bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying dimensions of perceptual change in Spanish-English bilinguals.
Authors: Olmstead Annie J. , Fabiano-Smith Leah , Viswanathan Navin
Published: October 2010

The differences between perception and production in Spanish-English bilinguals and English monolinguals are well-documented. [Goldstein (2001).] These differences are sometimes attributed to changes in the language users’ perceptual sensitivities as a function of learning a second language. [Best (1994); (1995).] In the current study, we focus on the covariation of perceptual sensitivites and proficiency in L2 in Spanish-English bilinguals with the goal of developing a composite measure of perceptual accentedness. Specifically, we focus on categorization along a voicing continuum, goodness of category fit, vowel identification and discrimination, and bilabial stop/aspirant detection tasks. Through a combination of these perceptual tasks we seek to determine whether certain dimensions change more readily than others and if certain changes are strongly correlated. Finally, we determine whether these changes precede, follow, or are concurrent with corresponding changes in production. The results of this project have implications for understanding cross-linguistic influences on speech perception and production and understanding the relationship between perception and production.
Phonetic and phonological dimensions of accent change in bilinguals.
Authors: Fabiano-Smith Leah , Viswanathan Navin , Olmstead Anne
Published: October 2010

The current study aimed to specify the phonetic and phonological dimensions along which accent change occurs in both languages in bilingual Spanish-English speakers. Previous studies examining accent change have done so in a variety of contexts [e.g., Colantoni and Steele (2008); Marian et al. (2008); Flege et al. (2002); MacKay et al. (2001); Flege et al. (1997)]. We aimed to observe how various phonetic and phonological variables that have already been examined interact to contribute to accent change. Four experiments examining between-language interaction on phonetic and phonological components focused on the following areas: (1) voice onset time (VOT) of initial voiceless consonants; (2) vowel space; (3) consonant manner classes, and (4) phonological changes that might be occurring cross-linguistically. Fifteen bilingual Spanish-English speakers, 10 monolingual English speakers, and 10 monolingual Spanish speakers participated in the current study. Participants were engaged in four experiments that involved both perception and production tasks in both languages. The results of this study could supplement theories on between-language interaction in second language learners. This interaction might shed light onto how rules of L1 might contribute to accent change in L2, and how language attrition might contribute to accent change.
Development of the non-native English sentence test for speech recognition.
Authors: Smiljanic Rajka , Calandruccio Lauren
Published: October 2010

Though the US population is becoming more diverse, there are no normalized sentence recognition tests for non-native English listeners. It is, therefore, difficult to examine sources of perceptual problems in speech recognition tasks by non-native listeners in laboratory and audiology clinics. The goal of this project is to develop test materials appropriate for assessing non-native listeners’ speech recognition and hearing abilities. In order to limit linguistic biases, we recorded naturally elicited conversations with 100 non-native talkers from 28 nations and with 15 different native languages on 20 topics. The recordings were transcribed and a lexicon of over 5000 unique words was compiled. The most frequent words across speakers of varying proficiency levels and language backgrounds were used to create test sentences with an equal number of keywords and with the syntactic structure appropriate for non-native listeners. The sentences will be recorded by four native talkers of English and evaluated for difficulty by 40 non-native listeners of English who will participate in sentence-in-noise tests. A final set of 500 normalized sentences will be used to explore speech-in-noise recognition of non-native listeners. Non-native English sentence test along with the high quality audio recordings will be made available for use in the laboratory and clinics.
Phonemic verbal fluency test analysis for japanese learners of English.
Authors: Asano Keiko , Fusegi Keiko
Published: October 2010

Verbal fluency tests commonly used in clinical and neuropsychological assessments were conducted on Japanese second-language learners of English. The most frequently used scores from these tests provide quantitative information such as the total number of words the subjects generated. This study investigated how the different proficiency levels of the learners generate words not only on the quantitative but also qualitative aspects of phonemic verbal fluency. Regarding the procedures of the phonemic verbal fluency test, the subjects were asked to generate orally as many different words as possible beginning with the letter “S” within a limited time of one minute. The results show that the higher proficiency level group of Japanese learners of English generated the greatest number of words, as well as those consisting of more syllables. Moreover, in terms of the qualitative aspect, there was particular tendency for the characteristics of the generated words to vary between the different proficiency level groups: the lower intermediate level group learners tried to generate loanwords in their native language, while the higher level proficiency group used the phonemic cue to produce the words. Further studies will focus on the way the words generated by different level group are categorized and clustered.
Discrimination of American vowels in disyllables presented in speech babble by Spanish late-learners of American English.
Authors: Rosas Jason A. , Barias Arsenia , Gilichinskaya Yana D. , Ito Kikuyo , Strange Winifred
Published: October 2010

