bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biopsy Mineral Analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma—Atomic Emission Spectroscopy with Ultrasonic Nebulization
Authors: Braselton W. Emmett , Stuart Kirk J. , Mullaney Thomas P. , Herdt Thomas H.
Published: May 2011

Liver copper concentration is generally considered the best measure of copper nutritional status in cattle. Ultrasonic nebulization in conjunction with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP—AES) was investigated as a method to provide adequate sensitivity to allow accurate simultaneous measurement of copper and 14 additional elements from needle biopsy samples. The element concentration frequency distribution profile of 12 elements routinely present in liver was compared to profiles of the elements in fat, muscle, vena cava, kidney, and clotted blood. The profiles could be used to confirm the authenticity of the liver biopsy sample. Element concentrations in biopsy samples taken in triplicate from the five lobes of a bovine liver were compared to those from triplicate wedge sections taken adjacent to the biopsies and analyzed by conventional ICP—AES. Precision between biopsies was equal to or better than precision between wedge samples. Some element concentrations determined by the biopsy procedure differed statistically from those determined by the wedge procedure, but differences were not sufficient to influence clinical interpretation of data.
Reproductive Effects of Fenoxycarb on Sheep
Authors: Barr A. Catherine , Abbitt Bruce , Fiske Robert A. , Jaques John T. , Maynard Heather R. , Reagor John C.
Published: May 2011

Fenoxycarb (ethyl [2-(4-phenoxyphenoxy)-ethyl] carbamate) is an insect growth regulator used for long-term fire ant control. Because of its effects on insect reproduction and its potential use on pasturage consumed by food animals, a reproductive study was conducted using Rambouillet sheep. The sheep were dosed daily with a placebo or with fenoxycarb at 0.69 or 1.38 mg/kg/day, representing ten (10X) and 20 times (20X) the maximum amounts of fenoxycarb in forage or hay treated at recommended levels for fire ant control. Parameters that were measured included rates of weight gain of adults, serum clinical chemistry profiles of adults, spermatozoal morphology and motility, estrus cycling, pregnancy rates, maintenance of pregnancies to term, numbers of live births, and rates of weight gain of lambs to 28 days. There were no statistically significant ( P ≤ 0.05) differences between the exposed and control groups of sheep in any of these facets of the study. No clinical signs associated with exposure to fenoxycarb were observed in any animal at any time, and no exposure-related pattern of pathologic lesions or reproductive organ histology was observed. Means of hepatic fenoxycarb residues in the rams followed a statistically significant ( P ≤ 0.05) dose-related pattern. No fenoxycarb was detected (detection limit of 5 ppb) in any neonatal liver, despite the presence of hepatic fenoxycarb residues in the treated ewes, indicating that transplacental transport of fenoxycarb was minimal. No fenoxycarb was detected in any lamb liver at 28 days, although both the colostrum and the milk of exposed ewes were found to contain fenoxycarb at levels proportional to the treatments. Based on the lack of significant findings in this study, it is unlikely that use of fenoxycarb, according to label instructions (currently applicable to homeowner and registered agricultural usage) for fire ant control in pasturage or hay fields, will affect ruminant reproduction.
Detection of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in the Ovaries of Cattle Acutely Infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus
Authors: Grooms Daniel L. , Brock Kenny V. , Ward Lucy A.
Published: May 2011

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is recognized worldwide as a major cause of economic loss in cattle. Infection with BVDV can result in several clinical outcomes. However, the reproductive consequences may be the most important. Infertility, early embryonic death, abortion, and congenital anomalies have all been reported following acute infection with BVDV. The cause of infertility following acute BVDV infection is not known. BVDV has been isolated from the bovine ovary and has been associated with chronic oophoritis. The purpose of this study was to identify the ovarian cell types infected with BVDV following acute infection. Twelve heifers were acutely infected with noncytopathic BVDV, and ovariectomies were performed between 4 and 60 days postinfection. BVDV was isolated on days 6 and 8 postinfection. Viral antigen was detected in macrophage-like cells and stromal cells in the ovarian cortex and oophoritis was evident from 6 to 60 days postinfection. These findings indicate that acute infection with BVDV may result in changes in ovarian function that could lead to reduced fertility.
Comparison of Immunohistochemistry, Electron Microscopy, and Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test for the Detection of Bovine Coronavirus
Authors: Dar Arshud M. , Kapil Sanjay , Goyal Sagar M.
Published: May 2011

Bovine coronavirus (BCV) is 1 of the major causes of calf diarrhea and has also been implicated in respiratory infections of young calves and winter dysentery of adult cattle. Currently, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), direct fluorescent antibody (DFA), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques are considered standard methods for the diagnosis of BCV infection. However, these techniques are not useful if fresh tissues and intestinal contents are not available for examination. The detection of viral antigens in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a suitable alternative. In the present study, 166 tissue specimens were tested by IHC for the presence of BCV. These tissues were from animals whose feces were positive for rotavirus and/or coronavirus by TEM. Some of these samples were also tested by DFA. Thus, TEM, DFA, and IHC were compared for the detection of BCV. There was 56% agreement among the 3 methods (overall kappa = 0.368). When IHC was compared with TEM, 78% agreement was observed (kappa = 0.475). Similarly, IHC and DFA had 64% agreement (kappa = 0.277). These kappa values indicate a moderate degree of agreement between IHC and TEM; agreement between IHC and DFA was fair. The results of this study indicate that IHC may be a suitable adjunct for the detection of BCV because of its simplicity, ease of use, and relatively close correlation with TEM results.
Use of Muscle Fluid as a Source of Antibodies for Serologic Detection of Salmonella Infection in Slaughter Pig Herds
Authors: Nielsen B. , Ekeroth L. , Bager F. , Lind P.
Published: May 2011

