bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A probabilistic assessment of the contribution of wastewater-irrigated lettuce to Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection risk and disease burden in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Seidu Razak , Abubakari Amina , Dennis Isaac Amoah , Heistad Arve , Stenstrom Thor Axel , Larbi John A. , Abaidoo Robert C.
Published: February 2015

Wastewater use for vegetable production is widespread across the cities of many developing countries. Studies on the microbial health risks associated with the practice have largely depended on faecal indicator organisms with potential underestimation or overestimation of the microbial health risks and disease burdens. This study assessed the Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection risk and diarrhoeal disease burden measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with the consumption of wastewater-irrigated lettuce in Kumasi, Ghana using data on E. coli O157:H7 in ready-to-harvest, wastewater-irrigated lettuce. Two exposure scenarios – best case and worst case – associated with a single consumption of wastewater-irrigated lettuce were assessed. The assessment revealed wastewater-irrigated lettuce is contributing to the transmission of E. coli O157:H7 in Kumasi, Ghana. The mean E. coli O157:H7 infection risk and DALYs in the wet and dry seasons, irrespective of the exposure scenario, were above the World Health Organization tolerable daily infection risk of 2.7 × 10−7 per person per day and 10−6 DALYs per person per year. It is recommended that legislation with clear monitoring indicators and penalties is implemented to ensure that farmers and food sellers fully implement risk mitigating measures.
A compact point-of-use water purification cartridge for household use in developing countries
Authors: Patil Rajshree A. , Ahmad Dilshad , Kausley Shankar B. , Balkunde Pradeep L. , Malhotra Chetan P.
Published: February 2015

Simple, low-cost household interventions are known to be effective in lowering the incidence of waterborne diseases in developing countries. However, high costs along with operational and maintenance issues have prevented the successful adoption of these interventions among the affected communities. To address these limitations, a cost-effective, gravity-driven water purification cartridge has been developed by employing the synergistic disinfection action of low concentrations of silver and chlorine on bacteria and viruses. The silver and chlorine treatment components within the cartridge have been developed using inexpensive materials and integrated with a life indicator and auto-shut-off-mechanism within a compact form factor. The antibacterial as well as antiviral performance of the cartridge was tested by using ground water spiked with Escherichia coli and MS2 bacteriophage. The results show that, although individually, the silver and chlorine treatment systems were unable to inactivate the test strains, the integrated cartridge inactivates both bacteria as well as viruses up to the log reduction requirement of the USEPA guide standard for microbiological water purifiers over its designated life of 2,000 liters.
Molecular characterisation of clinical and environmental isolates of Mycobacterium kansasii isolates from South African gold mines
Authors: Kwenda Geoffrey , Churchyard Gavin J. , Thorrold Catherine , Heron Ian , Stevenson Karen , Duse Adriano G. , Marais Elsé
Published: February 2015

Mycobacterium kansasii (M. kansasii) is a major cause of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease in the South African gold-mining workforce, but the source of infection and molecular epidemiology are unknown. This study investigated the presence of M. kansasii in gold and coal mine and associated hostel water supplies and compared the genetic diversity of clinical and environmental isolates of M. kansasii. Five M. kansasii and ten other potentially pathogenic mycobacteria were cultured mainly from showerhead biofilms. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction analysis of the hsp65 gene on 196 clinical and environmental M. kansasii isolates revealed 160 subtype I, eight subtype II and six subtype IV strains. Twenty-two isolates did not show the typical M. kansasii restriction patterns, suggesting that these isolates may represent new subtypes of M. kansasii. In contrast to the clonal population structure found amongst the subtype I isolates from studies in other countries, DNA fingerprinting of 114 clinical and three environmental subtype I isolates demonstrated genetic diversity amongst the isolates. This study demonstrated that showerheads are possible sources of M. kansasii and other pathogenic non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection in a gold-mining region, that subtype I is the major clinical isolate of M. kansasii strain and that this subtype exhibits genetic diversity.
Accuracy, precision, usability, and cost of free chlorine residual testing methods
Authors: Murray Anna , Lantagne Daniele
Published: February 2015

Chlorine is the most widely used disinfectant worldwide, partially because residual protection is maintained after treatment. This residual is measured using colorimetric test kits varying in accuracy, precision, training required, and cost. Seven commercially available colorimeters, color wheel and test tube comparator kits, pool test kits, and test strips were evaluated for use in low-resource settings by: (1) measuring in quintuplicate 11 samples from 0.0–4.0 mg/L free chlorine residual in laboratory and natural light settings to determine accuracy and precision; (2) conducting volunteer testing where participants used and evaluated each test kit; and (3) comparing costs. Laboratory accuracy ranged from 5.1–40.5% measurement error, with colorimeters the most accurate and test strip methods the least. Variation between laboratory and natural light readings occurred with one test strip method. Volunteer participants found test strip methods easiest and color wheel methods most difficult, and were most confident in the colorimeter and least confident in test strip methods. Costs range from 3.50–444 USD for 100 tests. Application of a decision matrix found colorimeters and test tube comparator kits were most appropriate for use in low-resource settings; it is recommended users apply the decision matrix themselves, as the appropriate kit might vary by context.
Performer rights and responsibilities in historical performance
Authors: Irving John
Published: February 2015

