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Schoener ER, Tompkins DM, Howe L, Castro IC. New insight into avian malaria vectors in New Zealand. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:150. [PMID: 38519966 PMCID: PMC10958882 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes (Culicidae) are vectors for most malaria parasites of the Plasmodium species and are required for Plasmodium spp. to complete their life cycle. Despite having 16 species of mosquitoes and the detection of many Plasmodium species in birds, little is known about the role of different mosquito species in the avian malaria life cycle in New Zealand. METHODS In this study, we used nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR to determine Plasmodium spp. prevalence and diversity of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences in wild-caught mosquitoes sampled across ten sites on the North Island of New Zealand during 2012-2014. The mosquitoes were pooled by species and location collected, and the thorax and abdomens were examined separately for Plasmodium spp. DNA. Akaike information criterion (AIC) modeling was used to test whether location, year of sampling, and mosquito species were significant predictors of minimum infection rates (MIR). RESULTS We collected 788 unengorged mosquitoes of six species, both native and introduced. The most frequently caught mosquito species were the introduced Aedes notoscriptus and the native Culex pervigilans. Plasmodium sp DNA was detected in 37% of matched thorax and abdomen pools. When considered separately, 33% of abdomen and 23% of thorax pools tested positive by nested PCR. The MIR of the positive thorax pools from introduced mosquito species was 1.79% for Ae. notoscriptus and 0% for Cx. quinquefasciatus, while the MIR for the positive thorax pools of native mosquito species was 4.9% for Cx. pervigilans and 0% for Opifex fuscus. For the overall MIR, site and mosquito species were significant predictors of Plasmodium overall MIR. Aedes notoscriptus and Cx. pervigilans were positive for malaria DNA in the thorax samples, indicating that they may play a role as avian malaria vectors. Four different Plasmodium lineages (SYAT05, LINN1, GRW6, and a new lineage of P (Haemamoeba) sp. AENOT11) were identified in the pooled samples. CONCLUSIONS This is the first detection of avian Plasmodium DNA extracted from thoraxes of native Culex and introduced Aedes mosquito species in New Zealand and therefore the first study providing an indication of potential vectors in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Schoener
- School of Natural Sciences (SNS), Ecology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Laboklin-Labor Für Klinische Diagnostik GMBH& Co. KG, Abteilung Molekularbiologie, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - D M Tompkins
- Predator Free 2050 Limited, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- School of Veterinary Science, Tāwharau Ora, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - I C Castro
- School of Natural Sciences (SNS), Ecology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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2
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Dunowska M, Lal R, Dissanayake SD, Bond SD, Burrows E, Moffat J, Howe L. Bovine viral diarrhoea viruses from New Zealand belong predominantly to the BVDV-1a genotype. N Z Vet J 2024; 72:66-78. [PMID: 38212951 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2291039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
AIM To determine which genotypes of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) circulate among cattle in New Zealand. METHODS Samples comprised BVDV-1-positive sera sourced from submissions to veterinary diagnostic laboratories in 2019 (n = 25), 2020 (n = 59) and 2022 (n = 74) from both beef and dairy herds, as well as archival BVDV-1 isolates (n = 5). Fragments of the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) and glycoprotein E2 coding sequence of the BVDV genome were amplified and sequenced. The sequences were aligned to each other and to international BVDV-1 sequences to determine their similarities and phylogenetic relationships. The 5' UTR sequences were also used to create genetic haplotype networks to determine if they were correlated with selected traits (location, type of farm, and year of collection). RESULTS The 5' UTR sequences from New Zealand BVDV were closely related to each other, with pairwise identities between 89% and 100%. All clustered together and were designated as BVDV-1a (n = 144) or BVDV-1c (n = 5). There was no evidence of a correlation between the 5' UTR sequence and the geographical origin within the country, year of collection or the type of farm. Partial E2 sequences from New Zealand BVDV (n = 76) showed 74-100% identity to each other and clustered in two main groups. The subtype assignment based on the E2 sequence was the same as based on the 5' UTR analysis. This is the first comprehensive analysis of genomic variability of contemporary New Zealand BVDV based on the analysis of the non-coding (5' UTR) and coding (E2) sequences. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Knowledge of the diversity of the viruses circulating in the country is a prerequisite for the development of effective control strategies, including a selection of suitable vaccines. The data presented suggest that New Zealand BVDV are relatively homogeneous, which should facilitate eradication efforts including selection or development of the most suitable vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dunowska
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - R Lal
- College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - S D Dissanayake
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - S D Bond
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - E Burrows
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J Moffat
- Scipharma Ltd., Upper Moutere, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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3
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Lorito CD, Duff C, Rogers C, Tuxworth J, Bell J, Fothergill R, Wilkinson L, Bosco A, Howe L, O’Brien R, Godfrey M, Dunlop M, Van Der Wardt V, Booth V, Logan P, Harwood R. Tele-rehabilitation for people with dementia in the COVID-19 pandemic: A case-study. Eur Psychiatry 2021. [PMCID: PMC9470968 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) is delivering an exercise programme for people with dementia. The Lincolnshire partnership NHS foundation Trust successfully delivered PrAISED through a video-calling platform during the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectivesThis qualitative case-study identified participants that video delivery worked for, and highlighted its benefits and challenges.MethodsInterviews were conducted with participants with dementia, caregivers and therapists, and analysed through thematic analysis.ResultsVideo delivery worked best when participants had a supporting carer, when therapists showed enthusiasm and had an established rapport with the client. Benefits included time-efficiency of sessions, enhancing participants’ motivation, caregivers’ dementia awareness and therapists’ creativity. Limitations included users’ poor IT skills and resources.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic required innovative ways of delivering rehabilitation. This study supports that people with dementia can use tele rehab, but success is reliant on having a caregiver and an enthusiastic and known therapist.
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Hughes A, Harrison S, Dixon P, Dickson M, Davies A, Rice F, Davies N, Howe L. The wider consequences of obesity: estimated social and economic costs from Mendelian Randomization. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Obesity is a key public health issue worldwide. Accurate estimates of its full impacts on health, social, and economic outcomes are required, but are difficult to obtain due to bias from confounding and reverse causality (the impact of social and economic factors on obesity).
Methods
Using data from the UK Biobank and ALSPAC, we applied a genetic causal inference approach (Mendelian Randomization, MR) to estimate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on key social and economic outcomes. Because genetic variants are assigned before birth and cannot change, estimates from MR studies are less liable to confounding and reverse causation.
Results
Effects of higher BMI were often larger in MR than conventional (non-genetic) models, suggesting previous studies may have underestimated the impact of BMI. For example, in adolescents, MR models implied a standard deviation increase in BMI led to exam scores around 1/3 of a grade lower in all subjects at age 16, and 8.7% (CI: 1.8% to 16.1%) more school absence. In adults a 5kg/m2 increase in BMI corresponded, among other negative outcomes, to £2,778 less annual household income (CI: £1,864 to £3,693), less chance of owning one's home (-1.6%, CI: -2.4% to -0.8%), and higher chance of being lonely (2.4%, CI: 1.4% to 3.5%). At £21.22 (CI: £14.35 to £28.07) per person per marginal kg/m2 per year, MR estimates for inpatient hospital costs were around 40% higher than conventional estimates.
Conclusions
Findings from causal inference based on genetic variation indicate that high BMI has negative impacts on social and economic outcomes that may be larger than previously estimated. This evidence highlights the potential social and economic value of preventing high BMI across the life course.
