bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of tracheal aspirates and bronchoalveolar lavage in racehorses 2. Evaluation of the diagnostic significance of neutrophil percentage
Authors: MALIKIDES N. , HUGHES KJ , HODGSON DR , HODGSON JL 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine whether diagnosis of airway inflammation, using cut‐off percentages for neutrophils, differs when based on samples from tracheal aspirate (TA) and bron‐choalveolar lavage (BAL) collected concomitantly from the same racehorse.DesignRetrospective case series of 48 young Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses in race training, but showing poor performance.ProcedureTA and BAL samples were collected from all horses 1 to 2 h after high‐speed treadmill exercise. Aliquots of the retrieved fluid were cytocentrifuged and smears stained with Diff‐Quik®. The mean percentage of neutrophils was calculated. Diagnostic cut‐off points were set at 20% for TA samples and 5% for BAL samples. Agreement in the interpretations between the two techniques was analysed.ResultsIn 19 of 51 paired samples (37%) there were differences in diagnostic interpretation between TA and BAL samples. Of these, airway inflammation was indicated only by the TA sample in 13 and only by the BAL in 6.ConclusionTA and BAL samples give important information about different regions of the airway, but neither should be used alone for the diagnosis of inflammation of the entire lung. The limitations of these procedures mean that both samples should be collected when it is desired to cytologically evaluate the entire lower airway.
Seroprevalence of equine herpesvirus 1 in mares and foals on a large Hunter Valley stud farm in years pre‐and postvaccination
Authors: FOOTE CE , GILKERSON JR , WHALLEY JM , LOVE DN 
Published: March 2008

Objective To examine the prevalence of equine herpesvirus 1 antibody in mares and foals on a large Hunter Valley Thoroughbred stud farm in New South Wales before and after the introduction of an inactivated whole virus vaccine. Design Cross‐sectional serological surveys performed in February 1995 and 2000 to determine the prevalence of EHV‐1 antibody‐positive mares and foals. A further cross‐sectional survey was carried out in 2001 to complement the 2000 data. Study population Two hundred and twenty‐nine mares and their foals were sampled in 1995 and 236 mares and their foals were sampled in 2000. The study population comprised all of the mares with foals at foot on this property at each sample period. Fifty mares were sampled in both studies. A further 264 mares and their foals were sampled in 2001. Procedure A blood sample was collected from each mare and foal at the beginning of February 1995, 2000 and 2001. Each sample was tested in triplicate using an antibody‐detection ELISA that is type‐specific for EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 antibodies. Results The prevalence of EHV‐1 antibody‐positive mares was not statistically different in 2000 compared to 1995. However, the prevalence of antibody‐positive foals was significantly lower in 2000 than in 1995. In 2001, the prevalence of antibody‐positive mares was higher than in 2000, but not different from that in 1995. The prevalence of antibody‐positive foals in 2001 was not significantly different from the prevalence observed in 1995 or that observed in 2000. However, when the three studies were compared there was a significant variation in the prevalence of EHV‐1 positive foals due to the variation between the 1995 and the 2000 data. Conclusions Mares are the source of virus from which foals are infected early in life and following analysis of the 2001 data, the difference in the prevalence of EHV‐1 antibody‐positive foals between 1995 and 2000 was likely to be a reflection of seasonal, nutritional and management factors, rather than the result of vaccination.