In April 2014, fortepianist and Mozart specialist John Irving recorded a CD
of solo keyboard sonatas by Joseph Haydn, using a modern copy of a Viennese
fortepiano of Haydn?s era. This is an account of the project written from the
performer?s perspective, examining some relevant issues of historical
performance practice, organology, and detailed reflections upon the
performer?s preparations (of various musical and technical kinds) for the
recording.
Reception of Stevan Stojanovic Mokranjac’s composing creativity in the musical life of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Austro-Hungarian period
Authors: Pacuka Lana
Published: February 2015

With the arrival of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Bosnia and Herzegovina
encountered Western European social trends, which affected the shaping of
musical life physiognomy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
In this extremely intricate relationship between national and
pro-European-oriented cultural trends, Serbian composer Stevan Stojanovic
Mokranjac had a special position as a unique musical phenomenon, since he was
a composer whose musical talent imposed itself as an authority in
strengthening the national musical expression and serving as a guideline for
numerous BH artists.
Dasselbe jahrhundert - verschiedene Epochen. Die entwicklung der chorliteratur im 19. Jahrhundert in Ungarn im Spiegel der Rukoveti von Stevan Mokranjac
Authors: Kaskötő-Buka Marietta
Published: February 2015

In der ersten H?lfte des 19. Jahrhunderts entfaltete sich in Ungarn eine
Gesangsbewegung (?dalos mozgalom?), die es mit sich brachte, dass immer mehr
Ch?re gegr?ndet wurden. Im Gegensatz dazu entstanden Gesangsvereine (?dalos
k?r?) bereits Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts auf dem Gebiet mit einer
deutschsprachigen Mehrheit. Der mit politischen Umw?lzungen verbundene
Freiheitskampf verhinderte eine kontinuierliche Entwicklung der ungarischen
Gesangsvereine: Viele Ch?re l?sten sich nach kurzer Zeit wieder auf, und die
?ffentlichen Auftritte wurden eingestellt. In einen ?hnlichen Kontext lassen
sich auch die Werke von Stevan Mokranjac, besonders sein Liedzyklus
Rukoveti, einordnen, der 15 Kompositionen in sich vereint. Durch ausgew?hlte
Beispiele der ungarischen und serbischen Chorliteratur des 19. Jahrhunderts
und im Zusammenhang mit der Untersuchung der sozio-politischen Verbindungen
sowie der Kompositionssturktur und spezifischen Methoden, gilt es, die
Bedeutung der Rukoveti von Stevan Mokranjac in dem zeitgen?ssischen
Musikleben darzustellen.
Performing nature and artistic text in ethnic music
Authors: Macijewski Ihor
Published: February 2015

In this paper I discuss special features in traditional ethnic music; it is
about the functional, social-psychological and genre-structural generative
factors of the artistic text?s formation within multitude of predictable
concrete texts existing in reality. The integral formulae of any art work of
traditional music in a small or big form are derived on the basis of the
mathematic theory of multitude.
Performance of musical scale in traditional vocal homophony: Lithuanian examples
Authors: Ambrazevicius Rytis
Published: February 2015

Acoustical measurements of pitches in a dozen songs exemplifying the
Lithuanian traditional vocal homophony were carried out. Several phenomena
were revealed. First, the entire scales experience gradual transposition
(rise) from the beginning to the end of the song performances. Second, the
transposition is supplemented with the gradual shrinking of the musical
scales (the intervals become narrower). Third, the intonations of the scale
degrees are dynamic, i.e. they depend on the musical (both melodic and
harmonic) contexts. Fourth, the versions of musical scales work as certain
markers for the idiolects (further studies could show if this might be
extrapolated to the realm of dialects). All these insights raise issues
about the perceptual qualities of the musical scales and their
manifestations in the performance.
The live album or many ways of representing performance
Authors: Mazzanti Sergio
Published: February 2015

The analysis of live albums can clarify the dialectic between studio
recordings and live performances. After discussing key concepts such as
authenticity, space, time and place, and documentation, the author gives a
preliminary definition of live albums, combining available descriptions and
comparing them with different typologies and functions of these recordings.
The article aims to give a new definition of the concept of live albums,
gathering their primary elements: ?A live album is an officially released
extended recording of popular music representing one or more actually
occurred public performances?.
Consequences of Big Data and Formalization on Accounting and Auditing Standards
Authors: Krahel John Peter , Titera William R.
Published: February 2015

