bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elimination kinetics of chlorhexidine in milk following intramammary infusion to stop lactation in mastitic mammary gland quarters of cows
Authors: Middleton John R. , Hebert Vincent R. , Fox Lawrence K. , Tomaszewska Elizabeth , Lakritz Jeff
Published: July 2006

Objective—To evaluate the elimination kinetics of chlorhexidine in milk when used as an intramammary infusion to stop lactation in cows.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—6 cows.

Procedure—The study was performed in 2 phases. Three cows were studied in each phase. All cows were treated with chlorhexidine suspension by infusion into a mastitic mammary gland quarter after 2 milkings 24 hours apart. Foremilk samples (100 mL) were collected from treated and untreated (controls) mammary gland quarters of each cow. Chlorhexidine was extracted from raw milk, and residue concentrations were quantified by use of high-performance liquid chromatography. Foremilk samples from days 2, 5, and 8 were analyzed in phase I, and samples from time 0 and days 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 were analyzed in phase II.

Results—In phases I and II, there was no quantifiable transference of chlorhexidine to milk in untreated mammary gland quarters. Measurable chlorhexidine residues were found in milk from treated mammary gland quarters of 2 cows throughout the 42-day sample period in phase II. Estimated mean elimination half-life for chlorhexidine in milk was 11.5 days.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—On the basis of the long elimination half-life of chlorhexidine in milk from treated mammary gland quarters, the lack of human dietary exposure data to suggest a food tolerance for chlorhexidine in food products, and the Food and Drug Administration's published zero tolerance for chlorhexidine in uncooked edible calf tissues, we do not recommend extralabel use of chlorhexidine suspension as a treatment to stop lactation in mastitic mammary gland quarters of cows. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003; 222:1746–1749)
Long-term functional outcome of dogs with severe injuries of the thoracolumbar spinal cord: 87 cases (1996–2001)
Authors: Olby Natasha , Levine Jay , Harris Tonya , Muñana Karen , Skeen Todd , Sharp Nick
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine long-term (> 6 months) outcome of dogs with paraplegia and loss of hind limb deep pain perception (DPP) resulting from intervertebral disk herniation or trauma.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—87 dogs.

Procedure—Outcome was determined as successful or unsuccessful. The association of neuroanatomic localization, breed, age, weight, sex, and (for dogs with intervertebral disk herniation) speed of onset of signs and duration of paraplegia prior to surgery with outcome was evaluated. Owners were contacted by telephone to identify long-term health problems.

Results—Nine of 17 dogs with traumatic injuries were treated, and 2 regained the ability to walk; none of the 17 dogs regained DPP. Sixty-four of 70 dogs with intervertebral disk herniation underwent surgery; 9 (14%) were euthanatized within 3 weeks after surgery (7 because of ascending myelomalacia), 37 (58%) regained DPP and the ability to walk, 7 (11%) regained the ability to walk without regaining DPP, and 11 (17%) remained paraplegic without DPP. Outcome was not associated with any of the factors evaluated, but speed of recovery of ambulation was significantly associated with body weight and age. Fifteen (41%) and 12 (32%) dogs that regained DPP had intermittent fecal and urinary incontinence, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the prognosis for paraplegic dogs without DPP because of trauma was guarded, while dogs with disk herniation had a better chance of recovering motor function. A third of the dogs that recovered motor function had intermittent incontinence. Persistent loss of DPP did not preclude recovery of motor function, but such dogs remained incontinent. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:762–769)
Evaluation of white blood cell concentration, plasma fibrinogen concentration, and an agar gel immunodiffusion test for early identification of foals with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia
Authors: Giguère Steeve , Hernandez Jorge , Gaskin Jack , Miller Corey , Bowman James L.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To evaluate WBC concentration, plasma fibrinogen concentration, and an agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test for early identification ofRhodococcus equi-infected foals.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—162 foals from a farm with enzooticR equiinfection.

Procedure—Blood samples were obtained from each foal at 4-week intervals for measurement of WBC and plasma fibrinogen concentrations and at 2-week intervals for detection of anti-R equiantibody by an AGID assay. Diagnostic performance of WBC and fibrinogen concentrations was assessed by use of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. For each assay, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated at various cutoff points; bacteriologic culture ofR equifrom a tracheobronchial aspirate was used as the reference standard test.

Results—Diagnostic performance of WBC concentration was significantly higher than that of fibrinogen concentration. Sensitivity and specificity of measurement of WBC concentration at a cutoff of 13,000 cells/µL were 95.2 and 61.2%, respectively; at a cutoff of 15,000 cells/µL, sensitivity was 78.6% and specificity was 90.8%. When a positive test result was used as the cutoff, sensitivity of the AGID assay was 62.5% and specificity was 53.8%.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Monitoring WBC concentration is a useful approach for early detection of infected foals on farms with a high prevalence ofR equipneumonia. In contrast, serologic surveillance by use of an AGID assay is of little benefit for that purpose. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:775–781)
Number of unowned free-roaming cats in a college community in the southern United States and characteristics of community residents who feed them
Authors: Levy Julie K. , Woods James E. , Turick Sherri L. , Etheridge Donna L.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To estimate the number of unowned free-roaming cats in a college community in the southern United States and identify the characteristics of community residents who feed these cats.