A previous study examined speeded discrimination of American English (AE) vowels in quiet by Spanish (SP) late L2 learners and AE controls. Results revealed differences between groups in accuracy on non-native contrasts predictable from L1 phonological differences, but no significant differences between groups in response latency. In the present study, SP and AE listeners discriminated vowel contrasts in disyllables (Vpa) presented in non-ideal listening contexts. The disyllabic stimuli were presented as four control contrasts (four non-adjacent height contrasts) and eight experimental contrasts: four with spectral + duration differences (short-long adjacent height contrasts) and four with spectral differences only (two front-back contrasts and two height contrasts between short vowels). Both vowel contrasts and noise levels (speech babble presented at signal-to-noise ratio 0, 6, 12) were varied randomly within trials. Results indicated that SP listeners performed more poorly than native AE control subjects on select experimental contrasts consistent with prior findings in quiet condition. Effect of noise level on vowel perception accuracy and response latency by SP listeners will be considered. Additionally, correlations between SP subjects’ performance on the experimental task, a perceptual assimilation task, and a test of English fluency and pronunciation (Versant) will be discussed. [Work supported by NSF.]
Russian, Japanese, and Spanish late second language learners’ perception of American vowels produced in sentences with varying consonantal contexts: Perception in the phonological mode.
Authors: Strange Winifred , Gilichinskaya Yana , Ito Kikuyo , Rosas Jason , Barias Arsenia
Published: October 2010

We examined native Russian-, Japanese-, and Spanish-speaking L2 learners’ perception of American English (AE) vowels produced in nonsense trisyllables (gaCVCa) embedded in a sentence. Vowels in 4 contexts (bVb, bVp, dVt, dVp) in the phrase “five gaCVCa” excised from “I said five gaCVCa this time” were presented in a categorial ABX task in which the AB stimuli were both gabVba or both gadVpa, and X contained either the same or a different consonant context. Thirteen pairings of eight vowels [i:, ɪ:, ɑ:, ε, æ:, ʌ, u, u:] constituted three types of contrasts: four Control pairings (non-adjacent height contrasts), four spectral + duration contrasts (four short-long adjacent height contrasts), and five spectral only contrasts (three front-back contrasts and two height contrasts between short vowels). The native AE listeners’ performance was quite accurate overall on the nine experimental contrasts (89% correct on same-context trials, 79% on different-context trials). Non-native groups did more poorly, especially on experimental contrasts in different-context trials (Russian 73%, Japanese 67%, and Spanish 54%) and were poorest at differentiating mid-low and low vowels: [æ:-ɑ:, ɑ:-ʌ, ε-ʌ]. Comparisons of results with perceptual assimilation patterns, discrimination of citation /Vpə/ disyllables, and with spoken English proficiency (Versant test) are discussed. [Work supported by NSF.]
Individual differences in vowel epenthesis among Korean learners of English.
Authors: Shin Dong-Jin , Iverson Paul
Published: October 2010

It has been established that Korean learners of English insert epenthetic vowels within consonant clusters, likely because consonant clusters are not used in Korean. The present studies investigated whether individual differences in vowel epenthesis are more related to the perception and production of segments (vowels and consonants), prosody, or are relatively independent of these processes. Thirty-two subjects completed a battery of perception and production tasks: read target words that were likely to have epenthetic vowels (e.g., abduction), read sentences, identification of vowels and consonants, stress deafness, epenthetic vowel perception, and the recognition of English sentences in noise. The preliminary results demonstrate that these measures are not strongly correlated with each other, suggesting that vowel epenthesis may be related to phonotactic processes that are only weakly related to the ability of second-language learners to produce and perceive English segments or prosody.
Potent Strategy To Inhibit HIV-1 by Binding both gp120 and gp41
Authors: Kagiampakis Ioannis , Gharibi Arbi , Mankowski Marie K. , Snyder Beth A. , Ptak Roger G. , Alatas Kristabelle , LiWang Patricia J.
Published: October 2010

The development of an anti-HIV microbicide is critical in the fight against the spread of HIV. It is shown here that the covalent linking of compounds that bind gp120 with compounds that bind gp41 can inhibit HIV entry even more potently than individual inhibitors or noncovalent combinations. The most striking example involves griffithsin, a potent HIV inhibitor that binds to the surface of HIV gp120. While griffithsin inhibits HIV Env-mediated fusion in a CCR5-tropic cell-cell fusion assay with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.31 ± 0.87 nM and the gp41-binding peptide C37 shows an IC50of 18.2 ± 7.6 nM, the covalently linked combination of griffithsin with C37 (Griff37) has an IC50of 0.15 ± 0.05 nM, exhibiting a potency 8.7-fold greater than that of griffithsin alone. Similarly, in CXCR4-tropic cell-cell fusion assays, Griff37 is 5.2-fold more potent than griffithsin alone. In viral assays, both griffithsin and Griff37 inhibit HIV replication at midpicomolar levels, but the linked compound Griff37 is severalfold more potent than griffithsin alone against both CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic virus strains. Another example of this strategy is the covalently linked combination of peptide C37 with a variant of the gp120-binding peptide CD4M33 (L. Martin et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 21:71-76, 2003). Also, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra for several of these compounds are shown, including, to our knowledge, the first published NMR spectrum for griffithsin.
The Antibiotic Gentamicin Inhibits Specific Protein Trafficking Functions of the Arf1/2 Family of GTPases
Authors: Lin Lin , Wagner Mark C. , Cocklin Ross , Kuzma Alex , Harrington Maureen , Molitoris Bruce A. , Goebl Mark G.
Published: October 2010

