bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abattoir surveillance of Sarcocystis spp., Cysticercosis ovis and Echinococcus granulosus in Tasmanian slaughter sheep, 2007–2013
Authors: Phythian CJ , Jackson B , Bell R , Citer L , Barwell R , Windsor PA 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of macroscopic Sarcocystis spp., Cysticercus ovis and Echinococcus granulosus recorded at routine postmortem inspection of Tasmanian slaughter sheep during 2007 to 2013.MethodsA retrospective analysis of routine postmortem meat inspection data maintained on 352,325 Tasmanian adult slaughter sheep inspected across nine abattoirs in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia as part of the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project (NSHMP).ResultsDuring the period 1 September 2007 to 30 June 2013, the estimated prevalence of macroscopic Sarcocystis spp. was 14.3%, C. ovis was 3.2% and E. granulosus was 0.01%. Mean Sarcocystis spp. line prevalence ranged from 0% to 33.5%. Significant between‐abattoir differences in the level of sarcosporidiosis (P < 0.001) and C. ovis were found (P < 0.001). Overall, very low levels of hydatidosis were recorded throughout the surveillance period. Predicted within‐line prevalence of macroscopic sarcocysts in animals coming from a known/recorded local government area (LGA) (P < 0.001) was lower than that of lines where the LGA was unknown or not recorded. A higher prevalence of sarcocystosis was recorded in lines of sheep aged ≥ 2 years compared with those < 2 years (P < 0.001).ConclusionReasons for the significant between‐abattoir differences in recorded levels of ovine sarcosporidiosis and cysticercosis remain unknown, but may represent sampling bias, with subsets of slaughter sheep going to abattoirs with different tiers or access to markets. Further investigation into apparent differences, including epidemiological studies of properties with high lesion prevalence, comparing meat inspector diagnostic sensitivity, assessing the effect of line speed and tiers and market access in different abattoirs, may be useful.
Spillover of avian haemosporidian parasites (Haemosporidia: Plasmodium) and death of captive psittacine species
Authors: Verwey JK , Peters A , Monks D , Raidal SR 
Published: February 2018

Case reportDuring February 2014, a yellow‐tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) and glossy black cockatoo (C. lathami) housed in aviaries on a property in Wamuran, Queensland, were submitted for postmortem. Histopathology and molecular diagnostics demonstrated the presence of Plasmodium sp. infection. The Plasmodium isolate identified has previously only been reported as infecting a healthy wild rufous fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) in Australia.ConclusionTo the authors’ knowledge, these are the first reported cases of Plasmodium in Calyptorhynchus. We hypothesised that the maintenance of these two cockatoo species in ground level aviaries in a low‐altitude geographic zone resulted in exposure of birds to mosquito vectors of endemic avian Plasmodium. Black cockatoos roost and forage in the mid to high canopy of forests in the wild, outside the likely spatiotemporal distribution of relevant haemosporidian vectors. It is therefore likely that these birds had immunological naivety and susceptibility to infection with Plasmodium circulating in wild passerines.
Temporary spontaneous regression of feline non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Elliott J 
Published: February 2018