Fluid drained from a muscle tissue sample was used as an alternative to serum for the detection of specific anti- Salmonella antibodies in an indirect LPS enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the first study, serum and muscle fluid from 3 pigs experimentally infected with Salmonella typhimurium showed parallel dilution—response relationships when ELISA optical density (OD) values were plotted against sample dilution. ELISA results obtained with serum diluted 1:400 corresponded to those from muscle fluid diluted 1:30. In a second study, using the predetermined dilutions of individually paired serum and muscle fluid samples from 103 pigs, a high degree of concordance between the serum ELISA and the muscle fluid ELISA was observed. Limits of agreement between the 2 methods were calculated as —8.9 to 12.3 OD%, which was considered acceptable. The muscle fluid ELISA had specificities of 0.91–1.0 and sensitivities of 0.80–0.89 at various cutoff values as compared with the serum ELISA. Muscle fluid is a useful postmortem alternative to serum when used with an ELISA to detect anti- Salmonella antibodies.
Evaluation of Techniques for the Detection of Toxigenic Pasteurella Multocida Strains from Pigs
Authors: Amigot Jose Antonio , Torremorell Montserrat , Pijoan Carlos
Published: May 2011

Recently acquired field isolates and archived isolates from our collection of Pasteurella multocida were analyzed for production of dermonecrotic toxin. Detection of the toxin was carried out using a fetal lung feline (FLF) cell line and a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The dermonecrotic toxin gene ( ToxA) was also detected using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Results from the 3 methods were compared. Field isolates (group 1) came from a commercial herd that had clinical signs of atrophic rhinitis. Fifty-six (17.9%) strains were isolated from 312 nasal swabs. Thirty-five of these strains belonged to serotype A and the rest (21/56), although probably serotype D, were not characterized further. All of these strains were toxin negative based on both the ELISA and FLF cell culture results. Five isolates gave faint bands in the PCR reaction, and the rest (51/56) were PCR negative. PCR and ELISA were also performed from the initial swab cultures (mixed cultures); 7 samples gave faint PCR bands, but ELISA results were all negative. Archived strains (group 2) had been isolated from clinical cases of atrophic rhinitis and from cases of pulmonary pasteurellosis. A total of 76 strains were analyzed; 46 were serotype A, and the rest (30) were serotype D. ELISA and FLF cell culture tests were negative for all serotype A strains; however, 3 strains showed faint bands in the PCR reaction. Fourteen serotype D strains showed positive results in both the ELISA and the FLF cell culture tests. PCR from these samples also gave positive results showing a strong band in the gel. However, 4 strains that were ELISA and FLF cell culture negative showed a faint band in the PCR reaction. The 3 methods gave similar results in the detection of the P. multocida dermonecrotic toxin. However, complete agreement among the tests was achieved only when strong PCR bands were considered positive. This is the first report that demostrates the use of FLF cell line for the detection of toxigenic P. multocida.
Hereditary Syndactyly in Angus Cattle
Authors: Leipold H. W. , Schmidt G. L. , Steffen D. J. , Vestweber J. G. E. , Huston K.
Published: May 2011

Twenty-five syndactylous Angus cattle, characterized pathologically, were reported from 16 herds in 10 states from 1979 to 1994. Twenty-one (84%) had all 4 legs syndactylous, 3 (12%) had 3 legs syndactylous, and 1 (4%) had 2 legs syndactylous. All syndactylous cattle walked with considerable difficulty. Hooves of aged animals became curled and bent laterally or medially. Affected hooves had the appearance of a truncated cone, the base of which was located at the coronary band. Most hooves were fused completely with no indication of dual anlage. An occasional hoof had a distal notch, and other hooves had a dorsally located groove indicating dual embryonic origin. Lateral dewclaws were enlarged in most cases. Radiographs and dissections of limbs of 19 animals revealed a consistent pattern of fusion in most affected calves. Lesions included 1 or more of the following: disappearance of the large metacarpal and metatarsal intertrochlear notches, horizontal fusion of 1 or more carpals and tarsals, fusion of proximal sesamoids, 1 distal sesamoid, and fusion of paired phalanges. Evidence of a genetic cause consisted of 11 syndactylous calves among 70 offspring of 4 3/4 sib families, 8 preterm syndactylous fetuses among 148 preterm fetuses and 13 calves in progenies of 19 animals tested for possible heterozygosity, and 5 syndactylous calves from matings of an Angus syndactylous bull with 1 Angus and 4 Holstein syndactylous cows. Data were consistent with recessive inheritance at a single locus. Angus cattle with sydactytly had a larger number of affected limbs than did syndactylous Holsteins and their Angus crosses, suggesting existence of 2 recessive alleles. The allele of Holsteins ( syH) appeared to influence phenotypic expression in a dominant pattern over the Angus allele ( syA). Both syA and syH alleles acted as reccessives to the normal SY allele. Phenotypic effects on limb development were most dramatic in calves with the syA/ syA genotype.
The Effect of Subclinical Selenium Toxicosis on Pregnant Beef Cattle
Authors: Yaeger Michael J. , Neiger Regg D. , Holler Larry , Fraser Tammy L. , Hurley David J. , Palmer Ivan S.
Published: May 2011

