bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A challenging task for assessment of checking behaviors in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Rotge J. Y. , Clair A. H. , Jaafari N. , Hantouche E. G. , Pelissolo A. , Goillandeau M. , Pochon J. B. , Guehl D. , Bioulac B. , Burbaud P. , Tignol J. , Mallet L. , Aouizerate B.
Published: March 2008

Objective:  The present study concerns the objective and quantitative measurement of checking activity, which represents the most frequently observed compulsions in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). To address this issue, we developed an instrumental task producing repetitive checking in OCD subjects.

Method:  Fifty OCD subjects and 50 normal volunteers (NV) were administered a delayed matching‐to‐sample task that offered the unrestricted opportunity to verify the choice made. Response accuracy, number of verifications, and response time for choice taken to reflect the degree of uncertainty and doubt were recorded over 50 consecutive trials.

Results:  Despite similar levels of performance, patients with OCD demonstrated a greater number of verifications and a longer response time for choice before checking than NV. Such behavioral patterns were more pronounced in OCD subjects currently experiencing checking compulsions.

Conclusion:  The present task might be of special relevance for the quantitative assessment of checking behaviors and for determining relationships with cognitive processes.
FOXP3 positive regulatory T‐cells in cutaneous and systemic CD30 positive T‐cell lymphoproliferations
Authors: Gjerdrum Lise Mette , Woetmann Anders , Odum Niels , Hother Christoffer , Henrik‐Nielsen Regitze , Gniadecki Robert , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth
Published: March 2008

The CD30‐positive lymphoproliferations encompass a spectrum of disorders that share histological and phenotypic similarities but differ markedly in clinical behaviour. The basis for this diversity is not known, but it has been proposed that immune suppression by cytokines and/or regulatory T‐cells (Tregs) may be implicated. In this study, skin biopsies from lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) (n = 14), primary cutaneous anaplastic large cells lymphoma (C‐ALCL) (n = 13) and systemic anaplastic large cells lymphoma (S‐ALCL) with (n = 9) or without (n = 6) ALK expression were examined by immunohistology for FOXP3 expression in tumour cells and tumour infiltrating Tregs. Labelling of a majority of the neoplastic cells was seen in one case of C‐ALCL. Another three cases (one LyP and two C‐ALCL) displayed weak labelling of very occasional atypical T‐cells. In the remaining 38 cases the atypical lymphoid infiltrate was FOXP3 negative. By contrast, all biopsies contained tumour infiltrating FOXP3‐positive Tregs. Significant higher numbers were recorded in ALK negative S‐ALCL and LyP than in C‐ALCL and S‐ALCL positive for ALK. In conclusion, it is shown that FOXP3 expression in cutaneous and systemic CD30‐positive lymphoproliferations is generally confined to tumour infiltrating Tregs. These cells may have influence upon the clinical behaviour, possibly depending upon the net degree of Treg mediated immune suppression of tumour cells relative to tumour infiltrating, cytotoxic effector cells, thereby implicating the more favourable outcome of LyP compared to C‐ALCL.
Cyclic stretching force‐induced early apoptosis in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Zhong W , Xu C , Zhang F , Jiang X , Zhang X , Ye D
Published: March 2008

Objective:  Human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells occur changes in morphology and express relative protein by stretching force. However, whether stretching force, especially excessive stretching force, induces PDL cell apoptosis is not yet clearly understood. In the present study we investigated the relationship between early apoptosis and stretching force in human PDL cells in vitro.

Materials and methods:  The human PDL cells were obtained from healthy premolars. After three to five passages, the cells were stretched by strain 1%, 10% and 20% for 30 min, 1 h, 6 h and 12 h, then early apoptosis were detected through annexin fluorescein isothiocyanate (V‐FITC) binding by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Results:  The experiments indicated that human PDL apoptotic cells in the early stage increased in a time‐ and force‐dependent manner in response to stretching strain within 6 h, and then apoptosis decreased at 12 h. Human PDL cells which stretched inclined parallel to each other and aligned their long axis perpendicular to the stretching force vector, but in the centre of the disc, cells showed minimal deformation and unidirectional alignment of PDL cells.

Conclusion:  The overall results suggested that stretching force not only influenced morphology but also induced early apoptosis in human PDL cells.
The Scottish Spoiled Ballot: Where was Statistics?
Authors: Bird Sheila
Published: March 2008

In May 2007, Scotland went to the polls to elect both local constituency and regional members to the Scottish Parliament. Astonishingly, 100000 votes were rejected as “spoiled”. Voters had misunderstood the new form of ballot paper—3% had marked a single cross despite having two votes. Parties contesting the election described it as “a debacle”, “a shambles”, “totally unsatisfactory”. One American called it more flawed than Florida's notorious “hanging chad” ballot that gave the 2000 Presidential election to George Bush. What went wrong? Sheila Bird looks into the Scottish ballot paper.
Don't Mention Stonehenge!
Authors: Jones Chris
Published: March 2008

