1,721,107 research outputs found
Bovine cysticercosis epidemiology and the economic impact of the triceps brachii incision in a South African export abattoir
Full text linkTaenia saginata is a zoonotic tapeworm of humans with bovines as its intermediate host (bovine cysticercosis). Traditional meat inspection is the main measure to identify the larval stage in carcasses and prevent human infection, but has a notoriously low sensitivity, especially in low prevalence settings. The legislation in multiple African countries mandates an incision in both triceps brachii muscles to detect the parasite as part of the normal post-mortem inspection, but this has an economic cost and is not universally mandated in other countries. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of bovine cysticercosis at an export abattoir in South Africa and determine the validity and cost of the triceps incision. Risk factors were investigated, and the effect of additional heart incisions on the current inspection. Four incisions were made into the heart in addition to the normal post-mortem inspection in 3353 carcasses. The proportion of positive animals with and without the cardiac and triceps incisions were compared using McNemar's chi-square tests, while risk factors were assessed using binary logistic regression. The economic impact of the triceps incision was estimated using a stochastic economic cost model. Thirty-three positive carcasses were identified for an apparent prevalence of 0.98 % (95 %CI, 0.69-1.36 %), while the true prevalence was estimated at 6.6 % (95 %CI, 4.3-8.8 %). All cysts were confirmed as T. saginata on histopathology with 70 % (95 %CI, 53-83 %) located in the heart. The additional cardiac incisions resulted in the detection of significantly more cases compared to the normal inspection method prevalence of 0.72 % (95 %CI, 0.47-1.05 %; P < 0.001). The apparent prevalence of T. saginata when omitting the triceps incision was not significantly lower compared to the prevalence when included in the inspection (P = 0.480). External feedlots (OR= 4.17, 95 %CI: 2.04-8.54, P < 0.001) and older animals (OR=3.90, 95 %CI: 1.17-13.03, P = 0.027) were associated with a positive detection. The current median annual financial cost to the food business operator from the triceps incision was estimated at 0-$130696), with the proportion of deboned meat exported identified as the most important factor affecting cost (Spearman's rho=0.853). The identification of risk factors could aid in the development of a more effective risk-based inspection system. The current inspection should be modified to increase exposure of the heart and remove the triceps incisions. The latter should especially be considered given the minimal contribution to cysticercosis detection, the unsupported requirement for its inclusion specifically in Africa, and its economic impact, especially as beef exports increase.</p
Influence of high-protein and high-carbohydrate diets on serum lipid and fructosamine concentrations in healthy cats
Full text linkObjectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether high-protein and high-carbohydrate diets exert differential effects on serum cholesterol, triglyceride and fructosamine concentrations in healthy cats. Methods A randomised, crossover diet trial was performed in 35 healthy shelter cats. Following baseline health assessments, cats were randomised into groups receiving either a high-protein or high-carbohydrate diet for 4 weeks. The cats were then fed a washout diet for 4 weeks before being transitioned to whichever of the two studied diets they had not yet received. Fasting serum cholesterol, triglyceride and fructosamine concentrations were determined at the end of each 4-week diet period. Results Cats on the high-carbohydrate diet had significantly lower serum cholesterol ( P 5) had lower cholesterol ( P = 0.007) and triglyceride ( P = 0.032) concentrations on the high-protein diet than cats within other BCS groups. Conclusions and relevance Diets higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates appear beneficial for short-term glucose control in healthy cats. A high-protein diet was associated with significantly elevated cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in healthy cats, even though the increase was significantly less pronounced in cats with a BCS >5. This finding suggests that overweight cats process high-protein diets, cholesterol and triglycerides differently than leaner cats
Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Veterinary Locking Plates to Monocortical Screw/Polymethylmethacrylate Fixation in Canine Cadaveric Cervical Vertebral Column
Full text linkOBJECTIVE:
To compare the biomechanical properties of 2 veterinary locking plates and monocortical screws/polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fixation in canine cadaveric cervical vertebral columns.
STUDY DESIGN:
Biomechanical cadaveric study.