Evidence that enforced sunlight exposure can cause hyperthermia in cattle ingesting low levels of ergot of rye (Claviceps purpurea), when air temperature and humidity conditions are only moderate
Authors: BOURKE CA 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the rectal temperature response of cattle, following the oral administration of ergot of rye (Claviceps purpurea), under pen conditions of enforced sunlight compared with those of enforced shade. Design and procedure Hereford cross steers were divided into two groups of 18. One group was dosed once, on a Monday morning, with finely ground rye grass ergots at a rate of 180 mg/kg body weight and held in the sun for 7 h each day until Friday afternoon. The other group was not dosed but was similarly held in the sun during the same period. Their rectal temperatures were measured early morning and mid afternoon, from Monday to Friday inclusive. The process was repeated for each group, but this time they were held in the shade. The four treatment options were run concurrently by conducting the experiments over 6 weeks and using 3 animals in each treatment group, each week. Results The thermic response over all weeks, of the ergot treated, sunlight exposed cattle, was deemed greater than for the other groups, based on the following four parameters. The increase in rectal temperature between early morning and mid afternoon, the size of the mid afternoon rectal temperature rise, the difference between the maximum mid afternoon rectal temperature recorded by an animal in the sun compared with that recorded by the same animal in the shade, and finally the number of animals in a treatment group that recorded rectal temperatures > 40.00°C. The difference in the daily increase in body temperature between the ergot treated, sun exposed cattle and the ergot treated, shaded cattle, was greater than that observed between the sun exposed and shade restricted control cattle. Nine of 18 ergot treated and sun exposed cattle developed hyperthermia; no cattle in the other three groups did. Conclusions Some sunlight exposed cattle, dosed with a low amount of ergot of rye, can experience a body temperature elevation above the normal range, even under mild ambient temperature and humidity conditions. Sunlight exposure causes an increase in body temperature in normal cattle that is probably attributable to solar radiant heat. Ergot ingestion causes an increase in body temperature in shaded cattle that is probably attributable to ambient temperature and humidity effects. This response can be increased by sun exposure and this increase is attributable to solar radiant heat effects and possibly also solar radiation. A response to radiant heat is consistent with the known physiological effects of ingested ergot alkaloids, but a response to solar radiation is not.
Modification of standard freezing media to limit capacitation and maximise motility of frozen‐thawed equine spermatozoa
Authors: SCHEMBRI MA , MAJOR DA , SUTTIE JJ , MAXWELL WMC , EVANS G 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate cryopreservation‐induced capacitation‐like changes in equine spermatozoa frozen in three different media using chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence staining analysis. Procedure Semen collected from three stallions was diluted in one of three centrifugation media and, after centrifugation and removal of supernatant, extended in corresponding freezing media containing additional egg yolk, glycerol, lactose and Equex paste. The semen was frozen in 5 mL straws and the spermatozoa assessed for motility and membrane quality after thawing. Results Following centrifugation, spermatozoa diluted with modified Kenney's Centrifugation Medium (MKCM) displayed a higher percentage of (normal) F pattern (94.3%) compared with spermatozoa in Kenney's Centrifugation Medium (KCM) (84.9%) and Glucose‐EDTA Centrifugation Medium (GECM) (85.2%). Conversely, the percentage of spermatozoa displaying the (capacitated) B pattern was higher in the KCM (14.1%) and GECM (13.8%) than in the MKCM (5.0%). Following freezing‐thawing, there were lower percentages of spermatozoa displaying the AR (acrosome reacted) pattern in modified Kenney's Freezing Medium (MKFM) (45.6%) compared with Kenney's Freezing Medium (KFM) (61.4%) and lactose‐EDTA Freezing Medium (LEFM) (61.1%). There was a correspondingly higher percentage of spermatozoa displaying the B pattern in MKFM (52.3%) compared with KFM (37.9%) and LEFM (38.6%). There was no significant difference between the freezing media in the percentage of spermatozoa displaying the F pattern. The percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa was also influenced by the type of freezing medium (P< 0.001). Post‐thaw percentages of progressively motile spermatozoa, frozen in MKFM, KFM, and LEFM, were 31.4, 25.8 and 23.3%, respectively. Conclusion MKFM was the preferred medium for cryopreservation of equine spermatozoa due to its superior protection against changes in motility and membrane quality compared with the other freezing media studied.
