bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational risks for male fertility: an analysis of patients attending a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Kenkel Sebastian , Rolf Claus , Nieschlag Eberhard
Published: September 2010

The impact of environment and occupation on male fertility is still under debate. We investigated whether certain occupations may be over‐ or under‐represented among men attending our infertility clinic in relation to the entire population of the area. Diagnoses and semen parameters of 2054 infertile men from the district of Münster were analysed retrospectively. The patients were categorized into 29 occupational groups. The relative size of each group was compared with that of the entire population in the district of Münster. Farmers were over‐represented compared with the general population. Farmers and painters/varnishers showed a significantly higher proportion of reduced sperm counts [odds ratios (OR): 2.13 and 2.17, 95% confidence intervals: 1.18–3.88 and 1.02–4.65] and severely reduced sperm concentrations compared with the entire group of infertile men; in addition, significantly more farmers presented with a history of maldescended testes than other occupational groups (OR: 2.76 and 2.84; CI: 1.12–6.75 and 1.27–6.34). Metal workers/welders formed significantly higher proportions of patients with reduced sperm motility (OR: 5.99; CI: 1.38–26.00). The relatively poor semen parameters of the painters/varnishers could be caused by exposure to toxins. This may also apply to the farmers (fertilizers, herbicides); however, the elevated rate of maldescended testes suggests an effect of exposure during prenatal development or a genetic cause. The findings for metal workers/welders may be because of heat or toxins at the workplace. The study demonstrates that certain occupations are preferentially associated with male infertility.
Expression of ADAM‐15 in rat myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Ji Ke , Du Wen Juan , Jiang Shu Lin , Tian Hai
Published: September 2010

A disintegrin and metalloprotease‐15 (ADAM‐15) is a potential novel regulator of inflammatory response and tissue remodelling, which is thought to have the ability to attenuate the cardiac function resulting from myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the expression of ADAM‐15 in rat MI. Wistar rats were subjected to MI by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Euthanasia was performed at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days following MI. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ADAM‐15 were detected respectively by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot. The localization of ADAM‐15 protein was observed by immunohistochemistry. Compared with sham‐MI, the expression of ADAM‐15 in MI increased at day 1, reached to maximum at day 3, decreased at day 7 and day 14 gradually. In addition, we also found that the localization of ADAM‐15 was mainly at cardiac myocytes in the border area of MI and some macrophages in the border and infarcted areas. This study revealed a significant difference of ADAM‐15 expression in rat MI and indicated that ADAM‐15 maybe one of the important factors involved in inflammatory response and cardiac remodelling of rat MI.
Apoptosis and fibrosis are early features of heart failure in an animal model of metabolic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gürtl Barbara , Kratky Dagmar , Guelly Christian , Zhang Lefeng , Gorkiewicz Gregor , Das Suman Kumar , Tamilarasan Kuppusamy Palaniappan , Hoefler Gerald
Published: September 2010

In previous experiments, we observed signs of cardiac failure in mice overexpressing lipoprotein lipase (LPL) under the control of a muscle specific promotor and in peroxisome proliferators activated receptor alpha (PPARα) knockout mice overexpressing LPL under the control of the same promotor. In our current investigations, we focussed on morphological consequences and changes in mRNA and protein expression in hearts from these animals. mRNA expression was analysed by differential display analysis and Northern blot as well as by cDNA microarray analysis followed by pathway analysis. Protein expression was examined using immunoblot and immunohistochemistry. Fibrosis was determined by chromotrope aniline blue staining for collagen. A distinct increase in the expression of α‐tubulin mRNA was noted in hearts of all mutant mouse strains compared with the control. This result was paralleled by increased α‐tubulin protein expression. Using cDNA microarray analysis, we detected an activation of apoptosis, in particular an increase of caspase‐3 expression in hearts of mice overexpressing LPL but not in PPARα knockout mice overexpressing LPL. This finding was confirmed immunohistochemically. In addition, we identified a distinct interstitial increase in collagen and an increase around blood vessels. In our mouse model, we detect mRNA and protein changes typical for cardiomyopathy even before overt clinical signs of heart failure. In addition, a small but distinct increase in the rate of apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and fibrotic changes contributes to cardiac failure in mice overexpressing LPL, whereas additional deficiency in PPARα seems to protect hearts from these effects.
Wind‐assisted migration potential of the island sugarcane planthopperEumetopina flavipes(Hemiptera: Delphacidae): implications for managing incursions across an Australian quarantine frontline
Authors: Anderson Kylie L. , Deveson Ted E. , Sallam Nader , Congdon Bradley C.
Published: September 2010

1. The identification of dispersal mechanisms which facilitate particular biological invasions is paramount for the successful management of invasive species. If the dispersal mechanism promotes high propagule pressure, the probability of successful establishment and spread is enhanced.

2. Invasive species may enter mainland Australia from Papua New Guinea via the Torres Strait islands, and their dispersal through the region may be assisted by wind. The island sugarcane planthopperEumetopina flavipesis of particular concern to Australian quarantine authorities. Long‐distance, wind‐assisted immigration from Papua New Guinea may be responsible for the continued presence ofE. flavipesin the Torres Strait islands and on the tip of mainland Australia. Simulation was used to predictE. flavipeswind‐assisted migration potential from Papua New Guinea into the Torres Strait islands and mainland Australia. Field studies were used to test the predictions.

