bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after a single intramuscular or intraperitoneal administration
Authors: Shan Q. , Zhu X. , Liu S. , Bai Y. , Ma L. , Yin Y. , Zheng G.
Published: February 2015

The pharmacokinetics of cefquinome was studied in plasma after a single dose (10 mg/kg) of intramuscular (i.m.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration to tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in freshwater at 30 °C. Ten fish per sampling point were examined after treatment. The data were fitted to two‐compartment open models following both routes of administration. The estimates of total body clearance (CL/F), volume of distribution (Vd/F), and absorption half‐life (T1/2ka) were 0.049 and 0.037 L/h/kg, 0.41 and 0.33 L/kg, and 0.028 and 0.035 h following i.m. and i.p. administration, respectively. After i.m. injection, the elimination half‐life (T1⁄2β) was calculated to be 5.81 h, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) to be 49.40 μg/mL, the time to peak plasma cefquinome concentration (Tmax) to be 0.14 h, and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) to be 204.6 μg h/mL. Following i.p. administration, the corresponding estimates were 6.05 h, 44.39 μg/mL, 0.17 h and 267.8 μg h/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of cefquinome, determined for 30 strains of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from diseased tilapia, ranged from 0.015 to 0.12 μg/mL. Results from these studies support that 10 mg cefquinome/kg body weight daily could be expected to control tilapia bacterial pathogens inhibited in vitro by a minimal inhibitory concentration value of ≤2 μg/mL.
Prosecuting hate crime: procedural issues and the future of the aggravated offences
Authors: Owusu-Bempah Abenaa
Published: February 2015

In 2012, the Ministry of Justice asked the Law Commission to examine the case for extending the racially and religiously aggravated offences in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, so that they also cover disability, sexual orientation and transgender identity. The terms of reference for the project were narrow, and did not include an examination of whether the existing offences are in need of reform. The Commission recommended that before a final decision is taken as to whether the offences should be extended, a full-scale review of the operation of the existing offences should be carried out. This paper contends that, in determining the future of the aggravated offences, consideration should be given to the procedural difficulties that can be encountered during the prosecution stage of the criminal process. The paper highlights a number of significant procedural problems that arise from the structure of the existing aggravated offences. These problems are largely related to alternative charges, whereby the prosecution charge both the aggravated offence and the lesser offence encompassed within it, and alternative verdicts, whereby the jury can convict of the lesser offence if the aggravated element is not proven. This paper argues that the procedural problems, coupled with a failure to properly understand the offences, can lead, and have led, to unfair outcomes. If the offences cannot be prosecuted effectively, they become little more than an empty gesture to those affected by hate crime, and this may be counterproductive. Procedural problems also put defendants at risk of wrongful conviction. The paper concludes that the preferred way forward would be to repeal the racially and religiously aggravated offences and rely on sentencing legislation to deal with hostility-based offending.
Changing views on diverticular disease: impact of aging, obesity, diet, and microbiota
Authors: Spiller R. C.
Published: February 2015

The development of colonic diverticulosis is a common aging change in industrialized nations. While most patients have asymptomatic diverticulosis, around one in five develops symptomatic diverticular disease. This is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and disturbed bowel habit. Some of the pain episodes are prolonged and are due to acute diverticulitis, which itself may be complicated by abscess, perforation, fistulation, or stricture formation. Risk factors favouring the development of symptomatic diverticular disease include obesity, smoking and diets low in fiber but high in red meat and animal fat. What determines the transition from asymptomatic diverticulosis to symptomatic diverticular disease is unclear but neuromuscular changes following acute diverticulitis may be responsible in some cases. The severity of symptoms generated depends on cerebral pain processing which is influenced by psychosocial factors. These are important considerations in deciding optimal patient management. Prior theories of the cause of diverticulosis suggested that constipation was an important cause, but new data challenge this and has provoked new ideas. Underlying mechanisms causing diverticulosis include weakening of the colonic wall and/or degenerative changes in the enteric nerves. Dietary induced changes in microbiota and the host inflammatory response may underlie the subsequent development of acute/chronic diverticulitis and its sequela.
Effect of experimental stress on the small bowel and colon in healthy humans
Authors: Pritchard S. E. , Garsed K. C. , Hoad C. L. , Lingaya M. , Banwait R. , Thongborisute W. , Roberts E. , Costigan C. , Marciani L. , Gowland P. A. , Spiller R. C.
Published: February 2015

Background

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are frequently reported to be exacerbated by stress. Animal studies suggest that corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) mediates the effect of stress on the bowel. We have shown that stressed IBS patients with diarrhea have constricted small bowels. We hypothesized that we could mimic this effect by applying experimental stress in the form of either hand immersion in ice water or CRH injection in healthy volunteers (HV).

Methods

The postprandial effect of the cold pressor test (repeated hand immersion in ice cold water) and injection of CRH, were assessed vs control in two groups of 18 HVs.

Key Results

CRH produced a significant rise from baseline salivary cortisol levels (p = 0.004) not seen with the cold pressor test. Small bowel water content (SBWC) fell postprandially on all four treatments. SBWC was significantly reduced by both stressors but CRH caused a greater effect (anova, p < 0.003 vs p = 0.02). Ascending colon (AC) volume was greater after CRH injection compared with saline (p = 0.002) but no differences were seen with the cold pressor test vs warm water. Postprandial increase in colon volume was also reduced by CRH which also increased the sensations of distension and bloating.

