bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serotonin transporter expression is predicted by early life stress and is associated with disinhibited behavior in infant rhesus macaques
Authors: Kinnally E. L. , Tarara E. R. , Mason W. A. , Mendoza S. P. , Abel K. , Lyons L. A. , Capitanio J. P.
Published: August 2009

Serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) expression patterns may contribute to the risk for adverse psychological outcomes following early life stress. The present study investigated whether two types of early life stress, maternal and social aggression, and a serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (rh5‐HTTLPR) predicted lower post‐stressor peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) 5‐HTT expression in infant rhesus macaques. We further probed the relationships among these factors and infant behavioral disinhibition within a stressful situation. Fifty‐three infants residing with mothers in large, complex social groups were observed over the first 12 postnatal weeks, during which time the rate of aggression received by the infant from their mothers and social group members was recorded. At 90–120 days of age, infants underwent a 25‐h maternal separation/biobehavioral assessment, which included standardized behavioral assessments and blood sampling. Infants' rh5‐HTTLPR genotypes were determined, and infant 5‐HTT expression was quantified from PBMCs collected 8 h after separation. Receipt of aggression from the mother, but not from social group members, was associated with lower post‐stressor 5‐HTT expression. Lower post‐stressor 5‐HTT expression, but not receipt of aggression, was associated with disinhibited behavior during assessment. Rh5‐HTTLPR genotype was unrelated to any measure. We conclude that 5‐HTT regulation is linked with specific, presumably stressful early experiences in infant rhesus macaques. Further, 5‐HTT expression predicted behavioral disinhibition, presumably via parallel processes that operate in the brain.
RADIOGRAPHIC QUANTIFICATION OF TRACHEAL DIMENSIONS OF THE NORMAL THOROUGHBRED HORSE
Authors: CARSTENS ANN , KIRBERGER ROBERT M. , GRIMBEEK RICHARD J. , DONNELLAN CYNTHIA M. B. , SAULEZ MONTAGUE N.
Published: August 2009

Radiographic measurement of tracheal dimensions in the horse may be useful in evaluating upper and lower respiratory tract conditions due to the gradient of pressure changes between these areas. Lateral radiographs of the trachea of 15 normal sedated Thoroughbred horses were made at inspiration and expiration and magnification‐corrected mean airway heights measured were, respectively: larynx: 5.89 and 5.86 cm; trachea at the third cervical vertebra (C3): 4.17 and 4.04 cm; at the fifth cervical vertebra (C5): 3.62 and 3.59 cm; at the first thoracic vertebra (T1): 3.4 and 3.23 cm; and carina: 3.85 and 4.12 cm. The ratio of airway height to nearby vertebral body lengths, at inspiration and expiration were, respectively: laryngeal height at C3: 0.56 and 0.56; tracheal height at C3: 0.4 and 0.39; at C5: 0.37 and 0.37; at T1: 0.59 and 0.59; and carina height: 0.91 and 0.94. The ratio of tracheal height to the thoracic inlet at inspiration and expiration was, respectively, 0.15 and 0.15. There was not a statistically significant association between airway diameter and phase of respiration. No association was found between tracheal height and body mass or height at the withers. Radiographic tracheal height can be measured independent of respiratory phase in sedated horses. It is suggested that the ratio of tracheal height to an adjacent bony landmark is more reliable for comparison between horses and tracheal height measurement should be made at C5, due to a lower standard deviation. If only thoracic radiographs are made, measurements of tracheal height at the thoracic inlet may be valuable.
CHARACTERISTICS OF CEREBROSPINAL FLUID FLOW IN CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS ANALYZED USING PHASE VELOCITY CINE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: CERDA‐GONZALEZ SOFIA , OLBY NATASHA J. , BROADSTONE RICHARD , MCCULLOUGH SUSAN , OSBORNE JASON A.
Published: August 2009

Syringomyelia is an important morbidity source in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Although abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow secondary to Chiari malformations is thought to cause syringomyelia in humans, this relationship is unknown in dogs. We used phase‐contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to evaluate CSF flow in dogs. Fifty‐nine Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were assigned a neurologic grade reflecting their neurologic status. Five normal control dogs of other breeding were imaged for comparison. The presence of syringomyelia was noted from sagittal MR images. The pattern and velocity of CSF flow were assessed using phase‐contrast cine MRI at the foramen magnum, C2–C3 disc space, and within syrinxes. Flow was measured most easily with the neck flexed to mimic standing. CSF flow velocity in the dorsal aspect of the subarachnoid space at the foramen magnum was significantly higher in control dogs than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (P=0.035). Flow was obstructed at the foramen magnum in 41 of 59 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Turbulent flow and jets were associated with syringomyelia presence and severity, and CSF flow velocity at C2/3 dorsally was inversely related to the presence of syringomyelia (P=0.0197). Peak dorsal subarachnoid space CSF flow velocity at the foramen magnum and C2–C3 were together highly predictive of syringomyelia. CSF flow can be assessed in dogs using phase‐contrast cine MRI. Obstruction to flow at the foramen magnum is common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and CSF flow pattern and velocity are related to the presence of syringomyelia.
CAN SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS PREDICT THE RESULTS OF LIVER ASPIRATES IN DOGS WITH SUSPECTED LIVER DISEASE?
Authors: GUILLOT MARTIN , D'ANJOU MARC‐ANDRÉ , ALEXANDER KATE , BÉDARD CHRISTIAN , DESNOYERS MICHEL , BEAUREGARD GUY , DEL CASTILLO JÉRÔME R. E.
Published: August 2009

