2010

Feline calicivirus (FCV) can be typed by exploiting antigenic differences between isolates or, more recently, by the sequence analysis of a hypervariable region of the virus's capsid gene. These two methods were used to characterise FCV isolates from 20 vaccine failures which occurred after the use of a commercial, liveattenuated vaccine. Using virus neutralisation, the isolates showed a spectrum of relatedness to the vaccine; depending on the criterion adopted for identity, 10 to 40 per cent of them appeared to be similar to the vaccine virus. Using sequence analysis, the isolates fell into one of two categories; 20 per cent had a similar sequence to the vaccine (0.67 to 2.67 per cent distant), and the remainder had a dissimilar sequence (21.3 to 36.0 per cent distant). Sequence analysis identified one cat that appeared to be infected with two distinct FCVs. The serological and sequence‐based typing methods gave the same result in 80 to 95 per cent of individual cases, depending on the criterion adopted for serological identity. It is suggested that molecular typing is a more definitive method for characterising the relatedness of FCV isolates.
Seroprevalence of coxiellosis in cattle, sheep and people in the east of Turkey
Authors: Çetinkaya B. , Kalender H. , Ertas H. B. , Muz A. , Arslan N. , Ongor H. , Gurçay M.
Published: October 2010

Serum samples collected randomly from 416 cattle in 48 herds, and 411 sheep in 47 flocks, in eight different locations in the east of Turkey between June and December 1998, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the prevalence of Q fever. The age, sex, breed, tick control and abortion history of the animals were also recorded. In addition, 102 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy people who were at risk of contracting the disease, such as farmers, veterinarians, abattoir and laboratory workers, and veterinary students. Seropositivity was observed in 5.8 per cent (24/416) of the cattle in 17 (35.4 per cent) of the herds and in 10.5 per cent (43/411) of the sheep in 21 (44.7 per cent) of the flocks. Eight of the 102 people were seropositive, with the highest prevalence (12.0 per cent) in farmers and abattoir workers. All the seropositive farmers had seropositive animals. None of the laboratory workers or veterinary students was seropositive.
Ground reaction force analysis of large breed dogs when walking after the amputation of a limb
Authors: Kirpensteijn J. , van den Bos R. , van den Brom W. E. , Hazewinkel H. A. W.
Published: October 2010

Force plate analysis was used to measure ground reaction forces (GRF) and contact times, and calculate the centre of gravity at a walk of 10 dogs which had had a limb amputated, and the results were compared with the results from 22 normal dogs of the same weight. The loss of a limb caused significant changes in the GRF, impulses and contact times of the remaining limbs and in the location of the dogs' centre of gravity. The changes were greater in dogs which had lost a forelimb than in dogs which had lost a hindlimb.
Partial tibial neurectomy in 113 Belgian blue calves with spastic paresis
Authors: Vlaminck L. , De Moor A. , Martens A. , Steenhaut M. , Gasthuys F. , Desmet P. , Van Branteghem L.
Published: October 2010

One hundred and thirteen double‐muscled Belgian blue calves (69 males and 44 females) with spastic paresis (52 unilateral and 61 bilateral) were treated surgically by partial tibial neurectomy under caudal epidural anaesthesia. Telephone inquiries made at least three‐and‐a‐half months later established that good results were obtained in 83.2 per cent of the calves; a considerable improvement was reported in 4.4 per cent which still had intermittent spastic contractions; severe hyperflexion of the hock necessitating early slaughtering was recorded in 4.4 per cent of the calves; and in 8 per cent there was little or no improvement.
Temporal aspects of the epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Great Britain: holding.associated risk factors for the disease
Authors: Wilesmith J. W. , Ryan J. B. M. , Stevenson M. A. , Morris R. S. , Pfeiffer D. U. , Lin D. , Jackson R. , Sanson R. L.
Published: October 2010

The objectives of this study were first to describe the pattern of the epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Great Britain in terms of the temporal change in the proportion of all cattle holdings that had experienced at least one confirmed case of BSE to June 30, 1997, and secondly to identify risk factors that influenced the date of onset of a holding's first confirmed BSE case. The analyses were based on the population of British cattle at risk, derived from agricultural census data collected between 1986 and 1996, and the BSE case data collected up to June 30, 1997. The unit of interest was the cattle holding and included all those recorded at least once on annual agricultural censuses conducted between June 30,1986, and June 30,1996. The outcome of interest was the date on which clinical signs were recorded in a holding's first confirmed case of BSE, termed the BSE onset date. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis techniques were used to describe the temporal pattern of the epidemic. The BSE epidemic in Great Britain started in November 1986, with the majority of affected holdings having their BSE onset date after February 1992. After adjusting for the effect of the size and type of holding, holdings in the south of England (specifically those in the Eastern, South east and South west regions) had 2.22 to 2.43 (95 per cent confidence interval [ci] 2.07 to 2.58) times as great a monthly hazard of having a BSE index case as holdings in Scotland. After adjusting for the effect of region and type of holding, holdings with more than 53 adult cattle had 5.91 (95 per cent ci 5.62 to 6.21) times as great a monthly hazard of having a BSE index case as holdings with seven to 21 adult cattle. Dairy holdings had 3.06 (95 per cent ci 2.96 to 3.16) times as great a monthly hazard of having a BSE index case as beef suckler holdings. These analyses show that there were different rates of onset in different regions and in holdings of different sizes and types, that the epidemic was propagated most strongly in the south of the country, and that the growth of the epidemic followed essentially the same pattern in each region of the country, with modest temporal lags between them. The control measures imposed in 1988 and 1990 brought the expansion of the epidemic under control, although the rate of progress was slowed by those regions where the effectiveness of the control methods took some time to take full effect.
Aspects of the metabolism of dairy cows during the incubation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy
Authors: Moorby J. M. , Dhanoa M. S. , Austin A. R.
Published: October 2010