Design—Cross-sectional, random-digit telephone survey.

Sample Population—587 households in Alachua County, Florida, surveyed between March 1 and May 10, 1999.

Procedure—Telephone surveys were conducted, and respondents were asked questions about feeding of unowned free-roaming cats.

Results—70 (12%) households fed free-roaming cats; mean ± SD number of free-roaming cats fed per household was 3.6 ± 1.9. Households that fed free-roaming cats were more likely to own pet cats than were households that did not feed free-roaming cats; however, 30 of 70 (43%) households feeding free-roaming cats did not own cats or dogs. Although the percentage of pet cats that were neutered was high (90%), only 8 (11%) households that fed free-roaming cats attempted to have such cats neutered. The free-roaming cat population was estimated to represent approximately 44% of the population of cats in the county.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that unowned free-roaming cats may represent a substantial portion of the total cat population in a region. Public policies and education programs aimed at reducing cat overpopulation should include provisions for neutering unowned free-roaming cats, and efforts should target the general public, not only pet owners, because not all households that feed unowned free-roaming cats own pets. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;223:202–205)
Evaluation of bovine viral diarrhea virus in New World camelids
Authors: Wentz Philip A. , Belknap Ellen B. , Brock Kenneth V. , Collins James K. , Pugh David G.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine the effect of experimental infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) on llamas and their fetuses, evaluate seroprevalence of BVDV in llamas and alpacas, and genetically characterize BVDV isolates from llamas.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—4 pregnant llamas for the experimental infection study and 223 llamas and alpacas for the seroprevalence study.

Procedure—Llamas (seronegative to BVDV) were experimentally infected with a llama isolate of BVDV via nasal aerosolization. After inoculation, blood samples were collected every other day for 2 weeks; blood samples were obtained from crias at birth and monthly thereafter. For the seroprevalence study, blood was collected from a convenience sample of 223 camelids. Isolates of BVDV were characterized by reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results—Viremia and BVDV-specific antibody response were detected in the experimentally infected llamas, but no signs of disease were observed. No virus was detected in the crias or aborted fetus, although antibodies were evident in crias after colostrum consumption. Seroprevalence to BVDV was 0.9% in llamas and alpacas. Sequences of the llama BVDV isolates were comparable to known bovine isolates.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings suggest that llamas may be infected with BVDV but have few or no clinical signs. Inoculation of llamas during gestation did not result in fetal infection or persistent BVDV infection of crias. Seroprevalence to BVDV in llamas and alpacas is apparently low. The most likely source for BVDV infection in camelids may be cattle. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;223:223–228)
Recurrence of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion in chondrodystrophic dogs after surgical decompression with or without prophylactic fenestration: 265 cases (1995–1999)
Authors: Brisson Brigitte A. , Moffatt Shannon L. , Swayne Seanna L. , Parent Joane M.
Published: July 2006

Objectives—To evaluate a population of chondrodystrophic dogs treated for Hansen type I intervertebral disk (IVD) disease by surgical decompression with or without prophylactic fenestration and determine the rate and location of surgically confirmed recurrence of intervertebral disk extrusion.

Animals—265 dogs.

Study Design—Retrospective study.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs that underwent spinal decompression between 1995 and 1999 were reviewed.

Results—13 (4.9%) dogs were euthanatized or died prior to discharge. Fenestration was performed in 252 dogs, including 37 (14.7%) at the site of decompression only, 48 (19%) at 3 to 4 disk spaces, and 167 (66%) at 5 to 7 disk spaces. There were 12 instances of recurrent disk extrusion confirmed by removal of disk at a second surgery 3.5 to 33 months after the first surgery. Recurrence was always at a new disk space, and rates did not significantly differ between dogs that underwent single or multiple fenestrations. Two recurrences were at a previously fenestrated disk space. Seven recurrences were at a site immediately adjacent to a fenestrated disk space, and 5 recurrences were at L4-5.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Prophylactic fenestration is generally successful in preventing future disk extrusions at fenestrated disk spaces. Prospective evaluation is still required to determine whether fenestration decreases the overall rate of recurrence. Prophylactic fenestration could promote disk extrusion at adjacent, nonfenestrated disk spaces. This could have a substantial clinical impact if recurrence develops at L4-5. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:1808–1814)
Arthroscopic findings in horses with subtle radiographic evidence of osteochondral lesions of the medial femoral condyle: 15 cases (1995–2002)
Authors: Scott Grant S. P. , Crawford William H. , Colahan Patrick T.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine arthroscopic findings in lame horses with subtle radiographic lesions of the medial femoral condyle.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—15 horses examined because of lameness that had subtle radiographic evidence of osteochondral lesions involving the medial femoral condyle in at least 1 joint.

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed, and results of physical examination, radiography, and arthroscopy were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained through reexamination of the horses or telephone conversations with the referring veterinarians, owners, or trainers.