Key messages
High BMI has considerable negative impacts not only for health, but for individuals’ education and socioeconomic outcomes, and overall health care costs. Previous attempts to quantify these effects may have underestimated BMI’s full impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hughes
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - S Harrison
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - P Dixon
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M Dickson
- Institute for Policy Research, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - A Davies
- Research and Evaluation Division, Knowledge Directorate, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - F Rice
- School of Medicine, University of Cardiff, Cardiff, UK
| | - N Davies
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - L Howe
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Adachi S, Aguilar Faúndez MAO, Akiba Y, Ali A, Arnold K, Baccigalupi C, Barron D, Beck D, Bianchini F, Borrill J, Carron J, Cheung K, Chinone Y, Crowley K, El Bouhargani H, Elleflot T, Errard J, Fabbian G, Feng C, Fujino T, Goeckner-Wald N, Hasegawa M, Hazumi M, Hill CA, Howe L, Katayama N, Keating B, Kikuchi S, Kusaka A, Lee AT, Leon D, Linder E, Lowry LN, Matsuda F, Matsumura T, Minami Y, Namikawa T, Navaroli M, Nishino H, Peloton J, Pham ATP, Poletti D, Puglisi G, Reichardt CL, Segawa Y, Sherwin BD, Silva-Feaver M, Siritanasak P, Stompor R, Tajima O, Takatori S, Tanabe D, Teply GP, Vergès C. Internal Delensing of Cosmic Microwave Background Polarization B-Modes with the POLARBEAR Experiment. Phys Rev Lett 2020; 124:131301. [PMID: 32302154 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.124.131301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Using only cosmic microwave background polarization data from the polarbear experiment, we measure B-mode polarization delensing on subdegree scales at more than 5σ significance. We achieve a 14% B-mode power variance reduction, the highest to date for internal delensing, and improve this result to 22% by applying for the first time an iterative maximum a posteriori delensing method. Our analysis demonstrates the capability of internal delensing as a means of improving constraints on inflationary models, paving the way for the optimal analysis of next-generation primordial B-mode experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Adachi
- Department of Physics, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - M A O Aguilar Faúndez
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
- Departamento de Física, FCFM, Universidad de Chile, Blanco Encalada 2008, Santiago, Chile
| | - Y Akiba
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193, Japan
| | - A Ali
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - K Arnold
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - C Baccigalupi
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Fundamental Physics of the Universe (IFPU), Via Beirut 2, 34014 Trieste, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), via Valerio 2, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - D Barron
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - D Beck
- AstroParticule et Cosmologie (APC), Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS/IN2P3, CEA/Irfu, Obs de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75013 Paris, France
| | - F Bianchini
- School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
| | - J Borrill
- Computational Cosmology Center, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - J Carron
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, United Kingdom
| | - K Cheung
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Y Chinone
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8583, Japan
- Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (WPI), Berkeley Satellite, the University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - K Crowley
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - H El Bouhargani
- AstroParticule et Cosmologie (APC), Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS/IN2P3, CEA/Irfu, Obs de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75013 Paris, France
| | - T Elleflot
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - J Errard
- AstroParticule et Cosmologie (APC), Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS/IN2P3, CEA/Irfu, Obs de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75013 Paris, France
| | - G Fabbian
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, United Kingdom
| | - C Feng
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - T Fujino
- Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
| | - N Goeckner-Wald
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - M Hasegawa
- High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| | - M Hazumi
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193, Japan
- Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8583, Japan
- High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
- Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0222, Japan
| | - C A Hill
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - L Howe
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - N Katayama
- Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8583, Japan
| | - B Keating
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - S Kikuchi
- Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
| | - A Kusaka
- Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (WPI), Berkeley Satellite, the University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Physics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Department of Physics, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Research Center for the Early Universe, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - A T Lee
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Physics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Radio Astronomy Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - D Leon
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - E Linder
- Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - L N Lowry
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - F Matsuda
- Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8583, Japan
| | - T Matsumura
- Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8583, Japan
| | - Y Minami
- High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| | - T Namikawa
- DAMTP, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom
| | - M Navaroli
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - H Nishino
- Research Center for the Early Universe, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - J Peloton
- Laboratoire de l'Accélérateur Linéaire, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS/IN2P3, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - A T P Pham
- School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
| | - D Poletti
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Fundamental Physics of the Universe (IFPU), Via Beirut 2, 34014 Trieste, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), via Valerio 2, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - G Puglisi
- Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
| | - C L Reichardt
- School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Y Segawa
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193, Japan
| | - B D Sherwin
- Kavli Institute for Cosmology Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 OHA, United Kingdom
| | - M Silva-Feaver
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - P Siritanasak
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - R Stompor
- AstroParticule et Cosmologie (APC), Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS/IN2P3, CEA/Irfu, Obs de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75013 Paris, France
| | - O Tajima
- Department of Physics, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - S Takatori
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193, Japan
- High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| | - D Tanabe
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193, Japan
- High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| | - G P Teply
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0424, USA
| | - C Vergès
- AstroParticule et Cosmologie (APC), Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS/IN2P3, CEA/Irfu, Obs de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75013 Paris, France
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6
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Howe L, Castellanos-Beltran MA, Sirois AJ, Olaya D, Biesecker J, Dresselhaus PD, Benz SP, Hopkins PF. Digital Control of a Superconducting Qubit Using a Josephson Pulse Generator at 3 K. PRX quantum 2020; 3:10.1103/prxquantum.3.010350. [PMID: 36726390 PMCID: PMC9888300 DOI: 10.1103/prxquantum.3.010350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Scaling of quantum computers to fault-tolerant levels relies critically on the integration of energy-efficient, stable, and reproducible qubit control and readout electronics. In comparison to traditional semiconductor-control electronics (TSCE) located at room temperature, the signals generated by rf sources based on Josephson-junctions (JJs) benefit from small device sizes, low power dissipation, intrinsic calibration, superior reproducibility, and insensitivity to ambient fluctuations. Previous experiments to colocate qubits and JJ-based control electronics have resulted in quasiparticle poisoning of the qubit, degrading the coherence and lifetime of the qubit. In this paper, we digitally control a 0.01-K transmon qubit with pulses from a Josephson pulse generator (JPG) located at the 3-K stage of a dilution refrigerator. We directly compare the qubit lifetime T 1, the coherence time T 2 * , and the thermal occupation P th when the qubit is controlled by the JPG circuit versus the TSCE setup. We find agreement to within the daily fluctuations of ±0.5 μs and ±2 μs for T 1 and T 2 * , respectively, and agreement to within the 1% error for P th. Additionally, we perform randomized benchmarking to measure an average JPG gate error of 2.1 × 10-2. In combination with a small device size (< 25 mm2) and low on-chip power dissipation (≪100 μW), these results are an important step toward demonstrating the viability of using JJ-based control electronics located at temperature stages higher than the mixing-chamber stage in highly scaled superconducting quantum information systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Howe
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA
| | | | - A. J. Sirois
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA
| | - D. Olaya
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA
- University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - J. Biesecker
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA
| | - P. D. Dresselhaus
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA
| | - S. P. Benz
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA
| | - P. F. Hopkins
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA
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7
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Schoener ER, Tompkins DM, Parker KA, Howe L, Castro I. Presence and diversity of mixed avian Plasmodium spp. infections in introduced birds whose distribution overlapped with threatened New Zealand endemic birds. N Z Vet J 2019; 68:101-106. [PMID: 31645214 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2019.1680326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To determine the presence of infection and co-infection of Plasmodium lineages in introduced birds at translocation sites for the North Island saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater), to investigate their role as Plasmodium spp. reservoirs.Methods: Blood samples were collected from introduced bird species, with a special focus on blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (Turdus philomelos), at six locations in the North Island of New Zealand that were the origin, or translocation sites, for North Island saddleback. Where available, blood smears were examined, and blood samples were tested using nested PCR with subsequent sequence analysis, for the presence of Plasmodium spp.Results: Of the 55 samples tested using PCR analysis, 39 (71%) were positive for Plasmodium spp., and 28/40 (62%) blood smears were positive for Plasmodium spp. Overall, 31 blood samples were from blackbirds with 28/31 (90%) samples positive for Plasmodium spp. Six distinct avian Plasmodium lineages were identified, including three cosmopolitan lineages; Plasmodium vaughani SYAT05 was detected in 16 samples, Plasmodium matutinum Linn1 in 10 samples and Plasmodium elongatum GRW6 in eight samples. Mixed infections with more than one lineage were detected in 12 samples. Samples from two Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) were positive for Plasmodium. sp. lineage MYNA02, previously not identified in New Zealand.Conclusions and clinical relevance: This is the first report from New Zealand in which specific Plasmodium spp. mixed infections have been found in introduced birds. Co-infections with several cosmopolitan Plasmodium lineages were identified, as well as the first report in New Zealand of an exotic avian Plasmodium sp. lineage, in Australian magpies. Whilst the role of introduced birds in maintaining and spreading pathogenic avian malaria in New Zealand is unclear, there is a potential infection risk to native birds, especially where distributions overlap.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Schoener
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D M Tompkins
- Predator Free 2050 Limited, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - K A Parker
- Parker Conservation, Warkworth, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - I Castro
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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8
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Park CM, Taylor H, Jones S, Rapala A, Williams S, Howe L, Fraser A, Chaturvedi N, Hughes AD. 4950Adiposity gain from 17 to 25 years has a substantial effect on cardiac structure, independent of haemodynamics. Eur Heart J 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Body mass index (BMI) is independently associated with increased left ventricle mass (LVM) and remodeling in children. However associations from adolescence to emerging adulthood are unknown.
Purpose
To investigate associations between the change (Δ) in BMI to Δ in cardiac structure from 17 to 25 yrs using a large population-based sample of echocardiography in youth, and to explore the role of possible haemodynamic mediators.
Methods
901 participants (61% female) underwent echocardiography, anthropometry and sitting blood pressure (BP) measurements aged 17 yrs and had repeated measures aged 25 yrs. BMI, LVM, concentricity0.67 (LVM/end-diastolic volume0.67), total arterial compliance (TACI), peripheral resistance (TPR) and effective arterial elastance (Ea) were calculated. Regression analysis was used to investigate associations between ΔBMI and ΔLVM indexed to height2.7 (ΔLVMI) and Δconcentricity0.67.
Results
From 17 to 25 yrs BMI increased by 2.05±2.1 g/m2 in males and 1.80±3.1 kg/m2 in females, LVMI increased by 3.10±6.2g/m2.7 and 2.01±6.0g/m2.7 and concentricity0.67 increased by 0.91±1.2g/ml0.67 and 0.03±1.1g/ml0.67. ΔBMI was associated with ΔLVMI and Δconcentricity0.67 independently of age, socioeconomic status (SES) and smoking status. Haemodynamic measures did not substantially mediate these associations.
Table 1 ΔLVMI (g/m2.7) ΔConcentricity0.67 (g/m0.67) Males Females Males Females Model 1: Age, SES and smoking @25 0.78±0.15** 0.53±0.08** 0.12±0.03** 0.083±0.02** + ΔSystolic BP (mmHg) 0.68±0.16** 0.46±0.09** 0.10±0.03* 0.069±0.016** + ΔDiastolic BP (mmHg) 0.83±0.16** 0.47±0.08** 0.12±0.03** 0.074±0.015** + ΔMean Arterial Pressure (mmHg) 0.77±0.17** 0.46±0.08** 0.11±0.03** 0.069±0.015** + ΔPulse Pressure (mmHg) 0.72±0.15** 0.54±0.08** 0.11±0.03** 0.083±0.015** + ΔTACI (ml/m2/mmHg) 0.68±0.16** 0.53±0.08 0.12±0.03** 0.091±0.015** + ΔTPR (mmHg/min/L) 0.76±0.17** 0.65±0.08** 0.10±0.03* 0.072±0.016** + ΔEa (mmHg/ml) 0.73±0.17** 0.54±0.08** 0.11±0.03** 0.083±0.015** Data are β±SE. *p<0.01, **p<0.0001.
Discussion
BMI gain from adolescence to emerging adulthood has a substantial effect on cardiac structure, independent of haemodynamics. These findings highlight the importance of weight control in early adulthood for good cardiovascular health.
Acknowledgement/Funding
BHF
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Park
- University College London, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - H Taylor
- University College London, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Jones
- University College London, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Rapala
- University College London, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Williams
- University College London, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - L Howe
- University of Bristol, Population Health Sciences, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - A Fraser
- University of Bristol, Population Health Sciences, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - N Chaturvedi
- University College London, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - A D Hughes
- University College London, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Patel KK, Stanislawek WL, Burrows E, Heuer C, Asher GW, Wilson PR, Howe L. Investigation of association between bovine viral diarrhoea virus and cervid herpesvirus type-1, and abortion in New Zealand farmed deer. Vet Microbiol 2018; 228:1-6. [PMID: 30593353 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study tested for association between bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDv) and cervid herpesvirus type-1 (CvHV-1) exposure and abortion in New Zealand farmed red deer. Rising two-year-old (R2, n = 22,130) and mixed-age (MA, n = 36,223) hinds from 87 and 71 herds, respectively, throughout New Zealand were pregnancy tested using ultrasound early in gestation (Scan-1) and 55-89 days later (Scan-2) to detect mid-term abortion. Sera from aborted and non-aborted hinds at Scan-2 were tested for BVDv and CvHV-1 using virus neutralisation tests. Available uteri from aborted hinds and from hinds not rearing a calf to weaning were tested by PCR for herpesvirus DNA. In herds with aborted hinds, 10.3% of 639 R2 and 17.2% of 302 MA hinds were sero-positive for BVDv and 18.6% of 613 R2 and 68.5% of 232 MA hinds were sero-positive for CvHV-1. There was no association between BVDv sero-status and abortion at animal level (R2 p = 0.36, MA p = 0.76) whereas CvHV-1 sero-positivity was negatively associated with abortion in MA hinds (p = 0.01) but not in R2 hinds (p = 0.36), MA). Eleven of 108 uteri from aborted R2 hinds but no MA hinds were positive for herpesvirus DNA. Vaginal samples from four R2 and one MA aborted hinds tested were negative for herpesvirus DNA. A Cervid Rhadinovirus type-2 (CRhV-2) was identified in seven PCR positive uteri samples. Findings suggest that BVDv and CvHV-1 may not be associated with abortion in R2 hinds, but association needs to be tested further in MA hinds. The role of CRhV-2 requires clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Patel
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - W L Stanislawek
- Animal Health Laboratory, Ministry of Primary Industries, Wallaceville, New Zealand
| | - E Burrows
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - C Heuer
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - G W Asher
- AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel, 9053, New Zealand
| | - P R Wilson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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10
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Walkden G, Anderson E, Vink M, Tilling K, Howe L, Ben-Shlomo Y. 4.2-O4Frailty in older-age European migrants: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of the survey of health, aging and retirement in Europe (SHARE). Eur J Public Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky047.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G Walkden
- University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - M Vink
- Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - K Tilling
- University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - L Howe
- University of Bristol, United Kingdom
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11
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Abstract
Is reported a case of Wegener's granulomatosis originally presenting with a clinical picture of temporal arteritis. The presentation included an arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy occurring with no demonstrable orbital inflammation. The treatment of these two systemic vasculitides is quite different, however, and this case emphasizes the importance of questioning the original diagnosis if the clinical course of the disease does not progress as anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Howe
- Department of Ophthalmology, UMDS, London, U.K
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12
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Patel K, Howe L, Haack N, Heuer C, Asher G, Wilson P. Lack of association between Leptospira spp. serovars Hardjobovis and Pomona and pregnancy and mid-term abortion in New Zealand farmed red deer. Vet Microbiol 2018; 215:83-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Sijbranda DC, Hunter S, Howe L, Lenting B, Argilla L, Gartrell BD. Cases of mortality in little penguins (Eudyptula minor) in New Zealand associated with avian malaria. N Z Vet J 2017; 65:332-337. [PMID: 28738733 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2017.1359124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