Gentamicin is a highly efficacious antibiotic against Gram-negative bacteria. However, its usefulness in treating infections is compromised by its poorly understood renal toxicity. Toxic effects are also seen in a variety of other organisms. While the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
is relatively insensitive to gentamicin, mutations in any one of ∼20 genes cause a dramatic decrease in resistance. Many of these genes encode proteins important for translation termination or specific protein-trafficking complexes. Subsequent inspection of the physical and genetic interactions of the remaining gentamicin-sensitive mutants revealed a network centered on chitin synthase and the Arf GTPases. Further analysis has demonstrated that some conditional
arf1
and
gea1
alleles make cells hypersensitive to gentamicin under permissive conditions. These results suggest that one consequence of gentamicin exposure is disruption of Arf-dependent protein trafficking.
Differential Effects of Paromomycin on Ribosomes ofLeishmania mexicanaand Mammalian Cells
Authors: Fernández Marisa M. , Malchiodi Emilio L. , Algranati Israel D.
Published: October 2010

Paromomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic having low mammalian cell toxicity, is one of the drugs currently used in the chemotherapy of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. In order to understand the mode of action of this antibiotic at the molecular level, we have investigated the effects of paromomycin on protein synthesis inLeishmaniaand its mammalian hosts. We were able to demonstrate thatin vivoprotein synthesis in the promastigote stage of the parasite and its proliferation rate are markedly inhibited by paromomycin while being only slightly affected by other aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as streptomycin and neomycin B. Furthermore, bothin vitropolypeptide synthesis induced by poly(U) as mRNA and accuracy of translation are significantly decreased by paromomycin in cell-free systems containing ribosomal particles ofLeishmaniapromastigotes. Conversely, when ribosomes from mammalian cells are used instead of the protozoan particles, polyphenylalanine synthesis is only barely reduced by the antibiotic and the translation misreading remains almost unaltered. Surface plasmon resonance analysis of the interaction between paromomycin and protozoan or mammalian cell ribosomal RNAs shows a strong binding of antibiotic to the parasite ribosomal decoding site and practically no interaction with the mammalian cell counterpart. Our results indicating differential effects of paromomycin on the translation processes of theLeishmaniaparasite and its mammalian hosts can explain the therapeutic efficiency of this antibiotic as an antileishmaniasis agent.
Structure of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
d
-Alanine:
d
-Alanine Ligase, a Target of the Antituberculosis Drug
d
-Cycloserine
Authors: Bruning John B. , Murillo Ana C. , Chacon Ofelia , Barletta Raúl G. , Sacchettini James C.
Published: October 2010

d
-Alanine:
d
-alanine ligase (EC 6.3.2.4; Ddl) catalyzes the ATP-driven ligation of two
d
-alanine (
d
-Ala) molecules to form the
d
-alanyl:
d
-alanine dipeptide. This molecule is a key building block in peptidoglycan biosynthesis, making Ddl an attractive target for drug development.
d
-Cycloserine (DCS), an analog of
d
-Ala and a prototype Ddl inhibitor, has shown promise for the treatment of tuberculosis. Here, we report the crystal structure of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Ddl at a resolution of 2.1 Å. This structure indicates that Ddl is a dimer and consists of three discrete domains; the ligand binding cavity is at the intersection of all three domains and conjoined by several loop regions. The
M. tuberculosis
apo Ddl structure shows a novel conformation that has not yet been observed in Ddl enzymes from other species. The nucleotide and
d
-alanine binding pockets are flexible, requiring significant structural rearrangement of the bordering regions for entry and binding of both ATP and
d
-Ala molecules. Solution affinity and kinetic studies showed that DCS interacts with Ddl in a manner similar to that observed for
d
-Ala. Each ligand binds to two binding sites that have significant differences in affinity, with the first binding site exhibiting high affinity. DCS inhibits the enzyme, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of 0.37 mM under standard assay conditions, implicating a preferential and weak inhibition at the second, lower-affinity binding site. Moreover, DCS binding is tighter at higher ATP concentrations. The crystal structure illustrates potential drugable sites that may result in the development of more-effective Ddl inhibitors.
Structural Features Governing the Activity of Lactoferricin-Derived Peptides That Act in Synergy with Antibiotics against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez Susana , Japelj Bostjan , Jerala Roman , Moriyón Ignacio , Fernández Alonso Mirian , Leiva José , Blondelle Sylvie E. , Andrä Jörg , Brandenburg Klaus , Lohner Karl , Martínez de Tejada Guillermo
Published: October 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is naturally resistant to many antibiotics, and infections caused by this organism are a serious threat, especially to hospitalized patients. The intrinsic low permeability of
P. aeruginosa
to antibiotics results from the coordinated action of several mechanisms, such as the presence of restrictive porins and the expression of multidrug efflux pump systems. Our goal was to develop antimicrobial peptides with an improved bacterial membrane-permeabilizing ability, so that they enhance the antibacterial activity of antibiotics. We carried out a structure activity relationship analysis to investigate the parameters that govern the permeabilizing activity of short (8- to 12-amino-acid) lactoferricin-derived peptides. We used a new class of constitutional and sequence-dependent descriptors called PEDES (
pe
ptide
de
scriptors from
s
equence) that allowed us to predict (Spearman's ρ = 0.74;
P
< 0.001) the permeabilizing activity of a new peptide generation. To study if peptide-mediated permeabilization could neutralize antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the most potent peptides were combined with antibiotics, and the antimicrobial activities of the combinations were determined on
P. aeruginosa
strains whose mechanisms of resistance to those antibiotics had been previously characterized. A subinhibitory concentration of compound P2-15 or P2-27 sensitized
P. aeruginosa
to most classes of antibiotics tested and counteracted several mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, including loss of the OprD porin and overexpression of several multidrug efflux pump systems. Using a mouse model of lethal infection, we demonstrated that whereas P2-15 and erythromycin were unable to protect mice when administered separately, concomitant administration of the compounds afforded long-lasting protection to one-third of the animals.
Short Alkylated Peptoid Mimics of Antimicrobial Lipopeptides
Authors: Chongsiriwatana Nathaniel P. , Miller Tyler M. , Wetzler Modi , Vakulenko Sergei , Karlsson Amy J. , Palecek Sean P. , Mobashery Shahriar , Barron Annelise E.
Published: October 2010