Conclusions & Inferences

Two experimental stressors were shown to constrict the small bowel, mimicking the effect previously seen in IBS‐D patients. CRH increased the volume of the AC. We speculate that stress accelerates transfer of water from the small bowel to the AC.
Age‐related alteration of expression and function of TLRs and NK activity in oral candidiasis
Authors: Oouchi M , Hasebe A , Hata H , Segawa T , Yamazaki Y , Yoshida Y , Kitagawa Y , Shibata K‐I
Published: February 2015

Objective

Roles of aging or immune responses mediated by Toll‐like receptors and natural killer cell in the onset or progression of human candidiasis remain unclear. This study was designed to elucidate the roles using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors and patients with oral candidiasis.

Subjects and methods

Subjects tested were healthy volunteers and patients who visited Dental Clinical Division of Hokkaido University Hospital. The patients with oral candidiasis included 39 individuals (25–89 years of age) with major complaints on pain in oral mucosa and/or dysgeusia. Healthy volunteers include students (25–35 years of age) and teaching staffs (50–65 years of age) of Hokkaido University Graduate School of Dental Medicine.

Results

Functions of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 were downregulated significantly and the natural killer activity was slightly, but not significantly downregulated in aged healthy volunteers compared with healthy young volunteers. Functions of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 and the natural killer activity were significantly downregulated in patients with oral candidiasis compared with healthy volunteers.

Conclusion

Downregulation of functions of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 as well as natural killer activity is suggested to be associated with the onset or progression of oral candidiasis in human.
Assessing the corneal power change after refractive surgery using Scheimpflug imaging
Authors: Gyldenkerne Anders , Ivarsen Anders , Hjortdal Jesper Ø.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To investigate whether the Pentacam HR could accurately predict the surgically induced refractive change in patients operated with small‐incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for myopia or femto‐second laser in situ keratomileusis (FS‐LASIK) for myopia or hyperopic astigmatism.

Methods

Data from three groups consisting of (1) 410 myopic eyes of 410 patients operated with SMILE, (2) 111 myopic eyes of 111 patients operated with FS‐LASIK, and (3) 40 eyes of 40 patients with hyperopic astigmatism operated with FS‐LASIK were retrospectively analysed. The change in manifest refraction due to surgery was compared with the objectively measured change in corneal power by the Pentacam HR in three different ways: Sagittal Power (calculated as for placido topographers), True Net Power (calculated by a Gaussian optics formula), and Total Corneal Refractive Power (calculated by ray tracing). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate which parameters influenced the Pentacam HR's prediction of the change in subjective refraction due to surgery.

Results

The Total Corneal Refractive Power Apex, Zone calculation in a diameter of 4.0 mm effectively predicted the surgically induced refractive change for all three patient groups. The spherical equivalent was predicted with an error of 0.08 ± 0.41 D for the SMILE eyes, 0.05 ± 0.61 D for the myopic eyes operated with FS‐LASIK, and −0.15 ± 0.49 D for the hyperopic astigmatic eyes treated with FS‐LASIK. Regression showed that preoperative refractive error had a significant impact on the prediction error of the Pentacam HR.

Conclusions

Ray tracing calculations based on Scheimpflug imaging accurately assessed the change in manifest refraction due to corneal laser surgery.
A Note on “Sourcing Decisions with Stochastic Supplier Reliability and Stochastic Demand”
Authors: vanDelft Christian , Vial Jean‐Philippe
Published: February 2015

This note complements the study of Burke, Carillo, and Vakharia ( 2009 hereafter “BCV”) which analyzes a class of single‐product multisourcing problems under stochastic demand and random yields. The purpose is twofold. First, we prove that the objective function used by these authors is only a lower bound for the expected profit for which we provide the correct expression. Second, we show on some of the numerical instances provided in BCV's study that the structure and the performance of the BCV ordering policy may be substantially different from the optimal ordering policy. We conclude by giving general qualitative insights characterizing suboptimality of the BCV solution.
Mechanisms to Induce Buyer Forecasting: Do Suppliers Always Benefit from Better Forecasting?
Authors: Amornpetchkul Thunyarat (Bam) , Duenyas Izak , Şahin Özge
Published: February 2015

In this study, we consider a supplier's contract offerings to a buyer who may obtain improved forecasts for her demand over time. We investigate how the supplier can take advantage of the buyer's better forecasts and what kind of contracts he should offer to the buyer in order to maximize his profits. We model a natural forecast evolution where the buyer can obtain a more accurate forecast closer to the selling season. We assume there is information asymmetry between the buyer and the supplier at all times in that the buyer understands her demand better than the supplier. Three types of contracts that the supplier can offer are considered: (1) one where a contract is offered before the buyer has a chance to obtain improved forecasts, (2) one where a contract is offered after the buyer has obtained improved forecasts, and (3) a contingent (dynamic) contract which offers an initial contract to the buyer before she obtains improved forecasts, followed by a later contract (contingent on the initial contract) offered after improved forecasts have been obtained. We consider two scenarios: (1) where the supplier is certain that the buyer can obtain more accurate forecasts over time, and (2) where the supplier is uncertain about the buyer's forecasting capability (or forecasting cost). In the first scenario, we show that among the three types of contracts, the contingent contract is always the most profitable for the supplier. Furthermore, using the contingent contract, the supplier always benefits from higher accuracy of the buyer's demand forecasts. In the second scenario, we explicitly model the supplier's level of certainty about the buyer's capability of obtaining better forecasts, and explore how the supplier can design contracts to induce the buyer to obtain better forecasts when she is capable.
Scalable Dynamic Bid Prices for Network Revenue Management in Continuous Time
Authors: Kirshner Samuel Nathan , Nediak Mikhail
Published: February 2015

