Statistics: are we related?

This short addition to our series on clinical statistics concerns relationships, and answering questions such as “are blood pressure and weight related?” In a later article, we will answer the more interesting question about how they might be related. This article follows on logically from the previous one dealing with categorical data, the major difference being here that we will consider two continuous variables, which naturally leads to the use of a Pearson correlation or occasionally to a Spearman rank correlation coefficient.     

The perioperative management of small animals with previously implanted pacemakers undergoing anaesthesia

ObjectiveThere is little information in the veterinary literature about the perioperative management of small animal patients with previously implanted pacemakers undergoing elective or emergency non-cardiac procedures. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature with regard to human patients, with previously implanted pacemakers, undergoing general anaesthesia. Using this and the current information on pacemakers and anaesthesia in dogs and cats, we provide recommendations for small animal patients in this situation.Databases usedGoogle Scholar, PubMed and CAB Abstracts using and interlinking and narrowing the search terms: “dog”, “cat”, “small animals”, “anaesthesia”, “pacemaker”, “perioperative”, “transvenous pacing”, “temporary pacing”. Scientific reports and human and small animal studies from the reference lists of the retrieved papers were reviewed. In addition, related human and veterinary cardiology and anaesthesia textbooks were also included to create a narrative review of the subject.ConclusionsThe best perioperative care for these animals comes from a multidisciplinary approach involving the anaesthetist, cardiologist, surgeon and intensive care unit team. When such an approach is not feasible, the anaesthetist should be familiar with pacemaker technology and how to avoid perioperative complications such as electromagnetic interference, lead damage and reprogramming of the device. The preanaesthetic assessment should be thorough. Information regarding the indication for pacemaker placement, complications during the procedure, location, type and programming of the pacemaker should be readily available. The anaesthetic management of these veterinary patients aims to preserve cardiovascular function while avoiding hypotension, and backup pacing should be available during the perioperative period. Further prospective studies are needed to describe the best perioperative care in small animals with a previously implanted pacemaker.     

Assessment of biosecurity level in small-scale broiler farms in the Western highlands of Cameroon (Central Africa)

The recent outbreak of avian influenza in the poultry sector of Cameroon has raised a concern about the level of implementation of biosecurity measures (BM) on poultry farms. Therefore, a study using a questionnaire on 102 randomly selected poultry farms was undertaken. Some measures with high adoption levels (>?90%) included “protection of airing openings of poultry barns by a wire mesh,” “no external animal allowed to enter the farm,” “respect of all-in all-out principle,” “functional footbath,” “rodent control,” and “feedstuff protection from access to rodents.” The least implemented measures (less than 20%) were “wearing of dedicated clothing (clean coveralls and boots) by workers,” “disinfection of visitors,” and “presence of storage room for dead animals.” Only for “isolation” component of biosecurity, compliance with biosecurity measures was good, with more than 50% of farms having an adoption rate greater than 75%. The mean biosecurity score for the assessed farms was 19.29?±?1.89 for a maximum score of 38 points. The score was significantly and positively correlated (p?<?0.05) with the number of chicken and the geographic location of farms. The other results showed that the mean number of broiler per cycle was 550.82?±?76 for a stocking density of 27.20?±?6.64 birds per m². In conclusion, broiler production in the Western highland is dominated by small-scale units with low level of biosecurity practices positively and significantly (p?<?0.05) influenced by some production characteristics. To improve biosecurity practices in the area, efforts must focus on measures concerning “sanitation” and “traffic control” components of biosecurity.     

The oesophageal-groove reflex and anthelmintic efficacy

Extract

Sir, — In the most recent issue of Farm Outlook, which emanates from ICI Tasman Ltd, is an anonymous article headed “The Rumen by-pass”. In it it is claimed that operation of the oesophageal groove reflex in ruminants will decrease the efficacy of benzimidazoles (so-called “white drenches”) against gastrointestinal nematodes by diverting all or part of a dose of drench directly into the omasum and abomasum. Subsequently an advertisement carrying a similar message appeared in the national press (see The Dominion, Tuesday, February 3rd 1981).     