We report the creation of alkylated poly-
N
-substituted glycine (peptoid) mimics of antimicrobial lipopeptides with alkyl tails ranging from 5 to 13 carbons. In several cases, alkylation significantly improved the selectivity of the peptoids with no loss in antimicrobial potency. Using this technique, we synthesized an antimicrobial peptoid only 5 monomers in length with selective, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity as potent as previously reported dodecameric peptoids and the antimicrobial peptide pexiganan.
Functional Antibodies Targeting IsaA of
Staphylococcus aureus
Augment Host Immune Response and Open New Perspectives for Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Lorenz Udo , Lorenz Birgit , Schmitter Tim , Streker Karin , Erck Christian , Wehland Jürgen , Nickel Joachim , Zimmermann Bastian , Ohlsen Knut
Published: October 2010

Staphylococcus aureus
is the most common cause of nosocomial infections. Multiple antibiotic resistance and severe clinical outcomes provide a strong rationale for development of immunoglobulin-based strategies. Traditionally, novel immunological approaches against bacterial pathogens involve antibodies directed against cell surface-exposed virulence-associated epitopes or toxins. In this study, we generated a monoclonal antibody targeting the housekeeping protein IsaA, a suggested soluble lytic transglycosylase of
S. aureus
, and tested its therapeutic efficacy in two experimental mouse infection models. A murine anti-IsaA antibody of the IgG1 subclass (UK-66P) showed the highest binding affinity in Biacore analysis. This antibody recognized all
S. aureus
strains tested, including hospital-acquired and community-acquired methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
strains. Therapeutic efficacy
in vivo
in mice was analyzed using a central venous catheter-related infection model and a sepsis survival model. In both models, anti-IsaA IgG1 conferred protection against staphylococcal infection.
Ex vivo
, UK-66P activates professional phagocytes and induces highly microbicidal reactive oxygen metabolites in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in bacterial killing. The study provides proof of concept that monoclonal IgG1 antibodies with high affinity to the ubiquitously expressed, single-epitope-targeting IsaA are effective in the treatment of staphylococcal infection in different mouse models. Anti-IsaA antibodies might be a useful component in an antibody-based therapeutic for prophylaxis or adjunctive treatment of human cases of
S. aureus
infections.
Heat Shock Factor 1 Protects Mice from Rapid Death duringListeria monocytogenesInfection by Regulating Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha during Fever
Authors: Murapa Patience , Ward Martin R. , Gandhapudi Siva K. , Woodward Jerold G. , D'Orazio Sarah E. F.
Published: October 2010

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a stress-induced transcription factor that promotes expression of genes that protect mammalian cells from the lethal effects of severely elevated temperatures (>42°C). However, we recently showed that HSF1 is activated at a lower temperature (39.5°C) in T cells, suggesting that HSF1 may be important for preserving T cell function during pathogen-induced fever responses. To test this, we examined the role of HSF1 in clearance ofListeria monocytogenes, an intracellular bacterial pathogen that elicits a strong CD8+T cell response in mice. Using temperature transponder microchips, we showed that the core body temperature increased approximately 2°C inL. monocytogenes-infected mice and that the fever response was maintained for at least 24 h. HSF1-deficient mice cleared a low-dose infection with slightly slower kinetics than didHSF1+/+littermate controls but were significantly more susceptible to challenges with higher doses of bacteria. Surprisingly, HSF1-deficient mice did not show a defect in CD8+T cell responses following sublethal infection. However, when HSF1-deficient mice were challenged with high doses ofL. monocytogenes, increased levels of serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) compared to those of littermate control mice were observed, and rapid death of the animals occurred within 48 to 60 h of infection. Neutralization of TNF-α enhanced the survival of HSF1-deficient mice. These results suggest that HSF1 is needed to prevent the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and subsequent death due to septic shock that can result following high-dose challenge with bacterial pathogens.
Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor- and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Mediated Matrix Metalloproteinase Production by Human Osteoblasts and Monocytes after Infection withBrucella abortus
Authors: Scian Romina , Barrionuevo Paula , Giambartolomei Guillermo H. , Fossati Carlos A. , Baldi Pablo C. , Delpino M. Victoria
Published: October 2010

