bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Snake envenomation in dogs in New South Wales
Authors: HELLER J. , BOSWARD KL , HODGSON JL , COLE FL , REID SWJ , HODGSON DR , MELLOR DJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To obtain baseline data on the prevalence of elapid snake envenomation in dogs presented to veterinary practices in New South Wales and to assess attitudes of veterinarians to this clinical entity. Procedure A mailed questionnaire, sent to all veterinary clinics within New South Wales, was utilised to collect epidemiological information regarding elapid snake envenomation in dogs. Results A response rate of 68% was obtained and a yearly prevalence of snake envenomation in dogs across New South Wales veterinary clinics was estimated as 0.31%. The most common species reported to be responsible for envenomation within NSW was the Red Bellied Black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) followed by the Brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) and then Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus). The reported envenomation syndromes caused by these common snake species were perceived to be similar for Brown and Tiger snakes but differed for Red Bellied Black snakes. Diagnosis of snake envenomation was based predominantly on the recognition of clinical signs. Specific diagnostic tests, such as venom detection kits, were used infrequently. The most common treatment was reported to be a combination of intravenous fluid therapy and antivenom, and monitoring of response to this treatment was usually through assessment of clinical signs. Survival after antivenom administration was reported to be highest for Red Bellied Black snake species. Survival was perceived to be associated with time between envenomation and presentation to the veterinary clinic and with antivenom administration. Conclusions Current attitudes and perceptions of veterinarians have been defined. Diagnosis of species‐specific snake envenomation is shown to be made on the basis of clinical signs which are, however, reported as similar for each species. Clearer definition of these envenomation syndromes and identification of accessible diagnostic testing procedures are needed.
Rapid identification of virulence genes in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolates associated with diarrhoea in Queensland piggeries
Authors: DO T. , STEPHENS C. , TOWNSEND K. , WU X. , CHAPMAN T. , CHIN J. , McCORMICK B. , BARA M. , TROTT DJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To identify virulence genes in enterotoxigenic E coli (ETEC) isolates associated with diarrhoea in neonatal, 1 to 3 week‐old and weaned pigs in south east Queensland. Design Multiplex PCR and serotyping were applied to E coli isolates obtained over a 5‐year period (1998–2002) from cases diagnosed at Toowoomba Veterinary Laboratory. Procedure A total of 126 isolates from 25 different Queensland piggeries were tested for haemolytic activity on 5% sheep blood agar and by multiplex PCR for the presence of five commonly recognised fimbrial (F4, F5, F6, F41 and F18) and three enterotoxin genes (STa, STb, LT). A subset of 62 representative isolates were serotyped by slide agglutination. For comparative purposes, multiplex PCR was also performed on the DNA of 31 ETEC isolates from 9 serotypes originating from piggeries in southern New South Wales. Results A total of 113 (89.7%) of the isolates from Queensland possessed ETEC virulence genes, including 14 of 15 isolates from neonatal pigs (93.3%), 18 of 23 isolates from 1 to 3 week old pigs (78.3%) and 81 of 88 isolates from weaned pigs (92.1%). F4:STa:STb:LT (serotype O149) was the most prevalent pathotype in neonatal and 1–3 week old pigs and F4:STa:STb:LT (serotype O149) and F18:STa:STb:LT (serotype O141) were most prevalent in weaned pigs. In comparison, isolates obtained from neonatal pigs from New South Wales belonged to a more diverse range of pathotypes and serotypes. Conclusion Multiplex PCR was a rapid and specific method for detecting the presence of ETEC virulence genes in porcine E coli isolates. For isolates obtained from cases of suspected colibacillosis in Queensland, growth of a heavy pure culture of haemolytic E coli was a sensitive prognostic indicator of the presence of ETEC virulence genes in the isolate. ETEC pathotypes and serotypes remained stable in Queensland piggeries over the five‐year study period and appear to have changed little over the last three decades.