CASE HISTORY A little penguin (Eudyptula minor) of wild origin, in captivity at Wellington Zoo, became inappetent and lethargic in March 2013. Despite supportive care in the zoo's wildlife hospital, the bird died within 24 hours. CLINICAL FINDINGS Weight loss, dehydration, pale mucous membranes, weakness, increased respiratory effort and biliverdinuria were apparent on physical examination. Microscopic evaluation of blood smears revealed intra-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium spp. and a regenerative reticulocytosis in the absence of anaemia. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS Post-mortem findings included reduced body condition, dehydration, pulmonary congestion and oedema, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, hydropericardium and subcutaneous oedema. Histopathological findings included protozoal organisms in sections of lung, liver and spleen. A marked, diffuse, sub-acute interstitial histiocytic pneumonia was present. Accumulation of haemosiderin was noted in the Kupffer cells of the liver and in histiocytic-type cells in the spleen. MOLECULAR TESTING DNA was extracted from frozen portions of the liver. Nested PCR results and DNA sequencing confirmed infection of the deceased little penguin with Plasmodium (Huffia) elongatum lineage GRW06. DIAGNOSIS Avian malaria due to Plasmodium (Huffia) elongatum GRW06 RETROSPECTIVE INVESTIGATION A retrospective analysis of 294 little penguin cases in the Massey University post-mortem database revealed three other potential avian malaria cases. Analysis of archived tissues using a nested PCR for Plasmodium spp. followed by DNA sequencing revealed that a little penguin which died at Auckland Zoo was infected with P. elongatum GRW06 and two wild little penguins found dead on New Zealand beaches were infected with P. relictum SGS1 and Plasmodium. sp. lineage LINN1. Therefore, the overall frequency of deaths in little penguins associated with avian malaria was 4/295 (1.36%). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our results suggest that avian malaria is associated with sporadic mortality in New Zealand's little penguins both in the wild and in captivity, but there is no evidence of mass mortality events due to Plasmodium spp. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Sijbranda
- a Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Tennent Drive, Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - S Hunter
- a Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Tennent Drive, Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- a Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Tennent Drive, Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - B Lenting
- b The Nest Te Kohanga, Wellington Zoo , 200 Daniell Street, Wellington , New Zealand
| | - L Argilla
- c Avian and Wildlife Health Consultancy Services , 175 The Ridgeway, Kingston, Wellington
| | - B D Gartrell
- a Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Tennent Drive, Palmerston North , New Zealand
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14
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Edwards RA, Riley CB, Howe L, Burrows EA, Riley KT, Frellstedt L. Comparison of an alcohol-based hand sanitation product with a traditional chlorhexidine hand scrub technique for hand hygiene preparation in an equine hospital. N Z Vet J 2017; 65:242-247. [PMID: 28614973 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2017.1342175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the efficacy of an alcohol gel-based hand antisepsis protocol compared with a traditional chlorhexidine-based protocol under conditions of routine clinical contamination, and following heavy faecal contamination. METHODS Twelve adult participants were recruited and on four separate days completed a hand sanitation protocol using a chlorhexidine scrub or an alcohol-based gel, with hands that were grossly clean but contaminated or with faecal contamination. Bacterial samples were obtained from participants' hands before sanitation, immediately after and then 2 hours later. All samples were cultured on blood and MacConkey agar and bacterial colonies counted after 48 hours. RESULTS for clean contaminated hands, the percentage reduction in bacterial colonies on blood agar immediately after hand sanitation was similar for both protocols (p=0.3), but was greater for the alcohol gel than chlorhexidine after 2 hours (p=0.005). For hands with faecal contamination, the percentage reduction in bacterial colonies on blood agar was similar for both protocols immediately and 2 hours after sanitation (p>0.2), but positive cultures were obtained on blood agar from samples collected after both protocols, for almost all participants. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate equivalent efficacy of the alcohol-based gel and the pre-surgical chlorhexidine protocol. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The alcohol-based gel protocol is an effective hand asepsis technique for grossly clean contaminated hands and those following faecal contamination, with comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine based scrub.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Edwards
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand.,b Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - C B Riley
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand
| | - E A Burrows
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand
| | - K T Riley
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand
| | - L Frellstedt
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand
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15
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Schoener ER, Hunter S, Howe L. Development of a rapid HRM qPCR for the diagnosis of the four most prevalent Plasmodium lineages in New Zealand. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1831-1841. [PMID: 28497225 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although wildlife rehabilitation and translocations are important tools in wildlife conservation in New Zealand, disease screening of birds has not been standardized. Additionally, the results of the screening programmes are often difficult to interpret due to missing disease data in resident or translocating avian populations. Molecular methods have become the most widespread method for diagnosing avian malaria (Plasmodium spp.) infections. However, these methods can be time-consuming, expensive and are less specific in diagnosing mixed infections. Thus, this study developed a new real-time PCR (qPCR) method that was able to detect and specifically identify infections of the three most common lineages of avian malaria in New Zealand (Plasmodium (Novyella) sp. SYAT05, Plasmodium elongatum GRW6 and Plasmodium spp. LINN1) as well as a less common, pathogenic Plasmodium relictum GRW4 lineage. The assay was also able to discern combinations of these parasites in the same sample and had a detection limit of five parasites per microlitre. Due to concerns relating to the presence of the potentially highly pathogenic P. relictum GRW4 lineage in avian populations, an additional confirmatory high resolution (HRM) qPCR was developed to distinguish between commonly identified P. elongatum GRW6 from P. relictum GRW4. The new qPCR assays were tested using tissue samples containing Plasmodium schizonts from three naturally infected dead birds resulting in the identified infection of P. elongatum GRW6. Thus, these rapid qPCR assays have shown to be cost-effective and rapid screening tools for the detection of Plasmodium infection in New Zealand native birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Schoener
- Institute of Agriculture and Environment (IAE), Ecology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - S Hunter
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (IVABS), Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (IVABS), Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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16
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Roe WD, Michael S, Fyfe J, Burrows E, Hunter SA, Howe L. First report of systemic toxoplasmosis in a New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri). N Z Vet J 2016; 65:46-50. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2016.1230526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- WD Roe
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - S Michael
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - J Fyfe
- Department of Conservation, PO Box 5244, Moray Place, Dunedin 9058, New Zealand
| | - E Burrows
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - SA Hunter
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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17
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Michael SA, Howe L, Chilvers BL, Morel PCH, Roe WD. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in mainland and sub-Antarctic New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) populations. N Z Vet J 2016; 64:293-7. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2016.1191974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- SA Michael
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - BL Chilvers
- Marine Species and Threats, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10-420, Wellington, New Zealand
- Current address: Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - PCH Morel
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - WD Roe
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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18
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Syed-Hussain SS, Howe L, Pomroy WE, West DM, Hardcastle M, Williamson NB. Study on the use of toltrazuril to eliminate Neospora caninum in congenitally infected lambs born from experimentally infected ewes. Vet Parasitol 2015; 210:141-4. [PMID: 25935293 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To determine if toltrazuril was effective in eliminating Neospora caninum infection from congenitally infected lambs. Twenty-eight ewes were allocated to 3 groups where animals in Groups A and B were inoculated with 1 × 10(7)N. caninum tachyzoites on Day 120 of gestation and Group C was maintained as a negative control group. Lambs born from ewes in Group A were treated with toltrazuril (20mg/kg) on Days 0, 7, 14 and 21 after birth. Lambs in Groups B and C were untreated. All lambs in Groups A and B were seropositive at 12 weeks of age. At 12 weeks of age, no differences between lambs in Group A and Group B were observed in serological results (ELISA and western blot), presence of N. caninum-related brain histopathological lesions or the number of organisms detected by qPCR. Group C remained negative for serology, detection of N. caninum DNA as well as histopathology throughout the study. Results indicate that N. caninum congenitally-infected lambs had a continuing infection with N. caninum despite being treated with toltrazuril.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Syed-Hussain
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand.
