bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple defence signals induced by Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora elicitors in potato
Authors: MONTESANO MARCOS , BRADER GÜNTER , PONCE DE LEÓN INÉS , PALVA E. TAPIO
Published: August 2005

Signal pathways involved in Solanum tuberosum–Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovoraSCC3193 interaction were characterized. To this end, the concentration of several signal molecules implicated in plant defence such as ethylene (ET), jasmonates (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) were measured in potato plants treated by cell‐free culture filtrates (CF) from E. c. carotovoraSCC3193. Furthermore, the presence of other potential signalling compounds such as cinnamic acid (CA) and related aromatic compounds was screened in the elicitor‐treated plants. The activity of these signal compounds as inducers of defence‐related genes such as drd‐1 (a defence‐related alcohol dehydrogenase), pinII (proteinase inhibitor II), chtB4 (basic chitinase) and chtA2 (acidic chitinase) was characterized. The results demonstrate that ET, JA and CA accumulate in potato tissues in response to CF. These signal molecules were shown to induce differential expression of drd‐1, pinII, chtB4 and chtA2. Our data suggest that in addition to ET and JA, CA and possibly other aromatic compounds also may play a role in defence signalling in potato.
Organic matter characteristics and distribution in Ferralsol profiles of a climosequence in southern Brazil
Authors: Dalmolin R. S. D. , Gonçalves C. N. , Dick D. P. , Knicker H. , Klamt E. , Kögel‐Knabner I.
Published: August 2005

We studied the impact of climate, soil texture and iron mineralogy on the content and composition of organic matter in Ferralsols along a climosequence in southern Brazil. We characterized the organic matter by solid‐state cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The organic matter content in the Ferralsols increased from the lowest to the highest sites (440–950 m altitude) as a result of the increase in humidity and the decrease in temperature. This influence was more pronounced in the heavy clayey Ferralsols, suggesting that the accumulation of organic matter was enhanced by organo‐mineral interactions. Iron oxides contributed to the stabilization of the organic matter in these soils, which was dominated by O–alkyl C structures followed by aromatic and alkyl C groups. The aromatic C contribution to the total organic C increases with depth at the expense of O–alkyl C, regardless of the site altitude and climate. Although the impact of the environment on the amount of organic matter and its chemical composition is confirmed, our results clearly show that this is so only for the surface horizons. With increasing soil depth the climatic influence decreased, showing that other factors become more important for the accumulation of organic matter.
Smaller than predicted increase in aboveground net primary production and yield of field‐grown soybean under fully open‐air [CO2] elevation
Authors: Morgan Patrick B. , Bollero Germán A. , Nelson Randall L. , Dohleman Frank G. , Long Stephen P.
Published: August 2005

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects that atmospheric [CO2] will reach 550 ppm by 2050. Numerous assessments of plant response to elevated [CO2] have been conducted in chambers and enclosures, with only a few studies reporting responses in fully open‐air, field conditions. Reported yields for the world's two major grain crops, wheat and rice, are substantially lower in free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) than predicted from similar elevated [CO2] experiments within chambers. This discrepancy has major implications for forecasting future global food supply. Globally, the leguminous‐crop soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is planted on more land than any other dicotyledonous crop. Previous studies have shown that total dry mass production increased on average 37% in response to increasing [CO2] to approximately 700 ppm, but harvestable yield will increase only 24%. Is this representative of soybean responses under open‐air field conditions? The effects of elevation of [CO2] to 550 ppm on total production, partitioning and yield of soybean over 3 years are reported. This is the first FACE study of soybean (http://www.soyface.uiuc.edu) and the first on crops in the Midwest of North America, one of the major food production regions of the globe. Although increases in both aboveground net primary production (17–18%) and yield (15%) were consistent across three growing seasons and two cultivars, the relative stimulation was less than projected from previous chamber experiments. As in previous studies, partitioning to seed dry mass decreased; however, net production during vegetative growth did not increase and crop maturation was delayed, not accelerated as previously reported. These results suggest that chamber studies may have over‐estimated the stimulatory effect of rising [CO2], with important implications on global food supply forecasts.
Effects of a short‐term climate change experiment on a sub‐Antarctic keystone plant species
Authors: Le Roux Peter C. , McGeoch Melodie A. , Nyakatya Mawethu J. , Chown Steven L.
Published: August 2005

The cushion plantAzorella selagois widespread across the sub‐Antarctic, and is considered a keystone species in the dominant fellfield vegetation. However, the impact of current changes in climate in the region (increasing temperature and declining rainfall) on this species is unknown. Here, the response ofA. selagoto reduced rainfall (a direct effect of climate change) and increased shading (a predicted indirect effect of increasing temperatures, via enhanced growth and wider distribution of more responsive competitors and epiphytes) was experimentally determined. Reduced rainfall increased stem mortality and accelerated autumnal senescence. Furthermore, under this treatment senescence was unequally distributed across individual plants, hypothesized to be a consequence of an interactive effect between rainfall and wind patterns. Shaded stems grew more, and carried larger leaves with lower trichome densities, than their exposed equivalents. As a result, shaded plants were less compact and their surface integrity reduced. The species' response to combined drying and shading was generally similar to its response to shading alone, suggesting that, at least over the short term, the indirect effects of climate change could be more severe than the direct effects. Thus, despite the species' slow growth rate and the short duration of the experiment, persistent direct and indirect effects were observed, both with potential longer‐term consequences forA. selagopopulations. Climate change is, therefore, likely to impact negatively on this long‐lived keystone species, with significant implications for the structure and functioning of fellfield systems.
Seasonal patterns in biomass burning emissions from southern African vegetation fires for the year 2000
Authors: Korontzi Stefania
Published: August 2005