It rises massive and magnificent above Salisbury Plain. The extraordinary monoliths of Stonehenge leave us as impressed today as ever—and as baffled. Archaeologists argue about how it was made. Can statisticians tell the answer? Chris Jones thinks they can be of considerable assistance.
ATPase activity of RecD is essential for growth of the Antarctic Pseudomonas syringae Lz4W at low temperature
Authors: Satapathy Ajit K. , Pavankumar Theetha L. , Bhattacharjya Sumana , Sankaranarayanan Rajan , Ray Malay K.
Published: March 2008

RecD is essential for growth at low temperature in the Antarctic psychrotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae Lz4W. To examine the essential nature of its activity, we analyzed wild‐type and mutant RecD proteins with substitutions of important residues in each of the seven conserved helicase motifs. The wild‐type RecD displayed DNA‐dependent ATPase and helicase activity in vitro, with the ability to unwind short DNA duplexes containing only 5′ overhangs or forked ends. Five of the mutant proteins, K229Q (in motif I), D323N and E324Q (in motif II), Q354E (in motif III) and R660A (in motif VI) completely lost both ATPase and helicase activities. Three other mutants, T259A in motif Ia, R419A in motif IV and E633Q in motif V exhibited various degrees of reduction in ATPase activity, but had no helicase activity. While all RecD proteins had DNA‐binding activity, the mutants of motifs IV and V displayed reduced binding, and the motif II mutant showed a higher degree of binding to ssDNA. Significantly, only RecD variants with in vitro ATPase activity could complement the cold‐sensitive growth of a recD‐inactivated strain of P. syringae at 4 °C. These results suggest that the requirement for RecD at lower temperatures lies in its ATP‐hydrolyzing activity.
Single dose rasburicase in tumor lysis: One hospital's experience
Authors: STEEL Simone , COUTSOUVELIS John , MCKENDRICK Joe
Published: March 2008

Background:  Tumor lysis syndrome is an oncological emergency occurring mainly in high‐grade hematological malignancies. It results in significant biochemical abnormalities including hyperuricemia and acute renal failure. Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme that catalyzes oxidation of uric acid into allantoin, which is easily excreted in the urine. Reports in the literature suggest that a single dose of rasburicase is effective in treating tumor lysis syndrome, whereas the current dose recommended by the manufacturer is 0.2 mg/kg/day for 5 to 7 days, which is very costly ($13 000 for an average 70‐kg person). We present a retrospective analysis on the patients at our hospital that have received rasburicase as a single dose.

Methods:  Medical and pharmacy dispensing records were searched to identify patients with high‐grade hematological malignancy who received a single dose of rasburicase in a 12‐month period. Data on renal function, electrolytes, and uric acid were obtained.

Results:  Twenty‐three patients were newly diagnosed with high‐grade hematological malignancy (Burkitt lymphoma 4, AML 17, APML 1, DLBCL 1). A single dose of rasburicase 0.2 mg/kg was administered to six of these patients considered to be at high risk, five of whom had an elevated uric acid level before treatment. Their uric acid levels were monitored from 24 h to 96 h after this dose. Normal uric acid levels were seen in all patients within 24 h. These levels remained normal for 96 h. One of five patients died of pre‐existing renal failure despite the normalization of their uric acid.

Conclusion:  We conclude that single dose rasburicase is effective in the treatment of hyperuricemia in patients at risk of tumor lysis and effectively reduces the level of uric acid for up to 96 h. This makes it cost effective and theoretically reduces the risk of hypersensitivity associated with rasburicase.
An investigation of fludarabine as a potential radiation sensitizer of human prostate cancer cells in vitro
Authors: BARNETSON Anthony R , MILROSS Christopher , RUSSELL Pamela J
Published: March 2008

Aim:  Patient relapse following radiotherapy for prostate cancer is of major concern to oncologists. As chemotherapeutic agents have shown promise as radiation sensitizers, we investigated the use of fludarabine monophosphate as a radiation enhancement agent in human LNCaP‐LN3, PC3 and LNCaP prostate carcinoma cell lines with different sensitivities to fludarabine and ionizing radiation.

Methods:  Cells were treated with non‐cytotoxic doses of fludarabine for 16 h pre‐irradiation or 5 days post‐irradiation; survival fractions were determined by clonogenic assay. Cell cycling was also assessed.

Results:  LNCaP‐LN3 cells incubated with 1 μmol/L fludarabine for 5 days post‐irradiation were slightly sensitized (1.18 times, P = 0.029), whilst 16 h pre‐incubation had no effect on the radiation response. PC3 cells incubated with 10 μmol/L fludarabine for 16 h pre‐irradiation were sensitized to ionizing radiation (1.61 times, P < 0.0001), but treatment for 5 days post‐irradiation with fludarabine had no effect on their radiosensitivity. Neither fludarabine incubation had any effect on the sensitivity of LNCaP cells to ionizing radiation. A characterization of the cell cycle following 16 h exposure to fludarabine demonstrated that enhanced radiosensitivity of PC3 cells is independent of cell cycle.

