bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints to achieving high potential yield of wheat in a temperate, high-rainfall environment in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Acuña Tina Botwright , Dean Geoff , Riffkin Penny
Published: February 2011

Average wheat yields in the high-rainfall zone (HRZ) of southern Australia are predicted to be around 10 t ha–1, yet most regions fall short through a lack of locally adapted cultivars or abiotic stress that constrains yield. Wheat yields in Tasmania can be variable but have exceeded this potential yield in some field trials and have thus approached that of other traditionally high-yielding HRZ environments such as northern Europe. A contributing factor to high wheat yields in Tasmania is the cool-temperate climate, which tends not to have extremes in temperature (cold, heat) as may be experienced in HRZ environments elsewhere. Hence an understanding of crop growth, development and yield of wheat of locally adapted wheat cultivars in Tasmania may improve our understanding of the basis of yield formation in other HRZ in Australia. This was evaluated by conducting an analysis for adaptive response of grain yield in 10 wheat genotypes to a range of 14 environments that were favourable for wheat production or experienced constraints to growth. Crop growth and yield formation was then examined in detail for all or a subset of these genotypes in three field trials with contrasting environments, two of which included a time of sowing (TOS) treatment. Environment accounted for around 90% of the sum of squares (SS) in the multi-site analysis of yield. Six environment groups were identified using cluster analysis, two of which were clearly separated in response to frost at flowering or putative biotic stress, which constrained yield to 1.8 and 6.8 t ha–1, respectively. Waterlogging was also a significant abiotic stress in one of the TOS field trials. The late-flowering cultivar Tennant had the highest yield in the presence of waterlogging and by avoiding frost at flowering, although it suffered a yield penalty of 35 and 66%, respectively, compared with the average across environments. The highest-yielding genotypes averaged 8 t ha–1 across environments and included Alberic, the breeding line K37.18 and the new release Revenue. In the detailed experiments on crop growth and development, high grain yields of 10 t ha–1 in Mackellar appeared to be due to increased grains ear–1, resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus and possibly higher radiation-use efficiency, although the latter needs to be confirmed. There was little genotype × environment interaction for grain yield, hence wheat breeders can have a relatively high level of confidence that genetic material with high yield potential should rank consistently across Tasmanian environments. Results presented in the paper will be useful in developing management and breeding strategies to increase potential yield across the HRZ of southern Australia.
Systems-level analysis of microbial community organization through combinatorial labeling and spectral imaging
Authors: Valm Alex M. , Welch Jessica L. Mark , Rieken Christopher W. , Hasegawa Yuko , Sogin Mitchell L. , Oldenbourg Rudolf , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Borisy Gary G.
Published: February 2011

Microbes in nature frequently function as members of complex multitaxon communities, but the structural organization of these communities at the micrometer level is poorly understood because of limitations in labeling and imaging technology. We report here a combinatorial labeling strategy coupled with spectral image acquisition and analysis that greatly expands the number of fluorescent signatures distinguishable in a single image. As an imaging proof of principle, we first demonstrated visualization of
Escherichia coli
labeled by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 28 different binary combinations of eight fluorophores. As a biological proof of principle, we then applied this Combinatorial Labeling and Spectral Imaging FISH (CLASI-FISH) strategy using genus- and family-specific probes to visualize simultaneously and differentiate 15 different phylotypes in an artificial mixture of laboratory-grown microbes. We then illustrated the utility of our method for the structural analysis of a natural microbial community, namely, human dental plaque, a microbial biofilm. We demonstrate that 15 taxa in the plaque community can be imaged simultaneously and analyzed and that this community was dominated by early colonizers, including species of
Streptococcus
,
Prevotella
,
Actinomyces
, and
Veillonella
. Proximity analysis was used to determine the frequency of inter- and intrataxon cell-to-cell associations which revealed statistically significant intertaxon pairings. Cells of the genera
Prevotella
and
Actinomyces
showed the most interspecies associations, suggesting a central role for these genera in establishing and maintaining biofilm complexity. The results provide an initial systems-level structural analysis of biofilm organization.
A labelling approach for ideal and stage semantics
Authors: Caminada Martin
Published: February 2011

In this document, we describe the concepts of ideal semantics and stage semantics for abstract argumentation in terms of argument labellings. The difference between the traditional extensions approach and the labelling approach is that where the former only identifies the sets of accepted arguments, the latter also identifies the rejected arguments as well as the arguments that are neither accepted nor rejected. So far, the labellings approach has been successfully applied to complete, grounded, preferred, stable and semi-stable semantics, as well as to the concept of admissibility. In the current paper, we continue this line of research by showing that ideal semantics and stage semantics can also be described in terms of argument labellings.
Subunit organization and Rab interactions of Vps-C protein complexes that control endolysosomal membrane traffic
Authors: Plemel Rachael L. , Lobingier Braden T. , Brett Christopher L. , Angers Cortney G. , Nickerson Daniel P. , Paulsel Andrew , Sprague Debra , Merz Alexey J.
Published: February 2011