Case reportA 6‐year‐old neutered male British Shorthair cat presented with two rapidly growing subcutaneous masses, one over each thoracic wall. High‐grade, non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma was confirmed following histopathology, immunohistochemistry and PCR analysis for antigen receptor re‐arrangements. Following biopsy there was rapid regression of the remaining neoplastic tissue with no medical treatment. The cat relapsed 3 months later, with poor response to therapy, and was euthanased.ConclusionSpontaneous regression (SR) of cancer is a rare occurrence and is uncommonly reported in veterinary species. To the author’s knowledge this is the first reported case of SR of non‐FeLV‐related feline, high‐grade non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Internal fixation of proximal fractures of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones using bioabsorbable screws
Authors: Mageed M , Steinberg T , Drumm N , Stubbs N , Wegert J , Koene M 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveFractures involving the proximal one‐third of the splint bone are relatively rare and are challenging to treat. A variety of management techniques have been reported in the literature. The aim of this retrospective case series was to describe the clinical presentation and evaluate the efficacy of bioabsorbable polylactic acid screws in internal fixation of proximal fractures of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones in horses.MethodsThe medical records, diagnostic images and outcome of all horses diagnosed with a proximal fracture of the splint bones and treated with partial resection and internal fixation of the proximal stump using bioabsorbable polylactic acid screws between 2014 and 2015 were reviewed.ResultsEight horses met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that there were no complications encountered during screw placement or postoperatively. Six horses returned to full work 3 months after the operation and two horses remained mildly lame. On follow‐up radiographs 12 months postoperatively (n = 2) the screws were not completely absorbed. The screws resulted in a cone‐shaped radiolucency, which was progressively replaced from the outer margins by bone sclerosis.ConclusionThe use of bioabsorbable screws for fixation of proximal fractures of the splint bone appears to be a safe and feasible technique and may offer several advantages over the use of traditional metallic implants.
Effect of pre‐milking teat disinfection on clinical mastitis incidence in a dairy herd in Northern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Rowe SM , Tranter WP , Laven RA 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo determine if a pre‐milking teat disinfection protocol would reduce the incidence of clinical mastitis by greater than 50%.MethodsTwo pre‐milking routines were compared in a natural exposure trial. Cows from a single dairy herd were randomly assigned to control (n = 246) and experimental (pre‐milking teat disinfection [PMTD]; n = 244) groups. For cows in the control group, the pre‐milking routine involved minimal teat‐washing, except for cows with wet teat contamination. For cows in the PMTD group, the pre‐milking routine involved washing of all teats, dipping with a commercial 0.1% available iodine solution, allowing a minimum of 30 s contact time and then drying of the teats using disposable paper towel. Clinical cases encountered during the trial were recorded and pathogens were isolated from milk samples using standard laboratory methods.ResultsThe effect of PMTD was determined using multivariable binary logistic regression. Multiparous animals in the PMTD group had higher odds of experiencing clinical mastitis overall and of experiencing clinical mastitis caused by environmental pathogens (odds ratio (OR) 1.97 and 4.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–3.38 and 1.49–11.3, respectively). In primiparous animals, pre‐milking teat disinfection did not reduce the odds of clinical mastitis by greater than 50% (OR 1.31, 95%CI 0.52–3.29).ConclusionIn this herd, PMTD increased the odds of clinical mastitis. The effectiveness of PMTD to prevent clinical mastitis in pasture‐based systems is likely to vary greatly between herds. We therefore recommend against the wholesale use of this practice on Australian farms.
Laparoscopic ovariectomy in eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and red kangaroos (Macropus rufus)
Authors: Colgan SA , Green LA 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo develop a technique for permanent sterilisation of female eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and red kangaroos (M. rufus) as part of a large‐scale macropod management program on an enclosed 1545‐ha site in western Sydney.MethodsFree‐ranging female kangaroos (n = 1409: 1285 eastern grey kangaroos, 124 red kangaroos) were anaesthetised via remote anaesthetic drug delivery of tiletamine/zolazepam, medetomidine and acepromazine prior to inhalational anaesthesia using isoflurane–oxygen. A laparoscopic ovariectomy technique was developed using standard laparoscopic equipment to effect permanent sterilisation of the kangaroos. The technique described was also adapted for use on immature animals weighing as little as 1 kg. No direct post‐surgical care was provided once the animals had recovered from the anaesthetic.ResultsThe procedure was simple to perform and had a very high success rate, with an overall project mortality rate of 2.13% (n = 30). Seven kangaroos (0.05% of all operated kangaroos) were euthanased as a direct result of the surgical procedure. Surgical complications were rare but included inadvertent gastrointestinal tract puncture with the trocar, intraoperative haemorrhage and subcutaneous emphysema leading to pouch eversion following surgery.ConclusionThe procedure described is a rapid and effective method of permanent fertility control in macropods and carries a low mortality rate.
Preschoolers’ knowledge about language‐specific properties of writing
Authors: Otake Shoko , Treiman Rebecca , Yin Li 
Published: February 2018

According to the differentiation hypothesis, young children's attempts to write show characteristics common to all writing systems, such as linearity. Characteristics that are specific to the writing system of the child's culture emerge only later. We tested this hypothesis by presenting adults who knew both Chinese and English with written productions of Chinese and United States 2‐ to 5‐year‐olds and asking them to judge the nationality of the writer. Adults performed significantly above the level expected by chance even with the productions of 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds, suggesting that knowledge of language‐specific characteristics emerges earlier than previously thought. Children appeared to show more language‐specific characteristics in their names than in other writings, for adults performed better with children's names than with other items.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Children's early attempts to write may show general properties of writing, such as linearity.

Knowledge of language‐specific features is thought to develop later.

What does this study adds?

Adults judged whether a writer was an United States or a Chinese child.

Adults performed above the level of chance even with the productions of 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds.