Results—Lameness severity ranged from grade 1 to 3 on a scale from 0 to 5. Radiography and arthroscopy were performed on 28 stifle joints. The 4 unaffected joints in 4 horses with unilateral hind limb lameness that underwent bilateral arthroscopy had no radiographic lesions, but 2 of the 4 had arthroscopic lesions. Of the remaining 24 joints, 20 had radiographic evidence of flattening of the apex of the medial femoral condyle and 4 had minimal subchondral lucency. Lesions were identified arthroscopically in 18 of the 20 joints with flattening of the condyle and in all 4 joints with subchondral lucency. Treatment consisted of abrasion arthroplasty or microfracture. Seven of the 9 horses with focal cartilage lesions and 2 of the 6 horses with generalized cartilage lesions were reportedly sound without any evidence of joint effusion at the time of final follow-up.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that horses with hind limb lameness and subtle radiographic lesions of the medial femoral condyle are likely to have arthroscopically apparent cartilage lesions and subchondral bone defects. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:1821–1826)
Use of matrix population models to estimate the efficacy of euthanasia versus trap-neuter-return for management of free-roaming cats
Authors: Andersen Mark C. , Martin Brent J. , Roemer Gary W.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of trap-neuterreturn and trap-euthanatize management strategies for controlling urban free-roaming cat populations by use of matrix population models.

Design—Prospective study.

Sample Population—Estimates of free-roaming cat populations in urban environments.

Procedure—Data from the literature describing the biology of free-roaming cat populations in urban environments were gathered. A matrix population model was developed with a range of high and low survival and fecundity values and all combinations of those values. The response of population growth rate to a range of management actions was assessed with an elasticity analysis.

Results—All possible combinations of survival and fecundity values of free-roaming cats led to predictions of rapid, exponential population growth. The model predicted effective cat population control by use of annual euthanasia of ≥ 50% of the population or by annual neutering of > 75% of the fertile population. Elasticity analyses revealed that the modeled population was most susceptible to control through euthanasia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Free-roaming cat populations have a high intrinsic growth rate, and euthanasia is estimated to be more effective at reducing cat populations than trap-neuter-return programs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1871–1876)
Assessment of the ultrasonographic characteristics of the podotrochlear apparatus in clinically normal horses and horses with navicular syndrome
Authors: Grewal Jeevrah S. , McClure Scott R. , Booth Larry C. , Evans Richard B. , Caston Stephanie S.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To characterize the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the podotrochlear apparatus in horses by use of standardized measurements and identify soft tissue changes associated with navicular syndrome.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—7 clinically normal horses and 28 horses with navicular syndrome.

Procedure—The feasibility of identifying and measuring the soft tissue structures of the podotrochlear apparatus ultrasonographically via the transcuneal approach was assessed in 2 additional horses without navicular syndrome; both horses were euthanatized, and the structures identified ultrasonographically were confirmed at necropsy. Ultrasonographs were obtained in the study horses. Objective and subjective data were obtained to characterize ultrasonographic changes associated with navicular syndrome.

Results—Abnormalities of the flexor surface of the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone, the impar ligament, the distal digital annular ligament, deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), and the podotrochlear (navicular) bursa were assessed via the transcuneal ultrasonographic approach. No significant differences were found between the measurements of the podotrochlear apparatus in normal horses and those with navicular syndrome; however, important subjective differences were detected ultrasonographically in horses with navicular syndrome. In horses with navicular syndrome, ultrasonographic findings were indicative of navicular bursitis, dystrophic mineralization of the DDFT and impar ligament, tendonitis and insertional tenopathy of the DDFT, desmitis of the impar ligament, and cortical changes in the flexor surface of the navicular bone.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings of ultrasonographic evaluation of the hoof appear to be useful in determining the cause of caudal heel pain and characterizing the components of navicular syndrome in horses. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1881–1888)
Evaluation of administration of West Nile virus vaccine to pregnant broodmares
Authors: Vest Dickie J. , Cohen Noah D. , Berezowski Christopher J. , Morehead James P. , Blodgett Glenn P. , Blanchard Terry L.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine whether administration of
killed West Nile virus vaccine was associated with
pregnancy loss among broodmares.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—595 mares.

Procedure—Records of pregnant mares with known
vaccination history from 4 farms were reviewed.
Information obtained from 595 mares included mare's
identification; farm; age; breed; reproductive status;
last breeding date; date last known pregnant; vaccination
date; age of conceptus at vaccination; vaccination
during the early embryonic, early fetal, and late fetal
periods; and whether an early embryonic death (EED),
early fetal loss (EFL), or late fetal loss (LFL) occurred.
The relationships between the dichotomous outcomes
of loss (eg, EED, EFL, LFL) and independent categoric
variables (eg, vaccination during the early embryonic,
early fetal, or late fetal periods) were examined.