This study develops an approximate optimal control problem to produce time‐dependent bid prices for the airline network revenue management problem. The main contributions of our study are the analysis of time‐dependent bid prices in continuous time and the use of splines to modify the problem into an approximate second‐order cone program (ASOCP). The spline representation of bid prices permits the number of variables to depend solely on the number of resources and not on the size of the booking horizon. The advantage of this framework is the ASOCP's scalability, which we demonstrate by solving for bid prices on an industrial‐sized network. The numerical experiments highlight the ASOCP's ability to solve industrial sized problems in seconds.
Note on “The Backroom Effect in Retail Operations”
Authors: Atan Zümbül , Erkip Nesim
Published: February 2015

Eroglu et al. (2013) study a retailer with limited shelf capacity and a backroom. They study a continuous review ( r,  q) ordering policy with a known order quantity, q. Assuming that backorders can be satisfied from the backroom inventory (if available), they find the expression for the optimal reorder level, r. Our work builds on Eroglu et al. (2013). We correct an erroneous derivation of the expected overflow term, as well as derive an exact expression for the expected cost function, and hence optimal reorder level, instead of the approximate one used by Eroglu et al. (2013).
Impact of Customer Traffic and Service Process Outsourcing Levels on e‐Retailer Operational Performance
Authors: Perdikaki Olga , Peng David Xiaosong , Heim Gregory R.
Published: February 2015

Many service firms deliver services via a mix of internally developed and delivered (i.e., insourced) and externally developed and delivered (i.e., outsourced) service processes. Service process outsourcing is especially common in e‐retailing. Portions of e‐retail customer ordering processes and delivery processes can be digitized and contracted to third‐party vendors. Via outsourcing, service systems change from dyadic to triadic. Prior research examines consumer perceptions of dyadic (consumer to e‐retailer) outcomes, but little research considers service co‐delivery with outsourcing partners (i.e., triadic systems). Literature also does not focus on joint associations of service process outsourcing and customer traffic with e‐retailer operations. We analyze several years of data on North American e‐retailers. We first examine factors associated with e‐retailer outsourcing levels, for front‐end and back‐end service processes. We observe customer traffic is positively associated with future outsourcing. We then examine how outsourcing moderates associations between contemporaneous customer traffic and e‐retailer operational performance, as measured by numbers of processed orders, website response times, and customer satisfaction. Results suggest outsourcing levels are associated with operational outcomes, yet surprisingly, high outsourcing and high traffic jointly may not benefit e‐retailers.
How to Compete Against a Behavioral Newsvendor
Authors: Ovchinnikov Anton , Moritz Brent , Quiroga Bernardo F.
Published: February 2015

We investigate newsvendor ordering behavior under competition. We present a laboratory experiment that documents the behavioral ordering regularities in competitive newsvendor environments, and an analytical model extending the standard theory of newsvendor competition by including an optimal best‐response policy for competing with a behaviorally biased newsvendor. We test the effectiveness of this policy using an out‐of‐sample experiment and find that it results in improved market share, service level and profitability.
E‐Procurement Infusion and Operational Process Impacts in MRO Procurement: Complementary or Substitutive Effects?
Authors: Yu Seunghee , Mishra Abhay Nath , Gopal Anandasivam , Slaughter Sandra , Mukhopadhyay Tridas
Published: February 2015

The procurement of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) goods has remained a relatively understudied topic in the literature. Though vital cost efficiencies can be extracted from procurement processes through investments in e‐procurement systems, there is little empirical work that addresses how such systems should be deployed within organizations. In this study, we focus on the role of e‐procurement systems in MRO procurement and study two critical aspects of infusion. The first dimension captures the depth of e‐procurement use within the procurement function, while the second dimension depicts the breadth of use. We argue that these two dimensions of e‐procurement use, and their interaction, will be related to the performance of the MRO procurement process. Using survey data from 193 service organizations and structural equation modeling techniques, we show that the two infusion dimensions are significantly associated with improved process performance. Additionally, we show a substantial substitutive effect between the two use dimensions on performance. Our work has significant implications for managers who seek to gain efficiencies by the deployment of Internet‐based technologies within operational processes. Our conceptualization of e‐procurement infusion along two dimensions provides a more fine‐grained analysis of performance benefits accruing from the infusion of information technologies within organizations.
Online Manufacturer Referral to Heterogeneous Retailers
Authors: Wu Hao , Cai Gangshu (George) , Chen Jian , Sheu Chwen
Published: February 2015

