bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The silicatein propeptide acts as inhibitor/modulator of self‐organization during spicule axial filament formation
Authors: Müller Werner E. G. , Schröder Heinz C. , Muth Sandra , Gietzen Sabine , Korzhev Michael , Grebenjuk Vlad A. , Wiens Matthias , Schloßmacher Ute , Wang Xiaohong
Published: February 2013

Silicateins are crucial enzymes that are involved in formation of the inorganic biosilica scaffold of the spicular skeleton of siliceous sponges. We show that silicatein acquires its structure‐guiding and enzymatically active state by processing of silicatein from pro‐silicatein to the mature enzyme. A recombinant propeptide (PROP) of silicatein from the siliceous demosponge Suberites domuncula was prepared, and antibodies were raised against the peptide. In sponge tissue, these antibodies reacted with both surface structures and the central region of the spicules. Using phage display expression, spicule‐binding 12–mer peptides were identified that are rich in histidine residues. In the predicted tertiary structure of PROP, these histidine residues are only present in the α–helical region. The recombinant PROP was found to inhibit self‐assembly of silicatein molecules. By light scattering, it was shown that, in the presence of 4 m urea, the recombinant silicatein is obtained in the mono/oligomeric form with a hydrodynamic radius of 4 nm, while lower urea concentrations promote self‐aggregation and assembly of the protein. Finally, it is shown that the enzymatic activity of silicatein is abolished by PROP in silicatein samples that predominantly contain mono‐ or oligomeric silicatein particles, but the enzyme is not affected if present in the filamentous aggregated form. It is concluded that the functions of silicatein, acting as a structural template for its biosilica product and as an enzyme, are modulated and controlled by its propeptide.

Structured digital abstract

alpha‐silicatein and alpha‐silicatein bind by transmission electron microscopy (View interaction)

[Structured digital abstract was added on 27 March 2013 after original online publication]
Heparanase in inflammation and inflammation‐associated cancer
Authors: Meirovitz Amichay , Goldberg Rachel , Binder Adi , Rubinstein Ariel M. , Hermano Esther , Elkin Michael
Published: February 2013

Recent years have seen a growing body of evidence that enzymatic remodeling of heparan sulfate proteoglycans profoundly affects a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, neovascularization, and tumor development. Heparanase is the sole mammalian endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate. Extensively studied in cancer progression and aggressiveness, heparanase was recently implicated in several inflammatory disorders as well. Although the precise mode of heparanase action in inflammatory reactions is still not completely understood, the fact that heparanase activity is mechanistically important both in malignancy and in inflammation argues that this enzyme is a candidate molecule linking inflammation and tumorigenesis in inflammation‐associated cancers. Elucidation of the specific effects of heparanase in cancer development, particularly when inflammation is a causal factor, will accelerate the development of novel therapeutic/chemopreventive interventions and help to better define target patient populations in which heparanase‐targeting therapies could be particularly beneficial.
Upregulated H19 contributes to bladder cancer cell proliferation by regulating ID2 expression
Authors: Luo Ming , Li Zuowei , Wang Wei , Zeng Yigang , Liu Zhihong , Qiu Jianxin
Published: February 2013

Long noncoding RNAs have been shown to have important regulatory roles in cancer biology, and long noncoding RNA 19 (H19) is essential for human tumor growth. However, little is known about how abnormal expression of H19 contributes to bladder cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we first evaluated the expression of H19 in bladder cancer tissues by real‐time PCR, and defined the biological functions. We found that H19 expression levels were remarkably increased in bladder cancer tissues as compared with adjacent normal control tissue, and forced expression of H19 promoted bladder cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 2 (ID2) expression levels were upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and in bladder cancer cells. A significant positive correlation was observed between H19 levels and ID2 levels in vivo. We further demonstrated that overexpression of H19 resulted in a significant increase in the expression of ID2, whereas H19 knockdown decreased ID2 expression in vitro. Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function studies demonstrated that upregulated H19 increased bladder cancer cell proliferation by increasing ID2 expression. In conclusion, upregulated H19 increases bladder cancer growth by regulating ID2 expression, and thus may be helpful in the development of effective treatment strategies for bladder cancer.

Structured digital abstract

TfR1-Cp and TfR1-Cp bind by comigration in gel electrophoresis (View interaction)

HSA and TfR1-Cp bind by comigration in gel electrophoresis (View interaction)

SPPL2B and TfR1-NTF colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

SPPL2A and TfR1-NTF colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

HSA binds to TfR1-Cp by pull down (View interaction)

TfR1-Cp and TfR1-Cp bind by comigration in gel electrophoresis (View interaction)
Future carbon dioxide concentration decreases canopy evapotranspiration and soil water depletion by field‐grown maize
Authors: Hussain Mir Zaman , VanLoocke Andy , Siebers Matthew H. , Ruiz‐Vera Ursula M. , Cody Markelz R. J. , Leakey Andrew D. B. , Ort Donald R. , Bernacchi Carl J.
Published: February 2013