Traffic through late endolysosomal compartments is regulated by sequential signaling of small G proteins of the Rab5 and Rab7 families. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Vps-C protein complexes CORVET (class C core vacuole/endosome tethering complex) and HOPS (homotypic fusion and protein transport) interact with endolysosomal Rabs to coordinate their signaling activities. To better understand these large and intricate complexes, we performed interaction surveys to assemble domain-level interaction topologies for the eight Vps-C subunits. We identified numerous intersubunit interactions and up to six Rab-binding sites. Functional modules coordinate the major Rab interactions within CORVET and HOPS. The CORVET-specific subunits, Vps3 and Vps8, form a subcomplex and physically and genetically interact with the Rab5 orthologue Vps21. The HOPS-specific subunits, Vps39 and Vps41, also form a subcomplex. Both subunits bind the Rab7 orthologue Ypt7, but with distinct nucleotide specificities. The in vivo functions of four RING-like domains within Vps-C subunits were analyzed and shown to have distinct functions in endolysosomal transport. Finally, we show that the CORVET- and HOPS-specific subunits Vps3 and Vps39 bind the Vps-C core through a common region within the Vps11 C-terminal domain (CTD). Biochemical and genetic experiments demonstrate the importance of these regions, revealing the Vps11 CTD as a key integrator of Vps-C complex assembly, Rab signaling, and endosomal and lysosomal traffic.
Loss of desmocollin-2 confers a tumorigenic phenotype to colonic epithelial cells through activation of Akt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Kolegraff Keli , Nava Porfirio , Helms My N. , Parkos Charles A. , Nusrat Asma
Published: February 2011

Desmocollin-2 (Dsc2) and desmoglein-2 (Dsg2) are transmembrane cell adhesion proteins of desmosomes. Reduced expression of Dsc2 has been reported in colorectal carcinomas, suggesting that Dsc2 may play a role in the development and/or progression of colorectal cancer. However, no studies have examined the mechanistic contribution of Dsc2 deficiency to tumorigenesis. Here we report that loss of Dsc2 promotes cell proliferation and enables tumor growth in vivo through the activation of Akt/β-catenin signaling. Inhibition of Akt prevented the increase in β-catenin–dependent transcription and proliferation following Dsc2 knockdown and attenuated the in vivo growth of Dsc2-deficient cells. Taken together, our results provide evidence that loss of Dsc2 contributes to the growth of colorectal cancer cells and highlight a novel mechanism by which the desmosomal cadherins regulate β-catenin signaling.
Primary Prophylaxis of Variceal Hemorrhage in Children With Portal Hypertension: A Framework for Future Research
Authors: Ling Simon C , Walters Thomas , McKiernan Patrick J , Schwarz Kathleen B , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe , Shneider Benjamin L
Published: February 2011

Nonselective β‐blocker therapy and endoscopic variceal ligation reduce the incidence of variceal hemorrhage in cirrhotic adults, but their use in children is controversial. There are no evidence‐based recommendations for the prophylactic management of children at risk of variceal hemorrhage due to the lack of appropriate randomized controlled trials. In a recent gathering of experts at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases annual meeting, significant challenges were identified in attempting to design and implement a clinical trial of primary prophylaxis in children using either of these therapies. These challenges render such a trial unfeasible, primarily due to the large sample size required, inadequate knowledge of appropriate dosing of β‐blockers, and difficulty in recruiting to a trial of endoscopic variceal ligation. Pediatric research should focus on addressing questions of natural history and diagnosis of varices, prediction of variceal bleeding, optimal approaches to β‐blocker and ligation therapy, and alternative study designs to explore therapeutic efficacy in children.
Infection with human coronavirus NL63 enhances streptococcal adherence to epithelial cells
Authors: Golda Anna , Malek Natalia , Dudek Bartosz , Zeglen Slawomir , Wojarski Jacek , Ochman Marek , Kucewicz Ewa , Zembala Marian , Potempa Jan , Pyrc Krzysztof
Published: February 2011

Understanding the mechanisms of augmented bacterial pathogenicity in post-viral infections is the first step in the development of an effective therapy. This study assessed the effect of human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) on the adherence of bacterial pathogens associated with respiratory tract illnesses. It was shown that HCoV-NL63 infection resulted in an increased adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae to virus-infected cell lines and fully differentiated primary human airway epithelium cultures. The enhanced binding of bacteria correlated with an increased expression level of the platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R), but detailed evaluation of the bacterium–PAF-R interaction revealed a limited relevance of this process.
Differential inhibition of dengue virus infection in mammalian and mosquito cells by iota-carrageenan
Authors: Talarico Laura B. , Noseda Miguel D. , Ducatti Diogo R. B. , Duarte Maria E. R. , Damonte Elsa B.
Published: February 2011