3. Wind‐assisted immigration from Papua New Guinea was predicted to occur widely throughout the Torres Strait islands and the tip of mainland Australia, especially in the presence of tropical depressions and cyclones. Simulation showed potential for a definite, seasonal immigration which reflected variation in the onset, length and cessation of the summer monsoon.

4. In general, simulation predictions did not explainE. flavipesobserved infestations. The discrepancy suggests that post‐colonization processes such as the temporal and spatial availability of host may be equally or more important than possible wind‐assisted immigration in determining population establishment, persistence and viability.

5. Despite the potential for wide‐spread, annual immigration throughout the Torres Strait islands and the tip of mainland Australia,E. flavipescontrol may be possible by managing the cultivation of host plants on an ongoing annual basis to avoid recolonization, especially prior to or during critical immigration periods.

6. Synthesis and applications. Wind may promote significant incursions ofE. flavipesfrom Papua New Guinea into northern Australia. Management strategies should consider the relative importance of both pre‐ and post‐invasion processes in determining establishment success, so that response measures can be implemented at the appropriate stage of invasion. In this way, successful control may be enhanced, serving to reduce the overall cost of invasion.
Environmental monitoring: the scale and speed of implementation varies according to the degree of peoples involvement
Authors: Danielsen Finn , Burgess Neil D. , Jensen Per M. , Pirhofer‐Walzl Karin
Published: September 2010

1. Solutions to the global environmental crisis require scientific knowledge and responses spanning different spatial scales and levels of societal organization; yet understanding how to translate environmental knowledge into decision‐making and action remains limited.

2. We examined 104 published environmental monitoring schemes to assess whether participation in data collection and analysis influences the speed and scale of decision‐making and action.

3. Our results show that scientist‐executed monitoring informs decisions within regions, nations and international conventions. However, decisions typically take 3–9 years to be implemented.

4. We also show that scientist‐executed monitoring has little impact at the village scale, where many natural resource management decisions are made.

5. At the village scale, monitoring schemes that involve local people, and relate to resource utilization at the village level, are much more effective at influencing decisions; these decisions typically take 0–1 year to be implemented.

6. Synthesis and applications. Involving local stakeholders in monitoring enhances management responses at local spatial scales, and increases the speed of decision‐making to tackle environmental challenges at operational levels of resource management.
Degradation of Acetylsalicylic Acid by a Strain of Acinetobacter Iwoffii
Authors: Grant D. J. W.
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY: A strain of Acinetobacter Iwoffii, isolated from a stored sample of distilled water, hydrolysed acetylsalicylic acid to salicylic and acetic acids. It grew in mineral salts medium with either of these compounds as C source and NH4+ as N source. Experiments with whole cells and cell free extracts and the isolation of intermediates showed that acetylsalicylic acid was metabolized through salicylic acid, catechol, cis‐cis‐muconic acid, (+)‐muconolactone and β‐oxoadipic acid. The salicylate hydroxylase required NADH or NADPH as cofactor and 1 mole of O2 was taken up and 1 mole of CO2 evolved for each mole of salicylate oxidized. Catalytic quantities of flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD) but not flavine mononucleotide (FMN) activated the enzyme. The cis‐cis‐muconate lactonizing enzyme was activated by Mn2+ and inhibited by EDTA.
Disinfectant Evaluation by a Capacity Use‐dilution Test
Authors: Bergan T. , Lystad A.
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY: Two testing procedures, B.S. 3286: 1960 and Kelsey & Sykes (1969), have been examined in terms of their reproducibility and ease of operation using different types of disinfectants. The capacity use‐dilution test realistically simulated practical conditions and gave reasonable results. It is recommended for use‐dilution assessments of general purpose disinfectants.
The in vivo Effect of Nisin on the Microflora of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Cowell N. D. , Allen A. R. , Jarvis B.
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY: Saliva specimens from 2 groups of volunteers were taken immediately before and after one group had consumed 25,000 i.u. of nisin/day for 14 days, and were analysed quantitatively for total viable and nisin‐resistant bacteria. No significant differences were observed between the pre‐ and post‐test specimens from either group.
Antibacterial Activity of Long Chain Fatty Acids and the Reversal with Calcium, Magnesium, Ergocalciferol and Cholesterol
Authors: Galbraith H. , Miller T. B. , Paton A. M. , Thompson J. K.
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY: Screening tests indicated that Gram positive bacteria are inhibited by long chain fatty acids. No inhibition was demonstrated with Gram negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for a series of the fatty acids are presented. Growth curves in the presence of linolenic acid showed increases in lag phase duration and calcium addition reversed this effect, thus indicating the arbitrary nature of the MIC values. Bactericidal studies showed lauric acid to be the most active saturated fatty acid but the activity was less than that of the C18 unsaturated fatty acids. Oleic acid was more effective than elaidic acid. Calcium ions, cholesterol and ergocalciferol reversed the activities of lauric and linoleic acids but magnesium ions effectively counteracted lauric acid only. A physicochemical explanation for the relative activities has been attempted.
Myxobolid parasites infecting the gills of the Iberian nase, Chondrostoma polylepis (Steindachner), in Galicia (NW Spain), with a description of Myxobolus gallaicus sp. nov.
Authors: Iglesias  , Paramá  , Alvarez  , Leiro  , Sanmartín
Published: September 2010