Results—Vaccination of pregnant mares during any
period of gestation was not associated with increased
incidence of pregnancy loss.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Many mares
are already pregnant at the onset of mosquito season,
when mares are more likely to be vaccinated than at
other times. Our findings provide evidence that vaccine
administration will not compromise pregnancy in
horses. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;225:1894–1897)
Seroprevalence of antibodies against Lawsonia intracellularis among growing pigs raised in indoor versus outdoor units
Authors: Class Mike , Bilkei Gabor
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine change over time in seroprevalence of antibodies againstLawsonia intracellularisamong growing-finishing pigs housed in indoor versus outdoor facilities.

Design—Serologic survey.

Animals—93 pigs born to seropositive gilts and raised in indoor (n = 49) or outdoor (44) growing-finishing facilities.

Procedure—Blood samples were collected from the pigs 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, and 26 weeks after birth and tested for antibodies againstL intracellulariswith an indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Results—None of the pigs were seropositive 2 or 6 weeks after birth. Ten weeks after birth, 74% and 76% of pigs in indoor and outdoor growing-finishing facilities were seropositive, respectively, whereas 14 weeks after birth, the percentage of pigs in indoor growing-finishing facilities that were seropositive was substantially higher than the percentage of pigs in outdoor facilities that were. From 18 weeks after birth to the end of the study, none of the pigs in outdoor growing-finishing facilities were seropositive, whereas low percentages of pigs in indoor facilities were seropositive 18, 22, and 26 weeks after birth.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that seroprevalence of antibodies againstL intracellularisdecreases faster among growing-finishing pigs housed in outdoor facilities than among growingfinishing pigs housed in indoor facilities. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1905–1907)
Humoral response to West Nile virus vaccination in alpacas and llamas
Authors: Kutzler Michelle A. , Baker Rocky J. , Mattson Donald E.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine humoral responses to an
equine West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine in healthy
alpacas and llamas and compare responses in alpacas
and llamas with responses in horses.

Design—Clinical trial.

Animals—28 alpacas, 56 llamas, and 16 horses.

Procedure—Horses received 2 vaccinations at 4-
week intervals, and alpacas and llamas received 3
vaccinations at 3-week intervals. Fifty-five llamas
received a fourth vaccination 3 weeks after the third.
Blood samples were collected immediately prior to
each vaccination, 3 weeks after the last vaccination
for alpacas and llamas, and 4 weeks after the last vaccination
for horses and tested for virus-neutralizing
antibodies. Samples from 29 randomly selected vaccinated
llamas were used.

Results—None of the animals developed any local or
systemic adverse reactions. Four of 28 (14%) alpacas,
4 of 29 (14%) llamas, and 7 of 16 (44%) horses were
seropositive 3 (llamas and alpacas) or 4 (horses)
weeks after administration of the first vaccination; 27
of 28 (96%) alpacas, 26 of 29 (90%) llamas, and 15 of
16 (94%) horses were seropositive after administration
of the second vaccination; and all 28 alpacas and
28 of 29 (97%) llamas were seropositive 3 weeks
after administration of the third vaccination.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest
that vaccination with the equine WNV vaccine is
safe in alpacas and llamas. Administration of 3 vaccinations
generally resulted in virus-neutralizing antibody
titers similar to those observed following 2 vaccinations
in horses; however, because it is not known
what antibody titer would be protective against clinical
WNV disease in alpacas or llamas, we cannot conclude
that the vaccine was efficacious. ( J Am Vet Med
Assoc 2004;225:414–416)
SEM studies on the copulatory apparatus of male Oesophagostomum columbianum
Authors: Duggal C. , Kaur H.
Published: July 2006

SEM studies on the cloacal opening of Oesophagostomum columbianum indicate that it is located on a raised conical structure called the “genital cone”. The genital cone is provided with a ventral lip and a pair of subdorsal gential appendages. The vental lip is a triangular structure having a single papilla on it and the genital appendages are covered with wrinkled cuticle with a nerve process projecting to the exterior in center. The bursa is supported by muscular rays which end up as knob-like sessile genital papillae. The inner surface of the bursa is porous. Spicules are two, equal, each provided with an ala which decreases in height distally and end up much prior to the spicular tip.
Evaluation of a coproantigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of canine echinococcosis in Iran
Authors: Siavashi M. , Motamedi Gh
Published: July 2006

Echinococcosis is one of the most important zoonosis in Iran. Due to this fact that providing a reliable diagnostic method for detection of this infection in definitive host is a critical prerequirement for the establishment of appropriate control programs in our country, one hundred and sixteen carnivores including 80 dogs, 27 jackals, 8 foxes and one wolf were collected from rural areas of Hamadan, Azarbaijan and Tehran provinces and examined for Echinococcus granulosus infection. Canine echinococcosis was diagnosed upon direct microscopic examination of intestinal contents and mucosal scraping for adult tapeworms, and a coproantigen detection enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (CA-ELISA) for Echinococcus granulosus. The overall prevalence of canine echinococcosis using the ELISA test was 43.1 % (50/116). The relative frequency of canine echinococcosis was 37 % (43/116) by microscopic examination.