The antiviral activity against dengue virus-2 (DENV-2) of carrageenans reported here has shown a differential susceptibility of C6/36 HT and Vero cells, taken as models of mosquito and mammalian cells, depending on the structural class of polysaccharides: all polysaccharides blocked DENV-2 infection in monkey Vero cells, but only iota-carrageenans were virus inhibitors in mosquito cells. However, iota-carrageenans were less effective in mosquito cells in comparison with mammalian cells with effective concentration 50 % (EC50) values in C6/36 HT cells 4.9–17.5-fold higher than in Vero cells, as determined by virus yield reduction assay. The mode of action of iota-carrageenan in both cell types was strikingly different: in Vero cells the inhibitory activity was exerted only at the initiation of the cycle, affecting virion binding, whereas in mosquito cells DENV-2 adsorption was not affected and comparable levels of inhibition were obtained if the compound was added to cells together with the virus, after 8 h of infection or by cell pre-treatment before infection. Furthermore, iota-carrageenans induced a subtle alteration in mosquito cells, detected by cell proliferation and protein synthesis analyses, suggesting that a probable cellular target may be responsible for the refractory state of mosquito cells to DENV-2 infection produced by this class of polysulfates. The failure of iota-carrageenan to block DENV-2 adsorption to mosquito cells appeared to be related to the low presence of adequate heparan sulfate (HS) in C6/36 HT cell surface and is indicative of a differential participation of HS residues for DENV-2 entry in both types of cells.
Single cell detection of latent cytomegalovirus reactivation in host tissue
Authors: Marquardt Anja , Halle Stephan , Seckert Christof K. , Lemmermann Niels A. W. , Veres Tibor Z. , Braun Armin , Maus Ulrich A. , Förster Reinhold , Reddehase Matthias J. , Messerle Martin , Busche Andreas
Published: February 2011

The molecular mechanisms leading to reactivation of latent cytomegalovirus are not well understood. To study reactivation, the few cells in an organ tissue that give rise to reactivated virus need to be identified, ideally at the earliest possible time point in the process. To this end, mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) reporter mutants were designed to simultaneously express the red fluorescent protein mCherry and the secretedGaussialuciferase (Gluc). Whereas Gluc can serve to assess infection at the level of individual mice by measuring luminescence in blood samples or byin vivoimaging, mCherry fluorescence offers the advatage of detection of infection at the single cell level. To visualize cells in which MCMV was being reactivated, precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) that preserve tissue microanatomy were prepared from the lungs of latently infected mice. By day 3 of cultivation of the PCLS, reactivation was revealed by Gluc expression, preceding the detection of infectious virus by approximately 4 days. Reactivation events in PCLS could be identified when they were still confined to single cells. Notably, using fractalkine receptor–GFP reporter mice, we never observed reactivation originating from CX3CR1+monocytes or pulmonary dendritic cells derived therefrom. Furthermore, latent viral genome in the lungs was not enriched in sorted bone-marrow-derived cells expressing CD11b. Taken together, these complementary approaches suggest that CD11b+and CX3CR1+subsets of the myeloid differentiation lineage are not the main reservoirs and cellular sites of MCMV latency and reactivation in the lungs.
Beyond the Preschool Years: Children’s Perceptions About Starting Kindergarten
Authors: Di Santo Aurelia , Berman Rachel
Published: February 2011

This article describes a research study that investigated three‐ and four‐year‐old Canadian preschool children’s perceptions about starting kindergarten. Findings from 33 focus‐group discussions suggest that children begin to formulate ideas about starting kindergarten prior to school entry. Children’s responses were grouped according to three themes, play versus academic activities and homework; getting bigger but still needing help; and rules. Overall, the responses highlighted their expectations regarding continuity and discontinuity between the two environments. These findings support the position that children should be given the opportunity to contribute to the planning of transition practices.
Experiences of health‐promoting self‐care in people living with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Arvidsson Susann , Bergman Stefan , Arvidsson Barbro , Fridlund Bengt , Tops Anita Bengtsson
Published: February 2011

arvidsson s., bergman s., arvidsson b., fridlund b. & tops a.b. (2011) Experiences of health‐promoting self‐care in people living with rheumatic diseases. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1264–1272.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study that explores and describes the meaning of the phenomenon of health‐promoting self‐care as experienced by people living with rheumatic diseases.

Background.  People with rheumatic diseases estimate health status as low and health belief and health status influence self‐care behaviours. Several self‐care behaviours are used in the efforts to mitigate the diseases.

Method.  The study had a descriptive phenomenological approach based on a reflective life‐world perspective. Data were gathered in 2007 by unstructured open‐ended interviews with 12 individuals living with rheumatic diseases.

Findings.  The meaning of health‐promoting self‐care as experienced by people living with rheumatic diseases was that self‐care takes place against a background of continual hope and belief to influence health in positive ways. Self‐care was a way of life and implied being ready to understand and respond to signals from the body. Three inter‐related constituents elucidated their experiences: dialogue, power struggle and choice. Self‐care was experienced as dialogues with the body and with the immediate environment. In order to respond to signals from the body, power struggles were required to be entered into when fighting the diseases. Choices were required to be made and things that were beneficial for the body were prioritized.

Conclusion.  In this study, the meaning of health‐promoting self‐care as experienced by people living with rheumatic diseases was that self‐care was a way of life. This meant to be ready to understand and respond to signals from the body. Self‐care required dialogues, power struggles and choices.
Access to respite breaks for families who have a relative with intellectual disabilities: a national survey
Authors: McConkey Roy , Kelly Fionnola , Craig Sarah
Published: February 2011

mcconkey r., kelly f. & craig s. (2011) Access to respite breaks for families who have a relative with intellectual disabilities: a national survey. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1349–1357.

Aims.  This paper reports the findings of a national study of the variations in the provision and correlates of respite breaks to families.

Background.  Internationally, respite breaks are a major support service to family carers, demand for which often exceeds supply for persons with an intellectual disability. Hence, the length of breaks available to families has to be rationed. Nurses are often involved in such decisions.