While abdominal ultrasound and ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology are often combined to help determine the type of liver disease in dogs, little is known about the relationship that may exist between the results of these tests. We hypothesized that specific sonographic findings, or combinations of findings, may predict results of liver ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology. Hepatic and extrahepatic sonographic findings were recorded prospectively using a standardized form in 70 dogs with clinically suspected liver disease and in which liver ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology was performed. The predictive value of sonographic findings in regard to the category of cytology results was assessed with stepwise logistic regression analysis. Sonographic detection of a hepatic mass (≥3 cm; risk ratio [RR] 3.83, 95% Wald confidence intervals [95% CI] 2.42–3.93, P=0.0036), ascites (RR 3.82, 95% CI 1.94–4.28, P=0.0044), abnormal hepatic lymph node(s) (RR 3.01, 95% CI 1.22–4.88, P=0.0262), and abnormal spleen (RR 3.26, 95% CI 1.20–3.85, P=0.0274) were the most predictive of liver neoplasia on cytology. Conversely, sonographic detection of hepatic nodules (<3 cm; RR 1.97, 95% CI 0.95–2.96, P=0.0666) was most predictive of vacuolar hepatopathy on cytology. In dogs with suspected liver disease, several sonographic findings, alone or combined, are thus predictive of liver ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology results. In the light of the fact that ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology of the liver has limitations, these predictabilities could influence the selection of diagnostic tests to reach a reliable diagnosis.
SCINTIGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF THE METACARPOPHALANGEAL AND METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINTS OF HORSES WITH JOINT PAIN
Authors: BIGGI MARIANNA , DYSON SUE J. , MURRAY RACHEL C.
Published: August 2009

Our aims were to evaluate the pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake in horses with lameness related to the metacarpophalangeal and/or metatarsophalangeal joint and compare the results with similar information from sound horses. It was hypothesized that there would be a difference in radiopharmaceutical uptake between the lame and contralateral limb in unilaterally lame horses and that there would be a difference between lame and sound horses. Nuclear scintigraphic images of 43 horses with forelimb lameness and 30 horses with hindlimb lameness were evaluated. In all horses lameness was improved by intraarticular analgesia of the joint, or by perineural analgesia of the palmar/plantar (at the junction of the proximal 3/4 and the distal 1/4 of the metacarpal/metatarsal regions) and palmar/plantar metacarpal/metatarsal nerves. All images were assessed subjectively and a quantitative image analysis was performed by drawing a vertical line profile through the center of each joint in the lateral images and using region of interest analysis in both lateral and dorsal/plantar images. Ratios of radiopharmaceutical uptake were compared for each region between lame and contralateral limbs in unilaterally lame horses and between lame and control horses. There was a significant difference in the ratio of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal aspect of the proximal phalanx between lame and nonlame forelimbs in unilaterally lame horses and in both lame and contralateral limbs of lame horses compared with control horses for the regions of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone and the proximal sesamoid bones. However, the profile analysis was of limited clinical value.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—ENOSTOSIS‐LIKE LESION IN THE FEMUR OF A HORSE
Authors: STIEGER‐VANEGAS SUSANNE M. , KIPPENES‐SKOGMO HEGE , NILSSON EBBA
Published: August 2009

An enostosis‐like lesion was diagnosed in the left femur of a Swedish Warmblood horse that had a left hindlimb lameness of 3 weeks duration. With scintigraphy using technetium 99m‐hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (99mTc‐HDP) a marked regional focal increase in radioactivity was identified in the medullary cavity of the left femur. Radiographically there was a corresponding focal increase in bone opacity in the middiaphysis of the left femur. Histopathologically, a 5 cm area of bone matrix was present in the diaphysis of the left femur and confirmed as an enostosis‐like lesion. Enostosis‐like lesions should be considered as a source of pain in horses with difficult to localize, moderate to severe chronic lameness.
The gene road to royalty – differential expression of hydroxylating genes in the mandibular glands of the honeybee
Authors: Malka Osnat , Karunker Iris , Yeheskel Adva , Morin Shai , Hefetz Abraham
Published: August 2009

The advances in honeybee sociogenomics have paved the way for the study of social communication processes at the gene level, in particular the expression of caste‐specific pheromones. The queen honeybee mandibular pheromone provides an excellent model system, in that biosynthesis of the hydroxylating fatty acid caste‐specific pheromone appears to be reduced to a single chemical hydroxylation step of stearic acid. Queens are typified by ω‐1‐hydroxylation, as opposed to the worker‐typical ω‐hydroxylation. We hypothesized that this bifurcation is the consequence of differential expression of caste‐specific genes that code for fatty acid‐hydroxylating enzymes from the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family. Bioinformatics studies disclosed two candidate proteins CYP4AA1 and CYP18A1. We thus investigated the expression of these genes in the mandibular glands of queens, and of queenright (QR) and queenless (QL) workers. The real‐time PCR results revealed that CYP4AA1 (ω‐hydroxylation) was expressed at high levels in both QR and QL workers, whereas in queens its expression was negligible. The expression of CYP18A1 (ω‐1‐hydroxylation), on the other hand, was high in the queen’s glands and negligible in those of QR workers. In QL workers, however, the expression of CYP18A1 was considerably elevated and significantly greater than in QR workers. Three‐dimensional structural models constructed for these enzymes demonstrate differences in the active site between CYP18A1 and CYP4AA1, in line with their differential catalytic specificity. The fact that queen pheromone plasticity can be tracked all the way to gene expression provides a new insight into the process of caste differentiation and the accompanying social communication.
Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits the proliferation and induces the death of HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative cervical cancer cells through an androgen‐ and estrogen‐receptor independent mechanism
Authors: Girón Roma A. , Montaño Luis F. , Escobar María L. , López‐Marure Rebeca
Published: August 2009