Osteoarticular complications are common in human brucellosis, but the pathogenic mechanisms involved are largely unknown. Since matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in joint and bone damage in inflammatory and infectious diseases, we investigated the production of MMPs by human osteoblasts and monocytes, either uponBrucella abortusinfection or upon reciprocal stimulation with factors produced by each infected cell type.B. abortusinfection of the normal human osteoblastic cell line hFOB 1.19 triggered a significant release of MMP-2, which was mediated in part by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) acting on these same cells. Supernatants from infected osteoblasts exhibited increased levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and induced the migration of human monocytes (THP-1 cell line). Infection withB. abortusinduced a high MMP-9 secretion in monocytes, which was also induced by heat-killedB. abortusand by the Omp19 lipoprotein fromB. abortus. These effects were mediated by Toll-like receptor 2 and by the action of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) produced by these same cells. Supernatants fromB. abortus-infected monocytes induced MMP-2 secretion in uninfected osteoblasts, and this effect was mediated by TNF-α. Similarly, supernatants from infected osteoblasts induced MMP-9 secretion in uninfected monocytes. This effect was mediated by GM-CSF, which induced TNF-α production by monocytes, which in turn induced MMP-9 in these cells. These results suggest that MMPs could be potentially involved in the tissue damage observed in osteoarticular brucellosis.
Generation of a Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibody Fab Fragment to Surface Antigen 1 ofToxoplasma gondiiTachyzoites
Authors: Fu Yong-Feng , Feng Meng , Ohnishi Kenji , Kimura Tamon , Itoh Johbu , Cheng Xun-Jia , Tachibana Hiroshi
Published: October 2010

A combinatorial immunoglobulin gene library was constructed from lymphocytes in peripheral blood of a patient with toxoplasmosis and screened for production of human monoclonal antibody Fab fragments to recombinant surface antigen 1 (SAG1) ofToxoplasma gondii. Two Fab clones, Tox203 and Tox1403, which consisted of a common heavy chain and different light chains, showed positive staining on the entire surface of tachyzoites in confocal microscopy. Sequence analysis of the heavy-chain gene revealed that the closest germ line V segments were VH3-23. The germ line D segment was D1-7, and the closest germ line J segment was JH4. In the light-chain genes, the closest germ line V segment was Vκ1-17 with the Jκ1 or Jκ4 segments. The dissociation constants of these Fab fragments with recombinant SAG1 were 3.09 × 10−9M for Tox203 and 2.01 × 10−8M for Tox1403, indicating that the affinity of Tox203 was 7 times higher than that of Tox1403. Preincubation ofT. gondiitachyzoites with Tox203 significantly inhibited their attachment to cultured MDBK cells. Passive immunization of mice with Tox203 also significantly reduced mortality after challenge withT. gondiitachyzoites. This is the first report of bacterial expression of human monoclonal antibody Fab fragments to SAG1 ofT. gondii. These results also demonstrate that human Fab fragments to SAG1 might be applicable for immunoprophylaxis of toxoplasmosis.
A practice approach to part time partners
Authors: Singleton Geoff
Published: October 2010

How do you accommodate a senior partner who no longer wants to do out of hours work or who wishes to take an extended holiday, without causing disharmony or friction among the rest of the partners? GEOFF SINGLETON describes his practice's approach. . .
Differential diagnosis of polyneuritis equi
Authors: Vatistas Nicholas , Mayhew Joe
Published: October 2010

POLYNEURITIS EQUI has been previously described as neuritis of the cauda equina, due to an apparent predisposition for involvement of the extradural nerve roots of the cauda equina. However, the term polyneuritis equi more adequately reflects the more diffuse nature of the condition. Polyneuritis equi is characterised by a chronic granulomatous inflammation of the extradural nerve roots of many peripheral nerves. The aim of this article is to present an overview of polyneuritis and to comment on neuronopathies producing similar clinical signs.
Putting COSHH into practice
Authors: Gripper Peter
Published: October 2010

THE COSHH Regulations introduced in 1988 have many serious implications for veterinary practice. Yet the wide range of subjects covered by COSHH, and the difficulty of knowing where to start (and stop), may have meant that some veterinary surgeons may have chosen to ignore them rather than attempt their implementation.
Management of oesophageal obstruction (‘choke’) in horses
Authors: Hillyer Mark
Published: October 2010

OESOPHAGEAL disorders are relatively uncommon in the horse in comparison with other domesticated species. However, because of their dramatic and acute presentation, they often cause the owner considerable concern and anxiety. This article outlines the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of oesophageal obstructions in horses.
Feline infectious upper respiratory disease
Authors: Binns Sarah , Dawson Susan
Published: October 2010