SYNOPSIS

Accounting and auditing standards help manage a compromise between users' desire for more information and the costs to prepare and transmit that information. Previously forced to manage a paucity of information, businesses now look to capitalize upon the massive volumes of data and metadata that fill petabytes of space in their servers. Likewise, data from many sources and in many forms, many of which are irrelevant, inundate investors. Accounting and auditing standards have not kept pace, maintaining an emphasis on presentation, aggregation, and sampling. This essay argues that a change in standards to focus on data, the processes that generate them, and their analysis, rather than their presentation, will add value and relevance to the accounting profession, empower end users, and improve the efficiency of the capital markets.
Dietary Intake, FTO Genetic Variants, and Adiposity: A Combined Analysis of Over 16,000 Children and Adolescents
Authors: Qi Qibin , Downer Mary K. , Kilpeläinen Tuomas O. , Taal H. Rob , Barton Sheila J. , Ntalla Ioanna , Standl Marie , Boraska Vesna , Huikari Ville , Kiefte-de Jong Jessica C. , Körner Antje , Lakka Timo A. , Liu Gaifen , Magnusson Jessica , Okuda Masayuki , Raitakari Olli , Richmond Rebecca , Scott Robert A. , Bailey Mark E.S. , Scheuermann Kathrin , Holloway John W. , Inskip Hazel , Isasi Carmen R. , Mossavar-Rahmani Yasmin , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Laitinen Jaana , Lindi Virpi , Melén Erik , Pitsiladis Yannis , Pitkänen Niina , Snieder Harold , Heinrich Joachim , Timpson Nicholas J. , Wang Tao , Yuji Hinoda , Zeggini Eleftheria , Dedoussis George V. , Kaplan Robert C. , Wylie-Rosett Judith , Loos Ruth J.F. , Hu Frank B. , Qi Lu
Published: February 2015

The FTO gene harbors variation with the strongest effect on adiposity and obesity risk. Previous data support a role for FTO variation in influencing food intake. We conducted a combined analysis of 16,094 boys and girls aged 1–18 years from 14 studies to examine the following: 1) the association between the FTO rs9939609 variant (or a proxy) and total energy and macronutrient intake; and 2) the interaction between the FTO variant and dietary intake, and the effect on BMI. We found that the BMI-increasing allele (minor allele) of the FTO variant was associated with increased total energy intake (effect per allele = 14.3 kcal/day [95% CI 5.9, 22.7 kcal/day], P = 6.5 × 10−4), but not with protein, carbohydrate, or fat intake. We also found that protein intake modified the association between the FTO variant and BMI (interactive effect per allele = 0.08 SD [0.03, 0.12 SD], P for interaction = 7.2 × 10−4): the association between FTO genotype and BMI was much stronger in individuals with high protein intake (effect per allele = 0.10 SD [0.07, 0.13 SD], P = 8.2 × 10−10) than in those with low intake (effect per allele = 0.04 SD [0.01, 0.07 SD], P = 0.02). Our results suggest that the FTO variant that confers a predisposition to higher BMI is associated with higher total energy intake, and that lower dietary protein intake attenuates the association between FTO genotype and adiposity in children and adolescents.
Effect of process parameters in laser cladding on substrate melted areas and the substrate melted shape
Authors: Goodarzi Dara Moazami , Pekkarinen Joonas , Salminen Antti
Published: February 2015

In the present study, the application of fiber laser cladding by off-axis powder injection is studied as a surface treatment or coating process. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of laser power, powder feeding rate, and cladding speed to melt the pool shape. The effects of change in process parameters on clad bead substrate melted areas are also studied. The influence of the laser beam's energy input into the melt pool is also discussed in this paper. This study is based on single pass clad layers, the additive material used was 316L stainless steel and S355 structural steel worked as the substrate material. By systematic change in the main laser cladding process parameters (cladding speed, laser power, and powder feeding rate), the process parameters' effect on the clad bead shape was studied. The process parameters were studied by using the design of experiment methodology. This multilevel full-factorial method experimentally (by use of preliminary test results) optimized the test matrix. Through statistical analysis of the results, it was observed that the laser power and powder feed rate were the main factors controlling the substrate melted area. This study successfully established the relationship between the main laser cladding process variables and the substrate melting area and substrate melted shape. The analysis concluded that low powder feeding rates and cladding speeds melt the substrate material thus increasing the dilution. However, it was also observed that in some cases there was less penetration in the side of the clad bead than in the middle. In addition, the asymmetrical substrate melted shape was observed when the powder feed rate was increased.
Evaluation of microstructure and fatigue properties in laser cladding repair of ultrahigh strength AerMet® 100 steel
Authors: Sun Shi Da , Leary Martin , Liu Qianchu , Brandt Milan
Published: February 2015

The metallurgy and fatigue properties were evaluated for the laser cladding of AerMet® 100 powder on AerMet® 100 substrate. Working with small scale tensile and fatigue samples causes an overextended HAZ due to the constant heating applied on a small thermal mass. The limited heat input causes major processing issues with inter-run porosity observed. The microstructure observed in both the clad and Heat-affected Zone (HAZ) is (1) inhomogeneous and nonuniform and (2) hard and brittle martensitic structure. As a result, the yield strength is reduced by 37%, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) reduced by 13%, elongation reduced by 57%, and the fatigue life is reduced significantly.
Effect of welding parameters and the heat input on weld bead profile of laser welded T-joint in structural steel
Authors: Unt Anna , Salminen Antti
Published: February 2015

