bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic characterization of Bagaza virus (BAGV) isolated in India and evidence of anti-BAGV antibodies in sera collected from encephalitis patients
Authors: Bondre Vijay P. , Sapkal Gajanan N. , Yergolkar Prasanna N. , Fulmali Pradip V. , Sankararaman Vasudha , Ayachit Vijay M. , Mishra Akhilesh C. , Gore Milind M.
Published: October 2009

During investigations into the outbreak of encephalitis in 1996 in the Kerala state in India, an arbovirus was isolated from a Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquito pool. It was characterized as a Japanese encephalitis and West Nile virus cross-reactive arbovirus by complement fixation test. A plaque reduction–neutralization test was performed using hyperimmune sera raised against the plaque-purified arbovirus isolate. The sera did not show reactivity with Japanese encephalitis virus and were weakly reactive with West Nile virus. Complete open reading frame sequence analysis characterized the arbovirus as Bagaza virus (BAGV), with 94.80 % nucleotide identity with African BAGV strain DakAr B209. Sera collected from the encephalitic patients during the acute phase of illness showed 15 % (8/53) positivity for anti-BAGV neutralizing antibodies. This is the first report of the isolation of BAGV from India. The presence of anti-BAGV neutralizing antibodies suggests that the human population has been exposed to BAGV.
Application of game theory to the interaction between plant viruses during mixed infections
Authors: Martín Susana , Elena Santiago F.
Published: October 2009

Natural mixed infections of plant viruses are frequent, often leading to unpredictable variations in symptoms, infectivity, accumulation and/or vector transmissibility. Cauliflower mosaic caulimovirus (CaMV) has often been found in mixed infections with turnip mosaic potyvirus (TuMV) in plants of the genus Brassica. This study addressed the effect of mixed infection on infectivity, pathogenicity and accumulation of CaMV and TuMV in Arabidopsis thaliana plants inoculated mechanically with cDNA infectious clones. In singly infected plants, TuMV accumulation was approximately 8-fold higher than that of CaMV. In co-infected plants, there was 77 % more TuMV accumulation compared with single infections, whilst the accumulation of CaMV was 56 % lower. This outcome describes a biological game in which TuMV always plays the winner strategy, leading to the competitive exclusion of CaMV. However, the infectivity of each virus was not affected by the presence of the other, and no symptom synergism was observed.
Allele mining in the pepper gene pool provided new complementation effects between pvr2-eIF4E and pvr6-eIF(iso)4E alleles for resistance to pepper veinal mottle virus
Authors: Rubio Manuel , Nicolaï Maryse , Caranta Carole , Palloix Alain
Published: October 2009

Molecular cloning of recessive resistance genes to potyviruses in a large range of host species identified the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) as an essential determinant in the outcome of potyvirus infection. Resistance results from a few amino acid changes in the eIF4E protein encoded by the recessive resistance allele that disrupt the direct interaction with the potyviral protein VPg. In plants, several loci encode two protein subfamilies, eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E. While most eIF4E-mediated resistance to potyviruses depends on mutations in a single eIF4E protein, simultaneous mutations in eIF4E (corresponding to the pvr2 locus) and eIF(iso)4E (corresponding to the pvr6 locus) are required to prevent pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV) infection in pepper. We used this model to look for additional alleles at the pvr2-eIF4E locus that result in resistance when combined with the pvr6-eIF(iso)4E resistant allele. Among the 12 pvr2-eIF4E resistance alleles sequenced in the pepper gene pool, three were shown to have a complementary effect with pvr6-eIF(iso)4E for resistance. Two amino acid changes were exclusively shared by these three alleles and were systematically associated with a second amino acid change, suggesting that these substitutions are associated with resistance expression. The availability of new resistant allele combinations increases the possibility for the durable deployment of resistance against this pepper virus which is prevalent in Africa.
Role of annexin A2 in cellular entry of rabbit vesivirus
Authors: González-Reyes Salomé , García-Manso Alberto , del Barrio Gloria , Dalton Kevin P. , González-Molleda Lorenzo , Arrojo-Fernández José , Nicieza Inés , Parra Francisco
Published: October 2009

The mechanisms of calicivirus attachment and internalization are not well understood, mainly due to the lack of a reliable cell-culture system for most of its members. In this study, rabbit vesivirus (RaV) virions were shown to bind annexin A2 (ANXA2) in a membrane protein fraction from HEK293T cells, using a virus overlay protein-binding assay and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight analysis. A monoclonal anti-ANXA2 antibody and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of ANXA2 expression in HEK293T cells reduced virus infection significantly, further supporting the role of ANXA2 in RaV attachment and/or internalization.
Measles viruses of genotype H1 evade recognition by vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies targeting the linear haemagglutinin noose epitope
Authors: Finsterbusch Tim , Wolbert Anne , Deitemeier Ingrid , Meyer Kerstin , Mosquera Maria Mar , Mankertz Annette , Santibanez Sabine
Published: October 2009