Three species of myxobolid parasites were found infecting the gills of the Iberian nase, Chondrostoma polylepis, in the River Ulla (Galicia, NW Spain), Myxobolus leuciscini, M. impressus and M. gallaicus sp. nov., which is described herein. Myxobolus leuciscini locates in the intralamellar space and the plasmodium begins to develop in the endothelium of the capillaries of the secondary lamellae. Myxobolus impressus plasmodia are located in the interlamellar multilayered epithelium. Myxobolus gallaicus plasmodia are elongated and are located exclusively in the central venous sinus of the branchial filament, suggesting that they begin their development in branchial endothelial tissue. We also present data on spore size and morphology, plasmodium and pansporoblast characteristics and pathological effects of the three species in the host branchial tissues.
Naturally occurring bacteraemia in American lobsters, Homarus americanus Milne‐Edwards, in Long Island Sound
Authors: Bartlett S L , Wooster G A , Sokolowski M S , Dove A D M , Bowser P R
Published: September 2010

The health status of the American lobster, Homarus americanus Milne‐Edwards, in Long Island Sound (LIS) has been in decline, with seasonal mortality events occurring since 1998. In order to assess the potential effects of environmental conditions on lobster health via haemolymph analysis, lobsters collected from various sites in LIS were examined and sampled while concurrent environmental data (water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen) were recorded. The pH of the haemolymph of each lobster was tested, followed by a collection of haemolymph for serum biochemistry analysis and bacterial culture. This report focuses on the results of the bacterial sampling. The majority of bacteria cultured were opportunistic pathogens commonly found in the environment, including some that are associated with sewage and pollution. The prevalence of bacteraemia was correlated with the site of collection, the month in which the lobsters were sampled, and water temperature.
Genetic analysis of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus from Scotland
Authors: Bain N , Gregory A , Raynard R S
Published: September 2010

Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is a highly contagious disease of young salmonid fish, and is one of the most serious economic diseases in aquaculture. In Scotland, an increase in IPN virus (IPNV) outbreaks in seawater Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, has been reported in recent years. The aim of this study was to analyse the VP2 gene from recent IPNV isolates from Scotland, to determine whether there are epidemiological links between IPNV isolates from farms (13), wild fish (17) and the environment (6) in order to investigate potential wild and farmed fish interactions. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the VP2 gene revealed that 34 of 36 isolates were 97.1–100% similar and the deduced amino acid sequences showed 97–100% identity. Two isolates from wild fish exhibited the most divergence at 85–87.3% similarity to the other isolates at the nucleotide level and 88.2–90.8% identity at the deduced amino acid level. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 34 of 36 of the isolates from Scotland were genetically closely related to the A2 (Sp) serotype of IPNV. The two wild isolates from seatrout, Salmo trutta, and flounder, Platichthys flesus, were most closely related to the European A5 (Te) serotype. This study represents a comprehensive IPNV phylogenetic study that indicates that there are closely related or identical isolates in circulation in the marine environment, which adds evidence that disease interactions between wild and farmed fish may occur. This type of analysis is a useful tool in the management and control of fish diseases because it can assist in the identification of epidemiological links and highlight potential risks to aquaculture.
An investigation into the prevalence of Renibacterium salmoninarum in farmed rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), and wild fish populations in selected river catchments in England and Wales between 1998 and 2000
Authors: Chambers E , Gardiner R , Peeler E J
Published: September 2010

A cross‐sectional survey of Renibacterium salmoninarum infection in farmed rainbow trout (RBT) and wild fish populations was carried out in 10 farms and six river catchments, respectively, in England and Wales. The majority of the wild fish were sampled in 1998 and the farmed fish in 2000. Grayling, Thymallus thymallus, and brown trout, Salmo trutta, were the main wild species sampled. Two fish, one grayling and one salmon, Salmo salar, were R. salmoninarum culture‐positive, compared with 40 confirmed polymerase chain reaction‐positive wild fish. The highest prevalence of R. salmoninarum infection was found in grayling in rivers with RBT farms with a history of R. salmoninarum infection. One hundred and fifty fish were sampled from each RBT farm, but none of the fish was found to be R. salmoninarum‐positive. Evidence was found, for the first time, for the presence of R. salmoninarum in an eel, Anguilla anguilla.
Herpesvirus that caused epizootic mortality in 1995 and 1998 in pilchard, Sardinops sagax neopilchardus (Steindachner), in Australia is now endemic
Authors: Whittington R J , Crockford M , Jordan D , Jones B
Published: September 2010