种植密度和品种对青饲玉米生物量与营养品质的影响

通过研究种植密度和品种对青饲玉米(Zea mays)生物量与营养品质的影响,筛选出适宜环县地区的较优青饲玉米品种及种植密度,以期为该区优质青饲玉米的推广种植及牛羊青粗饲草料资源的开发提供理论依据.试验于2019年选用'东单13'(H1)、'正大12'(H2)、'科玉188'(H3)、'衡远4038'(H4)及'濮单6号'(H5)5个青饲玉米品种为试验材料,每个品种分别设4.50×104(D1)、5.25×104(D2)、6.00×104(D3)、6.75×104(D4)及7.50×104(D5)株·hm?25个种植密度,结果表明,种植密度对鲜草产量和干草产量的影响极显著(P<0.01),对粗灰分(Ash)含量的影响显著(P<0.05).品种对粗脂肪(EE)、Ash、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、淀粉(ST)、钙(Ca)、磷(P)和总可消化养分(TDN)含量及48 h干物质体外消化率(IVDMD)的影响极显著(P<0.01),对干物质(DM)、水溶性碳水化合物(WSC)含量的影响显著(P<0.05).用灰色关联度对各处理生物量和营养品质指标综合评价后,结果排名前三的品种及密度依次为H1D5>H2D4>H3D5.综上,在环县地区表现较优、排名前三的青饲玉米品种及其密度分别为7.50万株·hm?2的'东单13'、6.75万株·hm?2的'正大12'及7.50万株·hm?2的'科玉188',可在该地区推广种植.     

Coughing in dogs: what is the evidence for and against a cardiac cough?

Cough has been historically reported as a major clinical sign of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in dogs. However, recent evidence appears to contradict the traditional dogmatic approach that linked cough to congestive heart failure in dogs. Here we use a question‐based format to introduce and discuss the modern evidence regarding “cardiac cough” and the interpretation of this important but often misleading clinical sign.     

Water Quantity and Water Quality Issues: Who Has the Right to Use Water?

All of the indicators are in place for water quantity to become a major issue in the coming years. Just as water quality has surfaced on many agendas, water quantity could possibly be a larger subject. Water quantity and water quality will become almost synonymous in concern and attention in most parts of the United States and the world. As water quantity issues surface, the dreaded question, "Who owns the water rights?” will have to be answered.     

Pilot study of behavior responses in young riding horses using 2 methods of making transitions from trot to walk

According to the principles of negative reinforcement, when an aid has been given to an animal, it should be released as soon as the desired response has been achieved, and, if performed well, may be associated with fewer conflict behaviors than otherwise. In riding, pressure in the horse’s mouth from the bit is used to give signals to the horse, and both rein tension and patterns of releasing this tension will vary. The aim of this pilot study was to study horse behavior during 2 different methodologies used to shape relatively naïve horses to a deceleration signal while making downward transitions from trot to walk. Method 1 involved relief from rein tension at the first attempt to perform a correct response (M1), and method 2 entailed that rein tension was relieved at the completed correct response (M2). Four horses were ridden by 4 riders over 4 days (1 rider each day), and each horse made 10 transitions each day for each method, which produced 320 transitions. Rein tension was recorded, and horse behavior and rider signal behaviors were evaluated from video recordings. Horse behavior was divided into the following 3 different categories: “pushing against the bit,” “moving away from the bit,” and “decelerating.” Linear models were constructed tracking the percent of the transition time that horses demonstrated at least 1 behavior in the “pushing against the bit,” “moving away from the bit,” and “decelerating” categories, and with random effects for rider, horse, and transition number nested within horse. Fixed effects analyzed were the methods, proportion of the transition time above 30 N for each rein, and the rider signal behaviors. M1 and M2 had on average 19% (standard deviation: 16) and 38% (standard deviation: 23) of the time with >30 N per rein, respectively. In the models for the “pushing against the bit” behaviors, M2 increased rein tension and “exerting pressure on the reins” increased the level of these behaviors. “Releasing pressure” interacted with “pulling back on the reins”; this combination was associated with an increased level of “pushing against the bit” behaviors. The “decelerating” behavior was associated with lower rein tension. In the “decelerating” behavior models, “pulling back on the reins” led to decreased “decelerating” behavior, whereas “still hand” and “releasing pressure” led to increased “decelerating” behavior; however, the interaction “pulling back on the reins” and “releasing pressure” led to decreased “decelerating” behavior. “Moving away from the bit” had no significant determinants. We concluded that fewer “pushing against the bit” behaviors were created by M1 and that a lower rein tension was associated with the “decelerating” behavior. Reinforcing the horse’s attempts, to assist in finding the correct response, benefits the welfare of the horse, and importance of a light hand should be continuously emphasized during riding education.     

Veterinary surgeons' opinions on dog welfare issues

Objectives : To begin to determine the significance of various dog welfare issues as perceived by veterinary practitioners. Methods : Using an online questionnaire, respondents were asked how frequently they were made aware of 12 welfare issues and how important they felt each one was for each dog affected. Respondents were also asked how much they agreed with statements that the veterinary practitioners in their area, and the veterinary profession, should do more about each issue. Results : Responses were received from 59 practitioners. The most frequently noted problems were “obesity”, “chronic pain/poor mobility” and “breed‐related conditions”. The most important issues for each dog affected were “lack of treatment for suffering”, “abuse or active cruelty” and “malnutrition”. “Breed‐related conditions”, “obesity” and “behavioural problems” were the issues for which there was greatest agreement that veterinary practitioners should do more, both in their area and as a profession. Clinical Significance : This pilot study suggests that the veterinary profession believes that obesity, breed‐related conditions and behavioural problems are important concerns, and that more should be done about them. Although these results cannot be taken as definitive from a study of this size, it does provide a background for such further work involving companion dog welfare and the veterinary profession.     