The high power fiber laser has become one of the most efficient energy sources for deep penetration welding processes used in heavy manufacturing and marine industries. Combinations of cost-efficient, easily automatable process together with fairly mobile and flexible welding equipment have raised high expectations for improved quality and economic feasibility. In this study, the fillet welding of a low alloyed structural steel was studied using a 10 kW fiber laser. Plates of 8 mm thick AH36 were welded as a T-joint configuration in flat (1F) and horizontal (2F) positions using either an autogenous laser welding or a hybrid laser arc welding process. The effect of heat input on the weld bead geometry was investigated using one variable at a time approach. The impact of single process parameter such as laser power of 4.5–6 kW, welding speed of 0.5–2.5 m/min, beam inclination angle of 6°–15°, focal point position of −2 to +2 mm, and welding positions of 1F and 2F were studied. All welds were visually evaluated for weld imperfections described in EN ISO 13919-1 standard. Penetration depth, geometries of the fusion and heat affected zones, and hardness profiles were measured. Produced joints have a high depth to width ratio and a small heat affected zone; full penetration welds with acceptable weld quality on both sides of the joint were produced. The parameter configurations for optimizing the welding processes are proposed.
Phase constituents and microhardness of laser alloyed Ti–6Al–4 V alloy
Authors: Adebiyi D. I. , Popoola A. P. I. , Pityana S. L.
Published: February 2015

Ti-6Al-4 V alloy possesses excellent mechanical and chemical properties which make it a favorite material for the automobile, aerospace and aeronautical industries, but the alloy has low hardenability and poor wear resistance. This is because of its low resistance to plastic shearing, low work hardening and the low protection offered by its surface oxide. This study was designed to modify the microstructure and enhance the microhardness of the two-phase Ti-6Al-4 V alloy. The alloy was laser coated with a premixed ratio of Mo + Zr + Stellite 6 using 4.4 kW continuous wave Rofin Sinar Nd:YAG laser processing system fitted with an off-axis nozzle for powder feeding. Optical and scanning electron microscopes were used to study the microstructural evolution in the laser coatings, while phase constituents were identified and studied by x-ray diffractometer. A through-thickness hardness indentation was measured using Vickers hardness tester. New intermetallic compounds and alloy phases were precipitated which confirmed metallurgical reaction between the substrate and the powder mix. The β-phase of the two-phase titanium alloy was retained. This is attributed to the presence of Mo, which is a beta phase stabilizer, in the powder mix. There was considerable increase in the Vickers hardness from 357.6 HV0.1 in the native alloy to 1145.2 HV0.1 in the composite coating.
High average power 600 μJ ultrafast fiber laser for micromachining application
Authors: Zaouter Yoann , Guichard Florent , Hoenninger Clemens , Mottay Eric , Hanna Marc , Georges Patrick
Published: February 2015

Scaling up of pulse energy in an ultrafast fiber laser is demonstrated by simultaneous use of chirped-pulse amplification and divided-pulse amplification. The simultaneous generation of 60 W of compressed average power at 100 kHz, together with 320 fs and 600 μJ pulses represents the highest performance achieved from an industrial grade ultrafast fiber laser.
Ablation efficiency of high average power ultrafast laser
Authors: Lopez John , Mincuzzi Girolamo , Devillard Raphael , Zaouter Yoann , Hönninger Clemens , Mottay Eric , Kling Rainer
Published: February 2015

Nowadays, the relevance of ultrashort laser is well established for many medical or industrial applications. Indeed, the ultrashort laser technology has reached a high level of robustness which makes it compatible with the needs of industry. This laser technology combines the unique capacity to process any type of material with an outstanding precision and a minimal heat affected zone. Thanks to high average power and high repetition rate it is possible to achieve high throughput providing that the operating parameters are finely tuned to the application, otherwise heat accumulation and heat affected zone may appear. In this paper, the authors report on high throughput single pass ablation of stainless steel with a high average power Yb-doped fiber ultrashort pulse laser which is tunable in pulse duration from 350 fs to 10 ps and in repetition rate from 200 kHz to 2 MHz. The influence of pulse duration, repetition rate, fluence, energy dose, and scanning velocity will be discussed in terms of ablation efficiency and processing quality. These results will be compared to those previously obtained on aluminum, copper, and molybdenum. The authors will see that the effect of these parameters is strongly material dependent. The ablation behavior of stainless steel is very sensitive to these parameters meanwhile it is not the case for aluminum in the investigated process window. The authors observe an intermediate behavior for copper and molybdenum. Moreover, the authors will demonstrate that engraving of metals without melt formation is possible even at high average power (20 W) and high repetition rate. Furthermore, best ablation efficiency and quality are obtained at low fluencies. Scaling up from 2 to 15 W implies to use high repetition rate and high deflection velocity.
New Species in the Hungarian Avifauna in 2013
Authors: Hadarics Tibor
Published: February 2015

Three new species appeared in the Hungarian avifauna in 2013: the Black-throated Thrush, the Booted Warbler and the Caspian Plover. A Black-throated Thrush stayed at the Nagyerdõ, Debrecen between the 1st and 12th of March. A Booted Warbler was trapped and ringed at the Hortobágy Fishpond on the 25th of May. Finally, a Caspian Plover was observed near Kardoskút on the 15-17th of November. Thus the number of bird species known to occur in Hungary has increased to 409.
Usefulness of the assessment of discharge accumulation in the lower airways and tracheal septum thickening in the differential diagnosis of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in the horse
Authors: Wysocka B. , Kluciński W.
Published: February 2015