As part of a nutritional study lasting from six weeks before calving to 22 weeks of lactation, blood samples collected from 47 dairy cows maintained under well‐defined conditions were analysed for a variety of metabolites and hormones. At various times after the completion of the study, six of the animals developed clinical signs of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), although when they were sampled it was not known that they were incubating the disease. The data were used to make comparisons between the animals that developed BSE and those that did not develop the disease and which had been maintained under the same conditions. The greatest differences between the animals incubating BSE and the control animals were observed at times of nutritional stress, at the start of lactation and when the intake of concentrate feeds was reduced at week 13 of lactation. In the animals that subsequently developed BSE, feed intakes were lower in early lactation; plasma P‐hydroxbutyrate concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.001) at weeks 3 and 5 of lactation; adjusted milk yields were lower until week 6 of lactation and milk fat concentrations were consistently lower. There was no effect on plasma glucose concentrations, although insulin concentrations were significantly lower in week 1 of lactation (2.27 v 2.50 μiu/ml) (P<0.05). The concentrations of plasma proteins and urea were unaffected by BSE incubation, apart from protein concentrations being significantly higher one week before calving, and the concentration of urea being significantly lower five weeks before calving. The plasma concentrations of somatotrophin, prolactin, oestradiol and progesterone were similar in the two groups of animals throughout the study. The differences observed indicate that the energy metabolism of dairy cows incubating BSE may be subtly altered before the onset of clinical signs of the disease.
Use of moxidectin treatment in the investigation of abomasal nematodiasis in wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)
Authors: Irvine R. J.
Published: October 2010

An experiment was conducted to evaluate moxidectin as a tool for understanding the impact of parasitism on wild Svalbard reindeer (Rangifertarandusplatyrhynchus). Adult females were injected subcutaneously with moxidectin at a dose rate of 0‐4 mg/kg bodyweight, and groups of animals were culled within its expected period of efficacy (around 14 days) or around 12 or 24 weeks after treatment. Moxidectin was effective in eliminating the reindeers' abomasal worm burdens, and although they became reinfected, worm burdens were significantly lower in the treated animals compared to the untreated controls for up to 24 weeks after treatment. Nematode eggs did not reappear in faeces until five weeks after treatment, a similar period to that claimed by the manufacturer for sheep and cattle. Animals culled 12 and 24 weeks after treatment had been reinfected and harboured a wide range of abomasal worm burdens which contributed to the understanding of the seasonal variation in the relationship between faecal egg count and worm burden.
In vitro mucolytic activity of recombinant human deoxyribonuclease on equine tracheobronchial mucus
Authors: Pietra M. , Guglielmini C. , Cinotti S. , Forni M.
Published: October 2010

The viscosity of the mucus, its DNA concentration and the size range of the DNA were determined on tracheobronchial samples from 11 horses with lower airway diseases before and after incubation with recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase). The horses were divided into two groups on the basis of the cytology of the samples: group A (five horses) with more than 60 per cent neutrophils and group B (six horses) with fewer than 50 per cent neutrophils. The mean mucus viscosity and DNA concentration in the preincubation samples were significantly higher in group A than in group B, and there was a correlation between DNA concentration and mucus viscosity in the preincubation samples from group A. Incubation with rhDNase significantly reduced the viscosity of the samples only in group A.
Natural and experimental infection of normal caftle with Escherichia coli 0157
Authors: Wray C. , McLaren I. M. , Randall L. P. , Pearson G. R.
Published: October 2010