Method.  National data on the use of respite breaks by over 4000 families in a full calendar year (2008) were analysed to examine the variation within the Republic of Ireland on two indicators: namely the proportion of carers who had any access to breaks and the median number of days they had received.

Findings.  Striking differences across health service areas were found on both indicators of usage. These were not solely attributable to the availability of provision but also reflected variations in the criteria local services used to allocate places. However, those persons with more severe disabilities were given priority, whereas carer characteristics were not a major influence. Contact with social workers and community nurses also increased the likelihood of carers receiving respite breaks.

Conclusion.  Intra‐country comparisons of service delivery should assist planners in creating more equitable access to respite breaks and the development of more explicit eligibility criteria for their use. Nurses are well placed to lead on this.
An analysis of parental roles during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation of their offspring: a qualitative and participant observational study
Authors: Larsen Hanne Bækgaard , Heilmann Carsten , Johansen Christoffer , Adamsen Lis
Published: February 2011

larsen h.b., heilmann c., johansen c. & adamsen l. (2011) An analysis of parental roles during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation of their offspring: a qualitative and participant observational study. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(7), 1458–1467.

Aim.  The aim of this study was to investigate the parents’ experiences and reflections on their parental role while taking care of their child.

Background.  Parents of children undergoing treatment with allogeneic haematopoetic stem cell transplantation for life threatening diseases in protective isolation, experience distress related to the child’s care. Parents struggle to cope with the stress related to the child’s disease, treatment and survival possibilities.

Methods.  During the period 2007–2009, eight participant studies and 16 in‐depth interviews were performed and analysed using a theoretical ideal type construction and an interactionistic approach.

Results.  Three ideal types of approaches were identified (1) expertise‐mindedness, (2) dialogue‐mindedness and (3) the approach of the socially challenged parents. Expertise‐minded parents base their rationality for care and interactions on medical knowledge. It is important for dialogue‐minded parents that emotions are included in the rationality for care. Being able to manage these two approaches requires emotional work in the form of both surface‐ and deep acting from the parents. Socially challenged parents fail to adapt to either of the two approaches since they often fail to manage the required emotional work.

Conclusion.  The three described ideal types give a new perspective on the complex interactions that occur between parents, child and staff during treatment with haematopoetic stem cell transplantation. Understanding the rationality behind the different approaches adopted by parents may assist medical staff to understand the parents’ rationality for care of their child and to identify socially challenged parents who need help in managing the care of their child.
The impact of caregivers’ singing on expressions of emotion and resistance during morning care situations in persons with dementia: an intervention in dementia care
Authors: Hammar Lena M , Emami Azita , Götell Eva , Engström Gabriella
Published: February 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aim was to describe expressions of emotions and resistiveness to care among persons with dementia (PWD), during morning care situations without and with music therapeutic caregiving (MTC).

Background.  Effective caregiving is dependent on the interpersonal relationship between nurse and patient. PWD suffer from major cognitive impairment, making interaction with others problematic. Such patients often react with problematic behaviours such as resistance and anger towards the care activity and the caregiver. Earlier research suggests that MTC – when caregivers sing for or together with PWD during caregiving – can reduce resistance and evoke positive emotions in PWD.

Design.  This was an intervention study whereby MTC was implemented during morning care situations while PWD were being cared for.

Method.  The study included ten, 66–92‐year‐old men and women with severe dementia living in a nursing home in Sweden. Video observations of eight weekly sessions, consisting of four recordings of usual morning care and four recordings of morning care with MTC, provided data. The resistiveness to care scale and the observed emotion rating scale were used for analysis.

Results.  Pull away was the most common resistant behaviour under both conditions. The PWDs’ expressions of resistant behaviour, such as pull away, grab object and adduction, were significantly reduced under the intervention situation. Positively expressed emotions, specifically pleasure and general alertness, significantly increased under the MTC intervention compared with the ‘usual’ morning care sessions.

Conclusions.  MTC can be an effective nursing intervention to provide PWD a more pleasant experience of morning care situations as it decreases resistant behaviour and increases positive emotions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  MTC offers a potential non‐pharmacologic treatment that can be used in caring for PWD.
Fabrication of a multi‐applicable removable intraoral denture system for rodent research
Authors: LEE H. , YU A. , JOHNSON C. C. , LILLY E. A. , NOVERR M. C. , FIDEL JR P. L.
Published: February 2011

Summary  The objective was to engineer an inexpensive intraoral removable denture system for rodents that can be utilised in numerous oral health research applications. At the forefront is biofilm research related to Candida‐associated denture stomatitis. Previously described intraoral devices are primitive and inadequate. The denture system was engineered consisting of a fixed part that is anchored to the posterior palate by orthodontic wires and acrylic resin and a removable part fitted to the anterior palate that is retained by magnets embedded in the fixed part. Both parts are custom fitted to the rodent palate by impression making and cast fabrication. Rats fitted with the intraoral denture system maintained body weight and normal activity with the device maintaining integrity and durability for upwards of 8 weeks. The denture system was used successfully to establish a working model of denture stomatitis. This newly engineered inexpensive intraoral removable denture system for rodents can be utilised in numerous oral health research applications, including denture‐associated infections, biofilms and a variety of biomaterial applications. The removable portion is advantageous for longitudinal analyses and charging/discharging of biomaterials.
Estimating seed and pollen movement in a monoecious plant: a hierarchical Bayesian approach integrating genetic and ecological data
Authors: MORAN EMILY V. , CLARK JAMES S.
Published: February 2011