The linear haemagglutinin noose epitope (HNE; aa 379–410) is a protective B-cell epitope and considered to be highly conserved in both the vaccine and the wild-type measles virus (MeV) haemagglutinin (H) proteins. Vaccine virus-derived monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) BH6 and BH216, which target the HNE, neutralized MeVs of genotypes B3, C2, D4, D5, D6, D7 and D8, and the vaccine strain Edmonston Zagreb. In the case of genotype H1, only strain Berlin.DEU/44.01 was neutralized by these mAbs, whereas strains Shenyang.CHN/22.99 and Sofia.BGR/19.05 were not. The H gene sequences of these two strains showed an exchange of proline 397 (P397) to leucine (L397). Mutated H proteins, with P397 exchanged to L and vice versa, were compared with original H proteins by indirect fluorescence assay. H proteins exhibiting P397 but not those with L397 were recognized by BH6 and BH216. This indicates that L397 leads to the loss of the neutralizing HNE. In contrast, human sera obtained from vaccinees (n=10) did not discriminate between genotype H1 variants P397 and L397. This concurs with the epidemiological observation that the live-attenuated vaccine protects against both H1 variants. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MeVs of genotype H1 also lack the neutralizing epitopes defined by the vaccine virus-induced mAbs BH15, BH125 and BH47. The loss of several neutralizing epitopes, as shown for H1 viruses currently circulating endemically in Asia, implies that epitope monitoring should be considered to be included in measles surveillance.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus modifies innate immunity and alters disease outcome in pigs subsequently infected with porcine respiratory coronavirus: implications for respiratory viral co-infections
Authors: Jung Kwonil , Renukaradhya Gourapura J. , Alekseev Konstantin P. , Fang Ying , Tang Yuxin , Saif Linda J.
Published: October 2009

The innate immune response is critical for host defence against respiratory coronaviruses (CoVs). This study demonstrated that an ongoing respiratory virus infection compromises innate immune responses and affects the pathogenesis of a respiratory CoV co-infection. An innate immunosuppressive respiratory virus infection was established by infecting weaned pigs with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV); 10 days later, the pigs were exposed to porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV). The PRRSV/PRCV dual-infected pigs had reduced weight gains, a higher incidence of fever and more severe pneumonia compared with either single infection. Significant suppression of innate immune responses [reduced alpha interferon (IFN-α) levels in the lungs and reduced blood natural killer cell cytotoxicity] by the ongoing PRRSV infection was observed in dual-infected pigs, which coincided with exacerbated pneumonia during early PRCV infection. The subsequent PRCV infection led to enhanced PRRSV replication in the lungs and a trend towards increased serum T-helper type 1 (Th1) (IFN-γ) but decreased Th2 [interleukin (IL)-4] responses, further exacerbating PRRSV pneumonia. Following PRCV infection, more severe PRRSV-related pulmonary alveolar macrophage (PAM) apoptosis occurred, as determined by anin situterminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling assay, suggesting increased PRRSV replication in PAMs. Collectively, these observations suggest interactive effects between PRCV and PRRSV via early innate (IFN-α) and later adaptive Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4) immune responses. These findings imply that an existing immunomodulating respiratory viral co-infection may be a contributing factor to more severe pneumonia in respiratory CoV disease. This study provides new insights into host–pathogen interactions related to co-infection by CoVs and other respiratory viruses.
Antibody limits in vivo murid herpesvirus-4 replication by IgG Fc receptor-dependent functions
Authors: Wright Debbie E. , Colaco Susanna , Colaco Camilo , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: October 2009

Antibody is an important antiviral defence. However, it is considered to do little against human gamma-herpesviruses, which establish predominantly latent infections regulated by T cells. One limitation on analysing these infections has been that latency is already well-established at clinical presentation; early infection may still be accessible to antibody. Here, using murid herpesvirus-4 (MuHV-4), we tested the impact of adoptively transferred antibody on early gamma-herpesvirus infection. Immune sera and neutralizing and non-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) all reduced acute lytic MuHV-4 replication. The reductions, even by neutralizing mAbs, were largely or completely dependent on host IgG Fc receptors. Therefore, passive antibody can blunt acute gamma-herpesvirus lytic infection, and does this principally by IgG Fc-dependent functions rather than by neutralization.
Three novel canine papillomaviruses support taxonomic clade formation
Authors: Lange Christian E. , Tobler Kurt , Ackermann Mathias , Panakova Lucia , Thoday Keith L. , Favrot Claude
Published: October 2009

More than 100 human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been identified and had their whole genomes sequenced. Most of these HPVs can be classified into three distinct genera, the alpha-, beta- and gamma-papillomaviruses (PVs). Of note, only one or a small number of PVs have been identified for each individual animal species. However, four canine PVs (CPVs) (COPV, CPV2, CPV3 and CPV4) have been described and their entire genomic sequences have been published. Based on their sequence similarities, they belong to three distinct clades. In the present study, circular viral DNA was amplified from three dogs showing signs of pigmented plaques, endophytic papilloma orin situsquamous cell carcinoma. Analysis of the DNA sequences suggested that these are three novel viruses (CPV5, CPV6 and CPV7) whose genomes comprise all the conserved sequence elements of known PVs. The genomes of these seven CPVs were compared in order properly classify them. Interestingly, phylogenetic analyses, as well as pairwise sequence alignments of the putative amino acid sequences, revealed that CPV5 grouped well with CPV3 and CPV4, whereas CPV7 grouped with CPV2 but neither group fitted with other classified PVs. However, CPV6 grouped with COPV, a lambda-PV. Based on this evidence, allocation of CPVs into three distinct clades could therefore be supported. Thus, similar to HPVs, it might be that the known and currently unknown CPVs are related and form just a few clades or genera.
Evolutionary morphology of the circulatory system in Peracarida (Malacostraca; Crustacea)
Authors: Wirkner Christian S. , Richter Stefan
Published: October 2009