Propagating epizootics due to Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) occurred in the Australian population of pilchard, Sardinops sagax neopilchardus (Steindachner) (Clupeidae), in 1995 and 1998–99, with up to 60% losses. No mortality events have been evident in the ensuing 7 years, one reason for which could be that PHV is now endemic. During 2004, a survey was conducted to establish if PHV was present in pilchards in Australia. The pilchard is a highly active, pelagic schooling fish which is found in subpopulations, creating difficulties for the conduct of surveys. It occurs in Australian coastal waters and embayments below about 25 °S latitude, feeds on plankton and is predated by birds, mammals and larger fish. It reaches sexual maturity at 2 years of age, spawns at sea, enters embayments when about 5 months old and returns to sea when about 1 year old. It may live for 6–9 years, reaching a maximum length of 200 mm. It forms schools and may travel up to 30 km per day. Pilchards aggregate in mobile shoals of fish containing large highly mobile schools, which interact randomly and exchange individuals. Four subpopulations were defined for the purposes of this survey based on differences in biological characteristics: south‐eastern Queensland/northern New South Wales (NSW), Victoria/South Australia (SA), south coast Western Australia (SWA) and west coast Western Australia (WWA). Specimens were obtained from the catch of commercial fishermen using random sampling where possible. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of PHV was performed after appraising the suitability of all available tests according to their impact on sample size requirements, total survey costs and logistical constraints. In the analysis, estimates of true prevalence (TP) of infection and 95% confidence limits were adjusted from the apparent prevalence estimates provided by PCR results. Percentage TP of PHV and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the four subpopulations: NSW, SA, SWA and WWA were thus estimated as 0 (0–1.5), 31 (22–43), 42 (31–55) and 29 (20–41), respectively. PHV is now endemic in Australian populations of pilchard. Implications of the findings for fisheries management are discussed.
Molecular markers of cancer in cartilaginous fish: immunocytochemical study of PCNA, p‐53, myc and ras expression in neoplastic and hyperplastic tissues from free ranging blue sharks, Prionace glauca (L.)
Authors: Borucinska J D , Schmidt B , Tolisano J , Woodward D
Published: September 2010

Archival formalin‐fixed tissues from wild‐caught adult blue sharks, Prionace glauca (L.), were used for immunocytochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), two oncoproteins from the oncogenes c‐myc and pan‐ras, and a protein product from the tumour suppressor gene p‐53. All sharks were caught during summer months between 2000 and 2006 by recreational fishermen off the USA coast in the northwestern Atlantic. The sharks were necropsied on landing and selected organ samples were collected into elasmobranch formalin and processed for paraffin embedding and light microscopy. Paraffin‐embedded sections from collected tissue were both stained with haematoxylin and eosin and processed by immunocytochemical techniques using antibodies raised against the PCNA, p‐ras, c‐myc and p‐53 proteins. The lesions examined in this study included two well differentiated adenomatous gastric polyps, a testicular capsular mesothelioma, a gingival fibropapilloma with elements of ameloblastoma, three liver tumours, two pericardial fibropapillomas and six cases of proliferative serositis (pericarditis and peritonitis). Normal and hyperplastic tissues from blue sharks, and human neoplastic tissues served as negative and positive controls, respectively. We detected upregulation of PCNA in many neoplastic, one dysplastic and in some hyperplastic lesions, and positive p‐ras and c‐myc signals in some of the neoplastic lesions. None of the examined tissues showed positive p‐53 signalling. This is the first literature report on immunocytochemical detection of molecular markers of cancer in sharks and in fish of the class Chondrichthyes.
The involvement of Aeromonas salmonicida virulence factors in bacterial translocation across the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), intestine
Authors: Jutfelt F , Sundh H , Glette J , Mellander L , Thrandur Björnsson B , Sundell K
Published: September 2010

The pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida is the causative agent of furunculosis, a lethal disease in salmonids. The mode of lateral transmission has not been conclusively defined, but A. salmonicida is able to translocate across the intestinal epithelium of salmonids, making the intestinal route a probable candidate. This study investigated some of the virulence mechanisms used by the bacteria to promote translocation. Intestinal segments were placed in modified Ussing chambers to investigate epithelial functions during exposure to bacterial factors. The factors were: extracellular products (ECP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or live or heat‐inactivated A. salmonicida. Fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC)‐labelling enabled detection of translocated bacteria by fluorometry. Live A. salmonicida translocated to a greater degree than heat‐inactivated bacteria, suggesting that the bacteria utilize a heat sensitive surface‐bound virulence factor which promotes translocation. The epithelium was negatively affected by ECP, manifested as decreased net ion transport, indicating a disturbance in ion channels or cell metabolism. LPS did not affect the epithelium in vitro when administered on the luminal side of the intestinal segment, but significantly increased epithelial translocation of fluorescent bacterial‐sized microspheres when administered on the serosal side. This is suggested to be caused by increased transcellular transport, as the paracellular permeability was unaffected indicating maintained epithelial integrity.
A qualitative investigation of individuals’ experiences and expectations before and after completing a trial of commercial weight loss programmes
Authors: Herriot A. M. , Thomas D. E. , Hart K. H. , Warren J. , Truby H.
Published: September 2010

Objectives  To investigate the previous dieting experiences and expectations of individuals enrolled in a randomized trial of four commercial weight loss programmes and post‐intervention to compare experiences across the diet groups.

Aim  The purpose of this study was to enhance the understanding of why subjects volunteered to take part in a weight loss trial and also to ascertain their views on each of the diets tested.

Methods  Focus groups containing both men and women were undertaken at baseline prior to randomization, and diet specific focus groups were held post‐intervention. All group discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed for emerging themes using the long‐table approach.

Results  The main intrinsic motivators to enroling in the study were a current lack of self‐esteem and confidence. The opportunity to take part in an academic study was also a motivator. Motivation and increasing efficacy were cited commonly among those who had successfully lost (or at least not gained) weight. The ‘pros’ identified for each of the commercial diets tested in the trial were in line with each of the diet’s promotional materials; the ‘cons’ varied between groups.