Maize, in rotation with soybean, forms the largest continuous ecosystem in temperateNorthAmerica, therefore changes to the biosphere‐atmosphere exchange of water vapor and energy of these crops are likely to have an impact on theMidwesternUSclimate and hydrological cycle. As a C4crop, maize photosynthesis is alreadyCO2‐saturated at currentCO2concentrations ([CO2]) and the primary response of maize to elevated [CO2] is decreased stomatal conductance (gs). If maize photosynthesis is not stimulated in elevated [CO2], then reducedgsis not offset by greater canopy leaf area, which could potentially result in a greaterETreduction relative to that previously reported in soybean, a C3species. The objective of this study is to quantify the impact of elevated [CO2] on canopy energy and water fluxes of maize (Zea mays). Maize was grown under ambient and elevated [CO2] (550 μmol mol−1during 2004 and 2006 and 585 μmol mol−1during 2010) using Free Air Concentration Enrichment (FACE) technology at the SoyFACEfacility inUrbana,Illinois. MaizeETwas determined using a residual energy balance approach based on measurements of sensible (H) and soil heat fluxes, and net radiation. Relative to control, elevated [CO2] decreased maizeET(7–11%;P < 0.01) along with lesser soil moisture depletion, whileHincreased (25–30 W m−2;P < 0.01) along with higher canopy temperature (0.5–0.6 °C). This reduction in maizeETin elevated [CO2] is approximately half that previously reported for soybean. A partitioning analysis showed that transpiration contributed less to totalETfor maize compared to soybean, indicating a smaller role of stomata in dictating theETresponse to elevated [CO2]. Nonetheless, both maize and soybean had significantly decreasedETand increasedH, highlighting the critical role of elevated [CO2] in altering future hydrology and climate of the region that is extensively cropped with these species.
Climate warming alters effects of management on population viability of threatened species: results from a 30‐year experimental study on a rare orchid
Authors: Sletvold Nina , Dahlgren Johan P. , Øien Dag‐Inge , Moen Asbjørn , Ehrlén Johan
Published: February 2013

Climate change is expected to influence the viability of populations both directly and indirectly, via species interactions. The effects of large‐scale climate change are also likely to interact with local habitat conditions. Management actions designed to preserve threatened species therefore need to adapt both to the prevailing climate and local conditions. Yet, few studies have separated the direct and indirect effects of climatic variables on the viability of local populations and discussed the implications for optimal management. We used 30 years of demographic data to estimate the simultaneous effects of management practice and among‐year variation in four climatic variables on individual survival, growth and fecundity in one coastal and one inland population of the perennial orchid Dactylorhiza lapponica in Norway. Current management, mowing, is expected to reduce competitive interactions. Statistical models of how climate and management practice influenced vital rates were incorporated into matrix population models to quantify effects on population growth rate. Effects of climate differed between mown and control plots in both populations. In particular, population growth rate increased more strongly with summer temperature in mown plots than in control plots. Population growth rate declined with spring temperature in the inland population, and with precipitation in the coastal population, and the decline was stronger in control plots in both populations. These results illustrate that both direct and indirect effects of climate change are important for population viability and that net effects depend both on local abiotic conditions and on biotic conditions in terms of management practice and intensity of competition. The results also show that effects of management practices influencing competitive interactions can strongly depend on climatic factors. We conclude that interactions between climate and management should be considered to reliably predict future population viability and optimize conservation actions.
Growth decline and divergent tree ring isotopic composition (δ13C and δ18O) contradict predictions of CO2 stimulation in high altitudinal forests
Authors: Gómez‐Guerrero Armando , Silva Lucas C. R. , Barrera‐Reyes Miguel , Kishchuk Barbara , Velázquez‐Martínez Alejandro , Martínez‐Trinidad Tomás , Plascencia‐Escalante Francisca Ofelia , Horwath William R.
Published: February 2013

Human‐induced changes in atmospheric composition are expected to affect primary productivity across terrestrial biomes. Recent changes in productivity have been observed in many forest ecosystems, but low‐latitude upper tree line forests remain to be investigated. Here, we use dendrochronological methods and isotopic analysis to examine changes in productivity, and their physiological basis, in Abies religiosa (Ar) and Pinus hartwegii (Ph) trees growing in high‐elevation forests of central Mexico. Six sites were selected across a longitudinal transect (Transverse Volcanic Axis), from the Pacific Ocean toward the Gulf of Mexico, where mature dominant trees were sampled at altitudes ranging from 3200 to 4000 m asl. A total of 60 Ar and 84 Ph trees were analyzed to describe changes in growth (annual‐resolution) and isotopic composition (decadal‐resolution) since the early 1900s. Our results show an initial widespread increase in basal area increment (BAI) during the first half of the past century. However, BAI has decreased significantly since the 1950s with accentuated decline after the 1980s in both species and across sites. We found a consistent reduction in atmosphere to wood 13C discrimination, resulting from increasing water use efficiency (20–60%), coinciding with rising atmospheric CO2. Changes in 13C discrimination were not followed, however, by shifts in tree ring δ18O, indicating site‐ and species‐specific differences in water source or uptake strategy. Our results indicate that CO2 stimulation has not been enough to counteract warming‐induced drought stress, but other stressors, such as progressive nutrient limitation, could also have contributed to growth decline. Future studies should explore the distinct role of resource limitation (water vs. nutrients) in modulating the response of high‐elevation ecosystems to atmospheric change.
Comparison of spike and aerosol challenge tests for the recovery of viable influenza virus from non‐woven fabrics
Authors: Zuo Zhili , de Abin Martha , Chander Yogesh , Kuehn Thomas H. , Goyal Sagar M. , Pui David Y. H.
Published: February 2013

Background

To experimentally determine the survival kinetics of influenza virus on personal protective equipment (PPE) and to evaluate the risk of virus transfer from PPE, it is important to compare the effects on virus recovery of the method used to contaminate the PPE with virus and the type of eluent used to recover it.