A modeling framework has been developed to examine the spatial and temporal aspects of biomass burning emissions from southern African savanna fires. The complexity of the fire emissions processes is described using a spatially and temporally explicit model that integrates recently published satellite‐driven fuel load amounts, the GBA‐2000 satellite burned area time series and empirically derived parameterizations of combustion completeness and emission factors (EFs). To represent fire behavior characteristics, land cover is classified into grasslands and woodlands using the MODIS percent tree cover product. The combustion completeness is modeled as a function of grass fuel moisture and the EFs as a function of grass fuel moisture in grasslands and fuel mixture in woodlands. Fuel moisture is derived from satellite vegetation index time series. The analysis at the regional scale shows that early burning in grasslands may lead to higher amounts of products of incomplete combustion, despite the lower amounts of fuel consumed, compared with late dry season burning. In contrast, early burning in woodlands results in lower emissions, in both products of complete and incomplete combustion, because less fuel is consumed than in the late dry season when the fuels are drier. Overall, burning in woodlands dominates the regional emission budgets. Emissions estimates for various atmospheric species, many of which are modeled for the first time, are reported. The modeled estimates for 2000 are (in Tg) 296 CO2, 11.7 CO, 0.350 CH4, 0.348 NMHC and 1.1 particulates (<2.5 μm). Especially high is the previously undetermined contribution of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (0.915 Tg). A sensitivity analysis of fixed vs. seasonally variable EFs and combustion completeness demonstrates the importance of accounting for the seasonal variations of these two variables in emissions modeling.
Multicomponent intervention strategies for managing delirium in hospitalized older people: systematic review
Authors: Milisen Koen , Lemiengre Joke , Braes Tom , Foreman Marquis D.
Published: August 2005

Aim.  The aim of this systematic review was to determine the characteristics and efficacy of various multicomponent intervention strategies for delirium in hospitalized older people.

Background.  Delirium is a common accompaniment to acute illness in hospitalized older people and has greater costs of care concurrent as well as greater morbidity and mortality.

Methods.  A comprehensive search was undertaken involving all major databases (including the Cochrane Library, Medline, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Invert) and reference lists of all relevant papers. Selection criteria were: evaluation of a multicomponent intervention for delirium, inclusion of an operational definition for delirium consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐criteria, randomized controlled trials, studies with a quasi‐experimental design and reporting on primary data. To generate a description of the characteristics of these multicomponent strategies, the components of these programmes were identified and categorized. Effects on incidence of delirium, cognitive functioning, duration and severity of delirium, functional status, hospital length of stay, and mortality were analysed.

Findings.  Three randomized controlled trials, three controlled studies and one before–after study were identified. Intervention strategies to prevent delirium proved to be the most efficacious in reducing its incidence, both with surgical and medical patients. Some additional positive effects of preventive strategies were found on the duration and severity of delirium, and functional status. Conversely, strategies to treat delirium were rather ineffective in older people admitted to medical services. In a population of older people admitted for surgery, however, a shorter duration and a diminished severity of delirium were demonstrated. None of intervention strategies produced beneficial effects on length of stay or mortality.

Conclusion.  Multicomponent interventions to prevent delirium are the most effective and should be implemented through synergistic cooperation between the various healthcare disciplines. Nurses should play a pivotal role in prevention, early recognition and treatment.
Overweight and obese children: mothers’ strategies
Authors: Jackson Debra , Mannix Judy , Faga Pat , McDonald Glenda
Published: August 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring the strategies a group of mothers of overweight and obese children were using and planned to use in the future to assist their children to achieve a healthy weight.

Background.  Over the past two decades, the prevalence of childhood obesity has grown exponentially to become a major public health concern. Extant literature suggests that childhood obesity is associated with a range of physical, social and psychological effects, including poor self‐esteem, depression, social isolation, and cardio‐vascular and other morbidity. Parents are known to be important in determining early eating and exercise habits, and their involvement is crucial to achieving positive child health outcomes.

Methods.  An exploratory‐descriptive design informed by feminist research principles shaped the study, which was carried out in 2003–2004. Eleven mothers meeting the inclusion criteria took part in in‐depth interviews. These were transcribed, and qualitatively analysed.

Findings.  Participants revealed sound understandings of the concept and ramifications of obesity. They had initiated a range of strategies including role modelling, developing opportunities for increased physical activity, reducing the use of junk food, and heightened awareness of how they used food. Participants viewed the problem as a family rather than an individual problem, and aimed many of the interventions at the entire family to avoid targeting the focus child.