Australian veterinarians who work with horses: an analysis
Authors: HEATH TJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To define and describe the population of Australian veterinarians who work with horses. Method Questionnaires were mailed to 866 veterinarians who had been identified as working with horses, and 87% were completed and returned. Data were entered onto an Excel spreadsheet, and analysed using the SAS System for Windows. Results About 12% of Australia's veterinarians were doing all the veterinary work with horses, and about 3% worked exclusively (> 90%) with horses, but did more than half (58%) of the horse work. Veterinarians working with horses included more males (80%) than the veterinary population as a whole (approximately 60%). Males had an average age of 47 years, females 35. Almost all (94%) worked in private practice, with 31% being employees, 28% partners and 41% sole owners. Females were more likely to be employees than males. Males reported working 55 hours/week; females 49. More females (44%) than males (16%) had worked less than full‐time for more than a year. Males expected to work for another 12 years in full‐time equivalents, and females for 16. One quarter (24%) saw only horses, but treated 58% of total horse cases. One‐half had < 25% horses, and 29% had < 10% of horses in their caseloads. More of the older (54% of those aged > 60) than younger respondents (27% of those < 40) had grown up on farms with animals. One‐quarter (24%) decided to become a veterinarian while in primary school, and females decided at a younger age than males. Overall, younger respondents decided at a younger age than did their older counterparts. A veterinarian contributed to the decision for 21% of these veterinarians. Conclusion In this survey, Australian veterinarians who work with horses were found to be typically male, and advanced in their careers. As these older veterinarians retire, there may not be enough veterinarians who are committed to and competent with horses to take their places.
The prevalence of lice on sheep and control practices in South Australia
Authors: JAMES PJ , RILEY MJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the prevalence of infestations of lice in sheep flocks and to survey control practices for lice in South Australia Design A total of 201 managers of sheep flocks, 75 chosen randomly from the high rainfall zone (HR), 76 from the cereal sheep zone (CS) and 50 from the pastoral zone (PA), were surveyed by telephone interview. Procedure Interviews were conducted between May 19 and May 25, 1999, according to a set questionnaire. Information was collected on presence of lice at last shearing, control practices for lice, factors important for gaining good effect from chemical treatments, sources of information on control practices and property details. Survey results were analysed by agricultural region. Results The apparent state prevalence of flocks infested with lice was 21%, with 13% infested in the HR, 21% in the CS and 25% in the PA. Ninety one percent of managers claimed to take precautions to prevent the introduction of lice and 91% routinely checked their flocks for lice. Seventy eight percent treated their sheep for lice annually and 85% had treated within the last 12 months. Of those treating in the last year, 69% had used a backline application, 16% had used a shower dip and 17% had used plunge dipping. Only 4% of producers used a long wool treatment. Synthetic pyrethroid (SP) based products were used by 50% of producers who used backline treatments in the preceding 12 months, compared to 42% and 8% for insect growth regulator and organophosphorous (OP) based products, respectively. Only 34% of managers identified SP‐based products as having potential resistance problems. Of those producers who used shower or plunge dips in the last 12 months, 75% used an OP based product. Rural newspapers and magazines were by far the most commonly noted source of information for the control of lice on sheep.
Use of free conjunctival grafts in horses: ten cases
Authors: ALEXANDER GR , CHESTER Z. 
Published: March 2008

AbsractObjective To assess the effectiveness of free conjunctival grafts in the treatment of horses with a range of keratopathies.Design A retrospective clinical study of ten client‐owned horses treated at Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital from May 1996 to September 2001.Procedure The suitability of patients for the surgical procedure was assessed using a slit lamp biomicroscope and by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Surgery was performed with the aid of an operating microscope, under general anaesthesia. A subpalpebral ocular lavage catheter was used for administration of topical atropine and antibiotics postopera‐tively.Results In all ten horses the affected globe was saved. In nine of the horses vision in the eye was satisfactory 6 months after surgery, and in one horse the eye was blind. Complications included further corneal ulceration or eyelid abscessation and some loss of sutures, although these did not preclude a successful outcome.Conclusion Free conjunctival grafts were successful in treating a range of keratopathies in the horse, and the technique offers a number of advantages over other forms of surgical intervention.