| | - L Howe
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - W E Pomroy
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand.
| | - D M West
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - M Hardcastle
- Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, PO Box 12049, Penrose, Auckland 1642, New Zealand
| | - N B Williamson
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
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19
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Syed-Hussain SS, Howe L, Pomroy WE, West DM, Hardcastle M, Williamson NB. Vertical transmission in experimentally infected sheep despite previous inoculation with Neospora caninum NcNZ1 isolate. Vet Parasitol 2015; 208:150-8. [PMID: 25638717 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports indicate N. caninum has a possible role in causing abortions in sheep in New Zealand. Knowledge about the mode of transmission of neosporosis in sheep in New Zealand is limited. This study aimed to determine the rate of vertical transmission that would occur in lambs born from experimentally inoculated ewes and to determine if previous inoculation would protect the lambs from N. caninum infection. A group of 50 ewes was divided into 2 groups with one group being inoculated with 5×10(6) N. caninum tachyzoites prior to pregnancy in Year 1. In Year 2, each of these groups was subdivided into 2 groups with one from each original group being inoculated with 1×10(7) N. caninum tachyzoites on Day 120 of gestation. Inoculation of N. caninum tachyzoites into ewes prior to mating resulted in no congenital transmission in lambs born in Year 1 but without further inoculation, 7 out of 11 lambs in Year 2 were positive for N. caninum infection. Ewes that were inoculated in both years resulted in all 12 lambs born in Year 2 being positive for N. caninum infection. This indicates that previous inoculation in Year 1 did not result in any vertical transmission in that year but did not provide any protection against vertical transmission in Year 2. These results suggest that vertical transmission occurs readily once the ewe is infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Syed-Hussain
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - W E Pomroy
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand.
| | - D M West
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - M Hardcastle
- Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, PO Box 12049, Penrose, Auckland 1642, New Zealand
| | - N B Williamson
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
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20
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Gartrell BD, Argilla L, Finlayson S, Gedye K, Gonzalez Argandona AK, Graham I, Howe L, Hunter S, Lenting B, Makan T, McInnes K, Michael S, Morgan KJ, Scott I, Sijbranda D, van Zyl N, Ward JM. Ventral dermatitis in rowi (Apteryx rowi) due to cutaneous larval migrans. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2014; 4:1-10. [PMID: 25830099 PMCID: PMC4356737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rowi on a crèche island showed loss of feathers and dermatitis. We identified cutaneous larval migrans, possibly due to Trichostrongylus. This is the first instance of cutaneous larval migrans to be recorded in birds. Fatal complications resulted in the death of eight birds from aspergillosis. Intensive conservation management can result in pathways for novel infections.
The rowi is a critically endangered species of kiwi. Young birds on a crèche island showed loss of feathers from the ventral abdomen and a scurfy dermatitis of the abdominal skin and vent margin. Histology of skin biopsies identified cutaneous larval migrans, which was shown by molecular sequencing to be possibly from a species of Trichostrongylus as a cause of ventral dermatitis and occasional ulcerative vent dermatitis. The predisposing factors that led to this disease are suspected to be the novel exposure of the rowi to parasites from seabirds or marine mammals due to the island crèche and the limited management of roost boxes. This is the first instance of cutaneous larval migrans to be recorded in birds. Severe and fatal complications of the investigation resulted in the death of eight birds of aspergillosis and pulmonary complications associated with the use of bark as a substrate in hospital. Another bird died of renal failure during the period of hospitalisation despite oral and intravenous fluid therapy. The initiating cause of the renal failure was not determined. These complications have the potential to undermine the working relationship between wildlife veterinarians and conservation managers. This case highlights that intensive conservation management can result in increased opportunities for novel routes of cross-species pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Gartrell
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - L Argilla
- Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - S Finlayson
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand ; Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - K Gedye
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - A K Gonzalez Argandona
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand ; Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - I Graham
- Department of Conservation, Franz Josef Office, State Highway 6, Franz Josef Glacier, 7856, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - S Hunter
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - B Lenting
- Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - T Makan
- Science and Capability Group, Department of Conservation, National Office, 18-32 Manners Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
| | - K McInnes
- Science and Capability Group, Department of Conservation, National Office, 18-32 Manners Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
| | - S Michael
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand ; Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - K J Morgan
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - I Scott
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - D Sijbranda
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand ; Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - N van Zyl
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - J M Ward
- Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
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Morgan KJ, Castro I, Lopez-Villalobos N, Pomroy WE, Alley MR, Gartrell BD, Hunter S, Howe L. Prevalence of and risk factors for coccidiosis in kiwi between 1977 and 2011. N Z Vet J 2014; 62:315-20. [PMID: 25145793 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2014.932657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To identify risk factors associated with coccidiosis in kiwi (Apteryx spp.) using a retrospective analysis of historical data from kiwi examined post-mortem, and to determine the prevalence of coccidial oocysts in the droppings of wild and captive kiwi. METHODS Necropsy reports were examined from kiwi submitted to the National Wildlife Mortality Database of New Zealand (Huia) between February 1977 and May 2011. All cases that reported histological examination of one or more hepatic, intestinal or renal tissues were included in the study (n=372). Data collated for analysis included the presence or absence of coccidiosis in one or more tissues, age, host species, habitat, and season of submission. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the association between each independent variable and the prevalence of coccidiosis. Droppings opportunistically collected from wild and captive kiwi between January 2008 and June 2010 were also examined for the presence of coccidial oocysts. RESULTS Coccidiosis was evident in 47/372 (12.6%) kiwi examined post-mortem and was considered the primary cause of death in 12/47 (26%) infected cases. Examination of 412 droppings from wild and captive kiwi collected over a 29-month period revealed that 98 (23.8%) samples contained coccidia at the time of sampling. Enteric (n=27) coccidiosis was the most common form diagnosed using histology, followed by renal (n=19) and hepatic (n=11), with splenic (n=2) and pulmonary (n=1) infections infrequently seen. Many kiwi demonstrated infections in multiple tissues. The prevalence of coccidiosis was greater in juvenile kiwi (36/148, 24.3%) than adults (8/133, 6.0%) or chicks (2/83, 2.4%) (p<0.001), although there was no difference in mortality between age groups. Season of year was also associated with overall prevalence (p=0.05), with most cases being diagnosed in the autumn and winter. Coccidiosis was histologically evident in four of five species of kiwi examined, and in all host species upon analysis of droppings. Host species or habitat (captive vs. wild) did not influence the prevalence of disease detected histologically. CONCLUSIONS Age and season were the only factors that influenced the prevalence of coccidiosis in kiwi in this study. Coccidiosis was present in all species of kiwi, and this is the first report of coccidiosis in rowi (Apteryx rowi).