Conclusion:  PC3, but not LN3 or LNCaP cells, were sensitized to ionizing radiation by pre‐incubation with 10 μmol/L fludarabine for 16 h (1.61 times, P < 0.0001) but not by post‐irradiation exposure to the drug. The enhanced radiosensitivity of PC3 cells is independent of cell cycle. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of fludarabine mediated sensitization in these cells.
Local Knowledge as Trapped Knowledge: Intellectual Property, Culture, Power and Politics
Authors: Oguamanam Chidi
Published: March 2008

Discourses of local knowledge and categories of rights claimants thereto are embroiled in complex conceptual and analytical morass. The conceptual quandary around local knowledge is diversionary from the historically rooted hierarchies of culture, power and politics that have subjugated it. Claims to local knowledge are challenged from several dimensions, including arguments from cultural cosmopolitanism, intellectual property rights and aspects of liberal democratic principles. An interesting new site for this power play is the emergent bioprospecting framework of access and benefit sharing. In this context, sophisticated external intermediaries, who have asymmetrical power relationships with custodians of local knowledge, now constitute a new threat to the genuine aspirations of indigenous and local communities. Recently, local knowledge claims are conflated with propertization of culture raising concerns over the asphyxiation of the public domain. Making the claims or claimants to local knowledge the scapegoats of our troubled public domain undermines the source of the problem. In a way, the current anemic state of our public domain can be blamed on unwholesome expansion of intellectual property and unidirectional appropriation of local knowledge by external interests. The reality of cultural cosmopolitanism requires an intellectual property order that is responsive to the contributions of local knowledge.
Black Theology: A Survey of Its Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Pinn Anthony
Published: March 2008

When considered as a whole, the genius of black theology involves an ability to shift and change, to reconceive itself in light of new understandings and alternate situations. From the initial work of figures such as James H. Cone and J. Deotis Roberts, through a second generation of thinkers such as Dwight Hopkins and James Evans, to more recent challenges offered by Eddie Glaude, Victor Anderson, and Anthony Pinn, black theology has given voice to the nature and meaning of religion within African‐American communities. Mindful of this rich history, this article provides a survey of black theology's formation and structure – moving from its initial inception, through present developments and ongoing concerns.
THE EFFECT OF CATTLE TICK (BOOPHILUS MICROPLUS) ON PREGNANT AND LACTATING BRAHMAN‐CROSS AND BRITISH‐BREED COWS IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Johnston L. A. Y. , Haydock K. P.
Published: March 2008

Natural infestations of cattle tick (Boaphilus microplus) on breeding Hereford, Shorthorn and Brahman‐cross cows were observed in a dry tropical environment. Herefords were dipped three times and Shorthorns four times during a 12 month period, while the Brahman‐cross cattle were dipped twice during a 3‐year period. No differences in tick infestations could be shown between pregnant and non‐pregnant or lactating and non‐lactating cows even though they were under severe nutritional stress. No consistent negative correlations were shown between body‐ weight changes and tick counts. This was probably due to the effect of dipping in the Herefords and Shorthorns. There was a trend towards significant negative correlations in July and August over each of three years for undipped Brahman‐cross cows. Some form of tick control on breeding Brahman‐cross cows, aimed at reducing tick burdens during July to September may be beneficial in the environment under study.
EXPERIMENTAL ADENOVIRUS PNEUMONIA IN CALVES
Authors: COLE A. M.
Published: March 2008

A mild interstitial pneumonia with mononuclear cell infiltration was produced in calves following intra‐tracheal inoculation of the BIL adenovirus. Viral antigen appeared early in regional lymph node. An interstitial reaction developed early in the lungs, and pneumonic lesions and infective virus were present by the third day after inoculation. Virus spread rapidly trachea, tonsils and nasal mucosa, and was creted from the third to eighth day.

Upper and lower respiratory tissues continually harboured virus until the 12th day, when the experiment was terminated. The virus was isolated from the livers of two calves.

All tissues yielded low concentrations of virus, and only the lung showed pathological reactions.

The reactions were qualitatively similar to known adenovirus pneumonias, but considerably milder, and lacked the characteristic necrotic and proliferative bronchiolar changes.
OBSERVATIONS AND PROCEDURES AT FOALING ON A THOROUGHBRED STUD*
Authors: Barty K. Josie
Published: March 2008

The behaviour and management of Thoroughbred mares prior to, and at foaling time, is detailed.

There is a discussion of the losses that occur at birth, traumatic injuries to the mares, and the subsequent treatment of these. The postnatal behavioural patterns of the mare emphasise that she must be isolated at foaling. The normal feeding of the foal and the consequences of this not occurring, the lack of normal bowel function, and the retention of the foetal membranes by the mare are postnatal conditions likely to cause most losses.
OVINE CYSTICERCOSIS IN THE ALBANY REGION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: de CHANEET G. , WHITE J. B.
Published: March 2008

A survey of the cestode infections of 304 dogs from 134 properties in the Albany area of Western Australia was performed. Purgation was induced by oral administration of arecoline and the purge examined for cestodes. The cestodes found and their infection rates were: Dipylidium caninum 16.4%; Taenia spp 36.5%; T. ovis 8.9%; T. hydatigena 15.1%; T. pisiformis 15.1%; T. serialis 2.3%; Echinococcus granulosus 0.7%; Questionnaires completed on 133 of the 134 properties at the time the dogs were purged showed that:– 73.6% of farmers were feeding raw sheep‐meat and 24.8% were feeding raw offal to their dogs; dogs were treated on a regular basis with a cestocide on 23.3% of properties; dogs were allowed to roam on 21.8% of the properties and stray dogs were considered prevalent on 23.3% of properties.