The aim of the present study was to use endoscopic evaluation to compare the grade of accumulation of discharge in the lower airways of horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD), and to estimate the usefulness of endoscopic evaluation in differential diagnosis of these diseases. Endoscopic evaluation consists of: the amount of discharge in the lower part of the trachea and tracheal bifurcation, and the assessment of tracheal septum thickness. This study was performed on 248 horses, 10 were healthy, 97 were diagnosed as RAO, and 141 were diagnosed as IAD. In all animals both a clinical and endoscopic examination were performed. During endoscopy, a score of mucus accumulation was estimated in 3/4 lower of the trachea and in the tracheal bifurcation. In addition to this, thickening of the tracheal septum was also assessed. According to the results of this study, it was estimated that the accumulation of mucus in the lower airways was much more advanced in RAO horses compared to horses with IAD. In horses with RAO there was a marked thickening of the tracheal septum compared to IAD horses. The results indicate the efficacy of scoring the amount of mucus in the tracheal lumen and tracheal bifurcation, as well as the efficacy of the assessment of tracheal septum thickness in the diagnosis of these diseases
Effect of whole wheat feeding on selected immune parameters in growing male turkeys
Authors: Tykałowski B. , Śmiałek M. , Pestka D. , Stenzel T. , Jankowski J. , Mikulski D. , Koncicki A.
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of whole wheat feeding on selected parameters of humoral and cell-mediated immunity in growing turkeys. A total of 210 one-day-old heavy-type Hybrid Converter male turkeys were randomly divided into three different dietary treatment groups, each consisting of 7 replicate pens of 10 birds per pen. Until 4 wk of age, all birds were fed a commercial diet formulated to meet nutrient requirements. From 5 to 12 wk of age, diets were composed of wheat (ground-pelleted or whole grain) and protein-fat-mineral-vitamin concentrate. The total wheat concentration in diets was 500 or 600 g/kg in the feeding periods of 5-8 and 9-12 wk of birds’ age, respectively. Whole grain wheat had a 0, 50 or 100% share of the total wheat amount in the daily ration in treatment groups W0, W50 or W100, respectively. Commercial vaccines against ND (Newcastle disease) and TRT (Turkey rhinotracheitis) were administered to turkeys via the drinking water on days 20 and 30, respectively. Over the entire experiment, a significant linear decrease was observed in body weight gains (BWG) with increasing dietary levels of whole grain wheat. As a result the BWG of control turkeys (W0) were significantly higher than the BWG of group W100 birds (P = 0.002). A significant linear increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed with increasing dietary levels of whole grain wheat (P < 0.001). The levels of antibodies against TRT and ND viruses after immunization were significantly higher in both the W50 and W100 group, in comparison to group W0 (P = 0.006 and P = 0.001, respectively). Turkeys from group W50, in comparison to those from groups W0 and W100, had a significantly higher percentage of CD4+ T cell subpopulation within the lymphocytes isolated from blood and ileal mucosa, as well as CD4+ CD8+ and CD8+ T cell subpopulations within the blood immunocompetent cells (P = 0.022, P = 0.029, P = 0.009 and P = 0.011, respectively). In the cecal tonsils, the percentage of CD8+ T cell subpopulation was significantly lower in group W50 than in groups W0 and W100 (P = 0.014). The results of our study indicate that diluting diets with whole grain wheat stimulates the non-specific cell-mediated defense mechanisms of the gastrointestinal immune system in turkeys, thus positively affecting humoral response after vaccination
The effect of Biolex-MB40 on the phagocytic activity and oxidative metabolism of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes in lambs
Authors: Wójcik R.
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Biolex-MB40 on the phagocytic activity and oxidative metabolism of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes in lambs. The experimental material comprised 32 lambs aged 30 ± 3 days, divided into two equal groups: control and experimental. Experimental group animals were fed a diet supplemented with the Biolex-MB40 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the amount of 3 g/kg of the concentrate. At the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and on experimental days 15, 30 and 60, blood was sampled from the jugular vein to determine and compare the phagocytic activity (PHAGOTEST) and oxidative metabolism (BURSTTEST) of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes by flow cytometry. Based on the results of an analysis of granulocyte and monocyte phagocytic activity, statistically higher levels of phagocytic activity were observed in the group of lambs administered Biolex-MB40 than in the control animals, expressed in terms of the percentage of phagocytic cells as well as mean fluorescence intensity. Biolex-MB40 also had a positive effect on the oxidative metabolism of both granulocytes and monocytes after stimulation with Escherichia coli bacteria and with PMA (4-phorbol-12-β-myristate-13-acetate), expressed in terms of the percentage of oxidative metabolism as well as mean fluorescence intensity
Motility activity, slime production, biofilm formation and genetic typing by ERIC-PCR for Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from bovine and other sources (human and environment)
Authors: Wolska K. , Szweda P. , Lada K. , Rytel E. , Gucwa K. , Kot B. , Piechota M.
Published: February 2015