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Morgan
- a Wildbase, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand 4410
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Abstract
Avian malaria parasites of the genus Plasmodium have the ability to cause morbidity and mortality in naïve hosts, and their impact on the native biodiversity is potentially serious. Over the last decade, avian malaria has aroused increasing interest as an emerging disease in New Zealand with some endemic avian species, such as the endangered mohua (Mohua ochrocephala), thought to be particularly susceptible. To date, avian malaria parasites have been found in 35 different bird species in New Zealand and have been diagnosed as causing death in threatened species such as dotterel (Charadrius obscurus), South Island saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus), mohua, hihi (Notiomystis cincta) and two species of kiwi (Apteryx spp.). Introduced blackbirds (Turdus merula) have been found to be carriers of at least three strains of Plasmodium spp. and because they are very commonly infected, they are likely sources of infection for many of New Zealand's endemic birds. The spread and abundance of introduced and endemic mosquitoes as the result of climate change is also likely to be an important factor in the high prevalence of infection in some regions and at certain times of the year. Although still limited, there is a growing understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of Plasmodium spp. in New Zealand. Molecular biology has played an important part in this process and has markedly improved our understanding of the taxonomy of the genus Plasmodium. This review presents our current state of knowledge, discusses the possible infection and disease outcomes, the implications for host behaviour and reproduction, methods of diagnosis of infection, and the possible vectors for transmission of the disease in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Schoener
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
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Syed-Hussain SS, Howe L, Pomroy WE, West DM, Smith SL, Williamson NB. Adaptation of a commercial ELISA to determine the IgG avidity in sheep experimentally and naturally infected with Neospora caninum. Vet Parasitol 2014; 203:21-8. [PMID: 24582279 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports indicate Neospora caninum has a possible role in causing abortions in sheep in New Zealand. Knowledge about the epidemiology of neosporosis in sheep is limited. This study aimed to adapt and validate a commercially available ELISA assay as an IgG avidity assay to discriminate between acute (primary and re-inoculated) and chronic N. caninum infections in sheep. In addition, it was used to compare the antibody avidity values between lambs from ewes inoculated with N. caninum either during the pregnancy or in the previous year. The avidity assay was undertaken by using 6M urea for the first wash after incubation with the primary antibody in the commercial ELISA (Chekit* Neospora antibody test kit, IDEXX Laboratories, Australia). Sequential serum samples were obtained from naïve ewes (n=16) experimentally inoculated with live N. caninum tachyzoites. All ewes were seropositive by two weeks post-inoculation and remained seropositive for 20 weeks post-inoculation. There was a linear relationship between time after inoculation and avidity values (p<0.05) over the first 24 weeks. In Week 4, all animals had avidity values <35% and by Week 8, 8/16 animals had avidity values of >35%. These results suggest that an avidity value of <35% indicates a recent primary infection while a value of >35% is indicative of a chronic infection. The assay was then validated using samples from other groups of experimentally inoculated sheep as well as samples from naturally infected ewes. When comparing sample to positive ratio (S/P) and avidity values from lambs born from recently inoculated ewes with those from ewes inoculated the previous year and re-inoculated in the current year, it was possible to differentiate the lambs at 2 weeks of age. Lambs from recently inoculated ewes had low S/P and avidity values at 2 weeks of age which increased by 12 weeks of age. In comparison, lambs from re-inoculated ewes had high S/P and avidity values at 2 weeks of age, due to maternal antibody influence but values were similar to those from lambs that were born from recently inoculated ewes at 12 weeks of age. Avidity values for four naturally infected ewes were all >60% indicating chronic infection. These results suggest that the assay is able to discriminate between recent and chronic infection in sheep as well as able to differentiate lambs with maternal immunity compared to their own de novo immunity. As such it can be utilized to understand the kinetics of N. caninum infection in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Syed-Hussain
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - W E Pomroy
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand.
| | - D M West
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - S L Smith
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - N B Williamson
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
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Goerlich F, Weiss C, Pustkowski N, Fauzan R, Howe L, Abou-Dakn M, Schäfer-Graf U. Unterschätzung des Geburtsgewichtes bei diabetischen Schwangeren durch Gewichtsschätzung per Ultraschall in Terminnähe. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2013. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1361287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Syed-Hussain S, Howe L, Pomroy W, West D, Smith S, Williamson N. Detection of Neospora caninum DNA in semen of experimental infected rams with no evidence of horizontal transmission in ewes. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:534-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2012] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gartrell BD, French NP, Howe L, Nelson NJ, Houston M, Burrows EA, Russell JC, Anderson SH. First detection ofChlamydia psittacifrom a wild native passerine bird in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2013; 61:174-6. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2012.740656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Alley MR, Rasiah I, Lee EA, Howe L, Gartrell BD. Avian polyomavirus identified in a nestling Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2013; 61:359-61. [PMID: 23445119 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2012.760393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Abstract CASE HISTORY Four 4-5-month-old nestlings and one adult in a commercial aviary of 53 Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae) died over a 2-week period in July 2000. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS One nestling was necropsied and showed bronze-tinged skeletal muscles, a swollen liver with haemorrhagic margins and numerous haemorrhages on serosal surfaces. The histological lesions included multifocal hepatic necrosis and haemorrhage associated with the presence of large clear or basophilic intranuclear inclusions in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells suggestive of avian polyomavirus infection. Similar inclusion bodies were present in splenic histiocytes. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY DNA was subsequently extracted from archived portions of liver, spleen, gizzard, heart, lung and kidney. A broad spectrum nested PCR was used to detect polyomavirus which sequence analysis confirmed as finch polyomavirus. DIAGNOSIS Avian polyomavirus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Avian virus infections such as polyomavirus should be suspected in cases of sudden death in nestlings, particularly in susceptible species such as psittacine and passerine birds. The archiving of tissues from unconfirmed disease outbreaks provides a valuable resource for retrospective investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Alley