Methods

Avian influenza virus (AIV) was applied as a liquid suspension (spike test) and as an aerosol to three types of non‐woven fabrics [polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and polyamide (Nylon)] that are commonly used in the manufacture of PPE. This was followed by virus recovery using eight different eluents (phosphate‐buffered saline, minimum essential medium, and 1·5% or 3·0% beef extract at pH 7, 8, or 9).

Results

For spike tests, no statistically significant difference was found in virus recovery using any of the eluents tested. Hydrophobic surfaces (PP and PET) yielded higher spiked virus recovery than hydrophilic Nylon. From all materials, the virus recovery was much lower in aerosol challenge tests than in spike tests.

Conclusions

Significant differences were found in the recovery of viable AIV from non‐woven fabrics between spike and aerosol challenge tests. The findings of this study demonstrate the need for realistic aerosol challenge tests rather than liquid spike tests in studies of virus survival on surfaces where airborne transmission of influenza virus may get involved.
Conversation therapy for agrammatism: exploring the therapeutic process of engagement and learning by a person with aphasia
Authors: Beckley Firle , Best Wendy , Johnson Fiona , Edwards Susan , Maxim Jane , Beeke Suzanne
Published: February 2013

Background & Aims

A recent systematic review of conversation training for communication partners of people with aphasia has shown that it is effective, and improves participation in conversation for people with chronic aphasia. Other research suggests that people with aphasia are better able to learn communication strategies in an environment which closely mirrors that of expected use, and that cognitive flexibility may be a better predictor of response to therapy than severity of language impairment. This study reports results for a single case, one of a case series evaluation of a programme of conversation training for agrammatism that directly involves a person with aphasia (PWA) as well as their communication partner. It explores how a PWA is able to engage with and learn from the therapy, and whether this leads to qualitative change in post‐therapy conversation behaviours.

Methods & Procedures

A 55‐year‐old man with chronic agrammatism and his wife took part in eight weekly sessions of conversation therapy, adapted from Supporting Partners of People With Aphasia in Relationships and Conversation (SPPARC). Language and conversation were assessed before and after therapy, and the couple's views on conversation and disability were elicited. Conversation analysis was used to analyse: (1) pre‐therapy conversation patterns, (2) how the PWA engaged and learned during therapy and the forms of facilitation that aided this process, and (3) qualitative change in post‐therapy conversation behaviour.

Outcomes & Results

After therapy, the PWA showed increased insight and acceptance of the use of strategies such as writing and drawing in the face of conversational difficulty. However, use was prompted by his wife and was rarely spontaneous.

Conclusions & Implications

This single case study suggests that conversation training based around an experiential learning process is able to engage a PWA directly in learning about the effects of aphasia on conversation. Key facilitators were self‐study via video and experience of practising conversation whilst receiving online feedback from a speech and language therapist. However, increased insight did not automatically change conversation behaviour. Although he better understood the effects of his aphasia on conversations with his wife, learning stopped short of the ultimate goal of the conversation training programme; the spontaneous use of strategies worked on in therapy when faced with conversation breakdown. One explanation may be that limited cognitive flexibility lead to problems with switching from one strategy to another.
Olfactomedin‐like 3 (OLFML3) gene expression in baboon and human ocular tissues: cornea, lens, uvea, and retina
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sánchez I.P. , Garza‐Rodríguez M.L. , Mohamed‐Noriega K. , Voruganti V.S. , Tejero M.E. , Delgado‐Enciso I. , Pérez‐Ibave D.C. , Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch N.E. , Mohamed‐Noriega J. , Martinez‐Fierro M.L. , Reséndez‐Pérez D. , Cole S.A. , Cavazos‐Adame H. , Comuzzie A.G. , Mohamed‐Hamsho J. , Barrera‐Saldaña H.A.
Published: February 2013

Background

Olfactomedin‐like is a family of polyfunctional polymeric glycoproteins. This family has at least four members. One member of this family is OLFML3, which is preferentially expressed in placenta but is also detected in other adult tissues including the liver and heart. However, its orthologous rat gene is expressed in the iris, sclera, trabecular meshwork, retina, and optic nerve.

Methods

OLFML3 messenger amplification was performed by RT‐PCR from human and baboon ocular tissues. The products were cloned and sequenced.

Results

We report OLFML3 expression in human and baboon eye. The full coding DNA sequence has 1221 bp, from which an open reading frame of 406 amino acid was obtained. The baboon OLFML3 gene nucleotidic sequence has 98% and amino acidic 99% similarity with humans.

Conclusions

OLFML3 gene expression in human and baboon ocular tissues and its high similarity make the baboon a powerful model to deduce the physiological and/or metabolic function of this protein in the eye.
Effect of physical restraint on glucose tolerance in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Shirasaki Yasufumi , Yoshioka Naoya , Kanazawa Kanpei , Maekawa Tsuyoshi , Horikawa Tadahiro , Hayashi Toshiaki
Published: February 2013

Background

Physiologic stress has been demonstrated to impair glucose tolerance.