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has a protective role against epithelial‐derived carcinomas; however, the mechanisms remain unknown. We determined the effect of DHEA on cell proliferation, the cell cycle and cell death in three cell lines derived from human uterine cervical cancers infected or not with human papilloma virus (HPV). We also determined whether DHEA effects are mediated by estrogen and androgen receptors. Proliferation of C33A (HPV‐negative), CASKI (HPV16‐positive) and HeLa (HPV18‐positive) cells was evaluated by violet crystal staining and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the phases of the cell cycle, and cell death was detected using a commercially available carboxyfluorescein apoptosis detection kit that determines caspase activation. DNA fragmentation was determined using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Flutamide and ICI 182,780 were used to inhibit androgen and estrogen receptors, respectively, and letrozol was used to inhibit the conversion of DHEA to estradiol. Our results show that DHEA inhibited cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner in the three cell lines; the DHEA IC50 doses were 50, 60 and 70 μm for C33A, CASKI and HeLa cells, respectively. The antiproliferative effect was not abrogated by inhibitors of androgen and estrogen receptors or by an inhibitor of the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, and this effect was associated with an increase in necrotic cell death in HPV‐negative cells and apoptosis in HPV‐positive cells. These results suggest that DHEA strongly inhibits the proliferation of cervical cancer cells, but its effect is not mediated by androgen or estrogen receptor pathways. DHEA could therefore be used as an alternative in the treatment of cervical cancer.
Demand for cash balances in a cashless economy
Authors: Dusansky Richard , Koç Çağatay
Published: August 2009

We study the demand for cash balances in the year 2050, when people exclusively use debit cards for all transactions. Money no longer serves as a medium of exchange. However, money still retains its roles as unit of account, numeraire and store of value. We capture these roles in a multi‐period model with intertemporal uncertainty regarding prices and the interest rate on bonds, the alternative asset. A key result of our analysis is that the standard negative relationship between money demand and the bond interest rate is seen to be part of a larger economic reality encompassing a broader range of empirically testable implications, including the possibility that the relationship may be positive. We develop formal structural restrictions under which the positive relationship between cash balance demand and the bond interest rate is not only a possible outcome, but an explicit prediction of the model.
DETERMINATION OF ORTHO‐NASAL AROMA THRESHOLD FOR MULTICOLORED ASIAN LADY BEETLE IN A CONCORD GRAPE JUICE
Authors: ROSS CAROLYN , FERGUSON HOLLY , KELLER MARKUS , WALSH DOUG , WELLER KAREN , SPAYD SARA
Published: August 2009

Sensory evaluation was used to determine the aroma threshold of Harmonia axyridis (multicolored Asian lady beetle [MALB]) in Concord grape juice. Prior to Concord grape juice preparation, MALB was added to the Concord grapes at concentrations of 0 and 8.4 MALB/kg fresh grapes. To determine the odor threshold, the three alternative forced‐choice method of sample presentation was used, with an ascending concentration series of 0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 MALB/kg fresh grapes. The panel aroma threshold concentration, calculated using the best estimate threshold over two panel sessions, was 1.8 MALB/kg fresh grapes. Individual detection thresholds ranged from 0.29 to 7.79 MALB/kg fresh grapes, with 75% of the panelists having a detection threshold at or below 0.87 MALB/kg fresh grapes. These results indicate the influence of low numbers of MALB on Concord grape juice aroma, and suggest the importance of quality control programs, including the implementation of established tolerance limits, to monitor grape quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Harmonia axyridis, the multicolored Asian Ladybeetle (MALB), was originally introduced as a method of biocontrol. However, its presence is now becoming problematic with respect to crop quality. In order to minimize economic losses to the Concord grape industry, determination of the number of MALB required to produce a detectable change in Concord grape juice is critical for juice producers in the establishment of their quality control programs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the aroma threshold level of MALB in Concord grape juice. The panel aroma threshold concentration, calculated using the best estimate threshold was 1.8 MALB/kg fresh grapes, with 75% of the panelists having a detection threshold at or below 0.87 MALB/kg fresh grapes. These results indicate the influence of low numbers of MALB on Concord grape juice aroma, and suggest the importance of quality control programs, including the implementation of established tolerance limits, to monitor grape quality.
TOTAL QUALITY INDEXES FOR EXTRA‐VIRGIN OLIVE OILS
Authors: FINOTTI ENRICO , BERSANI ALBERTO M. , BERSANI ENRICO
Published: August 2009

In this article, we propose a new and functional mathematical index, able to describe and compare the nutritional, safety and process quality in extra‐virgin olive oil, introducing a definition of “optimal” oil, through the use of appropriate distances in a N‐dimensional parameter space. Our index does not pretend to be the unique answer to the need of a “quality index,” but it presents a way through which we can establish if an extra‐virgin olive oil can be considered of high, medium or low quality.