Improving seizure control in dogs with refractory epilepsy using gabapentin as an adjunctive agent
Authors: GOVENDIR M , PERKINS M , MALIK R 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo assess whether there is a change in seizure activity in dogs with refractory epilepsy that are receiving appropriate doses of phenobarbitone and/or potassium bromide, when gabapentin is added to the therapeutic regimen.DesignA prospective study of 17 dogs with a refractory seizure disorder, 16 of which have idiopathic epilepsy.ProcedurePatients were stabilised using phenobarbitone and/or potassium bromide to produce tolerable therapeutic serum concentrations and dosed additionally with gabapentin at 35 to 50 mg/kg/d (divided twice or three times daily) for 4 months. Owners recorded seizure activity and side effects during this period in a standardised diary. Patients underwent monthly physical examinations and venepuncture to assess selected serum biochemical analytes, as well as phenobarbitone and bromide concentrations. Patients were further monitored for long‐term response to adjunctive gabapentin therapy.ResultsThere was no significant decrease in the number of seizures over the study period for the entire cohort, however three dogs stopped seizuring completely. There was a significant increase in the number of patients who showed an increase in the interictal period (P < 0.001). Serum alkaline phosphatase activity and triglyceride concentrations were elevated at baseline. There were no significant changes in biochemical analytes during the course of the study period. Side effects observed initially on addition of gabapentin included sedation and hind limb ataxia. The former resolved spontaneously after a few days; the latter after a slight reduction in bromide dose. Long‐term, a further two patients became seizure free and ten patients remained on gabapentin indefinitely. No long‐term side effects have become apparent.ConclusionAddition of gabapentin to phenobarbitone and/or potassium bromide increased the interictal period and shortened the post‐seizure recovery in some canine epileptics. In some dogs, seizures were prevented completely, while in others there was an increase in interictal period. The short‐half life of gabapentin has advantages for seizure control, however its present high cost may prohibit therapy in large dogs.
Recent veterinary graduates over the last five decades: initial career experiences
Authors: HEATH TJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe changes in the initial work experiences of veterinary graduates over the last 50 years. Design A questionnaire, sent by mail. Procedure A questionnaire seeking information on work experience as a recent graduate was sent to about 100 veterinarians who graduated in or about each of 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000, and 68% responded. Data were entered onto an Excel spreadsheet, and analysed with the SAS System 8 for Windows. Results The first veterinary position for about half the graduates of 1950 and 1960 was in government service. Since then an increasing percentage have started in small animal practice; the rest in mixed practice. Many earlier graduates worked alone and for long hours, with little or no respite after hours. Since 1950, the average recent graduate in private practice has worked progressively fewer hours with less after hours duty, and has worked with progressively more other veterinarians. Cattle were almost half the cases seen by graduates of 1950 and 1960. Dogs and cats were about 20% of the cases seen by those graduates, but this percentage ncreased progressively and was 77% of the cases seen by the graduates of 2000. Distemper was the most common transmissible disease of dogs seen by graduates of1950ndash;1970, but by few since then. Graduates of 1980 saw parvovirus most commonly; those of 2000 saw parvovirus and kennel/canine cough in about equal numbers. Two other major changes in canine cases seen by recent graduates have involved skin conditions, which increased progressively between 1950 and 2000, and trauma, mainly involving vehicles, which decreased as dogs have been restrained more effectively. Fracture repair was the most common surgical procedure performed by recent graduates between 1950 and 1970, but with decreasing incidence of trauma this has been overtaken by the removal of lumps and repair of lacerations. Barbiturates were used extensively by recent graduates for both induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, but with increasing use of anaesthetic machines from 1960 onwards, halothane and more recently isoflurane have largely taken their place for the maintenance of anaesthesia. Conclusions Over the last five decades, the average recent graduate has had progressively more opportunity for support and advice from other veterinarians, to work more sociable hours, and to work with a narrower range of species, especially dogs and cats.