Methods

Glucose tolerance tests were performed using six cynomolgus monkeys.

Results

Chair‐restrained subjects elicited higher elevations of plasma glucose and cortisol compared with squeezing device‐restrained subjects.

Conclusions

The responses to a glucose challenge are altered by different restraint procedures.
Community‐based postpartum exercise program
Authors: Ko Yi‐Li , Yang Chi‐Li , Fang Chin‐Lung , Lee Mei‐Ying , Lin Pi‐Chu
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise programme for postpartum women to lose weight and relieve fatigue and depression.

Background

The optimal period for weight loss is six months postpartum. However, most women cannot return to their pre‐pregnancy fitness level within that period of time.

Design

A quasi‐experimental one‐group pretest–post‐test design was carried out.

Methods

A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 28 women at 2–6 months postpartum. The ‘Yoga and Pilates Exercise Programme for Postpartum Woman’ was designed for this study and was delivered in group sessions once a week for three months (12 times total) for 60 minutes each time by a professional coach. Of the participants, 23 completed the entire program. The participants' body composition and levels of depression and fatigue were measured before and after the programme to identify differences.

Results

Women in the high‐score group showed a significant decrease of 6·71 ± 5·71 points (t = 3·113, p = 0·021) in the depression score after participating in the exercise programme. No significant difference was found for the level of fatigue before and after the exercise programme (p > 0·05). Significant reductions in the participants' body weight, body fat percentage, fat mass and basic metabolic rate were observed after the exercise programme (p < 0·001).

Conclusions

These physical activities benefited the physical and mental health of postpartum women and enhanced their quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is worthwhile promoting a yoga and Pilates exercise programme for postpartum women in communities.
Positive Attentional Bias, Attachment Style, and Susceptibility to Peer Influence
Authors: Buck Katharine A. , Kretsch Natalie , Harden K. Paige
Published: February 2013

Susceptibility to peer influence may be related to activation in reward‐related brain regions. The current study extends research on the role of reward sensitivity in peer influence by examining whether preferential attention to positive emotional stimuli predicts behavior in peer interactions, and whether this association is moderated by attachment style in a sample of 36 same‐sex peer dyads. Positive attentional bias was associated with lower autonomy and greater avoidance with peers. This association was attenuated among individuals with secure attachment style. Attention to negative stimuli was associated with less avoidant and more hostile behavior during peer interactions. Results suggest that preferential attention to positive emotional stimuli is associated with greater susceptibility to peer influence, particularly in individuals low in secure attachment.
Enhanced Defence Responses of Chickpea Plants Against Rhizoctonia solani by Pre‐Inoculation with Rhizobia
Authors: Hemissi Imen , Mabrouk Yassine , Mejri Sonia , Saidi Mouldi , Sifi Bouaziz
Published: February 2013

The aim of this work was to study the antagonist effect of two Rhizobium strains Pch Azm and Pch S.Nsir2 to Rhizoctonia solani and for an evaluation of the relative impact of rhizobia on the expression of the plant's defence response against Rhizoctonia. First, these strains reduced fungal growth observed in vitro using the same or separately Petri dishes. Moreover, these isolates led to reduced chickpea infection by R. solani, resulting from the direct effect of rhizobia on pathogens and possible induced resistance in chickpea. Concomitantly, reduction in infection was accompanied by enhanced level of defence‐related enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POX). An increased level of phenol content was recorded in the roots of bacterized plants grown in the presence of pathogen. The results promise the use of rhizobia for protection of chickpea against R. solani.
Multiple inflammatory gastric polyps treated by endoscopic polypectomy with argon plasma coagulation in a dog
Authors: Teshima T. , Matsumoto H. , Michishita M. , Takahashi K. , Koyama H.
Published: February 2013

An 11‐year‐old spayed female miniature dachshund was evaluated for a 2‐month history of chronic vomiting. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous mass in the pyloric region. Contrast upper gastrointestinal radiography demonstrated impairment of gastric outflow. Endoscopic examination revealed multiple polyps at the gastric pylorus. The pyloric polyps were variable in size, sessile‐shaped and pedunculated. Initially, endoscopic polypectomy was attempted, but all the polyps could not be completely resected. Thus, endoscopic polypectomy with argon plasma coagulation was performed to cauterise the lesions. The histopathological diagnosis of the lesions was inflammatory polyps, and a moderate number ofHelicobacterspp. was revealed. After the argon plasma coagulation treatment, the dog did not vomit, and improvement of clinical signs was maintained for 13 months. Endoscopic polypectomy with argon plasma coagulation may be useful for mixtures of sessile and pedunculated polyps. The present report may provide a basis for further studies of argon plasma coagulation treatment for canine gastrointestinal polyps.
Femoral fracture repair and sciatic and femoral nerve blocks in a guinea pig
Authors: Aguiar J. , Mogridge G. , Hall J.
Published: February 2013