Since the development of the Internet, thousands of manufacturers have been referring consumers visiting their websites to some or all of their retailers. Through a model with one manufacturer and two heterogeneous retailers, we investigate whether it is an equilibrium for the manufacturer to refer consumers exclusively to a retailer or nonexclusively to both retailers. Our analysis indicates that nonexclusive referral is the manufacturer's equilibrium choice if the referral segment market size is sufficiently large; otherwise, exclusive referral is the equilibrium choice. In exclusive referral, the manufacturer would refer consumers to the more cost‐efficient and smaller retailer. In the presence of infomediary referral, it is less likely for both exclusive and nonexclusive referrals to be an equilibrium, as the infomediary referral segment grows. We also show our qualitative results are robust even if there were price discrimination among consumers, referral position disparity, local consumers, and asymmetric referral market sizes.
Unsold Versus Unbought Commitment: Minimum Total Commitment Contracts with Nonzero Setup Costs
Authors: Yuan Quan , Chua Geoffrey A. , Liu Xing , Chen Youhua (Frank)
Published: February 2015

We study a minimum total commitment (MTC) contract embedded in a finite‐horizon periodic‐review inventory system. Under this contract, the buyer commits to purchase a minimum quantity of a single product from the supplier over the entire planning horizon. We consider nonstationary demand and per‐unit cost, discount factor, and nonzero setup cost. Because the formulations used in existing literature are unable to handle our setting, we develop a new formulation based on a state transformation technique using unsold commitment instead of unbought commitment as state variable. We first revisit the zero setup cost case and show that the optimal ordering policy is an unsold‐commitment‐dependent base‐stock policy. We also provide a simpler proof of the optimality of the dual base‐stock policy. We then study the nonzero setup cost case and prove a new result, that the optimal solution is an unsold‐commitment‐dependent ( s,  S) policy. We further propose two heuristic policies, which numerical tests show to perform very well. We also discuss two extensions to show the generality of our method's effectiveness. Finally, we use our results to examine the effect of different contract terms such as duration, lead time, and commitment on buyer's cost. We also compare total supply chain profits under periodic commitment, MTC, and no commitment.
Characterization of the watermelon seedling infection process by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum
Authors: Zhang M. , Xu J. H. , Liu G. , Yao X. F. , Li P. F. , Yang X. P.
Published: February 2015

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON) is the causal pathogen of fusarium wilt in watermelon. Understanding the interactions of watermelon seedlings and FON is of scientific and practical importance for disease control. The colonization dynamics of a susceptible watermelon cultivar, Sumi 1 (SM 1), were visualized using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing strain of FON race 1 (FON 1‐GFP). Within 2 days post‐inoculation (dpi), hyphae adhered to and grew on epidermal cells. At 3 dpi, hyphae crossed the epidermis, penetrated into the cortex and progressed through parenchymal cell borders reaching the xylem vessels at 7 dpi. Growth of hyphae was restricted to the xylem vessels even in the colonized lower hypocotyl. The responses of SM 1 seedlings to infection were analysed. In the roots of SM 1, infected xylem vessels were plugged with gums and tyloses and some occluded vessels were shed from the root vascular tissue. Parenchyma cells surrounding the vascular cylinder showed wall thickening and cell disintegration, which eventually formed cavities. Hypocotyls of most SM 1 plants were also infected. Vascular tissues were densely colonized by hyphae until the vascular bundle became hollow and plants withered. Moreover, the expression patterns of six defence‐related genes in roots of SM 1 were analysed using real‐time quantitative PCR. Transcript levels of plant defensin‐like genes ClPDF2.1 and ClPDF2.4, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chitinase (CHI) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were significantly induced in SM 1 roots during FON 1 infection, while polyphenoloxidase (PPO) did not show significant responses to FON 1 infection.
Comparative Expression Analysis of Gametogenesis‐Associated Genes in Foetal and Adult Bubaline (Bubalus bubalis) Ovaries and Testes
Authors: Shah SM , Saini N , Ashraf S , Zandi M , Singh MK , Manik RS , Singla SK , Palta P , Chauhan MS
Published: February 2015

Contents

This study was conducted to identify and analyse the expression of gametogenesis‐associated genes and proteins in foetal and adult buffalo gonads of both the sexes. Relative quantification of the genes was determined by qPCR and Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was also performed for various gametogenesis‐associated proteins in foetal and adult gonads of both the sexes. We observed significantly (p < 0.05) increased expression of primordial germ cell‐specific, meiotic as well as genes associated with oocyte maturation and development in foetal ovaries as compared to the adult ones. However, significantly (p < 0.05) increased expression of proteins associated with oocyte maturation like GDF9 and ZP4 was found in adult ovaries, indicating temporal regulation of mRNA translation during oogenesis. Meiotic genes showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased expression in adult testes as compared to foetal testes and ovaries, indicating onset of meiosis at a later stage in spermatogenesis. In general, the expression of primordial germ cell‐associated as well as meiotic genes was higher in adult testes, indicating the increased biological activity in the organ. Immunohistochemistry revealed localized expression of gametogenesis‐associated proteins in ovarian follicles and seminiferous tubules of testes, while the surrounding somatic tissues were devoid of these proteins. The study gives an understanding of the sequential and temporal events of gene expression as well as mRNA translation during male and female gametogenesis. It could also be concluded that follicles and seminiferous tubules are the functional units of the female and male gonads, respectively, and their function could be enhanced by appropriate chemical and genetic intervention of the somatic tissue immediately surrounding them. This assumes importance in the context that buffalo attains sexual maturity at an older age of 2–3 years and have smaller ovaries with lesser number of primordial follicles in comparison with cattle, which is suggested to be the main reason of their poor breeding performance.
Stem Cells from Foetal Adnexa and Fluid in Domestic Animals: An Update on Their Features and Clinical Application
Authors: Iacono E , Rossi B , Merlo B
Published: February 2015