Conclusions.  Further research into how childhood obesity is managed within the context of family life is needed. Specifically, additional perspectives on how mothers from various socio‐cultural groups address childhood obesity within family life, and longitudinal studies to explore the efficacy and sustainability of family‐based lifestyle changes that are made in response to concerns about child weight issues. Additional research to explore the type and nature of family support that can best assist families to achieve sustainable lifestyle improvements is needed.
In‐hospital care pathway delays: gender and myocardial infarction
Authors: O'Donnell Sharon , Condell Sarah , Begley Cecily , Fitzgerald Tony
Published: August 2005

Aim.  This paper reports the in‐hospital findings of a study identifying gender specific care pathway delays or treatment opportunities amongst Irish women and men hospitalized with myocardial infarction.

Background.  Reperfusion therapy is of optimum benefit when administered early, yet research shows that women continue to experience greater in‐hospital delays to treatment than men.

Method.  A 1‐year prospective census was carried out from December 2001 to November 2002 with 277 (31%) female and 613 (69%) male patients with myocardial infarction who were consecutively admitted to the six major teaching hospitals in Dublin, Ireland.

Results.  Women experienced greater ‘Triage to first medical assessment’ delays than men (P = 0·001), and waited a median of 30 minutes for their first medical contact, compared with 20 minutes for men (P < 0·0001). The median ‘door to needle’ time for women was 70 minutes in comparison with 52 minutes for men (P = 0·02). Women waited longer than men for aspirin (P = 0·02), whilst men received a bed in the coronary care unit almost 1 hour sooner than women (P < 0·0001). Despite these delays to treatment, women and men experienced similar rates of reperfusion treatment.

Conclusions.  In‐hospital treatment delays experienced by women may limit their potential to achieve the maximum benefits from reperfusion therapies. Triage nursing provides the first entry point to hospital care for the majority of female patients with myocardial infarction, and therefore Accident and Emergency Department nurses are in an optimum position to influence positively the pathway of care for this group.
A survey of patient satisfaction with and subjective experiences of treatment with antipsychotic medication
Authors: Gray Richard , Rofail Diana , Allen Jon , Newey Tim
Published: August 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study examining patients’ satisfaction with and subjective experiences of taking antipsychotic medication.

Background.  Treatment satisfaction is increasingly recognized as an important indication of the quality of health care, providing a reference point against which clinicians can gauge their practice. To date the published literature has been limited, with no clear indication of whether patients are indeed satisfied with their antipsychotic regimens, and what their subjective experiences with treatment are.

Method.  A cross‐sectional survey was carried out with patients receiving secondary care about their satisfaction with and subjective experiences of treatment with antipsychotic medication. The data were collected in 2000.

Results.  One‐hundred and seventy‐five questionnaires were given to patients diagnosed with schizophrenia; 69 were returned, giving a response rate of 39%. Patients reported that they were satisfied with their medication and that they found it to be helpful. They also reported that they were satisfied with the communication they had with mental health professionals. However, they did not feel involved in treatment decisions and stated that they took medication because they were told to. Additionally, they reported that they had not been given written information about their treatment or warned about side effects, and stated that alternative non‐pharmacological interventions had not been offered.

Conclusions.  The results were consistent with previous studies. Patients were satisfied with their medication and reported that it was helpful. However, closer examination of the data revealed that they were experiencing side effects from medication that they felt were not effectively managed by mental health professionals. The clinical implications inferred from the findings provide an indication of best practice, and could be a point of reference for future research and development into clinical practice. Further research is warranted into understanding and measuring patients’ subjective experiences and satisfaction with antipsychotic medication.
The effect of music on preoperative anxiety in day surgery
Authors: Cooke Marie , Chaboyer Wendy , Schluter Philip , Hiratos Maryanne
Published: August 2005

Aim. This paper reports a study to test the hypothesis that day surgery patients who listen to music during their preoperative wait will have statistically significantly lower levels of anxiety than patients who receive routine care.

Background. Although previous day surgery research suggests that music effectively reduces preoperative anxiety, methodological issues limit the generalizability of results.

Methods. In early 2004, a randomized controlled trial design was conducted to assess anxiety before and after listening to patient preferred music. Participants were allocated to an intervention (n = 60), placebo (n = 60) or control group (n = 60). Pre‐ and post‐test measures of anxiety were carried out using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Results. Music statistically significantly reduced the state anxiety level of the music (intervention) group. No relationships were found between socio‐demographic or clinical variables such as gender or type of surgery.

Conclusion. The findings support the use of music as an independent nursing intervention for preoperative anxiety in patients having day surgery.
Nurse–child interaction on an inpatient paediatric unit
Authors: Shin Hyunsook , White‐Traut Rosemary
Published: August 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study to evaluate patterns of nurse–child–parent interaction and identify the characteristics nurse–child and nurse–parent interactions in an inpatient paediatric unit.

Background.  Positive nurse–patient interaction is a critical component of effective nursing care. The ability to interact positively with patients and their families who are facing crisis during illness and hospitalization is essential for professional nursing care. However, little is known about the patterns of interaction between nurses, hospitalized children and their parents.