INFECTIOUS upper respiratory disease in cats remains a common problem, despite widespread use of vaccination against the feline respiratory viruses over the past 20 years. This is partly due to the fact that, while vaccination reduces the severity of disease, it will not protect against viral infection, and does not eliminate or prevent the development of carrier states. The involvement of other pathogens, such as [i]Bordetella bronchiseptica[/i] and [i]Chiamydia psittaci[/i], in the syndrome may also be significant.
Consent forms ‐ a necessary evil
Authors: Wright Michael
Published: October 2010

IN these excessively litigious times, it is prudent to be sure that an owner has consented to any procedure that is performed on their animal. The process of obtaining consent also serves to confirm that there are no misunderstandings between veterinary surgeon and client and that the client wants the particular procedure to be performed.
Straight from the horse's mouth
Authors: Thompson Des
Published: October 2010

ON admission to the RCVS, veterinary surgeons make a declaration which includes the words, ‘My constant endeavour will be to ensure the welfare of animals committed to my care’. The provisions of the Guide to Professional Conduct are designed to enable veterinary surgeons to fulfil that obligation and not to inhibit competition. The other purpose of the guide is to produce a level playing field so that members of the profession can work in harmony. The purpose of this article is to highlight some potential areas of conflict peculiar to the equine world.
Diagnosis and control of coccidiosis in sheep
Authors: Taylor Mike
Published: October 2010

Coccidiosis is a frequently diagnosed, but often misunderstood, parasitic infection in sheep. Most sheep are infected with coccidia during their lives but in the majority of animals the parasites cause little or no damage. Disease only occurs if animals are subjected to heavy infections, or if their resistance is lowered. It is, therefore, important to differentiate between infection and disease, as the presence of coccidia does not invariably lead to the development of clinical signs of disease. Indeed, trials have demonstrated that low levels of challenge can be beneficial by stimulating protective immune responses in the host.
Differential diagnosis of throat and ear disease in cats
Authors: Willoughby Kim , Coutts Alison
Published: October 2010

IN the previous issue, the first of two articles on feline ear, nose and throat disease concentrated on diseases of the nose (In Practice, April 1995, pp 154‐161). Here, in the second article, diseases of the throat and ear are covered.
The right anaesthetic breathing system for you?
Authors: Clutton Eddie
Published: October 2010

THE types of anaesthetic machine available and factors influencing the selection of machine were discussed in an earlier article (In Practice, February 1995, pp 83‐88). Here, attention is turned to anaesthetic breathing systems, or circuits, which connect the anaesthetic machine to the endotracheal tube connector or mask and convey oxygen and anaesthetic vapour to the patient. Improper system selection, misuse or circuit malfunction may jeopardise patients. Because each circuit has advantages (and disadvantages) in different circumstances, a range should be available to cover all potential clinical situations.
Managing the dispensary
Authors: Vivian Martin
Published: October 2010

THE purpose of the stringent licensing procedures for veterinary medicinal products is to guarantee that only safe and efficacious medicines are available. Efficient management of the dispensary is the duty of the veterinary surgeon, to ensure the correct storage and dispensing of these medicines.
Organisation aspects of practice management
Authors: Cormack David
Published: October 2010

ONCE a practice grows beyond a certain size and is spread over several locations, there is often no single partner in a position to take important day‐to‐day decisions. To prevent a delay in decision making, many I larger practices have developed a management team approach. This article describes how to go about deciding on a workable and effective organisation structure suited to your individual practice.
Successful staff selection
Authors: Templeman Michelle
Published: October 2010

THE staff of a veterinary practice are one of its most valuable assets but there is no magic formula for selecting the ideal new recruit. This article offers a general guide on the process of staff selection to ensure an organised, confident approach.
Making the jump from assistant to partner
Authors: Swift Simon
Published: October 2010

FOR most veterinary surgeons who wish to remain in full‐time practice, the jump from assistant to partner is seen as a logical progression. As discussed in the May issue of In Practice (p 238), becoming a partner may be a quantum leap, but it should not be a leap into the, unknown. Here, Simon Swift looks at financial aspects that must be considered.
Differential diagnosis of keratitis in cats
Authors: Adam Shelagh , Crispin Sheila
Published: October 2010

KERATITIS, inflammation of the cornea, is a relatively common problem in the cat. Because the normal cornea is transparent any pathological change is obvious and the nature of the change may give important diagnostic clues as to the cause of the problem. This article discusses the aetiology and differential diagnosis of feline keratitis.
Colitis in the dog
Authors: Bush Barry
Published: October 2010

COLITIS denotes inflammatory bowel disease affecting the large bowel, including the rectum. It accounts for about a third of all cases of chronic diarrhoea in the dog and presents with a number of diagnostically valuable clinical features. Inflammatory bowel disease can also affect the small intestine and both regions may be involved concurrently, resulting in a mixture of signs.
Is your credit out of control?
Authors: Staplehurst Trevor
Published: October 2010

CREDIT control is an essential function within any commercial enterprise. However, veterinary surgeons often seem to consider themselves exempt from this harsh reality of business life: the vet‐client relationship must not be sullied with such a tacky consideration as money! However, at the end of the month the senior partner wants a drawings cheque and the junior assistant wants a pay cheque. Even nonbotanists are aware that money does not grow on trees… In this article, and those on pages 36 and 38, three approaches to credit control are described.
Practice manager wanted
Authors: Sheridan John
Published: October 2010