Conclusion  In this study, reducing health risks was not the main motivator for people deciding to lose weight. Increasing intrinsic sense of worth gained by losing weight and continued motivation appear to be related to success. The differing experiences of people undertaking each of the four diets suggest that matching diet regimen to individual is important.
Disordered eating cognitions and behaviours among slimming organization competition winners
Authors: Green G. C. , Buckroyd J.
Published: September 2010

Background  Long‐term success in weight loss treatments for obesity is elusive. The most widely used approach after diet books is slimming clubs. A percentage of members achieve dramatic and lasting weight losses. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of binge eating and unhealthy eating‐related thought patterns among a group of highly successful weight losers.

Methods  Sixty‐five slimming competition winners self reported their weight history and eating habits in a semi‐structured questionnaire. The Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) and the Emotional Eating Scale (EES) were also administered.

Results  Despite substantial weight loss (mean = 38%, SD = 10%) and widespread maintenance of losses, participants evidenced high levels of dietary restraint and weight, shape and eating overconcern. Emotional eating levels were significantly higher than those seen in noneating disordered populations on two of three subscales. Seventy‐one per cent also reported bingeing in the past 3 months.

Conclusions  Commercial slimming organizations should engage with broader psychological and behavioural features of obesity, including bingeing and eating‐related cognitive patterns.
Environmental and personal correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption in low income, urban Mexican children
Authors: Pérez‐Lizaur A. B. , Kaufer‐Horwitz M. , Plazas M.
Published: September 2010

Background Epidemiological evidence suggests that populations with high fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption have a lower risk for childhood obesity, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. There are no studies that address the correlates of FV intake in Mexican children; therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the frequency of FV consumption by children in Mexico City’s low income state schools and their personal (preferences, expectancy, knowledge and self‐efficacy) and environmental (accessibility and person in charge of cooking at home) correlates.

Methods A validated questionnaire to assess accessibility, expectancy, self‐efficacy, preference and knowledge; and a 2‐day dietary recall were used to assess the FV intake and its correlates in 327 children. Statistical analysis included chi‐square and stepwise logistic regression.

Results Average consumption of FV was once a day with a higher proportion of girls consuming FV 3 or more times per day (15.2% versus 6.7%;P < 0.01). The environmental factors that influenced a higher consumption of FV were the mother being responsible for cooking at home (P < 0.02) and accessibility to FV (P < 0.01); whereas the personal factors were self‐efficacy (P < 0.05) and preference (P < 0.03) to vegetables.

Conclusion Correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption in children from Mexico City’s State Schools were being female and accessibility to fruits and vegetables. Home and school environments are decisive for the children to increase FV consumption. Creative ways to encourage FV consumption in boys should be explored. These factors should be considered when designing programmes aimed at increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables in children.
An observational study of screening for malnutrition in elderly people living in sheltered accommodation
Authors: Harris D. G. , Davies C. , Ward H. , Haboubi N. Y.
Published: September 2010

Background Elderly people are particularly at risk of malnutrition. There is no consensus regarding the optimal malnutrition screening test for elderly people and little is known about the prevalence of malnutrition in elderly people living in sheltered housing.

Method An observational study comparing sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the followingscreeningmeasures in elderly people living in sheltered accommodation: body mass index, mid‐arm circumference, albumin, haemoglobin, lymphocyte count, cholesterol and the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). A dietitian assessment was used as the gold standard to establish whether there was a risk of malnutrition.

Results Of 100 people recruited (31 male and 69 female with average age 79.3 years) ten were categorized at risk by the dietitian assessment. The MUST score was the most sensitive and specific screening measure (100% and 98% respectively) with a negative predictive value of 1. The sensitivity and specificity of the other measures were: MNA 80% and 90%, mid‐arm circumference 70% and 99%, BMI 60% and 90%, albumin 30% and 77%, haemoglobin 50% and 61%, lymphocyte count 20% and 86%, low cholesterol 30% and 90%.

Conclusions Ten per cent of elderly people in sheltered housing are at risk of malnutrition. The MUST screening tool is a sensitive and specific method of identifying those requiring further nutritional assessment.
Food portion weights in primary and secondary school lunches in England
Authors: Davies O. Howell , Suleiman S. , Nicholas J. , Bradbury J. , Msebele S. , Prior G. , Hall L. , Wreford S. , Jarvis L. , McGee A. , Poulter J. , Nelson M.
Published: September 2010

Background  National Nutritional Standards for school lunches were reintroduced in 2001, and included guidance on portion sizes for primary schools. For the first time since 1997, nationally representative data on school food portion sizes in England have been collected using direct assessment rather than reported portion sizes.

Methods  Food portions were weighed directly in foods served in nationally representative samples of primary and secondary school meals. Results were grouped by food or food group.

Results  The number of portions weighed was 7975 in primary schools and 3354 in secondary schools. Individual portion weights were grouped by food or food group to yield mean, median, SD and inter‐quartile range. For a given food or food group, the number of portions weighed varied from 5 to 210 portions in primary schools and between 5 and 194 portions in secondary schools.