A four‐month‐old, entire male guinea pig was presented for surgical repair of a closed oblique femoral fracture. Analgesia was provided with 30 µg/kg buprenorphine intramuscularly (im) four times a day and 0 · 3 mg/kg meloxicam subcutaneously once a day. The following day, anaesthesia was induced and maintained with 100 µg/kg medetomidine im, 20 mg/kg ketamine im, 30 µg/kg buprenorphine im and isoflurane in oxygen. Femoral and sciatic nerve blocks were performed with bupivacaine. The fracture was reduced and aligned using an intramedullary 1 · 4 mm K‐wire and a 3 metric polydioxanone cerclage. Three weeks postoperatively remodelling and callus formation was documented, with no evidence of complications. Complete union was present 14 weeks postoperatively.
Sleep‐related attentional bias in poor versus good sleepers is independent of affective valence
Authors: Barclay Nicola L. , Ellis Jason G.
Published: February 2013

Contradictory evidence exists relating to the presence of an attention bias to sleep‐related stimuli in poor sleepers/insomnia using the emotional Stroop task (EST). These inconsistencies may be due to methodological issues related to the affective valence of the sleep‐related stimuli. Thus, individuals may attend differentially to sleep‐related stimuli not because of their ‘sleep’ properties, but their negativity. The current study addresses this by controlling the affective valence of sleep‐related words. A total of 107 participants [mean age = 33.22 years, standard deviation (SD) = 12.31 years; 61.7% female] were recruited during an evening event at the Newcastle Science Festival. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a computerized EST containing 20 non‐affective sleep‐related, 20 neutral and 20 negatively valenced threat words. Good and poor sleepers were categorized using the PSQI. There were no significant differences between groups on response latency to sleep‐related words (t(105) = –0.30, P = 0.76). However, the interaction between good versus poor sleepers and word‐type on response latency was significant (F(2,210) = 3.06, P < 0.05). Poor sleepers took longer to respond to sleep‐related words (mean = 723.35, SD = 172.55) compared to threat words (mean = 694.63, SD = 162.17) than good sleepers (mean = 713.20, SD = 166.32; and mean = 716.65, SD = 181.14). The results demonstrate the presence of an attention bias towards sleep‐related stimuli compared to threat stimuli in poor sleepers. Accordingly, poor sleepers may be consumed by stimuli relevant to their specific difficulties, as well as being more highly attuned to negative cues that signal anxious states. Thus, the present research suggests that there are two opposing forces at play: one which facilitates performance (non‐specific threats) and one which hinders performance (personally relevant threats).
Insulin Sensitivity during Late Gestation in Ewes Affected by Pregnancy Toxemia and in Ewes with High and Low Susceptibility to this Disorder
Authors: Duehlmeier R. , Fluegge I. , Schwert B. , Ganter M.
Published: February 2013

Background

Insulin resistance during late gestation might act as 1 etiologic factor causing pregnancy toxemia in ewes.

Objective

Evaluation of pancreatic insulin secretion and peripheral insulin sensitivity in ewes with differing susceptibility to pregnancy toxemia and in ketotic ewes.

Animals

Pregnant ewes suffering from (PT, n = 5) and ewes with high (HR, n = 7) and low risk (LR, n = 5) of being affected by pregnancy toxemia.

Methods

In a case‐control study, the pancreatic insulin release and the peripheral insulin sensitivity were assessed by means of the intravenous glucose tolerance test with subsequent measurement of the plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐HB). The ewes were tested during late pregnancy within 5 and 15 days antepartum.

Results

The insulin secretion after glucose administration was significantly lower in the HR and PT than in the LR ewes. The baseline rate of lipolysis was significantly increased in the HR ewes, but the NEFA clearance was similar in both risk groups, albeit delayed in the PT ewes. The baseline β‐HB concentration was significantly higher in the PT than in the HR and LR ewes. In the HR and in the PT ewes, the plasma β‐HB concentrations did not decrease after glucose administration.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

There is reduced pancreatic first‐phase insulin response and impaired insulin‐dependent inhibition of the ketone body formation during late pregnancy in the HR and PT ewes. This insulin resistance might represent 1 causative factor in the pathogenesis of ovine pregnancy toxemia.
Risk Factors for Coughing in Dogs with Naturally Acquired Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Ferasin L. , Crews L. , Biller D.S. , Lamb K.E. , Borgarelli M.
Published: February 2013

Background

Cough often is reported as the primary clinical sign of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs with chronic degenerative myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Concurrent airway disease and compression of the left mainstem bronchus by a large left atrium also have been proposed as potential causes of coughing in these patients.

Objectives

To investigate the association between the presence of coughing and different potential causes of cough, includingCHF, abnormal radiographic airway pattern, and cardiomegaly in dogs affected by naturally acquiredMMVD.

Animals

Two hundred six client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective analysis performed on medical records of dogs affected byMMVDthat underwent full cardiac evaluation, including echocardiographic examination and thoracic radiography.

Results

Univariate analyses showed thatCHFis not a predictor of coughing (OR = 1.369; 0.723, 2.594), whereas abnormal radiographic airway pattern (OR = 3.650; 2.051, 6.496) and increased left atrial size observed radiographically (OR = 3.637; 1.904, 6.950) or echocardiographically (OR = 2.553; 1.436, 4.539) were significantly associated with coughing in dogs withMMVD. The same risk factors were significant in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study indicates thatCHFis not significantly associated with coughing in dogs withMMVD. Instead, abnormal radiographic airway pattern and left atrial enlargement are associated with coughing in these patients. This important finding should be taken into account when considering diagnosis and clinical management ofCHFin these dogs.
Duration of T4 Suppression in Hyperthyroid Cats Treated Once and Twice Daily with Transdermal Methimazole
Authors: Boretti F.S. , Sieber‐Ruckstuhl N.S. , Schäfer S. , Baumgartner C. , Riond B. , Hofmann‐Lehmann R. , Reusch C.E.
Published: February 2013

Background

Transdermal methimazole is an acceptable alternative to oral treatment for hyperthyroid cats. There are, however, no studies evaluating the duration of T4 suppression after transdermal methimazole application. Such information would be valuable for therapeutic monitoring.