A comparison of performance of the Ovsynch treatment program between cycling and non‐cycling cows within seasonally‐calving dairy herds
Authors: SHEPHARD RW 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo compare performance of the Ovsynch program on reproductive performance between cycling and non cycling cows in seasonally‐calving herds.ProcedureAn Ovsynch mating program (100 mg Gonadorelin on day 1 and day 9, 500 mg of Cloprostenol on day 7 with fixed time artificial insemination on day 10) was administered to 3,559 cows from 14 herds in Australia and New Zealand. Cycling status before planned start of mating was determined. All cows were treated and artificial insemination continued for at least 25 days after fixed time artificial insemination. Pregnancy testing was performed 75 to 100 days after fixed time artificial insemination. Multivariable modelling examined the impact of the Ovsynch program and other risk factors upon reproductive performance.ResultsThirty percent of cows were classified as no visible oestrous (NVO). Odds of being NVO increased significantly for cows that were young, recently calved, and in low body condition. The fixed time artificial insemination conception rate was 35.7% and 33.2%, 21‐day pregnancy rate was 54.5% and 48.4% and 42‐day pregnancy rate was 69.7% and 62.6% for cycling and NVO cows respectively. Odds of pregnancy increased significantly for cows calved more than 40 days by planned start of mating, in greater body condition, and cycling, and there was a significant interaction between body condition and cycling status in both models. The return‐to‐service rates by 24‐days were 67.6% and 55.9% and by the end of the AI period were 86.9% and 81.5% for cycling and NVO cows respectively. Odds of return to service increased significantly for cows in greater condition score in both models. Odds of return were increased for cycling cows in the 24‐day multivariable model.ConclusionThe Ovsynch program may provide a useful treatment option for NVO cows within seasonally‐calving pasture‐based dairy herds.
Synchronising oestrus with oestradiol benzoate after using a two‐dose prostaglandin treatment to synchronise luteolysis in dairy heifers
Authors: CAVALIERI J , HEPWORTH G. , FITZPATRICK LA 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the reproductive performance and pattern of onset of oestrus in dairy heifers in which oestrous cycles were synchronised with two doses of prostaglandin (PG) F2aL and oestrus was synchronised with oestradiol benzoate (ODB). Procedure Dairy heifers in two herds (herd A, n=192; herd B, n = 267) were treated with two doses of an analogue of PGF2aL (cloprostenol, 375 mUg, IM) 12 days apart. Heifers not detected in oestrus 48 h after the last dose of PGF2aL were either left untreated (No ODB, n=147) or treated with ODB (0.75 mg IM, n = 126). Onset of oestrus was monitored at 0, 24, 48, 80, 96 and 120 h after the last dose of PGF2aL Heifers were inseminated on detection of oestrus. Results After the last dose of PGF2aL, oestrous detection rates at 80 h (43.5 vs 72.6%, P < 0.001), 96 h (74.1 vs 84.9%, P=0.025) and 120 h (78.2 vs 86.3%, P=0.082) were less in the No ODB compared to the ODB heifers, respectively. Conception rates (percentage pregnant that were inseminated) were greater in the No ODB compared to the ODB heifers (64.3% vs 47.6%, respectively; P=0.006), while pregnancy rates (percentage pregnant that were treated) were also greater in the No ODB compared to the ODB heifers, but differences were not significant (50.3% vs 41.1%, respectively; P = 0.068). Conclusion Administration of ODB to heifers not in oestrus 48 h after a two‐dose PGF2aL treatment increases the percentage of heifers detected in oestrus by 80 h, 96 h and 120 h after treatment, by an estimated 29%, 11% and 8%, respectively. However, administration of ODB decreases conception rates by an estimated 17%, and may decrease pregnancy rates (estimated 9% difference). Results are consistent with the hypothesis that ODB can increase submission rates but reduce conception rates following a two dose treatment with PGF2aL.