Conclusions  The results provide a good representation of typical portion weights for different foods and food groups in primary and secondary schools in England. Portion size is one factor that determines nutrient intake. New standards for school lunches are both nutrient and food‐based. Guidance on portion weights will help to ensure that pupils consume the correct balance of foods to obtain the recommended nutrient intake. The present findings complement and extend existing guidance on portion sizes for pupils in schools in England and Scotland.
Plasma pharmacokinetics of warfarin enantiomers in cats
Authors: SMITH S.A. , KRAFT S.L. , LEWIS D.C. , FREEMAN L.C.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the dispositions of S‐warfarin and R‐warfarin in normal cats following intravenous and oral administrations of racemic warfarin. Citrated blood samples were collected from 10 cats prior to and at times 5, 15, and 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h following a single intravenous bolus of 0.5 mg/kg of racemic warfarin. After a 21‐day washout period, samples were then similarly collected in three groups of four cats for 120 h following oral administration of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg racemic warfarin. S‐warfarin and R‐warfarin were detected using a high‐performance liquid chromatography assay validated for cat plasma. Drug concentration–time curves were subjected to non‐compartmental analysis.

Median pharmacokinetic parameters associated with the intravenous administration of 0.5 mg/kg racemic warfarin were as follows:t1/2 (S:28.2, R:18.3 h), area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC; S:33.0, R:24.6 h*μg/mL), area under the moment curve (AUMC; S:1889, R:527.8 h*h*μg/mL), and mean residence time (MRT; S:38.7, R:20.9 h). For each parameter, S‐warfarin was significantly different from R‐warfarin (P<0.05). Warfarin was absorbed rapidly after oral administration, and the dosage did not affect the time to maximum concentration (S:0.87, R:0.75 h). Oral dosage significantly influenced maximum plasma concentration (ng/mL, S:1267, R:1355 at 0.5 mg/kg; S:614.9, R:679.4 at 0.25 mg/kg; S:250.5, R:367.6 at 0.1 mg/kg),AUC(h*μg/mL, S:45.12, R:30.91 at 0.5 mg/kg; S:22.98:, R:18.99 at 0.25 mg/kg; S:3.922, R:3.570 at 0.1 mg/kg) andAUMC(h*h*μg/mL, S:2135, R:1062 at 0.5 mg/kg; S:943.1, R:599.9 at 0.25 mg/kg; S:132.2, R:59.03 at 0.1 mg/kg), but nott1/2 (S:23.5, R:11.6 h) nor MRT (S:26.3, R:13.5 h). Both warfarin enantiomers were highly (>96.5%) protein‐bound. Quantitation of the warfarin content in commercially available tablets indicated an unequal distribution of the drug throughout the tablet.
Comparison of plasma pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of ceftiofur sodium in cattle after a single intramuscular or subcutaneous injection
Authors: Brown S. A. , Chester S. T. , Speedy A. K. , Hubbard V. L. , Callahan J. K. , Hamlow P. J. , Hibbard B. , Robb E. J.
Published: September 2010

Ceftiofur sodium, a broad‐spectrum cephalosporin, is active against gram‐positive and gram‐negative pathogens of veterinary importance. This study was designed to compare the bioequivalence of the sodium salt in cattle after a single intramuscular (i.m.) or subcutaneous dose (s.c.) of 2.2 mg ceftiofur equivalents/kg body weight. The criteria used to evaluate bioequivalence were (1) the area under the curve from time of injection to the limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the assay (AUC0‐LOQ), and (2) time concentrations remained above 0.2 μg/mL (t>0.2).

Twelve crossbred beef cattle were enrolled in a three‐period, two‐treatment crossover trial, with a minimum 2‐week washout period between doses of 2.2 mg ceftiofur equivalents/kg. Blood samples were collected serially for up to 72 h post‐injection. Plasma samples were then analyzed using a validated assay that measures ceftiofur, and all desfuroylceftiofur‐related metabolites, by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as the stable derivative, desfuroylceftiofur acetamide.

A maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 13.9±3.55 μg/mL was observed from 0.67−2.0 h after i.m. administration, whereas aCmax of 13.6±3.85 μg/mL was observed from 0.67–3.0 h after s.c. administration. TheAUC0‐LOQ was 108±35.0 μg · h/mL after i.m. dosing, compared with 105±29.8 μg · h/mL after s.c. dosing. The pre‐established criterion for equivalence of theAUC0‐LOQ for the i.m. and s.c. routes of administration was satisfied. Thet>0.2 was 49.2±8.55 h after i.m. administration, compared with 47.0±9.40 h after s.c. administration. The pre‐established criterion for equivalence of thet>0.2 for i.m. and s.c. administration was satisfied.