Suggestions for control of Cysticercus ovis are made based on an interpretation of the significance of these findings.
ANERGY TO TUBERCULIN IN BEEF CATTLE
Authors: LEPPER, A. W. D. , PEARSON CATHERINE W. , CORNER L. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Various aspects associated with anergy to tuberculin were investigated in a total of 78 tuberculous cattle. Forty‐six (59%) had single lesions and 32 (41%) had multiple lesions. Forty‐three (55.1%) had lesions in the lungs or associated lymph nodes and 23 (29.5%) showed multiple involvement of these tissues. Nine anergic cattle had generalised tuberculosis. Histological examination of lesions from 38 animals showed that the majority were of the progressive type.
AN ABATTOIR SURVEY OF BULL GENITALIA
Authors: Turnbull P, A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY This paper describes a survey of 504 bull genitalia collected after slaughter at 3 Western Australian abattoirs over 18 months. Details of the gross pathology, histopathology, and microbiology of the genitalia, and physical dimensions of the testicles are presented. The major breeds represented were Hereford (30%), Shorthorn (16%), Friesian (14.3%), and Aberdeen Angus (13.9%). The mean age of 263 bulls (52.6%) was 4.4 years. The mean length and breadth of 469 paired testicles was 10.8 cm and 6.9 cm respectively.
PREWEANING MORTALITY IN THE PIG
Authors: Glastonbury, J. R. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY During a survey of preweaning mortality 538 piglets which died between birth and weaning were autopsied. The results of laboratory examinations permitted a division of the findings into a number of syndromes which were considered to be associated with the immediate cause of death.
ASSOCIATION OF A PARVOVIRUS WITH AN OUTBREAK OF FOETAL DEATH AND MUMMIFICATION IN PIGS
Authors: Forman, A. J. , Lenghaus, C. , Hogg, G. G. , Hale, C. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A parvovirus was isolated during an outbreak of mummifications and abortions in a commercial piggery. Stillborn piglets from which virus was isolated or in which parvovirus antibody was detected had widespread inflammatory lesions. Lesions were also seen in apparently healthy piglets from affected titters.
SEMEN COLLECTION AND EVALUATION IN THE RAM: The Preparation of Spermatozoa for Morphological Examination
Authors: CAMERON R. D. A.
Published: March 2008

Tail and mid‐piece morphology of ram spermatozoa were compared using wet preparations of semen diluted in buffered formal saline at temperatures of 10°C and 65°C. The temperature of the diluent did not affect the occurrence of abnormalities.

Tail and mid‐piece morphology were also examined in semen smears stained by a modified Williams' stain using glass slides at temperatures of 10°C, 38°C and 65°C. The occurrence of the abnormalities was not affected by the slide temperature.

The occurrence of tail and mid‐piece abnormalities was compared using the 2 methods of preparation. Only the occurrence of distal cytoplasmic droplets was affected by the method of preparation. In the stained smear preparations, most of the distal cytoplasmic droplets were lost. However, only a few of the proximal droplets were lost when this method was used.
SHEEP MORTALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE BLUE GREEN ALGA: NODULARIA SPUMIGENA
Authors: Main D. C. , Berry P. H. , Peet R. L. , Robertson J. P.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: In 2 field mortalities studied, sheep died and showed haemorrhage and diffuse liver necrosis after drinking water from dams containing growths of the blue green algae Nodularia. Sheep dosed with water containing N. spumigena Mart 5, 9 and 18 days after collection from one of the farm dams developed pyrexia and leucopenia before death. At necropsy, these sheep showed extensive haemorrhage, accumulations of yellow fluid in body cavities and acute hepatic necrosis. Guinea pigs dosed with the water 9 days after collection died and developed periacinar liver necrosis, but those dosed 12 days after collection did not.
THE DURATION OF LATENT INFECTION AND FUNCTIONAL IMMUNITY IN DROUGHTMASTER AND HEREFORD CATTLE FOLLOWING NATURAL INFECTION WITH BABESIA ARGENTINA AND BABESIA BIGEMINA
Authors: Johnston L. A. Y. , Leatch G. , Jones P. N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Ten Droughtmaster and 9 Hereford cattle were born in an enzootic babesiasis area and became naturally infected with Babesia argentina and B. bigemina during a 3 year period. They were then kept free of cattle ticks (Boophilus microplus) for the remainder of the experiment.

Annually for the next 3 years their individual infection status with Babesia was determined by sub‐inoculation of blood into splenectomised calves. At the end of this period the functional immunity of all cattle was challenged by blood inoculation of heterologous strains of B. argentina and B. bigemina.

Infection with B. argentina persisted in all Herefords for 2 years and in 7 for 3 years after they had been freed of B. microplus. The number of Droughtmasters with detectable B. argentina infection progressively declined, and at the end of 3 years only 2 of 10 were still infected. No Herefords were shown to be infected with B. bigemina following 1 year's freedom from B. microplus but latent B. bigemina infection of at least 2 year's duration was demonstrated in one of the Droughtmasters.