Editorial Note

In the article “Experimental infection of the possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) with Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica. I. A comparison of laboratory techniques for the detection of leptospiraemia and leptospiruria” by S. C. Hathaway (N.Z.vet.J.29: 121-5) Tables II and III did not relate to the text. All reprints of this article will contain the correct Tables.     

母猪无乳综合征(MMA)新见解

母猪无乳综合征(MMA)是母猪乳腺炎(Mastitis)、子宫炎(Metritis)和无乳症(Agalactia)的简称,是由多种原因引起的母猪产后泌乳量逐渐减少甚至是完全无乳,以致于哺乳仔猪乳汁摄入量不足,严重影响到仔猪的生长发育。MMA在猪场中经常发生,尤其是在炎热的夏秋季节多发,母猪一旦发生MMA,就会影响到仔猪的成活率,从而给猪场带来经济损失。许多饲养母猪的猪场对MMA都比较熟悉,有研究表明,规模猪场中哺乳仔猪死亡因素的50%都与MMA有关。那么,是什么原因导致了母猪MMA问题?MMA的发生现状又如何?一旦发生,猪场该如何应对?怎么样进行防治?本篇文章主要介绍了英国颇为高产(已发表近3000篇关于养猪的文章)的养猪专栏作家John Gadd,结合他本人过去几十年来在世界各地猪场的宝贵经历,写成的介绍母猪MMA的最新文章。     

Buchbesprechungen/Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article: “Progress in Immunobiological Standardization” and “Symposia Series in Immunobiological Standardization” Developments in Biological Standardization .     

基于CiteSpace的植物根系分泌物研究现状和趋势

根系分泌物是植物与土壤之间物质交换和信息传递的重要载体。为深入了解植物根系分泌物研究的现状和发展趋势,本研究采用Web of Science核心合集数据库中1998-2020年间有关植物根系分泌物研究的相关文献4047篇,基于CiteSpace软件进行可视化文献计量学分析。结果表明：1）有关植物根系分泌物的发文量、篇均被引次数呈典型线性增长;2）中国、美国、德国、日本、澳大利亚和法国等是发文量居前的国家;3）中国科学院、南京农业大学、西班牙国家研究委员会、西澳大学等机构在发文总量、被引次数等方面优势明显。有关植物根系分泌物的研究涉及植物科学、土壤科学、农学、环境科学、微生物学和生态学等领域,最具代表性的是荷兰期刊《Plant and Soil》,发表文章最多（256篇）,h指数最高;4）植物根系分泌物的研究主要集中在根际、植物、土壤、有机酸、化感作用等方面。根据植物根系分泌物的研究现状,提出深入系统地研究根系分泌物介导下植物-土壤-微生物相互作用的方式与机理,揭示土壤微生态系统功能,定向调控植物根际生物学过程是近年来新兴的研究热点。     

基于CNKI数据库的禾草与非禾草内生真菌文献计量分析

为明确我国关于内生真菌的研究现状及热点,以1999-2019年中国知网（CNKI）数据库中内生真菌为关键词的相关文献为数据源,从检索结果中手动选择禾草与非禾草内生真菌相关文献,进行了文献计量学分析。共检索出5333篇与内生真菌相关的文献,其中377篇与禾草Epichlo?属内生真菌相关文献。结果表明,非禾草内生真菌相关文献的发文量呈线性增长,增长速度较快,禾草内生真菌相关文献增长缓慢,具有巨大的研究发展潜力。禾草内生真菌与非禾草内生真菌的研究方向均在生物、作物等学科占有较大比例。其中禾草内生真菌的期刊来源主要是《草业科学》,主要进行禾草内生真菌的研究机构为兰州大学、南开大学、南京农业大学等,非禾草内生真菌的期刊来源主要是《天然产物研究与开发》《安徽农业科学》等杂志,主要的研究机构为西北农林科技大学、云南大学、海南大学等。国家自然科学基金是内生真菌研究的主要经费支持,对于内生真菌的研究和发展具有重要作用。在以内生真菌为关键词检索出的文献中,于2001年发表于菌物系统上的《内生真菌研究进展》引用次数最高,引用频次高达819次,在禾草内生真菌中《禾草-内生真菌共生体在草地农业系统中的作用》引用次数最高,引用频次高达172次,为内生真菌以及禾草内生真菌的研究奠定了基础。从禾草内生真菌相关文献中的高频关键词可知,内生真菌对宿主抗逆性的生理生化机制以及共生体所产生的次生代谢物的相关研究为目前的研究热点。根据禾草内生真菌以及非禾草内生真菌的研究现状,展望了内生真菌研究的发展趋势,应更多地聚焦于内生真菌的功能挖掘,宿主互作机制,抗逆性机制以及内生真菌的利用等方面。     