MATERIALS:
Nineteen cervical vertebral columns (C2-C7) from large breed, skeletally mature, canine cadavers were used. A cortical ring was placed as a disk spacer at C4-C5 in all specimens. Seven vertebral columns were plated at C4-C5 with two 4-hole, 3.5 mm string of pearls plates (SOP) and 6 vertebral columns were plated with two 6-hole, 2.4 mm titanium locking reconstruction plates (Ti recon plate). All screws were placed monocortically. Six vertebral columns had monocortical titanium screws and PMMA (Ti screws/PMMA) placed, tested as part of a prior study.
METHODS:
Stiffness testing in 3 directions was performed of the unaltered C4-C5 vertebral motion unit and repeated after placement of the disk spacer and implants. Data were compared using a linear mixed model that incorporated data from previously tested spines (Ti screw/PMMA).
RESULTS:
The mean (95% CI) stiffness (N/m) in extension for SOP was 407 N/mm (330-503), for Ti recon plate was 284 N/mm (198-407) and for Ti screws/PMMA was 365 N/mm (314-428); in flexion for SOP was 250 N/mm (178-354), for Ti recon plate was 147 N/mm (106-204) and for Ti screws/PMMA was 311 (235-416); in lateral bending for SOP was 528 N/mm (441-633), for Ti recon plate was 633 N/mm (545-735) and for Ti screws/PMMA was 327 N/mm (257-412). There were no significant differences in stiffness between the 3 fixations for any outcome.
CONCLUSION:
Monocortical fixation with two 3.5 mm SOP or two 2.4 mm Ti recon plates may be an alternate fixation to monocortical screws and PMMA
Accuracy of end-on fluoroscopy in predicting implant position in relation to the vertebral canal in dogs.
Full text linkObjective
To evaluate the accuracy of end-on fluoroscopy in predicting implant position in relation to the vertebral canal in the canine thoracolumbar vertebral column.
Study design
In vitro imaging and anatomic study.
Animals
Canine cadaveric thoracolumbar vertebral columns (n = 5).
Methods
Smooth Steinmann pins were inserted bicortically into the thoracolumbar vertebral columns between T10 and L7 using recommended insertion angles. Penetration of the spinal canal was not strictly avoided. After pin placement, end-on fluoroscopy images were obtained of each pin. Pin position was subsequently assessed by four evaluators and determined to either being out of the vertebral canal or in, with the latter being additionally divided into partially or completely penetrating the canal. To assess potential differences in modalities, fluoroscopy images were gray-scale inverted and evaluated again later by the same four individuals. Correct identification of pin position in relationship to the vertebral canal was assessed for both fluoroscopy images. Anatomic preparation of the spines was used for verification of pin position in relation to the spinal canal. Some data from this study were compared with historical data on accuracy using orthogonal radiography and computed tomography (CT).
Results
Overall sensitivity and specificity of F to detect vertebral canal penetration was 98.8 % (95% confidence interval (CI), 96.0-99.6) and 98.0% (95% CI, 77.0-99.9), respectively. For Fi, sensitivity and specificity were 97.0% (95% CI, 91.5-99.0) and 98.5% (95% CI, 81.5-99.9) respectively. F exceeded Fi for the sensitivity of detecting pin penetration into the vertebral canal (p = 0.039) but specificities were not different (p = 0.585). When comparing to historical data, the overall accuracy of end-on fluoroscopy (F) and inverted fluoroscopy (Fi) was statistical better than conventional radiographic assessment (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
End-on fluoroscopy is a highly accurate method for the assessment of pin position in relationship to the thoracolumbar spinal canal in cadaveric dogs.
Clinical significance
End-on fluoroscopy, with or without inversion, is accurate in identifying vertebral canal violation by bicortically placed Steinmann pins. When CT is not available, end-on fluoroscopy might be a valuable imaging modality to determine pin position in the canine vertebral column
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Small colon impaction outbreak and associated risk factors in horses at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, South Africa in 2021
Full text linkDissertation (MMedVet (Equine Surgery))--University of Pretoria, 2024.Background
During June-July 2021, the Onderstepoort Equine Clinic experienced an increase in diffuse faecal small colon impactions (SCI). Typically, SCI is diagnosed in 1.3–3% of horses admitted to referral centres for colic.
Objectives
This study aimed to describe the distribution, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of colic cases in 2021, focusing on SCI and to identify risk factors for SCI compared to large colon impactions (LCI).
Method
Medical records from the Onderstepoort Veterinary Teaching Hospital were reviewed to identify colic cases in 2021 and the population distribution, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome recorded. Cases of SCI were identified and compared to LCI. Owner questionnaires assessed potential SCI risk factors.