A marked degree of resistance was apparent in all cattle when the were challenged with an heterologous strain of B. argentina. There were no differences between the response to challenge of the Herefords and Droughtmasters nor between the reactions of cattle which had apparently naturally sterilised B. argentina infection and those which were still infected. The heterologous strain of B. bigemina produced parasitaemia in the majority of animals but only minimal fever and anaemia resulted with no significant differences between the breeds.
TRANSFERABLE DRUG RESISTANCE IN MAN AND ANIMALS: GENETIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN R‐PLASMIDS IN ENTERIC BACTERIA FROM MAN AND DOMESTIC PETS
Authors: Davies M. , Stewart P.R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Enteric bacteria isolated from morbid human and domestic pet populations in Canberra were examined for multiple antibiotic resistance, the transferability of such resistance, and the genetic incompatibility reactions of the presumptive R‐plasmid concerned.

More than one‐third of the isolates obtained from domestic pets were resistant to one or more of the antibiotics tested (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, sulfathiazole, tetracycline). Ampicillin resistance was invariably a part of all multiple resistance patterns seen. Half of the resistant bacteria from pets were resistant to 5 or more of the antibiotics, with ApCmSmSuTc the most frequent combination of resistance markers. The occurrence of resistance to Km and Nd was low, probably reflecting the infrequent usage of these antibiotics in veterinary practice.

Genetic similarities between identifiable R‐plasmids and individual resistance markers in the 2 populations were tested by grouping on the basis of incompatibility reactions against reference plasmids for incompatibility groups Fll, ***lα, N, P and W. The results, though limited in extent by experimental conditions, suggest a close similarity between R‐plasmids in domestic pets and man: the majority of assignable plasmids in each population belong to group Fll***, with smaller numbers falling into groups lα and P.

Analysis of individual resistance markers reveals that apart from incompatibility group N (which contained a smaller number of markers), the distribution of resistance markers across the other incompatibility groups was similar for isolates from man and animals. These results are consistent with a common origin of R‐plasmids in man and domestic pets in Canberra, or one population serving as an infection source for the other, or selection influences operating at the level of host bacteria for the plasmids which result in similarities in the bacterial population and thus of plasmid types.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE REMOVAL OF COARSE PLANT MATERIAL FROM LUPIN STUBBLE PADDOCKS FOR THE CONTROL OF OVINE LUPINOSIS
Authors: Allen J. G. , Croker K. P. , Wilkinson F. C. , Wood P. McR.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The removal of course lupin material from lupin stubble paddocks did not reduce the incidence or severity of liver damage caused by the toxins of Phomopsis leptostromiformis. Furthermore, sheep grazing paddocks from which the coarse lupin material had been removed showed body weight changes no different to sheep grazing normal lupin stubbles. In addition, it was found that 6‐month‐old wethers suffered more severe liver damage than 18‐month‐old withers, and that lupin material in the paddock remained toxic for a least 6 weeks.
SUBDIVISION OF MYCOPLASMA MYCOIDES SUBSP. MYCOIDES FROM CATTLE AND GOATS INTO TWO TYPES
Authors: Cottew G. S. , Yeats F. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Some strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, mostly isolated from goats, grow to greater turbidity in broth and form larger colonies on solid medium than does the type strain, PG1. These strains also digest casein, liquefy inspissated serum actively and survive longer at 45°C and are referred to as LC (large colony) strains. Strains more closely resembling PG 1 have been called SC (small colony) strains.

The SC strains comprise those from contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and some from goats. One LC strain was isolated from a steer; all others have come from goats.

Differentiation of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides into 2 types on the basis of the characteristics described may be relevant to their role in CBPP.
NON‐SURGICAL STERILISATION OF RAMS USING A SCLEROSING AGENT
Authors: Plant J. W. , Seaman J. T. , Jakovljevic D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Injection of 0.25 ml of a solution of 3.6% formaldehyde in 90% ethanol direct into the caudae epididymides caused sterility in the rams treated. No live sperm were seen in ejaculates collected 35, 57, 91 and 196 days post‐injection. The rams retained their libido and were mated to ewes between 2 and 3 months post‐injection with no pregnancy ensuing. The technique offers a simple, safe, quick and effective method of sterilising rams.

Attempts to produce sterilisation by injection of the sclerosing agent into the yas deferens were not successful.
CHANGES OF BLOOD METABOLITES IN HORSES AFTER RACING, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO URIC ACID
Authors: Keenan D. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Changes in concentration of a number of blood metabolites in 30 thoroughbred horses were recorded after an 1100 metre race.

No significant changes occurred in blood urea or aspartate aminotransferase during the three hours after racing. Plasma sodium, potassium and calcium levels were increased immediately after racing but had returned to normal one hour after racing. Plasma phosphate showed a significant fall in concentration one hour after racing.

Creatinine and lactic acid concentrations were elevated ten minutes after racing and although they subsequently decreased, the level of lactic acid was still significant one hour later. Uric acid levels were well above resting levels at ten minutes after racing but rose even more in the subsequent hour. Urinary uric acid levels were also elevated during this time.

Three hours after racing some horses still had elevated plasma uric acid levels and all of them showed a significant rise in creatine phosphokinase.