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of inoculating cattle orally with a strain of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (A84/92). However, before they were challenged two of the six calves were found to be infected naturally with a wild‐type strain of E coli 0157 and two more of them became infected later. The number of daily faeces samples from which the wild‐type E coli 0157 was isolated ranged from one to 10. After they were inoculated, A84/92 was detected in all the calves' faeces on one to six of the next 14 days, and later from the faeces samples of three calves on two, three, and 11 occasions, the last occasion being between 19 and 51 days after inoculation. Two calves were redosed with A84/92, and the organism was isolated on a further five and 15 occasions, the last being after 20 and 58 days. In three dry cows, A84/92 was isolated from the faeces on three to 1 1 of the 14 days after they were inoculated. Two of the cows were redosed and from one of them it was isolated on 15 occasions, the last being 44 days after the initial infection; in the other cow no further isolation was made. In three lactating cows, it was detected on three to four of the 14 days after they were inoculated, and similar results were obtained after they were reinoculated. None of the animals showed clinical signs and no lesions were detected in the intestines of the calves. Three calves had a serological response to E coli 0157 but, with the exception of one cow which had a slight increase to IgM levels, no serological changes were observed in the adult cattle.
Pheasant ataxia: a new condition in pheasant poults
Authors: de B. Welchman D. , Ainsworth H. L. , Pennycott T. W. , MacKenzie G. , Wood A. M.
Published: October 2010

Between 1995 and 1997 a neurological condition in pheasant poults from 24 sites in England and Scotland was investigated. Affected birds showed varying degrees of ataxia and incoordinated movements and, in severe cases, recumbency, but generally remained alert with their heads held upright. The condition characteristically affected poults from seven weeks of age and the incidence on any one site was low. No significant bacteria were isolated consistently from brain tissue. The condition was characterised histologically by a non‐suppurative meningoencephalitis, in which lesions were found predominantly in the cerebellum in 61 of 81 samples examined (75.3 per cent). A non‐suppurative myelitis was recorded in 16 of 20 spinal cords examined. No lesions were recorded in peripheral neural tissue and lesions were rare in other tissues. The condition appeared not to have been recorded previously in pheasants. A viral aetiology was suspected but Newcastle disease virus was not involved.
Conditions in grey seal pups (Halichoerus grypus) presented for rehabilitation
Authors: Barnett J. E. F. , Woodley A. J. , Hill T. J. , Turner L.
Published: October 2010

A survey was carried out on the condition of 188 live grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups presented for rehabilitation from the coasts of south‐west England between 1992 and 1998. The survey was carried out to assess the incidence of malnutrition, hyperthermia, respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, and also the incidence of traumatic, skin, oral and ocular lesions. Malnutrition was a common finding in pups approaching weaning (mid‐moult pups) and those at the point of weaning or postweaning (moulted pups) (62 per cent and 82 per cent, respectively). Separation from the dam, believed to be the main cause of malnutrition in grey seals, was encountered frequently in unweaned pups (91 per cent). Thirty‐nine per cent of pups presented with a respiratory condition, 38 per cent with hyperthermia and 9 per cent with diarrhoea. Seven per cent and 14 per cent of pups had confirmed respiratory and gastrointestinal parasitic infestations respectively, although these were probably underestimates. Clinically significant traumatic lesions were seen in 41 per cent, oral ulceration in 26 per cent, ocular conditions in 13 per cent, nail bed infections in 13 per cent and oiling in 10 per cent of pups. Umbilical infections and other skin and oral conditions were also encountered. The incidence of these conditions is compared with data from dead grey seals, and clinical conditions in other pinniped species presented for rehabilitation.
Prevalence of murmurs consistent with aortic stenosis among boxer dogs in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Heiene R. , Indrebø A. , Kvart C. , Skaalnes H. M. , Ulstad A. K.
Published: October 2010

The prevalence and severity of cardiac murmurs consistent with subclinical or clinically detectable aortic stenosis among purebred boxer dogs in Norway and Sweden were evaluated. Two hundred and thirty‐one boxers, randomly selected or investigated at dog shows, were examined by phonocardiography by two veterinarians and classified on the basis of the characteristics of their murmurs into categories 0 to 4. No murmur was detected in 23 per cent of the dogs, murmurs classified as category 1 were diagnosed in 25 per cent of the dogs, as category 2 in 46 per cent, as category 3 in 7 per cent cent, and two dogs had category 4 murmurs. In 55 per cent of the dogs, primarily those with very soft murmurs, there was some variation in the intensity of the murmur from beat to beat. The prevalence of cardiac murmurs among Norwegian and Swedish boxers was high and similar to the prevalence reported in Great Britain.
Public attitudes towards badger culling to control bovine tuberculosis in cattle
Authors: White P. C. L. , Whiting S. J.
Published: October 2010

In 1999, a questionnaire survey was conducded to evaluate public preferences towards badger culling to control bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Three alternative treatments were considered: (1) widespread culling, (2) the current experimental trials, and (3) no culling. One hundred residents from Glastonbury and York were interviewed in person and asked to give preference ratings to each of the three treatments. The single most preferred treatment was no culling, and the least preferred was the widespread cull. Respondents who favoured either the widespread cull or the experimental trials tended to be more knowledgeable about the problem and cited the level of tuberculosis in cattle as the primary fador guiding their preferences. Respondents who favoured the no culling option tended to be less knowledgeable, and cited the conservation and welfare impacts on badger populations as the most important factors. Analysis of the distribution of preference scores suggested that although it was not necessarily the most preferred treatment the experimental trial may be a relatively acceptable alternative.