The sensitivity and specificity of the CA-ELISA test as referenced by necropsy findings was 72.1 % and 74 % respectively. We found this assay to be a very suitable and advantageous method for the surveillance of canine population especially in regions with endemic echinococcosis.
The epidemiology of swine trichinellosis in China during 1999–2004
Authors: Cui J. , Wang Z. , Hu D.
Published: July 2006

The epidemiology of swine trichinellosis in China during 1999–2004 was reported in this paper. The seroepidemiological survey of swine trichinellosis was carried out by ELISA in 4 Provinces or Autonomous Regions (P/A), the seroprevalence was from 1.63 % to 15.21 %. The prevalence of Trichinella infection in swine slaughtered at abattoirs varied from 0.0001 % to 23 % in 7 P/A. Both of the seroprevalence and prevalence of swine trichinellosis in China has obviously decreased compared with that in 1990’s. The decrease was probably due to a combination of factors, including development of industrialized pig farms, application of commercial grain forages, the improvement of pig production practices and the shortening of swine feeding time. At present, swine trichinellosis in China still is mainly transmitted by garbage (ie. feeding pigs with raw swill). Trichinella infected pigs are predominately from the small farms of suburbs where pigs are fed on swill from the restaurants and from some mountainous areas where pigs are raised outdoors. Pigs were sometimes slaughtered clandestinely at home in rural and mountainous areas without veterinary inspection. The prevalence of Trichinella infection in pork sold at the market was from 0.52 % to 3.66 % in 3 P/A. 17 outbreaks of human trichinellosis, with 828 cases and 11 deaths, were recorded in 8 P/M of China during 2000–2004. Out of 17 outbreaks, 13 (76.47 %) outbreaks were caused by eating raw or poorly cooked pork. Hence, the pig-rearing mode should be changed and all pigs should be raised in piggery, and the mandatory inspection of meat be further strengthen for the control of trichinellosis.
Intestinal helminth communities of Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis carbonelli (Sauria: Lacertidae) in NW Portugal
Authors: Galdón M. , Roca V. , Barbosa D. , Carretero M.
Published: July 2006

A survey of gastrointestinal helminth communities of Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis carbonelli (Sauria: Lacertidae) from NW Portugal was conducted to determine the prevalence, intensity and diversity of intestinal parasites in these lizards. A few parasite species were found in both hosts, their prevalences, mean intensities and abundances of infection being low or very low. Low values of richness and abundance of parasite species were also found in the helminth infracommunities of individuals of both host species. These low values of parameters of infection and diversity are discussed and compared between both host species and among other Iberian lacertid lizards.
Enzymatic and protein differences between infective larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis conditioned or not conditioned to hypobiosis
Authors: Vadlejch J. , Langrová I. , Borovský M. , Sedmíková M. , Jankovská I. , Fechtner J. , Lytvynets A.
Published: July 2006

The differences in protein and enzymatic profiles of infective larvae (L3) of Trichostrongylus colubriformis, both induced and non-induced to hypobiosis, have been evaluated by means of SDS-PAGE and densitometric analysis as well as by semiquantitative micromethod API-ZYM (Bio-Mérieux, France). Quantitative differences were identified in protein levels between the induced and non-induced larvae, where the amount of two polypeptides (200–220 kDa) decreased in range 32.3–35.4 % and the amount of six polypeptides (20–28 kDa) increased in range 20.0–27.0 % in the samples of induced larvae. In contrast to non-induced larvae, on gelatin-substrate gel in L3
in vitro released (IVR) proteases from larvae conditioned to hypobiosis, zones of proteolysis were observed between 21 and 34 kDa.
Immunological changes after multiple Toxocara canis infection of lambs
Authors: Revajová V. , Levkut M. , Aldawek A. , Herich R. , Dvorožňáková E. , Krupicer I.
Published: July 2006

To estimate the effect of lambs’ immunoreactivity to multiple Toxocara infection, subpopulations of lymphocytes, determination of specific IgG levels, proliferation activity of splenic lymphocytes, and metabolic activity of granulocytes were performed. Five-month-old Valaška lambs were daily infected with 1000 embryonated Toxocara canis eggs for 23 days and immune responses were studied up to 49 days post infection (dpi). The number of leukocytes and neutrophiles was no significantly higher on 12 hrs pi in infected group. Absolute counts of eosinophiles were increased on 14 dpi and significantly increased on 21 d in infected animals. Greater numbers of CD2+ T lymphocytes were observed during the course of the experiment in the peripheral blood of infected animals. The level of CD4+ cells was lower 42 dpi, but the number of CD8+ cells was higher in the experimental animals. IgM positive B cells were significantly increased on 28 dpi, and monocytes on 12 hours, 14 and 35 dpi in infected animals. Production of anti-T. canis IgG was significantly enhanced on 28 dpi in infected lambs. Significant increased proliferative response of splenic T and B lymphocytes was found on 14 and 21 dpi. Metabolic burst of granulocytes demonstrated the decrease of percentage values from 3 dpi. Larvae of T. canis were microscopically observed in the peripheral blood from 14 to 35 dpi. The multiple reinfection of sheep with 1000 T. canis eggs caused eosinophilia, increased the proliferation activity of B-and T-cells and increased the production of T. canis specific antibodies. The cooperation of immune cells has directed to kill the larvae in the peripheral blood and trapping them in granulomas.
Occurrence of acanthocephalans in Teleost fishes of Gemlik Bay, Sea of Marmara, Turkey
Authors: Oğuz M. , Kvach Y.
Published: July 2006