The possible physiological basis of these findings is discussed.
HYDATID DISEASE OF ANIMALS IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Arundel J. H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Echinococcus granulosus is maintained in a dog‐sheep cycle in Australia and other infections, such as those in cattle, pigs and man, can be regarded as aberrant. The knowledge on infection rates in these species is summarised. The dog is the only definitive host in Australia and infection rates are correlated with areas of high sheep density, the area with the highest prevalence being the South‐eastern Statistical Division of New South Wales. A dingo‐wallaby feral cycle exists throughout the eastern States and can serve as a source of infection for grazing animals and man. The threat posed by the possible introduction of the equine strain is discussed.
THE CONTAMINATION WITH SALMONELLA OF BOVINE LIVERS IN AN ABATTOIR
Authors: Samuel J. L. , O'Boyle D. A. , Mathers W. J. , Frost A. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Fifty livers from normal slaughter cattle were examined for surface contamination by Salmonella immediately after evisceration and again after inspection. Salmonella were isolated from 32% at evisceration and from 82% after inspection. Numbers of Salmonella present were low at evisceration, and rose after inspection. In only one liver was the parenchyma infected. The sources of the Salmonella were probably the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and the mesenteric lymph nodes, both of which may show high prevalence of infection in cattle which have been held before slaughter. It was concluded that edible offal should be separated from the viscera at evisceration and inspected by personnel who are not involved with the alimentary tract.
REPLICATION OF INFECTIOUS LARYNGOTRACHEITIS VIRUS IN CHICKENS FOLLOWING VACCINATION
Authors: Robertson G. M. , Egerton J. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The site of replication of infectious laryngotracheitis vaccine virus (ILTV) was studied in chickens vaccinated by drinking water (DW), intraconjunctival (IC) and cloacal (CL) routes. The anatomical sites exposed to vaccine were determined by simulating vaccination with rhodamine red dye. Virus replication was determined by recovering virus from various organs at necropsy.

The dye simulation studies clearly demonstrated that DW vaccination did not usually expose susceptible target organs to virus while the CL and IC routes flooded susceptible organs with vaccine.

Virus replication was confined to the cloaca in CL vaccinated birds while in IC and DW vaccinated birds most replication took place in the nasal cavity. Vaccine virus did not always become established in DW vaccinated birds and its establishment did not appear to be related to the amount of vaccine these birds were exposed.

It was concluded that DW vaccination depends for its success upon the accidental contamination of the nasal cavity with vaccine virus during the act of drinking.
FIXATION OF METACARPAL AND METATARSAL FRACTURES IN GREYHOUNDS
Authors: Bellenger C. R. , Johnson K. A. , Davis P. E. , Ilkiw J. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Over a 6‐year period a total of 23 greyhounds and 10 dogs of other breeds were presented with metacarpal and metatarsal fractures. While in other breeds trauma was the usual cause, in greyhounds the injuries were stress or fatigue fractures.

In the greyhounds the fractures occurred mainly in young dogs and were often comminuted. Fifteen cases involved the fifth metacarpal bone of the left foreleg. The fractures were managed by either external immobilisation (8 cases) or internal fixation, mainly with lag screws (14 cases). Of 16 dogs which recovered sufficiently to be trialled, 6 were retired due to poor performance, 2 suffered further fractures and 4 raced in less than 10 races each. Four dogs entered in more than 10 races each and won 23 of a total of 109 starts.
GENERALISED GLYCOGENOSIS IN BRAHMAN CATTLE
Authors: O'Sullivan B. M. , Healy P. J. , Fraser I. R. , Nieper R. E. , Whittle R. J. , Sewell C. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Generalised glycogenosis was diagnosed in Brahman cattle on 4 Queensland properties on the basis of clinical observations and pathological and biochemical findings. The disease presented as a problem of ill‐thrift and poor growth rate in calves which eventually showed nervous signs. Histologically there was vacuolation in the cells of the central nervous system, heart and muscular tissues. Biochemical assay of liver and blood mononuclear cells demonstrated a deficiency of α‐glucosidase. Parents of affected calves had approximately half the α‐glucosidase activity of that found in normal cattle.
THE TRANSMISSION OFBABESIA BOVISIN HERDS OF EUROPEAN AND ZEBU X EUROPEAN CATTLE INFESTED WITH THE TICK, BOOPHILUS MICROPLUS
Authors: Mahoney D. F. , Wright I. G. , Goodger B. V. , Mirre G. B. , Sutherst R. W. , Utech K. B. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Transmission of Babesia bovis by the tick Boophilus microplus was studied in 4 breeding herds of European and Zebu x European cattle under different levels of tick infestation. The observations consisted of weekly counts of female ticks on the cattle, monthly serological tests for antibodies to B. bovis, examination of tick larvae from the pasture to determine B. bovis infection rates and comparison of the suitability of paddocks for tick reproduction.

The rate of transmission (inoculation rate) was estimated in terms of the daily probability of infection and consisted of the product of the mean daily tick infestation head‐1 and the babesial infection rate in tick larvae. The theoretical value of the minimum inoculation rate required to produce stability of babesiosis is 0.01. This value was exceeded only in a herd of European cattle with minimal tick control and grazing on a pasture favourable for tick reproduction. Instability of babesiosis occurred in the other herds of European cattle after tick numbers had been reduced by pasture spelling and strategic dipping and after reduction in the babesial infection rate in ticks apparently caused by unfavourable environmental conditions. Over a period of years, the tick infection rates also declined as a consequence of the reduction in numbers of ticks.