The equivalence ofAUC0‐LOQ andt>0.2 for i.m. and s.c. administration of 2.2 mg ceftiofur equivalents (CE)/kg doses of ceftiofur sodium suggest similar therapeutic efficacy and systemic safety for the two routes of administration.
Administration of ticarcillin in combination with clavulanic acid intravenously and intrauterinely to clinically normal oestrous mares
Authors: VAN CAMP S. D. , PAPICH M. G. , WHITACRE M. D.
Published: September 2010

Ticarcillin and clavulanic acid (potassium clavulanate) were administered to normal oestrous mares intravenously (i.v.) at a dose of 50 and 1.67 mg/kg for ticarcillin and clavulanate, respectively. In a crossover design, the same drugs were administered intrauterine (i.u.) at a dose of 12.4 and 0.4 mg/kg for ticarcillin and clavulanate, respectively. The i.u. dose was administered in 100 mL of saline solution. Endometrial tissue biopsies and plasma samples were collected after drug administration for the determination of ticarcillin and clavulanate concentrations by high‐pressure liquid chromatography and pharmacokinetic calculations. After i.u. administration both drugs were poorly absorbed into the plasma. The ticarcillin half‐life from tissue and plasma was short after i.v. administration. Although concentrations in tissue were higher after i.u. administration than i.v., concentrations of ticarcillin declined rapidly, which would necessitate frequent treatment in order to maintain drug concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) throughout the treatment period. Clavulanate concentrations in tissue were either low or persisted for only a short time after administration via either route. It appears that addition of clavulanate to the formulation for treatment of i.u. infections in mares is of questionable value based on these concentrations.
The anatomy of the penis of a Sperm Whale (Physeter catodon L., 1758)
Authors: Bland Keith P. , Kitchener Andrew C.
Published: September 2010

The normal anatomy of the distal part of the Sperm Whale penis is described from an adult male that stranded in the Firth of Forth, Scotland in 1997. However this individual had experienced a blockage and subsequent rupture of the penile urethra that probably led to its death, so that the structure of the basal part of the penis was obscured. The anatomy of the Sperm Whale penis is similar to that of most other cetaceans that have been examined.
The Yellow‐necked Mouse Apodemus flavicollis in Britain: status and analysis of factors affecting distribution
Authors: Marsh Aidan C. W. , Poulton Simon , Harris Stephen
Published: September 2010

A national survey of the Yellow‐necked Mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) in Britain was undertaken by The Mammal Society. The live‐trapping study sampled small mammal populations from 168 deciduous woodlands in autumn 1998. Within their range, Yellow‐necked Mice were widespread in deciduous woodland and were more abundant than Wood Mice in 15% of the woodlands sampled. These trapping records, as well as records solicited from local recorders, record centres and individuals, supplemented the existing distribution map, confirming the general pattern, but with minor extensions to some range borders.

Yellow‐necked Mice were found in woodland of all ages, but were more common in woods of ancient origin than in younger woodland. Woodland size was not important in determining the presence or abundance of Yellow‐necked Mice, but they were more often absent from woods more than 2 km from neighbouring substantial woodland.

The presence of Yellow‐necked Mice did not affect the relative abundance of Wood Mice (Apodemus sylvaticus). However, the decline in the proportion of breeding male Wood Mice at the end of the main breeding season was more marked in those woods that also contained Yellow‐necked Mice. Where their ranges overlapped, Bank Voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) were less abundant where Yellow‐necked Mice were also present.

The distribution of the Yellow‐necked Mouse was explored with respect to a number of climatic, soil and habitat variables. Maximum summer temperature was the most significant variable explaining distribution, although woodland cover variables also contributed. Soil moisture and pH, mean rainfall and winter temperature parameters did not predict Yellow‐necked Mouse distribution. Low summer temperature may limit Yellow‐necked Mouse distribution through its impact on tree seed production and diversity. Climatic change leading to a rise in summer temperature might encourage range expansion by Yellow‐necked Mice, if their other habitat requirements are met.
Sensory and behavioural responses of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans to rumen volatiles
Authors: JEANBOURQUIN P. , GUERIN P. M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract Analysis of volatiles from rumen digesta by gas chromatography linked antennogram recordings from Stomoxys calcitrans (L) (Diptera: Muscidae) antennal receptor cells revealed about 30 electrophysiologically active constituents, the most important of which is dimethyl trisulphide with a sensory threshold in the femtogram range. The behavioural responses of S. calcitrans to five chemostimulants (dimethyl trisulphide, butanoic acid, p‐cresol, oct‐1‐en‐3‐ol and skatole) were tested in a wind tunnel where activation and attraction of hungry flies to rumen volatiles were recorded. Dimethyl trisulphide, butanoic acid and p‐cresol were found to attract S. calcitrans. This sensitivity to rumen volatile constituents, that also occur in animal wastes used for oviposition by Stomoxys spp., as well as in flowers used by stable flies as sources of nectar is discussed in the context of the behavioural ecology of these flies.
DNA detection rates of host mtDNA in bloodmeals of human body lice (Pediculus humanus L., 1758)
Authors: DAVEY J. S. , CASEY C. S. , BURGESS I. F. , CABLE J.
Published: September 2010

Abstract Using polymerase chain reaction, we investigated the extent to which digestion affects the potential to amplify 12S mitochondrial DNA sequences from bloodmeals of individual human body lice (Pediculus humanus L.) (Phthiraptera, Pediculidae) up to 72 h after feeding on a surrogate rabbit host (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) (Lagomorpha, Leporidae). Two rabbit‐specific primer pairs were developed to produce amplicons of 199 bp and 283 bp, the smaller of which was found to have a significantly slower decay rate. Median detection periods (T50) for the amplicons were 20 h and 12 h, with maximum detection periods of 24 h and 12 h, respectively, suggesting an inversely proportional linear relationship between amplicon size and digestion time. The data provide an indication of timeframes essential for the design of forensic sampling protocols and a basis for investigating the feeding frequency of human lice.
Occurrence and larval growth of Hypoderma lineatum in the oesophagi of cattle from northwest Spain: influence of geographical and climatic conditions
Authors: PANADERO R. , FERNÁNDEZ M. , VÁZQUEZ L. , LÓPEZ C. , DACAL V. , CIENFUEGOS S. , DÍAZ P. , MORRONDO P. , DÍEZ‐BAÑOS P.
Published: September 2010