A field investigation conducted by the South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory suggested that subclinical selenium toxicosis in pregnant cows may have contributed to an outbreak of aborted/stillborn calves in a high-selenium region of South Dakota. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between abortion and subclinical selenium toxicosis in the dam and to assess the effects of subclinical selenium toxicosis on the bovine immune system. Fifteen pregnant cows were fed diets containing 0.25 (control), 6.0, and 12.0 ppm selenium beginning at 80–110 days gestation. Although selenium toxicosis has been reported to cause abortion, this study failed to reproduce abortions. A single cow in the 12-ppm selenium treatment group gave birth to a weak calf, which subsequently died. This calf had myocardial lesions consistent with those described for selenium toxicosis and had hepatic selenium levels of 9.68 ppm (wet weight). Elevated dietary selenium resulted in the depression of several leukocyte function parameters in pregnant cows. A statistically significant depression in forced antibody response was identified in both selenium-supplemented groups. A significantly diminished mitogenic response to concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen was also observed in the 12-ppm selenium group. Although a similar pattern of depression was also observed with phytohemagglutinin, differences were not significant. These findings indicate that even in the absence of clinical alkali disease, elevated selenium levels may adversely affect both pregnancy outcome and the bovine immune system.
Clinical, Serologic, and Histopathologic Characterization of Experimental Borna Disease in Ponies
Authors: Katz Jonathan Bruce , Alstad David , Jenny Alan Lynn , Carbone Kathryn Mary , Rubin Steven Alexander , Waltrip Royce William
Published: May 2011

Borna disease was originally described as an equine neurologic syndrome over 200 years ago, although the infectious etiology of the disorder was unproven until the early 20th century. Borna disease virus (BDV) was finally isolated from horses dying of the disorder, and that virus has been used to experimentally reproduce Borna disease in several species of laboratory animals. However, BDV has never been inoculated back into horses to experimentally and etiologically confirm the classic clinical, pathologic, and serologic characteristics of the disease in that species. Three ponies were intracerebrally inoculated with different amounts of BDV and were evaluated clinically, serologically, and neurohistopathologically. All 3 animals developed the clinical signs characteristically described for naturally occurring Borna disease, including ataxia, torticollis, postural unawareness, rhythmic repetitive motor activities, muscle fasciculation, and cutaneous hyperesthesia and hypoesthesia over several body surfaces. Two ponies died after rapid onset of these signs 28–30 days postinoculation. The third animal made a nearly complete clinical recovery. Seroconversion occurred only after the onset of signs and to a marked degree only in the convalescent animal. Virus was recovered postmortem from 2 of the 3 ponies, and a BDV-specific nucleic acid sequence was detectable in all 3 animals using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction procedure. Gross neural lesions were absent, but histopathologically there was generalized intense mononuclear perivascular cuffing, glial nodule formation, and astrocytosis in all 3 brains. Confirming a diagnosis of Borna disease is difficult and perhaps best accomplished using a combination of the clinical, serologic, and histopathologic indicators of this unusual disease supported by positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction findings.
Seroneutralization of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Correlates with Antibody Response to the GP5 Major Envelope Glycoprotein
Authors: Gonin Patrick , Pirzadeh Boroushan , Gagnon Carl A. , Dea Serge
Published: May 2011

To determine the structural protein of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) involved in the production of neutralizing antibodies following clinical infection, correlation was studied between virus neutralization capability of convalescent pig sera and antibody response to the open reading frames (ORFs) 3-, 4-, 5-, and 7-encoded proteins GP3, GP4, GP5, and N, respectively. Individual virus genes were cloned into the pGEX-4T-1 vector, and the recombinant viral proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli fused to the glutathione S-transferase (GST) protein. The resulting GST-ORF3, GST-ORF4, GST-ORF5, and GST-ORF7 recombinant fusion proteins were purified by electroelution and used as antigens for serologic testing by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western immunoblotting. The overall antibody (IgG and IgM) titers to PRRSV of pooled convalescent pig sera were first determined by indirect immunofluorescence, and then sera with specific IgG titers > 1:1,024 were tested for their specific virus neutralization activity and reactivity to individual recombinant fusion proteins. Except for the early immune response (as revealed by the presence of specific IgM), neutralizing titers were correlated with anti-GP5 titers but not with anti-GP3 and anti-GP4 titers. The correlation between virus neutralization and anti-GP5 titers was significant ( r = 0.811, P ≤ 0.001).
Intrapericardial Neoplasia in Dogs
Authors: Girard C. , Hélie P. , Odin M.
Published: May 2011

