Survival with an acute spinal-cord injury.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
C E Franti
Publications and source records attributed to C E Franti.
Epidemiologic survey of sylvatic plague by serotesting coyote sentinels with enzyme immunoassay.
The geographic distribution and areas of high sylvatic plague activity in California were verified by using coyotes (Canis latrans) as sentinel animals. Antibody levels against Yersinia pestis were tested using the enzyme-labelled antibody (ELA) test and the microtiter passive hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition. A survey using the ELA test indicated that the overall antibody prevalence among 143 coyotes was 21%. By geographic regions, the highest antibody prevalence was 27% among coyotes from mountain areas on the northern and eastern borders of the state. This was followed by 19% in the central coastal area and 12% in the central valley. Areas with a high prevalence of seropositive coyotes or high antibody levels in individual coyotes matched the four areas of human plague exposures reported in 1977 and 1978. These areas included the central Sierra mountains adjacent to Lake Tahoe, southeastern Kern County, the central coastal area and Scott Valley near the Oregon border. The ELA test appears to be a promising tool for future epidemiologic studies of plague.
Animals↗
Survey of Q-fever agglutinins in birds and small rodents in Northern California, 1975-76.
Serum samples from 15 species of rodents and 33 species of birds were tested for agglutinins against Coxiella burnetii by the microagglutination test. Of 759 rodents tested, 21 (3%) were seropositive. Antibody positive rodents included muskrats, Ondatra zebethica, (11%), Rattus spp. (10%), Beechey ground squirrels, Otospermophilus beecheyi, (6%), wood rats, Neotoma fuscipes, (5%), and Peromyscus spp. (2%). Of 583 birds tested, 118 (20%) were seropositive. This included white crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys, gold crowned sparrows, Z. atricapilla, and English sparrows, Passer domesticus, (68% in the composite); coots, Fulica americana, (29%); blackbirds, Euphagus cyanocephalus, (33%); crows, Corvus brachyrhyncos, (29%); robins, Turdus migratorius, (16%); pigeons, Columba fasciata, (10%); and mallard ducks, Anas platyrhynchos, (7%). There was a tendency for the seropositive animals to have been collected in the vicinity of endemically infected livestock.
Agglutinins↗
Influence of environment on adrenal cortical response to ACTH stimulation in clinically normal dogs.
Effect of testing environment on adrenal cortical responses to an injection of ACTH in clinically normal dogs was examined in three locations, presumably of increasing order of stress elicitation: in a home; veterinary hospital (VH), 4 hours in a cage; and VH, overnight in a cage. Basal cortisol (hydrocortisone) values for plasma were significantly lower (P less than 0.001) for the home group (1.8 microgram/dl) when compared with values for the VH, 4-hour cage (3.8 microgram/dl) or the VH, overnight cage (3.9 microgram/dl) groups. However, significant differences (P greater than 0.05) were not observed 2 hours after ACTH admininstration for the home group (13.7 microgram/dl); VH, 4-hour cage group (14.8 microgram/dl); or VH, overnight cage group (16.0 microgram/dl). Responses of individual dogs were consistent (P less than 0.005). The testing environment did not markedly affect results of adrenal cortical function tests for dogs when ACTH stimulation was utilized. The response of dogs to ACTH, as monitored by immunologic assay techniques (competitive protein-binding assay or radioimmunoassay), was consistent and was useful as a diagnostic aid for adrenal malfunction.
Adrenal Cortex↗
Evaluation of the hemagglutination test for epidemiologic studies of leptospiral antibodies in wild mammals.
Sera from 153 wild animals of 18 species were tested for antibodies against 12 serovars of Leptospira by the microscopic agglutination (MA) test. Seventy-five percent of the animals tested were seropositive against one or more of the 12 serovars used. The most commonly found serovars were pomona, autumnalis, pyrogenes, icterohaemorrhagiae, australis, and canicola. Of 62 carnivores representing 7 species, 55 (89%) were seropositive, as were 46 (60%) of 77 rodents from 9 species. Leptospira of the serovar copenhageni serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae were recovered from kidney tissues of a Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Of 443 wildlife sera tested by the indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test using cells sensitized with L. illini antigen, 47 (11%), mainly carnivores and deer, gave a heterophile reaction. Of the remaining 396 sera, 164 (41%) were seropositive for leptospirosis by the IHA test. To compare the IHA test with the MA test, 143 serum samples were tested by both methods. There was 84% concordance between the two tests.