Contents

Over the past decade, stem cell research has emerged as an area of major interest for its potential in regenerative medicine applications. This is in constant need of new cell sources to conceive regenerative medicine approaches for diseases that are still without therapy. Scientists drew the attention towards alternative sources such as foetal adnexa and fluid, as these sources possess many advantages: first of all, cells can be extracted from discarded foetal material and it is non‐invasive and inexpensive for the patient; secondly, abundant stem cells can be obtained; and finally, these stem cell sources are free from ethical considerations. Cells derived from foetal adnexa and fluid preserve some of the characteristics of the primitive embryonic layers from which they originate. Many studies have demonstrated the differentiation potentialin vitroandin vivotowards mesenchymal and non‐mesenchymal cell types; in addition, the immune‐modulatory properties make these cells a good candidate for allo‐ and xenotransplantation. Naturally occurring diseases in domestic animals can be more ideal as disease model of human genetic and acquired diseases and could help to define the potential therapeutic use efficiency and safety of stem cells therapies. This review offers an update on the state of the art of characterization of domestic animals'MSCs derived from foetal adnexa and fluid and on the latest findings in pre‐clinical or clinical setting of the stem cell populations isolated from these sources.
Effects of Ovariohysterectomy on Oxidative Stress Markers in Female Dogs
Authors: Szczubial M , Kankofer M , Bochniarz M , Dąbrowski R
Published: February 2015

Contents

Numerous studies reported an increase of oxidative stress increases in both women and female laboratory animals after ovariectomy. However, there is little information about the evaluation of antioxidative/oxidative status in ovariectomized dogs. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in oxidative stress markers after ovariohysterectomy (OHE) in female dogs. The study included eighteen healthy mongrel female dogs. Blood samples were collected immediately before surgery and 14 and 30 days after surgery. Following parameters of oxidative stress intensity were determined: the erythrocyte activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as the plasma concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), radical cations of N,N, diethylpara‐phenylene diamine (RC‐DEPPD), sulfhydryl groups (SHgroups), bityrosine and formylkynurenine. The activity ofGSH‐Px increased markedly, although not significantly, 14 days afterOHEand then significantly decreased at 30 days afterOHE. A significant increase in plasmaTBARS, bityrosine and formylkynurenine concentrations and a decrease inSHgroup content were concurrently noted at 30 days after surgery. Acquired results suggested that a loss of control overROSproduction occurred in female dogs afterOHE, which could lead to oxidative stress in the late post‐operative period. In conclusion, our findings indicated thatOHEis related with the risk of oxidative stress in the late period after operations. Given that oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases, this may suggest an increased risk of disorders in ovariectomized female dogs; however, further studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
Chlamydia abortus in Cows Oviducts, Occasional Event or Causal Connection?
Authors: Appino S , Vincenti L , Rota A , Pellegrini S , Chieppa MN , Cadoni V , Pregel P
Published: February 2015

Contents

Fifty‐seven genital tracts of regularly slaughtered culled Piedmontese cows, aged 7.4 ± 4.3 years (mean ± SD), range: 2.6–15.6 years, were grossly and microscopically examined. DNA extracted from oviducts was subjected to PCR to evaluate the presence of Chlamydia spp. The 15 PCR‐positive oviducts were subjected to Sanger sequencing and showed the presence of Chamydia abortus, with an identity range between 99 and 100%. Nine of the PCR‐positive samples belonged to the 24 animals with a normal macroscopic appearance of the whole genital tract (percentage of positive oviducts in normal genital tracts 9/24 = 37.5%), while six belonged to the 33 genital tracts with lesions in one or more organs (percentage of positive oviducts in pathological genital tracts 6/33 = 18.1%); of these, a single animal had salpingitis. The detection of C. abortus in bovine oviducts is of particular interest because it has never been previously investigated or reported.
The Concentrations of Inflammatory Cytokines and Acute‐Phase Proteins in the Peripheral Blood and Uterine Washings in Cows with Pyometra
Authors: Brodzki P , Kostro K , Brodzki A , Ziętek J
Published: February 2015

Contents

The development of pyometra in cows depends largely on the state of local immunity of the uterus. The objective of the study was to evaluate the concentration of the following proinflammatory cytokines: tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6); anti‐inflammatory cytokine: interleukin‐10 (IL‐10); and acute‐phase proteins (APPs): haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA), in serum and uterine washings in cows with pyometra and healthy animals. The study was performed on 20 cows divided into two groups based on the results of cytological and ultrasonographic tests: a pyometra and a healthy group (10 cows per group). Experimental material consisted of blood serum and uterine washings. The levels of the following cytokines, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10 and APPs – Hp and SAA, in the study material were determined by ELISA. The results showed that the values of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10 as well as SAA and Hp were significantly higher in serum of cows with pyometra compared to controls (p < 0.001). The uterine washings had significantly higher levels of IL‐6, IL‐10, and Hp in pyometra cows compared to the control (p < 0.001). Our results indicate that it is possible to monitor the course of pyometra in cows based on the evaluation of the concentration of cytokines and Hp in the serum and uterine washings. Simultaneous evaluation of selected indicators of antagonistic interaction can be helpful in determining the current status of local immunity of the uterus. On this basis, it could be possible to properly select an adjunctive therapy in the form of immunomodulating preparations.
Risk of infection and disease with Mycobacterium tuberculosis among children identified through prospective community‐based contact screening in Indonesia
Authors: Triasih Rina , Robertson Colin , Duke Trevor , Graham Stephen M.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To identify characteristics of the child contact, index case or environment that are associated with infection or tuberculosis in child contacts in an urban community in Indonesia.