We demonstrate that by formulating guidelines for evolutionary morphology the transparency, reproducibility, and intersubject testability of evolutionary hypotheses based on morphological data can be enhanced. The five main steps in our concept of evolutionary morphology are (i) taxon sampling, (ii) structural analysis, (iii) character conceptualization, (iv) phylogenetic analysis, and (v) evolutionary interpretation. We illustrate this concept on the example of the morphology of the circulatory organs in peracarid Malacostraca. The analysis is based on recently published accounts in which detailed structural analyses were carried out, and on the older literature. Detailed conceptualizations of 22 characters of the circulatory system are given for 28 terminals. In a further step these characters are included in a recently revised matrix, resulting in 110 characters. The resulting parsimony analysis yielded a single most parsimonious tree with a length of 309 steps. The most significant results are that Peracarida is monophyletic, Amphipoda is the sister taxon to the Mancoida sensu stricto, the relict cave‐dwelling taxa Thermosbaenacea, Spelaeogriphacea, and Mictocarididae form a monophylum and Tanaidacea is the sister group to a monophylum comprising Cumacea and Isopoda. The evolutionary analysis shows that the ground pattern features of the circulatory organs in Peracarida are a tubular heart extending through the whole thorax, a posterior aorta with lateral arteries, and a ventral vessel system. Important features within the Peracarida are the backward shift of the anterior border of the heart, the reduction of the ventral vessel system, and two patterns of cardiac arteries, one common to the amphipod and tanaidacean terminals, and one to the cumacean and isopod terminals.

 © The Willi Hennig Society 2009.
The effects of acute exercise on attentional bias towards smoking‐related stimuli during temporary abstinence from smoking
Authors: Van Rensburg Kate Janse , Taylor Adrian , Hodgson Tim
Published: October 2009

Rationale  Attentional bias towards smoking‐related cues is increased during abstinence and can predict relapse after quitting. Exercise has been found to reduce cigarette cravings and desire to smoke during temporary abstinence and attenuate increased cravings in response to smoking cues.

Objective  To assess the acute effects of exercise on attentional bias to smoking‐related cues during temporary abstinence from smoking.

Method  In a randomized cross‐over design, on separate days regular smokers (n = 20) undertook 15 minutes of exercise (moderate intensity stationary cycling) or passive seating following 15 hours of nicotine abstinence. Attentional bias was measured at baseline and post‐treatment. The percentage of dwell time and direction of initial fixation was assessed during the passive viewing of a series of paired smoking and neutral images using an Eyelink II eye‐tracking system. Self‐reported desire to smoke was recorded at baseline, mid‐ and post‐treatment and post‐eye‐tracking task.

Results  There was a significant condition × time interaction for desire to smoke, F(1,18) = 10.67, P = 0.004, eta2 = 0.36, with significantly lower desire to smoke at mid‐ and post‐treatment following the exercise condition. The percentage of dwell time and direction of initial fixations towards smoking images were also reduced significantly following the exercise condition compared with the passive control.

Conclusion  Findings support previous research that acute exercise reduces desire to smoke. This is the first study to show that exercise appears to also influence the salience and attentional biases towards cigarettes.
Online support for smoking cessation: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Shahab Lion , McEwen Andy
Published: October 2009

Aim  To examine the efficacy and acceptability of online, interactive interventions for smoking cessation and to identify treatment effect moderators and mediators.

Methods  A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature (1990–2008) was conducted, finding 11 relevant randomized controlled trials. Data were extracted and risk ratios and risk differences estimated with a random effects model.

Results  There was no evidence of publication bias. Included trials were of variable methodological quality. Web‐based, tailored, interactive smoking cessation interventions were effective compared with untailored booklet or e‐mail interventions [rate ratio (RR) 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–2.3] increasing 6‐month abstinence by 17% (95% CI 12–21%). No overall effect of interactive compared with static web‐based interventions was detected but there was significant heterogeneity, with one study obtaining a clear effect and another failing to find one. Few moderating or mediating factors were evaluated in studies and those that were had little effect. Pooled results suggest that only interventions aimed at smokers motivated to quit were effective (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.7). Fully automated interventions increased smoking cessation rates (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.0), but evidence was less clear‐cut for non‐automated interventions. Overall, the web‐based interventions evaluated were considered to be acceptable and user satisfaction was generally high.

Conclusion  Interactive, web‐based interventions for smoking cessation can be effective in aiding cessation. More research is needed to evaluate the relative efficacy of interactive web‐based interventions compared with static websites.
Identification and functional characterization of effectors in expressed sequence tags from various life cycle stages of the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida
Authors: JONES JOHN T. , KUMAR AMAR , PYLYPENKO LILIYA A. , THIRUGNANASAMBANDAM AMARNATH , CASTELLI LYDIA , CHAPMAN SEAN , COCK PETER J. A. , GRENIER ERIC , LILLEY CATHERINE J. , PHILLIPS MARK S. , BLOK VIVIAN C.
Published: October 2009

In this article, we describe the analysis of over 9000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from cDNA libraries obtained from various life cycle stages of Globodera pallida. We have identified over 50 G. pallida effectors from this dataset using bioinformatics analysis, by screening clones in order to identify secreted proteins up‐regulated after the onset of parasitism and using in situ hybridization to confirm the expression in pharyngeal gland cells. A substantial gene family encoding G. pallida SPRYSEC proteins has been identified. The expression of these genes is restricted to the dorsal pharyngeal gland cell. Different members of the SPRYSEC family of proteins from G. pallida show different subcellular localization patterns in plants, with some localized to the cytoplasm and others to the nucleus and nucleolus. Differences in subcellular localization may reflect diverse functional roles for each individual protein or, more likely, variety in the compartmentalization of plant proteins targeted by the nematode. Our data are therefore consistent with the suggestion that the SPRYSEC proteins suppress host defences, as suggested previously, and that they achieve this through interaction with a range of host targets.
The obligatory role of the kidney in long‐term arterial blood pressure control: extending Guyton’s model of the circulation
Authors: Dorrington K. L. , Pandit J. J.
Published: October 2009