Methods.  Eight triads of nurses, patients and their mothers were videotaped. The triads were videotaped for 4 hours each day over a 2‐day period as they interacted with each other on the inpatient unit. Both verbalizations and descriptions of nonverbal behaviour were recorded from the videotapes. The data were coded and analysed using Bales’ Interaction Process Analysis. The interactions were evaluated for frequency, time, purpose of interaction and interaction dynamics. The data were collected between December 2001 and February 2002.

Results.  The total amount of interaction over the 2‐day period (8 hours) was 39·75 minutes and the average per interaction was 4·24 minutes. Interaction episodes consisted of nursing activities, which included nurses making patient rounds to monitoring their patient as well as providing patient care. Nurses initiated the majority of interactions between child and nurse. Affective (both positive and negative) behaviours were more frequent between nurses and children, whereas neutral behaviours were more common between nurses and mothers.

Conclusion.  Children remained passive participants in the interactions. Interaction strategies are needed to help children to learn how they can actively interact with their nurses. These strategies may contribute to the children feeling more in control in these interactions and in their care.
Phlebotomine sand flies from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: first record of Phlebotomus (Larroussius) longicuspis south of the Sahara
Authors: Depaquit J. , Muller F. , Gantier J.‐C. , Leger N. , Ferte H. , Ready P. , Niang A.‐A.
Published: August 2005

During a brief entomological survey carried out in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in March 2002, 178 phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) were caught using CDC miniature light traps. They were identified as Phlebotomus duboscqi Neveu‐Lemaire, P. longicuspis Nitzulescu, Sergentomyia adleri (Theodor), S. affinis vorax (Parrot), S. antennata (Newstead), S. bedfordi (Newstead), S. christophersi (Sinton), S. fallax (Parrot), S. magna (Sinton) and S. schwetzi (Adler, Theodor & Parrot). This is the first record south of the Sahara of P. longicuspis sensu lato. This proven vector of Leishmania infantum Nicolle is a species closely related to P. perniciosus. It was identified by morphology and by the sequencing of a fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome b. There was 100% sequence homology with typical Tunisian specimens, and all characters identified the specimen as P. longicuspis sensu stricto. Epidemiological and biogeographical consequences are discussed.
Survival of unfed Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus zambeziensis adults
Authors: Madder M. , Speybroeck N. , Bilounga A. , Helleputte D. , Berkvens D.
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  Two ixodid tick species, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (Neumann) and Rhipicephalus zambeziensis (Walker et al.) (Acari: Ixodidae), both originating from the southern province of Zambia, were used to study the survival time of adults at a range of different humidities and temperatures. In general, the experiment clearly demonstrates the different survival times of the two species in relation to the climatic conditions tested: survival of R. zambeziensis was better under more extreme conditions of temperature and humidity. These findings offer an explanation for the different distribution ranges of the two tick species. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus is more confined to cooler and wetter conditions, whereas R. zambeziensis is adapted to hotter and drier areas.
Transmission ofRickettsia massiliaein the tick,Rhipicephalus turanicus
Authors: Matsumoto K. , Ogawa M. , Brouqui P. , Raoult D. , Parola P.
Published: August 2005

Abstract. Rickettsia massiliae, strain Bar29, was detected in engorged female ticks of theRhiphicephalus sanguineusgroup collected in Corsica, a French Mediterranean island. Ticks were identified by molecular analysis asRhipicephalus turanicus(Pomerantsev) (Acari: Ixodidae). Twenty larvae of the second generation obtained from aR. massiliae‐infected, engorged female were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and all were positive forR. massiliae. Larvae of the same cohort were fed on rabbits and specimens of subsequent stages of the second and third generation of ticks were tested by PCR. Both transovarial and transstadial transmission were demonstrated; the transovarial transmission rate was estimated at 100%. A high filial infection rate was demonstrated; 132 out of 134 larvae obtained from five infected females of the fourth generation were infected. When saliva samples from half‐engorgedRh. turanicusof the second generation were tested by PCR, four out of five were positive.Rickettsia massiliaewas detected in faeces of infected ticks by PCR and immunofluorescence assay, although no rickettsiae could be maintained in culture. Co‐feeding/transsexual transmission ofR. massiliaeBar29 was demonstrated by feeding maleRh. turanicuson a rabbit withRhipicephalus sanguineus(Latreille) (Acari: Ixodidae) females (the latter were the only uninfected ticks available). Infection was subsequently detected in nine out of the thirteen females (69.2%). These results suggest thatRh. turanicusticks are potential vectors and reservoirs forR. massiliaeBar29.
Village‐scale evaluation of mosquito nets treated with a tablet formulation of deltamethrin against malaria vectors
Authors: Sharma S. K. , Upadhyay A. K. , Haque M. A. , Padhan K. , Tyagi P. K. , Batra C. P. , Adak T. , Dash A. P. , Subbarao S. K.
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  A field trial was carried out in the Sundargarh district of Orissa, India on the efficacy of mosquito nets treated with a tablet formulation of deltamethrin (K‐O TAB®) against malaria vectors. Treated nets were used in one village, and in the two control villages, one used untreated nets and the other used indoor spraying with DDT, without nets. In this area the primary malaria vectors are Anopheles culicifacies Giles sensu lato (Diptera: Culicidae) and An. fluviatilis James s.l., which are both endophagic and endophilic, and fully susceptible to deltamethrin. Treatment of a 10‐m2 mosquito net with one of the tablets gave a deltamethrin deposit of 25 mg/m2. Bioassays repeated on domestically used nets over 7 months showed persistence of almost 100% mortality of An. fluviatilis, whereas An. culicifacies showed a decline from 100% to 71% mortality over this period, after which the nets were re‐treated and bioassays were not continued. The sum of collections of mosquitoes resting in village houses and those in exit traps and dead on floor sheets showed a reduction in the numbers of the two vector species due to the treated nets, compared with untreated or no nets, but no reduction in other anophelines or Culex species. Large proportions of the collections of the vector and non‐vector anophelines were dead on the floor sheets, but among Culex, mortality was delayed. Treated and untreated nets reduced the proportion of anophelines that had blood‐fed; the treated nets did so more effectively than the untreated in the case of An. culicifacies and of Culex mosquitoes. In rooms with treated nets a larger proportion of the total collections [dead + live] were in the exit traps, which can be attributed to the excito‐repellent effect of deltamethrin. It is easier to pack and handle tablets of insecticide than liquid concentrate and the use of one tablet per net may be preferable to making up a large volume of diluted insecticide and dipping many nets at a time.
Anopheles (Anopheles) neomaculipalpus: a new malaria vector in the Amazon basin?
Authors: Moreno J. E. , Rubio‐Palis Y. , Páez E. , Pérez E. , Sánchez V. , Vaccari E.
Published: August 2005