Objective

To assess variation in serum T4 concentration in hyperthyroid cats after once‐ and twice‐daily transdermal methimazole administration.

Animals

Twenty client‐owned cats with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism.

Methods

Methimazole was formulated in a pluronic lecithin organogel‐based vehicle and applied to the pinna of the inner ear at a starting dose of 2.5 mg/cat q12h (BID group, 10 cats) and 5 mg/cat q24h (SID group, 10 cats). One and 3 weeks after starting treatment, T4 concentrations were measured immediately before and every 2 hours after gel application over a period of up to 10 hours.

Results

Significantly decreased T4 concentrations were observed in week 1 and 3 compared with pretreatment concentrations in both groups. All cats showed sustained suppression of T4 concentration during the 10‐hour period, and T4 concentrations immediately before the next methimazole treatment were not significantly different compared with any time point after application, either in the BID or SID groups.

Conclusions

Because transdermal methimazole application led to prolonged T4 suppression in both the BID and SID groups, timing of blood sampling does not seem to be critical when assessing treatment response.
Comparison of Histopathologic Findings in Duodenal and Ileal Endoscopic Biopsies in Dogs with Chronic Small Intestinal Enteropathies
Authors: Procoli F. , Mõtsküla P.F. , Keyte S.V. , Priestnall S. , Allenspach K.
Published: February 2013

Background

The current tendency when investigating dogs with chronic upper gastrointestinal signs is to perform endoscopy and biopsy only the duodenum. This approach could lead to overlooking important ileal lesions and affect the clinical management.

Objectives

To compare concurrent duodenal and ileal endoscopic biopsies in dogs with chronic enteropathies and evaluate their correlation with clinicopathologic findings.

Animals

Thirty‐eight dogs with chronic enteropathies.

Methods

Duodenal and ileal biopsies were retrospectively reviewed. Nine histologic variables, 5 structural (villous stunting, epithelial injury, crypt distension, lacteal dilatation, and mucosal fibrosis) and 4 inflammatory (intraepithelial lymphocytes, lamina propria lymphocytes and plasma cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils) were scored. Clinical severity scores and relevant clinicopathologic variables were evaluated.

Results

There was only slight agreement between duodenal and ileal histologic scores (κ = 0.003). There was slight agreement between the presence of any of the morphological and inflammatory variables, with the exception of mucosal fibrosis (κ = 0.44). Statistically significant correlation was found between clinical severity and duodenal crypt distension (P = .031), ileal lacteal dilatation (P = .038), and ileal mucosal lymphoplasmacytic inflammation (P = .035). A significant correlation was found between hypoalbuminemia and ileal lacteal dilatation (P = .033) and number of ileal intraepithelial lymphocytes (P = .019). A statistically significant correlation was found between hypocobalaminemia and number of ileal intraepithelial lymphocytes (P = .012).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

When investigating dogs with chronic upper gastrointestinal signs, the collection of concurrent duodenal and ileal endoscopic biopsies is recommended.
Influence of Seaweed Aquaculture on Marine Inorganic Carbon Dynamics and Sea‐air CO2 Flux
Authors: Jiang Zengjie , Fang Jianguang , Mao Yuze , Han Tingting , Wang Guanghua
Published: February 2013

On the basis of field data measured during four cruises from April 2011 to January 2012, spatial and seasonal variations of CO2 dynamics and aqueous pCO2 were investigated in the seaweed aquaculture area, Lidao town, China. Results showed that the mean annual concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), HCO3−, CO32−, and CO2 were 2024.79 ± 146.96, 1842.41 ± 132.13, 170.02 ± 42.82, and 12.35 ± 2.52 µmol/L, respectively. There were no significant differences between areas in concentrations of DIC and HCO3− (P > 0.05), while the differences for the concentration of CO2 was very significant (P < 0.01). The mean annual values of aqueous pCO2 and sea‐air CO2 flux were 287.80 ± 37.90 µatm and −32.71 ± 17.23 mmol/m2/d, respectively. There were very significant differences (P < 0.01) for aqueous pCO2 and sea‐air CO2 flux not only between different areas, but also between different seasons. The buffer factor β indicates that, inside the seaweed area, inorganic carbon dynamics are mainly influenced by photosynthesis and respiration process.
Effects of Protein and Lipid Levels in Practical Diets on Growth and Body Composition of Tongue Sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis Gunther
Authors: Liu Xingwang , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinghui , Wang Xiaojie , Liufu Zhiguo , Zhang Yanjiao
Published: February 2013