Abstract From March 2004 to March 2005, 862 bovine oesophagi were collected at weekly intervals from a slaughterhouse in Lugo in northwest Spain in order to establish the occurrence and chronobiology of the first‐instar (L1) oesophageal phase of Hypoderma lineatum (De Villers) (Diptera: Oestridae) in different climatic areas from this region. First instars were observed in oesophagi from May to February (10 months/year). The annual prevalence was 18.2%. Maximum prevalence occurred in July and October. Prevalence in the coastal area was significantly lower than in the other areas. A total of 846 L1s were extracted from 120 infested oesophagi, 814 from the submucosa and 32 from external locations. The mean intensity of infestation was low (7.6 ± 6.2); only 3.3% of the oesophagi harboured more than 30 L1s. Maximum numbers of L1/animal were observed in November and January. There were no differences in intensity of infection between climatic areas. The length of L1s ranged from 4.6 ± 0.86 mm in May to 14.6 ± 1.04 mm in January. The growth of larvae collected from external sites was parallel to those found in the submucosa. Mountainous areas produced the L1s of greatest length, followed by central and transition zones and, finally, coastal zones. To avoid adverse reactions resulting from the application of systemic insecticides, it will be necessary to adjust the time at which cattle are treated according to geographical or climatic area.
Ectoparasites of the endangered Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus and sympatric wild and domestic carnivores in Spain
Authors: MILLÁN J. , RUIZ‐FONS F. , MÁRQUEZ F. J. , VIOTA M. , LÓPEZ‐BAO J. V. , PAZ MARTíN‐MATEO M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract Ectoparasites can cause important skin disorders in animals and can also transmit pathogens. The Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus has been stated to be the most endangered felid in the world and such vector‐borne pathogens may threaten its survival. We surveyed 98 wild carnivores (26 Iberian lynxes, 34 red foxes Vulpes vulpes, 24 Egyptian mongooses Herpestes ichneumon, 11 common genets Genetta genetta, two Eurasian badgers Meles meles, one polecat Mustela putorius) and 75 domestic but free‐ranging carnivores (46 cats Felis catus, 29 dogs Canis familiaris) from June 2004 to June 2006 in the two areas where the last lynx metapopulations survive: Sierra Morena and Doñana (Andalusia, southern Spain). A total of 65% of lynxes were parasitized (50% by ticks, 19% by fleas, 4% by lice, 31% by hippoboscid flies), as were 75% of foxes (58%, 60%, 0%, 19%), 71% of mongooses (50%, 4%, 46%, 0%), 54% of genets (18%, 36%, 0%, 0%), 30% of cats (22%, 14%, 0%, 2%), and 7% of dogs (surveyed only for ticks). Both badgers presented ticks, fleas and lice. Five species of ixodid ticks (Rhipicephalus pusillus Gil Collado, Rhipicephalus turanicus Pomerantzev and Matikashvili, Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus), Ixodes hexagonus Leach and Ixodes ventalloi Gil Collado; and Hyalomma sp.), four species of fleas (Ctenocephalides canis Curtis, Pulex irritans Linnaeus, Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale), Xenopsylla cunicularis Smit), three species of chewing lice (Felicola (Felicola) inequalis (Piaget), Trichodectes (Trichodectes) melis (Fabricius), and Felicola (Lorisicola) isidoroi Pérez and Palma), and one species of hippoboscid fly (Hippobosca longipennis (Fabricius)) were found. We did not detect any cases of mange. Hippobosca longipennis is a new record for Spanish wildlife, and all the flea species are new records for the Iberian lynx. Fleas were more frequent on lynxes and foxes in winter than in spring. Rhipicephalus spp. were more frequent on cats in spring than in any other season. These and other epidemiological findings are discussed with respect to the conservation of the Iberian lynx.
Evaluation of the enantiomers of 1‐octen‐3‐ol and 1‐octyn‐3‐ol as attractants for mosquitoes associated with a freshwater swamp in Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: KLINE D. L. , ALLAN S. A. , BERNIER U. R. , WELCH C. H.
Published: September 2010

Abstract Field studies were conducted at wooded wetlands in Gainesville, FL, U.S.A., to assess responses of natural populations of adult mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) to American Biophysics MM‐X™ and Coleman MD‐2500™ traps baited with enantiomers of 1‐octen‐3‐ol, a naturally occurring compound, and 1‐octyn‐3‐ol, a closely related synthetic compound. Overall, the same species of mosquitoes were attracted by all enantiomers, although the (R)‐(+) isomer of octenol generally attracted more species, and it is the isomer produced in greatest proportion in nature. Traps baited with the R‐enantiomer caught greater numbers of mosquitoes than those baited with the S‐enantiomer of each compound, whereas traps baited with S‐enantiomers were equally or slightly less attractive than those baited with carbon dioxide only.