Abstract. Anopheles (Anopheles) neomaculipalpusCurry (Diptera: Culicidae) collected by human landing catches and light traps in southern Venezuela were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection ofPlasmodiumcircumsporozoite (CS) protein. A total of 356An. neomaculipalpuswere collected, of which three (0.84%) were positive forP. vivax, two for the variant 247 and one for the variant 210. The overall sporozoite rate inAn. neomaculipalpuswas similar to that for the principal vectorAn. (Nyssorhynchus) darlingiRoot (0.82%) and higher than inAn. (Nys.) marajoaraGalvão & Damasceno (0.27%). This is the first report ofAn. neomaculipalpusnaturally infected withPlasmodiumparasites in Venezuela.
Hypoderma sinense: solving a century‐old enigma
Authors: Otranto D. , Colwell D. D. , Pape T.
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  Among the species of Hypoderma (Diptera: Oestridae) that have been described and named over the last three centuries, Hypoderma sinense Pleske has been the subject of several scientific discussions. Hypoderma sinense was described by T. Pleske in 1926 on the basis of only three females collected by the Russian explorer P. K. Kozlov nearly 25 years earlier during a scientific expedition to China (1900–1901). This species was examined by the foremost oestrid authorities and synonomized with H. lineatum. Recently a unique, unidentified species of Hypoderma was observed to infect cattle and yaks in China. Molecular and morphological observations confirmed the unique nature of the third‐stage larvae. This data initiated a debate within the scientific community regarding the proper name of this species, in particular with reference to previous taxonomical discussion on the validity of H. sinense. The present work provides a historical overview of the Russian scientific expeditions that collected the specimens and of the explorers and the entomologists who contributed to the description of H. sinense. The morphological examination of the original type material of H. sinense and the comparison with females of H. lineatum indicated that the H. sinense lectotype, deposited at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, was within the range of variation of H. lineatum. Comparisons of the cox1 (688 bp) sequence obtained from the leg of a paralectotype of H. sinense with those of H. bovis (Linneaus), H. lineatum (De Villers) and of a sixth valid species of Hypoderma identified as ‘H. sinense’ available in GenBank revealed differences of 9.7%, 7.2% and 0.3%, respectively. On the basis of these results, we concluded that the nominal species H. sinense should be treated as valid.
Antibacterial properties of larval secretions of the blowfly, Lucilia sericata
Authors: Kerridge A. , Lappin‐Scott H. , Stevens J. R.
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  The antibacterial properties of secretions aseptically collected from larvae of the greenbottle fly Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were examined. These investigations revealed the presence of small (<1 kDa) antibacterial factor(s) within the larval secretions, active against a range of bacteria. These include the Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus, both methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Streptococcus pyogenes and to a lesser extent the Gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These secretions were shown to be highly stable as a freeze‐dried preparation and, considering the activity against organisms typically associated with clinical infection, may be a source of novel antibiotic‐like compounds that may be used for infection control and in the fight against MRSA.
Cellular efflux of auxin catalyzed by the Arabidopsis MDR/PGP transporter AtPGP1
Authors: Geisler Markus , Blakeslee Joshua J. , Bouchard Rodolphe , Lee Ok Ran , Vincenzetti Vincent , Bandyopadhyay Anindita , Titapiwatanakun Boosaree , Peer Wendy Ann , Bailly Aurèlien , Richards Elizabeth L. , Ejendal Karin F. K. , Smith Aaron P. , Baroux Célia , Grossniklaus Ueli , Müller Axel , Hrycyna Christine A. , Dudler Robert , Murphy Angus S. , Martinoia Enrico
Published: August 2005