We describe a model for the essential role of the kidney in long‐term blood pressure regulation. We begin with a simple hydraulic model for the circulation, with a constant circulating volume. We show, with the help of a modification of Guyton’s classic diagram, that cardiac output and mean arterial pressure are functions of circulating volume, peripheral resistance, venous and arterial compliances, and the cardiac Starling curve. This approach models only acute changes in a ‘closed’ circulation – one where there is no intake or excretion of fluid. The model is then adapted to ‘open’ the circulation, include a role for the kidney, and represent more chronic changes. Arterial pressure is then a sole function of renal behaviour and daily sodium (and liquid) intake, and becomes independent of other cardiovascular variables. As well as generating specific hypotheses for further investigation, these models can be used for the purpose of education in cardiovascular control and the treatment of hypertension.
A prospective, randomised, cross‐over trial comparing the EndoFlex® and standard tracheal tubes in patients with predicted easy intubation
Authors: Teoh W. H. L. , Sia A. T. H. , Fun W. L. L.
Published: October 2009

We aimed to determine if using the EndoFlex® tracheal tube on the first intubation attempt provided improved placement times and intubation success compared with a standard‐type tracheal tube in 50 patients undergoing gynaecological surgery in a prospective, randomised, cross‐over trial. We found that using the EndoFlex resulted in shorter intubation times (mean (SD) 14.8 (9.7) vs 30.1 (30.5) s), easier intubation (VAS, median (range) 10 (0–70) vs 20 (0–100)), and an increased rate of successful insertion at the first attempt; all p < 0.001. Flexing the distal tip of the EndoFlex was used in 18 patients. There were reductions in the use of external laryngeal pressure, advancement of laryngoscope blade and increased lifting force when intubating with the EndoFlex. Furthermore, patients with a grade 2 (19/50) or 3 (6/50) laryngoscopic view had shorter intubation times, easier intubation and reduced insertion attempts with the EndoFlex. The EndoFlex is a satisfactory alternative to a standard‐type tracheal tube, even with an anterior larynx.
Optimising the unprotected airway with a prototype Jaw‐Thrust‐Device – a prospective randomised cross‐over study
Authors: Von Goedecke A. , Mitterschiffthaler L. , Paal P. , Mitterlechner T. , Wenzel V. , Herff H.
Published: October 2009

Despite being a standard procedure during induction of anaesthesia, facemask ventilation can be a major challenge especially for inexperienced anaesthetists. We manufactured a Jaw‐Thrust‐Device designed to keep the patient’s jaws in an optimised position, and thus to maintain the airway in a permanently patent state. Using a cross over design, we compared the influence of using the Esmarch manoeuvre (bimanual jaw‐thrust), a nasopharyngeal airway, an oropharyngeal airway, or the Jaw‐Thrust‐Device on airway physiology in 50 healthy adults with body mass index < 35 kg.m−2, undergoing standard facemask ventilation for routine induction of anaesthesia. The main study endpoints were expiratory tidal volumes, airway resistances, and gas flow rates. The Jaw‐Thrust‐Device was more effective in increasing expiratory tidal volumes and peak inspiratory flow than a standard Esmarch manoeuvre, and was more effective than both nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways in decreasing airway resistance.
Temporary extracorporeal jugulosaphenous bypass for the peri‐operative management of patients with superior vena caval obstruction: a report of three cases
Authors: Radauceanu D. S. , Dunn J‐O. C. , Lagattolla N. , Farquhar‐Thomson D.
Published: October 2009

Superior vena caval obstruction from a mediastinal mass presents a significant risk to patients requiring general anaesthesia, with reports of sudden death on induction of anaesthesia, during intubation and on initiation of positive pressure ventilation. We describe the first reported use of temporary extracorporeal jugulosaphenous bypass in three cases of superior vena caval obstruction and extrinsic tracheal compression caused by massive retrosternal multinodular goitre. The bypass was performed before induction of general anaesthesia with consequent reduction in upper body venous pressure and avoidance of complications.
The use of mandibular nerve block to predict safe anaesthetic induction in patients with acute trismus*
Authors: Heard A. M. B. , Green R. J. , Lacquiere D. A. , Sillifant P.
Published: October 2009

Acute trismus can be caused by pain, muscle spasm, swelling or mechanical obstruction. Unfortunately, the cause is not always obvious during pre‐operative airway assessment. In this pilot study, we prospectively evaluated mandibular nerve block as a pre‐operative tool to identify patients with reversible causes of trismus, namely pain or spasm, in order to allow safe anaesthetic induction. Six patients with unilateral fractured mandibles and trismus received a mandibular nerve block before induction of general anaesthesia. There was an increase in maximal inter‐incisor gap after the blocks (median (range) distance: pre‐block 16.5 (14–30) and post‐block 34 (32–35) mm; p = 0.027), and no further improvement after induction of general anaesthesia (post‐induction 37 (30–40) mm; p = 0.276 compared with post‐block). There was an improvement in pain scores (p = 0.027), and no side‐effects were detected. Pre‐operative mandibular nerve blockade appears to reverse trismus caused by pain and muscle spasm, allowing the anaesthetist to decide whether awake intubation is genuinely indicated.
Determination of the anaerobic threshold in the pre‐operative assessment clinic: inter‐observer measurement error
Authors: Sinclair R. C. F. , Danjoux G. R. , Goodridge V. , Batterham A. M.
Published: October 2009