The main goal of our index is to link oil chemical quality to its commercial price; furthermore, it can be, in perspective, useful to detect the critical points (such as harvest time, drupe storage, processes and finally oil storage) during all the production chain, and to show how to increase nutritional, safety and technological quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The index could be mainly helpful for consumers because the only indication that they can use today, in order to operate a choice, is in general the price of the oil, which is not necessarily related to its quality. In fact, it is possible to relate our index to the oil price. This tool can also be addressed to producers, to help them to detect the critical points along the whole food production chain and eventually operate the needed corrections to obtain a high‐quality extra‐virgin olive oil, as stated in the Discussion.
VISCOSITY AND QUALITY OF TOMATO JUICE AS AFFECTED BY PROCESSING METHODS
Authors: KAUR CHARANJIT , GEORGE BINOY , DEEPA N. , JAGGI SEEMA , KAPOOR H.C.
Published: August 2009

Quality and viscosity of tomato juice is strongly governed by mechanical and thermal abuse during processing. The effect of processing and storage duration on the viscosity and quality parameters of tomato juice was evaluated in the present work. Tomato juice was obtained by two different methods, normal method (NM) and variable method (VM), and was heated by both conventional and microwave hot break treatments. Tomato juice was evaluated for various quality characteristics including precipitate weight ratio, degree of serum separation (DOSS), Brookfield viscosity, lycopene levels, vitamin C, phenols and antioxidant activity. Changes observed in several quality parameters during storage were statistically insignificant. The methods and processing had the greatest contribution toward viscosity, whereas storage duration had no significant effects. Viscosity parameters viz precipitate weight, DOSS and Bostwick consistency revealed that juice processed by VM was more viscous than that of NM, irrespective of the hot break processing used. Ascorbic acid and lycopene content varied significantly with mechanical methods and processing conditions. However, phenolic content and antioxidant activity remained stable. The variable process represents an improvement over the conventional by enabling tomato processors to improve the consistency of the tomato product.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Quartering or slicing tomatoes followed by hot break processing techniques can significantly improve the quality of tomato juice in terms of reduced degree of serum separation and precipitate weight ratio. The modified technology could be considered as a viable and economical method for small‐ and medium‐scale tomato processors with limited resources and facilities at their disposal.
SEQUENTIAL TREATMENTS OF HOT WATER AND MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING IN CHERRY TOMATOES
Authors: AKBUDAK BULENT , AKBUDAK NURAY , SENIZ VEDAT , ERIS ATILLA
Published: August 2009

The effects of hot water treatment (HWT) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the storage and fruit quality of cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cvs. “Alona” and “Naomi”) were investigated. For this purpose, light‐red cherry tomato fruits were dipped in hot water (54C for 5 min) and subsequently stored in plastic film materials with various O2 and CO2 permeabilities. The cultivars used in the study were stored in a cold room at 5–7C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity (RH). The changing gas composition within the films and quality changes of the fruits were evaluated during the storage period. At the end of the study, HWT combined with MAP produced better results than MAP alone in both cultivars. Therefore, the HWT + MAP treatment proved effective with regard to fruit quality and delaying the maturity of cherry tomatoes during storage. HWT + 50 micropolyethylene (μPE) treatment produced the best result in the two cultivars at the end of the 28‐day storage with respect to the parameters evaluated in the study.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tomato is considered a climacteric fruit, in which ripening is accompanied by a peak in respiration and a concomitant sharp increase in ethylene production, which accelerates quality loss through the physicochemical changes related to this process, such as softening and color evolution. Postharvest heating is a noncontaminating physical treatment that delays the ripening process, reduces chilling injury and controls the activity of pathogens. Because of these beneficial effects, heat treatments are currently used commercially for quality control of fresh products. Modified atmosphere packaging is another technique that has been used to prevent or retard postharvest fruit ripening and its associated biochemical and physiological changes by favorably altering the O2 and CO2 levels around the products. In recent years, the use of combined techniques in the postharvest handling of fresh products is increasing, and numerous authors have obtained good results using a combined treatment. Diseases have the potential to destroy the market value and utility of large amounts of fresh tomato annually. The present work evaluated a prestorage conditioning treatment to protect against these losses. The results will allow the long storage of cherry tomato, benefiting the growers, exporters, shippers and distributors of this horticultural product.
EQUISWEET MILK CHOCOLATES WITH INTENSE SWEETENERS USING TIME‐INTENSITY METHOD
Authors: DE MELO LAURO LUÍS MARTINS MEDEIROS , BOLINI HELENA MARIA ANDRÉ , EFRAIM PRISCILLA
Published: August 2009