The fish acanthocephalan fauna of Turkish waters is poorly known. In this study 8 fish species (Merluccius merluccius, Trachurus trachurus, Uranoscopus scaber, Gobius niger, G. cobitis, Scorpaena scrofa, Eutrigla gurnardus, Solea vulgaris) were collected from Gemlik Bay and examined for their acanthocephalan fauna. Four species not previously recorded in fish of Turkish waters were found: Solearhynchus soleae (Echinorhynchidae), Acanthhocephaloides propinquus, Paracanthocephaloides kostylewi (Arhythmacanthidae), and Longicollum pagrosomi (Pomphorhynchidae). The most common species was A. propinquus, a parasite that infects mostly gobiids (G. niger, G. cobitis). Longicollum pagrosomi was a new record for the Mediterranean basin.
First record of Longidorus intermedius Kozlowska and Seinhorst, 1979 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from the Czech Republic
Authors: Kumari S. , Chaloupková M. , Jokeš M.
Published: July 2006

Longidorus intermedius Kozlowska and Seinhorst, 1979 was recorded in the Czech Republic for the first time in the rhizosphere of Robinia pseudoacacia at Dolní Bojanovice and Carpinus betulus — Euonymus europaeus — Quercus sp. at Strážovice. The morphological and morphometrical characteristics are studied.
A case of mosaic supernumerary ring chromosome 15 with two copies of the segment 15p11.1–q14
Authors: Zou Ying S. , McGrann Pamela S. , Uphoff Timothy S. , Van Dyke Daniel L.
Published: July 2006

Although supernumerary marker chromosomes derived from chromosome 15 (SMC(15)) are the most common marker chromosome in humans, ring SMC(15)s are rare. Here we report on a 16‐month‐old patient who has a ring SMC(15) with two copies of the segment 15p11.1–q14 region. She exhibits hypotonia, developmental delay, speech delay, microstomia, micrognathia, and other mild dysmorphic features. The ring was present in 22% of her peripheral blood lymphocyte cells. FISH study revealed that the ring was derived from chromosome 15, and had neither telomere sequence nor satellite III paracentromeric DNA. It had alpha satellite DNA, and two copies of the segment 15q11.2 to CTD 2125J1 (at 15q14, 2.2 Mbp telomeric of the common breakpoint 5). The ring‐containing cells had four copies of 15p11.1–q14. The ring can be described as r(15)(::p11.1 → q14::q14 → p11.1::). Southern‐blot analysis of the methylation pattern in the PW/AS critical region showed biparental inheritance, and the ring was maternally derived. This patient's phenotype was comparable to ring SMC(15) patients with three copies of the Prader–Willi/Angelman syndrome (PWS/AS) critical region. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An anomalous journal impact factor
Authors: Abt H. A.
Published: July 2006

The impact factor (average number of citations per paper) for the Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series jumped between 2003 and 2004 from 6.247 to 15.231, giving it the world's second highest impact factor for an astronomical journal in 2004. Was this change due to a computing error or to an unusual occurrence? It is shown that it was due to the extremely high citation rates (average of 160 citations per year) for 13 papers in the special issue devoted to the WilkinsonMicrowave Anisotropy Probe. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
1E 1207.4–5209: Are the optical and X‐ray spectra blueshifted?
Authors: Basu D.
Published: July 2006

1E 1207.4–5209 is an X‐ray source located at the centre of the supernova remnant (SNR) PKS 1209–52 (G296.5+10.0) and is thought to be an isolated neutron star (INS) associated with the SNR. Its optical spectrum shows several absorption lines and the X‐ray spectrum exhibits three variable absorption features at what appears to be harmonically related wavelengths, the latter being interpreted as due to cyclotron resonance. However, there are several serious problems, uncertainties and difficulties in the above association (SNR/INS) and in the interpretation of the spectra. In view of these, we suggest an alternative explanation of the observed spectra in terms of blueshifts. This implies that the optical and X‐ray absorption spectra are due to the central object of the SNR in association with two separate absorption clouds ejected at successively increasing speeds. The clouds have their origins in jets resulting from the merger of two very massive compact stars. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Significant Reduction of On‐Site Coulomb Energy U due to Short‐Range Correlation in an Organic Mott Insulator
Authors: Ohno Kaoru , Noguchi Yoshifumi , Yokoi Toshihiro , Ishii Soh , Takeda Jun , Furuya Miou
Published: July 2006