Agglutination Tests↗
The prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among hospitalized animals and stray dogs.
Hospitalized animals and stray dogs were serologically tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. In addition, the data were examined for the possibility of toxoplasmosis infection being associated with the clinical diagnosis and with the discharge status (alive vs. dead). Among 1056 hospitalized animals, 17 (20%) of 86 cats, 112 (14%) of 804 dogs, 34 (26%) of 133 horses and 6 (18%) of 33 cattle had serological evidence of infection with T. gondii. Only 22 (6%) of 342 young (median age = one year) stray dogs were seropositive. The difference in antibody prevalence between hospitalized and stray dogs was thought to be due to age and dietary factors. Of 249 dogs grouped by clinical diagnosis, there was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher prevalence of seropositives among dogs with diseases of the kidney or with adrenocortical hyperfunction than among dogs hospitalized for other diseases. Of 19 dogs with diseases of the kidney and 12 with adrenocortical hyperfunction 37% and 42%, respectively, were seropositive.. There was higher risk of being discharged from the hospital dead among seropositive dogs, cattle and horses than among seronegative animals of the same species. The exception was cats, where of 69 seronegative cats 29% were dead at discharge and where of 17 seropositive cats 18% were dead at discharge. The possible effects of stress due to hospitalization need further research.
Animals↗
Survey of Toxoplasma antibodies among sheep in western United States.
A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies among breeding ewes and among lambs slaughtered for food in western United States. Each serum was tested by the indirect hemaglutination method, using microtiter technique. Agglutination (greater than or equal to 2 +) at the 1:64 dilution was considered to be a positive reaction. Of 2,164 ewes from 18 flocks tested in California, 523 (24%) were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii, with prevalence rates among flocks ranging from 4 to 51%. In 9 of those flocks, 1,495 ewes were stratified by whether ewes had lambed or were barren. On an overall basis, the antibody prevalence was similar (about 25%) in both groups, but there was a significant difference (P less than 0.05) in 1 flock in which 30% of the nursing ewes were seropositive, compared with 21% of the barren ewes. Of 1,056 market lambs from 19 lots tested, 85 (8%) were seropositive. The antibody prevalence in lambs tested at slaughter in California, by state of origin, were: Oregon, 11/51 (22%); Nevada, 32/159 (20%); Idaho, 12/147 (5%), and California, 30/699 (4%).
Abortion, Veterinary↗
The effect of age on the nucleic acid content of slow- and fast-twitch muscle in normal and dystrophic mice and their litter mates.
RNA, DNA, and NCP content were measured in fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle of normal and dystrophic mice (HDM) and their littermates at ages 4 through 29 weeks. In normal and litter mate mice RNA and DNA content were far greater in the soleus than in the gastrocnemius while the RNA/DNA ratio and NCP content were greater in the gastrocnemius. In dystrophic mice, however, the differences between nuleic acid content of the 2 muscles were far less, apparently due to a proportionately higher content in the dystrophic gastrocnemius. Due to a proportionately lower ratio in the gastrocnemius, dystrophic RNA/DNA ratios for the 2 muscles were essentially the same. Age had a marked effect on the nucleic acid content of both muscles in all 3 mice types but to varying degrees. In the soleus, RNA and DNA content rapidly decreased until 9 to 10 weeks of age followed by a gradual decline. Soleus RNA/DNA ratios showed little change with age except in the HDM mice in which there was a significant overall decline. In the gastrocnemius, RNA content followed the same pattern but with a smaller decline in the younger ages. Age had no affect on DNA content in the normal gastrocnemius, but there was significant decline in the HDM gastrocnemius. RNA/DNA gastrocnemius ratios showed marked fluctuations in both normal and dystrophic mice but did not appear to be affected by age.
Age Factors↗
Vaccination of dairy cattle against Q fever (Coxiella burneti): results of field trials.