The variability between observers in the interpretation of cardiopulmonary exercise tests may impact upon clinical decision making and affect the risk stratification and peri‐operative management of a patient. The purpose of this study was to quantify the inter‐reader variability in the determination of the anaerobic threshold (V‐slope method). A series of 21 cardiopulmonary exercise tests from patients attending a surgical pre‐operative assessment clinic were read independently by nine experienced clinicians regularly involved in clinical decision making. The grand mean for the anaerobic threshold was 10.5 ml O2.kg body mass−1.min−1. The technical error of measurement was 8.1% (circa 0.9 ml.kg−1.min−1; 90% confidence interval, 7.4–8.9%). The mean absolute difference between readers was 4.5% with a typical random error of 6.5% (6.0–7.2%). We conclude that the inter‐observer variability for experienced clinicians determining the anaerobic threshold from cardiopulmonary exercise tests is acceptable.
The influence of various graphical and numeric trend display formats on the detection of simulated changes*
Authors: Kennedy R. R. , Merry A. F. , Warman G. R. , Webster C. S.
Published: October 2009

Integration of a large amount of information is important in anaesthesia but there is little research to guide the development of data displays. Anaesthetists from two hospitals participated in five related screen based simulation studies comparing various formats for display of historical or ‘trend’ data. Participants were asked to indicate when they first noticed a change in each displayed variable. Accuracy and latency (i.e. delay) in detection of changes were recorded. Latency was shorter with a graphic display of historical data than with a numeric display. Increasing number of variables or reduction of y‐axis height increased the latency of detection. If the same number of data points were included, there was no difference between graphical and numerical displays of historical data. There was no difference in accuracy between graphical or numerical displays. These results suggest that the way trend data is presented can influence the speed of detection of changes.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza: experience from the critical care unit
Authors: Patel M. , Dennis A. , Flutter C. , Thornton S. , D’Mello O. , Sherwood N.
Published: October 2009

This case series details experience of critical care admissions with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza from an intensive care unit in the West Midlands. We present four critically ill patients admitted with severe hypoxia. Two of the patients failed a trial of continuous positive airway pressure and all underwent controlled ventilation within 24 h of admission. Bilevel and high frequency oscillatory ventilation were the most useful modes. Our patients generally had one organ failure and were ventilator dependent for relatively short periods of time. Three of the patients made a full recovery and one required ongoing dialysis. We also discuss service planning and our response to the pandemic. We were well prepared with stocks of personal protective equipment but had to modify plans as the outbreak progressed. Our cases and discussion provide useful information for other intensive care units preparing for the predicted autumn surge of H1N1 cases.
Origins and genetic diversity of New World Creole cattle: inferences from mitochondrial and Y chromosome polymorphisms
Authors: Ginja C. , Penedo M. C. T. , Melucci L. , Quiroz J. , Martínez López O. R. , Revidatti M. A. , Martínez‐Martínez A. , Delgado J. V. , Gama L. T.
Published: October 2009

The ancestry of New World cattle was investigated through the analysis of mitochondrial and Y chromosome variation in Creoles from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Paraguay and the United States of America. Breeds that influenced the Creoles, such as Iberian native, British and Zebu, were also studied. Creoles showed high mtDNA diversity (H = 0.984 ± 0.003) with a total of 78 haplotypes, and the European T3 matriline was the most common (72.1%). The African T1a haplogroup was detected (14.6%), as well as the ancestral African‐derived AA matriline (11.9%), which was absent in the Iberian breeds. Genetic proximity among Creoles, Iberian and Atlantic Islands breeds was inferred through their sharing of mtDNA haplotypes. Y‐haplotype diversity in Creoles was high (H = 0.779 ± 0.019), with several Y1, Y2 and Y3 haplotypes represented. Iberian patrilines in Creoles were more difficult to infer and were reflected by the presence of H3Y1 and H6Y2. Y‐haplotypes confirmed crossbreeding with British cattle, mainly of Hereford with Pampa Chaqueño and Texas Longhorn. Male‐mediated Bos indicus introgression into Creoles was found in all populations, except Argentino1 (herd book registered) and Pampa Chaqueño. The detection of the distinct H22Y3 patriline with the INRA189‐90 allele in Caracú suggests introduction of bulls directly from West Africa. Further studies of Spanish and African breeds are necessary to elucidate the origins of Creole cattle, and determine the exact source of their African lineages.
RNA‐binding proteins Rbm38 and Rbm24 regulate myogenic differentiation via p21‐dependent and ‐independent regulatory pathways
Authors: Miyamoto Shoko , Hidaka Kyoko , Jin Donghao , Morisaki Takayuki
Published: October 2009

Skeletal muscle differentiation entails organized sequential events, including cell cycle arrest of proliferating myoblast cells and cell fusion, which lead to the formation of multinucleated myotubes. This process involves both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation of the gene expression of myogenic proteins, as well as cell‐cycle related proteins. RNA‐binding proteins bind to specific sequences of target RNA and regulate gene expression in a post‐transcriptional manner. However, few tissue‐specific RNA binding proteins have been identified. Herein, we report that the RNA binding proteins Rbm24 and Rbm38 were found to be preferentially expressed in muscle during differentiation in vitro. Further, knockdown of either by RNA interference suppressed cell‐cycle arrest and delayed myogenic differentiation in C2C12 cells. In contrast, over‐expression of Rbm24 or Rbm38 induced cell cycle arrest, and then had a positive effect on myogenic differentiation. Immunoprecipitation‐RT‐PCR analysis using tagged Rbm proteins indicated that Rbm38 binds to the p21 transcript in vivo. Consistent with this, differentiation of Rbm38 knockdown cells was rescued by over‐expression of p21. Together, our results suggest that Rbm38 plays a crucial role in cell cycle arrest and myogenic differentiation via its binding to p21.
Begomovirus coat protein interacts with a small heat‐shock protein of its transmission vector (Bemisia tabaci)
Authors: Ohnesorge S. , Bejarano E. R.
Published: October 2009

Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV) is transmitted from plant to plant by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in a persistent‐circulative manner. The coat protein (CP) plays an important role in this transmission cycle. In this study, the CP was used to screen a Bemisia tabaci cDNA library using the yeast two‐hybrid system, in a search for interacting partners. A member of the small heat‐shock protein family (termed BtHSP16) was identified and its interaction with the CP was verified by an in vitro pull‐down assay. The binding domain was located at the variable N‐terminal part of the CP, while full‐length BtHSP16 is required for the interaction. The putative role for this interaction in the transmission cycle by the whitefly is discussed.
Age‐ and division‐of‐labour‐dependent differential expression of a novel non‐coding RNA, Nb‐1, in the brain of worker honeybees, Apis mellifera L.
Authors: Tadano H. , Yamazaki Y. , Takeuchi H. , Kubo T.
Published: October 2009

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying honeybee social behaviours, we identified a novel gene, Nb‐1, whose expression in the worker brain changes according to the age‐dependent division of labour in normal colonies. The open reading frames contained in the Nb‐1 cDNA were not conserved in the homologue of a related species, suggesting that the Nb‐1 gene product is a non‐coding RNA. The distribution of Nb‐1‐expressing cells partially overlapped that of octopamine‐immunoreactive cells and neurosecretory cells, the latter of which are involved in the synthesis and secretion of juvenile hormone (JH). Octopamine and JH control worker task transition, and thus Nb‐1 might be involved in task transition through the modulation of octopamine/JH synthesis and secretion.
Major histocompatibility complex heterozygote advantage and widespread bacterial infections in populations of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: EVANS MELISSA L. , NEFF BRYAN D.
Published: October 2009

Despite growing evidence for parasite‐mediated selection on the vertebrate major histocompatibility complex (MHC), little is known about variation in the bacterial parasite community within and among host populations or its influence on MHC evolution. In this study, we characterize variation in the parasitic bacterial community associated with Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) fry in five populations in British Columbia (BC), Canada across 2 years, and examine whether bacterial infections are a potential source of selection on the MHC. We found an unprecedented diversity of bacteria infecting fry with a total of 55 unique bacteria identified. Bacterial infection rates varied from 9% to 29% among populations and there was a significant isolation by distance relationship in bacterial community phylogenetic similarity across the populations. Spatial variation in the frequency of infections and in the phylogenetic similarity of bacterial communities may result in differential parasite‐mediated selection at the MHC across populations. Across all populations, we found evidence of a heterozygote advantage at the MHC class II, which may be a source of balancing selection on this locus. Interestingly, a co‐inertia analysis indicated only susceptibility associations between a few of the MHC class I and II alleles and specific bacterial parasites; there was no evidence that any of the alleles provided resistance to the bacteria. Our results reveal a complex bacterial community infecting populations of a fish and underscore the importance of considering the role of multiple pathogens in the evolution of host adaptations.
General practitioners' attitudes to assessment of genetic risk of common disorders in routine primary care
Authors: McCahon D , Holder R , Metcalfe A , Clifford S , Gill P , Cole T , Sleightholme HV , Wilson S
Published: October 2009

In 2003, the UK Department of Health set out the genetics white paper, a plan for action and investment with particular emphasis on integration of genetic health care into primary care. Since the delivery of the genetics white paper, there has been little exploration of UK primary care doctors' attitudes towards extending their role to include provision of routine genetics services. We explored explore general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes towards provision of genetic health care including routine family history screening and familial risk assessment for common disorders in primary care using a quantitative, evaluative postal survey. Only 25% (797 of 3160) of the GPs returned a completed questionnaire. Although 32% of GPs supported collection of family history information and 41.5% familial risk assessment, 18% were not willing to offer these services even if training is provided. Of the GPs, 50% stated they recognized when referral to genetics services is appropriate, although 43% felt unprepared to collect family history or assess familial risk. Lack of training within the last 3 years was a significant predictor of feeling unprepared to undertake these activities (OR = 2.53,p = 0.012). A substantial group of GPs remain unprepared or unwilling to provide genetic health care. GPs' attitudes to delivery of genetic health care are significantly influenced by factors such as a lack of evidence of the direct benefits to patients, local guidelines and specialist services. These factors need addressing if delivery of genetic health care is to be incorporated into routine primary care.
Comparison of Isotope Techniques for Determining True Absorption of Dietary Manganese in Growing Rats1
Authors: Weigand E. , Kirchgessner M. , Helbig Ursula
Published: October 2009

Vergleich von Isotopenmethoden zur Bestimmung der wahren Absorption von Nahrungsmangan bei der wachsenden Ratte