The molecular-typing strategy, ERIC-PCR was used in an attempt to determine the genomic relationship of 28 P. aeruginosa strains isolated from faeces of healthy bovine, bovine mastitis and from faeces of hospital patients as well as from environment. ERIC-PCR fingerprinting revealed large molecular differentiation within this group of isolates. Twenty two out of 28 strains tested generated unique patterns of DNA bands and only three genotypes consisted of two isolates each were identified. We also tested the P. aeruginosa isolates for their ability to form a biofilm on abiotic surfaces including polyvinylchloride and polystyrene. Different biofilm-forming abilities were demonstrated among strains; however, most of them (64.3%) showed moderate-biofilm forming ability. The strains with increased swimming and twitching motility displayed elevated biofilm formation. However, a negative correlation was found between slime and initial biofilm production. On the basis of the results obtained, we suggest that there are no major differences in phenotypic properties between P. aeruginosa strains isolated from different sources
The effect of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on selected parameters of humoral immunity in calves
Authors: Wójcik R. , Małaczewska J. , Siwicki A.K. , Miciński J. , Zwierzchowski G.
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of HMB on selected parameters of the humoral immunity in calves. The experiment was performed on 14 calves aged 30 ± 2 days, divided into two equal groups of control (group K) and experimental (group H) animals. The feed administered to the experimental calves was supplemented with HMB at 40 mg/kg BW, whereas the control calves were administered standard farm-made feed without supplementation. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein immediately before the experiment (day 0) and on experimental days 15, 30 and 60 to determine the following immunological parameters: total protein levels, gammaglobulin levels, lysozyme activity and ceruloplasmin activity. An analysis of the results obtained revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05; p < 0.01; p < 0.001 respectively) in gammaglobulin levels and lysozyme activity throughout the entire experimental period, an increase (p < 0.05; p < 0.01 respectively) in ceruloplasmin activity on experimental days 15 and 30, but no changes in serum total protein levels of calves administered HMB as compared to those found in the control group
Neoplastic lesions in the nasal cavities of dogs
Authors: Spużak J. , Jankowski M. , Kubiak K. , Glińska-Suchocka K. , Grzegory M. , Hałoń A.
Published: February 2015

This paper aims at evaluating the frequency of nasal cavity tumors in dogs as well as comparing an endoscopic examination with a histopathological evaluation of the collected biopsy specimens. The study was conducted on 68 dogs. During the endoscopic examination, proliferative lesions were recognized in 20 dogs. During the histopathological examination, neoplastic lesions were confirmed in 95% of the dogs in which proliferative lesions were identified in the endoscopic examination. Adenocarcinoma occurred most frequently in the population under study
Occurrence, characteristics and control of pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 in pigeons
Authors: Pestka D. , Stenzel T. , Koncicki A.
Published: February 2015

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious and devastating viral disease of poultry and other birds that has a worldwide distribution. ND in pigeons is called paramyxovirosis and is caused by antigenic “pigeon variant” of the virus (pigeon paramyxovirus type 1, PPMV-1). During PPMV-1 infections, central nervous system symptoms and sometimes high mortality are observed. In the case of infection with viscerotropic strains which exhibit specific affinity for the kidneys, the first observed sign is polyuria, and neural symptoms appear only in individual birds in the flock. Due to the similarity of symptoms of paramyxovirosis to the pigeon herpes virus infection (PHV), sodium chloride poisoning, overdose of ronidazole or vitamin B1 deficiency, it is necessary to perform laboratory tests to make a correct diagnosis. After virus isolation PPMV-1 can be detected initially by haemagglutination assay (HA). PPMV-1 can be confirmed by conventional serological tests such a haemagglutination inhibition test (HI) or molecular-based techniques. In the prophylaxis of paramyxovirosis in pigeons, inactivated vaccines are used, administered by subcutaneous injection in various prevention programs. However, vaccination should be only one component of a strategy of PPMV-1 control, on a par with effective biosecurity and proper, effective methods of prevention and diagnostics of paramyxovirosis
Oxidative parameters and expression of 70kDa heat shock proteins in pig heart tissue after transport and slaughter
Authors: Urban-Chmiel R. , Pyz-Łukasik R. , Dudzic A. , Wernicki A.
Published: February 2015

In view of the significant role of Hsp70 in protecting the organism against the destructive effects of stress, and the possibility of using this protein as a marker of the infarction process in the heart, the aim of this study was to conduct an evaluation of the expression of 70kDa heat shock proteins (Hsp70) and the concentration of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and nitric oxide ions (NO), determined as nitrite ions, as markers of oxidative stress in hearts obtained from healthy pigs following slaughter and pigs which had died during or immediately after transport with symptoms of sudden cardiac death.

The material consisted of hearts obtained from 90 pigs following slaughter and from pigs which had died. Oxidative stress was determined in heart lysates based on the concentration of TBARS and nitrite ions. Expression and concentration of Hsp70 were determined using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and ELISA.