By carrying out a first‐principles T‐matrix calculation on multiple scatterings between electrons, we show that the intramolecular electron–electron interaction energy U, of a Mott insulator of the organic radical 1,3,5‐trithia‐2,4,6‐triazapentalenyl (TTTA) is significantly reduced from the naive expectation value of the Coulomb interaction (7.3 eV and 5.3 eV, respectively, for the bare and screened Coulomb interactions) to 2.9 eV due to the short‐range correlation. This result together with the intermolecular interaction energy D=1.3 eV explains the experimental optical gap (1.5 eV). The associated two‐particle wavefunction clearly shows the Coulomb hole indicating that two electrons with antiparallel spins cannot approach because of the Coulomb repulsion. We also discuss the energetics and magnetics of this system.
Quantifying bias due to allele misclassification in case‐control studies of haplotypes
Authors: Govindarajulu Usha S. , Spiegelman Donna , Miller Katie L. , Kraft Peter
Published: July 2006

Objectives Genotyping errors can induce biases in frequency estimates for haplotypes of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Here, we considered the impact of SNP allele misclassification on haplotype odds ratio estimates from case‐control studies of unrelated individuals.

Methods We calculated bias analytically, using the haplotype counts expected in cases and controls under genotype misclassification. We evaluated the bias due to allele misclassification across a range of haplotype distributions using empirical haplotype frequencies within blocks of limited haplotype diversity. We also considered simple two‐ and three‐locus haplotype distributions to understand the impact of haplotype frequency and number of SNPs on misclassification bias.

Results We found that for common haplotypes (>5% frequency), realistic genotyping error rates (0.1–1% chance of miscalling an allele), and moderate relative risks (2–4), the bias was always towards the null and increases in magnitude with increasing error rate, increasing odds ratio. For common haplotypes, bias generally increased with increasing haplotype frequency, while for rare haplotypes, bias generally increased with decreasing frequency. When the chance of miscalling an allele is 0.5%, the median bias in haplotype‐specific odds ratios for common haplotypes was generally small (<4% on the log odds ratio scale), but the bias for some individual haplotypes was larger (10–20%). Bias towards the null leads to a loss in power; the relative efficiency using a test statistic based upon misclassified haplotype data compared to a test based on the unobserved true haplotypes ranged from roughly 60% to 80%, and worsened with increasing haplotype frequency.

Conclusions The cumulative effect of small allele‐calling errors across multiple loci can induce noticeable bias and reduce power in realistic scenarios. This has implications for the design of candidate gene association studies that utilize multi‐marker haplotypes. Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of SNP tagging methods using empirical data: association study of 713 SNPs on chromosome 12q14.3–12q24.21 for asthma and total serum IgE in an African Caribbean population
Authors: Chi Peter B. , Duggal Priya , Kao W.H. Linda , Mathias Rasika A. , Grant Audrey V. , Stockton Maria L. , Garcia Joe G.N. , Ingersoll Roxann G. , Scott Alan F. , Beaty Terri H. , Barnes Kathleen C. , Fallin M. Daniele
Published: July 2006

Few comparison studies have been performed on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) tagging methods to examine their consistency and effectiveness in terms of inferences about association with disease. We applied several SNP tagging methods to SNPs on chromosome 12q (n=713) and compared the utility of these methods to detect association for asthma and serum IgE levels among a sample of African Caribbean families from Barbados selected through asthmatic probands. We found that a high level of information regarding association is retained in Clayton's htSNP, Stram's TagSNP, and de Bakker's Tagger. We also found a high degree of consistency between TagSNP and Tagger. Using this set of 713 SNPs on chromosome 12q, our study provides insight towards analytic strategies for future studies of complex traits. Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pattern hunting in climate: a new method for finding trends in gridded climate data
Authors: Hannachi A.
Published: July 2006

Trends are very important in climate research and are ubiquitous in the climate system. Trends are usually estimated using simple linear regression. Given the complexity of the system, trends are expected to have various features such as global and local characters. It is therefore important to develop methods that permit a systematic decomposition of climate data into different trend patterns and remaining no‐trend patterns. Empirical orthogonal functions and closely related methods, widely used in atmospheric science, are unable in general to capture trends because they are not devised for that purpose. The present paper presents a novel method capable of systematically capturing trend patterns from gridded data. The method is based on an eigenanalysis of the covariance/correlation matrix obtained using correlations between time positions of the sorted data, and trends are associated with the leading nondegenerate eigenvalues. Application to simple low‐dimensional time series models and reanalyses data are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for idiopathic Parkinson's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Chung Vincent , Liu Liang , Bian Zhaoxiang , Zhao Zhongzhen , Leuk Fong Wai , Kum Wan Fung , Gao Jing , Li Min
Published: July 2006

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines (HMs), as a monotherapy or adjunct therapy, compared to placebo or conventional approaches in the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials from both conventional and alternative medicine sources. Outcome measures were overall improvement, quality of life, reduction of levodopa dose, and adverse events. Nine studies were included, each testing a different HM. Six of the trials had limited internal validity due to major flaws in design, including the lack of proper randomization; insufficient blinding; unclear inclusive criteria in terms of diagnostic criteria, baseline staging, and duration of disease; lack of proper sample size calculation; and insufficient data analysis. Imbalances in gender and ethnicity among the patients in the included trials were observed. No major adverse events emerged, and no specific pattern was detected from the trials describing such data. In addition to major methodological defects, heterogeneity in (1) HM tested, (2) control treatment, and (3) outcome measure hindered in‐depth data analysis and synthesis. Current evidence is insufficient to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various HMs. Further studies with improved trial design and reporting, with assessment on cost‐effectiveness, quality of life, and qualitative data are warranted. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Behavioral models of Parkinson's disease in rodents: A new look at an old problem
Authors: Meredith Gloria E. , Kang Un Jung
Published: July 2006