Directional transport of the phytohormone auxin is required for the establishment and maintenance of plant polarity, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Plant homologs of human multiple drug resistance/P‐glycoproteins (MDR/PGPs) have been implicated in auxin transport, as defects in MDR1 (AtPGP19) and AtPGP1 result in reductions of growth and auxin transport in Arabidopsis (atpgp1, atpgp19), maize (brachytic2) and sorghum (dwarf3). Here we examine the localization, activity, substrate specificity and inhibitor sensitivity of AtPGP1. AtPGP1 exhibits non‐polar plasma membrane localization at the shoot and root apices, as well as polar localization above the root apex. Protoplasts from Arabidopsis pgp1 leaf mesophyll cells exhibit reduced efflux of natural and synthetic auxins with reduced sensitivity to auxin efflux inhibitors. Expression of AtPGP1 in yeast and in the standard mammalian expression system used to analyze human MDR‐type proteins results in enhanced efflux of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and the synthetic auxin 1‐naphthalene acetic acid (1‐NAA), but not the inactive auxin 2‐NAA. AtPGP1‐mediated efflux is sensitive to auxin efflux and ABC transporter inhibitors. As is seen in planta, AtPGP1 also appears to mediate some efflux of IAA oxidative breakdown products associated with apical sites of high auxin accumulation. However, unlike what is seen in planta, some additional transport of the benzoic acid is observed in yeast and mammalian cells expressing AtPGP1, suggesting that other factors present in plant tissues confer enhanced auxin specificity to PGP‐mediated transport.
Nod factors and a diffusible factor from arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi stimulate lateral root formation in Medicago truncatula via the DMI1/DMI2 signalling pathway
Authors: Oláh Boglárka , Brière Christian , Bécard Guillaume , Dénarié Jean , Gough Clare
Published: August 2005

Legumes form two different types of intracellular root symbioses, with fungi and bacteria, resulting in arbuscular mycorrhiza and nitrogen‐fixing nodules, respectively. Rhizobial signalling molecules, called Nod factors, play a key role in establishing the rhizobium–legume association and genes have been identified in Medicago truncatula that control a Nod factor signalling pathway leading to nodulation. Three of these genes, the so‐called DMI1, DMI2 and DMI3 genes, are also required for formation of mycorrhiza, indicating that the symbiotic pathways activated by both the bacterial and the fungal symbionts share common steps. To analyse possible cross‐talk between these pathways we have studied the effect of treatment with Nod factors on mycorrhization in M. truncatula. We show that Nod factors increase mycorrhizal colonization and stimulate lateral root formation. The stimulation of lateral root formation by Nod factors requires both the same structural features of Nod factors and the same plant genes (NFP, DMI1, DMI2, DMI3 and NSP1) that are required for other Nod factor‐induced symbiotic responses such as early nodulin gene induction and cortical cell division. A diffusible factor from arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was also found to stimulate lateral root formation, while three root pathogens did not have the same effect. Lateral root formation induced by fungal signal(s) was found to require the DMI1 and DMI2 genes, but not DMI3. The idea that this diffusible fungal factor might correspond to a previously hypothesized mycorrhizal signal, the ‘Myc factor’, is discussed.
Susceptibility of In Vivo‐ and In Vitro‐produced Porcine Embryos to Classical Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Schüürmann E , Flögel‐Niesmann G , Mönnig V , Rath D
Published: August 2005

Contents

The objective of this study was to investigate the susceptibility of in vivo‐ and in vitro‐produced (IVP) porcine embryos to classical swine fever virus (CSFV). IVP zona pellucida (ZP)‐intact porcine embryos (n = 721) were co‐cultured with CSFV for 120 h. After washing according to the International Embryo Transfer Society guidelines (without trypsin) and transferring embryos to CSFV‐susceptible porcine kidney cells (PK15 cell line), no virus was isolated. However, when 88 IVP ZP‐intact porcine embryos were co‐cultured with CSFV for only 48 h before being transferred to PK15 cells, virus was isolated in three of six replicates. Similarly, 603 in vivo‐produced porcine embryos were co‐cultured with CSFV for 120 h. Subsequently, CSFV was isolated in eight of 50 groups (16%) and the ability of these to form a blastocyst was significantly reduced when compared with the control group (68.2 ± 19.9% vs 81.9 ± 9.7%; p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, the development of CSFV‐exposed IVP porcine embryos was not affected when compared with control embryos (19.1 ± 10.8% vs 18.9 ± 10.6%; p ≥ 0.05). After removal of the ZP of IVP embryos and subsequent co‐culture with CSFV, the virus was isolated from all groups of embryos. These data suggest that virus replication had occurred in the embryonic cells. In conclusion, data indicate that in vivo‐ and in vitro‐produced ZP‐intact porcine embryos differ in their susceptibility to CSFV. Hatched or micro‐manipulated embryos may increase the risk of transmission of CSFV by embryo transfer, which has to be confirmed by in vivo tests under isolation conditions.
Analysis of DNA Fragmentation of Porcine Embryos Exposed to Cryoprotectants
Authors: Rajaei F , Karja NWK , Agung B , Wongsrikeao P , Taniguchi M , Murakami M , Sambuu R , Nii M , Otoi T
Published: August 2005