The scale of seed and pollen movement in plants has a critical influence on population dynamics and interspecific interactions, as well as on their capacity to respond to environmental change through migration or local adaptation. However, dispersal can be challenging to quantify. Here, we present a Bayesian model that integrates genetic and ecological data to simultaneously estimate effective seed and pollen dispersal parameters and the parentage of sampled seedlings. This model is the first developed for monoecious plants that accounts for genotyping error and treats dispersal from within and beyond a plot in a fully consistent manner. The flexible Bayesian framework allows the incorporation of a variety of ecological variables, including individual variation in seed production, as well as multiple sources of uncertainty. We illustrate the method using data from a mixed population of red oak (Quercus rubra,Q. velutina,Q. falcata) in the NC piedmont. For simulated test data sets, the model successfully recovered the simulated dispersal parameters and pedigrees. Pollen dispersal in the example population was extensive, with an average father–mother distance of 178 m. Estimated seed dispersal distances at the piedmont site were substantially longer than previous estimates based on seed‐trap data (average 128 m vs. 9.3 m), suggesting that, under some circumstances, oaks may be less dispersal‐limited than is commonly thought, with a greater potential for range shifts in response to climate change.
Diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity in children and adolescents: Discrepancy between physician‐based assessment and results of testing
Authors: Seitz Cornelia S. , Bröcker Eva‐B. , Trautmann Axel
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Seitz CS, Bröcker E‐B, Trautmann A. Diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity in children and adolescents: Discrepancy between physician‐based assessment and results of testing. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 405–410.

Background:  Diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity is often based on history alone. But such a vague diagnosis may cause limitations of therapeutic options in the future. To confirm or rule out drug hypersensitivity, skin testing, in vitro studies, and challenge tests are necessary. However, the diagnostic value of this complex and time‐consuming allergologic work‐up, especially in children, remains controversial.

Objective:  Aim of this retrospective analysis was to compare the results of diagnostic testing in children and adolescents with drug hypersensitivity diagnosed on clinical grounds, i.e., temporal relationship and observation of symptoms alone.

Methods:  We studied 43 children and adolescents (23 females, 20 males, mean age 13) with a history of immediate or delayed hypersensitivity symptoms in temporal relation to drug treatment using standardized skin testing followed by oral challenges. Patients with suspected penicillin hypersensitivity were further evaluated with in vitro tests.

Results:  Drug hypersensitivity was excluded in 40 patients by tolerated oral challenge tests with the incriminated drug. In two patients, positive challenge tests confirmed non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug hypersensitivity. One patient with amoxicillin‐associated exanthema developed positive late skin test reactions to aminopenicillins.

Conclusion:  In childhood and adolescence, allergologic testing in cases of suspected drug hypersensitivity is of importance both to establish a correct diagnosis and to prevent unjustified withholding of a drug or class of drugs.
Endophthalmitis as primary clinical manifestation of fatal fusariosis in an allogeneic stem cell recipient
Authors: Kapp M. , Schargus M. , Deuchert T. , Springer J. , Wendel F. , Loeffler J. , Grigoleit G.U. , Kurzai O. , Heinz W. , Einsele H. , Stuhler G.
Published: February 2011

M. Kapp, M. Schargus, T. Deuchert, J. Springer, F. Wendel, J. Loeffler, G.U. Grigoleit, O. Kurzai, W. Heinz, H. Einsele, G. Stuhler. Endophthalmitis as primary clinical manifestation of fatal fusariosis in an allogeneic stem cell recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 374–379. All rights reserved

Abstract: The occurrence of infections due to previously rare opportunistic pathogens is increasing despite the use of novel treatment strategies for immunocompromised patients. Here, we report the case of a patient presenting with fever, muscle pain, and bilateral endophthalmitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Fusarium solani was isolated from peripheral blood samples and identified as the cause of gradual bilateral vision loss, despite appropriate antifungal prophylaxis, and therapy including vitrectomy and intraocular instillation of antifungal agents. The patient became comatose; basal meningitis involving both optic nerves was suspected based on magnetic resonance tomography. The patient died 8 days later due to septic multi‐organ failure. Autopsy revealed that both kidneys, but no other organs, were infiltrated by Fusarium. No fungus was found in cerebral tissues or cerebrospinal fluid. Our case demonstrates some of the typical clinical features of systemic fusariosis and its potentially fatal outcome. The clinical observations reported here may help clinicians caring for immunocompromised patients to accelerate diagnosis and initiate treatment early at the onset of this fatal complication, and highlight the urgent need for interdisciplinary management of invasive fusariosis.
Incidences and associations of cystic ovaries with production and reproduction traits in dairy cattle1
Authors: Ashmawy A. A. , Vogt D. W. , Garverick H. A. , Youngquist R. S.
Published: February 2011

Data were from the records of 243 Guernsey and 453 Holstein cows owned by the University of Missouri‐Columbia. Records were collected from 1977 through 1987. Lactational incidence of cystic ovaries (cysts) averaged 37.9 and 38.2% in Guernsey and Holstein breeds, respectively. Incidence of cystic ovaries was not significantly different between seasons however, it appeared higher during autumn month for both breeds.