THE most important function in any veterinary practice is the practice of veterinary medicine. The management of practice resources is a critical additional role but it is a separate and supportive one. As veterinary practices grow, however, the management problems become more complex, more exacting and more of a burden. They cannot be ignored and if they are not handled promptly and effectively, the high standards of clinical care which always have been and always will be the hallmark of successful veterinary practices will begin to suffer.
Rationale for the use of drugs in the treatment of cardiovascular disease 1. Diuretics
Authors: Boswood Adrian
Published: October 2010

THIS is the first in a series of articles discussing the rationale for the use of various types of drugs in the treatment of cardiovascular disease in dogs and cats. It begins, as is prudent when considering the motives for the use of any cardiovascular therapy, by reflecting on the pathophysiological mechanisms that result in signs of heart failure. It goes on to set out an approach to assist decision‐making in the administration of a diuretic agent to a patient with heart disease.
Diagnosis and treatmnent of penile conditions in horses
Authors: Riggs Elizabeth
Published: October 2010

THE equine penis may become physically injured or affected by specific pathological lesions. Although some of the disorders appear dramatic, many carry a good prognosis for freedom from disease and a return to breeding soundness following therapy. This article describes the more common conditions and outlines medical and surgical management which can be performed without elaborate equipment or facilities.
Skin diseases of the bovine udder and teat
Authors: Jackson Peter
Published: October 2010

THE skin of the udder plays an important role in protecting the highly vascular and vulnerable mammary tissue. It is quite thin and in young animals is closely applied to the udder. The skin may reflect events ‐ physiological and pathological ‐ taking place in the body, especially those occurring within the udder. The teats are covered in specialised flexible and elastic skin, the epidermis of which is thicker than in other areas of the body. The epidermis is tightly attached to the underlying dermis and the teat is normally capable of withstanding minor trauma including sucking by the calf and milking by hand or machine. The skin of the teat is nonetheless quite delicate and vascular. It is readily susceptible to physical and other damage both within and outside the milking parlour.
Inland Revenue investigations ‐ vets savaged by Revenue?
Authors: Archibald John
Published: October 2010

TAX investigations are a fact of life and are likely to become more so with the introduction of random audit powers for the Inland Revenue in the 1996/97 tax year. Vets, in common with other professionals, are subject to investigation.
Cellphones ‐ it's a jungle out there
Authors: Fox Barry
Published: October 2010

THE provision of a 24‐hour emergency service in general practice imposes limitations on the freedom of the duty veterinary surgeon. The significant advances in communication services in recent years have alleviated this problem to a great extent. In this article, Barry Fox looks at the practicalities of buying and using a cellphone. On page 141, Peter Brown considers the use of pagers and emergency contact services.
Botulism
Authors: Jones Trevor
Published: October 2010

BOTULISM was originally described as an intoxication which follows ingestion of neurotoxin(s) produced on autolysis of Clostridium botulinum, an obligate anaerobic spore‐forming organism saprophytic on animal and vegetable material. This form of the disease has been recorded in various species of animals and birds. ‘Infant’ botulism, where the organism becomes established in the intestines and produces toxin, occurs in humans and has been produced experimentally in foals. ‘Wound’ or ‘toxicoinfectious’ botulism, where the organism becomes established in flesh wounds and produces toxin, has been recorded in humans and horses.
Update on orf
Authors: Lewis Chris
Published: October 2010

ORF is widespread within the national flock and a cause of major welfare and economic losses. It affects sheep of all ages, manifesting in a variety of forms according to the age group. The ever increasing movement of sheep over the past decade seems to have resulted in an increased prevalence of this condition. Other contributing factors have included a deterioration in pasture management, resulting in greater thistle populations, and the increase in acreage in set‐aside land.
Automatic processor ‐ toy or tool?
Authors: Butcher Ray
Published: October 2010

TAKING and interpreting radiographs is an everyday part of general practice. The essential component is the production of an image of diagnostic quality, and this necessitates not only care in positioning and restraining the patient and selection of the correct exposure settings, but also a consistent and careful processing technique. The latter requires strict attention to detail and is an area where errors can so easily occur. In a busy practice, the modern automatic processors have many advantages although these obviously come at a price. In this, the sixth article in [i]In Practice's[/i] 'Toy or tool?' series, Ray Butcher discusses the advantages and examines the costs.
Client surveys in large animal practice
Authors: Hoyland Julie
Published: October 2010

KNOWING what their farming clients want is becoming increasingly important for practices which derive some or all of their income from large animal work. A commitment to formal client research may well prove a worthwhile investment for any practice which is concerned with offering a first class service to clients in a competitive environment, or with ambitions to offer new large animal services in an attempt to increase the income from a dwindling client base.
Why not more emergency clinics?
Authors: Meyer Simon
Published: October 2010