A 9‐wk feeding experiment was conducted to estimate the optimal dietary protein and lipid levels for tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis Gunther (initial average weight of 43.8 ± 0.18 g). Six practical test diets were formulated to contain three protein levels (45, 50, and 55%, respectively) at two lipid levels (12 and 16%, respectively) with P/E ratios ranging from 87.1 to 110.5 mg protein/kcal. Each diet was randomly fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish per tank (1000 L). The results showed that fish fed the diet with 55% protein and 12% lipid (P/E ratio of 110.5 mg protein/kcal) had the highest thermal‐unit growth coefficient (TGC), feed efficiency ratio, protein productive value, and energy retention. TGC was significantly increased with increasing dietary protein levels irrespective of dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05). However, fish fed the diet with 16% lipid showed significant lower growth than fish fed the diet with 12% lipid. These results suggest that the diet containing 55% protein and 12% lipid with P/E of 110.5 mg protein/kcal is optimal for tongue sole and the increase of dietary lipid level has no effective protein‐sparing effect.
A Review of the Culture and Diseases of Redclaw Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens 1868)
Authors: Saoud Imad P. , Ghanawi Joly , Thompson Kenneth R. , Webster Carl D.
Published: February 2013

The redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, is a freshwater decapod crustacean displaying a number of physical, biological, and commercial attributes that make it suitable for commercial aquaculture. Interest in redclaw crayfish, both for aquaculture and aquarium trade, has resulted in wide translocations of the species within Australia, south‐east Asia, and Central/South America. The redclaw aquaculture industry has been growing rapidly since the mid‐1980s in tropical and sub‐tropical regions of the world. Redclaw aquaculture is done mostly in extensive pond systems, but interest in developing more intensive systems is increasing. The present manuscript reviews current knowledge and trends of redclaw aquaculture, and areas where further research is needed are identified. Nutrition and reproduction of redclaw were recently reviewed in other manuscripts and those are summarized here. The present manuscript emphasizes environmental tolerances, diseases, aquaculture techniques, and marketing.
Effects of Microalgae and Alfalfa Meal on Population Growth and Production of a Freshwater Rotifer, Euchlanis dilatata (Rotifera: Mongononta)
Authors: Farhadian Omidvar , Daghighi Leila , Dorche Eisa Ebrahimi
Published: February 2013

Population growth and production of the freshwater rotifer, Euchlanis dilatata, were determined after being fed 1 of 12 diets: Scenedesmus quadricauda (S), Chlorella vulgaris (C), baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (Y), alfalfa meal (Medicago spp.) (A), and eight combinations of S+C, S+Y, C+Y, S+C+Y, S+A, C+A, S+C+A, and Y+A (mixture in the same ratio by equal nitrogen weight). Results showed that both microalgal and alfalfa meal alone and in combination with Y had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) population growth and production compared with Y alone. The mean maximum E. dilatata population density fed on S, S+Y, C, C+Y, S+C, S+C+Y, Y, A, S+A, C+A, S+C+A, and Y+A diets were 65 ± 7.5 (mean ± SE), 124.6 ± 17.2, 115.8 ± 7.9, 41.5 ± 7.9, 131 ± 14.1, 93.5 ± 8.7, 14.5 ± 7.6, 129.5 ± 18.5, 255.0 ± 20.5, 180 ± 30.5, 124.5 ± 25.4, and 61.5 ± 24.5 individuals/mL, respectively. Correspondingly, the mean population growth rates (K) through the 16‐d culture period were 0.29, 0.40, 0.45, 0.27, 0.34, 0.41, 0.26, 0.51, 0.58, 0.59, 0.39, and 0.45/d, respectively. Results indicated that alfalfa meal in combination with microalgae and yeast could be used as primary diets for E. dilatata culture. This may reduce the costs of rotifer production.
Variation of Color and Ray Pattern in Juvenile Shells in Hatchery‐produced Freshwater Triangle Pearl Mussels, Hyriopsis cumingii, in China
Authors: Wen Haibo , Gu Ruobo , Cao Zheming , Zhou Xin , Nie Zhijuan , Ge Xianping , Xu Pao , Zhou Xin , Nie Zhijuan , Ge Xianping , Xu Pao , Hua Dan
Published: February 2013

The variation and inheritance of juvenile shell color and pigmentation pattern in the freshwater mussel, Hyriopsis cumingii, were reported in 1‐yr‐old progeny of eight families. There were three distinctive phenotypes of shell color and pigmentation patterns observed, including a greenish‐brown shell with radial rays, yellowish‐brown shell with radial rays, and yellowish‐brown shell without radial rays. There were no greenish‐brown individuals without radial rays. The shell color phenotypes showed variation with the growth in juvenile Stage I (1–3 cm in shell length), and the percentage of individuals with radial rays increased once they reached a shell length of 11 mm and then stabilized after reaching 20 mm in shell length. Shell color differentiation became more apparent at a shell length of 26 mm. Results of chi‐square tests of the segregation ratio of shell color or ray phenotypes obtained from eight families at juvenile Stage II (6–9 cm in shell length) suggested that greenish‐brown is controlled by a dominant allele (G) and yellowish‐brown‐shell phenotype is by a recessive allele (y); the ray pattern phenotype is controlled by a recessive (r) and a dominant allele (R) at a single locus. Shell color phenotypes may be a useful genetic marker for future selective breeding of triangle pearl mussels.
Growth, Body Fatty Acid Composition, Immune Response, and Resistance to Streptococcus iniae of Hybrid Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus, Fed Diets Containing Various Levels of Linoleic and Linolenic Acids
Authors: Li Erchao , Lim Chhorn , Klesius Phillip H , Welker Thomas L
Published: February 2013