Multiple logistic regressions with a stepwise option indicated that the effects of year of calving and preceding days dry increased the incidence of cysts in Guernseys. In Holsteins, incidence was increased with increasing preceding calving interval and age; year of calving showed a curvilinear relationship with cyst incidence.

In both breeds, cows with cysts produced more milk and fat but also had more days open than their noncystic contemporaries. Cyst development did not affect days in milk or number of services per conception.

Repeatability of cyst development was .20 in Guernseys and .06 in Holsteins. Corresponding estimates on a normal distribution scale were .33 and .10, respectively.

Auftreten zystischer Ovarien und Zusammenhänge mit Leistungs‐ und Reproduktionsmerkmalen bei Milchrindern

Das Datenmaterial stammt von 243 Guernsey‐ und 453 Holstein‐Kühen der Universität von Missouri‐Columbia, und ist von 1977 bis 1987 erhoben worden. Häufigkeiten zystischer Ovarien (Zysten) je Laktation waren 37.9 und 38.2% in Guernsey und Holstein. Die Häufigkeit zystischer Ovarien war zwischen Kalbesaisonen ähnlich, obwohl in beiden Rassen eine Steigerung im Herbst vorhanden zu sein schien.

Multiple logistische Regression mit stufenweiser Option ergab Jahreswirkungen und eine zunehmende Zystenhäufigkeit in Guernseys mit längerer Trockenzeit. In Holsteins stieg die Häufigkeit mit zunehmenden vorübergehenden Kalbintervall und Alter, und Kalbejahr zeigte eine kurvilineare Beziehung mit Zystenhäufigkeit.

In beiden Rassen haben Kühe mit Zysten mehr Milch und Fett produziert und längere Güstzeit gezeigt als ihre nichtzystischen Stallgefährtinnen. Die Entwicklung von Zysten beeinflußte nicht Melktage und auch nicht Zahl der Besamungen pro Konzeption.

Die Wiederholbarkeit der Zystenentwicklung war 0.2 in Guernseys und 0.06 in Holsteins, was auf der normalen Verteilungsskala Werten von 0.33 und 0.10 entspricht.
The influence of selection on reaction to stress in mice
Authors: Kolataj A. , Rysińska J. , Flak P.
Published: February 2011

The experiments were conducted on 6 week old mice selected for weight gains and on unselected control mice. The mice were given hormone injections: ACTH 5 mg/kg, adrenalin 10 μg/kg and insulin 3 U/kg.

After ACTH injections an increase of glucose level in the blood and aldolase activity in liver and kidney tissues was observed, after adrenalin in the selected mice only; after insulin injection decrease of glucose level in the blood as well as aldolase activity in the liver and in the kidney.

LDH activity in the liver and in the kidney did not change significantly after injections of those hormones.

The results obtained in our experiment indicate that blood glucose and kidney LDH respond in selected animals differently to exogenic hormones application than in unselected ones while for other substances no interactions are evident.

Selektionseinfluß auf Streßreaktionen bei Mäusen. II. Einfluß von ACTH, Adrenalin und Insulin auf Aldolase‐ und LDH‐ Aktivität in Leber und Nieren

Der Versuch wurde an 6 Wochen alten Mäusen durchgeführt, die einer Selektionslinie für hohe Gewichtszunahmen und einer Kontrolle entstammten. Den Mäusen wurden Hormoninjektionen verabreicht: ACTH 5 mg/1kg, Adrenalin 10 μg/1 kg und Insulin 3 u/1 kg.

Nach ACTH Injektion wurde ein Anstieg des Glucosespiegels im Blut und der Aldolaseaktivität in Leber‐ und Nierengewebe festgestellt, bei Adrenalininjektion aber nur in selektierten Mäusen; nach Insulininjektion verminderte sich Glucose im Blut und Aldolase in Leber und Nieren.

LDH Aktivität in Leber und Niere unterschied sich nach Injetion dieser Hormone nicht signifikant. Die Ergebnisse dieses Versuches zeigen, daß Blut‐Glucose und Leber‐Aldolase bei selektierten Mäusen auf Injektion exogener Hormone anders reagieren als bei Kontrollen und in den übrigen Substanzen sich aber keine Interaktionen andeuten.
Economic indices using breeding values predicted by BLUP
Authors: Schneeberger M. , Barwick S. A. , Crow G. H. , Hammond K.
Published: February 2011

A situation is described where breeding values (BVs) predicted by Best Linear Unbiased Prediction for selection criteria are used to predict an aggregate breeding objective consisting of traits that may or may not have been measured. The index weights by which the predicted BVs are multiplied are the same for all animals with the same available predicted BVs, and they depend only on the genetic variances and covariances among the selection criteria and the traits in the objective, and on the economic values of these traits. The variance of the index and expected genetic gains in both the selection criteria and the traits of the objective, however, depend on the inbreeding coefficient and the prediction error variances and covariances of the predicted BVs for each animal. When these prediction error variances and covariances are not available for all animals approximations based on assumed “standard” animals might be used to give an indication of the direction in which the population will move under selection.