Expression of Hsp70 was observed in hearts lysates obtained from slaughtered pigs and from those which had died with symptoms of sudden death. The strongest reaction in the Western Blotting was noted in hearts lysates from pigs with no pathological changes. The highest TBARS concentration was observed in lysates from hearts in pigs which had died during or immediately after transport. The highest concentration of NO ions, determined as nitrite ions, was noted in hearts from pigs with myocardial infarction lesions. The significant decrease observed in Hsp70 concentration in heart tissue obtained from the pigs which had died in comparison to the hearts from healthy pigs indicates the important role of this protein in protecting the heart muscle against the destructive effects of stress, which limits the occurrence of post-stress cardiomyopathy in pigs following transport.
The in vitro effect of kynurenic acid on the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) leukocyte and splenocyte activity
Authors: Małaczewska J. , Siwicki A. K. , Wójcik R. , Turski W. a. , Kaczorek E.
Published: February 2015

Kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous neuroprotectant formed along the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation, is a selective ligand of the GPR35 receptor, which can be found on the surface of various populations of human immune cells. In infections and inflammations, KYNA produces an anti-inflammatory effect through this receptor, by depressing the synthesis of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, it is still unrecognized whether receptors for kynurenic acid are also localized on immune cells of poikilothermic animals, or whether KYNA is able to affect these cells. The objective of this study has been to determine the effect of different concentrations of kynurenic acid (12.5 μM to 10 mM) on the viability and mitogenic response of lymphocytes and on the activity of phagocytic cells isolated from blood and the spleen of rainbow trout. The results imply low toxicity of kynurenic acid towards fish immune cells, and the proliferative effect observed at the two lowest concentrations of KYNA (12.5 μM and 25 μM) seems indicative of endogenous kynurenic acid being capable of activating fish lymphocytes. Non-toxic, micromole concentrations of KYNA, however, had no influence on the mitogenic response of lymphocytes nor on the activity of phagocytes in rainbow trout under in vitro conditions. There is some likelihood that such an effect could be observed at lower, nanomole concentrations of KYNA.
Diagnostic performance of ID Screen® MVV-CAEV Indirect Screening ELISA in identifying small ruminant lentiviruses-infected goats
Authors: Nowicka D. , Czopowicz M. , Mickiewicz M. , Szaluś-Jordanow O. , Witkowski L. , Bagnicka E. , Kaba J.
Published: February 2015

Diagnostic performance of ID Screen®MVV-CAEV Indirect Screening ELISA in identifying goats infected with small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) was evaluated. In total 299 serum samples from the collection of the Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics - 109 truly positive and 190 truly negative - were used. To be enrolled in the study a serum sample had to come from at least 2 year-old goat which had reacted identically in two serological surveys preceding sample collection and was kept in a herd of stable serological status confirmed at least twice during preceding 5 years. Moreover, in seropositive herds at least 20% of goats had to be serologically positive at the moment when the serum sample was collected for the study. The test proved to have high accuracy. Area under curve was 98.8% (95% CI: 97.5%, 100%). Diagnostic performance of the test was almost identical (Youlden’s index of 90%, sensitivity >90% and specificity >95%) within a fairly wide range of cut-off values - between 20% and 60%. At manufacturer’s cut-off of 50% sensitivity and specificity were 91.7% (95% CI: 85.0%, 95.6%) and 98.9% (95% CI: 96.2%, 99.7%), respectively. For this cut-off positive likelihood ratio was 87 (95% CI: 22, 346) and negative likelihood ratio was 0.08 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.16). In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that ID Screen®MVV-CAEV Indirect Screening ELISA is a highly accurate diagnostic test for SRLV infection.
Effect of 24 hour application of three hemostatic dressings to porcine thigh muscles
Authors: Adamiak Z. , Jastrzębski P. , Pomianowski A. , Otrocka-Domagała I. , Holak P. , Zhalniarovich Y. , Przyborowska P. , Głodek J.
Published: February 2015

The effectiveness of three types of hemostatic dressings, QuikClot Gauze, ChitoGauze PRO and Celox Gauze, was evaluated in nine pigs. The results indicated a strong influence of all examined dressings on porcine femoral muscle tissue evaluated 24 hours after direct contact. A histopathological analysis revealed pathological changes in muscle tissue specimens collected from all the animals.
Comparison of High Resolution Gradient Echo, XBONE T1, XBONE T2, Spin Echo T1 and 3D SST1 magnetic resonance imaging sequences for imagining the canine elbow
Authors: Zhalniarovich Y. , Adamiak Z. , Głodek J. , Przyborowska P. , Holak P.
Published: February 2015

Twenty canine elbows were examined by low-field MRI. The objective of this study was to compare five magnetic resonance sequences: High Resolution Gradient Echo in the sagittal plane, XBONE T2 in the sagittal plane, Spin Echo T1 in the sagittal plane, Spin Echo T1 in the dorsal plane and 3D SST1 and XBONE T1 in the transverse plane, and to determine which sequences have the highest diagnostic value in imagining the canine elbow. High Resolution Gradient Echo, XBONE T2 and Spin Echo T1 sequences in the sagittal plane proved to be very useful in evaluations of osseous structures such as the medial coronoid process, the anconeal process of the ulna and joint surfaces. The above sequences facilitate evaluations of radial extensor muscle of the wrist, biceps brachii muscle, triceps brachii muscle and the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 3D SST1 and XBONE T1 sequences in the transverse plane produce high-quality images of the medial humeral condyle and surfaces of the elbow joint. Those sequences are also useful for evaluating the surrounding muscles: extensor digitorum communis muscle, extensor carpi radialis muscle, deltoid muscle, biceps brachii muscle, pronator teres muscle and flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. The Spin Echo T1 sequence in the dorsal plane facilitates assessments of joint surfaces, medial humeral condyle, superficial digital flexor muscle, deep digital flexor muscle, triceps brachii muscle and extensor digitorum lateralis muscle. The Spin Echo T1 sequence in the sagittal plane has a short scan time, but it produces images of lower quality than High Resolution Gradient Echo and XBONE T2 sequences in the sagittal plane.
Electroencephalographic recordings of physiological activity of the sheep cerebral cortex
Authors: Cwynar P. , Kołacz R. , Walerjan P.
Published: February 2015