- a Wildbase Research, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand
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Ha HJ, Banda M, Alley MR, Howe L, Gartrell BD. The Seroprevalence of Avipoxvirus and Its Association with Avian Malaria (Plasmodium spp.) Infection in Introduced Passerine Birds in the Southern Regions of the North Island of New Zealand. Avian Dis 2013; 57:109-15. [DOI: 10.1637/10285-061912-resnote.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
AIM To describe a temporal cluster of avian malaria (Plasmodium spp.) at an Operation Nest Egg™ (ONE) site in Rotorua which caused mortality in a juvenile kiwi and had high population prevalence in brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli). METHODS A 70-day-old wild-born captive brown kiwi was submitted for post-mortem examination to Massey University Wildlife Health Centre. Post-mortem examination and histopathology were used to determine the cause of death. Plasmodium specific PCR analysis was subsequently conducted on tissue samples and 108 individual blood samples from living kiwi from five ONE breeding sites and two rowi kiwi crèches. Positive PCR products were sequenced to identify the Plasmodium spp. isolated. Where possible, blood smear microscopic examination was used to determine the level of parasitaemia in the infected kiwi. RESULTS Plasmodium spp. was detected in the kiwi which died and it showed histopathological evidence of disseminated protozoal infection. A high prevalence of Plasmodium was found in blood samples from kiwi concurrently residing at ONE Rotorua by blood smear microscopy (22/32, 68%) and PCR (25/32, 78%). All kiwi with positive blood smears had only a low level of peripheral parasitaemia at the time of sampling. However, 0/17 additional kiwi sampled at Rotorua 3 weeks after the juvenile's death, 0/23 Rotorua juveniles sampled 1 year later and 0/59 kiwi from the five other locations were positive for Plasmodium by these methods. Sequencing analysis revealed a cosmopolitan Plasmodium (Huffia) elongatum lineage in all positive birds. CONCLUSIONS This is the first description of an avian malaria (Plasmodium spp.) infection associated with mortality and a high population prevalence in brown kiwi at a ONE site in the 20 years of the programme. The study suggests that this level of infection in a population of kiwi was unusual and provides evidence in support of continued vigilance of disease risks associated with this and other conservation management programmes involving wildlife translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Banda
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
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Roe WD, Howe L, Baker EJ, Burrows L, Hunter SA. An atypical genotype of Toxoplasma gondii as a cause of mortality in Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori). Vet Parasitol 2012. [PMID: 23207018 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) are a small endangered coastal species that are endemic to New Zealand. Anthropogenic factors, particularly accidental capture in fishing nets, are believed to be the biggest threat to survival of this species. The role of infectious disease as a cause of mortality has not previously been well investigated. This study investigates Toxoplasma gondii infection in Hector's dolphins, finding that 7 of 28 (25%) dolphins examined died due to disseminated toxoplasmosis, including 2 of 3 Maui's dolphins, a critically endangered sub-species. A further 10 dolphins had one or more tissues that were positive for the presence of T. gondii DNA using PCR. Genotyping revealed that 7 of 8 successfully amplified isolates were an atypical Type II genotype. Fatal cases had necrotising and haemorrhagic lesions in the lung (n=7), lymph nodes (n=6), liver (n=4) and adrenals (n=3). Tachyzoites and tissue cysts were present in other organs including the brain (n=5), heart (n=1), stomach (n=1) and uterus (n=1) with minimal associated inflammatory response. One dolphin had a marked suppurative metritis in the presence of numerous intra-epithelial tachyzoites. No dolphins had underlying morbillivirus infection. This study provides the first evidence that infectious agents could be important in the population decline of this species, and highlights the need for further research into the route of entry of T. gondii organisms into the marine environment worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- W D Roe
- Pathobiology Group, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, PN4222, New Zealand.
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Schoener ER, Alley MR, Twentyman CM, Howe L, Barta JR, Charleston WAG, Castro I. Coccidiosis in hihi/stitchbirds (Notiomystis cincta) due to coccidia of the Eimeriidae. N Z Vet J 2012; 61:68-76. [PMID: 22992170 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2012.716361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe the pathology of coccidiosis in hihi and to provide preliminary data on the taxonomy of the coccidia involved using molecular methods. METHODS In an initial study from 1994 to 1997, gross and histopathological examinations were performed on 12 dead juvenile hihi from the National Wildlife Centre (NWC) at Mt. Bruce. In a second study during 2008-2010 DNA from sporulated oocysts and liver tissue was used for PCR analysis and sequencing. Faecal samples were also obtained from infected hihi from the NWC and examined for coccidial oocysts, which were then sporulated in the laboratory in 1994-1997 and 2007-2009. In addition, a post mortem was performed on a dead adult hihi from the NWC in 2008, and 18 archived hihi tissues from 11 individual birds stored at the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (IVABS) were used for DNA extraction. RESULTS Severe gross and histopathological changes in the intestine and occasionally in the liver were found in the 12 dead birds examined. The morphological characteristics of the sporulated oocysts suggested that two types of coccidia were present. PCR analysis and sequencing of extracted DNA supported the existence of at least two different coccidia species in hihi. These were genetically more closely related to the genus Eimeria than to the morphologically similar genus Cystisospora (formerly Isospora) of mammals. In addition, one liver tissue sample that was examined post mortem was positive for at least two different coccidia species of the family Eimeriidae according to sequencing results, and the presence of extraintestinal coccidian stages was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary morphological and sequencing results suggest that two types of eimeriid coccidia are present and at least one of these commonly has extraintestinal stages. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Coccidiosis in hihi is a serious disease capable of causing mortalities in juvenile and adult birds in captive situations. Treatment and control of the disease will be difficult as the extraintestinal stages of the organism are likely to be refractile to oral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Schoener
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand.