A retrospective study was conducted from 1,919 necropsies of dogs, and 52 cases were selected on the basis of primary or metastatic neoplasia in the pericardium, the heart base, or the myocardium. Primary intrapericardial neoplasms were more frequent than intrapericardial metastases. Hemangiosarcomas were the most frequent primary neoplasms, followed by chemodectomas. Lymphomas were the most frequent metastatic neoplasms, followed by fibrosarcomas and rhabdomyosarcomas. Other neoplasms, either primary or metastatic, occurred rarely.
Isotype- and Subclass-Specific Responses to Infection and Reinfection with Parainfluenza-3 Virus: Comparison of the Diagnostic Potential of ELISAs Detecting Seroconversion and Specific IgM and IgA
Authors: Graham D. A. , Mawhinney K. A. , German A. , Foster J. C. , Adair B. M. , Merza M.
Published: May 2011

Isotype- and subclass-specific indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were developed to detect parainfluenza-3 virus-specific IgG1, IgG2, IgM, and IgA responses. Sera were treated with protein G-agarose prior to testing for specific IgM and IgA to eliminate the possibility of false-positive results due to IgM-rheumatoid factor and to remove interisotypic competition due to specific IgG IgM and IgA absorbance values were expressed as a percentage of the absorbance values of positive reference sera included on each plate (S/P%), and respective positive/negative threshold values of 15.0% and 28.0% were determined. The mean interval between experimental infection of 3 calves and initial detection of specific IgG1 and IgG2 responses was 8.0 and 9.3 days respectively, rising rapidly to an initial plateau 13.7 and 11.0 days postinfection (dpi). Reinfection of these calves at 30 dpi resulted in further rapid increases, with higher plateau values reached 13.0 (IgG1) and 13.7 (IgG2) days later. The mean interval between infection and the first positive IgM and IgA responses was 6.7 and 12.3 days, respectively. IgM S/P% values peaked at 13.0 dpi, with all 3 calves showing a secondary anamnestic response to reinfection, peaking 4.7 days later. The IgA response to initial infection was weak, with only 2 calves showing an obvious peak response at 15.0 dpi. A strong anamnestic IgA response to reinfection occurred in 2 calves, with a peak response 9.5 days later. Apparent biphasic and triphasic IgM and IgA responses were evident in some calves. Acute and convalescent serum samples from 80 calves involved in 17 outbreaks of respiratory disease were tested for specific IgM and IgA. Positive IgM results were detected in 15 outbreaks, with 71 sera from 44 calves testing positive. Although IgA-positive results were detected in the same 15 outbreaks, only 42 sera from 31 calves were positive. In a previous study, seroconversion was detected in 21 of these calves from 10 outbreaks. Thus the diagnostic potential of the assays was in the order IgM > IgA > seroconversion. The correlations between IgM and IgA, IgM and seroconversion, and IgA and seroconversion results for each calf were 73.8%, 58.8% and 62.5%, respectively.
Prevalence of Genotypes for Fimbriae and Enterotoxins and of O Serogroups in Escherichia Coli Isolated from Diarrheic Piglets in Korea
Authors: Kwon Donghyok , Kim Okjin , Chae Chanhee
Published: May 2011

Polymerase chain reaction for 4 fimbriae (F4, F5, F6, F41), 2 heat-stable enterotoxins (STa, STb), and 1 heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) were performed on 400 Escherichia coli isolates to determine their genotype prevalence among enterotoxigenic E. coli isolates from preweaned pigs with diarrhea in the Republic of Korea. A total of 200 of the 400 E. coli isolates were also selected for characterization of the O serogroup. Of these 200 isolates, serogroup could be determined in 139 (69.5%) but not in 61 isolates (30.5%). Isolates of serogroup O101 were the most common, followed in descending order by O8, O20, O162, O141, and O149. Ninety-seven (24.3%) of the 400 E. coli isolates carried genes for at least 1 of the entertoxins or fimbrial adhesins. Of these 97 isolates, 27 carried genes for at least 1 of the fimbrial adhesins and entertoxins. Sixty-six percent of the isolates that carried fimbrial adhesin genes carried genes for at least 1 of the enterotoxins, and 71% of the isolates that carried enterotoxin genes carried genes for at least 1 of the fimbrial adhesins. Genes for the F6 fimbriae were detected in 6% of the E. coli isolates, and F4+, F41+, and F5+ genes were detected in 4.3%, 3.3%, and 2% of the isolates, respectively. Genes for STa, STb, and LT were detected in 10%, 8.5%, and 4.3% of the isolates, respectively. The 6 major genotypes observed in this study (in decreasing order) were F6+, STb+, F41+, STa+STb+, F6+ STa+, and STa+.
Cloning of Mycoplasma Synoviae Genes Encoding Specific Antigens and Their Use as Species-Specific DNA Probes
Authors: Ben Abdelmoumen Boutheina , Roy Raymond S. , Brousseau Roland
Published: May 2011