PROVISION of an out of hours service is one of the most tedious aspects of veterinary practice. The Elizabeth Street Emergency Clinic in London was set up some 15 years ago to provide emergency cover for local practices. Here, Simon Meyer, principal at the clinic, gives a personal account of why emergency clinics have yet to become commonplace in the UK and what benefits they could offer.
Are you ready for self‐assessment?
Authors: Nichols Mark
Published: October 2010

THE new self‐assessment tax system will be fully implemented on April 6 this year. The income tax system relating to partnerships has been radically overhauled and will be based on the current, rather than the previous, tax year. Are veterinary surgeons ready for this change?
Veterinary assistants' salaries ‐ what is the package worth?
Authors: Shield Christine
Published: October 2010

THE Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons has conducted two surveys, one in 1995 and one earlier this year, investigating the salaries earned by veterinary graduates in their first job. The aim has been to give an indication of the prevailing rates of pay for full‐time assistants in UK veterinary practices in order that they may be used as a starting point in salary negotiations between employer and employee. In this article, Christine Shield presents some of the findings.
Doing it by the book ‐ the importance of a practice manual
Authors: Bower John
Published: October 2010

WRITING a practice manual from scratch might sound like a tall order ‐ after all, most practitioners have more than enough demands on their time ‐ but, as John Bower explains, a manual can be an invaluable asset for a practice wishing to present a professional image to its clients.
Osteochondrosis in horses
Authors: Jeffcott Leo
Published: October 2010

HORSE breeding as an international industry has made an enormous investment in science over the past three decades and this has reaped considerable benefits. For example, reproductive efficiency (ie, conception and birth rates) has been significantly improved in most breeds of horses and losses due to twinning almost eliminated. There have also been considerable advances in perinatology with improved rates of foal survival. However, the situation in relation to growth and skeletal development in young horses is far less satisfactory. This is largely because this area has not been designated for detailed investigation and research. The result is that there is too much 'art' and not enough 'science' in the rearing/growing of foals. Perhaps this is why the incidence of developmental problems (osteochondrosis, physitis, angular limb derformities and so on) is unacceptably high in many breeds of horse. Many of these conditions can lead to weakness, impaired skeletal integrity, lameness and poor performance potential.
Part‐time staff ‐ a sensible option?
Authors: Gunn Dixon
Published: October 2010

ACHIEVING an appropriate level of staffing in a veterinary practice is harder than it at first may appear. Although it is possible to determine the number of full‐time positions that need to be filled, it is quite an art to find the right people to satisfy all the requirements. Because of this difficulty, many practices opt to employ part‐time members of staff. However, as Dixon Gunn points out, this may not always be the most economical way of solving a staffing shortage.
Bacterial counts in bulk milk ‐ an underused investigation technique
Authors: Blowey Roger , Davis Jennifer , Edmondson Peter
Published: October 2010

THE total bacterial count (TBC) of bulk milk is an important measure of milk quality. Since 1982, dairy farmers have been paid a bonus for milk containing less than 20,000 bacteria per ml. In 1996, cultural methods of examination were replaced by an automated methodology, Bactoscan, which is based on staining live bacteria and counting particle numbers. It has the advantages of being cheaper, with a faster throughput and more rapid result. It also gives a higher value than standard cultural methods, since not all organisms grow on basic media. However, cultural examination of milk can still yield useful information and, by using differential culture methods, possible causes of a high TBC, high cell count or even a high mastitis incidence can be investigated. This article describes the techniques used and some of the results obtained by a practice laboratory.
Differential diagnosis of urinary tenesmus in the dog
Authors: Stonehewer Jo
Published: October 2010

URINARY tenesmus is defined as ineffectual and painful straining at urination. It can be a sign of many disorders, ranging from a mild bacterial cystitis through to a potentially life‐threatening urethral obstruction. This article discusses those conditions affecting the dog which result in straining to urinate.
Collection and interpretation of cerebrospinal fluid in cats and dogs
Authors: Rusbridge Clare
Published: October 2010

CENTRAL nervous system disease is often reflected by changes in the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF analysis, although generally a non‐specific diagnostic test, can provide vital clues to the cause of neurological disease.
Investigation of chronic weight loss in adult horses
Authors: Taylor Frank
Published: October 2010

A HORSE that is losing weight for no obvious reason usually falls into one of two categories. It is either healthy, but suffering from some imposed stress or deprivation, or it is unhealthy, but not displaying any obvious signs of disease. A further possibility is that it is healthy, but geriatric. The aim of this article is to offer a strategy for investigating chronic weight loss which is seen to occur in the absence of an obvious predisposing cause. For many of the conditions described it may prove impossible to reach a precise diagnosis and it is only the animal's response to treatment which confirms the presumptive diagnosis. This is particularly true of weight loss in the healthy horse.
Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of dental disease in pet rabbits
Authors: Harcourt‐Brown Frances
Published: October 2010

DENTAL disease is common in pet rabbits. Primary malocclusion due to hereditary defects or trauma is not the only cause of tooth problems. Recent work has demonstrated that selective feeding habits of pet rabbits can lead to calcium deficiency which affects bone and tooth quality. The result is progressive acquired dental disease. The aim of this article is to describe each stage of dental disease, discussing clinical and radiological findings, treatment and prognosis.