Wirtschaftliche Indices aus mit BLUP geschätzten Zuchtwerten

Mit BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) geschätzte Zuchtwerte (ZW) für meßbare Selektionskriterien werden zum Schätzen eines Zuchtzieles verwendet, welches sowohl gemessene als auch nicht gemessene Merkmale enthalten kann. Die Indexgewichte, mit denen die geschätzten ZW multipliziert werden, sind für alle Tiere mit den gleichen verfügbaren ZW identisch. Sie hängen nur von den genetischen Varianzen und Kovarianzen der Selektionskriterien und der Merkmale im Zuchtziel und den wirtschaftlichen Gewichten für diese Merkmale ab. Die Varianz des Indexes und die erwarteten Zuchtfortschritte in den einzelnen Indexkriterien und Merkmalen im Zuchtziel hängen dagegen vom Inzuchtkoeffizienten und den Varianzen und Kovarianzen der geschätzten ZW (prediction error variances and covariances) für jedes Tier ab. Wenn die Varianzen und Kovarianzen der geschätzten ZW nicht für jedes Tier verfügbar sind, können auf angenommenen “Standardtieren” beruhende Näherungen verwendet werden, um einen Hinweis zu erhalten, in welche Richtung sich die Population bei Selektion nach diesem Index verschieben wird.
Growth and egg production traits in chickens as influenced by major histocompatibility types and background genomes
Authors: Dunnington E. A. , Larsen A. S. , O'Sullivan N. P. , Siegel P. B.
Published: February 2011

An experiment was conducted with populations of White Leghorn chickens that had been selected for high (HA) or low (LA) antibody response to sheep erythrocytes and were segregating at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) for B‐system alloantigens B13 and B21. Results were quantified in terms of body weights, age and body weight at sexual maturity, egg production, egg weights, egg components and incidence of avian leukosis shedders. In many cases, background genome (HA or LA) by MHC type (B13 or B21) interactions were present, suggesting that both particular alleles and the genetic environment in which they exist may alter physiological performance.

Einfluß von Histokompatibilitätstypen und Rest‐Genotypen auf Wachstum und Legeleistung von Geflügel

Die zwei verwendeten Weiße Leghorn Populationen waren für hoch (HA) oder niedrigen (LA) Antikörperreaktion auf Schafe Erythrozyten selektiert worden und hatten im Histokompatibilitätsbereich (MHC) die B‐System Alloantigene B13 und B21. Die Wirkung dieser Genotypen sowie des Restgenoms auf Körpergewicht, Alter und Gewicht bei Geschlechtsreife, Legeleistung, Eigewicht, Eizusammenset‐zung und Ausmaß von Ausscheidung von Geflügelleukoseantigen wurden untersucht. In vielen Fällen waren Interaktionen zwischen Restgenom (HA) oder (LA) mit MHC‐Typ (B13) oder (B21) vorhanden, so daß der Eindruck entsteht, daß sowohl bestimmte Allele wie auch das genetische Umfeld, in dem sie existieren, physiologische Leistungen beeinflußt.
An evaluation of a long‐term breeding programme in a closed Sahiwal herd in Kenya
Authors: Rege J. E. O. , Lomole M. A. , Wakhungu J. W.
Published: February 2011

Records covering the period 1964 through 1986 obtained from the Kenya Sahiwal Stud were used to estimate genetic parameters of reproductive and production traits. The average Sahiwal cow produced 1663 kg of milk in 305d every 426d and required 2.1 inseminations per conception in a highly variable (CV = 179%) insemination period of 50d, with first calving occurring about at 41 months. Calves weighed 23 kg on average at birth and attained 55 kg in 98d. Heritability estimates were generally low for reproductive traits, ranging from 0 to .15 except for age at first calving (.29) but were higher for production traits being .35 for first lactation milk yield, .27 for milk yield of combined lactations, .40 for birth weight, and .35 for age at 55 kg. Genetic correlations between milk yield and reproductive traits were negative (‐.12 to ‐.29) but not significantly different from zero. Although genetic parameters indicated potential for genetic improvement of production traits, performance was generally lower than expected. Some parameter estimates were not consistent with those currently assumed in the breeding programme. It was concluded that there is need to examine genetic and environmental trends in performance and to estimate other parameters in order to develop a more efficient breeding programme.

Bewertung eines langfristigen Zuchtprogramms in einer geschlossenen Sahiwal‐Herde in Kenia. I. Wirkungen nicht‐genetischer Faktoren auf Leistung und Schätzungen genetischer Parameter

Leistungsdaten, die 1960–1986 im Kenya Sahiwal Stud erhoben worden waren, wurden zur Schätzung genetischer Parameter für Reproduktions‐ und Leistungsmerkmale verwendet. Die durchschnittliche Sahiwal Kuh produzierte 1663 kg Milch in 305 Tagen bei einem Kalbeintervall von 426 Tagen und brauchte 2.1 Inseminationen pro Konzeption mit stark variabeler (CV = 179 %) Besamungsperiode von 50 Tagen bei einem Erstkalbealter von 41 Monaten. Kälbergewicht war 23 kg und erreichte 55 kg in 98 Tagen. Heritabilitätswerte waren im allgemeinen für Reproduktionsmerkmale niedrig, von 0 bis 0,15, außer für Erstkalbealter (0,29) aber waren höher für Leistungsmerkmale, nämlich 0,35 für Erstlaktationsleistung, 0,27 für Leistung der kombinierten Laktationen, 0,40 für Geburtsgewicht und 0,35 für Alter bei 55 kg. Genetische Korrelationen zwischen Milchleistung und Reproduktionsmerkmalen waren negativ (−0,12 bis −0.29), aber nicht signifikant von 0 verschieden. Obwohl genetische Parameter züchterische Verbesserungen von Leistungsmerkmalen erlauben sollten, war die Leistung allgemein niedriger als erwartet. Einige Schätzwerte unterschieden sich von denen, die derzeit dem Zuchtprogramm unterstellt werden. Daß die genetischen und umweltbedingten Trends in Leistung sollen untersucht werden und andere Parameter zur Entwicklung eines wirkungsvollen Zuchtprogramms sollen geschätzen werden.
Carcass characteristics of Rubia Gallega and Asturiana cattle at 10 to 18 months of age
Authors: Martin T. G. , Alenda R. , Cabrero M.
Published: February 2011