Owner‐reported equine health disorders: results of an Australia‐wide postal survey
Authors: COLE FL , HODGSON DR , REID SWJ , MELLOR DJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo establish the prevalence of health disorders reported by horse owners registered with veterinary practices in Australia.Design and methodMailed questionnaire‐based study of horse owners in Australia conducted in 2001.ResultsData were obtained for 3901 horses belonging to 621 owners. The most prevalent health disorders were non‐laminitic lameness (13.0%), skin disorders (6.1%) and behavioural disorders (4.5%). Prevalence of health disorders varied among different age, breed and sex categories within the study population, and disorders were more prevalent in male and older horses.ConclusionThe most frequent disorders reported by owners were lameness, skin disorders and behavioural disorders. The disease profile was similar to that described in other owner reported studies conducted in the UK and USA.
Haematological values of young male rusa deer (Cervus timorensis)
Authors: TOMKINS NW , JONSSON NN 
Published: March 2008

Objective To measure haematological values of clinical significance for rusa deer and provide reference data for farmed animals.DesignBlood samples were collected regularly from eight male rusa deer from 14 days to 27 months old.ProcedureBlood samples, collected by venipuncture, were analysed within 6 hours of collection for red cell count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, plasma glucose, white cell count and differentials.ResultsHaemoglobin concentrations appeared to increase with age and ranged from 6.0 to 20.9 g/dL. Packed cell volume and plasma glucose concentration did not appear to vary with age. White cell counts ranged from 6.3 to 7.0 × 109/L and differential counts indicated neutrophils > lymphocytes > monocytes > eosinophils > basophils. In general, the values for packed cell volume, red cell count, mean cell volumes and mean cell haemoglobin concentrations were within ranges previously reported for captive or sedated rusa deer.ConclusionsPhysical restraint and resultant stress was sufficient to generate some of the effects previously reported for physically immobilised or agitated deer. The values reported here do not differ greatly from those previously reported for rusa deer and can be used as reference values for clinically healthy young farmed male rusa deer.
Effect of plasma transfusion on neutrophil function in healthy and septic foals
Authors: MCTAGGART C , PENHALE J , RAIDAL SL 
Published: March 2008

Objective To evaluate the effect of plasma transfusion on phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity of peripheral blood neutrophils from healthy and septic equine neonates with sub‐optimal passive transfer of maternal immunity.AnimalsNine healthy and seven septic foals with suboptimal passive transfer of maternal immunity (serum IgG < 8 g/L) presented to participating veterinary hospitals for plasma transfusion, and seven healthy foals less than 7 days of age and with circulating IgG concentrations ≥ 8 g/L.ProcedureFoals with serum IgG concentrations < 8 g/L were assessed as healthy or septic. Sepsis was recognised by positive bacterial cultures and/or sepsis scores of ≥ 11. All foals received between 1 and 3 L of plasma to boost circulating IgG concentrations to ≥ 8 g/L. Serum IgG concentrations were determined before and following transfusion by glutaraldehyde coagulation test and confirmed by single radial immunodiffusion assays. Neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity were determined before plasma transfusion and at 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 5 d following treatment. Neutrophil function from seven healthy foals less than 7 d of age and with circulating IgG concentrations of ≥ 8 g/L was similarly evaluated on a single occasion.ResultsPlasma treatment significantly increased circulating IgG concentrations for healthy and septic foals. Oxidative burst activity of neutrophils from septic foals was significantly increased 5 days following treatment, relative to 0 h post treatment. Other differences were not significant but suggested a transient decrease in phagocytosis by neutrophils from healthy foals and increased phagocytosis by neutrophils from septic foals immediately following transfusion. Oxidative burst activity of neutrophils from septic foals tended to be less than that of healthy foals at all sampling times. Serum IgG concentrations were not correlated with neutrophil phagocytosis, but were correlated with oxidative burst activity.ConclusionsPlasma transfusion did not improve neutrophil function of healthy foals, suggesting that such treatment may be of equivocal benefit for healthy neonates. Conversely, improved neutrophil function was observed following treatment of septic foals, suggesting that plasma transfusion was beneficial for these foals. Oxidative burst activity of neutrophils from septic foals was lower than that of neutrophils from healthy foals and was significantly improved 5 days post treatment, when compared with values obtained immediately following treatment.