Five conventional chocolates were produced with different sucrose concentrations (from 40 to 52%) in order to determine ideal sweetness by acceptance test, and it was found that 43% sucrose milk chocolate has the ideal sweetness. Sucrose was replaced by bulking agents and sucralose or stevioside in order to prepare diabetic chocolates and 11 selected and trained judges determined the temporal characteristic of sweetness of these milk chocolates. Sucralose is 700 times sweeter than sucrose in this product, and stevioside, 200 times. Considering these potencies, they presented a time‐intensity profile similar to chocolate with sucrose (i.e., conventional chocolate) and ideal sweetness. There is no significant difference between diabetic and conventional chocolates concerning the following physicochemical analyses: moisture content, medium particle size and Casson yield value.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The time‐intensity method is becoming a useful tool because it makes it possible to compare perception over time of sucrose sweetness with that of other sweeteners. The key point of this study is to consider temporal sweetness characteristics to produce equisweet diabetic milk chocolates. The sensory analysis time‐intensity method probably is a tool to obtain diabetic (i.e., with no sugar) chocolates that present a sweetness temporal profile as near as possible to conventional milk chocolate. This is a first step to produce diabetic chocolate with the same acceptance as conventional chocolate.
A SURVEY OF THE QUALITY OF SIX RETAIL BRANDS OF BONELESS, SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST FILLETS OBTAINED FROM RETAIL SUPERMARKETS IN THE ATHENS, GEORGIA AREA*
Authors: ZHUANG HONG , SAVAGE ELIZABETH M. , KAYS SANDRA E. , HIMMELSBACH DAVID S.
Published: August 2009

To assess the variation in quality of chicken breast fillets available from retail supermarkets, six brands of boneless, skinless fillets without additives were obtained from the fresh counter at grocery stores in Athens, GA, and the surrounding area during fall of 2005. The samples were stored at −20C and subsequently cooked using a Henny Penny MCS‐6 combi oven (Henny Penny Corp., Eaton, OH). Quality parameters of the fillets were measured on the cooked chicken breast fillets including cook yield, descriptive sensory flavor and texture profiling, and Warner–Bratzler (WB) shear force. Our results show that the average cook yield ranged from 78.1 to 80.9%, the average intensity of individual descriptive sensory characteristics was less than 5.4 in a 0–15 universal scale, and WB shear force values were less than 5.2 kg. There were no significant differences in the intensity among brands of all flavor attributes and the texture characteristics associated with moisture. However, significant differences were found among the brands for cook yield, mechanical properties of texture (including springiness, cohesiveness, hardness and chewiness) and WB shear force values. The variation of WB shear force measurements (coefficient of variation) depended on brand. These results indicate that differences exist in the quality and shear force consistency among market brands of boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets available in Athens, GA, and the surrounding area.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study is the first survey reported to evaluate the quality of boneless, skinless chicken breast products without additives in U.S. retail market. This study supplies the evidence that the intensity of sensory quality is mild of cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast products and there are the differences in the quality among the different retail brands obtained by consumers.
Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens): Differential prey digestion and diet
Authors: Sheffield Gay , Grebmeier Jacqueline M.
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Stomach content data from 798 Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) collected during 1952–1991 were analyzed using a method that evaluates the stage of digestion of prey remains. Non‐molluscan prey taxa were not well represented in previous interpretations of walrus diet due to digestion biases. Stomach contents least affected by digestion (fresh stomachs) contained more prey taxa than stomachs of an unknown or more digested state. Bivalves, gastropods, and polychaete worms were the most frequent prey items in both the Bering and Chukchi seas, although bivalves occurred more frequently in stomachs from the Bering Sea and gastropods occurred more frequently in stomachs from the Chukchi Sea. Male and female walruses consumed essentially the same prey when in the same location. Using only fresh stomachs collected between 1975 and 1985, there was no significant difference between the proportion that contained mostly bivalves and the proportion that contained non‐bivalve prey items. Earlier interpretations of a change in walrus diet in this period compared to the prior two decades may have been due to digestion as well as sampling biases. Current climatic changes may affect walrus's access to diverse, productive shallow water feeding areas.
Comparison of two methods of detecting purulent vaginal discharge in postpartum dairy cows and effect of intrauterine cephapirin on reproductive performance
Authors: Runciman DJ , Anderson GA , Malmo J
Published: August 2009

Objective Part 1: compare the use of a Metricheck™ device (a stainless steel probe with a semi‐spherical rubber cup attached at one end) to sample the contents of the anterior vagina with a vaginal speculum examination for the diagnosis of pus in the vagina of postpartum dairy cows and to investigate the association of that pus with reproductive performance. Part 2: assess the effect of a single intrauterine infusion of 500 mg cephapirin in cows diagnosed with vaginal purulent or mucopurulent discharge 7 to 28 days after calving on reproductive performance.

Procedure Six herds were visited fortnightly to examine cows that had calved between 7 and 28 days (n = 423) with both the Metricheck device and a vaginal speculum to score, by each method, the vaginal discharge from 0 (clear or absent) to 3 (purulent) for each animal included in the study. Half of the cows that had a positive discharge score (1 to 3 by either examination method) were then treated with an intrauterine infusion of 500 mg of cephapirin. The relationship between Metricheck score, vaginoscopy score, treatment and reproductive performance was assessed.