Method

Children who were close contacts of an index case with pulmonary tuberculosis were screened for infection and disease in Yogyakarta, Indonesia from August 2010 to December 2012. Data of the index case and child were collected prospectively, and all child contacts had clinical assessment, tuberculin skin test (TST) and chest X‐ray performed. Those with clinically suspected tuberculosis also had sputum examined by Xpert MTB/RIF and culture. Child contacts were managed according to national guidelines, followed for 12 months and had a final classification of either tuberculosis ‘disease’, latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) or ‘exposed only’.

Results

About 269 children of 141 index cases were investigated. Final classification was tuberculosis in 25 (9%) and LTBI in 121 (45%). The risk of infection was significantly greater if the source case was female (AOR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0–2.8), had sputum smear‐positive tuberculosis (AOR 3.0; 95% CI 1.5–6.0) or slept in the same room (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.9). A positive TST was independently associated with a diagnosis of tuberculosis (AOR 7.3; 95% CI 2.4–22).

Conclusion

This study highlights the high risk and the risk factors associated with tuberculosis and LTBI among child contacts in Indonesia.
Polymethylmethacrylate orbital implants with interconnecting channels. A retrospective study following enucleation in dogs and cats
Authors: Oriá Arianne P. , de Souza Mary'Anne Rodrigues , Dórea Neto Francisco de Assis , Gomes Junior Deusdete C. , Estrela‐Lima Alessandra , Muramoto Caterina , Costa Neto João Moreira , Ofri Ron
Published: February 2015

Purpose

This study describes the use of polymethylmethacrylate implants with interconnecting channels (PIIC) to fill the orbit following enucleation in 31 dogs and 11 cats.

Method

Seven channels were drilled into the implant. A central channel, running from thePIICpole to its flat surface, was used to pass sutures anchoring thePIICto the orbital fascia, minimizing the likelihood of extrusion. Six more channels allowed ingrowth of fibrovascular tissue into thePIIC, which reduces the risk of extrusion. Patients were evaluated 3, 10, and 30 days postoperatively, with 15 of 42 patients followed for 6–20 months. Ultrasound examination was performed in seven patients 15–510 days postoperatively, and two implants were studied histopathologically.

Results

Implants were well tolerated and prevented skin concavity, leading to good cosmetic results. Blood flow was imaged in vessels growing into the channels, and histopathologically a collagenous, fibrovascular capsule was seen surrounding thePIICand invading its channels.

Conclusions

PIICs are a safe and cosmetic solution to anophthalmic orbits, allowing ingrowth of blood vessels and fibrovascular tissue.
Multiwavelength achromatic metasurfaces by dispersive phase compensation
Authors: Aieta Francesco , Kats Mikhail A. , Genevet Patrice , Capasso Federico
Published: February 2015

Color correcting planar optics

The functionality of many bulk optical elements can now be replaced by specially designed structures fabricated in thin films. This planar optics approach, however, has generally been applicable to only a narrow band of wavelengths. Aieta
et al.
show that chromatic dispersion, or color dependence, can be compensated for by the judicious design of the surface. The results demonstrate a general approach for the fabrication of broadband and lightweight optical elements that can be engineered into planar thin films.

Science
, this issue p.
1342
Exome sequencing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis identifies risk genes and pathways
Authors: Cirulli Elizabeth T. , Lasseigne Brittany N. , Petrovski Slavé , Sapp Peter C. , Dion Patrick A. , Leblond Claire S. , Couthouis Julien , Lu Yi-Fan , Wang Quanli , Krueger Brian J. , Ren Zhong , Keebler Jonathan , Han Yujun , Levy Shawn E. , Boone Braden E. , Wimbish Jack R. , Waite Lindsay L. , Jones Angela L. , Carulli John P. , Day-Williams Aaron G. , Staropoli John F. , Xin Winnie W. , Chesi Alessandra , Raphael Alya R. , McKenna-Yasek Diane , Cady Janet , Vianney de Jong J. M. B. , Kenna Kevin P. , Smith Bradley N. , Topp Simon , Miller Jack , Gkazi Athina ,   FALS Sequencing Consortium, Al-Chalabi Ammar , van den Berg Leonard H. , Veldink Jan , Silani Vincenzo , Ticozzi Nicola , Shaw Christopher E. , Baloh Robert H. , Appel Stanley , Simpson Ericka , Lagier-Tourenne Clotilde , Pulst Stefan M. , Gibson Summer , Trojanowski John Q. , Elman Lauren , McCluskey Leo , Grossman Murray , Shneider Neil A. , Chung Wendy K. , Ravits John M. , Glass Jonathan D. , Sims Katherine B. , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Maniatis Tom , Hayes Sebastian D. , Ordureau Alban , Swarup Sharan , Landers John , Baas Frank , Allen Andrew S. , Bedlack Richard S. , Harper J. Wade , Gitler Aaron D. , Rouleau Guy A. , Brown Robert , Harms Matthew B. , Cooper Gregory M. , Harris Tim , Myers Richard M. , Goldstein David B.
Published: February 2015

New players in Lou Gehrig's disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig's disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Cirulli
et al.
sequenced the expressed genes of nearly 3000 ALS patients and compared them with those of more than 6000 controls (see the Perspective by Singleton and Traynor). They identified several proteins that were linked to disease in patients. One such protein, TBK1, is implicated in innate immunity and autophagy and may represent a therapeutic target.