The circuitry important for voluntary movement is influenced by dopamine from the substantia nigra and regulated by the nigrostriatal system. The basal ganglia influence the pyramidal tract and other motor systems, such as the mesopontine nuclei and the rubrospinal tract. Although the neuroanatomical substrates underlying motor control are similar for humans and rodents, the behavioral repertoire mediated by those circuits is not. The principal aim of this review is to evaluate how injury to dopamine‐mediated pathways in rodents gives rise to motor dysfunction that mimics human Parkinsonism. We will examine the behavioral tests in common use with rodent models of Parkinson's disease and critically evaluate the appropriateness of each test for detecting motor impairment. We will show how tests of motor performance must be guided by a thorough understanding of the clinical symptoms accompanying the disease, the circuitry mediating dopamine deficits in rodents, and familiarity with the rodent behavioral repertoire. We will explain how investigations in rodents of skilled forepaw actions, including placing, grooming, or foot faults, have clear correlates in Parkinson's disease, and are, therefore, the most sensitive ways of detecting motor impairment following dopamine loss from the basal ganglia of rodents. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Early cinematographic studies of generalized dystonia
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Vilensky Joel A.
Published: July 2006

Among movement disorders, dystonia is a particularly complex phenomenon and difficult to describe. For this reason, cinematographic documents were particularly important to the establishment of this disorder within the neurological nosology. The seminal 1944 article on dystonia by E. Herz anchored its arguments in moving film documentation, published with frame‐by‐frame demonstrations of dystonic patients. Although the original films that comprised the basis of this article have not been located, two related contemporaneous films, one by Herz in association with T.J. Putnam, and one by S.P. Goodhart and B.H. Balser, have been located. Incorporating standard and several innovative filming techniques, these films and their accompanying text material capture the particular movements of dystonia, revealing the anatomical patterns of the twisting spasms, and emphasize their action exacerbation. The films demonstrate the variety of dystonic movements appreciated during this period, consider psychogenic, postencephalitic, and hereditary forms, and refer to the treatment of dystonia by surgery and plaster casts. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Intravenous flumazenil for Parkinson's disease: A single dose, double blind, placebo controlled, cross‐over trial
Authors: Ondo William G. , Silay Yavuz S.
Published: July 2006

Flumazenil is a short‐acting intravenously administered γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines. Based upon current basal ganglion models in Parkinson's disease (PD), flumazenil could normalize neuronal signaling at several different locations. We conducted a double‐blind, placebo controlled, single dose, cross‐over trial of flumazenil and placebo in 16 subjects with PD. Subjects were primarily assessed with serial tapping tests (1 minute for each hand) at 15‐minute intervals for 90 minutes after infusion. Secondary assessments included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Motor part at baseline and 45 minutes after infusion, and global impressions. Subjects then underwent a 90‐minute washout and entered the opposite arm of the cross‐over. Change in tapping speed compared to baseline improved throughout the 90‐minute period (P < 0.0001) and at each individual time (P < 0.01), except for 15 minutes status after infusion, with flumazenil compared to placebo. UPDRS scores tended to improve more on drug, but this finding was not significant. The medication was well tolerated. The most common adverse event on drug was a sense of “light‐headedness” or “dizziness.” GABA antagonists represent a novel potential treatment class for PD. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Visualization and quantification of disease progression in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Hauser Till‐Karsten , Luft Andreas , Skalej Martin , Nägele Thomas , Kircher Tilo T.J. , Leube Dirk T. , Schulz Jörg B.
Published: July 2006

To visualize and quantify disease progression in multiple system atrophy (MSA) from cerebellar type (MSA‐C), we combined two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and 3D‐based volumetry. Patients suffering from MSA‐C (n = 14) were imaged twice with an interval of 2.0 ± 0.2 years. We first applied VBM to map brain morphology changes between MSA patients and controls and to identify brain areas that showed a significant amount of atrophy. Using 3D‐based volumetry, we confirmed that in MSA‐C patients, the brainstem including medulla and pons, vermis and cerebellar hemispheres, caudate nucleus and putamen showed significant atrophy compared with controls. Next, we used 3D‐based volumetry to analyze the atrophy rates. Atrophy rates in patients with MSA were significantly different from controls for putamen (−11.4% ± 2.6%/year), vermis (−12.3% ± 2.9%/year), and cerebellar hemispheres (−6.6% ± 1.1%/year). The results show that 3D‐based MRI volumetry is a tool that allows the disease progression of MSA to be followed over a time period of 2 years and suggest that it may serve as a surrogate marker in clinical trials to measure disease progression. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society