A genomic library of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) was generated by using bacteriophage lambda gt11 as a cloning and expression vector. Identification of recombinant clones highly specific to MS was achieved by screening the library for expression of MS proteins with polyclonal antiserum that had been preadsorbed with 6 heterologous avian mycoplasma species antigens. Expression of the recombinant clones in Escherichia coli followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the total cell lysates and immunoblot yielded a predominant reactive fusion protein of 165 kD. Two clones (MS2/28 and MS2/12) that yielded inserts of different size were selected. The 2 MS DNA inserts were subcloned in a plasmid vector, labeled with digoxigenin, and used as probes for the specific recognition of several MS strains. A high degree of conservation was demonstrated for the MS2/12 and MS2/28 genes in tested MS strains. In addition, neither DNA fragment recognized any other avian mycoplasma species ( M. gallisepticum, M. meleagridis, M. gallinarum, M. iners. M. anatis, and M. iowae), thus indicating their high specificity to MS. The sensitivity of the slot blot hybridization method using digoxigenin-labeled MS2/12 and MS2/28 probes for direct detection of MS from broth cultures of field isolates was 105 colony-forming units/ml. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of adsorbed antisera for the isolation of species-specific mycoplasma DNA and the potential for its use as probes for the specific and direct detection of MS from broth cultures of field isolates.
Value of Western Blotting in the Clinical Follow-Up of Canine Leishmaniasis
Authors: Fernández-Pérez Francisco J. , Méndez Susana , de la Fuente Concepción , Cuquerella Montserrat , Gómez M. Teresa , Alunda José M.
Published: May 2011

Specific serum antibody levels in Leishmania infantum-infected dogs treated with a combination of glucantime and allopurinol were estimated by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The sensitivity of Western blot was greater than that obtained with immunofluorescence titration. In general, both diagnostic methods concurred with the post-treatment clinical status of the animals. Clinical improvement of successfully treated dogs was related to lower immunofluorescence titers and simpler and/or less reactive immunodetection patterns in Western blotting. The recognition, by infected dogs, of certain low molecular weight antigens, particularly one of approximately 26 kDa, was restricted to pretreatment samples and a single animal in relapse thus apparently constituting an active infection marker.
Plasma von Willebrand Factor—Collagen Binding Activity in Normal Dogs and in Dogs with von Willebrand's Disease
Authors: Johnstone Ian B.
Published: May 2011

A sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the simultaneous assessment of the amount of von Willebrand factor (vWF) in canine plasma and its ability to bind to canine collagen in vitro. In 60 normal dogs, there was close correlation between the concentration of vWF and its activity as determined by vWF-collagen binding. In 14 dogs with type I expressions of von Willebrand's disease, the ratio of vWF antigen to collagen binding activity was normal or only slightly increased. In 7 dogs with type II expressions of the disease, this ratio was consistently elevated suggesting a significant functional deficiency of the protein. Plasma from 3 dogs with type III von Willebrand's disease had little collagen binding activity because of the severe quantitative deficiency of the protein. The described assay permits the rapid assessment of both the quantity and quality of vWF in a dog. This information is necessary for the detection and characterization of canine von Willebrand's disease, particularily the type II expressions, which cannot be diagnosed by quantitative vWF assays alone.
Evaluation of Quantitative Latex Agglutination for Detection of Cryptosporidium Parvum, E. Coli K99, and Rotavirus in Calf Feces
Authors: Nussbaum David J. , Salord Jérôme R. , Rimmele Dominique D.
Published: May 2011

A new methodology for detection of rotavirus, Escherichia coli K99, and Cryptosporidium parvum in bovine fecal samples was developed based on a quantitative latex agglutination technique (QLAT). Calibrated microspheres coated with specific antibodies to 1 of the enteric pathogens are quantitatively agglutinated by the antigens present in diluted fecal sample. The test is performed in a 96-well flat-bottom plate. The samples were tested with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit prior to being analyzed by QLAT. The calculated sensitivity and specificity are adequate for field conditions, because the amount of the pathogenic agents is generally high. The overall time to perform the test was about 20 minutes.
Diagnosis of Enzootic Pneumonia in Danish Cattle: Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Naturally and Experimentally Infected Cattle
Authors: Larsen L. E. , Tjørnehøj K. , Viuff B. , Jensen N. E. , Uttenthal Å.
Published: May 2011

A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was developed for detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) in lung tissue of naturally and experimentally infected cattle. Primers were selected from the gene coding the F fusion protein, which is relatively conserved among BRSV isolates. The RT-PCR assay was highly specific, it yielded positive reactions only when performed on BRSV-infected cell cultures or tissues. The detection limit of the RT-PCR assay was assessed as 5 TCID50. BRSV was detected in tissues of the respiratory tract and in the tracheobroncheal lymph node of calves euthanized 2–8 days after experimental infection with BRSV, whereas samples of other tissues and samples from mock-infected animals were negative at all time points. Examination of lung samples from 8 different regions of the lungs revealed that although the virus was most often found in the cranioventral lobules, it was frequently present in all lung lobules. Microbiologic examinations of all acute fatal cases of pneumonia (135 animals) in cattle submitted for diagnostic purposes during 1 year revealed that Actinomyces pyogenes (11%), Haemophilus somnus (10%), Pasteurella sp. (7%), and Pasteurella haemolytica (7%) were the most common bacterial agents found in the lungs. BRSV was identified using a conventional antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 23 (17%) animals. The established BRSV-specific RT-PCR assay yielded positive results for the same 23 animals. In addition, 10 animals that were negative with the ELISA were positive with the RT-PCR assay. These results indicates that the RT-PCR assay can be a sensitive, reliable alternative to conventional diagnostic procedures.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Identification of Mycobacterium Avium in Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Animal Tissues
Authors: Miller Janice M. , Jenny Allen L. , Ellingson Jay L.
Published: May 2011