Public managers and policy communities: learning to meet new challenges
Authors: Lindquist Evert A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Comprehending external environments is an increasingly important facet of the work of senior public servants. The purpose of this paper is to introduce concepts that will help practitioners and academic observers to describe and analyse the structure and dynamics of policy communities. The paper first draws from the political science literature to identify different networks in policy communities, considering how the role of public managers changes from network to network, and then models policy communities as “learning” entities consisting of advocacy coalitions responding to policy challenges in competitive and cooperative interactions. The paper concludes that public managers have a special stewardship function in facilitating more productive learning within policy communities.Sommaire: Dans le cadre du travail des fonctionnaires supérieurs, il devient de plus en plus important de bien comprendre l'environnement extérieur. Le présent exposé vise à présenter des concepts qui aideront les professionnels du métier et les théoriciens à décrire et à analyser la structure et les dynamiques des communautés qui formulent les politiques. L'exposé se fonde d'abord sur la littérature dans le domaine des sciences politiques pour identifier divers réseaux'au sein de ces communautés, en tenant compte de l'évolution du rôle du gestionnaire public d'un réseau à l'autre, puis il présente un modèle de ces communautés en tant qu'ensembles «d'apprentissage» composés de coalitions qui militent en faveur d'un certain objectif et qui interagissent de façon concurrentielle et coopérative aux défis que posent les politiques. Selon la conclusion de l'exposé, les gestionnaires publics ont un rôle‐clé dans la facilitation d'un apprentissage plus productif au sein des communautés qui décident des politiques.
The policy process: an institutionalist perspective
Authors: Peters B. Guy. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The stages model of the policy process constitutes the conventional wisdom about the policy‐making for much of political science and public administration. That model has performed a number of important tasks for these disciplines, but also contains a number of fundamental weaknesses. These include its assumptions concerning linearity and the temporal ordering of the stages, and the difficulty of the model in coping with policy change. Further, outcomes of the stages model tend to be determined by the environment of politics, rather than by the actors and institutions within government. The analysis presented in this article attempts to restore institutions (including the public bureaucracy) to a more appropriate central position in the formulation and determination of policy choices. The use of institutional analysis not only reflects more clearly the complex reality of policy‐making and the interaction of organizations within the public sector, but it restores value concerns to a central place in the analysis and interpretation of public policy.Sommaire: Le modèle d'étapes utilisé dans le processus d'élaboration des politiques constitue le modèle conventionnel par excellence pour une bonne partie des sciences politiques et de l'administration publique. Bien que ce modèle ait permis de mener à bien des tâches importantes dans ces disciplines, il fait preuve de faiblesse sur certains points fondamentaux. Mentionnons notamment ses hypothèses sur la linéarité et l'ordonnancement temporel des étapes, ainsi que ses difficultés à tenir compte des changements de politiques. De plus, les résultats obtenus avec ce modèle tendent àêtre déterminés par l'environnement des politiques, plutôt que par les intervenants et les institutions au sein du gouvernement. L'analyse présentée dans cet article tente de redonner aux institutions (dont la bureaucratie publique) la place plus centrale qu'elles méritent dans l'élaboration et la détermination des politiques. Le recours à une analyse institutionnelle ne se contente pas de refléter plus clairement la réalité complexe de l'élaboration des politiques et l'interaction des organisations au sein du secteur public, mais il redonne une place essentielle aux questions de valeurs dans l'analyse et l'interprétation des politiques publiques.