Science
, this issue p.
1436
; see also p.
1422
NPC1L1 is a key regulator of intestinal vitamin K absorption and a modulator of warfarin therapy
Authors: Takada Tappei , Yamanashi Yoshihide , Konishi Kentaro , Yamamoto Takehito , Toyoda Yu , Masuo Yusuke , Yamamoto Hideaki , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: February 2015

NPC1L1, a cholesterol importer and a molecular target of ezetimibe, mediates the physiological absorption of vitamin K and therefore modulates the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Regulation of immune responses to protein therapeutics by transplacental induction of T cell tolerance
Authors: Gupta Nimesh , Culina Slobodan , Meslier Yann , Dimitrov Jordan , Arnoult Christophe , Delignat Sandrine , Gangadharan Bagirath , Lecerf Maxime , Justesen Sune , Gouilleux-Gruart Valérie , Salomon Benoit L. , Scott David W. , Kaveri Srinivas V. , Mallone Roberto , Lacroix-Desmazes Sébastien
Published: February 2015

Transplacental modulation of T cell repertoire during immune ontogeny leads to antigen-specific immune tolerance to an immunogenic protein therapeutic.
Joining forces to drive biomedical translation
Authors: Shi Tim Z. , Liang Hong , Liang Xiaokun , Zhan Qimin , Dai Kerong , Alving Barbara M. , Liu Depei , Dai Jianping , Shekhar Anantha , Fu Xiaobing
Published: February 2015

The Sino-American collaboration in the clinical and translational sciences drives cross-discipline collaborations.
Pain, pain, go away
Authors: Kolandaivelu Kumaran
Published: February 2015

An implantable device that restricts the heart’s venous return helps treat refractory chest pain.
Oligodendrocyte precursors to the rescue
Authors: Lathia Justin
Published: February 2015

Transplantation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells ameliorates detrimental cognitive effects of brain radiation.
Viruses storm the castle of IBD
Authors: Round June L.
Published: February 2015

Virome variations in intestinal bowel disease patients are not dependent on the changes in bacterial diversity.
Draft Genome Sequence of Tolypothrix boutellei Strain VB521301
Authors: Chandrababunaidu Mathu Malar , Singh Deeksha , Sen Diya , Bhan Sushma , Das Subhadeep , Gupta Akash , Adhikary Siba Prasad , Tripathy Sucheta
Published: February 2015

We report here the draft genome sequence of the filamentous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Tolypothrix boutellei strain VB521301. The organism is lipid rich and hydrophobic and produces polyunsaturated fatty acids which can be harnessed for industrial purpose. The draft genome sequence assembled into 11,572,263 bp with 70 scaffolds and 7,777 protein coding genes.
Identification and Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of Tembusu Virus GX2013G, Isolated from a Cherry Valley Duckling in Southern China
Authors: Zeng Tingting , Xie Zhixun , Xie Liji , Deng Xianwen , Xie Zhiqin , Huang Li , Luo Sisi , Huang Jiaoling
Published: February 2015

A duck tembusu virus (DTMUV) was isolated from the brain of a Cherry Valley duckling that showed neurological signs by using a specific-pathogen-free chicken embryo. The isolate was named GX2013G (GenBank accession no. KM275941). The strain GX2013G was identified with reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and the amplicon was sequenced. The genome that was obtained is 10,990 nucleotides in length and contains a single open reading frame encoding a putative polyprotein of 3,425 amino acids. This study will advance the understanding of the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of tembusu virus (TMUV) in Guangxi and further studies of the mechanisms of virus replication and pathogenesis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Strain B418, a Promising Agent for Biocontrol of Plant Pathogens and Root-Knot Nematode
Authors: Wu Yuanzheng , Wang Yilian , Li Jishun , Hu Jindong , Chen Kai , Wei Yanli , Bazhanov Dmitry P. , Bazhanova Alesia A. , Yang Hetong
Published: February 2015

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
strain B418 was isolated from a barley rhizosphere in China. This bacterium exhibits broad-spectrum inhibitory activities against plant pathogens and root-knot nematode along with growth-promoting effects. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
S. maltophilia
B418.
Draft Genome Sequence of Strain R13-38 from a Francisella tularensis Outbreak in Sweden
Authors: Alm Erik , Advani Abdolreza , Bråve Andreas , Wahab Tara
Published: February 2015

We have whole-genome sequenced a
Francisella tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
(also known as type B) strain from an outbreak in Sweden in 2013, derived from a privately owned well for drinking water.
Metagenomic Evaluation of Bacterial and Archaeal Diversity in the Geothermal Hot Springs of Manikaran, India
Authors: Bhatia Sonu , Batra Navneet , Pathak Ashish , Green Stefan J. , Joshi Amit , Chauhan Ashvini
Published: February 2015