A PCR procedure previously developed for identification of Mycobacterium bovis in formalin-fixed tissues was used to identify mycobacteria of the M. avium complex. Tissues were examined from 100 culture-positive cases of M. avium complex infection, including 86 in which the subspecies was not identified and 14 that had been identified as M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Each sample was tested with 5 primer sets, 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), IS 900, IS 901, IS 1245, and a heat shock protein ( hspX), that detect 1 or both M. avium subspecies. The success rate of PCR detection varied with the primers used and the animal species tested. Among the 86 cases with no M. avium subspecies designation, primers for the 16S rRNA gene were clearly the most efficient because they produced amplicons from all samples that reacted with any other primer set. The overall detection rate in this group of samples was 71%: highest in avian tissues (89%) followed by swine (72%) and ruminants (57%) None of the avian or swine tissues reacted with primers for IS 900 or hspX, which identify M. a. paratuberculosis. In contrast, 7 of the 12 ruminant samples that were 16S rRNA positive reacted with 1 or both of these primers. All of the 14 cases shown by culture to be M. a. paratuberculosis infections were positive with IS 900 primers, whereas only 11 were positive for 16S rRNA. These results indicate that 16S rRNA primers are the most useful for PCR identification of M. avium in formalin-fixed tissues of nonruminant species. However, IS 900 primers should also be used when ruminant tissues are examined because these primers provide the greatest sensitivity for detection of M. a. paratuberculosis infections.
Evaluation of the Polymerase Chain Reaction in Comparison with Other Diagnostic Methods for the Detection of Chlamydia Psittaci
Authors: Trevejo Rosalie T. , Chomel Bruno B. , Kass Philip H.
Published: May 2011

Various diagnostic methods exist for the detection of Chlamydia psittaci. In the current study, the test performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was compared with other testing methods used in the diagnosis of C. psittaci. Tissue and fecal specimens ( n = 119) of avian and mammalian origin were tested by PCR and one or more of the following methods: cell culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and direct fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibody staining. Several gold standards, based on results of testing methods other than PCR, were used to calculate the following test performance characteristics of PCR: sensitivity and specificity, with their 95% confidence intervals; kappa statistics, a measure of intertest agreement; and lambda statistics, a chance-corrected estimate of the sensitivity and specificity. Overall, the test performance characteristics of PCR were low compared with the other testing methods. Possible reasons for the poor test performance of PCR in the current study include destruction of the organisms during storage, interference with the PCR by other reagents, or technical errors.
Development of a Polyclonal-Antibody-Based Immunohistochemical Method for the Detection of Type 2 Porcine Circovirus in Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissue
Authors: Sorden Steven D. , Harms Perry A. , Nawagitgul Porntippa , Cavanaugh David , Paul Prem S.
Published: May 2011

An immunohistochemical method for the detection of type 2 porcine circovirus (PCV2) in paraffin-embedded tissue was developed. Rabbits were inoculated with purified PCV2 to obtain a polyclonal antiserum. Antiserum was applied to sections of porcine tissue that contained lesions consistent with post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome and in which PCV2 genome had been demonstrated by in situ hybridization. In all cases (18/18), the density and distribution of positive cells detected by in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry were identical. The immunohistochemical method is more rapid and less expensive than in situ hybridization and is thus more suitable for routine diagnostic use.
Schizophrenia and Matricide: An Integrative Review
Authors: Schug Robert A.
Published: May 2011

Though a modest number of studies dating back several decades have addressed a possible relationship between schizophrenia and matricide, or mother-killing, this literature to date remains largely unintegrated and findings have yet to be aggregated in any meaningful way. To address this, a qualitative review of studies related to both schizophrenia and matricide was conducted. Sixty-one publications were identified, consisting of case reports, descriptive studies, and comparison studies. Results indicated variable rates across studies of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders among samples of matricidal offenders, though these rates appeared to be elevated in comparison to base rates of schizophrenia in the general population. Additionally, matricidal offenders with and without schizophrenia were in many cases characterized by negative family dynamics, pathological relationships with their mothers, and excessive offense violence. Though only limited generalizations can be made from qualitative synthesis of the literature in its current state, future investigations could lead to the establishment of a schizophrenia—matricide relationship which could have important implications in research, treatment, and criminal investigative areas of forensic psychology.
The 3D Coupled Analysis of FGPM Circular Hollow Sandwich Cylinders under Thermal Loads
Authors: Wu Chih-Ping , Jiang Ruei-Yong
Published: May 2011