Results
Colic cases(182), comprised mainly LCI(26%), large colon displacements(20%), and SCI(13%). Treatments included medical(65%), surgical(32%), or euthanasia(3%). Most horses(85%) were discharged. SCI was diagnosed in 13% of cases, higher than previously reported rates. Immediate surgical treatment was performed in 30% of cases. In the remaining cases medical management was initiated although surgical intervention was later pursued in 43% of cases. Short-term survival was 87%, with surgical cases showing higher survival (94%) than medical (67%).
Stallions were at risk to develop SCI compared to “all colic” diagnoses (OR 4.17). Friesians were more likely to develop SCI compared to “all colic” (OR 7.00). Draft breed horses were more likely to develop SCI compared to compared to “all colic” (OR 8.20) and compared to LCI (OR 32.7). The study identified a risk for horses to develop SCI in winter compared to “all colic” (OR 43.2) and compared to LCI (OR 124). Conclusion
A SCI outbreak occurred in 2021, with increased risks in stallions, Friesians, and draft breeds, particularly in winter. Horse owners and veterinarians should be alerted to this, especially in at-risk groups during winter. Outcomes are favourable for SCI especially when treated surgically.Companion Animal Clinical StudiesMMedVet (Equine Surgery)UnrestrictedFaculty of Veterinary Scienc
Clinical and epidemiological investigations of Orbivirus infections in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
No full textThesis (PhD (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2023.Dogs are atypical host species for some of the most economically important orbiviral diseases, African horse sickness (AHS) and bluetongue (BT). Dogs are the only non-equid species to develop the severe fatal form of AHS, and along with the Eurasian lynx, dogs are the only non-ruminants to develop fatal bluetongue (BT). However, the role of dogs as a host species for orbiviruses has been largely dismissed as incidental or of low significance in the epidemiology of orbiviruses. In light of recent dog mortalities due to AHS which occurred with suspected midge-borne transmission, this thesis examines clinical and epidemiological features of Orbivirus diseases in South African dogs. The author shows that exposure to the African horse sickness virus (AHSV) in dogs in Tshwane, South Africa was common and frequent, with as many dogs estimated to have been exposed to AHSV as the population of horses in the area. At the onset of this investigation, only AHS had been described in South African dogs. The author describes the novel identification of the bluetongue virus (BTV) and possible equine encephalosis virus in South African dogs. The author describes the clinical presentation and management of a pregnant dog diagnosed with naturally occurring BT. The author investigates the farm of origin for this dog and shows a high level of exposure to BTV in dogs on the farm was high and detected the viral RNA from blood samples in three dogs (50%). The author reports the detection of equine encephalosis from samples collected from a puppy with a fatal respiratory disease. The findings of this study suggest dogs could play a greater role in the persistence, spread and introduction of orbiviruses than previously thought.Companion Animal Clinical StudiesPhD (Veterinary Science)UnrestrictedFaculty of Veterinary ScienceSDG-02: Zero HungerSDG-03: Good health and well-beingSDG-15: Life on lan
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
The physical and emotional benefits of companion animals
Full text linkElderly people are at high risk for conditions associated with inactivity, and lack
of motivation is an important factor contributing to this inactivity. It is believed that a dog
can provide the necessary motivation to get a senior citizen up and moving because it
needs attention as well as someone to feed it and take it for walks. The objective of this
five-week prospective cohort study was to determine if registered therapy dogs made
available for informal visits to a cohort of retirement community elderly would motivate
the subjects to increase their activity levels by comparing the number of steps taken in the
presence of the exposure (opportunity to visit with dog) versus steps taken when
unexposed (no opportunity to visit with dog). A secondary objective was to measure
possible improvements in mental and physical health scores over the course of the study.
The steps were measured each week with a pedometer and the happiness and depression
scores were obtained through a questionnaire given at the beginning and at the end of the
study. Twenty subjects agreed to participate, and there was an increasing trend in the
number of steps over calendar weeks, but not an increase with exposure level (number of
dog-visits). Happiness (p = .53) and depression (p = .083) scores did not significantly
change during the study. Increased step counts each week may have been associated with other motivating factors such as competition among residents and individual desire to
achieve higher counts each week
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