Ziel der Untersuchung war ein Vergleich zwischen den Methoden der Isotopenverdünnung (ID) und der komparativen Isotopenbilanz (CB) zur bestimmung der wahren Absorption von Nahrungsmangan. Dazu wurde eine Diät mit 11,9 mg Mn je kg Trockenmasse an 20 männliche Ratten ab dem Zeitpunkt der Entwöhnung verfüttert. Bei einer mittleren Lebendmasse von 60 g erhielten je 10 Tiere eine 54Mn‐Dosis entweder durch eine i.m. Injektion (Gruppe GP) oder oral über die Diät (Gruppe GO). Die mittlere 54Mn‐Retention nach 4, 8, 12 und 16 Tagen betrug in der Gruppe GP 46,0; 28,6; 22,0 bzw. 18,6% der Dosis im Vergleich zu 9,8; 4,9; 3,2 bzw. 2,6% in der Gruppe GO. Urin war mit höchstens 0,2% an der gesamten 54Mn‐Ausscheidung beteiligt. Die spezifische Aktivität des Mangans im Serum war 16 Tage nach der 54Mn‐Applikation innerhalb beider Gruppen etwa 30% höher als in der Leber und deutlich niedriger als in anderen inneren Organen, im Skelettmuskel oder im Schlachtkörper.

Unter der Annahme, daß die spezifische Aktivität des Serummangans 16 Tage nach der 54Mn‐Injektion im Durchschnitt für die Markierung des endogenen Mangans im Kot vom Tag 9–16 repräsentativ ist, wurden die wahre Absorption und endogene fäkale Exkretion des Mangans nach der ID‐Methode in der Gruppe GP mit 22,2 bzw. 8,0% und in der Gruppe GO mit 20,2 bzw. 10,0% der Mn‐Aufnahme ermittelt. Die Bestimmung dieser beiden Parameter nach der CB‐Methode anhand der prozentualen 54Mn‐Exkretion innerhalb von vier Tagen nach der Dosierung ergab 21,3 bzw. 11,5% der Mn‐Aufnahme, so daß mit den Werten nach dem ID‐Verfahren gute übereinstimmung bestand. Die Anwendung der CB‐Methode an die Daten der 54Mn‐Retention nach 8, 12 oder 16 Tagen führte dagegen zu deutlich niedrigeren Werten.
Variability and repeatability of digestibility evaluated on sheep1
Authors: Daccord R. , Schneeberger H.
Published: October 2009

Streuung und Wiederholbarkeit der am Schaf bestimmten Verdaulichkeit

Eine Gesamtauswertung von 38 an Schafen während 10 Jahren an unserer Forschungsanstalt durchgeführten Verdauungsversuchen erlaubte die Ermittlung der Streuung und der Wiederholbarkeit der Verdaulichkeit. Den kleinsten Versuchsfehler (1,1%) ergaben Heurationen, den höchsten (2,0%) Maissilagerationen. Nur 38% der Tiere waren verläßlich, denn sie wiesen eine durchschnittliche Abweichung von der mittleren Verdaulichkeit der organischen Substanz von weniger als 1,1 Einheiten bei einer Standardabweichung von weniger als 2 auf.

Im allgemeinen war es möglich, mit 4 Tieren pro Behandlung eine Differenz von 6% der Verdaulichkeit der organischen Substanz festzustellen. In einem Wiederholbarkeitsversuch mit demselben Futter, das in einem 21‐Monate Intervall an dieselben 17 Schafe verfüttert wurde, stimmten die Werte für die Verdaulichkeit der organischen Substanz überein, während bei der Rohfaser ein signifikanter Unterschied bestand (P < 0,01).
Einfluß einer parenteralen Vitamin E/Selen‐Applikation auf den Vitamin E/Selen‐Status der Ziege und des Ziegenlammes1,2
Authors: Kessler J. , Wanner M. , Gubler D. , Schneeberger H.
Published: October 2009

Eine intramuskuläre Injektion von 750 mg Vitamin E‐Acetat und von 2.5 mg Selen fünf Wochen ante partum bewirkte bei adulten Ziegen einen Anstieg des α‐Tocopherol‐ und Se‐Gehaltes im Blut und der Glutathionperoxidase‐Aktivität in den Erythrozyten. Die Werte dieser drei Parameter waren bei den neugeborenen Ziegenlämmern der so behandelten Muttertiere ebenfalls höher als bei den Nachkommen der Kontrollziegen.

Die deutlichste Wirkung auf den α‐Tocopherol‐ und Se‐Blutspiegel und auf die GSH‐Px‐Aktivität in den Erythrozyten hatte aber die direkte Behandlung der Neugeborenen. Sie erhielten in der zweiten Lebenswoche 300 mg Vit. E‐Acetat und 1 mg Se intramuskulär injiziert.

Influence d'une application parentérale de vitamine E et de sélénium sur l'état d'approvisionnement de la chèvre et du cabris en vitamine E et en sélénium

Une injection intramusculaire de 750 mg d'acétate de vitamine E et de 2.5 mg de sélénium effectuée cinq semaines ante partum a eu comme conséquence chez des chèvres adultes une augmentation des teneurs en α‐tocophérol et en sélénium dans le sang ainsi qu'une augmentation de l'activité de la peroxydase du glutathion dans les érythrocytes. Les valeurs de ces trois paramètres chez les cabris nouveaux‐nés issus de mères ayant subi ce traitement ont également été plus élevées que celles des nouveaux‐nés des chèvres de contrôle.