A modified Pagano method is developed for the 3D coupled analysis of simply supported, functionally graded piezo-thermo-elastic material (FGPM) circular hollow sandwich cylinders under thermal loads, in which four different surface conditions are considered. The material properties of each individual layer, constituting the cylinders, are regarded as heterogeneous through the thickness coordinate in this formulation, and then specified to obey an exponent-law dependent on this. The Pagano method, conventionally used for the analysis of laminated composite plates and shells, is modified to be feasible for the study of FGPM sandwich cylinders. The modifications include that a displacement-based formulation is replaced by a mixed formulation, a set of the complex-valued solutions of the system equations is transferred to the corresponding set of real-valued solutions, a successive approximation method is introduced in this analysis, and a propagator matrix method is developed and applied for the heat conduction and coupled piezo-thermo-elastic analyses of the FGPM sandwich cylinders. A parametric study of the influence of the radius-to-thickness ratio, thickness ratio of each layer, surface conditions, and material-property gradient index on assorted field variables, induced in the FGPM sandwich cylinders, is undertaken.
Vocational Psychology at the Fork in the Road: Staying the Course or Taking the Road Less Traveled
Authors: Blustein David L.
Published: May 2011

In response to the question posed in this special issue of the Journal of Career Assessment regarding the next big question in vocational psychology, this article poses that the field is at a critical fork in the road. The choice point for vocational psychology is to continue to create knowledge and services for middle-class populations with some degree of choice in their lives or to expand our inclusiveness to include people without as much volition about education, training, and work. In advocating for the road less traveled, some of the challenges and benefits that may result from examining the work lives of the poor and unemployed are reviewed. Selected contributions that vocational psychology can add to the discourse in unemployment and poverty are outlined.
Elastohydrodynamic lubrication friction mapping – the influence of lubricant, roughness, speed, and slide-to-roll ratio
Authors: Björling M , Larsson R , Marklund P , Kassfeldt E
Published: May 2011

A friction test is conducted in a Wedeven Associates Machine ball-on-disc test rig. The output from the test, friction coefficient versus entrainment speed and slide-to-roll ratio (SRR), is presented as a three-dimensional friction map. A number of parameters are varied while studying the friction coefficient; surface roughness, base oil viscosity, base oil type, and extreme pressure (EP) additive package. Entrainment speed, SRR, and oil temperature are also varied. The results show that the mapping is efficient in showing the different types of friction that may occur in an elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication contact. The results also show that the friction behaviour can be strongly influenced by changing surface roughness as well as base oil viscosity, base oil type, EP additive content, and operating temperature.
L-amphetamine improves memory in MS patients with objective memory impairment
Authors: Sumowski James F , Chiaravalloti Nancy , Erlanger David , Kaushik Tanya , Benedict Ralph HB , DeLuca John
Published: May 2011

Background: Memory impairment is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS), but no drugs are approved to treat these memory problems.

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the effect of l-amphetamine versus placebo on auditory/verbal memory and visual/spatial memory in MS patients with and without baseline memory impairment.

Methods: We conducted a re-analysis of a previously published clinical trial in which MS patients were randomly assigned to treatment (30 mg l-amphetamine, N = 99) or placebo ( N = 37) in a four-week, double-blind, parallel-group, dose titration trial. Auditory/verbal memory (CVLT-II: Long Delay Free Recall) and visual/spatial memory (BVMT-R: Delayed Recall) were assessed at baseline and follow-up across subgroups of patients with intact baseline memory (mean = 50th percentile) or impaired baseline memory (mean = 2nd percentile). Primary analyses: 2 ( l-amphetamine, placebo) × 2 (baseline, follow-up), × 2 (baseline memory intact, baseline memory impaired) ANOVAs performed separately for auditory/verbal and visual/spatial memory.

Results: For both auditory/verbal and visual/spatial memory, we observed significant 2 × 2 × 2 interactions whereby l-amphetamine improved memory more than placebo, and this effect was specific to patients with baseline memory impairment.

Conclusions: Among memory-impaired patients, memory improved about 48.5% for those on l-amphetamine, but only 1.0% on placebo. Treatment with l-amphetamine produced large memory gains among memory-impaired MS patients.
Sibling disability risk at onset and during disease progression in familial multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wellek Anne , Korsukewitz Catharina , Bach Jan P , Schock Sabine , Eienbröker Christian , Seitz Florian , Spengler Anna , Hemmer Bernhard , Schlegel Kerstin , Oertel Wolfgang H , Sommer Norbert , Tackenberg Björn
Published: May 2011

Background: The objective of this study was to address the differences in onset and disease progression between familial and sporadic multiple sclerosis (MS) and the association within sibling pairs.

Methods: Ninety-eight siblings and their controls were included from a database of 763 sporadic MS-patients, randomly pair-matched for age, gender, clinical course, disease duration and treatment. Sixty-eight available siblings completed a prospective six-year follow-up. Outcome parameters included baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), age at onset, mono- or multifocal onset, disease progression and conversion to secondary progression of initially relapsing–remitting MS. For statistical analyses Wilcoxon’s signed-rank statistics for categorical differences, t-statistics for continuous variables, McNemar’s test for relative frequencies of categories, intra-class correlations for within sibling-pair associations, or Kaplan–Meier analysis for survival analyses were used; all two-sided at the 5% level.