Carcasses of 55 young bulls (10 to 18 mos. age) of the Rubia Gallega and Asturiana breeds were physically separated into retail product, bone and fat trim. Cross‐sectional area of the longissimus muscle, Warner‐Bratzler shear values, taste panel evaluations of tenderness and juiciness, and chemical analyses of moisture, fat and protein in lean meat also were determined. Asturiana cattle had higher dressing percentage, larger longissimus area and lower percentage bone than Rubia Gallega. These differences were indicative of greater muscling, less bone and a higher ratio of muscle to bone in Asturiana cattle. Age at slaughter differences were primarily associated with the normal growth process, i. e., percentage fat increased while percentage bone decreased with increasing age.

Schlachtkörpermerkmale von 10–18 Monate alten Rubia Gallega und Asturiana Rindern

Schlachtkörper von 55 Jungstieren (10–18 Monate alt) der beiden Rassen wurden in Fleisch, Knochen und Abschnittfett zerteilt. Querschnittsfläche des Longissimus Muskels, Warner‐Bratzler Schertest, Bewertungen von Zartheit und Saftigkeit, Bestimmung von Wasser, Fett und Protein in Magerfleisch wurden durchgeführt. Asturiana Rinder hatten höhere Ausschlachtung, größere Rückenmuskelfläche und weniger Knochen als Rubia Gallega. Die Unterschiede deuten auf stärkere Bemuskelung, weniger Knochen und ein besseres Muskel‐Knochenverhältnis in Asturiana Rindern. Schlachtalterunterschiede waren hauptsächlich mit normalen Wachstumsprozessen verbunden, also Zunahme des Fett‐ und Abnahme des Knochenanteiles.

Characteristicas de la Canal en Terneros de raza Rubia Gallega y Asturiana entre los 10 y 18 meses de Edad

Las canales de 55 terneros de 10 a 18 meses de razas Rubia Gallega y Asturiana fueron despiezadas en cortes comerciales y separadas la carne, hueso y grasa. Se midio el area del músculo longissimus, se tomaron la resistencia al corte por el metodo de Warner‐Bratzler, se realizó un panel de degustación para evaluar la terneza y jugosidad y se realizó analisis la terneza y jugosidad y se realizó analisis químico de humedad, grasa y proteina de la carne. La raza Asturiana posee un mayor rendimiento de la canal, una mayor área del músculo longissimus y un menor porcentaje de hueso que la Rubia Gallega. Estas diferencias son indicativas de una mayor musculatura, huesos más finos y una mayor relación de carne sobre hueso en la raza Asturiana. Las diferencias segun las edades al sacrificio estuvieron asociadas fundamentalmente con el proceso de crecimiento. El porcentaje de grasa se incremento, mientras que el porcentaje de hueso disminuyo con la edad.
Untersuchungen über den Futterwert von pflanzlichen Zellwandbestandteilen beim Schwein
Authors: Albers N. , Henkel H.
Published: February 2011

Die Wirkung einer Zulage von Pektinstoffen auf die Verdaulichkeit der Rohnähr‐stoffe und auf die Stickstoffbilanz wurde in drei Versuchen mit Schweinen geprüft. Eine Tiergruppe erhielt jeweils eine Grundration, während die Tiere der anderen Gruppen eine Zulage von 10% Pektinstoffen oder zum Vergleich 10 % Stärke bekamen.

Die scheinbare Verdaulichkeit der Pektinstoffe betrug in den Versuchen 95—99 %. Durch die Pektinzulagen wurde mehr Rohprotein, Rohfett und Rohfaser mit dem Kot ausgeschieden, als in den Zulagen enthalten war. Daraus resultieren niedrigere Verdauungskoeffizienten dieser Rohnährstoffe in den Pektingruppen als bei der Grundfuttergruppe.

Die vermehrte Ausscheidung an Rohprotein und Rohfett im Kot wird darauf zurückgeführt, daß diese Stoffe von Mikroorganismen im Darm synthetisiert wurden. Für die Protein‐ und Fettsynthese können den Bakterien die Pektinstoffe als Energiequelle dienen. Der für die Proteinsynthese benötigte Stickstoff kann endogenen Ursprungs sein, da auch ohne Einfluß auf den N‐Ansatz eine verminderte Harn‐N‐Ausscheidung festgestellt worden ist.

Die CO2‐Gehalte im Flatus des Schweines waren bei Pektinzulagen um das Dreifache erhöht. Daraus kann auf eine intensivere mikrobielle Tätigkeit und einen vollständigen Abbau der Pektinstoffe im Darmtrakt geschlossen werden.