Results There was a substantial measure of agreement between each method when scores were analysed by status. Cows that were positive with either method had inferior reproductive performance compared with cows with a score of zero. Treatment of cows diagnosed with a purulent or mucopurulent discharge with intrauterine cephapirin improved reproductive performance in both the vaginoscopy and Metricheck groups.
Wounds of the pastern and foot region managed with phalangeal casts: 50 cases in 49 horses (1995–2006)
Authors: Ketzner KM , Stewart AA , Byron CR , Stewart M , Gaughan EM , Vanharreveld PD , Lillich JD
Published: August 2009

Objective Describe the use of a phalangeal cast as treatment for wounds in the pastern and foot region of horses. Secondly, to evaluate the healing and soundness of horses treated with phalangeal casts.

Design Retrospective study of 49 horses.

Procedures Medical records of 49 horses that were treated with a phalangeal cast for 50 cases of wounds in the pastern and foot region at equine referral hospitals from 1995 to 2006 were reviewed and follow‐up information was obtained.

Results Treatment consisted of wound debridement, lavage, wound closure (28 wounds), cast application and antibiotics (84%). At follow‐up, the majority of horses were sound (42 of 47 wounds, 89.4%), three horses were still lame and one horse was euthanased because of persistent lameness. Three horses were lost to follow‐up. There was no statistical difference between the outcomes of horses treated acutely (<24 h) or after a 24‐h delay. Similarly, the involvement of synovial structures in the wound did not significantly influence outcome.

Conclusions In this study, wounds involving the pastern and foot that were treated with a phalangeal cast carried a good prognosis for soundness (89.4%) and cosmetic healing (89.5%). The phalangeal casts were well‐tolerated and effective.
Ligation of the caudal mesenteric artery during resection and anastomosis of the colorectal junction for annular adenocarcinoma in two dogs
Authors: Sarathchandra SK , Lunn JA , Hunt GB
Published: August 2009

An 8‐year‐old terrier cross and a 10‐year‐old German Shorthaired Pointer presented to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney, for investigation of long‐standing tenesmus and dyschezia. Both patients had an annular adenocarcinoma at the colorectal junction. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and the affected large intestinal segment was removed by resection and anastomosis. In both dogs, the caudal mesenteric artery was intimately associated with the mass, necessitating its ligation and transection. Postoperatively, there was no evidence of anastomosis breakdown in either case and both animals recovered well from surgery. The dogs were euthanased 8 and 10 months, respectively, after surgery because of clinical signs relating to metastatic disease.
Determination of plasma albumin concentration in healthy and diseased turtles: a comparison of protein electrophoresis and the bromcresol green dye‐binding method
Authors: Müller Kerstin , Brunnberg Leo
Published: August 2009

Background:In reptile medicine, plasma chemistry analysis is widely used for the evaluation of an individual's health status. The standard method for the determination of plasma albumin concentration is protein electrophoresis combined with the determination of total protein concentration, but the bromcresol green (BCG) dye‐binding method is also used. The reliability of the BCG method for the measurement of albumin concentration in reptiles is unknown.

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the plasma albumin values of turtles obtained by protein electrophoresis and the BCG method.

Methods:Between March 2008 and September 2008, heparinized plasma samples from 16 clinically healthy and 10 diseased turtles of different species were collected. Plasma albumin concentrations were measured by protein electrophoresis and by the BCG method. The results of the 2 methods were compared using Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plots.

Results:Albumin concentration measured by BCG was weakly correlated with the corresponding protein electrophoretic values in all turtles (rs=.610,P<.001) and in healthy turtles evaluated separately (rs=.700,P=.003), whereas in diseased turtles no such correlation was found (rs=.374,P=.287). The albumin concentration measured with the 2 different methods differed significantly in all turtles (P=.009; Wilcoxon's test) and in healthy turtles (P=.005) but not in diseased animals (P=.241). In the Bland–Altman plot a systematic error was found between the 2 methods in diseased turtles.

Conclusion:Measurement of albumin by the BCG dye‐binding method may lead to inaccurate results for plasma albumin concentration, especially in ill turtles. Therefore, for health assessment in turtles, albumin should be measured by protein electrophoresis.
Quantifying sympathetic nerve activity: problems, pitfalls and the need for standardization
Authors: Guild Sarah‐Jane , Barrett Carolyn J. , McBryde Fiona D. , Van Vliet Bruce N. , Head Geoffrey A. , Burke Sandra L. , Malpas Simon C.
Published: August 2009

Since the first recording of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) early last century, numerous methods for presentation of the resulting data have developed. In this paper, we discuss the common ways of describing SNA and their application to chronic recordings. Suggestions on assessing the quality of SNA are made, including the use of arterial pressure wave‐triggered averages and nasopharyngeal stimuli. Calculation of the zero level of the SNA signal from recordings during ganglionic blockade, the average level between bursts and the minimum of arterial pressure wave‐triggered averages are compared and shown to be equivalent. The use of normalization between zero and maximal SNA levels to allow comparison between groups is discussed. We recommend that measured microvolt levels of integrated SNA be presented (with the zero/noise level subtracted), along with burst amplitude and frequency information whenever possible. We propose that standardization of the quantifying/reporting of SNA will allow better comparison between disease models and between research groups and ultimately allow data to be more reflective of the human situation.
Neurohumoral mechanisms in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)–salt hypertension in rats
Authors: Yemane Henok , Busauskas Marius , Burris Sarah K. , Knuepfer Mark M.
Published: August 2009