Children begin to learn about language‐specific features earlier than previously thought.
TrkB‐mediated activation of the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/Akt cascade reduces the damage inflicted by oxygen–glucose deprivation in area CA3 of the rat hippocampus
Authors: Tecuatl Carolina , Herrrera‐López Gabriel , Martín‐Ávila Alejandro , Yin Bocheng , Weber Stephen , Barrionuevo Germán , Galván Emilio J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe selective vulnerability of hippocampal area CA1 to ischemia‐induced injury is a well‐known phenomenon. However, the cellular mechanisms that confer resistance to area CA3 against ischemic damage remain elusive. Here, we show that oxygen–glucose deprivation–reperfusion (OGD‐RP), an in vitro model that mimic the pathological conditions of the ischemic stroke, increases the phosphorylation level of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in area CA3. Slices preincubated with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone (7,8‐DHF) exhibited reduced depression of the electrical activity triggered by OGD‐RP. Consistently, blockade of TrkB suppressed the resistance of area CA3 to OGD‐RP. The protective effect of TrkB activation was limited to area CA3, as OGD‐RP caused permanent suppression of CA1 responses. At the cellular level, TrkB activation leads to phosphorylation of the accessory proteins SHC and Gab as well as the serine/threonine kinase Akt, members of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt (PI‐3‐K/Akt) pathway, a cascade involved in cell survival. Hence, acute slices pretreated with the Akt antagonist MK2206 in combination with BDNF lost the capability to resist the damage inflicted with OGD‐RP. Consistently, with these results, CA3 pyramidal cells exhibited reduced propidium iodide uptake and caspase‐3 activity in slices pretreated with BDNF and exposed to OGD‐RP. We propose that PI‐3‐K/Akt downstream activation mediated by TrkB represents an endogenous mechanism responsible for the resistance of area CA3 to ischemic damage.
Fatigue strength of spring steel with small scratches
Authors: Nishimura Y. , Yanase K. , Ikeda Y. , Tanaka Y. , Miyamoto N. , Miyakawa S. , Endo M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn compression coil springs subjected to cyclic load, fatigue cracks can sometimes initiate and propagate from scratch‐like small defects produced during the manufacturing process and degrade the fatigue strength. In this study, torsional and rotating bending fatigue tests were conducted to examine the fatigue behavior of a high‐strength spring steel (JIS G 3561, SWOSC‐V) in the presence of small scratches. The sensitivity of the HCF and VHCF strength to small scratches was evaluated based on the
parameter model.
Detecting early warning signals of tree mortality in boreal North America using multiscale satellite data
Authors: Rogers Brendan M. , Solvik Kylen , Hogg Edward H. , Ju Junchang , Masek Jeffrey G. , Michaelian Michael , Berner Logan T. , Goetz Scott J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIncreasing tree mortality from global change drivers such as drought and biotic infestations is a widespread phenomenon, including in the boreal zone where climate changes and feedbacks to the Earth system are relatively large. Despite the importance for science and management communities, our ability to forecast tree mortality at landscape to continental scales is limited. However, two independent information streams have the potential to inform and improve mortality forecasts: repeat forest inventories and satellite remote sensing. Time series of tree‐level growth patterns indicate that productivity declines and related temporal dynamics often precede mortality years to decades before death. Plot‐level productivity, in turn, has been related to satellite‐based indices such as the Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Here we link these two data sources to show that early warning signals of mortality are evident in severalNDVI‐based metrics up to 24 years before death. We focus on two repeat forest inventories and threeNDVIproducts across western boreal North America where productivity and mortality dynamics are influenced by periodic drought. These data sources capture a range of forest conditions and spatial resolution to highlight the sensitivity and limitations of our approach. Overall, results indicate potential to use satelliteNDVIfor early warning signals of mortality. Relationships are broadly consistent across inventories, species, and spatial resolutions, although the utility of coarse‐scale imagery in the heterogeneous aspen parkland was limited. Longer‐termNDVIdata and annually remeasured sites with high mortality levels generate the strongest signals, although we still found robust relationships at sites remeasured at a typical 5 year frequency. The approach and relationships developed here can be used as a basis for improving forest mortality models and monitoring systems.
Efficacy of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir in patients with hepatitis C virus infection undergoing and not undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Kimura Hiroyuki , Kurosaki Masayuki , Hasebe Chitomi , Akahane Takehiro , Yagisawa Hitoshi , Kato Keizo , Yoshida Hideo , Itakura Jun , Sakita Shinya , Satou Takashi , Okada Kazuhiko , Kusakabe Atsunori , Kojima Yuji , Kondo Masahiko , Morita Atsuhiro , Nasu Akihiro , Tamada Takashi , Okushin Hiroaki , Kobashi Haruhiko , Tsuji Keiji , Joko Kouji , Ogawa Chikara , Uchida Yasushi , Mitsuda Akeri , Sohda Tetsuro , Ide Yasushi , Izumi Namiki 
Published: February 2018