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The chemical toxicity of cryoprotectants to porcine embryos was examined by the evaluation of survival and DNA damage after exposure to cryoprotectants. Porcine blastocysts were exposed to 10% of ethylene glycol (EG), 1,2‐propanediol (PD) or glycerol (GLY) for 1 h at room temperature (23–25°C) and then cultured in vitro for 24 h. The survival rates of blastocysts exposed to PD and GLY were significantly lower than those of control blastocysts in which the embryos were exposed to carrier solution without cryoprotectants. Significantly more DNA‐fragmented nuclei occurred in the cryoprotectant‐exposed blastocysts, compared with the control blastocysts. Moreover, the indices of DNA‐fragmented nuclei in the blastocysts without blastocoele re‐formation after culture were significantly higher than those with blastocoele re‐formation, irrespective of the exposure treatment. These results indicate that the exposure of porcine blastocysts to cryoprotectant decreases the survival rates and increases the DNA‐fragmented nuclei in embryos.
Assessment of Proliferative Activity by AgNOR and PCNA in Prostatic Tissues of Ram Lambs Implanted with Zeranol
Authors: Gulbahar MY , Yuksel H , Guvenc T , Okut H
Published: August 2005

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The aim of this study was to assess cellular proliferation using silver‐stained nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in various tissues in the prostate of ram lambs implanted with increasing zeranol doses and to compare the sensitivity of different tissues of lamb prostate to zeranol. Twenty‐four Akkaraman lambs were implanted with increasing zeranol doses, including 12 mg (n = 8), 24 mg (n = 8) and 96 mg (n = 8), with eight lambs serving as controls. After 33 days, the prostate tissues of the lambs were stained using AgNOR and PCNA techniques. The prostate tissues were divided into two compartments – the epithelial tissues, including glandular acinus, collecting duct and penile urethra, and the non‐epithelial tissues, including interstitial tissue and striated muscle. AgNOR dots and PCNA index on each prostatic tissue were counted under a light microscope and were evaluated statistically. AgNOR staining in the treatment groups showed a higher score in the non‐epithelial tissues than the epithelial components, whereas the PCNA index was significant in the epithelial tissues and non‐epithelial tissues had very low PCNA immunostaining. According to the PCNA index, collecting duct epithelium showed more sensitivity to increasing zeranol doses and according to AgNOR counts, there was no difference of sensitivity to zeranol among tissues of the same origin. Both AgNOR counts and PCNA indexes seem to be valuable proliferating markers for the epithelial components of ram prostate, but PCNA index had no significance in relation to the non‐epithelial components in contrast to AgNOR counts. Therefore, the controversial results arising from the combined use of both techniques as proliferating markers for the ram prostate should be considered in further studies.
Different Doses of Porcine Luteinizing Hormone in Precocious Puberty Induction in Gilts
Authors: Gama RD , Vianna WL , Pinese ME , de Campos Rosseto A , de Sant'Anna Moretti A
Published: August 2005

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The use of hormonal protocols in puberty induction and synchronization of oestrus has lead to an increase in the efficiency of replacement gilts. The aim of this study was to evaluate different doses of porcine LH in precocious puberty induction and oestrus synchronization in a homogeneous group of gilts. Sixty‐seven homogeneous prepubertal gilts (Camborough 22®) at 137 ± 4 days of age and 87 ± 7 kg were treated with three different hormonal protocols: T1 – 600 UI of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG; Novormon®) and after a 72‐h period 5 mg of LH (Lutropin®); T2 – 600 UI of eCG and a 72‐h period 2.5 mg of LH; T3 – 600 UI of eCG and a 72‐h period 1.25 mg of LH. The ovaries were examined at slaughter, on day 6 after the hormonal treatment. There were no statistical differences (p > 0.05) between the different LH doses in the percentage of the detected oestrus (T1 = 42.85%; T2 = 60.87%, T3 = 52.18%), oestrus duration (T1 = 41.44 ± 16.30 h; T2 = 48.57 ± 16.29 h, T3 = 39.33 ± 11.42 h), number of corpora lutea (T1 = 9.61 ± 5.43; T2 = 9.86 ± 3.32, T3 = 8.13 ± 5.52) and percentage of animals presenting ovarian cystic degeneration (T1 = 33.33%; T2 = 39.13%, T3 = 39.13%). The T2 (2.5 mg of LH) presented the lowest dispersion (p < 0.05) of the LH‐ovulation interval (T1 = 37.17 ± 4.07 h; T2 = 38.26 ± 2.84 h; T3 = 36.25 ± 5.69 h). The LH dose reduction to 2.50 and 1.25 mg presented equal results with the recommended dose of 5.0 mg, and could be used in the precocious induction of oestrus in gilts. The 2.5‐mg LH dose showed the lowest dispersion of ovulation and it can be used in fixed‐time artificial insemination programmes.
Lamprey GnRH‐III Stimulates FSH Secretion in Barrows
Authors: Kauffold J , Schneider F , Zaremba W , Brüssow K‐P
Published: August 2005