The Zebu x European cattle failed to generate inoculation rates greater than the minimum level, even though no tick control measures were applied. This was attributed to lower babesial infection rates in the ticks than those observed in a comparable herd of European cattle and to the high tick resistance of the Zebu crosses which maintained the tick populations at low levels. Both factors combined to produce a low inoculation rate.
THE PREVALENCE AND EPIZOOTIOLOGY OF SALMONELLOSIS AMONG GROUPS OF HORSES IN SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND
Authors: Roberts M. C. , O'Boyle D. A.
Published: March 2008

Over a 3‐year period, 1178 faecal samples were cultured from 462 horses admitted to the equine clinic of the University of Queensland; 185 samples were positive for salmonella yielding 213 isolations consisting of 21 serotypes. S. anatum was the predominant serotype isolated (54%) followed by S. ohio (11.27%) and S. typhimurium (9.4%). One hundred and ten horses (23.81%) were positive on one or more occasion, and 42 (9.09%) on more than one occasion.

S. anatum was the most common serotype isolated (71.43%) from the main drains in the stable block (33.57% positive samples).

The prevalence of salmonella excretors among a large non‐clinic population of horses in south east Queensland was 1.65%.

Acute salmonellosis did not occur in the hospitalised animals. However, salmonellas were incriminated in 6 cases of chronic diarrhoea, which all yielded S. anatum, although the most severe involved both S. anatum and S. typhimurium, and these serotypes were isolated from multiple locations at the subsequent autopsy of 3 cases.
MILK PRODUCTION OF GRAZING DAIRY COWS GIVEN MONTHLY ANTHELMINTIC TREATMENT
Authors: Barger I. A. , Lisle K. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The milk and butterfat production of 226 cows treated with fenbendazole at monthly intervals throughout lactation was compared with the production of 216 untreated cows in 8 herds on the North Coast and Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. There was no significant effect of treatment on milk or butterfat production, nor did anthelmintic treatment interact significantly with herds or age of cows in influencing production.
THE EFFECTS OF AGE AND DIET ON THE ABSORPTION OF LEAD FROM THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF DOGS
Authors: Hamir A. N. , Sullivan N. D. , Handson P. D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two groups of young growing dogs (one group maintained on balanced commercial diet and the other on high‐fat‐low‐calcium diet) and one group of adult dogs on balanced commercial diet were given lead orally at 4 different dose levels. Post‐treatment blood lead levels did not reveal any significant difference between the young and adult dogs maintained on balanced commercial diet. However, dogs on the high‐fat‐low‐calcium diet showed marked elevation in blood lead at each of the 4 dose levels used. The results emphasise the importance of dietary factors in absorption of lead from the alimentary tract and suggest that the influence of age on lead uptake from the gut requires further evaluation.
Mycotic pneumonia, placentitis and neonatal encephalitis in dairy cattle caused by Mortierella wolfii
Authors: NEILAN M. C. , McCAUSLAND I. P. , MASLEN M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Within 22 days after 30 pregnant cows inadvertently received silage ad libitum, one had a mycotic abortion and 2 gave birth to calves with mycotic encephalitis. The latter 2 cows both developed severe mycotic pneumonia within 3 days of parturition. Variable diameter, non‐septate, irregularly branching fungal hyphae were found in all lesions. Mortierella wolfii was cultured from the cow's lung, both calf brains and the silage, which was the probable source of infection.
Adamantinoma in a cat
Authors: HAWKINS C. D. , JONES B. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An 18‐months‐old neutered male cat was presented for veterinary examination because of a rapidly enlarging mass in the region of the right upper canine tooth. Radiological examination showed displacement of this tooth and destruction of the right maxilla. Post mortem and histopathologic examination confirmed that the mass was a tumour, an adamantinoma.
Ventricular septal defects in three familially‐related female Saanen goats
Authors: PARRY B. W. , WRIGLEY R. H. , REUTER R. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Ventricular septal defects were diagnosed in 3 familially‐related Saanen goats, a 4‐year‐old doe and 2 female kids aged 18 weeks, by clinical examination, electrocardiography, phonocardiography and thoracic radiography. Findings were contrasted with those from 3 clinically normal goats. Cardiac catheterisation was attempted on the 2 affected kids before euthanasia. Blood pressure tracings and selective contrast cardioangiography successfully demonstrated the defect in one case, but the other died shortly after anaesthetic induction. The adult goat, suspected paternal grand‐dam of the affected twins, died without premonitory signs at 4.5 years of age. Necropsy confirmed the diagnosis in all 3 cases.
The numbers of bush ticks, Haemaphysalis longicornis, parasitic on grazing cattle before and after the acquisition of host resistance
Authors: SUTHERST R. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The numbers of bush ticks, Haemaphysalis longicornis, on Bos taurus steers in south east Queensland was recorded regularly from July 1971 until January 1974. The steers had no prior exposure to the tick. The parasitic tick population was large during the first year, but declined to low levels in the second and third years, apparently as a result of the steers acquiring resistance to tick feeding.
Hemimelia and low marking percentage in a flock of Merino ewes and lambs
Authors: HAWKINS C. D. , SKIRROW S. Z. , WYBURN R. S. , HOWELL J. Mc.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Hemimelia at a prevalence of 11% of lambs marked, and low marking percentage (51%) was observed in a flock of mixed age Merino ewes and their lambs. Hemimelia occurred in one or 2 limbs of affected lambs. Lambs from other flocks on the farm were unaffected, and the condition was not reported from other farms. The condition had not occurred in the past, and has not recurred. No infectious or hereditary factors were implicated in the aetiology of the condition. Grazing Western Australian Blue Lupin stubble by the affected flock during and after joining was the only known difference between this flock and others on the farm.
Classification of Bacteroides nodosus by agglutination tests
Authors: CLAXTON P. D. , RIBEIRO L. A. , EGERTON J. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY One thousand two hundred and sixty seven isolates of Bacteroides nodosus from 292 sheep in 58 flocks were examined. Of these, 1260 could be classified by slide agglutination into 8 serogroups designated A to H. Up to 6 serogroups were detected in individual flocks, with up to 4 serogroups being detected in a single foot. Of the 292 sheep examined, 38 (13%) carried mixed serogroup infections. Determination of the range of serological types infecting a flock frequently required the examination of a number of isolates from each of a number of sheep.