AimTo evaluate the virologic responses and clinical course of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir treatment in non‐hemodialysis (non‐HD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients infected with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV).MethodsA total of 1113 non‐HD patients and 67 HD patients were assessed. To evaluate pretreatment factors contributing to sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12), univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out. To adjust for differences in patient background, propensity score matching was undertaken.ResultsThe overall SVR12 rates were 91.6% in non‐HD patients and 95.5% in HD patients. Compared with non‐HD patients, HD patients were younger, were more likely to be male, were less likely to have received interferon‐based pretreatment, had a lower viral load, and had lower levels of alanine transaminase, hemoglobin, and α‐fetoprotein. Multivariate analysis revealed that viral load, α‐fetoprotein, L31 substitution negative, and Y93 substitution negative were independent predictive factors for SVR12 in non‐HD patients. The proportion of patients with undetectable HCV‐RNA during the initial 4 weeks was significantly higher in HD patients than in non‐HD patients. The SVR12 rate was clearly higher in HD patients than in non‐HD patients, although the difference was not statistically significant. After propensity score matching to adjust for viral load, α‐fetoprotein, L31 substitution, and Y93 substitution, these trends disappeared.ConclusionsFor treatment of HCV genotype 1 infection, daclatasvir plus asunaprevir is useful not only in non‐HD patients but also in HD patients. Viral load, α‐fetoprotein levels, L31 substitution, and Y93 substitution influence treatment course and outcome.
Effect of oral premedication on the anaesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis – A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pulikkotil S. J. , Nagendrababu V. , Veettil S. K. , Jinatongthai P. , Setzer F. C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis systematic review (SR; PROSPERO database: CRD42017075160) and network meta‐analysis (NMA) identified the most effective oral premedication for anaesthetic success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in cases of irreversible pulpitis. Medline and Ebscohost databases were searched up until 10/2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) studying the effect of oral premedication, alone or in combination, on the success of IANB for cases of irreversible pulpitis, compared to placebo or other oral premedications, were included. Quality of the included studies was appraised by the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. Pairwise analysis, NMA and quality of evidence assessment using GRADE criteria were performed. Nineteen studies (n = 1654 participants) were included. NMA demonstrated that compared to placebo, dexamethasone was most effective in increasing anaesthetic success (RR, 2.92 [95% CI 1.74,4.91]; SUCRA = 0.96), followed by NSAIDs (RR, 1.92 [95% CI 1.63,2.27], SUCRA = 0.738) and Tramadol (RR, 2.03 [95% CI 1.18,3.49], SUCRA = 0.737). Premedication with acetaminophen added to NSAIDs demonstrated similar efficacy as NSAIDs alone (RR, 1.06 [95% CI 0.79,1.43]). Sensitivity analyses proved the superiority of dexamethasone or NSAIDs over any other premedications. Subgroup analyses of specific dosages in comparison with placebo demonstrated that dexamethasone 0.5 mg was most effective, followed by ketorolac 10 mg, piroxicam 20 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg + acetaminophen 500 mg and Tramadol 50 mg. Ibuprofen 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg had a significantly improved IANB success, while Ibuprofen 300 mg had no effect. Oral premedication with dexamethasone, NSAIDs or Tramadol significantly increased anaesthetic success. More trials are needed to evaluate the premedication effects of dexamethasone or Tramadol for improved anaesthetic success of IANB when treating irreversible pulpitis.
High prevalence of hypogonadism determined by serum free testosterone level in Japanese testicular cancer survivors
Authors: Kurobe Masahiro , Kawai Koji , Suetomi Takahiro , Iwamoto Teruaki , Waku Natsui , Kawahara Takashi , Kojima Takahiro , Joraku Akira , Miyazaki Jun , Nishiyama Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveHypogonadism is a major complication in testicular cancer survivors, but its prevalence varies among studies. In Japan, free testosterone has been used for diagnosis of late‐onset hypogonadism syndrome. In the present study, we evaluated the hormone level of testicular cancer survivors and its impact on their quality of life.MethodsOverall, 50 testicular cancer survivors treated from 1990 to 2013 were enrolled. The median age was 44 years. The serum levels of free testosterone, total testosterone and luteinizing hormone were measured. All patients completed the Aging Males’ Symptom scale and International Index of Erectile Function‐15. The hormone levels of 337 healthy volunteers were used as the control.ResultsA total of 32 (64%) patients showed free testosterone levels <8.5 pg/mL. In contrast, just 26% of 50 patients showed total testosterone levels <3.5 ng/mL. Testicular cancer survivors had significantly lower free testosterone and higher luteinizing hormone compared with healthy controls. In contrast, there was no difference in total testosterone between patients and controls. The prevalence of late‐onset hypogonadism symptoms of any grade (Aging Males’ Symptom total score ≥27) was 60%. Overall, 64% were defined as having moderate erectile dysfunction (International Index of Erectile Function‐Erectile Function domain score <17). However, Aging Males’ Symptom, International Index of Erectile Function‐15 and Erectile Function domain scores did not differ by free testosterone or total testosterone level.ConclusionsThis is the first report on the prevalence of hypogonadism determined by free testosterone level in Japanese testicular cancer survivors. Because Aging Males’ Symptom and International Index of Erectile Function‐15 scores do not necessarily reflect the hormone level, measuring free testosterone is also important in the follow up of these patients.