Prognostic significance of foetal‐like tyrosine kinase 3 mutation in Egyptian children with acute leukaemia
Authors: AL‐TONBARY Y. , MANSOUR A. K. , GHAZY H. , ELGHANNAM D. M. , ABD‐ELGHAFFAR H. A. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe foetal like tyrosine kinase 3 mutation (Flt3) gene encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor that regulates proliferation and differentiation of haematopoietic stem cells. In children with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML), internal tandem duplication of the Flt3 gene (Flt3/ITD) was previously reported and correlated to poor prognosis. Limited data are available about childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We analysed bone marrow specimens from 55 newly diagnosed acute leukaemia cases including 30 AML and 25 ALL by genomic PCR for the presence of Flt3/ITD and correlated its presence with clinical outcome. Tandem duplication was found in 6/30(20%) AML cases: 2/8 M1, 1/8 M2, 2/6 M3, 1/6 M4 with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in two cases. Four of the cases with duplication were males and the other two cases were females. Complete remission was achieved in 16.6% of cases with duplication vs. 45.8% in cases without duplication. Failure to achieve induction remission was noted in 50% of cases with duplication vs. 29.1% in cases without duplication. FLt3/ITD was not found in ALL cases. Lineage restriction analysis revealed that Flt3/ITD was not present in lymphocytes, suggesting a lack of stem cell involvement for this mutation. Flt3/ITD was the most significant prognostic factor as declared by multivariate analysis. Patients with Flt3/ITD appear to be refractory to primary induction therapy, and for those who achieve remission, there is a high rate of relapse and death so there may be an association between this type of mutation and patient outcome.
ICSH Guideline for worldwide point‐of‐care testing in haematology with special reference to the complete blood count
Authors: BRIGGS C. , CARTER J. , LEE S.‐H. , SANDHAUS L. , SIMON‐LOPEZ R. , VIVES CORRONS J.‐L. ,   International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH)
Published: March 2008

SummaryThese guidelines provide information on how to develop and manage a point‐of‐care (POCT) service so that reliable haematology results are produced regardless of where the test is performed. Many of the issues addressed here are relevant to POCT within hospitals or health centres; however, the principles are equally applicable to care in the community and doctors’ offices. Other aspects discussed in this guideline are the initiation of the service (including indications for and limitations of a POCT service), staff training, type of haematology equipment selected, the blood results, monitoring of quality, accreditation, safety and cost. Equipment selected should generate results that are comparable to those of the local reference laboratory. If a complete independent evaluation of the POCT device has not been performed, the purchaser should perform a local assessment according to the protocol in this document. A literature search should also be undertaken to find independent peer reviewed evaluations on POCT equipment. Often the ideals discussed here may not be achievable in some developing countries but long‐term training and education of POCT workers needs to be supported and constantly kept on government agendas to reach the recommendations advised here. Users should interpret these recommendations for their particular POCT needs and setting.
PEGylation of bacteriophages increases blood circulation time and reduces T‐helper type 1 immune response
Authors: Kim Kwang‐Pyo , Cha Jeong‐Dan , Jang Eun‐Hye , Klumpp Jochen , Hagens Steven , Hardt Wolf‐Dietrich , Lee Kyung‐Yeol , Loessner Martin J. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe increasing occurrence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens is of growing concern, and must be counteracted by alternative antimicrobial treatments. Bacteriophages represent the natural enemies of bacteria. However, the strong immune response following application of phages and rapid clearance from the blood stream are hurdles which need to be overcome. Towards our goal to render phages less immunogenic and prolong blood circulation time, we have chemically modified intact bacteriophages by conjugation of the non‐immunogenic polymer monomethoxy‐polyethylene glycol (mPEG) to virus proteins. As a proof of concept, we have used two different polyvalent and strictly virulent phages of the Myoviridae, representing typical candidates for therapeutical approaches: Felix‐O1 (infects Salmonella) and A511 (infects Listeria). Loss of phage infectivity after PEGylation was found to be proportional to the degree of modification, and could be conveniently controlled by adjusting the PEG concentration. When injected into naïve mice, PEGylated phages showed a strong increase in circulation half‐life, whereas challenge of immunized mice did not reveal a significant difference. Our results suggest that the prolonged half‐life is due to decreased susceptibility to innate immunity as well as avoidance of cellular defence mechanisms. PEGylated viruses elicited significantly reduced levels of T‐helper type 1‐associated cytokine release (IFN‐γ and IL‐6), in both naïve and immunized mice. This is the first study demonstrating that PEGylation can increases survival of infective phage by delaying immune responses, and indicates that this approach can increase efficacy of bacteriophage therapy.