Reforming the electoral system of Metropolitan Toronto: doing away with dual representation
Authors: Mellon Hugh 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Since its creation in the mid‐1950s, the elected council of Metropolitan Toronto was composed of politicians who had first been directly elected in their home municipalities (Scarborough, North York, etc.)‐ Over the years, various observers had noted the representational weaknesses of this arrangement, but little had changed by the mid‐1980s. Metro concerns often appeared to be overlooked in the interest of local concerns, and lines of accountability from Metro to the public were weak. During the period 1986–88 a provincial government initiative led to a joint review of Metro's electoral arrangements and to enactment of major procedural reforms. By the 1988 Ontario municipal elections a system for direct election of the Metro council was in place. The provincial government's approach to reform, a provincial‐municipal task force, merits examination, for the municipal affairs ministry was able to bring reforms forward despite opposition from certain local government leaders. Reviewing this experience sheds light on some of the complexities involved in analysing representational options as well as in assessing the provincial relationship with Metro issues. Study of the reform process utilized here illustrates the ability of a committed provincial government to place discussion of Metro change firmly on the political agenda. Reflection on the procedures and representation issues of the mid‐1980s is now timely as the Ontario government is developing a yet larger entity, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which encompasses about 40 per cent of the province's population.Sommaire: Depuis son etablissement vers le milieu des annees 1950, le conseil elu du Toronto metropolitain etait compose de politiciens qui avaient d'abord ete elus directement dans leur propre municipality (Scarborough, North York, etc.). Au fil des annees, divers observateurs ont note les faiblesses de ce systeme de representation, mais tres peu changea jusqu'au milieu des annees 1980. Les preoccupations de
Canada's interests in North American economic integration
Authors: Globerman Steven 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The current North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) promises to have relatively modest short‐run economic impacts on the Canadian economy, reflecting existing limited trade and investment flows between Canada and Mexico and relatively low tariff barriers on many products. In the longer run, opportunities exist for increased trade in services, primarily through the establishment of affiliates within the partner country. The liberalization of Mexico's investment regime in a number of service areas therefore represents a significant potential economic opportunity for Canadian firms. Other arguable benefits for Canada include an expedited dispute resolution process, clearer rules‐of‐origin, and constraints on adverse intrusion of regulatory processes as they affect Canadian‐owned businesses. These gains come at comparatively low cost, most notably a higher domestic content requirement for motor vehicles.Sommaire: On prevoit que l'actuel Accord nord‐americain sur le libre‐echange (NAFTA) aura, a court terme, des repercussions economiques relativement faibles, sur l'economie canadienne, ce qui reflete l'etendue actuellement limitee des echanges commerciaux et d'investissement entre le Canada et le Mexique ainsi que les barrieres tarifaires relativement basses existant pour de nombreux produits. A plus long terme, il y aura des possibilites d'echanges commerciaux accrus dans le domaine des services, surtout par l'entremise de succursales etablies dans le pays partenaire. La liberalisation du regime d'investissement au Mexique dans un certain nombre de secteurs de services represente done une possibility economique importante pour les entreprises canadiennes. Les autres avantages eventuels pour le Canada pourraient comprendre une procedure plus rapide pour le reglement des differends, des regies d'origine plus claire et des contraintes sur l'exercise nefaste du pouvoir de reglementation touchant les entreprises appartenant aux Canadiens. Ces gains sont accompagnes d'un cout relativement faible, particulierement en ce qui concerne l'exigence d'un contenu national plus eleve pour les vehicules a moteur.
Kinetic Study of Dissociation of a Copper(II) Complex of A 14-Membered Tetraaza-Macrocyclic Ligand Containing Pyridine and Pendant N-Carboxymethyl Arms
Authors: Lubal Přemysl , Albrecht-Gary Anne-Marie , Blanc Sylvie , Costa Judite , Delgado Rita 
Published: March 2008

The kinetics of acid-catalyzed dissociation of the copper(II) complex with 7-methyl-3,7,11,17-tetraazabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),13,15-triene-3,11-diacetic acid (ac2Me[14]pyN4) at [H+] = 0.05-0.25 mol l-1, I = 0.25 mol l-1 (Na, H)ClO4, and T = 298.16 K was studied with conventional and stopped-flow UV/VIS spectroscopy. Three steps of consecutive complex reaction were observed. The very fast first and second steps characterized by k1 = 70 ± 10 and k2 = 0.23 ± 0.01 l mol-1 s-1 depend on the H+ concentration. The third step is very slow, k3 = (1.08 ± 0.03) × 10-3 s-1, and does not depend on the H+ concentration. Latter rate-determining step involves an isomerisation process forcing the copper(II) ion to leave rapidly the macrocyclic cavity. The reaction mechanism of the complex dissociation has been proposed, taking into account the results obtained for related systems by independent methods: potentiometry, UV/VIS and EPR spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction analysis, and molecular mechanics calculations.