This brief review describes the role of neural and non‐neural mechanisms during different phases of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)–salt hypertension. There are contradictory data for and against a role of the sympathetic nervous system and neurohumoral agents, including endothelin and vasopressin. Elucidating the factors responsible for DOCA–salt hypertension will be helpful in understanding the causes of hypertension resulting from hypervolaemia, hyperaldosteronism and high salt intake.
Vagus nerve stimulation inhibits the increase in Ca2+ transient and left ventricular force caused by sympathetic nerve stimulation but has no direct effects alone – epicardial Ca2+ fluorescence studies using fura‐2 AM in the isolated innervated beating rabbit heart
Authors: Brack Kieran E. , Coote John H. , Ng G. André
Published: August 2009

The effects of direct autonomic nerve stimulation on the heart may be quite different to those of perfusion with pharmacological neuromodulating agents. This study was designed to investigate the effect of autonomic nerve stimulation on intracellular calcium fluorescence using fura‐2 AM in the isolated Langendorff‐perfused rabbit heart preparation with intact dual autonomic innervation. The effects of autonomic nerve stimulation on cardiac force and calcium transients were more obvious during intrinsic sinus rhythm. High‐frequency (15 Hz, n= 5) right vagus nerve stimulation (VS) decreased heart rate from 142.7 ± 2.6 to 75.5 ± 10.2 beats min–1 and left ventricular pressure from 36.4 ± 3.2 to 25.9 ± 1.9 mmHg, whilst simultaneously decreasing the diastolic and systolic level of the calcium transient. Direct sympathetic nerve stimulation (7 Hz, n= 8) increased heart rate (from 144.7 ± 10.5 to 213.2 ± 4.9 beats min–1) and left ventricular pressure (from 37.5 ± 3.6 to 43.7 ± 2.8 mmHg), whilst simultaneously increasing the diastolic and systolic level of the calcium transient. During constant ventricular pacing, the high‐frequency right vagus nerve stimulation did not have any direct effect on ventricular force or the calcium transient (n= 8), but was effective in reducing the effect of direct sympathetic nerve stimulation.
Centrally evoked increase in adrenal sympathetic outflow elicits immediate secretion of adrenaline in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Nakamoto Tomoko , Matsukawa Kanji
Published: August 2009

To examine whether feedforward control by central command activates preganglionic adrenal sympathetic nerve activity (AdSNA) and releases catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, we investigated the effects of electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic locomotor region on preganglionic AdSNA and secretion rate of adrenal catecholamines in anaesthetized rats. Pre‐ or postganglionic AdSNA was verified by temporary sympathetic ganglionic blockade with trimethaphan. Adrenal venous blood was collected every 30 s to determine adrenal catecholamine output and blood flow. Hypothalamic stimulation for 30 s (50 Hz, 100–200 μA) induced rapid activation of preganglionic AdSNA by 83–181% depending on current intensity, which was followed by an immediate increase of 123–233% in adrenal adrenaline output. Hypothalamic stimulation also increased postganglionic AdSNA by 42–113% and renal sympathetic nerve activity by 94–171%. Hypothalamic stimulation induced preferential secretion of adrenal adrenaline compared with noradrenaline, because the ratio of adrenaline to noradrenaline increased greatly during hypothalamic stimulation. As soon as the hypothalamic stimulation was terminated, preganglionic AdSNA returned to the prestimulation level in a few seconds, and the elevated catecholamine output decayed within 30–60 s. Adrenal blood flow and vascular resistance were not affected or slightly decreased by hypothalamic stimulation. Thus, it is likely that feedforward control of catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla plays a role in conducting rapid hormonal control of the cardiovascular system at the beginning of exercise.
Mathematical modelling of calcium wave propagation in mammalian airway epithelium: evidence for regenerative ATP release
Authors: Warren N. J. , Tawhai M. H. , Crampin E. J.
Published: August 2009

Airway epithelium has been shown to exhibit intracellular calcium waves after mechanical stimulation. Two classes of mechanism have been proposed to explain calcium wave propagation: diffusion through gap junctions of the intracellular messenger inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3), and diffusion of paracrine extracellular messengers such as ATP. We have used single cell recordings of airway epithelium to parameterize a model of an airway epithelial cell. This was then incorporated into a spatial model of a cell culture where both mechanisms for calcium wave propagation are possible. It is shown that a decreasing return on the radius of Ca2+ wave propagation is achieved as the amount of ATP released from the stimulated cell increases. It is therefore shown that for a Ca2+ wave to propagate large distances, a significant fraction of the intracellular ATP pool would be required to be released. Further to this, the radial distribution of maximal calcium response from the stimulated cell does not produce the same flat profile of maximal calcium response seen in experiential studies. This suggests that an additional mechanism is important in Ca2+ wave propagation, such as regenerative release of ATP from cells downstream of the stimulated cell.
Role of differential changes in sympathetic nerve activity in the preparatory adjustments of cardiovascular functions during freezing behaviour in rats
Authors: Miki Kenju , Yoshimoto Misa
Published: August 2009