Cross‐tube agglutination tests carried out on 44 isolates and their antiserums indicated that members of some serogroups could be divisible into subgroups or serotypes. These results suggested that 16 or more serotypes of B. nodosus might exist. The nature of the antigens responsible for both slide and tube agglutination reactions needs to be determined.
Asymmetric hindquarter syndrome in pigs
Authors: MERCY A. R. , PEET R. L.
Published: March 2008

An outbreak of the asymmetric hindquarter syndrome was investigated in a Western Australian piggery. The condition was manifested as asymmetry of the hindquarter, particularly the semitendinosis, semimembranosis and biceps femoris muscles. The gait of affected animals was not noticeably altered, despite an obvious disparity in size between normal and affected limbs. Histologically, muscular degenerative and dystrophic changes were seen but were not present in all undersized muscles and were occasionally present in macroscopically normal muscles. All 7 affected pigs whose breeding history could be traced were sired by the same boar. The condition adversely affected conformation and resulted in down‐grading of carcases.
Acute poisoning in cattle after eating old non‐viable seed of chou moellier (Brassica oleracea convar. acephala)
Authors: MASON R. W. , LUCAS P.
Published: March 2008

Thirty cows gained access to a heap of discarded seed of chou moellier that had been stored in a barn for 10 years. Within 24 h 2 cows were dead and one was acutely ill.

The outstanding lesion was oedema of the wall of the rumen. The toxicity was attributed to damage to blood vessels in the rumen wall resulting in marked loss of fluid.
Characterisation of isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from sheep
Authors: BURRELL D. H. , MacDIARMID J. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Fleece rot isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were characterised in terms of biochemical reactions, serological typing and production of keratinase, lipase and the potentially dermal necrotic enzymes exotoxin A, protease, elastase phosholipase and lecithinase. The similarities generally obtained between these characteristics of isolates from sheep and man suggests a role for P. aeruginosa and mechanisms of pathogenesis in the development of the dermatitis associated with fleece rot.
Serum biochemical changes in calves with Johne's disease
Authors: EMBURY D. H. , LEPPER A. W. D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Calves clinically affected with experimentally induced Johne's disease exhibited elevation of caeruloplasmin oxidase activity, and marked depression of α‐mannosidase activity during the period when clinical signs of the disease were most prominent. Changes in serum copper levels and alkaline phosphatase activity were closely correlated with the elevation of caeruloplasmin oxidase activity, and depression of α‐mannosidase activity. The pattern of these changes was similar to nutritional and metabolic changes described previously in acute infectious conditions in man and animals.
Phycomycosis in a dog
Authors: ENGLISH P. B. , FROST A. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A case of phycomycosis, with skin lesions, in a dog is reported. Hyphomyces destruens (Pythium gracile) was identified from aspirate collected from a regional lymph node, and characteristic hyphae were seen in stained sections of a biopsy specimen of affected skin. Incidence, pathogenesis and therapy are discussed.
A syndrome of hepatogenous photosensitisation, resembling geeldikkop, in sheep grazing Tribulus terrestris
Authors: GLASTONBURY J. R. W. , DOUGHTY F. R. , WHITAKER S. J. , SERGEANT E.
Published: March 2008

Two outbreaks of photosensitivity disease occurred in weaner sheep in south western New South Wales during early autumn 1982. In each instance there was a history of access to the annual herb, Tribulus terrestris and both the clinical and pathological findings were consistent with geeldikkop, a major disease in the Republic of South Africa. The prevalence rates of clinical cases were 21 and 37%, while the case fatality rates approached 70%.

Clinical signs were dominated by jaundice and photosensitisation. Ochre and khaki discolouration were present in the liver and kidneys, respectively. Histopathologically, the most characteristic lesion was the presence of acicular, cholesterol‐like clefts in the lumens of bile ducts and in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. Similar structures were also evident in the lumens of nephrons in association with segmental hyperplasia of the neighbouring tubular epithelium.

The possible pathogenesis of the hepatogenous photosensitisation and its resemblance to geeldikkop are discussed.