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Although studies have indicated that follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release can be dissociated in the pig, the underlying mechanisms are still to be answered. Since it was demonstrated that lamprey gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (l‐GnRH‐III) has preferential FSH‐releasing potency in several mammalian species, we have investigated the gonadotropin‐releasing activity of l‐GnRH‐III in barrows. Each of nine barrows (body weight: 85–90 kg; age: 207 days) received 2 ml saline (S‐barrow), followed by 150 μg l‐GnRH‐III (1.6–1.7 μg/kg body weight) dissolved in 2 ml saline intramuscularly 7 days later. Three pre‐treatment and 13 post‐treatment blood samples were taken at intervals of 30 min to 8 h to assess basal and treatment‐associated concentrations of FSH and LH, respectively, by radioimmunoassay. Animals were defined as having responded to treatment if, 2 h post‐treatment, plasma FSH and/or LH levels were >3 SD of the respective basal concentrations. There was no treatment‐associated FSH response after saline treatment, but a clear FSH response in all l‐GnRH‐III‐injected barrows. On average, the maximum FSH level (205% of the basal concentration) was observed at 1 h post‐treatment. Mean FSH values were elevated until 10 h post‐treatment. There was no LH response either to saline or to l‐GnRH‐III. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a selective FSH‐releasing activity of 150 μg l‐GnRH‐III in barrows. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this effect is ubiquitous in the pig and what the physiological relevance is.
Effect of Oestrous‐cycle Stage on the Response of Mares in a Novel Object Test and Isolation Test
Authors: Hedberg Y , Dalin A‐M , Öhagen P , Holm KR , Kindahl H
Published: August 2005

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In various species, sex, hormonal treatments and oestrous‐cycle stage have been shown to affect the animal's response in behavioural tests. Few such studies have been performed in the horse. The main aim of the present study was to investigate whether oestrous‐cycle stage affects mares’ response to a novel object test and isolation test and, in part, to study whether mares, assumed to suffer from oestrous‐related behavioural problems, respond differently in these tests when compared with controls. Twelve mares were tested twice, in oestrus and dioestrus, in a crossover design. Seven behavioural and two heart rate variables were measured for the novel object test and two heart rate variables for the isolation test. Oestrous‐cycle stage and whether a mare was classified as a ‘problem’ mare did not affect the mare's response. However, test order, i.e. the cycle stage a mare was tested in first, affected its reaction. This effect could partly be explained by significant differences between test occasions 1 and 2 in three behavioural variables and one heart rate variable (p < 0.05) in the novel object test. The mares explored the novel object more and had a higher mean heart rate in the first test. Exploring the novel object more could largely be attributed to those mares tested in dioestrus first, perhaps indicating that the mares in oestrus were less receptive to the novel object. The reason for the differences between test occasions could be an effect of learning or habituation.
The Effect of Post‐ovulatory Insemination on the Subsequent Embryonic Loss, Oestrous Cycle Length and Vaginal Discharge in Sows
Authors: Kaeoket K , Tantasuparuk W , Kunavongkrit A
Published: August 2005

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The aim of present study was to study the effect of post‐ovulatory insemination on the subsequent embryonic loss, oestrous cycle length and vaginal discharge in sows. Ten Large White multiparous sows were divided into two groups. Group A sows were inseminated once at 15 h after ovulation. Thereafter, they were ovariohysterectomized on day 11 (n = 5, first day of standing oestrus = day 1) and flushed for recovery of embryos. Group B sows were also inseminated once at 15 h after ovulation. They were further observed for return to oestrus and vaginal discharge (n = 5) after insemination. The endometrium tissues were biopsied from sows with vaginal discharge, embedded with paraffin, stained with haematoxylin and eosin and examined under light microscope. Only two embryos were observed in one of four sows from group A. All embryos had a spherical shape but differed in size (range 1–2 mm). In group B, only one sow had a regular return to oestrus (i.e. on day 23) and another sow had an irregular return to oestrus (i.e. on day 27). The other two sows in this group had shown vaginal discharge on days 20 and 38 after standing oestrus. For the number of leucocytes in the endometrium of sows with vaginal discharge, a large number of lymphocytes and plasma cells were observed in the connective tissue of the subepithelial layer. In conclusion, post‐ovulatory insemination resulted in early embryonic loss, a subsequent prolonged oestrus interval and also vaginal discharge (i.e. endometritis) in sows.
Dynamic analysis of glioma cells: Looking into “movement phenotypes”
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi O. , Iwaki Toru
Published: August 2005

One of the major obstacles to the successful treatment of diffuse gliomas is their highly infiltrative property. It is one of the important therapeutic strategies to inhibit infiltration of glioma cells and make it possible to locally control a lesion. To achieve this, we first need to observe and describe detailed movement profiles of glioma cells in the brain tissue at the cellular level. Then we further need to determine extra and intracellular molecules that play a key role in glioma cell invasion. Live cell imaging is a powerful technique to investigate the basic movement pattern of glioma cells as well as the effects of therapeutic interventions on their migration. In this review, we describe a technical aspect of live cell imaging with special regard to time‐lapse video imaging and discuss the relevance of the methods to glioma studies.