A phase I formalin-inactivated Q fever vaccine, using the Nine Mile strain of the organism, was tested for its ability to prevent dairy cows from shedding Coxiella burnetti in their milk. More than 1,400 Holstein-Friesian dairy calves and heifers from 5 dairies were used in field trials lasting over a 3-year period. Vaccination of 476 calves resulted in a geometric mean antibody titer of 1:123.3 compared with 1:2.4 for 486 nonvaccinated calves. The milk samples from 163 vaccinated calves were tested by mouse inoculation after the cows commenced lactation and were placed in their respective milking herds. Of these vaccinated animals, only 2 cows (1%) from 1 herd were suspected shedders, but on subsequent testing gave negative results. Among 164 nonvaccinated (control) cows, 39 (24%) were shedding C burnetii in their milk; this figure corresponded to the prevalence (23%) of shedders in the general population of dairy cows in California. The results of the current field trials indicated that vaccination greatly reduced the shedding of the Q fever organism in the milk of dairy cows.
Animals↗
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild and domestic animals in northern California.
Wild and domestic animals from 3 geographic-climatologic areas in northern California were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. A total of 2,796 serum samples representing 37 species of wild mammals, 35 species of wild birds, and 5 species of domestic animals were tested by the indirect hemagglutination test. Of 1,174 wild mammal serums tested, 10.8% were positive, which compared with 14.7% of the 1,221 domestic mammal serums. Of 229 wild carnivores tested, 45% were seropositive, including 69% of 86 bobcats, 28% of 58 coyotes, 48% of 25 raccoons, 27% of 26 gray foxes, 22% of 32 striped skunks, a civet cat, and a mink. Serologic evidence of infection was found in 38% of 47 rural domestic cats, but none of the 7 dogs tested was seropositive. Of 160 murid rodents (rats and house mice) in rural habitats, 4% were seropositive, which compared with 2% of 399 cricetine rodents (mostly deer mice) collected from wilderness habitats. Seven percent of 56 wild Artiodactyla (deer and feral pigs) were seropositive, which compared with 15% of 1,048 domestic sheep tested. Of 401 birds tested, 3.5% had antibodies against T gondii. The highest prevalence of antibodies among birds was in crows (14%). Toxoplasma was isolated from 1 raven, by mouse inoculation. In general, the highest prevalence of seropositive carnivores, rodents, and sheep was in the coastal region below 100 ft elevation, where the weather is cool and damp for much of the year. In the central valley the highest prevalence among sheep was in areas under irrigation. The prevalence of antibodies was lowest in the mountain areas, where climatologic extremes prevail at various seasons of the year.
Animals↗
Changes in lymphatic fluid draining an area of inflammation induced by feeding Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acarina: Ixodidae) on the dog.
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Animals↗
Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) investigations in dairy cattle: challenge of immunity after vaccination.
The immunity of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows vaccinated against Coxiella burnetii was challenged with 4 X 10(8) infective guinea pig doses of viable rickettsiae. Cows that were vaccinated had normal full-term calves, whereas 2 nonvaccinated cows aborted late in pregnancy. Intrauterine infection of the fetus was indicated by recovery of the organism from tissues of the fetus. Coxiella burnetii was recovered from milk, colostrum, and placenta of vaccinated and nonvaccinated cows after challenge inoculation, but the rickettsiae recovered were as many as 1,000 times more numerous in nonvacinated cows.
Abortion, Veterinary↗
A survey for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in deer and other wildlife on a sheep range.
Blood samples were obtained from native mammals and birds on a sheep range (Hopland Field Station) in northern California. Serums were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by the indirect hemagglutination test. Of 382 deer that were tested from 1964 to 1973, 77 (20%) were seropositive for T gondii. Among 36 serums representing 6 species of wild carnivores (badgers, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks), 18 (50%) were seropositive. All of the 5 bobcats tested were seropositive, with antibody titers ranging from 1:65,536. The testing of 175 serums from small wild mammals indicated antibody prevalence of 8% among jackrabbits, 6% among brush rabbits, and 2% among squirrels. None of the native mice tested was seropositive for T gondii. Of 120 native birds tested, 6 (5%) were seropositive. Of the resident domestic species of animals tested, antibodies were found in 1 of 7 domestic cats, 1 of 5 feral cats, 1 of 2 dogs, and 54 (13%) of 405 sheep.
Animals↗
Incidence of traumatic spinal cord lesions.