Bacterial and archaeal diversity in geothermal spring water were investigated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon metagenomic sequencing. This revealed the dominance of
Firmicutes
,
Aquificae
, and the Deinococcus-Thermus group in this thermophilic environment. A number of sequences remained taxonomically unresolved, indicating the presence of potentially novel microbes in this unique habitat.
Genome Sequence of Bradyrhizobium japonicum E109, One of the Most Agronomically Used Nitrogen-Fixing Rhizobacteria in Argentina
Authors: Torres Daniela , Revale Santiago , Obando Melissa , Maroniche Guillermo , Paris Gastón , Perticari Alejandro , Vazquez Martín , Wisniewski-Dyé Florence , Martínez-Abarca Francisco , Cassán Fabricio
Published: February 2015

We present here the complete genome sequence of
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
strain E109, one of the most used rhizobacteria for soybean inoculation in Argentina since the 1970s. The genome consists of a 9.22-Mbp single chromosome and contains several genes related to nitrogen fixation, phytohormone biosynthesis, and a rhizospheric lifestyle.
Genome Sequence and Annotation of a Human Infection Isolate of Escherichia coli O26:H11 Involved in a Raw Milk Cheese Outbreak
Authors: Galia Wessam , Mariani-Kurkdjian Patricia , Loukiadis Estelle , Blanquet-Diot Stéphanie , Leriche Françoise , Brugère Hubert , Shima Ayaka , Oswald Eric , Cournoyer Benoit , Thevenot-Sergentet Delphine
Published: February 2015

The consumption of raw milk cheese can expose populations to Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC). We report here the genome sequence of an
E. coli
O26:H11 strain isolated from humans during the first raw milk cheese outbreak described in France (2005).
Draft Genome Sequence of Xanthomonas arboricola Strain 3004, a Causal Agent of Bacterial Disease on Barley
Authors: Ignatov Alexander N. , Kyrova Elena I. , Vinogradova Svetlana V. , Kamionskaya Anastasia M. , Schaad Norman W. , Luster Douglas G.
Published: February 2015

We report here the annotated genome sequence of
Xanthomonas arboricola
strain 3004, isolated from barley leaves with symptoms of streak and capable of infecting other plant species. We sequenced the genome of
X. arboricola
strain 3004 to improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis and evolution of the genus
Xanthomonas
.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Cellulase-Producing Psychrotrophic Paenibacillus Strain, IHB B 3415, Isolated from the Cold Environment of the Western Himalayas, India
Authors: Dhar Hena , Swarnkar Mohit Kumar , Gulati Arvind , Singh Anil Kumar , Kasana Ramesh Chand
Published: February 2015

Paenibacillus sp. strain IHB B 3415 is a cellulase-producing psychrotrophic bacterium isolated from a soil sample from the cold deserts of Himachal Pradesh, India. Here, we report an 8.44-Mb assembly of its genome sequence with a G+C content of 50.77%. The data presented here will provide insights into the mechanisms of cellulose degradation at low temperature.
Draft Genome of Pseudomonas sp. Strain 11/12A, Isolated from Lake Washington Sediment
Authors: McTaggart Tami L. , Shapiro Nicole , Woyke Tanja , Chistoserdova Ludmila
Published: February 2015

We announce here the genome sequencing of Pseudomonas sp. strain 11/12A from Lake Washington sediment. From the genome content, a versatile lifestyle is predicted but not one of bona fide methylotrophy. With the availability of its genomic sequence, Pseudomonas sp. 11/12A presents a prospective model for studying microbial communities in lake sediments.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Manu-Ancestor Spoligo-International Type 523 Isolate from Thailand
Authors: Regmi Sanjib M. , Chaiprasert Angkana , Coker Olabisi O. , Disratthakit Areeya , Prammananan Therdsak , Suriyaphol Prapat , Yik-Ying Teo , Twee Hee Ong
Published: February 2015

We present the draft genome sequence of DS-16780, with a rare spoligo-international type (SIT) 523 (777777777777771) genotype, which reveals an extensively drug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(XDR-TB) phenotype. The isolate is a representative of clonal XDR-TB from the western part of Thailand.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea HI1, Determined Using Roche 454 and PacBio Single-Molecule Real-Time Hybrid Sequencing
Authors: Asahina Audrey Y. , Hadfield Michael G.
Published: February 2015

We report here the 6.0-Mb draft genome assembly of
Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea
strain HI1 using Roche 454 and PacBio single-molecule real-time hybrid-sequencing analysis. This strain is of biological importance since it has the capacity to induce the settlement and metamorphosis of the serpulid polychaete Hydroides elegans and the coral
Pocillopora damicornis
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Hafnia paralvei Strain GTA-HAF03
Authors: Kohlman Melissa E. , Carrillo Catherine D. , Wong Alex
Published: February 2015

Hafnia paralvei
is a Gram-negative member of the
Enterobacteriaceae
family, closely related to the opportunistic pathogen
Hafnia alvei
. We report here the first draft genome sequence of H. paralvei, from the beef trim isolate GTA-HAF03, consisting of a 5.0-Mbp assembly encoding 4,382 proteins and 90 predicted RNAs.