Explicit versus implicit motivations: Clarifying how experiences affect turkey hunter satisfaction using revised importance-performance,importance grid,and penalty-reward-contrast analyses

Although research has advanced methods for clarifying factors that relate to customer satisfaction, they have not been embraced by leisure researchers. Using results from a survey of wild turkey hunters, we applied traditional and revised importance-performance (IPA/RIPA), importance-grid analysis (IGA), and penalty-reward-contrast analysis (PRCA) to examine how activity-specific factors influenced satisfaction. Results suggested differences between the explicit and implicit importance of factors related to turkey hunting. Opportunities to kill turkeys were explicitly rated as less important than seeing, hearing, or calling in turkeys, but opportunities for harvest had relatively higher levels of implicit importance. PRCA identified “calling turkeys in” and “hearing gobbling” as minimum requirements that cause dissatisfaction if not fulfilled, but do not provide satisfaction, whereas “seeing turkeys” and an “opportunity to kill a turkey” related to both satisfaction and dissatisfaction. RIPA, IGA, and PRCA could provide valuable insights about factors that may improve satisfaction for leisure participants.     

Global parasite and Rattus rodent invasions: The consequences for rodent‐borne diseases

We summarize the current knowledge on parasitism‐related invasion processes of the globally invasive Rattus lineages, originating from Asia, and how these invasions have impacted the local epidemiology of rodent‐borne diseases. Parasites play an important role in the invasion processes and successes of their hosts through multiple biological mechanisms such as “parasite release,” “immunocompetence advantage,” “biotic resistance” and “novel weapon.” Parasites may also greatly increase the impact of invasions by spillover of parasites and other pathogens, introduced with invasive hosts, into new hosts, potentially leading to novel emerging diseases. Another potential impact is the ability of the invader to amplify local parasites by spillback. In both cases, local fauna and humans may be exposed to new health risks, which may decrease biodiversity and potentially cause increases in human morbidity and mortality. Here we review the current knowledge on these processes and propose some research priorities.     

从50年来在《Science》发表的蚕丝学文献看中国家蚕基因组研究

检索、概括了50年来在《Science》杂志刊登的10篇蚕丝学文献的基本情况和内容,介绍了家蚕基因组框架图在家蚕全基因组序列分析、比较基因组学和丝腺、激素及发育相关基因等功能基因研究方面取得的重要进展,显示了中国家蚕基因组研究对世界蚕业科学的重大贡献。     

Veterinary ocular microbiome: Lessons learned beyond the culture

Ocular pathogens cause many painful and vision‐threatening diseases such as infectious keratitis, uveitis, and endophthalmitis. While virulent pathogens and pathobionts play important roles in disease pathogenesis, the scientific community has long assumed disruption of the ocular surface occurs prior to microbial colonization and subsequent infection. While nonpathogenic bacteria are often detected in corneal and conjunctival cultures from healthy eyes, cultures also frequently fail to yield growth of common ocular pathogens or nonpathogenic bacteria. This prompts the following question: Is the ocular surface populated by a stable microbial population that cannot be detected using standard culture techniques? The study of the microbiome has recently become a widespread focus in physician and veterinary medicine. Research suggests a pivotal symbiotic relationship with these microbes to maintain healthy host tissues, and when altered is associated with various disease states (“dysbiosis”). The microbiota that lives within and on mammalian bodies have long been known to influence health and susceptibility to infection. However, limitations of traditional culture methods have resulted in an incomplete understanding of what many now call the “forgotten organ,” that is, the microbiome. With the introduction of high‐throughput sequencing, physician ophthalmology has recognized an ocular surface with much more diverse microbial communities than suspected based on traditional culture. This article reviews the salient features of the ocular surface microbiome and highlights important future applications following the advent of molecular techniques for microbial identification, including characterizing ocular surface microbiomes in our veterinary species and their potential role in management of infectious and inflammatory ocular diseases.     

Coccidiosis: A review and comments on the French literature

The following article is a review and comments on the French literature about coccidiosis. In accordance with the prospects of “Veterinary Parasitology”, this review “is concerned with those aspects of the topic which are of interest to animal health investigators, veterinary practitioners and others with a special interest” in the field of coccidia and it deals with coccidiosis of every animal species in succession. Nevertheless, as veterinarians are not only practitioners but sometimes also research workers the author quotes, in a short first part, the chief general studies carried out in France on coccidia.