Results: Disease onset was slightly earlier (29.01 vs. 29.44 years, p = 0.0492) and multifocal onset significantly more often ( p = 0.0052) in familial than in sporadic MS. Notably, a substantial within sibling-pair correlation for disease progression (rho = 0.40; p = 0.0062) as well as a higher risk for siblings than for controls to convert into secondary progression (0.545 vs. 0.227; p = 0.018) could be observed.

Conclusions: Familial MS differs from sporadic cases with respect to age at onset, multifocal involvement as first clinical event, and conversion into secondary progression. The progression rate of one out of two affected siblings may act as a predictor for the other sib.
The use of rank order data in segmentation analysis: A case study of Bruce Country, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Smith Wayne W. , Smith Stephen L.J.
Published: May 2011

A topic of interest to many marketers and researchers is how potential visitors select a destination. Although numerous models have been developed, this line of research is still under-developed. This article illustrates an innovative approach to decision-based segmentation based on Unidimensional Sequence Alignment (USA). This tool was developed in molecular biology to compare genetic structures among different organisms. The basic logic behind USA is that the sequence of a series of entities/events reveals essential information about the identity of the sample being studied. In the case of this study, the sequence refers to the order in which potential visitors considered various criteria regarding potential destinations. Similar sequences of decisions indicate similar segments of potential visitors. Using data from a web-based survey of people who had requested tourism information from Bruce County, Ontario, Canada, the study demonstrates the potential of USA as well as areas for further development.
Power, alienation and performativity in capitalist societies
Authors: Tyler Colin
Published: May 2011

The article presents a model of performative agency in capitalist societies. The first section reconsiders the problem of third-dimensional power as developed by Steven Lukes, focusing on the relationships between universal human needs and social forms. The second section uses the concepts of the ‘self’, ‘I’ and ‘person’ to characterize the relationships between human nature, affect, individual alienation, social institutions and personal judgement. Alienation is argued to be inherent in human agency, rather than being solely created by capitalism. The next section applies this analysis within an agonal theory of civil society that is driven by the individual’s performative participation in associations that compete within institutional settings. Finally the article considers the political ramifications of this model, rejecting contemporary constitutionalist approaches in favour of a revised form of pluralist associationalism. Throughout, the article warns of the dangerous marginalization of emotions (or ‘affect’) by excessively self-conscious, rationalist approaches such as Mead’s social theory, liberal universalism and even some performative theories.
European integration and Russian Orthodoxy: Two multiple modernities perspectives
Authors: Stoeckl Kristina
Published: May 2011

This article introduces a distinction in the paradigm of multiple modernities between a comparative-civilizational and a post-secular perspective. It argues that the former perspective helps us to understand modernization processes in large cultural-civilizational units, whereas the latter viewpoint focuses on actors and cultural domains within civilizational units and on inter-civilizational crossovers. The two perspectives are complementary. What we gain from this distinction is greater precision in the use of multiple modernities to explain the place of religion in modern societies. The example of Russian Orthodoxy is used to clarify the difference between these two perspectives: whereas from a comparative-civilizational viewpoint, Russian Orthodoxy may appear as Europe’s ‘other’; from a post-secular viewpoint, Orthodox religion is part of Europe’s religious pluralist landscape and partakes in an ongoing process of defining the meaning of European political and cultural integration.
The War of Ideas and the Battle of Narratives: A Comparison of Extremist Storytelling Structures
Authors: Bennett Furlow R. , Goodall H.L.
Published: May 2011

In this essay, we examine the core narratives and rhetorical techniques that extremist groups use to explain their worldview. We show that extremists in North America as well as throughout the world, regardless of their political or religious background, demonstrate great similarities in their construction and deployment of narratives. We also identify key features of what we call “the root war metaphor” that characterizes extremist narratives and apply a schema for analyzing “narrative trajectories” to suggest a relationship between these extremist narratives and acts of violence. What we can learn from shared narrative elements among extremist groups may help answer questions about the relationship of words to violence as well as speculate about how core narratives may be used to construct more compelling stories to promote social justice.
A Review of the Methods Used to Estimate the Cost of Alzheimer’s Disease in the United States
Authors: Mauskopf Josephine , Mucha Lisa
Published: May 2011

Background/Rationale: To determine the suitability of published estimates of the US cost of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for use in cost-effectiveness models for new AD treatments. Methods: A systematic literature review of published information on direct medical, direct nonmedical, indirect, and informal care costs for different levels of disease severity. Results: Nineteen studies were included in the review. In studies presenting mean costs by disease severity, the change in different types of costs with increasing disease severity varied, depending on the data sources and characteristics of patients with AD. In studies presenting the results of regression analyses, costs were shown to be independently associated with cognition, functional status, behavioral symptoms, and dependence. Conclusions: Published US studies (1) did not include all the types of costs and AD populations, and (2) generally did not include all the measures of disease severity that are needed for cost-effectiveness models.