The effects of dietary linoleic (LA) and linolenic acids (LN) on growth and immunity of all‐male hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus, were evaluated for 10 wk. Fish fed 0.12% LA +  0% LN had the lowest weight gain (WG) but was not significantly different from diets containing 0.5% LA or 0.40% LA +  1.0% LN. Fish fed 1% LA had the highest WG but did not differ from diets with 0.5% LA, 2.0% LA, 0.26% LA +  0.5% LN, 0.69% LA +  2.0% LN, or diets containing both LA and LN at 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0%. Feed intake, feed efficiency, and survival did not differ among treatments. Total body n‐6 fatty acids (FAs) increased with increasing dietary levels of n‐6. Total body n‐3 FAs also appeared to increase with increasing dietary n‐3 levels but peaked at 1% of diet. Dietary treatment had no effect on hematology, immune function, or survival to Streptococcus iniae. This study indicates that both LA and LN are dietary essential for growth of hybrid tilapia. Dietary LA alone can meet the essential FA requirement, and a level of 1.14% of diet is required for optimum growth.
Localization and evolution of septins in algae
Authors: Yamazaki Tomokazu , Owari Satomi , Ota Shuhei , Sumiya Nobuko , Yamamoto Maki , Watanabe Koichi , Nagumo Tamotsu , Miyamura Shinichi , Kawano Shigeyuki
Published: February 2013

Septins are a group of GTP‐binding proteins that are multi‐functional, with a well‐known role in cytokinesis in animals and fungi. Although the functions of septins have been thoroughly studied in opisthokonts (fungi and animals), the function and evolution of plant/algal septins are not as well characterized. Here we describe septin localization and expression in the green algae Nannochloris bacillaris and Marvania geminata. The present data suggest that septins localize at the division site when cytokinesis occurs. In addition, we show that septin homologs may be found only in green algae, but not in other major plant lineages, such as land plants, red algae and glaucophytes. We also found other septin homolog‐possessing organisms among the diatoms, Rhizaria and cryptomonad/haptophyte lineages. Our study reveals the potential role of algal septins in cytokinesis and/or cell elongation, and confirms that septin genes appear to have been lost in the Plantae lineage, except in some green algae.
Determination of human neutrophil antigen‐1, ‐3, ‐4 and ‐5 allele frequencies in English Caucasoid blood donors using a multiplex fluorescent DNA‐based assay
Authors: Cardoso S. P. , Chong W. , Lucas G. , Green A. , Navarrete C.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objectives

A number of DNA‐based methods to genotype the alleles coding for HNA have been described, but all require the separate amplification and analysis of each allele. The aim was to develop a DNA‐based method for simultaneous detection of HNA‐1, HNA‐3, HNA‐4 and HNA‐5 alleles.

Materials and Methods

An allele‐specific primer extension method was used in combination with magnetic beads from Luminex technology. PCR–sequence‐specific primers (SSP) was used to resolve the presence of the HNA‐1b allele in samples assigned by the Luminex bead assay as HNA‐1a/‐1b/‐1c or HNA‐1b/‐1c. HNA allele frequencies were determined in a panel of 140 randomly selected English Caucasoid blood donors.

Results

HNA allelic types were compared with historical results, and 100% concordance was found. Only eight of the 97 samples used in the validation required additional testing by PCR–SSP. Allele frequencies were determined in the blood donor population as follows: 0·318 for HNA‐1a, 0·668 for HNA‐1b, 0·014 for HNA‐1c, 0·768 for HNA‐3a, 0·232 for HNA‐3b, 0·882 for HNA‐4a, 0·118 for HNA‐4b, 0·736 for HNA‐5a and 0·264 for HNA‐5b.

Conclusion

A multiplex Luminex bead assay for the simultaneous detection of HNA‐1, HNA‐3, HNA‐4 and HNA‐5 alleles is described that enables rapid typing of donors to support HNA alloimmunized patients who require HNA‐compatible blood products.
Puumala Virus Outbreak in Western Thuringia, Germany, 2010: Epidemiology and Strain Identification
Authors: Faber M. , Wollny T. , Schlegel M. , Wanka K. M. , Thiel J. , Frank C. , Rimek D. , Ulrich R. G. , Stark K.
Published: February 2013

In 2010, the highest annual number of human Puumala virus (PUUV) infections was reported in Germany since hantavirus surveillance started in 2001. The increase in annual case numbers was especially marked in western Thuringia. We combined results of case‐based hantavirus surveillance in humans and serological and molecular investigations in the rodent reservoir to describe the epidemiological situation and to identify the putative outbreak strain. A 5‐fold increase in notified hantavirus cases compared to the previous annual maximum was observed in western Thuringia in 2010. Disease incidence varied tremendously within a small geographical area with case patients' places of residence clustering around beech‐dominated broad leaf forest patches. Investigations in the rodent reservoir revealed a novel Puumala virus (PUUV) subtype, which is clearly distinct from strains collected in other PUUV endemic regions of Germany. It can be assumed that in regions in western Thuringia where hantavirus cases occurred in 2010 or previous outbreak years, PUUV has been present in the environment for a long time. Further studies are needed to elucidate the population dynamics and hantavirus prevalence of the rodent reservoir and driving ecological factors.