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Abstract
CASE HISTORY Nodular lesions were found on the skin of two immature brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) less than 6 months of age living freely on Ponui Island off the North Island of New Zealand. The lesions were observed during routine external examination undertaken as a part of the management of other research projects, one in 2006 and the other in 2011. Apart from the skin lesions, both birds showed no signs of illness and the lesions resolved spontaneously over a 2-month period. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS The first case showed several 3-mm diameter firm, brown nodules located on the skin below the hock of both legs. The second case had a single multinodular mass that measured 7×20 mm, on the base of the bill. A portion of the mass and scab samples were collected for diagnosis. Histological examination of the nodules revealed severe ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes and epithelial hyperplasia. Round eosinophilic structures resembling avipoxvirus (APV) intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger bodies) were observed in the layers of keratinocytes. In deeper layers of the epidermis, there was evidence of secondary bacterial growth and inflammation. DIAGNOSIS DNA was extracted from tissue samples and subjected to PCR analysis. Avipoxvirus 4b core protein gene was detected in both samples by PCR. Bootstrap analysis of APV 4b core protein gene revealed that APV isolates from two kiwi comprised two different subclades. One isolate displayed 100% sequence homology to subclade B1, and the other presented 100% sequence homology to subclade A3. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study confirmed that kiwi are susceptible to APV infection and that at least two different strains of APV are present in the population examined. Since there is no information on the origin, virulence, or prevalence of APV in kiwi, a seroprevalence study would be useful to elucidate the degree of exposure and immune response to the disease. This would allow a more informed approach to risk management of the disease in wild and captive populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Ha
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Schoener ER, Alley MR, Howe L, Charleston T, Castro I. Helminths in endemic, native and introduced passerines in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2012.676992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Morgan KJ, Alley MR, Pomroy WE, Castro I, Howe L. Enteric coccidiosis in the brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli). Parasitol Res 2012; 111:1689-99. [PMID: 22837099 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Enteric coccidiosis may cause significant morbidity and mortality in juvenile brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli). Morphology of sporulated oocysts indicates that at least two Eimeria species are able to infect the brown kiwi. A histological study of the endogenous stages of coccidia was undertaken in the intestinal tracts of ten naturally infected young kiwi. Sequential sectioning of the entire intestinal tract allowed identification and recording of the distribution of the various coccidial life stages. Macromeronts measuring 268 × 162 μm when mature were found mainly within the lamina propria of the proximal one third of the small intestine. A smaller form of lamina propria meront was also identified (8.7 × 6.4 μm) with a similar distribution to the macromeronts. Small meronts (4.4 × 3.8 μm) were also identified in mucosal epithelial cells, with the overall peak in distribution within the intestinal tract being distal to the lamina propria meronts. Three morphologically distinctive gametocytes were identified. Type A gametocytes contained within epithelial cells shared the same distribution as the epithelial meronts. Polyps containing large numbers of type B gametocytes within the distal intestinal tract were found in two cases, and type C gametocytes were identified throughout the entire intestinal tract in one case only. The observational nature of this study precludes complete knowledge of the parasite life cycles using histology alone. However, it is likely that each of the three morphologically distinct gametocytes represents a separate species of enteric coccidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Morgan
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Aberdein D, Munday J, Howe L, French A, Gibson I. Widespread Mismatch Repair Expression in Feline Small Intestinal Lymphomas. J Comp Pathol 2012; 147:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2011.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Dunowska M, Howe L, Hanlon D, Stevenson M. Kinetics of Equid herpesvirus type 2 infections in a group of Thoroughbred foals. Vet Microbiol 2011; 152:176-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Hargreaves J, Howe L, Slaymaker E. P2-515 Investigating Victoria's inverse equity hypothesis: the changing social epidemiology of HIV infection in Tanzania. Br J Soc Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.142976m.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Petherick E, Fairley L, Howe L, Lawlor D, Tilling K, Wright J. P1-285 Use of linear spline models to describe bi-ethnic differences in early childhood growth: findings from the born in Bradford birth cohort study. Br J Soc Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.142976e.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Dittmer KE, Thompson KG, Zhao X, Howe L, Onteru S, Blair HT, Rothschild MF, Garrick DJ. Finding the mutation responsible for inherited rickets in Corriedale sheep. N Z Vet J 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2011.585120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Alley MR, Hale KA, Cash W, Ha HJ, Howe L. Concurrent avian malaria and avipox virus infection in translocated South Island saddlebacks (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus). N Z Vet J 2010; 58:218-23. [PMID: 20676161 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2010.68868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
CASE HISTORY Outbreaks of mortality in South Island saddlebacks (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus) that had been translocated to two offshore islands in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand were investigated during the summers of 2002 and 2007. Both outbreaks were associated with a severe decrease in numbers of saddlebacks of up to 60% of approximately 200 birds. CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS Many of the surviving birds were in poor condition, and had skin lesions on the legs and head. Necropsy showed pale liver and lungs, and a swollen spleen. Histopathology revealed schizonts resembling Plasmodium spp. within the cytoplasm of many hepatocytes and splenic histiocytes. The skin lesions consisted of epithelial proliferations containing numerous Bollinger bodies typical of avipox virus (APV) infection. Two different APV were isolated, using PCR, from two different birds exhibiting skin lesions. Each isolate had 100% sequence homology with APV members from either Clade A or Clade B. In addition, PCR analysis revealed that the Plasmodium elongatum present in infected birds belonged to a strain that was endemic in the population of North Island saddlebacks (Philesturnus carunculatus rufusater). DIAGNOSIS Concurrent infections with Plasmodium spp. haemoparasites and APV were identified as the likely cause of death in the birds examined. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although the Plasmodium spp. identified is thought to be endemic to saddlebacks in New Zealand, the affected birds were likely to be immunocompromised by concurrent APV infection or through lack of genetic diversity. Both the introduced mosquito Culex quinquefasicatus and the native mosquito Culex pervigilans are likely vectors for both these diseases, and the provision of water supplies less favourable to mosquito-breeding is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Alley
- New Zealand Wildlife Health Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Hardcastle MR, Dittmer KE, Thompson KG, Howe L. Does tumour-induced osteomalacia occur in dogs? N Z Vet J 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2010.65270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Weston J, Howe L, Collett M, Pattison R, Williamson N, West D, Pomroy W, Syed-Hussain S, Morris S, Kenyon P. Dose-titration challenge of young pregnant sheep with Neospora caninum tachyzoites. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:183-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2008] [Revised: 05/04/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Parker D, Howe L, Unsworth V, Hilliam R. A randomised controlled trial to compare postoperative pain in children undergoing tonsillectomy using cold steel dissection with bipolar haemostasis versus coblation technique. Clin Otolaryngol 2009; 34:225-31. [PMID: 19531171 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-4486.2009.01932.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure postoperative pain levels in children undergoing tonsillectomy, by two different techniques, cold steel dissection and coblator dissection. The hypothesis - that coblator dissection may be associated with less postoperative pain. DESIGN Prospective, randomised, double blind trial. SETTING Single centre, secondary care Children's Hospital. PARTICIPANTS Children aged between 4 and 16 years, undergoing tonsillectomy, or adeno-tonsillectomy. EXCLUSION CRITERIA children already taking regular analgesia and those who experienced postoperative bleeding. Seventy-nine children were recruited, nine were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We compared analgesia requirements during the first 10 days, and also the return to normal eating and drinking. These were assessed, using a validated pain scale. All analgesic administration in hospital and at home was compared. The return to normal eating & drinking patterns, was also compared. RESULTS Whilst in the 24 h postoperatively there was no significant difference in the pain scores between the two groups, the coblator group required less potent analgesia. No statistical difference was identified between the two groups following discharge, except on the sixth postoperative day, when the coblator group had lower pain scores. This may represent chance, rather than a clear difference. CONCLUSION The findings do not confirm the hypothesis that tonsillectomy undertaken in children, with the coblator device, is associated with lower levels of postoperative pain, but do indicate that less analgesia is required by the coblator patients in the first 12 h postoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Parker
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, UK.
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Gartrell BD, Morgan KJ, Howe L, Munday JS, McFadden AMJ. Cloacal papillomatosis in the absence of herpesvirus and papillomavirus in a sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita). N Z Vet J 2009; 57:241-3. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2009.36909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Howe L, Sugiarto H, Squires RA. Re: Re: Use of polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6 , G8 , and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2009; 57:121. [PMID: 19471332 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2009.36890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Howe L, Sugiarto H, Squires RA. Re: Re: Use of Polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2009.36889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Munday J, Howe L, French A, Squires R, Sugiarto H. Detection of papillomaviral DNA sequences in a feline oral squamous cell carcinoma. Res Vet Sci 2009; 86:359-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2008.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2007] [Revised: 06/05/2008] [Accepted: 07/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Ha HJ, Alley MR, Cahill JI, Howe L, Gartrell BD. The prevalence of psittacine beak and feather disease virus infection in native parrots in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2009; 57:50-2. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2009.36868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Alley MR, Fairley RA, Martin DG, Howe L, Atkinson T. An outbreak of avian malaria in captive yellowheads/mohua (Mohoua ochrocephala). N Z Vet J 2008; 56:247-51. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2008.36842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Howe L, Sugiarto H, Squires RA. Use of polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2008; 56:218-21. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2008.36836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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