Freezing behaviour is associated with a distinct pattern of changes in cardiovascular function, which has been considered as a preparatory reflex for ‘fight or flight’ behaviour. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying preparatory cardiovascular adjustments and their physiological implications have received less attention. We studied responses in renal and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity and cardiovascular function during freezing behaviour in conscious rats, which was induced by exposure to loud white noise. Freezing behaviour was associated with regionally specific alterations in sympathetic nerve activity, in that renal sympathetic nerve activity increased while lumbar sympathetic nerve activity did not change. Moreover, freezing behaviour was associated with differential shifts in baroreflex control of sympathetic outflows, which could help to explain the selective responses in renal and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity during freezing behaviour. These differential changes in sympathetic outflows would result in a visceral vasoconstriction without having any impact on the skeletal muscle vasculature. These cardiovascular adjustments during freezing behaviour may help to explain the immediate and massive increase in muscular blood flow that occurs at the onset of fight or flight behaviour. It is hypothesized that central command originating from the defence area could somehow modulate separate baroreflex pathways, causing differential changes in sympathetic nerve activity to generate the preparatory cardiovascular adjustments during the freezing behaviour.
Memory Metamaterials
Authors: Driscoll T. , Kim Hyun-Tak , Chae Byung-Gyu , Kim Bong-Jun , Lee Yong-Wook , Jokerst N. Marie , Palit S. , Smith D. R. , Di Ventra M. , Basov D. N.
Published: August 2009

Tunable Metamaterials

The electromagnetic response of metamaterials gives rise to exciting phenomena such as cloaking, negative refraction, and perfect lensing. Their response, however, tends to depend strongly on resonant effects, thereby limiting the application bandwidth.

Driscoll
et al.

(p.
1518
, published online 20 August) combine a split ring resonator array with the phase change material, VO
2
, to form a metamaterial in which the response can be tuned. The heat-induced phase change of VO
2
from an insulator to a metal alters the response of split-ring resonator, and, because it displays a hysteresis, the device can retain a “memory” of the induced change. The results may lead to a flexible method for achieving metamaterials operating over a wide bandwidth and to novel switching applications.
Whole-Cell Biocatalysis for 1-Naphthol Production in Liquid-Liquid Biphasic Systems
Authors: Garikipati S. V. B. Janardhan , McIver Angela M. , Peeples Tonya L.
Published: August 2009

Whole-cell biocatalysis to oxidize naphthalene to 1-naphthol in liquid-liquid biphasic systems was performed.
Escherichia coli
expressing TOM-Green, a variant of toluene
ortho
-monooxygenase (TOM), was used for this oxidation. Three different solvents, dodecane, dioctyl phthalate, and lauryl acetate, were screened for biotransformations in biphasic media. Of the solvents tested, lauryl acetate gave the best results, producing 0.72 ± 0.03 g/liter 1-naphthol with a productivity of 0.46 ± 0.02 g/g (dry weight) cells after 48 h. The effects of the organic phase ratio and the naphthalene concentration in the organic phase were investigated. The highest 1-naphthol concentration (1.43 g/liter) and the highest 1-naphthol productivity (0.55 g/g [dry weight] cells) were achieved by optimization of the organic phase. The ability to recycle both free cells and cells immobilized in calcium alginate was tested. Both free and immobilized cells lost more than ∼60% of their activity after the first run, which could be attributed to product toxicity. On a constant-volume basis, an eightfold improvement in 1-naphthol production was achieved using biphasic media compared to biotransformation in aqueous media.
Spatiotemporal Homogeneity of
Campylobacter
Subtypes from Cattle and Sheep across Northeastern and Southwestern Scotland
Authors: Rotariu Ovidiu , Dallas John F. , Ogden Iain D. , MacRae Marion , Sheppard Samuel K. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Gormley Fraser J. , Forbes Ken J. , Strachan Norval J. C.
Published: August 2009

Source attribution using molecular subtypes has implicated cattle and sheep as sources of human
Campylobacter
infection. Whether the
Campylobacter
subtypes associated with cattle and sheep vary spatiotemporally remains poorly known, especially at national levels. Here we describe spatiotemporal patterns of prevalence, bacterial enumeration, and subtype composition in
Campylobacter
isolates from cattle and sheep feces from northeastern (63 farms, 414 samples) and southwestern (71 farms, 449 samples) Scotland during 2005 to 2006. Isolates (201) were categorized as sequence type (ST), as clonal complex (CC), and as
Campylobacter jejuni
or
Campylobacter coli
using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). No significant difference in average prevalence (cattle, 22%; sheep, 25%) or average enumeration (cattle, 2.7 × 10
4
CFU/g; sheep, 2.0 × 10
5
CFU/g) was found between hosts or regions. The four most common STs (
C. jejuni
ST-19, ST-42, and ST-61 and
C. coli
ST-827) occurred in both hosts, whereas STs of the
C. coli
ST-828 clonal complex were more common in sheep. Neither host yielded evidence for regional differences in ST, CC, or MLST allele composition. Isolates from the two hosts combined, categorized as ST or CC, were more similar within than between farms but showed no further spatiotemporal trends up to 330 km and 50 weeks between farm samples. In contrast, both regions yielded evidence for significant differences in ST, CC, and allele composition between hosts, such that 65% of isolates could be attributed to a known host. These results suggest that cattle and sheep within the spatiotemporal scales analyzed are each capable of contributing homogeneous
Campylobacter
strains to human infections.