Toutefois, l'efficacité la plus évidente sur le taux de α‐tocophérol et de sélénium dans le sang et sur l'activité de la peroxydase du gluthation a été constatée chez les nouveaux‐nés ayant subi un traitement direct. Une injection intramusculaire de 300 mg d'acétate de vitamine E et de 1 mg de sélénium leur avait été faite dans la deuxième semaine de vie.
Natrium‐ und pH‐Abhängigkeit der Aminosäurenabsorption im Duodenum des Schafes1
Authors: Stingelin Yvonne , Scharrer E. , Wolffram S.
Published: October 2009

Es wurde die Natrium‐, pH‐ und Konzentrationsabhängigkeit der Aufnahme von L‐Leucin, L‐Glutaminsäure und L‐Lysin durch den Bürstensaum in das Duodenalepithel von Schafen untersucht. Dabei konnte für die L‐Leucin‐Aufnahme eine deutliche Natriumabhängigkeit nachgewiesen werden, während sich für die Aufnahme der beiden anderen Aminosäuren eine Natriumabhängigkeit lediglich andeutete. Die L‐Leucin‐Aufnahme war bei pH 4, 5,5 und 7 etwa gleich. Dagegen war die L‐Lysin‐Aufnahme bei pH 4 niedriger als bei pH 5,5 und 7, während sich für die L‐Glutaminsäure‐Aufnahme bei pH 4 höhere Werte ergaben als bei pH 7. L‐Leucin und L‐Glutaminsäure wurden bei pH 4 über einen saturablen Mechanismus in das Duodenalepithel aufgenommen. Für L‐Lysin schien dies nicht der Fall zu sein. Aus den Ergebnissen wird geschlossen, daß neutrale und saure Aminosäuren unter physiologischen pH‐Verhältnissen (pH 4) aus dem Schafduodenum aktiv resorbiert werden.
Influence of sodium hydroxide pretreatment and starch content of apparent digestibilities of separate cell wall carbohydrates fed to sheep
Authors: Ternrud Ingrid E. , Neergaard Lise
Published: October 2009

Der Einfluß einer NaOH‐Behandlung und eines Stärkezusatzes auf die scheinbare Verdaulichkeit von Zellwand‐Kohlenhydraten beim Schaf

Es wurde der Einfluß einer NaOH‐Behandlung von Stroh und eines Stärkezusatzes auf den Abbau von Zellwand‐Polysacchariden beim Schaf untersucht. Es wurden vier Rationen beim Schaf untersucht. Verfüttert wurden vier Rationen. Davon bestand eine aus unbehandeltem Stroh und drei aus NaOH‐behandeltem Stroh, wovon bei den drei letzteren zwei durch Gerste ergänzt wurden.

Die NaOH‐Behandlung führte zu einer erhöhten scheinbaren Verdaulichkeit aller Zellwand‐Kohlenhydrate. Die Zulage von Stärke verursachte eine niedrigere scheinbare Verdaulichkeit der Cellulose im Bereich von unbehandeltem Stroh. Die scheinbaren Verdaulichkeiten von Xylose und Arabinose, die Hauptbestandteile von Hemicellulosen im Stroh, wurden von der Stärkezulage nicht beeinflußt.

Der negative Effekt der Stärke‐Zulage auf die scheinbare Verdaulichkeit der Cellulose wird durch eine Inhibition cellulolytischer Enzyme im Pansen durch die Erhöhung der Glucose‐Konzentration aus Gerstenstärke und einen pH‐Abfall im Pansen beim glykolytischen Abbau von Glucose erklärt. Außerdem könnte eine erhöhte Digesta‐Flußrate die scheinbare Verdaulichkeit der Cellulose bei Gersten‐Zulage negativ beeinflußt haben.
Beiträge zur Verdauungsphysiologie des Pferdes
Authors: Meyer H. , Coenen M. , Probst D.
Published: October 2009

In einer Untersuchung mit 4 oesophagusfistulierten Pferden (2 Groß‐, 2 Kleinpferde) wurden Speichelbildung pro 100 g Futter bzw. pro Minute, TS‐Gehalt und Größe der abgeschlucken Boli sowie die Schluckfrequenz bestimmt bei Fütterung von Gras, Silage, Laub, Heu, Stroh, pelletierten Mischfuttern sowie Trockenschnitzeln mit unterschiedlichem Wassergehalt.

Die Speichelbildung pro Min. lag bei den verschiedenen Futtermitteln zwischen 21 und 72 g (Großpferde) bzw. 10 bis 43 g (Kleinpferde). Sie wurde vor allem durch die Dauer der Futteraufnahme pro Futtermenge und nur in geringem Umfang durch den Wassergehalt des Ausgangsmaterials beeinflußt. Schnellfressende größere Pferde bildeten bei Mischfutterzuteilung bis zu 90, bei Rauhfutter bis zu 80 ml Speichel/Min.

Der TS‐Gehalt der abgeschluckten Boli variierte bei Rauhfutteraufnahme zwischen 11 und 15%, bei Mischfuttern zwischen 33 und 38%. Bei zügiger Futteraufnahme ist mit höheren TS‐Gehalten zu rechnen als hier beobachtet.

Nach Aufnahme eingeweichter Trockenschnitzel blieb der TS‐Gehalt der Boli deutlich niedriger als bei Trockenfütterung.

Die Großpferde schluckten pro Min. etwa 2 mal 37–61 g schwere Boli (8–20 g TS), Kleinpferde 2–4 mal pro Min. 16–20 g schwere Boli (2–7 g TS) ab.

Bei typischen Futteraufnahmezeiten 40 Min./kg Heu, 10 Min./kg Krippenfutter) ist bei Pferden (500 kg LM) mit einer Speichelproduktion von 3–3,5 kg pro kg Heu und 1 kg pro kg Mischfutter zu rechnen.