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Accidents, Traffic↗
Some epidemiologic features of motorcycle collision injuries. I. Introduction, methods and factors associated with incidence.
Using official police reports and hospital admission and emergency room medical records, 1273 persons with confirmed medically treated motorcycle injury were identified in Sacramento County, California, during 1970. Less than 39% of all injured motorcyclists were identified in this study using only official police reports. The annual incidence rate was highest for 18-year-old male drivers. In addition to age of driver, risk of injury was associated with drivers of short stature (less than 173 cm) operating an intermediate or larger size motorcycle. Risk of injury was higher for drivers with training than for those without training or those who operated their motorcycles frequently regardless of type of use. Risk of injury was not related to make of motorcycle but was related to engine size. Two-thirds of the injury-producing collisions involved a motorcycle and a second motor vehicle. Motorcycle collisions occurred most fre quently during the afternoon and early evening hours and during the summer months, but peaks in incidence of collisions occurred during weeks which included a holiday.
Accidents, Traffic↗
Some epidemiologic features of motorcycle collision injuries. II. Factors associated with severity of injuries.
Male drivers sustained relatively more serious motorcycle collision injuries than did male passengers, female drivers, or female passengers. For male drivers, severity of injury was related to age. The relative frequency of serious head injury was highest for drivers not wearing helmets who were involved in collisions at low or high speeds. Severity of injury was related to speed at the time of collision but not in all types of collisions. Factors associated with the incidence of collisions were not identical to those related to the severity of the injury sustained.
Accidents, Traffic↗
Toxoplasma gondii and Coxiella burneti antibodies among Brazilian slaughterhouse employees.
Previous studies have indicated toxoplasmosis and Q fever are potential hazards to persons who handle raw meat or who work in slaughterhouses. The prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii and C. burneti was studied among 144 employees of an abattoir in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, to determine what environmental factors may be associated with the occurrence of these agents among persons who handle meat but who have not reported having toxoplasmosis or Q fever. Seventy-two per cent of the 144 employees were serologically positive to T. gondii and 29% were serologically positive for C. burneti. The highest prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii (92%) occurred among meat inspectors, who also had a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 1400. The prevalence levels of antibodies to T. gondii for employees who handled meat in the deboning and sausage departments were 80% and 79% with GMT's of 412 and 340, respectively. These levels exceeded the antibody prevalences of 60% and 65% and GMT's of 168 and 120 for employees who worked with cattle in the corrals or who worked on the killing floor, respectively. Conversely, the prevalence of antibodies to C. burneti was highest (40%) among employees working in the corrals and who were exposed to dust and hides. A similar prevalence of antibodies to C. burneti was found in employees on the killing floor (36% positive) who were exposed to hides and viscera, but employees handling meat in the deboning or sausage section had prevalence levels of 20% and 14% respectively. Serologic testing of zebu cattle processed at the abattoir indicated that 10% of 124 tested had antibodies to T. gondii and 29% of 156 tested had antibodies to C. burneti. These levels in cattle are probably adequate to expose (and infect) persons who process meat daily. Continuous daily exposures to chronically infected cattle may result in sporadic undiagnosed illnesses or seroconversions from subclinical infections.
Abattoirs↗
Injury patterns in motorcycle collisions.
This report describes the incidence, nature, and severity of trauma for injuried and medically treated motorcyclists in Sacramento County, California in 1970. Using official police reports, hospital admission, and emergency-room medical records, 1,273 persons with a confirmed medically treated motorcycle injury were identified. Since less than 39% of all injured motorcyclists were identified in this study by use of official police reports only, statistics which rely solely on these reports greatly underestimate the frequency of motorcycle collision injuries in the community. The annual injury incidence was 2.0 per 1,000 population, with peak incidence injury rate for male drivers 18 years of age. Slightly more than 4% of all registered motorcycles were involved in an injury-producing collision in a single year. Almost 45% of injured motorcyclists suffered a serious injury, with injuries to the musculoskeletal system in the form of fractures being the most common. The average length of hospital stay was 12 days, and three-fourths of those injured indicated one or more days of disability. Physicians should be alert to the fact that persons injured in motorcycle collisions commonly sustain multiple fractures and other serious injuries.
Abdominal Injuries↗