This paper presents the physiological activity of the cerebral cortex in sheep in electroencephalographic findings. The study was performed to evaluate and improve understanding of brain monitoring methods in freely moving animals without the use of any anaesthetic methods during the acquisition stage. The aim of the study was to determine the physiological activity of the cerebral cortex in animals in a sheep model (using clinically healthy Polish Merino rams, aged 1 yr.) to determine its clinical EEG protocol. The EEG was registered using an in-lab EEG device as well as ambulatory systems (Holter EEG). The bioelectrical activity of the sheep cerebral cortex was recorded using gold disc and needle electrodes placed on experimentally determined locations on the scalp. The main finding of this study was the rhythmic EEG activity of the sheep brain in wakeful and conscious states (eyes open). The rhythm was bilaterally synchronous and determined a basic pattern in the registration of physiological activity of the cerebral cortex. The acquired rhythm may correspond to the theta rhythm in humans, which is a normal activity controlled by the hippocampus. This background activity comprised intermittent episodic slow waves and synchronous beta waves.
Association of polymorphism within LTF gene promoter with lactoferrin concentration in milk of Holstein cows
Authors: Zabolewicz T. , Barcewicz M. , Brym P. , Puckowska P. , Kamiński S.
Published: February 2015

This study analyzed the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (A/C) in position -28 located in the TATA box of LTF gene and the lactoferrin concentration in bovine milk secreted by healthy and infected udders. Out of 241, 69 cows were selected into the experimental group and were divided into 3 groups according to mean value of somatic cell count (SCC): I <180 000 cells/mL, II: 180 000 - 350 000 cells/mL and III > 350 000 cells/mL. In each SCC group, three LTF genotypes: AA, AC and CC were identified by PCR-SSCP method. A total of 604 milk samples were collected monthly and lactoferrin concentration was measured by ELISA. The 1-way ANOVA within SCC groups was performed to estimate association of -28 A/C genotypes with mean lactoferrin concentration per lactation. In the group of healthy cows (<180 000 cells/mL) LTF concentration in milk cows with the AA genotype (107.58 ± 17.92 μg/mL) was significantly higher than in homozygotes CC (52.09 ± 19.01 μg/mL). Unexpectedly, in cows with elevated SCC (>350 000 cells/mL) we observed a significant opposite relationship (207.21 ± 28.50 in CC vs 115.0 ± 28.6 μg/mL in AA). We hypothesized that a promoter with allele C, which cannot be recognized as a TATA sequence is becoming more accessible for other transcription factors, which may induce alternative LTF gene expression. We assume that our results demonstrate a very interesting effect of differential gene expression depending on polymorphism in a key regulatory motif (TATA box) and also on the health status of mammary tissues.
Trueperella pyogenes and Escherichia coli as an etiological factor of endometritis in cows and the susceptibility of these bacteria to selected antibiotics
Authors: Brodzki P. , Bochniarz M. , Brodzki A. , Wrona Z. , Wawron W.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of participation of particular species of microorganisms, isolated from the uterus of cows with endometritis and from cows without inflammatory lesions of the uterus, in the same postpartum period. The aim of the study was also to examine how long after parturition non-treated endometritis persists. Moreover, antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out of the bacterial isolates dominating in the uterus. Forty cows were included in the study: 20 cows with endometritis (experimental group) and 20 cows without any inflammatory condition of the uterus (control group). The material for cytological and bacteriological tests was collected on the 5th, 26th, 40thand 60thday after parturition, using an intrauterine brush adapted for cows. The total number of collected isolates was 149, including 120 isolates from the uterus of cows with endometritis and 29 isolates from the uterus of cows without endometritis. The following species of microorganisms were isolated from the material collected from cows with endometritis: T. pyogenes (49.2%), E.coli (22.5%), F. necrophorum (11.7%), Staphylococcus sp. (6.7%), B. melaninogenicus (5.8%), and Streptococcus sp. (4.1%). The participation percentage of particular species of bacteria in the material collected from the uterus of cows without endometritis was as follows: T. pyogenes (27.6%), E.coli (24.2%), Staphylococcus sp. (20.7%), Streptococcus sp. (20.7%), B. melaninogenicus (3.4%) and F. necrophorum (3.4%). The highest percentage of T. pyogenes isolates was susceptible to ceftiofur (89.6%); cefoperazone (85.1%) and amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid (79.1%). E. coli isolates were most susceptible to amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid (100%), cefoperazone (94.1%) and oxytetracycline (82.3%).